Pregnancy Archives - Smart Health Shop

4 Benefits of Birth Control

The birth control pill is a convenient, safe way to prevent pregnancy, but did you know that it also offers other advantages? Doctors prescribe the pill for a number of reasons beyond pregnancy prevention. Here are some additional benefits you can expect from taking the pill.

Reduced Acne

Image via Flickr by skeyndor.oficial

Hormonal birth control has been proven to reduce acne and keep breakouts in check. Research clearly shows a link between a woman’s menstrual cycle and acne flare-ups, so even if you adhere to an ideal skincare routine, your hormones can still cause breakouts.

Natural hormonal shifts in your body can lead to an increase of androgens, male-centered hormones that can cause excess oil under the skin. The links between acne reduction and certain types of birth control pills are so strong that many brands have petitioned the FDA to be approved as acne treatments. As such, your dermatologist might suggest going on the pill even if you’re not sexually active.

Reduced Cancer Risks

Multiple studies have suggested that taking oral contraceptives lowers the risk of certain types of cancers, specifically endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancers.

Women who have taken the pill have at least a 30% reduced risk of developing endometrial cancer, and this protective effect lasts for several years after discontinuing the pill’s use.

Oral contraceptives have a similar benefit on warding off ovarian cancer, lowering the risk by 30% to 50%. The longer you take the pill, the greater the protection. Studies suggest that a woman continues to benefit from this reduced risk of ovarian cancer for up to 30 years after stopping the pill.

The downside, however, is that oral contraceptives can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer, but both these risks decline after a woman stops taking the pill.

Regulated Periods

One of the biggest benefits of taking the pill is that you can enjoy regular periods. In fact, many teen and adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are treated with an oral contraceptive to regulate their periods and reduce other hormonal symptoms like acne and oily skin.

The pill is frequently prescribed to younger girls whose periods are irregular or late, even if there’s no sign of PCOS. Birth control pills can even reduce the length and amount of menstrual bleeding for those suffering from excessive, abnormally frequent periods.

Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis

Women who take the pill during their reproductive years experience less bone thinning as they age. Many oral contraceptives contain estrogen, which is essential for warding off osteoporosis. Taking the pill now could help you enjoy a reduced risk of fractures and bone breaks after menopause. If osteoporosis runs in your family, talk to your doctor about the benefits of an estrogen-containing birth control pill.

With so many benefits the pill offers, maybe it’s time to talk to your doctor or an online provider to discuss your options. Telemedicine companies like Nurx provide the pill with or without insurance. You simply speak with an online provider who prescribes your birth control and then delivers it straight to your door. You can even enjoy automatic renewals and refills so you never run out. It’s never been easier to take advantage of the pill’s numerous benefits.

How to fight digestion issues during pregnancy?

Congratulations! You are undoubtedly both anxious and thrilled on being pregnant, aren’t you? Well, you might be feeling a little nauseous all the time, but that is natural. Moreover, morning sickness, as you may call it, is extremely common that can happen to you during pregnancy. Another common thing like morning sickness is a digestion problem, which surely gives you quite a lot of troubles.

Already you have so many restrictions regarding your diet and lifestyle. When digestion issues top that all, it can actually be very frustrating. You think, “okay, what else do I need to alter in the diet now? Aren’t the existing ones enough?”

On the other hand, the good news is that the nausea signs usually go away within 3 months of pregnancy. However, the bad news is these 3 months can be extremely traumatic and frustrating. You may get nausea due to a lot of factors like gassiness, constipation, and acid reflux or heartburn. These symptoms tend to become worse, as your pregnancy ascends. Well, you can actually get rid of these digestion problems and in turn, fight nausea with these simple small steps.

Digestion problems during pregnancy

Check out easy ways to fight digestion problems when you’re expecting:

Constipation

In normal conditions, your bowel pushes out stool through a process called peristalsis. During this time, the muscle linings in your bowel start contracting and relaxing in an undulating motion.

When you are pregnant, your progesterone level goes very high. This makes it hard for your bowel muscles to continue the motion of contraction and relaxations. Thus, you literally struggle to pass your stool comfortably by peristalsis.

Generally, when you do not have enough supply of dietary fiber in your foods, you get constipation. However, you should keep in mind that constipation during pregnancy is not exactly because of the dietary fiber deficit. It is the progesterone hormone elevation that is actually making you suffer.

Heartburn

It is actually acid reflux, which means you are having extreme acidity that is causing a burning sensation in your chest. It is also a very common problem that you face during pregnancy, caused by your very own progesterone hormone.

This sweet friend of yours can land you up in a lot of troubles during pregnancy. However, you should always learn to seek solutions for such issues rather than getting frustrated. During this condition, progesterone poses an effect on your sphincter muscles lining the esophagus above your stomach. This muscles normally restricts acids formed in your stomach within your stomach itself. However, due to progesterone impact, these sphincter muscles relax and releases the acid upwards reaching your esophagus. Thus, you feel a painful burning sensation on your chest.

Food Aversions

You mostly feel nauseous towards food items in your initial trimester, and it is manageable too. During this time, you feel irritated and pukish with the smell of certain foods that you’re normally very fond of. It is absolutely normal to feel this way while being pregnant.

You mostly feel nauseous when your blood glucose level goes down. At the time of pregnancy, this is exactly what happens. From nausea, you develop a sense of food abhorrence that makes you feel like vomiting all the time.

How to cure digestion issues during pregnancy?

To combat constipation, the first and foremost thing that you should do is drink lots of water all day. If you keep your body hydrated throughout the day, a lot of problems related to your flushing system resolves.

Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C and magnesium. These nutrients help in supplying water to your bowels, in order to ease out the process of peristalsis. Are you eating supplements containing lots of iron? If you are anemic, consult with your doctor to give you other alternatives. Iron promotes constipation to a great extent. So, you better check your diet schedule.

To get rid of heartburn, go for small meals that have high calories and nutrient content. Always eat at a slower pace, and chew the food properly before swallowing. Do not drink a lot of water while having your meals, since it fills up your appetite faster. You may sip herbal tea, ginger tea, peppermint tea or water in between your meals to ease the digestion process. Never lie down on a bed or couch after you eat meals. Always sit up straight to complete your digestion properly. Wear clothes that are loose to feel comfortable while eating.

When you are feeling nauseous, it means you and your baby is out of energy (glucose). To overcome nausea, you need to eat foods rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are excellent sources of glucose. You may also have a cup of ginger tea due to vitamin B6 supplements, to ward off nausea.

Now coming to food aversion, try out some variations that you think might work for you. Go for baked yams with ample clarified butter or have bone broth. Have meals supplemented with cottage cheese, yogurt or tofu. If you are not a dairy person, try out cottage cheese with a coconut milk base. Have fermented cod liver oil in your foods, along with scrambled eggs (more the yolk, better the results).

Additional tips to improve digestion

To keep your body healthy and active, remember to exercise every day for at least half an hour. It will help you intensify digestion process and also ease bowel motions, thereby eliminating chances of constipation. Go for a nice morning or evening walk, or stroll down the park to keep your body active and flexible.

Remember to consume at least 28 grams of dietary fiber each day to facilitate better digestion. Among fruits, go for bananas, oranges, apples, mangoes, and strawberries. Eat green and leafy vegetables and whole grains for proper good fiber supply.

Whenever you are changing your diet routine, always consult your dietician. If you feel any sort of discomfort in the diet, talk to your doctor and ask for suggestions. Do not alter anything on

Are IVF costs differently for how many cycles you need?

If for any case you and your partner are having issues bearing children, the best option is to turn to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This increases chances of getting children. However, paying for IVF treatment can be challenging especially when you don’t have information about how much they charge. The worst thing about it is that its average cost is higher than most of the people can realize. This is the main reason that most of the people go without seeking treatment.

In the US, the average cost of one cycle of IVF is between $12,000 and $15,000. I see that this is a huge expense to swallow but do you really know what goes into that cost? The fact is that the average cost of consulting a specialist and getting tested for infertility may cost you $1,500 and $3,500 respectively. In some other cases and situations it may cost more. Obviously if you have other complications or if you need more testing than the average tests you will have to sacrifice more. The other thing that may influence the total cost of consultation and testing is if for any case your tests turn out to be incorrect or if you need further consultation.

It all depends on where you are treated and for this reason, it can cost as much as $15,000 or even as low as $10,000. You may end up paying $7,000 per cycle for additional cycles. One complete IVF cycle refers to the stage from Ovulation stimulation to embryo implantation.

Medical costs of IVF

IVF medication is an integral part of the IVF process and hence you will also be required to incur some costs on that. Medication costs are not usually included in the consultation and treatment fees and hence they may set you back to somewhere between $1,500 to $5,000 per cycle.

What influences the cost of IVF?

There are several factors that make the costs of IVF to vary. The first reason is that everyone is different and for that reason, every person needs a custom approach to the problem. The other thing is that there’s no IVF experience that is created equally. Other influencing factors include fertility and genetic issues. What this means is that your journey, in this case, is different from someone else’s approach.

Additional factors why your IVF costs may vary include geographic area, the clinic you attend and individual consideration. It also depends on specific needs of whether using sperms donor or a surrogate. The other factors are freezing eggs and genetic screens.

Additional costs

It may cost you more on the below areas.
Egg donation which depends entirely on your fertility issue.
Intracytoplasmic sperm Injection which calls for the injection of a single sperm in an egg.
Blastocyst culture which focuses on embryo culture. This may cost you as low as $175.
PGD which is a genetic test of singular cells within an embryo costing about $4,000-$7,500.
Others include Embryo Freezing, Sperm Freezing, Embryo storage, and Frozen Embryo Transfer cycle.

COMPLICATIONS DURING PREGANANCY

“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”

― Buddha

While medical sciences have reached the zenith of success in diagnosing health issues, still there is a strong urge to accepting pre-emptive stratagem. Women contemporaneously with men are at a much higher risk of getting infected. As the maternity stage of women is crucial for not one but two souls; therefore, this article covers some of the pervasive health issues of women experiencing such a step.

UTERINE FIBROIDS

This type of abnormality is the growth of uterus among women in the childbearing stage. Although it is non-cancerous, still it must be avoided as its outcome is sporadically painful. There are as such no explicit symptoms of it except some like constipation, frequent urination, surfeit menstrual bleeding which can exacerbate the condition of the fetus. Genetic changes, Hormones, and Insulin-like growth factors are held responsible for its cause.

THYROID

The thyroid is the swelling of a section of the neck (a butterfly-shaped gland). Thyroid cancer has reported being disseminating among women at a much higher rate than men. Ramifications of thyroid are not lethal and can be cured through treatment.

So far the causes of thyroid are unknown, but a lack of iodine has been speculated to be the sole origin. Acute pain in the neck, bulging of skin around the Adams Apple, difficulty in swallowing, is a signal that one is developing this menace and should seek a doctor.

GYNECOLOGIC CANCER

Another widespread epidemic is the Gynecologic Cancer- a cancer of women’s reproductive system. It is de facto, a family of tumors furcating into five sub smaller cancers, namely cervical, ovarian, uterine, vulvar, and vaginal. All of the tumors have a common origin point i.e., pelvis.

Annually, 84000 women have been diagnosed in the USA with this malice, amounting to 24000 deaths.

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation is the only treatment so far discovered, and only affluent people can bear it.

Interstitial Cystitis

Whether it is a damsel or expecting lady, Interstitial Cystitis is prevalent in both an equal level. In this disorder, there is immense pain and pressure in the bladder. The ache ranges from mild to severe, depending upon the duration. Females usually feel pain while getting intimate. Apart from the bladder, if not considered a grave issue, it can affect its adjacent areas like urethra and kidneys; thereby disturbing the whole urinary systems.

An average human being urinates no more than seven times a day. The frequency of the victim of Interstitial Cystitis gets double or triple leading to urgency.

HIV AND AIDS

Amidst the growing population, the epidemic which has disdainful effects and raised eyebrows is Human Immune Virus (HIV) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is a sexually transmitted disease and is a harbinger of death to many.

Women are more prone to getting it via intercourse with a person who has undergone multiple blood transfusions or subjected to some infected blood. The virus can easily pass onto the baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Haplessly, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but medications can hamper the growth of the virus. Fever, diarrhea, headache, oral yeast infection, weight loss are some of the indications.

Nonetheless, never is too late, provided that if you have indeed been precautious. Arrange quarterly if not monthly doctor visits for a health checkup. Consult to recommended consultants (such as https://www.advancedgynecology.com/location/alpharetta/) in case if you feel worried about any certain and continuous symptoms.

Breastfeeding in Public – Tips for the Nursing Mothers

Imagine a situation where you are waiting in line at the checkout of your local grocery store, with your baby in tow. You have had an exhausting week fraught with sleeplessness and would like nothing more than a long relaxing nap.

Sadly, your newborn is having none of that.

She screams in hunger and grapples with her blanket, sending you into a frenzy.

All eyes land on you as you desperately try to lift your shirt under the blanket, trying to feed the baby without flashing anyone. Your discomfort drastically multiplies with each movement.

This is just one of many examples of what mothers face with breastfeeding newborns.

Despite the weight of the stares from the onlookers, mothers prioritize feeding their babies above all – no matter how uncomfortable she is.

Fortunately, we have prepared a guide so nursing mothers can learn all the necessary information she needs to safely and comfortably breastfeed in public.

Is Breastfeeding in Public Legal?

In 47 of the 50 states in the US, DC and the Virgin Islands, there are laws that specifically allow mothers to breastfeed in public.

If you live outside the US and are unsure if it is legal in your area, check with the law or even doing a simple Google search can immensely help you.

Tips to Help you Comfortably and Discreetly Nurse in Public

1. Dress to Nurse with Ease

Although long, flowy, summer dresses are all the hype this season, it’s best that a nursing mother opts for a simple two-piece outfit.

T-shirts or button-down shirts are easier to lift up and you can be far more discreet when you are feeding.

You can wear layered tops as well to give you an extra cover.

Many retail chains sell maternity fashions that not only flatter you but also make feeding babies that much easier. These outfits may be equipped with flaps that can be unhooked and additionally used to provide cover.

2. Use a Blanket or a Nursing Cover

With a blanket or a nursing cover, mothers can comfortably feed and not fear to expose anyone no matter how much the baby moves.

A nursing cover also has the added advantage of straps to hold the blanket in place so that it doesn’t slip off, unlike regular blankets.

You can even wear various patterns if you are feeling a bit fancy!

If you prefer to use a blanket, make sure it is well ventilated so it doesn’t obstruct air and keep the baby’s skin cool.

3. Wear a Sling

Kill two birds with one stone. A sling helps you carry your baby and also gives the privacy you need during feeding times.

Passersby get the impression that your baby is just snoozing. Talk about convenient!

4. Practice Before Going Outside

To avoid unnecessary embarrassment lest you flash someone, try practicing in front of the mirror.

Pretend like you are in a public setting and adjust the positions of your body to minimize the amount of skin you show. Remember your baby’s feeding needs come first before looks and fashion.

Get a friend or your partner to watch as well to make sure you are getting it right.

It takes some time getting used to but once you master it, you can confidently and quickly feed your baby in the public areas.

5. Pick a Quiet Place for Feeding

The hustle bustle of public places isn’t an ideal place for a meal.

However, your baby still needs to eat.

Consider moving to a quieter space like the deeper, out of the way tables at a restaurant or a lonely park bench away from the crowds.

Don’t go to a bathroom stall or to a cleaning area. You wouldn’t eat on a smelly toilet, neither should your baby.

Putting off feeding for too long will result in a frustrated baby and a frenzied mother. Annoyed babies will not easily latch on to the nipple and thrash around, making feeding even harder.

Additionally, if you don’t find your desired space to comfortably feed the baby, ask establishment managers or staff. Most of the time, they are more than friendly and extremely accommodating.

6. Stand Up for Yourself if You Face Harassment

There are many rude people out there who would either intensely stare at you while you are feeding your baby or tell you that you are guilty of public indecency.

Do not give these people the satisfaction of getting angry or agitated. Instead, simply tell them that you are trying to feed your child and carry a copy of the law to support your argument then promptly walk away.

If you fear violence, call 911 or the emergency helpline of your country.

Most of the time, people are genuinely curious about your newborn hence the stares. Don’t let them take away your confidence to walk in public.

Conclusion

Babies, especially newborns need constant feeding and working mothers don’t always find secluded places to nurse them. That’s why mothers resort to feeding their babies wherever they can. Without proper feeding, babies can get very difficult to handle. Hopefully, these tips will help you do so without being uncomfortable

And ladies, you shouldn’t shy away from taking care of your baby. Remember, you’re a mother now and the baby’s needs always comes first.

About the Author:

This article was contributed by Stepheny on behalf of FeedFond. She’s a mother of two and many of her tips are taken from real-life experiences. Check out more of her work at FeedFond.com

Are You Pregnant? Here Are 5 Crucial Tips to Keep You and Your Unborn Child Safe and Healthy

Becoming a mum is a life-long dream that many women hope to achieve. When you finally get pregnant, there’s no doubt that you desire your baby to remain in perfect health even while they are developing in your womb. In order to achieve this, it is important for you to know the crucial dos and donts that will keep you and your child healthy and safe until delivery. Here are the key issues that you should keep in mind:

Professional health advice

Once you discover that you’re pregnant, you should set up an appointment with your doctor immediately so that they can give you professional advice on how to remain healthy during your pregnancy. Be sure to visit a trained specialist in a recognized healthcare facility. It is a must for every pregnant woman to attend all the doctor’s appointments since this is crucial to having a safe pregnancy and delivery. Also ensure that you take any vitamins or supplements that your doctor prescribes.

Proper diet and nutrition

During your doctor’s appointment, proper diet is one of the first issues that will be tackled. Since your unborn child is fully relying on you for their nutritional needs, then you should always eat healthy and well-portioned meals. Adequate protein intake is especially important during pregnancy. According to Livestrong.com, before pregnancy you need only 45 grams of protein a day. However, this increases to 70 grams while you are pregnant. Some great sources of proteins include beef, legumes, chicken and poultry. Be sure to purchase your food from reliable suppliers such as Acabonac Farms which is known to be the best grass-fed beef farm in the New York area.

Appropriate exercise

Exercise is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a pregnant woman. Many women refrain from exercise during pregnancy since they are either too tired, or they assume that all exercise is unsafe. The secret is to consult your physician and they will be able to recommend suitable exercises that you can do during the different trimesters of pregnancy. You could also get belly support bands to help keep your bump comfortable and secure during workouts.

Having good emotional health

Maintaining good emotional health is just as important as maintaining good physical health. This is especially important during pregnancy when many women are prone to experiencing mood swings owing to the fluctuating hormones. Post-partum depression is another common problem that many first-time moms experience. In order to safeguard your mental wellbeing, ensure that you have a solid support system including your friends and family. In addition, you could visit a therapist who will be able to analyze your mental health, and help you to develop strategies to avoid post-partum depression.

In summary, being pregnant is a wonderful experience that you should enjoy to the fullest. By implementing these easy steps, then you will be able to thrive in this new season as you look forward to experiencing motherhood.

Do You Need Infertility Treatment – What You Need to Know Before Making a Decision

Getting pregnant is supposed to be a joyous and special time in your life, filled with celebration and love. While that is exactly the case for many couples out there, others aren’t on such a smooth path. Statistics show that about one in every seven couples in the UK have problems conceiving, which works out to about 3.5 million people who are faced with the reality that conception isn’t going to be a simple process.

There are actually two different types of infertility: secondary infertility when the woman has had one or more pregnancies in the past but is now having issues conceiving; and primary infertility when the woman has never conceived. No matter which group you fall into, it can be an extremely stressful, sad, depressing, and hard health issue to work through.

So, how do you know if advanced fertility treatment is right for you? Your doctor will obviously be able to advise you best, but here is some information that can also prove to be useful as you work to find the best treatment plan.

When to See a Fertility Specialist?

The first question that couples are faced with is when to even see a fertility specialist. When do their “issues” warrant a trip to the specialist?

There are some common reasons such as having a history of three or more miscarriages, if the woman hasn’t been able to conceive after one year of trying and she is under the age of 35, if there are any health risk factors that may affect fertility, the woman’s ovulation schedule is irregular, or the woman has scarring or blocked fallopian tubes, or has had treatment for endometriosis.

This is just a small handful of the signs; there are other reasons that can push someone to see a fertility specialist as well.

What Kind of Fertility Treatments Are There?

There are also a number of different fertility treatments available which will help you to pick the one that is best for your specific situation. Some of the more common treatments include fertility drugs that are meant to trigger the release of eggs during the woman’s ovulation cycle, intrauterine insemination, surgery if there are genetic defects or other treatable issues, and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

IVF Has Come a Long Way

One of the most well-known fertility treatments is IVF. The treatment has come a long way since the first “test-tube baby” was born in 1978 in Oldham, England. It was a birth that caused a lot of stir around the world and has since gone on to spark a huge amount of children being born thanks to IVF.

Today, you will find fertility treatment centres that can feel more like a spa, helping the couple to relax and feel more confident in the procedure. An example is Vejthani Hospital, which offers infertility treatment in Bangkok and features all the most advanced technologies out there today. The staff are known for helping couples, not just with the physical aspects of the treatment but the emotional difficulties as well.

Don’t Hesitate to Speak to Your Doctor

For those couples who are having trouble conceiving and are wondering if it’s “normal” or not, it’s always best to talk to your doctor fairly early on so tests can be done, and answers can be found.

The Gift of Life!

How often do we feel satisfied with something we have done? When does one feel complete? These two are questions sound simple but when you try to answer, you are going to fumble. In the first place, we are not able to explain what is satisfied and complete. Deep down, the sense of achievement may combine with success and give us the feeling of satisfaction. But do we really feel complete? The answer is no. We are going to explain the feeling of being satisfied and being complete with two examples.

The feeling of being satisfied:

Raghu is a good friend of mine whom I visit often. It was summer and I am visiting him almost 2 years after his wedding. We used to have a frequent conversation on phone about everything and anything we feel like that talking. During one such conversation, he was talking about becoming a father and the responsibilities he will likely hold. He seemed a happy man with a lot of aspirations. At the same time, he was concerned about the delay that was happening. So all these thoughts occupied my mind while I park my car in front of his house. I can see Raghu walking towards me at a distance. I got down and we both waved and he urged me to come inside the house soon. I took my luggage and went in. When friends meet after a long time, the first obvious thing we do is hug each other and we did it. His wife, Priya came out with a tray of sweets. Both of them seemed very happy and I asked for the reason. Raghu shook his head in affirmation and I understood. They recently visited a Gynecologist in Bangalore for a check-up and got the good news. Priya has conceived and Raghu is going to become a dad. I saw the sense of satisfaction when Raghu shook his head. He was near his dream.

The feeling of Completeness:

Months rolled, Raghu and Priya prepared themselves to welcome their cute little one. Priya began to consult in one of the Best Maternity Hospital in Bangalore. Frequent hospital visits and family get-togethers occupied most of their time. 9 months crossed. Both Priya’s mother and Raghu’s mother were beside her. Raghu’s sister would also make frequent visits. To be frank, I was keeping track of their everyday life, asking for reports, status, checkup dates and set reminders, yes, I was also equally excited. Raghu and I met when we both were 3 years old that we can hardly remember our faces back then. Same school and college built the seed into a strong tree where we became family. One week later, I got a call from Raghu. I rushed to the hospital and to the first floor, the delivery ward. Raghu stood there as a very happy man. Relatives and friends all around. He greeted me as soon as he saw me. Took me inside the ward. Priya was lying on the bed and the cradle was kept on her right. I could never describe this feeling. I was awestruck when looked at my Raghu’s daughter. Yes, it was a girl child. Priya opened her eyes and looked at us. After getting lost for 2 minutes looking at those beautiful cheeks of our princess, I turned towards Priya. I spelled CONGRATS, Priya closed and opened her eyes to affirmation. There she is as a complete woman.

So these incidents in my life taught me the most important feelings of mankind, satisfied and complete.

Constantly Drinking Soda May Lead Lower Probability Of Pregnancy

If you have a dream to have a family one day, you might want to consider cutting back on sodas especially if you’re too fond of these drinks. New studies have shown that taking too much soda can reduce your chances of getting pregnant and there is a research that backs it up.

There is a new research today that had been published in the Journal of Epidemiology that drinking too much sugary liquids on a daily basis (like sodas) can cause fertility not just in women but also in men. In The United States, 15 % couples spend a total of 5 billion annually for fertility treatments which can be prevented if lifestyle and diet modification was made early in their lives.

The modifiable risk factor: Sugary drinks are considered as a modifiable risk factor, by raising awareness about these things and how it can badly damage health and infertility, in the long run can help greatly in reducing stress and financial challenges that couples face just for the wife to be pregnant. Modifiable risk factors can be altered and use it as an advantage than a disadvantage and the most common risk factor for infertility is a diet in general. Altering that diet from bad to worse can significantly make a positive impact.

The serious sugary problem: You would think by now with all the new and free information out there that more people will become more self-aware but what’s happening now is the exact opposite. In The United States alone, there has been a notable rise in the amount of sugar in the diet of a person in the past century. The proof here is the rise of sodas and other sugar-sweetened drinks that had been greatly associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The problem here is that it doesn’t just cause obesity and type 2 diabetes, drinking soda is also tagged as a predisposing factor to poor semen integrity and early menstruation. Although there is no direct link, the fact that it’s considered as a risk factor does need attention.

The research: There was a research conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health in Massachusetts about drinking soda and infertility association. The study was part of a web-based pregnancy study. It involved women over 3,828 women between the ages 21 to 45 and 1,045 of their male counterparts. All men and women were situated in either The United States and Canada. During the study, history taking was initiated, among the data that were collected were medical history, diet, and lifestyle. The rule of the study was the participants would get follow up questionnaires scheduled every 2 months until they reach the end maturity of the study which is 12 months or the women will get pregnant.

Based on the study, it revealed that consuming soda drinks leads to a 20 percent reduction of an average probability of conception in both sexes. The study further concludes that women who consume at least one soda a day show a 25 % lower monthly possibility of conception. While their partners that drank as much soda as they were on a daily basis had a 33 percent lower possibility of successfully conceiving.

Here’s the alarming part, people that consumed energy drinks had a much lower possibility of conceiving versus the other participants. Furthermore, their study was not able to conclude solid pieces of evidence that consuming diet sodas and fruit juices were related to infertility. Although some experts contested that the interpretation should be interpreted with a grain of salt since it only covered a very small population minus other factors. None the less it’s a good information to be alarmed about.

Consider backing down on sodas if you plan to conceive: As advised by the author of the study, there are some serious implications to public health on the amount of sugary drinks that are rampant in the United States.

“We found positive associations,” says lead study author Elizabeth Hatch, who is a professor of epidemiology, “between intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and lower fertility, which were consistent after controlling for many other factors, including obesity, caffeine intake, alcohol, smoking, and overall diet quality.” There are even indications that it impacts erections in men, so if you are one of those who binge on soda, you might want to curb that before you get a prescription to buy viagra or cialis.

“Couples planning a pregnancy might consider limiting their consumption of these beverages, especially because they are also related to other adverse health effects.”

When it’s Time to go to the Hospital When you are expecting a Baby

When you are pregnant you know when it’s time to have your baby. At least, this is what people say, but not all women experience the most common tell-tale signs of entering labor. Some women lose their mucus plug, other don’t. And the examples can continue. How do you know when it’s time to go to the hospital to give birth? The timing is very important, as some women come to hospital when they experience Braxton Hicks contractions. Knowing how to make the difference between a false alarm and the real thing is very important, so here are some signs you should head to the hospital.

Shivering

Movies don’t show pregnant women shivering, so you might not know that this is a sign of entering labor. If you start shivering really bad, you need to go to the hospital right away. Intense, full body shivering is caused by a mix of adrenaline, hormones and temperature. They don’t go away if you wrap a blanket around yourself, so don’t ignore this symptom.

Continuous Braxton Hicks contractions

As every pregnant woman knows, Braxton Hicks contractions are fake alarm. As you will learn from official Sheba website, most of the times they are light and short-lasting. But if the contractions are regular and frequent, it might be a sign of entering labor. Count the length of each contraction and how frequent they are. If they last 30 seconds and there are four minutes or less apart, it’s time to go to the hospital. Another way to tell if your contractions are Braxton Hicks or the real thing is talking. If you are able to talk during the contraction, they are fake. If not, they are real contractions, which show up before labor.

Extreme nesting

Birds are not the only creatures on earth to nest; humans and pigs also do this. During pregnancy, the two parents feel the need to prepare themselves and their home for the baby. This is normal and is called nesting. If the expecting mother feels the urge to scrub the entire house again, it might be a sign of entering labor. Few people know that extreme nesting happens in the day of entering labor.

Bowel movements

Pregnancy is filled with unpleasant moments and some of the most well-known symptoms are a weak bladder and bowel movement issues, like constipation or diarrhea.

The media is talking about pooping during childbirth, but no one talks about pooping before childbirth. Diarrhea and cramps are common signs that you are entering labor, especially if they are very frequent.

Another sign of entering labor is feeling a continuous leak, which means your water just broke. This doesn’t happen in a waterfall-like style, but it’s more like a long pee. To make sure you are not just peeing yourself, try to do a Kegel; if you can make the leak stop, it’s just pee. If not, grab the baby bag and go to the hospital.

Pregnancy is hard, painful and often the opposite of glam, but it all ends with a baby, a small creature who will become the person the woman will love more than anyone else.