New-Mom-Coming

Just Gas Bubbles or Baby Moving

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:02:00 +0000

Remember the first time we feel the baby moved? I cannot remember it but often think about it as I am a new mom. But when time comes, how do I know that it is just gas bubbles or baby moves.

Usually, pregnant women start to feel the baby making movements in 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy. The feeling of a baby moving is not the same for every woman, which makes it difficult for a woman to know if the feeling is gas bubbles moving through the body or is the baby moving instead. It is easier to tell if it is the baby moving later during pregnancy, when the baby is kicking and punching, but is easily confused with gas bubbles when the baby starts moving.

First, check the time of the pregnancy. Most women begin to feel the first movements around 18 to 22 weeks. The feelings can start as soon as 15 or 16 weeks, but this is less common for most women. If it is earlier than 15 weeks, the feeling is not likely the baby.

Next thing is pay attention to first is how often the feelings occur. If the feelings are almost constant, it is the baby moving. If the feelings are few and far between, it is likely gas bubbles. Gas bubbles are few and far between rather than constant or often, but an active baby might move and stretch almost constantly.

Now, consider the feeling. The first movements of the baby we can feel and gas bubbles often feel similar. If it looks like the feelings are similar to a butterfly in the tummy feeling, it is likely the baby rather than gas.

Note : A smaller woman will feel the baby moving sooner than a larger woman. Women that feel the baby around 16 weeks are usually small while women that feel the baby later are usually larger (or bigger) Also, try to check where the feeling comes from. If the feeling is always in the same area, such as by the left rib, it is the baby. Gas bubbles will always move while going through the system, but a baby's movement will remain in the same place.

Lastly, you should pay attention to whether gas is passed shortly afterward or not. If gas is not passed after a short time, it is the baby moving. Gas bubbles will finally pass out of the system, but a baby's movements will not.

Though I am looking forward to the first movement of the baby, I am also hoping he or she will not call my attention by the uppercut too often. Be good!

How to Know Twins from Pregnancy Symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:59:00 +0000

If one of your family trees has twins, will you wonder if you also have a chance to get twin babies? I personally believe that every parent, especially new mom would be happy for either single or twin babies. But in some family, this also means double responsibility and extra educational fund. There is only one way to be certain that twins are on the way, but there are a few early pregnancy signs that can predict twins.

HCG and morning sickness is the first sign. HCG levels rising more than double or continuing to double after a few weeks can be a sign of a multiple pregnancy as the body is working harder to support the development of two babies instead of one. Higher levels of HCG can also mean more bouts or more violent bouts of morning sickness. Many women carrying twins will often find that they experience the same symptoms of women with single pregnancies but at a much higher degree. So, if your morning sickness is worse than previous pregnancies, you may be carrying multiples.

Note: HCG is commonly known as the "pregnancy hormone," whereby levels rise after conception and continue rising until the end of the first trimester. The hormone is responsible for regulating the levels of progesterone necessary for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Doctors can check the progress of a pregnancy during the first three months by measuring the amount of HCG in the urine or blood. However, higher HCG levels do not provide a conclusive diagnosis for twins because it can vary greatly from person to person and from one day to the next.

The second pregnancy sign for twins is rapid weight gain in the first trimester. Carrying twins will also result in greater weight gain, not only because of the greater mass of the babies, but also in the fat reserves that the mother stores in order to support the baby both during pregnancy and after delivery when she is lactating. If you weigh significantly more than average for your pregnancy date, it could be a sign of twins.

Note: Since weight gain in the first two trimesters is the most important for a healthy baby, don't try to slow it down if you're above average unless recommended by your doctor. Twins will need the extra growth spurts.

The third pregnancy sign for twin is higher than normal AFP (alpha fetoprotein). AFP is a growth hormone released by the baby, but it is detectable in the mother's blood. AFP tests are usually given around 16 to 18 weeks and detect nearly half of all twin pregnancies. If your doctor detects high AFP levels, there's a good chance you are having twins.

Fourth pregnancy sign for twin is fundal height, or the size of the uterus. This is one of the best ways to predict multiple pregnancies. Fundal height, a measurement from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus, is generally associated with gestational age. If your fundal height is consistently large for your baby's gestational age, there's a chance you're carrying twins. Generally, physicians will order an ultrasound at the first sign of significant fundal height difference to test for multiple pregnancy.

Now what is the exact way to know you are having twins is ultrasound check. Usually, you can expect to hear the heartbeats at your first ultrasound scan at around 12 weeks, while it actually can be seen by ultrasound from as early as six to seven weeks gestation if your doctor performs an early scan due to the above list. Seeing and hearing the presence of two heartbeats instead of one will confirm that you have enough luck or not.

Boy or Girl-How Soon We Know

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 08:54:00 +0000

Even though I have no problem either a lovely girl or a naughty boy, I choose the baby name since the first week. Just in case we have twins. But if you would like to know the right sex of the baby, when will you know or will you have to wait for 3 months.

Although the baby's chromosomes already determine whether your baby is a boy or a girl, with an ultrasound or amniocentesis, you may be able to know a baby's sex before 3 months. In the genital period development, male and female genitals in the fetus appear to be identical before about eighth week of pregnancy. At around 12 weeks, genitals have begun to differentiate, but these differences may not be visible yet on an ultrasound.

You can determine the sex of a baby by ultrasound as early as 16 weeks, but the accuracy of these results will depend heavily on the baby's position and the technician's expertise. Most doctors suggested that you should wait until at least 18 weeks to have an ultrasound to determine sex for more accurate results.

There is a small note here about ultrasound. The accuracy of an ultrasound depends on factors such as your baby's position and movements, and your ultrasound technicians. ability to read the results. While ultrasounds have improved in their ability to determine a baby's sex, they are not 100 percent accurate, even at 5 months.

Besides ultrasound, an amniocentesis can test the baby's chromosomes for abnormalities, and it can determine the sex of the baby. Amniocentesis can be performed as early as 14 weeks.

However, there is a risk in amniocentesis process. A doctor will perform an amniocentesis by removing a small amount of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac with a needle. The procedure carries a small risk of infection and a .5 percent risk of miscarriage. As the risk involved, amniocentesis is recommended only for women at a higher risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality: those who are over age 35, have a family history of chromosomal disorders or have a previous child with an abnormality.

Last of all, baby’s sex can be changed, when he or she grow up. Everybody has right to choose their sex as long as it does not harm anyone but himself. I would be happy with anything that makes my son or daughter happy. “Just as you are.”

Bleeding Spot-That’s Alarm Bell

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 08:50:00 +0000

Will that be normal pregnancy symptom to have spot or bleeding during pregnancy, especially in early pregnancy? Some pregnant women or even some books said it is possible to get the period during pregnancy. But this must be unexceptional case or I miss any point. So many questions come in my mind, and it is about time to learn if it is really dangerous.

Check the color, implantation bleeding is lighter than menstrual bleeding, and consists of pink or brown colored blood. It occurs when the trophoblast, or tissue that surrounds the egg, attaches to the endometrium and slowly eats its way into the lining. As it does so, it eats through the mother's blood vessels, forming blood lakes within itself. When these blood lakes form near the surface of the trophoblast, they often cause implantation bleeding.

It is true that many pregnant women have vaginal spotting or vaginal bleeding in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. But if there is vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy, a doctor have to do a pelvic exam. In addition, a blood test may be done to measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) But since hCG levels will increase during pregnancy, there may be more than one test. Ultrasound may be used to find the cause of the bleeding as well.

However, above method cannot guarantee that we will find the cause of bleeding. In this case, special care is needed because it means the chance of going into labor too early (preterm labor) or the infant will be too small.

Most dangerous of bleeding during pregnancy is it can lead to impending miscarriage. Your health care provider may want to check the baby's heartbeat or ask you to have an ultrasound check.

You may be advised to put your feet up and avoid physical activity. Studies have shown that this is not particularly helpful in preventing miscarriage, but it makes many moms feel better.

Bright red bleeding could also indicate complications such as a low-lying placenta (placenta previa). Red bleeding is a situation where the placenta is lying across the cervix. This complication often corrects itself by the end of pregnancy.

The other cause for bleeding during pregnancy is implantation bleeding. It is a condition where a little amount of bleeding takes place in the very early stages of pregnancy (10-14 days after fertilization). It happens generally when the fertilized egg joins the lining of the uterus. This condition doesn't last for longer period.

Molar pregnancy is a condition where an abnormal mass (without a baby) develops in the uterus after fertilization process. In molar pregnancy, bleeding during pregnancy is most common. However, it is a rare cause of bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy.

If you think you already pass the climax, you are wrong. There is also bleeding during late pregnancy. Bleeding in late pregnancy can be a sign of problems with the placenta such as placenta previa or placental abruption. It could also be a sign of a late miscarriage if you are in your second trimester or preterm labor. There are several causes for bleeding during late pregnancy but we will not talk about it now. It is more important to me to get through the first trimmer without any bleeding before anything else.

Precautions Time for New Mom and How to Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:47:00 +0000

Many women have just known of their pregnancy at five weeks. The first trimester is critical time as the fetus is undergoing big changes and many developmental are happening. So, you have to be precautious for everything not only the medication but all lifestyle. I am listing some of precautions for pregnant women in the first trimester and what you should do as below.

Stop Birth Control

Once the pregnancy test is positive, stop all birth control methods that involve the use of hormones including all forms of birth control pills and patches.

No Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs

There is no amount of alcohol consumption in pregnancy that is safe - according to the American Pregnancy Association. Alcohol use can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome in infants. Smoking in pregnancy has been linked to a variety of problems, including an increased incidence of leukemia, SIDS, preterm birth and placental abruption. While drugs, including over-the-counter drugs and some prescription may cause birth defects and other developmental issues for the fetus.

Change Your Diet

Take healthy food and avoid some certain foods during the pregnancy as they can have harmful effects on the fetus. This includes fish with high mercury content (such as swordfish and shark), raw foods (such as sushi and eggs), unpasteurized milk and cheeses, and deli meats, as they all may contain the harmful listeria. A healthy diet is essential to a healthy pregnancy.

Take Prenatal Vitamins

Pregnant women need at least 400mg of folic acid daily for a single birth. But maybe more, if she is pregnant with twins or more. It is recommended all women of child bearing age take a multivitamin that contains at least 400mg of folic acid daily in the event that they become pregnant. However, the prenatal vitamins should be prescribed by a doctor.

Keep Hydrated

In early pregnancy, most women experience morning sickness on some level that can easily lead to dehydration. Dehydration in pregnancy can lead to preterm labor or miscarriage. Replace any fluids lost through vomiting or excessive sweating to avoid dehydration and have adequate fluid intake throughout the pregnancy.

Last and very important, be careful your step and slide floor. If you frequently fall, it for bleeding or lead to birth defects for a fetus.

Myth of Cramps in Early Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 11:53:00 +0000

What is remarkable to be made clear over here is a misconception regarding cramps. There are many young ladies who take such kinds of cramps as happening due only to their normal period, provided cramps occur prior to their MC. Keeping in view the cramps in early pregnancy the ladies, experiencing such cramps or pains, rather should examine themselves whether the cramps is directly related with early pregnancy or is the sign of their normal period.

Cramps being the explicit sign of early pregnancy, accompanied by mild discharge or bleeding forecasts a woman’s readying for nine month’s pregnancy-related journey. Uterus-lining gets expanded following fertilized eggs completely occupying the embryo, which causes a pain, just tantamount to the Before-Menstruation-Cycle-Pain. In other words, embryo’s being occupied by fertilized eggs causes cramps in early pregnancy.

Cramps, prior to early pregnancy, divulge that you’ve become pregnant and will give a birth to a cute baby just after nine months of normal human gestation period. There is nothing to worry about as cramps in early pregnancy is an explicit sign of uterus getting enlarged and thus exerting a pressure over the inner walls of your vagina. Another reason of cramps in early pregnancy is uterus’s getting enlarged and causing a friction into your vaginal cells. Embryo being implanted and exerting a great pressure over the inner walls of your womb, causes cramps usually known as rudimentary cramps in early pregnancy.

Though a normal periodical bleeding stops following sudden cramps in early pregnancy, sometimes a mild bleeding remains in existence, prior to early pregnancy. Such cramps in early pregnancy, accompanied by bleeding develop consternation into the mind of young ladies of getting victimized of miscarriage. Instead of loosening your heart and getting engulfed by such kind of anxiety in regard to missing your pregnancy, after experience bleeding and cramps in early pregnancy, you should observe entire development with more seriousness and consider some points associated with early pregnancy on your own. Though the contraction of vaginal muscle, due to fertilized eggs occupying the uterus lining, causes cramps in early pregnancy, its intensity doesn’t happen to be as high as is during MC period.

Even cramps signify early pregnancy, there are some factors stultifying its spontaneity. If the cramps in early pregnancy is mild and tolerable accompanied by light color blood, it can be supposed to be an intrinsic sign of pregnancy and not a cause of anxiety. In other words, you can confirm your normal pregnancy by trying to find out inquisitively during the cramps in early pregnancy, whether the cramping is accompanied by blood stains existing on your panty. If it is, inquire further whether the stains are darker or light in color. If the stains you find on your panty lighter by their color and the bleeding stopping within a few days of time, there is nothing to be worried about, if you experience such bleeding and cramps in early pregnancy.

But if the intensity of cramps in early pregnancy is too high accompanied by profuse bleeding, it should not be taken lightly by those who are going to experience a pregnancy first time in their life and blindly believe in the bleeding and cramps prior to early pregnancy. It may be a sign of miscarriage as well, calling for consulting a gynecologist forthwith before the condition of theirs deteriorates further. Continuous thick bleeding accompanied by cramps in early pregnancy should not be taken lightly by you. You should consult a doctor as soon as possible, for the possibility of yours getting victimized of miscarriage can’t be ruled out.

The serious thing must note regarding the cramps in early pregnancy is when it involves with mild bleeding. If you find you’re bleeding in dark color, and cramps continue, do not hesitate to see a doctor.

What is Cramps and Does it Mean No XXX

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:38:00 +0000

To make all new moms can handle with cramps correctly; I would like you to know what cramps are before. After get through this entire article, you may have some answers on the question what is its effect and how to cope with your personal life.

Cramps happen due to uterus passing through a transitional stage in a form of expansion and contraction respectively. Uterus consisting of muscles and tissues makes a young lady feel cramps during her early pregnancy Some of the factors directly associated with cramps in early pregnancy are being outlined here.

In early pregnancy, cramps can be substantiated by light bleeding and stains, resulting due to fertilized eggs implanting them in uterus. Cramps happen after seven to eight days of eggs getting implanted into the uterus.
The fact about cramps in early pregnancy is it is the result of lady’s uterus expanding prior to pregnancy due to hormonal activities coming to cause their effect. Such expansion paves the way for the baby-to-be-born to grow easily inside the womb and thus the cramps as the sign of early pregnancy. Such cramps are common to happen even after having intercourse with your husband, and are accompanied by severe pain and excessive bleeding on lower part of abdomen.

Anyway, there is another reason of cramps in early pregnancy. It is all about ligament supporting your uterus. Following your uterus’s expanding, prior to your early pregnancy, the ligament passes through a pressure caused by uterus and develops cramps forecasting early pregnancy. Though such cramps in early pregnancy are supposed to be common, you should consult a gynecologist, if it is accompanied by excessive bleeding and severe pain. You can cope with excessive bleeding and severe pain by putting hot pad over the lower abdomen on your own. But remember early pregnancy can be critical and you should not take any pain relief during the cramps without consulting a doctor.

Pregnant women with cramps in early pregnancy are likely to suffer from constipation and indigestion as well. They are the common signs of early pregnancy, so try to relax. Instead of worrying, it will be better to take as much rest as you can and enjoy eating fibered veggies and fruits.

Last and important question about your personal sex life. Be patient and wait. It will be safer and clever to avoiding sex with your husbands if you have cramps in early pregnancy. Some young ladies take continuous thick discharge from theirs vagina and cramps in early pregnancy symptoms as the sign of miscarriage. I would like to tell you that these are the normal early pregnancy accompanied by mild cramps. So, make clear the misconcept of cramps and don’t be worried about that.

Sleep Survival for Pregnant Women Final Destination

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Here we come to the most difficult part of sleep problem in pregnant women. I hope you get through 1^st trimester and 2^nd trimester without problem. Surviving from improper sleep is the most challenged stage in the third trimester. Because of the frequency of urination, inability to get comfortable, extra weight, and preparing for the new baby, it becomes hard job to get well sleep and even have to take effort to pass each night.

If above problems re not enough, you will feel that rigorous baby moves and baby hiccups can also impede sleep. You can expect aches and pains of many kinds at this time. Since the body is carrying all the extra weight, the heavy duty falls on the joints and that makes it loosening. Even walking can be tough.

Many women during pregnancy wake frequently during the night for no reason, which can cause her to be sleepy in the morning. As the result of less sleep and tried, your colleges and husband may see that you have begun snoring. Also during the later stages of pregnancy, many women find that their nasal passages have swollen and have more nasal congestion.

The muscles of the legs are carrying a lot of weight and tend to get stiff. Once relaxed at night they can tense up or spasm, causing great pain and keeping some women awake. So, it totally makes sense to hear complaints of leg cramps during the 3rd trimester.

Though other people cannot bear the baby weight for you, but I think it makes us feel a bit better to let someone know and listen. Well, you may expect a lovely husband help messaging feet. It is easy to make home pregnancy massage.

Survival Tips :

Sleep on your left side. This allows for the best blood flow to the fetus, uterus and kidneys. It also improves circulation of blood back to the heart.
Try a body pillow. It amazingly helps you sleep better.
Avoid carbonated drinks e.g. soda because they can cause leg cramps.
If you are getting leg cramps, straighten your leg and flex your foot upwards, this will help get the kink out. Do these several times before going to bed as a stretching routine to avoid the cramps all together.
If you’re getting too often swelling and snoring, call your doctor.
If you develop Restless Legs Syndrome, you may have an iron deficiency. Call your doctor now.
ry to relax. Reading a nice book, listen to your favorite music and TV show. When you feel good, it will be easier to sleep.

Last of all, be patient. You can get through these. Ask for assistance from somebody like friends, neighbors and husbands to help you. You are not alone and there is no need to do everything by yourself.

Sleep Survival for Pregnant Women PART 2

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:51:00 +0000

Many pregnant women are happier to pass 1st trimester and hit the 2nd trimester mark. Why? Because, it means less risk of a miscarriage, less morning sickness, less frequent urination. Moreover, it means longer peacefully sleeping hours.

Women often feel their best and have a boost of energy during this time. Anyway, there remain plenty of maladies to plague sleep during this time. Our bodies are adapted to make room for the enlarging uterus and the diaphragm is restricted and breathing becomes shallower. This causes the infamous heartburn. Many women only have to eat or drink anything and get it. Another unpleasant case interrupt our sleep is nightmare. Some of pregnant women notice their dreams become increasingly frightening and extremely vivid by pregnancy develops. Have you ever dreamt about losing baby?

Survival Tips

Try to avoid spicy, fatty, or fried foods in order to avoid heartburn
Eat frequent small nutritious meals along the day. You may not be happy to wake up at night because of hungry.
But try not to eat too much before bed and talk out any fears you might have with your friend or husband to avoid nightmare
Use antacids. They are effective and safe.
Keep extra rest and sleeping during the day as much as possible.
Lie on your side with your knees and hips bent when you sleep.
Place pillows between your knees, under your tummy and behind your back. This can help take pressure off your lower back.
Keep the stomach acid down by sleeping with your head and neck elevated
Be positive and enjoy your 2nd trimester. It is no use to create more tension.

Have a good night. You are expected to prepare yourself for the most challenging stage of sleep soon.

Sleep Survival for Pregnant Women Episode 1

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:51:00 +0000

Even an easy homework like washing dish can make us so tired and need to take a rest. This is the result of the new hormones cycling through the body and progesterone effect. Not mention a lot of strain we have to get through each trimester that makes it more difficult to get well sleep. So, let’s check how to survive the nights with these tips.

1st Trimester

This is about hormones changes and body’s reaction. The rise in progesterone and HCG causes many women to feel tired continuously. Though progesterone makes us sleepy, it makes us have to urinate all the time by increasing kidney function. Add in frequent bathroom breaks per day and it is surprising that any pregnant woman sleeps at all.

Sore breasts as well as constipation and the ever-expanding uterus make discomforting nights. Nausea or “morning sickness”, also makes sleep a challenge.

This nausea can and does strike at all hours of the day and night, especially when lying down or is triggered by smell.

Survival Tips

Get as much extra rest as possible and take naps if you are tired. It will help you stay out of the sleep debt that can cause your symptoms to worsen.
Keep hydrated during the day but avoid in the evening to cut down on nighttime bathroom visits.
Use extra pillows between your knees or under your belly to help keep you more comfortable and sleep on your left side - the best position for good circulation.
Re-set life clock cycle by going to bed time at the same time every night. Your body will learn then when have to sleep
Fight back morning sickness with crackers or small bland snacks to prevent getting sick from an empty stomach. But if nausea or vomit makes you cannot take anything at all, it is time to call your doctor.

This is just the episode one for the first trimester. There are also the second trimester and third trimesters we can share the tips how to survive from sleep difficulty.

What Is Normal HCG Level for Pregnancy?

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 21:13:00 +0000

Before all, new moms have to highlight that HCG level can be changed following to pregnancy period and normal level HCG is only one of important indicators of healthy pregnancy.

For new mother who want to know if their HCG level is normal or not, they can use home pregnancy test to measure HCG level since this hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin will rise steadily during the early part of pregnancy. If it is less than 5 mlU/ml (milli-International units per milliliter), you are not pregnant according to American Pregnancy Association standard. But if the level is above 25 mlU/ml, congratulations! You are (likely) pregnant. A transvaginal ultrasound can usually detect a gestational sac after the HCG levels have risen to 1,000 to 2,000. By seven to eight weeks after your last menstrual period, levels of HCG should have risen to between 7,650 and 229,000 mlU/ml. Levels of this hormone will usually top off at between 25,700 and 288,000 mlU/ml by nine to 12 weeks since your last menstrual period. By the third trimester HCG levels may have dropped to a range between 3,640 and 117,000 mlU/ml---still well above a reading of 5 or less for a non-pregnant woman. Wow!

Normally, HCG level doubles every 48 hours, but sometimes take up to 96 hours during the first eight to 11 weeks of healthy pregnancy. A very high level of HCG in early pregnancy can indicate a molar pregnancy (a malignant growth that began as a pregnancy), misdating or multiple fetuses, while a very low level may be a sign of an impending miscarriage, misdating or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside a women's uterus in a place where the fetus cannot survive). Your health practitioner may take several blood tests over the course of a few weeks in order to determine if your HCG levels are in the correct range and are rising as they should.

HCG level is significant because it help preventing your body from shedding the egg as part of monthly menstrual cycle and also keeps the growing embryo nourished during early pregnancy. It is the reason of many early pregnancy effects including nausea, morning sickness and vomiting. Increased pregnancy symptoms may be related to high HCG levels that could happen if you were expecting twins, for instance. Anyhow, HCG level will generally drop in the second and third trimester and those unfavorable pregnant symptoms will be gone.

All in all, if you are trying to check normal HCG levels due to concerns about the pregnancy, remember that either low or high HCG levels (as measured through a quantitative blood test) do not always mean there is something wrong. Sometimes it just the conception happened sooner or later than was originally thought. Use HCG measurements as one of the guidelines and try to get 3-4 blood test HCG measurements to make sure of the results. A transvaginal ultrasound will provide a much more accurate picture of your pregnancy, and should be used to confirm HCG measurements.

References

American Pregnancy Association on hCG levels
National Institute of Health about hCG

How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:50:00 +0000

After we know what is Ectopic preganacy , what cause and who at risk. We are keeing check how a doctor diagnose this.

Ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed by your physician, who will probably first perform a pelvic exam to locate pain, tenderness or a mass in the abdomen. Your physician will also use an ultrasound to determine whether the uterus contains a developing fetus.

The measurement of hCG levels is also important. An hCG level that is lower than what would be expected is one reason to suspect an ectopic pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone may also indicate that a pregnancy is abnormal.

Your physician may do a culdocentesis, which is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the space at the very top of the vagina, behind the uterus and in front of the rectum. The presence of blood in this area may indicate bleeding from a ruptured fallopian tube.

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

An ectopic pregnancy may be treated in any of the following ways:

Methotrexate may be given, which allows the body to absorb the pregnancy tissue and may save the fallopian tube, depending on how far the pregnancy has developed.
If the tube has become stretched or it has ruptured and started bleeding, all or part of the fallopian tube may have to be removed. Bleeding needs to be stopped promptly, and emergency surgery is needed.
Laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia may be performed. This procedure involves a surgeon using a laparoscope to remove the ectopic pregnancy and repair or remove the affected fallopian tube. If the ectopic pregnancy cannot be removed by a laparoscope procedure, then another surgical procedure called a laparotomy may be done.

What about my future?

Your hCG level will need to be rechecked on a regular basis until it reaches zero if you did not have your entire fallopian tube removed. An hCG level that remains high could indicate that the ectopic tissue was not entirely removed, which would require surgery or medical management with methotrexate.

The chances of having a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy may be lower than normal, but this will depend on why the pregnancy was ectopic and your medical history. If the fallopian tubes have been left in place, you have approximately a 60% chance of having a successful pregnancy in the future.

At this stage, I think many of new mom will have a question of what is "normal HCG". We will check this standard next.

Credit: Americanpregnancy.org

Ectopic Pregnancy: Risk and Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:17:00 +0000

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself in a place other than inside the uterus. Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube, and are thus sometimes called tubal pregnancies. The fallopian tubes are not designed to hold a growing embryo; the fertilized egg in a tubal pregnancy cannot develop normally and must be treated. An ectopic pregnancy happens in 1 out of 60 pregnancies.

What causes an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancies are caused by one or more of the following:

An infection or inflammation of the fallopian tube can cause it to become partially or entirely blocked.

Scar tissue left behind from a previous infection or an operation on the tube may also impede the egg's movement.
Previous surgery in the pelvic area or on the tubes can cause adhesions.
An abnormality in the tube's shape can be caused by abnormal growths or a birth defect.

Who is at risk for having an ectopic pregnancy?

Women who are more at risk for having an ectopic pregnancy include the following:

Are 35-44 years of age
Have had a previous ectopic pregnancy
Have had pelvic or abdominal surgery
Have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Have had several induced abortions
Women who get pregnant after having a tubal ligation or while an IUD is in place

What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Although you may experience typical signs and symptoms of pregnancy, the following symptoms may be used to help recognize a potential ectopic pregnancy:

Sharp or stabbing pain that may come and go and vary in intensity. The pain may be in the pelvis, abdomen or even the shoulder and neck (due to blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy gathering up under the diaphragm).
Vaginal bleeding, heavier or lighter than your normal period
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Weakness, dizziness, or fainting

It is important for you to seek emergency care if you are experiencing sharp pain or have bleeding.Your purchase supports the APA

How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?

Credit: Americanpregnancy.org

When Will Child Born - How to Count Weeks Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:51:00 +0000

To know when a child will be born brings to my mind a question how to count weeks calendar. After checking, there are a wide number of free calculators available that help us count the number of weeks we have been pregnant and determine due date.

Many use a formula called Naegle's Rule to calculate the number of weeks based on a set point (the date of you started your last menstrual period) and count forward 40 weeks for a due date. Most accurate way to count weeks is based on normal pregnancy duration of 38 weeks that assumes you became pregnant exactly two weeks after your period.

Things are Find, or estimate, the date of the first day of your last period (LMP).

Count backward three months from that date, then plus seven days. This will be approximate due date. Even though you are counting backward, the date is the next occurrence of that date. For example, a LMP in February should give you an approximate due date in November.

Use your approximate due date to the count backward, week by week, to count which week of pregnancy you will be in during which set of dates.

Carefully tick a calendar to check pregnancy milestones.

Pinpointing the exact date of conception may be difficult without the use of ultrasound, but it can be predicted by using the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) and a calendar.
A full-term pregnancy ranges from 38 to 42 weeks, with only 5 percent of babies are eager to see us on day 280. The other 95 percent are born either before or after the 280-day mark.

Tips & Warnings

Calendar weeks indicate trimesters you are in. But dates can be influenced by short or long ovulation periods. So keep in mind that the pregnancy is different in each woman.
Implantation bleeding can be interpreted as LMP.
Early ultrasound is strongly advised.

Do not worry too much, you can leave this job to doctors and husbands who may have better skill in math to count number of calendar weeks and so on. Should we discuss this issue in another blog.

Morning Sickness - When We Need a Doctor

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Further to the last article about how to prevent morning sickness in pregnancy. Although morning sickness will usually start around six weeks and end somewhere around 14 weeks, this pregnancy symptom can last the entire pregnancy for some women like a routine. So, let’s check again if we already do those preventive ways and find out more advice to help us relieve morning sickness.

1. Avoid an Empty Stomach

Always keep something in your stomach. Eat healthy crackers before getting out of bed in the morning. Starting the day with something in the stomach can help to ward off nausea first thing in the morning. Many women also get up repeatedly during the night to go to the bathroom. This may also be a good time to have a few crackers to keep your stomach from getting too empty.

2. Eat a Bland Diet

Avoid eating spicy, greasy and fatty foods that easily can cause nausea and vomiting. By avoiding these foods and sticking with a bland diet, it may be easier to avoid the symptoms of morning sickness. Keep in mind that food you ate with no problem before pregnancy may suddenly cause morning sickness during pregnancy. Who knows.

3. Avoid Strong Smells

A pregnant woman's sense of smell increases especially in early pregnancy. This increased sensitivity can make any odor suddenly nauseating. Battle nausea by avoiding these strong odors. By the way, it is possible that the odors that did not create a reaction before pregnancy easily may cause nausea when you are pregnant.

4. Use Acupressure

Use an acupressure wrist band. These bands are typically used for motion sickness, but they also eliminate the symptoms of morning sickness for some pregnant women. Using an acupressure band is Acupressure a simple and inexpensive way to get relief.

5. Seek Medical Intervention

If morning sickness is severe e.g. you are vomiting excessively or lasting all day and unable to keep down any food or liquid till you can notice constant weight loss, please consult your doctor. This might signal a more serious condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which translates into excessive vomiting while pregnant. Some women who experience extreme morning sickness will need medical intervention to ensure your and baby's health. The doctor can prescribe medication for relief.

I fully hope every new mom will get relief from morning sickness suffer more or less. Thinking about the birth of a little life once we pass through this transition, that will cheer you up.

How to Prevent Morning Sickness During Pregnancy?

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:02:00 +0000

One of most common unpleasant pregnancy symptoms is morning sickness, a term for nausea and/or vomiting. Is this unavoidable or can we do anything to prevent sickness?

Actually, morning sickness can strike us at any times of the day-not just in the mornings. The likelihood for experiencing this condition is worst during the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester) when hormone levels are waving…..Researchers found many women who experience morning sickness early in their pregnancy tends to suffer from vomiting till the fourth or fifth month, while some women have to get used to morning sickness for the entire 40 weeks.

Now, shall we start the day with some bland foods like crackers, cereal or granola beside bed. This is not the right time to worry about weight. Munch it before you get up to raise blood sugar and neutralize some of the acid in the stomach. Rise slowly and gently, so you will not get dizzy. Take breakfast, make sure about protein intake before you begin your day's activities. Remember that variety of fruits and veggies is a must. During early morning hours, as well as any time during the day and evening, beverages like ginger ale and peppermint tea can assist in alleviating morning sickness.

Morning Sickness Preventive During the Day is easier.

I will be happy to do eat small amounts of food frequently. Dumping food in one meal can worsen morning sickness. Just keep healthy snacks handy. Explain to your boss why you have to eat all day and give him/ her some nuts, raw vegetables, yogurt, crackers with peanut butter and honey, and small portions of lean meats. Also I believe most pregnant women have a list of certain foods that trigger nausea more than others. Stay away from those foods! When the weather is hot, try to stay cool and calm down because getting too hot can cause nauseous and stress will make it worse.

At the Ending of the Day, do not forget to eat dinner. Perhaps even have a light nutritious snack just before bedtime. If you don't get enough food , your blood sugar may drop, causing you to get sick during the night or the next morning when you awake. On the other hand, avoid overeating, which can make you uncomfortable and unable to sleep. Avoid excessively spicy, greasy foods and caffeine. (maximum two cups of caffeinated beverage during the day and none at night) Have deep sleep, good night.

Try above things and let me know if they work or not. Any new tips to prevent morning sickness are most welcomed. But if you suffer a lot, there are more suggestions to relief morning sickness.

What Are the Signs of Pregnancy?

noreply@blogger.com (Patta) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:40:00 +0000

Pregnancy signs or symptoms are various from woman to woman. However, there are some general signs that are common in many pregnant women. If you wonder you may be pregnant, a pregnancy test or health care professional advice is a strongly recommended to make sure.

One of the most common sign of pregnancy is enlarged breasts that may be extra sensitive because of increased hormone levels. Women who experience breast swelling before the periods may mistake this sign for a usual part of their monthly cycle or they may find the swelling or sensitivity is more severe than normal. Pregnant woman may also experience morning sickness, bloating and increased sensitivity to smells as well as fatigue. Well, do you notice that the pregnant woman usually needs to urinate frequently? This is due to the uterus begins to press on the bladder.

Though pregnancy symptoms begin about the period,

we may not start having any signs until several weeks later. Learn how to calculate calendar weeks can help. Some of us experience all the signs of pregnancy and others experience none at all. (Very lucky) Most women find that symptoms such as nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue and frequent urination decrease significantly during the second trimester, while others continue to experience them throughout pregnancy.

If we are pregnant, we usually find that basal temperature stays elevated. Some of us also experience implantation bleeding, or a small amount of spotting for a day or two, around the time we would normally get period, as the fertilized egg attaches the uterus. Although a missed period is often the most popular sign of pregnancy, there are still many reasons for the missed periods. Unless we track them accurately, we can make on the implantation bleeding for a light period.

Women who experience a missed period or other pregnancy signs may need a pregnancy test. These urine tests are available in many drug stores and supermarkets. It can be used quickly and very conveniently at home. Although very accurate at confirming a pregnancy, you may be not sure about the test result, especially if they are used too early. Women who have a negative test but continue having pregnancy signs should test again a week later. If the symptoms continue or you have a positive test, you should see a doctor or health care professional to confirm the results and plan for prenatal care.

You should consult a doctor once you experience abdominal pain along with the pregnancy signs, as this may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, in which the pregnancy tries to develop outside the womb, often in the fallopian tube. We should also consult the doctor if there is any bleeding after a positive pregnancy test or we continue to miss the period but get a negative pregnancy test.