Pregnancy Lounge

Tag: fertility

  • Episiotomy

    A small incision during delivery is an episiotomy. Right before your baby’s head emerges during delivery, in the pushing stage of labor, you may be given an injection of local anesthetic and your doctor or midwife may make a small incision in the skin between your vagina and anus (your perineum). This is called an episiotomy. An episiotomy is usually a second degree cut in both the skin and muscle of your perineum made for the purpose of enlarging your vaginal opening to assist in delivering your baby. The incision is closed with stitches after your baby and the placenta have been delivered. It is one of the most common medical procedures performed on women and also one of the most controversial.

    There are two main types of cuts: a midline (the most common), which is a cut directly towards the anus and a mediolateral, which is a diagonal cut toward the side. The most common are second degree and the least common are fourth degree cuts.

    Many doctors believe that an incision heals more easily than a tear. Other claimed benefits of episiotomy include prevention of possible third or fourth degree lacerations, lacerations that reach the anus, incontinence later on, damage to the pelvic floor and injury to the baby, as well as shortening the pushing stage; leading to a quicker delivery. Some doctors say that episiotomies are preferred, because they are simply easier to repair.
    <<click here for the rest of the article on episiotomies.>>

  • Depression During Pregnancy (continued)

    Possible triggers for prenatal depression include: family or personal history of depression, relationship problems or martial conflict, living alone, unplanned pregnancy, financial troubles, a complicated or high-risk pregnancy, being confined to bed rest, fertility treatments, previous pregnancy loss (fear that something may happen to this pregnancy), stressful life events (such as a recent death in the family, divorce, separation or job loss), being young at the time of pregnancy, history of substance abuse, limited support from family and friends as well as past history of being abused either emotionally, sexually or physically. There may be a number of reasons why a woman may get depressed during pregnancy, although at other times, the cause isn’t quite as clear.

    Depression during pregnancy can be dangerous, since when it’s severe, it may result in decreased ability for women to care for themselves or their unborn baby, along with interference with prenatal bonding. Women may not eat properly, get adequate rest or receive prenatal care. Depression can also put women at risk for increased use of substances such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Women with severe depression may be at a much higher risk of suicide, if the depression is left untreated. Depression during pregnancy is linked to premature delivery, low birth-weight and possibly even depression and behavioral problems later on in the child.

    In addition, depression during pregnancy is one of the strongest predictors of postpartum depression after delivery. About 50% of women suffering from depression during pregnancy go on to develop postpartum depression. The good news is treatment during pregnancy can reduce that number dramatically.

    Many women suffer needlessly because they don’t seek help. Depression can be treated and managed during pregnancy, but the first step of seeking out help and support, is the most important. Treating depression is just as important as treating any other health concern during pregnancy. Without proper treatment, depression can get worse or be harmful to the baby or mother.

    If you suspect that you are becoming depressed, it’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife about how you are feeling. He or she may want to prescribe anti-depressant medication and/or refer you to a therapist who can provide you with some much-needed support, if your depression is moderate to severe. Besides medication and therapy, alternative approaches include light therapy, support groups as well as self-help approaches that may help you feel better. These include: building a support network that can help with such things as household responsibilities, preparing meals and other daily tasks to help keep you from feeling fatigued, exercising, which can be very beneficial, especially walking and stress management. Make sure to take plenty of breaks, get adequate amounts of sleep and eat a well-balanced diet. Talking things out with your friends, partner and family may also be very helpful.

    << Postpartum Depression >>

  • Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

    Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

    When your enlarging uterus places pressure on certain nerves (as well as a shortage of calcium), you may experience leg cramps or pains, which are more common in the last half of pregnancy.

    • Elevate your feet whenever possible and avoid crossing your legs.
    • You may try massaging and stretching your calf muscles before bed.
    • Add more calcium and potassium to your diet to prevent leg cramps.
    • When a cramp hits, straighten your leg and gently massage it until the pain lets up.
    • Apply a heating pad or a hot water bottle to the sore area.

    Call your doctor or midwife if it doesn’t get better, because the cramping could be a symptom of something more serious.

    more Pregnancy Discomforts

    –Backaches
    –Constipation
    –Hemorrhoids
    –Fatigue
    –Headaches
    –Heartburn and Indigestion
    –Itchy Abdomen
    –Dizziness and Fainting
    –Swelling
    –Varicose Veins
    –Breast Discomfort
    –Urinary Problems
    –Sleep Trouble
    –Leg Cramps
    –Nausea and Morning Sickness
    –Increased Discharge
    –Pelvic Pressure
    –Hand Numbness
    –Braxton Hicks Contractions

  • Pregnancy Contractions

    Contractions are when your uterus starts practicing and preparing for labor (as early as the second trimester), you may experience some discomfort, as your uterus briefly tightens and relaxes. They are typically mild and painless and may quiet down if you change positions.

    Unlike real labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks will subside. You may want to try relaxing, by soaking in a warm bath or by taking a nap. If they start coming at regular intervals, are accompanied by back pain or become painful, contact your doctor or midwife.

    more Discomforts

    –Backaches
    –Breast Discomfort
    –Braxton Hicks Contractions
    –    Constipation
    –Dizziness and Fainting
    –Fatigue
    –Hand Numbness
    –Headaches
    –Heartburn and Indigestion
    –Hemorrhoids
    –Increased Discharge
    –Itchy Abdomen
    –Leg Cramps
    –Nausea and Morning Sickness
    –Overheating
    –Pelvic Pressure
    –Sleep Trouble
    –Swelling
    –Urinary Problems
    –Varicose Veins

  • Constipation in Pregnancy

    When digestive muscles begin to loosen (due to certain hormones) and the last half of pregnancy when your growing uterus puts added pressure on your bowels, you may experience irregularity.

    To overcome constipation, eat foods that are fiber-rich. Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain products and prune juice are all good choices.
    Increase your fluid intake and make sure you are getting at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to help soften your stool and keep food moving along in your digestive tract.

    Regular exercise is especially helpful in dealing with constipation. Don’t take enemas, laxatives, or home remedies unless recommended by your doctor or midwife.

    more Discomforts

    —Backaches
    —Breast Discomfort
    —Braxton Hicks Contractions
    —    Constipation
    —    Dizziness and Fainting
    —    Fatigue
    —    Hand Numbness
    —    Headaches
    —    Heartburn and Indigestion
    —    Hemorrhoids
    —    Increased Discharge
    —    Itchy Abdomen
    —    Leg Cramps
    —    Nausea and Morning Sickness
    —    Overheating
    —    Pelvic Pressure
    —    Sleep Trouble
    —    Swelling
    —    Urinary Problems
    —    Varicose Veins

  • Pregnancy Complications

    Despite the fact that most women have normal, uncomplicated pregnancies, with only minor discomforts, pregnancy complications are not that uncommon. Hundreds of thousands of women have pregnancy complications every year. Among women who become pregnant in the United States each year, at least 30% have a pregnancy-related complication.

    Every year in the United States, approximately 875,000 women experience one or more pregnancy complication, about 467,200 babies are born prematurely, close to 307,000 babies are born with low birth weight and over 154,000 babies are born with birth defects. It’s predicted that this year, 1,050,000 women will develop hypertension, 420,000-840,000 will experience abnormal bleeding, 380,000 will go into labor too early, 210,000 will come down with viral infections, 139,000-420,000 women will have babies with intrauterine growth retardation, 126,000-504,000 will have gestational diabetes and 42,000 will have too much amniotic fluid.

    The majority of problems are relatively mild, but some carry significant health risk to both you and your growing baby. Complications can range from minor (morning sickness, leg cramps, edema, etc) to more serious complications that may need medical intervention including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, incompetent cervix, bleeding in pregnancy, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), placenta previa, placental insufficiency, placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), low or excessive amniotic fluid, preeclampsia, (pregnancy-induced hypertension) and eclampsia.

    If your doctor or midwife identifies a potential problem, they may refer you to a perinatologist, who is a specialist that handles pregnancies that are at higher-than-normal risk for complications. Under certain circumstances, a neonatologist may be called in to advise about problems that occur (or are expected to occur) shortly after delivery. A neonatologist is a pediatrician who works exclusively with newborns, specifically those born premature, have a serious injury, illness, infection or a birth defect.

    There are several specific tests done during the first trimester of pregnancy, and a few screenings later in pregnancy to help prevent certain complications, or spot them early. Your doctor or midwife can provide you with a schedule for prenatal tests. Every woman can minimize her risk of experiencing complications by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly by eating well and refraining from non-prescription drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, as well as receiving regular prenatal care. It’s important to follow your doctor or midwife’s advice, to lower your risk for complications and to heighten your odds of delivering a healthy baby.

  • CMV Infections

    According to the HealthDay News, CMV risk can be significantly reduced when a drug called hyperimmune globin is used as it can keep the virus from being passed onto an unborn baby. CMV can be a dangerous virus for unborn babies and infants but is not usually dangerous to adults and children. By the age of 30, according to the March of Dimes, about half of the US population have contracted the virus. Hyperimmune globin gives a pregnant mother’s immune system a boost to fight the virus.

    Approximately one percent of all babies are born with CMV infection which can cause serious neurological problems including death. If a woman is infected during pregnancy, she has a 40% chance of passing the virus on to her newborn. There is currently no effective treatment of CMV.

    The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and according to Dr. Patrick Duff (co-author of the study), more studies need to be done to confirm these findings.

  • Cervix, Changes and BBT

    Cervix, Changes and BBT

    bbt basal body temperatureA combination of charting your basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus and cervical position and shape will indicate when the most fertile time of your cycle is. Cervical change signals general fluctuations in your estrogen levels and can be very helpful and fairly reliable in predicting your fertility. Checking your cervical position and shape takes some practice. Also, to chart this particular sign, there are some guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.

    Your Cervical Changes and Shape

    Right after your period ends, the position of your cervix is low, hard and closed. At this point in your cycle, it should be easily reached by your fingertip and feel as if you are touching the tip of your nose. A firm, pointed shape generally indicates low estrogen and you are considered to be infertile during this time.

    As estrogen and fertility increase (immediately prior to ovulation), your cervix softens, opens up and rises to it?s highest point within your body so that it?s harder to reach. The opening increases as well, which makes the slit or tiny hole feel much larger, becoming more receptive to sperm, allowing them to make their way more easily through your cervix. Your cervix remains this way until after ovulation has taken place.

    Once ovulation has occurred- when estrogen levels suddenly drop, you can feel your hardened, closed cervix back in its lower (pre-ovulatory) position. Keep in mind that women who have given birth previously may notice that their cervix feels slightly open, even after ovulation. When the position of your cervix drops, it will become easy to reach once more. At this point, you are considered infertile once again and cannot get pregnant.

    You should begin observing your cervical position and shape the first day after your period ends. Cervical position can be monitored throughout the day and be done while checking your cervical mucus. Before checking your cervix, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. The best time to check it is right after you have showered. Sitting on the toilet or with one foot on the toilet seat (or bathtub) may be the most comfortable positions for checking your cervix. You can check your cervical position by gently inserting your finger and feeling for your cervix, which is located at the top of your vagina. Record if it?s hard to reach (high position) or easier to reach (low position) and also if it feels firm or soft. It normally takes a few months to see all the changes in your cervix during your cycle and notice a pattern.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Cervix and Changes

    A combination of charting your basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus and cervical position and shape will indicate when the most fertile time of your cycle is. Cervical change signals general fluctuations in your estrogen levels and can be very helpful and fairly reliable in predicting your fertility. Checking your cervical position and shape takes some practice. Also, to chart this particular sign, there are some guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.

    Your Cervical Changes and Shape

    Right after your period ends, the position of your cervix is low, hard and closed. At this point in your cycle, it should be easily reached by your fingertip and feel as if you are touching the tip of your nose. A firm, pointed shape generally indicates low estrogen and you are considered to be infertile during this time.

    As estrogen and fertility increase (immediately prior to ovulation), your cervix softens, opens up and rises to it?s highest point within your body so that it?s harder to reach. The opening increases as well, which makes the slit or tiny hole feel much larger, becoming more receptive to sperm, allowing them to make their way more easily through your cervix. Your cervix remains this way until after ovulation has taken place.

    Once ovulation has occurred- when estrogen levels suddenly drop, you can feel your hardened, closed cervix back in its lower (pre-ovulatory) position. Keep in mind that women who have given birth previously may notice that their cervix feels slightly open, even after ovulation. When the position of your cervix drops, it will become easy to reach once more. At this point, you are considered infertile once again and cannot get pregnant.

    You should begin observing your cervical position and shape the first day after your period ends. Cervical position can be monitored throughout the day and be done while checking your cervical mucus. Before checking your cervix, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. The best time to check it is right after you have showered. Sitting on the toilet or with one foot on the toilet seat (or bathtub) may be the most comfortable positions for checking your cervix. You can check your cervical position by gently inserting your finger and feeling for your cervix, which is located at the top of your vagina. Record if it?s hard to reach (high position) or easier to reach (low position) and also if it feels firm or soft. It normally takes a few months to see all the changes in your cervix during your cycle and notice a pattern.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Cervical Mucus and Charting

    In conception, cervical mucus is an essential element because it nourishes and protects sperm, keeping them alive for up to five days inside your cervix, until ovulation occurs and fertilization can take place. Slippery cervical mucus also provides channels, which help sperm swim through your cervix. Without enough fertile mucus, your cervix is blocked and conception can’t happen.

    Whether your cycles are long, short, regular or irregular- charting your cervical mucus patterns (along with your BBT) is a great way to pinpoint your most fertile days and predict when you will ovulate, so you can be sure of which days lovemaking may result in pregnancy.

    In charting the changes in your cervical mucus, you will be looking for changes in consistency, quantity and color. The consistency of your cervical mucus changes throughout your menstrual cycle based on the hormonal shifts that are associated with ovulation, caused by estrogen and progesterone.

    Once your period has stopped, your cervical mucus is typically dry or it may feel dense, tacky, chalky or crumbly. The number of dry days after your menstrual bleeding ends, varies from cycle to cycle. Sperm are prevented from penetrating your cervix on days when there is no mucus. As you get closer to ovulation your cervical mucus will get thinner, because of increased levels of estrogen.

    Eventually, your cervical mucus turns to a consistency similar to raw egg whites (about 1-3 days prior to ovulation), which helps sperm to penetrate your cervix. This cervical mucus is very slippery and stretchy, sometimes changing in color, appearing fairly clear or yellowish. It may feel abundant, wet (similar to what you feel at the beginning of your period) and can be stretched into a thread between your fingers. This type of cervical mucus signals that eggs are developing and indicates that you are highly fertile. You and your partner should make love every day that you see or feel this type of fertile cervical mucus, for the best chance of conceiving.

    After ovulation you will notice that your cervical mucus typically gets thicker, sticky or dries up all together, becoming a protective barrier against sperm once again. This is caused by a decrease in your estrogen levels and an increase in your progesterone levels.

    You should start checking your cervical mucus on the first day after your period, and check it several times during the day. You can check it externally by wiping downward with toilet tissue, while sitting on the toilet. It can be more accurate to insert your index or middle finger (making sure your hands are clean), and observe your cervical mucus by feeling it and recording your observations on your chart.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Dealing with Postpartum Depression

    Having a baby is supposed to be a thrilling and exciting time, but for many women it can also be a time of fear, stress and even depression. After giving birth, many women (as many as 80% of new mothers) experience a week or two of “baby blues,” marked by mood swings, mild depression, and bouts of unexplained crying, but these feelings typically disappear quickly. Postpartum depression, on the other hand can be described as on-going or worsening intense feelings of sadness, restlessness, irritability or being consistently exhausted and unable to function. Up to 15- 30% of new mothers experience full-blown postpartum depression after delivery, which can last as briefly as 2 weeks, but as long as over a year.

    Common symptoms of postpartum depression include: constant or worsening feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness, crying more than usual, lack of interest (or over interest) in baby or caring for baby, being unable to function, extreme exhaustion and sleeping too much (or too little), feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to cope, change in eating habits (not eating or overeating), change in weight, as well as loss of interest or pleasure in activities including sex. Also, being unable to make decisions, trouble focusing, feeling out of control or unusual feelings of rage and feelings of wanting life back the way it was before baby are common symptoms of postpartum depression. Frightening thoughts of suicide or harming baby and fear of being alone with baby that won’t go away are more serious symptoms, which a woman should seek help for immediately.

    << click for the rest of the article on postpartum depression >>

    Depression During Pregnancy
    Postpartum Depression
    Depression After Delivery

  • Tips for Getting Pregnant

    Tips for Getting Pregnant

    getting pregnantTrying to conceive or getting pregnant can be as simple as discontinuing contraception for some women, but for many others it can take a while to increase fertility. A healthy couple has only about a 25 percent chance of conceiving during each cycle. Only 75 to 85 percent of all couples get pregnant within the first year of trying. It takes time.

    There are certain things that can boost your odds of getting pregnant or while trying to conceive, whether you just started trying to become pregnant or have been trying for a while. There are also specific steps you can take to improve your chances of having a healthy baby, while trying to conceive. Planning ahead will boost your chances of having a healthy pregnancy, as well as giving your baby the best possible start in life. Consider looking through this article, Women’s Health.gov that offers more tips for getting pregnant.

    Lubricants to Aid in Getting Pregnant

    Don’t use lubricants when trying to conceive (especially petroleum jelly, which is very harmful to your vaginal membranes). Some believe that water soluble lubricants are okay, but in fact even these can be extremely hostile towards sperm. If you are having trouble producing enough arousal fluid, try to spend more time working up to intercourse, since intercourse can be painful without it. Natural lubrication may increase when you and your partner take the time to kiss and caress for at least a half hour prior to intercourse.

    Cervical Mucus

    Right before and during ovulation, your body produces wet, slippery and sometimes stretchy cervical mucus. This mucus signals fertility and keeps sperm alive when normally natural acids in the vagina will kill sperm within a matter of hours. Also, the slippery fertile mucus permits sperm to easily swim through the cervix, multiplying your chances of conceiving.

    Be aware of your body as you go about your daily routine and also observe your cervical mucus before and after each bathroom visit, to see if there has been any changes from your other observations. This my help in getting pregnant. More wetter, more lubricative or stretchier mucus indicates increasing fertility and chances of getting pregnant and conceiving. If there is no mucus from morning until evening, and you’re dry, or the mucus feels stiff or crumbly, then you’re most likely infertile.

    Positions for Conception

    Every wonder what the best positions are for getting pregnant? While no position prevents pregnancy, the missionary position (with the man on top) is said to be the best for succeeding in pregnancy. Keeping a pillow under your hips, remaining still and staying in bed for 20 to 30 minutes (or better yet, for the rest of the night), may also help more sperm find their way to your cervix.