Category Archives: Pregnancy Symptoms

How to Know You are Pregnant?

Posted by on July 6, 2011 3 comments

As blood pregnancy tests spot pregnancy faster than other tests, they may sound to be an attractive option to a lot of women; however, this test does not work for everyone. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of blood pregnancy test while settling on which test to go for.

Blood Tests for Pregnancy

Blood Tests for Pregnancy

The placenta starts forming human chorionic gonadotropin, which is also known as the pregnancy hormone. This process starts when a fertilized egg appends with the uterus lining. This hormone grows manifold during early pregnancy and is the initiator of many early pregnancy symptoms. Blood pregnancy tests look for the presence of this hormone in a woman’s bloodstream.

Types of Blood Pregnancy Tests

  • Qualitative Blood Pregnancy Test

    • A qualitative test simply looks for the presence of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and gives positive or negative result based on the finding. The National Women’s Health Information Center reports that the qualitative test gives as accurate a result as the urine pregnancy test does.

  • Quantitative Blood Pregnancy Test

    • A quantitative blood pregnancy test also referred to as beta HCG measures exactly how much quantity of HCG is present in the blood stream. Although the accuracy offered by this test is high, it can mislead you if you take it too early.

    How to Know You are Pregnant

    As discussed earlier, blood tests are more reliable than other tests such as urine tests. However, apart from the tests there are few other signs to watch for, to detect pregnancy. Let’s cast a quick glance at these:

  • You can go for urine test at a clinic or you can take home test as well. It needs to be done from the due day of your period. Taking multiple tests increase the chances of getting accurate results. This is because the hormones keep fluctuating throughout the day. The most suitable time is the first urine sample of the day though.
  • You may notice cravings for certain types of food. It varies from person to person though. For instance, some woman may crave for steak whereas other may feel craving for fruits. Some women also feel comparatively hungrier and feel nausea unless they eat.
  • Tenderness or swelling in breasts with a tingling sensation is another most common sign of pregnancy.
  • Increase in the number of washroom visits is yet another sign that you are pregnant. Women urinate more while pregnant.
  • Energy levels drop down during pregnancy. On waking up, you may feel tired and need rest again after being awake for a few hours.
  • In the beginning of cycle, a lot of women throw up more often. It could mean that you are pregnant or sick.

    • Advantages of Blood Tests for Pregnancy

    home pregnancy tests

    Home Pregnancy Tests

    As discussed earlier, blood tests for pregnancy are more accurate if you take them before a missed period. Quantitative tests measure HCG hormone concentration, which helps in diagnosing ectopic or molar pregnancies, the ones that are prone to miscarriage. Medlineplus reports that it is also used to diagnose Down syndrome.

    Disadvantages of Blood Tests for Pregnancy

    Blood test for pregnancy may be a bit expensive for people with no insurance coverage, since it is taken at a doctor’s clinic. It also takes longer to get the result of blood test for pregnancy.

    This is about pros and cons of blood tests for pregnancy. In addition to the tests, consulting your doctor always helps.

    What are the causes for abdominal pain during pregnancy

    Posted by on July 5, 2011 3 comments

    It is common to experience abdominal pain during pregnancy. The cause for the pain could be the same as found in non-pregnant women. The cause could also be specifically pregnancy related.

    Abdominal Pain In Pregnancy

    Abdominal Pain Right Side During Pregnancy

    During pregnancy the body undergoes hormonal and physiological changes which make the pregnant woman even more vulnerable to conditions that may result in abdominal pain. Thus, a complaint of abdominal pain from a pregnant woman should be tackled with all seriousness right away and the probable reason for the pain should be determined in a proper way.

    What are the causes for abdominal pain during pregnancy?

    Miscarriage:

    One of causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy is miscarriage. This pain is like cramping pain during menstruation. There is also bleeding from the vagina along with pain. If the pain and bleeding subside with rest then there is no threat to pregnancy. Heavy bleeding with some foetal parts would indicate loss of pregnancy.

    Urinary Tract Infection:

    Abdominal Pain caused by this infection is near the bikini line or at the side of the abdomen. Other associated symptoms are: passing urine frequently, burning sensation during passing urine, general ill health, increased body temperature, etc. Simple urinary tract infection tests can be used to determine this infection causing the abdominal pain. Antibiotics which are safe for use during pregnancy should be given.

    Constipation:

    This is a very common cause of abdominal pain on the right side during pregnancy and it due to irregular bowel movements. Hormonal changes, increase in size of uterus, medications taken during pregnancy are some the causes for constipation. Eating foods which are rich in fiber like vegetable, fresh fruits, nuts, figs, prunes, bread and cereals should help in relieving constipation and hence the pain.

    Gastritis:

    Severe stress, increased acidity, intake of alcohol or spicy food, infection and certain medications may cause gastritis whereby there is swelling of the lining of the stomach. Apart from abdominal pain there is a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, feeling of illness, bloating and belching. For treating gastritis the following medications have been found to be safe for use during pregnancy: Gaviscon advance chewable tablets, Omeprazole (Prilosec), Ranitidine (Zantac) to be taken as prescribed by your health care professional.

    Appendicitis:

    This is the most frequent non-pregnancy reason for abdominal pain during pregnancy. During appendicitis there is pain on the right side of the abdomen. There is less pain in the initial stages but it increases within 2-3 days. Nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting are other associated symptoms.

    Braxton Hicks contractions:

    These contractions occur throughout pregnancy. In some women they can be felt even in the 12th week of pregnancy but they become more pronounced and noticeable from the 30th week of pregnancy. This happens due to the increase in size of the uterus. The pain is more intense in women who are in their 2nd or 3rd pregnancy. The contractions cause extreme pain leading to immense discomfort and tears. At times, these contractions have also disturbed the sleep of the expectant mothers. Doing too much work, tiredness and dehydration could lead to these contractions.

    How to overcome the Braxton Hicks contractions:

    A refreshing cold drink or if you prefer something warm, then probably tea should do the trick.

    If the contractions start when you are at rest then a walk is in order. If the contractions begin when you are doing some work then you need to rest for the contractions to stop.

    A bath or a shower may also help

    Severe discomfort may be relieved by paracetamol tablets.

    In case there is still no relief, then urgent medical aid should be sought.

    Precautionary tips during Pregnancy

    Posted by on May 28, 2011 3 comments

    Infertility DrugsDo you have any idea about a machine that can measure excitement levels? Have you ever estimated the levels of happiness when a woman becomes pregnant? Pregnancy is one of the most exciting moments of life. Almost all women eagerly wait for such a special time. Your excitement levels double when you give birth to your first baby. You get sentimental when your doctor for the very first time hands over your lovely baby to you. Tears of happiness surprisingly come out of your eyes after watching a crying baby. If you are pregnant, you must follow a few simple tips until your delivery. Here are some of the easiest tips for you:

    • Nutritious diet for a  healthy body

    Avoid eating outside the home, during pregnancy. Do not consume uncooked food if your stomach is very sensitive. Use your common sense and avoid eating foodstuffs in places where you feel the surroundings are unhygienic. In the summer season food items spoil much fast therefore you should avoid eating anything in unhygienic places. Take a balanced diet with high contents of calories.

    • Compete Sleep with right posture

    Do not sleep on your back when you are pregnant. Sleeping on your back may harm your unborn baby. Choose to sleep on your left side, which ensures optimal flow of oxygen. Sleeping on your back during pregnancy can harm your spinal cord.

    • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol

    Do not drink any alcoholic beverages when you are pregnant. Many times, you must have heard that wine is safe during pregnancy. However, drinking any alcoholic beverage is always questionable. If you avoid drinking wine and other alcoholic drinks, you are on the safer side. Avoid drinking wine, but you can take juice, and energy drinks. Take a cup of coffee if you wish, but try to choose healthy juice.

    • Reading and relaxing

    Spend quality time by reading selected books. Reading will guarantee that your baby will have a love of literature. Choose some interesting and inspiring books. Avoid reading those books, which deal with sadness and regret. You can read joke books during pregnancy. Your baby may have a happy-go-lucky nature. Funny books help to reduce much stress during pregnancy. Choose those books, which highlight childcare tips. Stay healthy to improve foetus growth.

    • Music to soothe the mind

    Listen to soothing music during pregnancy. Continue applying this good habit until your delivery. Choose light and soft music to relax your mind. Such a habit of listening to music may pass to your baby. Whenever your baby cries, just play music, and feel the difference. Your baby will stop crying and start smiling. Music has a very positive psychological affect.

    • Other methods

    Talk to your friends about various healthcare tips. Watch childbirth and pregnancy videos. Consult with your mother about pregnancy, labor, and birth. Practice normal exercise, as advised by your doctor. Do yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises during pregnancy. Daily walking can improve your health.

    • Medicines used during pregnancy

    Pay special attention during the first trimester period because during this crucial period your foetus develops.  Consult your doctor before you take any medicine because some medicines may harm your unborn baby. Discuss with your doctor the advantages of other medicines such as Vitamin supplements, herbal products, and Calcium supplements. Vitamin supplements such as Thiamine, Pyridoxine and Folic acid are very beneficial during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor before you start taking any medicine. Other medicines include Zinc and mineral supplements. Never take over-the-counter medications and non-prescription medicines.

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    Infertility in Men | Infertility Facts

    Posted by on April 19, 2011 No comments

    Infertility in Men: Infertility Facts

    Infertility in Men: Infertility Facts

    While there are about 15 percent couples out there who are unable to conceive despite having unprotected sex for over a year, the male infertility factor is primarily responsible for about 20 percent of them and shares contributory responsibility for about another 30 to 40 percent of those cases. Just for the record, the chances of a normal couple conceiving within a month are about 20 to 25 percent, while they are about 75 and 90 percents respectively for conception within 6 and 12 months.

    If you have had a semen analysis done and have come up with any anomalies, male infertility is almost definite in such cases, but on the other hand, having a normal result from the semen analysis does not rule out male infertility in the strictest sense. The following points are the ones considered when deciding if it is a case of infertility and for making a definite prognosis:

    • Duration of the infertility
    • Age and fertility status of the female
    • Primary or secondary analysis
    • Semen analysis results

    The problem with infertility is that the problem compounds itself as more time passes. The longer a couple remains infertile, the chances of them finding a solution to the problem worsen. If the female has not conceived within a year of trying to, initial screening of the male should be done immediately. If there is a known risk of infertility either in the male (history of bilateral cryptorchidism) or in the female, an earlier evaluations and fertility tests can be warranted.

    Fertility evaluations consist of a complete evaluation of the couple medical as well as reproductive history, physical examinations of couple and two or more semen analyses. The main reasons behind the fertility evaluations of a couple are to identify the following:

    • Any reversible conditions that can be addressed like ductile obstructions and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
    • Any irreversible factors that can be managed using Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART).
    • Any irreversible conditions that have no solutions other than donor insemination or adoptions.
    • Any genetic or chromosomal abnormalities that can effect either of the parents or the conceived baby.

    Some factors that can contribute to infertility in men are as follow:

    • Sexual history such as timing of intercourse and use of lubricants
    • Physical developmental problems such as undescended testes or testicular torsion
    • Medical illnesses such as diabetes
    • Surgeries such as orchiectomy, hernia or transurethral resection of the prostate
    • Infections such as mumps
    • Contact with or ingestion of gonadotoxins such as pesticides, anabolic steroids, alcohol, marijuana, etc.
    • Thermal exposure, radiation exposure, etc.
    • Family history of cystic fibrosis, infertility, etc.
    • Respiratory infections, anosmia, galactorrhea, etc.

    After determining the cause of the infertility in men, there are various ways to correct the problem if at all it is correctible. Your health care professionals should advice you on them and should also direct you with certain male infertility medications available in the market.