Stomach Cramps

Cramps, aches and discomfort around the tummy region are a normal part of pregnancy. There is lot of pressure on the muscles of pelvic area, the ligaments and veins inside the woman’s body when she is carrying a baby. Due to this strain, one often experiences tummy cramps, which is considered a normal pregnancy symptom. Much of the discomfort is reduced by the women by resting, relaxing or changing sleeping and sitting position. Unless these cramps are severe or unusual, there is no need to consult the doctor.

Tummy cramps: how far are they normal?

Occasional cramping due to stretching of muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus is normal. The pain can be dull or sharp. Whenever you get up after sitting for a long time, sneeze, cough or move quickly all of a sudden, the pain may become noticeable. Cramps can also be an indication of what you are eating. Overeating or consuming the wrong food can make the cramps more painful, and constipation further worsens the situation.

Exercising can also put stress on the muscles andcause cramping. When you feel cramped due to exercising, stop immediately and take some rest. It is a body’s indication to stop putting pressure on the already strained ligaments.

During early labour, stomach cramps only indicate stretching of uterus to accommodate the growing baby. They are no reason to worry.

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Complications:

If one is experiencing cramps with severe sharp pain, fever, chills, spotting or vaginal discharge, it can be a cause of concern. If the cramps do not go away even after resting for some time, the doctor must be consulted immediately as it may point to one of the following situations:

Early miscarriage:

A majority of miscarriage cases are during the first trimester of pregnancy. 

Severe cramping, accompanied with bleeding is a sign of trouble. Cramps and pain in the centre of lower abdomen must not be ignored. Also, remember that miscarriage has nothing to do with the mother in most cases. There is no need to blame the mother for the same.

Mother’s injury or illness may trigger a late miscarriage. Around the 4th month of pregnancy, sudden pain and cramps due to some reasons may indicate a late miscarriage. Seek the doctor’s help urgently.

Ectopic pregnancy:

This is a situation when the fertilized egg locates itself somewhere not within the uterus but outside the uterus. This will show a positive on the pregnancy test but as the baby starts to grow, the foetus will not be able to survive outside the uterus. Abdominal cramps accompanied with spotting may possible point to an ectopic pregnancy. The egg is implanted in ovaries, fallopian tubes or in the cervix. One can experience cramping with tenderness during the first trimester in such case.

Preterm labour:

If baby decides to enter the world even before it is fully developed to survive, such a situation is called premature labour. This occurs during late pregnancy and normally the baby announces its arrival with a number of signs, cramping being one of them. The mother will experience dull backache, tummy cramps, water breaking and sometimes, more vaginal discharge than the normal amount.

If one experiences severe cramps, the doctor must be consulted immediately. It is often hard to differentiate between a normal pregnancy symptom and a sign of danger; hence it is advised to take guidance of the doctor in any such case. 

Cramping may indicate normal stretching, Braxton Hicks contractions and just before labour too. It is normal to experience cramping even after delivery, when the uterus starts coming back to its normal sizeStomach cramps.

Sleeping When Pregnant

Pregnancy is one of those stages in the life of any woman when she needs to take extensive care of her habits as well as her style of living. One such sphere that needs special attention is the posture of resting or sleeping. Many women have a tendency of sleeping on their stomach and this activity has different consequences at different stages of pregnancy.

Impact during early days of expecting

During the early days of pregnancy, one can sleep on stomach and the reason behind this is the fact that at this time, your uterus nests behind the pubic bone which means that even if your stomach hold the weight of your body, it won’t harm the uterus and hence, the developing embryo won’t be at any harm.

Though, if you are having tender breasts, they can surely become points of ache, yet keeping a pillow underneath would surely solve this problem. 

Impact during the later period of pregnancy:

With the advent of pregnancy, the entire weight of the broadening uterus propels down with a direct impact on the veins. This can result inbackaches, low pressure level of blood and even hemorrhoids.

There are several other poses that you can select apart from sleeping on stomach. There are many advantages associated with other ways of sleeping and resting.

Different positions you can opt for sleeping with their specific advantages:

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You can curl up a pillow in between your legs while sleeping on the left side. It has been scientifically proved that sleeping by your side can be very much in favor of pregnancy. If you sleep that way especially on your left side during your pregnancy then it would maximize the supply of blood to your developing baby.

Support your hip-bones with a pillow and also put a pillow underneath your breast in order to embrace and support the area of stomach as well as baby in between the grip of pillows. This process significantly reduces the pressure on baby during the growth period.

You can sleep on your left side and if it puts some unbearable pressure on your hip-bones then you can place some soft pieces of foam above the mattress and underneath it as well. This would in turn provide the required air-circulation as well as an added comfort.

Sleeping by your side is beneficial as it significantly helps your kidneys in expelling fluid and wastes of the body as in this position these can work effectively and thereby reduce the level of swelling present in hands, on ankles or feet.

These procedures can significantly protect you from problems of acidity or short breaths which are very common after the two trimesters of pregnancy.

Though you have might generally feel to sleep on your stomach but even this will doesn’t lasts long as this habit and your sleeping position in this manner usually diminishes before it can start hurting your baby as you would start feeling uncomfortable to sleep that way yourself. Sleeping when pregnant.

Sleeping Tips for Pregnant Lady

A very important thing during the pregnancy days is to take proper rest. It is so common to contend with sleep during pregnancy. The reason why sleep is substantial in the pregnancy is, because the condition required by the body to grow occurs when the body takes rest. The scientific reason is our body releases growth hormone when we sleep. Even for the sound and healthy body the proper sleep is must.

There may be chances for some pregnant ladies to sleep more than their usual time. This may be just because there body demands rest and sleep. But few women’s find difficult to take even a nap of few hours. To avoid such sort of conditions they should have a glass of milk and should not take stress because a calm mind makes your sleep more comfortable.

Why is sleep and rest Important?

Sufficient sleep is important for the pregnant ladies for their good health and even for the little ones health. Proper rest will keep both of them away from many disease and any sort of complications in the pregnancy. If thebody will not get proper rest then chances of complications may increase

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Problem faced by pregnant woman while sleeping and tips and solutions for them:

There are many reasons for the discomfort in the sleep of pregnant ladies. Some of them are :

Excessive longing to urinate

The excessive longing to urinate in pregnancy increases. The rate of purification of blood increases and the kidney works harder for this and this process results in excessive urine. If your baby is more active in night then the night trips to the bathroom increases.

Solution : There is nothing to worry about. You can consult your doctor if it causes a lot of problem.

Increased size of foetus

The obvious reason for the lack of sleep is the increased size of foetus. You don’t find any position comfortable and the whole night is spent with open eyes and changing sides. The pain in stomach and back are unbearable and takes away your sleep.

Solution : To avoid the discomfort in sleep due to the increased size of foetus you can use pillows and put a pillow in middle of your legs and try to make yourself comfortable. After some time you will get accustomed to the changes in your body and will be able to get a proper sleep.

Congestion and bleeding Nose

Congestion also adds to sleeplessness. Your nose is blocked and you find difficulty in breathing. Even nose bleeding can start during pregnancy.

Solution : Take medicines by consulting your doctor to avoid congestion. Take steam and avoid cold water.

Cramped legs

The increase in body weight leaves you with cramps in legs. The pain is not bearable and effects your sleep hours.

Solution : The exertion and pain will not allow you to sleep, so get a proper body massage to make your body light. This will also help you for a better sleep.

Heartburn & constipation 

Heartburn happens when the stomach is stuffed and when the stomach contents turns up to our oesophagus. During pregnancy, the digestion process slows down and food is left in intestines for longer time which may lead to constipation. It gets even worse as the pregnancy days passes because of the pressure on stomach increases.

Solution: A proper and balanced diet is required to ignore the consequences of heartburn and constipation.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins or hemorrhoids are another problem during the pregnancy. Constipation leads to hemorrhoid which is most common. They are painful and can lead to bleeding. The increasing uterus adds pressure on the veins due to which ladies suffer from hemorrhoids.

Solution : Consult the doctor and take proper medicines prescribed by your doctor for haemorrhoids.

Breathlessness

The heartbeat rate increases in pregnancy and the blood flows fast in our body. 

Due to this breathing problem may be faced by the women’s. The breathing problem even bothers the baby. Lack of oxygen and less breathing can even cause emergency case.

Solution: Meditation and yoga will keep your body and mind relaxed. Your heartbeat rate will be stable and blood flow will be normal.

So the above problems suffered by pregnant ladies contribute to the sleepless nights and restlessness. The way to avoid all this can be only done by taking proper care of the would-be mother and a proper watch on her diet and health. Exercise and yoga will help you more to have a sound mind and body. So follow all the precautions and wish all the mothers “Sleep well”.Sleeping tips for pregnant lady.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Effects of Pregnancy on your Skin

Changes in skin during pregnancy vary from woman to woman. It is not certain that every woman find skin changes during pregnancy, but mostly in all women, you can find some changes due to many reasons. One main reason for change in skin is unbalance in hormones level during pregnancy. Some woman find shiny skin while some found dull depends on her skin color. These changes will disappear very soon a few weeks after pregnancy.

Various changes in Skin during Pregnancy

Glossy or Pinkish Skin

During pregnancy period you can gain more weight and your body also produces more blood around 50 percentages. This will cause more blood circulation in your body. Therefore, due to increase in blood circulation you can find yourself more glowing look during pregnancy. Many blood vessels are just below the surface of our skin which givesyou reddish or pinkish look during pregnancy. 

Pregnancy gives you glossy or pinkish look, but many women find puffy look and red patches if you have any on your face which are not visible before pregnancy. Due to radiant look it becomes visible clearly on your face.

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Acne or Pimple

Acne is very common during pregnancy. Many women suffer problem of heavy acne that becomes very irritating for women as it affects their look. Due to increasing hormone levels your body produces oil which makes your skin very oily and which may cause acne or pimple on your skin. Wash your skin many times in a day to make your skin dry. Avoid any hard scrubs which may harm your skin as during pregnancy your skin become very sensitive. Acne problem generally occur more in the women who already have pimple or acne before pregnancy or irregular periods. It is not harmful and disappears soon after pregnancy.

Chloasma - Mask of Pregnancy

You can find changes in your skin during second trimester of your pregnancy. 

You will find Mask of Pregnancy that is also known as chloasma in which you can find brownish or yellow patches on your skin. You can also find dark brown skin color of face. It is generally occurred in women with whitish skin and dark hair. 

Many women found brownish uneven mark on some portion of face like forehead, or middle of face, upper cheeks, chin, nose and around eyes. During pregnancy estrogen and progesterone hormones stimulate the melanin cells in your skin that produces pigment additionally. This will cause marks in your skin. 

You will find more dark skin if you do not protect your skin when you go outside in sun light as ultra violet rays from sun stimulates melanin production. You can not prevent yourself from Mask of Pregnancy as it is natural process. You should not worry about it or need to take any skin treatment. As it is natural skin problem and you will find it disappears soon after birth of your baby.

Linea Nigra – Dark lines on your Belly

Linea Nigra is the effect of pregnancy on your skin. Linea Nigra is dark lines that may appear on your belly during pregnancy which you have not even notice before pregnancy. It is white line appear from your navel to center part of public bone that become darken and you can find it clearly visible during pregnancy. 

These lines look darker in women having dark skin color. Such lines are nearly one centimeter wide and start appearing during second trimester of your pregnancy. You can also find your skin getting darken in many portions like freckles, nipple, moles, etc. Dark lines can cause due to skin pigmentation. Your abdominal muscles stretch with increasing of your stomach area that causes such Linea Nigra. There is no alternative to prevent it.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are one more effect on your skin during pregnancy period. It is also very common and starts appearing on your stomach and near breasts with increase in size of your stomach and breasts. Stretch marks can be of different color as skin color of women such as dark brown, pink, reddish, reddish brown, etc. Stretch marks can be also seen on other areas of body such as thighs, hips and buttocks. During pregnancy increasing level of hormones disturb protein balance of your skin in making it thin than normal. You can find your stretch marks fade out after pregnancy period. Take well-Balance healthy diet contain full of vitamins specially vitamin C and E. You can rub oil or cream that contains vitamin E to remove stretch marks after pregnancy.

Dark Skin

Many women found their skin more darken during pregnancy due to change in hormone levels. Your skin will affect more if your skin color is already dark. You can also notice darkening skin in various portions such as nipples, freckles, moles, labia, thighs, buttocks, etc.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are reddish tiny blood vessels with outer branch also known as spider nevi. Reason for spider veins are increasing amount of blood circulation during pregnancy. You can find spider veins on cheeks, neck, face, arms and upper area of chest.

Rashes and Itchiness

Your skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy due to change in hormone level. With increasing weight of your body, you will find your enlarge tummy. It will stretches and tightens your skin which cause you fill like itching and dry skin. Rashes and itchiness is very common during pregnancy. You can apply some natural cream to make your skin smooth.

Skin Tags

Another common skin problem occur during pregnancy is skin tag, which is very small, soft growth of skin. It will appear under your arms, breasts or neck. Skin Tags are also cause by hormonal changes. It can cause by hyperactive growth of a superficial layer of skin. In many women it will not disappear easily after pregnancy. In such case you need to take advice of skin specialist to remove it.

Skin problems during pregnancy are very normal and you should not worry about it except you find it severe. Some times many women find intense itching, in such case you should contact your doctor to avoid any further complications. 

You will find all such skin problems disappear within a few weeks after pregnancy. You should not forget to drink more water, eat fruits and vegetables to keep your skin healthy and shiny Skin changes during pregnancy.

Quit Smoking or Lung Cancer - The Choice is Yours

As per the reports of a new study, it is never too late to quit smoking in order to double the chances of cancer survival even after being diagnosed with early stages of cancer. Until now there was very little evidence that supports the cessation of smoking among people with lung cancer making any difference to survival. The study found out that people who continued smoking even after discovering they had lung cancer, had a 20-33 percent chances of living beyond five years and those who have quit smoking have a 63-70 percent chances of survival beyond five years.

Lung cancer as such is one of the most common types of cancer that is growing rapidly. People who are diagnosed with lung cancer generally fail to live up to the next five years. So the best way out is to quit smoking at the early stages. 

It can make a huge difference to your chances of surviving. As reported to the Associate Press, there is medical evidence that supports the fact that the damage done to the health of an individual with a puff of cigarette is being repaired by the body once the individual quits smoking. Thus, it is never too late to kick off the awful habit and begin a new life with more chances of survival. 

It is worthwhile to note the fact that those people who are diagnosed with lung cancer and still continue to smoke are at a greater risk of dying sooner. 

According to the researcher, cancer cessation program will be a lot more beneficial to the health. However, more studies need to be done.