Am I Pregnant?
Missed Period
The normal menstrual cycle generally works on an average 28-day schedule. If you miss a period, this is a strong indication that you may be pregnant. Other factors that may cause missed periods include:
Bleeding or Spotting
Known as implantation bleeding, this occurs because a fertilized egg implants itself into the endometrial lining of the uterus. This is different than menstruation; it is typically lighter and does not last as long. Color can vary from pink to a dark brownish-red. Implantation bleeding can start as early as nine days after conception. Not all women experience this, but spotting is not uncommon. Sometimes minor cramps accompany the bleeding.
Increased Need to Urinate. Pregnancy increases the volume of blood in a woman's system. This causes the kidneys to work harder to process waste and water, so more fluid reaches the bladder. Thus the bladder must be emptied more frequently. Also, a woman's growing uterus pushes on the bladder so it has less capacity.
Tender or Swollen Breasts. A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the breasts often occurs in the early stages of pregnancy. The areolas also darken in color. Both of these symptoms are due to the changes in hormones during pregnancy—specifically, due to the increase in estrogen production in your body.
Fatigue, A constant feeling of tiredness is common because the body is going through new physical strain. Hormonal changes— specifically, the increase of progesterone production in your body—can also make you feel exhausted.
Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy
A woman’s good health is essential to the good health of her baby. Women who eat well and exercise regularly along with regular prenatal care, are less likely to have complications during pregnancy, and are more likely to give birth successfully to a healthy baby.
Nutrition
What you eat during pregnancy could give your developing baby the healthiest possible start in life. A nutritional diet is directly linked to a higher chance of a normal birth-weight, improving fetal brain development, and reducing the risk of many birth defects.
A balanced diet will also reduce the risks of pregnancy complications, such as anemia and may also minimize morning sickness, fatigue, and other unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. Good nutrition is also thought to help balance mood swings and may improve labor and delivery.
As a general rule, a well-balanced diet including protein, vitamin C, calcium, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, iron-rich foods, and adequate fat will help to ensure the health of mom and baby throughout the nine months of pregnancy. A simple way to satisfy your nutritional needs during pregnancy is to eat a variety of foods from each of the food groups every day.
Many women are concerned about how much weight they will gain during pregnancy. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight gain. If your weight was in the normal range before you got pregnant, a weight gain of 25-35 pounds is recommended. It’s important for a woman to discuss and monitor her weight and nutritional needs with her doctor throughout the pregnancy. Weight gain recommendations will vary for women who are underweight before conceiving, for those who are obese, and for those with a multiple pregnancy (twins etc.).
What Not to Eat
To protect mom and baby from bacteria or parasitic infection (Listeriosis), make sure that all milk, cheese, and juice are pasteurized. Do not eat meat from the deli counter or hot dogs unless they are thoroughly heated. Also avoid refrigerated, smoked seafood and undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood. If you have had a history of allergies, it is advised that you speak to your doctor about any foods to avoid.
Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnant women experience sudden and dramatic increases in estrogen and progesterone, as well as changes in the amount and function of a number of other hormones. These changes can not only affect mood, they can also create the “glow” of pregnancy, significantly aid in the development of the fetus, and alter the physical impact of exercise and physical activity on the body.
Estrogen and Progesterone Changes
Estrogen and progesterone are the chief pregnancy hormones. A woman will produce more estrogen during one pregnancy than throughout her entire life when not pregnant. The increase in estrogen during pregnancy enables the uterus and placenta to improve vascularization, transfer nutrients, and support the developing baby.
In addition, estrogen is thought to play an important role in helping the fetus develop and mature. Estrogen levels increase steadily during pregnancy and reach their peak in the third trimester. The rapid increase in estrogen levels during the first trimester may cause some of the nausea associated with pregnancy and, during the second trimester, plays a major role in the milk duct development that enlarges the breasts.
Progesterone
Progesterone levels also are extraordinarily high during pregnancy. The changes in progesterone cause a laxity or loosening of ligaments and joints throughout the body. In addition, high levels of progesterone cause internal structures to increase in size, such as the ureters (which connect the kidneys with the maternal bladder). Progesterone also is important for transforming the uterus from the size of a small pear in its non-pregnant state to a uterus that can accommodate a full-term baby.
Pregnancy Hormones and Exercise Injuries
While these hormones are absolutely critical for a successful pregnancy, they also can make exercise more difficult. Pregnant women may be at greater risk for ankle or knee sprains and strains because the ligaments are looser (however, no studies have documented an increased rate in injury during pregnancy).
For Information On babies Click Here
Complications
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The reasons for miscarriage are not always known. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester (first 13 weeks of pregnancy). Chromosomal abnormalities can prevent proper development of the fertilized egg. Other times physical problems with a woman’s reproductive system can make it difficult for a healthy fetus to grow.
Miscarriage is sometimes called spontaneous abortion as the body rids itself of the fetus much like a procedural abortion. The most common sign of a miscarriage is abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Other symptoms can include:
Most miscarriages don’t require surgical intervention. When a miscarriage occurs under 12 weeks, the tissue will often dissolve or pass spontaneously without the need for further intervention. Some patients will require medicine or a minor procedure in the office to help with the passage of the tissue.
Ectopic Pregnancy
A fertilized egg implanted outside the uterus in an ectopic pregnancy. The egg generally settles in one of the fallopian tubes. Because of the space limitations and the lack of nurturing tissues there, a fetus cannot properly grow. An ectopic pregnancy can cause severe pain and damage to a woman’s reproductive system. An ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition. As the fetus continues to grow, it can cause the fallopian tube to burst leading to severe hemorrhage (internal bleeding).
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fetus will not survive. Surgery and medication are necessary, as well a careful monitoring of a woman’s reproductive system by a gynecologist. Causes of ectopic pregnancies include endometriosis (a condition in which cell tissue like that in the uterus grows elsewhere in the body) and scarring to the fallopian tubes from a previous sexually transmitted infection.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy. Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes means that there are additional concerns to be addressed during your pregnancy and that you are at higher risk for diabetes. Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is caused by an inability of a woman’s body to make enough insulin. For most women, gestational diabetes does not cause any noticeable symptoms.
While most women with gestational diabetes give birth to healthy babies, the condition can increase the risk that the baby will have macromasia (larger-than-normal body). Other health risks to the baby include:
Gestational diabetes is treated through changes in diet and close monitoring of the blood sugar levels; intake of insulin may also be necessary. The goal is to keep the mother's sugar levels within a normal range for the remainder of the pregnancy so the mother and fetus remains healthy.
Cervical Insufficiency (Incompetent cervix)
A growing baby puts continual pressure on a pregnant woman’s cervix. In some (rare) cases, the pressure becomes too much for the cervix to handle, and the cervix will start to open before the baby is ready to be born. Women who have previously had a pregnancy complicated by cervical insufficiency or who have had surgery on their cervix are most susceptible.
Symptoms are often very vague and non-specific. In fact, most women who have cervical insufficiency have no idea that their cervix is thinning and/or shortening. The hallmark of this condition is that it is painless. However, some women do report a feeling of pressure or mild cramping.
Cervical insufficiency is diagnosed by measuring the length of the cervix with ultrasound. The treatment may include bed rest, vaginal suppositories of the hormone progesterone, or a procedure called cerclage. A cerclage is a minor surgery in which bands of strong thread are stitched around the cervix to reinforce it and hold it closed.
The treatment for cervical insufficiency will depend on many factors including the length of your cervix, your gestational age, and the outcome in previous pregnancies if you have been pregnant before.
Placental Abruption
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta completely or partially separates from the uterus before a baby is born. This separation means a fetus cannot receive proper nutrients and oxygen. A placental abruption happens most commonly in the third trimester of a pregnancy. Common symptoms include vaginal bleeding, contractions, and abdominal pain.
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Missed Period
The normal menstrual cycle generally works on an average 28-day schedule. If you miss a period, this is a strong indication that you may be pregnant. Other factors that may cause missed periods include:
- stress
- change in birth control intake or type
- rapid weight loss or gain
Bleeding or Spotting
Known as implantation bleeding, this occurs because a fertilized egg implants itself into the endometrial lining of the uterus. This is different than menstruation; it is typically lighter and does not last as long. Color can vary from pink to a dark brownish-red. Implantation bleeding can start as early as nine days after conception. Not all women experience this, but spotting is not uncommon. Sometimes minor cramps accompany the bleeding.
Increased Need to Urinate. Pregnancy increases the volume of blood in a woman's system. This causes the kidneys to work harder to process waste and water, so more fluid reaches the bladder. Thus the bladder must be emptied more frequently. Also, a woman's growing uterus pushes on the bladder so it has less capacity.
Tender or Swollen Breasts. A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the breasts often occurs in the early stages of pregnancy. The areolas also darken in color. Both of these symptoms are due to the changes in hormones during pregnancy—specifically, due to the increase in estrogen production in your body.
Fatigue, A constant feeling of tiredness is common because the body is going through new physical strain. Hormonal changes— specifically, the increase of progesterone production in your body—can also make you feel exhausted.
Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy
A woman’s good health is essential to the good health of her baby. Women who eat well and exercise regularly along with regular prenatal care, are less likely to have complications during pregnancy, and are more likely to give birth successfully to a healthy baby.
Nutrition
What you eat during pregnancy could give your developing baby the healthiest possible start in life. A nutritional diet is directly linked to a higher chance of a normal birth-weight, improving fetal brain development, and reducing the risk of many birth defects.
A balanced diet will also reduce the risks of pregnancy complications, such as anemia and may also minimize morning sickness, fatigue, and other unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. Good nutrition is also thought to help balance mood swings and may improve labor and delivery.
As a general rule, a well-balanced diet including protein, vitamin C, calcium, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, iron-rich foods, and adequate fat will help to ensure the health of mom and baby throughout the nine months of pregnancy. A simple way to satisfy your nutritional needs during pregnancy is to eat a variety of foods from each of the food groups every day.
Many women are concerned about how much weight they will gain during pregnancy. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight gain. If your weight was in the normal range before you got pregnant, a weight gain of 25-35 pounds is recommended. It’s important for a woman to discuss and monitor her weight and nutritional needs with her doctor throughout the pregnancy. Weight gain recommendations will vary for women who are underweight before conceiving, for those who are obese, and for those with a multiple pregnancy (twins etc.).
What Not to Eat
To protect mom and baby from bacteria or parasitic infection (Listeriosis), make sure that all milk, cheese, and juice are pasteurized. Do not eat meat from the deli counter or hot dogs unless they are thoroughly heated. Also avoid refrigerated, smoked seafood and undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood. If you have had a history of allergies, it is advised that you speak to your doctor about any foods to avoid.
Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnant women experience sudden and dramatic increases in estrogen and progesterone, as well as changes in the amount and function of a number of other hormones. These changes can not only affect mood, they can also create the “glow” of pregnancy, significantly aid in the development of the fetus, and alter the physical impact of exercise and physical activity on the body.
Estrogen and Progesterone Changes
Estrogen and progesterone are the chief pregnancy hormones. A woman will produce more estrogen during one pregnancy than throughout her entire life when not pregnant. The increase in estrogen during pregnancy enables the uterus and placenta to improve vascularization, transfer nutrients, and support the developing baby.
In addition, estrogen is thought to play an important role in helping the fetus develop and mature. Estrogen levels increase steadily during pregnancy and reach their peak in the third trimester. The rapid increase in estrogen levels during the first trimester may cause some of the nausea associated with pregnancy and, during the second trimester, plays a major role in the milk duct development that enlarges the breasts.
Progesterone
Progesterone levels also are extraordinarily high during pregnancy. The changes in progesterone cause a laxity or loosening of ligaments and joints throughout the body. In addition, high levels of progesterone cause internal structures to increase in size, such as the ureters (which connect the kidneys with the maternal bladder). Progesterone also is important for transforming the uterus from the size of a small pear in its non-pregnant state to a uterus that can accommodate a full-term baby.
Pregnancy Hormones and Exercise Injuries
While these hormones are absolutely critical for a successful pregnancy, they also can make exercise more difficult. Pregnant women may be at greater risk for ankle or knee sprains and strains because the ligaments are looser (however, no studies have documented an increased rate in injury during pregnancy).
For Information On babies Click Here
Complications
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The reasons for miscarriage are not always known. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester (first 13 weeks of pregnancy). Chromosomal abnormalities can prevent proper development of the fertilized egg. Other times physical problems with a woman’s reproductive system can make it difficult for a healthy fetus to grow.
Miscarriage is sometimes called spontaneous abortion as the body rids itself of the fetus much like a procedural abortion. The most common sign of a miscarriage is abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Other symptoms can include:
- Lower abdominal pain and cramping.
- Disappearance of pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness.
Most miscarriages don’t require surgical intervention. When a miscarriage occurs under 12 weeks, the tissue will often dissolve or pass spontaneously without the need for further intervention. Some patients will require medicine or a minor procedure in the office to help with the passage of the tissue.
Ectopic Pregnancy
A fertilized egg implanted outside the uterus in an ectopic pregnancy. The egg generally settles in one of the fallopian tubes. Because of the space limitations and the lack of nurturing tissues there, a fetus cannot properly grow. An ectopic pregnancy can cause severe pain and damage to a woman’s reproductive system. An ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition. As the fetus continues to grow, it can cause the fallopian tube to burst leading to severe hemorrhage (internal bleeding).
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fetus will not survive. Surgery and medication are necessary, as well a careful monitoring of a woman’s reproductive system by a gynecologist. Causes of ectopic pregnancies include endometriosis (a condition in which cell tissue like that in the uterus grows elsewhere in the body) and scarring to the fallopian tubes from a previous sexually transmitted infection.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy. Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes means that there are additional concerns to be addressed during your pregnancy and that you are at higher risk for diabetes. Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is caused by an inability of a woman’s body to make enough insulin. For most women, gestational diabetes does not cause any noticeable symptoms.
While most women with gestational diabetes give birth to healthy babies, the condition can increase the risk that the baby will have macromasia (larger-than-normal body). Other health risks to the baby include:
- jaundice
- respiratory distress syndrome
- abnormally low levels of minerals in the blood
- hypoglycemia
Gestational diabetes is treated through changes in diet and close monitoring of the blood sugar levels; intake of insulin may also be necessary. The goal is to keep the mother's sugar levels within a normal range for the remainder of the pregnancy so the mother and fetus remains healthy.
Cervical Insufficiency (Incompetent cervix)
A growing baby puts continual pressure on a pregnant woman’s cervix. In some (rare) cases, the pressure becomes too much for the cervix to handle, and the cervix will start to open before the baby is ready to be born. Women who have previously had a pregnancy complicated by cervical insufficiency or who have had surgery on their cervix are most susceptible.
Symptoms are often very vague and non-specific. In fact, most women who have cervical insufficiency have no idea that their cervix is thinning and/or shortening. The hallmark of this condition is that it is painless. However, some women do report a feeling of pressure or mild cramping.
Cervical insufficiency is diagnosed by measuring the length of the cervix with ultrasound. The treatment may include bed rest, vaginal suppositories of the hormone progesterone, or a procedure called cerclage. A cerclage is a minor surgery in which bands of strong thread are stitched around the cervix to reinforce it and hold it closed.
The treatment for cervical insufficiency will depend on many factors including the length of your cervix, your gestational age, and the outcome in previous pregnancies if you have been pregnant before.
Placental Abruption
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta completely or partially separates from the uterus before a baby is born. This separation means a fetus cannot receive proper nutrients and oxygen. A placental abruption happens most commonly in the third trimester of a pregnancy. Common symptoms include vaginal bleeding, contractions, and abdominal pain.
Our Sponsors;
Want To be Pregnant?