Many people who fall victim to yeast infections (Candida) suffer a 'die-off' effect. This effect gives rise to many symptoms that make the sufferer feel even worse than they did at the start of their treatment. So, many just stop the treatment. But the die-off effect is actually a sign that the treatment is working. Discover here what causes this effect, why you should continue with your treatment, and, what you can do to minimise the die-off effect.
Yeast infection die-off is an unwelcome side effect of treating the condition. What happens is that when the yeast begins to die as a result of treatment, it releases poisonous toxins into your body. In addition, because you are normally on an anti-yeast diet, your body goes through a period of detoxification. Together, these two things can produce symptoms that are worse than the original yeast infection symptoms.
Typical yeast infection die-off symptoms are things like; bowel changes, even more fatigue, flu-like symptoms, nausea, headaches, unusual body odor, abnormal sweating, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, diarrhea / constipation, etc., as well as the original symptoms of the infection. This is why you can feel so much worse than when you first start on your yeast treatment program.
Unfortunately, because they feel so bad, many sufferers stop their treatment. But you shouldn't do this, because the Candida die-off symptoms are actually proof that your treatment is working well! And they will eventually pass as treatment continues and your body gets back into balance.
And the other thing to be aware of is that die-off symptoms don't always occur and aren't inevitable by any means. There are several things you can do to minimize their effects, such as taking; ginger tea, milk thistle, psyllium seeds, celery seed tea, etc., and drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush toxins out of your body. And to help eliminate toxins through your skin, Epsom salt baths are good, as are saunas.
Another thing to consider is starting on your anti-Candida diet at least 2 weeks before starting other medications, whether drug-based or natural. In this way, the yeast is being 'starved' and so will die, thus slowing down the release of toxins and allowing your body to process the toxins more efficiently, before you start the other treatment(s).
But, as with most infections, prevention is much better than cure, isn't it? And once you know the underlying conditions that cause yeast infections then there are many things you can do to prevent them in the first place. So by taking a more holistic approach you can prevent yeast infection and thus prevent the horrible yeast infection die-off effect...
There are many very early pregnancy symptoms and how can you tell if they are a sign of pregnancy? The more of these symptoms you have that are listed below then the higher probability there is that you are pregnant. Read through the list below and see how many of these very early pregnancy symptoms you have.
Very Early Pregnancy Symptoms:
Most pregnant women have some very early pregnancy symptoms. On the rare occasion some women have no symptoms of early pregnancy except that them miss their menstrual period. Some women are so busy in their lives that they are unaware that their menstrual period was due and forget they did not get their periods.
Posted by Deborah Condon - www.irishhealth.com
The rate of unplanned pregnancies is four times higher among single obese women than women of a normal weight, while obese men are far more likely to develop sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than normal weight men, a new study has found.
Obesity is emerging as one of the fastest growing pandemics in modern times, but its effects on sexual health are unclear. This is the first major study to investigate the impact of being overweight or obese on sexual activity and sexual health outcomes such as sexual satisfaction, unintended pregnancy and STIs.
French researchers carried out a survey of the sexual behaviours among 12,364 men and women aged between 18 and 69. Of the participants, 3,651 women and 2,725 men were normal weight, i.e. they had a body mass index (BMI) of between 18.5 and 25, 1,010 women and 1,488 men were overweight (BMI between 25 and 30) and 411 women and 350 men were obese (BMI over 30).
The study found that among obese women, the rate of unplanned pregnancies was four times higher than among normal weight women, despite them being less likely to have been sexually active in the past year.
In fact, obese women were 30% less likely to have had a sexual partner in the last 12 months. However they were also less likely to seek contraceptive advice or to use oral contraceptives.
Obese men meanwhile were 70% less likely to have had more than one sexual partner in the last 12 months and were two-and-a-half times more likely to have experienced erectile dysfunction. Those under 30 were also far more likely to have had an STI than normal weight men.
The study also noted that obese women were five times as likely to have met their partner on the internet, were more likely to have an obese partner and were less likely to view sex as important for personal life balance.
The researchers believe that social pressure, low self-esteem and concerns about body image may help explain the findings. They added that the public health impact of the results is important.
"The scale of the problem and the magnitude of the effects (particularly the four-fold increase in risk of unintended pregnancy among obese women) warrants focused attention. In terms of targeting advice and care, a considerable proportion of the population is obese, is easily identified and as such, is at an increased risk in terms of poorer sexual health status," said the team from the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Medicale in Paris.
Details of these findings are published in the British Medical Journal. In an accompanying editorial, Dr Sandy Goldbeck-Wood, a specialist in psychosexual medicine, pointed to evidence showing that doctors find it difficult to discuss sex and weight issues with patients.
She believes that clinicians must be prepared to address these difficult subjects, which have such important effects on health and quality of life.
"We need to understand more about how obese people feel about their sex lives, and what drives the observed behaviours and attitudes. In public health terms, the study lends a new slant to a familiar message - that obesity can harm not only health and longevity, but your sex life. And culturally, it reminds us as clinicians and researchers to look at the subjects we find difficult," she added.
Congratulations if you've just found out you're pregnant with your first baby. Hold tight because you're in for a roller coast ride for the next few months as you begin to experience changes to your body and mind that you have never experienced before.
As you've probably gathered from other areas of this site, there are a number of common symptoms of being pregnant. Most people are aware of them, yet will most likely not experience them all through their own pregnancy. This is because every woman will have a different pregnancy, one may suffer for a month with morning sickness, whilst another is absolutely fine.
So it is no wonder that your first baby and pregnancy can be a little bit daunting. Fortunately, most things are never as bad as they seem. Many of us are lucky enough to have great medical facilities on hand to help and advise us. In recent years, support for women having their first baby has improved ten fold. Hospital centers are geared to provide just as much support without being too fussy and in your face. If you don't believe me, try asking your parents or an older friend what their experience of having their first baby was like.
Obviously having your first baby and being pregnant means that your life is subject to some pretty dramatic changes. You should not try to come to terms with these changes immediately, as this would most likely be far to much to take in, especially with being pregnant as well. Try to weather the first 12 weeks of the first trimester, try to get your bearings and get used to being pregnant for the first time before worrying about nurseries, baby names or whether you should stock up on Baby Gap goodies.
My own memory of being pregnant for the first time was one of excitement and relief. Excited because we were finally going to have the baby we always dreamed of, and relief that we'd finally done it as we'd been trying for so long. Ironically, our second baby came along quite quickly after the first and did not seem anywhere near as difficult as becoming pregnant with the first.
I also remember a time of great camaraderie, my partner, friends and family all rallied around and wanted to get involved. At times I felt a little overwhelmed with everything, however I did appreciate their support and joy at the same time. That's the funny thing about your first baby and being pregnant for the first time, whilst you are the one that puts on weight, is uncomfortable and has to go through the pain of child birth, the end result is a lovely tiny baby. There is almost a sense that this small bundle of joy belongs in part to everyone else, they've all contributed to the pregnancy and delivery.
It really is "Team Baby", and of course as the baby grows things do not change. Which is great, as there stands a ready made treadmill of babysitters, helpers, holders and knitted jump suit makers.
If it is your first baby and pregnancy, we wish you every luck. Best wishes.
Weight Loss During Pregnancy: Morning Sickness
Prenatal nutrition is very important to the health of both a mother and her growing baby. Typical weight gain during the first trimester is about five pounds. But many women do not gain any weight or experience weight loss during pregnancy due to nausea and morning sickness.
Weight loss during the initial trimester of pregnancy is not uncommon. Morning sickness typically strikes between weeks 6-16, although for some women it may last throughout the entire pregnancy. It’s commonly believed that the changing hormones in your body cause morning sickness.
While it’s good for a woman to gain weight at a steady pace during pregnancy, most studies show that the babies of women with severe nausea and vomiting develop normally despite their mother’s weight loss during pregnancy. As long as the mother is eating a wholesome diet and getting nutrition from all of the food groups, the baby should be just fine. If there is a concern about the mother’s weight loss during pregnancy, an ultrasound can be used to determine if the baby’s growth and development are on track.
Weight Loss During Pregnancy: Dieting
Almost all health experts advise against intentional weight loss during pregnancy. A growing baby needs a good supply of organic food, protein, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in order to develop. Any effort that the mother may make to lose weight at this critical time could limit this supply of nutrients for her baby. A baby that is malnourished could develop significant health problems both at birth and throughout his or her life.
It’s important to gain some weight during pregnancy. The amount that you gain will vary depending upon your starting point. It’s a good idea to cut back on foods that are high in empty calories such as sodas, sweets, and highly processed foods. But you don’t need to worry about losing weight right now. Just be sure that your diet includes a good supply of wholesome foods for both your nutrition and your baby’s. And if you really do need to lose weight, strengthen your resolve to do so after your baby is born.
But what if you are already dieting when you happen to become pregnant? Should you continue on your diet food plan or resort back to your old habits? The answer to this question depends upon the type of diet that you are currently using. For example, if the “diet” you are on right now involves eating more wholesome foods and cutting back on high calorie, high fat foods, then it’s a good idea to continue. But if the diet you are trying is excessively restrictive, or limits any one particular food group, it may not give you the nutrition you need to support yourself and your growing baby.
What Nutrients Are Most Important During Pregnancy?First and foremost, pregnant women need a good supply of folic acid to keep their baby healthy and reduce the incidence of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Many health care practitioners recommend that women begin taking folic acid supplements at least one month before they even try to get pregnant, and continue throughout the pregnancy.
Women also tend to have trouble getting enough iron in their diets, and this is particularly worrisome during pregnancy, when iron supplies are stretched thin as the body produces more blood to support the growing baby. Healthcare providers recommend take a pregnant women take in at least 27 mg of iron per day. This is 50% more than the amount recommended for women who are not pregnant.
am just posting a couple clips from the article as the board would not let me post it in its entirety.
The girl fell pregnant aged 11 after having sex with a 15-year-old on a drunken night out with friends in Edinburgh last August. He has been charged with statutory rape.
The girl today told a national newspaper how she was "really excited" to be having a baby. Her mother said she was "proud" of her daughter.
In an interview with The Scottish Sun, the girl, who smokes up to 20 roll-up cigarettes a day and started drinking aged ten, said she hoped the baby would be a boy.
She said: "I am really excited and looking forward to being a mum. I can't wait to take the baby swimming and out for walks in the pram.
The girl told how she feared she might be pregnant after having unprotected sex with the boy after a drunken night out with friends in Edinburgh last August. "We didn't use a condom but I didn't think about getting pregnant. I wasn't bothered at the time," she continued. "He knew it was my first time and I was nervous so he asked if I was all right.
"I slept with him because I was drunk and because I wanted to. I don't regret it, because if I had not had sex with him I wouldn't have had my baby."
The West Lothian girl's mother, who has not been named, told the newspaper: "She's grown up a lot in the last few months and her pregnancy has brought us closer together. At first I wasn't too happy about becoming a gran but now I'm used to the idea I'm really looking forward to having another girl around the house.
"My daughter is already like a mum to her little brothers, so she knows how hard this is going to be. I know she'll give motherhood a good try - and she knows I'll be here for her if she needs help.
"We had a big argument and I ended up locking myself in my room and then running away to a friend's house. It was really hard, but it has brought me and my mum closer together, which is good. "At the weekend, mum and I are going shopping to get stuff for the baby.
She said she began smoking when she was nine years old and started drinking just a year later.
She said: "I can give up smoking at any time, but I don't find it affects my pregnancy. I also don't drink any more."
The eight months pregnant mum-to-be is reported to have quit school following a string of exclusions for fighting with fellow pupils.
Acupuncture during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment for many of the complications and discomforts which may arise. At Hatch Therapies we can look after you throughout your entire pregnancy, helping you get through everything from morning sickness in the first trimester to induction of labour once you are full term. At Hatch Therapies we use a combination of acupuncture, Chinese Herbal medicine, massage and cranio sacral therapy to treat conditions associated with pregnancy including: Morning sickness Recurrent/ threatened miscarriage Heartburn Constipation Haemorrhoids Musculoskeletal conditions- lower back pain/ sciatica, neck and upper back pain, pubic symphysis pain, carpal tunnel, rib pain Fatigue Anaemia Anxiety/ depression Oedema Itching Sinus Hypertension Insomnia
From 36 weeks we recommend weekly treatments to prepare for labour. These treatments are aimed at preparing your body for birth by relaxing and softening
ligaments, aiding cervical dilation and nourishing the body’ energy and blood. During this time we also find that by incorporating massage into our prebirth treatments you experience the many health benefits of massage as well as feeling completely nurtured and rejuvenated. During the third trimester acupuncture may also be used to turn a breech baby. This treatment involves the use of moxibustion (heat therapy) at one acupuncture point bilaterally. We recommend this treatment as early as possible for optimal success. From 40 weeks acupuncture is recommended for induction of labour. During these treatments we can also suggest acupressure points which may useful to manage pain during labour.
At Hatch Therapies we recommend pregnancy massage throughout all stages of your pregnancy. As your body goes through enormous physical changes there is added stress on ligaments and muscles which may lead to aches and pains which can often be alleviated with regular massage. Hatch Pregnancy Massage may not only ease muscular pain, it can also be an effective treatment for fluid retention, leg cramps, stress, insomnia and fatigue. At Hatch Therapies we use specially designed pregnancy support cushions which allow you to lie safely and comfortably on your stomach until full term
There are many methods of birth control that a woman can use. Talk with your health care provider to help you figure out what method is best for you. You can always try one method and if you do not like it, you can try another one.
Keep in mind that most birth control does NOT protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea, herpes, and chlamydia. Other than not having sex, the best protection against STDs and HIV is the male latex condom. The female condom may give some STD protection. Other birth control methods that involve using a spermicide (a cream or jelly that kills sperm) also may give some protection against chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Don't forget that all of the methods we talk about below work best if used correctly. Be sure you know the correct way to use them. Talk with your health care provider and don't feel embarrassed about talking with her or him again if you forget or don't understand. 
Know that learning how to use some birth control methods can take time and practice. Sometimes health care providers do not explain how to use a method because they may think you already know how. For example, some people do not know that you can put on a male condom "inside out." Also, not everyone knows that you need to leave a "reservoir" or space at the tip of the condom for the sperm and fluid when a man ejaculates, or has an orgasm.
The more you know about the correct way to use birth control, the more control you will have over deciding if and when you want to become pregnant.
Here is a list of birth control methods with estimates of effectiveness, or how well they work in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, for each method:
Continuous Abstinence -This means not having sexual intercourse at any time. It is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy. This method is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Periodic Abstinence or Fertility Awareness Methods - A woman who has a regular menstrual cycle has about nine or more fertile days, or days when she is able to get pregnant, each month. Periodic abstinence means you do not have sex on the days that you may be fertile. Fertility awareness means that you can be abstinent or have sex but you use a "barrier" method of birth control to keep sperm from getting to the egg. Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps, used together with spermicides, which kill sperm. These methods are 75 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Keep in mind that to practice these methods, you need to learn about your menstrual cycle (or how often you get your period). You keep a written record of when you get your period, what it is like (heavy or light blood flow), and how you feel (sore breasts, cramps). You also check your cervical mucus and take your basal body temperature daily, and record these in a chart. This is how you learn to predict, or tell, which days you are fertile or "unsafe." You can ask your health care provider for more information on how to record and understand this information.
The Male Condom - Condoms are called barrier methods of birth control because they put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from reaching the egg. Only latex or polyurethane (because some people are allergic to latex) condoms are proven to help protect against STDs, including HIV. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms made from animal products also are available. But lambskin condoms are not recommended for STD prevention because they have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes. Male condoms are 86 to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms can only be used once. You can buy them at a drug store. Condoms come lubricated (which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable) and non-lubricated (which can also be used for oral sex). It is best to use lubrication with non-lubricated condoms if you use them for vaginal or anal sex. You can use KY jelly or water-based lubricants, which you can buy at a drug store. Oil-based lubricants like massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break. Always keep condoms in a cool, dry place. If you keep them in a hot place (like a billfold, wallet, or glove compartment), the latex breaks down, causing the condom to tear or break.
Oral Contraceptives - Also called "the pill," it contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. A pill is taken daily to block the release of eggs from the ovaries. It also lightens the flow of your period and protects against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. The pill may add to your risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, and blockage of the arteries. If you are over age 35 and smoke, or have a history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer, your health care provider may advise you not to take the pill. The pill is 95 to 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly. You will need a prescription and visits with your health care provider to make sure you are not having problems.
The Mini-Pill - Unlike the pill, the mini-pill only has one hormone, progestin, instead of both estrogen and progestin. Taken daily, the mini-pill reduces and thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. It also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus (womb). The mini-pill also can decrease the flow of your period and protect against PID and ovarian and endometrial cancer. Mothers who breastfeed can use it because it will not affect their milk supply. The mini-pill is a good option for women who can't take estrogen or for women who have a risk of blood clots. The mini-pill does not protect against STDs or HIV. Mini-pills are 95 to 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly. You will need a prescription and visits with your health care provider to make sure you are not having problems.
Copper T IUD (Intrauterine Device) - An IUD is a small device that is shaped in the form of a "T." Your health care provider places it inside the uterus. The IUD releases a small amount of a hormone that keeps you from getting pregnant. The arms of the Copper T IUD contain some copper, which stops fertilization by preventing sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. If fertilization does occur, the IUD would prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus. The Copper T IUD can stay in your uterus for up to 10 years. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. This IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Requires visits with your health care provider to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems. Not all health care providers insert IUDs.
Progestasert IUD (Intrauterine Device) -This IUD is a small plastic T- shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a health care provider. It contains the hormone progesterone, the same hormone produced by a woman's ovaries during the monthly menstrual cycle. The progesterone causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm cannot reach the egg, and so that a fertilized egg cannot successfully implant into the lining of the uterus. The Progestasert IUD can stay in your uterus for one year. This IUD is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Requires visits with your health care provider to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems. Not all health care providers insert IUDs.
Intrauterine System or IUS (Mirena) - The IUS is a small T-shaped device like the IUD and is placed inside the uterus by a health care provider. It releases a small amount of a hormone each day to keep you from getting pregnant. The IUS stays in your uterus for up to five years. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. The IUS is 99% effective. The Food and Drug Administration approved this method in December 2000. Requires visits with your health care provider to make sure you are not having any problems. Not all health care providers insert the IUS.
The Female Condom - Worn by the woman, this barrier method keeps sperm from getting into her body. It is made of polyurethane, is packaged with a lubricant, and may protect against STDs, including HIV. It can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to sexual intercourse. Female condoms are 79 to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy. There is only one kind of female condom and its brand name is Reality. Purchase at a drug store.
Implant (Norplant and Norplant 2) - This product was taken off the market in July 2002. If you are using the Norplant system, you should contact your health care provider about what your contraceptive options will be after the five year expiration date of your Norplant system. Norplant consists of small stick-like devices, or "rods," that are placed under the skin. The rods release a very low, steady level of a steroid that prevents pregnancy for up to five years. However, the rods can be taken out at any time and you then can become pregnant. This method is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. Requires visits with your health care provider to make sure you are not having any problems.
Depo-Provera - With this method women get injections, or shots, of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm every three months. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. It is 99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy. Requires visits with your health care provider to make sure you are not having any problems.
Diaphragm or Cervical Cap - These are barrier methods of birth control, where the sperm are blocked from reaching the egg. The diaphragm is shaped like a shallow latex cup. The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped latex cup. Both come in different sizes and you need a health care provider to "fit" you for one. Before sexual intercourse, you use them with spermicide (to block or kill sperm) and place them up inside your vagina to cover your cervix (the opening to your womb). You can buy spermicide gel or foam at a drug store. Spermicide will also help protect you from the STDs gonorrhea and chlamydia if they have nonoxynol-9 in them. Some women can be sensitive to nonoxynol-9 and need to use spermicides that do not contain it. The diaphragm is 80 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy. The cervical cap is 80 to 90% effective at preventing pregnancy for women who have not had a child, and 60 to 80% for women who have had a child. Requires a visit with your health care provider for proper fitting.
The Patch (Ortho Evra) -This is a skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. You put on a new patch once a week for three weeks, then do not wear a patch during the fourth week in order to have a menstrual period. The patch is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but appears to be less effective in women who weigh more than 198 pounds. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. The Food and Drug Administration approved this method in 2001. You will need to visit your health care provider for a prescription and to make sure you are not having problems.
The Hormonal Vaginal Contraceptive Ring (NuvaRing) - The NuvaRing is a ring that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. You place the ring up inside your vagina to go around your cervix (the opening to your womb). You wear the ring for three weeks, take it out for the week that you have your period, and then put in a new ring. The ring is 98 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. The Food and Drug Administration approved this method in 2001. You will need to visit your health care provider for a prescription and to make sure you are not having problems.
Surgical Sterilization (Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy) - These surgical methods are meant for people who want a permanent method of birth control. In other words, they never want to have a child or they do not want more children. Tubal ligation or "tying tubes" is done on the woman to stop eggs from going down to her uterus where they can be fertilized. The man has a vasectomy to keep sperm from going to his penis, so his ejaculate never has any sperm in it. They are 99 to 99.5% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Nonsurgical Sterilization (Essure Permanent Birth Control System) - This is the first non-surgical method of sterilizing women and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2002. A thin tube is used to thread a tiny spring-like device through the vagina and uterus into each fallopian tube. Flexible coils temporarily anchor it inside the fallopian tube. A Dacron-like mesh material embedded in the coils irritates the fallopian tubes' lining to cause scar tissue to grow and eventually permanently plug the tubes. It can take about three months for the scar tissue to grow, so it is important to use another form of birth control during this time. Then you will have to return to your health care provider for a test to see if scar tissue has fully blocked your tubes. In studies of more than 600 women, followed for a year, there so far have been no pregnancies in those whose Essure devices were implanted successfully.
Emergency Contraception - This is NOT a regular method of birth control and should never be used as one. Emergency contraception, or emergency birth control, is used to keep a woman from getting pregnant when she has had unprotected vaginal intercourse. "Unprotected" can mean that no method of birth control was used. It can also mean that a birth control method was used but did not work - like a condom breaking. Or, a woman may have forgotten to take her birth control pills, or may have been abused or forced to have sex when she did not want to. Emergency contraception consists of taking two doses of hormonal pills taken 12 hours apart and started within three days after having unprotected sex. These are sometimes wrongly called the "morning after pill." The pills are 75 to 89% effective at preventing pregnancy. Another type of emergency contraception is having the Copper T IUD put into your uterus within seven days of unprotected sex. This method is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy. Neither method of emergency contraception protects against STDs or HIV. You will need to visit your health care provider for either a prescription for the pills or for the insertion of the IUD, and to make sure you are not having problems.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
