Realizing that the baby is about to come out or having a labor can be an exciting and yet frightening experience for women. Not only you are confused about the feelings you have but also you have tons of worries to cope up with. This is especially true when you do not know how to identify true labor from false labor. What are the signs of pregnancy labor?
Before the onset of childbirth, your body will show some signs of labor but these signs differ from one woman to another. However, generally, these are some of the signs of labor that most women felt.
1. Mucous plug. During the onset of labor and when the cervix begins to dilate, it discharges mucous. However, when it turns pinkish or red, you should be alarmed as this may be a symptom of bleeding which is a potential hazard to the baby and yourself.
2. Feeling of lightening or a movement of the baby inside the womb.
3. Sudden urge or having a burst of energy.
4. Gush of fluid coming from the vagina. Gush of fluid coming from the vagina is a serious sign that you are in labor. This may happens when water breaks or the membranes ruptured. Medical attention is immediately needed in this situation.
These signs of pregnancy labor may happen within the day that you are in labor or days before. If pregnancy is scheduled in the coming weeks or days, it is better to be seen and examined by your doctor to predict when is your childbirth.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Should I stop smoking when pregnant?
Smoking is basically not good for the health. It causes a lot of health problems like cancer,heart attacks, strokes, emphysema and other respiratory problems. In addition, it is degrades physical appearance specifically at the mouth and the teeth, effects on the skin and so forth. Smoking while pregnant is definitely not recommendable and here are a few reasons why you should stop smoking when pregnant or during pregnancy.
Pre-term labor. Preterm labor is labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
In this case fetus is not fully grown and may not be able to survive outside the womb. Moreover
the baby low birth weight and underdeveloped organs or organs system.
Placenta Previa. Placenta Previa is an obstetric complication in which the placenta is attached to the uterine wall close to or covering the cervix. It can some times occur in the latter part of the first trimester, but usually during the second or third. It is a leading cause of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women.
Placenta Abruption. Placental abruption (also known as abruptio placentae) is a complication of pregnancy, wherein the placental lining has separated from the uterus of the mother. It is the most common cause of late pregnancy bleeding. In humans, it refers to the abnormal separation after 20 weeks of gestation and prior to birth
Stillbirth. A stillbirth occurs when a fetus died in the uterus or during labor or delivery, while exiting a woman's body. The term is often used in distinction to live birth or miscarriage. Most stillbirths occur in full term pregnancies.
Respiratory Infections. As smoking affects the respiratory system of the mother, there are also certain diseases that can cause complications to the baby while in the womb.
There are other reasons why you should stop smoking when pregnant. This is only a few. Think of the health of your baby and have a good and happy family.
Pre-term labor. Preterm labor is labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
In this case fetus is not fully grown and may not be able to survive outside the womb. Moreover
the baby low birth weight and underdeveloped organs or organs system.
Placenta Previa. Placenta Previa is an obstetric complication in which the placenta is attached to the uterine wall close to or covering the cervix. It can some times occur in the latter part of the first trimester, but usually during the second or third. It is a leading cause of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women.
Placenta Abruption. Placental abruption (also known as abruptio placentae) is a complication of pregnancy, wherein the placental lining has separated from the uterus of the mother. It is the most common cause of late pregnancy bleeding. In humans, it refers to the abnormal separation after 20 weeks of gestation and prior to birth
Stillbirth. A stillbirth occurs when a fetus died in the uterus or during labor or delivery, while exiting a woman's body. The term is often used in distinction to live birth or miscarriage. Most stillbirths occur in full term pregnancies.
Respiratory Infections. As smoking affects the respiratory system of the mother, there are also certain diseases that can cause complications to the baby while in the womb.
There are other reasons why you should stop smoking when pregnant. This is only a few. Think of the health of your baby and have a good and happy family.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Can exercise impair fertility?
Exercise is part of having a health lifestyle. It is through exercising that the body circulates the blood regularly and also, exercise helps develop the muscles of the body. However, there are claims that exercising can impair fertility. Can exercising really impair fertility?
Exercise should never impair fertility. In women, as long as the body ovulates, the fertility is not at risk. However, there are instances were underweight women can have fertility problems due to lack of production of reproductive hormone, but is not directly related to exercise.
As note, as long as a woman have monthly period, there is no problem when it comes to fertility as menstruation is a sign that a woman ovulates.
In men, there is also no risk as long as men do not take anabolic steroids. Anabolic steriods increase muscle mass dramatically, but it can also shrink the testicles, lower the sperm count.
Exercise should never impair fertility. In women, as long as the body ovulates, the fertility is not at risk. However, there are instances were underweight women can have fertility problems due to lack of production of reproductive hormone, but is not directly related to exercise.
As note, as long as a woman have monthly period, there is no problem when it comes to fertility as menstruation is a sign that a woman ovulates.
In men, there is also no risk as long as men do not take anabolic steroids. Anabolic steriods increase muscle mass dramatically, but it can also shrink the testicles, lower the sperm count.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Stages of Pregnancy Labor
Young pregnant mothers may have worries on how they would recognize that they are about to have labor. Therefore, it is necessary that pregnant women are knowledgeable on how to recognize possible labor. Pregnancy labor is characterized by abdominal discomfort, low backache and irregular tightening. The tightenings get progressively stronger and more painful. However, the experience varies from one woman to another.
When labor is established, there will be the dilatation of the cervix and the descent of the baby's leading part, usually the head, into the pelvis.
The first stage concludes once the cervix dilates to its maximum (10 cm). Here, the second stage commences. This stage, which should be much shorter than the first, includes maternal efforts for the first time, in the form of pushing and actual delivery. There is, of course, the third stage of labor, which is concluded by delivery of the placenta (afterbirth). (src.pregnancybliss.com)
Basically, the labor progresses this way, however, in the majority of instances, the difficulties are neither predicted nor anticipated. About 10 and 30 per cent of all pregnancies are delivered by cesarean section so it is better to be prepared of all the possibilities.
When labor is established, there will be the dilatation of the cervix and the descent of the baby's leading part, usually the head, into the pelvis.
The first stage concludes once the cervix dilates to its maximum (10 cm). Here, the second stage commences. This stage, which should be much shorter than the first, includes maternal efforts for the first time, in the form of pushing and actual delivery. There is, of course, the third stage of labor, which is concluded by delivery of the placenta (afterbirth). (src.pregnancybliss.com)
Basically, the labor progresses this way, however, in the majority of instances, the difficulties are neither predicted nor anticipated. About 10 and 30 per cent of all pregnancies are delivered by cesarean section so it is better to be prepared of all the possibilities.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Post-natal Pain: Which is normal and which can be alarming
Most women who have not undergone pregnancy or those who are first-time mothers thought that the pain and labor of pregnancy ends after the birth of the child. However, this is not always the case. Post-natal pain can be normal as part of childbirth but there are also some cases which a woman should be alarmed.
It is normal to feel pain after the delivery because of the tear made to ease the delivery of the child. This is however repaired immediately after delivery. The procedure may bruise the vaginal and vulval areas resulting into soreness that can make walking or body movements uncomfortable. the wound nonetheless heals within three to four days after childbirth.
Despite the pain being normal, there are also some reasons why a woman may feel pain after childbirth. Hematoma (blood-clot) formation within the vaginal wall is another significant source of perineal or vaginal pain occurring shortly after delivery. Another is pelvic hematoma.
It is normal to feel pain after the delivery because of the tear made to ease the delivery of the child. This is however repaired immediately after delivery. The procedure may bruise the vaginal and vulval areas resulting into soreness that can make walking or body movements uncomfortable. the wound nonetheless heals within three to four days after childbirth.
Despite the pain being normal, there are also some reasons why a woman may feel pain after childbirth. Hematoma (blood-
read more on post-natal pain ...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Down's Syndrome : Knowing it early
Down's syndrome, or trisomy 21 is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. This can be recognized early using prenatal screening. Individuals with Down syndrome may have some or all of the following physical characteristics:
1. oblique eye fissures with epicanthic skin folds on the inner corner of the eyes
2. muscle hypotonia (poor muscle tone)
3. congenital heart defects
4. single palmar fold
5. flat nasal bridge
6. white spots on the iris known as Brushfield spots
7. short neck
8. excessive joint laxity including atlanto-axial instability
9. a protruding tongue (due to small oral cavity, and an enlarged tongue near the tonsils),
10. excessive space between large toe and second toe, a single flexion furrow of the fifth finger, and a higher number of ulnar loop dermatoglyphs.
Prenatal screening
Nuchal scans. The scan is carried out at 11-13 weeks pregnancy and assesses the amount of fluid behind the neck of the fetus - also known as 'the nuchal translucency'. Fetuses at risk of Down tend to have a higher amount of fluid around the neck. The nuchal test is a Baby Ultrasound scan focusing on the thickness of skin at the back of the baby's neck. Thickened skin is commonly associated with Downs syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities.
Each pregnant woman's risk is estimated by a complex mathematical formula combining the results of the woman's hormone tests, her age, and the ultrasound measurement of the skin thickness on the back of the baby's neck (nuchal thickness). Other ultrasound features taken into account include nasal bone measurements. The accuracy of this non-invasive test is estimated at about 97%. The results, usually available within 24 hours, will then be given to the parents following full counselling. Further tests may be recommended.
If you have regular medical consultations, your doctor may require you to take the nuchal scans to check the possibility of the Down's syndrome.
1. oblique eye fissures with epicanthic skin folds on the inner corner of the eyes
2. muscle hypotonia (poor muscle tone)
3. congenital heart defects
4. single palmar fold
5. flat nasal bridge
6. white spots on the iris known as Brushfield spots
7. short neck
8. excessive joint laxity including atlanto-axial instability
9. a protruding tongue (due to small oral cavity, and an enlarged tongue near the tonsils),
10. excessive space between large toe and second toe, a single flexion furrow of the fifth finger, and a higher number of ulnar loop dermatoglyphs.
Prenatal screening
Nuchal scans. The scan is carried out at 11-13 weeks pregnancy and assesses the amount of fluid behind the neck of the fetus - also known as 'the nuchal translucency'. Fetuses at risk of Down tend to have a higher amount of fluid around the neck. The nuchal test is a Baby Ultrasound scan focusing on the thickness of skin at the back of the baby's neck. Thickened skin is commonly associated with Downs syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities.
Each pregnant woman's risk is estimated by a complex mathematical formula combining the results of the woman's hormone tests, her age, and the ultrasound measurement of the skin thickness on the back of the baby's neck (nuchal thickness). Other ultrasound features taken into account include nasal bone measurements. The accuracy of this non-invasive test is estimated at about 97%. The results, usually available within 24 hours, will then be given to the parents following full counselling. Further tests may be recommended.
If you have regular medical consultations, your doctor may require you to take the nuchal scans to check the possibility of the Down's syndrome.
Pregnancy: Waterbirth
Waterbirth has becoming a popular alternative to childbirth in the modern times. This is due to the claimed relaxation and less stressful labor and delivery of the child. Waterbirth as pregnancy birth alternative method is done literally in water. There are specialized pools used for waterbirth allowing two people inside.
Water birth is meant to offer an alternative to the drug-based pain relief methods. It is also supposed to offer a possibility of a less stressful labor, in allowing more freedom of movement and changing position, because of the buoyancy of the body in water. (src: pregnancybliss.com)
Preparing for waterbirth:
Here are some of the things that needs to be done prior to planned waterbirth.
1. Thorough discussion on the method of labor and delivery with the parents-to-be .
2. Obstetric assessment will be made to ensure there are no factors or pregnancy problems which will contraindicate labor in water.
3. Before entering the pool, a shower is taken and the midwife ensures the rectum is empty. This is done by administering a gentle enema if necessary.
4. Electronic fetal monitoring (CTG) will be done for at least thirty minutes prior to entering the pool, to ensure that the baby is fine.
Waterbirth is indeed another breakthrough in childbirth and pregnancy. However, as any other method will do, pregnancy factors should be considered prior to the procedure to ensure the health of the baby and the mother and safe delivery.
Water birth is meant to offer an alternative to the drug-
Preparing for waterbirth:
Here are some of the things that needs to be done prior to planned waterbirth.
1. Thorough discussion on the method of labor and delivery with the parents-
2. Obstetric assessment will be made to ensure there are no factors or pregnancy problems which will contraindicate labor in water.
3. Before entering the pool, a shower is taken and the midwife ensures the rectum is empty. This is done by administering a gentle enema if necessary.
4. Electronic fetal monitoring (CTG) will be done for at least thirty minutes prior to entering the pool, to ensure that the baby is fine.
Waterbirth is indeed another breakthrough in childbirth and pregnancy. However, as any other method will do, pregnancy factors should be considered prior to the procedure to ensure the health of the baby and the mother and safe delivery.
Monday, March 9, 2009
4d scans ultrasound: when life begins at the womb
Pregnancy is one of the blissful moments in a woman's life. Not only it becomes a realization of a successful relationship between couples but also it is a new life born out of commitment and love. When life begins at the womb, all care and extra precautions are undertaken to ensure the health and the life of the child. Obstetrics is the medical application of using 3D ultrasound technologies. However with the more advanced technology that we have, four-dimensional scanning has also been available which is popularly known as the 4d scans.
4d scans is similar to the 3d scanning method of pregnancy scans. 3d scanning captures the image of the fetus three-dimensional. When these images are captured rapidly and animated it produces the 4d scans.
The 4d scans ultrasound is performed by a fully trained ultrasonographer or consultant. It is done on the abdomen similar to earlier pregnancy scans. The images are collected by the ultrasound machine, processed in its computer memory to give a three-dimensional image. Therefore, no known risk to safety of mother or baby.
4d scans or the 3d scans is usually not intended as diagnostic tools for fetal problems, however during the process, when a problem has been discovered, you can be referred to the hospital to have a more comprehensive idea of your pregnancy condition.
For additional readings on 4d scans FAQs, you can refer to 4D Baby Scans FAQs.
4d scans is similar to the 3d scanning method of pregnancy scans. 3d scanning captures the image of the fetus three-dimensional. When these images are captured rapidly and animated it produces the 4d scans.
The 4d scans ultrasound is performed by a fully trained ultrasonographer or consultant. It is done on the abdomen similar to earlier pregnancy scans. The images are collected by the ultrasound machine, processed in its computer memory to give a three-dimensional image. Therefore, no known risk to safety of mother or baby.
4d scans or the 3d scans is usually not intended as diagnostic tools for fetal problems, however during the process, when a problem has been discovered, you can be referred to the hospital to have a more comprehensive idea of your pregnancy condition.
For additional readings on 4d scans FAQs, you can refer to 4D Baby Scans FAQs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
