Contractions of the uterus herald the first phase of labor. The contractions prepare the uterus for delivery of the baby. Contractions, also called labor pains, are associated with gradual dilation of the birth canal. Sometimes women may mistake...
After eight months of waiting to give birth, you know your body is getting ready for labor. Many first-time mothers wonder if they will recognize those early contractions as signs of labor, or if they will mistake them for false labor pains or...
Learning how to identify true labor pain may help you get to the hospital or your chosen birthing center in plenty of time for the delivery. Just as every woman experiences varied degrees of menstrual cramping, every woman has a slightly different...
Pregnancy causes your body to go through many changes. Tissue upholding your uterus stretches, which has the ability to cause sharp, shooting pains on either side of your stomach that venture down your thigh, into your leg, according to Cleveland...
Many women believe they are having pregnancy symptoms that go away with the arrival of their menstrual cycle or a negative pregnancy test. In 1 to 6 of every 22,000 pregnancies, the person continues to believe she is pregnant without any evidence...
Blue Cohosh, Latin name Caulophyllum thalictroides, is an herbal supplement commonly used for the treatment of estrogen-related issues. Blue cohosh is often called by other names such as blue ginseng, papoose root, blueberry root, beech drops,...
Delivering a baby is one of the highlights of a mother's life, along with other friends and family members who are patiently awaiting the new arrival. Baby delivery isn't always as easy as it seems, there are several things that come into play and...
Many women love being pregnant. For some women, however, pregnancy is a time that is wrought with discomfort and pain. Back, hip and pelvic pain are all common complaints throughout pregnancy. Most cases of pelvic and hip pain during pregnancy are...
Eating a healthy after work snack can reduce impulsive eating while figuring out what to eat for dinner. It can also replenish energy and mood after a busy day at work. Most people don't have access to healthy food options at their jobs, so it is...
Uterine contractions occur as a natural process of menstruation, when they are referred to as menstrual cramps, and also during childbirth. Depending on the condition you seek to affect, these muscular contractions of the uterine wall can be...
A weight loss program is any kind of regimen that helps you drop pounds. It can include a calorie-limiting diet, calorie-burning exercises, strength-training exercises and programs that limit entire food groups. According to the National...
As your body prepares to host another life for a few months, several changes take place. A rapid increase in hormones prepares your womb and body for many of the demands required to support another human being. Also, your center of gravity will...
Pressure point treatment alleviates pain caused by pressure points, also known as trigger points. The treatment can be done by trained chiropractors and massage therapists, or you can treat yourself. Significant relief can be felt in minutes and...
Some brief cramping or pain in the abdominal area is normal during pregnancy. The March of Dimes explains that any severe cramping or pain during pregnancy is not normal and should be reported to a doctor right away. Any abdominal pain, even mild,...
There is an unspoken contract between health care providers and those who seek their care that symptoms will be reported honestly and signs will not be altered to exaggerate or conceal a disease. When this is not the case, money is wasted in...
According to Natasha Turner, a naturopathic physician, about one in six couples are infertile, which is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. Infertility may be due to hormonal problems, nutritional...
Creatine monohydrate is a dietary supplement popular among athletes and bodybuilders. It is made of amino acids that are mainly present in the kidneys and liver. Creatine is transferred into the blood so that your muscles can use it. Approximately...
Pain in the stomach during pregnancy is actually quite common and not always a reason for concern. There are some serious complications that can lead to pain in the stomach, but these are generally rare. Pregnant women should discuss all...
No matter what kind of weightlifting you plan to do, utilizing proper safety precautions and lifting techniques can help keep you from injuring yourself. Most stationary gym equipment comes with safety locks in place, but dumbbells, deadlift bars...
General liability insurance is designed for business owners and operators. It protects policyholders against lawsuits filed by someone who suffers injury or property damage on business premises, is injured by a product that was manufactured or...
Every woman encounters labor differently. Just as no two pregnancies are exactly alike, no two labor experiences will be the same either. Experienced mothers can become familiar with the general signs and symptoms of labor, while new mothers may...
Braxton Hicks contractions come very infrequently, without pattern or sequence. Over the last few weeks before labor, you may notice more contractions than before, but you can be sure you are not going into labor if they do not get much closer...
Back pain is estimated to affect somewhere between 70 and 80 percent of the population at any one time. According to Kraemer and Zatsiorsky, most commonly this type of pain is disc related. Your discs are least likely to experience injury when...
The cervical spine or neck bones consist of seven cervical vertebrae with eight pairs of cervical nerves. These nerves control the neck, arms and upper body. Cervical vertebrae are subject to trauma, degenerative disease, and fractures. When...
When training intensely, you may sometimes pick up small injuries which are part and parcel of working out -- but they can be inconvenient and force you to step back from training for a short time. One common pain experienced by trainees is a...
Many organizations require drug testing for a myriad other reasons, whether job applicants or current employees. But there are problems with testing. For example, urine drug tests may yield false positives, meaning the person tests positive but is...
Abdominal pains can occur at almost any stage in pregnancy. While they may be worrisome for the mother, especially if it is her first pregnancy, in many cases there is no cause for concern unless abdominal pains are accompanied by other more...
Sweet oil is another name for olive oil. A home remedy for centuries, sweet oil is used for a variety of purposes beyond its use in natural health remedies. A common dietary element in Mediterranean foods, this oil provides a nutritious...
Cramping in pregnancy is quite common. It can be alarming, but in most cases it does not mean anything is wrong with the pregnancy. Women should always notify their medical professional to be sure the cramping is not associated with a pregnancy...