Even though pregnancy signals an increase--and menopause results from a decrease--in hormones, they result in a few similar symptoms. Most women of child-bearing age will not stop to think that their symptoms might mean menopause.

Juice fasting is a short-term detoxification strategy that involves consuming only fresh fruit and/or vegetable juices. Solid foods, especially those derived from animals and grains, are avoided while juice fasting.

Pregnancy causes many rapid changes in a woman's body, particularly in the uterus. Before pregnancy, it's unlikely that you feel or notice your uterus, but during pregnancy most women become acutely aware of this rapidly stretching organ.

At 37 weeks gestation, your baby is about 18 inches long and 6 or 7 pounds -- although your belly may look as if it is much larger, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This can complicate even everyday activities, including climbing the stairs.

If you notice a swimming sensation in your stomach, you might be wondering about the cause. There are plenty of things that can initiate this kind of feeling, with one of the most well-known being pregnancy.

Proponents of reflexology believe that pressing on special reflex points help to induce labor. You should never try to induce your labor without consulting your doctor first. Generally, a doctor will recommend inducing labor when you’re up to two weeks past your due date and labor has failed to start naturally.

The rupture of your amniotic membranes -- commonly referred to as your "water breaking" -- is a normal part of labor and birth. The "water" is actually amniotic fluid, a straw-colored liquid with a faint odor that may be confused with urine.

Many women question the safety of taking dietary supplements while pregnant. Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a product of a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. As a dietary supplement, DIM might be beneficial for various health conditions.

For many women, irritability, cramps, joint pains and other signs of premenstrual syndrome are sure signs that the menstrual period is about to begin. The absence of these symptoms can often cause a woman to wonder whether she may be pregnant. Pregnancy can cause the absence of PMS symptoms, but so can other factors.

Symptoms such as breast tenderness, spotting and cramping are experienced by many women during menstrual periods. Sometimes a woman may not be aware that she is pregnant because period-like symptoms are also common during pregnancy.

Pregnancy complications can be devastating to a woman who wants to have a baby. Whether she is suffering from infertility, has experienced recurrent miscarriages or is at risk of a serious pregnancy-related condition such as preeclampsia, she may wonder if it is possible for her to have a healthy, successful pregnancy.

Constipation is a common complaint during pregnancy. However, stimulant laxatives may cause uterine contractions, placing your pregnancy at risk. Drug safety is crucial during pregnancy to protect your unborn child's growth and development.