Many women have to deal with food aversions and cravings throughout their pregnancies. Unfortunately, in some cases, these issues can interfere with the body's blood sugar levels, decreasing them to levels that compromise daily life. Women should keep their doctors and midwives informed of their diets and energy levels throughout their pregnancies. Low blood sugar usually can be easily diagnosed and treated. Occasionally it can signal a more serious underlying condition.
Eating only nutritional foods during pregnancy and avoiding foods, supplements and materials that could harm your baby is vital. The dietary choices you make during pregnancy affect the development and health of your baby. Befo...
Some women will naturally feel better during the second trimester before feeling fatigued again during the third trimester. Being fatigued may be normal, but it doesn't have to be debilitating. Restore some of your energy so yo...
However, despite the fact that this herb is used to treat many hormone-related gynecologic conditions, using it as a fertility aid may be risky because it is contraindicated during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before t...
But prior to giving birth, some women also experience herniated disks during pregnancy, which can cause significant discomfort and pain on its own.
Chloasma, also known as melasma, is a darkening of the skin that occurs mainly in women, especially women who are pregnant or taking artificial female hormones. While not a major medical problem, melasma can be a significant co...
Doctors prescribe Amitiza, a brand name for the drug lubiprostone, for the treatment of chronic constipation and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Some patients who take Amitiza complain of gastrointestinal sid...
Water retention during pregnancy is properly known as pregnancy edema. It's a common side effect, especially in the third trimester. You may find that your feet and legs swell up over the course of the day; your hands and arms ...
Most women will have some kind of skin problem at some point during pregnancy. Rapidly fluctuating hormone levels are typically the culprit. Usually these skin problems are not serious and will cease to be a problem after the p...
Caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (or T. gondii), toxoplasmosis in an adult generally results in mild flu-like symptoms or even no symptoms. However, if the infection is passed to a baby during pregnancy, it can har...
Skin changes are another less-than-pleasant side effect of pregnancy. Most skin problems can be associated with increased hormonal levels, while others directly result from physical accommodation for the growing baby.
Toxoplasmosis is a common infectious disease caused by the parasite toxoplasma gondii. Women who are infected during pregnancy may have a mild flu-like illness, usually with no lasting consequences. The fetus, however, may deve...
When the membranes rupture prior to the onset of labor, it is called premature rupture of membranes, or PROM. Preterm premature rupture of membranes, or PPROM, means the amniotic sac that holds the umbilical cord, baby and plac...
The first trimester of pregnancy produces a whirl of varied emotions, including: excitement, hope, misgivings and fear. These are all normal, as is the desire to know what might go wrong during this time. The developing embryo ...
Most pregnant women may expect morning sickness, but they do not realize how many other digestive problems can occur during pregnancy. Most of these are caused by the hormone progesterone relaxing the muscles of the digestive s...
When things are going smoothly, this special time can often feel magical, and a mom-to-be may feel better than ever. But things don't always go as planned. If you're experiencing problems with your pregnancy, always contact you...
A normal baby is born with his stomach and intestines completely contained inside his body. A child with gastroschisis has a hole in the abdominal wall that allows these organs to extend outside the body. The stomach and intest...
Eating a balanced diet is necessary when you are dealing with amniotic fluid problems. Ask your doctor for the guidelines you should follow for your amniotic fluid condition. You may be required to limit sodium, drink extra fl...
Changes in hormones cause some women to become diabetic during pregnancy even though they never suffered from the condition before. Researchers don't know the reason for the onset of what is called gestational diabetes, but gu...