Pregnancy Complications

Complication during pregnancy is more common than most people think. Even for those who are healthy and have had children before, early pregnancy complications could arise, at no fault to anyone. This article explains some of these complications and what to watch out for.

Early pregnancy complications
When you find you are pregnant, the first thing you must do is go see your obstetrician/gynecologist. They will perform an ultrasound to make sure that your pregnancy is advancing as it should. Regular visits to your OBGYN will prevent early pregnancy complications or at the very least, help identify them at an early stage. The two most common pregnancy complications are:

Ectopic pregnancies
Ectopic pregnancies are one of the most common early complications. Ectopic pregnancies refer to pregnancies in which the egg is fertilized outside the womb so the fetus begins to develop in the ovary or in the fallopian tube. This can be very dangerous not only for the fetus but also for the mother. If surgery is not performed, the tubes could burst and result in internal bleeding and in some cases, even death.
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Miscarriages
Complication during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages, another common early pregnancy complication. Sometimes the cervix can open causing heavy bleeding with intense cramping pains. Other times, the baby can die in early pregnancy. When this happens, the mother can either wait for a miscarriage to occur or have a D&C. There are many different complications during pregnancy that can cause this to happen: blood clotting, infection, structural problems, or lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol or high caffeine intake.

High risk pregnancy
A pregnancy that is categorized as high risk is one which has a higher chance of complications arising. You may be considered high risk if you are carrying multiple babies, have a long term illness such as diabetes, or are over the age of 35. If you are high risk, you may be asked to visit your obstetrician more regularly as the pregnancy will need to be more closely monitored than usual.
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Pregnancy over 35
It is not uncommon for a woman’s fertility to be affected over the age of 30 and once you are pregnant, you must be aware that it is more common for complications to arise. The chances of your child bearing birth defects are significantly higher than those women who are under 30 and miscarriages also become more common in the first trimester of older pregnant women. For those over 35, there will also be an increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. Don’t worry, as with today’s technology, almost all these complications can be treated as long as they are spotted early on.

Multiple pregnancies
A multiple pregnancy is one in which there are two or more fetuses. It’s considered to be high risk because with more than one fetus, it has a higher chance of developing complications. Almost half of twins that are born are premature with extremely low birth weights and underdeveloped organs. This makes them very vulnerable and it is not uncommon for only one twin to survive. Twins who share a placenta could result in high amounts of amniotic fluids.

It is important to keep this information regarding early pregnancy complications in mind during pregnancy and to regularly consult your doctor.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness, also called nausea gravidarum, nausea, vomiting of pregnancy (emesis gravidarum or NVP), or pregnancy sickness is a condition that affects more than half of all pregnant women. Sometimes symptoms are present in the early hours of the morning and reduces as the day progresses.

Morning sickness typically occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy and usually goes away by the second trimester. Snacking on salty foods, like potato chips, and drinking lemonade or ginger ale may help tame the stomach upset. However, some pregnant women have an extreme type of morning sickness, called hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires treatment.


Pregnancy hormones, circulating in the body, affect all your organs and prepare your body to sustain new life. One theory is that they are responsible for sickness, as a means of protecting the foetus from harmful substances. In fact, there's some research to suggest that women who experience bad sickness are less likely to miscarry, and there is some support for this in the fact the sickness generally stops when the baby's major organs have developed.

Home treatment measures for morning sickness include:

• Small, frequent snacks can help alleviate the symptoms. Avoid large meals, especially those high in fat.
• Taking ginger, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12,Fruit or savoury foods which may reduce nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy.
• Avoiding foods and smells that make you feel sick.
• Keep dry crackers by your bed and eat one or two before getting up in the morning. 
• Trying acupressure, which seems to work for some women.

You should talk to your doctor if your sickness is affecting your overall health, if you find you can hardly keep food or drinks down, or if you become extremely tired.

Pregnancy sickness, even severe sickness that persists and needs hospital treatment, isn’t associated with any harm to your baby, and always ends when your baby is born.

Preventing Stretch Marks

Preventing stretch marks is far easier than getting rid of them once you have them. However, it’s important to realize that there are no guarantees, especially if you are pregnant - and around 90% of all women will develop stretch marks at some stage during pregnancy.

They are also common throughout puberty, periods of weight gain and weight loss.

Though there are other causes of stretch marks, pregnancy is the most common. If you are pregnant, or planning on getting pregnant, then start preparing your body early with a number of home remedies.


1) Eat a balanced diet - eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential not only for keeping your skin healthy during pregnancy, but also for giving your baby everything it needs.

2) Drink plenty of water - again, it’s important to keep your skin healthy by staying hydrated. Your skin will be more elastic, reducing the chance that it will break throughout your pregnancy.

3) Gain weight steadily - this is perhaps harder to control. There’s no avoiding the fact that you will gain weight quickly throughout your pregnancy, so preventing stretch marks could be difficult.

However, you do have some control over the momentum. Remember how much you need to eat: contrary to common myths this is only around 500 more calories than you are used to. These calories should also come from a balanced diet.

Throughout your pregnancy, you should be gaining around 2-4lb across the first 12 weeks, 10-14oz a week between weeks 12 and 28, and 2-6lb a week from weeks 28-40. You should always seek professional medical advice if you are concerned about the rate at which you are (or aren’t) gaining weight through your pregnancy.

NOTE: You should try to avoid any sudden weight gain when you aren’t pregnant, as this is also a common cause of stretch marks.

There are a number of moisturizers and lotions developed specifically to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy as well as outside of pregnancy.


Stretch marks occur when the dermis layer of your skin breaks, allowing the layers underneath it to show through. This is why it’s so important to keep this layer of skin in as best condition as possible. Stretch mark creams and lotions are designed with a number of nourishing ingredients in mind to do just that.

Dermology is an example of one such cream, available in a free trial to help you test the results. Vitamins, such as A, E and D3 help new skin to constantly regenerate, and natural ingredients can stop any scars forming. Combine this with daily skin massage and you will ensure maximum circulation and resilience to stretch marks.

It’s important to use creams like Dermology regularly and consistently. Doing so will help to ensure that your skin is in the best possible condition and, if stretch marks do develop, they will fade away as quickly as possible.




Preventing stretch marks is, unfortunately, not an exact science. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do to stop them altogether, but there will always be ways to reduce them once they occur.

Try to find a method that works for you, and combine all the advice given in this article for maximum effect.

Indigestion During pregnancy

Indigestion during pregnancy can't totally be avoided. As painful and as uncomfortable as it is to deal with, there are so many causes of indigestion for pregnant mothers. In addition, it is natural for a mother to feel this kind of discomfort during the conception period, more especially during the late trimesters of pregnancy.

A common condition among mothers, indigestion is often undiagnosed and mistreated. Due to the lack of awareness among the community of how to properly deal with this condition, mothers who are undergoing first-time pregnancy often have no one to turn to. They instead try to endure the discomfort until it passes, which it usually does after a time.


However, when indigestion during pregnancy is left untreated, it can become worse over time. At first, one or two of the following symptoms may be present. In the later stages and if recurrence is frequent, all of the symptoms can be seen in the pregnant mom. Among the symptoms are heartburn, pain in the upper and lower chest, pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, sense of fullness, burping, flatulence, diarrhea and nausea. Although diarrhea is less common, it's a strong indicator that something is not working right in the digestive system.

The primary cause of indigestion during pregnancy is purely hormonal. During pregnancy, the body releases extra hormones to soften the muscles in the stomach. This is necessary for the mother's belly to be flexible and accommodate a child. Indigestion among mothers is caused by this hormonal change.

The extra hormones make pregnancy less painful for the mother. Ironically, these hormones also make the acids in the stomach to rise up the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion. This is more common among mothers in their second and third trimesters. Another possible cause is the size of the growing fetus inside the mother. The size pushes the contents of the stomachs farther upward, making it less convenient for the metabolic system. Eating too fast and overeating can lead to indigestion. Take note that all other causes of indigestion apply to pregnant mothers, as well. For instance, changes in eating habits can cause this problem.

The most server cases are often accompanied by digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea and IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome, especially the part where the mother becomes constipated, can lead to serious complications when left untreated. For instance, diarrhea can lead to dehydration and constipation can lead to fecal impaction. Dehydration during pregnancy is very risky for both the mother and the child. Surgical removal of the impacted mass after extended periods of constipation is unquestionably dangerous for the baby.

Enjoy Intimacy During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the fear of harming the baby with the penetration is one of the main myths that affect the sexual life; however, when there are medical obstacles to sustain intimate encounters, they may occur, as well as producing pleasure and security to the mom, to prepare you for childbirth. So take note of the following recommendations to continue enjoying sex in this period.


Before going in search of pleasure...Most of the time sex during pregnancy is certain, however, it is essential to consult a gynecologist if:
* There is a history of abortion.
* There multiple pregnancy.
* Abnormalities were detected in the placenta.
* There may be premature.
* There is vaginal bleeding (in this case requires urgent medical attention).

The health professional will determine how useful is to hold intimate encounters. In this regard, it should be noted that prenatal care ensures the health of the baby and the mother.

1. Know your body. "Due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, sexual relations in this period are usually more enjoyable when there is no pregnancy"

If this view will surprise you, know that between the physical changes that contribute to greater enjoyment in intercourse is included abundant flow of blood to the genital area, which allows the vulva to widen more than usual and, therefore, that increase the feeling of pleasure.

2. Enjoy the sex itself. Some couples postpone parenthood, pregnancy and others are looking for a long time, but in both cases the sex is valued for their reproductive function. However, now that you and your partner expect baby are ready to enjoy sex for itself, which can provoke feelings, so relax and "let yourself go."

3. Find an ally. For many women, being pregnant means being less attractive, however, should know that although your body does not look like before they can be subjected to sexual desire, because many men are attracted to pregnant women, either by their voluptuous forms or because they seek to demonstrate their affection for the woman who will give a child. So to "keep the flame burning", look in the mirror as an ally that reflects how beautiful and sexy you are.

4. Say what you feel. Female sexuality may seem disconcerting during pregnancy, however, frequent nausea and breast pain in early pregnancy to justify the reduction of sexual desire. It is therefore important that you speak of these changes with your partner and understand that the situation will improve when the pains begin to yield.

5. Forget the myths. The penetration poses no risk to the small, because the uterus is sealed by a mucus plug (mucus) that occupies the cervical canal and keeps it safe, the amniotic fluid also absorbs impacts that could be exposed, so you receive only mild pelvic contractions characteristic of orgasm (to feel more secure about it, listen to expert opinion).


6. Take care positions. Now that your body is changing, notice that it is necessary to modify the positions in which you used to have sex. Each couple will find one that is most comfortable and adapted according to the stages of pregnancy. The important thing is to use imagination and ensure that no undue pressure on the belly. In this regard, it should be mentioned that the penetration depth or violent is not recommended, as this may cause you pain.

To make this experience more enjoyable, you can use pillows to provide support and comfort during first trimester

7. Create the right environment to have romantic encounters. Remember that sexual desire is borne in mind; prepare dinner for two, seductive details like candles and daring notes. Imagination is your limit for pleasure, there must be no penetration, and you can achieve your sexual satisfaction through games and caresses.

In short, there is no fear of sex during this time, as the orgasm can help the process of delivery. In fact, when the birth is delayed, often couples have sex to induce, because semen contains prostaglandin, a chemical messenger that helps soften and dilate the cervix in preparation for labor, in addition, stimulation of nipples may also promote the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions.

Embarrassing Pregnancy Sex Questions

You may have questions about sex during pregnancy, and chances are some sex questions may be embarrassing. From positions to sex toys and whether it’s even safe to go anywhere down there, if you have embarrassing pregnancy sex questions, we have answers.

1. Can intercourse hurt the baby?
"Intercourse has not been associated with harmful effects on the baby or the pregnancy," says Swartz. "To protect the baby, there is amniotic fluid and strong uterine muscles around the baby and a mucus plug that blocks the cervix." However, sometimes providers will put moms on pelvic rest to protect the pregnancy, Swartz explains. "This means that intercourse or penetration should be avoided. Examples include threatened miscarriage, placenta or vasa previa, premature rupture of membranes, threatened preterm labor and vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. Without these pregnancy complications, intercourse and penetration are safe."

2. Can I use a vibrator during pregnancy?
"Vibrator use is safe in pregnancy, except when used inside the vagina when a woman's provider has ordered pelvic rest or if it is not properly cleaned, putting a woman at risk for infections when used inside the vagina. The vibration may stimulate the baby, but not in an unsafe way. You may feel your baby moving more and if you could count the baby's heart rate, it would likely have accelerations, or short term increases in rate. Both are signs that your baby is healthy."

3. Is receiving oral sex safe during pregnancy?
"Oral sex is safe during pregnancy," says Swartz. "There have been published cases where air has entered a woman's blood vessel when her partner blew air into her vagina during oral sex -- an air embolism -- but you have to keep in mind that those are rare cases. If you are worried, you don't have to avoid oral sex altogether, just avoid blowing air forcibly into the vagina."


4. How much will things change "down there" during pregnancy?
"As pregnancy enters the third trimester, the baby lowers into the pelvis," explains Swartz. "This can be associated with increased pressure, pain deep in the vagina, a pinching sensation and limited penetration for male partners. In addition, there is increased pelvic congestion, adding some discomfort and which may affect a woman's orgasm. That being said, some women enjoy sex more while pregnant. My best advice is to try it and let your body guide you if you feel any discomfort."



5. Are certain sex positions more comfortable during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester?
"Most women prefer a side-by-side approach to intercourse in the third trimester," Swartz explains. "This can be achieved with their partner in the front or behind them in a spooning position. Having the woman on top may also be comfortable. Again, let your body be your guide to what is comfortable and pleasurable for you and your partner."

Weight Training Throughout Pregnancy

There was a time when it was considered that pregnant women required plenty of bed rest with as little movement as possible and any form of exercise, even walking, was seen as the ultimate sin. However, nowadays, it has been shown that exercise, such as weight training, can actually be beneficial to both mother and child.

In this article, we will be discussing a few safe weight training methods you can use during your pregnancy to sculpt your body and stay fit.

One thing you should always watch for during your pregnancy is your breathing, irrespective of the type of exercise you are doing. This is extremely important when you are pregnant, even if it does bare remembering at other times too. First off, you should avoid intense exercise that leaves you out of breath. This means it's best to limit cardio exercises to moderate levels and lift lighter weights than you can handle. If you are breathing too hard, this can lead to undue pressure on your abdominal area and restrict the oxygen flow to the fetus. At this time, your goal should only be to stay fit and not improve your aerobic capacity. You need to avoid doing too much and straining yourself and the general rule is to ensure that your breathing is level when you exercise.


Exercise can be very beneficial during pregnancy but there are certain movements and positions to avoid. Don't do exercises that require you to bend from the hips and don't lift weights over your head. Don't do over head presses, for example, if you're lifting weights while pregnant. You should also avoid doing exercises that target the abdominal region. Exercises where you're lying flat on your stomach or back are also good ones to avoid. This may make it sound like you can't do anything, but there are actually many exercises you can do while standing or seated and that are safe to do during pregnancy.

How often to exercise during pregnancy is a common question. Your doctor can help you figure this out as there are several factors to consider. Your exercise habits prior to pregnancy do play a large role, however. Starting a vigorous program now if you didn't exercise before your pregnancy is not a good idea. However, if you had a consistent routine before, you may only need to modify it now. While you need to consider how you feel, a good routine would be three workouts a week that combine light stretching, cardio, and strength training.


There plenty of reasons you should exercise during your pregnancy and you should adhere to a workout designed to your particular situation, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. It will not only make you feel better and reduce your stress levels, but it has benefits for your baby as well. You can reduce the intensity of back pain and joint issues with body sculpting and weight training, which will also help keep your muscles functioning properly. You will find that doctors routinely recommend to their patients that they exercise regularly for a variety of motives, including the issues presented in this article.

Smoking - Hidden Dangers To Your Unborn Child

Many women know that smoking while pregnant puts their unborn child at risk. However, the complete extent of that risk is probably unknown. Woman who smoke while pregnant put their child at risk for a long list of negative consequences. Inhaling second hand smoke can even cause negative effects on your child. It becomes more about protecting your unborn child than just protecting yourself. There are very many safe methods to use to quit smoking, as well as support systems in place even if you are not directly supported at home. Here are only a few of the possible effects smoking while pregnant can have on your child.

The nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide you inhale while smoking are passed on to your baby. Your baby can then develop a full range of lung complications because of the second hand smoke you pass on to your baby.

There are quite a few complications that can be caused by lung damage. The effects of those chemicals in the blood stream of your baby can cause the oxygen to bind or displace. This oxygen is not only necessary for life it helps the baby develop correctly. One very common problem caused by a mother smoking during pregnancy is low birth weight in their newborn baby. Then, there are additional complications that can arise from low birth weight. Newborns suffering from low birth weight conditions make up more than 20 percent of all births nationwide. A increased risk for preterm delivery is also attributed to smoking during pregnancy.

One study shows a 14% likelihood of preterm delivery caused by smoking. 10 percent of all infant mortality cases including SIDS can be attributed to smoking during pregnancy. According to the American Lung Association this is a true statistic.

While this is a significant side effect there are many others associated with smoking during pregnancy. A few of the other known risks include cerebral palsy, learning disabilities and retardation. The most prevalent and serious risk associated with smoking during pregnancy is infant death.

There is tremendous cause for concern when a mother smokes during pregnancy.

At this time, we don't completely understand the highly negative effects smoking during pregnancy can have on the baby. We've been talking about the consequences for an unborn baby but this issues don't go away after birth. These far reaching consequences can stay with the child far into adulthood. The effects of the dire consequences of smoking during pregnancy can last the child's lifetime. Quitting smoking is vital to the baby and the mother for this reason.

These hints can certainly be invaluable for your needs during and after the pregnancy.

Intimacy During Pregnancy

If you are having a normal pregnancy, then sex during pregnancy is considered safe.If you are considered high risk for complications such as pre-term labor or miscarriage, then you should discuss your concerns about sex during pregnancy with your health care provider.Having gentle, loving sex will not harm your baby in any way.

Most women will shy away from sexual relations during their first trimester when morning sickness and fatigue often get in the way of love making. During the third trimester, some women find themselves uncomfortably large and prefer not to be intimate, whereas others continue having intercourse right up until they go into labor.

Partners often react very individually when it comes to sex and pregnancy. While some men find the site of their wife's blossoming body a true turn on, others are ambivalent or even a little turned off by pregnancy.

The side by side sex position allows for more equal physical contact than spooning, but penetration can be a bit trickier. You can cross your legs over each others and this may help. As with spooning, this position can be very comfortable as no one is feeling the weight of the other partner's body.

The woman on top sex position offers the benefit of you being in control of the depth and angle of penetration. Later in the pregnancy you may find this position more tiring, and if balance is a concern you may prefer a lying down position, but others find this the ideal position.

It is perfectly normal for sex drive to increase and decrease during pregnancy. Symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, and the increased need to urinate can make sex during pregnancy bothersome, especially during the first trimester. Some of these symptoms subside during the second trimester, which may result in a heightened sex drive. Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can cause engorgement of the genitals and heighten sensation.

To a great extent, hormones are responsible because they accentuate the sensitivity of the breasts and genitals. Other women, on the contrary, experience a decrease in libido, mostly because of fatigue, changes in their body and the anguish of becoming mother or the birth. This desire may vary throughout pregnancy. The decrease in libido often happens during the first trimester. An increase may be experienced in the second trimester and is followed by a further decline in the last trimester, often linked to the approach of the term or the fact of feeling too heavy.

Having sexual intercourse during pregnancy is safe under certain conditions. For one thing, a woman who is in her first trimester can have normal sex until such time that her uterus begins to grow and her body adjusts as well. Doctors or pregnancy health care experts would usually suggest alternative sex positions for couples to try once the woman enters her second to third trimesters to avoid any complications.

Pregnancy Massage

First of all, it just makes sense. Massage therapy during pregnancy is appropriate for tight muscles that are in partial spasm and are producing aching (or sometimes sharp) pain. Stiffness is often present as well.

What pregnant woman doesn't experience this at some point? The muscles are fatigued from working harder while carrying more weight in increasingly awkward positions. And if you have a history of musculoskeletal pain before becoming pregnant, you are more likely to have it during those 9 months.

Massage during pregnancy is performed mostly in the side lying position with the use of supporting pillows.

Is it worth the time and trouble to go to a massage therapist during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Massage relieves pain and stiffness. It is a natural healthcare method which relieves the effects of stress and promotes relaxation. Massage makes life easier during daily activities, but it also:

1) Prepares the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth with better muscle tone
2) Decreases abnormal tension of the muscles supporting the uterus which can cause problems such as abnormal fetal position at birth - especially important if you feel pulling or straining in the abdomen while stretching
3) Minimizes likelihood of medical intervention with drugs and surgery

Massage during pregnancy is helpful for most women, it is effective at making life easier while pregnant, including making delivery safer.

Pregnancy Symptoms 0-9 Months

Understanding pregnancy symptoms week by week will help you to know more about your body and what types of changes that you can expect to have in the 9 months following conception. Let’s first divide the weeks into three time frames. They are the first, second and third trimesters.

First trimester: 1st-12th weeks
Second trimester: 13th-27th weeks 
Third trimester: 28th-40th weeks

First Trimester - 
During the first month or so after conception, not many obvious changes occur in a pregnant woman, although your body may be showing certain early signs of pregnancy. Remember these signs differ from person to person. Missed periods are common during the first month after conception, though in some cases "spotting" may occur. Unfortunately, for the rest of the first trimester nausea and vomiting are more common. This is thought to be due to high estrogen hormone levels. Mood swings and craving for food are also noticed during this time. You may see a slight increase in weight, bloating, giddiness (due to low blood pressure: as more blood is pumped to uterus), fatigue, frequent urination, sleeplessness, increased basal body temperature.

Second Trimester - 
A pregnant woman has to have enough resolve to face new challenges during this period as, apart from the symptoms that occur during the first trimester, even more changes occur to the body. An increase in weight is common in this trimester. This is the period where your belly expands to accommodate the baby. Stretch marks might also become more prominent. At about the 16th week, you may start to feel your baby’s movements. Mood swings become more prominent. And during the last four weeks of the second trimester (23-27), the movement of your baby becomes more pronounced. This is the stage where even slight kicks from your baby can be experienced. Bleeding gums, vaginal discharge, skin rashes, breathlessness (due to expansion of uterus against the lungs), abdominal aches (due to stretching of uterus against abdominal wall), leg cramps, back pain are all symptoms that can occur at this point.

Third Trimester - 
Weight gain is most prominent in this trimester. Usually a gain in weight of 1 pound every 7 days is seen. You may experience hip pain as your baby gains more weight and presses against the pelvis. As the baby moves a lot in the pelvic region, more pressure is put on the bladder which leads to even more frequent urination. Walking can become difficult due to pelvic pain, imbalance or extra weight. Breasts and nipples become fuller. Shortness of breath is usually gone in this juncture, as the baby has settled lower in the pelvis. Labor usually occurs between the 37th-40th weeks. So it is wise to be prepared for it at any time. Learn to differentiate between the false labor and the real one. Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor pain) are usually rare at the start of this trimester and may become more common during the final weeks. False labor: Pain usually occurs only in the abdomen.

Real labor: Pain is radiating from back to front and is seen to increase with time. Rupture of membrane, dilation is also seen. "Blood show" (vaginal discharge with blood) is also a vital sign showing you are going into labor.

Pregnancy symptoms week by week is a guideline of the signs that show the mother that, yes, there is a new life within her. One to nurture and love.

Understanding the process, and learning about the different changes that are to occur in your body will help you gracefully experience your pregnancy.