Posts Tagged hormone progesterone
Pregnancy Symptoms – Increased Fatigue
Posted by in Pregnancy on January 14th, 2010
Pregnancy, the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life, is a pleasant as well as painful experience. Pleasant because it has several good things in store for you and painful because these good things come at a cost. Well, we are not trying to scare you, but pregnancy is a combination of good and bad experiences. For instance, the hormonal changes may give you radiant skin and thick, long hair, but at the cost of mood swings. Similarly, the baby bump will get you a lot of pampering from your loved ones, but when the bump grows bigger, it can give a backache. Therefore, like everything else, pregnancy, too, has its pros and cons. It has some good and not so good symptoms. One such symptom that we shall discuss is increased fatigue. Let us understand what causes this condition and how it can be treated or controlled.
Causes And Solution For Pregnancy Fatigue
Hormones – Hormones play havoc among pregnant women and cause this condition. A drastic rise in the hormone progesterone leads to the feeling of exhaustion and fatigue. These hormonal changes occur during the initial phases of pregnancy, precisely during the first trimester. Later, your body will adapt itself to the hormonal change and thus the symptoms of increased fatigue will diminish.
Anxiety And Stress – These two factors can also drain your energy levels and you may feel tired or lethargic. Increased stress or anxiety about pregnancy and nervousness can cause a feeling of exhaustion. However, this stress or anxiety will only occur in the initial days of pregnancy since childbearing is a very different experience. Once the feeling of stress or anxiety is reduced, the increased fatigue symptom will also correct itself.
Treatment – There is no treatment or medication for this condition. However, there are ways to cope with it. You need to make some lifestyle changes to deal with this feeling of exhaustion and tiredness. Moreover, when you know it is a temporary phase, it becomes easy to deal with it. There are three simple ways to cope with increased fatigue: healthy diet, moderate exercise and stress-free lifestyle. To achieve a balance between these three factors, you may have to take some extra care of yourself. Eating well may sound very simple, but how many of us watch what we eat? During pregnancy, you must consult a doctor and ask for the right diet. It should include calcium, vitamins, proteins, omega 3 fatty acids and much more. Seek advice from your doctor for an ideal diet plan. Some foods are known to increase energy levels, which can help you cope with the increased fatigue. The next important thing is to practice light exercise everyday. It could be as simple as going for a walk or moderate exercise at home. However, it is important to consult your doctor for this purpose. Exercise increases immunity and improves blood circulation, which can keep you fit. The next important factor is your lifestyle. If there are too many stressors in your life, it could add to the fatigue. Try to cut down on responsibilities, both at work or at home. Allow yourself to de-stress and relax occasionally. Go for a vacation or a weekend getaway to reduce the symptoms of increased fatigue.
Know about the ways to deal with increased fatigue during the early stages of pregnancy. Get further informed on the pregnancy symptoms or the early signs of pregnancy.
Article Source: Pregnancy Symptoms – Increased Fatigue
Are You Pregnant? Signs and Symptoms Associated with Pregnancy
Posted by in Babies on September 27th, 2009
Here are some clues that you are pregnant long before the signs will be evidenced by anyone else. The first signs that you are pregnant show up within two weeks of conception.
Breasts will experience noticeable changes such as tenderness and swelling. And yes, they are usually tender right before your period begins. So that may not be clue enough. Here is another clue that many wouldn’t know to look for. If you stand in front of a mirror without a bra on and look at your nipples you may see a dark ring around the outer rim of your nipples. It almost looks like eye liner was drawn around your nipples. Interesting isn’t it?
Next clue and probably the most common is nausea. Yes, your stomach may feel like it is tumbling around. You may actually vomit but it is more common just to sense the feeling of nausea or to experience your stomach lunging at the smell of trash or certain foods. You will notice that the nausea is closely related to a heighten level of smell.
Fatigue: Exhaustion. This is the next clue that you are indeed pregnant. Increased levels of the hormone progesterone can make you feel so sleepy. Also, a change in sugar levels can cause the exhaustion that some new mommies experience as their blood sugar works to deal with the new levels of hormones.
Cramping and even a slight reddish bleeding is a normal sign that you are pregnant. This may cause you to believe that you are starting to menstruate. However, this often is the first clue of the fertilized egg attaching to the lining of the uterus. That’s right the first sign may be the most upsetting if you are longing to be pregnant. But, have no fear a bit if cramping is normal in the early weeks of pregnancy.
Mood swings are a sure sign of the early days and weeks of a pregnancy. Often as the pregnancy advances the emotions and moods become more even and consistent. But, the first few weeks can include some sudden tears or even sudden laughter as your hormone levels escalate.
If you are experiencing several of these symptoms and are experiencing a late menstruation then it may be time to head to the doctor’s office for confirmation and pre natal care. It is great to take note early of your pregnancy so that you can get those vitamins as early as possible.
Find information about infertility treatments such as IVF, as well as tips on getting pregnant.
Article Source: Are You Pregnant? Signs and Symptoms Associated with Pregnancy
Tooth Changes While Pregnant
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 8th, 2009
With all of the other changes pregnant women experience, tooth problems can often get overlooked. The dental care, pregnant women receive, is very important. Tooth problems can affect a woman’s overall pregnancy experience, if not handled properly. Not all pregnant women experience tooth problems, but many do. Some common tooth problems, range from the area of sensitivity, to gum bleeding. Just as it is important to note any serious changes during pregnancy, you should pay attention to your dental care.
Many people face tooth problems daily. In fact, tooth sensitivity, is one of the most common tooth problems. This can be especially uncomfortable when you’re pregnant. Many conditions pregnant women suffered before conceiving become even more difficult once they are pregnant. Dealing with sensitive teeth can be one of these conditions.
There are a few easy tips to dealing with sensitive teeth. Fortunately the various tooth care products on the market today make the process much simpler. One of the first things you may need to do is replace your tooth brush. Having a tooth brush that is too hard or abrasive, on sensitive teeth, can make matters worse.
Some pregnant women will only be able to use soft bristle tooth brushes throughout their pregnancy. There are also tooth pastes that are specially formulated for sensitive teeth. Using these two products can instantly provide relief for this problem. This and other teeth issues should be addressed with your dentist.
The condition of having sensitive teeth should not be ignored. It is usually difficult to eat when sensitivity issues are extreme. This can pose a problem to both the mother’s and child’s health. Another serious tooth issue, is when you’re experiencing gum bleeding. Bleeding gums, is caused by excessive hormones.
If the hormone, progesterone exists in high levels, in a pregnant woman’s body, bleeding gums can result. If this does occur, it is important that you consult your doctor. Talking to both your doctor and dentist, can help you find the right remedy for your specific condition. In most cases, antibiotics can be taken to relieve symptoms.
There are also ways to prevent problems with your teeth during pregnancy. One way is by brushing at least twice daily. Remember to use the right type of tooth brush. Brushing rids your teeth of harmful bacteria that can make matters worse, if not cleaned from the teeth. Flossing is also important.
For pregnant women who are experiencing bleeding gums, they should floss, carefully, so as not to further damage their gums. It is also important to receive regular dental care during pregnancy. Having your teeth professionally cleaned is a way of preventing future problems with your teeth, especially while you are pregnant. Your diet is also a very important component to proper dental health. Eating foods that strengthen your teeth, like those high in calcium, are a good way to make your teeth healthier for the long term.
Pregnant women can experience a number of problems where their teeth are concerned. However, each can be handled effectively, if symptoms are addressed as they arise.
You can find helpful information about tooth problems and everything you need to know about dental care at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Tooth Changes While Pregnant
Observing Pregnancy Problems
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 31st, 2009
Every pregnant woman’s doctor will encourage her to watch for changes in her condition. Monitoring abnormal occurrences can be very important to prevent serious problems during pregnancy. Some clues, women get, that informs them that something may be wrong, are discharges or leakages. Seeing a white vagina discharge or having an amniotic fluid leakage can be serious. In some cases, a white vagina discharge will be just another common occurrence. In these situations white vagina discharge is normal. Vaginal discharges are natural in all women, but this occurrence tends to increase once a woman is pregnant. She may see even more discharges, and in varying colors.
A white vagina discharge can simply mean that the hormone progesterone is being increased in the body. Like all discharges, this extra fluid is then discarded through the vaginal region. In this process the cervix glands are stimulated by the hormone and large amounts of liquid is then eliminated. In some instances, a white vagina discharge can be thick or sticky. Generally though, they do not have a smell.
When there is a change in either odor or color of a vaginal discharge, a pregnant woman must pay close attention. These changes could mean that something else is the culprit for this discharge. The presence of other illnesses can produce white vagina discharge, as well.
If you begin to notice an amniotic fluid leakage, this could be, an even more concerning situation. It is expected that amniotic fluid will remain intact, until it is time for labor to start. So if you are seeing amniotic fluid leakage, early in pregnancy there may be a problem. The purpose for this fluid is all about ensuring the protection of your unborn child.
This fluid keeps the baby not only safe, but assists in the nourishing process. In fact, after approximately 10 weeks of pregnancy, a woman’s amniotic fluid contains proteins for the baby. So, any leakage of amniotic fluid is an urgent matter.
Only 10% of all pregnant women actually give birth on their prospective due dates. So, it is not unusual to hear about a woman delivering either early, or later than her due date. But when a woman goes into labor earlier than expected, this is not always a good scenario. In fact, if a pregnant woman is far from full term, delivering early can jeopardize her baby.
After all, premature labor produces a premature baby. In these cases the baby’s organs have not developed sufficiently to live independently of its mother. Doctors keep close watch on these types of pregnancies. If a woman hasn’t gone into labor within days of experiencing an amniotic fluid leak, inducement may be necessary.
Usually doctors try to determine the development of the baby’s lungs before inducing labor. If the baby can breathe on its own, to some level inducing is an easier decision. But when a baby is too underdeveloped, its chances for survival outside of the womb decrease significantly. This is just another reason why regular communication with your physician can be critical.
You can find helpful information about amniotic fluid leakage and everything you need to know about white vagina discharge at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Observing Pregnancy Problems
How to tell if you’re Pregnant
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 31st, 2009
Most women just assume that a missed period is the first real indicator that they might be pregnant. While this is generally true, it is not always the case. Missed periods can be the result of all sorts of factors. You might be stressed, have a poor diet, be working too hard, or have some other health condition that impacts your reproductive system. In addition, it can take up to a month after conception before you notice a missed period. However, there are a few other ways that you might notice that you are pregnant quite a bit sooner.
If you are pregnant, cramps are one very typical way of your body telling you that something has changed. These cramps will probably feel a lot like menstrual cramps, but they will be taking place at the wrong time of month, and may be ongoing. Pregnant cramps may continue for quite some time during the pregnancy but could change in their severity.
Another key indicator of pregnancy is morning sickness. You may find yourself getting up feeling very nauseous, and have a bout of vomiting immediately. If you are pregnant, cramps might accompany the morning sickness. The worst of it usually goes away after the first few months. You can sometimes lessen the severity by eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy food.
You may also find yourself experiencing severe mood swings. You might feel more depressed than normal, and generally very emotional. Some women compare the emotional state of early pregnancy with the mood swings they feel during pre-menstrual syndrome, just more severe.
Pregnancy can wreak havoc with your digestive system, causing problems like constipation, heartburn, and gas. Pregnancy and flatulence are commonly identified together, because women are particularly shocked by sudden expulsions of gas, when they typically have much less. Higher production of the hormone progesterone slows down the digestive system, causing constipation and much more gas than is normal. Because the early stages of pregnancy and flatulence frequently coincide, it can be a pretty good indicator that something unusual is going on.
If you suddenly find yourself exhausted all the time, pregnancy could be the reason. Fatigue can be a result of sudden increases in hormone production associated with pregnancy. It can also come about because morning sickness and pregnant cramps are causing you to eat less, depriving you of much-needed energy.
When pregnant, cramps can manifest themselves during morning sickness as a sharp stomach pain, in addition to those that seem to be similar to menstrual cramps. You may also have problems with heartburn, since the increase of progesterone, and pressure on the stomach by the expanding uterus can cause food and gastric acid to move up the esophagus.
If you think you might be pregnant, cramps are one of the earliest and most certain ways to tell you if you’re pregnant. Usually, you will show more than one symptom, so you may find yourself experiencing morning sickness and fatigue as well. If so, it’s now time for a pregnancy test!
You can find helpful information about pregnancy and flatulence and everything you need to know about pregnant cramps at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: How to tell if you’re Pregnant
How to Get Relief from Constipation during Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 31st, 2009
If you find yourself experiencing constipation during pregnancy, you are not alone. Nearly half of all pregnant women experience constipation during some point during their pregnancy. Bloating and pain are often a result of constipation during pregnancy, and it has even been identified as a cause of pre-term labor. Pregnancy and constipation don’t have to go together, however. Fortunately, it is possible to find relief.
Your baby will need as many vitamins, minerals and nutrients as your body can give it while you are carrying it. Your body accomplishes this by increasing production of the hormone progesterone, which slows down the movement of food through the digestive system. This slowing allows your body to absorb the maximum of nutrients from the food before it is expelled as waste. Unfortunately, this slowing can also result in constipation during pregnancy.
Pregnancy and constipation can also occur because your body absorbs more water, so that blood flow to the fetus can be increased. This means that water is directed away from the bowel, resulting in a harder, drier bowel movement and this can cause constipation during pregnancy. Since food is staying in your digestive system longer, it is able to absorb more water than usual as well. In addition, just about all prenatal vitamins include extra iron, which is yet another source of constipation.
So, what can you do about this always uncomfortable and frequently painful problem? Making a few simple changes in your diet can make all the difference. Be sure to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. This will help make up for the extra water being absorbed by your body. Also be sure to increase fiber in your diet. This is easily accomplished by including whole grains like brown rice. Eat a lot of fruits and leafy green vegetables. Prune juice has also been shown to be helpful in preventing constipation.
Mangosteen juice is another effective remedy for constipation. You may also wish to consult a homeopathic doctor who can help you find natural remedies for your problem. Be sure to avoid over-the-counter laxatives, as they can be very harsh and even stimulate uterine contractions, resulting in pre-term labor, or even a miscarriage.
Exercise is also an excellent way to fight constipation during pregnancy. If you are not accustomed to regular exercise, start slowly by walking for just 15 minutes a day. Even a little bit of exercise is beneficial in increasing blood flow and reducing stress. Since stress is yet another cause of constipation, you definitely want to keep it under control.
Pregnancy and constipation can be an unfortunate combination at a time when you really don’t need any further discomfort. Fortunately, if you follow even some of the steps above, you will find relief from constipation, and can probably keep it from happening in the first place. Simply by improving your diet, drinking more water and increasing your exercise, you will find that everything is working much more smoothly, and your baby will be getting all of the nutrition it needs.
You can find helpful information about constipation during pregnancy and everything you need to know about pregnancy and constipation at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: How to Get Relief from Constipation during Pregnancy
Some of the Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 31st, 2009
While pregnancy can be a very exciting time for you, full of anticipation and planning, it sometimes seems that your body is just not cooperating, and seems to cause trouble at every turn. It is unfortunate, but just about every pregnant woman will experience a variety of uncomfortable changes in her body. On the bright side, you are not alone in this, and the fact that many of these complaints are so common means that there is probably a remedy that works for you.
One of the more common problems you will face as a pregnant woman is stomach discomfort during pregnancy, generally speaking. During pregnancy, your body produces a great deal of the hormone progesterone, and this can lead to several specific problems, like heartburn and constipation. Nearly 80 percent of all pregnant women also experience morning sickness, which manifests itself through nausea and vomiting, usually in the early part of the day. You might also experience a stomach ache during pregnancy that could be as mild as a very dull pain, or as sharp as severe abdominal cramping.
Some stomach discomfort during pregnancy is the result of massive hormonal changes in your body chemistry. Everything is different. The food you normally eat will no longer be digested in quite the same way. Morning sickness is common in the first trimester, but sometimes it lasts the entire pregnancy. Heartburn and constipation may be factors as well. Most of these conditions can be controlled or prevented through a few small changes in your diet and routine. Having a stomach ache during pregnancy is fairly normal, and fortunately it is a temporary situation.
Some other problems you may experience are swelling of the feet and ankles, extreme fatigue, and back pain. Some women complain of itchy skin as well. Some stomach discomfort during pregnancy occurs simply because the skin is stretching out so far to accommodate your growing baby. This can lead to some itchiness, which is easily remedied with a mild cream. Swelling can be managed by elevating the affected areas frequently and by drinking a lot of water. Try to schedule regular naps and get plenty of sleep at night. Back pain can be controlled to an extent, simply by never sitting or standing for too long.
Like most of the common discomforts, a stomach ache during pregnancy is to be expected at times. You can be sure your doctor will be familiar with all of these conditions and will be able to advise how to best treat them. Fatigue, swelling, back pain and stomach discomfort during pregnancy are extremely common and can usually be dealt with using a host of simple remedies.
Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for advice, but be aware that other women who have already experienced pregnancy can be great sources of information as well. It’s almost a guarantee that all of them have experienced some form of stomach discomfort during pregnancy, along with at least a few of the other problems, and can probably give you some great advice.
You can find helpful information about stomach ache during pregnancy and everything you need to know about stomach discomfort during pregnancy at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Some of the Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
Heartburn and Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 30th, 2009
Of all of the changes that occur during pregnancy, heartburn is one that a great many women experience. Pregnancy and heartburn tend to go together, and women who have never experienced it before might suffer from it on a frequent basis. Fortunately, heartburn in pregnancy is quite easy to prevent and treat. Heartburn in pregnancy occurs for two reasons. When your body first realizes it is pregnant, it kicks the production of the hormone progesterone into overdrive. This hormone is critical in preparing your body to nurture a fetus and to fetal development.
Unfortunately, increased progesterone production also helps relax the cardiac sphincter, the muscle that closes off the opening between the stomach and the esophagus. When the cardiac sphincter is relaxed, it is much easier for food and gastric acid in the stomach to flow back into the esophagus, creating a burning sensation in the middle of your chest.
Another reason for heartburn in pregnancy is that the uterus expands as the fetus grows, and pushes against the stomach, squishing it up against the cardiac sphincter; again creating the perfect conditions for heartburn. With two such powerful things occurring, it’s no wonder that so many women experience pregnancy and heartburn together.
Ideally, you can try to prevent heartburn before it starts. One way to do this is to be as healthy as you can be before becoming pregnant. Establish good exercise habits and a healthy diet, and take a good prenatal vitamin when you first start to think about getting pregnant. If there are foods you know cause you heartburn, resolve to avoid them especially while pregnant. The deck is already stacked in favor of heartburn- don’t encourage it further!
Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with heartburn in pregnancy. Try to make sure that you eat your last meal at least two hours before going to bed. Lying down just makes it that much easier for food and acid to go the wrong way. For the same reason, don’t lie down immediately after eating. When you do go to sleep, prop your head up on a few pillows, so your esophagus always remains higher than the stomach.
Eat some yogurt, or drink milk- both are helpful in neutralizing stomach acid and they are good for you. Be sure to eat smaller meals more frequently- you are less likely to suffer heartburn with less food in your stomach. Be sure to avoid foods that are particularly greasy, spicy, or are known to produce gastric acid, like tomatoes and peppers. Also avoid foods like peppermint, garlic and chocolate, as these have been known to relax the cardiac sphincter, thereby causing heartburn in pregnancy.
If nothing else works, consider trying a mild antacid like Tums or Mylanta. It’s probably best to check with you doctor before trying anything of that nature, though.
It is very likely that you will experience heartburn in pregnancy, but fortunately, there are a number of good ways to deal with it.
You can find helpful information about pregnancy and heartburn and everything you need to know about heartburn in pregnancy at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Heartburn and Pregnancy
Coping with Digestive Problems during Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 29th, 2009
Going through pregnancy will cause your body to experience many changes. Some of them may be positive, but many others may make you feel uncomfortable, and may also be quite unfamiliar to you. You might wonder if some things are happening as a result of the pregnancy, or if they are simply digestive problems you might experience normally. Every woman is different, but there are some common issues that come up frequently. Some of these include heartburn, constipation, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and burping during pregnancy.
Even though some of these problems might be familiar to you from before your pregnancy, you might find them exaggerated. Your body undergoes a great many changes during the course of a pregnancy, and these changes alone can result in any number of digestive problems.
Constipation is one of the most common problems. When you become pregnant, your body adjusts to the fact that the fetus will require additional nutrients to grow. As a result, your digestive system slows down so the nutrients in the food you consume can be more readily absorbed. Water is also absorbed to a greater degree to increase blood flow to the fetus. The combination of these things can lead to problems with constipation.
Another common digestive problem is heartburn. There are a couple reasons why pregnant women are more likely to experience it. One is that increased production of the hormone progesterone makes the cardiac sphincter muscle between the stomach and esophagus relax, allowing food and gastric acid to get back in to the esophagus. Another is that the expansion of the uterus pushes on the stomach, forcing food and gastric acid back beyond the cardiac sphincter muscle.
Pregnant women also experience a variety of digestive problems that originate with the nausea of morning sickness. Nausea can lead to abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Because constipation is a common problem, focusing on getting rid of it can also cause an opposite effect, resulting in diarrhea. Simply put, your body chemistry changes quite radically during a pregnancy and you may find that food you have always eaten no longer agrees with you, while at the same time you experience cravings for things you never cared for before.
Yet another problem you might experience is excess gas, which can lead to flatulence, or burping during pregnancy. You may find that gas builds up much more readily than before, and that you are far more sensitive to gas—producing foods. While food is being digested too slowly, you may experience gas bubbles moving through your colon, or back up your esophagus. It is the air that escapes up the esophagus that causes burping during pregnancy.
While a number of health issues may arise during your pregnancy, be assured that all of those listed above are quite common, and can usually be dealt with relatively easily. Just focus on being as healthy as you can be, look forward to having your baby, and your body will go back to normal before you know it!
You can find helpful information about burping during pregnancy and everything you need to know about digestive problems at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Coping with Digestive Problems during Pregnancy
