I remember those last few weeks of first-time pregnancy like yesterday -- mostly, I was just freaked out. What the heck am I going to DO with a new baby?! I was the first of my friends to start a family and the internet hadn't quite yet exploded with never-ending pregnancy and parenting insight and…
Signs of Preterm Labor in Pregnancy
Preterm labor is labor that occurs before the 37th week in a normal 40-week pregnancy. The March of Dimes reports that 12 percent of babies born in the United States each year are born premature. These babies usually require longer hospital stays and experience more extensive long-term health problems. Sadly, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), premature babies account for most newborn deaths. Learn the signs of preterm labor in pregnancy so you can be prepared.
Early Signs You Are Pregnant With Twins
Those who are pregnant with twins have an increased risk of pregnancy complications, so it’s essential to know as early as possible whether you are carrying more than one baby. Certain signs may point to twins — or more — but the only sure way to tell is through an ultrasound. Still, it’s fun to play the guessing game by looking for common signs.
Breast Pains & Pregnancy
The enlarged breasts associated with pregnancy might be the one weight gain you are enjoying. Even if you like the look of your new chest, the pain that comes with it might be more than you can bear sometimes. Breast pain, a natural part of pregnancy, is often one of the first symptoms a woman notices before she pees on the stick.
Trouble Breathing While Pregnant
Pregnancy brings many changes to your body. Your clothes will no longer fit. You may need afternoon naps and as the pregnancy progresses, you will periodically have trouble breathing. Three out of four pregnant women report trouble breathing. There are several reasons for shortness of breath during pregnancy. Understanding what they are and what to do about it will put your mind at ease.
How to Track Your Fertility Cycle
Tracking your fertility cycle can be used as both a natural form of birth control and to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Women are most fertile the day of and five days before ovulation. This is because an egg only survives about 24 hours, while sperm can live for up to five days. Some methods are not for the squeamish, but they do give valuable information about your fertility cycle. Doctors even use these signs to help discover potential fertility problems.
Signs of a Fallopian Tube Pregnancy
A fallopian tube pregnancy, also called a tubal pregnancy, happens when a woman’s fertilized egg attaches to a place outside the uterus and inside the fallopian tube. A baby cannot develop normally in the fallopian tube, so this condition has to be treated. If not treated, a fallopian tube pregnancy is usually fatal. A fallopian tube pregnancy happens in one out of every 60 pregnancies, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Knowing the signs and the causes of a fallopian tube pregnancy will help you to detect one better. The sooner it is detected, the better.
Stomach Cramps and Pregnancy
You might expect some discomfort during pregnancy, but stomach cramps can cause you to worry. Cramping may simply be a sign that you ate something that didn’t agree with you, but it can also signal more serious problems. Learn the potential warning signs to determine whether you should be worried by your cramps.
Pregnancy & Due Date
When you announce your pregnancy to the world, the first thing most people want to know is, “When are you due?” In fact, if you just found out that you are pregnant, this question may be at the forefront of your mind as well. Learn how to calculate your due date and what that all-important date really means.
Anemia Symptoms in Pregnancy
Half of pregnant women develop iron-deficiency anemia, reports the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Anemia during pregnancy can cause problems, such as low-birth weight, reduced amniotic fluid and premature delivery. Because many of the symptoms of anemia also mimic symptoms of pregnancy, it can prove difficult to identify. Small differences in the symptoms, however, will help you identify whether you have anemia.