Probably every woman who tells you about her labor experience, tells you a different story. Your delivery will be just as unique. However, the following information will prepare you for when “Labor Day” is just around the corner.
Six Signs that Labor is Within a Few Weeks or Days:
Lightening: You can breathe again! This is an indication that the baby has dropped, settling deeper into your pelvis and relieving some of the pressure on your diaphragm, so you are not so short of breath. You may feel increased pressure on your bladder, which means more trips to the bathroom. Others may comment on your changed appearance, although you might not be aware of it at all.
Bloody show: Loss of mucus plug. During pregnancy, a thick plug of mucus protects your cervical opening from bacteria entering the uterus. When your cervix begins to thin and relax, this plug is expelled. Some women think the plug will look solid like a cork, but it is actually stringy mucus or discharge. It can be clear, pink or blood tinged and can appear minutes, hours or even days before labor begins. Not all women notice this sign. 
Rupture of membranes: Your water breaks! Only 1 in 10 woman experience a dramatic gush of the amniotic fluid and even then it usually happens at home, often in bed. Sometimes the amniotic sac breaks or leaks before labor begins. Your uterus is sitting directly on top of your bladder, which can cause you to leak urine. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to distinguish urine from amniotic fluid.
If your membranes have ruptured and you are leaking amniotic fluid, it will be an odorless fluid. This can occur with a sudden gush or a constant trickle. If you notice fluid leaking, you need to try to determine if it smells like urine or if it is odorless. If it does not seem to be urine, you would want to contact your health care provider.
Until you see your physician or midwife do not use tampons, have sexual intercourse or do anything that would introduce bacteria to your vagina. Let your health care provider know if the fluid is anything other than clear and odorless, particularly if it's green or foul smelling, because this could be a sign of infection.
Nesting: Spurt of energy. For most of your pregnancy you have probably been fighting the urge to take a nap, so you'll know when you experience this. One day you will wake up feeling full of energy! You'll start making a long list of things to do, things to clean, things to buy and everything you've put off doing will become a high priority. In all your preparations, don't forget that “Labor Day” may be just around the corner so save some energy.
Effacement: Thinning of the cervix. Usually in the last month the cervix begins to stretch and thin. This process means the lower segment of the uterus is getting ready for delivery. A thin cervix will also allow the cervix to dilate more easily. Your health care provider may check for effacement in the final 2 months of pregnancy. Effacement is measured in percentages. You may hear your helath care provider say,“You are 25% effaced, 50% effaced, 75%...” The Braxton Hicks contractions or “practice contractions” you have been experiencing may play a part in the effacement process. You will not be able to determine your effacement process, this can only be done by a health care provider's exam.
Dilation: Opening of the cervix. Dilation is the process of the cervix opening in preparation for childbirth. Dilation is measured in centimeters or, less accurately, in “fingers” during an internal (manual) pelvic exam. “Fully dilated” means you're at 10 centimeters and are ready to give birth. In the same way that your health care provider may be checking for effacement in the last 2 months, your health care provider may also tell you how many centimeters your cervix has dilated.
One SURE Sign Labor is Really Happening:
Consistent Contractions: When you begin to experience regular uterine contractions, this is the strongest indication that you are in labor. This is a good time to get out your notebook to record the exact time each one begins and how long they last. These contractions may feel like menstrual cramps or a lower backache that comes and goes, and during early labor they may be as far apart as 20 to 30 minutes. Over the course of several hours your contractions will typically begin occurring at shorter intervals; and you may notice they start happening every 10-15 minutes or less. When your contractions are consistently 5 minutes apart, it is time to call your health care provider.
Labor Contractions Have the Following Characteristics:
They are regular
They follow a predictable pattern (such as every eight minutes)
They become progressively closer
They last progressively longer
They become progressively stronger
Each contraction is felt first in the lower back and then radiates around to the front or visa versa
A change in activity or position will not slow down or stop contractions
There may be bloody show
Membranes may rupture
Your health care provider will notice cervical changes, such as effacement (thinning), or dilation
What Are The Signs of Labor only for pregnent women
Bleeding During Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding can occur frequently in the first trimester of pregnancy and may not be a sign of problems. But bleeding that occurs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy can often be a sign of a possible complication. Bleeding can be caused by a number of reasons.
Some basic things to know about bleeding are:
If you are bleeding, you should always wear a pad or panty liner so that you can monitor how much you are bleeding and what type of bleeding you are experiencing.
You should never wear a tampon or introduce anything else into the vaginal area such as douche or sexual intercourse if you are currently experiencing bleeding.
If you are also experiencing any of the other symptoms mentioned below in connection with a possible complication, you should contact your health care provider immediately.
First Half of Pregnancy:
Miscarriage
Bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage but does not mean that miscarriage is imminent. Studies show that anywhere from 20-30% of women experience some degree of bleeding in early pregnancy. Approximately half of pregnant women who bleed do not have miscarriages. Approximately 15-20% of all pregnancies result in a miscarriage, and the majority occur during the first 12 weeks.
Signs of Miscarriage include: 
Bleeding During Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding
Cramping pain felt low in the stomach (stronger than menstrual cramps)
Tissue passing through the vagina
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Most miscarriages cannot be prevented. They are often the body's way of dealing with an unhealthy pregnancy that was not developing. A miscarriage does not mean that you cannot have a future healthy pregnancy or that you yourself are not healthy.
Ectopic Pregnancies:
Ectopic pregnancies are pregnancies that implant somewhere outside the uterus. The fallopian tube accounts for the majority of ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies are less common than miscarriages, occurring in 1 of 60 pregnancies.
Signs of Ectopic Pregnancies:
Cramping pain felt low in the stomach (usually stronger than menstrual cramps)
Sharp pain in the abdominal area
Low levels of hCG
Vaginal bleeding
Women are at a higher risk if they have had:
An infection in the tubes
A previous ectopic pregnancy
Previous pelvic surgery
Laser Hair Removal During at the time of Pregnancy
Laser Hair Removal During Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant may find that not only are they growing hair more abundantly than before, but that hair is growing in new areas – and it is getting hard to shave. Laser hair removal may seem like the perfect solution, but talk it over with your healthcare provider first. While the laser used during the hair removal procedure does not penetrate the skin very deeply, no studies have been performed to determine it is safe to use while pregnant, and many obstetricians advise against it, just to be safe. Other healthcare providers deem its use safe during pregnancy.
Hair growth during pregnancy
An increase in the amount of various hormones is the cause of hair growth changes during pregnancy. Many women who are pregnant experience thicker and faster growth of body hair. Pregnant women also may find hair growing where it did not before, especially on the face. Extra hair may also grow on the breasts, back, stomach and arms.
The Normal Hair Cycle
When you are not pregnant, your hair has a regular cycle. Each hair will:
Spend anywhere from two to six years growing about 1/2 inch a month
Then it will rest for 2-3 months, before falling out when you brush or wash your hair
At any given time, 90% of your hair is in the growing phase, 10% resting.
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Hair Changes during Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant have hairs that stay in the resting phase longer. The portion of your hairs that are resting may reach 60%. This results in a thicker head of hair, because less of it falls out each day. Pregnancy hormones may cause you to develop hair in places that you never had hair before- on your breasts, stomach and back, even if it is just a hair or two. You may find that the hair on other areas of your body seems thicker, such as the hair on your arms, legs and upper lip. This pattern of hair growth is normal, and should go back to normal within 6 months of your delivery.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal uses an intense, pulsating beam of light to remove unwanted hair. The procedure does not guarantee permanent hair removal, but it can extend the time that the treated area is hair free, for a time the ranges from several months to several years. If laser hair removal treatments are repeated, the time that the treated area remains hair free can be almost permanent.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
How can you tell You are Pregnant ? A quick head to toe
list.
The onset and degree of pregnancy symptoms will vary within women. Many women experience them within days of conception, others take a few weeks before pregnancy symptoms kick in and a lucky few feel no discomfort at all. The early pregnancy symptoms listed here generally can be felt once implantation occurs (8 - 10 days from ovulation) and will lessen after the first trimester. It is frustrating to realize that many pregnancy symptoms are very similar to those that occur right before menstruating. However, combined with high temperatures and a longer luteal phase - they are key indications that you are pregnant!
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may come as early as a week into the pregnancy. Many women experience illness in the morning (morning sickness), some in the afternoon or evening, others feel nausea throughout the entire day. There is no explanation as to why pregnant women feel this or even a solution as to how to prevent it - however, eating small frequent meals, and snacking on saltine crackers seems to give some kind of relief. Eating a protein/carboy hydrate at bedtime (try an apple and a glass of milk) tends to lessen the nausea that occurs in the morning.
Breast Tenderness
Breasts may be very tender, swollen and start to enlarge. Many times the veins within the breast will become more visible. Your nipples may start to darken in color, become more erect and be extremely sensitive. These symptoms are due to increasing amount of HCG hormone that begins at implantation.
Frequent Urination
Pregnancy causes the uterus to swell and it will start to enlarge for the growing fetus immediately. The uterus puts pressure on your bladder making you feel the need for more frequent urination. Many women start to feel this symptom within a week or two after pregnancy has occurred.
Feeling Tired / Sluggish
This one is pretty obvious. When pregnant your body is going through some major hormonal changes. HCG levels alone go from 0 - 250,000 mIU/ml in just twelve weeks. Your temperature is also higher due to the amount progesterone circulating through your body which will also make you feel a little sluggish.
Missed Period / Light Bleeding
Light bleeding (spotting) may occur approximately 8 - 10 days from ovulation. It usually happens around the same time you would have gotten your menstrual period. Some women assume they have started their period when in fact they are pregnant. The spotting is caused from implantation which is when the fertilized egg burrows into the endometrial lining.
Dizziness
and/or Fainting
- When standing in one place you may feel dizzy or even faint. The growing uterus compresses major arteries in your legs which causes your blood pressure to drop making you extremely light headed. Skipping meals or going too long without eating may cause you to feel dizzy or faint. When not eating frequently enough it causes low blood sugar. Blood sugar is the primary source of food for your baby so it will be depleted much more
quickly.
Constipation
Pregnancy hormones will slow down bowel functions to give maximum absorption time of vitamins and nutrients. Unfortunately, this symptom usually only gets worse as the pregnancy progresses.
Irritability
Raging hormones are the cause of this...along with having to put up with all the other symptoms. This symptom should decrease soon into the second trimester but until then, a healthy diet, moderate exercise and plenty of sleep should help the crabbiness somewhat.
Heartburn
The uterus is very swollen and starts to push upward as it grows. The increasing levels of HCG will also slow down digestion making your stomach not empty as fast which increases the stomach acid.
Have You heard about IUD Pregnancy?
If you are trying to access some basic information on pregnancy, you may have encountered the term IUD pregnancy. In this regard, you may be wondering what is meant by the term IUD pregnancy.
First of all, it is important that you understand how an IUD works in order to understand what is meant by an IUD pregnancy. An IUD is also known as an Inter-Uterine Device. An IUD is a form of contraception in which the device itself is fitted inside a woman’s body and actually works to block contact between sperm and eggs .. a barrier, if you will.
With that said, no form of birth control has proven to be 100% effective. Thus, there are some instances in which a woman who has been fitted with an IUD still becomes pregnant. In some instances, the pregnancy that occurs is what is known by the slang name of IUD pregnancy.
In point of fact, a so-called IUD pregnancy really is a ectopic pregnancy, although it is an ectopic pregnancy that has been caused by the presence of the IUD in a woman’s body.
In general terms, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs and develops outside of the woman’s uterus. In other words, the fertilized egg does implant within the uterus as happens in a “normal” pregnancy. Because of the presence of the IUD, the smaller sized sperm managed to “slip” through and fertilize an egg. But, the fertilized egg — being larger in size — is not able to move into the uterus. Thus, it will implant (in some manner) elsewhere in the woman’s reproductive tract — usually in the fallopian tube. Again, when this turn of events is caused by the presence of an IUD in a woman’s body, it oftentimes is referred to as an IUD pregnancy.
A so-called IUD pregnancy can be dangerous. In any case, it is impossible to carry an IUD pregnancy to term … in order for a pregnancy to carry forth to full term, in order for a healthy baby to develop, the egg must implant within the woman’s womb.
An IUD pregnancy can have serious health consequences for a woman. As a result, it is important for a woman who believes that she may be experiencing an IUD pregnancy to seek medical attention promptly. A failure to seek prompt medical attention can result in serious medical problems and — in the worst case scenario — even death.
How do we maximize our chances of becoming pregnant?
For most couples, becoming pregnant occurs naturally. Some couples have difficulty conceiving, and ways to maximize chances of conception become important. Other parents may want to time the delivery of their babies during particular times of the year or space the birth of their babies according to a desired schedule.
The first step in maximizing the chances of conception is by estimating the time of ovulation. Ovulation is that time of the menstrual cycle wherein the egg is released from the ovary and travels towards the Fallopian tube. In women with regular menstrual cycles, ovulation usually occurs 12–14 days prior to the onset of the next menstrual flow. Simply counting back fourteen days from the expected date of the onset of next period should be the time of ovulation. The couple should have intercourse for several days before, day of, and day after the expected time of ovulation. There is usually some variation in the time of ovulation even in women with regular cycles, so a few extra days of intercourse before and after expected ovulation is advised.
If the cycles are irregular and unpredictable, estimating the time of ovulation becomes difficult, and professional assistance may be sought. Another option for a woman with irregular cycles is the use of ovulation predictor kits now available over–the–counter at most drug and grocery stores. These kits can be used to determine the approximate time of ovulation by detecting urinary hormone elevations that precede ovulation. Another approach is to have intercourse every other day throughout the menstrual cycle. This approach will take out the stress or anxiety involved in timing intercourse.
Basal body temperature timing is a technique of checking the body temperature every morning and charting the results. If the temperature rises by a certain amount and stays elevated, it can be assumed that ovulation occurred. The problems with this method are that it is tedious and only provides the woman with information about ovulation after it has occurred.
Ultrasound images of the ovaries can be performed to monitor the growth and collapse of the ovarian follicle during the cycle. The follicle is the fluid–filled structure that surrounds the egg, and it can easily be seen on ultrasound. This method is probably the most accurate in timing ovulation. It is also the most expensive and is usually reserved for selected couples who are experiencing difficulty in becoming pregnant.
It is important to remember that even though intercourse and ovulation coincide, pregnancy may still not be achieved in any given menstrual cycle or even after several consecutive menstrual cycles. In many situations, the failure to conceive after multiple attempts is not a reason for alarm. It is not uncommon for pregnancy to occur only after several months of consistent attempts. Couples who have experienced an inability to conceive after several cycles may consider seeking professional advice to determine if an infertility evaluation is necessary.
How soon after stopping birth control can I become pregnant?
There is no evidence that there is increased risk of spontaneous abortion increases if a woman becomes pregnant in the first cycles after stopping oral contraceptive pills. Intrauterine devices (IUD's) are not harmful to the fetus. Women who get pregnant with an IUD that is still in place do not have higher change of congenital abnormalities in the fetus compared to other women. If the IUD of a woman in her 1st trimester is carefully removed by a doctor, or if it is expelled on its own in the 1st trimester, the chance of spontaneous miscarriage is not increased compared to other women.
When barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges are used, pregnancy can occur by simply discontinuing their use during a regular cycle. The same can be said for spermicidal gels and suppositories. For more information about birth control, please read the Birth Control article.
Medroxyprogesterone (Depo–Provera) is an injectable hormone used for contraception. The contraceptive effect of Depo–Provera may last as long as 18 months after the last injection. Normal menstrual cycles and pregnancy cannot occur until after the contraceptive effect wears off.
Can I travel by air during pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines say that air travel is safe for most pregnant women up to 36 weeks gestation, as long as there are no obstetric or maternal complications already diagnosed. Examples of special situations would be women with hypertension, poorly–controlled diabetes, or sickle cell disease, or women diagnosed with increased risk of premature labor. Support stockings during flight, and intermittent walking to move the legs around are recommended to minimize the chance of blood clots in the legs during prolonged flights.
Can I have intercourse during pregnancy?
Intercourse during pregnancy is safe for most women. Special situations in which women might be advised to avoid intercourse include prior preterm labor, multiple miscarriages, infection, bleeding, amniotic fluid leak, and a condition called placenta previa or low placenta. (A placenta previa is when the placenta is implanted near the outlet of the uterus, so that at the time of delivery the placenta precedes the baby. Placenta previa can cause painless bleeding in the last trimester of pregnancy, and may be a reason for a C–section.)
All women are advised to avoid sexual intercourse that could put them at risk to exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.
Can I have intercourse during pregnancy?
Can I have intercourse during pregnancy?
Intercourse during pregnancy is safe for most women. Special situations in which women might be advised to avoid intercourse include prior preterm labor, multiple miscarriages, infection, bleeding, amniotic fluid leak, and a condition called placenta previa or low placenta. (A placenta previa is when the placenta is implanted near the outlet of the uterus, so that at the time of delivery the placenta precedes the baby. Placenta previa can cause painless bleeding in the last trimester of pregnancy, and may be a reason for a C–section.)
All women are advised to avoid sexual intercourse that could put them at risk to exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
Recommendations from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology say that pregnant women who have an uncomplicated pregnancy should participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most, if not all, days of the week. A few exceptions are noted: ice hockey, kickboxing, soccer, and horseback riding probably should be avoided because they are activities with higher risk of trauma to the abdomen. Also, scuba diving poses a risk of decompression sickness ("the bends") to the fetus and should be avoided.
Elevated temperatures can have adverse effects on the development of the fetus. Therefore, hot tubs and sauna baths should be avoided when trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
What infections affect pregnancy?
Certain infections during early pregnancy can cause birth defects in the fetus. Rubella (German Measles) virus infection during early pregnancy can cause birth defects and even miscarriages. Therefore, women of child bearing age are tested for blood antibodies against this virus. Women lacking rubella virus antibodies are susceptible to rubella infection, and should be vaccinated against this virus. Pregnancy should be avoided for one month after vaccination, due to the theoretical concern that the vaccine virus itself may cause fetal damage.
Toxoplasmosis is a small parasite that is transmitted through cat feces and raw meats, especially pork. Toxoplasmosis, like the rubella virus, can cause severe birth defects if the infection occurs during early pregnancy. Women planning pregnancy should avoid raw meat and avoid handling the kitty litter box. Many people have been exposed to toxoplasmosis without even knowing it. As a result, they develop a protective immunity from the "silent" infection. Women who have a blood test that is positive for toxoplasmosis immunity can be reassured that they will not develop toxoplasmosis complications during pregnancy. Hepatitis B is the only type of hepatitis that is known to affect the newborn infant.
How do high blood pressure and diabetes affect pregnancy?
Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) that is present before pregnancy can interfere with growth of the fetus and increase the risk of fetal death. Therefore, controlling blood pressure with carefully chosen blood pressure medications is important during pregnancy and before conception.
In addition, underlying hypertension can increase the risk for a condition called preeclampsia, a potentially very dangerous complication of pregnancy. It is sometimes difficult for doctors to distinguish between high blood pressure alone and high blood pressure occurring from preeclampsia. For those reasons, and given the risk of birth defects from many of the blood pressure medications, women with high blood pressure who become pregnant should be followed very carefully by a medical expert who is familiar with this type of situation. Ideally, medication would be switched to a relatively safe medication before the woman even becomes pregnant.
Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels during early pregnancy can lead to miscarriages and birth defects. Therefore, controlling diabetes is important for a good pregnancy outcome, and the blood sugar should ideally be controlled before becoming pregnant. It is important to consider that control of blood sugar during pregnancy is important, but control prior to pregnancy may be just as important.
Oral diabetes medications are dangerous to the fetus, but insulin is not dangerous to the fetus. Insulin is the key treatment for diabetes during pregnancy. Not only is insulin safe to the baby and mother, but it also helps prevent the complications that the baby could have suffered from the mother's sugar being uncontrolled. Insulin is substituted for pills as soon as a woman with diabetes is considering pregnancy. The ideal time to control blood sugar is before pregnancy, because control of sugar levels even in early pregnancy (when the mother does not yet know she is pregnant) is important for the developing baby's health.
How does alcohol affect pregnancy?
Alcohol has been implicated in infertility, early miscarriage, as well as in birth defects. The amount of alcohol consumption necessary to cause these problems is not known, and varies among women. Some women can drink excessively and have normal infants. Others consume considerably less alcohol but still give birth to babies with cognitive disabilities and/or other birth defects. It is generally believed that the greater the amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy, the greater the risk of pregnancy–related problems and birth defects.
It is recommended that pregnant women avoid all consumption of alcohol. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a group of conditions reflecting the possible effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol. The FASDs include fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), alcohol–related birth defects (ARBD), and alcohol–related neurodevelopmental disabilities (ARND). Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the extreme end of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and is a leading cause of cognitive disabilities. For additional information, please read the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome article.
How can diet and nutrition affect early pregnancy?
The developing fetus receives its nutrition from the mother's blood. Therefore high fat diets and some vegetarian diets are discouraged during pregnancy because they may not provide all the nutrition needed for the developing fetus. Bulimia, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders in the mother are addressed and treated. Weight reduction diets are avoided. Excess intake of sugar, alcohol, megavitamins, and caffeine are also avoided Because a "safe" amount of caffeine has never been confirmed to date, it is best to avoid caffeine entirely. Women who feel strongly that they need some coffee are advised to drink no more than one cup per day. There is no proof that 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily cause pregnancy complications.
Listeria is a type of bacteria found in contaminated food that can cause miscarriage and other problems to a fetus. Because of the danger of getting a listeria infection, pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, cold cuts, and undercooked or raw animal foods. In addition, fruits and vegetables should be washed completely prior to consumption.
Phenylketonuria is an inherited disease that affects the utilization of a certain protein component in foods. This disorder can be detected by a blood test. Mothers with phenylketonuria may give birth to developmentally disabled children unless their diets are strictly controlled to exclude phenylalanine.
Megavitamins contain double or even triple the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals. High doses of vitamin A have been implicated in producing birth defects. The better idea is to avoid megavitamins and instead follow the recommendation that has proven benefit: take a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid.
Folic acid intake in the mother prior to, and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects involving the brain and spinal cord. The United States Public Health Service recommends folic acid for all women of child–bearing capacity. Studies have shown that if folic acid is begun at least 4 weeks prior to conception, the risk of birth defects of the spinal cord and skull can be reduced by more than 70%. In women with or even without a history of having infants with birth defects of the spinal cord or skull, folic acid should be taken one month before conception and continued through the 12th week of pregnancy. In fact, continuing prenatal vitamins through pregnancy and even through nursing is probably wise. These prenatal vitamins are available over–the–counter. If a particular brand makes you feel nauseated, simply switch to another brand or try taking the vitamin at night.
Because of the risks of mercury poisoning and nervous system damage in the fetus from contaminated fish, pregnant women are advised to eliminate consumption of certain types of fish that are known to be high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel. Tuna steaks, made from large tuna, may also have high mercury levels. Canned tuna is made from smaller fish that typically have lower levels of mercury than larger fish.
How can diet and nutrition affect early pregnancy?
The developing fetus receives its nutrition from the mother's blood. Therefore high fat diets and some vegetarian diets are discouraged during pregnancy because they may not provide all the nutrition needed for the developing fetus. Bulimia, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders in the mother are addressed and treated. Weight reduction diets are avoided. Excess intake of sugar, alcohol, megavitamins, and caffeine are also avoided Because a "safe" amount of caffeine has never been confirmed to date, it is best to avoid caffeine entirely. Women who feel strongly that they need some coffee are advised to drink no more than one cup per day. There is no proof that 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily cause pregnancy complications.
Listeria is a type of bacteria found in contaminated food that can cause miscarriage and other problems to a fetus. Because of the danger of getting a listeria infection, pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, cold cuts, and undercooked or raw animal foods. In addition, fruits and vegetables should be washed completely prior to consumption.
Phenylketonuria is an inherited disease that affects the utilization of a certain protein component in foods. This disorder can be detected by a blood test. Mothers with phenylketonuria may give birth to developmentally disabled children unless their diets are strictly controlled to exclude phenylalanine.
Megavitamins contain double or even triple the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals. High doses of vitamin A have been implicated in producing birth defects. The better idea is to avoid megavitamins and instead follow the recommendation that has proven benefit: take a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid.
Folic acid intake in the mother prior to, and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects involving the brain and spinal cord. The United States Public Health Service recommends folic acid for all women of child–bearing capacity. Studies have shown that if folic acid is begun at least 4 weeks prior to conception, the risk of birth defects of the spinal cord and skull can be reduced by more than 70%. In women with or even without a history of having infants with birth defects of the spinal cord or skull, folic acid should be taken one month before conception and continued through the 12th week of pregnancy. In fact, continuing prenatal vitamins through pregnancy and even through nursing is probably wise. These prenatal vitamins are available over–the–counter. If a particular brand makes you feel nauseated, simply switch to another brand or try taking the vitamin at night.
Because of the risks of mercury poisoning and nervous system damage in the fetus from contaminated fish, pregnant women are advised to eliminate consumption of certain types of fish that are known to be high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel. Tuna steaks, made from large tuna, may also have high mercury levels. Canned tuna is made from smaller fish that typically have lower levels of mercury than larger fish.
What are pregnancy symptoms?
There are both symptoms and signs of pregnancy. These symptoms and signs depend upon the time in pregnancy. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the first sign of pregnancy is most often a missed menstrual period. If a sexually active woman's periods are generally regular, missing a period for a week or more is presumptive evidence of pregnancy.
Early symptoms of pregnancy also include feelings of breast swelling and tenderness, and nausea sometimes with vomiting. "Morning sickness" does not always occur in the morning. Many women become fatigued early in pregnancy, and some may feel abdominal enlargement (bloating).
Early in pregnancy, the woman may feel she has to urinate frequently, especially at nighttime, and she may leak urine when coughing, sneezing or laughing. This is also normal later in pregnancy and is not a problem.
Other changes characteristic of pregnancy include the deepening color of the areola (area surrounding the nipple), increased body temperature, the mask of pregnancy (darkening of skin on the forehead, bridge of the nose, or cheekbones), and a dark line going down from the middle of the central abdomen area to the pubic area. Eventually, enlargement of the abdomen is a normal feature of the growing fetus.
What is pregnancy planning and why is it important?
Having a baby is one of the most important events in a woman's life. Women considering pregnancy are encouraged to start planning for the pregnancy with their doctors early. This early planning process is called pregnancy planning. The goals of pregnancy planning are to create a healthy environment for the fetus and to prevent birth defects and other pregnancy related problems to the greatest extent possible. The issues addressed during pregnancy planning include nutrition, vitamins, body weight, exercise, avoidance of certain medications and alcohol, immunizations, and genetic counseling. Even though many women will have normal pregnancies without any planning, pregnancy planning improves the chances of a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. Unfortunately, over 40% of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and many more women who are anticipating conceiving do not seek prior medical consultation. Public education is important to improve pregnancy planning.
Pregnancy planning can help prevent exposure of the mother to potentially harmful medications or substances during the early days of pregnancy. The baby's organs begin developing as early as 17 days after conception, and the fertilized egg begins to grow even before the first day of the missed period. Some women continue to have light bleeding that may be mistaken for a menstrual period during the first few months of pregnancy and may not even realize that they are pregnant. Others may not recognize that they are pregnant until they experience a weight gain or abdominal enlargement. By then, they may have already been exposed to medications or substances potentially harmful to the fetus.
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?
Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) can be quite accurate. But the accuracy depends on many things. These include:
How you use them - Be sure to follow the directions and check the expiration date.
When you use them - The amount of hCG or pregnancy hormone in your urine increases with time. So, the earlier after a missed period you take the test the harder it is to spot the hCG. If you wait one week after a missed period to test, you are more apt to have an accurate result. Also, testing your urine first thing in the morning may boost the accuracy.
Who uses them - The amount of hCG in the urine is different for every pregnant woman. So, some women will have accurate results on the day of the missed period while others will need to wait longer.
The brand of test - Some home pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others. So, some tests are better than others at spotting hCG early on.
Many HPTs claim to be 99% accurate on the day you miss your period. But research suggests that most HPTs do not consistently spot pregnancy that early. And when they do, the results are often very faint.
In a 2008 study, researchers tested the accuracy of 18 HPTs sold in retail stores. They found that only one brand consistently detected the low levels of hCG usually present on the first day of the missed period. This was the First Response, Early Result Pregnancy Test. The other tests missed up to 85% of pregnancies on the first day of the missed period. Most tests accurately confirmed pregnancies one week after the missed period.
Which brand of pregnancy test is the most accurate?
Some brands of tests can pick up lower levels of hCG than others. But limited research makes it impossible to say for sure which one is the best. Even so, two studies suggest that First Response, Early Result Pregnancy Test may be more sensitive than others. So for women who want test early, this may be a good choice.
How do you do a home pregnancy test?
There are many different types of home pregnancy tests, or HPTs. Most drugstores sell HPTs over-the-counter. They cost between $8 and $20 depending on the brand and how many tests come in the box.
Most popular HPTs work in a similar way. The majority tell the user to hold a stick in the urine stream. Others involve collecting urine in a cup and then dipping the stick into it. At least one brand tells the woman to collect urine in a cup and then put a few drops into a special container with a dropper. Testing the urine first thing in the morning may help boost accuracy.
Then the woman needs to wait a few minutes. Different brands instruct the woman to wait different amounts of time. Once the time has passed, the user should inspect the "result window." If a line or plus symbol appears, you are pregnant. It does not matter how faint the line is. A line, whether bold or faint, means the result is positive.
Most tests also have a "control indicator" in the result window. This line or symbol shows whether the test is working or not. If the control indicator does not appear, the test is not working properly. You should not rely on any results from a HPT that may be faulty.
Most brands tell users to repeat the test in a few days, no matter what the results. One negative result (especially soon after a missed period) does not always mean you're not pregnant. All HPTs come with written instructions. Most tests also have toll-free phone numbers to call in case of questions about use or results
How do pregnancy tests work?
Pregnancy tests look for a special hormone in the urine or blood that is only there when a woman is pregnant. This hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), can also be called the pregnancy hormone.
The pregnancy hormone, hCG, is made in your body when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This usually happens about 6 days after conception. But studies show that the embryo doesn't implant until later in some women. The amount of hCG increases drastically with each passing day you are pregnant .
Many home pregnancy tests claim they can tell if you're pregnant on the day you expect your period. But a recent study shows that most don't give accurate results this early in pregnancy . Waiting one week after a missed period will usually give a more accurate answer.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Most women equate a missed menstrual period with the possibility of being pregnant, but other symptoms and signs are experienced by most women in the early stages of pregnancy. It's important to remember that not all women will experience all of these symptoms or have the symptoms to the same degree. Even the same woman can have different types of symptoms in a subsequent pregnancy than she had in previous pregnancies.
The following are the most common pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester:
A missed menstrual period is most often the first sign of pregnancy, although a woman may still experience some bleeding or spotting around the time of the expected period. However, if a woman does not have regular menstrual cycles, she may notice some of the other symptoms of early pregnancy before it is apparent that the menstrual period has been missed.
Feelings of breast swelling, tenderness, or pain are also commonly associated with early pregnancy. These symptoms are sometimes similar to the sensations in the breasts in the days before an expected menstrual period.
Nausea and vomiting are also common in early pregnancy. Traditionally referred to as "morning sickness," the nausea and vomiting associated with early pregnancy can occur at any time of the day or night. Most women who have morning sickness develop nausea and vomiting about one month after conception, but it may develop sooner in some women.
Fatigue and tiredness are symptoms experienced by many women in the early stages of pregnancy. The cause of this fatigue has not been fully determined, but it may be related to changes in hormone levels.
Some women may experience feelings of abdominal enlargement or bloating, but there is usually only a small amount of weight gain in the first trimester or pregnancy. In this early stage of pregnancy a weight gain of about one pound per month is typical.
A woman in the early stages of pregnancy may feel she has to urinate frequently, especially at nighttime, and she may leak urine with a cough, sneeze, or laugh. This is due to the growing uterus pressing upon the bladder.
A persistently elevated basal body temperature (as occurs after ovulation) is another characteristic sign of early pregnancy.
Women may notice a deepening of the color of the area surrounding the nipple, called the areola and/or a dark line going down from the middle of the central abdomen area to the pubic area.
Some women may develop a so-called "mask of pregnancy" in the first trimester, referring to a darkening of the skin on the forehead, bridge of the nose, or cheekbones. Doctors refer to this condition as melasma or chloasma, and it is more common in darker-skinned women than those with lighter skin. Melasma can also occur in some conditions other than pregnancy.
Finally, mood swings and stress are common symptoms reported by many women in the early stages of pregnancy.
