Understanding Pregnancy Related Back Pain and Chiropractic Care

Back pain is common during pregnancy with research showing between 50-80% of pregnant patients reporting low back pain. It is good for expectant women to be informed about some of the options available to alleviate pain as well as what they can do for themselves to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Some women may feel anxious or unsure about seeking chiropractic care during pregnancy especially if they have never experienced chiropractic before - but they need not be. Let's explore some of the frequently asked questions regarding chiropractic care and pain during pregnancy...

Why is there back pain during pregnancy?
There are many mechanical, postural and hormonal changes that take place in a woman's body during pregnancy. Below are just a few examples of typical changes.

Mechanical and postural changes:
- centre of gravity moves back therefore changing the mechanical stresses on joints, muscles and ligaments
- weight gain results in increased overall stress to joints and muscles
- muscles of low back must work more to counterbalance growing belly
- low back curve often becomes accentuated which pinches the joints of the low back and sacroiliac joints closer together resulting in joint irritation
- along with accentuation of the lumbar curve, the sacrum itself tilts forward at its base
- increased breast size can result in mid-back pain as the muscles and joints of the mid-back must compensate
- often there is a change in neck position with loss of the normal curvature of the neck
- women tend to adopt a wider based stance and gait which affects joint position of ankles, knees and hips resulting in joint/muscle/ligament irritation
- pressure may be exerted on nerves due to muscle tension and water retention resulting in tingling or numbing sensations

Hormonal changes:
- hormonal changes in pregnancy also affect biomechanics of the spine and peripheral joints
- a hormone called relaxin is released which softens and elongates ligaments and other connective tissues which leads to greater joint motion and possible joint irritation

As one can see, there are indeed myriad changes that occur. On top of this, minor pre-existing mechanical issues may be exacerbated during pregnancy due to the weight gain and hormonal effects.

How can chiropractic help?
Through a history and physical examination, chiropractic can identify specific problem areas in the spine and surrounding joints. Chiropractic adjustments help to restore proper motion and alignment of joints. In addition, specific corrective exercises are prescribed to help improve posture such that tight muscles are stretched and relatively weaker muscles are strengthened. Beyond this, chiropractic helps by balancing the nervous system which allows the body to heal optimally. Most pregnant women who experience chiropractic care report relief of symptoms and associated improved mood and sleep. Best of all, chiropractic is completely natural and non-invasive. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications which can be of concern especially during pregnancy.

Is chiropractic treatment safe during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care is natural, non-invasive and very safe for both mom and the developing baby. Chiropractors are also trained to identify red flags associated with high risk pregnancy and to refer accordingly.

What else can I do for relief and to ensure a healthy pregnancy?
Maintaining physical fitness through exercise is a great way to promote better health and fewer complications. Regular cardiovascular exercise leads to improved sleep, less pain, less stress, fewer delivery complications and has better birth outcomes for both mother and child. It also reduces the risk for gestational diabetes and pregnancy related hypertension and the associated consequences for both mom and developing baby. A balanced and nutritious diet is also important, ensuring that the fetus has the necessary building blocks for healthy development and mom is healthy too. Other ideas for pain relief include massage and acupuncture.

Following delivery, back pain usually resolves however daily activities such as lifting one's child, bending down to their level, breast feeding and awkward postures associated with raising a child may result in mechanical issues. Thus, some women may choose to continue with chiropractic care during this phase as well to ensure optimal joint mechanics and overall wellness.

Stuber and Smith (2008). Chiropractic for back pain in pregnancy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics; 31(6):447-454.
Jones, Housman & McAleese (2010). Exercise, nutrition and weight management during pregnancy. American Journal of Health Studies; 25(3):120-126.

Benefits of Probiotics for Pregnancy

Not all bacteria are bad. There are some which are actually beneficial to the body. Falling under the good bacteria category are those called probiotics. These are similar to the good bacteria found in the human gut which help aid proper digestion. They were discovered by Elie Metchnikoff who was a microbiologist from Russia and the winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace.

The most common kind of probiotic available in food is lactobacillus acidophilus which can be found in cultured foods like yogurt and those with other live cultures. Probiotics help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and when intestinal bacteria start causing health concerns like diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome, probiotics balance their population and help reduce the discomfort and worsening of the situation.

How do probiotics help pregnant women?

Pregnancy comes with a host of ailments related to the digestive system and probiotics help pregnant women suffer less from these conditions. Some conditions which probiotics can help with during pregnancy include:

• Diarrhea


• Heartburn


• Intestinal cramping


• Constipation

When pregnant women integrate probiotic-rich food in their diets, they help make their gastrointestinal tract have a better environment. Probiotics help provide relief from constipation by regulating bowel movements. These good bacteria also help regulate the normal motion of the digestive system; thus, lessening heartburns and intestinal cramping.

The benefits of probiotics don't just stop at improving the state of pregnant women's digestive system. Probiotics also help boost the immune system of not just the mother but the baby's as well. These good bacteria help ward off colds and other diseases to lessen health complications that the baby may experience during the time of pregnancy.

Research is still ongoing about how probiotics can help pregnant women but one other good effect they have is helping to prevent eczemas to form during pregnancy.

What foods are rich in probiotics?

Good bacteria like probiotics can be found mostly in dairy products which have undergone fermentation. The top sources and most easily accessible food groups which contain probiotics which are beneficial for the digestive system and pregnancy include:

• Yogurt


• Cheese


• Sour cream


• Milk


• Miso


• Tempeh


• Soy products

Another great thing about probiotics is that they are available in foods which are easily accessible and found in the supermarket. However, there are also probiotic supplements which can be bought over the counter. They are available in either capsule or powder form.

Things to Remember Before Adding Probiotics to a Pregnant Woman's Diet

Because pregnancy is a sensitive stage in a woman's life, it is highly important to thoroughly evaluate the factors and benefits which one can get from probiotics. Just because it works for one doesn't mean it will have the same effects on another. Some considerations include:

• Lactose intolerance


• Remember to pick pasteurized products


• Are these food items approved by the physician?

While there are benefits to be had from adding probiotic-rich foods to a pregnant woman's diet, the above factors should be taken into consideration to lessen the risks of adding instead of lessening complications during pregnancy.

It is still best to talk with a physician before purchasing supplements or probiotic-rich food items intended to be added to a pregnant woman's diet. The benefits of probiotics during pregnancy reduces several discomforts, but it is better to be careful and think of the bigger picture before making changes to a pregnant woman's nutrition.

Top Signs to Be on the Lookout For During Newborn Baby Feeding

The very first thing new mothers need to decide upon is whether to breastfeed or not. Although experts still continue to stress and emphasize the importance of breast milk in newborn baby feeding, the battle between breast milk versus formula continue to prevail as the latter still provide a convenient alternative for busy moms.

Breastfeeding is highly beneficial not only for your baby, but also for you. Aside from getting the assurance that you'll be able to protect your child from illnesses and infections that can be fatal for such young kids, you can also keep yourself healthy. By nursing, you can avoid breast engorgement, getting pregnant again, and also help you shed some pounds off.

However, although enjoyable, newborn baby feeding is still quite a task. As a young child requires extra care, you would really have to need to do some additional measures to make sure that your child is getting the best care he needs. With breastfeeding, there are still a couple of other things you need to keep in mind to assure your baby's health and wellbeing.

One of the very important things you would have to pay close attention to is your little angel's "baby talk". As kids in their postpartum period are not exactly capable of talking just yet and telling you what he needs, you must be more sharp and observant with how he acts to catch what is happening to him, especially during feeding.

If you know how your baby reacts while nursing, you can easily get a hint if there is a problem. Luckily, there are now studies that can help you understand your child's language. With the following cues, you can easily determine the developments during newborn baby feeding.

Cue set #1: Long pauses instead of gulps, worried look, falling asleep while still latched on, aggressiveness, pulling away and then re-latching, and wanting suck again after nursing. These signs usually indicate slow milk flow. Since newborns need to feed up to a dozen times daily, you will need to really be aware if your child is getting the milk he needs. You may be able to produce enough breast milk, but for some reason, your veins may clog and cause slow milk flow.

Cue set #2: Continuous gulping without any pauses, appearing startled and pulls off often, or resisting the second breast even if he still appears to be hungry are signs that your milk flow is too fast. Usually caused by the letdown reflex, having a fast milk flow may overwhelm your infant. This, although will cause weight gain, will also be bad for your child's feeding pattern because it can cause undersupply and apathetic feeding.

Cue set #3: Twisting or wriggling of the baby's upper body. This means that your child needs to burp. Sometimes, some children just burp even while they're still feeding, so there's really not too much problem with this. However, some babies feel uncomfortable, so if this happens, interrupt the feeding for a while and give your child some relief by helping him burp.

Cue set #4: Shorter suck intervals, quieter swallows, and more relaxed body. These signs will tell you that your newborn baby feeding was successful and that your child is now content with the nursing.

Once you've learned these cues, you'll surely have an easier time in feeding your child.

The European Health Insurance Card and the Importance of Travel Insurance

An article posted on fairinvestment.co.uk showed the current confusion over travel insurance. It highlighted that over the last year three and a half million British holidaymakers have travelled to Europe without travel cover, under the assumption that the European Health Insurance Card alone provides adequate cover. So what exactly is the European Health Insurance Card and how does it compare to travel insurance?

The European Health Insurance Card was introduced in 2006 to replace the E111. The card allows you to have access to state healthcare in European Economic Area countries, such as Iceland, France and Spain, for a reduced fee and sometimes even for free. It costs nothing and needs to be renewed after five years, but it cannot be used by those who go abroad with the sole intention of receiving medical treatment.

The EHIC covers you if you need medical treatment while you are on holiday, this can include maternity care, dialysis, and conditions that may arise from illness or an accident whilst you are abroad. Also, if you do pay for treatment, an EHIC means you might be able to claim back the cost when you return to the UK.

Despite the obvious benefits of an EHIC, it cannot replace travel insurance. The EHIC does not cover you if you need private healthcare, or attention that is not provided by the state healthcare system. It will also not cover any travel costs, including rescue from a mountaintop via helicopter, or if you need to be brought back to the UK after an accident. It is also important to note that not all regions in the EEA necessarily have state healthcare, subsequently the EHIC will not be of much use in these areas.

Consequently, it is recommended that the European Health Insurance Card is used in conjunction with travel insurance, in fact some insurance companies only give travel insurance to customers who already have an EHIC. This is particularly important with the upcoming ski season, and many travellers hoping to hit the pistes at Christmas, whilst hoping to save as much money as possible.

The truth is that in the great scheme of going on holiday, travel cover shouldn't be too expensive. Many companies, including Post Office, offer a 10 per cent discount online, and there are deals to suit every kind of traveller, whether you need single trip or annual cover - with the optional extras of customizing your package if you're planning on skiing or snowboarding.

Dealing With Pregnancy and Discrimination in the Workplace

You've found out that you are expecting, and along with the joy and anticipation that comes along with this news you are also wondering how you are going to break it to your boss. While you may be tickled pink at the arrival of a baby, your boss may be less enthusiastic about the news. Unfortunately, some bosses regard pregnancy as a liability and they do not want expecting mothers and new mothers to be on their staff. In fact, some women are shocked to find that they were suddenly let go from a position they had for years because they became pregnant.

If you feel that you were unjustly fired from a job due to your pregnancy, or your boss told you they just couldn't handle the liability or maternity leave, you need to know about your legal rights as an expecting mom. Even though you may have the nicest boss in the world, it is still important to be prepared incase you are suddenly faced with a case of pregnancy discrimination. In the year 2006 alone, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received 4,901 pregnancy discrimination charges.

Talk With Your Boss Immediately As soon as you have confirmed your pregnancy it is important to have a frank discussion with your boss at once. It is understandable if you do not want the rest of your office to know about the pregnancy right away, but you should still talk with your boss. Let your boss know when your due date is, determine how many weeks of maternity leave you can expect, and how many sick days you are allowed.

At this first meeting with your boss, be honest with your boss if you are concerned about keeping your job. Your boss may either reassure your position, or confirm your fears; either way you will honestly know how your boss feels so that you can take the steps you need to in order to ensure that you have employment and security for you and your baby.

Know Your Rights Pregnancy discrimination is defined as discrimination that occurs when expecting mothers are fired from a job, or face discrimination because of their pregnancy or decision to become pregnant. Example of pregnancy discrimination include: being dismissed from a position once the employer is aware of the pregnancy, being dismissed upon returning after maternity leave, having one's pay deducted because of the pregnancy, or not being hired for a position because of a pregnancy.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1978. According to this piece of legislature, employers must provide insurance, paid leave, and support to expecting mothers that they are able to give to other employees who are on medical leave or disability. This means that pregnant employees are to be given the same treatment as any other employer who is dealing with a temporary disability. For example, if an employer is able to offer an injured employee light work, than the employer should also be able to offer light work to expectant mothers in their latter trimesters.

According to this act, expectant mothers must be able to work as long as they can perform their job duties, and an employer cannot stop an employee from returning to work after taking maternity leave. Single parents need to be aware that pregnancy benefits cannot only be offered to married employees; the same benefits need to be provided to single parents as well.

Some states and programs have expanded on the original Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and it is vital that you are aware of your legal rights in your State before you speak with your boss about your pregnancy.

What To Do If You Are Facing Pregnancy Discrimination in the US If you think that your employer is discriminating against you because of your pregnancy, you will need to contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, (EEOC). They can be contacted either through their website, mail, fax, or their toll free number at 1-800-669-400. Gather all the information that you can, and try to remember specific dates of incidences, or things that your employer said, before you talk with the EEOC. You should also let your boss know in a polite but firm tone that you are aware of your rights.

Palmers Stretch Mark Cream Is a Very Popular Beauty Product

Palmers stretch mark cream is a very popular beauty product. It is also common among expectant and postnatal mothers. Being an anti-stretch mark cream, Palmer has won the hearts of ladies all over the world. It is possibly the most loved product in regard to the removal of skin dermal scarring. Have you ever bought this cream? It's essentially ingredient is cocoa butter and that is why most of you know it. Palmer has a soft balmy feel, enticing scent and offers easy application.

While some creams are too expensive, this one is cheap and effective. As some of you may know, anti-stretch mark balms should do a little more than keep the skin moisturized. Fortunately, you will not be disappointed in Palmer's stretch mark cream. It has what it takes to reduce all types of skin silvery stripes that often form on the belly skin during and after pregnancy. Reducing means fading the marks so that they can become less visible to the eye.

For that to happen, the creams one uses must penetrate the skin so that it can reach the dermis layer. This is usually the central layer that become scarred when a woman loses weight quickly or when her belly stretches during pregnancy. Now you may be wondering how Palmers stretch mark cream works. It has an ingredient called shea butter, known to facilitate penetration of the balm itself. Shea butter added to the cocoa butter enhances the soft texture of the skin.

These two types of butters are not the only ingredients to expect. Palmers has essential additives such as hydrolyzed elastin and collagen, which are both essential elements of your skin. The combination of the two really does something to improve the appearance of your skin. The fact the two are dermatologically tested means that you can actually use the products without fear. There are other countless users of the product worldwide who are happy about it.

This cocoa butter balm is clinically secure and its job is to prevent further development of stretch marks. Even so, your patience is necessary, especially if you are looking to eliminate already established blemishes. You have to allow the item work gradually rather than expect it to give you accurate results right away. Women that have used this product before show mixed emotions.

For instance, some are so happy and satisfied with it while others are partly positive about it. See, everyone's skin is different plus the fact that a few ladies' scarring is genetic. Such ladies always have a bigger share whether they are expecting babies or not. There are some ladies who claim that this product simply fades the color of the blemishes and ends the itchy feeling.

Whatever their claims about Palmers may be, the fact is it contains cocoa butter, a unanimously acceptable anti stretch mark ingredient. Besides, even the owners of the product do not give any guarantee that it would work for all ladies. However, it cautions that irregular use of Palmers stretch mark cream is not okay. It shows your skin is not getting consistent attention.

Trying to Get Pregnant - Tips You Can Use Tonight!

Boosting your fertility doesn't have to involve complicated procedures and expensive hormonal treatments when you are trying to get pregnant. Tips you can use such as avoiding certain habits or products that can aggravate your fertility problems can go a long way towards increasing your fertility potential. It's important to understand which factors can help bring you closer to your dreams of parenthood. Here are some simple pregnancy tips you can try tonight.

Stay away from cigarette smoke.

Sure, smoking might make you look more glamorous and desirable (or so says the tobacco ads), but it's not going to bring you one step closer to pregnancy. According to the British Medical Association, female smokers are 40% less likely to conceive than women who do not smoke. It's difficult to say exactly how this happens because here are literally hundreds of chemical compounds in cigarette smoke. However, researchers believe that some of these chemicals can trigger hormonal imbalances, which cause irregular menstrual cycles or anovulation. Not only that, but these harmful chemicals can also cause genetic abnormalities in mature eggs. In the likelihood that a female smoker does get pregnant, she's still at risk of an early miscarriage if the chemicals from the smoke stay in her body.

The bad news is that female non-smokers are not necessarily in the clear. It turns out that passive smoking, or inhaling secondhand smoke, also increases the likelihood of infertility or miscarriages. It doesn't matter who's lighting up the cigarette; as long as you're inhaling the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, your fertility is in danger. So if your partner is a smoker, ask him to step away from you whenever he needs his nicotine fix. Better yet, get him to start quitting altogether. Studies show that smoking can also contribute to male impotence by impairing sperm function and lowering sperm count.

Use foreplay to heat things up

A common problem experienced by couples trying to conceive is a lack of excitement in their sex lives. It's completely understandable - what with the stress of work, the pressure of a ticking biological clock, and the lack of spontaneity, sex just isn't as exciting as it used to be back when you were still dating. Instead of getting straight to the point of intercourse, spend a little more time doing foreplay. Believe it or not, foreplay can increase your fertility in two ways. The most obvious way is that t will help you feel more relaxed. By now you probably know how much stress can lower your chances of conceiving because stress hormones upset the balance of sex hormones.

Extended foreplay also encourages natural vaginal lubrication. Stress and fertility drugs tend to cause vaginal dryness, and most couples trying to conceive make the mistake of using commercial lubricants to solve this problem. Leading lubricant brands act as spermicide, even if they are water-based and contain no spermicidal chemicals, because their pH levels are too acidic. Sperm need an alkaline environment in order to survive. Although semen provides this sperm-friendly environment, the pH balance gets disrupted when a commercial lubricant is introduced. Lubricants also contain certain ingredients that affect sperm motility, or their ability to swim. Although a lubricant called Pre-Seed can provide the right environment for sperm to survive, it's probably best to lubricate the vagina naturally with a little foreplay.

Sex positions

When trying to get pregnant, it makes sense to use a position that makes the journey as short as possible for the sperm. The missionary position, or the man on top, is one of the best positions for conception because it provides deep penetration and deposits the sperm right outside the opening of the uterus. Another excellent position is doggie style, or rear entry, with the woman on all fours or lying down on her belly. This also brings the sperm right in front of the cervix and is especially useful for women with an inverted uterus. And yes, MRIs actually confirm that these two positions do place the sperm closest to the egg! Positions to avoid include woman on top, or any position where gravity can prevent sperm from reaching its destination in time.

Some experts also suggest lying on your back and "bicycling" for several minutes after intercourse to help the sperm swim along. There are no fancy imaging technologies to prove that this works but if anything, it should induce a couple of giggles. And what better way is there to make babies than to be silly and have fun?

Pregnancy Skin Care - How to Take Care of Your Skin During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you would get to observe and go through a lot of things that you have never experienced before in your whole lifetime. Although you are excited and ready to welcome the new member of your family, you should know that gaining weight is the most important thing you would be curious and cautious about. However, the major concern would surely be weight gain during pregnancy, but there is one more concern which you might go through during pregnancy as well.

Yes, I am talking about skin concerns and disorders which are very common to observe during pregnancy for a woman. However, for pregnancy skin care, there are lots of different products and remedies available but in order to observe best possible outcomes, you must apply products or remedies on your skin considering the concern or disorder you are confronting while being pregnant.

Skin getting dry or skin getting oily are common during pregnancy, and for getting rid of such concerns, you have to apply right kind of products over you skin. In order to get rid of such skin related concerns, you should consider applying facial cleanser, toner and face wash in accordance with the type of skin you have. There products are over the counter products and you can easily purchase them cosmetic stores.

For pregnancy skin care, you should know that washing your face twice every once in a while will safeguard your skin from getting exposed to skin disorders which are caused by external factors such as pollutants, facial bacteria and etc. Along with face wash, you should also apply a branded moisturizer over your skin in order to keep it moist. If you keep you skin moist during pregnancy, you would not observe the consequences of your skin getting dry or itchy.

When we talk about pregnancy skin care, make up is something which must be avoided at all costs as you might get allergic to some reagents or compounds during pregnancy. However, if you still want to apply make up over you skin, then you must apply mineral make up as this type of make up is free from synthetic reagents and compounds which can be fatal for the health of your skin.

Above mentioned was some important information about pregnancy skin care. If you want to make sure that your skin remains healthy and attractive while you are pregnant then you have to make sure that you are taking suitable measures in order to safeguard you skin from getting exposed to several fatal disorders.

Tips On How To Deal With Pregnancy Food Cravings

Many females possess strange cravings in the course of pregnancy. These pregnancy food cravings may appear and move to the different levels throughout the process of carrying a child and can vary from being salty meals in a trimester to sweet in another. Pickles or ice cream? Pineapple pizza and anchovy? Ketchup on... almost everything? Late evening candy binges.

Some adjustments in the food choices can be anticipated and will be triggered because of the hormonal alterations in the human body. For some females, sometimes the faint stench of a once most liked meal or beverage is adequate to make them hungry, while for some, food items that were once fended off are desired with an eagerness.

Fact is, no one is confident why a number of females possess food cravings. For instance, you might not feel like alcohol consumption when expecting, which is helpful since preventing dark beer, wines, along with spirits fosters the infant's psychological and bodily growth.

Others believe an expecting female's desire food items for instance salt-laden chips can be nature's means of aiding her fulfill her everyday sodium quota. Nonetheless, it's extremely improbable that cells turn so-called nutritional shortfalls in food urges. Desiring a specific meal will differentiate pregnancy meals urges from cravings females own if they aren't expecting.

This is how to take care of pregnancy food cravings:

1. Attempt to fulfill a snack craving with a small-size bar rather than the full size. Must have potato chips? Select a munch size of cooked chips to confine fat ingestion and general intake.

2. Give attention to low-calorie meals. Yogurt and ice bars low on fats could work when you wish super-king size ice cream.

3. Consume balanced diet, which includes thin sources regarding protein, grains, reduced-fat milk foods, veggies, fruits as well as legumes. If your diet plan is nicely balanced, a portion of not-so-healthy meals will not crowd out the food intake the child needs.

4. Consume repeatedly for avoiding reduction in the blood sugar that can induce food urges. Dividing meals into 6 little gratifying meals will help.

5. Include frequent physical exercise (as authorized by the doctor). This will help you stay active throughout the pregnancy and to avoid any food cravings.

6. In the event the cravings for brownie sundaes are always on your mind, get your brain off by turning your attention to something else(if you have acquired a balanced food or munch in the last 2 hours); by taking a quick walk; going to an errand (but please stay away from the market! ); leaving the kitchen area; phoning a friend; or studying.

Pica in the course of carrying a child is a situation during which a female has pregnancy food cravings and takes in contents without any nutritional value. Affected females have urges for non-food products for example ice, washing starch, the baking soda/powder, grime, clay-based, ashes as well as chalk. Should you find you've this sort of strange urges, speak to your physician immediately.

This article is for information purposes only. Please consult with your physician on any dietary changes during your pregnancy.

5 Effective Steps to Prevent Back Pain During Pregnancy

A very common complain in women is back pain during pregnancy. If you have history of back pain, then the risk elevates. But still there are many ways to prevent it.

1. Take Care Of Yourself

• While sleeping use pillows for support between your legs.


• When getting out of bed, roll onto one side, push yourself up to a sitting position and then slowly stand up.


• Avoid carrying heavy things and babies.


• Get help with housework for a few months.


• Adjust the position of your computer screen and mouse if necessary.


• Make yourself comfortable while driving by adjusting seat and the rear view mirror.

2. Exercise

Pelvic floor exercises, lower abdominal exercises and stretching can help to reduce the back pain during pregnancy. These will also lead to easier labor, delivery and recovery after childbirth. Walking, cycling and swimming are also safe during pregnancy.

But if you find any discomfort or abnormal changes during exercises, stop immediately and consult your doctor.

3. Eat Healthy

• It will keep you from gaining extra weight and hence help your back.


• It wards off general illness and actually helps in back pain during pregnancy.


• Drink plenty of water to keep your kidneys in good health.

4. Follow Recommended Postures

Lifting

While lifting anything, hold it close to your body; bend your knees rather than back and try not to twist.

Walking

Pelvis position is important. While sitting, standing or walking consider your pelvis as a bowl full of liquid and take care to hold the liquid within the bowl.

Standing

If you have to stand for a long time keep shifting your weight from one foot to the other.

Sitting

Don't sit in low, deep chairs; choose an upright and firm chair to sit. Place your feet on the ground or on a foot stool. Never sit with your legs crossed at the knees.

Sleeping

Sleep on your side, not your back, keeping knees bent. Place a pillow between your knees and under your abdomen.

5. Do Special Shopping

Shoes

These should be comfortable and flat, with adequate straps to prevent your feet from slipping about and twisting.

Maternity Bra

Get some well-fitting supportive maternity bra with wide straps and adequately sized cups, to avoid extra strain on your shoulders and rib cage.

Support Belt

A support belt or a maternity pant with a low, supportive waistband will take some weight off your tummy muscles and back.

Pillows

Support your back on chairs, car seat and bed.

These minor ways of care can greatly help you to prevent back pain during pregnancy.

Pain In Early Pregnancy: When Should You Really Worry?

Experiencing pain in the first trimester of pregnancy can be frightening yet a normal part of pregnancy. For the most part, there are simple explanations for these aches and twinges. Despite these early pains, most women go on to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Understanding the normal pains of a healthy pregnancy versus the symptoms of miscarriage will help get you through the uncertain weeks of first trimester.

Rounding Ligament Pain

Low abdominal cramping is the most common complaint from pregnant women in the first trimester. The cramping feeling is the result of rounding ligament pain.

Throughout your pregnancy, your uterus will grow from about the size of an orange to the size of a basketball. The ligaments that surround and support the uterus are called the round ligaments and their job is to support that transformation.

The pain feels like quick, sharp pains and can be centralized on either side of the abdomen or in the middle. Moving quickly from sitting to a standing position, laughing and even coughing can bring on rounding ligament pain.

A doctor cannot perform a test to confirm the reason for the cramping, but can rule out other causes of your pain. Your doctor may recommend some stretches, and taking it easy is always a good idea when you are experiencing a lot of rounding ligament pain.

Taking an acetaminophen form of aspirin when the cramping is particularly painful will help take the edge off. Check with your doctor before taking any medication when pregnant.

Ectopic Pregnancy

The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy begin around the sixth week of pregnancy. According to the March of Dimes, approximately 2 percent of all pregnancies are ectopic.

This condition refers to a fertilized egg attaching itself incorrectly somewhere on its trip to the uterus; most likely the Fallopian tube. The pain that is experienced with ectopic pregnancy is a consistent, sharp pain. It is usually located on one side of the abdomen but can be centered. The pain is often accompanied by spotting.

Ectopic pregnancy cannot result in a baby and can be a danger to the mother. Your doctor can rule out rounding ligament pain and identify an ectopic pregnancy through a pelvic exam and an ultrasound.

If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately or go to a hospital emergency room.

When Pain Is A Warning Sign

Just as not all pain in pregnancy signifies danger to you or your baby, some pain experienced in early pregnancy is not benign. The fact is that one in five pregnancies end in a miscarriage.

Although you may only be in the first trimester, the cramping and pain you feel can actually be contractions. If the pain starts out relatively mildly but increases and is accompanied by other symptoms, you may be experiencing a miscarriage.

Signs of miscarriage include sharp and persistent cramping in the lower abdomen, light spotting to heavy bleeding and passing tissue. Any of these symptoms warrant a call or a visit to your doctor.

If you have any questions or concerns about pain at anytime in your pregnancy, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. If your pain is sharp, consistent, and accompanied by any other symptoms go to your local emergency room.

Caring For Your Hair While You're Pregnant

There will be times during your pregnancy when looking your best becomes a lower priority than normal. This is especially true as you enter the third trimester. Your body may start to feel unwieldy and cumbersome; your balance will be less the perfect; your energy levels may flirt with new lows. Given this, healthy-looking hair can do wonders for your mood.

Moms-to-be can expect to see dramatic changes in their hair while pregnant. Unfortunately, the hormonal changes taking place inside your body make these changes slightly unpredictable. In this article, we'll explain why pregnancy influences the appearance and texture of your hair. You'll also learn whether using chemicals for coloring and perms is safe for you and your baby. Lastly, we'll describe what you can expect from your hair after welcoming your little one into the world.

What's Behind The Changes?

Estrogen is the main culprit. While you're expecting, this hormone helps to regulate your body. But its levels can fluctuate, which is the reason your hair begins to change.

Typically, every strand of hair on your head goes through a predictable growth cycle. The strand will grow approximately one-half inch each month for a few years. Following this period, it stops growing (or, does so very slowly) for a few months before falling out. Once the strand falls out, a new strand takes its place within the follicle.

Most women see two changes in their hair during their pregnancy. First, it grows thicker than normal. This is likely due to a spike in estrogen, which results in each strand growing faster and lasting longer (i.e. falling out less frequently). Second, hair becomes either oily or dry. This, too, is due to an increase in estrogen, which causes the oil glands on your head to produce oil more quickly or slowly than normal.

For many moms-to-be, this change in their hair's appearance and texture can be startling. Some venture to the salon to explore their options.

Are Chemicals (Colors And Perms) Safe During Pregnancy?

The general rule is that pregnant women should avoid any type of chemicals during the first three months. It is during this period that doctors believe unborn babies are most susceptible to side effects.

A lot of expecting women opt to use temporary solutions as an alternative to chemicals for coloring their hair (henna is a popular choice). Keep in mind similar chemicals may potentially be found in these solutions. The safest route is to simply eschew colors until your second trimester.

Receiving a perm following your first trimester can produce unpredictable results. For example, if your hair is especially dry because your oil glands are producing less oil, you may experience breakage or frizziness. Ask the salon if you can do a test on an isolated lock of your hair prior to having a full perm done. That will give you a good idea regarding what to expect from the chemicals.

Your Hair After Childbirth

After you give birth to your baby, you might experience significant hair loss. Even though this is common for new mothers, watching clumps fall out can be shocking. The reason, again, can be traced to estrogen; instead of levels rising, they're falling. Fortunately, the effect is temporary and usually passes after a few months.

During your pregnancy and following childbirth, you can help preserve your hair's health by watching your diet and hormone levels. Also, if your hair is excessively dry, consider shampooing it once every two days rather than daily. Treat it with care when it's wet since this is when breakage is most likely to occur.

The takeaway is this: your hair is going to change while you're pregnant. The nature of these changes is anyone's guess. With a little extra care and attention, you can help your hair retain its original health and luster.

Teen Pregnancy - How We Can Help Prevent This From Happening

It is extremely vital that any teenage girl has a good relationship with an adult - preferably her mother. If this isn't possible, a female relative, youth leader or teacher may be someone with whom a young woman can talk openly and unhindered.

Often, teenage girls get pregnant because they are bored and find excitement in hanging around with boys. While sex is amazingly pleasurable, serious consequences can result without careful thought. The problem is compounded by the fact that many religious groups, such as the Catholic Church believe that contraception is "sinful".

It is important for any girl to be encouraged to say "no" to any boy if he only wants her for sex. The problem is that some girls are afraid of losing their boy's friendship if they refuse. Teenage girls should be encouraged to join youth groups and organised activities, and develop a group of friends of both sexes, rather than hanging about with only one boy.

Girls should understand all the different forms of contraception, so that they can insist that if they do have sex with a boy, it is essential they take precautions. Types of contraception include various types of condoms, which the boy can wear, or the pill plus many other inhibitors, which form protection for the girl.

It would be great if all teenage girls could be given one of the lifelike baby dolls for a week, or at least a couple of nights. These dolls cry and need nappy or diaper changes regularly, so the girl would find out just what it's like to be woken during the night and learn how to change the baby's nappies or diapers.

One serious problem that a girl faces with a young baby is lack of finance. She needs serious advice on the financial implications of having a baby. She could also find a loss of friends, as she will have little time to devote to socialising. Her education will certainly be interrupted, preventing her from pursuing a career. Teenage girls may need advice on career choices, college programs and the way later to obtain a good job.

It makes good sense to leave the matter of having a baby or children of your own until you are financially secure and know your partner intimately, which takes time. In the modern world, it makes most sense to wait until you are in your twenties before thinking of having a baby and enjoy the freedom of your teenage years.

Discovering Foods That Can Help You Get Pregnant

All through time, there has been wives' tale or advice about what to eat to get pregnant. This causes many want to-be mothers rushing off in every direction buying this and that, trying to boost their fertility. The truth is, you can conceive no matter what you eat. However, many swear by some fertility boosting foods.

Oysters are famously known for their aphrodisiac qualities, but what isn't well known is their ability to boost fertility. It is packed full of zinc, an important nutrient in conception. Without enough zinc in the body, the menstrual cycle disrupts and the production of quality eggs slows. Even if you are not into oysters, you can find zinc in beef, chicken, eggs, nuts, and dairy.

Citrus fruits contain Vitamin C, which is vital in increasing chances of conception. Women who take fertility medication get a boost from vitamin C and it helps improve fertility in women who have ovulation problems. For men that lack this vitamin, their sperm may clump together which decreases the chances of conception. The antioxidants in vitamin C are essential if you want to fall pregnant, especially if you are a smoker.

Yams may be a favorite at Thanksgiving for some, but they are a favorite among researchers for fertility boosts. They believe that they may contain an ovulation-stimulating substance and as evidence to that, they offer the fact that those who eat wild yams have a higher rate of twins. Although, yams bought in the store are not wild, they are still stuffed with fertility-friendly vitamins and it could not hurt to eat them when trying to conceive.

Lean chicken, beef, and turkey are all perfect sources of iron, an important nutrient that boosts fertility. Studies have shown that women with a good iron intake fall pregnant easier than women who are iron-deficient. However, as good as the iron is, too much protein can decrease fertility. Stick to three servings a week; try tofu and beans in place of animal proteins.

Berries not only taste good, they are packed with antioxidants that protect the body from cell damage and cell aging. And, that includes your eggs. Raspberries and blueberries are the best in berries, but strawberries and blackberries are good for your fertility too. Just grab a handful as a snack, make a pie, or top pancakes and waffles with them in the morning to get your fill.

With the good, always comes the bad. While there is fertility boosting foods, there is also fertility busting ones. Trans fat has another mark against it, as studies have shown that a diet high in trans fat increases the chances of ovulatory infertility in women. Caffeine, in all forms, is another big bust. Too much caffeine has been linked to lower fertility. Cut down on coffee, strong tea, and even chocolate.

Filling up on fertility boosting foods to get pregnant is a great idea because you cannot lose. They are healthy foods with a promise, and are helping you give your body the best chance possible not only to conceive, but in preparing the body to carry a baby. A balanced and nutritious diet prepregnancy is important, so it makes sense to eat fertility friendly foods.

If You Want to Get Pregnant, Herbal Remedies Can Help You

A large number of women have to contend with the different kinds of medical problems that make it nearly impossible for them to conceive and get pregnant. Some of these problems can be physical, while others may be related with emotional issues.

And, when it comes to treatment methods of the pregnancy problem, there are a lot of options available. But, do they all work?

No, not really. Most of the conventional treatment methods either do not work, and if they do, they do it with some inevitable side effects.

So, what are the best options for treating the conception related problems for women without risking their physical and mental health? You will get the answer in this herbal remedies guide.

The 'Herbal Remedy' is the best solution to this problem. Yes, there are a wide rang of remedies for pregnancy that work effectively. This kind of treatment option does not cause any side effects and they work effectively and give fast results.

The herbal remedies have been used since centuries to treat the conception problems all over the world. Medical problems in women like infertility, menstrual issues, PCOS, Cysts etc-etc. can be easily treated with the herbal remedies. It is possible to get pregnant with herbal remedy very easily.

The different kinds of herbs not only help you get pregnant, but they also work for preventing miscarriages. There are many problems that are caused due to hormonal imbalance in women and these herbs are able to correct this imbalance. The different herbs detoxify your body and clear all the toxins and supplies energy into the body.

Herbs like 'Milk Thistle', and Ginseng etc. have great properties that give therapeutic benefits to women and help them get pregnant. Any woman can get pregnant with herbal remedies.

Below are some popular herbs -

1. Chaste Tree - This herb works effectively to boost fertility in men and women. It works by balancing the level of hormones in the body. It is very effective for irregular periods and ovulation problems. Try it and get pregnant.

2. Dong Quai - This ancient Chinese herb work for hormone production and it also increases metabolism in the ovaries and uterus.

3. False Unicorn Root - This natural herb works for the female reproductive system. It cures delayed or absent menstruation.

4. Licorice - This herb works for irregular periods and PCOS.

5. Winter Cherry - This herb boosts reproduction health for both men and women.

There are many more natural herbs that work effectively for the pregnancy problems. It is to make preparation of these herbs and they be used in different forms.

Besides these herbs, there are many herbal remedies tips that can also help you with conception problems.

It is advised that before taking any kind of natural remedies for the pregnancy related problems, you consult with specialist in the subject. The different herbal medicines may cause some temporary reaction in certain people.

Follow this and get rid of all the problems. Try natural herbal remedies and get pregnant.

What Is Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal Depression

The symptoms of postnatal depression appear any time before and after delivery of your baby. Around 1 in 7 (14%) of women will develop postnatal depression and 10% experience symptoms during the pregnancy (antenatal depression).

Antenatal depression is often overlooked. A pregnant woman that is feeling overwhelmed and anxious for more than two weeks and cannot function in day to day activities may be suffering from antenatal depression. The risk factors for developing antenatal depression are listed below. Approximately half of women with antenatal depression will develop postnatal depression.

• Complicated, unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.


• Discontinuation of medications.


• Family history of depression.


• Lack of support or financial concerns.


• Previous infertility.


• Relationship difficulties.


• Stressful life events.

In post natal depression the symptoms might appear suddenly or take some weeks or months to become evident. Post natal depression is known to occur after miscarriage, stillbirth or delivery. It is most commonplace with the first baby but can occur with any pregnancy.

The risks posed by post natal depression are significant. Partners and family members are asked to monitor the woman for signs of suicidal thoughts, self harm, harm to the baby or substance abuse.

Causes of Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression doesn't have a sole cause. A number of risk factors combine to cause depression and anxiety. The most common causal factors for post natal depression are having a family and personal history of depression, a stressful pregnancy, severe 'baby blues', a complicated or prolonged delivery and problems with the neonate's condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression

The signs and symptoms of post natal depression are the same as for general depression. These are listed below.

• Always exhausted or hyperactive.


• Anxiety or panic attacks.


• Confusion and guilt.


• Constantly thinking in a negative way.


• Crying uncontrollably or feeling teary.


• Eating too little or too much.


• Feeling scared and alone, but not wanting company.


• Forgetfulness.


• Inability to enjoy life.


• Insomnia.


• Irritable or sensitive to noise or touch.


• Loss of confidence and low self esteem.


• Loss of interest in sex.


• Moodiness.


• Poor concentration.


• Poor coping skills.


• Preoccupied with obsessive or morbid thoughts.


• Thoughts of self harm or harm to the baby.


• Unrealistic feelings of inadequacy.

Assessment of Postnatal Depression

Recording a complete physical, social and family history is a good place to start the assessment. The symptoms of post natal depression are examined specifically after the general history and diagnostics are obtained. A self rating scale is used to screen for postnatal depression and measure the severity of the depression.

A common scale is the Edinburgh Post natal Depression Scale (EPDS). A score of 10 or more indicates the woman may be depressed and the woman should be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist for diagnosis. The EPDS is a useful comparator of the woman's depression over time when administered regularly.

Diagnosis of Postnatal Depression

The actual diagnosis of post natal depression is straightforward. Basic diagnostic tests are used to rule out any possible underlying source of depression. The clinician examines in detail the stressors in the woman's life. The major obstacle is trying to convince women to seek help.

Women with antenatal depression are likely to conceal their symptoms and carry on regardless. There is a misconception that motherhood is easy and a joyful experience. This is the case for some women but other new mothers do not share this experience. The stigma of mental illness adds to the depression.

Complications of Postnatal Depression

Left untreated, post natal depression has a negative impact on the women's relationship with her baby, partner, family and friends. Most women with postnatal depression express that they love their child but a connection between mother and baby has not been established.

Postnatal depression doesn't resolve on it's own. If the depression is not identified, it cannot be treated. The post natal depression will linger and possibly reappear as another form of depression in later life. Most women completely recover from post natal depression without any long term complications.

Treatment of Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression responds well to a combined treatment strategy consisting of emotional support, psychological support and medications. Antidepressant medication is the mainstay of treatment. Most women will remain on antidepressants for six months to two years. Women with postnatal depression should be informed that antidepressants are not addictive and can be taken safely during breast feeding.

Cognitive behaviour therapy is an effective therapy for relieving depression and anxiety by providing the individual with realistic strategies to manage their illness. This encourages self management of stressful events and depression.

Hospitalisation is indicated when a woman is suicidal, a risk to herself or others or if medical care has not achieved mood stability. Ideally the mother and baby are admitted to a mother-baby unit. A woman in postpartum psychosis is admitted to a mental health facility without her baby until the psychosis has been resolved.

Pregnancy Tips

Being pregnant is one of those points in your life when you need to follow your practitioner's advice, take extra special care of yourself, keep healthy and put you and your baby first. Check out these pregnancy tips to help you enjoy this special period of your life.

· Good prenatal care is important for the health of your unborn child. Make an appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant and don't skip any of your prenatal appointments. If there are to be any problems with your pregnancy the sooner they are detected the better!

· One of the best pregnancy tips I can give you is - stop smoking, preferably before you get pregnant but certainly once you are pregnant. Smoking is bad for the baby's health, even secondary smoke so avoid smoky environments and ask people not to smoke around you.

· Stop drinking. No level of alcohol during pregnancy has been proven safe so stay off the alcohol throughout your pregnancy and while nursing.

· Exercise. Always check with your health care practitioner to make sure you get the amount of exercise that is right for you (in some circumstances exercise is not advisable) but as a general rule exercise is beneficial. It has been shown that exercising while you are pregnant can help reduce the time you spend in labour, aid your recovery following the birth, reduce the need for cesarean, help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight quicker and improve your overall health.

· Swimming is an excellent source of exercise which can help ease your aches and pains.

· Another top pregnancy tip is to change your eating habits as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Eat foods that are high in fibre, eat plenty of vegetables and include foods rich in iron, calcium, protein and folate in your diet.

· Talk to your health care provider about what you should eat and how much weight you should gain. If your diet is unlikely to contain sufficient folate, iron and calcium your practitioner is likely to recommend that you take supplements.

· Eat foods that are high in fibre, eat plenty of vegetables and include foods rich in iron, calcium, protein and folate in your diet.

· Eat a balanced diet and eat regularly. Don't skip meals and don't try and diet during pregnancy. Remember you are eating for two so you need to add 300 - 500 (healthy) calories a day to your diet.

· Limit your caffeine intake (tea, coffee, chocolate and soft drinks).

· Drink plenty of water, six - eight glasses a day.

· Join a prenatal class.

· First hand experience with babies is invaluable experience. If you have any friends or family with a baby offer to baby sit, get some experience and learn the ropes.

· When the nursery is being prepared remember, you as the expectant mum, must avoid all harmful fumes such paint stripper, paint and wall paper glue and delegate the heavy work.

· Don't forget to baby proof your home.

· If you don't have life insurance then now is the time to take out a policy.

· Make sure you have a Family Health Insurance Plan.

· Get your bags packed well in advance, you might have a due date but that doesn't mean that your baby intends to stick to it!

· Pregnancy tip number 1. If you ever have any concerns over the way your pregnancy is developing, or what you can or cannot do, always seek the help and advice of your health care provider.

Health Insurance For Catastrophic Coverage

Catastrophic health care coverage was created for a very specific reason. This is an offering to help those individuals who are generally in good health and only need some assistance for those times when hospitalization and surgical procedures are involved. These are the same individuals, who, throughout their lifetime, rarely, if ever have the need to make an appointment with a medical health care professional. Catastrophic health insurance is very specific in its requirements as well. This will not cover:

1. Regular medical health care physician appointments


2. Prescription medication


3. Any mental health care situations


4. Maternity care

Catastrophic health insurance is there for a specific purpose and that is to see an individual through a rare occurrence involving surgical procedures and hospitalization. This will also cover such medical health care procedures as necessary x-rays, but even this will be limited per the agreement assigned to the catastrophic health insurance. Many individuals who purchase this type of health care are younger than fifty years of age, but the vast majority of individuals who express an interest are between the ages of fifty and sixty-five.

Considering that many illnesses and pre-existing conditions begin to surface, as one grows older, this is very understandable. Those pre-existing conditions that will cause an individual to be refused this type of health care are:

1. Heart Diseases and a form of Diabetes


2. Aids or possibly HIV


3. Cancer in any form and Asthma

Concerning catastrophic health insurance, it is a known fact that it offers very low monthly premiums, but it does also contain a high deductible. Most catastrophic health insurance policies begin at an average cost of five hundred dollars for the average monthly cost for health insurance. Something of concern for many individuals who enroll with a catastrophic health insurance plan is that the annual premium will continue to increase with each hospitalization stay and surgical procedure. The average lifetime cap concerning catastrophic health insurance is capped between one million dollars and three million dollars.

Individuals who have enrolled with a catastrophic insurance plan would also be wise to build up some monetary savings to have the ability to pay for the deductible when the time comes. The most time consuming prospect any individual can do is to research all the possibilities. Try to understand what the catastrophic insurance policy concerns it with and what it means to you, the individual. This will be of an advantage when the time comes and you find you need to utilize the benefits.

The Perks of Owning a Pregnancy Pillow

Getting a good night's sleep is one of the most difficult things to do especially if you are pregnant. It is a good thing that there are special pillows called pregnancy pillows that exist in the market. These special cushions help pregnant women get a good night's sleep easily. One of the most popular pillows for pregnant woment that is really praised in many pregnancy pillow reviews is the Comfurt-U body pillow.

Generally speaking, regardless of brand, these special cushions are praised by expectant moms from all over the world. Why? Because owning one comes with numerous advantages. Here are some of the perks of owning one of these special cushions:

Perk #1: Provides the ability to sleep in a half fetal position

Sleeping in a half fetal position is the most comfortable sleeping position as claimed by many experts and ordinary people alike. The half fetal position mimics the position that we assumed when we were just developing fetus in our mother's belly. By using pregnancy pillows, you are able to easily assume a half fetal position by sleeping on the side, hugging this and putting one leg over it. These pillows will support your leg as well as your growing belly. The half fetal position is also ideal because it has been said that expectant women should always sleep on their side during pregnancy for safety and comfort.

Perk #2: Perfect support

The primary purpose of these special pillows is to provide perfect support during one's maternity. Our bodies are full of curves and ordinary pillows and mattresses cannot fully support these curves. These special cushions fit these curves perfectly. In fact, many women love the pregnancy pillow so much, they continue using it well until after they give birth.

Perk #3: Gives you the feeling of comfort and security

Women love to cuddle. This is why they always long to hug their partners all night long. Cuddling gives them the feeling of security. Unfortunately, cuddling with a person cannot be done for the long term especially if the other person is asleep. During their sleep, the person you are cuddling might want to move to a different position. If you want to cuddle with something all night, these special cushions can handle it. You can assume the same position all night and the pregnancy pillow will not complain. This is the main reason why expecting women love the pregnancy pillow. They just love cuddling with it.

Illinois Health Insurance Plans and Pre-Existing Conditions

How does an Illinois resident with a pre-existing health condition find a quality Illinois health insurance plan? Why does it seem like it is so difficult to find a pre-existing condition Illinois health insurance plan?

Pre-existing conditions are defined as illnesses in which the person has gone to a physician, clinic, or medical facility and has received medical care in the past. Insurance companies are using these questionnaires as well as an exclusion period in order to defend themselves from people with pre-existing conditions that are seeking medical insurance.

In the state of Illinois people that are applying for an individual health insurance plan can be turned down at the insurance company's discretion due to pre-existing conditions unless that person is eligible for an Illinois HIPAA health insurance plan.

In the state of Illinois they follow HIPAA laws very strict. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act created in 1996 and effective in 1997 provides protection for people that have medical pre-existing illnesses. The law protects people by limiting their exclusion period when purchasing health insurance, lowering the chances for a member with a pre-existing condition to lose coverage, providing protections when they change jobs and guaranteeing that your health insurance policy gets renewed at the end of your coverage year.

The law however, has not eliminated the ability of individual carriers of denying health insurance to pre-existing condition people or exclude medical conditions. The only guarantee issue provisions lie in State sponsored plans and insurance company funded plans. What HIPAA does provide is for guaranteed acceptance health insurance coverage for people that meet 6 HIPAA requirements. When someone meets these 6 requirements they are considered "HIPAA eligible" and can qualify for a guaranteed issue HIPAA health insurance plan. The 6 requirements for HIPAA eligibility can often be the only avenue of health insurance coverage available to some high risk individuals with major pre-existing health conditions.

Some of the most important insurance companies in the state of Illinois handle pre-existing conditions a little bit differently, because of this it is important to do some research and actually shop around for a policy before deciding to apply. Individual plans have more exclusion that group plans and that is why they are quite a bit less expensive, because they are more restrictive.

Aetna Health Insurance who is one of the "big dogs" in the health insurance business across the United States is a primary example of exclusion period. They offer a 365 day period starting from the day of enrollment, in which a person with a pre-existing condition is not covered. It is important to note however, that if the person that has a pre-existing condition has had prior creditable coverage within 63 days immediately before the signature of the application; then the exclusion period will be waived.

Another example of this can be seen with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, who is one of the 39 independent, community-based insurance companies that make up the national Blue Cross Blue Shield network. Since they are independent that means they might not have the same provisions as Blue Cross Blue Shield companies in other states. In Illinois, BCBS requires a member with a pre-existing condition to wait a 365 day exclusion period from the day that they sign the policy before receiving coverage for their illness.

Compared to individual coverage, group plans are a little better. They cannot turn you down due to a pre-existing condition, which makes group plans more expensive. Under HIPAA law an employer can only deny pre-existing condition coverage if the person is diagnosed, receives treatment or has care and treatment 6 months before the enrollment date. A good thing to note is that pregnancy cannot be accounted as a pre-existing condition by an employer insurer.

The total time a person can be excluded from a group health plan if they have a pre-existing condition is 12 months after enrollment (18 months if they enroll late), for this reason it is important for a person to sign up for health insurance as soon as they are offered it (if not you can be subject to 18 months instead of 12). Fortunately for some, the time can be less in case that they were covered by an insurance company for the 63 days before enrollment. Also, an insurer cannot deny coverage to a small employer (2-50) under HIPAA law.

Finding Illinois health insurance coverage when one has a pre-existing condition can be very tough. Not to mention that pre-existing conditions cover everything from cancer, HIV, Hepatitis C and even high cholesterol. It is key however, for a person that has a pre-existing condition to know all the exclusions and their rights that are provided under the HIPAA law. This is important because once you know your rights, you will be able to be more knowledgeable about the subject and avoid long exclusion periods.

International Health Insurance - How To Select A Plan That Is Right For Me? Part I

In order to answer this question, you need to first ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I traveling or relocating?

2. Where will I be traveling to?

3. What are the medical cares that I may need while overseas?

4. How much am I prepared to fork out for these medical expenses?

5. Are there better alternatives to manage the risks?

Let's examine each of the above questions separately.

1. Am I traveling or relocating?

If you are traveling to a foreign country for vacation or business, then what you need is an International Travel Medical Insurance. On the other hand, if you are relocating to a foreign country, then what you need is an International Health Insurance or sometime known as Expatriate Health Insurance or Global Health Insurance.

International Travel Medical Insurance typically comes in two (2) different plans; one that covers single trip and the other is an annual plan that covers multiple trips.

Single trip International Travel Medical Insurance plan may be obtained for an insurance period of 5 days to 12 months and some plans will allow renewal of up to 36 months.

Annual plan is ideal for corporate executives and business owners who require International Travel Medical Insurance coverage for numerous trips during the year and making sure that their coverage is always in place for those last minute international trips. In terms of premium, there will be some cost savings for purchasing an annual plan over multiple single trip plans purchased separately.

If you are relocating to a foreign country, then it is advisable that you obtain an International Health Insurance which offers comprehensive coverage for hospital inpatient as well as clinical outpatient care. International Health Insurance may also offer other benefits such as maternity care, wellness benefits, mental health benefits, physical therapy, organ transplant, and pre-existing conditions.

In short, International Travel Medical Insurance is designed to protect unforeseen medical needs that arise while a person is traveling outside his/her home country whilst International Health Insurance covers medical care that can be either emergency or routine in nature.

2. Where will I be traveling to?

Due to the high medical costs in the North America, typical International Health Insurance will have 2 separate plans; one covers USA & Canada and the other excludes. Obviously, plans that cover USA & Canada cost more than those that don't.

3. What are the medical cares that I may need while overseas?

This question is even more relevant if you have a pre-existing condition. Simply put it, pre-existing conditions are medical conditions that have manifested before you purchase the insurance policy. Be sure to check whether or not your International Travel Medical Insurance policy or International Health Insurance policy covers pre-existing conditions.

Even without any pre-existing condition, there are other health risks associated with overseas traveling and living. Such health risks may be linked to lack of basic hygiene or sanitary standards to a more serve outbreak of pandemic such as avian flu.

Beside illnesses, there are risks of accident that could happen in a foreign country or in a remote location that may require you to be medically evacuated. Such emergency medical evacuation can cost as high as US $100,000.

More importantly, when you are in a foreign country and run into a medical situation you want to be able to know where you can obtain quality health care. Hence, it is utmost important when selecting an International Travel Medical Insurance or International Health Insurance plan, to choose a plan that offers 24/7/365 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year) customer assistance that speaks your language. The Plan should also provide worldwide toll-free or call-collect number allowing you to get customer assistance from anywhere in the world, around the clock.

Pregnancy Miscarriage - Expectations after Pregnancy Miscarriage

Having a pregnancy miscarriage may find yourself submerged with fear and nervousness at a very significant moments you attain during your current pregnancy. The statement of pregnancy miscarriage are a common occurrence will not lessen the affect of what had happen before. Nor having other healthy children at home, although some people may assume that this can help decrease your emotions. If you experienced an early miscarriage during your pregnancy you may be more apprehensive until you reach the point at which things you went wrong during your last pregnancy. If you suffer multiple pregnancy miscarriages, you might never feel completely relaxed during this pregnancy.

It's natural to always keep in check your excitement for having a baby again inspite of the loss and suffering you encountered before. Do this in order to protect your self, and to decrease the grief if you miscarry again.The normal reccomendation to insist a degree of control over a hazardous situation always stimulate a common desire. To do this in a different manner during pregnancy, here are some typical behaviors:

* Do it with extra safe. Experiencing multiple pregnancy miscarriage teaches us unwelcome lesson. Life sometimes frustrate our most cherished plan and moments in life.It's natural to be more concerned in your next pregnancy. Talk to a doctor and ask advices on what to do to achieve a peaceful mind during that pregnancy. Get assurance so that you can enjoy your pregnancy, without any fear or threat to the baby.

* Try to look for new medical strategy. If your previous pregnancy before is more on medical oriented, then look for a less intervention in your next pregnancy. You might seek more medical intervention.

* Maintain emotional distance from your baby. If you experienced pregnancy miscarriage before, you might be surprise by how you are relatively showing the lack of emotional involvement you feel from your baby during the next pregnancy. Do not personalized your baby for a time. If you have suffered loss, it's common to hold back by the time to choose to know as little information about the baby before his birth.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee Helps High Risk Infants

Whenever we see neonates in the ICU, we can't help but feel a pang of pity for these innocent individuals struggling for their lives. A major health insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, recently started a program to help by giving breastfeeding moms of at-risk babies across Tennessee a huge break. Tennessee Blue Cross Blue Shield calls it the "Medela Breast Pump Program."

It will provide free Medela breast pumps to mothers who have infants being treated in Neonatal Intensive Care Units or NICU's. The primary objective of the Medela Breast Pump Program is to give these babies an increased chance of survival by increasing breastfeeding rates.

How Does BCBS of TN's Medela Breast Pump Program Help At-Risk Babies?

We all know that as compared to formula feeding, breastfeeding gives more essential nutrients. Breast milk has antibodies that can help fight diseases and infection. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when mothers breastfeed their babies, it ensures the best physical and psychosocial outcomes for the infant, especially for premature babies. Thus, breastfeeding should always be promoted by pediatricians.

The Medela program partners with health care providers such as doctors, hospitals and nurses to encourage mothers to breastfeed their infants using the Medela breast pump not only in the hospital, but after they return home, as well.

The chief medical officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Inga Himelright, M.D., stated that the amazing and jam-packed nutrients and health benefits from breast milk boost the condition of newborns admitted in the NICU. Encouraging mothers to breastfeed their babies can surely help these little ones survive their most crucial and vulnerable period in life.

Doctors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center even took it to a notch higher by saying that human milk can be the life and death determinant for at-risk infants. According to Judy Aschner, M.D., the director of the Mildred Sathlman Division of Neonatology at Vanderbilt, "Human milk is the best possible source of nutrition for almost all infants."

What Tennessee Health Insurance Plan Can Help Mothers And Infants?

There are hundreds of TN health insurance plans you can choose from to protect your beloved child. Did you know that the new health insurance plans for Tennessee offers 100 percent coverage for preventive care services for mothers and newborns even before you have met your deductible for the year?

With a new Tennessee health insurance plan, you do not have to worry about paying out-of-pocket costs for co-pays and even deductibles for regular preventive care services. Vaccinations are critical to newborns' health and are completely covered. You do not have to worry about any out-of-pocket medical costs for preventive care even if you get a co-pay plan.

As mandated by the Affordable Care Act, maternity and newborn care is an essential health benefit that must be included in all new Tennessee health insurance plans. In fact, maintaining your health and your babies' health can ultimately lead to premiums on the low side because you'll avoid the markups associated with pre-existing medical conditions.

Three Things to Do Before Using IVF Refund Programs

Any couple struggling with infertility will tell you that finding resources to pay for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a frustrating process. IVF refund programs provide an option that preserves resources for further attempts, and/or adoption. There are three things every couple should investigate before signing on to an IVF refund program: verify you have the right insurance coverage, know how tax laws help, and consider supplemental insurance to offset costs, and create extra security.

IVF refund programs are designed to increase the odds of taking home a baby, while helping you manage costs. You typically get a discounted fee for IVF multiple cycles, and if you don't take home a baby from the hospital you are refunded 60% to 70% of your fee. These programs are available to couples who meet qualifying medical criteria, and clinics report success rates of 75%.

1 - Double check your health insurance coverage

Refund programs are meant for couples whose health insurance does not cover IVF. Before making a monetary commitment make sure you have done the proper research on insurance coverage. Many couples miss an important point about health insurance coverage: you need to know the insurance laws in the states where both spouses' employers are headquartered - not where you live. Many couples live in non-mandated states, but work for employers headquartered in mandate states.

2 - Know the tax laws

Your health insurance may not cover many of your procedures, but your un-reimbursed medical expenses are tax-deductible. If you are traveling, or employing medical tourism to find lower cost clinics your travel costs are deductible as well. Use the flexible spending account from both spouses' employers.

3 - Investigate Supplemental Insurance

If you qualify medically for an IVF refund program, your clinic is saying you have a 75% of delivering a baby. You also have a 75% chance of being on the hook for their entire fee, and then losing mom's income during her maternity leave, and perhaps longer if complications arise. You also have a greater chance of conceiving and delivering multiples. Multiple pregnancies run a greater risk of premature birth.

Short term disability insurance will replace mom's income during her maternity leave, plus during any time missed prior to delivery due to complications. Hospital indemnity insurance will also pay benefits for mom's normal labor and delivery, and an additional amount should your child require extra care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Hospital indemnity may also pay a double or triple benefit should multiples be born prematurely, and require medical attention in the NICU.

Is it True That Pregnancy Miracle Book Can Help in Getting Pregnant?

Giving birth to a baby is the most precious feeling of the world. Nothing can replace the pride of being a mother. But, many unfortunate women have to face many complications in becoming pregnant naturally. Their problem is manifested as infertility. It is either caused by physiological imperfections or hormonal imbalances.

The Pregnancy Miracle Book is a glint of hope in the clouds of despair. It is a book written by "Lisa Olson", based on her personal experiences. This book also contains her professional opinions as a nutrition and health advisor. Moreover, it has been tested for its best results as an infertility curing book. The distinguishing success rate makes it a best guide for getting pregnant.

The pregnancy miracle book covers all the aspect of impaired fecundity. This book can help you to get pregnant even with the big problems like over age, endometriosis, tubal obstruction or ovarian cysts, high levels of FSH, lazy ovaries or acyclic ovaries, uterine fibroids and uterus scarring. It helps to devise holistic solutions for all these problems.

The Pregnancy Miracle Book helps in getting pregnant by tracing the reasons behind infertility. It helps you to know about the internal issues that hinder in getting pregnant naturally. Moreover, the most impressive thing that distinguishes it from the others is its sequence and extent of explanation. The book addresses the myth and misconceptions about all perplexing issues. A particular length of attention is given to each aspect of infertility.

Remarkably, the Pregnancy Miracle Book helps the women without recommending harsh drugs and surgeries with horrible side effects. It is a step by step guide to restore natural inner balance with the positive outcome of pregnancy miracle. It is based on a three step system. It provides the necessary information regarding the preconception phase. The book also contains some checklists and charts to monitor the progress regularly.

The book suggests natural ways of getting pregnant. It proposes ways to maintain the favorable inner body conditions through specific nutritious diet and exercise. It is based on the period of the reproductive cycle in a woman. It also uses some harmless Chinese medicines to improve ovulation and chances of conceiving a baby. Soon after the use, the positive impacts become visible. The women get healthy and energetic. Most of all, their cycles become more predictable, which is a sign that internal body conditions are proceeding towards normal level.

The book not only helps one to get pregnant but also aids in completing a perfect gestation period till the delivery of a healthy child. It helps to deal with the physical and the emotional issues, which usually arise during pregnancy.

In the light of researches and reviews, it has been found that the women using pregnancy miracle, get pregnant very quickly. Secondly, not a single miscarriage case has been reported among the women following this guide. The book miraculously facilitates in getting pregnant even at the age or 43 and 45. Thus, it can be surely regarded as the most comprehensive, complete and a precise guide for getting pregnant.

Mommy Makeover - Body Rejuvenation After Child Birth

It's no secret that pregnancy can wreak havoc on a woman's body, particularly in form of loose muscles in the abdomen, excess skin, stretch marks and drooping breasts. Some women get back into their pre-baby body shape with a bit of exercise, but others are not so lucky and continue to struggle with returning their bodies and slipping back into those tight fit denims.

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to get rid of unwanted physical effects of childbearing and get the post-body body back to the way it was before pregnancy.

This is where mommy makeover comes and does wonder. A mommy makeover procedure is performed on a postpartum body part in order to reshape it to give it a more pleasing aesthetic look and enhance the new mom's sense of self-confidence.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy Makeover is a surgical package that consists of various cosmetic and plastic procedures especially designed to rejuvenate the post-pregnancy body parts and give new mommies back their pre-pregnancy body figure.

The plastic surgery procedures most often chosen by new moms are breast surgeries-augmentation and uplift of breasts; tummy tuck, liposuction and Brazilian butt lifts. These procedures are customized based on individual needs of a woman patient.

The ASPS 2011 statistics show that at least 307,180 breast augmentations and 90,679 breast lifts and 115,902 tummy tuck surgeries were performed last year in the United States.

Following are explained some most common procedures new moms often choose to recover their post-pregnancy body to its original shape.

Breast Augmentation: This procedure helps to enlarge a breast that has become small after child-birth. A silicone gel or saline-filled implant is placed under the breast muscle to add more volume to the breasts and enhance perkiness of the breast.

Breast Lift: This surgery is done to tighten the drooping and sagging breasts. The peri areolar lift, circumareolar lift, vertical lift, wise mastopexy are the breast lift surgery techniques a surgeon can choose in order to help you achieve the best possible results.

Abdominoplasty: More commonly known as a tummy tuck it helps a new mom achieve a flatter and toned abdomen after pregnancy. This kind of surgery also removes all stretch marks below the belly button.

Liposuction: This surgery is helpful for women who after having children accumulate unwanted fat in thighs, hips, the waist, on the sides of their breasts, under their armpits and abdomen. Liposuction removes fatty deposits and brings improvement in the contour of the body. This makeover surgery can be done in conjunction with a tummy tuck or breast reduction to get the better results.

Vaginal Rejuvenation: Child birth affects the genital area of a woman in many ways. Many women desire a vaginal rejuvenation to enhance the genital aesthetics and sexual function. Vaginal tightening, labioplasty, fat grafting of labia majora and pubic lift are some popular options in vaginal rejuvenation.

Face Lift: The sleepless nights and parenting stress may have taken a toll on your facial appearance. Face lift surgery may diminish the lines and wrinkles around your eyes and across the forehead. This operation is done to rejuvenate your face by removing the excess of loose, sagging skin of the cheeks and neck.

What Every Pregnant Woman Needs To Know About Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is any moderate to severe depression that develops in a woman following the birth of a child. It can develop shortly after the birth has occurred or it can sometimes take as long as one year to manifest. It most often develops within the first three months following the baby's birth.

What Are Some Of The Causes Of Postpartum Depression

Most women experience some mood changes while they are pregnant. This is entirely normal. These mood can become pronounced just after a baby has been delivered and are most mostly related to fluctuations in hormone levels. It is important to know, however, other, non-hormonal issues can also affect a woman's mood after she has had a baby. These include things such as differences to the way in which she perceives her body image, changes in her work and/or social relationships, the often extended sleep disturbances she is experiencing because of middle of the night feedings and the experience of having significantly less time to devote to herself on a daily basis. Some women experience worry a great deal about how they will perform or function as a new mother and this can lead to serious increases in anxiety levels.

In the past, women who had these kind of feelings were said to be having "baby blues" and their feelings usually resolved themselves within a few months. It is when feelings like this persist that they move into the

These kinds of feelings were once described as "baby blues" and usually resolve themselves within a relatively short period of time without the need for any treatment.

It is when they persist for a period of more than about three months that they move into the domain of postpartum depression.

Risk Factors For Postpartum Depression

There are several known risk factors for postpartum depression and they are:

• Being younger than age 20 when the first baby is delivered;

• Alcohol or drug abuse or smoking cigarettes'

• A previous incident of depression or a previous diagnosis of bipolar or anxiety disorder;

• Having a high-risk pregnancy or a difficult delivery

• Having a close family member with either an anxiety disorder or a depressive illness;

• Having a poor relationship with their significant other or

• Having serious financial issues that are unremitting

The Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression Mimic Those Of Major Depression

The symptoms of postpartum depression are very closely related to those of a major depression. Most women who are experiencing postpartum depression feel very sad and can not explain why. Some women might become very agitated and irritable. Still others experience severe disruptions to their appetite. Other women report feeling extreme guilt or a sense of worthlessness and stop being able to take pleasure in things that used to interest them a great deal in the past. Other women report trouble with their concentration or problems with their sleep patterns that are not related to their new infant. Other women begin to experience very negative feelings toward their new baby or might even begin to think about suicide or death.

There are not diagnostic tests that can be run in order to determine if a woman is suffering from postpartum depression. If you know of someone who is reporting feelings like this, a visit to her family doctor or obstetrician is necessary. The doctor may administer something called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale which is an extremely accurate test that screens for depression in general.

There Are Many Different Ways To Treat Postpartum Depression

A new mother that is suffering from symptoms that may be postpartum depression should seek help as quickly as possible. It is important to know that she need not suffer in silence. Help is available and relatively easy to come by. There are some measures she can take before help arrives and these include:

• Getting as much rest as possible, sleeping when the baby sleeps;

• Enlisting the help of the significant other and family members with household chores;

• Hiring a mother's helper for a few hours a day;

• Seeking out a support group.

The benefits that can be derived from therapy should never be discounted. There are also a number of anti-depressant medications which do not pass through the breast milk and which can be a tremendous help. Using medication or therapy provided by a professional mental health practitioner can make all the difference in the world and either greatly reduce or eliminate entirely the symptoms of postpartum depression for nearly every woman who is experiencing it.

Top 5 Healthy Food Tips for Pregnant Women

Eating well during pregnancy is important for you and your baby. Pregnant women have special nutritional needs. Your daily meals should include a variety of foods rich in protein, as we well as starchy foods, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products. The food you eat is your baby's main source of nutrition. Small regular snacks may help reduce morning sickness and nausea. Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women need more iron, protein, iodine, and folate but only a small increase in kilojoules.

Here are top five healthy food tips for pregnant women:

Adopt a Balanced Diet

With a few exceptions, you can continue to eat normally during pregnancy. A balanced diet should include regular meals and snacks such as nuts and seeds, dried beans and lentils, lean meat, wholegrain bread and cereal, fresh fruit, vegetables, and small amounts of foods high fat. The digestive system in pregnant women becomes more efficient at absorbing certain nutrients. Therefore, it's not necessary to eat larger quantities of food to get the vitamins and minerals you need.

Avoid Certain Foods

Your body is more vulnerable to food-borne illnesses during pregnancy. Eating certain foods can cause severe health problems, from poor digestion to miscarriage. It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid raw eggs, sushi, unpasteurized juice, swordfish, and tilefish. Give up alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea high in caffeine. Stay away from soft cheeses unless they are made with unpasteurized milk. Skip the hot dogs and the deli meat. When you eat fruits and vegetables, wash them well.

Get More Iron

Pregnant women can become short of iron, so you should eat more foods containing this nutrient. Drinking coffee or tea can make it harder for the body to absorb iron. This natural compound can be found in red meat, dried fruit, wholegrain starchy foods, green leafy vegetables, bread, and pulses. Taking iron supplements might help you.

Eat Healthy Snacks

If you get hungry between meals, choose nutritious snacks like fresh fruit, unsweetened fruit juices, humus with bread, low fat yogurt, pita bread filled with grated cheese and mashed tuna or ham, raisins, salads, and baby carrots. Choose wholegrain varieties because they provide more fiber and nutrients.

Consume More Folic Acid

Folic acid is needed in larger amounts during pregnancy. Eating foods rich in folic acid helps reduce birth defects. It is recommended to start taking folic acid supplements before conception. Green leafy vegetables, beans, sunflower seeds, fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, lentils, and grains contain significant amounts of this nutrient.

Health Insurance Maternity Coverage Prepares You Financially For the Future

Having health insurance maternity benefits is a serious concern for pregnant women. It is not the only concern a mom-to-be has, however. While it is important to know you have the right benefits to cover the expenses of the delivery of the baby, there are expenses that come after the birth that are important, too.

It is wise to think ahead about what is required for raising a healthy baby. Your child will need a series of vaccines, checkups and well visits, and a pediatrician on call in times of sickness or in the event of an emergency. Typically if the mother has health insurance maternity benefits, her coverage plan already includes coverage for the baby after he/she is born.

A key consideration concerning health coverage is that insurance companies are very strict about pre-existing conditions. The time to obtain maternity coverage is before you get pregnant, not after. Planning ahead is very important so that you can rest assured you and your baby will have the best care without having to worry about who is footing the bill.

Some maternity coverage plans have a deductible. If you do not already have the deductible saved up when you become pregnant, start a savings account early so you won't be strapped for funds at delivery time.

You will have other expenses when the baby is born for things like clothing, diapers, food, daycare, doctor visits, formula, strollers, toys, playpens, and so forth. Those expenses add up in a hurry.

If you normally work and don't have disability benefits to cover you during your pregnancy leave, it will be even more difficult to cover just normal living expenses, not even considering deductibles and baby expenses.

Early and professional prenatal care is essential for every mother so her baby has the opportunity to come into the world as healthy as possible. Health insurance maternity benefits should be at the top of your list before you become pregnant so you can enjoy this joyous time without having to worry about money and insurance coverage.

Spotting During Early Pregnancy 101 - The What, Who, Why, When & How!

Pregnancy, for most women I know or have met, is usually a time when they are at their most excited. This is usually as a direct result of the anticipation of new life. This anticipation and excitement can be short-lived and overshadowed by the fear that spotting or light bleeding causes. Although this spotting is usually indicative of complications like miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy, it is not usually affirmative, and as such should not be worsened by the development of anxiety as a first course of action. This article will discuss the various aspects of spotting during early pregnancy so that you can have well-rounded knowledge about what it really entails.

1. The Misunderstanding...
Allow me to state from the get go that; the fact that quite a number of women become certain that they are experiencing a miscarriage once they begin spotting, the appearance of light bleeding is not an automatic conclusion or indication that a miscarriage is unavoidable. The fact is this; during pregnancy over 1 in 10 women will experience non-malignant spotting at some point in their pregnancy term. When evaluating spotting you should consider the when and the how - that is, when it occurs, and how it presents itself.

2. The Nature...
Not all spotting is alike - this is an important point to note. For example; implantation bleeding is a type of spotting that many women experience. This type of bleeding is characterized by a light "period-like" flow of blood which usually occurs around a time when a woman would normally see her period. This fact makes it a very confusing condition for most women as they usually mistake it for their periods and become worried because of its dissimilarity to the said period. This implantation bleeding usually occurs 5 - 12 days after the fertilization of the egg, a term referred to commonly as "conception". It does not last for long and has a light texture and color. This is the most common cause of spotting during early pregnancy.

3. Time Frame...
It is entirely common to spot during your fist trimester. You must endeavor to report all sightings of vaginal discharges (light pink, brownish, yellowish etc) to your health care provider; doctor, midwife, nurse, whoever. Just make sure you do not get into a panic as that won't be beneficial in any way. Due to the fact that your body is adjusting to the changing levels of its hormones, you are more prone to these kinds of spotting, especially if you are a first-time mother. As the blood vessels on the cervix' surface become more engorged and sensitive, you may begin to experience post-coital bleeding which may remain throughout the rest of your pregnancy term.

4. Other Considerations...
Bleeding during the second and third trimesters can be indicative of health issues that are more grievous to you or your unborn baby. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, the following; pre-term labor, placental previa, or ectopic pregnancy.

5. Significance...
Unfortunately, over 50% of spotting which occurs during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is indicative of an impending loss of pregnancy. If you experience cramping and the passing of clots accompanying slight bleeding which progressively becomes heavier, you might actually, unfortunately be experiencing a miscarriage. Regrettably, this can rarely be avoided or prevented. This is because your body is naturally dealing with ectopic, molar or an otherwise unhealthy pregnancy and this is its way of doing it, theoretically.

6. Caution...
Whatever the type or kind of spotting, spotting during early pregnancy should be reported to your health care giver so that they can professionally evaluate your condition and advise accordingly. Avoid wearing tampons and go for pads instead. Pads help you monitor the frequency and volume of the spotting so that you can track its severity and determine what type it is. Ensure that you keep your doctor in the loop at all times.