Tehmina Mazher asked:


Dictionary meaning of ectopic is “out of place”. In an ectopic pregnancy a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus. The egg settles itself in the fallopian tube. This is the reason that ectopic pregnancy is sometimes also called as tubal pregnancy.

The fallopian tube neither has the space nor the nurturing tissues as uterus have. With the time when fetus grows it attempts to burst the tube. This results in a severe bleeding and danger to the life of the pregnant mother.

Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is not very easy to diagnose by its symptoms. As the symptoms of normal pregnancy and that of ectopic pregnancy are more or less the same. These includes missed period, nausea, morning sickness and vomiting.

The first warning sign of ectopic pregnancy is the heavy vaginal bleeding accompanied by pain in pelvis, abdomen and sometimes on shoulder too. The pain is stabbing and sharp. It comes and goes. It may be more on the one side of the pelvis.

These above symptoms may be followed by the following symptoms and the cause behind can be the heavy blood loss

–Low blood pressure

–Lower back pain

–Dizziness

–Fainting

Cause of Ectopic Pregnancy
The ectopic pregnancy is caused due to the failure of the fertilized egg to find its way through the fallopian tube to the uterus quickly. This delay in finding the path by egg is caused by some infection of the fallopian tube. Scar tissues due to some previous abdominal surgery may also hinder the egg to reach the uterus thus causing ectopic pregnancy.

It is always advised to make regular visits to the doctor, so that any upcoming problem could be timely diagnosed and properly treated.

Jean Simmer asked:


Pregnancy, whether it is expected or not, usually presents itself in many different ways. The first and most common sign of pregnancy is the missing of the menstruation. For women who have regular menstrual cycles, marking down her period can easily tell her when she is late. Many women, nowadays, will not even wait until their missed period and will do a pregnancy test before their missed period. Newest pregnancy tests are able to detect a pregnancy even before the missed period.

Pregnancy can also present itself by the typical morning sickness. Although these nauseas and vomiting have been described to be more of a morning problem, they can occur all day long. Women who are pregnant should rejoice when they are experiencing morning sickness as this can be a sign of good hormone levels in their body, telling them that their pregnancy is going well. For example, a stopped pregnancy is often accompanied by a lowering or even stopping of the morning sickness.

Some pregnant women will not feel any nausea throughout their pregnancy and that can be perfectly normal. For the other women experiencing nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, there are many helpful ways to control them and a pregnant woman should know that most nausea of pregnancy tend to settle after the 16th week of pregnancy.

Pregnancy can also present itself in the form of breast tenderness. It is normal that the pregnant woman’s breast tissues by being stimulated by the pregnancy hormones will grow and experience tenderness. Such discomforts can be managed by wearing a supportive bra and will again settle with time.

Pregnancy can also present itself by a frequent need to urinate. The frequent need to urinate during pregnancy is caused by the new hormones and the pressure exerted on the bladder by the growing uterus.

Another frequent sign of a beginning gestation is the fact that the pregnant woman feels more tired than usual. She may experience the need to sleep more hours than usual or have lower energy throughout the day.

Once a woman suspects she is pregnant, she should write down the first day of her last menstrual period as this will be very important during her pregnancy. She should also do a confirmation pregnancy test and then contact her health care provider. For most women, the confirmation of a beginning pregnancy will be a very positive event in their life. If for a woman, the finding of a pregnancy is not a welcomed event, she should take the time to sit down with her spouse and consider all the involvement for them.

Wendy Russet asked:


Aside from being the Prom Queen, pregnancy is probably the happiest and the most exciting part of a woman’s life. However, the bulging tummy, the stretchmarks, and the fetus will not appear in an instant. It is a journey that will last up to nine months. And like any other health condition, there are early signs of pregnancy that will tell you that you must prepare in this nine-month long journey. These pregnancy signs will surely tell you that you are already carrying a child inside you without the use of do-it-yourself home pregnancy kits or without seeking the advice of a professional doctor.

One of the first signs of pregnancy is the delayed menstrual period. If you are already a month or two months delayed, then you are probably pregnant. However, it can only be easily determined by women who have a regular menstrual cycle. But if you are not sexually active and you have a delayed period, it is probably due to stress or other factors that affects your hormones.

You are beginning to get nausea and you feel like vomiting anytime. This is your body’s way of adjusting for the growing baby inside your womb. Nausea and vomiting is one of the most common pregnancy signs that most women are aware of. If you still do not have any idea that you are pregnant, it is most likely that you will think of it as a sign of ulcer and other stomach related health problems.

You start to crave for food and more food. Your stomach keeps on grumbling even if you just ate few hours ago. Your body will ask for more food so that it can supply enough nutrients to the baby inside you.

You are beginning to feel very sleepy as if you can doze off anywhere. This will eventually pass after the first trimester of your pregnancy (1 to 3 months). Your body needs more energy, again not just for you but for the baby as well.

Your breast will feel soft and starts to swell. This is because the mammary gland is already preparing for the breast milk that you have to feed to your baby after delivery.

You are having mood swings all of a sudden. Thank goodness you are not crazy. Mood swings are a product of hormonal changes in your body. You might laughing in a moment then starts crying after even if you are watching the most hilarious show on the planet.

You start to avoid food and drinks that are not good for your body. Probably because of maternal instincts. There are some cases where a pregnant woman starts to hate the smell of perfumes, foods, and others because of the hormonal changes in the body.

Michael Russell asked:


The last thing an expectant mother would want to happen during her pregnancy is to encounter complications. She should experience an overall feeling of wellness and joy more than at any other time of her life so she could pass it on to the baby in her womb. An expectant mother should follow a health program throughout the entire pregnancy; A program that is carefully monitored by her doctor so that a normal delivery could be expected. Discomfort experienced during pregnancy is almost always normal and almost all pregnant women one way or the other experienced these episodes.

1. A pregnant woman usually feels tired. This is normal especially during the first three months. This is usually her adjustment period. A lot of changes are taking place in her body, especially the growth of another human being inside her womb. It is only fitting that she gets enough rest and sleep. A mid-afternoon rest is advisable for her to get enough energy and overcome fatigue.

2. During the course of pregnancy, there may be tendencies for her to frequently urinate. This is due to the fact that that enlarging uterus pressed against the bladder elicits the urge to urinate. If this episode becomes extreme, accompanied by a burning sensation, it maybe worthwhile to bring this matter to the doctor’s attention.

3. We usually associate pregnancy with food cravings. Often a pregnant woman will crave a specific food at a specific time and then before she knows it the cravings will just disappear. It’s not that the body needs these specific foods rather it is more as a result of some unsolved emotional problems.

4. Although nausea during the first three months of pregnancy is normal, it should be noted that extreme episodes of nausea that cause inability to take food and resulting in weight loss should be reported to the doctor for proper supervision.

5. Pain in the lower chest or near the heart doesn’t indicate heart problems. The pressure caused by the expanding uterus against the digestive organs brings about a feeling of pain. If it becomes severe, a doctor’s advice is usually needed. A pregnant woman should not take any medications not prescribed by her doctor.

6. Hemorrhoids are more common during pregnancy than probably at any other time. To facilitate an easy bowel movement, pregnant women should apply lubricant inside the anus prior to defecation in order to at least avoid straining to produce a stool.

7. Reduced circulation of blood in the legs causes leg cramps. This usually occurs during pregnancy. Although this maybe normal but a quick mention of this occurrence to the doctor is usually advisable; Since there are cases in which muscle cramps are associated with diet deficiency specifically calcium or some vitamins.

8. A pregnant woman’s change in posture due to the expanding abdomen usually causes backache. Changing to a low-heeled shoe and wearing a well-fitted girdle will usually solve the problem or at least minimize it. Some doctors will recommend certain exercises to their patients to ease the pain.

9. Women usually develop varicose veins during pregnancy. It is advisable to take a rest once in a while throughout the day. They are also advised not to wear circular garters or cross their legs because these will usually interfere with proper blood circulation and thus limit the return of blood through the veins.

10. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal unless it is accompanied by a stinging, burning or itching sensation.

11. The enlarging abdomen during pregnancy creates streaks of redness in the skin and around the breast area as well. The stretching of the skin causes this to happen. This skin color changes usually disappears after childbirth.

There are several complications that might occur during the course of pregnancy. Proper care should be taken and should be given by a competent doctor to minimize further complications and worse, lost of lives.

1. The occurrence of toxemia is usually during the later part of the pregnancy. This is a serious illness that exhibits a rise in blood pressure, sudden gain in weight accompanied by swelling of loose tissue caused by the increase in the amount of tissue fluid and the occurrence of protein in urine. With proper care from a doctor this condition can be kept under control.

2. Vaginal bleeding usually precedes miscarriage. With immediate attention and proper hospital care, this outcome might be averted.

3. Premature birth usually occurs when the “bag of water” erupts several weeks before the expected delivery date. This indicates that the protective membrane that encloses the fetus is broken indicating premature birth is soon to take place. When this occurs, contamination of the birth canal should be avoided and the doctor should be immediately informed.

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


By the time pregnancy reaches its last stage, the third trimester, both mom and baby are anxious for birth to come. While many couples find this time of the pregnancy the most stable and relaxed, it can also be the most uncomfortable due to the sheer weight of the baby. Mom often has trouble sleeping and is frequently using the restroom because the baby is resting on her bladder.

The last trimester of pregnancy is often most rewarding for mom; the ultrasound photos can be especially exciting because baby is nearly 100% formed; fingers and toes are now visible, facial features are recognizable, and the lungs and brain are nearly done developing. Babies born premature in this final stage of pregnancy have a higher chance of survival, however, doctors will want the baby to stay at the hospital until at least the 38th week, if not the 40th.

While a baby may be nearly fully developed by the last trimester, both the lungs and brain still need as close to 40 weeks as possible for optimum health. The most common problem with premature babies is lung development; many often have respiratory problems. The brain, while nearly fully developed, also needs the last few weeks to really form and shape into the wrinkled specimen most of us see in pictures.

The fetus’ bones are also finished developing, though still very pliable, making the birth much easier on both mommy and baby. After delivery many bones begin to harden and fuse. Because the bones are present and fully formed they are also producing red blood cells which will be imperative to a baby’s survival if born premature.

While a baby born any time after the 30 week period has a very high chance of survival, the baby needs every extra week possible to gain the weight is needs to survive healthfully. Because going into the last trimester a baby is nearly fully formed, most of the changing done in this last stage of pregnancy is weight gain. Because of the baby’s growth, this last trimester doesn’t allow it much room for movement in the uterus. He’s sometimes only able to move his feet and hands, allowing him to suck his thumb. He is starting to move into the birth canal to prepare for delivery which can be a very uncomfortable position for mom. Not only is baby resting on mommy’s bladder causing frequent bathroom breaks, but he sometimes rests on the lower spine, causing a great amount of lower back pain.

Baby will also become much more interactive in this final stage of pregnancy. He will be able to respond to loud noises and oftentimes will respond to soothing sounds, such as mother’s voice. To prepare for this last stage of pregnancy it’s important to ask many questions of the doctor and know what to expect from the little life growing inside you.

Apurva Shree asked:


Congratulations if you have just come to know that you are pregnant. Everybody must be telling you so many things about the different stages of pregnancy now. Right! It is true that now you must know how you as well as your baby with grow with pregnancy week by week. You must keep adequately well-informed so that you do not panic at the drop of the hat any time during your pregnancy!

So, What Are These Stages of Pregnancy?

The stages of pregnancy are the three trimesters that have duration of three months each.

Stage 1

The first stage begins with morning sickness, though why it is called so, one wonders since this nausea can happen anytime throughout the day! Breast heaviness, general exhaustion and of course an upheaval of emotions are the other pregnancy symptoms of the first trimester.

The joy of imminent motherhood along with constant worries about labor, delivery, parenthood etc., will change your moods as if you were the clock’s pendulum during this stage! Keeping a close watch on your pregnancy diet and regular doctor-approved exercise is a must. Your baby, meanwhile, will have progressed from just a couple of cells to becoming a small living being in these first three months.

Stage 2

The second trimester is that stage of pregnancy by when you will become accustomed to some of the changes. With butterfly kicks fluttering inside you, you would actually feel the little one nesting in you. The sickness bit would have mostly ended and you will find that you are eager to discuss your pregnancy with others, so that views can be exchanged and new insights explored.

Physical changes would mean that your tummy will be slightly distended; the urge to urinate will be more and quite uncontrollable, your nipples will darken. On the brighter side, you will get your appetite back, as well as have a heightened sexual drive. This is the most enjoyable period in all of the three stages of pregnancy.

Last, But Not The Least… Stage 3

Finally, you would enter at the last trimester – the beginning of the end to the stages of pregnancy. This period would seem to crawl on slowly, what with a big, swollen tummy and the anxiety to quickly get child birth over with. The fear of delivery pains, general all-day fatigue, combined with sleeping problems, swollen feet, frequent urination, will make days seem very slow and laborious.

Many women grow restless, as they develop what is called the ‘Nesting’ urge. It is important now that you follow every part of your doctor’s advice, so that complications can be avoided. Your pregnancy is going to be over soon and you will be a momma, so take extreme care and caution.

Remember, a pregnancy is once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, try to have fun and enjoy your stages of pregnancy. Best of luck!

Apurva Shree asked:


Generally, pregnancy is an uncomplicated process and results in the birth of a normal and healthy baby. Pregnancy is usually accompanied by common problems such as insomnia, vomiting, restlessness, dizziness, backache, bladder problems and several problems is essential for prevention of occurrence of serious ailments and their dire consequences.

The most common types of pregnancy problem are Ectopic Pregnancy, Preeclampsia, bleeding, miscarriage, loss of amniotic fluid and birth defects. Doctors mention that the timely identification of the problems requires a thorough examination of the pregnant lady in case of any unusual happening or bleeding and pain. Several other symptoms such as unnecessary weight gain, excess swelling in hands, feet and abdomen, vaginal bleeding or spotting, severe and ongoing headache, severe vomiting and problems related to urination should not be ignored and a doctor should be immediately consulted.

Ectopic Pregnancy is a scenario wherein the fertilized egg attaches itself to a place other than the uterus. In nearly 95% of the cases, the Ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube that is quite narrow and thus does not have the capacity to hold a growing embryo. The fertilized egg does not grow properly and may put pressure on the walls of the fallopian tube. In such a case, there is a possibility of severe pain and bleeding for the pregnant woman.

Preeclampsia arises due to high blood pressure and results in significant swelling in the hands and the feet. This type of complication needs to be taken care of properly or it may result in the death of the mother or the baby. The only solution to resolve this complication is to deliver the baby, even if it is premature.

Bleeding is very common in during this stage. However, in some cases it may result in a miscarriage. Vaginal bleeding in early and mid stages is a sign of possible miscarriage. However, if the bleeding occurs in the later part of the pregnancy, it may be due to problems associated with the placenta and its position. Any type of bleeding during pregnancy should not be ignored and a doctor needs to be consulted immediately.

Miscarriage or spontaneous termination of pregnancy generally occurs before the 20th week and can happen due to any type of infection, abnormalities or diabetes. Early miscarriage can also come about due to the production of antibodies in a woman’s body.

Amniotic fluid protects a baby from the outside world and enables it to grow properly by providing the requisite nourishment. The fluid’s volume grows with the growth of the fetus and its loss may result in several problems. The loss of amniotic fluid may restrict the growth of the fetus, cause a premature delivery or in some cases restrict the lung development of the baby.

It is also important to remember that chronic problems like diabetes, asthma and heart trouble can result in big trouble. It is advisable to inform your doctor in advance if as a pregnant woman you suffer from any of these medical problems. This will ensure timely action in case of problem.

Karin I Manning asked:


Unfortunately pregnancy nausea is to be expected when you learn that you are carrying a baby. This article will discuss the truth about nausea during pregnancy.

Pregnancy nausea is most common during the first trimester or the first four months of pregnancy, however, the condition and the symptoms do vary from one woman to another. One woman may experience severe vomiting in the morning, while another may experience vomiting at night. Other women may not vomit but feel nausea 24 hours a day every day of their pregnancy.

It is most common for this condition to end quite abruptly after the first few months, however, on some occasions it occurs for a while longer, or even the whole pregnancy.

As common as this condition is its true cause is not widely known. Most doctors put it down to the hormonal changes in a woman’s body or a blood sugar imbalance.

Generally speaking, pregnancy nausea causes absolutely no damage to the woman or the unborn baby. However, in severe cases excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration in the mother and that will mean she will lose vital vitamins and minerals and in extreme cases hyperemesis gravidarum may result which requires immediate hospitalization in most cases.

How To Avoid Pregnancy Nausea

There are some things that you can do to try and avoid this occurring or to minimize its impact. I would recommend that you start by getting out of bed slowly every morning. If you usually feel nauseated in the morning then it is best to only have a very light breakfast as soon as you wake, even if it’s some dry biscuits, before you even get out of bed.

It is also a good idea to avoid your stomach becoming empty and for that reason you should eat something very small, even dry biscuits or toast, every two hours or so.

Herbal teas, fruit juices and water are also highly recommended. It is best to avoid alcoholic drinks of caffeinated drinks. Sometimes spicy or fatty foods may also not agree with you and should be limited it not avoid altogether.

Ginger tea or ginger in tea form is said to reduce morning sickness.

It is also important that you get as much rest as possible, in a comfortable position with your legs elevated by a pillow and also your head. Also don’t rush to get up after you have just eaten.

Some form of fresh air during pregnancy is also beneficial and if you are able to have a window open slightly while you are sleeping you will also benefit from this.

If you vomit up to four times a day, if you are experiencing dehydration or if you find blood in your vomit you must consult your doctor immediately. He may also prescribe tablets to help cure your nausea during pregnancy.

For more information about common ailments during pregnancy check out the website below now!

Deanna Mascle asked:


I have always been a supporter of a woman’s right to choose. It is not simply that I am a supporter of abortion. I have never had an abortion and don’t think I could. However, I should have the right to make that decision myself — not have it forced on me. My position on abortion is really very simple — it should be legal, safe and rare.

The most important reason for my belief that abortion should be legal and safe is very closely tied to women’s rights. A society that controls and shackles women’s freedom cannot be wholly free. I do believe the issue is one of power and control — of domination — over women. If men could become pregnant abortion would not even be an issue. Pregnancy and child care have long been ways that men have controlled and dominated women as well as restricted their education and professional lives. When abortion is outlawed or restricted by laws then it becomes even more of an issue of control and discrimination — aimed at the lower classes. We know that abortion will never disappear entirely, at least until universal fail-safe birth control exists, and that people of means will be able to obtain a safe abortion here or abroad. Outlawing abortion simply ensures that the poor and disadvantaged will have no safe alternative.

I have never understood why so many people put so much time, money and effort into outlawing abortion when spending that same time, money and effort on helping women without choices and helping the many abused and neglected children we already have would do far more to prevent abortions than any law ever could. Contrary to many abortion foes belief, I don’t believe abortion is an easy choice for most women — and for those it is an easy choice it is probably better they not be given responsibility for the health and welfare of a fetus or child. Many women who choose to have an abortion feel they have no alternative. Why not work to truly help those women so they do have choices and options? Until our society truly takes its responsibility to the children already born so we have no child suffering starvation, poverty, neglect, and abuse — and all our children are given every opportunity for a quality education and future then I don’t want to see time and resources devoted to the prevention of abortion. Think of helping these disadvantaged women and children as preventing the abortions of tomorrow. Simply outlawing abortion will not solve the root problem, instead it will drive those in need of an abortion into back alleys, but if you can solve the problems of abuse and poverty then there will be fewer unwanted pregnancies and fewer abortions.

Another important reason I believe the choice should be left up to the woman in question is that I believe the decision to reproduce has to be made willingly and only by the person involved. Pregnancy and child birth is a physical ordeal that can have a lifelong impact on a woman’s mental and physical health and well being. In addition, the decision to raise a child has tremendous personal, professional, and financial repercussions. While it takes two to make a baby, all too often in the case of an unplanned pregnancy it is the woman who is left to cope alone. It is really quite simple. I believe that if I am going to undergo a process that effects my physical and mental well being as well as my financial and professional future then I should be able to make the decision myself. I am a mother and I love my child more than anything, but my pregnancy and child birth were difficult and life threatening. I am not sure if I could have survived either without the support of my husband, family, friends, and co-workers. I know this group has been even more important to me while raising my child. I am an educated professional with a good job and a good support system. I cannot imagine how people with fewer resources do it. We are failing as a society when we force so many to do so.

If we want a society that is truly free and truly responsible for all its members then abortion must be legal and safe. If abortion foes truly want to stop abortions then they should work on addressing the root causes of abortion — poverty, abuse, and lack of opportunity. The more we do to give women freedom of choice and control over their lives then the rarer abortion will be. Then everyone wins.

Bernadette Hopkins asked:


Although most women are blissfully unaware, fibroids are thought to affect over 50% of women during their fertile years. They can be as small as a pea, or as large as a melon and most are symptomless. However, for a number of women, the situation is very different and fibroids can give rise to some very unpleasant symptoms indeed, such as heavy bleeding, pain during intercourse, incontinence, bloating and general discomfort.

Fibroids in pregnancy can be a worry as their very location, in and around the uterus, has a direct consequence to the developing fetus. Fortunately, many pregnancies proceed perfectly normally and although in some women the pregnancy hormones cause fibroids to grow, they normally shrink back to their pre-pregnancy size quite quickly after delivery.

The Specific Problems Which Fibroids Can Cause During Pregnancy

* Red Degeneration-This is when the center of the fibroid begins to bleed and occurs during the middle three months of pregnancy as a result of rapid growth. This can be extremely painful but often settles without requiring treatment

* Infertility-It is thought that fibroids account for less than 5% of all infertility. However, you are trying to become pregnant and think you may have fibroids, this would be worth checking out. Occasionally, fibroids can block the entrance to the womb or the opening of the fallopian tubes. There are specific treatments a doctor might want to try or there are natural treatments which can rapidly shrink fibroids

* Recurrent Miscarriage-If fibroids develop just under the lining of the womb, they can interfere with the way a fertilized egg implants itself in the womb

* Later In Pregnancy- the fibroids can stop the normal development and expansion of the womb and lead to a premature birth. If they are found to be blocking the cervix in late pregnancy, a caesarian will be performed

As mentioned previously, although overall fibroids account for only a small percentage of all infertility incidences, one study has shown that where no other reason for infertility is found, eliminating fibroids can increase the chances of a successful conception by between 40% and 80%.

If you are particularly worried about your fibroids and feel that they may be having an impact on your ability to conceive, you may wish to consider taking steps to minimize their effects. Naturally, surgery is not always the first choice for women who are wishing to conceive due to the recovery time needed and the possible complications and damage to the integrity of the uterus. Fortunately, there are a number of natural ways to reduce the size of fibroids which are completely safe to use.