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Pregnancy Complications That Every Woman Should Know About

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Common Complications During Pregnancy

As soon as the news of early pregnancy symptoms starts popping, people start buzzing in the mother’s life with their advices and stories, most of which you should ignore. But, if the scary story of how one of your distant relative had a serious complication has stuck inside your head then, let us clear it for once and for all. Most pregnancies are UNCOMPLICATED. So, don’t let the bad things get to your head. Do not overthink about those signs of pregnancy; they are normal. But, if you want to educate yourself regarding common complications; then read on.

1. Low amniotic fluid

The amniotic sac is filled with liquid that protects and supports your baby during the course of your pregnancy. Under normal circumstances, the liquid increases till the beginning of your third semester; after which it gradually decreases till the day of your delivery. If you have low level of amniotic fluid, then the caregiver will follow your pregnancy closely to ensure that the baby is growing fine. If you are near your term, then labor will be induced or the doctor will have to opt for a C-section.

2. Excessive amniotic fluid

Having excessive amniotic fluid in your belly is also a complication a lot of women suffer through their pregnancy. The scientific term for this condition is Polyhydramnios. The earlier this condition occurs in the course of pregnancy, the more severe it gets. In most moderate to severe cases, the overly enlarged uterus exerts pressure on other organs which leads to problems like difficulty in breathing, swelling in lower extremities, decreased urine production and constipation etc. But, fortunately most delivery cases of polyhydramnios can be handled through a Caesarean.

3. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious complication that causes high blood pressure, kidney damage and other problems but, only affects about 5% of pregnant women. Women who have Preeclampsia develop mild symptoms during the end of their pregnancy and most mothers do fine with proper care. But, in some cases it progresses quickly, it can cause greater risks to the mother and the baby. In severe cases of Preeclampsia, baby is delivered earlier than the scheduled time.

4. Placenta Previa

Gestational diabetes is a condition wherein a pregnant woman develops diabetes due to the high surge of sugar level in her body. This condition can be harmful for the baby if not taken care of. In most cases, gestational diabetes can be controlled by following a strict diet plan which is rich in fibre and low in carb or you can consult a dietician to prescribe a personalised diet plan according to your results.

5. Ectopic Pregnancy

Under normal conditions, placenta lies close to the top of the uterus and supplies required nutrition to the growing embryo. But, in a woman who has Placenta Previa, the placenta lies unusually low in the uterus; almost next to the cervix or covering it. In most cases, the placenta corrects itself as the pregnancy progresses but can be harmful if it continues to lie low in the uterus. This condition affects 1 in every 200 pregnant women and smoking cigarettes and use of drugs makes a woman’s body more prone to this condition.

6. Ectopic Pregnancy

After the fertilization, the egg travels to the uterus where it gets implanted and grows into a baby. Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the egg gets implanted outside the uterus leading to severe complications. Since, the vast majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube, this condition is also called tubal pregnancy. It’s important to detect this problem in the early stages as the growing embryo can rupture the mother’s fallopian tube and lead to internal bleeding that can be fatal.

As an expecting mother, you should be concerned about the well-being of your growing baby but the complications should not become a cause of distress. So, relax and enjoy the beautiful journey to motherhood.

Pregnancy Myths & Facts

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Pregnancy is a very difficult and stressful period for women, especially if they’re pregnant for the first time. Unfortunately, there are many myths that are accepted as facts by many in our society. That is why Prega News has come up with a few myth busters that will help you during this period. Like our pregnancy test kits, these myths busters are extremely reliable.

Myth 1 : One of the most common myths that surround pregnancy is the shape of a woman’s stomach. If a woman is carrying high, in all possibility it is a girl and if she is carrying low it is a boy.
Fact : Experts say there is no scientific basis for this assumption and it is the woman’s muscle size, structure, the position of the foetus, posture, and the amount of fat deposited around her abdomen that play a role in the size and shape of a pregnant belly.
Myth 2 : Craving for salty foods means you’re having a boy. Craving for sweet foods indicate a girl is expected.
Fact : Research shows that cravings have nothing to do with determining the sex of a baby. Stick to all the proper food your pregnancy diet requires you take.
Myth 3 : If you suffer from heartburn during pregnancy, it means your baby will be born with lots of hair.
Fact : Heartburn is a common problem for pregnant women and has nothing to do with the quantity of hair for your child. Even women who suffered a lot from heartburn have welcomed bald babies.
Myth 4 : If your mother had an easy pregnancy and delivery, so will you.
Fact : Hereditary factors have no role to play in predicting how easy or difficult your pregnancy and delivery will be. On the contrary, the size and position of the baby, your pregnancy diet and lifestyle play a role in determining how things will be.
Myth 5 : Sleeping or taking a nap on your back will hurt your baby.
Fact : While you won’t harm your baby if you sleep in this position, you will feel better if you sleep on your side. Experts recommend sleeping on your left side since this is known to increase blood flow to your uterus and placenta.
Myth 6 : Having sex might hurt the baby.
Fact : You should know that seven layers of skin from the abdominal wall to the amniotic sac are present to protect your baby. Your cervix has lengthened and hardened to prevent anything from getting into the uterus, and it also produces mucus to keep the area clean and infection free. Having sex cannot reach, touch or harm your baby. If your doctor has not asked you to abstain from sex, have no fear and go ahead.
Myth 7 : First babies always arrive late.
Fact : While this is true to an extent since about 60 percent arrive after their due date, five per cent on the due date and 35 before the due date, what really determines the arrival of your baby is the length of your menstrual cycle. If it is shorter, there are more possibilities of you delivering early. If your cycle is longer, your baby will arrive later and if your cycle usually lasts 28 days, you will more likely deliver close to your due date. Always be sure, keep up-to-date with your ovulation date with our ovulation calculator.
Myth 8 : A woman in her early 20s not using birth control has a 50 percent chance of getting pregnant each month.
Fact : Getting pregnant isn’t as easy as you’d think. Surprisingly, when you’re under 25, your monthly chances of hitting baby bingo are just 20 to 25 percent — not that much higher than they are for a woman who is over 35, whose monthly odds would be about 15 percent.
Myth 9 : Saliva is the most fertility friendly lubricant to use when you’re trying to conceive.
Fact : You’d think that all bodily fluids would just get along — but no, not so, saliva is a sperm killer. In fact, the truth is that most lubricants and massage oils are fertility unfriendly — so best to go without when you’re baby making.
Myth 10 : Boxers are a better bet than briefs when you’re trying to conceive.
Fact : Though in most cases, not true enough to make a big difference. Sperm production can get a cold shower from overheating — whether it’s in a hot tub, a sauna, spandex bike shorts, or a pair of tighty-whities. So if you’d like to give your partner the most conception-friendly climate control, switch to boxers and stay out of hot water.
Myth 11 : Laptops can impair sperm production.
Fact : The heat is on when you use a laptop on your lap, and heat is not a friend of male fertility. The same may hold true for cell phones. So keep them out of your pocket and treat laptops as desktops.
Myth 12 : It’s best to take a home pregnancy test first thing in the morning.
Fact : Even though you can get a positive result with anytime of the day urine, the longer you’ve gone between pees — and drinks — the more concentrated your urine. The more concentrated your urine, the more likely early levels of pregnancy hormone are to show up in it — and the more likely you’ll get the early positive you’re hoping for. For the best result try our pregnancy kit and check out our video on how to use a pregnancy kit properly.
Myth 13 : The average couple conceives within 3 months of trying.
Fact : Conception doesn’t typically happen overnight — even after a really hot night. Egg and sperm may meet up on your first try, of course, but it actually takes take the average couple who doesn’t have any fertility issues between 6 and 12 months of active efforts before mission conception is accomplished. So if at first you don’t succeed — try, try again next month. Don’t forget to check out our conception calculator and our pregnancy test kit!
Myth 14 : After an egg is released, it can be fertilized for up to two days.
Fact : While sperm can hang out and wait for their date for three days or more, an egg has only a 12 to 24 hour shelf life. So sperm have to catch it while they can. Timing is just about everything when it comes to fertility, which is why how to tell when you’re ovulating (and pinpointing ovulation) is so key to conception success. Try our ovulation calculator and our due date calculator to get the best idea.
Myth 15 : You can wait until you’re pregnant before you start cutting back on those lattes.
Fact : Too much caffeine isn’t just a pregnancy no-no, it can be a fertility buster, too. Heavy caffeine consumption is linked to fertility issues, as well as to early miscarriage. So decaffeinate your diet and stick to no more than 200 mg a day while you’re trying to conceive, the equivalent of 12 ounces of brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso. Good news: You won’t have to cut back any more once you’re expecting. The pregnant set is allowed the same 200 mg.
Myth 16 : Hopeful Moms need to switch to sparkling water, but Dads can keep their cocktails.
Fact : Too much alcohol can definitely mess with a woman’s cycle, so it’s best to start cutting back on alcohol or cutting it out once you’re actively trying — especially because you won’t know immediately when baby’s on board. But dads don’t get a free drink pass. Too much alcohol can bring down the curtain on performance, but it can also lower testosterone, impairing sperm production.
Myth 17 : When a couple is having trouble conceiving, the woman should get a fertility workup first.
Fact : First of all, fertility issues are just as often linked to men as to women. More importantly, a female fertility workup involves lots of testing, prodding, and probing. A male fertility workup involves a sperm sample. You do the math.
Myth 18 : Men don’t have a biological clock.
Fact : It’s a clock with a much longer-lasting battery, but it’s still ticking away. While guys can produce viable sperm — and father babies. Older men are more likely to have fertility issues, due to dipping testosterone levels, the decrease in quantity and quality of sperm, as well as its strength and motility, and other factors.

Tips For Selecting Creches

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

A mother’s duty might begin by simply choosing the perfect pregnancy kit but it gets even more hectic as time goes on. Choosing the perfect crèche or daycare center for your baby that involves prioritizing your requirements, researching good crèches in your locality, being aware and observant are all important things a mother should do. An ideal crèche should be home away from home.

The first step you should take is to make a list of qualities you’re looking for in a childcare provider, such as experience, staff ratios, flexibility etc. Make sure to visit the childcare facility as often as you wish when there are children present. Doing this gives you an insight into the quality of childcare and the atmosphere there.

Make note of the following,

A warm responsive interaction between the carers and the children. Do the children look happy and content? Your gut instinct in judging this is often the best – will your own child be happy there?
A friendly, welcoming and safe environment.
A good structure and routine to the day and good arrangements for mealtimes.
Plenty of stimulating activities, toys, and materials for the children that are appropriate to the age of your child.
Opportunities to play outdoors as well as indoors.
Transparent, well-established policies and open communication.
A structured, child-centric and age-specific curriculum.
Qualified, dedicated, and professional staff.
Clean and safe facilities with a valid operating license.

WHAT KIND OF POLICIES SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?

A crèche should have clearly established policies for dealing with emergencies. By checking that these procedures are in place, you can see that the crèche or daycare center takes the responsibility of caring for your child seriously.
The crèche should also have a strict illness policy. Find out if they have basic first aid facilities at all times. Staff should be trained in basic first aid and there should be someone responsible, who can assess an emergency situation and take necessary action. They should also have a list of emergency numbers handy.
The center should also have a clear policy about handling sick staff and children.

QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN THE STAFF

Staff members should share your views on sleep, discipline, feeding and other care issues. Good caregivers will ask detailed questions about your child’s health. This may also help determine whether the crèche is right for you and your child.

Hygiene is an important factor to look out for in staff members. Look carefully and assess the cleanliness of the “ayahs” as they will be the ones who will be taking care of your child’s feeding and nappy changing.

Make sure the crèche has plenty of staff so that your child gets the attention and care that she needs. Ideally the smaller the group, the better the care. The child to staff ratio should preferably be:

3:1 for children under two years of age.
4:1 for children between two and three years of age.
8:1 for children between three and five years of age.

Apart from the teacher and “ayah” also, check out crèche’s policy on the support staff. Are the security guards, sweepers, cooks, drivers verified by the police?

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THESE TOO

The building should be suitably air-conditioned, lit and ventilated.
Do check if the crèche has a supply of good clean running water. Make sure the drinking water is filtered?
Are they equipped to handle the frequent power cuts? Do they have electricity backup services?
Is the refrigerator clean and in working order? Remember your child’s medicines and food will be stored in the common refrigerator.
Don’t forget to check the cots and bed linen. Make it a point to discuss what sleeping arrangements are being followed. Sometimes crèches make two or three children sleep in one cot. You must ensure that you state your expectations firmly and clearly.
Check where your baby’s daycare bag and spare clothes are kept. Ideally, each child should have a separate locker or shelf with a name tag. Your baby’s bottle, sipper, clothes, diapers, and toiletries must not be shared with another child.
Make it a point to check your child’s bag every day. Good crèches will provide you with a checklist. They will also inform you when anything has been used or needs replacement.
Lastly, find out about their policy on potty training. Often one hears about caregivers hitting or punishing young children if there are accidents or if the child is not ready to be potty trained. Ensure you speak to the manager, caregiver, and a few parents to get a true picture. If their ideas don’t match with yours, it may be wise to look for another crèche that does not put your child under any undue pressure.

Check out the rest of our site for more pregnancy tips, the pregnancy test calculator and all the information a mother would need.

Childproofing Your Home

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Many parents while spending nights worrying about how to protect their children from violence and injuries, tend to overlook one of the biggest threats to their children’s safety – their own home. Studies have shown that kids between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to be harmed by burns, choking, drowning, falls or poison indoors than by violence.

Because so many children are accidentally injured, it is imperative that you childproof your home. That is why we’ve come up with a few things you can do to ensure that your baby isn’t harmed in your house.

In the nursery:

1. Try to avoid buying drop-side cribs, they can be dangerous to your toddler. Also, make sure your crib’s slats are 2 3/8 inches (or less) apart.

2. Many mothers leave blankets, pillows and stuffed animals in the baby’s cribs. They can actually suffocate your child so you should remove them when your toddler is sleeping.

3. Do not leave small things that can be swallowed by the baby, lying around.

4. While baby monitors are great, many households still use the ones with cords. If you have it, keep the cords tightly wound and away from the baby’s reach or you could choose a cordless monitor.

5. Store your baby’s toys in an open box so that there’s no lid to slam your child’s fingers.

In the bathroom:

1. Make sure that you test the water temperature before giving the child a bath.

2. Use nonslip mats so that even if your kid is running around, he/she might not slip.

3. Make it a habit to cover the toilet. Babies are very susceptible to diseases.

4. Make sure that you keep all the chemicals you use to clean the toilet out of reach of your child. You should also keep your hair straightener, your blow dryer, and other electricals out of reach.

5. Cover the tub spouts to protect your baby’s head in case he/she falls.

In the kitchen:

1. Keep your oven and microwave out of reach. If you’re cooking something, keep your child away from the splatters and use a stove guard to ensure that your baby won’t hurt him/her self when you’re not there.

2. Many people feed their pets in the kitchen; the pet treats can prove to be a choking hazard. If you feed your pet, make sure there are no treats just lying around.

3. Every kitchen should have a fire extinguisher, but you need to keep it out of reach.

4. Many families also store cleaning products under the sink. If you have a baby in the house, you need to keep them out of reach. You can make cabinets, which you can then lock.

5. It goes without saying that you need to keep knives and other utensils out of reach of the baby.

In the living room:

1. Make sure that all the cords are well hidden. These include your electrical cables and cords of the blinds.

2. Whether it’s your TV stand or coffee table or even window ledges, there are plenty of sharp corners that might come at eye level for someone who’s just 2 feet tall. Try and cushion the edges and move the breakables to where your little one can’t get them.

3. Make sure that you secure all your tall and heavy furniture and that they are attached to the walls with bolts so that they don’t fall over.

4. Make sure that your houseplants are not toxic and try and keep them out of reach so that your child won’t be tempted to eat the mud.

5. You should have a baby gate on your stairs to make sure that they can’t just run up or down.

Follow these hacks and you can rest assured that your bundle of joy is safe at home.

For more pregnancy tips ranging from finding the perfect pregnancy kit and learning how to use the pregnancy kit at home to some amazing recipes for your pregnancy diet check out the rest of our site.

Early Signs of Pregnancy To Look Out For

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

For the world, pregnancy starts with a positive result on a , but for a mother, it starts way before that. The most obvious signs like morning sickness and nausea don’t show up until 7-8 weeks. However, there are few signs that are as accurate but go unnoticed by most of the expecting mothers.

So, we have made a list of early pregnancy symptoms that may act as your wake up call to take a pregnancy test.

Sore Breasts : Do you notice a difference in your breasts?
The difference can be as slight as a bit of tenderness or a full-blown ache in certain areas. Your breasts are the first to get affected by the rage of hormones. So, if you have been experiencing some discomfort, then it may be time to get a test done.
Frequent trips to the bathroom : Waking up in the middle of the night to answer nature’s call is annoying, and so is lining up to use the office washroom once every hour.
Your kidneys have to process more urine during pregnancy, which leads to this situation. But, don’t cut back on your fluid intake as your body also needs to retain enough water.
Heightened sense of smell : You used to love a particular food and now, even the smell of it makes you queasy. A lot of women find their olfactory senses heightened during their pregnancy, which leads to new likes and dislikes. But don’t worry, this phase usually ends as you enter your second trimester.
Fatigue : Feeling exhausted all the time is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. As your body is high on progesterone at the moment, it is normal for you to feel wiped out all the time.
Mood swings : The hormones that make you moody during your monthly periods are going to play a major part in your pregnancy as well. So, you can well expect to get moody and cranky during this time. Plus, fatigue and hunger will only make it worse. Therefore, find time to eat and rest at regular intervals.
Spotting and cramping : For women, spots of blood usually mean menstrual period. But, if it’s well ahead of its expected time, it can be implantation blood as well. When a fertilised egg gets attached to the uterus, it leads to a brief session of bleeding, which when coupled with cramping, resembles the onset of menstrual periods.

These were the early signs of pregnancy that you should be on the lookout for. If you are experiencing some or all of the signs, then take a Early Sign of Pregnancy today and be sure.

Safety Tips For When You Take Your Baby Out

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Many parents are daunted by the thoughts of taking their babies out in public. If you’re one of those parents, don’t worry. It’s absolutely normal. That is why PregaNews have come up with this article. We hope that it’ll help you reduce the stress of taking your child out in public and let you enjoy this fun experience.

Being prepared is the key, so we hope that these tips will help you make sure that you have a stress-free outing.

General outdoor safety tips

Teach your kids not to play near the street
Do not leave them outside alone in the beginning
You have to make them understand that if their toys roll into the street, they need to ask for help.
Make sure that you check the outdoor playing area regularly. You should get rid of sharp objects like branches, tools, trash, lawn equipment, and animal feces.

Set-up for a safe outdoor environment

f there are electrical appliances outside, like your electric meter, make sure that they are in places your child can’t reach
Ensure that the outdoor play areas are fenced, especially near a parking lot, pond, road, railroad track, etc.
Keep the gates, garages, etc. locked

Safety for riding toys

Make sure that your kids use helmets when riding tricycles, bicycles, skateboards, etc.
Use safety straps to secure children in strollers

Safety in the playground

One of the most important places you’ll have to be extra careful in is the playground. You need to plan and monitor diligently. You need to keep in mind that toddlers and infants (ages 0-2), preschool-age children (ages 3-5) and school-age kids (ages 5-12) have different needs and abilities and will need different safety needs.

Inspect the playground equipment and surface routinely. Check to see if the equipment is broken, worn or missing parts. Remove, repair, or replace items immediately.
Make sure that there is some shade in the playground. You can either use natural sources like trees or artificial source like tents.
If there are metal playground equipment like slides, monkey bar, etc. ensure that they are in the shade so that your kids do not get burnt.
Any playground equipment, like swings, that have moving parts should be placed outside the play area.

Teach your kids to play away from the front and rear of the swing area.
Ensure that you keep the play equipment at least 5 feet away from the walls, trees, road, fences, walkways, and other play equipment.
Provide guardrails or barriers for platforms or ramps over 30 inches high
Cover all protruding metal bolts or screws with plastic safety caps
Never attach any cords or ropes to the play equipment
You need to anchor permanent outdoor equipment like swings or climbers safely to the ground.

Tips for a safe playground surfacing

In order to minimize the risk of injuries from falls, ensure that all the play equipment have soft surfacing underneath them.
Materials like sand, rubber mulch, wood chips are great to absorb falls. Dirt and grass are not soft enough to absorb the shock of a fall.
Also, do not put loose-fill surfacing over hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

You need to keep in mind that surface materials should be a minimum of 6 inches deep for equipment less than 4 feet high and 9 inches deep for equipment that is 8 feet high. The material should also extend at least 7 feet beyond all sides of the play equipment. For swings, the surfacing should extend in the front and the rear, twice the height of the suspension bar.

It is imperative that your kids learn to play outdoors, especially in today’s digital age. It is an amazing place to test their physical abilities and to just have fun. That is why we hope these tips come in handy to avoid any anxiousness while you encourage them to enjoy outdoors.

Dealing With Your Picky Eater

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Ask any mother and she’ll attest to how difficult the mealtime battles with the kids are. The response to any kind of junk food will always be a loud and exciting “Yes!” while the reaction to healthy food will probably be a shake of the head or a full-blown tantrum.

We understand that your child’s picky eating habits can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to feed your child a balanced diet. However, like any good parent, you cannot give in to your toddler’s tantrums and you must find a way to get him to eat healthy food.

That is why we have come up with a few tips that will help you deal with all the mealtime hassles and tempt your child’s taste buds.

A little mixing doesn’t hurt

A big reason for childhood obesity is that many parents, tired of arguing with their children over meals, let them eat whatever they want. But this only encourages the child to be pickier, even after they grow up.

Mix it up a bit. When you vary the meals it encourages your kid to try new things and it will be interesting to them as well. Changing the meal can be as simple as cutting the vegetables into stars or introducing new dishes.

Have a party at the table with the family

The table’s not the only place to eat

You could –

Eat at the “restaurant” – move the meal to another part of your house and pretend as if you’re at a restaurant. You can be the waiter and your toddler can be the customer.
Time for a picnic – you could pack the meal and take your child to the lawn or a children’s park and eat there.
Have a tea party – a tea party in your child’s room with all the other toys joining for the meal.

No disciplining behavior

Constantly disciplining your picky eater can be a huge mistake. It makes him/her think of the dining table as a place of argument, criticism, and anger. We get it, it can be frustrating, but in the end, avoiding disciplining your child in the dining room will be a good decision.

You could –

Talk to your child about other things apart from just food. Conversing will take the attention away from the food.
If the child just doesn’t want to eat, remove the plate. However, do not allow him to leave until everyone else is done. Also, do not allow them to eat a snack after that because kids can manipulate this. They can stop eating meals and wait for a snack later.
Do not bribe your toddler to eat something with the promise of a tasty snack. This will encourage a very unhealthy habit, especially if you’re bribing with sweets.

Consistency is key

The most important thing you need to remember when you’re dealing with a picky eater is consistency. A steady routine that offers your kid three healthy meals a day in between goes a long way in changing their habit. Offer a variety of foods and be firm when it comes to them asking for junk food between meals and you’ll be surprised by the change.

Factors That Effect Fertility

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Our conception and ovulation calculators will help you plan out when the best time is for conception, but sometimes there might be many other factors that are preventing you from becoming a mother. Here are a few reasons why many women find it hard to get pregnant.

WOMEN’S ISSUES

General Health Factors

Being overweight: Body fat levels that are 10 to 15 percent above normal can overload the body with estrogen, throwing off the reproductive cycle.
Being underweight: Body fat levels 10 to 15 percent below normal can completely shut down the reproductive process. Having a hormonal imbalance: Irregularities in the hormone system (characterized by irregular menstrual cycles or short, long, or heavy periods) can affect ovulation.
Having an autoimmune disorder: Diseases such as lupus, diabetes, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with fertility.
Taking medication: Antidepressants, antibiotics, painkillers, and other drugs used to treat chronic disorders may cause temporary infertility.
Using tobacco or alcohol: Smoking may increase the risk of infertility in women, and even moderate alcohol consumption (as few as five drinks a week) can impair conception.
Being exposed to occupational or environmental hazards: Prolonged exposure to high mental stress, high temperatures, chemicals, radiation, or heavy electromagnetic or microwave emissions may reduce a woman’s fertility.

Fallopian Tube Disease

Fallopian tube disease accounts for about 20 percent of infertility cases treated. Since tubal scarring or blockage is often caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pelvic inflammatory disease, or certain surgeries, alert your doctor if you’ve had:

An STD, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or chlamydia
Pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and/or bleeding, with or without a fever
Pelvic surgery for a ruptured appendix, ovarian cysts, or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that takes place outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes)

If a doctor suspects a problem, he or she can perform a hysterosalpingogram — an X-ray that can evaluate the condition of the uterus and determine if the fallopian tubes are obstructed.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue from the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and/or bowel. Research indicates that it accounts for between 5 and 30 percent of female infertility. Several factors may contribute to infertility, including:

Scar tissue: Rigid webs of scar tissue may form between the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, preventing the transfer of the egg to the fallopian tubes.
Cysts: Endometrial cysts may grow inside the ovaries and prevent the release of the egg or its collection by the fallopian tube.
Poor egg implantation: Endometriosis may prevent the fertilized egg from adhering to the uterine wall.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Some STDs are asymptomatic and lie undetected in women. (For instance, 70 percent of women with chlamydia show no symptoms and consequently, don’t seek treatment.) The bad news is that STDs can lead to tubal scarring, ectopic pregnancy, other reproductive problems, and ultimately infertility if left untreated. To reduce this risk:

Use latex condoms to stop diseases from spreading
Consider that people with multiple sex partners are at the highest risk for STDs
Detect and treat infections early if possible (both partners should be treated if either has an infection)

MEN’S ISSUES

The following is a partial list of risk factors that may contribute to male infertility,

Being a smoker: Smoking impairs the ability of sperm to move (its motility).
Using alcohol: Having more than one or two drinks a day can affect the quality and quantity of sperm, lower testosterone levels, and contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Taking illegal drugs: Cocaine or heavy marijuana use may temporarily reduce the number and quality of sperm by as much as 50 percent.
Taking prescription drugs: Some medications, such as those for ulcers or psoriasis, can slow or prevent the production of sperm. Being exposed to toxic substances or hazards on the job: Chronic exposure to elements such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hydrocarbons, pesticides, radioactivity, and X-rays may have an impact on sperm count and quality. Exposing genitals to heat: The frequent use of saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, whirlpools, and hot baths can temporarily impair sperm production and reduce sperm count.
Having certain conditions or illnesses: Men with a history of prostatitis or genital infection, mumps after puberty, surgery on their hernia, undescended testicles, or scrotal varicose veins (varicocele) may also experience a decrease in fertility.

For more pregnancy tips from delicious and healthy recipes for your pregnancy diet to learning how to use the pregnancy kit properly, check out the rest of our site.

Breastfeeding Benefits For Mom & Baby

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Making a decision to breastfeed is a very personal matter and choice. But before making that choice it is important to know everything related to it. After all, it’s about you and your baby’s health.

The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months not only because it is best for your baby but also because benefits of Breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition. It contains all the vitamins and nutrients that the baby needs in the first six months of life and also has disease-fighting substances that protect the newly-born from illness.

Breastfeeding benefits to Baby

Numerous studies from around the world have shown that stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis occur less often in breastfed babies and are less severe when they do happen.
The main immune factor at work here is a substance called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) that’s present in large amounts in colostrum, the first milk your body produces for your baby. (Secretory IgA is present in lower concentrations in mature breast milk.) The substance guards against invading germs by forming a protective layer on the mucous membranes in your baby’s intestines, nose, and throat.
Your breast milk is specifically tailored to your baby. Your body responds to pathogens (virus and bacteria) that are in your body and makes secretory IgA that’s specific to those pathogens, creating protection for your baby based on whatever you’re exposed to.
Breastfeeding’s protection against illness lasts beyond your baby’s breastfeeding stage, too. Studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce a child’s risk of developing certain childhood cancers.
Breastfeeding may also help children avoid a host of diseases that strike later in life, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and inflammatory bowel disease. In fact, premature babies given breast milk are less likely to have high blood pressure by the time they’re teenagers.
Breastfeeding can protect your baby from developing allergies. Babies who are fed a formula based on cow’s milk or soy tend to have more allergic reactions than breastfed babies because they don’t get a layer of protection, so they’re more vulnerable to inflammation, allergies, and other eventual health issues.

Breastfeeding benefits to Mother

Breastfeeding helps a woman to lose weight after birth. Mothers burn many calories during lactation as their bodies produce milk. In fact, some of the weight gained during pregnancy serves as an energy source for lactation.
Breastfeeding releases a hormone in the mother (oxytocin) that causes the uterus to return to its normal size more quickly.
When a woman gives birth and proceeds to nurse her baby, she protects herself from becoming pregnant again too soon, a form of birth control found to be 98 percent effective — more effective than a diaphragm or condom. Scientists believe this process prevents more births worldwide than all forms of contraception combined. In Africa, breastfeeding prevents an estimated average of four births per woman, and in Bangladesh, it prevents an estimated average of 6.5 births per woman.
Breastfeeding appears to reduce the mother’s risk of developing osteoporosis in later years. Although mothers experience bone-mineral loss during breastfeeding, their mineral density is replenished and even increased after lactation.
Diabetic women improve their health by breastfeeding. Not only do nursing infants have increased protection from juvenile diabetes, but the amount of insulin that the mother requires postpartum also goes down.
Women who lactate for a total of two or more years reduce their chances of developing breast cancer by 24 percent.
Women who breastfeed their children have been shown to be less likely to develop uterine, endometrial or ovarian cancer.
The emotional health of the mother may be enhanced by the relationship she develops with her infant during breastfeeding, resulting in fewer feelings of anxiety and a stronger sense of connection with her baby.
A woman’s ability to produce all of the nutrients that her child needs can provide her with a sense of confidence. Researchers have pointed out that the bond of a nursing mother and child is stronger than any other human contact. Holding the child to her breast provides most mothers with a more powerful psychological experience than carrying the fetus inside her uterus. The relationship between mother and child is rooted in the interactions of breastfeeding. This feeling sets the health and psychological foundation for years to come.

For more pregnancy tips and information regarding motherhood ranging from choosing the perfect pregnancy test kit to the most well-researched pregnancy diet, check out the rest of our website.

4 Ways To Help Your Little One Sleep Better

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Babies love their sleep but they hate it when their sleepy time is disturbed by elements that are out of their control. Lucky for them, they have you to prevent this from happening. There are many ways you can help your little bundle of joy takes a quiet, pleasant nap without attracting unwanted grumpiness.

Prega News counts down to some of the best ways you can help your little one sleep better.

1. SCHEDULING SLEEPY TIME

One of the most important things to keep in mind is to set a proper time for your baby to sleep at. Erratic timings do not help your baby to develop a healthy sleeping timetable, it also doesn’t allow you to catch up on sleep. We understand that babies don’t necessarily sleep 8 complete hours as adults do but if you set a schedule early on, you can inculcate short naps into the day which will help your baby feeling relaxed and happy.

Setting the temperature in the room for your baby

2. TEMPERATURE TANTRUMS

Setting the temperature in the room where your baby sleeps should be your next step. Your baby hasn’t got used to the outside world and slight dips and highs in the room temperature can leave them either ill or uncomfortable. This is something you do not want. Try and keep the room cool but not cold. 68-72 Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature for your baby to get the ideal sleep.

3. LIGHTS OUT

Next step is switching off the lights. You may find this weird but many parents prefer to leave a dim light on so that they can check on their little tyke if they are awake. It’s a good strategy – for the parents and not for the baby. When a baby tries to sleep, even the slightest distraction can keep him awake, so removing the light from the equation will surely help him sleep easily without sleeping out of exhaustion.

4. MESS FREE

Clutter is something that destroys the purity of sleep. A room that is cluttered and messy always attracts your baby’s attention. They will remain confused about whether the room is meant for sleeping or as a playpen. Keep your baby’s sleep room clutter free and do away with the negative vibes that a messy room normally brings with it.

We hope these few points will help you and your baby catch up on great sleep. For many more tips and tricks related to motherhood, you can always meet us on Facebook & Twitter.