Cold sores and pregnancy, although rare, can be serious concern for new mothers who suffer from the herpes simplex virus. It is understandable to be concerned, so let’s take a deeper look into this health issue.

The herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores is not a genetic condition, meaning that you can’t automatically pass it on to your unborn child. The cold sore virus is only spread by coming in direct contact with someone who is infected.

Cold sores and pregnancy can be a health concern during the delivery of your baby. If you are about to give birth and have an active cold sore or herpes outbreak around the birth canal, your doctor will do a c-section delivery instead to protect your baby from coming in contact with the virus. It’s important to note that if you have herpes, but are not currently having an outbreak, a normal delivery should be fine.

Studies have shown that women who have had the herpes simplex virus long before becoming pregnant are at a very low risk of infecting the baby.

The one area that is of greatest concern is if you contract the herpes virus for the first time during your pregnancy. There will be a very high likelyhood of passing it on to your baby. Neonatal herpes as it is termed, can be fatal to your baby. You must get in contact with your doctor immediately if this occurs. Since Neonatal herpes is not a reportable disease in many different states, it is impossible to know exactly how many cases there are each year. Estimates put the number at 1,000-3,000, so cold sores and pregnancy are a concern to be mindful of, especially if you have had them in the past.

What is more amazing, and quite sad, is the fact that 5%-8% of all newborn babies who contract neonatal herpes get the virus by being kissed from an adult who has an active cold sore. While this is hard to believe, it points out the fact that you have to be careful in who is around your new baby.

The best tip in regards to having cold sores and wanting to get pregnant is to talk with your health care provider beforehand. Regardless of whether you currently have an active herpes outbreak, or if it has been years ago, talk with the medical experts and get all your questions answered in regards to cold sores and pregnancy.

By: Terry Edwards

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Forex Trading

The circulatory system undergoes several changes during pregnancy. One of the most frequently-encountered problems which women face during the second and third trimesters is bad circulation in pregnancy, particularly leg cramps. This sudden stiffening of the leg muscles can sometimes be very painful. The reasons for developing such cramps during pregnancy are not clear; however changes in blood circulation during pregnancy, the stress on the leg muscles caused by carrying the extra weight of the baby are cited as probable factors contributing to the cramps.

While bad circulation in pregnancy does not pose a threat, if it is accompanied by redness, swelling or a warm feeling, you should consult your doctor. There are very simple exercises which could help you prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. Stretching your legs before you go to sleep could help in the reduction of stress on your leg muscles. When you straighten your legs, you must stretch your heels first and do some circular motions with your toes, clock and anti clock-wise. While doing the exercises, avoid pointing your toes.

The other thing you need to avoid is to remaining one position, standing or sitting, for a long period of time. Being in one position would restrict the blood flow and can cause circulatory problems. During pregnancy, some simple but effective exercises like walking promotes blood circulation. Leg cramps can also be treated with gentle massage or application of a warm towel round the legs

It is not uncommon to feel a bit light-headed during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that during this period, the cardiovascular system can undergo some very quick changes, with heart rate going up and the heart pumping more blood per minute. Even the quantum of blood in your body increases by 40 to 45%. During normal pregnancy, you would experience a reduction in blood pressure during the early stages. This reaches its lowest point some time in the middle of pregnancy and then starts to rise till it reaches normal level at the end of pregnancy. While the cardiovascular and the nervous system can handle these changes, at times it fails to do so and it can result in a feeling of dizzy and light-headed. So long as you do not faint as a result of this light-headedness there is no cause for worry. You just have to lie down so that you do not fall down and hurt yourself. If you are in a place where lying down is not possible, you could sit down for some time and try to put your head between your knees.

One of the ways you could prevent this feeling of light-headedness during pregnancy is to always try to lie down on your left, as then it is easy for the blood to flow to your heart and the brain. Here is some more information on the causes of light-headedness during pregnancy and how you can prevent them:

Never change your body position too fast. For instance, if you are lying down, do not get up too fast and if you are sitting, do not stand up with a jerk.

When you are stationary in one position, keep on twirling your legs from one position to the other. This will promote circulation.

Avoid lying down on your back during the second and third semesters. This affects the blood circulation negatively. Your heart rate will increase, blood pressure may drop and you may feel light-headed, dizzy or nausea. Instead it is safer to lie on your side than flat on the back.

Drink enough fluids and eat properly. When you do not eat well, your blood sugar level drops and result in your feeling dizzy and uneasy. If you do not feel like eating at the right time, keep on having small quantities of food at regular intervals.

Iron deficiency anemia is responsible for having fewer amounts of blood cells to carry the oxygen to your brain. Make your diet iron-rich so that you have enough blood to feed your heart and brain.

By: R. Sharp

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Gifts for Babies

As much as we would like to use natural labor inducing remedies to start labor as soon as 38 pregnancy weeks are full, it is good to remember that babies have their own calendar. Some babies will come at 38 weeks, and other times will need 42 weeks before they are ready. Thus, you are not overdue, or “postdates” as used by medical standards, until 42 weeks.

Nowadays, it is more common to hear that you are “overdue” even if your due date was only yesterday! Your due date is only a very rough target date, that is why it is referred to as EDD — estimated due date.

However, if you are truly overdue and threatened by medical induction, Castor Oil is one of the natural labor inducing remedies that have been used for quite a long time. Many women, who gave birth twenty or thirty years ago and whose labor was induced with Castor Oil, are now passing the knowledge about this natural remedy to their daughters.

There are very few studies about using Castor Oil for inducing labor naturally. One study published in Alternative Therapies (January 2000) reported that 58% of the mothers who were given Castor Oil began labor in the specified period.

The theory behind this mechanism, in which Castor Oil induces labor, is that the remedy causes diarrhea cramps by irritating the smooth muscles of the intestine. This irritation is passed to the uterus, which is a smooth muscle, as well. Irritation of the uterus increases the prostaglandin level, resulting in contractions and labor.

Castor Oil starts the diarrhea two to six hours after drinking the oil. The contractions should begin shortly after that. Some midwives and mothers swear on this method and have repeatedly used this to conclude an overdue pregnancy. Others feel it is not worth the discomfort.

After taking Castor Oil, the diarrhea is inevitable but it is usually over by the time you go into labor. One of the very possible side effects is that the severe diarrhea and cramping caused by Castor Oil could dehydrate you. This could be a serious problem, especially if you are delivering in a hospital where mothers are not allowed to drink fluids during labor. The mother’s dehydration may be associated with a higher risk of the baby passing meconium — his or her first stool — into the amniotic fluid. If the baby inhales meconium-stained fluid before or during the birth, it can cause severe illness for the baby.

Moreover, dehydration makes you tired and less able to endure physical activity. If you are suffering from dehydration, this means that your uterus is dehydrated as well. Dehydration aggravates the uterus, which in turn causes more pain for the mother. This might make you less able to handle natural childbirth, and puts you at increased risk for medical interventions.

Thus, if you induce labor with Castor Oil, you must remember the importance of keeping your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

By: Lena Leino

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Tax Lawyers

Tamiflu is a medicine that is to be taken when you are infected by the influenza virus. Now that I have covered what Tamiflu is briefly I will go into the details and then give you a study on the effects of Tamiflu when you are pregnant and lactating because this too is an important part of pregnancy.

How Tamiflu treats the Flu

The main ingredient of the Tamiflu medicine is the Oseltamivir phosphate. This medicine belongs among a group of medications which is called the neuraminidase inhibitors. The medicine acts in this way; it attacks the influenza virus in the body and stops it from spreading inside the body. This is a great cure. You will feel the symptoms reducing within a span of two days. Most other medications for flu go for the symptoms and try to cure the symptoms or mask them. So you can simply say that Tamiflu treats the flu at the source of the infection.

Tamiflu Dosage

For knowing its effects on pregnancy one should know the dosage of the capsule. Each capsule of the medication contains seventy five grams of the active drug. The capsule is a grey and light yellow capsule. For persons afflicted by the flu, they re supposed to take two capsules orally; one capsule in the morning and one in the evening. For people who have been exposed to the influenza virus and they who are taking this medicine as a preventive measure against the flu should take only one seventy five grams capsule in a day. In the earlier case the person is prescribed this medicine for a period of five days and in the second case for a period of seven days. So this is the approximate dosage of what a pregnant lady will have if she is faced with the consequences of taking Tamiflu.

Studies conducted on the medication for pregnancy

Now I will be discussing the studies conducted on the medication for pregnancy. The FDA has categorized this drug under the medical category “C”. The data collected is insufficient to give a clear picture on the effects of Tamiflu on pregnant women and her developing fetus. As there was no human specimens in the tests initial tests were conducted on rats. Then in a later stage we switched over to rabbits. The pregnant rats were given Tamiflu in different proportions. They were administered dosages of fifty, two hundred and fifty and one thousand five hundred milligrams for per kilogram per day. The rabbits were given fifty, one hundred and fifty and five hundred milligrams for every kilogram per day. Both these animals were given the medication by the oral route. The relative exposure rates were accounted for. In a rat the exposure for these doses was two, thirteen and a hundred times. In the case of the rabbit it was four, eight and a fifty times. Pharmacokinetic study showed that fetal exposure was there in both the cases. In the case of the rats, the maternal toxicity was minimal that too in the one thousand five hundred milligram per kilogram per day group. The rabbit showed slight maternal toxicities. Skeletal abnormalities were observed in the cases where the doses were increased. However the abnormality remained in the background.

The studies came to the conclusion as such, “Tamiflu should be prescribed to a pregnant woman only if the case justifies the potential benefit of the fetus.”

A similar study was conducted on rats and rabbits for the effects of Tamiflu in lactating mothers. It was observed that Oseltamivir and Oseltamivir carboxylate are given out in the milk. A similar human study could not be conducted due to the lack of lactating mothers infected by the flu who are willing to contribute towards experimentation.

Anyway the conclusion drawn is also the same as that drawn for the pregnancy test. It was again cited “Tamiflu should be prescribed to a pregnant woman only if the case justifies the potential benefit of the foetus.”

By: Ian Mason

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Part Time Income

Pregnancy complications in women over thirty are several as age plays an important role in pregnancy. There has been a growing tendency to have children well over the age of thirty as nowadays in many families both partners are busy with their professional lives. This is also because many couples are unaware that the risks during pregnancy are higher in a women aged 30 and above. In fact these days it is not unusual for women above 40 and even 50 planning a pregnancy! It is a fact that many older women have successfully given birth to healthy babies and have had no complications, but there are a few risk factors associated with the advancing age of the expectant mother.

Factors That Affect Pregnancy In Older Women

The foremost pregnancy problem in women above 30 is getting pregnant itself! This is because fertility of women starts to decrease with age and in cases where women are over 30 they may even need fertility treatment which has the increased risk of inducing multiple pregnancies in some cases.

A few of the most common pregnancy complications in women over thirty are hypertension, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental abruption or placental pervia and bleeding or spotting. Women older than 35 years also have a greater risk of carrying pre-term babies, low birth weight babies and in many cases the babies may be in need of neonatal care. Older expectant women also have an increased chance of having multiple pregnancies. The incidence of fetal death during the last trimester is also high in women older than 35.

Other pregnancy complications in women over thirty include the risks of giving birth to a baby with Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. Medical tests such as amniocentesis are done to determine risks to the unborn child.

One other risk during pregnancy in older women is the effect that disease conditions of the heart, kidney, or diabetes and hypertension have on the health of the pregnant women. The chances of still birth also increase with age as does the need for a C-section.

These are just a few of the pregnancy complications in women over thirty. It gives you a general idea of some of the risk factors associated with the advancing age of the expectant mother. Remember that women from all age brackets do have their set of pregnancy complications and that despite the high risk and complications involved, many of them have ensured that they have a safe and healthy pregnancy by following the advice of their consultants and by adopting proper pregnancy planning techniques.

Most pregnancy complications in women over thirty can be prevented and the chances of a health pregnancy and birth increased by following a regime of regular nutritious meals, recommended exercise, prescribed increased intake of folic acid and other supplements and by having a positive outlook and attitude.

By: Saurabh K Jain

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SEO Services

Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that causes a sideways S- or C-shaped curvature to develop over time. Scoliosis is not a reason to avoid pregnancy. It does not cause any major risks to the fetus or physical limitations to the child. The effects of pregnancy on patients with scoliosis are examined in terms of increased risk of progression of the curvature of spine. Some studies show that patients lost 2, 6, and 18 degrees of correction during their first pregnancies. But the curves stayed the same or were enhanced with later pregnancies.

There is no evidence that scoliosis damages fertility. It does not lead to an increased number of spontaneous abortions, stillbirths or congenital malformations. Before 1950, it was believed that pregnancy would make scoliosis worse. Over the past 40 years, several studies have been done in hundreds of women with the disease. It shows that pregnancy, labor, delivery and fetal complications are no different in women with scoliosis and without the disease. In addition, surveys of relapse rates and MRI scans verify that pregnancy considerably reduces the possibilities of a relapse.

Generally, scoliosis does not increase during pregnancy. As the pregnancy hormones dampen the activity of the immune system, the symptoms of this disease are often stabilized during pregnancy. It does not provide any adverse effects on the period of pregnancy and the ability to deliver children. The pregnancy progress is uncomplicated and the baby grows normally. Compared with normal patients, pregnant patients with scoliosis may experience greater back pain. They require detailed monitoring of the disease and fetal security. Increased use of assistive devices to walk and the use of wheel chair are advisable. Certain drugs used in the treatment of scoliosis cause birth defects, and are to be avoided.

Bladder and bowel problems may be a problem for women with scoliosis who already have urinary or bowel dysfunction. Weakness due to scoliosis may prevent sufficient pushing at the time of the birth. It results the use of forceps or suction assistance. Supportive treatment and rehabilitation for scoliosis are especially important throughout pregnancy for reducing weakness and back or neck pain. The best ways to keep healthy are proper nutrition, rest, exercise and prenatal care. The guidelines provided by an obstetrical care provider and neurologist should be followed.

By: Kent Pinkerton

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Niche Marketing

Congratulations! Now that you have successfully bred your Chihuahua, it is time to wait for the birth of the new Chihuahua pups. As you wait with glee at the birth of the new Chihuahua babies, as the owner, you got to learn how to deal with a Chihuahua pregnancy first. You definitely only want the best for your mama Chihuahua don’t you?

Chihuahua pregnancy can be very difficult. As such, it is only recommended for those experienced breeders. You might be interested to breed our Chihuahua because you love your Chihuahua and you want another one. But now that your Chihuahua is pregnant, it is important that you give her 100% attention and care to make sure that she gives birth to healthy pups.

Chihuahuas usually have many complications when it comes to delivery. Some might even die during whelping. Other complications would include pups that are born premature.

So, you got to be prepared to care for the pups if your Chihuahua dies during whelping.

Now that you found out that your Chihuahua is pregnant, it is time to make some adjustments.

Firstly, you will have to change your Chihuahua’s diet. If you wish your pet to give birth to top quality babies, good food is definitely a must. Check out some of the foods that are suitable for pregnant dogs. Do take note that if your Chihuahua gets ill, it will affect your pups too. Your Chihuahua will also tend to eat more, so try not to deny her of any food.

Secondly, you will need to visit the vet more frequently. Well, this will definitely cost you money. But you would not want to endanger the life of your Chihuahua and her puppies would you? This is to make sure that the babies are growing healthily inside the mama. Once the puppies are born, you will need to do the same too. This is to ensure that your pups are always fit and healthy. If otherwise happens, your vet will be able to guide you. Checkups can be pretty costly, but it is definitely worth the money!

Thirdly, if you are not an experienced breeder, than it is a good idea to have your vet present while your Chihuahua is giving birth. All sorts of complications can happen and your Chihuahua or her pups can die if things do not go as planned. Having a vet on call is definitely a good thing to ensure a smooth running delivery.

As the Chihuahua owner, it is your responsibility to take care of the mother and her unborn puppies. Provide her with a healthy diet and always remember to send her for regular check ups to keep her healthy and happy.

Keep in mind to provide a clean and quiet place for your Chihuahua to give birth. Try to keep the father of the puppies away from the mother or puppies after birth.

During the 9 weeks long of pregnancy period, remind everyone to be gentle with her. She should be allowed to rest at all times. She will spend more time wanting to be in a quiet room.
So, try to keep her under your nose at all times and give her your 100% attention, for that is all she needs now.

By: Clarence Clark

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Cancer Mesothelioma

Cramps during early pregnancy are something that happens to many women. Your body is changing and getting ready for your baby to grow.

Many women will experience mild cramps during the first few weeks of pregnancy. In fact, a lot of women think that they are getting ready to start their periods because they feel cramping. This article will teach how why you cramp in early pregnancy and when to call your doctor.

Your uterus consists mainly of muscle and other surrounding tissues that enable it to expand during pregnancy and to contract when it’s time for childbirth. These actions are triggered by hormones.

Some women may feel light cramping when the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine wall. This can take place as early as six to eight days after fertilization. You may experience some light bleeding or “spotting” when the egg implants itself. Another reason for cramping in early pregnancy is that hormones have triggered your uterus to expand to get ready for the growing baby. These cramps may be uncomfortable and feel a lot like period cramps. This is perfectly normal as long as they don’t become severe and are accompanied by heavy bleeding. Cramps are most likely to occur after sexual activity or when your bladder is full. The round ligaments support your uterus. As your uterus grows the round ligaments must expand to support it. This may cause a feeling of cramping or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. It should go away with rest. However, if the cramping becomes severe and is accompanied by heavy bleeding, fever, or any other unusual symptoms, contacts your doctor right away.There are ways to treat cramps during early pregnancy. A good way to relieve cramping is by applying heat. A heating pad to the lower abdomen works wonder for cramps but be careful to not get it too hot. You may take acetaminophen for pain relief if needed. Sometimes this will help take the edge off of the cramps. But ibuprofen or other NSAIDS should not be taken during pregnancy. Never take any drugs unless it is allowed by your doctor.

Take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest and eating right. The changing hormones in your body can slow down digestion and make you constipated, which can cause abdominal pain. If you feel that you may be constipated, increase your fiber and water intake.

Finally, another way to help relieve cramps in pregnancy is to abstain from sex. Sex does not hurt you or the baby but may increase the cramping and cause some spotting. The combination of cramping and spotting can make you think that you are having a miscarriage.

Cramps during early pregnancy are quite common. Cramps should be mild and never unbearable. However, if they become severe or are more prevalent on one side and are accompanied by any other unusual symptoms, let your doctor know right away.

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By: Terry Edwards

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Pregnancy week by week tracking tools or calendars are great tools for keeping track of your baby’s growth during pregnancy. Also, you can acquire knowledge of different early pregnancy symptoms or signs of pregnancy.

Most of the pregnancy calendars or guides chart baby’s growth during pregnancy week by week. Though the baby continues to grow with every passing day, but changes and development of baby usually becomes manifest over a week’s time. Therefore, the complete pregnancy period has been divided into three trimesters comprising 40 weeks. By following the baby’s growth in pregnancy week-by-week information and or pregnancy calendars, you can have an idea as to what your baby looks like at a particular point in time. Moreover, if you find something lacking, you can get medical advice promptly. Let’s take a glance at some salient developments of your little one’s growth during the forty weeks.

The First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy week by week covers week 1 to week 14. First 2 weeks of this trimester denote the period from your last menses till conception or till that time when the sperm fertilizes the egg. By the end of week 3, the fertilized egg is metamorphosed into an embryo. During week 4 you begin to feel the early pregnancy symptom of nausea. Week 5 marks the beginning of formation of all major organs of the baby’s body. In fact this is the week, when the embryo’s metamorphosis into a baby begins. Come week 6 and your baby’s heart beats for the first time. Your baby doubles in size during week 7. By week 9, baby’s sex can be determined and your embryo becomes a small baby by week 10. Week 14 will make manifest another sign of pregnancy - enlarging and darkening of the area around your nipples.

The Second Trimester

The second trimester comprises week 15 to week 26. In the beginning of this trimester i.e. week 15, the baby begins movement of head, lips, and feet. Due to upward movement of uterus, the pregnancy symptom of frequent urination would abate by week 16. Baby begins blinking, sucking, and swallowing in week 17. Due to myelinization of nerves, nerve cell transmission registers a significant increase making body reflexes quicker. During week 20, baby begins to sleep and wake on regular basis. By week 24, baby’s heart beat becomes so distinct that it can be heard by placing an ear on stomach. And before the second trimester ends, brain wave activity commences for ears and eyes.

The Third Trimester

The third trimester as per pregnancy week by week commences with week 27 and ends with the birth of baby i.e. approximately week 40. Week 27 heralds increased movements of the baby. Senses of sound, smell, and taste develop by week 29. During week 34, baby’s own immune system begins to develop. Most of the babies are born around this period. By this week, look out for any signs of labor. In any case, your baby is born by the end of week 40. Sometimes, this period may extend by two more weeks.

By keeping yourself updated with the help of pregnancy week by week information, you can keep watch over various signs of pregnancy and your baby’s growth. If you feel your baby’s growth is not in consonance with the week by week chart, you can immediately get medical advice.

By: Apurva Jain

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For the mother looking to terminate her pregnancy for one reason or another, there are a lot of decisions for her to face in the coming months. Most importantly there are any number of methods for doing the abortion; discussing each one with the doctor will help you choose the right one. The most important thing to know when considering each procedure is the timing involved. Not all procedures can be done at any stage of the pregnancy. There are also some laws that prohibit some procedures at different stages, so knowing the details of each one will help to narrow the choices.

During the first trimester, or first 12 weeks of pregnancy, there are many options available to terminate; Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA), Dilation and Curettage (D&C), and Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA) are all possible surgical options that can be discussed with the doctor. There is also a chemical option available where a sort of drug cocktail is mixed to induce miscarriage.

In the second trimester of pregnancy timing becomes more important; a D&C can be done during the first few weeks of the trimester, and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is also available. Other methods include late-term abortion techniques such as a hysterectomy, Early Induced Labor, Intact Dilation and Extraction (IDX).

When considering late-term abortions the methods dwindle both for health reasons and for legal ones. In the ground breaking case of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court determined that each state could decide whether or not they would allow late-term abortions, as long as they made allowances for the mother’s health.

Currently, 16 states have bans on late-term abortions. Oftentimes abortions done at a later stage in pregnancy are because a mother’s health is at risk; however, it can be the case that a mother couldn’t afford to have an abortion earlier in the pregnancy. Whichever the reason though, a mother’s options decrease. Early Induced Labor and IDX are used, although currently IDX is illegal in the United States. D&E is the method commonly used for late-term abortions.

The greatest reason for controversy surrounding the abortion debate is fetal pain. Some argue that the fetus can feel pain during the first trimester, while others say pain cannot be felt until neurological receptors have developed fully in the second and third trimesters. Whatever the situation or belief, it’s important to know all of the facts when making a decision of abortion; it is a decision that will last a lifetime and will never be forgotten.

By: Abhishek Agarwal

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