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Yoga Lessons Can Improve the Pregnancy Care

The pregnancy and baby care are of paramount importance because this period will come along with a wide range of physical changes that can affect the woman's body in a negative manner unless she knows how to deal with them. For instance, you can experience severe health problems and you should prepare yourself for the things to come by reading more about this subject. The only thing that you will have to do is to find a reliable site that can provide you with all the information you need in order to have a healthy pregnancy. Particular symptoms are likely to be experienced during pregnancy time and you will have to prepare yourself. For instance, your pregnancy can exacerbate some your health problems.

Therefore, every pregnancy care should include the regular visits to your doctor in order to provide yourself with the necessary information and treatments. You have to make sure that you and your baby will stay healthy and that your health will not be affected in an irreversible manner. The care provider is your best choice because he can provide you with useful tips when it comes to taking proper care of you and your baby. He can recommend you some simple measures. For instance, he can teach you about a helpful measure such as raising the legs in order to prevent your ankles and legs from swelling too much. You must pay attention to an important fact because you must always search for your doctor's advice when it comes to taking medications.

The pregnancy risks must be taken into account in order for you to be able to cherish your pregnancy without worrying too much. You have to know that the quality medical care is going to reduce your possible risks when it comes to delivering a healthy baby. But you should also know that the proper pregnancy and baby care may also include some risk factors that belong to your lifestyle. For instance, if you have an undesirable lifestyle, this aspect is going to affect your unborn baby unless you put an end to your nasty and unhealthy habits. Your existing medical conditions and the genetic background can affect the health of child and you have to do your best in order to avoid their undesirable effects. Therefore, you must pay attention to the following facts in order to avoid the irreversible effects. You have to quit substance use. You must forget about anxiety and stress and start to eat nutritious foods instead of junk foods.

But you should also start looking for the alternative solutions in order to improve the pregnancy care. For instance, you should take a closer look at the things that can be offered by the Yoga techniques because these alternative methods are going to change the way you feel about being pregnant and taking proper care of your unborn baby. The Yoga support is to be used in order to alleviate all your worries and all your pains. You will be helped to stay mentally and physically fit in order to deliver a healthy baby. Yoga is extremely efficient because it can help you to prepare for your child and his/her care. You will be able to relax thanks to the Yoga technique. You will also learn how to control your breathing during your future labor and this knowledge is valuable enough in order to make you think about taking the Yoga classes.

Yoga can make you fully ware of yourself and of the child who is about to come. You will learn how to stretch your body without damaging its structure and you will be able to relieve the present discomforts and tensions that may affect your life during pregnancy. Your energy levels will be increased thanks to the Yoga exercises and you will be able to take proper care of your regular activities without affecting your unborn child. Yoga can make you forget about the low vitality and fatigue. You will become a whole new person who will be able to cherish and share her pregnancy with your loved ones. Your immune system and your blood circulation will be improved and this condition will improve the baby's health as well. Even your digestive system will be enhanced and you will be able to provide your unborn baby with the necessary nutrients.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/yoga-lessons-can-improve-the-pregnancy-care-604082.html

The pregnancy and baby care are extremely important and you will have to provide yourself with further information in order to avoid the possible risks. For instance, the pregnancy care can be improved by taking Yoga classes.

"Reveal Cakes" can be a sweet surprise

The following is a reprint from the Minneapolis-St. Paul StarTribune. The original article can be found here.

For expectant couples looking to share the big news - boy or girl - the solution can be a piece of cake.

Pregnancy Tip: Why And How To Choose A Midwife

Most of us know how to properly choose OB gynecologist but very few of us are aware of the many factors to consider in choosing a midwife. Worse, not all of us, give high importance to hiring a midwife during pregnancy. In this article, we will not only give you tips on how to choose a midwife, we will also give you reasons on why having a midwife is very important.

If you see child birth as something natural, healthy and normal experience, then having a midwife may be a good option for you. There are a few important factors to consider before making your hiring one.

How to choose a midwife?

Keep in mind that there are several types of midwives. Certified nurse midwives are those who are trained as registered nurses aside from their midwifery training. If you think you want someone with a more advanced medical background, then a nurse midwife may be the perfect choice for you. Lay midwives, also called as direct-entry midwives, are those who have been extensively trained in midwifery but does not have a nursing degree. Their whole training relies on a thorough apprenticeship giving them a lot of hands-on experience in dealing with birth deliveries. The American Midwifery Certification Board certifies some direct-entry midwives. Those who get such certification are called Certified Professional Midwives or Certified Midwives.

Why choose a midwife? To date, midwifery remains a resurging field. The number of women opting for midwifery care increases generously almost every year. Below are some of the most common reasons why some women choose to have a midwife.

You're healthy and at low risks. In general, midwives take care of low risk women. Midwives guide you in all your choices towards healthy options which give you the chance to stay healthy and with low risks throughout your pregnancy. A midwife serves like a lifeguard. She constantly keeps a eye on you to ensure that you are always within healthy paramaters.

You want to deliver your baby normally. Midwifery care has been proven to have lower intervention rates like induction of labor and c-section. This keeps all women at peace especially those who want to avoid all unneeded interventions. Midwives can offer you several options to help you cope with labor and pregnancy without involving medications which are not necessarily needed. Aside from this, midwives can stay with you all throughout your labor keeping you stay calm and focused all the time.

You love and do not mind longer prenatal care visits. You are given time to check with your midwife every time you pay a prenatal visit.

This is a good thing since you are given the chance to get to know her in person. You can also ask questions both on practice and personal notes which can help you assess her competence and personality.

You have more options as to where to give birth. Some midwives do their jobs in hospital settings but you can also find some who perform home births and those who work in birth centers. This gives you more options as to where to have your baby.

A midwife can yield good results just like obstetricians. If you plan on opting for midwifery care, keep the above tips in mind.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/pregnancy-tip-why-and-how-to-choose-a-midwife-1329799.html

You can find helpful information about how to how to choose a midwife and everything you need to know about choose OB gynecologist at Aha! Baby.

Surefire Tips To Help You Choose The Best Obgyn

After finding out about your pregnancy, soon-to-be mothers need to deal about another major thing – choosing the best obgyn. This is especially the case if you are a first-time mom. Should you stick with your old doctor or do you want to transfer to your friend's trusted obgyn instead? In this article, we will share with you some tried and tested tips which will help you choose only the best obgyn in your community. This way, you can be assured of a healthy pregnancy throughout your nine months.

1. First of all, it is very important that you choose a doctor who is certified by the American College of Obstetrician & Gynecologists (ACOG). Hospitals usually require all their doctors to present this certification. The absence of such should be a cause of major concern.
2. Choosing an obgyn within your insurance plan will save you a huge amount of money. This is a major deciding factor for most pregnant women. Opting for a doctor covered by your insurance will entail generally lower costs than choosing a doctor who's out of your network. You may ask your insurer to provide you with their list of covered doctors. In cases when you know of a good obgyn in your community but is unfortunately not a part of your plan, you have some options to consider. First, find out if you have a Point of Service Plan (POS). POS plans may allow you to choose a medical provider outside your network. However, you may have to pay a higher amount as compared to getting one included in your plan's directory. If your insurance company does not offer a POS plan, you can still continue to see your favorite obgyn even if she is outside your plan coverage. Ask for a Cash Discounted Price. This set-up is advisable especially if you see your obgyn only once a year for annual exams or tests. Even if you keep yourself open to this type of set-up, it is still very important that you retain your old insurance coverage for more extensive medical care.
3. Another common and one of the most effective ways in choosing the best obgyn is through word of mouth. Referrals from friends, relatives or colleagues usually prove to be very helpful and credible since you are choosing a doctor whom a trusted person has worked with. This option simply means that if your trusted source has had a good experience with the obgyn, you too can get the same treatment.
4. Some women choose a doctor as referred by another medical provider. This option; however, has its own limitations depending on the physician's knowledge on the obgyn network in the area or on the number of obgyns covered in the directory of his plan.
5. Trusting your instincts can also yield good results. Simply walk in for a visit. Is the doctor friendly and open to questions? Do the staff treat you well? Does the doctor answer your questions? Does the obgyn spend an appropriate amount of time checking you up?

Choosing the best obgyn is a very important aspect of pregnancy. So make sure that you do everything you can before finally deciding settling with one.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/surefire-tips-to-help-you-choose-the-best-obgyn-1329776.html

You can find helpful information about how to choose obgyn and everything you need to know about best obgyn at Aha! Baby.

How to Know if You're Pregnant - Five Symptoms

The thought of being pregnant may give you a feeling of elation or it may fill you with dread. Either way, if you truly are pregnant, most women want to know that information as soon as possible. Because if you are pregnant, it means that for better or worse, your life is about to change. So what are the early symptoms of a pregnancy? How can a woman tell early on if she's pregnant?

Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman. Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy within as little time as a week of conception. Others experience no pregnancy symptoms at all until they begin to show the "baby bump." Still others may experience different pregnancy symptoms when pregnant with different children.

If you experience some of the very early pregnancy symptoms listed below and believe that you may be pregnant, you should do a home pregnancy test. If you are still in doubt, arrange with your doctor or pregnancy help clinic to have a pregnancy test. The reason why this is important is that if you are pregnant and have bad lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking, or even taking prescription drugs - you could be inadvertently harming the developing fetus in your body.

Here are 5 common symptoms that might indicate pregnancy:

1. You just missed your normal menstrual period.

This is number one on the list of indicators that are a warning sign that you may be pregnant. It's true that just because you missed a period does not necessarily mean that you're pregnant. There are many other reasons that could cause you to miss a period, such as - fasting, extreme amounts of exercising, prescribed or non-prescribed medications, eating disorders, chronic illnesses, and many more. Nevertheless, if your menstrual period is normally pretty consistent and like clockwork, and it doesn't appear on schedule - this is a red flag and you should consider taking a pregnancy test.

2. Your breasts have become amazingly sensitive.

Tender or swollen breasts sometimes occur just before a period. But these all also signs that conception has taken place and that you could be pregnant. If your breast are swollen beyond normal this is a sign that the body is preparing itself to produce milk. Many women report that they discovered they were pregnant when their breasts became so sensitive that even the slightest brush against them hurts. Others described it as a tingling sensation

3. Heightened sensitivity to smells.

When a woman is in the early stages of pregnancy, she may notice that she is becoming hypersensitive to smells of all types - but especially foods. aromas - foods and others. In fact, you may become so hypersensitive to the smell of certain foods that they cause an involuntary gag reflex or bring about a feeling of nausea. You may also find yourself having an aversion to what were formerly your favorite foods, because of the smell.

4. Excessive bloating.

Bloating can be an indication that you're pregnant. The problem is hormones. When conception occurs, the hormone progesterone floods your system. As the increased progesterone envelopes your body it slows down your digestive processes and leads to gas and bloating.

5. Dizziness.

Are you all of a sudden having periods of dizziness? Once conception takes place, the developing embryo will need food. This food will be drawn from your body. Specifically, it will use the blood sugar from your body as fuel to grow. If you aren't eating enough, this can lead to your feeling faint because of low blood sugar.

Any or all of these symptoms does not mean that you are pregnant. Each of them could be caused by other factors as well. But they are all symptoms that are common in women that have become newly pregnant.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/how-to-know-if-youre-pregnant-five-symptoms-395634.html

Richard Corcoran is senior writer for http://www.fertilitycausestreatments.com which specializes in providing information on fertility and the early pregnancy signs problems that couples may be experiencing.

Know Your Pregnancy Week By Week

By: Apurva Shree

Keeping a tab on your pregnancy week by week is a good idea, if you want to avoid unnecessary worries and anxieties. The pregnancy period usually lasts for 40 weeks. The entire period is divided into three stages called pregnancy trimesters. Lets have a look at each stage.

The first trimester starts from week 1 and goes up to week 14. The second trimester lasts from week 15 to 26. The third trimester is from week 27 to week 40. As you approach the 40th week, you are close to experiencing labor contractions. This is the time when you should be all prepared for delivery. The third trimester is the stage of learning. You should attend classes on childbirth and nursing with your spouse so that you become better parents.

Week 1 To Week 14

The first week of pregnancy is when you are not pregnant. Doctors calculate your pregnancy from the first day of your last period. Your egg and the sperm unite for fertilization towards the end of the second week. The third week starts and your body is still ignorant of the fertilization. It is only when the egg gets implanted in the uterus that your body realizes whats happening and then starts a series of hormonal changes making you feel somethings wrong. This happens in the 4th and 5th week. Morning sickness appears.

Week 5 to 14 is a busy time, as there is a rapid development of the embryo from a bunch of cells to a baby with distinct identity.

Week 15 To Week 26

This trimester is full of changes and development in the baby. So, continue to keep a check on your pregnancy week by week. Your babys ears, eyes, and other facial features become distinct. She has tiny limbs. All her organs are on the verge of development. Her heart has started pumping too. By the 18th week, your babys fingerprints begin to develop.

By the 19th week, if the baby is a girl, her egg cells start to develop in her ovaries. Your baby has hair all over her body and she begins to sleep and wake up. By the 21st week, the doctor can hear your babys heartbeats with the help of a stethoscope. And by the 24th week, your doctor can hear the heartbeats without stethoscope by putting her ear on your belly. By the 25th week, your babys brain starts working.

Week 27 To Week 40

By this time, you will start feeling the kicks of your baby. By the 29th week, your baby has her senses working and her lungs are able to breathe air. By the 32nd week, your baby can see, hear, smell, feel, and taste. She will change her position and her head will slide down in the next three weeks. By the 37th week, you should be prepared for signs of labor.

As you continue to keep a tab on your pregnancy week by week and enter the 40th week, the wait for your baby starts. Be ready, she can arrive any time

About the Author

Keeping a track of your pregnancy week by week and getting proper information about different pregnancy stages can help you cope with your pregnancy better and to enjoy good pregnancy health.

(ArticlesBase SC #229367)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Know Your Pregnancy Week By Week

How Body Changes Occur During Pregnancy

By: peterhutch

Pregnancy is a natural process that involves big changes in a woman's body. It's different for everyone. Some women have long, difficult, uncomfortable pregnancies that change their daily lives right from the start. Others have fairly easy pregnancies and their daily routines may not change until the last few weeks before delivery.

Pregnancy is a nine month journey for both you and your baby. During this time your own body will change, both internally and externally. Although a woman's body was beautifully designed to give birth, this process may cause a woman some discomfort and impose some limitations. Usually, exercise and good nutrition can alleviate the minor discomfort of pregnancy.

Some women also may begin to feel a little nauseous, and her breasts may become more tender or may tingle somewhat.

By the end of the second month, the levels of progesterone and estrogen are increasing dramatically, which will generally lead to some pretty serious mood swings that start now and continue through her pregnancy.

During pregnancy, your hormones are changing. This may cause you to experience ups and downs. You may feel excited, tired, worried, or like you need to talk about everything that is happening to you.

A vaginal discharge occurs normally during pregnancy, because of hormonal changes. A yellow or cheesy white discharge that is accompanied by itching or burning is not normal and needs to be reported to you health care provider.

Folic acid supplements are recommended for women trying to conceive and during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is the time that the baby's brain and nervous system are developing. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the chance of a baby being born with problems known as neural tube defects, such as spinal bifida.

Cardiac output increases approximately 40% during pregnancy, reaching its maximum at 20-24 week’s gestation and continuing at this level until term. The increase in output can be as much as1, 5L/min over the non pregnant level. Cardiac output is very sensitive to changes in body position. This sensitivity increases with lengthening gestation, presumably because the uterus impinges upon the inferior vena cava, thereby decreasing blood return to the heart.

Many pregnant women complain of dizziness and lightheadedness throughout their pregnancies. Fainting is rare but does happen even in some healthy pregnant women. There are many reasons for these symptoms. The growth of more blood vessels in early pregnancy, the pressure of the expanding uterus on blood vessels and the body's increased need for food all can make a pregnant woman feel lightheaded and dizzy.

During your pregnancy, you might feel tired even after you've had a lot of sleep. Many women find they're particularly exhausted in the first trimester. Don't worry, this is normal! This is your body's way of telling you that you need more rest.
Heat stress during exercise creates concern for two reasons. First, an increase in the mother's core temperature (hyperthermia) can be harmful to the baby’s development. Second, loss of water in the mother (dehydration) can decrease the amount of blood available to the fetus and lead to increased risk of preterm contractions.

Acne will be another big concern for you during your pregnancy. No matter how bad they become, stay away from medications as they might affect the baby. Not all women have this problem and you may luck out and find that your skin clears up during pregnancy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - How Body Changes Occur During Pregnancy

Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes of Miscarriage

By: peterhutch

A miscarriage (also termed spontaneous abortion) is any pregnancy that spontaneously ends before the fetus can survive. Any vaginal bleeding, other than spotting, during early pregnancy is considered a threatened miscarriage. Vaginal bleeding is very common in early pregnancy. About one out of every four pregnant women has some bleeding during the first few months. About half of these women stop bleeding and complete a normal pregnancy.

Miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Studies reveal that anywhere from 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Chemical pregnancies may account for 50-75% of all miscarriages. This occurs when a pregnancy is lost shortly after implantation, resulting in bleeding that occurs around the time of her expected period. The woman may not realize that she conceived when she experiences a chemical pregnancy.

Some miscarriages occur before women recognize that they are pregnant. About 15% of fertilized eggs are lost before the egg even has a chance to implant (embed itself) in the wall of the uterus. A woman would not generally identify this type of miscarriage. Another 15% of conceptions are lost before eight weeks' gestation. Once fetal heart function is detected in a given pregnancy, the chance of miscarriage is less than 5%.

Symptoms of Miscarriage

The most common symptom is vaginal bleeding, which can range from light spotting to heavier than a period. You may see blood clots, brown discharge or other tissue that is not clearly identifiable. Sometimes a sac-like structure is seen.

Pain you may have pelvic cramps, abdominal pain, or a persistent, dull ache in your lower back. Pain may start a few hours to several days after bleeding has begun.

Some women experience cramping, spotting, abdominal pain, fever, weakness, vomiting, or back pain. Spotting is not always a sign of a miscarriage; many women normally experience it early on in pregnancy. But just to be safe, if you have spotting or any of these other symptoms anytime during your pregnancy, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor.

Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms of miscarriage and pregnancy symptoms continue, and the miscarriage is only discovered in a routine scan.

Causes of Miscarriage

An abnormal fetus causes almost all miscarriages during the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester). Problems in the genes are responsible for an abnormal fetus and are found in more than half of miscarried fetuses. The risk of defective genes increases with the woman's age, especially over if she is older than 35 years.

Apart from abnormal fetal development, a number of other factors can contribute to a miscarriage. These may include abnormalities in the father's sperm; abnormalities in the egg; disease in the mother (for example, an infection, a glandular disorder, high blood pressure, kidney or heart disease, or diabetes); uterine abnormalities; the mother's poor nutrition or use of cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs; and exposure to pollutants.

Chromosomal abnormalities also become more common with aging, and women over age 35 have a higher rate of miscarriage than younger women. Advancing maternal age is the most significant risk factor for early miscarriage in otherwise healthy women.

Exposure to environmental and workplace hazards such as high levels of radiation or toxic agents. Incompetent cervix (the cervix begins to widen and open too early, in the middle of pregnancy, without signs of pain or labor).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes of Miscarriage

Treatment - Swelling of Feet During Pregnancy

By: peterhutch

Swelling may be experienced at any point during pregnancy, but it tends to be noticed around the fifth month and can increase while you are in the third trimester. Swelling may be reduced by eating foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, and by avoiding caffeine.

The natural remedies here are submitted by numerous people from around the world, and we have no way to test or verify every remedy. As such these home remedies should be used for academic purposes only. Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

Drink a lot of water when you are pregnant. You must drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day. Water is the most natural therapy to flush out the excess toxins from the body. Thus, the water will expel all the toxic fluids of the body which would otherwise settle in the feet and cause them to swell. Drinking a lot of water could increase the frequency of urination in pregnant women, but that is actually a good sign, as urination is a way to expel the wastes from the body.

Do not wear tight trousers or jeans when you are pregnant, as this would increase the pressure on the legs. Instead, you could wear somewhat loose stockings or pantyhose to give good support to the feet.

Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. When flying, stretch your legs often and get up to walk when possible. When driving, stop to stretch and walk every hour or so. Avoid wearing restrictive clothing or garters around your thighs. Exercise regularly. Lose weight if you need to.

Lying on your side, or elevating your feet when sitting sometimes helps decrease the swelling. The best treatment is swimming or any sort of total body immersion in cool water. The water pressure on the skin forces the tissue fluid back in to the veins. In addition, although salt is necessary in pregnancy, avoiding very salty or spicy foods may help a bit. Water pills should not be used as a treatment for swelling during pregnancy.

Essential oils can help to alleviate swollen legs and tiredness that may overtake your whole body. Their uplifting qualities will help to ease the aches and lethargy, soothe the spirits and put the world back in perspective. Add them to a warm bath or a soothing and relaxing body rub.

A relaxing and uplifting bath is especially beneficial for swollen legs. For this add one drop each of chamomile and lavender oils to the bath water after it has settled.

Stay off your feet as much as possible. Take periodic breaks if you must stand, and elevate your feet above the level of your heart.

Sit on the carpet and stretch your leg in the front, rotate your leg 10-15 times in a clockwise direction and then in the same way rotate in the anti-clock wise direction for 10-15 times. This reduces swelling of feet and improves blood circulation in the feet.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Treatment - Swelling of Feet During Pregnancy

What is Infertility?

By: peterhutch

Many people may be infertile during their reproductive years. They may be unaware of this because they are not seeking to create a pregnancy. On any one occasion, the chance of pregnancy is just one percent. About one in seven couples in the United States are infertile. Age, lifestyle and physical problems can all contribute to infertility.

Infertility Cancer and its treatment may sometimes put female survivors at risk for infertility. Infertility means not being able to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy, usually after you have been trying for over a year. There are many different causes for infertility in cancer survivors. While it’s best to discuss your risk for infertility before treatment begins, there are still options for cancer survivors who may experience infertility as a result of cancer or its treatment.

Infertility affects approximately 10% of the population. Since infertility strikes diverse groups-affecting people from all socioeconomic levels and cutting across all racial, ethnic and religious lines- chances are great that a friend, relative, neighbor or perhaps you are attempting to cope with the medical and emotional aspects of infertility.

If you've been trying to conceive for more than a year, there's a chance that something may be interfering with your efforts to have a child. Infertility may be due to a single cause in either you or your partner, or a combination of factors that may prevent a pregnancy from occurring or continuing.

Infertility or possible infertility may affect you emotionally. If you want to have children, it’s perfectly understandable if thinking about being infertile makes you feel sad or upset. This document outlines the physical causes of infertility and options for survivors who may have difficulty having children. It does not explain how infertility can affect you emotionally, which is something you may want to discuss with a mental health professional.

Causes of infertility can be found in about 90% of infertility cases but, despite extensive tests, about 10% of couples will never know why they cannot conceive. Between 10 - 30% of cases of infertility have more than one cause. Male or female infertility each account for about 30 - 40% of cases. In men, sperm defects (their quality and quantity) are usually responsible. Female infertility is more complex.

Roughly one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to male factors and another one-third to factors that affect women. For the remaining infertile couples, infertility is caused by a combination of problems in both partners (about 13%) or is unexplained (about 10%). The most common causes of male infertility include azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced) and oligospermia (few sperm cells are produced). Sometimes, sperm cells are malformed or they die before they can reach the egg. In rare cases, male infertility is caused by a genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis or a chromosomal abnormality.

Infertility affects men and women equally. About one-third of the cases are due to a male factor, one-third to the female and the remaining to the combination of both partners. Causes of infertility include a wide range of physical as well as emotional factors. For a woman to be fertile, her reproductive organs must be healthy and functional. To conceive a child, the ovaries must release healthy eggs regularly and her reproductive tract must allow the eggs and sperm to pass into her fallopian tubes for a possible union.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - What is Infertility?

The Miracle of Multiple Births

By: Apurva Shree

Carrying more than one fetus to full term is termed as multiple births. There could be many reasons like hereditary, race, previous history of pregnancy with multiple births, infertility treatments which may be responsible for multiple births.

Types Of Multiple Births

About the Author

Multiple births are truly a miracle. Don’t lose your cool if you come to know of your pregnancy with multiple births. Multiple birth pregnancies like twin births, triplets etc. are on a rise, owing to a lot of reasons. This is a special case so take care during a multiple pregnancy to ensure a safe delivery. For more information visit pregnancy period.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - The Miracle of Multiple Births

The 4 Menopause Information Facts You Need to Know!

By: John Russell

Menopause is the permanent termination of menstruation and fertility. This stage begins when a woman has her last period. Menopause can be defined by 12 consecutive period-free months. At this stage, ovaries no longer produce eggs as hormone production stops, and common changes become noticeable - including vaginal dryness and loss of sex drive.

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life. The menopausal process occurs in four stages: pre-menopause, perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause.

Pre-menopause refers to a woman's fertile life, which ranges from her first menstrual period to her last menstrual period. However, the term is often misused to describe the years immediately before menopause (perimenopause) and also to describe premature menopause.

Perimenopause encompasses the years preceding menopause. It describes the length of time when your periods are becoming lighter or heavier. When discussing menopause, most women refer to perimenopause because its during this stage that the hormone levels change and levels of estrogen decline. As ovarian production decreases, the follicle stimulating hormone (or FSH) increases, triggering symptoms like hot flashes, headaches, memory problems, acne, and mood swings.

Perimenopause typically takes place between 45- and 60-years-of-age and can span a 2- to 10-year period of time. Early signs of perimenopause usually occur in a woman's mid-40s. Women who experience early menopause typically follow their mother's pattern.

4 Menopause Information Facts

Menopause Information Fact # 1 - Do all women experience menopause in the same way? No. Menopause experiences are different among individual women, and also among women in different cultures, and in different parts of the world. Research has shown that women's experience of menopause can be related to many things including: genetics, diet, lifestyle, and social and cultural attitudes toward older women.

Menopause Information Fact # 2 - Diet and exercise are pertinent during menopause, as inactivity can heighten the risk of weight gain, heart disease, and osteoporosis. The female hormone, estrogen, protects your heart and bones. When it drops rapidly, you will need to consciously work to compensate for its loss by adopting a healthy diet, an active lifestyle complimented with physical exercise, and by consulting your doctor concerning hormone replacement therapy.

Menopause Information Fact # 3 - To lessen menopausal sickness and lower cholesterol levels, menopausal women should consume foods that are high in plant estrogens. Ideal sources are soy products, lima beans, celery, nuts, seeds, fennel, parsley, and flaxseed oil.

In addition, adding vitamins C, D or E, herbal supplements, low-fat and high-fiber foods such as fruits, green vegetables and whole grains, will help energize your body and ease hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia and uncomfortable bloating. Lastly, lean protein such as chicken and fish can help you to lose weight. Eating five small meals instead of three large ones per day is recommended to keep your blood sugar and metabolism levels even throughout the day.

Menopause Information Fact # 4 - Because of the nature of early or premature menopause, a woman will experience another level of emotional reaction to her situation than someone who comes to menopause in due, natural course. As well, if disease or the treatment that is prescribed has contributed to the onset of early menopause, the individual's situation is that much more challenging. Psychological issues will likely need as much attention as the physical. Be as kind to yourself as possible. Seek support. Accept help and comfort whenever offered. Breathe.

In summary:

1. How will I know when perimenopause is over and full menopause has settled in? Menopause is considered to be in full effect when you cease to have a period for 12 consecutive months.

2. Will all my perimenopause symptoms disappear when I am in full menopause? No. The experience of menopause is not so cut and dry.

3. What is the single most important thing for me to do? Cultivate an accepting attitude. Menopause is a natural aging process that all women go through. The more you allow these changes to take place, the easier it will be on you. Try not to use menopause as an excuse for bad behavior.

About the Author

John Russell of IH Distribution, LLC brings you health, anti-aging and skin care products from around the world. Find fabulous skin care tips and great articles on a wide range of topics for women at our Skin Care Blog and http://www.hormones-beauty-health.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - The 4 Menopause Information Facts You Need to Know!

Gynecological Exam: Before, During, and After Understanding the Examination

By: James Pendergraft

Gynecological examination can be a routine checkup for women or an evaluation of a specific problem to get a diagnostic picture of an illness. Routine examinations are usually done annually on women who are in their childbearing years to foresee the possibility of having cervical cancer and other related ailments.

Going to an obstetrician or gynecologist is not only for pregnant women. Generally, women can go for gynecological exam as early as eighteen years old or as the need arises. A pelvic examination and a Pap smear is the typical tests once you make an appointment with a gynecologist, but it can also include the following:

1) Urine cultures

2) Wet mount

3) Mammogram

First Gynecological Exam

When girls are planning to have sex or have started having sex or even those who are not sexually active yet, they can start going for gynecological examination. Even when below eighteen, girls can also seek gynecological care if there are abnormal symptoms or discharges in the vaginal area. If going for an appointment for the first time, here are some important factors to take note:

Schedule the appointment during the middle part of the menstrual cycle to make sure that the uterus has not shed cells yet.

There should be no sexual intercourse or douching two days prior to the visit and nothing should be put to the vagina such as tampons or fingers to avoid abnormal result of Pap smear.

If there is a need for someone to be with you during the examination, make sure that you have properly informed the doctor so as not to violate existing  policies.

Write down questions you may want to ask and symptoms you may have been experieincing.

Before the Examination

Before the doctor starts the examination, you may be required to submit a urine sample to check for pregnancy or urinary tract infections. Having an empty bladder during the examination can avoid any feelings of discomfort along the process. The doctor may then start taking the medical history, which would include the family’s history of cancer, operations, hospitalizations, and past and current medications.

During the Examination

A thorough physical examination is the first thing that the doctor would do, including checking the breasts for any abnormality. Then you would be asked to lie down with both legs placed in the stirrups and knees opened. This is now the time for the examination of the vulva and the pelvic floor muscles. There are two more examinations that may be done:

a) Speculum Examination to collect cervical cells for the Pap smear.

b) Bimanual Examination to feel the size of the uterus, check the cervix for pain, the size of the ovaries, and look for abnormalities.

After the Examination

The doctor will now discuss the result of the examination including the tests that have immediate results. If there are infections or any serious conditions diagnosed, a prescribed treatment is then recommended and you may be asked to come back for examination.

About the Author

Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Abortions By Pill, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Gynecological Exam: Before, During, and After Understanding the Examination

Things You Need To Know About Obstetric Ultrasound

By: Chona Mcnally

One of the great things about technology today, with regard to women's health, is obstetric ultrasound.  This technological wonder allows doctors to determine what is going on inside a person's body without the use of invasive procedures or x-rays.

Obstetric ultrasound can help identify health, or the lack there of, in blood flow, organs and their function, and if you're pregnant, it allows them and you to see the incredible wonder going on inside your body.  This is a magnificent event and gives you your first look at your baby.  Generally, you can see almost everything from the formation of body parts to the baby's little heart beat.

Obstetric ultrasound is also helpful in discovering possible complications and allows the doctor to make appropriate adjustments and preparations in the care of both you and the baby in order to keep you both healthy throughout your pregnancy and delivery.  Medical advancement in other areas help decrease negative situations and in some cases can help avoid them all together if they are identified early through the ultrasound.  

The procedure is simple and comfortable.  The radiologist or doctor will expose your abdomen and squirt a little bit of gel on it.  Then they take a small object, similar to a computer mouse or small microphone called a transducer and run it around your tummy until they find the image they are looking for.  The screen to which the transducer is attached, gives them the picture and then the computer, which is also attached, gives different information based on what the doctor needs to know.  The information gathered helps the doctor determine the health of the baby, the size of the baby, predicts a slightly more accurate due date, and in some cases, if the obstetric ultrasound is done after the first tri-mester, you may have the opportunity to see the sex of the baby.

Ultrasound cannot detect certain abnormalities such as mental retardation and other various disabilities but, as previously mentioned, it can alert a doctor to a possible issue and cause them to further investigate through amniocentesis and other tests.

Obstetric ultrasound is painless for most people, although some who have a sensitive area around their abdomen may experience some minor discomfort due to the fact that the transducer must be pressed into the skin firmly for an image to show up.  They may also have some difficulty finding the baby at first, due to it's constant movement in the uterus.  There is also a possibility that an internal ultrasound may need to be performed if you're in the very first few weeks of the pregnancy and the doctor needs to identify the viability of the fetus signaled by various factors involved such as your medical history or unexpected experiences during that time.  This procedure is slightly more uncomfortable but no more than a yearly pelvic exam.

All in all, this procedure is not only helpful but can be one of the most tender moments you'll share as you enjoy your first look at your precious miracle.

About the Author

Chona Mcnally is a mom who enjoys finding free stuff online. She also enjoys sharing what she has experienced during her pregnancy, including taking obstetric ultrasound, in hopes to help all soon to be moms. Find more mom and baby ideas and even get a glimpse of all these baby freebies and offers at http://www.mombabyideas.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Things You Need To Know About Obstetric Ultrasound

Pregnancy Risks - Know Them To Avoid Them

By: Apurva Shree

Pregnancy risks are one of the many things; a woman should be concerned about, once she knows that her baby is on the way. The quality of medical care and awareness of behavioral risk factors has drastically reduced pregnancy related complications today. Yet, it is important that that every woman going through a period of pregnancy is aware of certain things related to her pregnancy week by week.

Pregnancy Risk Factors

Undesirable lifestyles, genetic background, and existing medical conditions are some of the main factors that contribute toward high-risk pregnancy.

How Is Your Lifestyle?

Unhealthful lifestyles before or during pregnancy adds to pregnancy risks. This can negatively affect the long-term health of the mother and newborn child. A would be mother should keep the following points in mind.
1. Quit substance use-Alcohol, drugs and cigarettes harm the developing fetus. Consume coffee and tea in moderation.
2. Learn the importance of nutrition-Avoid certain foods that may harm the unborn baby. Some of these are certain kinds of fish that contain mercury, raw meats and unpasteurized milk that can contain harmful bacteria called Listeria. Eat a balanced diet that contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals.
3. Avoid stress and anxiety-Statistical studies have shown that expectant mothers who are distraught by anxiety, fear, and emotional turmoil are more prone to conditions like pregnancy-induced hypertension. This condition is also called Toxemia or Preeclampsia.
4. Exercise in moderation-Vigorous and strenuous physical activity can contribute to pregnancy risks. Consult your doctor for prenatal exercise tips. Moderate walking and light housework are helpful pregnancy exercises.
5. Avoid sex during pregnancy, if your doctor or pregnancy health care provider detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy.
Other Pregnancy Risks

Certain aspects of genetic background and existing medical conditions may add to pregnancy risks. These are:

1. Family history of genetic diseases or birth defects
2. Previous history of pregnancy loss
3. Pre-existing medical conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease etc.
4. Age factor such as, getting pregnant before the age of 18 or after 35
5. Chronic anemia

If any of these or other factors hold true for you, it is important to consult your doctor at once.
Seek Support

It is good to keep in mind that pregnancy risks are an unpleasant fact. However have a positive approach towards life. Seek guidance from your doctor and persons close to you. Your husband, for instance can provide great emotional support. All these will go a long way in dispelling fear of pregnancy or labor. Keep in mind that you as a woman is endowed with God greatest gift -that of giving birth to another human being.

About the Author

When you know the pregnancy risks that you might face in your pregnancy week by week, you can take precautions to avoid them. A high risk pregnancy can be averted with the right pregnancy diet and lifestyle.

(ArticlesBase SC #413186)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Pregnancy Risks - Know Them To Avoid Them

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