You’ve been to the doctor, the bookstore, the baby store and are ready to tell the world your big news–you are expecting. While the doctor is full of wise medical information on your condition, there are also a million books to help you along the way. The stores are also packed with advice-giving clerks and fellow mothers-to-be. You may find that what you really need is to discover the lighter, more humorous, side of being pregnant.
Signs of Water Breaking in Pregnancy
When you are in your ninth month of pregnancy, your water could break at any time. It’s probably best that this doesn’t happen when you are giving a speech in front of a large crowd of people or when you are a guest at a formal dinner party. The good news is that only about 10 percent of women experience their water breaking before they are checked in at the hospital. But, since you don’t know for sure, it is understandable why many women are interested in knowing what, if any, signs will occur before your water breaks.
When Can a Baby Hear in the Womb?
A baby develops the ability to hear sounds at about 18 weeks into the pregnancy, according to MayoClinic.com. The uterus, though snug and warm, is not soundproof. In fact, your baby can hear — and respond to — a wide range of sounds, from those your body makes to sounds outside your womb.
How to Increase Sex Drive When Pregnant
Your pregnancy can produce many changes in your life. The activities you used to enjoy may hold little appeal. Your growing baby, expanding belly and shifting hormones may affect your sex drive. Many women experience an increase in libido during certain stages of pregnancy, while feeling a reduced sexual desire during other stages. Although the reasons for your sex drive may range from physical changes to emotional stress, certain practices can safely increase your desire and your sexual enjoyment.
Signs of Down Syndrome During Pregnancy
There is no way to diagnose whether your baby has Down syndrome with 100 percent certainty. However, there are some tests which–when combined with each other and risk factors like your age and your family history–can give you an estimation of the likeliness that your baby carries the trisomy 21 gene, which causes Down syndrome. Diagnostic tests are also available, which can tell you whether your baby carries the gene, but they come with the risk of miscarriage.
Helpful Tips to Get Pregnant
When you decide to have a family, it is both exciting and scary. Getting pregnant may be easy, or it can be a bit more difficult. Understanding your body and taking proper care of yourself can help you to get pregnant quickly and easily. Before you know it, you’ll be holding a positive pregnancy test and preparing for the wonder and joy of a new baby in your home.
Types of Over-the-Counter Birth Control
If you have not made it to the doctor yet, or simply prefer to avoid the doctor, there are some contraceptive choices available over-the-counter (OTC) at your local drugstore, grocery store or discount store. OTC birth control is affordable, accessible and effective, if it is used correctly. Both barrier methods and chemical contraceptive options are easily purchased without a prescription.
Can You Get Pregnant With Endometriosis?
If you have endometriosis, you may be wondering how it will affect your fertility and if you will be able to become pregnant. According to Pennsylvania State College, endometriosis affects between 7 and 15 percent of women between 25 and 44 years old. This condition may run in families, meaning you are more likely to have endometriosis if your mother or your sister has this condition. Endometriosis occurs when cells that normally line the inside of the uterus begin growing outside the uterus.
How Weight Gain Occurs With Pregnancy
Weight gain is a natural part of pregnancy. Your growing belly accommodates your baby, but your weight also increases with other fluids and body changes. The increased numbers on the scale causes anxiety in some pregnant women. As long as you eat a healthy diet and stay within the recommended weight gain ranges, remember that the weight is necessary for your baby’s healthy development.
How to Tell If You Are Pregnant While Breastfeeding
While it's a common misconception that breastfeeding prevents you from getting pregnant again, many new moms end up with two babies close in age because they thought they were protected. The fact is, it's possible to ovulate while breastfeeding, which means you can conceive if you're sexually active during your fertile time. Here are some…