I am pregnant ?

Anti-Inflammatory Drug May Boost Implant Success

2011-11-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may be the key to boost the success of embryo implantation in in-vitro fertilization procedures, say doctors in a new, international study.1

Yet the findings contradict those of other studies which warn of the risks of NSAID use for women attempting to have children.

The drug is known as piroxicam (peer-OX-ih-kam), and marketed as Feldene by Pfizer. It's prescribed as a therapy for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.2

How NSAIDs Work
NSAIDs are available to consumers over-the-counter or by prescription. Examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen. They're used to relieve mild to moderate pain accompanied by inflammation and swelling. NSAIDs do this by blocking the action of an enzyme in the body known as cyclooxygenase (sye-kloh-OX-eh-jen-aze), or COX. The enzyme makes hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that are involved in the development of inflammation and pain.3

"During the past 20 years, numerous studies have been made to improve the implantation process," wrote Bo Sun Joo, PhD, with the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Good Moon-Hwa Hospital in Busan, Korea and her colleagues in the October issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility. "Most of their attempts have been focused on the induction and selection of the best quality embryos, and the improvement of uterus receptivity."

In Sync
In order for an embryo to implant in the uterus properly to begin a pregnancy, several molecular events occur that prepare the uterus to receive the embryo. If the uterus isn't receptive to an embryo, implantation will fail.4

While improvements in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, fertilization and the way embryos are kept in culture in IVF have been made in recent years, "little development has increased the uterus receptivity" to the embryo just prior to implantation, the Korean researchers pointed out.

Previous research5 has found that the more a uterus contracts just before implantation, the less likely a successful implantation will occur, said the Korean investigators. Doctors have suggested that multiple contractions may force the embryo out of the uterine cavity.5

Since it's known that prostaglandins boost uterine contractions, and since NSAIDs block the production of prostaglandins, the investigators wanted to find out if this might be the link in the use of piroxicam in this way prior to embryo transfer.

Does This NSAID Help Boost Implantation?
Their study involved nearly 200 consecutive IVF cycles involving fresh embryos, and 78 cycles involving previously frozen embryos performed at the Korean researchers' hospital over a 2-year period. A cycle begins with the patient's evaluation, and ends with a successful implantation. Only women who underwent IVF due to a tubal factor, male infertility factor, unexplained reasons, or because of endometriosis were included.

All women were selected at random in the blinded study to receive 10 milligrams (mg) of piroxicam or placebo approximately 1 to 2 hours before embryo transfer. A placebo is a nontherapeutic intervention used as a comparison to the therapeutic drug being tested. Patients are given either intervention, and then the effects of the drug and placebo are compared.

On average, four embryos were transferred to the uterus for pregnancy in both groups. There were no significant differences in embryo quality between the two groups, the doctors reported.

IVF Outcomes Measured
In cycles using fresh embryos, the odds of a successful implantation were about 18% for women who took piroxicam before embryo transfer, compared to just 8.6% for those given a placebo. The pregnancy rate was about 47% in the women given the NSAID prior to transfer, compared to 28% for those who took a placebo beforehand.

"When the pregnancy rates were compared according to the causes of infertility, piroxicam treatment increased [the rates] about twice as much in patients with tubal, male infertility, or endometriosis factors compared to the control group," wrote Joo and her team. "However, no beneficial effect of piroxicam was found in unexplained infertile patients." (About 44 percent of the women taking the NSAID eventually became pregnant, compared to about 39 percent of those taking placebo.)

In cycles using previously frozen embryos, the implantation and pregnancy rates were 9.4% and 25.6%, respectively, in the group taking the NSAID. That compares to 2.3% and 7.7%, respectively, for those given a placebo, the study team reported.

The researchers also found that those women under age 40 generally did better than those over 40 years of age.

NSAID Caveat
The positive findings contradict warnings from other doctors, however, about the potential risks of using COX inhibitors (a subcategory of NSAIDs like piroxicam) for women attempting to become pregnant.6 In an editorial earlier this year, Robert Norman, MD, and Ruijin Wu, MD, wrote that blocking the action of prostaglandins in the body can disrupt the development of the uterine lining as it gears up to receive the embryo. That's because this development is similar to inflammation, which is what COX inhibitors block.

Still, in an interview last March with Priority Healthcare, Norman acknowledged that "we don't have a lot of information about this topic, and I guess we should not scare people too much."

In their editorial, Norman and Wu cited previous animal studies involving mice bred without a gene that causes COX activity as having lower ovulation, fertilization and implantation rates.

A Possible Miscarriage Risk?
In a 2003 study,7 doctors at Kaiser Permanente in California concluded that taking aspirin or NSAIDs prior to conception can increase the likelihood of a miscarriage. They interviewed 1063 women about their medication history prior to conception, and found that using NSAIDs boosted the chances of a miscarriage by 80%. The researchers theorized that these drugs somehow lead to abnormal implantation that predisposes an embryo to miscarriage. They cited animal studies that have found that prostaglandins are essential for healthy implantation. However, piroxicam use was not included in the study.

Despite these other studies, the Korean investigators point out that "there are no reports concerning any adverse effects from one dose (10 mg) of piroxicam during the preimplantation period. Our present study does not show any increase in spontaneous abortion [miscarriage], as well as malformation after piroxicam treatment compared to the control group in IVF."

As previously mentioned, the beneficial effect of piroxicam in this case may be directly related to its ability to reduce uterus contractions prior to implantation. "In this respect, the one-time oral treatment with piroxicam on the day of embryo transfer seems to increase the implantation of [the embryo] by calming uterine contraction rather than inhibiting embryo development …" wrote Joo and her colleagues. Further research to confirm that is needed, they said.

Female Infertility

2011-11-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

Infertility is a condition that affects approximately one out of every six couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple who is unsuccessful with their attempts to conceive over the course of one year. When the problem exists within the female partner, it is referred to as female infertility. Female infertility factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases, and female infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all infertility cases.

What causes female infertility?
Female infertility usually occurs when there is a problem with ovulation, a damaged fallopian tube or uterus, or a problem with the cervix. Age may also contribute to fertility struggles because as a woman ages, her fertility decreases.

Ovulation problems may be caused by one or more of the following:

A hormone imbalance
A tumor or cyst
Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
Alcohol or drug use
Thyroid gland problems
Excess weight
Stress
Intense exercise that causes a significant loss of body fat
Extremely brief menstrual cycles

Damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus may be caused by one or more of the following:

Pelvic inflammatory disease
A previous infection
Polyps in the uterus
Endometriosis or fibroids
Scar tissue or adhesions
Chronic medical illness
A previous ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
A birth defect
DES syndrome (The medication DES, given to women to prevent miscarriage or premature birth, can result in fertility problems for their children.)

Abnormal cervical mucus may be the cause of your infertility. Abnormal cervical mucus may prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or make it more challenging for the sperm to penetrate the egg.

How is female infertility diagnosed?
Potential female infertility will be assessed as part of a thorough physical exam. The exam will include a medical history regarding potential factors that could contribute to infertility.

Your healthcare provider may use one or more of the following tests to assess your fertility condition:

A urine or blood test to check for infections or a hormone problem
A sample of cervical mucus and tissue to determine if ovulation is occurring

Tracking your ovulation through fertility awareness will help your healthcare provider assess your fertility status.

Your healthcare provider may also use a laparoscope inserted through your abdomen to view your organs to assess for blockage, adhesions or scar tissue. An x-ray of your fallopian tubes may also be done to check for blockage. This is accomplished by an injection of blue-colored liquid through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes, which makes it easier for the technician to view the fallopian tubes through the x-ray.

How is female infertility treated?
Female infertility is most often treated by conventional methods that include one or more of the following:

Taking hormones to address a hormone imbalance, endometriosis, or a short menstrual cycle
Taking medications to stimulate ovulation
Using supplements to enhance fertility - shop supplements
Taking antibiotics to remove an infection
Having minor surgery to remove blockage or scar tissues from the fallopian tubes, uterus, or pelvic area.

In vitro fertilization is an artificial reproductive technology (ART) procedure which may also be used to address the problem of blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. The sperm and egg are fertilized in a laboratory and then the fertilized egg is placed in the female’s uterus to help facilitate implantation.

Can female infertility be prevented?
There is usually nothing you can do to prevent female infertility caused by genetic problems or an illness. There are things that women can do to decrease the likelihood that they will experience an infertility issue:

Avoid sexually transmitted diseases
Avoid illicit drugs
Avoid heavy or frequent alcohol use
Adopt good personal hygiene and health practices

When should I contact my healthcare provider?
It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Abnormal bleeding
Abdominal pain
Fever
Unusual discharge
Pain or discomfort during intercourse
Sore or itching in the vaginal area

How many embryos should be transferred?

2011-08-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

The number of embryos that should be transferred during any single IVF cycle is open to debate. It has been said in the medical literature that transferring no more than four embryos per IVF cycle will yield optimal results. Transferring more than four is believed to result in excess numbers of multiple pregnancies, which increases the possibility of other complications. Transferring four embryos versus one or two increases the probability that pregnancy will occur, but it is important to realize that all four embryos could implant. The next step is just watching for the signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

Are there any instructions following the embryo transfer procedure?

2011-08-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Once the embryos are transferred, there is really nothing a patient can do to influence the outcome of her cycle. Currently, there is no documented evidence as to whether either bed rest or continuing normal activities following the procedure make a difference in the outcome. One physician may encourage you to rest for twenty four hours where another may suggest returning to normal activities. Some patients elect to rest because it helps them feel like they are improving their chances, and it gives them an opportunity to reflect on the potential baby. Other women elect to return to normal activities because it helps them avoid worrying about the possibility that the procedure may not be successful. Along with the advice from your physician, your body and state of mind should serve as additional guides to determine whether you should rest and relax or return to normal activities.

As a reminder, there is no documented evidence that physical activity or diet has an impact upon embryo implantation or conception. Conception is a natural phenomenon which depends mostly upon the genetic quality of the eggs. Almost without exception, Nature will only allow genetically perfect embryos to survive in order to maximize the chances of the birth of a healthy baby.

What risks are there with embryo transfer?

2011-08-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

There are minimal risks with the embryo transfer procedure. The procedure is usually painless, although some women experience mild cramping.

What medications may be given along with the procedure?

2011-08-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

The physician will assess individual situations and decide whether additional medications are needed. The patient may receive an injection of hCG after the embryo transfer to help the ovaries produce more progesterone during the embryonic implantation phase. In some cases, she may also be instructed to self-administer two additional hCG injections on specific days following the transfer. She may also be asked to use progesterone suppositories for a specified number of days following the transfer.

What is the procedure for embryo transfer?

2011-08-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

The patient is usually requested to have a full bladder which makes the uterus easier to see with an abdominal sonogram. The sonogram serves as a guide for the physician who is performing the procedure. A predetermined number of embryos are loaded into a fine transfer catheter which is passed through the cervix. The sonogram guides the physician to the appropriate spot at the top of the uterus, and the embryos are deposited from the catheter into the uterus. Following the procedure, the patient will usually remain in a recovery room resting on her back for approximately two hours. After that the couple are will wait and watch for early pregnancy symptoms.

When does the embryo transfer procedure occur?

2011-08-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Embryos are generally transferred back to the woman's uterus at the two - eight cell stage, which occurs 48 - 72 hours after the retrieval.

Embryo Transfer

2011-08-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that follows in vitro fertilization (IVF) and is often considered the simplest and final step of the in vitro fertilization process. The objective of this procedure is to facilitate conception following fertilization from the in vitro fertilization procedure.

Wondering about pregnancy, what do I do next?

2011-08-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

You may have just discovered that pregnancy is a possibility in your particular circumstance. Don't panic; as noted above, in most cases the possibilities of pregnancy are rare. Your next step is to begin watching for early pregnancy symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms then you will want to take a pregnancy test. You can take an over the counter test, or you can contact the Association to locate a testing center in your area. If you are already noticing symptoms or believe you could be pregnant you can take a test. Order a home test here.

Is sperm dead once it reaches the air? Does oxygen kill sperm?

2011-08-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

No, this is a myth that many people believe in, but it is not true! Once sperm is DRY it is dead and cannot travel to fertilize an egg. Sperm can live for 3-5 days if it is in a warm, moist environment such as the cervix of a woman. Sperm cannot come back to life once it has dried, even if it is remoistened!

Can ejaculating numerous times lessen the chance of pregnancy occurring?

2011-07-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

The number of times ejaculation takes place does not affect the chance of pregnancy. Each ejaculation contains about 300 million sperm, and only one is needed to fertilize an egg.

Can pregnancy occur from having anal sex?

2011-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy cannot occur from the act of anal sex, but because the vaginal opening and the anus are very close together, there is the chance that sperm could leak into the vagina and travel to fertilize an egg.

Can pregnancy occur if ejaculation takes place in water?

2011-07-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

It is not likely that tiny sperm could travel through the vast area of water that would fill a pool, bath tub or hot tub to reach the vagina and result in pregnancy. If ejaculation occurred in plain warm water, sperm could survive for a few minutes. If ejaculation occurs in very hot water, or water filled with pool chemicals, bubbles or other substances, sperm would not be able to survive for more than a few seconds. Pregnancy occurring from this is very unlikely and in most cases is not possible at all.

Understanding Ovulation

2011-07-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the fallopian tube, and is available to be fertilized. The lining of the uterus has thickened to prepare for a fertilized egg. If no conception occurs, the uterine lining as well as blood will be shed. The shedding of an unfertilized egg and the uterine wall is the time of menstruation.

If you are trying to get pregnant, you should get a copy of the Essential Guide for Getting Pregnant. This ebook is filled with the most up to date resources, information and tips you need to get pregnant.

Key Facts of Ovulation:

An egg lives 12-24 hours after leaving the ovary
Normally only one egg is released each time of ovulation
Ovulation can be affected by stress, illness or disruption of normal routines
Some women may experience some light blood spotting during ovulation
Implantation of a fertilized egg normally takes place 6-12 days after ovulation
Each woman is born with millions of immature eggs that are awaiting ovulation to begin
A menstrual period can occur even if ovulation has not occurred
Ovulation can occur even if a menstrual period has not occurred
Some women can feel a bit of pain or aching near the ovaries during ovulation called mittelschmerz, which means "middle pain" in German
If an egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates and is absorbed into the uterine lining

Tracking Ovulation:
A woman's monthly cycle is measured from the first day of her menstrual period until the first day of her next period. On average, a woman's cycle normally is between 28-32 days, but some women may have much shorter cycles or much longer ones. Ovulation can be calculated by starting with the day the last menstrual period (LMP) starts or by calculating 12-16 days from the next expected period. Most women ovulate anywhere between Day 11 - Day 21 of their cycle, counting from the first day of the LMP. This is what many refer to as the "fertile time" of a woman's cycle, because sexual intercourse during this time increases the chance of pregnancy. Ovulation can occur at various times during a cycle, and may occur on a different day each month.

The Ovulation Cycle Divided into Two Parts:
The first part of the ovulation cycle is called the follicular phase. This phase starts the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) and continues until ovulation. This first half of the cycle can differ greatly for each woman lasting anywhere from 7 days until 40 days. The second half of the cycle is called the luteal phase and is from the day of ovulation until the next period begins. The luteal phase has a more precise timeline and usually is only 12-16 days from the day of ovulation. This ultimately means that the day of ovulation will determine how long your cycle is. This also means that outside factors like stress, illness, and disruption of normal routine can throw off your ovulation which then results in changing the time your period will come. So the old thought that stress can affect your period is only partly true. Stress can affect your ovulation which ultimately determines when your period will come, but stress around the time of an expected period will not make it late—it was already determined when it would come 12-16 days earlier!

Fertility Awareness is one way to track when ovulation occurs, and it includes studying the changes in cervical mucus and using a basal thermometer. Cervical fluid will change to a wet, slippery substance that resembles "egg whites" just before ovulation occurs and until ovulation is over. A basal thermometer helps track a body temperature rise, which signals that ovulation has just occurred.

Another way to track ovulation is through ovulation kits and fertility monitors. These can be Purchased Online. Tracking ovulation can help a woman get a better idea of when pregnancy can and cannot occur during her monthly cycle. Once ovulation has occurred, there is nothing you can do to increase your chances of pregnancy. Your next step is to begin watching for early pregnancy symptoms.

View and print an Ovulation Calendar to better understand your menstruation cycle and ovulation.

From the Menstrual Period to Ovulation (the details you may not know!)
When your menstrual cycle begins, your estrogen levels are low. Your hypothalamus (which is in charge of maintaining your hormone levels) sends out a message to your pituitary gland which then sends out the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This FSH triggers a few of your follicles to develop into mature eggs. One of these will develop into the dominant follicle, which will release a mature egg and the others will disintegrate. As the follicles mature they send out another hormone, estrogen. The high levels of estrogen will tell the hypothalamus and pituitary gland that there is a mature egg.

A luteinizing hormone (LH) is then released, referred to as your LH surge. The LH surge causes the egg to burst through the ovary wall within 24-36 hours and begin its journey down the fallopian tube for fertilization. The follicle from which the egg was released is called the corpus luteum, and it will release progesterone that helps thicken and prepare the uterine lining for implantation. The corpus luteum will produce progesterone for about 12-16 days (the luteal phase of your cycle.) If an egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone for a developing pregnancy until the placenta takes over. You can begin looking for pregnancy symptoms as early as a week after fertilization. If fertilization does not occur the egg dissolves after 24 hours.

At this time your hormone levels will decrease and your uterine lining will begin to shed about 12-16 days from ovulation. This is menstruation (menstrual period) and brings us back to day 1 of your cycle. The journey then begins all over again.

The time of ovulation is one of the most important things a woman should understand about her body, since it is the determining factor in getting pregnant and preventing pregnancy. The process can be confusing and somewhat overwhelming when trying to understand. The Association recommends using an ovulation kit or fertility monitor to maximize your chances and to confirm when your ovulation is occuring. There are many frequently asked questions about the ovulation process, and the Association has attempted to address those for you. If you still have further questions regarding ovulation, we encourage you to either talk with your healthcare provider or contact the American Pregnancy Association for more information. Being informed on what your body does can help you feel more in charge of your health.

Can a woman get pregnant from having sex in water?

2011-07-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

If actual intercourse takes place in any type of water, pregnancy is definitely a possibility. This is because intercourse will allow the sperm to be directly deposited in the vaginal area, and the water on the outside of the body would not interfere with this.

Can sperm travel through clothing or material?

2011-07-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

If the clothing was completely saturated with semen and was in direct contact with a woman’s vagina, there is a very slight chance the sperm could enter the vagina, but this is highly unlikely. No conclusive studies have been found to give a definite answer on this possibility.

Female Condom

2011-07-22T04:36:00.000-07:00

What is a female condom?
The female condom is a pouch made of polyurethane or latex that fits inside the vagina. It is a barrier method of birth control.

How does a female condom work?
The female condom has a flexible ring at the closed end of the pouch with a slightly larger ring at the open end. The smaller ring at the closed end keeps the female condom in place, whereas the larger ring rests outside the vagina. The female condom keeps the vagina and cervix from coming in contact with the skin of the penis or with secretions from the penis.

How effective is a female condom?
The typical use of female condoms, which is the average way most people use them, has a failure rate of 21%. This means that 21 people out of every 100 will become pregnant during the first year of use. You may increase effectiveness by adding a Spermicidal foam, jelly, or cream in conjunction with the condom. You should take a pregnancy test if you are experiencing any pregnancy symptoms.

What are the side effects or health risks of female condoms?
Female condoms do not have any side effects except to individuals who are allergic to latex.

Is a female condom reversible?
Yes. The female condom does not have any effects on either the male or the female reproductive function. It is possible to get pregnant immediately if condoms are no longer used.

How much does a female condom cost?
The cost of female condoms is higher than male condoms and both types are only used once. The cost ranges from as little as $2.50 to $5.00 each.

What about female condoms and sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)?
A condom is the only means of birth control that provides a significant reduction in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are not "Safe Sex," but rather "Safer Sex." Condoms help prevent the transmission of STD's by reducing the likelihood of partner exposure through genital contact or fluid secretions.

The female condom has not been studied near as much as the male condom counterpart, but it provides similar properties.

Information about male condoms: According to the workshop summary, "Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention," July 2001, The National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases report:

Condoms provide no reduction in the transmission of the human papilloma virus (HPV) and Trichomonas vaginalis. Syphilis transmission is reduced 29% for typical use. It is reduced 50 to 71% when condoms are used correctly 100% of the time.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia transmission is reduced by approximately 50% even when condoms are used 100% of the time.
Genital herpes transmission is reduced by approximately 40%
HIV transmission is reduced by approximately 85% when condoms are used correctly 100% of the time.

What are the pros & cons for female condoms?

The Pros of Female Condoms include:

Along with male condoms, it is the only form of birth control that has a significant reduction in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases
It keeps the control of contraceptive use in your hands
You do not need a prescription
Compared to the male condom it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, and it is less likely to break

Condoms are small, easy to carry, and disposable The Cons of Female Condoms include:

More expensive than male condoms (approximately 5 times)
The outer ring may be considered cumbersome
Typical use has a higher failure rate of approximately 21%
It may be a distraction during intercourse because of crackling or popping noises

Can pregnancy occur if the woman does not have an orgasm?

2011-07-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, pregnancy can occur even if a woman does not have an orgasm. An orgasm is not related to an egg being available for fertilization.

Can a woman get pregnant from pre-ejaculation?

2011-07-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

Pre-ejaculation is the liquid that seeps out of the penis before ejaculation occurs. Most guys have no control over it and cannot feel it coming out. Historically, it was believed that this could create a pregnancy. However, new research is noting that sperm is not present or is limited and with no mobility.

Can pregnancy occur if a woman and a guy have faux sex or dry sex?

2011-07-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

Again, anytime the penis and the vaginal area come into contact, there is the slight risk of pregnancy and a risk for STD transmission. All that needs to happen is for semenal fluid to leak inside the vagina.

If penetration only happens for a few seconds, can a woman get pregnant?

2011-07-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Anytime the penis comes into direct contact with the vaginal area, there is the chance of pregnancy. The probability is extremely low particularly compared to if intercourse with ejaculation took place, but there is still a risk. The transmission of STDs can also happen through any type of skin to skin contact like this.

What do the results of a Pap smear mean?

2011-06-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

A negative result means that your cervix is normal.

A positive result indicates the presence of abnormal cells. Your physician may also call this an abnormal Pap. Remember that this is a test, not a diagnosis. A positive result does not prove that you have cancer or even dysplasia (a pre-cancerous condition). However, it usually means you should have further evaluation, such as a colposcopy (microscope used to look into the cervix) or a biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue from the cervix). Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

One in ten Pap smears indicates some abnormality, though most are not serious. Further testing will be required to determine if you have infection, inflammation, a yeast infection, trichomonas, herpes, or the human papilloma virus.

Researchers believe that cervical cancer is directly related to the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are over 100 different types of HPV. About 30 types are spread through sexual transmission and can possibly lead to cervical cancer. HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, but most women who receive treatment for abnormal cells caused by HPV, do not develop cervical cancer.

In 2003, the FDA approved a screening test that can be done in conjunction with a Pap smear to determine if you have the HPV virus.The HPV DNA test can detect high risk types of HPV before any abnormal cells can be detected on the cervix. This screening is recommended for women over the age of 30, who are at an increased risk of an HPV infection turning into pre-cancerous cells.

Some Pap smears indicate an unsatisfactory sample because of recent sexual activity or use of vaginal creams and douches. Regardless of the reason, an abnormal Pap will require another Pap smear in a few months. With proper screening, cervical cancer is preventable and avoidable.

When can a woman stop having Pap smears performed?

2011-06-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

According to the National Cancer Institute, women who are over the age of 70 and have a history of normal Pap smears are very unlikely to develop cervical cancer and therefore can discuss the option of not needing any further pap smears. Women who have had a hysterectomy with both the uterus and cervix removed, for reasons not related to cancer, can also discuss the option of not needing any further Pap smears.

What if I am pregnant, and I have an abnormal Pap smear?

2011-06-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

A Pap smear is a routine part of your pre-natal care and poses no risk to the fetus. If you have an abnormal Pap during pregnancy your physician will discuss treatments which can be done safely during pregnancy, or depending on diagnosis, delay treatment until after your baby is born. If your physician suggests a colposcopy or cervical biopsy, there can be slight bleeding from the external part of the cervix, but this is not a serious complication.

If your physician is considering doing an internal biopsy into the endocervical canal, there may be a slight risk of a pregnancy complication. But your health care provider has your best interest in mind and will only do what is medically necessary.

Your doctor may perform additional Pap smears during your pregnancy if necessary. Many times the birth of your baby will wash away any abnormal cervical cells.

My breasts are tender, or I have cramps, or am irritable, nauseated, or bloated, or, I am gaining a small amount of weight. It is not yet time for my

2011-06-21T13:36:00.001-07:00

You are probably feeling the effects of the hormones you are taking. It's really too early to be feeling anything as a result of a pregnancy. Implantation normally takes place about 5-10 dpo, but even after that it takes a couple of days for the hCG (which is what causes pregnancy symptoms) to build up in the blood stream. The presence of these symptoms does not indicate pregnancy, and the absence of them does not indicate a failed cycle.

Labor and Birth

2011-06-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Labor and Birth
Searching for information on labor and birth? Pregnancy-Info provides you with all you need to know about preparing for the birth of your baby. Find the answers to all your questions about stages of labor, creating a birth plan, labor medications, and c-sections: their risks and benefits. Get all the information you need for a safe labor and delivery of your baby and about all your options for having the birthing experience you desire.

Birth Plan
It’s never too early to start thinking about a birth plan. Preparing a birth plan is a great way in which to stay in control as much as possible of the type of labor experience you will have. A birth plan can include whether to have a home birth or a hospital birth or even a water birth. You may also want to consider keeping a pregnancy journal to record your thoughts and emotions. Birth plans are also great ways to communicate to the doctors and nurses in your delivery room about how you would like to deliver your child and which medications you would like, or not like, to receive. Find out more about the different options available to you for labor medications, the effects of each medication on you and your baby and how each medication is administered. Also learn more about natural pain remedies for labor and get information about how to have a natural birth, if this is your desire.

Stages Of Labor
Of course, it’s natural to be worried about the different stages of labor. Find out how to tell whether your contractions really mean you’re going into labor as well as other common signs of labor. Here you’ll also find out about when inducing labor is a good option and information on whether natural labor is right for you. In addition, get information about all of your pain management techniques including natural methods for dealing with labor pain to common medications given to manage the pain of labor. Also find out what happens after labor such as what tests are done to your baby, how to deliver the placenta, and what will happen if you need stitches down there.

C-Section
While they’re not always planned, Cesarean sections account for almost 30% of births in the United States. Learn about in which cases a Cesarean section is recommended over vaginal birth and how a Cesarean section affects your future pregnancies. Also find out more about the procedure itself and about what a c-section means for your postpartum recovery. Get all the facts you need to understand a cesarean section and feel good about your different birthing options.

Bleeding During Pregnancy

2011-06-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Bleeding During Pregnancy

There are many different reasons that a woman may have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Some women can continue to have light periods or spotting during pregnancy, especially during the first few months. A pregnancy test would probably help to ease your mind. A visit to your practitioner may also be in order, either for early pregnancy care or to find out the reasons for your symptoms. Here is a comprehensive list of the many possible causes.

Early Pregnancy and Implantation Bleeding
Are you experiencing first trimester bleeding? It's estimated that 25% of all women have bleeding in early pregnancy. One possible cause of this bleeding is implantation bleeding.

What is Implantation Bleeding?
Implantation bleeding is lighter than menstrual bleeding, and consists of pink or brown colored blood. Implantation bleeding occurs when the trophoblast, or tissue that surrounds the egg, attaches to the endometrium and slowly eats its way into the lining. As it does so, it eats through the mother's blood vessels, forming blood lakes within itself. When these blood lakes form near the surface of the trophoblast, they often cause implantation bleeding.

Remember, the difference between period and implantation bleeding is the amount; implantation bleeding is considerably lighter than menstrual bleeding. Menses and implantation bleeding should be different enough so that you can tell. Here are some frequently asked questions about spotting:

When does implantation bleeding occur?
Usually 5-12 days after ovulation, so just around the time that you would be getting your period. Bleeding during ovulation is something different.

What does implantation bleeding look like?
Implantation bleeding signs are a light pink or brown colored spotting.

How long does implantation bleeding last?
The duration varies for each woman.

Miscarriage
Bleeding while pregnant doesn't mean that miscarriage is certain, but it can occur. About half of the women who bleed do not have miscarriages. Miscarriage can occur at any time during the first half of pregnancy. Most occur during the first 12 weeks. Miscarriage occurs in about 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies. If you think you have passed fetal tissue, take it to the doctor's office so it can be examined.

Most miscarriages cannot be prevented. They are often the body's way of dealing with a pregnancy that was not normal. There is no proof that exercise or sex causes miscarriage.

Ectopic Pregnancy
Another problem that may cause pain and bleeding in early pregnancy is ectopic pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs in a fallopian tube, it may burst. Ectopic pregnancies are much less common than miscarriages. They occur in about one in 60 pregnancies.

Molar Pregnancy
A rare cause of early bleeding is molar pregnancy. It is also called gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) or simply a "mole." It is the growth of abnormal tissue instead of an embryo.

Late Pregnancy
The causes of bleeding in the second half of pregnancy differ from those in early pregnancy. Common conditions that cause minor bleeding include an inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix.

Placental Abruption
The placenta may detach from the uterine wall before or during labor. This may cause vaginal bleeding. Only 1 percent of pregnant women have experience placental abruption. It usually occurs during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Stomach pain often occurs, even if there is no obvious bleeding.

Placenta Previa
When the placenta lies low in the uterus, it may partly or completely cover the cervix. This is called placenta previa. It may cause vaginal bleeding. Placenta previa is serious and requires prompt care.

Labor
Late in pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may be a sign of labor. A plug that covers the opening of the uterus during pregnancy is passed just before or at the start of labor. A small amount of mucus and blood is passed from the cervix. This is called "bloody show." It is common. It is not a problem if it happens within a few weeks of your due date.

Download this BBT Chart

2011-06-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

Download this BBT Chart

hCG Levels During Pregnancy

2011-06-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

hCG used in pregnancy testsThe level of the hormone human Chorionic Gandotropin, more commonly known as hCG is the hormone whos levels are usually what is tested for during a pregnancy test which you have done by your doctor. A high level of hCG indicates a positive pregnancy. In some cases the increased hCG level can be detected in your blood as early as 8 days after conception, but in most cases it is usually around 11 days.

During the course of your pregnancy your hCG levels will increase and decrease, with the levels doubling on average every 30-31 hours until they peak, usually around the 9th and 10th weeks of your pregnancy.

The level of hCG then decreases slightly until the 16th week where it remains fairly constant until birth.

What does hCG do?
It's role is to prevent the disintegration of the corpus luteum, secretes estrogen and progesterone. The production of hCG plays a critical part in your pregnancy.

What do low hCG Levels mean?
Should your healthcare provider determine that your hCG levels may be low, then this may mean that your conception date was miscalculated; that you may have an ectopic pregnancy or that you may be in danger of having a miscarriage. However, it is also possible to have a perfectly healthy pregnancy with low levels.

What do high hCG levels mean?
As with a low level, a high level may also indicate that your conception date was calculated incorrectly. It may also mean that you have a multiple pregnancy (twins) or even that you may have a Molar Pregnancy.

HCG

2011-05-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Q : MY HCG was 178 when took first time 465 exactly after 2 days now after 11 days it is 27098 is it normal or any problem like molar
A : Hi kutti; The values of HCG are calculated according to the weeks or gestational age of pregnancy which you have not mentioned.It is difficult to assess the pregnancy whether normal or molar without knowing the weeks in relation with the HCG values.Also the second option is to get a ultrasound done to find out whether the pregnancy youn have is normal or not. Thanks

Effects of ambien and false pregnancy

2011-05-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

Q : hi, i am 24 years old. i ve been having unprotected sex with my new partner for about 8 months off and on. My period is 3 weeks late and i have had irregular periods before so this wasnt really a surprise but i have had menstraul cramping for the past 3-4 weeks. i took 5mg of zolpidem to help me sleep last week thursday and on sunday i took a hpt and it was positive, i ve taken 3 more hpt just to be sure, they came back positive all 4 hpt. how long does zolpidem stay in ur system, how much can 1 dose of 5mg raise my hCG levels?... should i wait to take another hpt after more time has past? how likely am i really pregnant?
A : thanks for choosing health care magic.Missed period and positive test in most of cases indicates pregnancy.You may take that the test is false positive as you have taken zolpidem,but what about missed period which were regular ? so visit a doctor you might be pregnant.All 4 test can not be false positive.

Can 3 hpts be false positive?

2011-05-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Q : hi, i had a miscarriage 10 weeks ago and havent had a period since. (i confirmed with blood test 3 weeks after that the pregnancy had ended.) i had a blood test done on the 18th feb and it was negative for pregnancy so i went home and was to wait 2 months for period and doc would repeat tests if still no period, but on the 24th i did a home pregnancy test and it was positive, then again the following morning so my doc asked for another blood test to be done. i also did another test today (1st march) and it was positive again, but the nurse mentioned when i had my blood test today that the dr thought i had a false positive, surely 3 tests cant be false can they?

False positive pregnancy test

2011-05-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

Q : I have my last period on 19th march. I did a hpt on may 2nd and got positive result. Also i tested after a few days it was positive. both test were boots twin digital home pregnancy test. but the strange thing i don t have any symptoms at all . does that mean I got false result?
A : Hi, Welcome to HealthcareMagic Forum. It is not always a possibility that you should experience all the symptoms of Pregnancy compulsarily. Since the test is Positive twice, you may be Pregnant. Kindly get yourself examined by a Gynecologist at the earliest. Wish you Good Health and Good Luck. Take Care.

Are HCG test shows positive is always leads to pregnancy?

2011-05-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Q : I have 2 weeks delay in period. urine pregnancy test (HCG) done several times in different days shows that i am pregnant.according to LMP it should be 6 weeks+. but during ultrasound doctor couldn t see sac or fetus at all not in uterus and not in tubes. she advised me to do beta hcg blood test too. is it possible that if test shows positive that i am not pregnant but have some other gyno issues to investigate? is it always HCG shows only positive pregnancy? Thank you
A : Hello Yes,positive urine test indicates pregnancy.If your calculations are right,then at 6 weeks there should have been a fetal pole.If there is no intrauterine sac then ectopic pregnancy is the next possibility.For several tests to be false positive is highly unlikely.Do the beta hcg blood test and also get a second ultrasound with a different doctor.

False Pregnancy Test Results

2011-05-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Q : I haven t had my mentrual cycle since mid June. I had been taking Seasonale and have been told many people have had abnoraml cycles after stopping.I took multiple at home pregnancy tests, all of which were negative..beginning in August. I also took to two urine preg tests at my primary care office, which were neg. In addition, I have two blood tests (one in late november, and one in december, both neg.)I have been have all types of fluttering movements in my pelvic area, am constantly hot, and don t have much of an appetite. Is there truth to the hcg levels can vary and that it s possible for blood tests to not show positive after the first couple months when the hcg levels drop? I do not want to be pregnant,but I ve been having ongoing pregnancy symptons and justdon t know what else to do. Please respond. Despite all of these symptons, even more than I listed and unfortunately I have gained a great deal of weight after a serious car accident so although my stomach has grown, based on my excess weight,I don t know if its continued weight gain or something else...my primary is so dismissive about all I tell her,and simply says I am not...when will I believe it. I want to believe it but the only other time that I missed my cycle was when I was pregnant, and I don t want to be. I look forward to your response.
A : it is possible to test negative on both urine and blood tests and still be pregnant, although it is VERY rare... it can be caused by what is known as the prozone/hook effect where the hcg levels are SO high that the tests can not read the results. Documentation has shown that diluting the sample at 1:10 and 1:100 will should return a readable result. Another cause could be something called masking /interference. This is when the woman has antibodies to the hcg already circulating in her system which cause interference with the antibodies used in pregnancy tests and the horomone becomes hidden or undetectable. Some causes can be previous exposure to mice, rats, or hamsters, or b12 therapy an even a few other things which I have not researched more information on. It is likely that the confirmation or ruling out of a pregnancy will have to come by way of a manual exam and ultra sound. [I know about these things because I have experienced them first hand with my second pregnancy... 7 negative urine tests, 2 negative blood tests, and my internal exam was inconclusive, I couldn t be confirmed, but couldn t be discounted either. My Ultrasound is Monday and I m 3 months along... and showing. = ) ] You know your body, trust your instincts and look up information one the things I mentioned and take it with you to your doctor. If she still won t listen, find a new doctor and take it with you until someone does listen. Whether this is a wanted pregnancy or not, your health is just as important at the baby s and you will need ample time to make a decision as to whether to raise a child or place it for adoption. I wish you the best of luck. It s a very frustrating emotional roller coaster to ride without adding the flaws of science to it.

High HCG Levels in Early Pregnancy

2011-05-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

High HCG levels in early pregnancy can indicate several different factors. Everything from a miscalculation of pregnancy dating, you’re expecting twins, to even Down’s syndrome in the fetus. But before you begin worrying about your HCG levels, it is important to understand what exactly they are and how it factors into your pregnancy.
HCG levels are what the basic home pregnancy tests test for. The HCG levels can first be noticed by taking a urine test about two weeks after conception. The HCG hormone is measured in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/ml).

HCG stands for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced during pregnancy. The HCG hormone is sent into your blood stream soon after the baby implants into the lining of your uterus, about eight to twelve days after conception. HCG is made by cells which form the placenta.
Usually, HCG levels will double every 48 to 72 hours, until they reach their peak during your first eight to eleven weeks of pregnancy. Afterwards, the HCG levels will decline and level off.
Normal HCG levels vary widely between different women and in different pregnancies for the same individual. Consequently, you should not be paranoid about trying to figure out what your HCG levels exactly are. What you should be watching is how much your levels are rising every couple to three days. This is what doctors are mainly concerned about, and what could signify any abnormalities in your pregnancy.

High increases in HCG levels could mean several things, including molar pregnancy, choriocarcinoma of the uterus, ectopic pregnancy, twins (or more), Down’s syndrome of the fetus, or simply a miscalculation of when your pregnancy started. A molar pregnancy is an abnormality of the placenta, caused by a problem when the egg and sperm join together at fertilization. Molar pregnancies rarely involve a developing embryo.

Choriocarcinoma of the uterus is a malignant variant of molar pregnancy which metastasizes early by the blood route and is treated by chemotherapy.

An ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the embryo grows outside the uterus. Usually this is noticeable by HCG level testing your HCG levels have been high but they do not double from your last take level.

Best Time and Days to Get Pregnant.

2011-05-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

In order to calculate the days to get pregnant in a woman's cycle, we will have to find out when the woman is ovulating. In a perfect woman's cycle the woman ovulates on her 14th day after her period starts. However, this is theoretically. The 14th day is measured on a complete women's cycle of 28 days. If you take the pill, that figure will be correct, but without any anti-conception most women's cycles will last longer or shorter. The best time to get pregnant will be much more difficult to measure with an irregular cycle.

When is the best time to get pregnant then? There is a lot of writing about taking the temperature of your body to determine your ovulation day. But we all know how difficult that is and how unreliable those measurements can be.
When the woman's temperature rises about 0.8 degrees F, ovulation could occur within 24 hours. Because the body temperature to determine ovulation can be influenced by so many factors like: stress, action, sitting down and standing up, and etc., taking your temperature for ovulation is probably the worst method to stipulate the days to get pregnant in a woman's cycle.

A far more accurate way to know when the best times are to get pregnant, is to start child-wish.com program:
get pregnant fast, a unique method created by our head fertility expert, Yvonne Wilson.
It employs the use of a combination of two natural products. It doesn't matter if your current cycles aren't exact 28 days. The combination will control your hormonal balance so your cycles will be close to 28 days. Three dates for intercourse, given by Yvonne are enough to triple your chances of getting pregnant.

Be aware that the intercourse dates and times can be in the morning as well as in the evening, so making time to follow the method strictly, is necessary!

When Is The Best Time To Get Pregnant?

2011-05-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

The best or most fertile time to get pregnant is the period of ovulation in your menstrual cycle. This is the time when following an LH surge, a mature ovum is released into the uterus from the follicles. This egg or ovum is ready to be fertilized and stays so for about 12 hours after which it starts degenerating. The best way to determine your most fertile time is to pay attention to your body and learn to spot the physical signs of ovulation, and thereby the best time to get pregnant.

HCG Levels at 6 weeks

2011-05-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Your HCG levels at six weeks could be anywhere from 1,080 to 56,500 mIU/ml.

Women may be concerned about their HCG levels by six weeks because if a miscarriage where to occur, they are most common during the first six weeks of pregnancy. A particularly low HCG level can indicate that a miscarriage has occurred. On the other hand, a higher HCG level could indicate twins, which can be known as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.

HCG stands for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin. It is produced by the cells which form the placenta. Consequently, when your HCG levels shoot up in a woman’s body, it is a sure sign of pregnancy. The HCG hormone is sent into your blood stream when the baby is attached to the lining of your uterus (about eight to twelve days after conception).

During pregnancy, HCG levels should double every 48 to 72 hours. They will peak about the first eight to eleven weeks of pregnancy, and then they will starting lowering and gradually level off. Because HCG levels indicate pregnancy, how HCG levels are reacting is important to follow.

However, it is important to realize that normal HCG levels can vary from woman to woman, and even from one woman’s pregnancy to another. HCG levels, even at six weeks, should not be relied upon too heavily. The results from an ultrasound after five to six weeks gestation are much more accurate than using HCG numbers.

Therefore, an affixation with HCG levels could cause unnecessary stress. Focus should instead deal with if the levels are doubling. At six weeks, it should be apparent if the HCG levels have been consistently doubling every two to three days. By six weeks, it could even be three and a half days to double. This doubling is what doctors primarily watch, and from which they could learn about any abnormalities in your pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman’s HCG levels do not fall (or they exceed) within 2,000 mIU/ml by six weeks, it does not necessarily mean problems. An ultrasound should be taken to determine the cause, whether it could mean twins or a miscarriage or other issues. The HCG average level does not fit every woman. Some have much higher or lower levels. However, by six weeks, a proper testing, both of HCG levels accompanied with an ultrasound, will be helpful to answer any questions about the woman and baby’s progress.

Physical Recovery After an Abortion

2011-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Physical Recovery After an Abortion

These instructions are for recovery after a surgical abortion. Most of them apply to a chemical (medical) abortion as well. Okay, so you've just had an abortion? What physical warning signs should you look for? What can you do, to take care of yourself afterwards as you recover? What about fertility? How soon could you possibly get pregnant again?
On taking care of yourself - Basic things you can do:

Drink lots of fluids
Stay off work for a few days if you can
Take vitamins, eat healthy food, and try to sleep
Take the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor right away, and for the full amount of days prescribed!
No exercise for two weeks
No swimming or tub baths for 2 weeks
Don't lift anything over 15 pounds for two weeks, don't use ANYTHING vaginally for 2-4 weeks - no sex, no tampons, no douches.
You can ovulate as soon as two weeks after an abortion, which means yes, you could get pregnant again within two weeks after an abortion!
After the 2-4 weeks is over, you should NOT have sex again unless you feel physically recovered, and have discussed with your partner what you want to do if an unplanned pregnancy occurs again. Do NOT let yourself be pressured into having sex again before you are physically and emotionally ready, and have had a serious discussion about the course of action for future unplanned pregnancies. You can get pregnant as soon as two weeks after an abortion! Your body normally will go back to it's regular cycle, and release an egg (ovulation) at 2 weeks post-ab. So once you decide you are ready to resume sexual intercourse again, make sure you are using birth control right away. As many of us know, birth control is NOT 100% effective. So it's very important that you don't have sex again until you are healed physically and emotionally, and you have a clear consensus on what will happen if you become unexpectedly pregnant again.
For women who had an abortion for maternal health reasons, or for a poor prenatal diagnosis, consult your doctor about birth control and future pregnancies.
If you were 9 or more weeks along in the pregnancy, it is possible that you may have trouble with milk, or a milky fluid leaking from your breasts after the abortion. The further along you were, the higher the chance of having your 'milk come in'. This can be upsetting, but it won't last for long. It's a normal effect of the hormones that your body releases when you are no longer pregnant. These hormones make your body start to produce milk, whenever a pregnancy is ended. Your breasts may feel sore, tight, swollen, and will leak out droplets of clear to whitish fluid. At times the milk may 'let down', and a substantial amount of liquid may come out. To help with this stage, wear a well-fitting/snug bra, and try avoid stimulation of your breasts or nipples. Wear the bra 24 hours a day until your milk dries up. It can take one to four weeks for the milk to dry up. It will not be as painful as it originally feels when the milk first comes in - as the milk is not 'used' the pressure on the milk ducts will cause the milk to 'dry up'. Keep wearing that snug-fitting bra, and take tylenol for the soreness, and this will subside. If you develop a fever, or extreme tenderness in either of your breasts, consult a doctor - there is also a condition where your milk glands can get infected, and this will need to be treated with antibiotics. (This is a rare complication).

Abnormal Pap Smear

2011-05-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

Women are encouraged to start getting yearly Pap smears at the age of 21 or within 3 years of becoming sexually active. Pap smears are not diagnostic tests, but they are screening tools used to find any abnormal cells or dysplasia in the cervix. When women are faithful in having regular Pap smears, they increase their chances for early detection and treatment of any potential problems.

What does an abnormal pap smear mean?

Being alarmed or worried is a completely normal reaction when told your Pap smear is abnormal. An abnormal Pap smear may indicate that you have an infection or abnormal cells called dysplasia. It's important to remember that abnormal Pap smear results do not mean you have cancer. These results just show that further testing should be done to verify whether or not there is a problem.

What could cause an abnormal pap smear result?

An abnormal Pap smear may indicate any of the following:

An infection or an inflammation
Herpes
Trichomoniasis
Recent sexual activity
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) This is also called genital warts (up to 60% of women may carry this virus on their cervix, genital area, or skin and are completely unaware of it).
Dysplasia (abnormal cells that can be pre-cancerous)

What is the treatment for an abnormal Pap smear?

A positive result indicates the presence of abnormal cells, also called an abnormal Pap. Remember that this is a test, not a diagnosis. A positive result does not prove that you have cancer or even dysplasia (a pre-cancerous condition). However, it usually means you should have further evaluation, such as another Pap smear, a colposcopy (using a microscope to look into the cervix) or a biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue from the cervix). Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

One in ten Pap smears indicate some abnormality, though most are not serious. Further testing will be required to determine if you have infection, inflammation, a yeast infection, trichomoniasis, herpes or the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, but most women who receive treatment for abnormal cells caused by HPV, do not develop cervical cancer.

In 2003, the FDA approved a screening test that can be done in conjunction with a Pap smear to determine if you have the HPV virus.The HPV DNA test can detect high risk types of HPV before any abnormal cells can be detected on the cervix. This screening is recommended for women over the age of 30, who are at an increased risk of an HPV infection turning into pre-cancerous cells.

Some Pap smears indicate an unsatisfactory sample because of recent sexual activity or use of vaginal creams and douches. Regardless of the reason, an abnormal Pap will require another Pap smear in a few months.

If the abnormal cells are persisting, you may need further treatment, which may include the following

A colposcopy is an examination in which a speculum is inserted into the vagina, and the cervix is painted with a vinegar solution which makes any abnormal areas stand out. When an abnormal area is located, a sample (biopsy) of the area may be taken for accurate diagnosis by a pathologist.
Cryosurgery, or a freezing of the abnormal cells, is usually performed next. Cone biopsy is a procedure in which a triangle of cervical tissue is removed including the abnormal cells; this is either performed in a doctor's office or as an outpatient procedure. Bleeding and watery discharge are common after this treatment.
The LEEP procedure is similar to a cone biopsy, but a loop-shaped instrument is used to remove the abnormal area. Bleeding and discharge may also occur.

What check-ups are necessary after treatment?

Check-ups following treatment are necessary to make sure all the abnormal cells are gone and the cervix has healed. Early detection is the key to minimize the risk of cancer developing. After treatment, women will be advised by their health care providers as to how often they will need to have routine Pap smears.

What if I have an abnormal pap smear during pregnancy?

It is safe to have a Pap smear during pregnancy. If your Pap smear results are abnormal, a colposcopy could be performed during your pregnancy. However, further treatment will probably be delayed until after your baby is born. Frequently, the birth of your baby will wash away any abnormal cervical cells. Having an abnormal Pap smear does not pose a risk to your baby.

Normal Levels of HCG & Progesterone

2011-05-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Overview

Pregnancy is an intricate development of cells which multiply and eventually form a baby. Hormones play a complex role in this metamorphosis and assist physicians in determining the healthy progression of a pregnancy or potential problems. Understanding what these key hormones do and the information they provide may help in understanding the process.

Functions of hCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone only present during pregnancy. It is produced by the cells that make up the placenta and provides nourishment for the egg once it is fertilized and attaches to the uterus. Levels of hCG are present throughout pregnancy, however they increase dramatically during the first trimester and then begin to level off and eventually decline.

Functions of Progesterone

Progesterone is the hormone that helps maintain a pregnancy for the entire gestation. Prior to conception progesterone is released by the corpus luteum to help build up the uterine lining in preparation for implantation. Once fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum will continue to release progesterone until week 10 of the pregnancy, at which time the placenta has developed enough to take over. Progesterone also limits the immune response, prevents early contractions and decreases prostaglandins.

Levels of hCG

During pregnancy, the levels of hCG will vary from one woman to another. When analyzing hCG levels, the most important factor is that the numbers are doubling, at least, every 48 to 72 hours. To achieve a positive pregnancy test, the hCG level must be at 25 mIU/ml or higher. During a normal pregnancy, hCG levels will start around 5 mIU/ml -- milli-International Units per Milliliter -- and may eventually rise to around 300,000 mIU/ml by the end of the first trimester. At that point ultrasounds are the best indicator of a healthy pregnancy rather than hCG levels.

Levels of Progesterone

Progesterone levels vary considerably from one woman to another during pregnancy and also rise as the pregnancy progresses. A normal gestation will see an increase in progesterone of 1 to 3 ng/ml, or nanograms per milliliter, about every two days. A guide for progesterone levels is 9 to 46 ng/ml in the first trimester, increasing to about 17 to 146 ng/ml in the second trimester with a culmination in the third trimester of 49 to 300 ng/ml. It is important to remember the increase in progesterone is often more important than the actual number.

Considerations

In cases where a pregnancy is not progressing normally, a woman's hormone levels may indicate a problem. If there is a threatened miscarriage both hCG and progesterone will be low and not increasing as expected. When a miscarriage does occur, both hormone levels will drop significantly. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, hCG levels may increase normally for a while but progesterone will stay low and not progress. It is important to refer to your doctor if you suspect a problem. HCG and progesterone levels vary so dramatically from one woman to another that one woman's hormone levels indicating miscarriage could be the same levels for another woman's successful pregnancy.

Pregnancy Test Kit for Home

2011-04-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

The first pregnancy test is easy to be done at home, than going to the doctor each time you get any symptoms of pregnancy. The task is made easy by the kit to test yourself of pregnancy.

Pregnancy test is what that will confirm whether you have conceived. Most women around the world are at a greater risk of ill reproductive health than anything else. Women, who are in the age group of 16-48 years, have lesser threats from diseases like tuberculosis, or respiratory infections or heart diseases. This is because women have risks that come with their pregnancy. There can be risks of childbirth, unsafe abortions and the like. Women are very prone to sexually transmitted diseases (or STDs), infections in reproductive tracts. As soon as you get symptoms of early pregnancy you must conduct a pregnancy test on yourself to be sure of it.

If you are tested positive by the pregnancy test there is a long way for you to go. The dedication of government, towards the voluntary, informed and the consent of citizens as they avail health care when they are pregnant, is affirmed by the National Population Policy (India), in the year of 2000. the government also have taken initiative to help the women in their family planning.

The MOHFW or the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced a pregnancy test kit (Nishchay) which is home based. They not only target to promote the pregnancy test home based kit, but also is an access point to family planning services. It sought to help the women who are looking for good and reliable RCH and FP services. There are certain important factors of concern that are addressed by these home based pregnancy test kit Nischay. They are:

* Due to a late detection a low percentage of women start ANC in their first trimester.
* Contraceptive Provision (IUD/Pill) not adopted at the right time, even after deciding not to go for any more issues.
* A high percentage of abortions take place which may be life threatening, as the detection of pregnancy was late.

Nischay, the home based pregnancy test kit helps the women to conduct the tests at home. This would also help the women to make good utilization of RCH and FP services. This pregnancy test kit is introduced in Indian states and the union territories. The first phase of the program was launched in ten states of high priority: Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Mehghalay.

The demand generation of this home based pregnancy test kit is done through the platform of mass media. A lot of other forms of media like folk songs, dramas, dance dramas, and education are used as a tool to market this pregnancy test kit. The rural women have started realizing the benefits of early detection of their pregnancy, and thus this kit is hugely gaining popularity. Even the health care officers and doctors find it easy to offer treatment and guidance when the woman is detected as being pregnant in the initial stages.

Changes in Cervical Fluids

2011-04-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Look & Feel of Fertile Cervical Mucus
Changes in Cervical Fluids: What Happens and When

Get Pregnant - 5 Essential TipsAs the customer service representative at Early Pregnancy Tests, I sometimes receive email inquiries about fertility charting, using a basal thermometer, and monitoring natural fertility signs to predict ovulation. And while bbt charting will be the cornerstone of your fertility chart, monitoring changes in cervical mucus (cervical fluids, CM) is very important - particularly because method of charting allows you to anticipate when you will ovulate each month. This week, I received an email inquiry about the difference in appearance and texture between fertile and non-fertile cervical fluids - a great opportunity to clarify how cervical mucus can be used to determine when you are most fertile each month.

As a brief review, changes in cervical mucus (CM) are not only a key signal of fertility, but are also a big part of successfully achieving pregnancy. Cervical mucus is produced by glands within the cervix, and specifically within your cervical canal. During your menstrual cycle, both the quantity and the quality (texture, appearance) of cervical fluids undergo a number of changes. In human reproduction, fertile-quality cervical mucus supports conception by providing a fluid, healthy medium in which sperm can survive and propel themselves. CM protects sperm from the naturally-acidic environment of the vagina and helps sperm to move through the cervix into the uterus. And because cervical fluids insulate and nourish sperm, the presence of fertile cervical mucus can also extend the life-span of sperm, in turn increasing the odds of conceiving by helping sperm "hang out" and wait for the egg to appear following ovulation. (FertileCM is a natural product that can be used to increase the quality and quantity of cervical mucus you produce.)

So, that's the mechanics of cervical mucus - but how can I use this information as part of my fertility charting? As one customer recently asks...

Question: "Dear Pat, I have been using your basal thermometer now for an entire cycle now and I was able to draw a coverline this month! While on the topic of bbt charting, do you have a picture of fertile cervical mucus and can you describe for me the differences between non-fertile and fertile cervical mucus? Also, when can I expect to see changes in cervical mucus during my cycle - e.g., on which cycle days will the cervical mucus become fertile?"

Answer: Of course, variations in individual mucus patterns will differ among women due to unique variables like cycle length, age, hormonal balance, use of fertility drugs, etc. However, the appearance of "fertile quality" cervical fluids typically arrives directly prior to ovulation, meaning that women can use CM as a very reliable means of ovulation prediction. Let's take a look at the changes in look and feel of CM as you move through your menstrual cycle...

The appearance and texture of cervical fluids will change as you move through your menstrual cycle. Also, the quantity of cervical mucus present is also a key sign: When you are most fertile, CM should be quite abundant. Texture: During your cycle, cervical mucus may be absent or profuse, dryish or wet, thick or thin, sticky or slippery. It may "hold its shape" or it may stretch between your fingers like raw egg-white. Appearance: The look of cervical fluids will also change during your cycle and CM may be white, creamy, yellowish, translucent, or transparent.

When It Happens: During the first part of your menstrual cycle, CM may not be present or it will be dry and thickish. The color may appear white. As you enter the follicular (pre-ovulatory) phase of your cycle, estrogen increases and you may experience "transitional" cervical mucus, marked by increased moisture, increased volume, a more stretchy texture, and a thinner feel. Transitional mucus will still be a bit tacky and hold its form to some degree. The color of transitional cervical mucus may be white, creamy, or yellowish, though it will still be mostly opaque.

Directly prior to ovulation, cervical mucus should be abundant. Fertile cervical mucus is characterized by a transparent appearance - and it may look and feel like raw egg white and stretch between your fingers without breaking (see fig 1). This stretchiness is called Spinnbarkeit and indicates that ovulation is likely imminent. Fertile CM will be thin, slippery (like lubricant), stretchy and translucent. Typically, fertile-quality cervical fluids will appear a few days prior to and during ovulation. Following ovulation, the quality of CM will change again due to sudden decrease in estrogen and increase of progesterone. You may experience transitional mucus, followed abruptly by an increasing dryness (non-fertile CM) through the rest of your luteal phase. Below is a table that provides an overview describing CM changes, what the changes mean, and when they occur.

As noted above, there are many variables that can affect how cervical mucus is produced - and women may have different experiences charting changes in CM. Notably, popular fertility drugs like clomid can cause dryness or a decrease in CM. In addressing the problem of dryness, Pre-Seed is a great product - the only intimate moisturizer of its kind to not act as a barrier to sperm. Pre-Seed was formulated to provide a fertility-friendly medium for sperm and Pre-Seed may actually increase the odds of conceiving for many women.

A new dietary supplement called, appropriately enough, FertileCM is designed to actually help women produce cervical fluids during the ovulatory phase of their cycle. FertileCM works by facilitating blood flow and circulation to the reproductive organs, and research studies indicate that key ingredients in FertileCM support the production of endocervical secretions during the time a woman is most fertile.

What is HCG ?

2011-04-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Human chorionic gonadotropin - or hCG - is frequently called the "pregnancy hormone". Most trying-to-conceive women who have taken more than a few pregnancy tests already know that hCG is the hormone that is detectable by pregnancy test kits (or by hCG blood tests in your doctor's office). However, typically only doctors know the details behind hCG and its function as a reproductive hormone. The purpose of this article is to discuss hCG - what its purpose is, how fast hCG increases in a pregnant woman's system, and when you can begin testing during your cycle.

First of all, hCG is secreted by the placenta shortly following implantation of the egg. To summarize, shortly after ovulation takes place, the egg is fertilized (conception) and a few days later the fertilized egg (now called an embryo) implants in the wall of the uterus. At this point, the hCG hormone starts flowing - produced by the "pregnancy cells" and incipient placental tissues. hCG will pass into a woman's system and will be present in both blood and urine samples.

The Reproductive Function of HCG

Background: Before ovulation takes place, an egg matures in the ovary - in the ovarian follicle specifically. After a woman ovulates and the egg is set free, the reproductive hormones switch gears: estrogen (dominant during the early part of the cycle) yields to progesterone, which is produced by the corpus luteum, a body that develops from the ovarian follicle once the egg is released. Progesterone functions to warm the body and provide a fertile environment during pregnancy. An elevated level of progesterone will also prevent menstruation (causing one of pregnancy's first symptoms - a missed period).

Here, the reproductive function of hCG becomes clear: hCG sends a message to the corpus luteum to keep the progesterone flowing. That's because progesterone supports and nourishes the endometrium lining where the embryo is implanted. If no hCG is detected by the corpus luteum, the levels of progesterone will decrease at the end of the second half of the menstrual cycle and a woman will have her period (and day one of a new cycle begins). However, if conception and implantion take place, and hCG is secreted by the placental tissue, the hCG hormone will trigger the continued release of progesterone by the corpus luteum. In this case, the progesterone level stays high, the body remains warm, menstruation will not take place and the pregnancy will continue! If you happen to be fertility charting, you should note that your bbt temperatures stay high during pregnancy - and do not drop around the date of your expected period. This is called triphasic charting (but's it not the most reliable indicator of becoming pregnant).

Pregnancy Tests and hCG Hormone Levels

As noted on our products page, our pregnancy tests detect the hCG hormone. Because hCG is secreted by developing placental tissue, it's very reliable indicator that a pregnancy has taken place. One of the most common customer support questions we receive is: "When can I begin testing for pregnancy during my cycle?" To understand when, let's take a look at the general timeline of events that take place once ovulation occurs. As noted above, when conception (the meeting of egg and sperm) takes place, the embryo is still "free-floating" in the space of the mother's womb. hCG only starts flowing following implantation. Typically, implantation of the embryo takes place a handful of days after conception - around six days or so on average. Once the embryo implants, hCG is rapidly produced and doubles in early pregnancy every two to three days. Hence, the rate in which hCG increases is very rapid, nearly exponential. This is called hCG doubling time.

With 20 mIU/ml/hCG pregnancy tests (high sensitivity), you can typically begin testing at around seven to ten days past ovulation. On average, this is when the hCG level in a woman's urine starts to exceed the 20mIU/ml/hCG threshold. Do note that "average" does not mean "everybody"! A negative test result this early in pregnancy (7 to 10 DPO) is not necessarily conclusive: hCG develops at different rates among women, and for some women hCG develops slowly. Follow up tests are recommended every 24 to 48 hours using a first morning urine sample. First morning urine will yield the highest volumes of the "pregnancy hormone". Once you determine a positive result on a home pregnancy test, follow up with doctor.... and congratulations!

HCG Levels in Pregnancy

2011-04-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

What is hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)?

Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is produced during pregnancy. It can be detected by a blood test around eight to eleven days past ovulation. HCG maintains the corpus luteum, which is responsible for progesterone production in early pregnancy. Progesterone helps to keep the lining of the uterus thick for a healthy pregnancy. If there is no hCG present in the woman’s body the lining of the uterus will begin to shed and a new menstrual cycle will begin.

What are normal beta hCG levels?

There is quite a range in what is considered a normal hCG level. In about 85 percent of pregnancies hCG levels will double every two to three days. Your doctor may check your beta hCG level more than once to see if it is rising appropriately. See Justmommies hCG doubling calculator.

Low hCG levels

Low hCG levels may indicate a miscalculated date of conception, an ectopic pregnancy, or a possible miscarriage. However, a perfectly healthy pregnancy may have low hCG levels.

High hCG levels

High hCG levels may indicate a miscalculated date of conception, a molar pregnancy, or a multiple pregnancy

What can interfere with hCG levels?

Some fertility drugs containing hCG may affect your hCG levels. Other than that, other medications including antibiotics and oral contraceptives will not affect your hCG level. If you are taking a fertility medication that would affect your hCG level your health care provider should discuss with you how this would affect your tests.

Beta hCG level chart

2011-04-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Beta hCG level chart

Beta hCG blood pregnancy test are shown in the table

2011-04-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

Beta HCG "the pregnancy hormone" is produced by the cells of the implanting egg and can be produced in the absence of an embryo. Beta hCG can be detected in maternal plasma or urine by 8 to 9 days after ovulation. The chart to the right illustrates the normal rise and fall of hCG levels throughout pregnancy. hCG reaches a peak level at about 8 to 10 weeks and then declines for the remainder of the pregnancy

The "normal" ranges for the Beta hCG blood pregnancy test are shown in the table below.

Week from the Last Menstrual Period	Amount of HCG in mIU/ml
3	5 -50
4	3 - 426
5	19 - 7,340
6	1,080 - 56,500
7 - 8	7,650 - 229,000
9 - 12	25,700 - 288,000
13 - 16	13,300 - 254,000
17 - 24	4,060 - 165,400
25 - 40	3,640 - 117,000

Because of the wide variation in values, the test is not useful in establishing the gestational age of a pregnancy.

Beta hCG levels should double approximately every 2 days for the first four weeks of pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses the doubling time increases. By 6 to 7 weeks gestation beta hCG levels may take as long as 3 1/2 days to double.

You can use the Beta hCG Doubling Time Calculator to calculate the doubling time of two beta hCG samples by entering the date of the blood test and the corresponding beta hCG value for that day. If the hCG level is declining the the half life of will be calculated.

How soon after ovulation can I test?

2011-03-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

A: The earliest you can get a positive result on the most sensitive pregnancy tests is seven days after ovulation. Implantation needs to occur before hCG is produced, and that generally happens between 6-12 days post ovulation, usually by 10 days after. For this reason, it makes economical sense to wait until 10-12 days after ovulation, but even then a significant percentage of women who are pregnant will still show a negative result. Many people won't have a positive HPT until the first day of a missed period or even a few days later.

HCG levels from normal twin pregnancies

2011-03-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

NORMAL TWIN PREGNANCIES

Twin pregnancies tend to show higher HCG levels on a given day of pregnancy. However, there is a large variation in HCG levels between pregnancies, and great overlap exists between single and twin pregnancies.

The values below are from a group of 29 normal twin pregnancies. Because this is a very small group of patients and because lab assays vary, it is important not to rely on these values to determine whether your pregnancy is viable, a single, a twin, etc.

Check with your physician about your own levels

HCG levels from normal singleton pregnancies

2011-03-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

Levels are listed for various days after the ovulatory HCG injection or LH surge

First (same as Third) International Reference Preparation was used
"High" is highest seen in this group of pregnancies
"Low" is lowest seen in this group of pregnancies
"#" is the number of tests done for that day in this group of pregnancies

The values below are from a group of 53 normal singleton pregnancies. Because this is a very small group of patients and because lab assays vary, it is important not to rely on these values to determine whether your pregnancy is viable, a single, a twin, etc.

Check with your physician about your own levels

What are the risks of an abortion?

2011-03-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

An abortion is a surgical procedure, and, like all surgical procedures, it has risks. The most common risk of abortion is infection. Most doctors prescribe antibiotics before and after the abortion to lower the risk of infection.

There is always a small chance that some of the pregnancy tissue will be left behind after the abortion. If that happens, an infection can develop. If the person who had an abortion gets a fever or belly pain, she should see her health professional right away to be sure that she doesn't have an infection. If she does have one, an ultrasound will be done to check for any tissue that may have been left behind. If a lot of tissue was left behind, she may have to have another procedure.

If she gets an infection, the doctor will give her antibiotics to cure it. If she has a very serious infection, she may need to go to the hospital for a few days to receive antibiotics through an IV.

During an abortion, there is always a chance that the doctor could poke a hole in the wall of the uterus with the instruments. This isn't common, but it can happen. If it does happen, the doctor will want to keep a close watch on the person who had the abortion for signs of internal bleeding. If there is any chance of internal bleeding or that nearby organs (such as the bladder or intestine) were injured, the person may need surgery to repair the injury.

What happens after the abortion?

2011-02-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

After someone has an abortion, she will probably have some bleeding and cramping for a few days to 2 weeks after the abortion. If she bleeds a lot, has severe lower belly pain, or a fever, she should call her health professional right away. If that happens, she could have an infection or a small bit of tissue may still be in her uterus.

The day after the abortion, most people can go back to their normal activities. The only thing that a person who had an abortion must do differently is to avoid putting anything in her vagina, because her cervix remains open, making it easier to get an infection. That means she shouldn't use tampons, douche, take a tub bath, or have sexual intercourse for 2 weeks, until she gets a check-up with her health professional.

The doctor will want to see the person who had an abortion 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure. The doctor will do a pelvic exam to make sure that the bleeding has stopped, the cervix has closed, and the uterus has returned to its normal size. When everything is fine, she will be able to have sexual intercourse again.

Does a person have to go to a hospital for an abortion?

2011-02-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

Most first trimester abortions can be performed at a clinic that is specially set up to handle these kinds of surgical procedures. But girls or women who have serious medical conditions like epilepsy or asthma should have the abortion done in a hospital.

Some second trimester abortions can also be done in a clinic. After the 18th week, they should be done in a hospital.

What happens during a second trimester abortion?

2011-02-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

Abortions done in the 13th through the 24th week of pregnancy are called second trimester abortions. They are more difficult for the doctor to do and they can cause more problems for the person having the abortion. If someone decides to get an abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy, she needs to find a doctor who is very experienced in late abortions. She could ask her health professional to recommend someone, or she could go to a hospital clinic or call a woman's clinic to find such a doctor. An experienced doctor can perform a suction abortion up to the 18th or 20th week of pregnancy or later.

Many doctors recommend procedures other than a suction abortion for second trimester abortions. One method is to give the pregnant girl or woman a special medication to cause contractions of the uterus, so the pregnancy will be forced out.

How long does it take to feel better after an abortion?

2011-02-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

After the procedure, the person will be taken to a recovery room where the IV medicine will start to wear off. In the recovery room, she might feel a bit light-headed, dizzy, and sleepy for an hour or so. While she's there, a nurse will check to see that she is having a normal amount of vaginal bleeding. When she feels up to it, she can go home.

If the person getting the abortion has a blood type that's Rh-negative (such as A negative or AB negative), she must get a shot of Rhogam (a substance the keeps the person's body from developing antibodies to a fetus that has Rh-positive blood) before she leaves the clinic or hospital. This is very important, because girls and women with Rh-negative blood can have problems with future pregnancies. Getting the Rhogam shot will help to ensure healthy future pregnancies. That is why a doctor will always check a person's blood type before an abortion.

What happens during a first trimester abortion?

2011-02-20T12:45:00.000-08:00

More than 95% of abortions are done in the first trimester, which is the 6th through 12th week of pregnancy, or 4 to 8 weeks after conception. An abortion done during the first trimester is a simpler medical procedure than one done later in a pregnancy.

The person having the abortion lies on an examining table with her legs in stirrups, just like she would for a pelvic exam. The doctor examines her, especially the size and shape of her uterus, to see how far along the pregnancy is. The doctor inserts an intravenous (IV) tube into the arm or hand of the person having the abortion. The tube is hooked up to a medication that will go into the bloodstream to help the person relax. It may make her feel sleepy and will help to take away any pain she might have.

The doctor then places a speculum in her vagina to see her cervix better and injects a local anesthetic in and around the cervix. A special instrument is put on the cervix to hold it in place so it doesn't move around. The doctor uses other special instruments to slowly dilate (open) the cervix. After the cervix is opened, a plastic tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. The tube is connected to a vacuum suction machine. Using the suction, the doctor removes all the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. The machine makes a lot of noise while it's working, but the process usually takes just a minute or two. The suction may cause some cramping while it is going on, but the person shouldn't feel much else because of the local anesthesia around the cervix and the IV medication.

Once the suction is done, the procedure is over. The doctor will remove the special instruments from the cervix and the speculum. From start to finish, the entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Who can I talk to if I decide to get an abortion?

2011-02-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

Getting an abortion is a big life decision. If you are thinking about having an abortion, you will benefit from talking to someone about it. A trained medical counselor is a good person to hear your concerns and thoughts. Some girls and women feel very sad after having an abortion and really need a supportive adult to help them sort out their feelings. A doctor or another health professional can recommend a counselor to help you deal emotionally with the decision.

What are some reasons that a person might have an abortion?

2011-02-16T12:44:00.003-08:00

The most common reason for an abortion is that the pregnant girl or woman doesn't want to have a baby. Other, less common, reasons might be that the fetus isn't developing correctly (for example, it might have Down syndrome) or the pregnant girl or woman might have health problems that make pregnancy very dangerous to her health.

What is an abortion?

2011-02-16T12:44:00.001-08:00

An abortion is a way to end a pregnancy because a girl or woman doesn't want to have a baby. There are a few different ways to do an abortion, depending on how far along the pregnancy is.

Is it true if you pee or wash your vagina after sex you can prevent pregnancy?

2011-02-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

No it is not.

Let's dissect this so that you understand why not.

You don't urinate from within your vagina, but rather from your urethra, a very small, barely visible opening on your vulva between your vaginal opening and your clitoris. To get a better idea of what I'm talking about, have a look at the first illustration here: Pink Parts - Female Sexual Anatomy.

During vaginal intercourse, if a partner ejaculates, that ejaculate is going into or around the vaginal opening, and then the sperm in that semen move up through the vagina into the cervix. Urine doesn't go anywhere near your cerix nor into your vagina, so it can't wash away semen. It also, for the record, can't wash away any viruses, bacteria or parasites when it comes to sexually transmitted infections.

In terms of washing, again, when we wash our genitals, we wash the outside: our mons, outer labia, inner labia, maybe right around our anuses. Even if you try and wash the inside or douche -- which is always a bad idea, and it can cause imbalances in the vagina which can lead to discomfort or infection -- water, soap or a douche solution isn't going into your cervix. Sperm swim fast. Even if you did an Olympic sprint to the bathroom after sex to try and wash out your vagina, you couldn't beat them to the punch.

The opening to the cervix (and you saw where that is if you read the whole of that article I linked you to: it's the neck of your uterus that juts into the very back of the vagina), is incredibly small. Part of why that is is to protect your reproductive organs. If that opening wasn't small, it'd be really easy for us to wind up with cervical or uterine infections that made us infertile and very ill. It's too small for water, but not too small for sperm, which are microscopically teeny-weeny. After ejaculation, they head through the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus, not inside the vagina, seeking out or trying to fertilize an egg. Urine or water from washing can't get into your uterus.

For more information on how pregnancy happens, check this out: Where DID I Come From? A Refresher Course in Human Reproduction.

If you want to prevent pregnancy and have vaginal intercourse, then you need to use a reliable method of birth control that is highly effective. Condoms are a very easy method for anyone to find, afford and use and when used properly, are very effective. They also protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Other options are female barrier methods -- like a diaphragm, which blocks the entrance to the cervix -- or hormonal methods -- like the birth control pill, which changes your fertility cycle continuously so you don't release eggs to be fertilized, and so it's tougher for sperm to get to the cervix in the first place. You can talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about any of these methods, and figure out which is best for you.

And if you or your partner aren't ready to deal with any method of birth control? Then if you don't want to become pregnant, the only right choice is to abstain from sex until you both ARE ready.

Ovulation Cramps

2011-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

Fourteen days after the menstrual cycle is over, eggs are released from the ovary and this phase is known as ovulation. A woman can know about her ovulation from various ovulation symptoms that may develop in her body. One of the most important ovulation symptoms is developing a cramp in the body. There will be some pain due to cramp and it will mainly occur in the abdominal region of the woman. The duration of this pain may vary across different patients and it may last for few hours to two days.

If the abdominal pain occurs and if it is found to be continuing, then you can follow some natural remedies which can give you relief from the pain. First of all, when ovulation symptoms develop, one may feel that the urge to drink water has gone down to a great extent. So, one can feel quite relieved by taking eight or ten glasses of water everyday. Water will keep the body well hydrated which will give the woman a great relief from cramp pain.

If you have got heating pads at home, you can also make well use of that. Just place the heating pad for no more than 15 minutes in the abdomen. Slowly you will feel that the pain from the cramp is going down. You will feel a soothing effect at the place of the pain.

There is no reason to get worried if you do not have heating pad at home. You can sit in a tub filled with warm water and take hot water bath.

What Are The Symptoms Of Ovulation?

2011-01-23T08:57:00.001-08:00

Ovulation is the release of a single, mature egg from a follicle that developed in the ovary. It usually occurs regularly, around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. Once released, the egg is capable of being fertilized for 12 to 48 hours before it begins to disintegrate. Although there are several days of the month in which a woman is fertile, she is most fertile during the days around ovulation. Having sex at least every other day during that week is a good strategy, if you want to get pregnant.

If you are attempting conception, predicting your ovulation period can enhance your chances of getting pregnant. The easiest and least technical method of predicting ovulation involves simply counting days. Our ovulation calendar provides an easy and free way to learn about your most fertile times.

When counting days in an attempt to pin point ovulation, the first day of your period, when you start bleeding, is commonly 14 days after your ovulation.

If you have a regular cycle, then this method can work for you. For example, if you have a perfect 30-day cycle, you will ovulate around day 16 (30-14=16). Day 1 is the first day of your next period. Women who frequently miss periods or have widely varying cycles will gain little information from this method. It is best to combine this method with others in order to get a more accurate determination of when you are ovulating.

A better natural method involves noticing physical symptoms, which deal with ovulation such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus changes and others like lower abdominal pains, which are symptoms of ovulation. The body temperature chart is a daily recording of body temperature, which is an indicator of ovulation (body temperature will rise after ovulation). Cervical mucus monitoring involves examining the mucus that is secreted from the cervix, which enables you to predict the time of ovulation.

Does a person need to use birth control after an abortion?

2011-01-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

Most girls will ovulate two to four weeks after an abortion. That means that she must use birth control right away. If she is planning to start birth control pills, she can start on the first Sunday after the abortion.

But she must remember that she is not protected against pregnancy for the first month that she uses birth control pills. She has to use an extra method of birth control, like a condom, during that first month.

Does a past abortion affect my chances of getting pregnant?

2010-12-21T12:29:00.000-08:00

Does a past abortion affect my chances of getting pregnant?
Does a past abortion (or more than one) affect my chances of getting pregnant?

Expert Answers
The BabyCenter Editorial Team

Probably not. However, in rare cases, multiple dilations and curettages (the cleaning out of the uterus, also known as a D&C) can cause some scarring
at the top of the cervix or inside the uterus. A procedure called hysteroscopy (when a small camera is placed through your cervix into your uterine cavity) can be used to check for this problem and can usually repair the scar tissue at the same time. But even if that's not the case for you, you should know that any procedure that dilates the cervix (a necessary step during most abortions) can weaken it.

So if you've had more than one abortion and you get pregnant again later on, you may find that you have what's known as an incompetent cervix — a cervix that starts dilating prematurely. This can sometimes be treated with a stitch to keep the cervix closed, called a cerclage. On the bright side, having conceived before proves that you ovulate and that your fallopian tubes are open.

Indications of sperm retrieval with invasive techniques

2010-12-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

Indications of sperm retrieval with invasive techniques

1. Azoospermia cases
2. Obstructive azoospermia

Surgical correction of obstruction may be tried in obstructive azoospermia cases if it is amenable to treatment. Epididymovasostomy, vazovasostomy operations for proximal obstructions and transurethral ejaculatory duct resection or transrectal aspiration of prostatic cysts can be performed. If the patient is not amenable to surgery or in the case of failure of surgery ; MESA ,PESA or TESA/TESE can be performed to obtain sperm

-Nonobstructive Azoospermia
In nonobstructive azoospermia cases there is a problem with the sperm production. The problem may be related with hypothalamic-pituitary axis which regulates spermatogenesis within the testis. Microsurgical TESE is preferred in nonobstructive azoospermia cases because of the risk of obtaining insufficient sperm when TESA performed. It is suggested that mapping before TESE/TESA helps to define the possible sites of spermatogenesis. If the etiology of azoospermia is a pure hormonal deficiency, the hormone replacement treatment before TESE has been conclusively demonstrated to be efficacious.

Side Effects of Norlevo

2010-12-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

Norlevo, which contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, is a medication that is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Norlevo may cause the user to experience a number of side effects ranging in severity based on the dose size and the particular individual.

Identification
Norlevo can be purchased over the counter and contains the hormone progesterone. It is often recognized as the "day-after pill" because it used to prevent pregnancy the day after unprotected sex has occurred. It is also recommended for use if birth-control devices have failed during intercourse. Use of the medication is most effective when taken within the first 24 hours of the sexual encounter.

Common Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with the use of Norlevo include tenderness of the breasts, nausea, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, changes in menstrual flow and general tiredness. These common side effects may be cause for concern if any worsen or become persistent. Contact your doctor in such an event.

Severe Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, users of Norlevo may experience a variety of severe side effects including severe pain of the lower stomach, fainting, a period that is spotting and a missed period. Severe allergic reaction to the medication may also occur, signaled by skin irritation, rash and a swelling of the face or throat. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these side effects arise.

Drug Interactions
Norlevo can react negatively with a range of popular medications. Always consult a full list of possible interactions before taking Norlevo. The following drugs can react severely with this medication: acitretin, Agenerase, amprenavir, bexarotene, bosentan, etretinate, Fulvicin, Zanaflex, Lexiva and Soriatane. If you believe that you are experiencing side effects as a result of drug interaction, seek immediate attention from your doctor.

Warning
Norlevo should be used only by females. This medication will not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Do not use as a regular form of birth control. Never use Norlevo if you are pregnant of breastfeeding. Norlevo is not recommended for safe use in children.

Read more: Side Effects of Norlevo | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5561350_side-effects-norlevo.html#ixzz17YHpfiWC

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF INFERTILITY?

2010-12-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

It is the condition of not getting pregnant after 1 year of unprotected and regular sexual intercourse. 15% of the couples in the world feel the need to apply for supportive fertility techniques.

The point not to be forgotten is that even when normal couples with no health problems have sexual intercourse every day, in a single menstrual period, the possibility of getting pregnant is only 25%. After one year the possibility of pregnancy rises up to 80%.
In the cases of rare menstrual periods, 3 or more miscarriages, past pelvic infection, small testicles of the male and the past age of the woman a consultancy to a doctor should be made without waiting for a year.
The reproductive potential of the women is at peak between the ages of 20 to 30; after years the potential decreases and after 35 a faster decrease can be observed. Extremely thin and fat people can also encounter difficulties for getting pregnant. Also, smoking and alcohol decreases the sperm count of the man and spoils the egg quality of the woman.

ICSI (Microinjection)

2010-12-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS A MICROINJECTION (ICSI) PROCEDURE?

In this system, different from IVF, one single sperm is injected into one single egg and waiting period for the embryos to develop begins. From the developing embryos the optimum ones for the transfer are chosen. Microinjection is usually preferred for men who have very low sperm count and even for men who have no sperm in their semen therefore had to be obtained from their testicles.

Figure 2. Microinjection procedure

WHEN AND HOW IS THE EMBRYO TRANSFER REALISED?

Embryo transfer is the last step in test tube baby treatment. 48 to 72 hours after the gathering of the eggs, embryos are placed in the womb when they are of 2 to 8 cellular. This procedure can only be executed between the 2nd and 6th days.

Before the embryo transfer the patient must retain their urine. With the help of an ultrasound from the belly, the embryo amount declared beforehand is injected with a thin catheter at the entrance of the womb. The embryo transfer procedure is not painful therefore anesthesia is not required. After the procedure hormone injection, suppository or cream is given to the patient in order to support the tissue layering the womb (endometrium). If pregnancy occurs this treatment continues until the tenth month of pregnancy. In situations where pregnancy does not occur and menstruation starts then the treatment has to be stopped. On the 12th day of the embryo transfer the patient is called in for a pregnancy test. For patients who test positive the blood test is then repeated two days later.

After the embryo transfer no difference has been spotted between resting or ongoing with daily activities. However it is recommended that the patient does not perform any heavy duty chores 3-4 days after the procedure.

There is a direct relation between the number of embryos transferred and pregnancy rates. Best results are obtained with the transfer of 2 to 4 embryos. When more than two embryos are transferred it is common to encounter multiple pregnancy.

Figure 1. 8 Cellular Embryo

WHAT IS EMBRYO FREEZING PROCEDURE?
For couples who own many embryos and have quality embryos left over from the transfer they can have the rest frozen and in Turkey they can be kept for up to 5 years. If the laboratory environment is good the frozen embryo transfer success rate is quite high.

IF THE TEST TUBE BABY TREATMENT IS UNSUCCESSFUL WHAT SHOULD BE THE WAITING PERIOD?

Ideally it is best to wait 1.5 to 2 months between the two test tube baby assays. If the financial and psychological factors are convenient a second try could be done.

PROBLEMS THAT COULD BE ENCOUNTERED DURING TEST TUBE BABY PROCEDURES

Cancellation of the treatment: This usually occurs when the patient does not respond to the treatment and not enough eggs are formed. Usually this ratio is 1 in 7.

No eggs are found: This occurs Rarely when there are problems with the ovaries, frequently hatching before the eggs are gathered or no eggs are obtained from the follicle even though the ultrasound and E2 tracking looked normal (Empty follecule syndrome). EFS is seen in 2-7% of all cycles and if the age of the women is advanced then repetition probability will rise up to 20%.

Transfer difficulty: Due to the anatomical problems of the woman embryo transfer may be very difficult. Pregnancy rate decreases in these situations.

Not finding sperm: In 40% of the patients that TESE is executed, sperm cannot be found and therefore the treatment is cancelled under obligation.

Insemination does not occur: It is seen in 5% of the women who undergo the egg gathering process. Even though most of the time the reason could be justified as low sperm count or egg it is not always possible to exhibit the reason.

Bleeding before the pregnancy test: Possibility of ectopic pregnancy: The possibility of ectopic pregnancy in test tube baby procedures is between 1-3%. This possibility increases with patients who have a surgery or damaged tubes history. In most of the cases a brown spotting like dispatch from the vagina and groin pains are symptoms but it can be spotted more clearly by a pregnancy serial blood test (beta HCG) along with vaginal ultrasound. When patients menstruate before the test day it does not necessarily mean that pregnancy rate decreases and no pregnancy will occur.

Ovarian Hiperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): This situation sometimes takes place on some patients when they are given medication to increase egg production and their ovaries overreact. The specific reason is not known. Some side effects might take place during two weeks following stimulation. This situation can be noticed when abdominal cavity and other body cavities are filled with liquid. The symptoms are swelling, lower abdomen pain, nausea, vomiting an on severe cases respiratory disorder and increase in blood clotting. Some minor effects can be seen in test tube baby patients but on 5% of the patients the situation intensifies and these patients will need to be treated as an inpatient in a hospital. For patients carrying a risk of OHSS the treatment can be cancelled or the embryo transfer could be cancelled to a further date after the eggs have been gathered or the eggs could be frozen or the medication dosage could be decreased.

Early pregnancy symptoms

2010-11-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Early pregnancy symptoms

There are various pregnancy symptoms that can indicate you might be pregnant. They differ from woman to woman, and from pregnancy to pregnancy. If you're pregnant, you may notice one or more of these symptoms. Don't worry; you're unlikely to get them all at once. Equally, you shouldn't worry if you don't experience any of them. It's perfectly possible to be pregnant without noticing any of the 'classic' signs of pregnancy listed below.

Classic Symptoms of Pregnancy

Missed period. This is the earliest and most reliable sign if you have a regular monthly cycle. Though it is possible to have a little light bleeding or spotting around the time you expected your period, even if you're pregnant.

If you don't have a regular cycle, you may notice some of the other pregnancy symptoms before you notice a missed period.

Feeling tired. You may feel unusually tired in the first few weeks of pregnancy. This is probably due to rising levels of the hormone progesterone.

Feeling sick. You may start feeling sick, and even vomit, between about the 2nd and 8th week of pregnancy. Although this is often called 'morning sickness' it can happen to you at any time of the day or night.

Changes in your breasts. You may notice your breasts getting larger, feeling tender, or tingling (the way some women's breasts do just before they get their period) in the early weeks of pregnancy. In addition, the veins on your breasts may show up more and your nipples may get darker.

Going to the loo more often. About 6-8 weeks after conception you may find that you have to get up in the night to go to the loo. Some pregnant women also find that they 'leak' a bit when they cough, laugh or sneeze.

Mood swings and stress. You may feel rapid changes in mood in the early stages of pregnancy, and even start to cry sometimes, without knowing why. This is probably because of the changes in hormone levels taking place in your body.

Changing tastes in food. You may find you go off certain things like tea, coffee or fatty food. Some women also feel cravings for types of food they don't usually like.

What is RU–486?

2010-11-18T14:13:00.001-08:00

RU-486 in conjunction with a synthetic prostaglandin such as Misoprostol — which is known as RU-486/— causes the abortion of a pre-born human being.

Medical Abortion

2010-11-18T14:07:00.000-08:00

Medical Abortion What is it?
A medical abortion uses drugs to empty the contents of the uterus. Medical abortions can be done only early in pregnancy. There are two drug combinations used to cause abortions:

1. methotrexate and misoprostol
2. mifepristone (RU 486) and misoprostol

Only the first combination is currently available in Canada. The second combination mifepristone (RU 486) and misoprostol is not currently approved for sale in Canada.

Methotrexate is a drug used to treat psoriasis, and cancer. It also stops the growth of the pregnancy when given to a woman very early in pregnancy. Methotrexate is usually given by injection.

Misoprostol is a drug used to treat stomach ulcers. It causes the muscles of the uterus to contract, pushing out the contents. Tablets of misoprostol are placed in the vagina five to seven days after the methotrexate injection is given. In most cases the uterus will be emptied within 24 hours, but in about 35 percent of cases, it can take several days or weeks. Pain medication is used to ease the pain of the cramps, which occur when the pregnancy tissue comes out of the uterus.

The drugs that induce medical abortions cause birth defects. A woman who takes these drugs must be prepared to have a surgical abortion if the medical abortion is unsuccessful. A follow-up exam is done one or two weeks after the methotrexate injection to make sure that the abortion has happened.

When is the procedure done?
Most places will only do a medical abortion using methotrexate and misoprostol up to seven weeks or six weeks and six days by ultrasound. Where the mifepristone and misoprostol combination is available, it may be used slightly longer, up to nine weeks after your last period.

Advantages

avoids surgery and the risk of damage to the uterus with surgical instruments

can be done early before signs of pregnancy occur

may feel less invasive than surgery

may seem more private to some women since much of the procedure can occur at home

Disadvantages

takes place over a week or more and involves several visits to the doctor

ten percent risk that the procedure will be incomplete and a surgical abortion will need to be done

sometimes causes heavy bleeding

the drugs may have unpleasant side effects including nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping or pain, vomiting, hot flashes

Frozen embryo transfer (FET)/ Donor egg cycle

2010-11-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

Preparation before drug protocol begins

This is what we refer to as the preconception phase.

It is during this time we hope to optimize your reproductive health

We treat holistically which means we take into account your physical, emotional and spiritual aspect. We do not only focus on regulating the menstrual cycle to alleviate any pain or discomfort before and during one s cycle, we also want to improve all systems of your body and mind. If you are sleeping well, full of vitality, proper digestion and elimination and healthy sense of self then all systems will work more efficiently including your reproductive system. This can be accomplished by treating some of the subtle imbalances in the body mind and spirit via acupuncture, herbs, supplements, diet, and lifestyle

During estrogen lining growth phase

Two acupuncture treatments/week * Increase blood flow to uterus - better lining then better chance of implantation

Treat side effects to medications

Relax - Studies have shown how stress can negatively impact fertility and IVF success. Studies have also shown how acupuncture can reduce the effects of stress and therefore optimize your IVF/ICSI cycle

Transfer day (FET/donor egg)

Acupuncture treatment immediately before and after day 3 embryo transfer

For blastocyst transfer- acupuncture treatment three days after retrieval and again on day 5 before transfer of blastocyst (No treatment immediately after transfer).

Implantation to pregnancy test

Acupuncture treatment 5-10 days after transfer

Assist with implantation and support of fetus development

Basal Body Temperature

2010-11-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

Basal body temperature is your body’s temperature prior to rising from bed and after having rested for a minimum of three hours. This can vary slightly from one woman to another. Increasing levels in the hormone progesterone result in a slight increase in body temperature of approximately 0.2 C degrees Celsius following ovulation. This increase may be smaller of greater and can be seen as either a sudden increase or a more gradual climb over several days. An increase in body temperature does not predict ovulation but rather signals that ovulation has already occurred. Once your body temperature peaks and remains at this higher level for three days you can conclude that ovulation has occurred. This temperature increase continues throughout your cycle until immediately prior to the onset of menstruation when it will dip slightly, however if you are pregnant your temperature will remain elevated.

The Basal Body Temperature method involves measuring your body temperature each morning prior to rising, plotting these temperature readings on a chart and examining the resulting patterns. As you see changes from month to month you will gradually build up an overall picture of your fertility pattern. By including other fertility indicators with your charting this should provide you with an even more detailed understanding of your menstrual cycle and fertility patterns.

Obtaining a thermometer

A digital basal body temperature thermometer or an accurate digital thermometer is recommended as these are easier to read and will 'beep' to let you know when your temperature has been accurately recorded. You should use the same thermometer throughout a cycle.

There are a number of manufacturers that produce thermometers especially suited for charting basal body temperatures. Typically these have a finer range, increased sensitivity measuring up to 1/100th of a degree and specialised memory features. Baby 4 You are stockists of the flexi style, high accuracy, 1/100 degree scale, auto beep OuvTemp basal body thermometer.

Taking your temperature

Prior to going to bed in the evening leave your thermometer within arm's reach of your bedside. As soon as you wake up (and before doing anything else) take your temperature according to the directions given with your particular thermometer.

You can take your temperature orally, vaginally or rectally so long as you take in same place for the duration of your cycle. You should take your temperature as close as possible to the same time each day, as your temperature can vary with time (0.1 C per hour)

Recording your temperature

Record your temperature and date either directly onto your BBT chart or onto a piece of notepaper to add into your chart or charting software latter in the day. BBT thermometers often come with a complementary blank chart that be easily photocopied. Our flexi basal thermometer comes with such a chart or you might like to download our alternative version for free.

Pregnancy Signs

2010-11-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

There are a few common symptoms that let you know that you are pregnant.

They are:

Missed period - If you have a regular 28/29 day cycle, then being late or missing a period is a pretty good sign that you may be pregnant however there are other factors that can delay periods see Could I be pregnant? so its usually better to look for more than one sign of pregnancy than just delayed period. If you have a more irregular cycle, or have just come off the Pill or other hormonal contraception, then a late period may NOT be an indication that you are pregnant.

Nausea or morning sickness - can occur not just in the morning but all day long. It can be as severe as throwing up or just feeling off your food. Alot of women find that their sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy, and smelling food cooking can make you feel sick. You may also find that you are absolutely starving but the thought of actually eating food is revolting or alternatively finding something that you feel like eating is very difficult.

Nausea or morning sickness generally wears off at the 12 /13 week point. Not all women feel nauseous and different prganancies can produce different symptoms.

Frequent urination - the desire to pee frequently is a pretty good sign of pregnancy and can start very early.

Sore Breasts - are another sign of pregnancy but some women experience sore breasts before bleeding. Increase in breast size, soreness and the darkening of the nipple area are key.

Fatigue - it takes ALOT of energy to grow a baby, so you may feel really tired during pregnancy. Take it as a hint and rest up, cause once that beautiful baby arrives regular sleep can be a thing of the past for quite some time.

Mood Swings and raging hormones - the sudden changes in hormone activity as your body adjusts to its new pregnant state can cause emotionality and mood swings. Again this can be pre-menstrual, but if it continues and your period just doesn't come, then it could be a sign.

Spotting - A woman may spot (lightly bleed) 9-10 days after fertilisation. It is not a normal period and it is perfectly normal. However, once it is done and you are confident you are pregnant, you should not spot anymore. If you do bleed at all during pregnancy see your doctor.

So these are the most common signs of pregnancy, some of them can be confused with PMS so the more you have the better. If you think you may be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or see your doctor and find out for sure. Then, take good care of yourself.

Signs of Pregnancy & Early Pregnancy Symptoms

2010-11-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

It wouldn’t be difficult knowing we were pregnant if our uterus came complete with flashing lights and twirling tassels which activate when conception has occured! But unfortunately, the only pregnancy symptoms we can rely on hormonal changes that occur within in our body.

You may start noticing pregnancy symptoms and/or be able to detect pregnancy after implantation, which occurs from around 7-10 days post ovulation. If you have conceived, the embryo starts to produce hCG after implantation and not before, so it is not possible to detect pregnancy or have pregnancy symptoms before this time. So the longer you wait to test after ovulation, the more accurate the result will be and the darker the potential positive test line may be. Pregnancy testing should ideally be done from the day your period would have been due.

What Pregnancy Symptoms Might I Experience?

Below is a list of pregnancy symptoms which you may find signal pregnancy for your own body. Remember, every woman and every pregnancy is different, so there’s no need to panic if you don’t have all of the listed pregnancy symptoms. I had absolutely no noticable symptoms (apart from not having a period) with my second pregnancy until 11 weeks.

High BBT (Basal Body Temperature)

If you regularly chart your cycle and take your temperatures, you will notice that your BBT will remain high throughout your luteal phase. Progesterone causes your BBT to rise upon ovulation and stay elevated should you be pregnant. If you are not pregnant, your BBT will drop right down and you’ll get your period as normal.

Missed / No Period

One of the first pregnancy symptoms you may notice is that your period does not arrive. While this symptom is one we most commonly associate with pregnancy, there may be other reasons why a period hasn’t arrived, for example high levels of stress, major illness or surgery. On the other hand, it’s possible to continue to have your periods during pregnancy. Some women may bleed for just a few months or even their whole pregnancy. (See our topic on Bleeding in Pregnancy for more information).

Morning Sickness

Another well known pregnancy symptom is morning sickness. Don’t let it’s name fool you – morning sickness can pay you a visit any time of day, so make sure you eat enough and avoid letting your blood sugar levels drop. Ginger is a great natural remedy for nausea so it’s worth a try, although some women find that nothing seems to help their morning sickness, which normally hangs around for the first trimester before getting better or if you are unlucky, the second trimester or even whole pregnancy. (See our topic on Common Pregnancy Ailments for more information).

Breast Changes

From very early on in pregnancy a symptom you may notice is changes in your breasts, including:

* Nipples may be tender and sensitive – some women describe their nipples to be irritatingly sensitive!
* Breast may be sore and / or lumpy
* Nipples may deepen in colour
* Veins may become more noticeable and enlarged in the breast area
* Areolas may darken (circles around your nipples)
* The little ‘bumps’ on your areolas (Montgomery’s Tubercles) may increase and / or enlargen

Increased Cervical Mucus

A surge in progesterone often results in a surge of creamy cervical mucus production. Some women may notice a little, and some notice much more.

Fatigue

When you first become pregnant, your metabolism steps up a few gears in order to support your developing baby as well as your own body, which creates one big workload! You may become so immensely tired that you feel that you need to sleep more than usual. Not only that, but the hormone progesterone which is required in high levels during pregnancy has a sedating effect. No wonder you feel so very tired! If you need to rest or sleep, don’t fight your body – it needs it!

Frequent Urination

As soon as a week after conception, you may notice yourself dashing off to the toilet more often, only to find that you’re urinating small amounts! This happens because the embryo starts to secrete the pregnancy hormone hCG, which signals for the blood supply to increase in the pelvic area. This results in the bladder becoming irritable and it passes even small amounts of urine. You may find you will wake in the night to urinate more often than usual.

Cramping

This symptom of early pregnancy can also be an unnerving one for parents-to-be, as often there is a fear of miscarriage. However even when not pregnant, your uterus is continually contracting. When pregnant, the foetus grows and pushes against the walls of your uterus, which causes it to contract – this is very normal.

If the cramping is accompanied by bleeding, see your doctor who can assess the situation to see if you may be having a miscarriage. However do not panic as bleeding is also common in pregnancy – see our article on ‘Bleeding in Pregnancy’ for more information. Women can have both cramping and bleeding in pregnancy and be able to continue on with a healthy pregnancy.

Spotting

At around 8-10 days after ovulation (just before you would normally get your period) you may notice light spotting, which is caused from the implantation of the embryo into your uterus lining. The spotting is usually pinkish in colour and not red like a normal period.

Constipation & Wind

It just keeps getting better doesn’t it?! Increased hormones have an effect on your intestines, making them more relaxed – this helps with making more space for the baby as your uterus expands. As a result you may get constipated. Luckily there are some constipation remedies available over the counter from your pharmacist that are safe for pregnancy – do check with the pharmacist first though.

Sense of Smell

No it’s not just because your partner hasn’t washed his socks for a week – pregnancy can heighten your sense of smell! Smells which never bothered you before may become intolerable, causing nausea. Food and cooking smells are usually the culprit, however every woman is different and may dislike all sorts of smells.

Nasal Stuffiness / Colds

A foetus is very clever, even at an early age. In a healthy pregnancy, your immune system is suppressed and prevented from attacking and rejecting the foetus as if it were an foreign object by hormones and antibodies the foetus produces. The antibodies also take part in the growth and development of the placenta. As a result of these hormonal changes to your immune system, you are more susceptible to colds and flu. Nasal stuffiness is also very common in pregnancy due to the hormonal effects on the nasal passages.

Pimples / Acne

You may find that even if you don’t usually get pimples or acne, you may get them in early pregnancy. It will most likely settle down fairly quickly after your hormone levels stabilise, however make sure that you do not pick or squeeze pimples which may leave scars and/or spread bacteria.

Cravings / Changes in Taste

The rising hormone levels in your blood can reflect in your saliva. You may notice a metallic taste in your mouth which alters the taste of foods you usually enjoy or the feeling of food in your mouth. Some women will not eat meat and some women gag when brushing their teeth from their toothpaste!

You may have heard stories of women craving strange things which are not foods at all, some of these cravings include dirt, clay or chalk. This is a condition called Pica.

No-one really knows why pregnant women have cravings, it is believed from some evidence that the body is craving vitamins and minerals it is deficient in. If you have a craving, there is nothing wrong with giving in to them, however if you are craving high fat foods or food with little nutritional value, see if you can find a substitute. If you are not yet taking pregnancy multivitamins, it might be a good time to start. You might like to consider taking some In-Liven

Change in Colour of Your Vagina

Due to the increased level of blood in the pelvic region, you may find your vagina will appear more purplish than normal.

Testing for Pregnancy

As mentioned above, it’s important to try to wait until your period would have been due before testing, as the pregnancy hormone hCG may not be at a high enough level to be detected by a pregnancy test, which may only result in disappointment. Perhaps you can distract yourself for two weeks by planning a special treat for yourself at the end of each day for not testing! You might also like to read our article on the two week wait for some light hearted humour!

Doctors Tests

When you have a positive pregnancy test, your doctor will do a few tests of his/her own. These may include:

Urine Test – Your doctor may ask you to perform another pregnancy test in his clinic.

Blood Test – Doctors may test for all sorts of different things, so if you’d like to know something specific, ask them. For example, my doctor never measured my hCG levels until I asked. He told me that the positive urine pregnancy tests were enough convincing for him that I was pregnant. The second time my new GP felt it was something my Obstetrician would do anyway and again, a positive pregnancy test was enough convincing for him.

Some levels which may or may not be tested include hCG, your blood type (if you don’t know your blood type or if you are rhesus negative – see our topic on rhesus negative blood), iron levels, HIV and levels of antibodies you might have for other conditions relevant to pregnancy, for example Rubella.

Internal/Pelvic Exam – Some doctors may perform an internal, others may leave it up to an Obstetrician, depending on what sort of care you choose. Private midwives generally do not do them as they feel it’s not required and wont achieve anything. Internals are often the norm at a first pre-natal appointment with an Obstetrician, however it is not essential or medically necessary, so you can refuse it. While a little uncomfortable, an internal should not be painful.

Basal body temperature method

2010-10-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

Temperature method basal body temperature or the temperature method, also called basal body temperature is one of the methods of natural family planning. Using this method, the fertile days are determined by the woman. Ovulation is determined by the morning body temperature. In the first half of the cycle, the body temperature is rather low. Within 48 hours after ovulation the temperature rises by about 0.3 to 0.6 degrees. It remains to increased shortly before the next menstrual period. The Pearl index of the temperature method is 1 to 10

Application

Mrs. measures each morning before getting up their body temperature, either in the mouth, vagina or anus. It does not matter in which the aforementioned body openings, the temperature is measured, it is important to measure in the same place with the same thermometer. Within a cycle, the measurement location can not be changed. It would be ideal to measure body temperature every morning at the same time. Well comparable results provide digital thermometer that can measure the body temperature to exactly two decimal places. The value is entered in a graph. Unprotected sexual intercourse is permitted only on the days after ovulation, that is usually two days after the temperature rise. Watch Before using this method, women their bodies for months and know their learning cycle.

Benefits

This method does not burden the body. Woman can get to know better by the way her body.

Disadvantages

Used alone, this method is not very secure. The daily temperature measurement requires much discipline. The method must be learned before it is used as a contraceptive method. Various factors such as disease, mood swings, stress, lack of sleep or greater alcohol consumption can affect the morning temperature, leading to incorrect results. This method is not suitable for young girls because their cycles often not regular. The temperature method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Sex after birth? Take your time!

2010-10-07T03:36:00.000-07:00

What is different after giving birth?

After a birth, not only changes the female body, but the entire life of the woman and the partner. In women, the uterus shrinks, simultaneously, blood and mucus excreted (lochia). After six to eight weeks, the uterus has formed back to its former shape and size. Any cuts or wounds heal. The hormone balance is adjusted to the new circumstances. The effort of the birth, the newborn care, older siblings and not enough sleep fatigue many women. They often take little time or energy on to her partner, which can strain the relationship very much.
Further support is if the parents are able to understand at this time as a unit that has the same objective.

When you can after the birth have sex?

Sexual intercourse after the birth can be resumed as soon as it is fun again and no complaints are present. The lochia should be dry. Since breast-feeding does not protect against a new pregnancy, the prevention considerations are more complex and discuss together. Recommended such as the condom appears or progestin preparations, which do not affect the flow of milk. Non-breastfeeding mothers can e.g. the insertion of the beginning of the period with the pill. With them is six to eight weeks after the expected delivery of the first menstruation.

When the desire is to sex again?

There is no limit of normal or a defined point in time when the appetite for sex, especially on sexual re-established. This depends on many external and internal factors and of course the partnership. In most cases, initially covers the closeness between mother and child, woman's needs for contact and affection from. Many women have little desire to after the birth of sexuality. You often feel tired, drained and listless and take in its true female role diminished. Dissatisfaction with body image can suppress feelings of pleasure. Other women feel after giving birth very powerful. They experience themselves are attractive and the performance they have achieved, proud. They enjoy breastfeeding and erotic situations often experience more enjoyable exercise than before the pregnancy.

Sexuality after childbirth

is the absence of birth-related complaints it anymore no medical restrictions on sexuality.

A birth changed the life of a woman and a partnership fundamentally. Impact it has mostly to sexuality. Thus offers a serious change in the chance to meet new in the sexual community. Preferences, the pre-pregnancy and birth may have changed. It is important to carefully and cautiously explore new and their own needs and desires with those of the partner's re-tune. For most couples, it is initially difficult to establish intimacy, especially as one ear is usually geared towards children. A change in thinking that not only undisturbed sex is equated with good sex can relax such a situation.

Sexuality does not mean sex. It includes heat, proximity, common understanding and tenderness, caressing, cuddling or petting. Also supports this type of donation in our own perception of the role as a woman or man, which sexual desire can be supported. These forms of sexuality can be lived, if a little trouble maker and reports required under the breast or bottle. Hormonal shortly after delivery, it may cause interference of lubrication (wet to the vagina) can occur. With a bit of lubricant or saliva can be easily remedied this problem.

What is menstruation

2010-10-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

What is menstruation (usually period)?

The first menstrual period (menarche) begins during puberty. The bleeding is a sign of early maturity and fertility. In more or less regular cycles is repeated in the body from now on an interplay of hormones. In young girls and women in menopause, the bleeding is often irregular. The menstrual fluid is blood from the uterus and parts of the endometrium.

The female sex organs

The internal sex organs of women consist of two ovaries and fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina (vagina). The ovaries are responsible to train mature fertilizable eggs. If the ovary is by hormones (follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone, FSH and LH), stimulates the egg matures. Around mid-cycle dissolves in the mature egg from the ovary (ovary). This process is called ovulation or ovulation.

The egg travels down the fallopian tube after all (tube) to the uterus (womb). The endometrium is prepared by the action of these hormones and progesterone (progesterone) to incorporate the egg. Progesterone is released shortly after ovulation. If the egg is fertilized, it attaches itself in the endometrium.

If no fertilization takes place, there is a diminished supply of progesterone, the uterine lining which is broken down and are shed residues in the menstrual period (menstruation).

At each monthly period a woman loses about 150 milliliters of blood. The whole cycle takes about 28 days. Unless the woman is pregnant, he starts all over again. The cycle time between the first day of menstruation and the last day before the next menstrual period is counted. Cycle lengths of 25 to 35 days are considered normal.

When menstruation begins?

Most girls get their first period at age 10 to 14 years. The average is 12.5 years.

Women get her period until they are between 45 and 55 years and menopause begins. Overall, a woman gets in their lives about 500 menstrual bleeding.

Can you feel ovulation?

Many women feel their ovulation (ovulation). It is noticeable as a weak pain in the abdomen. Some women are having the time of ovulation also has a small circulation.

The timing of ovulation can be determined by body temperature. At the time of ovulation it rises by 0.5 degrees. This is exploited in the temperature method. At best it is in the mouth (oral) or intestine (measured rectally).

You should measure the temperature every day before getting up. In order to compare the measurements, they should choose a type of temperature measurements (oral or rectal). Increases body temperature, ovulation took place. This takes about eight to ten days after each menstrual period (about the 14th day of the cycle). This is also the most fertile time in the cycle.

In the middle of the cycle, the vaginal discharge mucous-like threads and moves. Also on the consistency of the mucus can be seen the time of ovulation.

What factors affect menstruation?

The menstrual cycle is a very complex process involving many hormones, the female sex organs and nervous system are involved.

Hormones and hormones affect the menstrual cycle. For an irregular cycle, your doctor should measure hormone levels in the blood and determine whether it is in equilibrium.

The body weight also plays a role in the menstrual cycle. Underweight often brings the release of hormones and thus the menstruation stops. Recent studies have shown that extreme obesity leads to irregular menstrual bleeding. Compared to women with ideal weight, they are not so easily get pregnant. Proper nutrition is especially important.

Stress is another factor that influences the hormones and menstruation. Menstruation is, in some cases altogether. Fear of women to be pregnant out, the stress sometimes for later onset of menstruation. Mental and physical balance have a positive effect on the control days.

Regular exercise and mental and physical balance are for pain-free and reasonably convenient "rule days" most beneficial. Too much sports and overexertion can affect the hormone so far that the absent menstruation altogether.

What problems can occur during menstruation?

Women feel during menstruation varies. Many have no problems, others are limited by extreme pain in their activities.

The following symptoms may occur:

Spasmodic contractions (painful contraction) in the abdomen,
Pain in the abdomen,
Back pain,
Nausea, possibly accompanied by vomiting,
Diarrhea;
Sweating;
Fatigue and lack of energy.

Pain and discomfort, why?

During menstruation prostaglandins are released into the uterus. They are hormone-like substances that trigger different regulatory mechanisms of the body or interfere with them. From the uterus, for example, they can cause perceived as painful contractions. Blood and mucous residues are excreted through the contractions. Other causes of painful periods may be earlier infections or benign nodes in the muscle wall of the uterus (fibroids). This is especially true for slightly older women.

Severe period pain can be treated successfully with combined preparations of estrogen and progestin (eg, pill or vaginal ring). Also progestin preparations, such as new mini-pill, mini pill, the contraceptive implants, or the three-month injection is suitable. By the hormones the endometrium is less built up, the wound is smaller when dissolve the remains in the blood and the blood is running to weaker and shorter.
Tips for Well-being

You can do several things to feel better:

Do not use caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, black tea and cola.
Avoid stress and relax.
Have a massage from your partner.
Do you exercise but do not overwork your body.
Stay warm and have warm drinks.
If you have particularly severe pain, take pain medication. Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Menopause and heavy bleeding

2010-09-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

Menopause is known that excessive bleeding during the perimenopausal period. The main reason for heavy bleeding is the altered hormonal and hormonal imbalance. The progesterone levels, decreases in body and in severe bleeding cycles.

Even if a splurge in the estrogen production, which is rare, can lead to serious bleeding. Severe bleeding may stop for a few cycles and then finally complete. As a rule, before the period in the absence of many women. Any woman may have reacted differently to the symptoms of menopause and while some women delay times before and after any absence, others can cause serious times that for the last 10 or 15 days before it finally comes to a complete standstill.

However, heavy bleeding would also mean loss of vitamin D and calcium, which women can not afford at this stage of her life. It is therefore very important to have a doctor as soon as this symptom of menopause. The doctor would prescribe, multi-vitamins and supplements to combat losses during the menopause. It is very important for women to the menopause in a secure way, or it can end up with problems such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in later life.

Severe bleeding can be caused by benign tumors in the uterus to. The only treatment for this is removal of the uterus, so that the tumors are malignant. However, only after appropriate testing, to determine what the cause of the tumors.

The good news is that there are several treatments in alternative medicine and homeopathy to the problem of heavy bleeding during menopause.

What is a pregnancy test?

2010-09-18T14:27:00.001-07:00

What is a pregnancy test?
A pregnancy test measures the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your urine. This hormone is produced by the placenta from the cells that form the placenta, excreted in the moment in which the fertilized egg implants in the uterus (about six days after fertilization). In the first days after implantation increases these hormones in your body. Pregnancy tests should be able from the first day of a missed period HCG in urine. The HCG levels are between 60 and 90 Day of pregnancy is highest.

Do you have the first test fails, then it may be because the HCG level has not yet reached the value that can be detected in a urine test. Wait a few days and repeat the test.

Not all pregnancy tests are the same. Some measure more accurately - and are also more expensive - because they can prove a pregnancy even at a very low HCG level. The HCG concentration is measured in milli-international units (mIU) or amounts of 1/1000th in IU per milliliter. A test with an accuracy of 20 IU / l is more reliable than one with 50 IU / l. This information should be available on any pregnancy test box.

How to use a pregnancy test?
You can take the test on the first day of the missed period at any time of day. Avoid excessive fluid intake before the test, as this may dilute the pregnancy hormone in urine. Non-prescription drugs such as for example Paracetamol should not affect the result, but fertility drugs containing hCG, sure.

First read the accompanying instructions carefully, because the handling is different for different tests. For some it is necessary to collect urine in a vessel and then give using a pipette, a small amount in the test vessel. In others, you urinate directly onto a test strip. In principle, however all the tests work the same way - they measure the amount of HCG in your body. The difference is the presentation of the results (positive or negative): On some lines appear in pink or blue on the test strip, while others view it in a window, a red plus or minus sign or change the color of the urine sample.

How long does it take until you can see results?
The result can be read after about five minutes - that can be the longest five minutes you have ever experienced! If you take the test in the bathroom, then wait in another room and find a job.

Are pregnancy tests accurate?
If you follow the instructions and urine pregnancy tests on the basis of 97 per cent accurate. But mistakes happen after all and that is why children are born, their mothers had two negative pregnancy tests. There are several reasons why a pregnancy test can be negative, you are not pregnant or your body secretes too little HCG. If you take the test too early (before the first day of the missed period), then you get a false negative result because it has not yet made enough HCG. The test result is negative but you still suspect to be pregnant, wait a few days, read the manual carefully and try again. False positive results - the test shows that you are pregnant, but you are not - are very rare.

If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, then it is of course difficult to predict the next period. Wait as long as the longest cycle lasted in recent months. If you have recently discontinued the pill, then your natural cycle may have not yet set and test either too early or too late. If the test is negative in one of these situations, then try again after three days.

A tip: Run the test with the morning urine, because that is very concentrated.

Where to buy a pregnancy test?
Pregnancy test, you get without a prescription at any pharmacy.

How do the-counter pregnancy tests which the doctor?
Many hospitals use the-counter pregnancy tests. Occasionally, blood tests are carried out, but they do not differ materially from those feasible at home pregnancy tests. Both measure the HCG levels in your body. A blood test is more accurate than a urine test, ie they can show only six to eight days after ovulation a pregnancy.

A positive pregnancy test, even if it is made very early, is unfortunately not the same as a healthy pregnancy! Therefore, you should go after the test result to the gynecologist. Only he / she can tell you if a healthy embryo - or more! - Was developed.

Vaginal discharge - when the fertile days?

2010-09-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

The menstrual cycle a woman is accompanied by other measures entering a vaginal discharge.

Menstruation is a woman accompanied by various physical symptoms - including a vaginal discharge. This vaginal discharge is normal and allows the woman in detail, careful observation even deduce their fertile days. In the days around ovulation, which is roughly in the chronological middle of the cycle, so far the clear, inconspicuous outflow stronger and changed its color and consistency to the onset of menstruation in a creamy white. What amount of mucus in a woman finds her panty liner or perceives is different from organism to organism.

Cervical mucus does not smell, reminiscent of egg white
The most important part of the cycle-related discharge of cervical mucus is the so-called cervical mucus. It gives women a reference to the fertile days. During the fertile period, the cervical mucus and liquid flows down to the vagina, a phenomenon that is used by some women even clearly perceived. The cervical mucus is reminiscent of consistency of egg whites and pulls strings, he also feels oily and slippery.
The cervical mucus is not accompanied by itching and burning and smells normal.

Sperm-cervical mucus need to survive
In the first days of menstrual bleeding is not yet drawn cervical mucus - the possibility of becoming pregnant is so extremely low, because the sperm need mucus to survive. Since the cervical mucus consistency and its optimal quantity but a few days before ovulation begins to build, is already the possibility of becoming pregnant. For several days in the cervical mucus sperm are viable and can wait for such a protected entry point.

If symptoms smelly discharge necessarily Doctors
Separates the vagina from a lot of unusual vaginal discharge, this can be annoying and uncomfortable for the woman, but need not necessarily mean that a disease is present.

It may be the cause of the increased discharge and irritation to the vaginal environment - caused by too much about personal hygiene, stress or too sugary diet. include a treatment with vaginal suppositories, the lactic acid bacteria, the vaginal environment can move back into balance. Does the discharge but associated with burning, itching and odor or has a greenish, brownish or red color, a gynecologist should be sought, since a strong suspicion of parasites, a fungal infection, bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted disease exists.

Norlevo

2010-09-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

NorLevo contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, is a medicine used to prevent pregnancy in an emergency, ie within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or failure of a contraceptive method, such as: torn condom or forgotten.

Pregnancy Test

2010-09-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Strange subject for a child page
No, not at all. Who wants to be pregnant is usually keen to know as early as possible, whether you have worked or not. This leads not infrequently to the corresponding application errors and disappointments. So here is some info on the function and use of pregnancy tests.

How do pregnancy tests?
A pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG, which is produced from an embryo taken root. The hormone is exclusively produced by a pregnancy. It is possible this hormone in blood and urine.

Urine
The urine tests are less sensitive than a test from the blood as achieved, the concentration of pregnancy hormone in urine, the blood levels only after a lag of two days. Therefore, one can perform a urine test is reasonably well until the day of the absence of rule, that is less than 14 days after ovulation. For only then are the concentrations in the urine is high enough for a reliable test. This is indicated by reputable manufacturers of pregnancy tests out explicitly.

So-called Frühtests or pre-tests are never reliable, and should not be performed if you want to have a reliable result. As the morning urine is more concentrated than the urine during the day (due to fluid intake diluted), for such a test morning urine should be used.

The tests usually consist of a control strip that changes color every time the test is usable (eg not yet expired) and the actual test strip, which reacts specifically to the hCG. Thus if both color strips, then this means that first the test is working and 2 a pregnancy. The result is a yes / no result. The amount of urine contained hCG can not be determined, however, the test strip of the more intense the higher the concentration of the pregnancy hormone is.

Blood test
In this test directly determines the concentration of hCG in the blood. So I can not specify exact levels of the hormone. Theoretically, the evidence from the blood is already quite possible one week after ovulation or the puncture of the egg cells. But at such an early date the statement is too vague, so the earliest reasonable time after ovulation seems to be for such a provision for 12 days. Usually people wait 14-15 days after ovulation. In a test tube fertilization, the calculation refers to the day of puncture, which corresponds to the ovulation.

Other pregnancy signs
Reliable other signs of early pregnancy are not. Only in the late 5th Week of pregnancy (Pregnancy Calendar) can pregnancy be detected by ultrasound. Until then the pregnancy is detected, therefore only through the blood or urine and, therefore, a so-called biochemical pregnancy.

Error

As hCG and ovulation-inducing hormone (LH) biochemically very similar, it can at the time of LHPeak, so come the rise of this hormone to a positive test. Conversely, one with test strips to Ovulationsnachweis hCG detected in the urine, they should not be exploited as pregnancy tests. They are too unreliable.
It is often a hormone treatment in the second half of the cycle yet given hCG to trigger ovulation at first, later to support the luteal phase. If the distance is such a hiss and a test injection of short (one week or less), then there is a positive result, even though no pregnancy.

Dilemma of the "hold"
After a fertility treatment one would naturally like to know as early as possible, whether it "worked". Not only after a fertility treatment even among those couples who try naturally (which is often forgotten here in the forum) on hold after ovulation / sex with a lot of patience is to be seen. If, however, so a urine test at a very early stage, then this is either a positive one and ponders whether this is possibly the remains of an hCG injection, or it is negative and it is hoped that it is so due to the early stage .

In a child forum you have very rarely seen women who made a test and then did not start to brood of such. Therefore, there exists the sometimes legitimate view that 'pee tests are stupid. " This is certainly unfair to those tests, as they for the early stage of their deployment so can anything. Here is a table showing the average hCG values (from the blood) in early pregnancy.

HCG table. Normal values in early pregnancy
Time value of normal range

To assess whether the pregnancy is intact, so much the absolute HCG values of significance, but the increase of the hormone. They say most of that was to take place at the beginning of a pregnancy, a doubling of blood every two days.

Basal body temperature measuring method explained practically

2010-09-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

A method to calculate the fertile days, which is so simple that it can be easily used by every woman at home, is the basal body temperature measurement method. It is used for natural family planning (and is not one hundred percent reliable), but may also wish to baby-planning can be used.

Under "basal" refers to the body temperature without physical stress, ie Sleep.
In the cycle of a woman has the typical basal body temperature fluctuations. From the end of menstruation until ovulation, the temperature is low, it falls back to ovulate again. After ovulation the basal body temperature rises, however, by up to 0.5 degree. Until the onset of the rules remains high temperature.
Through daily measurement of body temperature close to the time of ovulation. So you can see the optimum conception date.
Basal body temperature curve

The curve shows the course of a cycle from the first day without any bleeding until the end of the rule. Clearly visible is the temperature drop a few days ago and the rose-for ovulation.

How do I measure the basal body temperature?

writing for the recording of basal body temperature need something within reach on your nightstand, and a thermometer. To measure normal fever thermometers are unsuitable. Instead, you take a digital thermometer that displays two decimal places. Everything else is too vague.

You start a measurement cycle on the first Menstruationstag.

The measurement must be made after a long resting phase, at least five hours of sleep. Therefore, you measure the best in the morning, around the same time, the same body part and on as the same way (easiest oral) and still in bed, before you start your day, even before you speak. Every effort before getting up would distort the result.
The best thing is, you put your alarm clock so that you can measure your temperature at the same time.

The temperature reading is then recorded and entered as a point in a table. The individual items you are connecting with each other. Forget about you once a measurement, a gap remains in the table. The table also features should be noted about the use of alcohol, illness or taking medication. This can distort the temperature. Wear too, if you had sex with your partner.

The temperature chart evaluate
The analysis of the monthly table takes practice, as the temperature line, either before, during, or after ovulation proceeds evenly. Rather, it formed a zigzag pattern. This increases abruptly by up to 0.5 degrees and remains high for several days, ovulation has occurred. This higher temperature level is maintained until the onset of the new cycle. The day of ovulation is approximately 14 days prior to expected start of menstruation.

Since sperm are viable for up to three days, the fertile period begins four days before the temperature rise and ends two days later. Then the infertile period.

For many women - not all - the temperature drops during ovulation and lowest on the eve of a high temperature increases their level. If you notice a sudden drop to about 0.10 or 0.15 level, you should have safe transport. For you and your partner does the temperature drop, that you now have the best chance of conception.

The daily temperature variations are low and to evaluate properly the temperature table, must first help your doctor if necessary. It takes a little practice. The more regular your cycle is, the clearer it will emerge but a monthly recurring pattern. After two or three rounds can be distinguished from infertile phases and fertile well - important for the baby planning forecasts as well.

Condom

2010-09-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

The condom is one of the mechanical contraceptives, which form a barrier to sperm, thus avoiding that they can reach a viable egg. Other well-known name for the condom are Präserativ, condoms or even rubber.
The designation as a rubber fits well with the material from which this contraceptive method is established. It is to thin rubber or latex.

The most important characteristics of a condom are that it is tear resistant and impermeable. These quality characteristics are reviewed regularly by the manufacturers of condoms.

The use of a condom is pretty simple, but requires some finesse. Already open the container caution should be exercised so that the condom is not damaged by a fingernail or a ring. be withdrawn before putting the condom on the rigid link, the foreskin, if the man is not already circumcised.

Bear in mind is that the front protrudes a small tip, which serves to hold the semen. This is once compressed, so that any air can escape from the condom.

After that the condoms will be unrolled, which is used at best the whole hand. If the condom is unrolled so that the rubber ring almost disappears in the pubic hair and it sits tight, no sperm come out of him, so that it is meeting its prevention function.

Caution is however necessary for the ejaculation. Since the limb relaxed after orgasm, and thus the safe seat of the condom is not guaranteed, it must be drawn very quickly from its sheath. This has the ring of Präserativs be recorded so that it is not stripped off in the vagina and no semen discharged into it.

Pregnancy calculator determines the arrival of something wonderful

2010-09-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

A pregnancy calculator is a wonderful tool that helps identify a newly expectant mother to expect about the maturity of her unborn child to reach. There are many websites that offer the service of a due date calculator or pregnancy calculator. There are many sites that the service of a due date calculator or calculator pregnancy. In fact, most will provide a weekly or daily newsletter to inform you of the baby's developmental stage and the mother's development progress as the pregnancy progresses through the forty-week experience. In fact, most will be a daily or weekly newsletter to inform you about the baby stage and the mother of the development progress of the pregnancy through the forty weeks of experience.

Taking the Secret Out of the Baby's Arrival Taking the Secret Out of the baby's arrival

A visit to the doctor wants to provide expectant date of delivery by which all medical professionals will recognize during your pregnancy. A visit to the doctor detects an expectant delivery of all medical professionals during your pregnancy. This may or may not match with the date that you expect to be true. This may or may not coincide with the date on which they expect to be true. However, doctors have a special little wheel or pregnancy calculator that calculates the due date based upon the date of your last menstrual cycles, the length of your last menstrual cycle and moves forward ten months. However, the doctors have a special small bike or pregnancy calculator calculates that the due date based on the time of the last menstrual cycle, the duration of your last menstrual cycle and moves forward ten months. It then subtract two weeks and that roughly identifies the date of delivery. Then, subtract two weeks and the calls about the date of delivery. Basically how it is calculated is the last addition of 40 weeks or 280 days to the approximate date of your first menstrual period. Basically, how it is calculated, the addition of 40 weeks or 280 days to the approximate first day of the last menstrual period. Another quick method to identify your approximate due date is to identify the first date of your last menstrual cycle, add seven days and then subtract three months. to identify a more rapid method for determining your approximate due date, the first day of the last menstrual cycle to be fixed after seven days, and then subtract three months. When you are calculating a pregnancy in this manner, it is giving you a gestational age of the Baby. If the calculation of a pregnancy in this way is to provide an gestational age of the baby. The gestational age of a baby is how the medical professionals will keep track of your pregnancy and your baby's development. The gestational age of a baby, as the doctor observes your pregnancy and your baby's development.

Sites Offer A Variety of Helpful Pregnancy Calculators websites offer a variety of helpful pregnancy calculator

Websites such as babyzone.com, pregnancyweekly.com or babycenter.com (just to name a few) offer a wonderful pregnancy calculator that Allows you to enter the date of your last period, the number of days between your monthly cycle. Web sites such as babyzone.com, pregnancyweekly.com or babycenter.com (to name a few) offer a wonderful pregnancy calculator that allows you to enter the date of your last period, the number of days between the menstrual cycle. The provided date is generally based upon a woman that has a twenty-eight day cycle and may not be as accurate for a woman that has a longer or shorter cycle. The proposed date is usually on the basis of a woman who twenty-eight days a cycle and not as accurate for a woman to a longer or shorter cycle.

It is important to remember that a pregnancy calculator is not a perfect science, only 5% of women actually deliver on their due date. It is important to remember that pregnancy is not a perfect computer science, provide only 5% of women actually in their maturity. Medical professionals use this date as an estimate to monitor and gage the growth of the baby. Medical professionals use this date to monitor as an estimate and Gage the growth of the baby. While it is fun to estimate, plan and prepare for baby's arrival on a specific date, the fact remains that the baby is going to arrive whenever it wants too. While it is fun to estimate, plan and prepare for baby arrival on a particular date, the fact remains that the baby will come whenever it wants.

Can you be pregnant with no symptoms

2010-08-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

it is very very possible to not have any symptoms at all, I had my first baby when i was 17, I had some symptoms with her, but mostly kept them hidden from my parents, then I got married and we decided it would be cool to get pregnant on our honeymoon, well when we got back I took a test just for the fun of it and it was positive, way early right, nope went to the doctor and I was 5 months pregnant, I had my period all 5 months, no sickness no nothing, she is very healthy thank god, and so is my third child who I had absolutely no symptoms with either except I had missed my period

my results - 3 kids, 1st two = 14 months apart, 2nd - two 11 months apart..

Best Day to Get Pregnant

2010-08-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

The best day to get pregnant can be different for different women, but there are general guidelines to help you to find the best day for you. Women who have regular periods find it easier to determine the best day, and those with very irregular periods find it a bit more difficult, but certainly not impossible, especially with all the new techniques to help determine the optimal time for ovulation.

Women Who Have a Normal Twenty-Eight Day Cycle

Women who have a normal twenty-eight day cycle normally ovulate about two weeks into their menstrual cycle, which would make the best day to get pregnant between the fourteenth and sixteenth days. The egg released during ovulation is ready to be fertilized for approximately 12 hours before it starts to degenerate, and will survive approximately 24 hours.

Women Who Have an Irregular Cycle

For women who have an irregular menstrual cycle, the best day to get pregnant can be determined in other ways. If you know when to expect your next period, count back twelve to sixteen days from this date, which should be the range of dates that you will be ovulating. Your body may also provide other clues to help in determining when you are most fertile.

Cervical Mucus Can Help Determine the Best Day to Get Pregnant

During the menstrual cycle, the cervical mucus increases in volume as well as it changes in texture. This change reflects the body's rising levels of estrogen, shown best when the mucus is clear, stretchy and slippery, similar to raw egg whites. This mucus helps the sperm get safely through the uterus and into the Fallopian tube before meeting with the egg.

Body Temperature Fluctuations

A woman's basal body temperature can also help determine her best day to get pregnant. Basal thermometers can be purchased at most stores, and will show a woman's slightly raised temperature after ovulation. This temperature can increase .5 - 1.5 degrees, making it hard to determine the change on a regular thermometer.

Lower Abdominal Discomfort and Cramping

Some women experience discomfort or cramping in their lower abdominal region during ovulation. Approximately 20% of women feel this discomfort, which ranges from mild aches and twinges of pain all the way to moderate cramping. This condition is called mittelschmerz, and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

Using an Ovulation Kit or Fertility Monitor

Using an ovulation kit or fertility monitor to determine the best day to get pregnant is another popular method. These kits and monitors, also available at most stores, read the LH surges prior to ovulation and are easy to use and generally accurate for predicting ovulation. Fertility monitors read LH as well as other hormone changes and require even less guesswork. Finding the best day to get pregnant is now much easier than in the past. Using any combination of these ways to determine a woman's optimal time for ovulation will help a couple to get pregnant much easier, and more quickly.

Abortion During Pregnancy

2010-08-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

How to Get Pregnant

Pregnancy is a memorable event in the life of every woman. It is during this event when a baby grows within her; a human being which needs her utmost care and attention. However, there are some women who are unfortunate enough to have abortion.

By definition, abortion is the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo, resulting in its death. It can occur due to complications in pregnancy. Abortions results in 70,000 deaths and 5 million disabilities every year.

There are many causes of abortion. The causes are multitude and range from chromosomal abnormalities which are found in more than half of embryos miscarried in the first 13 weeks. A pregnancy with a genetic problem has a 95% probability of ending in miscarriage. Most chromosomal problems happen by chance, have nothing to do with the parents, and are unlikely to recur.

Another cause of abortion may be progesterone deficiency. In the second trimester, 15% of pregnancy losses may be due to uterine malformation, growths in the uterus or fibroids, or cervical problems. These conditions may also contribute to premature birth. Problems with the umbilical cord and placental problems may also be possible causes.

Whatever the causes are, it is best to avoid abortion during pregnancy as much as possible. But how are we going to go about it?

How to avoid abortion during pregnancy

You have a danger for abortion if you have had a miscarriage in the past or if the doctor claims you are in a high risk pregnancy. If you belong to these high risk groups, it is best to take precautions and follow these tips for better living.

First you should eat healthy. You should follow a diet that limits fat intake and makes you take in a lot of fruits and vegetables. You have to follow a diet plan that makes you eat the right number of calories and makes you get enough nutrients and needed supplementation.

Next is to drink lots of water. You should hydrate more often so that you will have plenty of amniotic fluid which serves as a cushion for your baby. A lack of amniotic fluid, termed as oligohydramnios, is detrimental to your baby and may even result to fetal death. You should replace sugary or caffeine beverages with several glasses of water each day. Occasional tea or coffee is acceptable with your doctor's consent, but don't overdo it. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

If you are being prescribed with multivitamins or any other medication as advised by your medical doctor, you should take it. Don't stop taking these medications because you may compromise your child's health.

Next, you should follow what your doctor says. You should rest well, avoid caffeine and tobacco and report any untoward signs and symptoms to your doctor. This makes you avoid all complications brought about by pregnancy as much as possible.

Next is that you should exercise in moderation. Your exercise should consist of a walking routine of 30 to 40 minutes a day in safe conditions may be beneficial if your doctor approves. Twenty minutes of daily fresh air, without tanning or sunburn, is good for you, too, preferably in the morning or evening.

Avoid stress and worries. Sleep well and rest well. Be aware of the changes in your body and welcome them freely. Do not hate being pregnant. It will soon pass, so enjoy the moment.

Pregnant With No Symptoms

2010-08-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

How to Get Pregnant

Often, women are so tuned to expecting symptoms when pregnant that when they don't experience any, it appears as if something is wrong. Being pregnant with no symptoms need not always imply impending complications. It could simply be that the body is at its healthiest state, and so does not react to the new baby inside.

What Symptoms to Expect

Commonly, some of the most obvious symptoms of being pregnant are tender breasts, fatigue and morning sickness, as well as back and joint pain and swelling. If the woman has missed her period, and is delayed by over a week or 10 days, it might signal pregnancy. Other than that, most of the other painful symptoms appear several weeks or months into pregnancy. Thus, women who are pregnant with no symptoms should be thankful that they are not put through the suffering as so many women are!

The Second or Third Child

Women who have had children earlier are more likely to experience a subsequent pregnancy with no symptoms. Such women might typically suffer high intensity fatigue, pain and nausea when they had their first child, but with future pregnancies, such symptoms tend to subside. The age of a woman when pregnant also plays a part in the intensity of symptoms she would experience. The older a woman gets, the less likely she is to experience being pregnant with no symptoms. This is because as the body ages, it becomes more difficult for it to adapt to a new baby naturally.

Concerns of Miscarriage

Most women who are pregnant with no symptoms have fears of a miscarriage. They believe that because they are unable to feel the symptoms, there is an increased likelihood of unintentional strain on the body, thereby leading to a miscarriage. However, it is crucial to understand that miscarriages happen essentially because of the genetic framework of the egg, which has been fertilized. Should there be an inherent problem with the egg the body would terminate the pregnancy naturally because it knows the egg would have minimal chances of survival.

Symptoms Manifested in Future

Just because a woman is pregnant with no symptoms does not imply in any way that the symptoms will not manifest later on. Some women experience nothing other than sore breasts until 6 weeks into their pregnancy while others suffer from no symptoms at all throughout the entire pregnancy. Many women might not have any issues 3-4 weeks into their pregnancy, and then the symptoms might appear with a vengeance! Every pregnancy is different, and so there is no general rule involved.

No Cramps or Contractions

Some women might be well into their 40th week of pregnancy and still not face symptoms like cramps and contractions. Women are not considered overdue until they have crossed the 42nd week and this is very normal nowadays. Therefore, technically, if there are no contractions, it means the body is not prepared for labor yet. Lack of symptoms when pregnant should not be a cause for worry. Worrying would only cause more complications.

A woman being pregnant with no symptoms should consider herself lucky. Pregnancy is meant to be a fulfilling and happy journey, and every woman needs to enjoy the process as much as possible.

Signs of Pregnancy

2010-07-29T11:04:00.001-07:00

Whether or not you were looking to get pregnant, little tell-tale signs in your body may be indicative that you are, indeed, carrying a baby. Some signs of pregnancy can't be ignored while others could be indicative of a great number of other physiological as well as psychological conditions. Many couples have been trying to get pregnant for so long that they will blow the tiniest symptom out of proportion. However, some common signs of pregnancy would include:

Step 1: Positive Pregnancy Test

Obviously the most accurate way to determine whether or not you are pregnant would be to have a pregnancy test. There are at home kits that can be quite accurate within a few days of having missed a regular period. Doctors have a range of tests to determine pregnancy that could include providing blood and/or urine samples. Some of these tests are so accurate that they can almost pinpoint the exact date of conception.

Step 2: Spotting and/or Light Bleeding

Some women don't have regular menstrual cycles so the first sign they are likely to notice is a feeling of nausea, often accompanied by extreme bouts of vomiting. Over the years this phenomenon has been referred to as 'morning sickness,' but as any mother will tell you, it isn't limited to mornings by any stretch of the imagination. If you suddenly find yourself nauseous for a period of days without any other signs of illness, you might want to get a pregnancy test as soon as possible.

Step 3: Nausea

Many women notice spotting or light bleeding when their normal menstrual cycle is due. While this is not always a true indicator of pregnancy because it could be the result of anything from undue stress to some kind of illness, it is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy.

Step 4: Cramping

Another common sign is cramping in the lower pelvic area. Many women mistake this for period cramps and are quite confused when they don't start bleeding right away. As a matter of fact, many women who spot instead of having a full period, accompanied by cramping, write it off to a light month and go on about their business never knowing they have conceived.
Step 5: Unusually Tired

Due to major hormonal fluctuations in the body, drowsiness or feeling unusually tired is one of the signs of pregnancy. Hormones are responsible for a great number of biological functions and when there is an upset in the amounts being secreted, one of the most common symptoms is extreme drowsiness. If you suddenly find yourself more lackluster and sluggish than normal, it could very well mean you are pregnant. In any case, it is best to consult your doctor because sudden, unexplained tiredness is indicative of something that needs attention.

Step 6: Missed Menstrual Cycle

For many years, this was the first sign that clued women into the fact that they could very well be pregnant. Again, there are other physiological and psychological conditions that could interfere with your menstrual cycle so it is always wise to talk to your doctor. Pregnancy is not the only condition that causes fluctuations in hormones. Illness or psychological stress can also upset the cycle so it is all the more important to discover the cause of missing a period.

Step 7: Increased Urination

Having the sensation that you continually need to find a restroom to relieve yourself is another one of the common signs of pregnancy. As the uterus starts to swell and expand, more pressure is placed on the bladder. As a result, pregnant women have the need to urinate more frequently than normal. This too is a sign that can either be indicative of some other underlying condition, or it can be missed altogether if you are prone to bladder infections. Some women even write it off as having had too much to drink.

Step 8: Higher Than Normal Basal Temperature

Women don't usually go around taking their temperature on a daily basis unless they are trying to determine ovulation, so this is one of the signs of being pregnant that you would be actively looking for. If your basal temperature stays slightly higher than normal over the period of days or weeks, it could very well be indicative of pregnancy.

Realistically speaking, most of these signs could actually be brought about by a large number of other factors. The most accurate way to determine whether or not you are truly pregnant is to have a bona fide pregnancy test. However, the odds of being pregnant increase if more than a few of these signs of pregnancy happen simultaneously. In any event, it is always best to talk to your doctor because if you are pregnant, you will want to start prenatal care as soon as possible.

Pregnancy blood test, what happens when certain

2010-07-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

A simple, quick and inexpensive blood test may soon be all that is required to detect chromosomal abnormalities that lead to conditions like Down’s syndrome.

Dutch researchers are confident that they are on the verge of an accurate procedure that will test the mum’s blood for abnormalities in the foetus. Current methods such as amniocentesis are invasive and run the risk of triggering a miscarriage so this test would be far safer for the baby.

The study is set to continue for two more years and researchers hope to increase its accuracy. “At the moment, the reliability of the test is about 80% due to false negative results, but we are working to improve the accuracy,” said Dr Suzanna Frints who led the study.

The test could be particularly useful for older mums-to-be and those who are at a high risk of an abnormal pregnancy. It could even become a regular part of all ante-natal check ups.

“It is the holy grail of prenatal diagnosis to try and find a reliable method of diagnosing Down’s syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities without doing invasive testing,” Dr Suzanna explained, but added that it was “important to emphasise that it is some years away”.

Ovulation symptoms

2010-06-24T02:20:00.000-07:00

Once you start paying attention to your body, it's amazing how many hints it delivers about the various stages in your cycle - and ovulation symptoms are often quite noticeable and easy to detect once you know what to look for.

Don't forget that any form of birth control using synthetic hormones (such as birth control pills, implants or injections) will suppress normal ovulation symptoms and other indications of the different stages in your menstrual cycle.

Ovulation symptoms can be quite subtle. They involve your body's normal response to the natural changes in hormones that occur at different stages of the ovulation cycle.

These symptoms often precede ovulation and give you some really good hints that you are in your most fertile period, the four or five days in the lead-up to ovulation.

Some common ovulation symptoms are:

increased libido (sexual desire)
change in cervical mucus
change in the position and firmness of cervix
tender breasts
heightened senses of smell and taste
abdominal cramps (Mittelschmerz)
rise in basal body temperature

Ovulation symptom: increased libido or sexual desire

Many women won't be surprised by this ovulation symptom - and it certainly makes good sense biologically.

The increase in certain hormones in the lead-up to ovulation often trigger higher-than-usual levels of sexual desire in women.

The hormones thought to affect desire in women at this time are oestrogen, testosterone and luteinising hormone.

If you're planning to fall pregnant, this pre-ovulation symptom of increased female libido is good news, because you're more likely to fall pregnant if you have sex as often as possible in the four to five days leading up to ovulation.

There are many anecdotal reports from women who believe that they look more sexually attractive in the lead-up to ovulation too; oestrogen can deliver plenty of side-effects that may contribute to this, including the inhibition of production of oil in the skin, which reduces the incidence of pimples.

And at least one study backs this up; a 2006 UCLA study found that women pay more attention to their appearance, grooming and dressing just prior to ovulation than at other times in their cycle.

Ovulation symptom: change in cervical mucus

The change in cervical mucus that occurs just prior to ovulation is one of the most consistent and reliable of ovulation symptoms in most women.

The volume of cervical mucus starts to increase as ovulation draws closer. Shortly after menstruation, cervical mucus may be sparse, but it will slowly increase in volume as the days progress. At first, it will usually have a slightly sticky consistency and be a white or cloudy colour.

In the days just before ovulation, the rise in oestrogen causes more cervical mucus to be produced. The mucus at this time is usually fairly clear and the texture becomes more slippery and stretchy - it is often compared to raw egg-white in colour and consistency.

The cervical mucus produced in the period before and during ovulation is designed to allow sperm to move freely through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes and to enable its survival until the release of the egg.

Ovulation symptom: a change in the position and firmness of the cervix

To spot this sign, you need to be familiar with the usual 'feel' of your cervix.

Proponents of this method suggest that you check your cervix once a day at around the same time. The cervix is usually smooth and round and slightly firmer than the vagina and is found at the top of the vagina. It is best checked with one or two clean fingers, while in a squatting position

When the time of ovulation approaches, the cervix will become higher (so is therefore more difficult to reach) and generally feels softer and more open.

Many women don't feel comfortable with assessing the state of their own cervix, so this is an ovulation symptom that is not commonly self-assessed.

Ovulation symptom: tender breasts

Only some women experience this ovulation symptom, and it's generally thought to be a side-effect of high oestrogen levels. Women who experience breast tenderness will usually find it occurs in a similar way each month.

The effects of the oestrogen diminish significantly after ovulation however they may recur in the lead-up to menstruation.

If you suffer from breast tenderness mid-cycle, it's worth taking note of this as an ovulation symptom, noting when it occurs and to what extent, so that you can use it in conjunction with a range of other ovulation symptoms to help you recognise your most fertile period.

Ovulation symptom: heightened senses of smell and taste

Some women report that they have a more intense experience of various smells and tastes at the time of ovulation.

Once again, this is an ovulation symptom commonly associated with raised levels of oestrogen.

When the egg has been released at the time of ovulation and oestrogen levels drop, this symptom generally fades.

Ovulation symptom: abdominal cramps (Mittelschmerz)

An estimated twenty percent of women feel a mild cramp-like abdominal pain or twinge at the time of ovulation.

This ovulation symptom has the clinical name of Mittelschmerz, which is a German phrase meaning 'middle pain.'

The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours and is more common in the right side of the lower abdomen, although some women report pain on both sides of the abdomen and other women report that the pain moves from side to side each month.

Several possible explanations for the ovulation symptoms of mittleschmerz include:

- the growth of follicles in the ovaries prior to ovulation
- the rupture of the ovarian wall that occurs each month at ovulation
- muscular contractions of the fallopian tube and the ovaries that occur after ovulation

Ovulation symptom: rise in basal body temperature

Immediately after ovulation, a rise in the body's level of progesterone generates the almost universal ovulation symptom of ovulation temperature.

At this time, most women will experience a rise in their resting body temperature of around 0.5 degrees Celsius, and their temperature will remain at that level for the rest of the month.

Basal body temperature is best measured first thing in the morning, before you get out of bed, using an accurate thermometer and recording your temperature on a chart each day.

Toileting Your Baby

2010-06-17T00:40:00.000-07:00

Up until my 6th baby they all wore cloth and disposable diapers. With number six I heard about “diaper-free” babies, and I was curious. I read a little about it, and decided to try it. I found out that I had to keep a close watch on the baby and whenever she wet or dirtied I should say a cue word, and put her on the toilet or pot. I should become familiar with her signals that she would make when she was about to go. Eventually she would come to associate the cue word with the action, and would go when I told her to, after noticing her signal. I found I just had not the time to watch her. Every time I stopped watching she would go, then when I came back it was too late. So I gave up.

Before I had number seven I read another book about it, and noticed that I could try putting him on the toilet as soon as he woke up, which is often a time that babies need to go. I read an article by another relaxed mother, who said she keeps diapers on her babies, but puts them on the toilet whenever they poop, saying the cue word at the same time. I determined to give it another try. When he was little it was just too much, although I did manage to catch a few poops, and say the cue words when I noticed him eliminating. At four months old I started holding him over the toilet when he woke up, and whenever I saw he was thinking about a poop. I had four successes the first day! He seemed to know that when I held him in that position he should try to eliminate, and would usually grunt and strain as soon as I held him over the toilet. Now, at 8 months, he goes on the toilet every morning, and during the day if I notice that he needs to go. It is not saving a whole lot of diapers, but I am hopeful that he will toilet train a lot earlier than my other babies (who were between 2 and 2 ½ years old).

The position I hold him in is with his back leaning against my body, with my hands around his thighs, so he is in a squatting position. From here I try to aim his elimination into the toilet. I plan on introducing the potty soon, but will keep him on the toilet also, as going in there helps to familiarise him with the place, and make him feel comfortable and normal about going there.

Your Pregnancy

2010-06-14T00:38:00.000-07:00

Take care of yourself during pregnancy. Tiredness seems to contribute to morning sickness. Try to get to bed early. Nap during the day if you can, and if you feel tired. Eat healthy food. Eating small amounts frequently can help with morning sickness. Ginger can help, as can dry crackers or toast before you get out of bed in the morning. The best thing is to remember that morning sickness is a good sign, of a healthy pregnancy. Often a pregnancy which miscarries did not have much morning sickness (as was the case with my miscarriage). In the two pregnancies I have had since then I have welcomed the discomfort of morning sickness! After about 12 weeks it usually eases, or goes away altogether, and you can enjoy being pregnant without too many discomforts for a while. Generally in the last 3 months you start to feel tired again and various other problems may arise (such as varicose veins, heartburn, high blood pressure, etc. Consult your midwife about any problems, pains, etc you may experience).

Make sure you are well informed about any decisions you need to make, during your pregnancy, during birth, and soon after the birth. There are several controversial issues, and it is your responsibility to look at both sides and decide which makes the most sense to you. This process is often confusing, because both sides are convinced that they are right, and have statistics to back up their claims. You must sift through the evidence and look for errors in logic, contradictions, and straight out lies. Ask older people whom you trust what they think. Wisdom comes with years and experience. Some examples would be: Ultrasounds and tests during pregnancy – are they really necessary, and how safe are they? Pain management during birth – what are the pro's and con's of each method, what do you feel comfortable about using, and what would you not consider? Vitamin K for your newborn – what are the risks in giving it, versus the risks of not giving it? Is it better to be injected or given orally? Will you choose to circumcise if you have a boy? What are both sides of the immunisation debate? What are the risks of both, are vaccines safe and effective, what are vaccines made of, does anyone stand to gain anything from your decision?

It is important to keep fit during pregnancy. Walking 20 minutes a least 4 times a week is good exercise. Swimming and Pilates are also very good exercise during pregnancy.

Maternity clothes are sized the same as you would normally wear. If you are a size 12 normally, you will be size 12 in maternity wear. Get a maternity bra as close to the end of your pregnancy as possible. You may find you need a larger size bra earlier during the pregnancy. Do not wear under wire bras during pregnancy. When you buy maternity bras (you should need 2 or 3), you can get a professional to fit one for you at a lingerie shop. They are usually cheaper, however, from a department store. If you fit one yourself make sure there is at least room for two fingers to fit sideways under the diagonal side over your chest. This where your breasts will enlarge when they fill up with milk. You can buy disposable breast pads or washable breast pads to wear inside your bra to absorb leaking milk. I use mens' handkerchiefs, which work just as well.

The advice nowadays seems to be not to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding. However, I tried not preparing them for my third baby, and did not spend much time with it for my seventh, and both times I had cracks and sore nipples. For my other pregnancies I did prepare my nipples. During the last month or six weeks I would massage Vitamin E (wheatgerm oil) into the nipples and areola daily. I would also massage them between my finger and thumb often during the day to help prepare them for feeding. If you can get sun on them (without burning!!) that is good – an alternative is to blow a warm hairdryer on them for 10 minutes or so every day. A baby's suck is incredibly strong and I believe soft, tender nipples need some warning. After each feed in the first week or two I massage a thick lanolin into the nipple and areola. The one I have used is called “Lansinoh”. It helps protect the nipple and repair damage, and I have found it extremely effective.

When you pack your hospital bag put in some vaseline jelly or bee balm. This is to smother baby's bottom with. It will make the sticky, dark meconium (baby's first bowel motions) clean off easily. Without it, meconium can be quite difficult to get off baby's skin.

Causes of infertility

2010-06-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

The causes of infertility are many and varied. They are classified as either absolute or relative. Absolute causes of infertility will, in the absence of treatment, totally prevent pregnancy. Relative causes reduce the chance of pregnancy but do not necessarily prevent it all together. An analogy is that absolute causes are like turning the pregnancy switch off and relative causes are similar to turning the dial down.

Over the last thirty years the impact of changing attitudes towards pregnancy, childbirth, work and family commitments has electively lead to a marked increase in the age of first pregnancy. As a result of these changes in western societies there is no doubt that increasing female age has become the single most important influence on a couples chance of achieving a pregnancy. For most couples it is a more important influence on the chance of successful pregnancy than any specific cause and it is becoming a more and more common problem as couples decide to start families later in life.

Among the specific causes of infertility there are however only four absolute causes of infertility that without treatment totally prevent pregnancy. They are:

No sperm

No eggs

Blockage preventing egg and sperm meeting

Prevention of embryo implantation

Often however a series of relative causes multiply together to reduce the chance of pregnancy by such an amount the realistic impact on couples is as severe as if they had an absolute cause.

Female factors

There are several main areas where fertility can be jeopardized in the female: the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the hormones affecting these.

There will be a decrease in fertility if:

ovulation is irregular or absent – this can be corrected with hormone treatment in most cases
there is an obstruction between the vagina and the ovary, preventing the sperm and egg from meeting. These usually occur in the fallopian tubes, and it was for this condition that in vitro fertilization (IVF) was originally developed. Obstructions can often be treated surgically, but generally success rates are better with IVF
there is an abnormality of the uterus, such as polyps or fibroids (obstructions can often be treated surgically, but can return) which impairs embryo implantation into the lining of the uterus
endometriosis which is a common condition where tissue like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, hampering a number of events leading to a pregnancy

Male factors

Male fertility seems less complicated than female fertility simply because the male is responsible for fewer stages in the process of creating a baby. Essentially, male fertility comes down to sperm.

There will be a decrease in fertility if the sperm are:

not being produced in adequate numbers (or at all)
being produced, but facing an obstruction that prevents them from reaching the outside world
being produced, but not swimming very well
stimulating antibody production in either partner by causing an allergic reaction.

Some of these problems can be treated surgically, but in most cases IVF is the best option.

Unexplained infertility

The cause of infertility is not always obvious. In many cases, both partners can appear to be fine, but they can’t seem to get pregnant. This is known as unexplained infertility. Having no identifiable cause does not mean that there is no available treatment. Indeed the prospect of spontaneous pregnancy is often higher than for those couples with a specific cause. Indeed IVF is highly effective for couples with female age under 40 years who have unexplained infertility.

Can you get Pregnant if you have sex during your period?

2010-06-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

Can you get Pregnant if you have sex during your period?

Unfortunately, many women of all ages believe that if a Girl has sex during her period, she will not fall pregnant, that she isn't fertile and it just could not happen!

But even though this belief and rumour is well spread and very common, it is absolutely POSSIBLE for a girl to become pregnant when she is menstruating (bleeding).

There a number of reasons why this can happen:

Not all vaginal bleeding is the result of a menstrual period. Sometimes a girl will bleed from her Vagina at the actual time of ovulation - the time when the egg is released from one of the body's ovaries and then travels down the fallopian tube to the Uterus. And it is very common now for girls/women who are ovulating to experience some vaginal bleeding that can be unfortunately mistaken for a period.Sometimes ovulation can actually occur before the bleeding from a girl's/woman's period has stopped. Or it may occur within a few days after her period has finished. In both of these cases, having sex before the period has finished or just after it has finished, can result in pregnancy.

Having unprotected sex at any time including when you've got your period is incredibly risky. Along with the risk of becoming pregnant, there is also the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease, such as Chlamydia, genital warts, or HIV (AIDS). The only surefire and safest way to prevent pregnancy and/or STD's is abstinence!

Now we would be rather unrealistic to expect this to be the case, so if you are going to take part in sexual relations with your partner, use a CONDOM! Or in the best case scenario - first of all, make sure you both get checked out by the Doctor so you have a clear bill of health. And then if all is clear, make sure you use some form of contraceptive or protection to stop you from receiving an unexpected surprise

Menstrual Problems

2010-05-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to wdxcyber's section devoted to Menstruation Problems where you can discover some of the difficulties that can accompany a woman’s menstruation cycle. Check some of our more popular articles on common problems that can come with menstruation like constant bleeding, abnormal bleeding, and uterine bleeding. Also learn more about the causes of Amenorhea and about cramps and cramp treatments.
Common Problems With Your Preriod
*Breast tenderness

*Headache

*Bloating due to water retention

*Feeling moody/ups and downs

*Food cravings/binge eating
Feel Better

Here are things you can do to make yourself feel better:

*Exercise can improve your moodiness and make your cramps go away

*Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be helpful for relieving cramping and headaches. Aspirin can also help, but guidelines in the US suggest seeking a doctor's advice for use under the age of 19 while UK guidelines suggest avoiding aspirin until the age of 16.

*A heating pad, or a hot water bottle can help soothe cramps, but a hot bath can soothe both abdomen and lower back at one and the same time.
Seek Help

If your cramps are so bad that you can't participate in your usual activities, or you have intense nausea or pain in addition to cramping, and your symptoms aren't relieved by over-the-counter medications, it's time to visit your doctor.

But before you visit your doctor, start keeping track of your symptoms on a calendar, along with the dates your periods begin. Make a note of when symptoms start and when they are at their most intense. A well-documented calendar may just help give your doctors the clues he needs to begin making you feel better. Your physician may order exams or tests. It's probable your physician will have ways and means at his disposal to help you get relief.
No Periods

In some cases, girls don't begin to menstruate during their teens and in other cases, not at all. Sometimes, menstruation has begun as is usual, only to cease at some later point in time. This is known as amenorrhea.

There are lots of reasons for a skipped or missed period, but the most common reason is pregnancy. Other reasons for skipping periods include:

*Sudden weight loss or gain

*Extreme physical activity over an extended period of time

*Illness

Hormone imbalance

*Stress

*Certain prescription medications

In the case where a girl has missed her period 3 months running, or has not begun having her periods by the age of 15, it's a good idea to seek medical advice. If a girl has had sex and thinks she may be pregnant, she should see her physician right away.
Heavy Periods

If your periods last longer than a week or become much heavier, see your doctor. Most of the time, this is caused by a hormone imbalance. Bleeding at the wrong time of your cycle may also signify a problem that requires medical advice.