Healthy pregnancy indicators include rising hCG levels and specific hormonal shifts in progesterone and estrogen. Understanding different types of ultrasounds and the impact of early exercise helps parents prepare for a safe delivery.
While cravings during pregnancy are most likely the result of hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies or other changes in the mother, some people believe that the baby’s sex can be revealed by the types of cravings.
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At six weeks, some doctors perform a sonogram, also called an ultrasound, to determine the health or viability of the developing embryo. This is generally the earliest that anything is visible on an ultrasound, although at this point it will not look much like a baby, since development is still in the early stages.
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Group B streptococcus (GBS) refers to the bacteria Streptococcus agalactiae. This germ may cause various infections in people of all age groups. However, infections of newborns are of particular concern due to the infections' severity and potential to be life-threatening.
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Human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG for short, is a natural hormone that women produce during pregnancy. Proponents of the HCG diet claim that consuming oral HCG supplements helps boost your metabolism, resulting in rapid weight loss.
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Group A streptococcus – sometimes called “group A strep” – is a bacterium that often lives in your throat and on your skin. Although simply carrying the bacterium won’t always cause symptoms of an illness, group A streptococcus can cause infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Numerous physical changes occur during the months of pregnancy. In addition to the familiar symptoms of weight gain, morning sickness and fatigue, you may notice an increase in sinus mucus and congestion.
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Many expectant mothers might adopt a "grin and bear it, it's only nine months" attitude as they cope with the aches and discomforts of pregnancy.
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It's normal to have a slightly higher body temperature when you're pregnant, although this varies among women. However, if you notice your body temperature is abnormally high or low, it could be a sign of an illness that could harm you and your baby.
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Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone produced by the placenta during a normal pregnancy. Simple home test kits, which detect the presence of hCG in urine, are effective soon after the pregnancy's conception.
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Fetal movement is an important indication that your baby is growing well and is healthy inside the uterus. A variety of factors can influence both the baby's movements and your perception of the baby's movements, including how much fluid you drink daily.
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Your developing baby gets all of the nutrients essential for her growth through the placenta and your bloodstream. Therefore, your diet is critical to the baby's proper growth. The baby's organs, which form during the first few months of pregnancy, require certain vitamins and minerals to develop correctly.
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Pregnancy is a time of exciting changes to your body. As the new life grows inside of you, your body begins to behave in ways you didn't know possible. Some of these changes may surprise and delight you, such as thicker hair and fingernails. Other changes may alarm you.
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Pregnancy is a time of emotional ups and downs. Many pregnant women find they cry more easily and with less provocation than they did before they became pregnant.
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During pregnancy, your body changes, and that includes your breasts. In preparation for your child, your breasts make changes to supply food for your newborn. Whether you plan to breastfeed or not, you may have some discomfort. Rest assured, this is not uncommon.
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The human body needs plenty of water to function and eliminate waste, especially during pregnancy. Drinking enough water in the early months of your pregnancy can help relieve pregnancy symptoms such as constipation, hemorrhoids and morning sickness.
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After the emotional and physical pain of a miscarriage one more burden is laden on you -- the wait for your hormones to return to normal.
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Constipation is common during pregnancy. You may experience infrequent bowel movements or stools that are hard to pass and require straining. This can cause pain and discomfort. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 50 percent of women experience constipation at some point during their pregnancy.
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A yen for salt is one of the more common cravings of pregnancy. Parenting.com indicates that as many as 80 percent of pregnant women experience some cravings. As long as you check with your doctor first, you can indulge yourself. A little extra sodium probably will not hurt you or your baby.
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Staying healthy is vital during pregnancy. Vitamin C is touted as one of the keys to good health because of its immune-boosting reputation. While some vitamin C is essential to a healthy pregnancy, too much may lead to problems in both you and your baby, especially in early pregnancy.
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Peppermint tea is made from the dried leaves of the peppermint plant. During pregnancy, peppermint tea can provide relief from common early pregnancy symptoms. It is important to know how much peppermint tea is safe to consume and which side effects you may experience.
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