Early Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy

• Cramping and tenderness on one side of the pelvis.
• Abdominal, lower back or pelvic pain.
• Mild vaginal bleeding.

Unfortunately, all of these symptoms can also occur in a normal pregnancy or during a typical miscarriage. If a pregnant woman experiences any of these symptoms, she should immediately make an appointment with her doctor.  The doctor should do some blood work and may send the woman for an ultrasound.  If the doctor does not order an ultrasound, a woman should ask for one, or have the doctor explain why he or she is not ordering one. As mentioned, catching an ectopic pregnancy early can make all the difference in the world.

Later signs

Patients with late ectopic pregnancy have vaginal bleeding and abdominal, pelvic and back pain as well but both the bleeding and the pain are much worse. Some of the other signs are:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding.
• Internal bleeding due to hemorrhage from the affected fallopian tube.
• Sharp pain in the shoulder near where the upper arm meets the body, called tip of the shoulder pain.

Any woman experiencing tip of the shoulder pain, intense abdominal and pelvic pain and heavy bleeding needs to go to the emergency room immediately, as the ectopic pregnancy likely caused a Fallopian tube to rupture and start hemorrhaging blood.  At such a point the woman’s life is in danger.

Sterility in man can be caused due to improper genitals growth, genital infections, mental or emotional blockage and absence of testes. Sterility in females is caused due to vaginal infection, cervix infection, absence of reproductive organs, improper growth of genitals and inflammation or pain in vagina that pose hindrance to sperms to fuse with the ovum and blockage of fallopian tubes due to endometriosis.

Natural Sterility Treatments

Following are some of the natural sterility treatments -

Banyan Roots

– It is one of the valuable remedy in female infertility treatment. The roots should be dried and taken in powder form. Mix this powder in milk and drink it for three consecutive nights after periods are over.

Winter Cherry

– It is also one of the remedy for female infertility. The herb should be prepared in powder form and mix 6 grams in a cup of milk. It should be taken for 5 to 6 nights after periods are over.

Acacia

– It is an effective herb for sterility treatment. It should also be taken in powder form with milk. It should be taken for 18-20 days. It is one of the best treatment for sterility.

Amla or Gooseberry

– Amla and ginger powder in equal proportions should be mixed in a glass of milk. It should be taken for 18-20 days.

Garlic

– It is one of the effective home treatment for sterility. 3-4 garlic cloves can work if taken in raw form daily.

Onion

– Onion cures impotence and makes the sexual organs strong.

Ginger

– It is also one of the best home treatment for sterility. Ginger extract or raw ginger should be taken with equal amount of honey. It should be taken along with half boiled egg. This is one of the best home treatment for sterility.

Coriander

– It is taken in powder form to cure sterility. 2-3 teaspoon of coriander powder mixed in a glass of water and add jaggery or little sugar into it. Take this mixture on an empty stomach in the morning, at least for a month. It will definitely show positive results.

Raisins and Dates

– 5-7 dates fruit if taken daily can enhance sexual desire and strengthens reproductive organs. Dried grapes also have the similar effects.

Nutrients

- Some nutrients like zinc and vitamins C and E can relieve sterility. 30 mg of zinc, 1000 mg of vitamin C and 100 mg of vitamin E should be taken by a woman.

The above listed herbs and dry fruits are natural sterility treatments which can work wonders to cure sterility problems. Overall balanced diet is very important for cure of any disease including sterility problems.

Water Births Benefits

Here are some of the advantages of water births:

• Pain relief is the main advantage, and some women have even compared water birth to the relaxing effects of narcotics. Water blocks the pain impulses of the nerves in the body. It produces pain relieving endorphins.
• Water aids in relaxation, and relaxation plays a vital role for the progress of labor. Relaxing through the contractions is very effective.
• Water reduces the gravitational pull of the baby towards the back of the mother and reduces back pain during labor.
• Tearing of the vagina is also reduced. The water softens the perineal tissues by making them supple and stretchable to help in accommodating the baby’s head.
• It also reduces the abdominal pressure caused by the baby moving through the pelvis, which increases the pressure. But the natural buoyancy in the water relieves this pressure.
• It also reduces the amount of anxiety and stress that you have and gives you confidence in giving birth.
• Water birth can be combined with other forms of pain relief, including massage, aromatherapy, and acupressure.
• The pool is a quiet and peaceful place, which will give you a feeling of safety and security while in labor.

These are some of the benefits of water births.

Common complications of HELLP syndrome are preeclampsia and eclampsia of pregnancy. Approximately 25 percent of pregnancies suffer from HELLP related complications.

Symptoms of HELLP Syndrome:

The symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:

• Feeling of being unwell
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
• Frequent bloating and swelling of tissues
• Increased protein in urine
• Elevation in blood pressure
• Low blood sugar levels in advance stages

Consequences of HELLP Syndrome:

The consequences of this syndrome if left untreated include:

• Restriction in the growth of fetus, if required then early delivery
• In case this syndrome has developed after 34 weeks of gestation, or mother’s condition becomes critical due to this syndrome then also urgent delivery remains a cure
• Even after delivery in such situations, mother can suffer from rupture in liver, bleeding or even death.

Tips for losing weight after pregnancy

• Some women lose their weight naturally within two to three months after childbirth. But, there are some women who face a lot of difficulty in losing weight
• In order to lose weight, you must be focused on an achievable weight.
• Breastfeeding will help you to lose weight to some extent.
• Breastfeeding not only helps you in reducing weight but it is also beneficial for the health of the baby.
• Eat healthy food and maintain a balanced diet in order to lose weight after pregnancy. Avoid eating food which has more calories and fats in it.
• Avoid eating food which has sugar and excess carbohydrates in it.
• Eat fiber-rich foods as they aid digestion.
• Always keep a check on the amount of calories that you are eating on a daily basis.
• Drink a lot of water. It will flush out all the toxins from the body and help you to lose weight easily after pregnancy.
• Start doing exercises. It will help you to regain your pre-pregnancy figure fast.

These are the false contractions that occur before true labor occurs. It was named after an English doctor, John Braxton Hicks, in 1872. You may feel that they are real contractions, but then feel they are not once the tightening sensation has subsided. It can be confusing and most women mistake it for the real thing at some point.
These contractions can begin at an early stage, for example, in the second trimester. However, it is very common during the third trimester. It occurs when the uterus tightens and can repeat for up to sixty minutes. They are called “Practice Contractions” as they prepare you for the real thing. Here are some of the characteristics of these false contractions:

• Firstly, they are infrequent and irregular in intensity.
• They are unpredictable and non-rhythmic.
• They are uncomfortable rather than painful.
• They do not increase in both frequency and intensity.
• They taper off and disappear suddenly.

Braxton Contractions – What are the causes?

Here are some of the causes of these false contractions:

• Excessive physical activity.
• Dehydration.
• Sexual intercourse.
• Baby moving inside the uterus.
• Touching your abdomen.
• If your bladder is full.

Braxton’s Contraction – Tips for alleviating discomfort

Here are some of the ways you can alleviate these false contractions:

• Drink a cup of warm tea or milk.
• Change your position; if you have been walking or standing for a long time then it is better you lie down.
• Take a warm bath for not less than 30 minutes.
• Avoid the intake of caffeine.
• Drink plenty of water as dehydration can result in muscle spasms, which can lead to contractions.
• Practice breathing exercises as rhythmic breathing can alleviate the discomfort.
• Urinate when required as a full bladder can also cause false contractions.

Even after doing these if you are not able to alleviate the contractions, then you must contact a health care provider.

When should you consult a doctor or midwife?

Call your caregiver immediately if you have not reached 37 weeks and if your contractions are becoming more rhythmic, painful, or frequent. Here are some of the signs for you to watch out:

• Any vaginal bleeding or spotting.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Menstrual like cramps.
• If you have more than four to five contractions in an hour.
• Increase in the vaginal discharge or even the type of discharge.
• If the discharge is, bloody, mucous, or even watery.
• An increase in the pelvic pressure, where you may have a feeling that your baby is being pushed down due to contractions.
• Pain in the lower back.

If you are above 37 weeks, then you need not call your doctor or midwife immediately, until they last for more than sixty seconds.

Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy – What are the Chances of your Baby’s being Infected?

A lot depends on timing.  Some women are immune to the parasite and so can’t pass the disease on to their babies.  Women who are not immune and who are exposed to the parasite risk passing the disease to their babies.  That risk increases as a pregnancy progresses. If you are infected during the first trimester the chance of your baby’s being infected as well is around 15%.If you are exposed in the second trimester, baby’s risk of contracting the infection rises by 30%, and by the third trimester the risk rises to 60%. Interestingly, the severity of the disease runs opposite that of the risk.  While the risk ofpassing the infection to your baby is lowest during the first trimester the severity of the infection, and the risk of fetal death, is greatest.  By the third trimester the risk of infection is high but the complications are less severe. If you take care to prevent exposure to the parasite, then the risks of your baby being infected are minimal.

How Does the Parasite Spread and How Do I Protect Myself?

Around half of all toxoplasmosis infections are caused by eating raw or undercooked meat.  A pregnant woman needs to be very sure that her meat is fully cooked.  If you are cooking meat at home use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat reached the proper internal temperature. If you are eating out check your meat thoroughly.  If the meat is pink or red do not eat it. NEVER eat raw meat or fish.  The other half of toxoplasmosis infections come from eating unwashed produce, drinking contaminated water, gardening without gloves and improperly handling cat litter.  Protect yourself by carefully washing all produce before eating it, drinking filtered water, wearing gloves when gardening or changing the cat litter (or have someone else change the litter) and washing your hands frequently.  Try to keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth, as germs of any kind, including the toxoplasma parasite, typically enter the body through the nose, eyes and mouth.

is a common sign of pregnancy that occurs due to an increased growth of the baby, which increases the size of the uterus. Sometimes, it can be really severe and cannot be tolerated. Most women have mild to moderate forms of foot pain during pregnancy. However, you need not worry as there are certain tips to prevent or treat your pregnancy foot pain. So, read onto know some of the tips to prevent foot pain during pregnancy.

Foot Pain During Pregnancy – Tips to Prevent!

Here are some of the simple yet effective tips for preventing foot pain during pregnancy:

• Do not stand for a long period and avoid walking barefoot for a long time as well. Take short breaks and sit down or if possible elevate your both the feet.
• Loose ligaments, extra weight, and decreased balance – all requires extra support. So, all you need to do is wear properly fitted shoes and use over-the-counter arch supports. This is an excellent way to start and if you still have problems, then see a podiatrist.
• Do not even stand still for a long time. Walk for some time and take rest. Walking will ensure that it pumps the extra fluid out of your feet and legs. Make sure that you rest frequently.
• You can wear compression stockings that would decrease the swelling. Use knee-high stockings that are good. You can also use thigh-high stockings as well. This ensures that extra fluid does not collect around your knees or feet.
• Drink lots of water throughout the day. Avoid the use of salts in your daily food as this increases the fluid retention.
• Swim for some time or take bath; the water apples an outside pressure on the feet that has swelling. This helps in reducing the swelling.
• Another excellent way is to rest on your left side as this decreases the pressure on blood vessels, which allows more fluid to move from your legs to the upper body.

These are some of the tips to prevent pregnancy foot pain. I hope that if you are pregnant and one among who is suffering from foot pain, then follow the above tips to have a painless and happy pregnancy.

Causes of Shoulder Pain during Pregnancy

• Stress:

Stress plays a major role in shoulder pain. When you are under pressure, the shoulders are often the first area to feel sore.

• Breast Changes:

Breast enlargement is another common symptom of pregnancy. Breast weight increases significantly. This weight gain must be carried by the shoulders and chest. This can lead to tension in the shoulders, which can give rise to pain and soreness.

• Poor Posture:

Rounded shoulders and slouching can contribute to shoulder pain. Be aware of your posture during pregnancy. You may find that the extra weight can pull your forward. So, be aware of  posture and use the correct posture while sitting, walking, standing, and sleeping.

Shoulder Pain and Pregnancy – Tips to Prevent it!

Here are some of the tips to prevent shoulder pain during pregnancy:

• Wear a good, supportive bra as this is the cheapest and best way to prevent pain in the shoulder.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get regular massages, but be sure that you get your massage done by an expert.
• Practice good posture while sitting, sleeping, standing, and walking. When you try to lift anything, use the correct posture.
• Take your calcium tablets regularly. Eat foods that are rich in magnesium and calcium in your diet.
• Practice relaxation techniques or pregnancy pain relief methods.
• Practice prenatal yoga and stress relieving techniques.
• Use a hot or cold compress at the pain site.
• Use a pain killer if the pain is too much after consulting your doctor.
• The pain is getting worse.
• The pain is very intense.
• The pain is experienced with bleeding or spotting.

Call your Doctor if:

These are some tips to prevent shoulder pain during pregnancy. These tips should come in handy for a painless and healthy pregnancy.

Foot Pain during Pregnancy – What are the Causes?

Here are some of the causes of foot pain during pregnancy:

Hormonal Changes:

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy area common problem  causing pain in the feet. These hormones relax the ligaments of the feet and that leads to over-pronation and flat feet. These loose ligaments can also be one of the causes of an increase in the size of foot wear. You may have to start wearing a larger size of foot wear until you give birth.

The Growing Baby and the Uterus:

As the baby grows in your womb, the uterus also enlarges, which in turn contributes to weight gain. This puts an extra stress on the feet, especially the arches. It is not very common for a pregnant woman to develop pain in the heel also called plantar fasciitis. This occurs due to increased weight gain and extra stress on the arches. The centre of gravity also shifts and the way you walk and stand can also get affected by the changes. This may cause problems with your balance.

Swelling:

This occurs due to the increased fluid collection in the tissues. Swelling in the feet during pregnancy is common. When there is swelling, your normal foot wear does not fit. If you continue wearing the shoes that you wore during your pre-pregnancy state, this can cause foot pain. Swelling can be another cause of  increased blood pressure. If the swelling is excessive, consult a doctor immediately before it becomes a  complication.

These are the three main causes of foot pain during pregnancy.