Pregnancy Facts, Stage, Signs and Tests » pregnancy symptoms

Sex and Pregnancy

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:01:14 +0000

In a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, engaging in most sexual activities right up to the time that labor begins is possible. But it is always safe to seek and follow your doctor or midwife’s recommendation because they are the ones responsible for informing you if there are existing medical conditions that will prevent you from engaging in sex. Sexual activity is contraindicated in conditions such as placenta previa or premature rupture of membranes.
Responses to pregnancy vary. There are many women whose enjoyment of and response to sex is greatly increased during pregnancy. That does occur in many cases, especially during the second and third trimester when the tiredness and nausea have begun to abate. Sensation can be heightened at this time because blood circulation is already increased in order to sustain the baby. It is not unheard of that women who had been unable to achieve orgasm will be able to do so during pregnancy. In addition, some women and men find great freedom because as ironic as it may sound during this time, they are relieved of the fear of impregnation.
It is important to understand, however, that this does not hold true for all women. In some cases, the discomforts of pregnancy such as the increasing size, heartburn, swelling, and frequent urination may prevent a woman from engaging not only in sex but other everyday activities. Other times it can be the psychological adjustment to the changing body image. Unfortunately, in our size-conscious culture some people (either pregnant women or their partners) confuse the growing bump with other weight issues. If this is the case with you or your partner then sometimes these issues can be resolved with encouragement and loving support. The important thing though is to accept and accommodate any change in sexual appetite. The same communication skills such as listening, empathizing and accommodating the needs of others are quite useful.
Positioning is also important. Some positions for sexual intercourse that you may have enjoyed (almost been routine) before may not be possible anymore because of the increasing size of your bump. Do not let this discourage you. Spoons, woman on top, and rear-entry (doggy) are better during this time. There are a lot of other more imaginative ones as well if you take time to consult the Kamasutra.
Breasts are more sensitive during pregnancy. Stimulation of the breast and nipples especially during the final weeks of pregnancy may trigger contractions but these are likely to be the beneficial Braxton Hicks type that helps to soften the cervix and prepare your body for birth. Raise your specific concerns with your doctor or midwife especially if you have a previous history of premature labor.
There is absolutely no scientific or even valid anecdotal evidence of causing either physical or psychological harm to the unborn baby by engaging in sexual relations. Your cervix prevents any penetration from hurting the fetus throughout the complete term of a normal pregnancy. It may seem odd if your baby suddenly starts doing somersaults in there, but this is the result of your increased breathing and heart rate that results in a significantly noticeable proliferation of oxygenated blood to the baby.

EARLY PREGNANCY INDICATORS – PART 2

admin — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:27:04 +0000

Pregnancy Indicators (www.mmpregnancy.com)

As I discussed some of the early pregnancy signs and symptoms in my previous post. Now, I am going to tell you about a few more early pregnancy indicators.

Slight bleeding or cramping
For some women, a small amount of spotting or vaginal bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus — about 10 to 14 days after fertilization. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier, spottier and lighter in color than a normal period and doesn’t last as long. Some women also experience abdominal cramping early in pregnancy. These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps.

Nausea/ Morning Sickness
This is one of the classic symptoms of pregnancy, which can occur at any time of the day. Pregnancy rises the levels of estrogen, which causes the stomach to empty more slowly, which ultimately causes nausea. Some women are also irritated by strong and heavy odors, such as foods cooking, perfume or cigarette smoke, that may cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy. Some women feel this sensation as soon as they get into the first week of pregnancy, while some do not get this feel at all till the end of pregnancy.

Food Aversions Or Cravings
One of the most common sign of pregnancy is aversion to certain foods. It is quite common, that the foods you previously enjoyed are no longer appetizing. My friend used to love pasta. If possible she could eat it all the day. But now she cannot withstand it at all, while she was expecting. Some women like to have unusual combinations of foods. My sister, during her pregnancy, used to eat warm peach pie topped with vanilla ice cream everyday at midnight. This may be due to the hormonal changes, especially in the first trimester, when hormone changes are the most dramatic. This problem may last for first trimester, and in some cases, it could last throughout pregnancy.

Heartburn/Constipation
This is another common early symptom of pregnancy. This may happen, as the uterus begins to enlarge and pushes against the stomach and other organs as it grows. Also, due to the raised level of hormones, the digestion process is slowed down and the bowel cannot absorb the required amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients as possible from foods. The slower emptying of the stomach, causes the
increased dissipation of stomach acid, that leads to a feeling of heartburn and constipation.

Mood swings
These are generally common in the first trimester of pregnancy. Because of the hormonal imbalance, you are always filled with mixed emotions, excitement and depression, joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. Seeing the tremendous change in behavior, your partner can be confused, and may not seem to be supportive. Discuss these mood swings with him, so that he can be very supportive and understandable, and tell him about these very normal signs of pregnancy. These symptoms gradually decrease in the second trimester .

EARLY PREGNANCY INDICATORS — PART 1

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:14:23 +0000

Pregnancy Indicators (www.babyzone.com)

My friend missed her regular periods. She waited for about one week, thinking that sometimes irregular periods also occur. After almost one and half week, she came to me with a question, “Am I pregnant?” I asked her to visit a reputed gynecologist. She asked the gynec, how to recognize a pregnancy before getting pregnancy tested. The gynecologist elucidated her in the following way:

The pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. In fact, it is not at all necessary that the pregnancy signs you felt during the first pregnancy would repeat the next time. You must be able to understand the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, it is very important because it might be associated to something, other than pregnancy. Some women may experience the signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception, but a few may develop these over a few weeks or may not feel at all till the end. The symptoms of pregnancy differ in intensity, frequency and duration. These early signs and symptoms of pregnancy can merely be used as a guideline.

Delay In Menstruation Cycle
This is the most common pregnancy symptom, which makes the woman to test for pregnancy. While becoming pregnant, your next period must miss. Many women may bleed, during their pregnancy, but this type of bleeding is shorter or lighter than a normal regular period.

Swollen/Tender Breasts
This is the most obvious symptom of early pregnancy. Just after almost two weeks of conception, due to the hormonal changes, the breasts become tender, swollen or somewhat sore. Some times they also feel to be fuller or heavier. The nipples may feel sore or extra sensitive. Some women also feel their nipples to be darken in color. This change can be observed at bedtime when you are try to feel relax and go to sleep, during exercising or showering, or when getting dressed.

Fatigue/ Tiredness
This is also one of the signs among early symptoms of pregnancy. You feel to sleep early, and find it very difficult to get out of bed in the morning. While working at noon, you may feel to lie down. Exercising seems to be a tedious job. During early pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone and blood production level raises, while the blood sugar level and blood pressure lowers. This causes fatigue and exhaustion.

Frequent Urination
Another early symptom of pregnancy experienced is frequent trips to the restroom. The reason behind this may be the swelling uterus, that puts pressure on your bladder. Pregnancy creates extra body fluids that are to be processed by the kidneys and bladder. That causes frequent urination.

Read about some more signs and symptoms of early pregnancy in my following post: EARLY PREGNANCY INDICATORS — PART 2.