signs of pregnancy

Pregnancy Calendar Due Date Calculation

2011-03-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

The very first question inside a pregnant woman's mind is her estimated date of delivery. Usually a full term pregnancy takes about 40 weeks plus or minus a few weeks.

How to get a pregnancy calendar due date calculation

There are offline calculators or predictors available from doctors and pharmacies. In this internet era, online pregnancy calculator is widely available. To be accurate, you would be asked to enter your day count from your last menstrual period and NOT the conception date. Then you will be asked to enter you cycle of periods which is by default 28 days. The calendar can then calculate the expected due date.

If you are unsure of the date your last period or your conception date, your doctors could do an ultrasound scan during the first trimester to determine or estimate your due date.

Factors that can trigger a birth before due date

37 weeks of pregnancy is considered a full term. If your baby is born before 37 weeks then it is called a premature birth. The exact cause of early birth is medically unclear. However many doctors believe that nutrition, eating habits and cervical incompetence are closely linked to early childbirth.

Late birth

Up to more than 75% of mothers give birth well past 37 weeks. Usually childbirth will occur within 38 to 42 weeks. Statistics show that first time mothers tend to have their babies well past the estimated due date. From week 40 to 42 the risk is smaller but anything over 42 weeks is cause for concern. Worst case scenario is perinatal death. However, do not be overly worried and your doctors will advise you accordingly if your pregnancy is well past 42 weeks. Majority of late birth babies are perfectly healthy and with modern medical advances, your doctor can help make the best decision for you as to your safe timing of delivery.

Corinna David writes regularly in the internet and one of her favourite topics is about pregnancy. So come visit her latest website http://gettingpregnanttips.info for more exciting getting pregnant tips.

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Pregnancy Calendar FAQ

2011-03-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of incredibly specific events that happen in many women's lives that bear preserving a concise record of. College and college graduations, weddings, and also the pregnancy and birth of her children are events to become recorded that may be gazed at and remembered through the years. One of the easiest and most typically employed tool for recording all of the special moments in having a baby is really a being pregnant calendar. Items alter swiftly in those nine months and even though you think you will always bear in mind, the details can get murky with time.

The type of the picked out being pregnant calendar is not as essential as the facts it incorporates. Mum and Father being can major recording on the small the likes of Mom's weird food urges plus the unique way her feet got wider. A having a baby calendar is also a fine place to add info about doctor's visits, the youngsters estimated weight at a few different points, and pictures from ultrasounds and infant showers. There are numerous exciting moments and occasions to record through having a baby.

Some new mothers opt to make a pregnancy calendar in the traditional way. It could be a purchased book with places to write and add pictures intended with week by week particulars about the normal phases of mom's and baby's development. One more being pregnant calendar alternative should be to create a scrapbook of the parent's memories and experiences through the having a baby. This option is exclusive because it is utterly created by mother and truly expresses her thoughts and feelings about the pregnancy. The essential factor of any calendar is its intent in helping the moms and dads for being monitor their child's progress and development even though making a keepsake for their family members.

One more option quite a few new mothers and fathers are selecting for their having a baby calendar should be to create a digital or on the web version. Numerous being pregnant and parenting site offer this service free of charge. Some are equipped to function being a personal web site and permit family and friends to stay existing on the latest pregnancy news by visiting on the internet at their convenience. Most may be customized to suit the tastes of the mother being and may be burned to a CD for safe keeping right after the appearance of the kid.

Creating a personal being pregnant calendar in any of the different forms available is a good approach to retain the memories of this unique time. In spite of how tough people attempt to recall the details they get lost over time and keeping a calendar with all from the exclusive moments is certain to continue to keep them fresh for years to come.

If you found this article useful, you may also visit pregnancy101.org to read more about some of the best free pregnancy tips and have a look at pregnancy week calendar.

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Vitamin A For Pregnant Woman - Importance and Food Sources

2011-02-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

As with other vitamins, vitamin A is vital for normal and healthy growth of a fetus. And though mostly renowned for its major contribution in forming and maintaining a healthy vision, the help of vitamin A gives is extensive. It is essential in the proper formation of the limbs, heart, production of red blood cells, as well as in keeping the skin healthy and in strengthening the immunity.

Normal vision. Vitamin A works together with opsin, a protein that forms the visual pigment called rhodopsin. Therefore without vitamin A, it will be hard for the retina to send nerve impulses to the brain and form an image. This is the reason why a deficiency results in night blindness, or worst, it can completely take away your sight.

Formation of red blood cell. Red blood cells are obtained from stem cells. Stem cells depend on vitamin A for differentiating blood cells. Vitamin A also works with iron in blending the oxygen-carrier hemoglobin into the newly developed red blood cells.

Strong immunity. Getting sick is the very thing that a pregnant woman wants to avoid at any cost. But without vitamin A, we are more prone to infectious diseases like common cold, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, asthma, diarrhea and measles. It's because our body's barriers, like the skin and other cells in the immune system, such as those that line our airway, digestive tract, and urinary tract, require vitamin A to function normally.

Embryonic development. Vitamin A for pregnant woman is a must also because it is required for the development of the baby's central nervous system, kidneys, bones, lungs, and heart.

Now here's a list of the foods that are rich in Vitamin A - from animal products, fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.

Vitamin A food sources (animal products)

Food Source -- Serving Size -- Vitamin A Content (IU)

Calf's liver (braised) -- 1 oz -- 7621
Cod liver oil -- 1 tsp -- 4500
Butter1 -- tbsp -- 323
Egg -- 1 large -- 303
Whole milk -- 1 cup -- 227

Vitamin A food sources (vegetables)

Food Source -- Serving Size (cup, except when mentioned) -- Vitamin A Content (IU)

Carrots (raw) -- 1 -- 34317.40
Spinach (boiled) -- 1 -- 18865.80
Sweet potato (baked w/ skin) -- 1 pc -- 13107.70
Kale (boiled) -- 1 -- 9620
Turnip greens (cooked) -- 1 -- 7917.12
Winter squash (baked) -- 1 -- 7291.85
Collard greens (boiled) -- 1 -- 5945.10
Swiss chard (boiled) -- 1 -- 5493.25
Red bell pepper (raw) -- 1 -- 5244
Mustard greens (boiled) -- 1 -- 5243.40
Pumpkin -- ½ -- 3177
Romaine lettuce -- 2 -- 2912
Broccoli (steamed) -- 1 -- 2280
Brussels sprouts (boiled) -- 1 -- 1121.64
Asparagus (boiled) -- 1 -- 970.20
Green peas (boiled) -- 1 -- 955.20
Green beans (boiled) -- 1 -- 832.50
Parsley (fresh) -- 2 tbsp -- 631.80
Summer squash (cooked) -- 1 -- 516.60
Cucumber -- 1 -- 223.60
Cabbage (boiled) -- 1 -- 198
Celery (raw) -- 1 -- 160.80

Vitamin A food sources (herbs and spices)

Food Source -- Serving Size -- Vitamin A Content (IU)

Cayenne pepper (dried) -- 2 tsp-- 1470.24
Tomato (ripe) -- 1 cup -- 1121.40
Chili pepper (dried) -- 2 tsp -- 531.60
Basil (dried, ground) -- 2 tsp-281.24
Oregano (dried, ground) -- 2 tsp -- 207.08

Vitamin A food sources (fruits)

Food Source -- Serving Size (piece, except when mentioned) -- Vitamin A Content (IU)

Cantaloupe -- 1 cup -- 5158.40
Apricot -- 1 -- 914.20
Papaya -- 1 -- 863.36
Prunes -- ¼ cup -- 844.48
Watermelon -- 1 cup -- 556.32
Grapefruit -- ½ -- 318.57
Orange -- 1 -- 268.55
Mango -- 1 -- 263
Plum --1 -- 213.18

Are you trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or recently gave birth? Get answers to your questions and receive free tips and ideas on things that matter before, during, and after pregnancy at Pregnancy Essentials.

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Top 3 Reasons To Purchase Sexy Maternity Lingerie And Nursing Bras

2011-01-25T18:22:00.000-08:00

Stores, brick & mortar and online, are chock-full of unappealing, dreary maternity and nursing bras. But why should a new mother accept that. There are numerous reasons why mothers-to-be and nursing mums should look for sexy nursing bras, but here I will discuss the 3 top reasons they need to choose a hot, colorful alternative option to add spice to their drab lingerie drawer.

Reason 1: Expectant mothers and Breastfeeding Moms Are Attractive
A pregnant woman is just a wonderful sight to see. Although a lot of women do not feel that way at the time, pregnancy and breastfeeding give women beautiful curves. And we all know that curvy women are attractive. So why hide all that beauty with a plain boring nude or white maternity or nursing bra. Pick up something that is lacy, sexy and fun to accentuate your new body.

Reason 2: It Can Boost Your Confidence
Some expecting and nursing women may not feel that their new body is sexy. After gaining a few pounds during pregnancy or if they are having trouble shedding the pounds after giving birth, new mothers may be self-conscious about their body image. When a woman, pregnant or not, puts on pretty lingerie, it makes her feel sexy and self-assured. Putting on a sexy nursing bra and matching panties, will give her a much-needed boost.

Reason 3: Your Significant Other Will Appreciate It
Let's face it. Everyone loves lingerie! Women love wearing lingerie because it make them feel great. Men like it because lingerie shows just enough of a woman's body to make their imaginations go wild!!! When pregnant or breastfeeding, a new mother often focuses so much attention on the baby that they overlook their better half, creating a lack in sexual intimacy. Surprising your significant other with sexy maternity lingerie or a colorful nursing bra and panties set is a great way to show them you are thinking of them.

Although stores seems to be filled with unattractive choices for pregnant or breastfeeding mommies, there are some good options for sexy nursing bras and maternity lingerie. Check well-known baby websites like The Bump or Mothering to find tips.
Uyo Okebie-Eichelberger. Founder & CEO.
www.you-lingerie.com

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Autism, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Dietary Supplements and The Interval Between Pregnancies

2011-01-25T18:19:00.000-08:00

Autism is a neurological scourge that affects as many as 1 out of 120 individuals. The causes of autism are poorly understood.

A very large study of pregnant women was able to determine that if the interval between pregnancies is less than 2 years, the risk for autism rises 3 fold! If the interval between pregnancies is 3 years or more, the incidence of autism drops to a base level that doesn't seem to vary much with regard to the incidence of autism and the interval between pregnancies. The study looked at over 400,000 pregnancies.

The study was unable to determine the reason(s) for the difference in the rates of autism when compared to the interval between pregnancies. The researchers suggested that it was likely that deficiencies in the mother's chemical make-up following the first pregnancy were not corrected by the time the mother became pregnant again. Genetic and other factors were not addressed.

Does this information position humankind for a paradigm shift about how we look at dietary and nutritional supplements? Several generations ago, scientist discovered vitamins. Vitamins are derived from ammonia and contain a nitrogen molecule. At first, nutritionists looked to find natural sources of the various vitamins. The mutiny on the English ship Bounty is based on the attempt to transfer and cultivate the breadfruit from one part of the Pacific to another. Breadfruit contains high amounts of vitamin C.

The next step was to manufacture vitamins and in some cases use them to treat various conditions such as malnutrition, wound healing etc.

This was followed by the current supplemental phase. People are free to supplement their diets with vitamins even when they are otherwise healthy. But the current mantra remains that if you have a balanced diet, you don't need vitamin supplementation.

Are we ready for the next step? The study on autism suggests that healthy people may be able to prevent or reduce the incidence of autism by extending the period between pregnancies to at least 3 years. But could there be more that could be done to lower the risk of autism?

We know that folic acid taken at critical times during fetal development will reduce the risk of neural tube abnormalities in the baby. There are other examples of the benefits of supplementation. Let's consider omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients. They are vitafats. Every cell needs omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is essential for building normal neural pathways. Researchers have found that neural pathways built from Omega 6 fatty acids differ substantially from the neural wiring that occurs when omega 3 fatty acids are available.

Do omega 3 fatty acids cure autism? No. But omega 3 fatty acids are being used in neurological conditions with significant abnormalities. The basis for their use is the belief that these vitafats give the individual the best cellular environment and chance for combating these neurological abnormalities. After all, omega 3 fatty acid is vital, essential and our cells have to have it.
Maybe you've never heard about omega 3 fatty acids and their benefits. benefits of fish oil

When it comes to finding a reliable and proven source of omega 3 fatty acids, not just any source will do. There are bio-availability, sustainability and processing issues. New Zealand is a great if not the best source of omega 3 fatty acids. For purity and assay quality, the New Zealand government encourages fishing preserves, freshness and more. All these additional steps and considerations benefit you.

See why New Zealand is the best source for this vitafat. Simply click right here and find out more.

New Zealand and the best vitafats

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What To Do When Travelling Whilst Pregnant

2011-01-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

Overseas travel whilst pregnant brings into focus an entire range of issues to be considered. If you are travelling whilst pregnant to third world countries you may be exposed to bacteria and viruses, which can cause tummy upsets, fever, diarrhea, and dehydration. Added to this, there will be language and cultural differences, which make diagnosis difficult.

Here's a checklist for travelling whilst pregnant.

1. Make sure that you are travelling with at least one other person.

2. When you book your ticket, contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) to get the right information on diseases prevalent in the places you are visiting. You could also check the World Health Organization website to check whether there are any epidemics being reported.

3. When travelling whilst pregnant, ensure that you drink only safe water. Select a reputed brand of bottled water and ensure that the seals on the bottles are intact. Avoid ice cubes, as most ice cubes are made from tap water. Rinse out glasses and cups with bottled water before your drink from them. You can carry juices and soft drinks with you.

4. The milk you drink has to be pasteurized. So read the fine print on the bottle carefully.

5. Give fresh fruits, which are peeled beforehand, a miss. Avoid salads in the hotel buffet. Make sure that the meat, fish, and vegetables are well cooked before eating.

6. Before travelling, check out what medical facilities are available and whether your insurance cover is valid.

Of course, when travelling whilst pregnant, you would know your blood type. But you would also have to make sure that blood supplies at the destination are available and have been screened.

Research has shown that pregnant women are more likely to contract malaria and are also prone to very bad reactions. There are a number of mosquito repellents and wipes available, which are quite effective. Try not to use DEET based insect repellents as this chemical is easily absorbed into the skin. There are some lemon-eucalyptus based repellents which are safe for pregnant women to use.

Check with the airline and the insurance company before booking your ticket. Make a seat request for an aisle or bulkhead seat so that you have maximum legroom. A lot of the budget carriers charge extra if you have a special seat request; consider it money well spent and get a comfortable seat. Make sure you move from your seat at regular intervals to get your circulation going.

Car travel is relatively safe but make sure you take stretch breaks at regular intervals. If you are planning a cruise, then make sure that there is a doctor on board and your insurance covers you on board a ship.
There are plenty more tips for travelling whilst pregnant on our website including information on a number of niche insurance products such as travel insurance.

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Having Problems Getting Pregnant? What To Do Next

2011-01-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

If you are having problems getting pregnant, then don't lose heart. We read so much about unwanted pregnancies and spend much of our adult lives avoiding becoming pregnant that it's all too easy to imagine that as soon as you want a baby, then conceiving will be easy. However, it's often not like this at all.

When you consider how complex pregnancy is, it seems like a miracle that anyone manages to have a baby at all. There are just 12 opportunities a year as a healthy woman will normally release just one egg per month. Within each month, there are just a couple of fertile days and sometimes, the issue can be a simple as timing things right.

Before you do anything else, if you are having problems getting pregnant, then arm yourself with an ovulation predictor kit. Although you can determine ovulation using other methods, such as basal body temperature and cervical mucous, a predictor kit ensures 99% accuracy and this is important.

Ideally, you should have intercourse a couple of days before ovulation, on ovulation day and for a day or two afterwards. If you haven't spent time beforehand establishing your cycle, then it might take a couple of months to map out your cycle. However, during this time, still continue to have intercourse regularly. Ovulation happens 14 days before the first day of your period and so if your cycle is 28 days, ovulation will be on day 14 and on day 16 if your cycle is 30 days.

Dietary modification is never a wasted step to take if you are having problems getting pregnant. Changing your diet to one which eliminates harmful elements, such as refined carbohydrates, white sugar, additives and pesticides will be beneficial. You should also up your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, beans and seeds. Also, drinking lots of water can help to keep your internal organs healthy and hydrated and is particularly helpful for sperm health.

There are now pre-natal supplements designed for both men and women which can be taken for several months prior to conception and during the time you are trying to conceive. These are not only for couples who are having problems getting pregnant but will ensure that you are not missing out on any vitamins, minerals or trace elements, a lack of which can be a contributory factor for infertility.
Despite researching and putting into practice tips on how to become pregnant quickly, naturally, some couples still do not conceive after several months. Rather than leaving matters completely to chance, it makes sense to implement a tried and tested method which is guaranteed to work.

If you would like to see details of a holistic system which will eliminate infertility and give you the baby you so want, please visit Pregnancy Miracle for clear steps to follow if you are having problems getting pregnant.

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First Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms

2011-01-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

The first trimester of pregnancy is a stage that passes largely with you being oblivious to the fact that you are even expecting a baby. The first indication that you may be pregnant is usually a missed period and by the time this is noticed, you may be as much as one month gone already. There are a lot of changes to expect during this initial stage of pregnancy; some to do with your body, others to do with symptoms that you may develop and how you feel emotionally.

Your body

One of the earliest signs that you are pregnant is tenderness in your breasts. They may also feel heavier and look larger. Some women also report skin changes at around six to eight weeks; the classic pregnancy glow.

Your symptoms

Nausea is one of the most common symptoms reported and despite being called morning sickness, it can actually strike at any time of the day. Some women actually vomit whereas the majority just feel queasy. Fatigue and dizziness are also linked to early pregnancy. These are both normal but take special care to avoid standing abruptly and get as much rest as you can.

Hormonal changes may cause you to become increasingly irritable and tearful in the first trimester. It is entirely normal to be concerned about the life-changing event which lies ahead of you so take support from your partner, friends and family.

Tests & Check-ups

You should prepare yourself to undergo numerous blood tests, mainly to make sure that you are healthy and not lacking in any nutrients (e.g. iron). You will also be offered blood tests to check the health of the foetus. Depending on where you live, you may even have your first ultrasound scan at around twelve weeks to check that your baby is developing normally.

Always seek medical attention if you develop any unusual symptoms such as pain or bleeding and always take your folic acid. Take it easy during this critical early stage; even though the outward changes are not apparent, a lot is going on inside your body.

Take heart, the annoying symptoms of fatigue and morning sickness will subside as you enter the second trimester and your emotions will settle. Read as much as you can about what to expect when you are pregnant so you can relax and enjoy watching the miracle unfold.

Did you find those tips on first trimester of pregnancy useful? You can learn a lot more about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting click here : Essential Guide To Pregnancy
Yvonne W Hanson is a mother of two who has helped over 486 expectant mothers to get valuable information about pregnancy and childbirth online.

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Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs of Pregnancy

2010-08-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking that you might be pregnant? Or do you hope to get pregnant? Whatever the case is your presence here shows that you want to know about the signs and symptoms of pregnancy. This will help you to detect your pregnancy as soon s it occurs.

Following reading will give you an insight about some common signs of pregnancy that your body gives in initial few weeks of pregnancy. The following passages will advice you the signs that help in confirming pregnancy and then getting it off for taking a good start.

To know about the early signs of pregnancy, let's assume for a moment that it has happened. Tiny embryo has indulged itself in the lining of the uterus. But the body has to give many signals. Sometimes these signals start to appear even before, missing the periods. These symptoms continue to grow stronger with each passing day and week.

The classic and the most well know alarm of pregnancy is the missed periods. The jingle bells starts to ring if the sexually active woman misses her periods. At this time if the woman goes for a pregnancy test the result would be positive. Some women may experience light bleeding during these days. This light vaginal bleeding is termed implantation bleeding. This takes place when the growing embryo embeds itself in the wall of the uterus.

At this time many women notice food cravings as well as food aversion of different types of foods. What all you have been herding about the food cravings and increased appetite of pregnant woman is always right. Suddenly the pregnant women may start to crave pasta, pickles and few other food items. At the same time some food group's that they used to love may turn up your appetite.

Till so far no one is sure about the cause of these appetite changes. A school of thought says these changes are the nature's way of informing that women's body now requires full nutrients. Some women feel that they start to crave potatoes, bread and other starchy foods. Carbohydrate rich foods should be taken in the early pats of the day and in early weeks of pregnancy; this help in saving the nutrients and energy for the later days of pregnancy.

Pregnant women also feel extremely thirsty during the first few weeks of pregnancy. The extra fluid intakes help the women in increasing the supply of blood to some other liquids.
Do you want to know a 100% natural and effective system with a 99% accuracy rate to confirm pregnancy? If yes then check Early Signs of Pregnancy and find the answer right now.

If the test says that you are not pregnant; even then do not get disappointed as Stages of Pregnancy will give you some wonderful tips and soon you will be knitting the baby booties.

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The First Week Sign Of Pregnancy - Time To Get Alerted Of Your Pregnancy

2010-05-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

The first week sign of pregnancy ticks the alarm that you have started blooming a new life inside you. The pregnancy symptoms are not so visible in the first week of pregnancy. Both your physical and mental health undergoes certain changes after you become pregnant. Make a note of all these changes that start surfacing as early pregnancy symptoms within a couple days from conceiving. Onset of these symptoms at the first week of pregnancy marks implantation of fetus in the uterus and gradual development of it in your body. Drastic hormonal changes take place during this phase to support growth of the baby and the symptoms are just your body's reaction to these changes. Hence, take care of your body and monitor each first week sign of pregnancy and add to your pregnancy journal to create a week by week pregnancy calendar till the end of nine months course of pregnancy. Pregnancy journals or calendars help women to observe if they are making healthy progress towards childbirth.
How To Determine First Week Of Pregnancy
Now many women wonder how to calculate their pregnancy. Which is the first day of their nine months course of pregnancy? Usually, the first day of the last menstrual period commences the nine months duration of pregnancy. That means the day on which the last normal menstrual period ends is the day when you have become pregnant.
Usually, the ovulation is a thirty-day period and during this time, egg from ovary travels gets into fallopian tube where it is fertilized by a sperm and then descends to uterus for getting developed. The period when the fertilized egg gets into the inner lining of the uterus is considered the first week of pregnancy. Implantation of the fertilized egg at the inner lining of the uterus can be perceivable by slight bleeding and other symptoms. Take care to notice each first week sign of pregnancy for the right calculation of the pregnancy period and to be prepared for the childbirth, gradually.
First Week Pregnancy Symptoms
Following are the most probable changes pregnant women are supposed to undergo at the first week of pregnancy -

When you are suddenly experiencing a degree of enhanced exhaustion even If you are a full-fledged healthy, active workingwoman, you should take it seriously. Women many tend to feel a heightened level of exhaustion and may even faint due to low blood pressure.

Feeling nausea in the morning or throughout the day is a prevalent first week sign of pregnancy. Often your stomach may prone to feel queasy and feel aversion to foods.

Frequent urination is another first week sign of pregnancy. If you are expecting pregnancy, you may rush to bathroom more frequently than ever. Enlarging of your uterus to accommodate growth of the fetus inside it pushes your bladder and cause frequent urination.

Implantation bleeding is a significant first week sign of pregnancy. Because this bleeding results from implanting of egg in the uterus, it is termed as implantation bleeding. This light bleeding may accompany slight abdominal cramping.

Your breasts will show significant changes such as varicose veins, getting larger, more tender, sore and sensitive.

You will undergo dramatic mood swings and depression, anxiety, sudden onset of joy etc. This drastic transition of mood is an outcome of hormonal changes.

Gas is an embarrassing first week sign of pregnancy. However, you can reduce such discomforts by enriching your meals with adequate fibers and cutting down on spices. Constipation can accompany this gas symptom of pregnancy.

To reduce discomforts of first week sign of pregnancy, consume proper diet containing vitamin, mineral and folic acid as per charted by your doctor.

First week sign of pregnancy is very difficult to detect because even the early pregnancy symptoms or very early signs of pregnancy start showing in the second or third week. When the pregnancy symptoms become obvious, you can start maintaining a pregnancy journal to keep a week-by-week pregnancy track. Early Pregnancy Symptom provides more information and details about pregnancy signs and symptoms.

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Signs of Being Pregnant

2010-02-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes in the body. The signs of being pregnant are essentially the same yet, ironically, vary from woman to woman. Also, there are women who may experience some symptoms within a few days after conception, while others begin to experience and take notice of these signs a few weeks after conception.
A lot of women are actually confused since a lot of the signs of being pregnant are very similar to the symptoms which signal the coming of menstruation. The only tangible yet often unnoticed difference would be higher body temperature in pregnant women.
Perhaps the earliest sign of pregnancy is implantation bleeding which happens six to 12 days after conception. This occurs when the embryo embeds itself to the uterine wall, in which some women may experience spotting and cramping. A missed period is actually the most common pregnancy symptom. Although there are instances when women bleed even during pregnancy, bleeding is usually lighter or shorter than the usual menstruation. If there is any reason to believe that one is indeed pregnant, then a pregnancy test may be used a few days after the expected menstrual date when delayed.
Another one of the earlier signs of pregnancy which may come as early as a week into pregnancy would be nausea and vomiting. A lot of women experience morning sickness although this does not necessarily connote feeling sick in the morning only, but may occur any time of the day, or for some even the entire day. Although the reason behind this is not known, it is helpful to eat small frequent meals throughout the day or eating crackers or corn flakes before rising in the morning. It is also helpful to eat an apple or to drink a glass of milk before going to bed to make it easier it the morning. As early as one to two weeks after conception, breasts may be very tender, swollen or sore. They may also be enlarged and the nipples start to darken in color. At around six to eight weeks, the pregnant woman may start taking more frequent trips to the bathroom to empty their bladders since the uterus puts more pressure into it.
Major hormonal changes are also responsible for fatigue or tiredness during pregnancy due to the high temperature produced by increasing hCG levels which causes pregnant women to be sluggish. Pregnancy hormones are also responsible for slow bowel movement which may later on cause constipation. Being irritable is how the body copes with the many symptoms associated with pregnancy but may be handled by proper exercise and a healthy diet.

Pregnant provides detailed information on Pregnant, Am I Pregnant?, How To Get Pregnant, Signs Of Being Pregnant and more. Pregnant is affiliated with Ovulation And Conception.

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Very Early Signs of Pregnancy - Do You Know the 10 Pregnancy Signs?

2010-02-27T19:56:00.000-08:00

Very early signs of pregnancy - are there 10 pregnancy signs? Yes, there are signs that indicate very early that you are pregnant. Some women will experience one or two of them, others will have several of the very early signs of pregnancy. Once you have conceived, it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. As implantation happens, it's now possible to experience one or more of the 10 pregnancy signs and begin to know you are pregnant. Around this time, hormone levels begin to change, and the body reacts to these new hormone levels.
Here are 10 pregnancy signs:
1. Light Spotting - if you have conceived, spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your menstrual period should begin. Pregnancy bleeding from implantation is pinkish or brownish and not heavy. A normal menstrual flow should begin light, become heavy, then taper off again before ending.
2. More Frequent Urination - urinating more often is one of the very early signs of pregnancy. Many women experience more frequent urination even before a missed period, usually from about 7-12 days after the temperature rise at ovulation. The changes in hormone levels produced by implantation of the embryo, especially the hormone "human chorionic gonadotropin" (hCG), cause more frequent urination.
3. Elevated Body Temperature - it's normal to have an increase in body temperature at ovulation. Your basal body temperature staying elevated after ovulation is completed and remaining elevated through when your period should begin can be one of the very early signs of pregnancy.
4. Missing a Menstrual Period - a missed period is one of the obvious 10 pregnancy signs. However, you can miss a period for other reasons including illness, stress, hormone imbalance and reactions to foods or medications. If your menstrual cycle normally occurs very regularly, missing a period can be a sign.
5. Fatigue - lack of energy as one of the very early signs of pregnancy may be hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Feeling tired is related to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.
6. Cramping - the uterus can contract often and regularly. Moving around, exercise and orgasm all can trigger uterine cramping in early pregnancy.
7. Nausea - morning sickness is the name given to feeling nauseated when pregnant. Of the 10 pregnancy signs, only about half of pregnant women experience nausea, and feeling nauseated can happen any time of the day or night.
8. Tender Nipples and Breasts - one of the very early signs of pregnancy is a feeling of tenderness in the breasts and nipples. The good news is that these feelings of tenderness go away as the body becomes accustomed to the new hormone levels.
9. Darker Areolas - the area around the nipples becomes darker as early as one week after conception. The bumps on the areolas may look more prominent.
10. Constipation - you may notice a change in your bowels in early pregnancy. The intestines may relax and function less due to changing hormones and be one of the 10 pregnancy signs.
Once the very early signs of pregnancy are experienced, confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests. There are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy. A blood pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 8 to 10 days after conception, and a urine pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days following conception. Pregnancy tests are not 100% accurate. If you feel you are pregnant but your pregnancy test result is negative, do the test again in a week or so and see your physician.
Remember to take good care of your body even before you become pregnant. Give up smoking and alcohol, eat healthy and begin exercising. Those first few weeks and your health are vitally important to help support healthy development of your new baby. Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Besides knowing the 10 pregnancy signs, learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so your new baby will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Read more on the very early pregnancy test that is the most accurate and where to find it. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - visit and learn more about ovulation and fertility, prenatal vitamins, pregnancy and caring for yourself.

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Smoking Effects on Fetuses | ModernMom.com

2010-02-02T22:33:00.000-08:00

how smoking can influence you to get pregnant.Checkout this articles:

Smoking Effects on Fetuses | ModernMom.com

2010-01-31T17:52:00.001-08:00

pregnancy

The Easy Guide to Remaining Attractive & Pregnant

2010-01-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

Maternity can be a wonderful thing although it can also be an incredibly stressful time for many women. Hormonal fluctuations are one thing, the tiredness as well as the change in body shape can be quite distressing for some.

Sagging breasts as well as not being able to fit into their favorite pair of jeans doesn't help a bit either. Should I dare even mention stretch marks?

Have you ever wondered how those Hollywood celebrities manage to get pregnant and still look amazing? These guys can make just about anything look sexy, can't they? What's their secret?

While many of us would love to be pregnant and still be slim, it is not recommended. In fact, it is advised that you put on some extra weight at least to be able to sustain the baby.

Many women go overboard however and gain too much weight during the pregnancy and this is not healthy for them or their babies, as being too much overweight can cause birth complications as well as defects in babies.

The other side effect of this is that the women who put on a lot of pounds during this period tend to have to battle weight loss after the birth of their child.

If you're in this situation it is advised that you start keeping track of your weight and eat healthy foods at reasonable quantities that are good for both you and your baby.

The maternity period is not the opportunity for you let yourself go and eat anything you want. Maintain self-control and stay away from junk food and over-indulging. You will find that keeping this up and staying within recommended weight guidelines will not only benefit you during pregnancy, but after as well.

You will definitely find it easier to fight off the weight with some brisk walking or some form of light physical activity. Be sure to check with your doctor about what types of exercise is suitable for you, before starting.

In conclusion, being pregnant does not necessarily mean you'll be unattractive and overweight, no. You can look just as good as before but it will require effort on your part to stay disciplined, and a lot of trial and error till you find a routine that will work for you.
You would probably like to look at other maternity articles by the writer on her home page regarding maternity wedding dresses along with maternity bridesmaid dresses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michiru_Isu

8 Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

2009-12-25T21:26:00.000-08:00

Motherhood is a unique and beautiful experience of life. Every woman desires to go through this phase. It has its own share of joys and difficulties. The happiness of bringing a new family member overcomes the difficulties.

Giving birth to a new life is a magical experience and can be very exciting. It is one of a kind experience and the entire family looks forward to the arrival of the new one.

The period of pregnancy may be challenging for there are several pregnancy signs and symptoms. It becomes easier to deal with the situation when you know what to expect. It is important to educate yourself about the dos and don'ts and common symptoms of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Signs And Symptoms

1) Morning sickness - This is an early sign of pregnancy and very common among women. Some of them may suffer from nausea and vomiting, accompanied with severe headache. Sometimes, this sickness may be felt in the evening, termed as evening sickness. This symptom stays for approximately three months and disappears after the first trimester.
2) High temperature - Women may experience elevated body temperature during the initial stages of pregnancy. This is a common condition and subsides in a few days.
3) Frequent urination - This is another symptom of early pregnancy. You may want to visit the bathroom frequently when you are expecting a child. Nevertheless, do not reduce the intake of water; it is important to maintain appropriate fluid balance.
4) Sore breasts - This too is one of the pregnancy signs and symptoms. Your breasts may become tender and bigger in size and hurt terribly. Even a slight touch may hurt your breast unbearably. This pain will subside in few days when your body is used to the hormonal changes.
5) Heightened sense of taste and smell - There may be a change in your preferences as far as food is concerned. A change in taste is quite common during pregnancy. Women often end up disliking things they loved before pregnancy. An increased sense of smell and taste may cause aversions and cravings for certain food items. Some women also experience a metallic taste in their mouth during this phase.
6) Cramps and fatigue - Extreme exhaustion, cramps, and fatigue are some other signs of pregnancy. Getting tired easily or feeling lethargic to carry out the routine activities is common. Dizziness is also another condition that affects women during pregnancy.
7) Mood swings - Since there are some major hormonal changes, women may experience mood swings. It is important that the family and spouse be well prepared to handle such changes. If the mood swings are too intense and intolerable, counseling may be required. Consult your doctor if you feel depressed or down in the dumps.
8) Constipation - The increased size of womb causes severe constipation since the womb exerts pressure on the intestines. Moreover, constipation affects digestion and may lead to heartburn and acidity. Such are the pregnancy signs and symptoms.
There are certain definite signs of pregnancy like morning sickness and missing of the menstrual period. To know more about the common pregnancy symptoms, you may visit the provided link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alen_Cauller

Pregnancy - Nausea Signs

2009-12-25T21:22:00.000-08:00

Nausea is one of the first signs of pregnancy symptoms. Pregnant women start experiencing nausea between the 4th week and 6th week of pregnancy. The feeling of sickness (nausea) is usually experienced after consumption of coffee or eating something on an empty stomach. Nausea is also referred to as morning sickness. But it is not necessary that these symptoms are only experienced in the morning. Many pregnant women often complain about experiencing feelings of sickness throughout the day.

About 50% of all women experience some form of nausea during their pregnancy. The causes of nausea are often related to rapid hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body. The sudden rise of HCG (the pregnancy hormone) and estrogen levels in pregnant women has a major role in causing nausea during pregnancy. Nausea starts between the 4th week and 6th week of pregnancy and usually disappears around the 14th week when hormones levels start decreasing.

A cure for morning sickness is one of the ardent desires in pregnant women. There are a few things that they can do to deal with nausea successfully.

Tips to Prevent Nausea:

1) Some foods and scents have a major role in triggering nausea in pregnant women. Some of the foods that need to be avoided are greasy, spicy and fried foods. Strong scents, heavy perfumes and cigarette smoke should also be avoided.

2) The selection of food by pregnant women has a great effect on treating nausea. Plain bland foods such as baked or mashed potatoes, pretzels and crackers are highly recommended for pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy. These foods are known to provide relief from nausea symptoms. Consuming smaller meals at shorter intervals helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels which has a nausea curbing effect.

3) Ginger is also one of the popular morning sickness remedies. Ginger lollipops specially manufactured for pregnant women are safe and effective in treating nausea. Consuming ginger cookies helps ease morning sickness, and people can also add fresh ginger to food while cooking which will also provide relief.

4) Vitamins can help as well as worsen the pregnancy nausea. Taking a daily dose of prenatal vitamins leads to high levels of iron in the body, which can result in morning sickness. But this reaction can be successfully prevented by consuming vitamins with food or before going to bed. Increased consumption of foods with vitamin B6 such as avocado and banana also have positive effects on nausea.

While the above-mentioned tips are more popular in preventing and treating nausea, pregnant women also have other options. Some of the less followed tips of treating nausea are:

1) Tiredness is one of the causes of nausea. Getting enough sleep at night and some small naps during the day helps.

2) Consume high-protein snacks.

3) A teaspoon of cider vinegar in a cup of warm water also provides relief.

4) Eating dry cereal or protein crackers before getting out of bed in the morning prevents the sickness feeling.

5) Avoid hunger cravings by eating smaller frequent meals throughout the day.

6) Non-caffeinated teas like peppermint are useful in treating nausea.

Following these tips will provide relief in treating and preventing nausea. But, pregnant women experiencing severe pregnancy nausea should consult their doctor. The doctor is the right person to evaluate the situation and prescribe medications accordingly.
Donald Ray has worked more than 20 years in counseling couples with all kinds of family problems. He is an author and his latest eBook "Hidden Secrets of Relieving Morning Sickness" and other articles may be found at; http://www.morningsicknesshelps.com

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Signs of Pregnancy Before Missed Period - Listen to Your Body

2009-12-23T04:47:00.000-08:00

Are you getting some clues (you think) that you may be expecting, and are trying to realize the first signs of pregnancy before missed period? These signs can be quite subtle - sometimes they are so tiny that everyone will miss them! The key to recognizing a pregnancy before a missed period is to listen closely to your body, and then take what you heard and translate it into solid outcome - yes or no.

My experience has been that most women miss these subtle signs. Often, the signs are right before our eyes, and we dismiss them as an upset tummy, or excess gas, or even a bloated feeling from eating a meat too large for our stomach. To acknowledge signs of pregnancy before missed period requires that a woman be "in touch" with her feelings - and her body! Because sometimes these clues, while present and noticed, are quickly written off as nothing by a busy modern woman of today who doesn't have the time to listen what her body is telling her.

For those mothers-to-be who aren't planning a pregnancy or just the thought that they might be expecting is a thousand miles away, these early pregnancy clues are almost always missed completely. Take for example the extreme fatigue that often is an early sign. Many women who live a busy and fast-paced lifestyle are often exhausted just by the activities of their busy days. How then, could they be expected to recognize that fatigue (not merely tiredness) is one of the classic first signs of pregnancy before missed period? Let's put this fatigue in perspective. Fatigue is when you wake up tired - even after a good nights sleep. Sometimes the exhaustion is so great that these ladies go around in a stupor from the extreme fatigue, as their thinking may be muddled from the fatigue.

That brings us to morning sickness. Now, who reading this article (man or woman) wouldn't associate unexplained nausea and vomiting in the morning as a sign of pregnancy? My guess is that most everyone would recognize this symptom as probably the classic sign that a new life is forming inside a woman's body. So, why is it missed by so many expectant mothers? My guess is that they are simply not listening to their bodies the way they should be. It's way too easy to write off the symptoms of morning sickness to "something I ate" or "stomach flu" instead of sitting down for a few minutes and making sense of what's going on inside your body.

The first signs Of pregnancy before missed period may be subtle and difficult to recognize, but they are definitely for real and should be listened to and be taken seriously.
For your own little Princess, a Princess Doll is always tops on the list of "must have" toys! PrincessDolls.net is the best place on the internet to shop for your own Princess Doll!

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Early Signs of Pregnancy - The Top 10 Signs That You Might Be Pregnant

2009-11-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

A huge portion of the medical industry is dedicated to helping women determine when they are pregnant. However, did you know that without a test there are physical signs that will give you an indication that you are pregnant? About a week after you have conceived you can start to notice some of the early signs of pregnancy that your body is going through as your hormone levels start to shift, and these signs can be a great indicator that in about nine months you will have a bundle of joy arriving.

Spotting

During pregnancy you can expect to not have your menstrual period, but it is not uncommon to experience some slight spotting after conception. Their is a difference in the shade of the bleeding. Normal menstrual blood is more reddish, but blood from spotting is much more pink or brown and not at all heavy.

Frequent Urination

There are jokes about pregnant women always racing to the bathroom, but this is more than just a joke. If you suddenly experience frequent trips to the bathroom it may be an early sign of pregnancy. This is one of the first changes that you may see because your body is suddenly producing more HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin which can lead you to need to urinate more frequently.

Feeling Hot

Many women may not even realize that their body temperature traditionally rise during ovulation, but when you become pregnant your body may stay at that warmer temperature. So, if you notice that your body is warmer than normal it may be an indication of something else.

Period Free

Perhaps one of the most dramatic indications of pregnancy is when a woman misses a menstrual period. However, do not be fooled, there are often other reason that you could miss a period, but if you are someone who has a very regular cycle a missed cycle may be an early sign of pregnancy.

Cramps

Though you may not be experiencing a menstrual period you can still experience cramps. These cramps are actually uterine cramps, and they are quite common during the early stages of pregnancy. These cramps can be triggered by any type of physical movement so if you experience these often you may want to pay just a bit of attention to them.

Fatigue

When a woman conceives she is now supporting another life form. Additionally her body is experiencing dramatic hormone swings both of which can lead to significant fatigue. Traditionally as you progress through your pregnancy your body will begin to adjust and your energy levels will return.

Morning Sickness

Nausea is a common early sign of pregnancy. However, the truth is that only 5 out of 10 pregnant women deal with morning sickness during their pregnancy. But do not be confused by the term morning sickness. The nausea that you can experience during the early stages of pregnancy can happen at any point during the day.

Sensitivity

Your breasts will soon become a food source for you new baby and they are almost instantly affected by conception. Typically due to the new hormone levels you will experienced increased tenderness in this area. Again, as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels this will fade, but in the early stages you can use it to help you recognize the fact that you are expecting.

Color Changing

Your breasts may experience more than just an increase in sensitivity. Additionally your areolae may start to change color. It is quite common that they start to darken as your hormones swing due to your new pregnancy.

Constipation

One area that you may not realize will change is how your bowels will deal with your new pregnancy. Do not be alarmed with this early sign of pregnancy as they will return to normal as your body progresses through its pregnancy.
Would you like more information on pregnancy and the A huge portion of the medical industry is dedicated to helping women determine when they are pregnant. However, did you know that without a test there are physical signs that will give you an indication that you are pregnant? About a week after you have conceived you can start to notice some of the early signs of pregnancy that your body is going through as your hormone levels start to shift, and these signs can be a great indicator that in about nine months you will have a bundle of joy arriving.

Spotting

During pregnancy you can expect to not have your menstrual period, but it is not uncommon to experience some slight spotting after conception. Their is a difference in the shade of the bleeding. Normal menstrual blood is more reddish, but blood from spotting is much more pink or brown and not at all heavy.

Frequent Urination

There are jokes about pregnant women always racing to the bathroom, but this is more than just a joke. If you suddenly experience frequent trips to the bathroom it may be an early sign of pregnancy. This is one of the first changes that you may see because your body is suddenly producing more HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin which can lead you to need to urinate more frequently.

Feeling Hot

Many women may not even realize that their body temperature traditionally rise during ovulation, but when you become pregnant your body may stay at that warmer temperature. So, if you notice that your body is warmer than normal it may be an indication of something else.

Period Free

Perhaps one of the most dramatic indications of pregnancy is when a woman misses a menstrual period. However, do not be fooled, there are often other reason that you could miss a period, but if you are someone who has a very regular cycle a missed cycle may be an early sign of pregnancy.

Cramps

Though you may not be experiencing a menstrual period you can still experience cramps. These cramps are actually uterine cramps, and they are quite common during the early stages of pregnancy. These cramps can be triggered by any type of physical movement so if you experience these often you may want to pay just a bit of attention to them.

Fatigue

When a woman conceives she is now supporting another life form. Additionally her body is experiencing dramatic hormone swings both of which can lead to significant fatigue. Traditionally as you progress through your pregnancy your body will begin to adjust and your energy levels will return.

Morning Sickness

Nausea is a common early sign of pregnancy. However, the truth is that only 5 out of 10 pregnant women deal with morning sickness during their pregnancy. But do not be confused by the term morning sickness. The nausea that you can experience during the early stages of pregnancy can happen at any point during the day.

Sensitivity

Your breasts will soon become a food source for you new baby and they are almost instantly affected by conception. Typically due to the new hormone levels you will experienced increased tenderness in this area. Again, as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels this will fade, but in the early stages you can use it to help you recognize the fact that you are expecting.

Color Changing

Your breasts may experience more than just an increase in sensitivity. Additionally your areolae may start to change color. It is quite common that they start to darken as your hormones swing due to your new pregnancy.

Constipation

One area that you may not realize will change is how your bowels will deal with your new pregnancy. Do not be alarmed with this early sign of pregnancy as they will return to normal as your body progresses through its pregnancy.
Would you like more information on pregnancy and the early signs of pregnancy visit Sunnie's Site for all the info you need! Click Here For Sunnie's Site. While there download your FREE REPORT "A Guys Guide To The Delivery Room".

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visit Sunnie's Site for all the info you need! Click Here For Sunnie's Site. While there download your FREE REPORT "A Guys Guide To The Delivery Room".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sunnie_James

Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Being Pregnant

2009-10-31T22:39:00.001-07:00

EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS

Although a lot of women experience pregnancy symptoms, and find signs of being pregnant, other's don't "feel" pregnant. Certain signs and symptoms of being pregnant can be confused with other illnesses. The following list are some telltale symptoms of pregnancy. Morning sickness is one of the most common signs of being pregnant, but you also might be one of the lucky ones who never experience this pregnancy symptom. Missing a period is another sign and symptom of being pregnant. We'll go into greater detail below, and you can read below.

MISSING A PERIOD

One of the most common signs and symptoms of being pregnant, missing a period can also be caused by other reasons. Although missing a period is one of the most common of the pregnancy symptoms, stress, illness, weight fluctuations or coming off the oral contraceptive pill can also be the cause of this. Irregular periods are a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which periods can occur several months apart. If you still feel like you are experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, continue reading the other signs of being pregnant.

TENDERNESS OF THE BREAST

Another sign and symptom of pregnancy is the changing of size and feel of your breast. As early as a few days after conception, this pregnancy symptom may occur. Your breast is beginning to enlarge, as it gets ready for breastfeeding. Many women claim that their breasts are very sensitive and that they experience a very sharp, tingling sensation as well. Being one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant, the tenderness of the breast often disappears a few weeks later.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Considered another one of the classic sign and symptoms of being pregnant, nausea and vomiting, (aka morning sickness) has become one of the most feared of all pregnancy symptoms. Feeling sick is a common complaint and is experienced by most women from weeks 5 to 6 of their pregnancy. However, morning sickness can also be felt as early as two weeks after conception. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, and can vary from an occasional faint sensation to overwhelming vomiting and nausea. By and large, morning sickness is one of the pregnancy symptoms that tends to disappear towards the end of the first trimester.

TIREDNESS

Many women experience fatigue as one of their pregnancy symptoms. Although this might be a sign of being pregnant, it can also indicate other things as well.

DARKENING OF THE AREOLA

Being one of the first physical symptoms of pregnancy, the darkening of the areola can occur throughout your entire pregnancy. If you notice the darkening of the areola, this could be considered one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant.

FREQUENT URINATION

If you experience that you are urinating more frequently, this might be another of the pregnancy symptoms that confirm that you are pregnant. As early as two weeks after conception, you might find yourself experience this pregnancy symptom. The pressure of the literally reducing size of your bladder is the cause of this. Your uterus beings to rise up into the abdomen, and this annoying pregnancy symptom is the result. Rising levels of the pregnancy hormone progesterone stimulate the bladder muscles, so that it feels full, even though you might not need to urinate. Of all of the pregnancy symptoms, and signs of being pregnant, women sometimes find this to be the most annoying.

CHANGES IN TASTE AND SMELL

Don't be surprised if you experience this pregnancy sign and symptom. Many women claim that certain foods make them feel queasy - while others experience a craving for other foods. Another sign of this pregnancy symptom, is a strange metallic taste.

CONSTIPATION

Another of the annoying signs and symptoms of being pregnant, constipation occurs.

CONFIRMING YOUR PREGNANCY

Two weeks after conception, your baby is no bigger than a pinhead, comprised of a few balls of cells. As it begins to develop in the lining of the uterus, the placenta begins to form and produce necessary pregnancy hormones. Below are some ways to confirm that the pregnancy symptoms and signs of being pregnant that you have noticed are accurate, and that you will be having a baby.

HOME PREGNANCY TESTS

Being very accurate, these tests can be purchased at a local drugstore, and can confirm pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Your health care provider may rely on this test, and may only repeating testing if complications arise. If you receive a positive result, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor so that they can confirm you are pregnant and begin follow-up.

OFFICE URINE TEST

Similar to that of a home pregnancy test, and office urine test confirms pregnancy by also detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Being nearly 100% accurate, this test does not require you to urinate first thing in the morning. This type of test also can determine that the signs and symptoms of being pregnant hold true, and that your pregnancy symptoms are right.

PREGNANCY BLOOD TEST

In order to assist dating your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may also perform a pregnancy blood test. This particular pregnancy test can give you a positive or negative result, and once again detects the level of HCG. This time, it detects that level in your blood, and depending on your pregnancy symptoms, helps them determine what kind of care to give you. Pregnancy blood tests are useful if there are any concerns about miscarriage, or if there are indications that an unusual pregnancy is occurring.

INTERNAL EXAM

Four to six weeks after conception, your doctor can receive indefinite proof by examining you internally. Certain signs like the thickening of vaginal tissues and the softening of your uterus will confirm that the pregnancy symptoms are right on!
Brian Gardner is the Founder of PregnancyEtc.com - An Online Pregnancy Resource For 9 Months & Beyond. Having recently experienced pregnancy firsthand with his wife Shelly, Brian has dedicated his efforts towards pregnancy research. The development of http://www.pregnancyetc.com was to ensure that expecting parents had a place to find information on pregnancy and babies.

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4 Signs of Diabetes During Pregnancy - Signs of Gestational Diabetes

2009-10-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

What are the signs of diabetes during pregnancy? Or what are the typical signs of gestational diabetes? It is a temporary phase of diabetes that effects the pregnant women.

According to American Diabetes Association around 21 million children and adults are suffering from diabetes alone in United States. This includes more than 9 million women. The worse news is that one third of this population does not know that they are suffering from this chronic ailment.

Almost 4% of all pregnant women are suffering from gestational diabetes. This diabetic condition can prove to be harmful for the unborn child. It normally starts in the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy. The diabetic stage fades away after the baby is born. It is believed that underlying cause of gestational diabetes is the thrush of hormones during pregnancy. These hormones decrease the ability of women towards insulin. This also adds to the high level of blood sugar.

These high blood sugar levels are neither good for the mother nor for the baby. It is important that all pregnant women must be screened for diabetes.

Following are the most common 4 signs of diabetes during pregnancy. The dilemma is that these signs are also connected with earliest symptoms of pregnancy.

Frequent Urination

It is the earliest symptom of pregnancy as the uterus puts pressure on bladder. It is the sign of gestational diabetes as excessive fluid is needed to expel the extra glucose from blood.

Increased Thirst

Increased thirst is the first sign of diabetes as well as the earliest pregnancy symptom. The reason is the excessive dehydration via urination.

Tiredness or Fatigue

Tiredness is a usual pregnancy symptom. Similar feelings are seen because of diabetes. One may feel run out or tired even from the routines work.

Vomiting or Nausea

No doubt it is the classic pregnancy symptom but normally it fades away after the first trimester. If it continues till third trimester then it could be the sign of diabetes.
Please note these could be either earliest pregnancy symptoms or signs of gestational diabetes. It is not easy to differentiate between the two. Still if any of the above signs are seen then you must;

1) Check Diabetes during Pregnancy.

2) Check Signs of Gestational Diabetes.

3) Plan a visit to doctor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tehmina_Mazher

Pregnancy Signs - Week by Week Throughout Your Pregnancy

2009-10-31T22:33:00.001-07:00

Within the early signs as well as first week of pregnancy, you will go through the implantation period, which is where the fertilized egg implants itself into your uterine wall. Of course, during the first signs of pregnancy you will experience an increased need to urinate, food cravings, morning sickness, fatigue and a missed menstrual cycle.

Around three to four weeks your unborn baby will be developing rather quickly with already containing formed organs, spine, nervous system and tissue. This stage of your pregnancy is titled the embryonic phase and will last throughout your eighth week. During this particular week, your baby's neural tubes will be developing as well as the structures for blood circulation. The circulatory system will form.

Your baby's heartbeat will begin beating during the fourth week of pregnancy. The movement of your unborn baby's heart will move blood into the placenta. Inside the central part of the neural tube, the formation of the spinal cord and brain will be evident.

The brain of your unborn baby is developing sensory placodes, which form within close to one another. The lens structures develop into eyes and the nasal and aural features evolve into the nose and ears. Also around the fourth week of pregnancy the jaw, teeth, tongue, voice box, throat and mouth form.

The HCG hormone going through your body induces signs of pregnancy. This is why you will receive a positive pregnancy test. The amount of HCG within your body is what indicates a pregnancy or no pregnancy. Low amounts of HCG can indicate complications with our pregnancy. Urine pregnancy tests are not the most accurate pregnancy tests when trying to determine the HCG levels within your body.

During the embryonic phase, your appetite will increase dramatically. You will find yourself reacting to foods differently as compared to when you were not pregnant. Some particular types of foods may make you nauseous.

Morning sickness is a pregnancy sign, which might increase as the HCG and progesterone continually run through your body's system. Morning sickness will decrease as you reach the end of your first trimester. Another obvious sign of pregnancy is weight gain. Your first trimester you will gain six to eleven pounds. Your doctor will monitor your weight gain or loss throughout your pregnancy.

During your first trimester, miscarriages are possible. Many Women are not aware that miscarriages are common with twenty percent of pregnancies ending in miscarriage. Some pregnancies will end before you begin experiencing pregnancy signs. This is due to due to the HCG is produced in registering a positive pregnancy result but follow-up tests will indicate a negative result.
Miscarriages occur due to numerous reasons. Most miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities. Signs and symptoms of a miscarriage can involve cramping, aches and vaginal bleeding. If you have any questions about miscarriage as well as pregnancy signs week by week, see your primary health care doctor.

Subscribe To Our Free Pregnancy Newsletter

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Am I Pregnant Quiz - 100% Confirm Pregnancy Signs Before Missed Periods

2009-10-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

Have you been sexually active? If yes then you have a 20% chance of getting pregnant in this cycle. You can feel safe if you are using some reliable birth control method. One must always keep in mind that any birth control method is not 100 % reliable. Am I pregnant quiz enables any sexually active woman to detect her pregnancy signs even before missing periods.

Am I Pregnant Quiz

Answer these questions either "yes" or "no". If the answer of below mentioned 5 questions is yes, then there are bright chances that you are pregnant.

Are You Experiencing Nausea? You must have heard something about morning sickness. This pregnancy sign begins to occur even before the missed period. Sometimes a woman can experience this sign at any time of the day.

A woman can be pregnant and might not experience nausea. On the other hand a woman can be nauseated because of food poisoning, virus or stress.

Is there a Change in Appetite? If you notice the cravings of certain foods then this is also a sign of pregnancy before missed period. The cravings for odd combination of foods or non-food items is a confirm pregnancy sign.

Are the Energy Levels Or Moods Different? In the period of pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes that may cause a person to feel unusually tired. Women also experience mood swings like being stressed, depressed or more emotional.

Having More Aches and Pains? Earliest pregnancy symptoms also include headache, backache and tender breasts. These signs of pregnancy may continue for the whole duration of pregnancy or may fade away in the coming months.

Are You Making Frequent Trips To The Rest Room? If you are always going to the rest room or waking up in the night to urinate then this may be the sign that you are pregnant.

Results
If you have ticked at least 4 out of 5 questions then it means that you are pregnant. The next step is to get a pregnancy test done after checking all other Earliest Signs of Pregnancy

If you have ticked less than 2 out of five even then do not get disappointed as Pregnancy Guide will give you some wonderful tips and soon you will be knitting the bay booties.

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Contractions During Pregnancy

2009-07-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

What a blessing and how marvelous it is to be a pregnant woman or having a wife who is pregnant. With the growing of the unborn child inside the mother's womb, there are countless numbers of miraculous things a pregnant woman is going to experience and encounter that will leave her and her loved ones in awe.

You are certainly going to experience many amazing things due to pregnancy including contractions during pregnancy. As a matter of fact, it is a must for a pregnant woman to enrich herself in her knowledge on pregnancy to help her getting prepared for every single thing to encounter during her pregnancy including a couple of particular different types of contractions during pregnancy, and ultimately to get prepare for her labor.

Apparently, there are a number of different types of labor contractions during pregnancy which should be comprehensively learned by a pregnant woman to help understand which types of contractions she is facing and how to manage with them. Below are two common types of such contractions. They are:

Braxton Hicks contractions or usually known as false labor or pre-labor contractions. This type of contractions is a helpful means for a pregnant woman to help her uterus learn how to contract and begin the softening and dilating process of her cervix. Usually, these types of contractions occur when a woman reaches her second or third semester of her pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions are usually formed as a tightening of her uterus muscles or more of a squeeze at her lower stomach and groin. Such contractions during pregnancy are commonly occurred in the afternoon or evening, particularly when the pregnant woman feels hungry, exhausted, stressed, or after having a physically tiring day. However, these painless contractions usually would go away when a pregnant woman change her position or drink a lot of water. Some even do not notice such contractions.

Early labor contractions. In Braxton Hicks contractions when a pregnant woman drink a lot of water or change her positions the contractions would go away, however, in early labor contractions such contraction would stay and grow stronger and longer. This type of contractions during pregnancy could be uncomfortable and a little painful and could last for hours and even for days. Mostly, early labor contractions begin from one's back and move forward that would make her stomach to be hard. When you are on your 6th month of pregnancy or more and feeling confuse or have little knowledge on contractions during pregnancy, you could visit your doctor or professionals for their advice.

Did you find those tips on contraction during pregnancy useful? You can download my eBook to learn a lot more about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting here: Essential Guide To Pregnancy.
Yvonne W Hanson is a mother of two who has helped over 658 expectant mothers to get valuable information about pregnancy and childbirth online.

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Top 4 Signs of Pregnancy

2009-05-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

Am I pregnant? It's the FAQ by most of the women either wanting or not wanting pregnancy every month. Most of the times no symptoms are noticed until the women miss their periods. If the woman fails to keep the record of her menstrual cycle or if the cycle is not regular the chances are that woman is not sure when to expect periods. If the woman start experiencing any or more of the given symptoms and she have not got her periods for a while then chances are that she is pregnant. It is better to take a home pregnancy test for confirming.

1) Swollen or Tender Breasts: One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is sore and sensitive breasts. These are caused because of the increase in hormones. The soreness resembles the one that is felt before the periods but it is its exaggerated version. The discomfort of breasts decrease or reduces after first trimester as after this period the body adjust itself with increased level of hormones.

2) Fatigue: Are you feeling exhausted suddenly? If yes then again it can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. No one knows the cause of fatigue in early pregnancy; but it is said that it can be because of increase in progesterone that contributes to sleepiness.

Once the pregnancy enters second trimester; the woman start feeling more energetic. Sometimes it returns in third trimester; since the women have to carry more weight and she is not getting a peaceful sleep at night because of other pregnancy discomforts.

3) Implantation Bleeding: Some women may experience some vaginal bleeding after around 12 days of conception. The cause of bleeding is that fertilized egg burrows itself on the lining of uterus. The bleeding is light and may last for one or two days.

4) Morning Sickness: Most women do not experience morning sickness until after a month of conceiving. Still some women start to feel queasy much earlier. Pregnancy related morning sickness is not only confined to morning it can be experienced at any time in morning, afternoon or even in evening.

Here I have just pointed few early signs of pregnancy.
Do you Want to Know the 100% Natural, and Effective system with a 99% accuracy rate to confirm pregnancy? If yes then check Earliest Signs of Pregnancy and find the answer right now.

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