Women, Pregnancy and Mothers

A women experience various physiological effects based on a combination of hormonal and mechanical changes during pregnancy. Hormonal influences tend to increase as the pregnancy progress. The mechanical changes reach a peak in the seventh or eighth month and then gradually decline as the pregnancy nears completion.

A women may assume that she is pregnant because she has skipped her menstrual period or experiences nausea and vomiting, changes in breast sensations and size, or increased urinary frequency (presumptive signs of pregnancy). If she suspects she is pregnant, the woman should seek a pregnancy test. The woman should be cautioned against relying on these tests, because concurrent medication or substance use may cause a false result. If performed too early, a home pregnancy test may also produce a false negative result due to a low level of human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone, produced by the placenta, is found in a pregnant woman´s urine and blood. As the pregnancy progresses, the woman may have both probable and positive signs of pregnancy, objective changes that increasingly verify that a pregnancy exists. With the advent of first trimester, sophisticated testing with ultrasonography, health care providers now determine fetal presence and placental adequacy early in pregnancy. This technology, using high frequency sound waves that bounce off the fetus and are interpreted by a computer, allows visualization of the fetus and gestational structures throughout pregnancy.

In addition to pregnancy related changes in the reproductive system, adaptive changes in other body systems occur. The urinary system undergoes dramatic changes during gestation; a 50% increase in glomerular filtration rate occurs related to the influences of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones also cause smooth muscle relaxation in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in maternal constipation, heartburn, and increased salivation.

Circulatory system changes also begin early in pregnancy, with an increase in cardiac output of 30% to 40% by the end of the first trimester. Total blood volume increases 30% to 45% during pregnancy. Physiological anemia of pregnancy may result because of an increase in the proportion of plasma to red blood cells.

Respiratory system changes include increased tidal volume during pregnancy, although toward the end of pregnancy he enlarging uterus causes some shortness of breath for many women. This continues until the baby descends into the pelvis during the final weeks of pregnancy.

Increased elasticity and softening of connective tissue of the musculo-skeletal system cause relaxation of the joints, especially the pelvic joints that support the pregnancy but must stretch during labor and delivery. Lumbar and dorsal curves of the spine increase late in pregnancy and contribute to low back pain and the waddle of pregnancy.

Changes in the integumentary system occur. Hormones cause many pregnant women to gain stretch marks on their abdomen and breasts, a darkened line from the symphysis pubis to the umbelicus and darkening of the skin across the forehead and nose. The metabolic and endocrine changes that occur with pregnancy to support optimal fetal growth and development are dramatic.

Article by Eve McClaren

There are loads of truly fun alternatives for Halloween costumes designed for expecting ladies. Being pregnant does not mean that you have to relinquish the fun of occasions like Halloween, and this means you may be on the hunt for Halloween Costumes for Pregnant Women which are especially meant to wear over your bump.

Depending on how far along you are, you might feel like going all the way in an elaborate costume, or if you’re pretty pregnant and larger, you might want a costume that is easy to remove or take off because you willbe making frequent bathroom trips.

You could choose to accentuate your bump with certain Halloween costumes for pregnant women which show off your belly or others that do not particularly draw attention to it. It just depends on if you happen to be feeling sassy or you simply wish for to “blend in” and be a part of the crowd.

On the feisty side of Halloween costumes for pregnant women, you can pick between a range of costumes, including “devil”, “angel”, “fairy”, “nurse” or “witch”. There are also some funny costumes including “bun in the oven” where you have a box that looks like an oven with a bun showing in the oven, a silly pun, but you will get some laughs. Sometimes, this might not be the practical choice for a costume as it might be difficult to sit down while wearing an oven.

The most important thing when selecting Halloween costumes for pregnant women is to make certain that you pick a costume that is comfy to wear. Most pregnant ladies have some discomfort as the baby grows larger and takes up more room, and the last thing they should have to do is be dressed in a costume that is not comfortable.

Shopping for Halloween costumes for pregnant women could be an easier undertaking over the internet than physically going from store to store. It is much better to be in the comfort of your own home and to shop on line. This way, you can relax in your favorite chair and relax, while browsing Halloween costumes for pregnant women in an online store. You’ll effortlessly be able to picture how the Halloween costumes for pregnant women might look on you when you wear them and compare styles, options and costs.

If you are still looking for a costume close to Halloween, you can order with confidence from an online store. A lot of stores over the internet boast one or two day delivery options so you can be confident you will get your costume in plenty of time. I highly recommend 1besthalloweencostumeideas.com/best-halloween-costumes-for-pregnant-women for the best deals on Halloween Costumes for Pregnant Women and some great shipping discounts.

Article by Xueqin Wang

When women get pregnant, they must be rather careful in their daily life to prevent abortion. The doctors always advise pregnant women to form good living habits to improve the physical constitution. Apart from moderate exercises and adequate rest, a healthy diet is also effective in improving the body health for pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women should always keep a healthy diet and eat beneficial foods to enhance the body health. The beneficial foods for pregnant women mainly include fruits, vegetables, lean meat, dairy products, and so on.

Vegetables and fruits contain abundant high fibers. Women can usually eat such foods to absorb high fibers. The absorption of high fibers can improve digestive system and prevent constipation for human body. What’s more, fruits always contain a lot of vitamins like vitamin C. It is widely known that vitamin C plays an important role in improving the immune system in human body. When women get pregnant, they should try their best to enhance the immunity and prevent various diseases so as to keep the fetuses healthy. Therefore, women can often eat cabbage, broccoli, apples, oranges, etc.

Lean meat is rich in iron and protein. According to the doctors, pregnant women should supplement 27 milligrams of iron every day. Apart from lean meat, other foods like animal liver and soy beans also contain abundant iron. What should be stressed is that meat and liver should be thoroughly cooked to kill bacteria and viruses.

Dairy products contain a lot of beneficial substances like calcium and protein. Women need adequate calcium to improve bones and prevent osteoporosis. Many pregnant women are troubled by bone problems. For example, the bone structure will become frail to cause fracture.

Some foods which contain folic acid are also beneficial to the body health of pregnant women. Folic acid can not only prevent anemia for women but also accelerate the development of nervous system for fetuses. According to the medical research, folic acid is abundantly contained in vegetarian food and animal food. Women can eat green leafy vegetables and animal liver to supplement folic acid.

The foods mentioned above can provide a lot of essential nutrients for pregnant women and support the physical activities of both women and fetuses. Women should frequently eat such beneficial foods in their daily life. At the same time, they should quit bad habits like drinking and smoking so as to protect their babies to the full extent.