Is it safe for my unborn baby if I wear a seat belt?

Research shows that unborn babies have the best chance of surviving car accidents when mom uses her seat belt properly. There is no evidence that suggests seat belts can harm unborn babies.

Seat belts greatly reduce mom’s risk of injury in a car accident. If mom stays unharmed, there is a good chance her unborn baby will, too. But if mom is hurt in an accident, her unborn baby could also suffer. Maternal injury during a car crash is linked with:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Placenta abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus before birth)
• Distress of the unborn baby
• Death of the fetus

Studies show that the use of a seat belt reduces the risk of injuries and these poor outcomes.

10 Tips on how to travel safely in a car

The key to keep you and your unborn baby safe is to proper buckle up preferably using the three-point restraint system that gives the maximum protection.

1. Place the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly and across your upper thighs.
2. Place the shoulder portion of the seat belt between your breasts.
3. Make sure there is no excessive slack anywhere on the seat belt.
4. Always wear the lap and shoulder portion of the seat belt.
5. Never take the shoulder part of the seat belt off and place it behind you.
6. Do not place the lap portion of the seat belt across your abdomen.
7. Keep the airbags turned on at all times. Experts say the benefits of an air bag outweigh any risks to a pregnant woman and her baby.
8. Adjust your seat. Keep your seat as far back from the dashboard as you can – at least 10 inches if possible.
9. Keep trips in the car brief. Limit time spent in the car to five to six hours at most each day. Taking breaks at least every two hours. Get up and walk around, stretch your legs and wiggle your toes often. This helps lower the risk for blood clots and eases swelling in your ankles and feet.
10. Call your doctor right away if you are involved in a car crash, even if it’s minor.

If seat belts are not worn correctly, women are at increased risk for abdominal injuries and uterine rupture. Check your seat belt to make sure it’s not too loose or too high.

Assalamualaikum,

Saya baru melahirkan anak kedua pada 21 May 2010 yang lalu secara normal. Saya ingin meminta pendapat dan nasihat secara terperinci mengenai mitos dan fakta pemakanan atau diet selepas bersalin. Apa yang boleh makan, apa yang tidak boleh? Bolehkan minum minuman sejuk dalam tempoh berpantang? adakah pemakanan ibu mempengaruhi atau menjadi faktor anak kembung atau sakit perut? untuk makluman, saya menyusukan anak saya secara sepenuhnya dengan susu badan. bagaimana pula dengan amalan pemakanan set bersalin? adakah mempengaruhi atau memberi kesan kepada bayi? anak saya kini mengalami ruam di muka dan kepala. adakah ini disebabkan oleh set bersalin yang diambil? pohon puan menjelaskan kepada saya mengenai persoalan yang diutarakan. sekian terima kasih.

mashitah

Wa’alaikumussalam Mashita,

1) Tahniah sudah selamat bersalin

2) Apa yang boleh/tak boleh makan – semuanya boleh makan.

3) Minuman sejuk boleh minum tetapi mesti rebus air sebelum dijadikan ais batu.

4) Makan seperti kari, rendang, apa-apa yang berempah, boleh makan, tapi makan sedikit bagi mengelak anak jadi cirit-birit.

5) Jamu juga mengandungi rempah dan jika anda makan banyak jamu, kesan pada bayi ialah cirit-birit.

6) Makan sayur seperti kobis akan membuat bayi jadi kembung perut dan selalu menangis tak selesa.

7) Set bersalin mengandungi rempah, dan rempah yang banyak akan buat bayi cirit-birit.

Ruam di kepala & muka bayi adalah normal. Tapi ruam yang banyak dan yang buat bayi tak selesa mungkin disebabkan oleh pemakanan ibu yang menyusukan.

Faridah

In the 30 years since the first “test tube baby” was born, in vitro fertilization has shifted from the edge of science fiction into the mainstream.

IVF has allowed many couples who have been failed by other infertility treatments to become parents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50,000 babies are born each year through the use of IVF and similar techniques. This is about 1 percent of all babies born in the U.S.

IVF is the most common and successful of the high-tech procedures called assisted reproductive technology (ART). There are other similar types of ART, including GIFT and ZIFT.

What is IVF?

IVF pairs the man’s sperm with eggs that have been harvested from the woman’s body. The eggs and sperm are mixed in a lab dish. One or more fertilized eggs (or embryos) are then placed through the cervix into the woman’s uterus.

If all goes well, at least one of the embryos will implant in the uterine lining and lead to the birth of a baby. If the embryos don’t implant, the process can be repeated. The rate of pregnancy stays about the same for four IVF cycles, but pregnancy is unlikely if it hasn’t occurred after six cycles.

IVF is a treatment option for some of the most common causes of infertility, including:

• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Ovulation problems
• Male-factor infertility
• Unknown causes

What happens in an IVF cycle?

IVF is a complex, carefully timed process that involves several steps. One full cycle takes about three weeks to complete.

The basic steps in an IVF cycle are:

+ Ovarian stimulation. To start the process, the woman takes “fertility drugs” for about two weeks. This stimulates multiple eggs to develop in the ovary. During this treatment, she will have careful monitoring with ultrasounds and blood tests.

+ Egg retrieval. When monitoring shows the eggs are ready, they are removed from the woman’s body. Using ultrasound for guidance, the doctor inserts a needle through the vagina into the egg sacs in the ovary and extracts the eggs. This usually takes less than 30 minutes. The woman may be given some type of pain relief beforehand.

+ Fertilization. The eggs are sent to the lab, where a specialist will mix them with the man’s sperm (either her partner’s or sperm from a donor).To aid fertilization, one sperm may be injected directly into each mature egg. This is called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

+ Embryo culture. The fertilized eggs are placed in a liquid medium and checked at regular intervals for normal growth.They may be ready for transfer into the uterus anytime from one to six days after retrieval.

+ Embryo transfer. For the final step, the doctor inserts a long, thin tube through the woman’s cervix and places the embryos into her uterus.This usually isn’t painful, but some women have mild cramping.

How many embryos are placed will depend on the woman’s age and other factors.Any embryos that are left may be frozen for future use or destroyed.

What are the risks of IVF?

The main risks of IVF are:

- Ovarian hyperstimulation. This can result from the use of hormone fertility drugs. It can cause cysts to grow in the ovaries, which can become swollen and painful. It is usually mild and easy to treat, but in rare cases it can become life-threatening if not treated.

- Multiple birth. If more than one embryo is transferred, the risk of multiple pregnancy arises. Carrying twins or more is risky for both the mother and the fetuses. Multiple pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, birth complications and low birth weight. Premature babies usually must spend time in intensive care and are more likely to have long-term problems.

How successful is IVF?

This can be hard to generalize because so many factors come into play. Important ones include the woman’s age, whether fresh or frozen eggs are used, sperm quality and the skill and experience of the fertility specialists involved.

In general, the likelihood of success drops a little for each year of a woman’s age. The highest rates of pregnancy are in women younger than 35. The lowest are in women older than 40. Using donated eggs can increase the chance of successful pregnancy for women over 35.                                 (MyOptumHealth, 2010)

Some Hospitals in Malaysia that offer Fertility Treatments are:

TMC Fertility Centre

Subang Fertility Centre

Concept Fertility Centre – Damai Service Hospital

Gleneagles Medical Center  Penang

Ampang Puteri Hospital

Mahkota Medical Center – Melaka

Penang Adventist Hospital

If you were active before pregnancy, you might be eager to get back to your pre-pregnancy fitness level. Or perhaps, the new baby has given you motivation to start a new fitness plan.

Exercising after baby’s birth can help:

• Increase energy and combat postpartum fatigue
• Boost your mood
• Help start lifelong healthy habits
• Shed the weight gained during pregnancy

Getting started with exercise
Most women can safely start or resume a fitness program after giving birth. Follow these tips to get started:

1. Get your doctor’s approval. Do not start an exercise program without first getting your doctor’s OK. It takes your body weeks to months to recover from  labor and delivery, so it may not be safe to exercise for a while. If you delivered by cesarean section (c-section), it may take even longer to recover. It’s best to wait until all soreness is gone before you attempt exercise. Your doctor can tell you when it’s safe for you to start exercise and if there are any activities you should avoid.

2. Be realistic. Unless your doctor says otherwise, there is no general rule about how long you should wait to exercise after having your baby. Some women can begin gentle exercise within days while others may need to wait four to six weeks. Every woman is different, so don’t pressure yourself to start exercising by a set date. Being ready for exercise after pregnancy depends on:

• Your activity level before and during pregnancy
• How long labor lasted
• If you delivered vaginally or had a c-section
• How well you have recovered from childbirth

3. Ease into it. Doing too much, too soon can cause burnout and injury. Doctors suggest easing gradually into exercise after having a baby. Once your body fully recovers from pregnancy and childbirth and gets stronger, you can increase the length and intensity of your workout sessions. Start with exercises that are easy for you. Try walking. You can do it anywhere and bring baby along.

4. Listen to your body. If you don’t feel up to a workout today, take a rest. Your energy levels will vary day to day. Maybe the baby didn’t sleep well last night or perhaps you didn’t eat enough the day before. It’s normal to feel fatigued for a time after the baby’s birth. Listen to your body and exercise only when you have enough energy.

Also listen to your body during exercise. Know when to stop. If you have any of the following during exercise, stop and call your doctor:

• Nausea
• Pain in back
• Pain in pubic area
• Trouble walking
• Vaginal bleeding

Call 999 at once if you have:

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Feeling faint or passing out
• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain, pressure or tightness
• Difficulty breathing

5. Stay hydrated. Take in plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise. Watch your caffeine intake, too, because it can contribute to dehydration. Limit caffeine to one small cup of coffee each day. This limit is generally safe for breast-feeding women, but check with your baby’s doctor to be sure.

6. Be comfortable. Wear lightweight, relaxed clothing and a bra that fits well and supports your breasts.

If weight loss is your goal …
Your body took nine long months to put the baby weight on, so don’t expect to get your pre-baby body back overnight. Weight loss is best if it’s done over a few months. Experts advise losing no more than 4.5 pounds each month after the first month postpartum. It may be OK to lose more if you had a high weight before pregnancy, but check with your doctor first.

The best approach to weight loss is to combine regular exercise with healthy eating:

Aim for 1,800 to 2,000 calories each day if you are moderately active and were at a healthy weight before pregnancy. Eating too little contributes to postpartum fatigue and a negative mood.

• Breast-feeding women need about 500 extra calories per day, or 2,300 to 2,500 total calories. Eating fewer won’t give you enough calories to meet the energy needs of you and your baby.

Ask your doctor what your activity level and goal weight should be and how many calories a day is best for both you and your baby. You may need more calories if you were underweight, nursing more than one baby or are very physically active.

There are many benefits to breast-feeding. A healthy diet and regular exercise is important whether you breast-feed or not.

(MyOptumHealth, June 2010)

Although you may see your gynecologist or family doctor for your first visit, he or she may then refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist, who is an infertility specialist. If you are 35 or older or have a history of fertility problems, such as miscarriages, your doctor may make this referral right away.

It’s common to be nervous about going for your first fertility checkup. Having an idea of what to expect may help you feel more at ease during this process.

What happens at the first visit?

The first doctor visit will give you a chance to talk and ask questions. The doctor can help you understand what problems can cause infertility and what treatments are available to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

It takes two to make a baby, so both partners need to attend this visit. A fertility problem is about equally likely to be caused by male factors as female factors. In some cases, both partners have problems that can prevent pregnancy.

Be prepared for lots of very personal questions about your past and your lifestyle. Your doctor will need honest answers to all these questions to get to the bottom of your fertility problem. For example, you both will likely be asked:

• How long you’ve been trying to conceive?
• How often you have sex?
• Whether you smoke, drink or use illegal drugs?
• How much you exercise?
• What your diet is like?
• Whether you have gained or lost weight in recent years?
• What medications you take regularly (including over-the-counter drugs, supplements and herbs)?
• What kind of work you do and what chemicals you use at home (to look for possible exposure to toxic materials)?
• What your ethnic background is (to look for genetic diseases)?
• The woman’s initial workup?

The woman will complete a medical history that includes questions about:

• Her periods, such as how often she has them and how regular they are
• Whether she’s had abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pelvic infections
• Any previous pregnancies or miscarriages
• Her mother’s age at menopause
• Previous surgeries
• History of sexually transmitted infections
• Types of birth control she has used
• Any current health problems

Next, she may have a physical examination. This will likely include:

• A thyroid exam. The doctor will feel the front of the neck to check for any growths or swelling of the thyroid.
• Checking for unusual hair growth on the face or body. This can be a sign of hormone imbalance.
• A breast exam. The doctor may squeeze the nipples to see if anything comes out. If it does, this may point to a high level of prolactin, which can prevent ovulation.
• A pelvic exam to check for discharge, sores, growths or other signs of infection. The doctor may also do a Pap test to look for cancer or infections of the cervix.
• The woman may also have some blood tests done, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and Rh factor test. Some blood tests have to be done at a certain point in the menstrual cycle. If it’s not the right time, these may be scheduled at a later date.

The man’s initial workup

The man will complete a medical history and may have a physical exam. A man’s medical history will include questions about:

• Any genital injuries or surgeries
• History of urinary tract or prostate infection
• History of sexually transmitted infections
• Whether he has fathered children in the past
• Any ejaculation problems
• Any current health problems
• A semen analysis is usually the first test done to check a man’s fertility. The man gives a semen sample, which is sent to a lab. A doctor will check the number and shape (count and morphology) of the sperm, how well they move (motility) and whether they show signs of infection. This test may be done more than once.

If the semen analysis shows problems, the man may be referred to an andrologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating male infertility.

(MyOptumHealth, 2010)

Age is the biggest factor in deciding when to seek treatment. Many people are surprised to learn that a woman’s fertility peaks around age 25. It starts to decline after that and drops sharply after age 35. A man’s fertility also starts to decline after age 35.

A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have. As she ages, her eggs decrease both in number and quality.This makes it harder to get pregnant and raises the risk of miscarriages and birth defects.

Of course, age is not the only issue. Many other factors can play a hand in infertility. They are divided about equally between those that affect women, such as menstrual problems, and those that affect men, such as low sperm count. In some cases, the cause of infertility is never found.

When to see a doctor about infertility?

Experts base their advice for when to seek treatment on the woman’s age and how long you’ve been having unprotected sex:

If you are 30 or younger, see your doctor if you haven’t conceived after 10 to 12 months. A year can seem like a long time, but most younger couples will conceive within a year of trying.

If you are 35 or older or have a history of fertility problems, experts suggest seeing your doctor after six months of trying. After 35, time is running out. You may still be able to get pregnant but it may take longer, so don’t delay getting help.

If you decide to seek treatment, both partners should have a physical exam. Your doctor will review your past and present health and may do tests to look for clues to what is affecting your fertility.

How to boost your odds of success

• If you don’t feel it’s time to get help, there are things you can try that may help improve your chance of getting pregnant. To maximize your fertility:
• Have sex every two days. This will help ensure that you are taking advantage of your most fertile days.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking lowers fertility in women and it may affect men, too.
• Keep your weight in a healthy range. Being either overweight or underweight can affect ovulation. In men, it may affect sperm count.
• Avoid alcohol. It can cause menstrual and ovulation problems, and if you do get pregnant, it increases the risk of birth defects and miscarriage. In men, too much alcohol can lead to low sperm count.
• Limit caffeine to no more than two cups a day.

(MyOptumHealth, 2010)

A missed period can be an early sign of pregnancy but even before you miss a period there  may be other early signs that can tell you whether or not you are pregnant. However, the  problem with most early signs of pregnancy is that they may be similar to what you normally  observe before you have your period.

If you suspect that you are pregnant and you want to be sure you can do a home pregnancy test. In case you want to be absolutely sure you need to have a pregnancy test done by your doctor.

Below you will find a list of the top 9 early signs of pregnancy. Please bear in mind that:

• Certain signs and symptoms of being pregnant can also be confused with pre-menstrual symptoms or illnesses.
• During pregnancy you will experience a variety of physical and emotional changes and that the symptoms can vary in their intensity, frequency, duration and the time you experience them.
• Every woman and every pregnancy are different and for that reason some women will experience some symptoms more subtly while others may have very strong pregnancy symptoms immediately from the very beginning.
• Some women may experience some, all or none of the signs stated here.

EARLY PREGNANCY SIGNS

1. MISSING YOUR MENSTRUATION

The most obvious early symptom of pregnancy is when you’ve missed your menstruation. You might not experience any of the pregnancy signs listed here until around the time you notice you’ve missed your monthly cycle or you had a much lighter period compared to your usual one (check implantation bleeding below).

Please note that that even though missing your menstruation is one of the most common sign and symptom of being pregnant, there may be some other reason why your menstruation is late. A delay can also be caused by stress, shock, illness, weight fluctuations or coming off the oral contraceptive pill. Irregular periods are a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which the menstruation can occur several months apart. If you still feel like you are experiencing other pregnancy symptoms you may want to do a home pregnancy test to be sure.

2. IMPLANTATION BLEEDING

Another pregnancy symptom that is not so known is the implantation bleeding. This is a slight bleeding or spotting that can be caused when the fertilized egg begins to implant itself into the uterus. It usually takes place 8 days after ovulation. Sometimes implantation bleeding is confused with a light menstruation.

3. TENDERNESS OF THE BREAST, SWOLLEN BREAST and DARKENING OF THE AREOLA

The changing of size and feel of your breasts may also indicate an early pregnancy. This pregnancy symptom may occur as early as a few days after conception. Your breasts are beginning to enlarge, as it gets ready for breastfeeding. Many women claim that their breasts are very sensitive and that they sometimes experience a very sharp, tingling sensation as well. The tenderness of the breast often disappears after a few weeks.

The darkening of the areola is also a sign that could indicate a pregnancy. Nevertheless the darkening of the areola is something that can occur also in latter stages of your pregnancy.

4. NAUSEA

Considered another one of the classic sign of being pregnant, nausea can be experienced as soon as one week after you conceived. Many women experience nausea in the morning that’s why this symptom is mostly addressed as morning sickness.

The reasons for it can be:

• an increase in the circulating level of the hormone oestrogen,
• low blood sugar
• an increase in progesterone relaxes the muscle in the uterus and this can also relax the stomach and intestine resulting in an excess of stomach acids
• an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin
• an increase in sensitivity to odours
• your body is craving food and you have not eaten all night so your tummy feels queasy
• you are sensitive to aromas and foods and the usual breakfast you typically have may not settle well in your stomach during this time.

Most women experience nausea and vomiting from weeks 5 to 6 of their pregnancy. It can occur at any time of the day, and can vary from an occasional faint sensation to overwhelming nausea and vomiting. Normally morning sickness is one of the pregnancy symptoms that tend to disappear when you are in your second trimester.

What may help? Try to eat lighter but more frequently; snack size meals, saltine crackers, fruits and drink milk.

5. TIREDNESS and FATIGUE

One of the earliest pregnancy signs for some women may be fatigue and tiredness. You may start going to bed earlier, or find it harder than usual to get out of bed in the morning. If you are working, by noon you may feel like you need to lie down. Exercising seems like too much effort. A simple activity like shopping may leave you feeling wiped out and lightheaded. This early pregnancy symptom is caused by all of the changes that your body is going through, plus the increasing levels of hormones.

If you know you are pregnant, try to take frequent rests or naps of 15 minutes to a half-hour whenever possible.

Please note that although this might be a sign of being pregnant, it can also point to other things as well. So if you know you are not pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to find out why you feel this way.

6.FREQUENT URINATION

This pregnancy sign may be experienced already as early as two weeks after you conceive. You experience that you are urinating more frequently. The reason for it is that your body starts producing the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and it stimulate the bladder muscles, so that it feels full, even though you might not need to urinate.

7.FOOD CRAVINGS and CHANGES IN TASTE AND SMELL

A well-know pregnancy cliché is food cravings and the desire for midnight snacks or unusual combinations of food i.e. pickles with jam. While it’s not a sure sign if it’s encountered alone, if it is accompanied by other signs and symptoms you should consider taking a home pregnancy test. Note that some women feel cravings for non-food items . A craving can also indicate that the body is lacking a specific nutrient.

Some pregnant women claim that they feel a strange metallic taste in their mouth and that they are more sensitive to smell.

8. CONSTIPATION

One of the most uncomfortable symptoms of being pregnant is constipation. This is caused by hormone changes that may slow down digestion and bowel functions to allow the body to absorb as much nutritional value, vitamins and minerals as possible.

What to do? Drink plenty of water, eat fruits, vegetables, raisins and bran cereal to your stimulate your digestion. Be aware that chocolate and coke can have a constipating effect.  Ask your doctor for advice before taking a prenatal multivitamin food supplement. Some multivitamins supplements also contain digestive enzymes (from pineapple and papaya fruits). They can help your body get the nutrients it needs for your growing baby and help you to ease the constipation.

9. ELEVATED TEMPERATURE

It is normal to have a slight increase in body temperature when you ovulate. If your basal body temperature stays elevated after ovulation until after the moment when your period should begin this can be one of the very early signs of pregnancy.

How to know if you are really pregnant?

DO A HOME PREGNANCY TEST

These tests can be purchased at local pharmacies and can confirm pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin – a pregnancy hormone) in your urine. Some tests can be done as early as the first day of your missing menstruation. Read the instructions carefully before doing the test since the accuracy of some tests depends on the time you do the test. If you receive a positive result, you should make an appointment with your gynaecologist so that she can confirm your pregnancy and advise you on what to do next.

Topics that may also interest you:

Body changes you might not expect while pregnant

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

12 warning signs you should not ignore during pregnancy

Research: Sexual desire during pregnancy

How to decrease stress during pregnancy?

Beyond “glowing,” pregnant women expect weight gain, exhaustion and morning sickness. But what about hemorrhoids, breakouts and tingly hands? These are changes you might not normally link to pregnancy.

Pregnancy-related hormones are responsible for a range of body changes. Some women have only a few, others have many. Most of these changes disappear after the birth of the baby. But if any pregnancy symptoms are keeping you from your day-to-day activities, may want to talk with your doctor. There may be treatment options that are safe for you and your unborn baby.

Some changes you may not expect during pregnancy include:

1. Nasal problems. The increase in blood flow during pregnancy and hormone changes may affect your nasal tissue. As a result, you may have  nosebleeds and nasal congestion. Drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy and blow your nose gently. Consider using a humidifier at night. Let your doctor know if nosebleeds happen often, are especially bad or last a long time.

2. Skin changes. Many women notice skin changes beyond the typical stretch marks during pregnancy. Most will disappear after delivery. Changes include:

• Itchy, dry abdomen. As your stomach stretches, the skin may become itchy and dry. Use a moisturizer to treat dryness. Let your doctor know if itchiness becomes severe.
• Dark areas. You may develop dark areas on your face. Your existing moles and freckles may also get darker. The darkening is an effect of the hormone changes during pregnancy. The increase in hormones causes your skin’s pigmentation to become darker. Use sunscreen when you go outside. These spots may stay dark after delivery. See your doctor right away if you have any new moles or if a mole changes in any way.
• Acne. The additional hormones may cause your body to produce more oil, which can lead to pimples. Wash your face regularly. Ask your doctor about products that clear breakouts.
• Linea Nigra. This is a dark line that shows up between your belly button and pubic bone. This line may always be present on your skin, but hormones make it appear darker during pregnancy. It will disappear after pregnancy.
• Varicose veins. The pressure your baby puts on your uterus may slow blood flow to the lower half of your body. This may cause the veins in your legs to swell. Varicose veins look like raised veins above the skin. To help prevent them, do not wear socks or stockings that are too tight and elevate your legs and feet regularly.

3. Heartburn.Your growing baby puts pressure on your stomach and intestines. This pressure, coupled with hormone changes, can lead to heartburn, indigestion and bloating. To prevent these symptoms:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Don’t eat very spicy, greasy or heavy foods
• Do not lie down right after eating
• Avoid eating or drinking in the few hours before you go to sleep

If you have heartburn, an over-the-counter antacid may help ease discomfort. Talk to your doctor first before you try any medications.

4. Constipation and hemorrhoids. Many pregnant women get constipated. This may happen for a few reasons:

• If you have morning sickness, you may vomit or reduce your fluid intake to relieve symptoms. This causes dehydration, which can lead to constipation.
• Hormones from pregnancy may cause your intestinal muscles to relax. When these muscles relax, food moves through the digestive tract slower.
• Constipation is linked with inactivity. Many women may not be as active as they were before pregnancy.

Stay well hydrated and eat plenty of fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation. Try fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products. Your doctor may suggest a fiber supplement or a stool softener. Do not take any laxatives unless directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor what a good activity level is for you and the baby.

Hemorrhoids are also common during pregnancy. Straining when constipated and the pressure of your unborn baby can cause them. To relieve pain, follow your constipation treatment plan. And keep the area clean. Your doctor may recommend sitz baths.

5. Tingly hands. One out of four pregnant women gets tingly, numb or swollen hands. The extra fluid retention can cause the tissue in your wrists and hands to swell. These symptoms are similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, but few pregnant women actually have this. The symptoms should disappear after delivery. Limit the amount of time spent typing or doing other activities where you use your hands. Talk to your doctor about any tingling or numbness that you might have.

(MyOptumHealth, March 2010)

Although women have less sex as their pregnancy progresses, they don’t enjoy the experience any less, new research shows.

“We’ve studied men’s sexual health for many years, and we have not studied women’s sexual health, concerns, issues and problems in the past, and there’s a gender information gap,” said Dr. Irwin Goldstein, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, in which this new study was recently published. “This kind of study helps narrow that gap and provide information on the real behavior of real women, and gives us a sense of what to expect.”

Goldstein is director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego.

The authors of this new study, out of Lisbon, Portugal, asked 188 women aged 17 to 40 to fill out a questionnaire the day they were discharged from the hospital after the birth of a child.

Almost half (44.7 percent) of women said that their most frequent sexual intercourse took place during the first trimester of the pregnancy. A little more than one third (35.6 percent) said sex was most frequent in the second trimester.

Only 10 percent said that the most frequent sexual activity occurred in the third trimester, while 55 percent said that sex decreased at this point.

But the majority of women — 80.1 percent — said they did have intercourse at this later stage of the pregnancy. And almost 40 percent of women said they had sex during the birth week.

Roughly half of all women said there had been no change in their sex life during the first or second trimesters.

Almost one-quarter (23.4 percent) of women admitted they were afraid that sex would hurt the baby.

In the course of researching her book, The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book, Dr. Marjorie Greenfield said that this fear sometimes came from the male partner.

“One woman said that she felt like having sex, but her husband was uncomfortable about the idea,” said Greenfield, who is division chief of general obstetrics & gynecology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland. “Some men say they feel the baby is watching them or that they are going to hurt the baby.”

About half of the women in the survey said their sexual satisfaction remained the same throughout the pregnancy while a lesser proportion — 27.7 percent — said it declined. Sexual desire was the same in 38.8 percent and down in 32.5 percent of the participants.

The most common type of sexual activity was vaginal (performed by 98.3 percent), followed by oral sex (38.1 percent) and anal sex (6.6 percent). About one-fifth of women said they masturbated during pregnancy.

More than 40 percent of women said they felt less attractive while they were expecting, but three-quarters said they sensed no decrease in sexual interest from their husband or partner.

In general, the authors and other experts stated, sex during pregnancy is not dangerous.

“A lot of people think it causes abortions in the third trimester or damage to the child, but regular penal-vaginal intercourse is not an issue,” Goldstein said, adding that there can be issues with air embolisms during oral sex and infections during anal sex.

And there are some people for whom sex during pregnancy can be unsafe, said Greenfield, including women with placenta previa, when the placenta lies lower in the uterus.

“Bumping into the placenta under those circumstances can cause the mom to hemorrhage,” she said.

“But for your average person, there’s only one sex act that has an increased risk for women who are pregnant,” she added. “There have been fatalities if air is blown into vagina. Anything that forces air into the vagina is not safe.”

“It’s important to recognize that desire and self-image and variables such as hormonal changes and tiredness and concern for children really affect women’s sexual drives and functions, especially as they go to the third trimester,” Goldstein said. “It’s OK to expect changes in sexual function during the pregnancy.”

(HealthDay News, March 2010)

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects 5 -10% of pregnant women. Women with preeclampsia have high blood pressure and protein in their urine. It usually starts after the 20th week, but can occur any time during the second half of pregnancy. If left untreated, it can lead to a more dangerous condition called eclampsia or toxemia of pregnancy. Eclampsia causes seizures and can lead to a coma or death in the mother.

Preeclampsia is a medical condition where hypertension arises in pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension) in association with significant amounts of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia refers to a set of symptoms rather than any causative factor, and there are many different causes for the condition. It appears likely that there are substances from the placenta that can cause endothelial dysfunction  in the maternal blood vessels of susceptible women. While blood pressure elevation is the most visible sign of the disease, it involves generalized damage to the maternal endothelium, kidneys, and liver, with the release of  vasoconstrictive  factors being secondary to the original damage.

Preeclampsia may develop from 20 weeks gestation (it is considered early onset before 32 weeks, which is associated with increased morbidity). Its progress differs among patients; most cases are diagnosed pre-term. Preeclampsia may also occur up to six weeks post-partum.

What are the symptoms?

• Swelling in your hands and feet
• Severe headache
• Problems with vision
• Confusion
• Pain in the upper part of your abdomen
• Quick weight gain (fluid retention)

How is it diagnosed?

At every prenatal appointment, your doctor will take your blood pressure and perform a urine test. If your blood pressure is high, the doctor will watch you closely for the rest of pregnancy.

High blood pressure alone is not enough to diagnose preeclampsia. It is usually diagnosed when high blood pressure is accompanied by a large amount of protein in the urine.

You may be diagnosed with preeclampsia if you have swelling, extra protein in your urine and one of the high blood pressure.

Who is at risk?

• Experts do not know why some pregnant women get preeclampsia.
• Who is at a greater risk?
• Woman younger than 20 years old or older than 35
• First pregnancy
• Pregnant with multiples
• Have high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, blood-clotting disorders, lupus or other conditions before pregnancy
• Preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• Family history of preeclampsia
• Overweight
• African-American ethnicity

How is it treated?

Preeclampsia affects all the organs in your body and can be dangerous for both you and your baby. The only “cure” for it is delivery. Once the baby is born, women usually are free of the condition. Luckily, it can often be managed well until your baby is mature enough to be born.

If you were diagnosed with high blood pressure but not preeclampsia, both you and your baby should be closely monitored for the rest of the pregnancy. What starts as simple high blood pressure can quickly turn into preeclampsia with little or no warning.

The main goal of treatment is to protect your health and that of your baby. Preeclampsia can cause serious organ damage and even death. It affects many organs in the body. It puts added stress on the kidneys, which causes protein to build up in the urine. In severe cases, it can cause damage to the mother’s kidneys, heart, brain, liver and eyes.

The second goal is to deliver your baby as close to term as possible. A doctor will try to balance these goals to get the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.

Treatment is based on how severe of the disorder is and how far along in the pregnancy you are. You are less likely to have problems if you develop mild preeclampsia at 37 weeks or later. The risks are higher for women diagnosed with preeclampsia before 37 weeks.

If preeclampsia is mild, your doctor may recommend:

• Reduced activity or bed rest, which may help lower blood pressure
• Frequent blood pressure and urine testing
• Tests to check your baby’s condition, such as nonstress testing, fetal heart monitoring and ultrasound

If Preeclampsia becomes severe:

You may be admitted to the hospital. There you will rest and be monitored closely to try to keep you healthy until your baby is mature enough for birth (usually by the 34th week of pregnancy). You may be given:

• Medications to control your blood pressure
• Anti-seizure medication to prevent seizures (eclampsia)
• If your blood pressure stays too high, the doctor may need to act quickly to deliver the baby. At this stage you may be given:
• Medication to induce labour
• Corticosteroid medication to help mature your baby’s lungs if it is earlier than the 34th week of pregnancy
• You may be able to have a vaginal birth, but in some cases, a caesarean section is needed. A baby who is born prematurely may have problems and need to spend time in intensive care. Still, this may be safer than spending more time in the uterus.

Your blood pressure will continue to be monitored after delivery. For most women with preeclampsia, blood pressure returns to normal within a week or two after delivery.

How will it affect my baby?

Many women with preeclampsia give birth to healthy babies.

Babies born to moms who have preeclampsia often have to be delivered early. Pre-mature babies are at-risk for various health issues, including low birth weight and long-term disabilities. The earlier your baby has to be delivered, the greater the risk for complications.