Why do some women experience period-like symptoms during early pregnancy? From glucose tolerance tests to managing dry skin, knowing what to expect in each trimester reduces anxiety and ensures better health monitoring.
Not all products, even so-called natural supplements and oils, are safe to use during pregnancy. Use of any herbal preparation should be discussed beforehand with your obstetrician. Calendula is an herb that you will likely have to avoid while pregnant, as use of it could adversely affect the health of your baby.
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Stevia is an artificial sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant. It is sweeter than sugar, so less of it is needed to sweeten foods.
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Topical retinol is a form of vitamin A you may use to keep your skin clear of pimples and reduce the effects of aging and sun damage. While the product typically might not have any effects other than a little skin redness, if you’re pregnant, retinol may adversely affect your baby.
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The medicinal herb vitex, also known by the common names chasteberry and monk's pepper, has been used for hundreds of years as a component of naturopathic medicine. For men, vitex has been used most commonly as an anaphrodisiac, or a product to reduce sex drive.
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It is not uncommon to have a blood test during pregnancy, especially if your doctor suspects you are developing high triglycerides. Though it is normal during pregnancy for cholesterol to be elevated, high triglycerides can result in complications.
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During pregnancy, the body can become unusually sensitive to herbs, supplements, medicines and other compounds that might ordinarily be safe. Several medicinal herbs may increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, stillbirth and other serious pregnancy-related complications.
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Many women become constipated when they are pregnant, which can be due to several reasons. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet is the first recommended treatment, but several medications can be used instead of changing the diet or used along with a diet change. Docusate sodium is one such medication.
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Whether you're trying to conceive or trying not to, it's not unusual to microanalyze your symptoms around the time of your expected period for signs that you might be pregnant. While diarrhea is indeed a potential early sign of pregnancy, it's not a certain indicator -- there are other things that cause loose stools.
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Human chorionic gonadotropin, also known as hCG, is the hormone measured by urine and blood pregnancy tests. When you get pregnant, hCG is produced by tissue that will become the placenta.
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Emergen-C is a dietary supplement containing vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals. It comes in powered form to be added to water or any beverage. Emergen-C can be purchased in many drugstores, grocery stores and online.
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Vitamin A supports the development of your unborn baby’s lungs, heart, eyes, kidneys and bones, as well as the respiratory, circulatory and central nervous system. Vitamin A also has an essential role in resisting and fighting infections and metabolizing fat.
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Anemia during pregnancy can lead to complications in the growth and development of the unborn baby, and in the health of the mother as well. A simple finger stick tests iron levels to determine the presence of anemia. If you are found to be anemic, many supplements are available to restore iron.
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Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) affects up to 10% of pregnancies, increasing the risk of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. Learn about signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and complications.
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Physical symptoms of pregnancy can vary in intensity and frequency. While some women never experience morning sickness, others feel ill for months. Certain symptoms may disappear as your pregnancy progresses, and others can last up to the time of birth.
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Between 26 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, you will have a glucose screening test to check your blood sugar levels. If the screening test results are high, your doctor will perform a glucose tolerance test in order to diagnose gestational diabetes.
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Waiting for a missed period can seem like an eternity when you are trying to conceive a baby. While pregnancy symptoms vary from one woman to the next, most women experience bloating, tender breasts, fatigue and frequent urination as well as a missed period.
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As you age, certain problems arise. This can happen because of aging itself, poor diet, lack of exercise, irregular sleep patterns, depression and stress. These problems vary depending on many factors, including gender.
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The mucus plug is made of thick mucus produced by glands in the cervix. Near the end of your pregnancy, when the cervix begins to soften, thin, and dilate, it may fall out. The mucus plug fills the cervix and prevents microorganisms from entering the uterus.
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Whether you'd like to conceive or are trying to avoid pregnancy, it's common to scrutinize yourself for signs of early pregnancy--particularly if you've recently missed a period. Early pregnancy causes many changes in a woman's body and in the way her body functions; some of these changes take place in the breasts.
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Pregnancy is a time when many women, especially in the third trimester, have difficulty sleeping. Herbal remedies like valerian root are often thought of as less dangerous than prescription sleeping pills for an expectant mom and her baby, but it's crucial to assess the risks of any medication taken during pregnancy.
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