Saturday, October 12, 2013

Things to Eat Or Drink to Help Bring Fertility Back - I Want to Get Pregnant Now!


There is not any one magic food recipe that will guarantee conception, but what you eat can increase your chance for conceiving. One thing you have to do is start eating healthy. Start by eating less meat and more vegetables. You should be eating a lot of green vegetables. If you are not big on vegetables, you can chop them up real small and add them to your meatloaf and you probably won't even taste them.

Things to Eat Or Drink to Help Bring Fertility Back

It is good for you to drink plenty of green tea and Vitamin C too. Studies have shown that women who make these a part of their diet are more likely to become pregnant. Trans fat is something that you want to avoid whether you are trying to get pregnant or not. Trans fat is found in all kinds of foods. Here is a list of the top seven Trans fat foods.

1. Margarine - is loaded with trans fats and saturated fats, both of which can lead to heart disease. Look for soft-tub margarine because it is less likely to have trans fat.

2. Packaged foods - Cake mixes and other mixes have several grams of trans fat per serving. Look for reduced fat mixes.

3. Soups - Ramen noodles contain high levels of trans fat. See if you can find fat free or reduced fat soups.

4. Fast Food - Fries, chicken, and other foods are deep-fried in partially hydrogenated oil.

5. Frozen Food - Those delicious frozen pies, pot pies, pizzas, and waffles hs trans fat. In frozen foods, baked is always heart-healthier than breaded.

6. Baked Goods - More trans fat are used in baked products than any other foods.

7. Cookies and cakes from your local grocery have plenty of trans fat in them.

If you and your partner are really trying to get pregnant you should consider the importance of a healthy diet. Making small changes in what you eat and drink can make the difference between conceiving or not being able to conceive.

You don't have to drastically change your diet to improve your chances of fertility, but one easy thing you can do is to drink more water. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily will help to increase your fertility levels. Also, you should be eating high-fiber low-fat foods. This will improve your hormonal balance which will help your chances to conceive.

Add Color to Your Diet

You should eat more brightly colored fruits and vegetables. These foods are nutrient rich and have plenty of vitamin B and folic acid. These foods are essential for healthy sperm and ovaries. Fruits and vegetables also have plenty of vitamin C and iron. Both enhance the quality of sperm and improve the immune system. It is a good idea to include plenty of fruits in your diet.

Wholesome Grain Foods

Another food that you need to include for a healthy fertility diet are nutrient rich whole grains. These include brown rice, corn, whole wheat bread, millet, pasta, and oats. Whole grain foods are rich in vitamins E and B which are essential for the production of healthy eggs, hormone balance, and sperm.

Eat lots of Nuts!

Nuts contain natural plant proteins. Nuts and whole grains also contain vitamin B6 and folic acid which raise your fertility levels. Here are six of the healthiest nuts to eat.

1. Walnuts are a great source of healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids which have been found to protect the heart, promote better cognitive function, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis.

2. Almonds contain almost 25 percent of your needed daily value for the important nutrient magnesium plus is rich in potassium, manganese, copper, the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, and calcium.

3. Cashews are a lot lower in fat than most nuts, and 65 percent of this fat is unsaturated fatty acids. 90 percent is folic acids, which is a heart healthy fat found in olive oil.

4. Pecans are a great source of over 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamins E and A, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, folic acid and calcium.

5. Brazil Nuts are very nutrient-rich and contain protein, copper, niacin, magnesium, fiber, vitamin E and Selenium. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize dangerous free radicals. Studeis have shown that high amounts of selenium in Brazil nuts could help to prevent breast cancer.

6. Macadamia Nuts are high in protein, fiber, healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium and magnesium.

Fish in your diet

Omega 3 which is mostly found in fish oil helps fertility as it linked to healthy hormone function. Good sources of iron and selenium are seafood, meat and poultry.

A good well balanced fertility diet should include five servings of fruit and vegetables, two or three servings of protein and dairy products, and five to six servings of grains. This diet will ensure you have all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Try to eat smaller meals because three full meals can cause constipation, bloating and pre-menstrual syndrome troubles. These are the Things to Eat Or Drink to Help Bring Fertility Back.

Maternity Pillows - The Solution for Pregnant Moms Having Trouble Sleeping


While pregnant moms often have trouble sleeping due to the aches and pains associated with pregnancy, using a maternity pillow can alleviate those pains and help moms get a good night's sleep. Pregnant moms' changing bodies often make it hard to find a comfortable position to sleep and they often resort to piling regular pillows around themselves, behind their backs, between their knees, and everywhere imaginable to support their bodies.

Maternity pillows are designed to support the mom's body while allowing her to sleep in the most comfortable position for her whether on either side or her back. There are a variety of different shaped maternity pillows which moms can use that support the body and ease sleep. The U, C, and J-shaped pillows are designed for pregnant moms with different preferences for sleeping positions to still get the rest they need during pregnancy.

U-Shaped

The U-shaped maternity pillow, like the Leachco Back N Belly Body Pillow, is designed with two long sides which completely encircle the sleeping mom, providing support on both sides at the same time. With support on both sides, pregnant moms don't have to adjust the pillow when switching sides and the pillow provides back support as well as support for the legs, tummy, arms, and neck. The U-shaped pillow is the best option for moms who tend to switch sides often at night because they don't have to move and readjust the pillow.

The Leachco Back N Belly Body Pillow and the Comfort-U Body Pillow both provide the U-shape with long arms which provide support no matter which way mom is sleeping, left, right, or on her back.

C-Shaped

C-shaped maternity pillows wrap around the back and provide neck, back, leg, and hip support in a much more open feeling way than the U-shaped pillow does. Where the U-shaped pillow entirely encircles the mom, the C-shaped one, like the Leachco Snoggle Total Body Pillow, curls around her back providing support while also giving a loose natural feel to sleeping. The C-shape fits snugly to the mom's back while leaving the mom openness on the front.

The Leachco Snoggle Total Body Pillow is a C-shaped pillow that provides back and neck support while also allowing for temperature control as it doesn't block the front of the body, and the Boppy Total Body Pillow is slightly shorter than other body pillows to make it easy to switch sides during the night without struggling with the pillow.

J-Shaped

The J-shaped maternity pillow has a long arm like the U-shaped pillow with a short hook. The J-shaped pillow, like the Leachco All Nighter Total Body Pillow, is designed to support the neck and back just like the U- and C-shaped pillows, but provide much more flexibility in the positioning of the pillow. Many J-shaped pillows can be bent into the U- and C-shapes to best meet mom's needs while still being smaller than the traditional U-shaped pillow.

The Leachco All Nighter Total Body Pillow can bend and provide all the flexibility mom's need while providing neck and back support as well as help to alleviate heartburn and indigestion.

Are You Taking a Prenatal Vitamin?


A prenatal vitamin is just like a normal multivitamin pill, however, with considerably more potent dosage amounts of a number of nutrients. To improve your odds of an effective conception, expectant mothers and couples who are trying to conceive must not fail to use prenatal vitamins. Moreover, expectant mothers who eat a nutritious diet and live a healthful life-style also need to take prenatal health supplements. Health supplements are bound to accentuate a healthy diet instead of substituting for it. Scientific tests have demonstrated that vitamin supplements work better when combined with a balanced diet program.

A woman's nutritional requirements are significantly greater while pregnant. Her body alters greatly throughout conception so as to focus on the necessities of a healthy child. Such changes include things like higher blood volume in the body of the mother, hormone shifts and lactation to mention a few. While pregnant, levels of estrogen can certainly boost to about ten to seventy times greater than natural. Progesterone could also increase tenfold. Your system additionally begins generating Prolactin, a hormone that encourages lactation. Uterus enlarges from the influence of Relaxin, a bodily hormone manufactured by the placenta. Relaxin softens and also relaxes the tissues near the womb hence making it possible for the uterus to broaden that makes it possible for the delivery of the baby.

When it comes to expectant mothers the blood quantity rises because only one blood circulation system is going to help the infant and also the mom. Because of the child, pregnant women nourishment demands turn into higher than normal. While pregnant, the body's priority is to maintain the child full of life. Without having adequate nourishment and supplementation, mother's nutrient supplies might be decreased causing her at a higher risk of maternity complications, challenging delivery, post natal depression symptoms along with inability to breast feed.

Please note that possibly even prenatal vitamin supplements have got their insufficiencies. An expectant mother has a calcium mineral demand of around 1,200 - 1,500 mg daily but many prenatal products basically possess 250mg. You possibly can make up by having a diet abundant with calcium (dark leafy green vegetables, sesame seeds and tahini) or you can have specialist level prenatal supplements which tend to be more effective versus the over-the-counter variety.

Expectant women must monitor their levels of iron mineral. An iron deficiency while pregnant can result in a higher hazards of anemia in your infant, still birth, miscarriage, early labor and birth and also other complications. Furthermore it might require two years following childbirth to revive mom's iron levels to normalcy. Pregnant women need to take an iron nutritional supplement around the 20th week of pregnancy - if their reserves are very low. A lot of iron is also bad and can result to bowel irregularity. Symptoms of an iron deficiency and overabundance of are identical, thus monitor your iron levels.

Everyday dietary supplements do not have the ideal levels to deal with the dietary demands of a expectant women. Plus don't assume all prenatal vitamins provide whatever they promise. A few report an inexact nutrient make up and others tend not to contain the doses described within the labels. And yet some others consist of nutrients which can not become as readily absorbed by your body. For instance calcium carbonate is undoubtedly chalk, and your body simply cannot take in much of it. The most affordable supplements often employ such bargain formulations. However calcium citrate is more epensive but could also be employed by your body. Usually examine the labels as well as the organization which makes the products to ensure they may be of purest and highest quality.

Private labs funded by ConsumerLab.com carried out checks to see which OTC prenatal vitamin brands supports all their claims.

They are:

Centrum Silver multivitamin, Member's Mark Complete multivitamin, Flintstones Complete multivitamin, One A Day Women's multivitamin

Your own nutritional standing while being pregnant is important mainly because it generally establishes your infant's wellness for the remainder of his or her life. You need to give your infant with all the healthiest start in life possible.

Preconception attention need to start four months before pregnancy. Consistent check-ups for the duration of your pregnant state could make it simpler for your medical professional to find risks just before serious medical problems develop. A balanced diet plan and also lifestyle also needs to be preserved constantly. Remember, when pregnant make sure you ingest nutrients as well as calories. Many women carry out the opposite and that's why they will wind up gaining a great deal of fat that additionally predisposes them to labor and birth difficulties and gestational diabetic issues. To become pregnant and for the finest motherhood end result get started in consuming and existing as being a pregnant woman already 4 months just before conceiving (future father have to do precisely the same until you are pregnant).

Five Common Health Issues - If Not Addressed Can Ruin Your Marriage or Any Relationship


1. Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a very common condition affecting many men. For the average male, the time from insertion to ejaculation is less than three minutes. The definition of PE is ejaculation that occurs prior to when a man wishes or occurs too quickly during intercourse to satisfy his partner.

It's thought that PE at least partially originates during the late adolescent to late teenage years, when young men often experiment with masturbation. During those younger years, they essentially need to please only themselves. As a result, they learn to do it quickly. Additionally, they often had to "speed things up" in the bathroom while masturbating because they surely did not want to be busted by the home police (a.k.a. mom or sister).

This learned behavior is often very difficult for men to change and can lead to sexually dissatisfied partners. A sexually dissatisfied spouse is vulnerable to temptations outside of the marriage, which can lead to very complex and often irreversible problems. An adage states that "bad sex" has a much greater impact on ruining a relationship (up to 70%) than "good sex" has on improving it (15%).

Thankfully, there is help for men with this condition. Essentially, men must learn to control their pubo-coccygeal (PC) muscles, which originate from the pubic bone, go under the genitals, and attach to the tailbone. A man can discover these muscles by attempting to stop his urine flow midstream. Men with this condition need to go to reputable websites and talk to a doctor or other qualified health professional about how to gain more control over these muscles to stop PE.

2. Chronic, loud snoring

Chronic, loud snoring is often due to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is caused by a collapsing of the upper air passages during sleep, causing a blockage of air to the lungs, which results in low blood oxygen and disrupted sleep.

People who leave this condition untreated can suffer from many complications including depression, loss of sex drive, hyperactive behavior, leg swelling (if severe), heart arrhythmia, heart failure, high blood pressure, and stroke.

In addition to all the above serious personal health problems, the spouse of someone with OSA suffers a great deal too. The non-snoring spouse may be forced to sleep in a different room or may endure many sleepless nights in the room with a snoring spouse. Either way, OSA may be the source of lots of stress in a marriage and can potentially lead to many serious marital problems.

Thankfully, there is a solution to this common health problem. The fix for most people is to get a doctor-prescribed sleep study and likely wear a CPAP device (a small machine attached to a facial mask that blows air through the nose and/or mouth while you are asleep). Be sure to talk to your doctor or your spouse's doctor about this condition so you can both sleep happily ever after in the same bed!

3. Untreated depression or other mental illness

The time has come for all of us to start recognizing mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder as true medical conditions - just as we recognize high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. As a physician, I can tell you that some people are just born prone to depression or to some other mental illness.

Most common mental illnesses have a biological basis, not just an emotional or spiritual basis. Most are due to either overproduction or underproduction of certain neuro-hormones in the brain. For example if your brain is significantly under-producing serotonin (the cause of clinical depression), there is nothing you can do about it other than seek treatment. Think of it like this: If your blood pressure were too high and you tried different self-treatments without success, it would be time to start formal treatment options.

When someone has an untreated mental illness, essentially this person is not himself or herself. It is very difficult to maintain any relationship, let alone a marriage, if you are not "yourself." People with untreated mental illness often come back to themselves after starting treatment and realize how many past relationships they inadvertently destroyed while they were just not themselves.

4. Obesity/letting yourself go

Obese, how dare someone call you that! For many people, being told they are overweight or obese seems downright insulting. But it is important for people to know that the term obesity is not a social judgment; it is a medical term that health care providers use to define how much fat is in a person's body.

Obesity and being overweight can make a person sick in many ways, including serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. In addition to the obvious potential health problems, letting yourself go physically may lead to your spouse finding you less attractive, and you may have less energy for the things that you used to love to do with your spouse.

Keeping your temple/body as fit as you can will not only make you more attractive to your spouse, but will also help you avoid the obvious health problems that can easily derail whatever ambitions you may have for yourself, your spouse, and your family. To stay fit:


  • Get 30 to 40 minutes of physical activity three to five times a week. Start out by walking (walk like you're running late).

  • Never try to lose more than one to two pounds a week. Lose more than this and you will likely gain all the weight back plus extra because you have tricked your brain into thinking there is a "famine" in the land (a reflex from our ancient past).

  • To lose one pound in a week, you'll need to burn an extra 3,500 calories a week, or 500 calories a day.

Remember, being fit is not just about being thin; it is and should be about being healthy!

5. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD)

FSD involves several female sexual symptoms, including pain during sexual intercourse, not finding sex pleasurable, lack of desire for sexual activity, an inability to orgasm, and/or a lack of vaginal lubrication (arousal). It's been estimated that 43 percent of women complain of some type of sexual dysfunction.

While the causes of FSD are not fully known, they likely involve complex interactions between women's emotions, hormones, stress levels, certain medication side effects, and certain diseases. A number of health problems can interfere with a woman's ability to enjoy sex and feel pleasure, including:


  • Chronic health conditions (e.g., depression, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol) can affect sexual function in a variety of ways.

  • Pelvic surgeries (e.g., hysterectomy) can damage and narrow blood vessels and prevent the flow of blood to genital tissues, thus reducing arousal.

  • An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroid) can reduce a woman's sex drive.

  • Genital and urinary tract infections can cause discomfort and sometimes painful sex.

  • Vulvovaginal atrophy is common due to the loss of estrogen production associated with menopause and other conditions (e.g., postpartum), which leads to atrophy of the vulva, vagina, and urinary tract.

Although researchers have yet to determine the exact causes of FSD, many symptomatic treatments exist, so it's important for a woman suffering from any sexual dysfunction to bring it up to her primary care provider or ob-gyn. Women should enjoy sex just as much as men do!

by Jeffrey B. Brown, MD

Mother Care After Child Birth


After baby's birth, most mothers devote their time caring for their baby and ignore their health. It is important that mother's take proper care of their health. Here are few things which mothers must do to take care of their health:

Keep yourself clean as you are in close contact with your child. It is important for you to have a well balanced diet. Your diet should be a right combination of protein, calcium, minerals and iron. Vitamins tablets must be taken only after consulting the doctor. Constipation could occur during the first two or three weeks after the baby is born, so drink plenty of water and fruit juices. If you are unwell you must pay a visit to your doctor and feel free to discuss your problems. When you visit the doctor, you can also enquire about your baby's feeding and sleeping patterns.

Avoid exerting pressure on your body during the initial weeks after your baby is born. Mothers who put too much pressure on their body can face future health problems. Light housework and mild exercise are usually permitted but don't indulge yourself in heavy work or lifting heavy objects. Sexual relations are usually not advisable until six weeks after delivery. You must do simple and light exercise that may help you to regain your health and shape. It is recommended that you must visit your doctor for at least one examination after a month to check if there is any problem in your body. Only if the mother is healthy she can take proper care of their child so stay fit, healthy and happy.

Cheer Up! How to Deal With Depression


Whenever a severe problem enters into our lives, we tend to experience a range of moods. These moods range from downright lack of interest in everything to low spirits. The word used to describe this range of moods is Depression. Depression is something that is very difficult to recognize, so much so, it can literally go undetected. While this can go undetected, the good news is that when detected on time, depression can be treated in most people.

There are various methods of treating depression. An early detection is something that can help matters. If not detected early, the depression can only get worse and the longer will be the treatment and even longer will be the time taken for the treatment to control the depression. As said, there are various remedies, ranging from natural medications to others. Natural medications do take time to work. So, along with the medications from your GP, you can try other treatments like Essential Oils, relaxation techniques or talking to close friends.

Recognizing the signs

Guilt Pangs, blaming self for everything, feeling unworthy, unable to handle situations or feeling totally out of control.

Lethargy coupled with a tired feeling.

Low concentration levels, indecisive and poor memory.

Yo-Yo in appetite and weight. There could periods of weight gain followed by immediate weight loss.

Irregular sleeping pattern. Either you do not sleep at all or you sleep like a log.

Agitated over small matters and severe restlessness.

Feeling low with tears in eyes.

Loss of interest in sexual activities.

Different Types of Depression

There are various forms of depression, with no two depressions looking alike, though usually there is an overlap in type of depression:

Reactive depression

Reactive Depression is usually triggered off by a serious physical injury or an accident or it could be even a psychological trauma such as a bereavement or a divorce. The best way to tackle this kind of depression is counseling, support, love of family and friends and some large-hearted emotional support. However, reactive depression could come back and the problems could surface again.

Endogenous depression

This is more severe than reactive depression. It has more to do with the person itself than any other external influence. Moods could range from being good in the morning to worse as the day progresses or have bouts of guilt complex and extreme self doubt.

Manic depression/Bi polar disorder

This is characterized by excessive energy, high mood swings, strange behaviour, extreme happiness to the lows of lethargy and utter helplessness. This usually alternates with periods of stability.

Post-natal depression

This happens because of the sudden drop in the estrogen and progesterone hormones which are usually found in females. The drop happens between the 3rd and the 10th day after the birth of the child. Though this occurs for a short period of time, some women suffer from a longer lasting depression which might require hospitalization. Swift treatment is one way out, but the better one would be a counseling which can help sort out things quickly. It is now estimated that almost 50% of mothers suffer from Post Natal Depression, or Baby Blues.

Masked depression

This happens in people who appear normal but start to suffer from physical problems such as energy loss or appetite or irregular sleeping patterns. This type of depression is reactive and is found in people who have suffered some form of trauma, but are unable to express it.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD Syndrome)

This is a seasonal disorder occurring, for example, in the UK during the Winter season. This type of depression usually strikes people during the months of December to February and affects up to a million people. There are variations in this type of depression too. It is often called Winter Blues. The usual symptoms are sleep problems, a lethargic attitude, craving for food, total loss of sex drive, worry and mood wings.

It is now accepted that SAD Syndrome may be linked to excess production of serotonin which is responsible for mood swings. It could also be due to the increased levels of melatonin. This hormone is produced by the pineal gland and induces sleep.

The best and the most effective treatment for SAD is to spend as much as time outdoors as possible. Natural Daylight is the most effective treatment for SAD. So, if you are at home, sit as much as possible next to a window or try and spend as much as time in natural light.

Top Tip: according to Holistic Therapies Spain, another way of combating SAD is to buy light boxes containing fluorescent tubes. They give out the same level of light that is found in a bright Spring morning. Sit in front of these for a period of time and soon you'll be as happy as you would be in warm sunlight.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Belly Bands for Pregnancy - The Pre-Maternity Belly Band


Expectant moms normally opt to wear their typical clothes before shifting to maternity dresses. But the most common problem is that these pre-pregnancy clothes don't pretty much fit as they used toand they become too painful to button. If you have a favourite jean, skirt or a dress that is already uncomfortable to use because you are conceiving, belly bands for pregnancy is the right one for you.

These bands are made of soft and flexible material which stretches and grows with your tummy. Belly bands for pregnancy are specifically designed to offer back and lower belly support and to reinforce your pre-pregnant pants or skirt. If the pants you are wearing become too difficult to wear around your waist, apparently you'll wear them just around your hips or below. But you can't go out and show your unzipped and unbuttoned pants around.

Depriving yourself of wearing the pre-pregnancy clothes is absolutely not the solution, the bands will take care of hiding the bulky unfastened closures that you have in wearing skirts or jeans while pregnant. You will also have no problem about unhooking or the other way around because they have an elastic band closure. And if you are wearing too-loose maternity jeans these bands will hold as a belt, keeping your belly from pushing your pants down.

Being pregnant necessarily means being substantially heavy and bulky. Most often, you struggle to move easily without experiencing all sorts of pain.These bands are more importantly designed to make it easier for pregnant people to deal with or handle their pregnancy. These bands lift your abdomen and relieve your abdomen and lower back. These bands also take care of redistributing the weight of the baby making it easier for the wearer to carry the baby and her body balancely.

These belly bands are comfortable to use in any moment of the day. They are made of high quality materials, very safe and do not results to any inconvenience like irritation or discomfort. They are likewise intended to be worn from the early stages and throughout the whole duration of pregnancy and even after giving birth.

Belly bands for pregnancy are very economical. You don't have to buy a bunch of maternity dresses because you can actually use you pre-pregnancy clothes without discomfort the help of belly bands for pregnancy. Just give them a try and you won't regret it.

Affordable Arizona Health Insurance Plans - How to Get Cheap Quotes Online


Discouraged with the high cost of health insurance? Want to find the cheapest price and still get complete coverage? Here's how to find the lowest cost health insurance quotes online with quality coverage in Arizona.

Arizona Health Insurance Plans

The most popular plans today for health insurance are the managed care plans. These plans consist of a network of doctors and hospitals which provide members with their health care needs. Managed health care plans vary from one policy to another so it's important to compare plans.

An HMO will give you the lowest premiums but there are some requirements and considerations.


  • Most HMO plans ask you to choose a doctor that is within 30 miles of your residence.

  • You should also find out what hospitals in your area, are under the HMO insurance plan you are considering.

  • Many HMOs focus on preventive health care as a way to keep medical costs under control.

  • Small copayments are usually required for doctor visits, and must be paid at the time of your visit.

Depending on your needs you may want to include coverage for items such as maternity care, prescriptions, and vision care. Managed care plans can vary quite a bit from insurance company to insurance company so look at each plan carefully before deciding on one.

Affordable Arizona Health Insurance Plans Online

One of the best ways to get affordable health insurance quotes in Arizona is to go to a free insurance quote website. There you can get competitive quotes from up to 5 health insurance providers so you can compare plans and prices. After you have your quotes, you need to look closely at the policies and decide which one is the best for you.

Things to Do to Get Pregnant - 5 Simple Tips That Will Help You Get Pregnant


Are you looking for things to do to get pregnant? Here are 5 simple tips you can put to use today that will help you get pregnant.

1. Find out when you are most fertile

You are usually only fertile for about 2 to 3 days before and on the day of ovulation. After ovulation, you only have about 12 to 24 hours before the egg that got released during ovulation will disintegrate itself it it didn't get fertilized by sperm. This is why it is so important to find out when you ovulate to make sure there is sperm in the right place at the right time. One of the ways to find that out is to use so-called ovulation predictor kits. They are very similar to pregnancy tests, but look for a slightly different hormone that your body releases in great amounts just before you ovulate. Once you get a positive ovulation test you know that you are probably going to ovulate during the next 12 to 36 hours.

2. Think positive

This may sound like some strange new age stuff, but it's true. When it comes to fertility, positive thinking can make a difference. Just thinking "if I wish to get pregnant enough, I will get pregnant" won't get you anywhere of course, but it helps indirectly. A negative state of mind can directly affect your body. It can have effects on your hormone levels and your fertility, making it much harder to conceive. Try to stay positive and have happy baby thoughts. Whether you believe in it or not, it definitely won't hurt, will it?

3. Cough it up

Believe it or not, but some cough medicine can actually help you get pregnant. One of the ingredients in some cough syrups is guaifenesin that helps thin the mucus in your lungs. As a "side-effect" this substance not only thins the mucus in your lungs, but also in other parts of your body, including your cervical mucus down below! And thinner cervical mucus makes it easier for the sperm to swim through to get to your egg. Try taking one or two teaspoons a day, starting a few days before you ovulate, and see for yourself.

4. Reduce stress

Stress is never really good for you, especially not when you are trying to get pregnant. Excessive stress can reduce your fertility in several ways... it can affect the hormones that control ovulation, possibly delaying or stopping ovulation... it can cause your cervical mucus to dry up, the very same mucus that helps the sperm to swim all the way to your fallopian tubes... and it can obviously keep you from having sex at all. Who enjoys having sex when they are really stressed out, right? Reducing stress is easier said than done, but try to turn off and have some me-time whenever you can.

5. Confirm that you ovulate

We have already seen that there are quite a few reasons that could stop you from ovulating regularly or ovulating at all, so one of the most important steps when trying to conceive is confirming that you do actually ovulate. Luckily, you don't necessarily have to go to the doctor to do that. There is one method, and the only one apart from having blood tests, that can confirm that you ovulate. It's called BBT charting and BBT stands for Basal Body Temperature. Basically it is your body temperature at rest, in the morning when you wake up, before you do anything else.

Ovulation is triggered by a specific hormone, the same hormone ovulation tests look for. It's called luteinizing hormone and one of the side-effects this hormone has is that it raises your body temperature slightly. If you now keep track of your body temperature every morning by using a special BBT thermometer that can pick up even slight changes, you are able to see a small raise the day after you ovulate and it will usually stay high until your next period starts. Bingo! You have just confirmed ovulation.

Getting Pregnant Tips And Advice


Not all people are lucky enough to get pregnant after tossing all their contraceptives. Some people still find conceiving as an everyday challenge of their marriage life, in which everyday seem like an evolution from ovulation kits, specific sexual position, and a variety of fertility tests to help pinpoint possible problems and get pregnant.

Whether or not you have just decided to have a baby or had it for a while, following some tips and advice from pregnancy experts can help speed up your pregnancy. Listed below are some tips and advices from pregnancy experts that you may follow in order to get pregnant faster.

Have regular sex - Some couples depend too much on the ovulation date that they do not have sex unless it is the right time. Although proper timing is crucial, having regular sex can still increase the chance of getting pregnant. Do not limit yourself with the suggested possibility that you would only get pregnant during ovulation, when you are at your most fertile stage. At some point, it is not impossible that couples may miss the right ovulation date. Thus, to effectively keep track of your ovulation, it is best use ovulation predictor kits, such as the basal body thermometer (BBT), urine (LH) ovulation test kit, and ovulation saliva test kit in addition to calendar method.

Follow effective sex positions - Although there is no scientific study that proves sex positions have causal effect to pregnancy, you will not lose anything if you try them. According to experts, positions like men on top will allow the gravity to control sperm from leaking out thus drawing it closest to the cervix.

Eat foods that can boost up fertility - Eat a diet that is rich in organic foods grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. They contain significant anti-oxidants that can help maintain healthy cells essential to pregnancy. Tofu, chicken, eggs and other sea foods that are high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and selenium are also effective in achieving your pregnancy.

Have a check with your doctor/OBGYN - It is good to have a regular check with your doctor to check if you are in good condition to get pregnant. Doctors can determine medical condition that may affect your capacity to conceive, such as untreated infections, sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, or polycystic ovarian cysts (PCOS). Your OBGYN can best advice you of the best prenatal vitamins that you should take prior to conception.

Avoid vices - If you are having vices, such as drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking, or taking drugs, it is best to quit them as soon as possible. Such vices can cause detrimental effects to fertility and to your child. According to study, they can lessen sperm potency, cause hormonal imbalance and lessen ovulation in women, give rise to medical issues, and may cause birth defect in babies.

Week by Week Pregnancy Detailed Guide - How Long Have You Been Pregnant?


The growth of a baby in the womb is an amazing process that needs a keen follow up. This is important in order to prevent congenital childhood diseases or negative impact on the mother. Right from week one when all the systems have let go, there will be need to monitor the management of the pregnancy.

Therefore, every expecting mother needs to monitor the following week by week pregnancy signs:

Pregnancy signs and symptoms are divided into three major trimesters, the first trimester is three months long, and so are the second and the third. In a total, a normal pregnancy will take 36 weeks or nine months. There are however pregnancies that may have a premature delivery, say 28 weeks or even less. An infant born from the 28th week is mature enough to survive though it may need to be special care within a nursery.

The major milestones include:
繚 The first two weeks may go unnoticed save for an HCG urine pregnancy tests or uterine scan which may reveal the pregnancy. The mother will experience 'sickness' in the first four weeks. This include having nausea, have craving for certain foods, feeling of fatigue. There may be bleeding from the vagina of a brownish of pinkish fluid. Most women will detect the pregnancy between the 8th and 12th week after missing some monthly periods or visiting a physician to treat the above mentioned sickness. By the 12th week, the fetus heart may be detectable by a mother who is keenly monitoring the week by week pregnancy signs.

繚 The second trimester brings with it a slightly variant week by week pregnancy signs and symptoms. This starts with 13th week and comes with great relief for the mother. Most of the sicknesses experienced in the first 12 weeks will subside and the mother can feel more in control of their body. The belly may start to descend and be visible to other in a few women. At this stage, most women will start preparing for the baby by buying the clothes, beddings and other nursing materials required. This semester will continue and will have few week by week pregnancy variations until the 28th week.

繚 The 29th week will usher a new trimester, the third and the final. It also has its on set of week by week pregnancy signs and symptoms. The fetus will grow fast and the mother's tummy will grow rapidly too. In anemic mothers, there may be need for special foods to avoid going into clinical stress. From the 37th to 42nd week, the baby is ready for delivery.

Female Alopecia - Information, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options


Female Alopecia

1.-Introduction
2.-Growth cycles
3.-Main Causes
4.-Secondary Causes
5.-Topical treatments
6.-Oral treatments
7.-Cosmetic treatments
8.-Conclusion

Introduction

With different colors, styles and variations, young or mature, male or female, the hair has an important role in a person's image.

While advertising for products that "strengthen the hair" are almost always male-oriented, it may seem that women do not suffer from alopecia. The reality is that over two thirds of women face the challenges of hair-loss at some point in their lives.

Many women find this very disturbing, perhaps more than men. In addition, the female physiology is unique, and factors such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause are particularly important.

For some women, hair loss can be genetic; however, many of the causes of female hair loss are treatable.

Without a doubt, the physical appearance of women depends greatly on their hair. For many women, their hair is a sign of youth and vitality.

Hair structure:

The external portion of the hair, called the stem, is the part of the hair that we see and style. In reality it is dead tissue produced by hair follicles, small bag-shaped structures located deep in the scalp. Each hair is enclosed within a follicle.

The average head has 100,000 hairs. At the base of the follicle is the oval shaped root, which is responsible for the growth of hair. In the lower portion of this is the papilla, which contains blood capillaries that provide blood to each hair.

As hair grows, the cells move towards the surface of the skin and become a protein called keratin, being replaced by new cells. Keratin is the same protein found in the nails.

The stem is composed of 3 layers: the cuticle, the cortex and medulla. The cuticle, or outer layer, consists of small cells known as scales. The cuticle serves as a case for the cortex, the thickest portion of the stem, composed of cells arranged in the form of tobacco leaves. The cortex holds the pigment that gives hair its color. The medulla is composed of cells with the form of a case and is located in the center. The spaces between cells in the medulla influence the refraction of light in tone and hair.

Glands and muscles

The hair is lubricated by oily secretions from the sebaceous glands, located on the sides of most follicles. Surrounding these glands and the rest of the follicle, there are groups of muscles (arrector pili) that allow the hair to stand up when a person is cold or afraid.

Cycles of growth

The average head has 100,000 hairs. Hair grows and is renewed regularly. Normally, 50 to 100 hairs fall out every day. If there are no problems, this loss will most likely go un-noticed.

Hair grows about 1 cm per month, although this growth declines as we age. Every hair on your head remains there for about two to six years, and during most of this time it is growing. When the hair is older it enters a resting stage in which it remains on the head, but stops growing. At the end of this phase the hair falls out. Typically, the follicle replaces the hair in about six months, but many factors can disrupt this cycle. The result may be that the hair falls out soon or is not replaced. Normally 90% of hair is in continuous growth (anagen phase) that lasts 2 to 6 years. 10% of hair is in a resting phase, which lasts about 2-3 months. At the end of this stage it is normal for the hair to fall out (telogen phase).

As the hair falls out is replaced by a new hair from the hair follicle, located under the skin. Throughout a person's life span no new hair follicles are formed. Blonds have the most hair (140,000 hairs) followed by dark hair (105,000) and red hair (90,000). As we age the rate of hair growth diminishes, leading to a progressive thinning of hair. Since the hair is composed of protein (keratin), and this material is also in the nails, it is essential that all people ingest or eat an abundant amount of protein to maintain the healthy hair production. Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, cereals, nuts and soy.

Main causes

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss. It is mainly determined by 3 factors: aging, hormones, and heredity.

Most people experience some hair loss as they age. The result may be a partial or total baldness. Men are much more likely than women to experience baldness and hair loss when they get older, but "female baldness" can also be inherited, which can cause modest or significant hair loss in women as they age. Hair loss is apparent initially between 25 and 30 years of age. In female hair loss, hair is replaced by increasingly thinner and shorter hair. Hair may even become transparent.

Usually, hair loss in women is less obvious than in men. Also, the pattern in which the hair falls out is different. It is most noticeable in the hair part, as well as the crown of the head, additionally the frontal hair line is retained. It is inherited from both father and mother.

About 50% of women who experience hair loss have "female baldness". In these cases there is an abundance of dihydrotestosterone (male hormone) in the hair follicle. The conversion of testosterone to DHT is regulated by the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme in the scalp. Over time, the action of DHT degrades, and shortens the growth phase of the follicle (Anagen). Although the follicle is technically alive, it grows less and less each time. Some follicles just die, but most become smaller and thinner. As the Anagenic Phase remains very short, hair gradually thins and falls out until it becomes so fine that it can no longer sustain daily hair combing. Baldness turns a long, thick pigmented hair into thin, clear and light hair. Nevertheless, the sebaceous glands attached to the follicle remain the same size and continue to produce the same amount of sebum. When a medical treatment (flutamide, cyproterone or spironolactone) is able to reduce the male hormones, the sebaceous glands become smaller, and reduce their production of this hormone in the sebum causing less damage.

There also seems to be an immune factor in baldness. Basically, the immune system begins to target hair follicles in the areas of alopecia. The rise in male hormones (DHT) during puberty starts this process.

Secondary causes

A wide variety of factors can cause hair loss, often temporary, in women:

Birth Control Pills

The pills contain two ingredients, a synthetic estrogen and progestin. Women who experience hair loss while taking oral contraceptives are predisposed to a hereditary progressive hair thinning. This can be accelerated by the effects of the male hormone possessing some progestagens. If this happens, it is advisable to change to another type of oral contraceptive. Also, when a woman stops using certain oral contraceptives, she can be notice hair loss 2-3 months later. This lasts about 6 months and usually ceases. It would be similar to hair loss experienced after giving birth.

Iron deficiency anemia

Lack of iron causes hair loss in men as well as women. However, in women the problem is more prevalent, particularly in those with long or heavy menstrual cycles. The lack of iron can be detected easily with analysis, and corrected with medical treatment.

Diet

A diet low in protein can also cause hair loss, as can low iron intake. Vegetarians, people with diets low in protein, and patients with anorexia nervosa may be a protein deficient. When this occurs the body helps to conserve protein by shifting hair growth to the resting stage. This can lead to heavy hair loss about 3 months after the hair growth enters the resting stage. When the hair is pulled, it comes out easily at the root. This process is reversible with medical treatment, which requires an adequate intake of protein.

Post-partum

Some women lose large amounts of hair 2-3 months after giving birth. When a woman gives birth, too many hairs enter the resting phase. 2-3 months after she may notice a large number of hairs in the comb or brush after combing her hair. The hair loss can last about 6 months. The problem, in most cases, is resolved after appropriate medical treatment. Not all new mothers will suffer from this experience, and not all women will notice hair loss with each pregnancy.

Stress and illness

You may start to lose hair 1-3 months after a stressful situation, such as major surgery. High fevers, infections, severe or chronic diseases can also result in hair loss.

Thyroid Disease

An underactive or hyperactive thyroid can cause hair loss. These diseases are diagnosed by clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. These cases require special handling.

Medicines

Some drugs used in cancer chemotherapy cause hair cells to stop their division, resulting in thinner more fragile hair that easily breaks as it emerges from the scalp. This phenomenon occurs 1-3 weeks after the start of anticancer treatment. The patient can lose 90% of their hair. In most patients, hair grows back when anticancer treatment ends.

Also, many popular medications can cause hair loss.

Drugs that reduce cholesterol: clofibrate (Atromis-S) and gemfibrozil (Lopid).
rugs for Parkinson's: levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa).
Anti-ulcer drugs: cimetidine (Tagamet), ranetidina (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid).
Anticoagulants: Coumarina and Heparin.
Anti gotoso agents: Allopurinol (Loporin, Zyloprim, Zyloric).
Anti-arthritic: penicillamina, auranofin (Ridaura), indomethacin (Inacid), naproxen (Naprosyn), Sulindac (Clinoril) and methotrexate (Folex).
erivatives of Vitamin-A: isotretinoin (Accutane, Roacutan) and etretinato (Tegison, Tigason).
Anti-convulsants / antiepileptics: trimethadione (Tridion).
Anti-depressants: tricyclics, amphetamines.
Beta blockers for hypertension: atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal) and timolol (Blocadren).
Anti-thyroid: carbimazole, iodine, thiocianato, thiouracilo.
Other anticoagulants, male hormones (anabolic steroids).

Alopecia Areata

A common disease that causes patches of hair loss on the scalp and other body parts. It affects men and women of all ages, but more commonly youth. The affected follicles significantly diminish their production of hair. They become very small and produce hair that is hardly noticeable. These follicles are in a resting state, and at any time can resume their normal activities after receiving a signal. Some people develop only a few bald spots that return to normal in about a year. Some people loose all of the hair on their head (alopecia totalis). In other people all body hair is lost (alopecia universal). It is believed that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly produces antibodies against the hair follicle (autoallergic). Anxiety and nervousness may trigger the disease or prevent it from healing. Treatment includes injecting cortisone, or by applying Minoxidil, cyclosporine, steroid creams or Anthralin to the affected area. In selected cases, UVA treatment, or the application of dibenciprona on the lesions is used in order to produce an allergic eczema to stimulate the resting follicle.

Tinea/ringworm

A fungal infection on the scalp. Small patches can cause flaking and some hair loss.

Inappropriate hair care

Many women use chemical treatments on their scalp, such as dyes, highlights, and perms. Chemical treatments can damage the hair if done incorrectly. The hair becomes weak and breaks when these substances are applied too often, left on too long, bleaching previously bleached hair, or when two or more procedures are performed in the same day. If the hair becomes too porous and dull by excessive exposure to chemical treatments, it is advisable to suspend these treatments until the hair has recovered. Shampoo, brushing and combing are necessary for proper care of the hair, but if done excessively or inappropriately can damage hair, causing it to break at the stalk, or produce split ends. You can use a conditioner or hair repair product after shampoo to reduce the force required to comb the hair and make it more manageable. When there are split ends, and hair that is difficult to comb, it is advisable to use hair repair products with silicone serums. Excess water should not be dried and rubbed vigorously with a towel. When the hair is wet its structure is more fragile, and vigorous combing or brushing should be avoided. Forget the old recommendation of combing or brushing in excess as well, because it damages hair. Use combs with widely spaced teeth and thin bristle brushes, preferably natural (wild boar bristle brushes for example). The hairstyles that require tension on the hair like curls and braids should be alternated with loose hair styles to avoid the constant "pull" that can produce hair loss, especially on the sides of the scalp.

Topical Treatments

1. Minoxidil. Is a vasodilator agent that has been used orally in the treatment of hypertension and is now widely used in treating various types of alopecia. In general, 1 ml of lotion is applied twice a day (every 12 hours) to dry hair, as humidity increases the penetration of the product several times. Works better in young men than in women (20 years), especially in those with mild hair loss (thinning) on the crown, or a small bald patch 3-4 cm, but also is functional for a receding hairline. The response to Minoxidil varies from individual to individual. Treatment should be 2 to 5 years. The scalp will recover beginning to grow more hair from the small thin hairs. Minoxidil causes hair becomes thicker and healthier. The outcome is better for people suffering from hair loss for less than 2 years. Most see fuzz growing in the first few months. Some experience more hair loss after the first applications. This is because the old hair should fall out in order for new hair to grow. Positive results can be seen in 4-8 months, although the maximum effects of Minoxidil are reached between 12-14 months.

2. Pyrimidine N-oxides. A generic class of hair tonics similar to Minoxidil (2.4-Diaminopyrimidine Aminexil-3-oxide). The results in more than 250 men and women include an 8% increase in hair growth after 6 weeks of treatment, compared to a decrease in the rate of hair growth with a placebo.

3. Tretinoin. Has been used for years in the treatment of acne. It is also a hair tonic in appropriate doses, particularly in combination with Minoxidil. If implemented together, first apply the Minoxidil, wait for it to dry (usually 15-30 minutes) and then apply Tretinoin. Tretinoin should be applied only at night. A slight irritation to the skin of the scalp is expected, especially at the beginning of the treatment.

4. Topical estrogen. Solutions of dienestrol or progesterone may be applied daily for 6-12 months.

5. Natural treatments. There are many treatments with vitamins, sulfur amino acids (cysteine, methionine, tiazolidín carboxylic acid), minerals (zinc) and plant extracts (Indian horse chestnut, calendula) that are useful as dietary supplements and promote healthier hair. Sulfur favours the formation of keratin, the protein that gives structure to the hair. The plant extracts act to stimulate the circulation and revitalize the hair follicle. Zinc gluconate is an astringent and reduces sebaceous secretion by inhibiting the production of DHT when applied topically. Amniotic fluid and tricosacarides hydrate and stimulate the follicle.

6. Others. Lately, lotions containing superoxide dismutase (copper peptide ligands) are being used to strengthen and activate the growth of hair. This is based on the fact that there are chemical messengers in the body that send signals to hair follicles to start the Anagen and telogen phases. In this sense, focused more towards the telogen phase (resting phase), while nitric oxide causes the hair to enter the anagen (growth) phase. Obviously, the treatments should stimulate the levels of nitric oxide and reduce the levels of superoxide radicals used in superoxide dismutase and antioxidant agents.

Oral treatments

" Dietary supplements (vitamins, sulfur amino aids). Although androgenetic alopecia is not due to lack of vitamins, it is suggested that certain sulfur amino acid supplements (arginine, cysteine), vitamins and minerals (biotin, iron, folic acid) favor capillary nutrition, reduce fat, and promote the synthesis of the protein that gives structure to the hair (keratin). Many of these compounds have an antioxidant action.

" Antiandrogens. Reduce the male hormone (DHT) that causes baldness. DHT is an androgen (male hormone) competing for a place in the hair follicle receptors. If follicle receptors are occupied by other agents, DHT cannot enter the hair follicle and therefore does not induce its aggressive action. The problem is that by blocking DHT in other parts of the body signs of feminization may show in men. In contrast, for women this block is less problematic.

" Zinc. Affects hormone levels when taken orally and inhibits the production of DHT when applied topically.

" Espirolactona. Habitually used as a diuretic. It is one of the most powerful antiandrogens. Reduces DHT, the hormone that causes hair loss. Can also be applied topically, which is not absorbed and does not produce internal effects. It is used in doses of 50 to 100 mg per day. It can alter the menstrual cycle and increase bleeding in some patients, but is generally well tolerated.

" CPA (cyproterone acetate). Is a derivative of an anti-progesterone with antiandrogenic effects. It is used for the control of androgenetic alopecia in women only. It can not be used in men. Used in combination with ethinylestradiol. The treatment must be at least 12 months and often requires 2 years for improvement. The result is more favourable if treatment is started within the first two years of the onset of alopecia. The treatment stops hair loss and improves hair quality. Treatment lasts 1-2 years.

" flutamide. Another antiandrogic indicated for women. The treatment lasts 1-2 years.

" Other antiandrogens. Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent that has antiandrogenic properties. In men the treatment can be very effective with Finasteride, a drug normally used to treat hypertrophy of the prostate.

Cosmetic treatments

Cosmetic treatments include creative hairstyles, wigs, and hair transplants. To reduce the visual effect of the thinning hair, camouflage methods can be used.

Keeping the hair short, will make it appear less patched. This will also make it easier to maintain. Longer hair produces bunches and locks of hair that are separated, showing large areas of the scalp.

A skilled hairdresser can disguise thin hair in certain areas. If the hair is thin at the hair line, the hair line and extends to the temples, ask your hairdresser to cut your hair short in front, and leave it longer at the temples.

If your hair is thinner on the crown of your head, keep hair short, about neck length. Long hair is heavier, and this pulls hair, separating it at the crown and showing more of the bald area. If you still have a reasonably thick hair on the roof of the head, leave it long and cover the bald patches.

If the hair is very thin is more difficult to cover up alopecia areas. You can try a gentile perm to increase the hairs volume.

If you have dark hair, you can try to lighten it a bit to reduce the contrast between the remaining hair and scalp, thus making the skin less noticeable.

A cosmetic trick that may work in women is to apply a bit of hair coloured eye shadow, on the scalp over the areas of thin hair. This is harmless and can make fine hair less noticeable.

Finally, do not use products that make tuffs or locks of hair stick together. This allows empty spaces on the scalp to be more easily seen.

Appropriate Shampoos

Maintaining clean hair helps preserve the health and beauty of hair. The frequency of washing and shampooing for each individual are important factors and should be recommended by a dermatologist. In the case of oily hair accompanied by thinning hair, frequent washing is advised because this reduces the fat on the surface of the scalp. It is important to have hair that is clean and non oily, as sebum contains elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone and testosterone (male hormones) that can be absorbed into the skin and affect hair follicles. In cases of dandruff and greasy hair that is washed frequently if it is best to switch to a treatment shampoo for frequent use. With these shampoos, you should wash your hair twice, and the second time leave it in for 2 -3 minutes without rubbing. The comb teeth should be wide and separated. Avoid metal brushes. If the hair has split ends (tricoptilosis) these can be repaired with a silicone polymer based repair serums, which acts as a patch on the split ends.

Conclusions

Hereditary hair loss is not curable, but it is controllable, and the sooner be treated the better. Currently there is not a perfect treatment for androgenetic alopecia, but there are drugs that stop hair loss and prolong the life of hair follicles.

We must consider the present and future hair treatments because hair needs living hair follicles. With baldness follicles are miniaturized and die after 5-10 years. With any treatment you will get better results with more follicles that remain alive. Many other hair problems are temporary and can be treated by dietary measures and other measures. In these cases, good dietary habits as well as eating supplements of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants help to stop hair loss and regain normal growth after a few months. For more information about hair loss, consult your dermatologist, because skin diseases include diseases of the hair and nails. Do not be influenced by advertisements for "hair tonic" or by hairdressing specialists.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Financial Tips to Follow Before Getting Pregnant


Create Maternity Leave Income

When coverage begins before getting pregnant, supplemental health insurance creates maternity leave pay, while also protecting your income in case of pregnancy complications, delivery complications, premature birth, accidents and illnesses.

Short term disability insurance covers normal child birth. It pays a six week benefit for a vaginal delivery and an eight week benefit for a c-section delivery. Hospital Indemnity Insurance covers your normal maternity labor and delivery, and will pay a cash benefit directly to you, not your doctors or hospital. Your benefits for normal delivery may triple the premium paid over twelve months, creating up to eight weeks of maternity leave take home pay.

Security for Complications

Short term disability pays an additional benefit should you experience pregnancy complications, and/or delivery complications. You may miss additional time from work if you need bed rest prior to delivery, or if birth injury causes you to need additional time to heal before returning to work.

In addition, 12% of children are born premature. Should your baby spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), hospital indemnity insurance pays an additional benefit for your infant's stay.

Both policies are designed primarily to protect your family's lifestyle should you suffer an accident or illness, and you will also be covered should this happen to you. You simply have several extra reasons to purchase this important coverage.

Apply Before Getting Pregnant

Supplemental insurance provides exceptional benefits for women planning a pregnancy. You have an opportunity to purchase insurance for an event you are planning. Where else can you triple the premium you pay, while also getting important security for the unexpected?

Most policies contain a nine month exclusion for normal delivery. Once you are pregnant, it will be too late to apply.

The benefit is clear, and the timing is crucial. That is why applying for supplemental insurance is one of the most important things you can do before getting pregnant.

Post Pregnancy Diet - Eat Healthy Food Instead of Weight Loss


During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes loads of changes, which mainly include extra weight gain and hormonal changes. According to nutritionists, for at least first three months of post pregnancy a woman should concentrate on eating healthy food instead of "weight loss". Reason being, the new born is completely dependent on the mother's milk; as a result there is nutrient depletion from the mothers body which will lead to other complications later like osteoporosis, if not taken care of in this phase. Many side effects are seen due to pregnancy, which can be taken care through proper diets. Some of those side effects include hair loss, stretch marks, and changes in the shape of the breasts. Along with physical changes a woman also undergoes a lot of emotional and psychological changes like change in sleeping pattern, getting emotionally attached to the new born. Managing household chores along with taking care of the needs of the newborn turns out to the toughest work for a woman post pregnancy.

Due to these changes in the surroundings, many women face the problem of insomnia, which further precipitates as frustration and stress. Excessive stress can lead to lack of breast milk production. Therefore, it is very important to provide the mother and the newborn child a stress free environment. This also helps the body to recover faster. After the first three months pass by, one should consult a dietitian to lose excessive weight, in a healthy way without crash dieting.

Tips to be followed in first three months of post pregnancy period


  • Eat healthy and give time to your body to recover.

  • Exercise in moderation to help the metabolism to function optimally.

  • Exclusive Breast feeding is the best way to regain the pre pregnancy weight and shape.

  • Concentrate on more of protein, vitamin and mineral rich food instead of calorie dense food.

  • Do not heed to the myths linked to breast-feeding; like having excess fatty foods leads to good breast milk production etc.

10 Smart Feasible Ways to Finance IVF Costs Without Infertility Insurance or Going Broke


Although several insurance companies offer some sort of infertility insurance, many do not cover IVF because in vitro fertilization costs are so expensive and IVF success rates are not very high. Because of this, many couples need to come up with alternative financing methods to fund their infertility treatment. Here are 10 smart feasible ways to finance IVF costs without going broke in the process.

Mortgage Refinance or Second Mortgage

Both of these are an option if you own your home. You can decide on an amount to refinance or borrow after researching with your fertility doctors what the full in vitro fertilization price will be in your case. You would get the full amount at closing.

Get a Home Equity Line of Credit

If you own your home and have built some equity into it, this is another option. A HELOC is different from the above in that you chose a maximum amount that you may use for a line of credit and the lender will advance you up to that amount whenever you chose. You can draw on the HELOC to fund your fertility costs in certain ways, such as writing a check or using a credit card on the account.

Borrow Against Your 401K

Some 401K companies allow you to borrow money from your 401K. Speak to your employer to see if this is an option. When you borrow against your 401K, you don't have to pay taxes on the loan.

Infertility Clinic Financing

Many infertility clinics have financing available, usually with a set interest rate where you make monthly payments. Clinics usually let you plan your payments depending on what procedures you use.

Third Party Loans

Loans from third party lenders are also an option. In fact, there are even financial centers that specifically offer IVF funding programs. You can research online or ask your fertility doctor if they can refer you to such a center.

Find a Credit Card with a Low Interest Rate

If you have good credit and can get a card with a high revolving credit limit and a low interest rate, you could use this option.

Find a Fertility Clinic with a Shared Risk Program

With a shared risk program, you would pay in advance for a certain number of IVF cycles. If you do not achieve a pregnancy by the end of the cycles, you would get a partial or full refund, depending on your agreement with the fertility center.

Borrow from Family or Friends

If you have family or friends that would be willing to give you a loan to help pay for IVF, decide on an interest rate and put together an agreement in writing with a set repayment plan. Borrowing from family or friends would mean that you would have a much lower interest rate then if you used other financing methods, or even no interest rate at all, which means you would be spending less on your IVF treatment.

Use Your Tax Return Money

You can start preparing for IVF treatment by having more money withheld from your taxes. Then, when you file your taxes, you will have a bigger refund from your tax return and you can use it to pay a portion of your infertility treatments.

Get A Second Job

If you have a marketable skill or talent that you could turn into a side job, you can supplement your regular income, and start a nest egg with the extra income to use for IVF costs. There are plenty of free resources online on how to start a side business with relatively little cost. Or you could do something as simple as putting ads advertising your skills on Craigslist. Get a little creative and do a little brainstorming. You may be surprised with what you come up with. When there's a will, there's a way!

One thing to bear in mind with financing options is that you need to be able to manage the incurred debt with the additional costs of having a child. If this will be a problem with any of the options above, then that particular option is not right for you. You do not want to find yourself in financial ruin or ruin your credit rating.

I hope that these options, used alone or in combination with another option, have helped give you an idea of ways you could pay for your IVF costs.

Talk it Out - Support Groups For Parents of Colicky Infants


Parents of colicky babies can often feel isolated, stressed, and helpless. Support groups for parents, while helpful, don't address the unique problems that parents of colicky infants face. However, not all support groups for parents of colicky babies are equal.

If you are trying to decide on a support group or colic clinic, here are some things to look for when making that decision:

1. Counseling and Feedback.

Different colic clinics and support groups will handle this in different ways. You will most likely be asked to keep a "colic diary" of your baby's crying patterns and any actions you've taken to soothe your baby during the week.

A specialist will analyze the crying patterns and help you to plan out a course of action for the next week. Some colic clinics also offer counseling for parents and couples who need help dealing with the stress of colic. Others also offer counseling for family members who may be acting as a secondary caregiver to your baby - thus giving comprehensive attention to the problem of colic.

2. Medical Evaluations and Suggestions.

A pediatrician with extensive experience in colic may also look at the colic diary and suggest possible causes for your baby's crying. Additionally, if your baby has an episode of colic while you are there at the clinic or during the support session, the pediatrician may do a thorough evaluation of the symptoms as they present themselves in real time.

3. Group Support Sessions.

Some colic support groups and colic clinics will organize special events designed to bring parents of colicky infants together for discussion. This will allow you to share your experiences with someone who truly understands how colic can affect the entire family. It also gives you the opportunity to learn from one another, and potentially find new solutions to that will help to end your baby's colic.

Another great resource to help you understand and communicate better with your baby is Brazelton's Institute.

(brazelton-institute.com)

If you are looking for a colic support group, one of the best places to start would be with a local parents group, La Leche League, or other association designed for parents of infants and toddlers.

If you don't find a colic clinic or support group in your area, you may wish to consider starting one yourself. Parents of colicky babies should never have to go it alone - with support, intervention, and planning, colic can be overcome.

2 Places To Get Help When You Can't Get Pregnant


If you've been infertile for a long period of time, and no matter what you try you just can't seem to get pregnant, there are a couple of ways you can get help. The longer you've been infertile, the more important it is that you make full use of both of these options, since this will ensure that you're leaving nothing to chance and guaranteeing yourself the very best chances of getting pregnant. When you combine the ideas that are going to follow, you're fertility will skyrocket and so will your chances of conceiving.

The first option to get help is with your family doctor. Many people wrongly assume that a family doctor is not the place to obtain advice on becoming pregnant, and that only fertility clinics and specialists can offer assistance. But your family doctor will be happy to discuss all aspects of your fertility with you and your partner. Your doctor encounters infertility on a daily basis, so there's a good chance they will have all kinds of valuable information to offer you. It's also much less daunting to go to a family doctor you know instead of an intimidating fertility clinic, and for this reason your family doctor should be the first option you use as soon as you realise you can't get pregnant.

The second place to get help is from books. There are literally hundreds of great books on ways to increase your fertility, and with every piece of knowledge you read your chances of getting pregnant will increase. The only problem with this approach is the sheer number of books on this subject, and that can make it difficult knowing where to start and what to read. There's a simple way around this, though. Go to any online book store and do a search for books on fertility. Now take a moment to check out the customer reviews. In no time at all you'll see which books get all the best reviews and these are the books you should read and follow.

If you combine these two options, and you use what you learn from your family doctor along with what you learn in the fertility books that you buy, your fertility cannot fail to increase. You'll be amazed at all the things you'll discover that you've been doing wrong, and simply eliminating these basic mistakes is often enough to solve your infertility problems. For many couples, their family doctor and a few good fertility books was all it took to finally get pregnant.

Female Pattern Hair Loss - What Is the Best Hair Loss Treatment?


In any group of women aged 80 years, 55% will be suffering from significant scalp hair loss.

Thinning hair

Female pattern hair loss is often first noticed when the amount of hair falling out each day increases and this results in hair thinning all over the scalp.

The normal amount of hair shed in the course of a day is 50 - 100 hairs. Therefore, women over 50 who experience more than 100 hairs per day may be seeing the effects of FPHL.

What are the causes of 50+ female hair loss?

Scientists believe the causes of hair loss and alopecia in mature women may be linked to the genes we inherit from our parents. Most women with FPHL do not have a hormonal imbalance as the hair loss cause.

How long does it take for female hair loss to progress?

Most commonly it starts happening after the menopause and progresses in 'fits and starts'. A noticeable increase may last for 3 - 6 months and then the amount may stabilize for between 6 - 18 months - until the hair growth cycle begins again. Without the best treatment,it usually progresses towards alopecia (baldness).

Chemical treatments for hair loss

FPHL cannot be cured. However, there are some very useful products on the market. By altering the balance of hormones produced in the body, they are able to prevent it from getting any worse, by slowing down or stopping the hair falling out.

Hormone blockers

Some treatments for mature women are based on drugs that block the production of certain hormones. These can be taken as tablets and combined with a hormone solution which is massaged into the scalp.

Hormone blocking treatments need to be followed for at least 6 months before they can start having any effect.This sort of treatment varies from country to country as per regulations. Long term medication is usually necessary to continue preventing hair loss. No products can guarantee to make hair grow faster or create thicker hair, but it has been clinically proved that some women do experience hair re-growth.

All hormonal treatments must be prescribed and supervised by a medical doctor.

Natural treatments

LA BIOSTHETIQUE has been treating female hair loss for the last 50 years with pure and natural ingredients - so it seems clear these experts know how to prevent hair loss from increasing.

Shampoo - Biofanelan Shampoo from LA BIOSTHETIQUE is a gentle cleansing treatment to prepare the hair for subsequent treatment.

Ampoules - Biofanelan Regenerant Premium Ampoules provide your hair with an intensive treatment.

Vitamin Ampoules - Ergines Plus Vital is a splendid treatment for damaged hair shafts - like a course of 'vitamin shots' for your hair - with visible improvement.

Aromatherapy - Visarome Dynamique R supports hair growth and prevents nutritional deficits in the scalp's cells and hair roots. This delicious blend of essential oils including rosemary, sage, geranium, lavender and thyme has a beneficial and invigorating effect!

LA BIOSTHETIQUE products soothe with healing, natural extracts of fruits and flowers while they protect and nourish with important vitamins, minerals and lipo-amino acids.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Getting Pregnant Naturally Requires Attention! Pregnancy Miracle Will Help You


Getting pregnant just like that, is no longer taken for granted. Nowadays there are too many factors disturbing the biological system in the human body. To become pregnant demands attention to the risks caused by our modern lifestyle. In this article we will discuss the importance of preparing your body to get pregnant, how Pregnancy Miracle can assist you with this and how you can avoid the cost of IVF or any other expensive medical solution.

This article is for every couple that wants to get pregnant! For every couple that has doubts about starting IVF treatment. For every couple that already undergone IVF and it just did not work for them. Even for couples that are just starting to get pregnant this article has some valuable information.

Nature Needs Some Help

There are numerous indications showing that folic acid is not the only important factor that increases the chances of getting pregnant. Before and during a pregnancy there are several nutrients that are essential for the human body. A human body gives already warning signs before the pregnancy. These signs indicate that the body created deficits of these essential nutrients. Especially on this area it is possible to take preventive action.

Sometimes it is necessary to do something about the lack of attention towards your body. To get rid of the deficits before you can get pregnant. Detox (cleaning), weight loss and supplementing minerals and vitamins have become a necessity.

Simple advice is nowadays inadequate, particularly if somebody had a bad or mediocre lifestyle. Next to that the average age of people getting pregnant increased over the years. It is important to understand that this has a significant impact on the chance to get pregnant. Healthy eating is the first step, but now more is needed. Negative factors as age, stress, radiation, poor diet, smoking and alcohol require a targeted approach before you start getting pregnant.

Programs That Can Help You To Avoid IVF Or Other Expensive Methods

It is not that easy to figure out by yourself what you should do or not. Some foods you think are healthy but do not really help you to get ready for pregnancy. Or simple things like certain make-up can influence your changes. Luckily there are some good programs and guides on the market that will provide you with this knowledge. Some even have an exact blue print of what to do.

For example a guide like Pregnancy Miracle can help you out to prepare your pregnancy in terms of diet, lifestyle and many other important steps to take. A guide like this will provide you with the benefits before, during and after pregnancy.

For more and more couples it becomes more difficult to get pregnant just like that. Our lifestyle has a big influence on this experience. This is something we have to keep in mind the moment we would like to get pregnant. As mentioned before a targeted approach that helps you to get your body ready is nowadays for a lot of couples a necessity. For many people a natural approach like this can save them from getting into a medical treatment like IVF. The costs of IVF are not only financial but also emotional and if possible you should avoid them. Couples that have to undergo medical treatment may use an approach like this to supplement their medical treatment. It may help them to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Size of Your Belly During Pregnancy


Sometimes it seems for pregnant women that their belly is growing before their eyes, or, on the contrary, it's almost unnoticeable. Let's read experts comments on this question.

- Which factors sizes of belly during pregnancy depend on?

- Height of belly, i.e. height of uterus normally corresponds to the term of pregnancy. For example, on 32nd week of pregnancy it should be 32-33 cm. And volume of belly depends on a woman's individual peculiarities. Sometimes anatomic structure affects it: miniature women with slim pelvis have bigger belly, than tall women with full thighs have. But most of all growth of belly is connected with pregnant woman's general weight gaining. This is the factor which a woman should always pay attention to.

- Which weight gaining is considered to be normal?

- Every woman has her own individual norm. It depends on index of body mass, which can be calculated according to a special formula. Divide weight in kg on height in square meters. Normal index is from 19,8 to 25,9. If you're expecting twins, add at least 2,3-4,6 kg to this figures.
Majority of women gain 40% of weight during the first half of pregnancy, 60% - during the second. If a woman had normal weight before pregnancy, then in the first term she may gain 1,5-2 kg, during the second - 0,5 kg a week, and for the whole 9th month - no more than 0,5-1 kg. Weight should be increased evenly and little by little. Normal baby's development depends on this.

- What are the dangers of overweight?

- If a woman gained too much weight, both she and fetus may experience troubles. Excessive weight gaining - is one of the symptoms of late toxicosis, unhealthy state of a pregnant woman. Late toxicosis may lead to development of miscarriage threat. Under such circumstances, a woman begins feeling pains in waist and lower part of belly. In extremely serious cases premature delivery or premature placenta exfoliation may take place.

Moreover, overweight makes muscles work difficult. It also leads to edemas on feet, front abdominal wall, hands. Back and calf-leg muscles begin aching, blood circulation in legs' veins is gets broken, varicose disease becomes more intense. Pregnant woman gets tired more often and strong, becomes irritable. As for fetus, late toxicosis may cause chronic anoxaemia and even pre-natal death. Very full women's risk of such complications is higher.

- What can cause extremely quick weight gaining during pregnancy?

- Sometimes those who like eating well gain weight quickly. However, moderation in eating still does not guarantee normal weight. Too much liquid may accumulate in some women's organisms - for example, when kidneys work not well enough. So, if a pregnant woman gains weight too quickly, she should check quantity of liquid she drinks and evolves for day-and-night. Healthy woman evolves more liquid, than she drinks. And accumulation of liquid in organism leads to overweight. Then not only external organs, but also internal become swollen. Placentas' edemas are especially dangerous: they break normal fetus development.

- How can a pregnant woman get rid of edemas?

- While visiting maternity welfare centre, she should pay careful attention to recommendations concerning regimen of nutrition, which a doctor will give to her. As a rule, doctors advice all pregnant women to limit salt, piquant, fried and fat products consumption. The matter is that these products contribute to liquid accumulation in organism and lead to edemas. Once in 10 days it is recommended to arrange fasting days. Of course, this does not mean a pregnant woman should go without food. Hunger is categorically contra-indicated to a future mother. During fasting days a pregnant woman should restrict herself with certain products, for example, apples, cotton cheese, kefir, meat in strictly determined quantities. Moreover, she should observe confinement to bed - this improves liquid excretion out of organism. Diuretic herbs also help a lot. However, she should not restrict quantity of liquid drunken suddenly. She should drink no less than 1,2-1,5 liters per day-and-night.

- It turns out that it's rather simple to struggle with edemas?

- Unfortunately, not always. Weight gaining depends on kidneys' work in many aspects. Thus, for example, weight is gained quickly if a woman has chronic urolithiasis, chronic pyelonephritis. Sometimes pyelonephritis appears already during pregnancy. As hormonal background is changing during this period. Organism begins producing more of a hormone, contributing to urinary tracts dilation. And various infections come to kidneys through these open gates. That's why all pregnant women should pass bacteriological test of vagina's excretions, control urine analyses constantly.

- What if a pregnant woman has too big fetus and this explains her overweight?

- Such thing happens sometimes. But this may testify of another problem. Very often women suffering from diabetes have big fetus. If a woman herself was born being big, then she needs to check sugar content in blood and urine, as diabetes can proceed also in latent form. Sometimes diabetes appears already during pregnancy. Again because of hormonal background change. Such pregnant women are in a risk group - even if heightened sugar content was shown only on one of several tests. By the way, overweight during pregnancy often force obstetricians to use Cesarean section.

- On which terms sudden weight gaining is specially unwanted?

- Excess weight gaining is especially dangerous in the second half of pregnancy, to be more exact, since 20th week. And the earlier such complications happen, the more difficult confinement a woman will have.
That's why we recommend women to take care of their weight, take arterial pressure on both hands and urine tests. If a woman has late toxicosis, as a rule, her blood pressure increases and albumen appears in urine. If all 3 symptoms are found - edemas, heightened blood pressure and albumen in urine - a woman is urgently hospitalized.

- Probably my question will surprise you. Is it possible to "adjust" a size of fetus somehow?

- I think, yes. Balanced nutrition, including products, rich in animal and vegetable proteins, vitamins, minerals, is necessary for this. A woman should take vitamin preparations for sure. Of course, these are copy-book truths, but a woman observes these rules not always, for this or that reason.

- Apparently, size of belly depends also on quantity of amniotic fluids? Does liquid a woman drinks influence them?

- No. Reasons of excess of amniotic fluids are quite other: diabetes, anomalies of fetus development, Rhesus-conflict, infectious complications. If a woman has little amniotic fluids, this quite often means she will give birth to a post-mature baby.

- Probably, too small belly is better, than too big?

- No, I would not say that. Insufficient weight gaining often leads to defect of fetus development, giving birth to a very small baby, premature birth, and sometimes even to death of a new-born. Pregnant women should strive for "golden middle".
By the way, American scientists noticed that women with optimistic view on life give birth to babies of small weight less often. Experts explain that optimist women take care of their health better: do exercising regularly and eat well.

- Is there a straight dependence between a pregnant woman's emotional state and excess kilograms?

- Probably, there is. You know, being under stress situation, some women begin eating any food they see and emptying fridge. Here goes excess weight. And, on the contrary, other women just cannot eat at all in stress situation. That's why it's so important for close people and future mother herself to take care of her stable, calm emotional mood.

Approximate allocation of weight gained during pregnancy

Baby 3,5 kg

Placenta 0,675 kg

Amniotic fluid 0,8 kg

Increased uterus 0,9 kg

Breasts 0,45 kg

Volume of mother's blood 1,5 kg

Intracellular fluid of mother 1,4 kg

Adipose cellulose of mother 3,25 kg

GENERAL WEIGHT INCREASE 11,9 kg

21 Tips for Relieving Nausea (Morning Sickness) Naturally


1. EAT! Never allow your stomach to be fully empty. Keep a
snack with you at all times Eating small meals throughout the day will help keep
your blood sugar from dipping too low and triggering nausea. Try eating
carbohydrates before you even get out of bed (crackers, toast, dried fruit, popcorn,
granola bars, etc.)

2. Protein: Protein is the best source of sustained energy
and will be one of your biggest allies in preventing nausea. Eat some just before bed
to avoid feeling queasy in the morning.

3. Complex Carbohydrates: Avoid refined grains and
simple carbs like pasta and sugar. These foods not only have little, if any, nutrition
but can lead to low blood sugar. Enjoy whole wheat pastas, breads, and other whole
grains.

4. Drink: Dehydration is a major cause of nausea and
headaches. Aim for 2.5 litres of water, unsweetened juices, and herbal teas. Soft
drinks, caffeinated beverages, and sugary drinks are best avoided throughout your
pregnancy.

5. Avoid smells, tastes, and textures that trigger your
nausea. Ask others in the house to be aware of and respect this.

6. Accupressure: Try "Seabands" designed to offset
motion sickness, or firmly press an accupressure site that lies 1/6th of the way
between your wrist and elbow, in the middle of the inner side of your forearm.

7. Ginger has has been clinically proven to relieve nausea.
Take 250 mg three to four times a day in capsule form (do not exceed 1 g) or drink
5-6 cups of the tea throughout the day.

8. Digestive teas such as fennel, spearmint, and
chamomile may also be of benefit if indigestion leads to your nausea.

9. Avoid foods that can cause gas and bloating. Try
drinking carbonated beverages to help expel stomach gas.

10. If an increase in mucous production is causing your nausea, try
indulging in spicy foods or drink hot teas.

11. Avoid sucking on hard candies on an empty stomach.
Although this may temporarily relieve your nausea, the digestive juices you
stimulate could make matters a lot worse.

12. Vitamin B6: Taking 25 mg of B6 throughout the
day, not exceeding 150 mg. may help "shut off" the nausea control-centre in your
brain. Many women are deficient in B vitamins at the onset of pregnancy, especially
those who were previously on oral contraceptives.

13. Avoid taking your supplements on an empty stomach .

14. Sleep: Exhaustion can aggravate nausea, and baby-
making is tiring work!

15. Address your fears: Many women find that there is a
psychological component to their nausea which can be relieved though counselling
and talking with others, as well as empowering themselves in preparation for the
birth.

16. Indigestion: Try using digestive enzymes such
as papain and bromelain at mealtime to aid digestion. Activated charcoal may also
help relieve a "sour" stomach. Try 2 capsules when nauseous, up to twice a day.

17. Homeopathics: Homeopathic remedies are usually
prescribed on an individual basis, but you might try remedies such as nux vomica,
ipecac, and sepia. (Be sure you are purchasing the homeopathic variety of ipecac.
The undiluted kind can be dangerous to your pregnancy)

18. Keep active: CO2 buildup in the blood can contribute
to nausea, which can be reduced with the help of cardiovascular activity such as
walking and swimming.

19. Talk: Many women experience ambivalence when they
find out they are pregnant, even if it was planned. This anxiety can lead to nausea,
which in turn can lead to more anxiety.

20. Herbs: There are a variety of herbs that your herbalist
can recommend including dandelion root, wild yam, vitex, false unicorn, and black
horehound. Find someone knowledgeable in the use of herbs during pregnancy to
formulate something specifically for you.

21. Aromatherapy: Many essential oils will be off-limits
during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. However lavender essential oil,
when inhaled, may help relieve some nausea.NOTE: Always make sure your doctor or midwife is
aware of your situation. Vomiting during pregnancy can quickly lead to dehydration
and possibly malnutrition if it continues long enough. In some cases it may be an
unrelated pathogen and should be investigated by your caregiver.
em>

Stretch Marks: Prevention and Treatment During Pregnancy


More than half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks during their pregnancy. Otherwise known as striae gravidarum, stretch marks look like streaks on the surface of the skin, and may be vary in color depending on your natural skin color. Most lighter skinned women develop pinkish stretch marks, whereas darker skinned women tend to have stretch marks that are lighter than the surrounding skin.

Most women develop stretch marks on their abdomen during pregnancy, however it is also common to get stretch marks on the buttocks, hips, breasts and thighs. In some cases up to 90 percent of women have stretch marks on some part of their body as a result of pregnancy.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks form when your skin is stretched rapidly as happens during pregnancy. Most women develop stretch marks during the later trimesters of pregnancy though some women start to develop them as soon as their bellies start growing.

Stretch marks are actually small tears that form in the tissue that supports the skin and helps it stretch. Stretch marks represent the tearing or separation of collagen from the skin when tearing occurs. Stretch marks are not harmful or painful and usually fade over time.

Who Gets Stretch Marks?

Many women believe that using lotions and creams help prevent stretch marks. Realistically speaking however, the number of stretch marks you get depends on how elastic your skin is. The elasticity of your skin usually relates to your genetic make up. The best thing you can do is find out if your mother got bad stretch marks during pregnancy. If she did, you are probably more prone to stretch marks than other women.

Keep in mind the more weight you gain during pregnancy the more likely you are to have stretch marks. Normally the skin is elastic and capable of stretching quite a bit, however for some women the changes that occur during pregnancy are very drastic. These rapid fluctuations of weight and skin stretching can result in stretch marks.

Women with multiples are more likely to get stretch marks because their bellies usually grow much larger than women with single pregnancies. Other women likely to develop stretch marks include women who gain a lot of weight quickly during their pregnancy and women who carry big babies.

Here are some other factors that may contribute to your susceptibility to stretch marks:

* If you developed stretch marks before (like on your breasts during puberty) you are more likely to get stretch marks while pregnant.

* If you had stretch marks during another pregnancy you will usually get them again.

* If you are overweight or gain more weight than recommended you are more likely to get stretch marks.

* The better hydrated and well nourished you are the less likely you are to develop serious stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Prevention

Most women believe that they can prevent stretch marks by using creams and lotions. There are many formulations on the market today that claim to help prevent stretch marks. Some of these may help moisturize your skin and reduce itching. They may help reduce some stretch marks however there are no scientific studies that support this.

You probably know at least one parent however that swears by cocoa butter or some other formulation to prevent stretch marks. If nothing else rubbing these creams into your belly provides your unborn baby with a light and comforting massage. They may also give you peace of mind knowing you did everything possible to prevent stretch marks.

The best thing you can do to minimize stretch marks aside from using any creams or moisturizers you select is gaining the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy. Doctors recommend most women gain between 25 and 34 pounds. Gaining much more than this can cause you to develop more stretch marks.

Removing Stretch Marks

Most women worry about stretch marks after they have their baby. Fortunately most stretch marks do fade with time. Usually after 12 moths postpartum most stretch marks are light and less noticeable. Their texture may remain different from the surrounding skin however. Many women notice their stretch marks fading into whitish lines that are minimally noticeable.

Some women have very severe stretch marks that impact their self esteem after pregnancy. There are many treatments available for women that want to improve the appearance of their stretch marks.

If your stretch marks are particularly bad, you may consult with your doctor or a dermatologist. Some topical treatments such as tretinoin cream can help reduce stretch marks. These creams must be used after pregnancy however, because they can cause defects in your unborn baby.

Most of the topical treatments available should be used shortly after delivery, before they start to fade. The more time that passes between the delivery and use of cream, the less likely they are to be effective.

If you are breastfeeding it is important you consult with your doctor before using any stretch mark treatments. Some treatments may impact your milk supply or pass through the breast milk to your baby.

Most of the creams available to reduce stretch marks do not help relieve the sagging skin that also accompanies childbirth. There are some newer treatments including laser treatments however that may improve the skins elasticity and help reduce stretch marks. Some women also consider plastic surgery after they are done having children. A tummy tuck can help hide some stretch marks and reduce sagging skin.

Most women are able to joyfully overlook stretch marks when they consider the miracle of life they bring into the world. For the most the small annoyance even the worst stretch marks bring are well worth the joys of bringing a newborn baby into the world. Do what you can during pregnancy to maintain an appropriate weight and try not to worry too much about stretch marks. Many women wear them with pride, a 'war wound' or "badge of honor" related to their pregnancy. Why not wear them with pride?