by: Beverley Brooke
Edema, otherwise known as swelling, will affect almost all women at some point during their pregnancy. Swelling or Edema is most often the result of excessive levels of hormones coursing through your body.
Really, the best thing you can do to combat swelling is to drink far more fluid. It may seem counter intuitive, but the more juice and water you drink the less water your body will hold onto and the less puffy you will be. You should be working to drink at least 10 eight ounce glasses of water per day. Also try to avoid diuretic beverages such as tea and coffee, which contain caffeine. These are more likely to dehydrate you than invigorate you during your pregnancy.
You might also consider wearing some support stockings during your pregnancy. These will not only help combat swelling, but may help prevent or minimize the effects of varicose veins later in pregnancy. Most medical care suppliers carry support hosiery that works well for women during pregnancy.
You should look for support hose with a medium grading minimum, meaning they provide firm support. Compression hose can often be purchased online. You can also ask your healthcare provider where you might purchase a pair or two.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Being Pregnant
by: Brian Gardner
EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS
Although a lot of women experience pregnancy symptoms, and find signs of being pregnant, other's don't "feel" pregnant. Certain signs and symptoms of being pregnant can be confused with other illnesses. The following list are some telltale symptoms of pregnancy. Morning sickness is one of the most common signs of being pregnant, but you also might be one of the lucky ones who never experience this pregnancy symptom. Missing a period is another sign and symptom of being pregnant. We'll go into greater detail below, and you can read below.
MISSING A PERIOD
One of the most common signs and symptoms of being pregnant, missing a period can also be caused by other reasons. Although missing a period is one of the most common of the pregnancy symptoms, stress, illness, weight fluctuations or coming off the oral contraceptive pill can also be the cause of this. Irregular periods are a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which periods can occur several months apart. If you still feel like you are experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, continue reading the other signs of being pregnant.
TENDERNESS OF THE BREAST
Another sign and symptom of pregnancy is the changing of size and feel of your breast. As early as a few days after conception, this pregnancy symptom may occur. Your breast is beginning to enlarge, as it gets ready for breastfeeding. Many women claim that their breasts are very sensitive and that they experience a very sharp, tingling sensation as well. Being one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant, the tenderness of the breast often disappears a few weeks later.
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Considered another one of the classic sign and symptoms of being pregnant, nausea and vomiting, (aka morning sickness) has become one of the most feared of all pregnancy symptoms. Feeling sick is a common complaint and is experienced by most women from weeks 5 to 6 of their pregnancy. However, morning sickness can also be felt as early as two weeks after conception. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, and can vary from an occasional faint sensation to overwhelming vomiting and nausea. By and large, morning sickness is one of the pregnancy symptoms that tends to disappear towards the end of the first trimester.
TIREDNESS
Many women experience fatigue as one of their pregnancy symptoms. Although this might be a sign of being pregnant, it can also indicate other things as well.
DARKENING OF THE AREOLA
Being one of the first physical symptoms of pregnancy, the darkening of the areola can occur throughout your entire pregnancy. If you notice the darkening of the areola, this could be considered one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant.
FREQUENT URINATION
If you experience that you are urinating more frequently, this might be another of the pregnancy symptoms that confirm that you are pregnant. As early as two weeks after conception, you might find yourself experience this pregnancy symptom. The pressure of the literally reducing size of your bladder is the cause of this. Your uterus beings to rise up into the abdomen, and this annoying pregnancy symptom is the result. Rising levels of the pregnancy hormone progesterone stimulate the bladder muscles, so that it feels full, even though you might not need to urinate. Of all of the pregnancy symptoms, and signs of being pregnant, women sometimes find this to be the most annoying.
CHANGES IN TASTE AND SMELL
Don't be surprised if you experience this pregnancy sign and symptom. Many women claim that certain foods make them feel queasy - while others experience a craving for other foods. Another sign of this pregnancy symptom, is a strange metallic taste.
CONSTIPATION
Another of the annoying signs and symptoms of being pregnant, constipation occurs.
CONFIRMING YOUR PREGNANCY
Two weeks after conception, your baby is no bigger than a pinhead, comprised of a few balls of cells. As it begins to develop in the lining of the uterus, the placenta begins to form and produce necessary pregnancy hormones. Below are some ways to confirm that the pregnancy symptoms and signs of being pregnant that you have noticed are accurate, and that you will be having a baby.
HOME PREGNANCY TESTS
Being very accurate, these tests can be purchased at a local drugstore, and can confirm pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Your health care provider may rely on this test, and may only repeating testing if complications arise. If you receive a positive result, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor so that they can confirm you are pregnant and begin follow-up.
OFFICE URINE TEST
Similar to that of a home pregnancy test, and office urine test confirms pregnancy by also detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Being nearly 100% accurate, this test does not require you to urinate first thing in the morning. This type of test also can determine that the signs and symptoms of being pregnant hold true, and that your pregnancy symptoms are right.
PREGNANCY BLOOD TEST
In order to assist dating your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may also perform a pregnancy blood test. This particular pregnancy test can give you a positive or negative result, and once again detects the level of HCG. This time, it detects that level in your blood, and depending on your pregnancy symptoms, helps them determine what kind of care to give you. Pregnancy blood tests are useful if there are any concerns about miscarriage, or if there are indications that an unusual pregnancy is occurring.
INTERNAL EXAM
Four to six weeks after conception, your doctor can receive indefinite proof by examining you internally. Certain signs like the thickening of vaginal tissues and the softening of your uterus will confirm that the pregnancy symptoms are right on!
EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS
Although a lot of women experience pregnancy symptoms, and find signs of being pregnant, other's don't "feel" pregnant. Certain signs and symptoms of being pregnant can be confused with other illnesses. The following list are some telltale symptoms of pregnancy. Morning sickness is one of the most common signs of being pregnant, but you also might be one of the lucky ones who never experience this pregnancy symptom. Missing a period is another sign and symptom of being pregnant. We'll go into greater detail below, and you can read below.
MISSING A PERIOD
One of the most common signs and symptoms of being pregnant, missing a period can also be caused by other reasons. Although missing a period is one of the most common of the pregnancy symptoms, stress, illness, weight fluctuations or coming off the oral contraceptive pill can also be the cause of this. Irregular periods are a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which periods can occur several months apart. If you still feel like you are experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, continue reading the other signs of being pregnant.
TENDERNESS OF THE BREAST
Another sign and symptom of pregnancy is the changing of size and feel of your breast. As early as a few days after conception, this pregnancy symptom may occur. Your breast is beginning to enlarge, as it gets ready for breastfeeding. Many women claim that their breasts are very sensitive and that they experience a very sharp, tingling sensation as well. Being one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant, the tenderness of the breast often disappears a few weeks later.
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Considered another one of the classic sign and symptoms of being pregnant, nausea and vomiting, (aka morning sickness) has become one of the most feared of all pregnancy symptoms. Feeling sick is a common complaint and is experienced by most women from weeks 5 to 6 of their pregnancy. However, morning sickness can also be felt as early as two weeks after conception. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, and can vary from an occasional faint sensation to overwhelming vomiting and nausea. By and large, morning sickness is one of the pregnancy symptoms that tends to disappear towards the end of the first trimester.
TIREDNESS
Many women experience fatigue as one of their pregnancy symptoms. Although this might be a sign of being pregnant, it can also indicate other things as well.
DARKENING OF THE AREOLA
Being one of the first physical symptoms of pregnancy, the darkening of the areola can occur throughout your entire pregnancy. If you notice the darkening of the areola, this could be considered one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant.
FREQUENT URINATION
If you experience that you are urinating more frequently, this might be another of the pregnancy symptoms that confirm that you are pregnant. As early as two weeks after conception, you might find yourself experience this pregnancy symptom. The pressure of the literally reducing size of your bladder is the cause of this. Your uterus beings to rise up into the abdomen, and this annoying pregnancy symptom is the result. Rising levels of the pregnancy hormone progesterone stimulate the bladder muscles, so that it feels full, even though you might not need to urinate. Of all of the pregnancy symptoms, and signs of being pregnant, women sometimes find this to be the most annoying.
CHANGES IN TASTE AND SMELL
Don't be surprised if you experience this pregnancy sign and symptom. Many women claim that certain foods make them feel queasy - while others experience a craving for other foods. Another sign of this pregnancy symptom, is a strange metallic taste.
CONSTIPATION
Another of the annoying signs and symptoms of being pregnant, constipation occurs.
CONFIRMING YOUR PREGNANCY
Two weeks after conception, your baby is no bigger than a pinhead, comprised of a few balls of cells. As it begins to develop in the lining of the uterus, the placenta begins to form and produce necessary pregnancy hormones. Below are some ways to confirm that the pregnancy symptoms and signs of being pregnant that you have noticed are accurate, and that you will be having a baby.
HOME PREGNANCY TESTS
Being very accurate, these tests can be purchased at a local drugstore, and can confirm pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Your health care provider may rely on this test, and may only repeating testing if complications arise. If you receive a positive result, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor so that they can confirm you are pregnant and begin follow-up.
OFFICE URINE TEST
Similar to that of a home pregnancy test, and office urine test confirms pregnancy by also detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Being nearly 100% accurate, this test does not require you to urinate first thing in the morning. This type of test also can determine that the signs and symptoms of being pregnant hold true, and that your pregnancy symptoms are right.
PREGNANCY BLOOD TEST
In order to assist dating your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may also perform a pregnancy blood test. This particular pregnancy test can give you a positive or negative result, and once again detects the level of HCG. This time, it detects that level in your blood, and depending on your pregnancy symptoms, helps them determine what kind of care to give you. Pregnancy blood tests are useful if there are any concerns about miscarriage, or if there are indications that an unusual pregnancy is occurring.
INTERNAL EXAM
Four to six weeks after conception, your doctor can receive indefinite proof by examining you internally. Certain signs like the thickening of vaginal tissues and the softening of your uterus will confirm that the pregnancy symptoms are right on!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware Of
by: Criss White
Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy child, some which are beyond your control and others that are within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy risk factors that can be controlled or influenced:
Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your baby as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that the baby receives and increases the risk of miscarriage, bleeding, and morning sickness. Chemicals inhaled while smoking may lead to other health problems with the baby. Reduced birth weight, premature birth, increased risk of SIDS, and stillbirth are other possible consequences. Pregnant women should also avoid second hand smoke.
Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, including symptoms like low birth weight, medical problems, and behavior abnormalities. As soon as you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. For more detailed information on problems that can be caused by alcohol, visit http://www.nofas.org.
Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies about caffeine and pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not as harmful as it was once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against caffeine consumption during pregnancy and suggests quitting or reducing consumption at the very least. Caffeine has been shown to affect fetal heart rates and awake time (fetuses grow when sleeping). Decaffeinated coffee can also be harmful since producers often add additional chemicals to remove the caffeine. Caffeine can also increase risk of stretch marks. Suddenly quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so most experts recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.
Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugs or herbal remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. These substances may affect the development of your unborn child.
Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developing child, particularly getting enough folic acid. Lack of folic acid can cause birth defects. At least 400-1000 micrograms of this B vitamin is suggested (about ten times more if you've already had a child with neural tube birth defects) starting one month before pregnant and throughout the entire pregnancy. Leafy vegetables, orange juice, and beans are some natural sources of folic acid. Many stores sell vitamins with folic acid.
Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves the mother's mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus. However, over-exertion can be dangerous. Most experts recommend reducing your exercise intensity during pregnancy. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are popular for pregnant women.
Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to your baby's development. The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Some side effects may be completely normal, whereas other may not. Regular monitoring by a professional will help ensure that your baby will be born healthy.
Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increase risk of STD's, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancy complications, like low birth weight or premature birth.
Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposure to unnatural chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Many people now eat organic produce, which is grown without chemicals. The simplest precaution to take before consuming vegetables or fruits is to wash them thoroughly. Also, removing the outer surface of vegetables can be helpful since most pesticides will rest on the outside of the vegetable or fruit.
Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetal development, including heart disease, the mother's age (before 15 years and after 35 years is riskier), asthma, excessive stress or depression, diseases, and bleeding. Consult your physician if you are affected by any of these conditions.
Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy child, some which are beyond your control and others that are within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy risk factors that can be controlled or influenced:
Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your baby as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that the baby receives and increases the risk of miscarriage, bleeding, and morning sickness. Chemicals inhaled while smoking may lead to other health problems with the baby. Reduced birth weight, premature birth, increased risk of SIDS, and stillbirth are other possible consequences. Pregnant women should also avoid second hand smoke.
Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, including symptoms like low birth weight, medical problems, and behavior abnormalities. As soon as you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. For more detailed information on problems that can be caused by alcohol, visit http://www.nofas.org.
Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies about caffeine and pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not as harmful as it was once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against caffeine consumption during pregnancy and suggests quitting or reducing consumption at the very least. Caffeine has been shown to affect fetal heart rates and awake time (fetuses grow when sleeping). Decaffeinated coffee can also be harmful since producers often add additional chemicals to remove the caffeine. Caffeine can also increase risk of stretch marks. Suddenly quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so most experts recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.
Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugs or herbal remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. These substances may affect the development of your unborn child.
Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developing child, particularly getting enough folic acid. Lack of folic acid can cause birth defects. At least 400-1000 micrograms of this B vitamin is suggested (about ten times more if you've already had a child with neural tube birth defects) starting one month before pregnant and throughout the entire pregnancy. Leafy vegetables, orange juice, and beans are some natural sources of folic acid. Many stores sell vitamins with folic acid.
Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves the mother's mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus. However, over-exertion can be dangerous. Most experts recommend reducing your exercise intensity during pregnancy. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are popular for pregnant women.
Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to your baby's development. The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Some side effects may be completely normal, whereas other may not. Regular monitoring by a professional will help ensure that your baby will be born healthy.
Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increase risk of STD's, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancy complications, like low birth weight or premature birth.
Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposure to unnatural chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Many people now eat organic produce, which is grown without chemicals. The simplest precaution to take before consuming vegetables or fruits is to wash them thoroughly. Also, removing the outer surface of vegetables can be helpful since most pesticides will rest on the outside of the vegetable or fruit.
Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetal development, including heart disease, the mother's age (before 15 years and after 35 years is riskier), asthma, excessive stress or depression, diseases, and bleeding. Consult your physician if you are affected by any of these conditions.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Some Tips On How To Tell Your Husband You’re Pregnant
by: Kitty Barker
From time to time we come across some small hurdles in life but be confidant in knowing that most of them can be overcome - no matter what anyone tells you. One such hurdle is how to tell you husband your're pregnant. This is not meant to be advice on deception but I realize that not every piece of information is received as planned. There is always a place for input and stimulation when you need to get the creative juices working and none so much important as how to tell your husband you're pregnant.
Reading this article, you might get some useful ideas of how to tell your husband you’re pregnant. Finding out that you’re pregnant is one of the greatest events in your life. Nothing compares to the feeling you get when it becomes a certainty that there’s a new life growing inside of you. You’re happy and you want to share it with everyone. Of course, the first one that has to find out is your partner. Now you have to figure out how to tell your husband you’re pregnant. Well, relax because this article will help make it that much easier.
How he finds out the big news depends a lot on what he feels about having a baby, or at least on what you expect him to feel. Let’s consider three scenarios;
1. If you have both been trying for a long time to get pregnant, it means he will be extremely happy.
2. If you didn’t discuss seriously the topic and the pregnancy comes as a surprise even for you, he might be happy but he might also be scared of the simple fact that this will completely change his life and yours.
3. It can become complicated when your husband doesn’t want to have children. How to tell your husband you’re pregnant when you know for sure he opposes the idea of having a baby at this point. Here are some tips for all these three situations.
1. How to tell your husband you’re pregnant when you know this will be the greatest news for him. Depending on how much you like to surprise your partner, there are lots of ways to do this. Use your imagination! If you like romantic stuff, you can surprise him with a romantic dinner and, meanwhile, tell him the news. Make sure he finishes eating before, otherwise he might be that overwhelmed with happiness that he won’t be able to eat anymore. This is how a friend of mine surprised her husband: she put her pregnancy test result into an envelope and just left it on his desk, among other papers, and then waited for him to discover it. The problem was he opened it after 4 or 5 hours, as he had no hint of what was inside, and meanwhile, she was going crazy counting the seconds until he finally saw it. Of course, you can also just tell him, straight away, as soon as you find out: “I’m pregnant!!!” He will be just as happy as you are. Or you can choose to find out together, you can ask him to assist you while taking the pregnancy test.
2. How to tell your husband you’re pregnant when he’s not really prepared.
A pregnant woman needs a lot of support from her husband. But if your husband is not yet mature enough (and some men never are mature enough!) The news of your pregnancy might scare the hell out of him. This is most often an over reaction. And if he lets you see this, it doesn’t appear to be supportive at all. Before telling him, you must think of all his possible reactions and not expect much support from him in the beginning. Even if you have always been excited about the idea of having a baby, you have to understand that your partner might not have the same ideas as you. A child is a huge responsibility, and he may not be prepared mentally to face it. Therefore, you will have to be the supportive one and help him pass over his fears. However, in the end, when he gets used to the idea that he’s going to have a child, he’ll certainly be even more excited than you are. Of course, he might also be pleasantly surprised from the beginning, and this will be much easier for you!
3. How to tell your husband you’re pregnant when you know he opposes the idea at this point. You’ve discussed this several times, you tried to convince him, you even point out him happy children on the street hoping he might change his mind, but still he’s just like a stone. My first thoughts here are to minimize any pressures. Don’t tell him on a work day if he has a pressuring job or when he is fatigued. Wait until you have some time together. Go for a walk and spring it on him while you’re walking. Cook him his favorite meal, not to deceive but to soften the blow. It is important for you to be strong enough to face any of his reactions.
I hope this information has helped you to think creatively based on your own scenario. It’s better you know how to tell your husband you’re pregnant rather than someone else – remember that!
Rest of content
From time to time we come across some small hurdles in life but be confidant in knowing that most of them can be overcome - no matter what anyone tells you. One such hurdle is how to tell you husband your're pregnant. This is not meant to be advice on deception but I realize that not every piece of information is received as planned. There is always a place for input and stimulation when you need to get the creative juices working and none so much important as how to tell your husband you're pregnant.
Reading this article, you might get some useful ideas of how to tell your husband you’re pregnant. Finding out that you’re pregnant is one of the greatest events in your life. Nothing compares to the feeling you get when it becomes a certainty that there’s a new life growing inside of you. You’re happy and you want to share it with everyone. Of course, the first one that has to find out is your partner. Now you have to figure out how to tell your husband you’re pregnant. Well, relax because this article will help make it that much easier.
How he finds out the big news depends a lot on what he feels about having a baby, or at least on what you expect him to feel. Let’s consider three scenarios;
1. If you have both been trying for a long time to get pregnant, it means he will be extremely happy.
2. If you didn’t discuss seriously the topic and the pregnancy comes as a surprise even for you, he might be happy but he might also be scared of the simple fact that this will completely change his life and yours.
3. It can become complicated when your husband doesn’t want to have children. How to tell your husband you’re pregnant when you know for sure he opposes the idea of having a baby at this point. Here are some tips for all these three situations.
1. How to tell your husband you’re pregnant when you know this will be the greatest news for him. Depending on how much you like to surprise your partner, there are lots of ways to do this. Use your imagination! If you like romantic stuff, you can surprise him with a romantic dinner and, meanwhile, tell him the news. Make sure he finishes eating before, otherwise he might be that overwhelmed with happiness that he won’t be able to eat anymore. This is how a friend of mine surprised her husband: she put her pregnancy test result into an envelope and just left it on his desk, among other papers, and then waited for him to discover it. The problem was he opened it after 4 or 5 hours, as he had no hint of what was inside, and meanwhile, she was going crazy counting the seconds until he finally saw it. Of course, you can also just tell him, straight away, as soon as you find out: “I’m pregnant!!!” He will be just as happy as you are. Or you can choose to find out together, you can ask him to assist you while taking the pregnancy test.
2. How to tell your husband you’re pregnant when he’s not really prepared.
A pregnant woman needs a lot of support from her husband. But if your husband is not yet mature enough (and some men never are mature enough!) The news of your pregnancy might scare the hell out of him. This is most often an over reaction. And if he lets you see this, it doesn’t appear to be supportive at all. Before telling him, you must think of all his possible reactions and not expect much support from him in the beginning. Even if you have always been excited about the idea of having a baby, you have to understand that your partner might not have the same ideas as you. A child is a huge responsibility, and he may not be prepared mentally to face it. Therefore, you will have to be the supportive one and help him pass over his fears. However, in the end, when he gets used to the idea that he’s going to have a child, he’ll certainly be even more excited than you are. Of course, he might also be pleasantly surprised from the beginning, and this will be much easier for you!
3. How to tell your husband you’re pregnant when you know he opposes the idea at this point. You’ve discussed this several times, you tried to convince him, you even point out him happy children on the street hoping he might change his mind, but still he’s just like a stone. My first thoughts here are to minimize any pressures. Don’t tell him on a work day if he has a pressuring job or when he is fatigued. Wait until you have some time together. Go for a walk and spring it on him while you’re walking. Cook him his favorite meal, not to deceive but to soften the blow. It is important for you to be strong enough to face any of his reactions.
I hope this information has helped you to think creatively based on your own scenario. It’s better you know how to tell your husband you’re pregnant rather than someone else – remember that!
Rest of content
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