Posts Tagged headaches
What Are The Symptoms Of Pregnancy?
Posted by in Pregnancy on October 17th, 2009
This is a question that most ladies ask when they start to notice some “symptoms” of pregnancy that they have learned. However, knowledge on these symptoms differs from one person to another.
The most commonly known are missed period or a period with less bleeding than normal, morning sickness, among other symptoms. But these symptoms might not be due to pregnancy though, so the best way to find out, when you experience such symptoms, is to seek for doctors’ professional examination and advice.
Other than the symptoms illustrated above, below is a more complete list of other symptoms of a possible pregnancy, so we don’t rely only what we have already known and we can seek for doctors’ advice as early as possible.
- Missed period or a period with less bleeding than normal
- Nausea or vomiting (morning sickness) – that can happen two to ten weeks after conception
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Backaches
- Constipation
- Darkening of breast nipples
- Feeling tired and sleepy
- Excessive salivation
- Frequent urination
- Cravings for food
- Headaches
- Increased sense of smell
- Lower abdominal cramps
If you experience such symptoms, you should seek for medical advice as soon as possible, as it might be due to pregnancy or it might not. Other aspects such as illness or changes in diet can also lead to such symptoms.
Congratulations if you and your partner are expecting a baby on the way. Though there will be some new challenges, but the happiness of becoming a mom and dad is something so precious that even money can’t buy!
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Article Source: What Are The Symptoms Of Pregnancy?
How to Cut Back on Coffee when Pregnant
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 21st, 2009
You may have heard that coffee and pregnancy are not a good combination. Most studies that show the adverse effects of caffeine on pregnant women find that large amounts seem to be the culprit in increased risk of stillbirth and miscarriage. Generally, 200 mgs daily is considered a safe amount of caffeine. While it may be safe to consume coffee when pregnant as long as it is done in moderation, most experts would agree that it is best for you and your baby if you can cut back to very little, or none at all.
200 mg is equal to about one cup of coffee, so quite a few women will find that they drink quite a bit more than that on a daily basis. So, while you may still wish to consume coffee when pregnant, you will probably want to cut back quite a bit from the amount you are accustomed to. While cutting back on your coffee consumption isn’t easy, it can be done with a bit of will-power and support. Fortunately, there are many decaffeinated coffees out there that taste as good as the caffeinated version. Keep in mind that decaf still contains caffeine, but less than a quarter of the amount of caffeinated.
Since caffeine is a drug, there will be some withdrawal symptoms if you cut back or decide you do not wish to consume coffee when pregnant. Some of the most common complaints are irritability, headaches and fatigue. Fortunately, these usually don’t last for more than a few days, and can be considerably minimized by cutting back gradually. Simply start mixing decaffeinated coffee in with your regular brew, increasing the proportion of decaffeinated a little bit every day. Within a week or so, you will find yourself drinking straight decaf with minimal withdrawal problems.
If you continue to consume coffee when pregnant, but cut back significantly on the amount, you may still find yourself more lethargic than you would like. Some of this can be minimized by keeping your blood sugar levels up. This can be easily accomplished by eating 5-6 small meals daily, making sure they are rich in protein and complex carbohydrates. A regular exercise regime can help you feel more energetic and drive away feelings of irritability. Also make sure to get plenty of sleep and take your pregnancy vitamins.
While coffee and pregnancy don’t necessarily go together, you can probably find a way to cut back to a point that is safest and healthy for you and your baby. Even if you have to go through some withdrawal, you will probably be pleasantly surprised to find how much better you feel if you decrease or eliminate the amount of caffeine you take in. If you must consume coffee when pregnant, try to find ways to drink less, and perhaps substitute a decaffeinated version.
While it is safe to consume coffee when pregnant, this is only the case if you do so in moderation. Cutting back to 200 mg or less daily will do a lot to make you feel great and keep your baby safe.
You can find helpful information about coffee and pregnancy and everything you need to know about consume coffee when pregnant at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: How to Cut Back on Coffee when Pregnant
Is it Safe to Use Perfume when Pregnant?
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 21st, 2009
Something that may not occur to most pregnant women is that perfumes and other scented products may not be the most desirable thing to wear during this time. Even though something applied to the skin topically seems harmless, there are a few things to consider if you wish to use perfume when pregnant. Currently the research on this matter is somewhat inconclusive. So, is perfume harmful? Or is it something you can safely enjoy during your pregnancy?
While most research into whether it’s safe to use perfume when pregnant has not found a link to most of the common worries like miscarriage and stillbirth, some recent studies have found that there may be a link between perfume use and reproductive problems in male children. It seems that perfume use between 8 and 14 weeks of pregnancy may lead to improper development of the male sex organs. Some of the potential problems include undescended testicles, risk of testicular cancer and low sperm count. It seems that some women who use perfume when pregnant risk absorbing chemicals that affect the development of testosterone in the male fetus.
So far though, the research remains largely inconclusive, partly because the most obvious results have only taken place in rodent test subjects, not human ones. Still, if you wish to err on the side of caution, it would be best to avoid wearing perfumes or scented creams of any kind.
Generally though, most experts would say it is quite safe to use perfume when pregnant. Many pregnant women find however, that scents they used to enjoy now trigger nausea, light-headedness or headaches. If this is the case, it’s usually best to remove all fragrance from your environment to begin with, and then gradually add one fragrance at a time, starting with the mildest. You may wish to experiment with body sprays and lotions, because they are often less intense than perfume, and tend to contain less alcohol.
If you wish to use perfume when pregnant, you might try some natural scents that are known for being pleasant and soothing. Scents like peppermint, ginger and cardamom have been known to help fight nausea, and citrus scents like lemon, neroli and mandarin seem to help soothe feelings of nausea as well as leaving a feeling of refreshment and relaxation. Other soft scents to consider are rose, chamomile and lavender. These scents make lovely massage oils as well.
While most perfumes are relatively safe, this is not always the case with essential oils. Because they are so concentrated, and are derived from plants, some can be toxic on the surface of the skin. Be sure to consult your doctor before using.
So, is perfume harmful? The answer is not completely cut and dry, but it most likely is safe for pregnant women to use. If you have any doubts over whether you should use perfume when pregnant, consult your doctor. As long as you feel comfortable, you can continue to enjoy scents that will make you feel relaxed and happy.
You can find helpful information about is perfume harmful and everything you need to know about use perfume when pregnant at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Is it Safe to Use Perfume when Pregnant?
Stroller Car Seat Carriers
Posted by in Babies on August 14th, 2009
Stroller car seat carriers or snap and go strollers are a hybrid between the stroller travel systems and the car seat/carrier/stroller. Essentially the stroller car seat carriers are a baby carrier that snaps into a stroller frame or the stay in the car seat base. They are usually for the smallest children and few are forward facing.
The stroller travel systems tend to be for larger children, above 25 pounds, and are forward facing.
Stroller car seat carriers and snap and go strollers are built with the young child’s need for a full reclining position. Like their bigger brothers, they offer three types of baby transportation for the price of one. The carrier is hand-held and can be used to carry the newborn and young baby before the child is sitting up. This carrier snaps or fastens securely to either a stroller frame or a car seat base anchored in the auto.
When fastened into the car seat carrier base, the baby is backward facing, which is the safer position for a young child.
If you are thinking of buying a stroller car seat carrier there are a few items to consider. First, you will probably have to replace it in just a few months to a year because usually the weight restrictions are low. Make sure that you know what the weight limit is on any car seat carrier you are thinking of purchasing. Also certain stroller bases only accept certain car seat carriers, so watch the model numbers.
Second, check out the recalls on the Internet on these systems. Just type in the model you are considering and “recalls.” This might save you a lot of headaches later. There are several models that have recalls, make sure the one you are considering, especially if you are buying it used, does not have a recall. Recall are only for serious defects or safety issues.
Third, make sure that it has a five-point harness system to keep your baby securely strapped into the car seat carrier. And, make sure the car seat carrier is securely fastened into the stay in car base. If you have any doubt on how to use the car seat carrier or how to fasten it into the base, take it to your local law enforcement station or hospital and ask for instructions. The trained professional will be glad to show you exactly how to keep your baby safe in your car seat carrier.
Fourth, inspect a real model before you buy it. If you intend to buy your car seat carrier on line that is fine, but use the touchy-feely method of inspection first. Find a real one of the car seat carriers you intend to buy and look it over. How sturdy are the latches and fasteners? Does the car seat base fit in your car? Does each portion of the car seat carrier appear sturdy enough?
Is there any possibility that you would not get all the fasteners snapped well enough? How easy it is to get securely latched? Do you understand how to install and latch it properly?
How about the padding? Will the child be comfortable?
This piece of baby equipment is very important. While none of us plan to be in an auto crash, we certainly do not want to have our baby injured because we did not latch in the car seat carrier correctly.
You can find a helpful car seat carriers buying guide and additional snap n go stroller information to help in your baby gear buying decisions at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Stroller Car Seat Carriers
Pregnancy Week 26 and Week 27
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 12th, 2009
A woman’s third trimester will offer a lot of changes and expectations. When you are 26 weeks pregnant, there will be unbelievable experiences during this stage of the journey. Both mother and child will reach milestones during this time, and it’s important to note that preparation is paramount. Knowing what to expect as 26 week pregnant or 27 weeks pregnant, can be the difference between alarm and comfort. Read as much information as you can to help you get ready for this phase of pregnancy! You’ll find that things are pretty much right on schedule and you’re looking forward even more to delivery.
One interesting fact for women 26 weeks pregnant is that their baby’s length has increased. He or she is now a whopping nine to ten inches long. This length has been beneficial to the art of jumping, which your baby has learned to put into practice. This is something pregnant women can hardly ignore.
The baby’s heart beat has picked up a steady pace, now. The strong pace can be picked up simply with a stethoscope. Be sure to ask your physician to allow you to hear this treat on your next visit. You’ll definitely get a kick out of this process!
Women 26 weeks pregnant have gained anywhere from twenty-three to twenty-four pounds. Many of them are beginning to experience more areas of discomfort and pressure. This pressure results in more trips to the bathroom. To alleviate these feelings, it is sometimes a good idea to simply stretch on a regular basis.
Some expectant moms have been known to experience headaches during this phase of pregnancy. The culprit here is the continuation of hormone fluctuations. Often the only cure here is to faithfully rest and relax. Closing the shades can help to relieve headaches in some women.
Those who are 27 weeks pregnant will find themselves plagued with random times of fatigue. As their uterus is expanding and circulation issues arise, these women crave more rest. Some have even begun to have Braxton Hicks contractions. These are simply a type of precursor to real contractions.
At 27 weeks pregnant, it’s interesting to note that your baby is perfectly formed. He or she is a smaller version of the baby you’ll see on your delivery day. Things like the eyes are developing right on time. In fact, the retina formation is nearly complete and has begun to function. Your baby is now experiencing some basic sight sensations.
This is the stage of pregnancy where women may find they are emotionally balancing a lot of things. Physically their body changes must be adjusted to and accommodated. Finding balance here is a matter of concern, for many women. Emotionally, the excitement about delivery day becomes overwhelming.
This is a perfect time to do things that are productive, but stress-free. Mothers choose this time to pick out baby names or to plan their nursery. These activities can be a lot of fun, and can allow mom some time away from her concerns.
You can find more tips about being 26 weeks pregnant at Aha Baby. You can learn about various ways to address various discomforts and other changes to your body during 27 weeks pregnant until your due date at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Pregnancy Week 26 and Week 27
Where To Find Resources For Cheap Pregnancy Tests
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 12th, 2009
Taking a pregnancy test does not always mean spending a hefty amount for hospital and doctor’s fees. Now, women can confirm pregnancy through home pregnancy kits. However, some women who cannot afford hospital fees and home pregnancy kits are hoping that somehow a few homemade concoctions may be used as homemade pregnancy tests or as an alternative for pregnancy kits in confirming pregnancy. So far, no homemade pregnancy tests have been invented to date and the closest you can get to taking a private and more affordable test is through a home pregnancy test kit.
Some of these kits are not only easy on the pocket. They are also very simple and easy to administer. The most common reason why women opt for the homemade kits is the privacy, convenience and quick results that it can offer. If you suspect that you can be pregnant and if you have been experiencing some early pregnancy signs, you can take the test on the day that your period is due. Some of the early pregnancy symptoms that you need to watch out for include a missed period, swelling of breasts, cramps, nausea or morning sickness, heat burns, headaches, constipation and frequent urination, just to name a few.
If; however, you do not have enough resources to buy a kit, you can check out free or cheap pregnancy tests from some institutions.
Free clinic – There are free clinics in every city which administer free pregnancy tests. Some of these clinics offer home pregnancy kits which you can administer yourself at home. Other clinics offer lab tests. They would take a sample of your blood to confirm pregnancy. If they give you the option as to which type of test to take, it is advised that you go for the blood tests. They are more accurate and they can tell you the stage of pregnancy. Customer information is kept confidential in these clinics.
Small town resources – You may also want to check out institutions which offer free pregnancy testing services. Most cities usually have extension or satellite offices to reach out to the surrounding far-flung communities. These satellite offices offer the same services that the city office offers. You can check with your local Red Cross and they can help you locate community resources which could help you.
Churches – While churches may not necessarily be able to offer you direct help, they can help you locate possible resources which you can check out. Churches are usually in contact with a wide range of affordable or free health services, including pregnancy testing. Your local church may be able to give you a referral which can help you avail of affordable pregnancy services.
If you think you could be pregnant, take note that pregnancy expenses do not end after you take you pregnancy test. Expecting a baby would mean regular medical check-ups. Apart from that, you also need to change your eating lifestyle and take supplements which can keep you and your baby healthy for the entire pregnancy period. As early as now, you may want to start thinking of and preparing for the possible resources which could offer you financial assistance.
You can find more information about cheap pregnancy tests at Aha Baby. You can also learn everything you need to know about pregnancy including homemade pregnancy tests at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Where To Find Resources For Cheap Pregnancy Tests
