Pregnancy Lifestyle

Formally, Birth Defects are defined as “abnormalities of structure, body metabolism, or function presented at birth.” The way in which a birth defect appears varies although most involve physical or development issues. Some defects are only minor while others are so serious that surgical intervention would be required. Most people know about the more common types of birth defects such as cleft palate, club foot, spina bifida, and those affecting the heart but in reality, more than 4,000 different types have been confirmed. In addition, many abnormalities are treatable, as well as curable but even so, birth defects are the leading cause of death in a child’s first year of life. The most recent statistics show that every year in the United States alone, 150,000 children are born with some kind of birth defect, which means that of every 100 births, 3 would involve an abnormality. Although frightening, many birth defects are preventable so education before pregnancy is imperative. Within the Birth Defect category is a wealth of information specific to types, causes, treatments, and most importantly, preventions for birth defects. Click Here to continue.

A Caesarean Section is an alternative means of giving birth used for a variety of reasons. Because this surgical procedure involves an incision being made through the abdominal wall and uterus, it is taken serious. Also called a “C-Section”, sometimes the decision for this type of delivery is made prior to labor because of known potential risks while other times it becomes necessary as the result of a medical emergency. Some of the more common reasons an Obstetrician would determine a caesarean section was required include a long labor that was not progressing normally, a large baby, the expectant mother having a small pelvis, or indication of the baby experiencing stress. Although potential risks associated with a caesarean section are greater than those of a vaginal delivery, today it has become extremely safe when performed by a qualified physician. For more information on types of caesarean sections, possible risks, healing time, additional births, and more, we invite readers to visit the “Caesarean Section.” Click Here to continue.

For someone interested in Getting Pregnant, there is invaluable information that would make conception easier and more successful. While some women conceive on the first try, others face years of hurt and frustration due to the inability to get pregnant. Thanks to medical technology and more insight into reasons pregnancy does not come easy for everyone, new opportunities now exist. For every woman, good health would be imperative prior to trying to conceive to include balanced meals, regular exercise, proper rest, and a healthy lifestyle. In addition, there are special exercises, methods for pinpointing exact time of ovulation, unique sexual positions, and other ways to increase the possibility of getting pregnant but in cases where this is simply not enough, a number of special fertility treatments are available. There is a vast amount of information specific to effective, safe, and proven methods for getting pregnant found in the Getting Pregnant section, ideas for both women and men. Click Here to continue.

Without doubt, suffering a Miscarriage at any stage is a devastating event. Loss of pregnancy during the first 20 weeks is called a “miscarriage” whereas after 20 weeks, it would be classified as a “stillbirth.” Every year, more than 4.5 women in the United States become pregnant but over 500,000 of those result in miscarriage. While knowing that loss of a pregnancy is a common occurrence certainly does not reduce the level of pain, frustration, and fear experienced which is why it is important for people to understand why miscarriages happen, as well as learn ways to reduce this risk. Miscarriages are caused by many things although most occur due to an abnormality with the fetus, which is why they are seen by most medical professionals as nature’s method of abortion. Of course, to expectant parents, miscarriages are typically viewed differently. To gain more insight into causes, risks, and preventative measures, we invite readers to visit the Miscarriage section. Click Here to continue.

For years, the seriousness of Postpartum Depression was unknown and even unaccepted by many people in the medical profession but due to several high profile cases, as well newly gained knowledge, it is now understood that depression of this type could have devastating effects. Usually, after a woman gives birth she will feel “blue” for a few days, which is normal, but in approximately 17% of births, feeling down goes well beyond the “baby blues”. In fact, there are some cases of postpartum depression so severe that both mother and baby’s life could be at jeopardy. Experts believe hormonal changes are the primary cause of postpartum depression and while there is no known cure, research has uncovered some things that could help prevent or lessen its effects. The most important thing is that postpartum depression should never be ignored, even in minor cases. To understand possible triggers, treatments, and other pertinent information, our Postpartum Depression category provides invaluable information that every pregnant woman should know. Click Here to continue.

Pregnancy is a unique experience for every couple and one that comes with tremendous change. During this time, a woman’s hormones go through radical change that affects appearance, mood, concentration, appetite, and many other aspects of life. However, these same changes also impact the woman’s mate and overall lifestyle. Although pregnancy is a beautiful process that results in the birth of a human being, it is also a time of challenge and one that creates a significant number of questions. For many women and men, pregnancy results in fear, nervousness, and anxiety, which is expected but the goal should be gaining as much knowledge possible about changes occurring within the body so as the fetus grows, the pregnancy could be embraced and enjoyed. Because there are so many dynamics of pregnancy, taking the time to become educated is essential, which is why we dedicated time and effort into creating a comprehensive Pregnancy section to dispel myths and highlight facts. Click Here to continue.

Before, women would depend on tests run in a doctor’s office to determine a pregnancy but then with the introduction of Pregnancy Tests, women had the opportunity to test at home in privacy. However, early pregnancy tests did not provide the accuracy or quickness seen in tests currently sold. Today, all tests are designed to detect HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone found in women who are pregnant but the primary difference is that pregnancy tests are now so refined they can detect the presence of HCG on the first day of a woman’s missed menstrual cycle and to 99% accuracy. However, accuracy of pregnancy tests depends on a number of factors to include the type of test purchased, the way test is used, and when the test is used, among other things. To learn more about how pregnancy tests work and the best way to determine a good from bad test, additional information has been provided in the Pregnancy Tests section. Click Here to continue.

Even with all the information circulated and education provided over the past ten years, the United States still has the highest rate of Teenage Pregnancy, as well as teenage births in the western industrialized world. The latest statistics show that one of every three teenage girls will become pregnant, which equates to approximately 750,000 pregnancies annually. Further studies show that two thirds of those teenage girls will never graduate high school and for most, needed support is simply not available. Because of the serious nature of this problem, the government, as well as private companies, parents, teachers, and other leaders in the community are working together to find solutions at any level. Information provided in the Teenage Pregnancy section addresses this ongoing problem specific to reasons that teenage pregnancy continues to be so high, methods of avoiding pregnancy, where to get help if needed, and other invaluable information for teenagers, as well as parents. Click Here to continue.