Competitive female athletes may fear that during pregnancy they need to stop exercising, give up their fitness training goals and resign themselves to growing fat and flabby. Fortunately, though, a serious woman athlete can remain fit even during pregnancy. If you enjoy competing in triathlons, you can continue training for triathlons by making a few changes in your exercise routine.
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The first step in correcting problems associated with excessive head bobbing during running is becoming aware of the movement.
Optimal fetal positioning during labor -- where your baby is head down and facing your back -- positively influences your labor. Babies in this ideal position have an easier time moving through your pelvis and down the birth ca...
Talk to your doctor before consuming spirulina, red marine algae or any other supplements during pregnancy. There is not enough information available about these aquatic nutrients to fully determine their safety or potential ha...
Your nutritional needs increase during pregnancy. The food you consume not only maintains your health but is also used for the proper growth and development of your baby. Red meat is a good source of protein and iron during pre...
As women enter their third trimester, edema, or swelling, is common, and it can affect every area from the cheeks down to the ankles. While a little extra pudge is unavoidable during late pregnancy, a few strategies can help re...
In the 1950s, pregnant moms thought nothing of smoking during pregnancy--or drinking, for that matter. When researchers began to prove that smoking had potentially harmful effects on the fetus, warning labels were added to ciga...
During pregnancy, women often experience emotional changes that can lead to arguing with their partner. This arguing can have serious consequences for both baby and mother. Normal arguing is not likely to cause any harm, but ex...
Used for hundreds of years in traditional medicines, you now can find goat's rue in many herbal teas and supplements for lactating women. Consult your family physician before adding goat's rue herbal supplements to your diet du...
Feeling your baby move is one of the major milestones of any pregnancy, but it can be startling at first. Your baby’s movements might feel like popping popcorn or fluttering butterfly wings at first and feel sharper as th...
Anorexia can be a lifelong, chronic condition, but can also become a problem during pregnancy. Between 85 and 95 percent of anorexics are women, and many anorexics have a body weight that is below what it should be for
Growing evidence suggests that probiotics, friendly bacteria, might be useful in preventing and treating some conditions during pregnancy, according to a 2005 article in the journal “Canadian Family Physician.” Lact...
Bartter syndrome, also called Bartter's syndrome, is an inherited genetic defect that can lead to deficiencies in potassium and other minerals. If left untreated, Bartter syndrome can inhibit growth and even lead to kidney fail...
During pregnancy, your blood volume almost doubles to support your growing fetus. This extra blood volume, along with circulatory changes and a rising progesterone level that causes your blood vessels to relax can result in var...
About half of all women become constipated at some point while they're pregnant, so it's important for them to consume fiber regularly. Fiber also has an association with a lower incidence of preeclampsia, a dangerous conditi...
According to a 2009 report in "The New York Times," Xocai's antioxidant capacity exceeds that of mainstream chocolate brands. MXI Corp., the product manufacturer, promotes Xocai as a healthy, safe dietary supplement for general...
A woman goes through a variety of physical and emotional changes during pregnancy. Among the many changes, her hormones surge, her appetite fluctuates, her belly grows and her posture changes to accompany her new size. She also...
Glucosamine is the primary building block for certain plant species including fungi, yeasts, arthropods and invertebrates that live in the ocean. It can also be manufactured in synthetic form for certain health uses. If you tak...
From the moment you receive a positive pregnancy test until the moment your baby is safely delivered, it's only natural that you worry about your baby's health and wellness. Pregnancy is packed with variables, health concerns a...
Sunburn only goes skin deep, so it can't directly affect your baby if you're pregnant; however, the side effects of a severe sunburn could have undesirable effects on your pregnancy. Because pregnancy can increase your sun sen...
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is important for proper organ function, bone strength, regulating levels of vitamins and minerals in the body, cell signalling and producing energy and DNA. However, too much or too little...
Eating the cookies to attempt to relieve morning sickness is generally safe, but monitor your overall nutritional intake while doing so. Always call a doctor if you are concerned about your morning sickness or use of ginger sna...
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States in the past decade and might provide natural, effective relief for sciatic pain during pregna...
If you have ever been involved in a tense game of volleyball, you understand that sometimes you have to dive to get a ball or collide with a teammate to make sure your team stays on top. These are not ideal conditions for pregn...
Your gym is filled with equipment -- some of it safe for pregnant women and some of it dangerous. The elliptical machine is one of the safe ones. Its sturdiness and low-impact movements enable you to raise your heart rate in a ...
Evolutionary developmental psychologists research how the fetus adapts to it gestational environment, naturally selecting for the best possible adaptations to the environment she is to be born into. As the mother experiences hi...
Pregnancy is hard on your body. As your belly grows, your muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones must make room for baby. This means changing in ways you may have never known your body could change. This is exciting, yet it can ...
This can be problematic because, when you have acne and are pregnant, you may not be able to use the same treatments you once did. If you experience increased skin breakouts during pregnancy, talk to your physician before begin...
This is because the growing baby inside you has caloric needs of her own. A growling stomach is uncomfortable and embarrassing, particularly if you are not used to appetite fluctuations. Fortunately, there are several ways to q...
There are many different foods and herbs that you need to avoid during pregnancy because there isn't sufficient evidence to suggest they're safe. While it's not likely that chicory will cause uterine contractions, it's possible...
If you consume any type of herbs, including herbal tea, use caution once you find out you are pregnant. While certain herbs are safe for use during pregnancy, others are not and can have negative effects on your unborn baby. So...
Pregnancy creates the perfect store for muscle fatigue. Hormones and your growing belly loosen your joints; they stretch and strain overworked muscles. Rest helps alleviate the pain associated with muscle fatigue, but it doesn'...
But as the weeks progress, your baby begins to become stronger and those kicks more regular -- and sometimes painful -- leaving you sore, especially in the ribs. Just like with any other issue or symptom of pregnancy, you may q...
Exercise during pregnancy helps you feel better emotionally and physically, and prepares your body for birth. And because exercising means you gain less fat during pregnancy, your body rebounds back to normal quicker after birt...
If you enjoyed jogging and running before you became pregnant, you often can continue with your jogging routine during pregnancy, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. While your pregnancy might...
The University of Maryland Medical Center describes linden as an herb that grows from various species of the Tilia plant, or lime tree. Blackberries are nutrient dense fruits wthat grow throughout the world. The berries are co...
Your psychology has a deep, long-lasting effect on your entire body. During pregnancy, depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions in the mother can cause physical changes, including impaired fetal growth, as well as...
Although the fruit of an orange is rich in nutrients, the extract from the orange peel also has been used to treat certain medical conditions. While the compounds found in orange peel extract have medicinal value, ingestion of ...
An expectant mother's actions can have a considerable effect on her child. Smoking and drinking are two such actions that can be very harmful to a baby in the womb, increasing the risk of birth defects and complications and eve...
The foods you eat nourish your body, giving you the energy and the materials your body needs to work efficiently and effectively. Good nutrition becomes even more important during pregnancy; the foods you eat not only nourish ...
Since ancient times, humans have used frankincense for medicinal purposes, in perfume crafting and in religious rituals, as shown by the Christian story of the wise men visiting Jesus and his family. Perhaps it was fortunate th...
Chicory is a plant used both for food and for herbal medicine. Both the leaves and the root are edible, with the root usually used for medicinal purposes. Chicory root is also sometimes used to make a coffee- or tea-like bevera...
Breastfeeding is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but you do need to pay attention to your diet and signs from your body to keep yourself and your unborn child healthy. Breast and nipple sensitivity affect some pregn...
Choosing healthy foods is important to your health and the health of your baby. Pomegranate fruit is a nutritious choice that contains several nutrients important to you during your pregnancy. Eating pomegranate fruit or d
The berries of the chaste tree are used in herbal medicine to help treat premenstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms and to stimulate lactation, although evidence is conflicting as to its effectiveness. You should not take cha...
Fruits are packed with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Not only are they low in fat and calories, but eating fruits while pregnant helps ensure optimal health for you and proper growth and development for the baby. Get...
Flaxseed offers some benefits in the form of high omega-3 fatty acid content, which might help keep your heart and circulation in good health. However, flaxseed and flax meal might be unsafe to take while pregnant or nursing a ...
Preterm birth occurs in around 12 percent of pregnancies in the United States, according to the March of Dimes. Treatments to stop true preterm labor with cervical dilation have limited success, according to obstetrician Robert...
Experts in the medical field agree that expectant mothers can safely consume acidophilus throughout pregnancy. Consult your obstetrician or midwife before using acidophilus to treat infections during pregnancy.
EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, cannot be produced by your body, so you must get them in your diet. These fats are important for everyone, but especially during pregnancy.
The kidney cells lining the intestine and the placenta, the organ that nourishes the growing fetus in the uterus, can also produce alkaline phosphatase. Alkaline phosphatase levels normally rise in pregnancy, but rises can also...
As a woman's body grows during pregnancy, so does her need for certain important nutrients. Increasing iron intake is especially important to avoid anemia and its related symptoms, such as tiredness, irritability and dizziness....
Chasteberry is an herbal remedy used to treat various hormonal issues in women, including PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome and symptoms of menopause. Chasteberry appears to act like progesterone in the body, helping to balance th...
During pregnancy, it's important to eat a balanced and varied diet. The foods that you eat provide nourishment for your baby to grow and develop, and also give you energy and fuel. One of the important parts of your pregnancy d...
Your body uses it for turning food into energy, as well as for DNA, cell signaling and cell differentiation. Niacin is also prescribed by doctors to help lower LDL cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides. ...
Women who enjoy turmeric don't necessarily need to give up this spice during pregnancy but might want to consider limiting the amount they consume. The safety of turmeric during pregnancy depends a lot on whether you are using ...
During pregnancy, everything you eat can affect the development of your baby. For your baby to develop properly and to continue your good health, you need to increase the amount of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. On...
During the Eclectic medical movements of the late 1800s and early 1900s, which stressed the use of botanicals, false unicorn root was used to treat lack of menstrual periods. It was also used as a uterine tonic and possible aid...
Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding require additional amounts of certain nutrients. Most health care practitioners recommend taking prenatal vitamins or multivitamins during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to meet your ...
During pregnancy, your body needs additional vitamins and minerals to support your unborn baby. Most health care providers will advise you to take a prenatal vitamin or possibly a multivitamin or supplements. There is a risk th...
Salt may be one of your cravings during your pregnancy, a vice that is probably OK to indulge. In moderation, of course.
However, the FDA issued a letter in 2008 noting that it doesn't object to the use of stevia in food preparations. Women who are pregnant should discuss the use of artificial sweeteners, such as stevia, during pregnancy with a d...
Pregnancy is a time of anticipation, excitement and worry for many women. Wondering how your normal activities affect your baby is a common concern during the months leading up to birth. While exercise is important during pregn...
Flaxseeds are a source of dietary fiber. They are also used to treat constipation and acne, and may help lower cholesterol. It is important to consider the safety of anything you consume during pregnancy because some things can...
Because you undoubtedly want to ensure that your developing baby is getting the best start possible, it's normal to look for "natural" ways to treat your pregnancy ailments. Before you turn to herbal products, including teas an...
Sciatica is a severe pain, weakness or numbness in the low back that may radiate down through the buttocks, thighs and lower legs. During pregnancy, as the baby grows larger and puts pressure on the pelvis, women might experien...
Walk down an aisle of your grocery store and you'll likely see food containers labeled with messages like "Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acid" or "DHA Fortified." The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are gaining public interest because ...
It's been used for centuries as an alternative to other teas or coffee and in recent years has become quite popular in the United States. In general, it's best to avoid mate during pregnancy, however.
Drinking and smoking during your pregnancy -- at any time -- may be detrimental to the health of your baby. The first three months are especially critical because all your baby's major body parts and organs are being formed at ...
According to Anne Frye, author of "Holistic Midwifery", there are a wide variety of causes of pain or pressure in the chest during pregnancy. Changes in the body, and an increasing size of a growing baby create symptoms of pai...
There are many foods you might have enjoyed before you conceived that aren't advisable during your pregnancy. Thankfully for fans of hot pepper, the active chemical in spicy food won't do your baby any harm. In fact, babies who...
One of these hormones is called progesterone, which also has functions in the reproductive cycle of non-pregnant females. If your progesterone level is low during pregnancy, you can miscarry your baby. For this reason, physicia...
Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is an important pregnancy hormone that helps signal to your body that you're pregnant and helps you maintain the pregnancy. Falling levels of hCG during pregnancy, depending upon when they ...
If you've been following a regular exercise routine, you should be able to continue that routine in your pregnancy. In addition to helping you maintain your current fitness level, exercise can help you maintain your weight, eas...
You probably know you need to avoid certain foods during pregnancy. Alcohol is off limits, and most obstetricians recommend that you limit caffeine. Because of bacterial contamination, it's important to avoid undercooked or raw...
Possible causes of sagging at any stage of a woman's life may include being overweight, pregnancy, smoking or having large breasts that are poorly supported.
If the blood clots too easily, pathologic blood clotting may occur. If blood clots too slowly, the body is prone to rampant internal bleeding. People can develop low levels of a protein known as Protein S during pregnancy, whic...
Progesterone, a steroid hormone, is produced in small amounts by the ovary at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. The level of progesterone at the beginning of the menstrual cycle is usually less than 1.0 ng/ml in most women,...
Your body will change dramatically during the nine months of your pregnancy. The average amount of weight gained during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds. According to the March of Dimes, most of this gain occurs in the second and t...
The first month of your pregnancy may be confusing. Your body has not yet provided definitive signs of the presence of a baby, such as weight gain. However, some women can begin to experience the physical and emotional signs of...
The physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy bring with them a whole host of interesting, frequently irritating and sometimes confusing symptoms. Among these, some women get toothaches or experience other dental concerns whil...
Women's bodies go through many changes during pregnancy. Changing hormone levels lead to alterations in blood flow patterns, while changing nutritional requirements necessitate increased caloric consumption and increased vitami...
As if the normal pregnancy aches and pains weren't enough to deal with, some pregnant women have to figure out a way to safely manage their allergy symptoms during pregnancy as well. Although some women worry about unintentiona...
A variety of odd symptoms can accompany the hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy. Some women say they feel different early on and even surmise that they're pregnant before they test positive. Other women don't notice anyt...
Pregnancy has many different physical effects on women; in addition to adjusting to the increased weight of a growing baby, their bodies also change in other significant ways. Blood volume increases, and the heart works harder ...
Smoking during pregnancy may cause long-lasting effects on both you and your baby. It is extremely important to stop smoking as soon as you can if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is never too late to stop sm...
About 20 to 80 percent of women develop these growths by the age of 50. As noted on the OBFocus website, uterine fibroids can be found in 4 percent of pregnancies. Many women have no problems related to the fibroids during pre...
Bleeding during pregnancy can be scary. Many women associate bleeding with impending miscarriage, and worry that they're losing the baby. There are many reasons, however, for bleeding during pregnancy, some of which are complet...
Despite these facts, people still smoke, even pregnant women. The effects of tobacco are much harsher on unborn children than they are on their mothers. Many mothers-to-be know that smoking causes low birth weight, premature b...
Migraine headaches affect approximately 15 to 20 percent of pregnant women, notes the UAB Medical Center. Fortunately, for many sufferers, migraines often taper off toward the end of pregnancy. During pregnancy, any medication ...
Smoking before and during pregnancy is the most preventable cause of illness and death in mothers and infants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant women who quit before or early in pregnancy ca...
The thyroid gland, located in the neck directly in front of the windpipe, plays an important role in pregnancy. While some women might have a thyroid disorder that continues during pregnancy, others might develop an abnormal th...
Increased vaginal discharge is a common complaint during pregnancy, and is the result of fluctuating hormones and increased blood circulation in the vaginal area. Heavier discharge can occur throughout pregnancy without concern...
A woman's body undergoes many dramatic changes over the course of pregnancy, some of which can bring about unpleasant side effects. Joint discomfort is one common symptom that can result from any combination of changes in circ...
Although some stress and anxiety during pregnancy is normal, high levels of it can increase the risk of preterm labor or delivering a low birth weight baby, according to the medical advisory board of BabyCenter.com. Pregnant wo...
Depression during pregnancy is not discussed as commonly as postpartum depression, but it does exist. According to the American Pregnancy Association, up to 20 percent of women suffer from depression during pregnancy. It is imp...
Pregnancy changes so many things about a woman's body, including the way it functions. Some of the changes are enjoyable, such as thicker nails, healthier hair and sometimes a larger bust. Other changes prove less than desirabl...
Much research has been done on women who are pregnant and smoke. It is detrimental to the mother's health and it will significantly compromise the unborn baby's health as well.
Most pregnant women know that it's not recommended to drink alcohol or smoke during the pregnancy. Yet women who regularly drink and smoke and suddenly find themselves pregnant have a major change to make in their lives in a sh...
Despite the known harmful health effects of smoking, however, the March of Dimes reports that at least 10 percent of pregnant women in the United States continue to smoke during pregnancy. Numerous studies have documented the n...
When a mother smokes during pregnancy, she places her baby and herself at risk for dangerous consequences. Smoking causes increased chances for miscarriage, growth restriction, preterm birth, birth defects, and health problems ...
An abnormally high number of platelets in pregnancy is far less common than low platelet levels. High platelet levels are either essential, or primary, meaning that an excess of platelets are being made in the bone marrow. Reac...
Smoking is commonly known to be "bad for you." What is perhaps less known is that when a woman smokes during her pregnancy, she is increasing the risk for a variety of potentially tragic outcomes--both for herself and her unbo...
From miscarriage to growth restriction to birth defects, smoking during pregnancy increases the risk for many poor outcomes. The more a woman smokes, the higher the risks. Being aware of these risks may provide the motivation nec
During pregnancy, all these things enter your bloodstream, which is your baby's only source of oxygen and nutrients. Some of the most dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke are nicotine and carbon monoxide. Smoking during preg...
The nicotine patch or gum (nicotine replacement therapy) still causes an increased risk to the fetus but is apparently safer than cigarette smoke. There are smoking-cessation groups and alternative methods available to help you...
This manual examination of a woman's reproductive organs can yield information about the pregnancy. It also provides an opportunity to screen for infections and other conditions that could impact maternal or fetal
An organ of life, the placenta nourishes the unborn baby. The placenta manufactures several hormones that support pregnancy, such as growth hormones, estrogen, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which triggers...
At least one in 10 women smokes and/or drinks alcohol during pregnancy. While most women are aware that smoking and drinking are not recommended during pregnancy, many women don't realize the specific risks associated with thes...
When a woman inhales nicotine it is transmitted to the placenta. The placenta passes nutrients, oxygen and eliminates waste---but also passes chemicals found in cigarettes. Cigarettes contain over 2,500 different chemicals. Acc...
Thirst in pregnancy can be a simple sign that your body needs more fluids or it can be a sign of a more serious complication. Always consult your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms during pregnancy, especially if they are ...
The journey through a pregnancy is a thrilling, scary, emotional ride. For nine months, you will have another human being growing inside of you--one that you helped to create. While you're busy readying your family for its new...
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are common during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids occur as a result of enlarged veins that protrude through the anus. This swelling of the veins is caused by several things in pregnancy, including constip...
The more a woman smokes, the higher the risk is for these outcomes. Fortunately, decreasing or ceasing smoking during the second half of pregnancy largely reduces the risks.
An estimated 10 percent of pregnant women in the United States light up during pregnancy--this despite the fact tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide, benzene, cyanide, ammonia, nitrosamines, vinyl chloride, radioactive partic...
Nicotine replacement therapy, such as the nicotine patch or gum still pose additional risk to the fetus but are considered safer than cigarette smoking itself. Discuss quitting options with your obstetrician to decide the safe...
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of various problems for the fetus and the mother. The risk is dose-dependent, so that the more a woman smokes during pregnancy, the higher the risk f...
Nicotine and carbon monoxide are two of the most dangerous chemicals that are inhaled during cigarette smoking. There are some dangerous effects of fetal exposure to nicotine in utero.
Smoking while pregnant is harmful to you and your baby. There is no known "safe" number of cigarettes that a woman can smoke while pregnant without causing damage. The risks increase with every cigarette smoked. Therefore, it m...
The medical advisory board for the popular parenting website BabyCenter.com states that smoking may be the number-one cause of adverse outcomes for babies. Luckily, women who are able to quit smoking during pregnancy time can s...
The March of Dimes, however, reports that in the United States at least 10 percent of women smoke cigarettes while pregnant. If you are pregnant, consider the effects of smoking during pregnancy before you decide to light up.
Nicotine is highly addictive, and many women are unwilling or unable to give up their dependence on nicotine during pregnancy. Smoking while pregnant can have effects on the baby both directly, by having negative effects on fet...
Nicotine exposure (by smoking, using patches or being exposed to passive smoke) during pregnancy has harmful effects on at least three major types of fetal cells during early pregnancy. Nicotine's toxic effect on the developmen...
People who have breast tenderness during pregnancy and during PMS experience virtually the same symptoms. Tenderness can range from mild to severe in both circumstances. According to 34-menopause-symptoms.com, around 70 percent...
You may think a fit, toned body is a lost cause during pregnancy, but that doesn't have to be the case. Exercise can help you have a healthier pregnancy, make delivery easier on you and prevent too much weight gain, according t...
Progesterone plays in important role in a woman's fertility, both by building up the endometrial lining and triggering it to be shed during menstruation when no pregnancy occurs. Without the proper levels of progesterone in rel...
The joy can become challenging and a point of concern very quickly if medical complications lead to bed rest. Bed rest during pregnancy ensures that the expectant mom is not exerting herself too much and may help to protect the...
Because the first trimester is important for the baby's growth and development, smoking can easily lead to irreversible complications that pose a serious risk to the fetus. It is important to stop smoking, avoid second-hand smo...
Backaches during pregnancy are common. For the most part, a backache isn’t cause for alarm; however, in some cases, a backache can signal a more-serious problem. Knowing some of the causes of backaches during pregnancy ca...
Osteoporosis during pregnancy is rare, but not unheard of. The cause of this condition is not entirely understood, but it may have something to do with your growing fetus's demand for calcium. This condition also occurs when yo...
One of the most common ways to recognize appendicitis during pregnancy is by noticing a pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen that will not go away. Appendicitis pain is not like cramping. This pain is something that...
Making the temperature in your bedroom comfortable will help you deal with insomnia during pregnancy. Due to hormone changes and weight gain, pregnant women have a higher metabolism than when they aren't pregnant. Because of t...
Some possible allergens are dust, pet dander, smoke and mold. When possible, try to stay away from the things that trigger an allergy attack. Keep windows closed in the mornings if dust and pollen are triggers for you. This is ...
Pregnancy is a time of great change. As a woman's body changes, her emotions change as well. When you experience negative feelings or fear during your pregnancy, your first instinct may be to hide or suppress those feelings. T...
Water also aids in digestive tract function by essentially washing waste material through the intestines. By staying regular, your bowel movements remain softer and easier to pass. This in turn means less straining during a bow...
Eclampsia is a medical condition that occurs during pregnancy and can be life-threatening to both mother and fetus. The occurrence of true eclampsia is relatively rare, as most cases are identified and treated in the earlier st...
A fever during a pregnancy can upset the development of the fetus, especially if the expectant mother has a fever early in her pregnancy. Most doctors will recommend the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy to lower...
During pregnancy, your body undergoes a number of changes as it prepares to bring your new baby to term. During the second trimester, or about week 20 of a woman's pregnancy, about 5% of women contract gestational diabetes. Ge...
