The Woman's Group - Pregnancy & Menopause Information

difficulties of conception

Many couples struggle with getting pregnant. In many cases, these couples need to consult with a health care professional to explore alternative options to traditional conception. However, there are a few lifestyle adjustments that couples can make that can increase chances of fertility.

Lifestyle adjustments to increase the chances of pregnancy:

Have intercourse more than three times a week. If unsuccessful after twelve months, consult a physician.
Be sure to have intercourse during your most fertile days (days 5 to 14 of your menstrual cycle).
Men may need to wear loose-fitting undershorts as opposed to tight fitting briefs. Briefs can lower sperm count, as this garment increases temperature within the scrotum.

See a gynecologist if these changes are not effective. An Ob/Gyn can offer alternative pregnancy methods that require medical supervision.

preparation for pregnancy
It is helpful to begin to prepare for pregnancy at least a year in advance. That allows time to get to a healthy body weight slowly by eating nutritious foods, to stop smoking and drinking and to get off birth control. Getting the body to a healthy weight is a crucial step to take before pregnancy since mothers who are overweight are more likely to have stillborn babies and encounter other health issues like diabetes and hypertension. Dieting during pregnancy can lead to fetal complications and should never be attempted. A healthy diet with recommended prenatal amounts of folic acid and iron is crucial three months before conception. Getting off birth control allows a woman's period to stabilize making it easier to predict the due date, which helps prevent against miscarriages. The first few weeks into the first trimester are crucial to having a healthy baby yet many women don't even realize they are pregnant during this time. Preparing to be pregnant before trying to conceive is extremely helpful to the health of the fetus.

Men should also avoid stress and drinking three months before conception, which will help regulate hormone levels in sperm.

Another good game plan when preparing for conception is to visit the gynecologist. A physician can recommend multi-vitamins and using a barrier method like a condom rather than taking hormones to keep from getting pregnant. The physician can discuss medical history and recommend individual health precautions before and during pregnancy. Daily medication may be altered to keep from harming the fetus. Also mothers-to-be should be updated on all immunizations, especially rubella. Be sure to get help for depression or anxiety as well. Mental health is another crucial aspect to the developing baby.
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signs of pregnancy
The most common sign of pregnancy in women is a missed period. One of the best ways to confirm pregnancy in this case is to perform a self-pregnancy test, which is very accurate when done correctly. A pregnancy test through a physician should be administered if there is a negative response when the test has been administered correctly. Even if a home pregnancy test is negative, treat the body as though pregnant until the physician disproves it.

Other than the missed period, signs of pregnancy include breast tenderness and nausea. Pregnancy also can cause a change in sleep patterns. Some women are constantly sleepy while others are unable to get any sleep. Frequent urination, lower abdominal cramps, backaches, food cravings, and darkening of the areola are other symptoms.

Women can experience any of these indicators for reasons other than pregnancy. However, women who experience several at one time should consult their physician immediately and test for pregnancy.
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first trimester
The first 13 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period is referred to as the first trimester, this is a very delicate time for the fetus. The fetus is so small that too much of the wrong thing or not enough of the right thing can cause brain damage, spina bifida and other defects. It is important to quit smoking, drinking and taking drugs when pregnant. It is also imperative to get 0.4 mg of folic acid a day. Check out nutrition labels. Some cereals offer 100 percent of the daily recommendation in just one serving. Other folic-friendly foods include orange juice, rice, pasta, breads and leafy greens. Mothers should not change cat litter boxes or eat undercooked meat during pregnancy, which can contain harmful toxoplasmosis that an adult's immune system can ward off, but against which a developing baby has no defense. Paint fumes, poisons and other chemical fumes can also have harmful effects on a baby.

For the health of the baby, it is important to see a physician regularly. An Ob/Gyn can show women how their personal health relates to their baby’s health, monitor the health of the baby and help new mothers with any questions they may have.

There are certain things to expect in the first trimester. First, women may still experience some spotting during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Breast tenderness also usually accompanies the first trimester as milk glands are forming. Breasts grow during this time, the areola darkens and nipples become more erect. Increased levels of progesterone in the body and the pressure of the uterus on the bladder can cause frequent urination. Sleepiness is another common symptom in the first trimester. Usually during this time, women need about ten hours of sleep a night. Women who work should rest after they get home from work and arrange to have someone help with the housework. Low blood pressure can cause fainting during the first trimester as a large amount of blood is flowing to the uterus and the progesterone causes smooth muscles of the blood vessels to dilate. Increasing fiber and fluid intake can help avoid constipation, which is very common in the first trimester. Lower back pain can also be a nuisance during this time.
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morning sickness can last all day
One of the trademarks of pregnancy is morning sickness. Sixty to 80 percent of pregnant women experience morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, in the first trimester of pregnancy. Although the name indicates that it begins in the morning, morning sickness can last all day for weeks at a time. While most cases are a nuisance but not harmful to the developing baby, some women may need to seek medical attention if they cannot keep any food in the stomach. To alleviate morning sickness, it is a good idea to start off the day with some toast or crackers and to continue to snack throughout the day on foods that agree with the stomach. Sleeping and exercise can also help alleviate symptoms.

With morning sickness, a pregnant mother may find smells that never bothered her before nauseating. She may only want to eat one or two types of foods. However, it is imperative to eat a variety of food in the first trimester for the baby. The worst thing to do is to become malnourished or dehydrated. Continually sip on juice and nibble on crackers to keep from having stomach upset.

This disruptive side effect does have its benefits. Studies have shown that overall, women with morning sickness have healthier babies than mothers who do not experience morning sickness. This is not to say that women who do not experience morning sickness can not have a healthy baby.

Remember that all nausea during the first trimester is not necessarily morning sickness. It could be a virus like the flu, and a physician should be consulted if stomach upset is extremely uncomfortable. It is a good idea to be overly cautious during the first trimester and to stay in close contact with a gynecologist.
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eating for two
Weight gain is natural and necessary during pregnancy. Many women have their physician recommend a nutritionist to help them gain the right amount of weight and select foods that are most beneficial to their baby. Every woman is different and for many it is difficult to stick to the stringent diet required of them. A nutritionist can help a woman balance out what her needs are and how to fit her diet into her lifestyle. For example, some women are able to drink a cup of coffee a day while other women are highly sensitive to coffee and should not drink caffeine during pregnancy.

Pregnant women should up their ideal caloric intake by 200 calories per day while pregnant. This doesn't mean eating everything in sight. Nutrition should be packed into every meal for healthy prenatal development. Although it is recommended to avoid junk food, an occasional splurge like a bowl of ice cream or some potato chips will not harm the baby.

It is also important to exercise moderately during pregnancy. There are several aerobics and yoga classes designed for pregnancy. Even a daily walk will help slow weight gain and build muscle strength, which is particularly helpful during labor.
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miscarriage
It is most common to miscarry in the first trimester. One in six pregnancies ends in miscarriage which can be devastating to a family. The reason for a miscarriage can stem from many factors. Some research indicates that up to 60 percent of miscarriages are the body’s way of naturally expelling a fetus that is not developing the way it should. Cramps and or heavy bleeding can be an indicator that the baby will miscarry. The encouraging news is that most women who miscarry in their first pregnancy will not miscarry in the future.
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second trimester
In the second trimester, rather than just looking bigger, people will recognize that you are pregnant. At 20 weeks, the uterus extends past the belly button. Morning sickness tends to subside, and the chance of miscarriage lowers considerably. Energy also returns during this time, as substantial amounts of energy are no longer needed as they were in the first trimester to create the fetus. By week 14, the fetus has formed and is about four and a half inches long. During the second trimester, bone marrow will produce more blood and the size of your heart will slightly increase. Salivating is common in the second trimester as well. In this stage, the uterus can grow up to twenty times and stretch marks along the stomach are common. It is important to get enough iron during this time to avoid anemia.

Although many of the first trimester symptoms subside, they are followed by second trimester symptoms unique in and of themselves. For example, breasts are fully functional, and a yellowish discharge will secrete from them from time to time. Another side effect during the second trimester is the development of varicose veins, which develop from the increase in blood flow necessary for development of the baby. To prevent or lessen signs of varicose veins, prop legs up with pillows while lying down, stay at a healthy pregnancy weight, wear support pantyhose to keep blood circulation, wear loose fitting clothes and go on daily walks. Indigestion is often present in pregnancy from the second trimester on as well. As the uterus grows, it applies pressure to the stomach. To alleviate the pain, avoid fatty, greasy foods as they are hard to digest, eat slowly, do not eat later in the evening and do not drink coffee, tea or smoke.

The second trimester is an interesting time, as the baby’s small ears can hear his or her mother’s conversations, eyelashes and eyebrows begin to grow. By 24 weeks, babies start experiencing rapid eye movement.
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third trimester
The third trimester is a crucial, developmental time for the baby’s brain, lungs and other organs. However, during the third trimester, babies who are born early can still be mature enough to survive. During the third trimester, the weight of the uterus can cause lower back and abdominal pain. During this time, the baby grows rapidly and positions itself in place for birth. He or she usually weighs over seven pounds by the end of this trimester.

During the third trimester, mothers-to-be will find it beneficial to enroll in child birthing classes to help prepare for labor. Daily walks or low-impact exercise can help maintain fitness levels that will assist in childbirth and help to maintain the health of the child by staying at a healthy weight.
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labor
There are several types of delivery that need to be discussed with a physician. The most common type of delivery is vaginal. Natural deliveries are vaginal deliveries without the aid of pain-killing drugs. Many women who have vaginal deliveries prefer to have an epidural, a drug that helps numb the pain of childbirth. Women with complicated labors often choose an epidural to make their pregnancy less painful. Another manner of delivery is the cesarean, where surgeons deliver the baby by making an incision in the abdomen. Cesareans are administered when the baby or mother has a health risk that would make natural delivery dangerous. Speaking with a personal physician and gaining further education through informative Web sites and books will help to prepare soon-to-be mothers for childbirth and to understand the different pregnancy options more in-depth.
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breast-feeding
The most nutritious substance for a newborn baby is breast milk. Breast milk seems to be a miracle food as the fatty acids encourage brain development. The milk also helps prevent against diabetes, childhood cancer, infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections and more. Formula milk is not as beneficial to babies although it is a good alternative for mothers who are unable to breast-feed. Mothers also benefit from breast-feeding. Some evidence suggests breast-feeding helps prevent against breast cancer or ovarian cancer later on in life. Women who breast-feed also tend to lose five pounds more the year after their delivery than mothers who do not. Classes are available to instruct mothers on how to breast-feed and physicians can be another useful resource in breast-feeding education.
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postpartum depression
After surviving nine long months of pregnancy and battling through labor, new mothers are blessed with the greatest reward. However, the exhaustion of going into labor is followed by sleepless nights as the baby cries adjusting to life outside of the womb. The mother must go through a readjustment of her own getting her hormonal levels back to normal. Becoming a new mother can also be a difficult transition, as the realization of new responsibilities set in. These genuinely stressful factors cause many new mothers to lose their enthusiasm.

Usually, mothers recover from this depression within a few weeks or a month, but if the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek counseling. A physician will be able to help make healthy decisions and, in some cases, prescribe medication to aid in recovery.
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menopause
Menopause refers to the date of a woman's last period and usually occurs between the ages of 48 and 52, although some women experience menopause as early as their late thirties or as late as the mid-50s. There are four stages of menopause. The first stage is pre-menopausal. This stage occurs before a woman has had her final period, yet her periods begin to get irregular. Stage two of menopause is named perimenopause. In this stage she will experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness and have erratic periods. Menopause, the next stage, occurs when a woman has her final period. However, she will not know it is her final period until a year later, ensuring that she is not simply irregular. Postmenopause is the period of life following menopause.
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