Symptoms Of Early Pregnancy

It is always good to know the exact time when you get pregnant so that you can consult a doctor and start taking proper care of your health and also that of your baby’s. But not all women understand that they are pregnant until several days after conception, for others a number of weeks may pass before they actually get to know that they are bearing a child.

For women of past and present ages, a missed period has been the first step to test whether she is pregnant. While the symptom is common, there are also other signs to confirm pregnancy in the early stages. Let’s take a look at some of these. However it is very important to remember that the early signs to confirm pregnancy may not be the same in every woman, rather some women do not experience any of these symptoms even though they are pregnant!

Early Pregnancy Signs

Missed Period

For a girl who has had her periods every month at a fairly regular time, a missed period is a sure sign to visit the doctor and get a pregnancy test done. However, you may miss your periods for several other reasons like poor health or sudden weight gain and loss.

Food Cravings

If you are pregnant, you may have an unnatural craving for food. This again is not a sure sign of pregnancy, because food craving occurs even when your body has a deficit of essential nutrients.

Swollen Breasts

If you are pregnant, your breasts will undergo a change within two weeks of conception. They usually become swollen and sensitive to the touch. It is due to the hormones that are discharged in the body at the time of pregnancy that the breasts look heavier. This symptom also occurs in many women before their periods.

Blackening Of Areolas

The skin surrounding your nipples starts darkening when you are pregnant. This again may occur due to hormonal imbalance in the woman’s body.

Implantation Bleeding

After around two weeks of conception, you may notice spotting and cramping similar to the ones you experience during periods. Implantation bleeding is different from periods, because in the former the color of blood is pink or brown. It also does not continue as long as periods. Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg enters into the blood vessels of the uterus. This is almost a sure sign of pregnancy.

Nausea & Dizziness

Commonly known as morning sickness, nausea and a faint feeling is what a pregnant woman experiences soon after getting up in the morning. This is because of the drop of blood pressure as a result of the dilating of blood vessels during pregnancy. However, a dizzy, nauseated feeling in the early hours may occur because of several other reasons.

Tiredness

A pregnant woman feels tired and sleepy often. This is because of the drop in blood sugar levels, low blood pressure and increased production of the progesterone hormone.

Abdominal Bloating

Your waistline may increase if you are pregnant. If the bloating of the abdomen is accompanied with a missed period, then you can rest assured that you are pregnant.

Constipation

Constipation is a common problem in pregnant women. Though constipation alone cannot assure the fact that you are pregnant, other signs of pregnancy when clubbed together with constipation hint at a sure-shot sign of pregnancy. Constipation occurs because more progesterone hormones in the body does not allow an easy passage of food through the intestines.

Mood Swings

Pregnancy is often accompanied with sudden mood swings due to a greater hormonal discharge in the body. An expectant mother usually feels happy one moment, excited other and then sad immediately. If you too are going through sudden mood swings along with other symptoms of pregnancy, then chances are you might be pregnant. Hoever, mood swings alone do not indicate pregnancy.

Though the symptoms mentioned above are the early signs of pregnancy, it is always advisable to consult a medical practitioner to confirm pregnancy.

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Stages Of Pregnancy

The nine months of pregnancy is, without a doubt, the most special period in the life of a woman, especially when she is carrying her first child. However, these nine months are also the time when the mother-to-be experiences diverse feelings, ranging from extreme anxiety to happiness. She is sick and jubilant at the same time.

While she is worried about her food and weight gain on one end, on the other side, she is prepared to go to any lengths to ensure a healthy baby. There are some women who do not want to leave everything at the doctor’s mercy and want a detailed explanation of everything that is going on inside their womb. It is for them that we have underlined the different stages that a future mother has to go through during pregnancy. Read through them and enhance your knowledge.

Different Stages Of Pregnancy

First Trimester

The first thirteen weeks of pregnancy is known as the first trimester. This is a time when you have to be very careful and take extra care of your health because this is also the time when the organs of your baby are slowly beginning to develop. The heart and kidney of the fetus start forming by the fourth week of pregnancy. In the first trimester, you may experience laziness accompanied by frequent pains in the body. This is due to the Braxton Hicks contractions that lead to a frequent tightening and relaxing of the uterus muscles. During the later stages of the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus begins to move and kick inside the mother’s womb. The skin of the baby has already been formed and hair and fingernails have also taken form. By the end of the 13 weeks, the mother’s abdomen looks protruded, a sign of pregnancy to any unknown onlooker.

Second Trimester

Week fourteen to week twenty seven in a pregnant woman’s life is called the second trimester of pregnancy. This is also known as the honeymoon phase as it is the time that the future mother bids farewell to the usual morning sickness and instead starts craving for good food. The baby has already grown and continues to do so in the second trimester; it can actually hear voices from inside the womb during this phase! This is the time when a mother has to take the best care of what she eats because the umbilical cord transfers the nutrients to the baby. The mother-to-be should concentrate on having healthy stuff like green vegetables, fruits and animal protein.

Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy extends from week twenty-eight to week forty-two for a pregnant woman. Now that the future mother has crossed the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, she is all set to give birth to her child very soon. The mother has to regularly take vitamins to ensure that anemia does not strike. The pregnant woman also faces labor pains at various points of time during the third trimester of pregnancy. In the case of some mothers, the breasts start leaking but there is no reason to worry even if that does not happen because the colostrum production takes place inside. The baby is fully formed by the end of the ninth month.

During every stage of pregnancy, diet and routine checkups are the most important factors to be kept in mind. Remember that while some mothers give birth before the completion of nine months, others have the child after nine months have crossed.

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Advisable Sugar Intake During Pregnancy

The good news opens a lot of doors to splurge on foods for those unlimited cravings that prosper as you progress in pregnancy. Among the many physical and mental changes, and pregnancy symptoms that conquer the first trimester, it is the food carvings that make a woman feel on the rise. The fact that pregnancy kills almost all guilt of putting on weight and eating foods that once were barred in the diet chart, gives more than reason to why women binge and let go their diet worries. Well, ladies, we don't really mean to deprive you the happiness and feelings of being pregnant, but surely health still remains vital, even during pregnancy. And I must say that it becomes double as crucial, now that you are pregnant. Among the list of food carvings in pregnancy, the sweet cravings and sugar delights make the winners. We cannot say that the sweet treat cravings are physiological, but the fact that your body is flourishing with blood supply and hormones, the blood sugar levels are bound to drop between meals. This demands those treats for cakes and candy bars. We all know refined sugar is not good for the body, at least in excess. So how much sugar intake is healthy for an expecting mother. Let us see some facts about sugar and pregnancy, and the recommended sugar consumption during this delicate period.

Keeping Sugar Low During Pregnancy and Why

A lot of health issues are related to blood sugar levels, the most common one being diabetes. During pregnancy, the rate of sugar absorption in the blood is high. In case of excess sugar in the blood, the amount of required insulin in the pancreas is not enough to tackle the excess amount of sugar. As a result, there is a serious risk of gestational diabetes to the mother. Weight gain will also be an issue both for you and the baby too. And in a condition where the baby grows more than average as a result of high blood sugar levels of the mother, that is termed as macrosomia, and further complications can take charge. Birth complications like premature birth, cesarean section, etc., are the possible risks.

How Much Sugar Intake is Healthy During Pregnancy

The primary function of a healthy diet is to provide the body with energy and nutrients. The most healthiest forms of food that can be converted to energy are carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are more prone to being used as energy, and most unlikely to be stored as fats. What is advised is pregnant women should get at least 60% of the total energy required from carbohydrates. So for example, if your total calorie consumption is 2000, around 1200 should be in the form of both simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbs will comprise sugar and other foods, that include powdered sugar, cakes, jam, jelly, pizzas, chocolates, processed foods, etc. So whenever you plan to combine simple and complex carbohydrates in your diet, make sure you consume more of complex carbs like whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and a small portion of simple carbs. Women tend to eat more calories during pregnancy, while supporting the 'eating-for-two' statement. The fact is that even if the mother is responsible for the nutrition and energy of the baby, the recommended intake is an extra 300 calories per day only, which takes care of the baby's requirements.

There has not been a standard recommendation for sugar consumption, Every women will have a different rate of metabolism, and hence a fixed amount of sugar cannot be advised for all pregnant women. What experts suggest is that, the amount depends on the blood glucose levels of the expecting mother, and the weight gain. Women who have minimum control on the blood sugar level, should avoid intake of sugar. Whereas, women who are required to increase weight, can have a higher amount of sugar. It is most strongly advised to keep the intake minimum, otherwise, and more so when you are pregnant. You may consider consulting a doctor if you have been advised to increase your weight during pregnancy. So even if high sugar intake during pregnancy is not harmful for you, there has to be a moderate and balanced consumption.

Remember that sugar is not only sugar in a crystalline form, what we know as brown sugar, syrups, powdered sugar, etc. There are surely harmful, but Xylose, Lactose, Dextrose, Sucrose, Fructose, Glucose, Corn syrups and sweeteners are all sugars. Processed and canned foods are also high in sugar. So when you plan to cut off the sweet delight, make sure you consider all these as well. After all, the health of your baby is the most important, so even the sweetest of carvings too, is a big and a bitter no!

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How Safe to Eat Papaya During Pregnancy?

A woman never glows more than when she's carrying a baby. Being pregnant is God's greatest gift to women, and it is our duty to make sure that we take good care of this wondrous gift handed to us. This involves eating right. And when it comes to a healthy pregnancy diet, one of the most confusing food items is papaya. Women are constantly asking themselves, "Can we eat papaya during pregnancy?" Well, read this article to find out.

Papaya

The papaya (Carica papaya, genus: Carica) is one of the most delicious and healthy fruits. It was planted for the first time in Mexico but is now seen in many tropical countries. The whole papaya tree can be used for different things. Its stem can be used to make ropes. The leaves are made into tea in some parts of the world. The fruit has the maximum uses though. The ripe fruit can be eaten raw. It is used as a remedy to ease digestion. The unripe fruit can be cooked and eaten. The seeds can be ground and used as a substitute for black pepper. The latex in the unripe fruit is used to soften meat while cooking.

Eating Papaya During Pregnancy

Many people, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc., believe that papaya has properties that can induce problems in childbirth like miscarriage or abortion. To discuss this further, both the sides of the issue must be known.

Benefits

Read ahead for some of the reasons why eating papaya during pregnancy is a good prenatal care measure.

• Indigestion is a common problem that pregnant women face. To help ease the trouble caused by the indigestion, papaya is highly recommended.
• Papaya is rich in vitamins. The raw skin of papaya has large amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C.
• Besides these, papaya also is very effective against other digestive problems like inflammatory bowel syndrome or heartburn.
• Slightly unripe papaya is used as a natural method to induce labor towards the final stages of pregnancy.

Adverse Effects
Here are some of the reasons why eating papaya during pregnancy is avoided.

• It is safe to eat only ripe papaya during pregnancy. The enzyme that soothes indigestion is called papain.
• However, care must be taken that only fully ripe papaya is eaten. Even slightly unripe papaya has a latex like substance in it. This latex substance acts like prostaglandin and oxytocin which are generally used to induce labor.
• Consuming papaya during the early weeks of pregnancy should be avoided unless you are absolutely sure that it is fully ripe.
• This is because eating unripe papaya during the early stages of pregnancy may induce early labor and in some case, even miscarriage.
• Hence, papaya is generally avoided by most women as a precautionary measure.

These were some of the benefits and ill effects of eating papaya during pregnancy. Hope this article has cleared your doubts. Make sure you eat healthy during pregnancy. You'll be rewarded with a bundle of joy and you will cherish the entire experience forever!

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Chocolate Intake During Pregnancy

For any expecting mother, the well-being of her unborn child is her highest priority. So, even if chocolate is her favorite food, she avoids eating it during pregnancy in the fear that it can cause harm to her baby. Of course, her concern is genuine. After all, we all know that chocolate contains caffeine, which increases the chances of miscarriage and preterm labor. It also tends to raise the pulse rate and blood pressure, which could be dangerous in this condition.

Benefits

Pregnant women who love chocolates will be pleased to know that it is not harmful for them and there is no need to stop eating chocolate during pregnancy, but it has to be taken only in moderate amounts. Your doctor may advice you to avoid drinking coffee but you can have chocolate, particularly dark chocolate. This is because the caffeine content in chocolate is far less as compared to coffee. During pregnancy, the permissible range of caffeine consumption is 270 mg per day. Chocolate contains around 5-30 mg of caffeine, while a cup of coffee has as much as 90-135 mg of caffeine. Hence, owing to high caffeine content, coffee should be avoided by pregnant women, but they can have a moderate amount of chocolate.

The first benefit that you get after eating chocolate is that it elevates your mood and makes you feel positive. You are already quite stressed out because of the changes taking place in your body during pregnancy. After eating a chocolate, you will notice that you feel very happy! Apart from that, there are a number of health benefits too that are associated with consumption of chocolate. One of the key health benefits is that it can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women to a great extent. Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication where the pregnant woman's blood pressure becomes abnormally high and there is a high level of protein in the urine. Eating chocolate can prevent this life-threatening condition because it has a chemical component named theobromine that is responsible for the bitter taste in cocoa. Now, this component has a stimulating effect on the heart function. It also relaxes the smooth muscles of the body and facilitates dilation of blood vessels. In this way, chocolate keeps blood pressure steady in pregnant women.

Chocolate is a great source of important minerals like iron and magnesium, which are required in a large amount during pregnancy. Iron has a major role in proper growth of the fetus while magnesium contributes towards the brain development of the unborn baby. In fact, when a woman craves chocolates during pregnancy, it has often been found that she is deficient in these nutrients. Chocolate has a good amount of flavonoids, which have amazing antioxidant properties. This in turn improves a pregnant woman's cardiovascular health and boosts her immune system too.

Risks

Even though there are so many beneficial effects of having chocolate during pregnancy, too much of it is bad for the baby. Increase in chocolate intake means more consumption of caffeine by the body, which can cause problems for both the baby and the mother-to-be. Some adverse effects of eating too much chocolate are as follows:

• Excessive caffeine in the body may interfere with the iron absorption mechanism in the mother's body and lead to iron deficiency.
• Heartburn is a common occurrence during pregnancy. Excessive consumption of chocolate can aggravate this problem further.
• Too much of chocolate leads to decrease in blood flow to the uterus, which means less oxygen and nutrients will reach the fetus.
• In the later stage of pregnancy, an increase in amount of caffeine intake can affect the sleeping pattern of the baby.
• It may have an adverse impact on the growth and development of the baby and can give rise to problems like low birth weight or birth defects in the newborn baby.

I hope this article helped you to understand both the positive as well as the negative effects of eating chocolate during pregnancy. To yield maximum benefits of chocolate, you should eat low fat, good quality dark chocolate as it has high amounts of iron and flavonoids. Do not finish off a single bar in one day. Eat in moderation. You should stay away from milk chocolate or any other chocolates that are rich in sugar, calories, fat and additives as these components are not good for you. Take care!

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Risk of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

The term varicose vein, is used to refer to a swollen or enlarged vein. Varicose veins can occur anywhere on the body, though the veins of the legs are more likely to become enlarged due to a defect in the valves or the vein wall. The veins are concerned with returning the deoxygenated blood to the heart, and the veins of the legs do this against the force of gravity.

There are certain valves in the leg veins that open to allow the blood to move upward towards the heart, and then close off to prevent its back flow towards the legs. But when these valves fail to function properly, they cannot prevent the back flow of blood. This causes the blood to pool inside the veins, and as a result, the veins become swollen. Even abnormalities of the vein wall can cause the veins to become varicose. This condition is more common in women, especially in pregnant women. In fact, pregnancy is one of the most important factors that can cause this condition.

Pregnancy and Varicose Veins

As we know, pregnancy is the period marked by a lot of hormonal fluctuations, along with physical changes. During this stage, a woman gains considerable weight due to the growing fetus. Such weight gain often puts more pressure on the large vein on the right side of the body, which is known as the inferior vena cava. This in turn, increases the pressure in the blood vessels of the legs or extremities of the body, and contributes towards the development of varicose veins.

Additionally, the rising levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause the veins to relax, for which the two halves of a valve may fail to meet completely. The result is the leakage or back flow of blood, which can accumulate inside the veins and cause them to enlarge. Apart from these, the volume of blood in the body increases during pregnancy. As a result, the leg veins have to work harder to pump blood to the heart. The factors that can raise the risk of developing this condition during pregnancy are, multiple pregnancy, excess body weight, and the act of standing or sitting for a prolonged period of time.

Another similar condition that women may encounter during this period is the development of spider veins, that can appear near the surface of the skin, mainly on the arms, face, and the legs. The veins can appear red or blue in color and look quite similar to a spider's web. However, this condition is usually harmless, as it is not known to cause any discomforts like pain or itching. But varicose veins can sometimes produce pain, a sensation of heaviness in the legs, dryness and itching around the veins, and a burning or throbbing sensation in the lower leg. It may also be accompanied by muscle cramps, swelling in the lower legs, ankle swelling, and skin ulcers near the ankle.

Prevention

Varicose veins usually occur during pregnancy and then resolve on their own after delivery. However, during this period, they may cause a few discomforts. The best way to prevent this condition is to avoid sitting or standing at a stretch for a long time. Pregnant women should elevate their legs whenever it is possible.

Mild physical activities or exercises can help maintain the ideal body weight (for the particular stage of pregnancy), which is very much important to reduce the extra pressure on your blood vessels. Pregnancy and the resulting weight gain can put extra pressure on the inferior vena cava, which is located on the right side of the body. A habit of sleeping on your right side can put more pressure on this vein. So, you can consider to sleep on the left side, in order to reduce the pressure on the inferior vena cava.

However, if these measures fail to prevent this problem or relieve the discomforts associated with it, then consider to take the help of maternity support stockings. Put the support hose or stocking in the morning, just before getting out of the bed. This will prevent the blood from pooling inside your legs. If the condition becomes extremely uncomfortable or painful, then talk to your physician. Your physician needs to be informed about all the changes or discomforts you are experiencing during this stage, in order to avoid any kind of possible complications.

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Ketones in Urine During Pregnancy

Ketones in the urine during pregnancy is a health concern which some women experience during those crucial nine months. Although, it is not a high-risk pregnancy complication, studies reveal that it can be a cause of worry.

Ketones are substances derived from fat breakdown. They are used by the body as a source of energy under emergency circumstances, like starvation or glucose deficiency, in order to survive. In other words, ketones in the urine are formed when the body's fat reserves are used to generate energy.

Ketones in the blood further leads to ketosis. Weakness, nausea, lethargy, and excess sweating are signs of ketosis.

Occurrence

Our body gets its energy from the food we eat, which gets converted into glucose or blood sugar. It is insulin which provides an easy access to this blood sugar. During pregnancy, the placental hormones make the body resistant to insulin, which subsequently restricts the glucose in the blood from entering the cells. Hence, though the blood will be enriched with blood sugar, the cells will be deprived of the required energy. As a result, the cells start accessing other energy sources, like the fat stores, resulting in ketones as the byproduct of this entire process.

Causes

There can be various factors that may contribute to large ketones in the urine during pregnancy; dehydration and bad diet, to name a few. Others are enlisted below:

• Not getting enough calories from the food you are eating
• Long time intervals between meals
• Skipping meals or snacks
• Gestational diabetes
• Diets which include low intake of carbohydrates
• Dehydration - not drinking enough water
• Metabolic disorders
• Nausea, poor eating habits or throwing up
• Insulin resistance from hormones as a result of which the body is unable to access blood sugar
• Testing

Ketone testing is very much different from normal urine sugar tests. You need to wash yourself properly, and collect your urine in a sample box. It is better to let a small amount of the initial urine fall into the commode. This will clear the urethra of contaminants. About 1 or 2 oz. of urine will be sufficient for the test. Then you can ask your health care provider to examine the presence of ketones in your urine. Nowadays, different ketone sticks are available in the market which can be used for ketone testing.

For optimum results, it is better to use the first sample of urine (taken first in the morning) for testing, as due to the overnight fast, the blood sugar levels drop. It is then that the body starts looking for fat stores as a source of energy, which results in giving off or spilling of ketones in urine.

You may have to go on a different diet before you take the test. Please make sure not to consume any drugs before the test. Doing so might affect the test results. The test does not cause any discomfort, as it is carried out through normal urination samples itself. There are no risks either. It is always important to take a ketone test during pregnancy, as high levels of ketones in the urine can be harmful to you and your baby.

If ketones are present in your urine, the test results are said to be abnormal. The abnormality is categorized into three parts. Small is < 20mg/dL, moderate would be 30 - 40 mg/dL and large would be > 80 mg/dL. Small amount may mean that the build-up has just started. Conduct the test again after few hours. Moderate or large amounts may prove to be dangerous. Ask for a doctor's opinion in the latter case.

Prevention

It is always recommended to consult a doctor for this problem. In order to prevent ketones in general, you should avoid skipping meals or having long gaps between each meal. You should eat after every 3 to 4 hours during pregnancy. Also, try having a good bedtime snack which should be rich in proteins and starch. This is because protein slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, which benefits by making energy available to the body for a longer duration of time.

Also, remember not to keep more than 9 to 10 hours gap between your bedtime snack and breakfast, as this will lower the risk of presence of ketones in urine. Hence, consider having small yet frequent meals, high in proteins and starch, in order to avoid the situation.

However, there have been cases when the patient isn't starving, nor is she dehydrated, but still spills ketones in her urine. In such cases, putting on weight by overeating is not the solution. It is necessary to eat nutritious food like fruits and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water will keep your baby healthy.

During pregnancy, one should consume about 1800 to 2500 calories, on a daily basis. Maintaining a food diary or journal should prove helpful to keep a count on what you have been eating, along with the time and calorie count. Seek advice from a nutritionist or refer to pregnancy diets for proper guidance. You could also attend weight watcher meetings.

To conclude, we can say that occasional traces of ketone bodies in urine during pregnancy do not seem to be a very serious problem; unless there are larger amounts or frequent bouts of ketones in urine. Whether traces of ketones in urine during pregnancy is dangerous or not, is a debatable topic. However, some studies emphasize that women with large amounts of ketones, may have babies with learning disabilities or reduced IQ later in life.

Regular monitoring of the first urine in the morning (for ketones by a midwife or doctor), especially in women having gestational diabetes, can help in preventing as well as treating this health ailment.

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Food's to Avoid During Pregnancy Period

If you are pregnant, the only thought that probably keeps creeping in your mind is the healthy development of your baby. You may add a fruit to your fortified breakfast cereal, extra veggies in your favorite dishes, and eat yogurt desserts so that your baby gets enough nutrition and is born healthy.

Nevertheless, do you know that there are certain foods that should be avoided during pregnancy? Perhaps you have read somewhere that seafood is good for moms-to-be, but do you know that mercury contaminated seafood can increase the risk of neural birth defects in newborns? Did you know that undercooked meat and poultry can lead to food borne illnesses and should be avoided by pregnant women? If you are curious to know about the foods to avoid during pregnancy, keep reading through the next section. On the other hand, if you are pregnant, don’t forget to consult your physician about a good pregnancy diet plan.

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Unpasteurized Foods

Pregnant women must steer clear of unpasteurized food. Many low fat dairy products like skimmed milk, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese are good for health, but if they contain any unpasteurized milk, then they should be strictly shunned. Unpasteurized dairy products may lead to food-borne illnesses and should be avoided by expectant women. Furthermore, while buying feta, blue cheese, brie, or panela make sure they are made from pasteurized milk.

Avoid Undercooked Meat and Poultry Products

Expectant women are at higher risk of getting bacterial food poisoning due to altered metabolism and circulation. As a result, pregnant women should always avoid eating undercooked meat. Make sure all meat and poultry products are fully cooked. You can also use a meat thermometer to make sure that the meat you cook is cooked well. Avoid eating refrigerated meat spreads. Ensure that you only consume cooked hot dogs and deli meats. Still, it is better to avoid such foods fully during pregnancy.

Avoid Raw Seafood

To avoid developing food borne infections, avoid eating raw fish and shellfish, especially oysters and clams. Consuming refrigerated smoked seafood is also not very safe. So, it is advisable to avoid them during pregnancy.

Say No To Sugary Food

Sugary food items like cakes, ice creams, and chocolates are loaded with empty calories with no nutritional value. If you crave sugary food, eat fruits that are loaded with vital nutrients and vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fibers, etc. Consuming food with no nutritional value has no purpose at all and should be shunned during pregnancy.

Deep Fried Foods

Deep fried foods like chips, fried chicken, fries, etc are packed with trans fats that increase bad cholesterol levels and decrease good cholesterol levels. In addition, these foods are also loaded with additives that are not good for the would-be-mom and her baby. Moreover, deep fried foods have excess salt content that may increase the blood pressure in pregnant women. It is therefore always good to stay away from deep fried foods during pregnancy.

Raw and Undercooked Eggs

Raw eggs are sources of salmonella which is a harmful motile enterobacteria that causes typhoid and food poisoning. So avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs like half boiled eggs. Raw eggs can be present in Caesar salad dressings, mayonnaise etc. All these food items should be therefore avoided as well.

Fish With High Mercury Content

Fish is a vital source of protein and can provide important nutrients for the healthy development of your baby. However, some sea fish can be contaminated with dangerously high levels of mercury which can damage the normal development of your baby’s nervous system.

This list of food items gives you a brief idea on what not to eat when pregnant. For more detail information you may seek advice of your general practitioner.

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About Decaffeinated Tea during Pregnancy

The caffeine content of a cup of tea can be lowered to a great extent by reducing the steeping time.

During pregnancy, you try to make every possible effort to make sure that you don't eat or drink anything that can harm your baby. So, you end up making a number of dietary changes. However, caffeine, an alkaloid found in beverages like coffee and tea, has confused women for a long time.

While some people advise to avoid caffeinated beverages completely during pregnancy, others maintain that their consumption in moderation is not harmful for the developing fetus. Though tea contains caffeine, it is considered to be a healthy drink due to its antioxidant content.

Moreover, there is no consensus regarding the harmful effects of caffeine on the developing fetus, as studies conducted so far have demonstrated conflicting results. But it is generally maintained that pregnant women should cut down their caffeine intake. So, they can switch over to decaffeinated tea, and derive the benefits of tea while avoiding the harmful effects of caffeine. Let's find out more about caffeine, its effects on the fetus, and how safe decaffeinated tea is for pregnant women.

How Caffeine Affects You and Your Unborn Child?

» Caffeine is basically a stimulant, a psychoactive substance that acts on the central nervous system to increase alertness. It can also increase your heart rate and the rate of metabolism. Regular consumption of a large amount of caffeinated beverages can cause insomnia, nervousness, and headaches. Caffeine has diuretic properties, and so, it can cause dehydration, if taken in excess. During pregnancy, it is important to stay well-hydrated and limit the intake of caffeine.

» Caffeine can affect the fetus in the same way it affects you. So, it can increase fetal heart rate, and affect your baby's sleep and movement pattern. It can also constrict the blood vessels and thus, reduce the supply of blood to the placenta. If taken in large quantities, caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, and cause low birth weight and stillbirths. An unborn baby cannot fully metabolize caffeine, and so, it remains in the baby's bloodstream for a long time. The ability to break down caffeine also reduces during pregnancy.

Decaffeinated Tea and Pregnancy

» If you have the habit of drinking tea or coffee daily, then cutting down the intake of caffeine can be a really difficult and challenging task for you. The caffeine content of a cup of tea is usually lower than that of a cup of coffee, as a large amount of caffeine is left in the leaves, which are discarded after making the drink. Tea contains flavones and antioxidants, which are essential for leading a healthy life. Tea can also help you cope with morning sickness and an upset stomach. As far as caffeine and its harmful effects are concerned, these can be avoided by switching over to decaffeinated tea.

» The consumption of a small amount of regular tea is also considered safe during pregnancy. What is important is to avoid the overconsumption of tea, in order to reduce the intake of caffeine. Decaffeinated tea is also not completely free of caffeine, as complete removal of caffeine is not possible. So, it contains a small amount of residual caffeine, which should be kept in mind by pregnant women.

» The process of decaffeination can not only lower the level of caffeine, but the level of flavones and antioxidants as well, which may compromise the nutritional value of tea. But as far as the safety of decaffeinated tea is concerned, its consumption in moderation is considered safe for expecting mothers. But it is better to reduce the amount of tea you drink daily. In general, drinking 2 or 3 cups of decaffeinated tea is considered safe during pregnancy.

» Apart from caffeine, tea contains phenols, which can impair the absorption of iron and folate, if it is consumed with a meal or within half an hour of eating a meal. Green tea contains a compound, known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which can affect the way in which our body uses folate. Therefore, avoid taking tea, including decaffeinated tea immediately after a meal.

Things to Be Considered

» As per the guidelines issued by the Food Standards Agency, the daily caffeine intake of pregnant women should not exceed 200 mg. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, caffeine intake up to 200 mg per day is safe during pregnancy. This is equivalent to 1 to 2 cups of coffee or 3 to 5 cups of tea. However, the caffeine content of coffee depends on the type of beans. For example, robusta beans usually have more caffeine than arabica.

» While sticking to the figure of 200 mg caffeine per day, pregnant women should bear in mind that tea and coffee are not the only sources of caffeine. In fact, this naturally occurring alkaloid can be found in a wide range of food and beverages, of which chocolates, soft drinks, and energy drinks are worth mentioning.

» Caffeine can also be found in many over-the-counter medications used for treating cold, headaches, and allergies. So, while counting your daily caffeine intake, be sure to consider the caffeine content of medications, and the foods and beverages mentioned above. The caffeine content of decaffeinated tea and coffee should also be taken into account, no matter how insignificant it is.

Though consumption of decaffeinated tea is largely considered safe during pregnancy, it is better to follow your physician's suggestions in this regard. If your physician asks you to completely eliminate caffeine, then it is better to do so. But if you are asked to cut down the intake of caffeine, you can enjoy a few cups of decaffeinated tea as long as your daily caffeine intake stays within the safe limit.

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Pure Honey and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most important phase in a woman's life. It is a roller coaster ride and of course a once in a lifetime feeling generally associated with many food restrictions and problems. Whatever it may be, along with the regular tests and check up, what really matters is the pregnancy diet. It's really important to eat the right kind of food in right amounts and most importantly healthy food. The diet should be planned according to the requirement of the mom as well as the baby because the main aim is to provide maximum nutrients and vitamins to the growing fetus. One of the foods to eat during pregnancy is the unpasteurized yet healthy food, raw honey.

We are all well-aware of honey being the universal ayurvedic remedy for many illnesses and ailments owing to which it should be a part of our regular diet. Honey has been extensively used for healing and as a natural sweetener almost always.

Although a pregnant female should indulge in a healthy diet, it shouldn't be high on calories. According to observations, many women crib about weight gain that is popularly associated with pregnancy. Substituting raw honey in place of conventional sugar is the best option to opt for if you really don't want to gain those extra pounds.

Morning sickness which is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy can be overcome by consuming raw honey, since it helps freshen your mind and makes you feel good. Also, if you happen to suffer from constipation which many pregnant females do, this is the best remedy.

Another raw honey benefit is the fulfillment of the energy needs. It is a good source of carbohydrates, which helps boost energy and strengthens the muscles. Hence, it should be included as a part of a pregnancy diet.

Further, many women and gynecologists trust raw honey. Owing to its health benefits, it can be proved that it is safe to consume without any major side effect. However, an evident danger is that it is not a pasteurized and processed product. We all know what pasteurization is; it involves the killing of certain harmful bacteria after exposure to high temperatures. Raw honey has spores of Clostridium botulinum, which is an endospore producing harmful bacteria causing food poisoning or botulism in humans. However, you could surely avoid this by going for a trustworthy local brand that sells good quality raw honey.

Incorporation in Your Diet

If you want to consume raw honey, it's better to supplement it with milk or yogurt since this would suit the body perfectly. Along with the fruits that are recommended during pregnancy, you could just pour a spoonful of honey on top and then have them. You could also make smoothies or honey mustard salad by mixing oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and mustard with either raw fruits or vegetables. Another way to go about it is by mixing honey with fruit juices, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. However, too much consumption of raw honey is not good for the would-be-mom as well as the baby and is definitely not advisable.

Though raw honey is extremely safe to use, it is not good for children below one year of age. However, this cholesterol-free, nutritious, and natural sweetener is healthy in all ways!

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Indigestion During Pregnancy Period

Pregnant women can experience nausea and vomiting, or morning sickness during the first trimester, while the second and the third trimester can be accompanied by gas, bloating, indigestion, and heartburn. Both heartburn and indigestion can be a really troubling experience for pregnant women, which are mainly caused by the fluctuating levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Heartburn and Indigestion in Pregnant Women

Indigestion or dyspepsia is the condition that causes gas, bloating, and nausea. The pregnancy hormones relax the muscles of the digestive tract, which in turn, slows down the entire process of digestion. This gives an opportunity to the intestinal bacteria to ferment the semi- or undigested food, causing gas, belching, and flatulence.

Along with the muscles of the digestive tract, the pregnancy hormones also relax the esophageal sphincter, the circular muscle that prevents the backflow of stomach content (food and stomach acid) to the esophagus. The relaxation of this muscle during pregnancy can push back the stomach content to the esophagus causing heartburn. This condition can be further aggravated by factors like the consumption of a large meal and fatty food, chocolates, onions, garlic, and coffee.

Symptoms of Indigestion in Pregnant Women

Indigestion can produce some really uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

• Pain and a sensation of fullness in the upper abdominal region
• Belching
• Gas and bloating
• Flatulence
• Nausea
• A burning sensation and pain in the chest, or just behind the breastbone
• Burning sensation in the throat
• Loss of Appetite
• Difficulty in swallowing food

Remedies for Indigestion

The best way to manage this condition during pregnancy is keep a close watch over the kind of food you consume. It is better to avoid certain food like spicy and highly acidic food, fatty food, chocolates, and caffeinated beverages. Do not lie down immediately after eating a meal, and eat frequent smaller meals instead of consuming three large meals in a day.

Alcohol consumption should be reduced or stopped altogether during pregnancy. Pregnant women should drink plenty of water, and follow a fiber-rich diet. Regular physical activity can also help control the symptoms of indigestion. To manage the uncomfortable burning sensation produced by heartburn, try to lie down with your head and back slightly elevated. This is an effective way to keep the food and acid within the stomach, or prevent their backflow to the esophagus.

If heartburn and indigestion symptoms become annoying, then you may need to take some medications. The most common medications used for indigestion are antacids. However, the prolonged use of antacids can cause certain adverse effects, for which they should be taken under the supervision of a physician. Certain home remedies like chamomile tea, lemon balm, papaya, and peppermint tea can help reduce the symptoms of this condition. However, before taking any herbal remedy, be sure to talk to your physician, as certain herbs need to be avoided during pregnancy.

If the condition persists or worsens even after taking all possible preventive and precautionary measures, then it is better to consult a physician. If heartburn is very severe in nature, and it produces some serious symptoms like black stool, weight loss, and severe chest pain, then talk to your health care provider at the earliest.

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How Safe Ginger Tea Intake During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a very crucial condition in every woman's life, when she is responsible for the health and survival of another life developing inside her womb. Right from the moment of conception, till the condition is diagnosed, and throughout all the nine months of the fetus's development, the mother's body is responsible for the nutrition of the baby. Since it is what the mother eats and drinks, is what provides the required amount of nutrition to the fetus, she has to take care of her diet. During this time, there are a few foods and liquids, which are supposed to be avoided because of the ill effects to the mother and the baby. One of these liquids which are speculated is herbal tea, or more specifically, ginger tea. So, is ginger tea safe during pregnancy? Well, this can be answered if you know its benefits. Read the following paragraphs for the same.

Benefits

One of the most popularly-used of the herbal teas is ginger tea produced from ginger (Zingiber officinale). Right from the ancient times, it has been one of the most effective medicinal herbs in traditional medicine, as it has extraordinary healing powers. Along with being used as a culinary hit, it is also used in making tea because of the various healthy benefits.

• It is very effective in relieving nausea, and it combats motion sickness, which are two very common medical conditions seen in individuals.
• It is also very helpful in digestive purposes and relieves flatulence, reducing muscle aches in the stomach or anywhere else in the body.
• It also reduces dizziness and is a home remedy for common cold, respiratory disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, etc.
• It is one of the most effective solution for women's health problems.

Ginger Tea During Pregnancy

With so many health benefits that are mentioned in the paragraphs above, you must have found out that this concoction is herbal and is safe for women. Its benefits during pregnancy include:

• It is almost instantly effective in relieving nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness, which is a very common symptom seen in pregnant women that continues for the first 3 months. Thus, medical research has proved that drinking a small amount whenever you are nauseated could help you feel better and not harm the baby at all.
• It also increases the blood flow throughout the body and makes circulation naturally healthy. In this way, the blood is provided to all the parts of a pregnant woman's body including internal organs. Thus, the baby is supplied with enough blood with nutrients for its initial development.
• During this period, the immune system of the mother is weakened, but needs to be strong so that infections don't reach the baby. This concoction is very useful in strengthening this immune system of the mother, because of its healing properties.
• It treats common colds, headaches, persistent coughs, and other minor ailments in the body. Since there are about 12 antioxidants that are present in ginger, the tea works as a great anti-inflammatory agent and neutralizes free radicals.
• All women suffer from muscular spasms and cramps during ovulation or menstruation. These cramps can get unbearable at times, and consuming this product at this time is known to be effective in healing. Other pains related to the uterus are also relieved.

With these benefits, it is very important to know that a very small amount should be consumed during pregnancy. However, consulting your physician before consuming anything in this condition would be a smarter option.

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Balanced Diet Need To Know for Pregnant Women

What a pregnant woman eats has a direct bearing on her unborn child. She has to take a well-balanced diet which has all the required nutrients, vitamins and minerals, not only to keep her body healthy and prepare it for childbearing and breastfeeding, but also to aid in the proper growth and development of the unborn child. A normal, healthy woman requires approximately 2100 calories in a single day and during pregnancy, she needs about 2500 calories in a day. Besides increasing the number of calories, she should pay attention to the kind of foods she eats, so that she and her unborn baby get the right kind of nutrition. What constitutes a balanced diet for pregnant women, let's find out.

Diet for a Healthy Pregnancy

Carbohydrates, Fats and Proteins

A balanced diet for women is the one in which all food groups i.e. foods containing carbohydrates, proteins and fats are included. A pregnant woman's diet should mainly consist of carbohydrates, which can be derived from including foods such as bread, potatoes, pasta, corn, rice and whole grains in the diet. Fats, which are found in oils, butter, nuts and dairy products as well as high protein foods, which are found in meat, eggs, fish, beans and dairy products have to be included in the diet too.

Fiber

As constipation is common during pregnancy, so including fiber rich foods in the diet is essential. Some of the foods rich in fiber are whole grain breads, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables and cereals.

Calcium

A well-balanced diet would be incomplete without including at least four servings of calcium rich foods in a day. Ideally, a pregnant woman should get around 1000-1300 mg of calcium through her diet every day.

Iron

Iron rich foods are a must in a pregnancy diet plan, because they provide the body with extra blood needed for the placenta. Broccoli, spinach, wholemeal bread and muesli are some of the foods that are rich in iron and thus, are an important part of a healthy diet.

Vitamin C and A

A pregnant woman should eat at least one food product which is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin A, everyday. Foods rich in vitamin C are oranges, strawberries, papaya, cauliflower, broccoli, green peppers, sprouts and grapefruits. Foods rich in vitamin A are spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, beet greens, turnip greens, apricots and pumpkins.

Folic Acid

Folic acid or vitamin B9 is essential for the development of the nervous system of the baby. Folic acid helps in preventing neural tube defects as well as certain congenital malformations in the baby too. A woman should start taking folic acid rich foods such as green vegetables, lentils, orange juice, barley beans, rice and peas, even prior to conception and continue taking them for the first three months of pregnancy.

Prenatal Vitamin Supplements

If by any chance a pregnant woman is lacking in vitamins or minerals or the required nutrients of a healthy diet, she should take prenatal vitamin supplements to make up for it. It is always best to consult a doctor who will then prescribe prenatal vitamins, according to the body's requirement.

During pregnancy, majority of women experience morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, making it difficult for them to increase their calorie intake. However, undertaking a diet, which includes all the foods mentioned above, is a must. Pregnant women should strive as much as they can to consume all the necessary food in the right quantity, so as to keep themselves as well as their baby healthy.

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When Do You Ovulate

Ovulation is the most fertile time of a woman's menstrual cycle wherein the ovary releases an egg (rarely more than one egg). Every month the egg or ovum grows inside the ovary and as it reaches a certain size, it is released by the ovary and swept in to the fallopian tube toward the uterus. For conception to occur, a woman should have sexual intercourse during the period extending from one to two days before ovulation to 24 hours afterward. Since the sperm cells can survive two to three days and the egg not more than 24 hours after ovulation, it is the most fruitful time for fertilization to occur.

When Do You Ovulate?

Ovulation is different for every women and primarily depends on the menstrual cycle. However, increase in the cervical fluid discharge, rise in basal body temperature around 10th to 14th day of the cycle, ovulation cramping or pain, etc., are some common indications of ovulation.

After Period

The answer to this question primarily depends upon the number of days in your menstrual cycle, for instance if you have a regular 28 days cycle, you will ovulate around 14 days after your period or prior to the start of your next period. Likewise, if you have a 21 days cycle and you bleed for 7 days, then you could ovulate right after your period i.e. 6th - 10th days of your cycle. But, if you have irregular period, you need to rely on other methods like ovulation prediction kits that will help you to know when you are going to ovulate. Besides this, change in the volume, consistency or color of your cervical mucus, or rise in your basal body temperature are some other ways of determining ovulation.

After a Miscarriage

During pregnancy, the body releases a hormone called hCG, which suppresses the pituitary gland's production of certain hormones that usually stimulate ovulation. The hCG level drops after the pregnancy tissue is removed during miscarriage and you resume your normal menstrual cycle. Although the time duration for this to occur usually, depends upon the value of hCG present before the miscarriage, hCG suppression of the pituitary gland usually subsides within two weeks. If you had a spontaneous miscarriage without any prolonged bleeding or any other infectious symptoms, you will start ovulating within 2 - 4 weeks after the miscarriage. However, the best way to know if you are ovulating or not is to buy an ovulation kit or count the days or have a blood test to confirm the date on which the ovulation starts.

While on Birth Control

The combination pills i.e., pills containing both estrogen and progesterone, work in several ways to prevent pregnancy, of which the most important one is preventing ovulation. The pill thickens the cervical mucus to keep the sperm from entering the womb and dilutes the womb lining so the fertilized egg can't implant. Irregular compliance or intake of pills, or any interference due to other medications can cause a woman ovulate even when she is taking birth control pills. Though it is difficult to say when you will ovulate, changes in vaginal discharge or cervical fluid are unlikely to be results of ovulation while you are still taking contraceptives.

After Stopping the Pill

After stopping the pill, it may take as few as four or five days or as much as several months to start ovulating. However, in most cases a woman can ovulate again around two - three weeks after taking her last birth control pill or in other words, she can have the natural menstrual cycle approximately 4 - 6 weeks after she stops taking the pill. Whereas in case you had irregular cycles before taking the pill, it's quite possible that you may have irregular ovulation cycles once you stop taking the medication. Moreover, having a period soon after you stop taking the pill doesn't mean that you have ovulated as sometimes it may take a few more weeks or months before you are actually fertile again.

After Giving Birth

One of the most important parameter that reflects the ovulating condition of a woman after delivery is whether she is regularly breastfeeding the baby or not. Research shows that for breastfeeding moms, the hormones that help to feed the baby, suppress the body's ability to ovulate, hence menstruation starts in about 20 weeks after the childbirth. This means that the ovulation may begin in about 18 weeks after the delivery and if the baby continues to feed around the clock, the ovulation period can be pushed off for a year or so. However, a woman who is not breastfeeding the baby, can expect her period to return in about 10 weeks.

Though one can not estimate the exact time for ovulation to start, the above given information can help you to evaluate the approximated time. However, for more confirmation, it is any time better to consult a gynecologist or conduct an ovulation prediction test using an ovulation prediction kit.

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Symptoms of Indigestion

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is improper breakdown or absorption of food, caused due to numerous reasons. This is quite a common disorder which is experienced by people at some time in their lives. The human stomach produces acid which helps in digestion of the food. There is a mucous lining present in the stomach and the esophagus which protects these organs from the acid. Sometimes, due to certain reasons, this mucous lining gets damaged, which results in the inflammation of the stomach lining due to the stomach acid. On the other hand, certain foodstuffs can also trigger indigestion.

Causes

Irregular eating habits is the most common cause of indigestion. Extremely citrus, spicy or fried foods can build up the acid in the stomach causing upset stomach. Swallowing food very quickly leads to inhalation of excess air in the stomach which leads to bloating. Drinking excess alcohol and smoking also contribute a lot in frequent indigestion. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. On the other hand, excess stress, insomnia and anxiety can also cause indigestion.

Symptoms

Discomfort in the stomach and acid reflux are the common symptoms of indigestion. The following are the other symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Fullness in stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Flatulence
• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Belching
• Nausea
• Vomiting

The causes and symptoms of indigestion in men and women are the same, however, indigestion also occurs in women due to some other reasons. For e.g., indigestion is more commonly seen in women during pregnancy. This is due to the hormonal changes that take place in this phase. Indigestion is also one of the side effects of birth control pills. On the other hand, excess weight gain during pregnancy also leads to indigestion as the uterus exerts a pressure on the stomach. Gas or flatulence is the most common symptoms observed during pregnancy.

Treatment

Indigestion is not a severe disorder and can be treated by taking over-the-counter medications. Antacids are very effective in treating it. Prescription medications like H2 blockers also help in treating it. However, if along with indigestion symptoms, chest pain, weight gain and persistent vomiting are also observed, one should consult the doctor immediately, as it may be a sign of some other complication. Indigestion with chest pain is often related to heart problems like heart attacks. In such cases, X-rays and blood tests can help in the diagnosis of other severe health problems.

Prevention

Indigestion can be overcome by following certain preventive measures. Change in lifestyle and eating habits contributes a lot in preventing this condition. You should avoid or limit the intake of spicy and fried foodstuff, especially at night. You should also stop smoking and avoid consumption of alcohol totally. It is also advisable to eat food slowly and in smaller portions. You should not recline on the chair, lie down or go to bed immediately after having meals. It is recommended to go to bed 2-3 hours after having meals. It may seem strange but wearing clothes that fit tightly around the abdomen can also cause indigestion and hence, one should avoid them.

One should remember that indigestion is not a life-threatening condition but it can cause a lot of discomfort and health problems in older age. Therefore, one should try to prevent it as much as possible. This article is meant only to provide information and should not be substituted for proper treatment.

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Varicose Veins Laser Surgery

The term varicose comes from the Latin root 'varix', which means twisted. Varicose veins are twisted veins that mainly affect the legs and the feet. As we know, veins carry blood from all parts of the body to the heart. The veins in our legs have to fight gravity while carrying blood to the heart. These veins have elastic walls which help them in returning blood to the heart. But with time, they tend to lose their elasticity and gradually stretch out. Due to this, sometimes, the blood flows back towards the legs and forms blood pools in the veins. Hence, these veins get swollen and rise above the surface of the skin. They appear like dark purple or blue colored, twisted or bulging cords through the legs.

Causes

Though the actual cause is still unknown, there are several factors that can lead to the development of varicose veins. Heredity or inborn weak vein valves is one of the greatest factors that can cause the condition. Hormonal changes at the time of puberty, pregnancy, menopause, etc., can develop the problem in women. Especially during pregnancy, the volume of blood in the body increases which causes these veins to enlarge. The enlarged uterus also adds more pressure on the veins. However, within 3 months after delivery, the veins naturally improve. Intake of estrogen, progesterone, and birth control pills may also lead to the development of varicose veins in women. Aging, obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing or walking, etc., are some other reasons that weaken the vein valves and cause the condition.

Symptoms

A heavy feeling, burning or throbbing feeling in the legs, are some common symptoms experienced by people suffering from varicose veins. Muscle cramps, itching, and swelling in the legs are some other symptoms also observed in these patients. Skin ulcers around the ankles can be another symptom that may cause swelling in the legs and ankles, and can be painful at night.

Treatment Options

Though varicose veins do not cause any damage to the body, most people want to get rid of them due to cosmetic reasons. Sclerotherapy is one way of treating it, in which the doctor inserts a solution in the varicose veins that scar and close down the veins. Though, there are many treatments available, laser surgery is one of the most effective and popular treatment used for this condition.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery functions by transmitting extremely strong bursts of light onto the vein, causing it to slowly fade and disappear. The lasers are highly accurate and damage only the affected area. The surgery is quite comfortable and painless, as there are no needles or incisions. When the laser strikes the skin, the patient only feels a small pinch. The skin is soothed by applying a coolant both before and after the treatment. The surgery depends upon the severity of the veins, and can last for 15 to 20 minutes. Usually, two to five rounds of treatment are required to completely cure the problem. There can be some redness or swelling or discoloration of the skin after the surgery, but this abates within a few days. Surgical ligation is another more specific laser surgery, in which the veins are tied shut and then entirely removed from the leg. Though different kinds of lasers are used, yellow light lasers, green light lasers and other intense pulsed light systems are most commonly used.

Varicose veins affect women more than men, and are quite common in older women. Though laser surgery is quite effective with fewer side effects and complications, one should always take the advice of an expert before undergoing the surgery. The cost of surgery varies as per the treatment employed, but it can cost approximately $300 - $450 for a session, for each segment of the leg.

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Indications of Low Blood Pressure

When the heart pumps out blood for circulation, the flowing blood exerts certain amount of pressure on the artery walls which is known as blood pressure. In normal health condition, the pressure readings should be in the range of 120/80. When it is 90/60 or lower, then it is considered as low blood pressure. Medically, this condition is called hypotension. There are some people who are healthy but their blood pressure is quite low as compared to others. However, it does not cause any serious health complications in them.

Causes

There are several reasons which can lead to falls in blood pressure levels. In case, there is any heart problem such as low heart rate, valve problems, congestive heart failure, etc. sufficient blood is not circulated throughout the body and the blood pressure drops below normal. Thyroid problems, liver diseases, overdose of hypertension medications, low blood sugar in diabetic patients, nutritional deficiency, side effects of medicines, severe allergic reaction are some of the other major causes. During pregnancy, low level of blood pressure is quite common in the first two trimesters. This happens due to expansion of the circulatory system. Small children may experience sudden drop in blood pressure due to fatigue, tiredness after standing for a long time, dehydration, and excessive blood loss.

Symptoms

The effect of low blood pressure can be first observed in the functioning of the brain. In normal condition, the blood moves against the pull of gravity in order to reach the brain. If the blood pressure is low, then sufficient amount of blood cannot be supplied to the brain. As a result, one may feel dizzy, lightheadedness or faintness. These are minor hypotension symptoms and would disappear as soon as blood supply to the brain is restored.

If the blood pressure continues to be low for a long time, then more severe symptoms like mental confusion, lack of concentration and loss of consciousness can be observed. When it remain low for several days, people tend to suffer from depression.

The other two major organs that mostly get affected by sudden drop in the blood pressure are the heart and lungs. Inadequate blood flow into the heart can cause mild to moderate chest pain or angina. Breathing difficulty or rapid, shallow breathing suggest that the lungs have been affected.

Signs of low blood pressure in children are usually observed for a brief period of time. Some general symptoms are nausea, blurry vision, fatigue, and pale skin which turns cold and clammy. If it is after standing under the sun, dehydration symptoms like excessive thirsty feelings often accompany dizziness and fainting.

In pregnant women, low blood pressure signs show up occasionally particularly after standing up quickly or due to physical exertion or empty stomach. However, in case, dizziness persists for longer time and is accompanied with headache, impaired speech and loss of consciousness, then it is an emergency.

Treatment

Low blood pressure in adults and elderly is treated with suitable medicines which are given to increase the blood volume of the body. As a result, blood pressure rises to the normal level. When it is triggered by some medicines, then the specific medicine is either changed or its dosage is lowered. Children with low blood pressure symptoms mostly do not require any medicinal treatment. Doctors advise them to drink plenty of water and increase salt intake in order to raise the blood pressure. Low blood pressure symptoms during pregnancy should never be taken lightly. One must lie down or sit down and take rest as soon as dizziness sets in. Lying on the left side is advisable as it increases blood flow and improves blood supply to the brain. If the lightheaded sensation refuse to go and aggravates with time, then one should call for medical help.

The signs of low blood pressure cause a lot of physical discomfort. Therefore, you would like to prevent them from coming back again and again. For this, you have to lead a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Do not forget to monitor blood pressure after regular interval of time.

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Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum)

It would not be an exaggeration to call Safed Musli a unique gift of nature to mankind since the time immemorial.

In the Ayurvedic literature, Safed Musli is celebrated as a Divya Aushad with unparalleled medicinal properties. It is a chief ingredient in the preparation of over a hundred Ayurvedic formulations. Safed Musli is also gaining increasing acceptance as a Vitalizer and health-giving tonic, a curative for pre-natal and post-natal problems, a restorative for immunity-improvement and as a remedy for diabetes and arthritis.

The recent discovery of Safed Musli as a natural and safe aphrodisiac agent has also opened up new channels of application and new demand for it. By virtue of being a herb, Safed Musli has been found to be an ideal aphrodisiac with no negative side-effects associated with chemical-based aphrodisiac.

Climatic Requirements:

As Safed Musli grows naturally in most parts of the Central Region of India, the normal climate of the Central region suits the crop most and it can grow successfully in the wide range of temperature and rainfall. Sandy loam soil with proper drainage system facilitates its growth.

Safed Musli is found growing in thick forests in its natural form. It is partly a herb with sub-erect lanceolata leaves. There are about 256 varieties of Chlorophytum and 17 among them are found in India. Among these, Chlorophytum borivilianum has good market both indigenously and globally. The Medicinal Plants Board has recognized Safed Musli as the sixth important herb to be protected and promoted.

• Bio Chemistry of Safed Musli
• Carbohydrates (35-45%)
• Proteins (5-10%)
• Fibre (25-35%)
• Saponins (2-20%)
• Alkaloids (15-25%)

The Saponins and Alkaloids present in the plant are the primary source of its significant medicinal properties.

Use of Safed Musli:

Safed Musli has very good Ayurvedic medicinal use. It is rich source of over 25 alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, steroid, seponins and polysaccharides etc.

A number of Health tonics (Sexual tonics) are prepared from Safed Musli. It is essential part of a traditional diet of mothers (after delivery) in the form of Laddoos. Efforts in countries like USA and England are also on to convert it into chips to use it as a nutritious breakfast. On the other hand, Safed Musli is a safe and effective drug, with similar benefits and without any side-effects.

Safed Musli is a traditional medicinal plant. Its tubers roots are used in ayurvedic medicines. Roots are used for the preparation of nutritive tonic used in general sexual weakness. There is a vast demand of Safed Musli all over the world.

Indication:

Used for Sexual weakness, low libido, low sperm count etc. It is also found to be effective as a energetic one in cases of cough and asthma.

Healing power and curative properties:

Loss of libido / Impotency :

Primarily used as a tonic and rejuvenative for the reproductive system. For premature ejaculation, impotence, low sperm count in men. Also used in chronic leucorrhoea. Sexual weakness – Tuberous roots are used since long back in ayurvedic medicines to prepare tonic to increase sexual weakness.

Gynecology :

Useful during pregnancy as a nutritive tonic for mother and fetus. Post-partum it replenishes lost fluids, prana, ojas and improves the quantity and flow of breast milk.

Other Benefits of Chlorophytum borivilianum
Apart from its aphrodisiac property, Chlorophytum borivilianum has following other health benefits -

• Strengthens immunity – In asthma patients it boosts the energy. Roots are used for strengthening the body’s immune system.
• Pregnancy – The herb is used as nutritive tonic for fetus and mother both. The herb replenishes the fluids of body during parturition.
• Obesity – It controls and prevents obesity. It also helps in prevention of side-effects related to obesity.
• Diabetes – The herb is an effective cure for arthritis and diabetes.
• Leucorrhea – The herb is used in treatment of chronic leucorrhea and prevents premature ejaculation.
• Consumption of this herb increases HDL (or production of good cholesterol).
• Regular intake of the herb reduces hepatic lipid profiles and plasma.

source

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Bitter Melon Leaves Harmful Effects

Bitter melon is a tropical vine found extensively throughout the Caribbean, Africa, China, India and Southeast Asia. The leaves are dried and encapsulated, or steeped in hot water to prepare a tea, which is a traditional treatment for malaria, hypertension, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders and diabetes. While the herb does demonstrate many beneficial properties, there are also a few potentially harmful effects associated with bitter melon.

Allergic Reactions

A monograph created by Natural Standard and published online, in part, by Aetna InteliHealth Inc., states that you should avoid bitter melon preparations if you have a known allergy to gourds and melons belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family of plants, such as cantaloupe and honeydew.

Hypoglycemic Effects

According to information provided by Drugs.com, the plant contains vicine, charantin and an agent referred to as polypeptide P, all of which have been shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic mice as well as reduce insulin resistance. While these observations may support the historical use of bitter melon leaves to treat diabetes, the use of this herb may actually produce negative effects if you take medications to regulate your blood sugar. Whether you have diabetes type I or type II, please talk to your doctor before self-treating your condition with this herb.

Hematemesis

Although this herb is a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal problems, researchers have found that the ingestion of bitter melon extract may produce ulcers. In fact, the results of a study published in the Jan. 29, 2010 issue of "Indian Journal of Gastroenterology" reported that bitter melon extracts also lead to hematemesis, the medical term for the vomiting of blood.

Impaired Fertility

Drugs.com says that a protein present in the bitter melon plant appears to exert antifertility activity in male rats and in female mice.

Pregnancy

Drugs.com also states that mormordicine alkaloids present in the bitter melon plant, collectively referred to as momorcharins, increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. Do not take liquid extracts or drink tea made from bitter melon leaves during pregnancy. Since it is not known if these agents pass through breast milk, women should also avoid using this herb while nursing.

Pediatric Use

The Natural Standard monograph notes that two cases involving children have been reported in which drinking bitter melon tea caused blood sugar levels to fall dramatically, resulting in coma.

Drug Interactions

The National Standard monograph also states that bitter melon may interfere with the absorption or escalate the effects of several supplements and medications, including diabetes drugs, anthelmintics to treat parasitic infections, chemotherapy medications and antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

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How To Increase Chances Of Getting Pregnant

For most couples, it is a one-time effort. But for others, their efforts turn out to be a nightmare. We are talking about couples who are trying to extend their family and conceive. Especially if you are willing to conceive a baby instantly, not many realize that getting pregnant these days is not as simple as one usually thinks of. While some are lucky to hold a baby within days, some struggle for months and years before they attain success.

That’s probably because of the many factors that negatively affect men’s and women’s fertility. For, it is not just the woman who can face various infertility problems, but men too undergo similar troubles. Nonetheless, with some tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of getting pregnant and bearing a healthy baby in your womb. To find a few of them, glance through the following lines that illustrate what you can do to improve your odds of having a baby.

Ways To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant

Know Your Ovulation Period

Many couples fail to conceive simply because women aren’t able to calculate their ovulation period. As a result, the sperm is unable to meet with the egg. As such, you should learn to identify your body signs for ovulation. But for that, you need to know what exactly ovulation is. It is one part of menstrual cycle wherein the ovary releases an egg to the fallopian tube where it meets with the sperm and fertilizes. If you have a 28-day menstrual cycle, you are most likely to ovulate on the 14th day. Hence, have sex during these days when you are ovulating to increase your chances of conceiving.

Measure Your Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Sketching out your Basal Body Temperature, or BBT, is one of the most important things while trying to get pregnant. This serves as one of the indicators for your fertility for pregnancy. To add on, even doctors suggest women to measure their BBT, especially to those who are unable to conceive for several years. Consult your gynecologist to learn all about BBT and how to use a basal body temperature thermometer.

Get Rid Of Stress

For those of you who aren’t aware, stress is one of the underlying factors for women not able to conceive. Thus, at the first instance, try to relieve your tense muscles and calm your emotions by carrying out some relaxation techniques. Even a simple breathing exercise will do the trick if you are not able to move outdoors. Inhale and hold your breath for 3 seconds. Thereafter, exhale through your mouth. Repeat this 10 times. Getting the egg meet up with sperm and fertilizing is easier when you are relaxed and stress free.

Have A Balanced Diet

If you are really yearning to have sex and conceive a baby, then eat loads of healthy foods. Include nutrient-rich foods in your daily diet to keep yourself healthy and increase your sexual life. Get most of your nutrients from plant based foods, such as legumes, vegetables, whole grains, and some amounts of nuts and seeds. You can even include fish and eggs in moderate amounts to compete your dietary proteins. In fact, they will help you in getting pregnant faster. Further, foods rich in healthy fats, like avocados, olives, olive oil, coconuts, and coconut oil should be consumed on a regular basis. Supply your body with sufficient quantities of folate and iron found in lentils, chickpeas, asparagus, spinach, broccoli, lima beans, beets, romaine lettuce, oranges, goji berries, potatoes, and navy beans.

Stay Active

To avoid hormones from preventing disruption and influencing ovulation and fertility, it is extremely important to keep your skeletal muscles healthy and working. For if you do not maintain your muscles, the blood sugar and insulin can fluctuate tremendously, causing a barrier to your pregnancy. As such, indulge in activities that build skeletal muscles, such as weight training, hiking, and climbing. Give your heart, lungs, and blood vessels a boost of energy with brisk walking, light jogging, tennis, tossing a Frisbee, swimming, dancing, yoga, and Pilates.

Regular Intercourse

The best way to increase your chances of getting pregnant is by having sexual intercourse at least 3 times a week. However, remember to have sex during your ovulation period. Besides, using a good sexual position is also significant in conceiving. The best position is the missionary position, while keeping a pillow below your pelvic region to allow the sperm stay in your body for a longer duration. Simply lay back, relax, and get up only when you are done, allowing the sperm to travel towards the egg to fertilize successfully. However, avoid positions with woman on the top that reduce the gravity and force the sperm to leak out.

With this simple tips and techniques, you can successfully enjoy healthy sex and improve your chances of getting pregnant. Best of luck and hopefully, you will receive that much-desired good news soon.

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