Constipation during pregnancy, not letting you sleep?

Just as you start to reach out to the bottle of laxative… you hesitate for a second.

Questions pop up in your mind. ?

Is It Safe To Take Laxatives During Pregnancy?

First, let’s know what is a laxative. What are its constituents, and is it safe for the baby and me?

A laxative loosens your stools or increases bowel movements. So it is natural for you to think about the side effects of laxatives during pregnancy.

Maybe someone warned you not to have laxatives while pregnant. What happens when you take a laxative? Laxative increases your bowel movements increase and push out the waste.

How can a laxative harm pregnancy?

Laxatives can induce strong bowel movements, which may push the uterus. Laxatives in higher dose can affect other muscles and lead to spasms. And during pregnancy, the standard dosage of laxatives falls in the category of high dose.

Some laxatives during pregnancy are entirely safe but doctors advise against using laxatives during the third trimester. There are natural ways to deal with constipation, and so laxatives are last resort.

What can you take for constipation when you are pregnant?

Before anything else, your doctor will suggest you have fiber-rich food. Small meals at intervals also avoid constipation while pregnant.

Ways to treat constipation during pregnancy:

1) Prunes

Prunes are a rich source of fiber. Dried prune or prune juice are natural laxatives recommended during pregnancy.  According to a study in ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ¹, prune improves stool frequency and consistency. Prunes are rich in iron too, making them apt for pregnant mothers. They are sweet and tasty to eat.

Prune Juice For Constipation During Pregnancy

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Prunes are dried plums. Prunes and juice made out of prunes are highly recommended for expectant mothers suffering from constipation during pregnancy because of their laxative qualities.

Print

Ingredients

• 1+1/4 Cup Water
• 6 Prunes
• 2 tsp Sugar

Instructions

1. Soak prunes in 1/4 cup water.
2. Set aside for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, add soaked prunes, sugar and 1 cup water to a blender.
4. Blend the mixture to make a smoothie.
5. Now, either you can drink the smoothie or strain it.
6. Add some ice cubes
7. Drink it!

Notes

Add sugar according to your taste. You can also add lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

Image credit: https://flic.kr/p/dK6hDK

Nutrition Information

Yield 1 Serving Size 300 ml
Amount Per Serving Calories 169Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 11mgCarbohydrates 45gFiber 4gSugar 30gProtein 1g

Pregnanteve.com doesn't claim the accuracy of the data.

2) Laxative foods

Mineral oil, castor oil, and cod liver oil can cure constipation. But there are side effects of mineral oil during pregnancy as it can cause bleeding of the fetus. So a doctor’s advice is recommended before trying these.

3) Fluids and fiber-rich food

You must have lots of fluids to rehydrate tissues. Fluids also soften stool. Fiber absorbs the liquids and forms a bulk which eases bowel movements. Cereals and some fruits are rich sources of fiber. Switch to wheat bran bread while you are pregnant.

4) Exercises

Walking and running during pregnancy facilitates digestion. You cannot do anything about progesterone-induced constipation. Yoga and gentle exercises help to utilize the food completely. When constipated drink a glass of lukewarm water and go for a walk.

5) Avoiding junk and eating at intervals

Oily food takes longer to digest and is difficult to absorb. Overeating or starve feed cycle can lead to severe constipation during pregnancy. Include salads and leafy vegetables in your diet. Do not fall prey to eating for two! You need only a few hundred calories extra.

6) Probiotics

Yogurt is rich in healthy bacteria, which help in the absorption and digestion of food. But one must consult her doctor before consuming dairy products during pregnancy.

7) Flax seeds or Chia seeds

Chia seeds can absorb moisture to double their weight. Flax seeds and other seeds with their germ layers can be made into purees. These increase the bulk of the stool and absorb water alleviating constipation. Consuming them will induce thirst because of moisture absorption.

8) Cut down caffeine

Coffee during pregnancy causes constipation. You have to cut done caffeine intake in any form. Soft drinks and tea is the last thing you should have when pregnant.

9) Horseradish

Another natural laxative for expectant mothers is horseradish. You can add it to your salad or drink a soup made from it. The fibers must not be strained else it’s no longer effective.

10) Chamomile tea

It is your savior herbal tea for pregnancy. The alkaloids in the tea will cure constipation completely. You can drink it every day and prevent constipation during pregnancy. Chamomile tea is a home remedy for constipation cramps and other unpleasant symptoms such as bloating.

You must go to the loo as many times as you feel like. Do not be lazy in going there for the billionth time too. Sometimes not going to the bathroom is the reason for constipation.

But home remedies have failed then you can take milk of magnesia. Gentle laxative milk of magnesia poses no risk to your pregnancy.

The best natural laxative is fiber loaded food along with lots of water. The fibers absorb the moisture and soften stools and form a bulk. Other than that in terms of safety and effectiveness, milk of magnesia is the best laxative during pregnancy.

There are other classes of constipation relieving drugs such as bulk-producing laxatives. They do not mix with the bloodstream and cannot reach the baby. All they do it produce bulk just like fibers. Once there is bulk your intestines push out the waste.

Can I take a stool softener while pregnant?

When the above things don’t help your doctor will prescribe a stool softener. A stool softener can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Make sure that you replenish the lost fluids. Taking laxative or stool softener for long periods can lead to electrolyte imbalance.

Colace during pregnancy is safe stool softener. Even when you are breastfeeding, you can consider taking OTC Colace.

When it comes to Stool softener vs. laxative, the former is better because it does not induce muscle contractions.

Laxatives during third-trimester pregnancy

Doctors suggest avoiding taking a laxative in the third trimester. Some of these do cause uterine muscle contractions.

The rhythmic or spasmodic movement of uterus in late pregnancy can lead to preterm labor.

Stool softeners take up a lot of fluid volumes. When the tissues lose fluids, there can be cramps. All this is not safe during pregnancy at any stage. Even if you keep taking fluids, the lost electrolytes will not replenish.

Taking too much or oral rehydration constitution can cause nausea and uneasiness. It is best to opt for natural ways to cure constipation during pregnancy.

Types of Recommended Laxatives During pregnancy

Some common laxatives are not suitable for women. There are different kinds of laxative drugs that are safe for pregnant women.

1) Bulk-forming laxatives

Just like fiber-rich food, certain medications can induce bulk formation in the gut. The surrounding fluids absorbed by the fecal matter forms a bulk. Bulk-forming laxatives include methylcellulose and Normacol. They are safe for pregnant women as they do not enter the bloodstream. It takes about 48 hours for these drugs to relieve constipation.

There are no reports about the side effects of these laxatives to the baby or pregnant woman. Some discomfort due to borborygmus may interfere with sleep. Avoid having such laxatives in state or dehydration or before sleeping.

2) Osmotic laxatives

Sugar laxatives or electrolyte laxative alters the osmolarity of the fluid content of the body. Heard of chocolate laxative? Certain sugars such as lactulose can alter the osmotic pressure. They are not digestible and only absorb more water from the surrounding. When there is fluctuation in the sugar and electrolyte balance, fecal matter passes out. A hypertonic solution absorbs a lot of water and makes the stool soft. They can lead to diarrhea and lose motions. You need to take oral rehydration constitution to restore the lost minerals. Prolonged use of such laxatives can lead to low blood pressure. Electrolyte-rich laxatives, on the other hand, can elevate blood pressure. Hypertension during pregnancy is threatening to the fetus. Laevolac and Duphalac are names of osmotic laxatives safe during pregnancy.

3) Suppositories and lubricants

Mineral oil is not safe during pregnancy for easing constipation. Overuse of mineral oil cab retards lipid absorption. This will, in turn, affect the fat-soluble vitamins present in the blood. As an alternative, you can use suppositories that help pass out stool easily. You can insert glycerine suppositories inside your rectum and wait for the action. Make sure that you are at home because these suppositories can irritate the lining of the anus. Doctors prescribe such suppositories only in extreme cases.

4) Stool softener

Docusate sodium is a type of stool softener that increases the water content of stool. As the softening takes place, you don’t feel the plan while pooping. It also stimulates the bowel muscles to push out the fecal matter. Stool softeners don’t enter the bloodstream and are safe laxative for the first trimester.

5) Stimulant laxatives

The not so safe stimulant laxatives can cause uterine contractions. Working of stimulant laxative such as Senna is by the stimulation of muscles. They are fast acting laxative for pregnancy. Doctors prescribe it only when the associated symptoms are intense. When the cramps are spreading to cause rib pain or round ligament pain, you can take stimulant laxatives.

Can you take Miralax when pregnant?

Doctors consider Miralax as their first choice during pregnancy. Is Miralax safe during pregnancy? In a normal dose, Miralax is safe but can cause gas, stomach ache, and bloating when the dose is heavy. Miralax while breastfeeding does not cause any side effects in the baby.

Is it safe to take Dulcolax while pregnant?

Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative. Chemically it is Bisacodyl drug that aggravates the bowel movements. Bloating and spasms are common after taking this laxative. However, it is safe for pregnant women. There are no reports about any side effects of Dulcolax. Stimulant laxatives near your due date can lead to induction of labor. Having Dulcolax, along with lots of fluids is safe. The drug increases the water in the stool, absorbing it from the surrounding. You need to provide the extra water to avoid dehydration.

What happens when you take a lot of laxatives during pregnancy?

Prolonged consumption of laxatives is not safe during pregnancy. There are many side effects of taking a lot of laxatives while pregnant. The reason the safety of laxatives is doubtful is that higher dose can lead to complications.

Risks of having laxatives during pregnancy:

1) Disturbing the electrolyte balance

The electrolyte balance is essential for many vital processes. Heart and brain require the passing of electricity to function. The difference in the composition of electrolyte across membranes gives rise to the potential gradient. When you have low sodium potassium plasma level, you can become unconscious and faint.

2) Inducing labor

Smaller doses of laxatives adding up can act as labor-inducing drugs. Some laxatives inevitably cause uterine contractions. These muscle movements are mild. A higher dose can make gentle movements strong.

3) Needing higher doses

Not reported or proven, but any drug with overuse can become ineffective. If you make it a habit to consume such laxatives, then you will need a higher dose in subsequent cases.

Constipation for long duration during pregnancy can cause false labor and pelvic floor dysfunction. Further, it gives rise to complications during labor. You will have to consider taking laxatives when pregnant if the situation is chronic.

The post Is It Safe To Take Laxatives During Pregnancy? appeared first on Pregnancy.

Urine is a mix of waste urea, ions, water, and proteins too! A non-pregnant normal woman or human too secrets protein in the urine. Conception changes the urine composition doubling protein secreted in urine.

Proteinuria during pregnancy is the condition when the level of proteins increases beyond 300 mg/24 hours in urine. While a slight increase isn’t a cause to worry, higher levels of protein in the urine during pregnancy sign kidney disease.

Inflammation of kidney or units inside it can hamper the reabsorption of protein from the urine produced. Kidneys produce urine in the smaller functional units and store them in collecting ducts.

Depending on the change in ion balance and hydration reabsorb ions and water back. That’s the reason you not drinking water can help to avoid nature’s call for extended periods.

What is Proteinuria During Pregnancy?

Your kidneys are not 100% efficient in reabsorbing all the proteins back. At times some of the filtrate from blood reaching the kidneys may get proteins. Primarily it is albumin that escapes into the urine filtrate.

When you are pregnant, the blood flow reaching the kidneys is higher than before pregnancy. As the speed of blood passing through kidney increases the error probability also increases. More proteins can slide past the filters of the kidney.

Proteinuria in pregnant women also hints at impending complications in the course of pregnancy. Kidney dysfunction, infection or HELLP syndrome are some causes of the abnormal release of proteins in urine.

Pregnancy hormones can alter the balance of solutes and fluids in the body. The osmolarity influences the filtering action of the kidney. Thus the essential biomolecules also start coming into the filtrate.

During Pregnancy you have to give your urine samples all the time. You’ll be pro at understanding the medical terms they use and reports by the end. Prenatal appointments constitute a blood test and urinalysis as basics. Doctors test proteinuria to detect Preeclampsia in the second trimester by the time you’re midway.

Types of Proteinuria

You may either have chronic proteinuria due to underlying kidney problems or onset proteinuria. The latter is because of preeclampsia, a condition that may occur in the second trimester.

1) Chronic proteinuria

It is present even before pregnancy and results from a pre-existing kidney problem.

2) Onset proteinuria

Onset proteinuria develops during pregnancy. It is mainly caused due to preeclampsia which is also a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure and damage to body organs.

Causes of Proteinuria In Pregnancy

There can be many causes of proteinuria while you’re pregnant. Ultimately it boils down to the reason that blood flow reaching to your kidney is unmanageable. Either it could be high blood pressure (preeclampsia) sending excess blood or compromised kidney. 

The lag on the part of either of them leads to leaking of essential protein albumin. Albuminuria during pregnancy further is the cause of swollen feet and other complications.

Here are the reasons to look out for when you expect to suffer from proteinuria while pregnant:

1) Preeclampsia

A second-trimester complication Preeclampsia is sharply rising blood pressure. Proteinuria is a symptom and if often part of diagnostic tests. The condition of high blood pressure is harmful at every stage of pregnancy. Oxygen supply reaching baby reduces drastically.

High blood pressure makes c section more probable. Doctors need to check preeclampsia and control the elevated BP.

Prenatal tests involve the test in the 20th week even if you don’t have symptoms. A hypertensive state can lead to failure of organs and ultimately death during labor stress.

2) Gestational Diabetes

A temporary form of diabetes during pregnancy is gestational diabetes. When your pregnancy comes to term, diabetes also vanishes. Unless the condition is severe nothing much to worry. People who have a family history of diabetes are more likely to suffer from gestational diabetes.

However, the compromised blood sugar balance confuses the kidneys. They begin to filter out essential proteins too.

3) Urinary Tract Infection

They are common and curable but can cause other conditions which make pregnancy unmanageable. A urinary tract infection can spread to the kidneys leading to inflammation. When the kidneys have inflammation, their ability to filtration reduces. Even a normal blood pressure will be too much for the infected kidneys.

Get a checkup when you have burning while urination, bleeding or irritation and pain. For UTI during pregnancy doctors use antibiotics that are safe. Make sure you replenish the lost good bacteria upon its use. Else the affected gut flora will reduce the synthesis of essential vitamins.

4) Kidney diseases

Underlying kidney conditions may show up or deteriorate quickly due to excess work. Excess calcium or oxalate can cause renal calculi. You must be taking calcium supplements during pregnancy. Make sure you inform your doctor about any parathyroid problems. A problem in calcium balance can affect the kidneys making you prone to such secondary symptoms.

5) HELLP syndrome

A major cause of Proteinuria is the HELLP syndrome which is a combination of multiple symptoms. The abbreviated form stands for Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count. Hemolysis refers to the breakdown of blood that affects the glomerular filtration in kidneys.

The condition calls for immediate treatment as reducing platelet count can cause profuse bleeding. Pregnancy blood loss can jeopardize the life of both mother and baby.

Earlier you may feel like you have preeclampsia when due to overlapping symptoms. Later perhaps through blood analysis or any incidence of bleeding HELLP diagnosis happens. Preeclampsia is a cause of HELLP syndrome.

Along with proteinuria, HELLP can even cause severe birth defects and stillbirth. Getting treatment is possible provided you consult a doctor without delay.

6) Stress

Emotional or environmental stress affects blood pressure and composition. There are dozens of side effects of stress. Unexplained proteinuria could be because of stress. Dehydration or high temperature and other surrounding factors can also cause kidney problems.

7) Eclampsia

When seizures or convulsions begin due to high blood pressure (Preeclampsia) the condition is eclampsia. It’s fatal and happens near the most critical stages of pregnancy – labor. You need medical intervention as soon as possible to control the situation. The level of protein secreting in urine goes abnormally high in this condition. Any Further the loss of proteins worsens the conditions, and a vicious cycle goes on until intervention.

8) Overproduction of proteins

When your body starts producing more than the required amount of protein some of it may escape through urine. Conditions of protein misfolding or impaired extra synthesis are multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. There are many more such disorders. It’s less likely that a patient doesn’t know about them already.

9) Obesity, age, and race risk factors

Overweight pregnant women are at risk of many pregnancy complications. Native Americans, Hispanics, African, and Asians are at higher risk. If a pregnant lady is over 45 years, she is at higher risk of having pregnancy Proteinuria.

Symptoms of Proteinuria

Your naked eyes cannot see protein floating in your urine. A urinalysis is essential for detecting proteinuria. Even if you cannot see protein in urine, your body gives you cues about having proteinuria.

Signs of Proteinuria During Pregnancy are:

1. Swelling: The loss of proteins causes a change in blood concentration. Edema in pregnancy is mainly because of the change in fluid balance. Swelling causes leg cramps and pain all over the body. Puffy face and limbs along with urine changes could have proteinuria as its cause.
2. Changes in the look of urine: Your urine may become straw colored and murky. At times you might have increased desire to pee and feel thirsty as water moves out along proteins. Foaming in urine also indicates the above.
3. Preeclampsia symptoms: If you feel anxious and have excessive breathing rate you could be having preeclampsia. Other signs such as dizziness, headache, and vision changes also hint at changes in blood concentrations. Albumin is the main protein in the blood responsible for maintaining the osmolarity. Loss of albumin can be devastating for fluid balance and aggravate hypertensive conditions.
4. Other signs of kidney disease, UTI: You will not see any distinct signs and instead only secondary symptoms if you’ve proteinuria. Pain near the kidney region or burning sensation while peeing hint at these causes.

How do doctors test for Proteinuria in pregnancy?

The tests remain the same for pregnant and non-pregnant women. Your kidney has a pace that tells the rate at which it filters in a unit of time. Analysis of a substance that doesn’t metabolize in the body and comes out 100% can tell the filtration rate of the kidney. Creatinine is the substance of choice that can assess renal function.

1) 24 Hour Urine Test

The other name for the test is Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio. Two things are measured in the test, albumin and creatinine secreted in urine in 24 hours. Spot sample can be used too, but it won’t be as effective. When the amount of albumin coming out is more than 300 mg, and albumin to creatinine ratio is more than 30mg/g you have the condition.

As for the test, nothing more than a urine sample of 24 hours is needed. You have to collect your urine throughout the day without contaminating the sample. The sample will go to the laboratory for testing, and you’ll get the reports.

There are random sample tests and timed urine test for albumin. In times urine test you have to go after a particular duration of not peeing to give the sample.

2) Dip stick test

Just like your pregnancy test doctors have dip strips that are specific for testing albumin. After collecting your random or timed urine sample, they dip a strip in it. If the color changes, it implies there is protein in your urine.

Often a dip strip is preceding test before the quantitative albumin to creatinine urinalysis.

Treatment of Proteinuria While Pregnant

For treating proteinuria in pregnancy, the causes need to be controlled first. It’s essential for checking the infection spread to kidney or diabetes.

Preeclampsia and Hypertension also need to be checked and brought under control. Doctors will prescribe you drugs whose names end in – sartan and angiotensin converting enzyme ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers ACB. Both ACE inhibitors and ACB prevent the rise of blood by acting on angiotensin functions.

Controlling the amount of protein in the diet is also an important step in quick healing. Check your weight and monitor the chronic conditions like diabetes.

The post Proteinuria During Pregnancy appeared first on Pregnancy.

Vertigo is a sign that you’re not getting enough energy or rest. Yes, you can experience light-headedness without having any complications, but it’s not normal if you’ve it all the time.

The reason for dizzy feeling while pregnant is a change in blood pressure. Hormones have a role to play in altering the blood circulation, and they are guilty too. As more blood pools to your baby, oxygen reaching brain reduces making you feel weary.

Why do you have dizzy spells when pregnant? How can you prevent light-headed feeling in pregnancy? Following sections have all your answers.

Is dizziness a pregnancy symptom?

No. There is no necessity that a pregnant woman will feel dizzy at any stage in her pregnancy. Either way, if she does feel dizzy, there’s the least chance of any consequences for the baby.

One can consider it as a secondary symptom which occurs as a result of morning sickness or dehydration during pregnancy. Dropping sugar levels after vomiting in the morning can even lead to hospitalisation.

Causes of Dizziness During Pregnancy

The reason for feeling dizzy without being tipsy is the effect progesterone has on the brain. That’s not in your control. However, low sugar, blood pressure changes, dehydration and maternal heating are controllable.

1. Hypoglycaemia

Only blood glucose can reach brain crossing the blood-brain barrier. When your blood does not have sufficient glucose, brain starves. You can consider it similar to hallucinating after starving during work hours or fasting. Dizziness will go after you eat something. Preferably drink something loaded with natural sugars like fresh orange.

2. Dehydration

The other thing your brain needs is water after having its meal. In the state of dehydration, your brain turns off and makes you feel sleepy. The reason is the same that lack of water doesn’t allow the exchange of materials between blood and brain. As crucial as sugar supply to the brain is the removal of toxins.

3. Elevated body temperature

Recall the last time you were feverish, and you couldn’t understand where you were. It’s all about the optimal conditions brain needs for functioning normally. All these conditions where things change from the normal course cause the brain to lose control.

4. Low blood pressure

Flow to the brain is against gravity. No, wait. Don’t imagine it like blood trying to rise up a hill?. That means that if your blood pressure isn’t in normal range the ratio of blood reaching the feet will be more. During pregnancy blood vessels relax and that reduces the curve with which blood flows. Lesser blood reaching the brain means less oxygen, nutrients and more toxins.

5. Getting up suddenly

Temporarily you black out when you get up from sleeping without sitting for a while. You are used to snoozing and then rushing at the last moment. When you wake up suddenly your body doesn’t settle the fluids. Especially when your baby bump grows, there is a shift in the centre of gravity and it changes your dynamics. Also, make sure you sleep on a soft cushion supporting your belly. Waking up dizzy in pregnancy is because of the wrong sleeping posture.

6. Overworking

Do we need even to discuss this one? When you’re tired, you feel dizzy, groggy, muzzy, woozy, fuzzy, hazy and dopey. Your body is a machine that needs love and rest in vast amounts. Overwhelming desire to clean up redecorate your room or take up any new workout routine will come and go, but pregnancy will go on for longer.

7. Preeclampsia

Just like low blood pressure can make you feel dizzy so can high blood pressure. That’s why the cause of dizziness is any fluctuation in BP. When the blood pressure soars to extreme values during pregnancy, the condition is Preeclampsia. Your doctor will assess you for it in the second trimester even if you’re not showing signs. The soaring blood pressure will daze your brain and blank it out.

When does dizziness start during pregnancy?

The first trimester has either morning sickness or feeling dizzy. Most women experience the symptoms when they’re in the last phase of first trimester or beginning of the second trimester.

Ways to deal with dizziness while pregnant

There’s not much to do for prevention of pregnancy dizziness. All you need is rest, hydration and nourishment. If your health conditions are under check, then there are fewer chances of having persistent dizzy spells. Feeling a little lightheaded is not a big thing and can happen to anyone inviting no further problems.

1. Take enough iron

Anemia is a cause of dizziness because of poor oxygen supply in the body. When your cells don’t get enough oxygen, the entire body feels lethargic. Fainting and tripping over can be the most traumatic thing for pregnant you. Having a constant feeling of lack of energy indicates iron deficiency.

2. Drink lots of water

Staying hydrated is challenging but a rewarding step for many disorders. Warm water early morning keeps you going throughout. When there’s enough water, your body doesn’t go in the state of physical stress. It is challenging to drink excess water, and that’s not what you’ve to do. Drinking water and making the loo your living room isn’t what staying hydrated means. You need to cut down on junk such as fried and extra sweet items. These consume a big fraction of the water you drink. Instead, switch to salads and juicy fruits.

3. Avoid strenuous workout and cut stress

Mental stress can lead to migraines and intense headache. Spend time off feet and allow your body to divert the resources to baby’s development. Both of you need extra care at this stage. Gaining a few pounds won’t be permanent. Once you have your baby, all of it will naturally go away.

4. Eat small regular meals

When you go for the starve feed cycle, your brain also learns the pattern. Eating small meals at intervals allows the body to have a constant supply of energy. Your brain doesn’t need to linger around waiting for food.

5. Dress comfortably

Loose clothing and compression socks will help maintain blood pressure. Extra pressure on any point in the body impairs circulation. Even if you’re wearing any pregnancy belt or support, keep it loose. Use your hands to support your bump.

6. Lie on sides and get up slowly

Lying on left side sends more blood to the fetus. Sleeping on your back will also have the same effects such as wearing tight clothing. Support your belly with your hands.

When should you see a doctor for dizziness in pregnancy?

If the conditions get severe such as fainting or blackouts, then you must tell your doctor. Always have someone along when you are going out for running while pregnant. You can call the doctor if you see a combination of symptoms of preeclampsia, anemia and hypertension.

The post Dizziness During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes & Remedies appeared first on Pregnancy.

All the four chemicals (hCG, estriol, AFP and inhibin A) are present in the bloodstream during 15-22 week of pregnancy. Measuring the levels of these four chemicals, doctors assess the risk of genetic defects.

It’s a screening test and decides the course of tests after that. When the tests are normal, you can skip further genetic tests. Diagnostic genetic tests are more expensive, time-consuming and invasive. Taking a Quad screen test helps you safely check your baby’s health.

What is a Quad Screen Test?

The quad screen is a multiple marker test that assesses the risk of genetic defects in a baby. Women in the second trimester take the AFP4 test. The test looks for chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy.

Those who are at risk of miscarriage want to avoid getting an amniocentesis. Invasive tests increase the risk of miscarriage in the second trimester. Quad screen test gives a fair hint of the risk without the danger of inducing a miscarriage.

Some women wait for their first prenatal checkup until the time they’re ready for Quad Screen. When both the tests are together, the results are more conclusive. Combined test is integrated or sequential screening.

What does a Quad screen look for?

The Quad Screen looks for:

1. AFP: Alpha-Fetoprotein which is a protein that is produced by the baby’s liver and other organs. The higher levels of AFP show a risk of neural tube defect. By the 15th week, AFP starts appearing in the blood of the mother. You can get your Quad Screen until the 20-21 week of the second trimester. With AFP you may come to know if you’re carrying twins. At times the age of baby continues to be miscalculated until the second trimester. For those who get a sequential screening, it’s the first time they know how old is the baby. High AFP values also mean that the baby is older than what you came thinking. Problems in the excretory system such as kidney also lead to elevated AFP values. When a part of the brain or spine doesn’t form, anencephaly, AFP production increases.
2. hCG: the placenta produces human Chorionic Gonadotropin after the implantation of the egg. You test it when you use the pregnancy kit. By the second trimester, the hormone reaches its peak with a gradual increase in doubling time. After attaining the peak value, hCG begins to decline. When the levels of hCG continue to be high in the stage, there is a risk of Downs Syndrome. The disorder leads to severe abnormalities and development lapses in the baby. Downs Syndrome occurs because of trisomy of chromosome 21. All genetic material is in the form of pairs of chromosomes. Trisomy means three chromosomes instead of two. Reduced hCG indicates that there is a risk of Edwards Syndrome. There is a wide normal range no pinpoint value, so you don’t have to worry about it.
3. Unconjugated Estriol: There are three types of estrogen E1, E2, and E3. Both men and women have estriol. During pregnancy E 3 dominates the other two types. Low levels of E3 in the second trimester indicate the chances of having fetal adrenal defects, neural tube defects, ichthyosis, cholesterol synthesis abnormalities, and miscarriage. High levels of estriol in Quad Screen mean the risk of preterm labor. It also shows the possibility of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In the condition, additional tissues reduce the number of hormones produced by the adrenal gland.
4. Inhibin A: Earlier the Quad Screen was a triple screen. With the addition of inhibin A to the multiple marker screening, it’s now a quad. Inhibin has two types A and B. The levels of Inhibin A along with the other parameters of Quad screen are the marker for Down’s Syndrome in early pregnancy. The New England Journal of Medicine has published Dimeric Inhibin A as a Marker for Down’s Syndrome in Early Pregnancy.¹ Other journals also talk of Role of Inhibin in Normal and High-Risk Pregnancy ². High levels of inhibin A show that there is a high risk of Down’s Syndrome in a developing baby. The abnormal levels also tell about the risk of having preeclampsia.

Why do I need a Quad Screen test?

The quad screen test tells you whether the baby has a risk of Downs Syndrome, neural tube defects or anencephaly. Levels of the four proteins and hormones in the blood have a standard range. When a woman has a higher or lower than normal level of any of the four she is at the risk of having a baby with genetic defects.

Quad screen estimates the risk of

1. Downs Syndrome: Trisomy of chromosome 21, causes cognitive disabilities, learning issues, and heart deformity. These children survive until adulthood facing all the difficulties as the disorder isn’t mortal. After Quad screen results a woman with positive results has options such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and prenatal cell-free DNA tests.
2. Edwards Syndrome: Babies born with Trisomy 18 or Edward Syndrome usually die within the first year or before birth. They have clenched hands and a large head. Hernia, no breathing, and drooping eyelids are some other symptoms of the disorder.
3. Anencephaly: A part of the brain or spine doesn’t develop normally. A major neural defect, it’s distinguishable in an ultrasound observing the fluid around the neck.
4. Spina Bifida: The spine needs the support of the vertebral column. When the spine doesn’t develop neural networks, don’t function. Spina Bifida risk is also a part of the results of the Quadruple screen second-trimester test.

By the second trimester hCG and other hormones pick up. An increase is enough to be able to support a baby’s development in full swing. A genetic counselor will be able to tell you about the genetic trends in your family. The chances of such development defects can be seen from Pedigree charts.

Generally, a woman must take a precautionary Quadruple screen test. Treating the conditions is way difficult than a simple blood test for quad screen. Once you come to know the results of the quad screen, you will have a clear picture.

Pregnant mums who know their baby’s genetic disposition to a disorder may straightway get a diagnostic test.

When should I take the Quad Screen test?

Screening is done during the 15-21 week. You can take it anytime during the period or whenever your doctor recommends.

Women must take the test as early as possible, who:

• Are older than 35 years
• Have Diabetes type 1
• Were on drugs or exposed to radiation therapy
• Have a history of genetic defects in the family
• Had a miscarriage in a previous pregnancy

How is the Quad Screen done?

For performing the Quad screen, no special procedures are done. A blood test without any specific restrictions on eating or drinking water is all. Results of the test take a week to come for interpretation.

The factors that the test looks for are either made by the baby or placenta. One of these hormones hCG has its peak value in this stage of pregnancy.

Preparing for Quad Screen

You don’t need to do anything for the test. All you have to do is mentally gear up for surviving the period of anxiety if God forbid your results are positive. Out of 50 women positive only 1 or, 2 actually, have babies with genetic defects. False positive results occur for more than one reason. Just a mistake in calculation of your expected delivery date can give an incorrect interpretation.

Quad Screen Results

The normal values of each protein and hCG are multiplied by your age and gestational age. Multiples of the values are considered for the interpretation of results. You don’t see numerical results instead there is a ratio. For, eg. 1:500 chance of having a baby with Downs Syndrome.

Your age comes into play because with increasing age pregnancy-associated risks increase. The test is the primary screening for women who conceive after 35 years of age. Young mothers have a low risk on average than women in their 40s.

Let’s see how you can interpret your quad screen results:

The first thing you understand from the test is whether the risk is positive or you’re not at risk. After that, you can see the individual values of the four markers. Serum levels of estriol <0.3 after multiplying with gestational age in negative test women mean there is a risk of miscarriage and disorders of cholesterol synthesis. So, even after you get a negative test, you still get to know a lot from the values and need an expert to discuss.

A layperson wouldn’t understand the importance of having defects in cholesterol metabolism. Every cell has cholesterol in its membrane.

You also need to understand that neither of the condition positive or negative is the final statement. Out of 1000 women, only 50 have the risk, and 1-2 are affected.

On the other hand, a woman not having a risk might have a baby whose defects aren’t diagnosed yet. Other than a handful of disorders the test tells nothing about the remaining disorders.

There is no need for you to interpret as you will already get a detailed report. Follow up with your doctor, and your counselor will address your doubts, shortly after.

Factors That Affect Quad Screen Results

The accuracy of Quad Screen is 75-81% for Down’s Syndrome, Edward Syndrome and open neural tube defects. About 25% don’t get the actual diagnosis and that can be due to some trivial reasons.

Reasons for false Quad Screen

• Smoking: The nicotine in blood stream affects the markers of Quad Screen and interferes with the test.
• Miscalculation of Baby’s Age: An older baby produces more of the hormones and proteins naturally. Whenever the doctor doesn’t cross check your gestational age, there is a possibility of comparing the wrong set of values.
• Multiples: Quad Screen Twins has slightly different values and you need to tell your doctor before hand if you have multiples.
• Infertility treatment: The fertility drugs for ovulation boosting, alter the hCG levels and obviously affect the results. After IVF treatment such tests are not accurate at early stages. How many times do you get a Quad Screen? During your pregnancy, only a single Multiple Marker Screening is done once.

Maternal race and weight also affect the accuracy of the Quad Screen test.

Risks of Quad Screen

The test poses no risk to the baby or mother. Like a regular blood test the quad screen only involves a light sting. You can eat and drink anything and get to activities immediately.

Anxiety is deafening and that’s what some pregnant women would never want to face. After a Quad Screen not all women agree for taking invasive tests. When the screening results are positive they mean an increased risk. After coming to know about the risk of having a baby with genetic defects, one has to continue for days in the anxiety.

Results of amniocentesis showing a fetus with a disorder, call for terminating the pregnancy. Some couples for religious, ethical and emotional reasons would never think of abortion. That’s why they chose to skip such tests and continue with the pregnancy whatsoever.

Alternative Tests to Quad Screen

Follow up for Quad Screen or as alternatives you have a wide variety of genetic tests available.

• Prenatal Cell Free DNA test: The maternal blood starts showing cell free DNA from fetus within the early weeks of pregnancy. All the prenatal tests that are confirmatory are generally invasive. However, prenatal cell free DNA test evaluates the same without anything but a blood test. The genetic material is the blueprint of the entire body and course of life. You can get all the information regarding your baby’s genetic makeup from the DNA.
• Amniocentesis: The amniotic fluid has a lot of free floating cells from the fetus. A thin needle is inserted through the vagina or the bump to draw some amount of amniotic fluid. There is a high risk of poking the baby and puncturing which scares mothers. Sample sent to the laboratory is tested and then reports come after a week.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling: Unlike the fluid used for amniocentesis in CVS a small tissue is removed from the chorionic villi. Just like the previous test CVS can also diagnoses a number of genetic diseases in the baby.
• Ultrasound: After discovering the risk of neural tube defects your doctor can do the nuchal translucency scan to see fluid around the head. Excess fluid near the head region indicates the occurrence of an open tube.

Final Words

Whether you can handle anxiety or mental flux during such tests is only your judgment. These tests are good for those who are strong willed and can take steps like terminating the pregnancy. Ones who are fixed on having the baby don’t seem to have a point taking this test. You have to do what is best for your baby and you.

The post Quad Screen appeared first on Pregnancy.

Pregnant women lose their water because of vomiting and excessive perspiration. Maintaining the water balance during pregnancy can be tough at times. Your body keeps losing all the water you put in which makes dehydration during pregnancy an even more pressing issue.

Studies showed that pregnant women can maintain water balance provided they take enough water. During pregnancy, your body is working more than usual, and it needs water for everything.

One cannot rely on thirst as a symptom of dehydration during pregnancy. Unusual cramps, high body temp and dizziness are signs that your body needs more water. 

However, not drinking enough water during pregnancy first trimester can cause developmental defects. Water deficit puts your body in a state of stress. Clear signs such as dark urine, skin darkening and lip cracking will appear later.

In the event of dehydration during pregnancy, cramping can get severe and serious. Whatever be the cause of dehydration while pregnant, treatment is – drink fluids. Not necessarily water but juices, soups, fruits and veggies are also great for replenishing the lost water.

In extreme cases, you may need a drip for rejuvenation of your parched pregnant body.

Put your reading glasses on to learn more about the causes of dehydration, signs and remedies.

Signs of Dehydration During Pregnancy

Hot flashes and an increase in body temperature are the first signs that you’re not fulfilling your body’s hydration demands. Water is responsible for cooling your body. Either by leaving the body through sweating or internally water has a role in the dissipation of body heat. You need to drink a lot of water because pregnancy heats your body a bit more.

Chapped lips and rough skin are also signs of prolonged dehydration during pregnancy. You will feel your tongue sticking to the south wall. Dehydration increases the biting the cheek wall.

Urine has mainly water and some solutes. The normal urine is pale straw in color. When your body doesn’t harbor enough water it reabsorbs urine water. The color of urine changes to darker yellow tones. 

During pregnancy, the blood circulation is under stress. Your brain is 80% water. Due to the scarcity of water enough oxygen may not reach the brain causing headaches, migraine and light-headedness can occur. Blood pressure fluctuates even more when you don’t drink enough water in pregnancy. You may also experience palpitations and a higher heart rate even while resting. Feeling lethargic is also an indication that you’re not in a state of hydration.

Another equally tormenting problem for pregnant women is constipation. Lack of water forces the body to take away water from everything. The faecal matter needs water for movement, and insufficiency causes constipation. Haemorrhoids also occur if you don’t resolve the condition at the earliest.

How much water should a pregnant woman drink? One glass of water every hour, AT Least! Since your blood volume doubles in pregnancy, your water intake will naturally need to go up too.

What Causes Dehydration During Pregnancy?

There can be many conditions that increase your demand for water. Diarrhoea, summer, morning sickness and fever are to name some. Perhaps you can call them reasons for dehydration. Reality is the only cause of dehydration is not replenishing water. No matter which condition is making you lose water, you can always take in more. And once you do that, dehydration won’t happen!

So, the first cause of dehydration is not drinking enough water. For sure, drinking a bit more water is not going to get you anything other than bathroom tours. Just make sure you drink ample water to cut chances of dehydration.

Osmotic laxatives for long periods during pregnancy can also cause dehydration.

Nearly 50% of pregnant women have nausea and vomiting due to rising levels of hCG. 1 Out of 200 woman has a Hyperemesis Gravidarum. 

Even Kate Middleton had the same pregnancy complication that is extreme morning sickness. Loss of water due to uncontrollable vomiting leads to extreme dehydration.

Why is dehydration a big deal? Cells usually die naturally after a period. Whether there is an infection or natural death, mechanism of death involves dehydrating the cell of its contents. That’s how a cell dies! Dehydration is the process of cell death!

What are the effects of dehydration on the baby?

During the development of your baby if your body is at a high temperature than usual the enzymes won’t function properly. Lack of enough metabolic water will prevent the formation of enough amniotic fluid. Cases of dehydration during third pregnancy trimester can even cause premature labor.

Lack of amniotic fluid leads to neural tube defects and risks of microcephaly or spina bifida.

In the case of nursing mothers, one of the prime reasons for low milk supply is lack of water in the body. A unique study done on rats showed that dehydration during pregnancy increases salt craving in the offspring. Whether that’s true in case of human race, we don’t have a clear answer.

A mother’s state if hydration affects the child’s brain’s thirst impulse after being born. One can consider it similar to the withdrawal symptoms in babies when the mother used drugs during pregnancy.

How to prevent dehydration during pregnancy?

The easiest way to undo the loss of water is by drinking water. Keep the water balance positive. Drink water every one hour to prevent the stage where you get thirsty.

1. While doing exercise carry lukewarm water to drink in between. Keep yourself hydrated during the exercise. That’s another reason why you have to skip strenuous exercises and opt for light ones during pregnancy.
2. Eat fruits that are juicy such as peaches and berries. Do not throw the vegetable stalk and drink it along. Avoid eating foods that are very fibrous. They absorb the water from the surroundings.
3. For constipation do not take osmotic laxatives as they can further cause dehydration. There working is like any other water absorbing fibre chunk. Intervention in treating constipation often aggravate dehydration. At the same time not treating the does the same.
4. Don’t take morning sickness severity lightly. You could be a patient of the Gravidarum. Any other condition such as diabetes insipidus during pregnancy also causes the symptoms and needs treatment. 
5. Don’t go out in the sun or for hot baths when you are having episodes of dehydration. Keep your body cool wearing light clothing. Even while doing chores, take gaps to avoid profuse sweating.

When to see the doctor for dehydration during pregnancy?

Extreme dehydration will cause symptoms such as sunken eyes, bleeding from dry lips and mental confusion. Make sure you keep track of baby movements.

When you see any change in pattern of baby movement after a long stage of dehydration, inform your doctor.

Other situations where you must head the to doctor are:

1. Feeling giddy for long that doesn’t go after relaxing for a while
2. Not sweating even after drinking water
3. Skin thorns and uther signs of dehydration not going away
4. Severe constipation requiring the use of laxatives
5. Dehydration can cause spotting, ask your doctor about it
6. Cramps because of dehydration are commonly felt

Make sure you keep going to the loo and drinking water in equal proportion. Don’t hesitate from spending more time of your day in the washroom. Pregnancy is changing the lower half of your body. Don’t make your bladder suffer as once you get incontinence treatment is really hard. Opt for food choices that are less oily or sugary, ideally raw hydrating natural stuff.

The post Dehydration During Pregnancy appeared first on Pregnancy.

Inside your womb, the baby has a bag with fluid cushioning and supplying nutrients to your baby. Amniotic fluid has fetal cells and proteins that your baby makes. These markers can tell about the possibility of your child having any genetic disease in the course of a lifetime. Downs Syndrome is the most concerning disorder doctors look for.

The family history of genetic defects makes it mandatory for getting an amnio. Removal of fluid poses a risk of miscarriage from injury or puncture. Even though the test is diagnostic, it’s the parent’s choice whether or not to take it.

Some parents willingly chose to go ahead with a high-risk pregnancy, whatever be their reason. In their case, such tests only help them prepare for coping with the responsibilities. Others may look for options like medical termination of pregnancy MTP after getting results diagnosing a fetus with chromosomal aneuploidies.

What is amniocentesis?

A prenatal test, amniocentesis is an invasive genetic test¹ done in the 15-20th week of pregnancy. Doctors can determine the sex of the baby too using amnio. Accurately it can give you a clear picture of the genetic status of your baby.

Amniotic fluid is present all around your baby giving buoyancy. An obstetrician puts a fine needle, using an ultrasound transducer as a guide, into the sac to take out amniotic fluid. Only a small volume like 30mL is enough. Floating cells and cell-free DNA both have genetic information. Pregnancy-associated proteins and hormones present in the fluid are markers of pregnancy health.

Either your genetic counsellor or perinatologist recommends you the test. In some cases a previous screening test like the first trimester screen, Quad Screen, or triple screen is primary. When the results are not satisfactory from the non-invasive screening test, you can negotiate amniocentesis. An alternative test for amniocentesis is Chorionic Villus Sampling.

Amnio tells you about hereditary disorders like spina bifida, Downs Syndrome and cystic fibrosis. You can also evaluate baby’s lung functioning, infections and premature birth risk by amniocentesis in the third trimester. That’s called fetal lung maturity amniocentesis.

What conditions does amniocentesis test for?

While amnio mainly detects genetic disorders, it can also test fetal lung functioning. Amniocentesis at 32 weeks examines lung functioning of the baby to decide whether the baby is ready for coming out. Before inducing labor, amnio is a way to determine whether its safe.

A condition called Rh sensitization kills fetus using the mother’s immune system. Blood factors of mother and baby conflict and immune cells from the mother’s body destroy the baby as a foreign entity.

Other infections can also be detected during amnio testing based on the factors obtained in the fluid. At times excess fluid accumulates in the sac choking the baby. Though the reason is different the procedure for removal of excess liquid is the same.

What disorders and defects can amniocentesis detect?

Amnio test looks mainly for the genetic disorder in the baby. The results are accurate and are clear yes or no answers. Depending on maternal age and other factors gynecologists recommend the test. Complications such as Tay Sachs, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, Downs Syndrome and Sickle Cell Disease are life-threatening. Early detection allows time for thinking and taking the right decision.

Groups of women who are above 35 years, with abnormal screening results and history of pregnancy complications must get the test. Before the stage of getting an amniocentesis, you do have an ultrasound and optional screening.

Even while getting the amniocentesis while drawing out the fluid you have an ultrasound. At the stage where you get the test, defects such as clubbed digits, heart anomalies, and cleft palate also appear.

Lung functioning and the risk of premature delivery are other things third-trimester amniocentesis tells. Gender determination is extremely accurate with the test. However, sex determination using amniocentesis is illegal in some countries like India.

Anencephaly and open neural tube defects also show up during amnio testing. Both involve the incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord.

What chromosomal abnormalities can amniocentesis detect?

1) Trisomy 21 Downs Syndrome

Trisomy means an extra copy of the chromosome, making it a triplet instead of a pair. Bringing in the imbalance in genetic composition, trisomy 21, causes developmental delays. The child does survive but can have heart diseases, tongue displacement, thick skin, intellectual disabilities and speech delay. Treatment options other than supportive therapies like shelter care and special activities are not fully understood.

2) Trisomy 18 Edward’s Syndrome

Fatal genetic disorder Edward syndrome symptoms include clenched hands, defects in organs and a small head. Sex organs may also be absent partially or wholly. A hernia, kidney dysfunction, breathing difficulties, drooping eyelids and low set ears are other signs. Babies with trisomy 18 generally die within their first year.

3) Turner Syndrome one x absent

Females are affected by the disorder where the supposed sex chromosome pair has a singleton. One copy of the X chromosome either disappears entirely or partly. Women with Turner syndrome have a delay in puberty and are short. Congenital heart disease is also common in such patients. Celiac disease, amenorrhoea, and Thyroid diseases are co-occurring disorders.

4) Klinefelter Syndrome extra x present

Only male children can have Klinefelter syndrome. They have an extra copy of X chromosome which imparts feminine bodily features. The crotch doesn’t develop properly, and breast formation occurs. Production of sperms is absent, infertility, limp muscles, lack of libido, osteoporosis, and ADHD are other symptoms of the disorder.

5) Trisomy 13 Patau Syndrome

Only advanced labs conduct the test for trisomy 13 ². Babies born with the syndrome have intestines outside the body, small head, and severe body deformation. They have intellectual disabilities, low birth weight, seizures, and heart murmuring. Majority of such cases lead to infant mortality.

What Gene Related Genetic Diseases can amniocentesis detect?

Other than chromosomal defects, genetic diseases occur due to a single gene defect. Marfan syndrome, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Lejeune’s syndrome, Prader Willi syndrome ³ and many others are because of mutation. Amniocentesis can detect some of them.

For instance, the Marfan syndrome involves a defect in the fibrillin gene that affects connective tissues. Individuals have a long stature and limp joints of limbs leading to hypermobility. There is a tendency to develop heart diseases and lens dislocation.

Blood Disorders That Amniocentesis can Detect

1) Sickle Cell Anaemia

Blood has red blood cells that have hemoglobin to carry oxygen. When there is a mutation (change) in the hemoglobin structure, the cells get a peculiar sickle shape. Oxygen transport is affected, and the person is not able to perform strenuous exercises. Spleen, brain, and capillaries clog due to these weird cells, and the anemic condition persists.

2) Thalassemia

There are different types of Thalassemia alpha, beta, and delta. Hemoglobin production is defective and lowered. When the mutation is 3/4, there is jaundice, bone malformation and enlargement of spleen and liver. Complete mutation results in stillbirth or death after delivery.

3) Hemophilia

Bleeder’s disease is due to the absence of antihemophilic factor that clots blood. Blood transfusion is the only cure for temporary control of symptoms.

4) Fragile X Syndrome

Related to sex chromosome the disease involves symptoms related to neural and behavioral abnormalities.

5) Cystic Fibrosis

Accumulation of mucus inside different organs causes blockage of pathways. Cysts appear in pancreas due to an abnormal protein formation. Baby tastes salty when you kiss him. That is because the salt balance of the body is not maintained. There is 1:1800 risk factor in North Americans and Caucasian Europeans.

Some inheritance probability can be done using a pedigree analysis such as color blindness. You can decide whether you would want to take a confirmatory amnio or rely on the pedigree.

Amniocentesis involves a second-trimester scan that shows neural tube defects.

Sex Determination Using Amniocentesis

The karyotype of fetal cells from the amniotic fluid tells about the sex of the baby. Just like testing for other disorders amnio can be used for looking for the sex chromosomes of the baby. It’s the most accurate method for determining sex.

By the 16th week, a gender prediction ultrasound is also quite accurate. Babies playing with their umbilical cord presents a false image. Amniocentesis can also go wrong but rarely.

Who all should get amniocentesis? And who must not?

Those who feel that amniocentesis results can affect their willingness to have the baby must get the test.

Those who must get the test include:

1. Women with pedigree analysis or family history of a particular genetic disease
2. Who has had a positive screening result
3. Are above 35 years
4. Have partners with a history of genetic disorders or carriers of the disorder genes
5. Previous pregnancy ended in miscarriage or abnormal infant
6. An ultrasound scan showed abnormal findings

Women who have Rh incompatibility with their baby shouldn’t take the test. As the antibodies will move in the sac from the puncture. Similarly, women with HIV or hepatitis can’t get an amniocentesis or invasive tests. The virus moves inside the amniotic sac during the procedure of the test.

When should you take amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is ideally between 15-20th week. There is third-trimester amniocentesis for other reasons. Determining the labor dynamics is the purpose of taking amnio in 32 weeks.

What happens during amniocentesis?

The needle needs to prick at right spot, and so nothing should hinder ultrasound observation. Before 20 weeks your uterus isn’t large enough for showing through clearly. Thus your bladder needs to be full stretch out.

Drinking a lot of water is essential in amniocentesis before 20 weeks. After 20 weeks pregnant, you can get the test without taking any water or special eating precaution. A full bladder can cause an injury in amnio 20 weeks.

During the test, your doctor will use a gel to guide the transducer for locating the baby. No anesthetic is used during the examination. A mild prick feels in the abdomen just like getting an injection. Cleaning using an antiseptic ensures that no external pathogen goes inside.

Gradually your doctor will push in the needle in your stomach. When the needle pokes in your uterus, you’ll feel some cramps.

After withdrawing the fluid, the needle is pulled back. Keep breathing deeply and say some affirmations to distract yourself.

Once the needle is out your doctor will continue with the ultrasound to monitor your baby. Looking for neural tube defects, heartbeat, and size of your baby the doctor will glide transducer around. You can feel stinging near the spot where the needle was put.

The fluid sample goes to the lab where the cells are cultured and multiplied. Various tests are done for diagnosis. Reports take time because of the larger number of tests.

Risks associated with amniocentesis

1. Miscarriage
2. Rh sensitization or transmission of infections ⁴
3. Amniotic fluid leaking
4. Needle injury
5. Infections in the uterus

When to call the doctor after amniocentesis?

Your results will be available by the end of 3 weeks. However, in case you’ve severe cramps or discomfort call your doctor. Can I resume activity after amniocentesis? One can start her daily routine soon after the test. Pausing sexual activity and workout for a day or two would be a good choice. Acetaminophen is safe for the discomfort that remains after the amnio.

In case you get fever or inflammation, contact your OB soon. Another important thing is to keep track of is fetal movements. No fetal movement after amniocentesis even upon stimulation is an emergency.

Women who have a risk of miscarriage must report if their uterine cramps don’t go after the procedure.

After getting Amniocentesis Results

Normal results

You can wait for the third trimester to get another amniocentesis if you’re at high risk. There is a rare chance that a genetic disease develops after this. Only upon exposure to radiation or another agent will there be a risk of genetic mutations. Fetal lung function test can be done in the third trimester. Otherwise, it is time to relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy while taking care.

Abnormal amniocentesis Results

We can understand the anxiety and despair the result brings to a woman who has been carrying a baby since 3-4 months. Midway you are hit by the shocking news. Nonetheless, you should appreciate the fact that you have a body that can create life. Considering the facts over emotional dilemma, taking the right step is crucial for your and baby’s life.

How accurate is amniocentesis?

It’s one of the most accurate methods of detecting genetic diseases and sex of the baby. The accuracy rate of amniocentesis is 99 out of every 100 women who opt for the test. Even with risks such as needle injury, leaking amniotic fluid and Miscarriage, amnio is immensely useful.

The post Amniocentesis appeared first on Pregnancy.

The separation of recti muscles creates a gap between the set of 6 abs. Untreated pregnancy expansion of the abdominal muscles is the main cause of diastasis recti. During the third trimester, every woman has this expanding of the collagen and connective tissues. Later on, during the postpartum recovery phase, the separation heals.

What is diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti is the stretching apart of the pair of abdominal muscles that run parallel. It is natural for the muscles to stretch during the last trimester for accommodation purposes as the uterus expands. If this extension of the muscles doesn’t come back to natural state after the delivery, then the condition is called diastasis recti.

In general terms you can take it is a hardened baby pooch structure. After pregnancy, when you sleep for long your stomach bulges upon getting up, it is due to diastasis recti.

Diastasis recti, itself is a symptom of abnormal intraabdominal pressure. It is the same cause as that of prolapse or a hernia.

Diastasis recti is the stretching apart of the pair of abdominal muscles that run parallel. 

Causes of diastasis recti

Linea Alba is the connective tissue that holds the three sets of abdominal muscles. The Linea Alba holds transverse abdominis which is deepest, obliques in between, and rectus abdominis. When there is irreversible stretching of this connective tissues due to lack of treatment, the entire musculature loses flexibility. The muscles no longer hold to opposite ends and don’t return to normal state.

The once agile muscles now become rigid and flaccid at different spots, leading to disruption of functions. Not only is the problem internal but it also affects the overall look of the abdomen externally reducing the physical appeal of the region.

It is important to note that pregnancy doesn’t cause diastasis. The excessive unmanaged intraabdominal pressure is responsible for it. During pregnancy, the muscles stretch and the middle connecting tissue takes the entire load on itself. The pregnancy hormones soften the tissues and thus your shoe size increases by the same mechanism.

Another reason for this is a release of hormones, for the loosening of pelvic girdle tissue. Later on, if the pregnancy shifts towards the floor or there is an external force that shifts the alignment, it leads to unstable tension.

Long-term coughing condition of any such stress can increase the gap of diastasis. The abdominal muscles have a single taut structure that holds the entire structure from the breast region to the pubic extremity. When it loses its strength, the 4 layered set of muscles become unstable.

How does diastasis recti look? How to diagnose diastasis recti?

The baby pooch or dome that makes you look pregnant even months later after childbirth is diastasis recti. Studies show that most women continue to have diastasis for six months after pregnancy.

This is like a small bag hanging from your belly where the baby bump was present. You can easily see the unusual muscle structure that causes an external change too. Along with external hardening, you’ll feel the loss of strength from the core of muscles.

The weird abdominal musculature which doesn’t seem to reduce after baby delivery is not normal. Some women may feel that their stomach is bulging and hanging out in extreme cases of the condition.

Simple exercises and stretches can resolve it if adopted within time. However, it is important that the focus is on the entire region. Simply trying to reduce the gap won’t help as the 4 layers of muscles from top to bottom function together.

Can you self-diagnose diastasis recti?

Yes, you can diagnose diastasis recti at home in three easy steps:

1. Lie down flat and relax all your muscles. Now place your fingers one finger above your belly button. Slowly raise your neck and head region. Do not let your shoulder region rise up. If you feel a gap there, then you are having diastasis recti. Not only will you feel a gap but the tension felt in the region will be much less than or more than normal. This is because the muscles have no attachment point.
2. Now repeat the same steps putting your fingers directly above the belly button. The diastasis recti gap is of few fingers width and measured based on it. When you place your fingers press the region slightly, as you’ve some fat present that can cause confusion.
3. The same set of steps when done placing the fingers below the belly button, complete the test for diastasis recti.

How To Check Yourself for Diastasis Recti Video

If you have a gap of two fingers then you are suffering from diastasis recti. Medically a gap of 2.7 cm is diastasis recti. You may need to use abdominal splints and belts along with special precautions. Five to four finger gap is severe and a doctor’s appointment is a must.

Risks of diastasis recti

If a woman has this diversification of the recti at the 8th week prematurely then it can stay as it is for an entire year. However, treatment can resolve the problem. More than half of the women left untreated after recti diversification, experience the problem for a year after delivery. Eventually, the consequences of diastasis recti, such as Pelvic floor dysfunction occur in a large fraction of patients.

Later on, it can cause complications like:

1. Pain during sex
2. Abdominal cramps and constipation
3. Urine incontinence
4. Back pain
5. Risk of c section in future pregnancies
6. Pain during coughing
7. Hernia, organs pop out of the gap

Can diastasis recti cause c section?

For women who don’t want further pregnancies, the treatments of diastasis recti include surgery. This surgery involves the stitching of the muscles to the midline. But in case a woman wants to have subsequent pregnancies then she cannot opt for this surgery. During pregnancy, it is natural for the abdominal muscles to expand and stitching surgery will compromise on this.

Even if a woman doesn’t undergo any such surgery, prolonged diastasis recti make the muscles limp. During parturition, the baby delivering act requires rapid uterine contractions. This is attainable by the support of external muscles and so diastasis recti reduce the strength of core muscles.

Once you get into active labor, there is no way to pause. Reducing the flexibility of muscles, diastasis recti increases the risk of getting a c section. Further upon getting a surgery healing the muscle alignment mistake gets uncertain.

You can practice some exercises before getting pregnant that strengthen the core of the abdomen. You can continue with most gentle exercises until the first trimester. Later on, even if you practice exercises like running while pregnant, belly stretching is inevitable.

How to correct diastasis recti?

Belts or belly binders or abdominal supports cannot help correct diastasis recti. This is because the cause of diversification of the muscles is internal. Simply holding the pieces together won’t join them. You need to regain your lost muscle strength and flexibility. It is only possible when you work on the entire set of muscles.

Select the most appropriate exercises depending on how active lifestyle you’ve had. Sudden workout routines can lead to worsening of the symptoms. Never ever do the exercise without proper guidance and knowledge.

The wrong method of exercise for diastasis recti can lead to permanent loss of muscle strength.

What exercises can correct diastasis recti?

The first step towards correcting diastasis recti is to provide locate and connect with your abdominal muscle. Take in a deep breath and gently exhale. Don’t pull or strain your stomach or ribs but gradually let your belly button move towards the direction of the spine. The point where you feel limp, but it is the one moving inside is the gap.

Now connect and consciously align the muscles above and below it. Even if it sounds like a hypnotherapy, you’ll know that it is very practical.

One can do every exercise without aligning these muscles and leaving them taut. When you are able to connect to these muscles, then you must consciously use them.

Even during normal activities like getting down the bed, or standing up after sitting for long, use these muscles.

Pilate workout can help increase the pace of healing. Your doctor will check whether you are making progress through ultrasound.

3 Easy Diastasis Recti Postpartum Exercises

No women want to live with a pouch hanging out her stomach. Just as how obvious the previous line sounds, these simple exercises will heal your muscle separation. Core exercises focus on strengthening your connective tissue that holds the two pair of musculature. Your six pack muscles have laterally created a gap between them for the baby. Now the gap has to take back and allow your body to compact.

You will have some pain throughout the process. The first day of exercise is easier than the third day. As the muscles stretch and relax they develop strain and ache. It’s important you understand your pace and increase a minute day by day. Start with 5 minutes of these exercises and increase a minute every day. By the end of a month, you’d be doing exercise for half an hour! And this would be the more gradual way not causing a lot of pain and allowing you to spend time with newborn lovebug.

Exercises for Diastasis recti take 12 weeks to show final results. You’d have the body back in shape and more likely a better shape!

Before getting to know the best 3 exercises for postpartum DR, you need to learn the basics.

Your core connective tissue is lacking the strength and so your muscles have moved apart.

Now do this as you read-> Breathe in. Suck in your abdominal muscles and pelvic muscles towards the spine. Exhale out forcefully gradually. Hold. Release while breathing in.

What you just did is a core strengthing technique of breathing. Doing this along the other exercises will actually do the trick on muscles. If you don’t breathe in the right manner all the exercises can do absolutely nothing.

Here are the 3 Easy and Effective Diastasis Recti Workout For Postpartum Mums:

1. The Horse

Sit down and bend forward on your hands. Now put the body weight on knees and hands while keeping them straight.

Keep your spine straight and begin the core compression. A variation can be putting a lightweight book on your back to know that your spine is straight. 

Remain in the position and do 10 compressions. Gradually get back to sitting position.

Repeat the exercise while playing with your baby on the bed. Make sure your hands and knees have equal pressure on them.

2. Leg Lifts

When you lie down and lift your legs the entire work is of your abdominal muscles.

Lie on your back and bend your left leg keeping the knee up. Now stretch your right leg and raise it up. Do your core compression while taking it above at 90°. Hold. Come down. Repeat with the other leg.

When you’re raising the leg make sure your knee doesn’t bend. You’re not allowed to take the support of elbow or hands or any part against the ground. Let the entire force be felt by the DR and Linea Alba.

An easy way to get this exercise in your daily routine is doing it when you get to the bed for sleeping and after waking up.

3. Squats with Spine Up

You can tone three body parts together by doing this exercise. Stand tall and keep your feet apart and spine straight. Don’t bend forward and align your spine against the wall.

Go down and slide your spine against the wall doing the core moves. Do up to 20 squats at a time and then shake off your legs.

You can do the same even without being against a wall once you learn to keep your spine straight.

Diastasis recti exercises Videos

Diastasis recti yoga Exercises

Diastasis Recti Exercises To Avoid

Any exercise that puts a lateral strain on the abdominal muscles is not advisable during this state. Crossover, twisting, sit-ups or push-ups lead to excessive stress on the muscles that are already loose. If you do a lot of sit-ups during postpartum weight loss, then you can develop a cone-like dome. Hence, it is important that you begin your postpartum weight loss under expert guidance and go gradually.

Diastasis Recti Surgery

Severe cases might hamper dial activity due to a pouch or lost core strength. Doctors have conflicting opinions about getting the tummy tuck surgery for postpartum DR. The procedure is only three hours long with recovery period being up to a year. Getting this after pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on you for healing along with the baby’s responsibilities. You have to take extra caution lifting the baby to not open your adhered muscles.

Dietary changes and exercises can undo a lot of diastasis recti separation. In spite of that if for cosmetic reasons you want to get the surgery you must ask your doctor. Conceiving again after diastasis recti surgery has complications if you don’t heal before it.

A scar can remain on your body after surgery in the pelvic area. While nothing other than surgery can completely correct DR, even its success isn’t assured.

Diastasis Recti Physiotherapy

The Diastasis recti start showing during pregnancy from week 21 and can be significant until a year after childbirth.

Physiotherapy is the supportive treatment that works along with alternatives of Diastasis recti surgery too. Breathing exercises and kegels are what physiotherapy experts suggest. Postural correction is what they emphasize while helping out their Diastasis recti patients. You can try talking with your doctor about physiotherapy as an option for non-surgical treatment of DR.

Think before you decide to get surgery for the natural changes your body goes through to bring a new life. It’s a little difficult but you’ll gradually be able to accept and appreciate the beauty of your adaptable body that can undergo such beautiful transformations.

The post Diastasis Recti appeared first on Pregnancy.

Pregnancy has a new challenge waiting for you every day. The pregnancy weight is not localized entirely around your tummy. Instead, your additional fat also deposits in your hip region, face and limbs.

Many causes lead to the painful hip symptom. The third-trimester hip pain is severe and may be a sign of preterm labor if accompanied with vaginal discharge and cramps.

Right hip pain or left hip pain depends on the side your uterus lies. Pain is more towards the region which has the uterus titled.

All the causes of hip pain during pregnancy are interrelated. Light exercise and simple precautions can alleviate the second-trimester pregnancy changes.

What causes hip pain while pregnant?

The reasons for pelvic pain during pregnancy are mainly because of weight gain and the influence of hormones. The second trimester will bring along lower back and hip pain. The body is now preparing for labor, and so the ligaments stretch and loosen.

10 Major causes of hip pain during pregnancy

1) Relaxin hormone

The hormone relaxin starts circulating in the blood and leads to loosening of the ligaments. Uterus grows and requires space to accommodate itself filled with fluids. The pelvic girdle is joined by the cartilage namely pubis symphysis. When the blood starts circulating the cartilage loosens and allows the pelvic girdle to broaden the gap. The womb lowers down as the due date of labor approaches and adjusts in the pelvic girdle. Stretching forces lead to sharp hip pain during pregnancy.

2) Round ligament pain

The round ligament faces a lot of strain as the uterus grows. Pain radiates to the surrounding areas including the pubis, abdomen and hips. When the baby moves faster or kicks, the pain is stronger. The stretching of the ligament around the abdomen area leads to unbearable pain all over.

3) Rapid weight gain

After the first half of the second trimester, the pregnant woman gains weight rapidly. The bones and muscles adjust to the load and strain. But it takes time and may never happen until the due date arrives. The pressure spreads to the back and leads to lower back and hip pain.

4) Unknowingly straining muscles

During pregnancy, careless movements can land you in soup. Standing for long or crossing legs while sitting can cause spasms. The stress applied on muscles of the lower body does not subside, and eventually, your back starts hurting, and you can’t bend. Groin pain during pregnancy is also because of the load above the region. Sore hips can lead to sleepless nights. Aggravating lower back hip pain while pregnant needs immediate medical attention.

5) Fluid accumulation and edema

Wearing restrictive and tight clothes impair blood circulation. Severe hip pain can happen if enough blood doesn’t reach the area. That is something which can happen to anyone, but a pregnant woman is more prone to it.

Hip and leg pain while pregnant is more probable due to excessive fat deposition in the area. Women anyway have more fat in the butt region. Hip muscle pain can happen because of tight clothes also. Some women have edema or swelling because of fluid accumulation during pregnancy.

6) Sciatica or nerve compression

A pair of sciatic nerves runs from your back up to your legs. As the vaginal pressure during pregnancy compresses the nerves, your hip region can become numb. Sciatica is a normal pregnancy complication and heals on its own. A particular position of the baby leads to more discomfort than others. A gentle massage can relieve sciatica pain in the hips.

7) Incorrect posture or sleeping position

If you experience hip pain during pregnancy at night, it may be because of sleeping on a side for long. Sleeping on your back during pregnancy is not a good practice. It is always recommended that you use extra padding and a pregnancy pillow while sleeping. Placing a warm wheat bag near your hips reduces the pain. While walking or sitting you must put equal weight on both legs and maintain an upright position.

8) Bone porosity

The lack of calcium in your blood is common during pregnancy. Your baby takes up calcium from your circulation. Pelvic pain while pregnant can be because of transient osteoporosis. Deficiency of calcium leads to bone resorption and weakening of bones. Pelvic bone pain during pregnancy is mostly because of relaxin and osteoporosis. A healthy diet with enough dairy products ensures a regular calcium supply.

9) Impending preterm labor

If not a symptom, hip pain can be a sign of probable premature delivery. Abdominal cramps along with radiating pain hints possibility of premature labor. Lower back pain towards the sides and pink or red discharge are indicators of preterm labor. Pain in left hip will not be solely in the protruding part but in the entire lower left the side of the body. When the baby is nestled towards the right side, it leads to pain in the right hip or vice versa.

10) Sudden jerk or vigorous activity

Getting up suddenly or running or any strenuous activity can lead to hip pain during pregnancy. Pain in the hip is problematic because neither sitting nor sleeping allows you to free the area of weight.

How can you treat hip pain during pregnancy?

Hip pain relief comes from doing yoga or giving yourself a massage. Sleeping in the correct position and using a pregnancy pillow goes a long way. Ways to treat hip pain pregnancy don’t require assistance. Dietary changes can cure hip bone pain. The causes of hip pain not only answer ‘why do my hips hurt’ but also give you possible treatment options.

Easy ways to alleviate hip pain pregnancy

1) Move yourself and your baby

Hip pain during pregnancy is because of the pressure applied by the growing uterus. The amniotic fluid increases as you move ahead in pregnancy. If you move after a period of inactivity, the fluids circulate and spread. Even for hip pain while sleeping, you can change posture to ensure movement. Baby movements reduce sciatica hip pain by allowing the nerves to relax as the weight shifts from one area to the another. Light and gentle exercises such as yoga and pilates cure back and hip pain will vanish and might not recur.

2) Use a pregnancy pillow and cushions

The outer hip pain is because of the weight pushing it down. Get a full-length pregnancy pillow for hip and lower back pain. Place extra cushions on the side that’s paining more. For instance, if you have pain in right hip then place cushions under it. Squeezing a pillow under your hips joint will alleviate sore hip. Using cushions prevents pain in hips.

How to sleep with hip pain? Place a cushion next to your baby bump to avoid toppling over your bump and lift your hips. Sharp pain in the hip can be cured by placing a wheat bag near it. The pillows and cushions you use counter the pelvic pressure during pregnancy.

3) Massage using a hot compress

Hip socket pain may be due to decreasing bone density. The bones and ligaments become sore because of the strain. Massaging using a warm compress will relieve you off the pain. Massaging also pushes the baby to move to the other side and reduces the load on the area. By second trimester your baby responds to stimuli.

Can you have hip pain during the first trimester? No, the first trimester is too early for any such pain which is because of pelvic pressure during pregnancy.

4) Always move gradually

When you walk quickly or bend down suddenly, you experience sharp hip pain. The round ligament can no longer retain its position or pull back other muscles. If your hip hurts or you experience sudden hip pain, you must stop and be still.

5) Sleep on your sides and change posture

The best sleeping position for hip pain is sleeping on sides. If your hip hurts while sleeping, change your position. Before getting up from your bed sit there or rise on your knees. Sleep in spacious and comfortable bedding. Do not put on any uncomfortable clothing that can block circulation.

6) Wear pregnancy belt and brace

Ask your doctor about wearing a pregnancy belt to help you manage the weight. Wear a supportive belt while you go for any physical activity or hip pain exercises.

7) Swimming and water exercises

Water exercises and swimming is good during later pregnancy. Pain in hip joint may not cure by swimming, and you need to consult about it with your OB. If your pregnancy hip pain is intense, your doctor may recommend bed rest. Swimming is good for back hip pain.

8) Take rest after a short period of work

Most of the times it is the duration of the work and not the kind of work that leads to pain. Hip pain exercises include stretches such as hamstring stretch or lifting your hips above the chest. Take breaks in between while doing exercise. Groin pain pregnancy spreads to the hip area when you stand for too long.

9) Wear comfortable footwear

High heels during pregnancy can cause restless legs. The pain can spread or leaf to hip and groin pain through nerve compression. Wear special footwear for hip and back pain. Early morning walking on grass helps alleviate hip pain.

10) Don’t cross your legs

When you have hip pain symptoms or even if you don’t, never sit with crossed legs. Crossed legs position puts hips out of place. For pregnant women, the posture does more harm due to pressure imbalance.

Painkillers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen in combination are not safe during pregnancy. You must drink lots of fluids and take mineral supplements.

When to see your doctor for hip pain during pregnancy?

The pelvic pressure 37 weeks is one of the reasons that onset labor. If the front hip pain becomes unbearable, then you must talk to your doctor. Frequent contractions and vaginal discharge of pink or red color are abnormal. 

While symptoms like hip and knee pain one side indicate that you’re overweight, sharp hip pain is a sign of preterm labor. Cramps and pubic bone pain pregnancy require you to consult with your gynecologist.

The post Hip Pain During Pregnancy appeared first on Pregnancy.

Even if you are pregnant or have never been pregnant, you must have felt those mild vibrations in your hands when you slept over them. Keeping them in a single position for long or nervousness also causes similar sensations. Carpal tunnel syndrome is mainly because of a pinched or compressed nerve in your wrist. It can be due to restricted movement or monotonous movement of one region. It causes numbness of a particular part of the hand. 

During pregnancy, there is edema that is swelling due to the accumulation of fluids and other reasons that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms.

What Causes Carpal tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a feeling of numbness, tingling, weakness, or any pain in the hands or parts of the arm.

There is a narrow passage in the wrist called carpal tunnel that allows tendons, and nerves pass through it. When this area has some compression it leads to pain and discomfort.

The primary cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy is compression of the median nerve. The median nerve runs from the forearm to the middle, index, and ring finger through the carpal tunnel. It controls the movements of these regions.

During pregnancy because of certain conditions, the pressure is on the carpal tunnel the area reduces and causes CTS.

Three main reasons for pregnancy Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are

1. reduced passage,
2. increased sensitivity of the nerves
3. or amount of tissue present in the carpal tunnel.

Pregnancy-related fluids buildup is primarily responsible for putting pressure on the median nerve. Some women tend to gain fat excessively leading to fat deposits occurring even near hands. One should avoid surgery until childbirth unless your doctor suggests getting it done. Repeated movements such as typing or knitting baby socks can aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome.

Women who are suffering from obesity or have bigger breasts are at higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Sudden weight gain during pregnancy or breastfeeding can contribute to aggravating the symptoms of CTS.

Symptoms can aggravate if you’ve any habits of shaking or vibrating the region. Unless the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is severe, physical therapy can resolve the condition.

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

There are no specific tests for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is mainly based on carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms experienced by the patient. There can be X-Ray examinations or other physical examination by the doctor.

About 3 out of every 100 pregnant women have CTS. The normal tingling sensations are common, but they do not necessarily indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.

The main symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are:

1) Numbness and Tingling

Fingers, wrists, and hands of the pregnant woman suffering from CTS experiences numbness and prickly sensation. This symptom heightens during the night.

2) Weakness in the hand

A pregnant woman may encounter difficulty in holding and gripping. Doing daily activities such as knitting, buttoning, and even typing may become difficult.

3) Shock-like sensations 

A shock like sensation may be felt in the fingers 

After childbirth, the carpal tunnel symptom alleviates by itself as the fluid volume reduces back to normal.

Your carpal tunnel syndrome will not affect your baby unless you opt for surgery which has its own risks. This problem aggravates in the third trimester which is critical for baby survival and least recommended time for any surgery.

15 Ways to ease Carpal tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy

1) Wear wristbands

Wearing wristbands can reduce the numbness and give support to your wrist. However, you don’t have to wear too tight splints because during pregnancy blood pressure can fall and cause weakness. Don’t sleep with such bands unless your doctor advises you do to so. A wrist brace will keep your hand in straight alignment, and prevent bending.

2) Avoid activities that put pressure on that region

Cycling, holding things too tight, typing or even knitting can increase the pain. Avoid such activities completely and change your lifestyle. Instead of going on treadmills opt for yoga. Stretches and slow pace exercises will help. Switch to the ergonomic keyboard if you can’t avoid work. Studies suggest that using cell phones to text can also affect CTS during pregnancy.

3) Never keep your hand under your head while sleeping

With or without a wristband do not use your hand as a pillow. Avoid placing the particular hand on anywhere except over your belly. If you accidentally sleep on your hand, the next morning things can be painful.

4) Do exercises that stretch and rotate wrist optimally

Hold wrist of one hand with another and gently massage for instant relief. Using essential oils for a massage is beneficial. Stretch and lift the wrist to CTS pain. Get rid of any habits such as clicking knuckles or rotating pen while holding it.

5) Cortisone injection

Oral steroids are less effective than injections. However, never take such injections without consulting your gynecologist. Before asking an orthopedic specialist tell your gynecologist about it.

6) Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist will use massage techniques to relieve the median nerve. When you massage yourself, you’ll only get temporary relief. The cause of carpal tunnel needs to be targeted. Only an expert can rebuild lost nervous connections. It is important to get a basic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy to prevent permanent nerve damage.

7) Acupuncture

The ancient Chinese technique involves pricking certain points that can reduce and cure the pain in other regions. Acupuncture is a well-known remedy for CTS and is an option for pregnant women too. It is still better than any minor correction surgery.

8) Changing the height of the desk and chairs that you use

Sometimes it is not the work done by hands and instead the posture that causes pain. You need to change your way of sitting when you are pregnant. Putting pillows to support your back will prevent you from leaning on the desk. Any incorrect posture of the upper body can affect the nerve supply of the area.

9) Anti-inflammatory drugs

Most pregnant women are asked to avoid such over the counter drugs. If you consult with your doctor, she may prescribe Aspirin, or ibuprofen to reduce the pain and inflammation.

10) Keep yourself warm

Try to keep yourself warm. Even if it is summer, avoid going around with bare minimum. During pregnancy, your body cannot tolerate and regulate too much of temperature fluctuations. It is best to keep yourself warm, so that blood circulation is uniform. If you live in cold areas or it is winter, this is a special point for you. Nevertheless, you can apply ice packs or any cold thing to relieve your wrist and palms.

11) Wear a proper maternity bra

During pregnancy, you don’t feel like putting on a bra over sore breasts. But it is essential for aesthetic and health purposes that you do. Excess load on the ribs area strains the nerves of the area. You will unknowingly have a bent forward posture. It will make the CTS pain worse.

12) Take vitamin B6 supplements

The nervous tissue needs lots of Vitamin B6 for its function. If your carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is because of over sensitivity of median nerve, vitamin B6 will help. Sunflower seeds, banana, and parsley are rich sources. You can even take artificial supplements of Vitamin B6 during pregnancy.

13) Chamomile tea

Herbal therapies for Carpal tunnel include drinking chamomile tea. You must not exceed the allowed dose to avoid side effects such as insomnia during pregnancy.

14) Massage

Use essential oils such as lavender oil or sandalwood oil to massage your wrists. Using a warm compress or cold compress as a home remedy for pregnancy carpal tunnel is also advisable.

15) Green and white cabbage

Traditional methods of treating carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy include placing cabbage leaves on wrists. It is believed to extract fluids from the area and reduce pressure.

3 Stretches that ease Pregnancy Carpal tunnel Syndrome

1. Flex your wrists: Hold out your hand and bend the fingers towards yourself. Now using the other hand push your wrist towards your chest gradually. Don’t allow either hand to move towards any direction. You will feel some tension, but there should be no pain. Make sure that the exercise is only by your hands and not shoulders.
2. Hold open your hand: Place the affected hand on a table or stable place. Make a fist of the other hand and press the affected region. Now gradually move towards the fingers. It is like flattening the dough while kneading. You’ll feel the pain moving out of your fingers.
3. Rotate your arms: Place your hands in front, palms facing each other. Keep your arms folded and rotate your hands. First, rotate along the upper direction and later downwards. You can later hold dumbbells while doing this.

The post Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy: Symptoms & Treatment appeared first on Pregnancy.

During pregnancy, a lot is going on inside your body. Constipation, bloating and gas while pregnant is the result of high progesterone. The pregnancy hormone, Progesterone, relaxes the muscles including the digestive tract. Subsequently, the digestion slows down, building gas and constipation.

Things become worse when you do not control your diet and gassy food. Gurk, burp, and fart are commonly used terms for passing out gas.

Is gas during pregnancy normal?

Pregnancy gas is common in most women. There is no obnoxious odor, and it is a sign of natural stomach gas. Till you are here it is normal and nothing to worry about.

On the other hand, bad gas during pregnancy with smell is a sign that your health is deteriorating. Not a serious threat but a sign of improper digestion.

Similarly burping a lot while pregnant means that your diet is rich in acidic gassy food. Gas in the stomach is the air you gulp in and the result of bacterial action on food https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303825/.

If you chew your food thoroughly and have a good gut flora, then gassy stomach won’t be as embarrassing.

What causes gas during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause gas. Apart from the normal cause of bloating during pregnancy, there can be emergency situations too. If you experience shortness of breath along with cramps due to gas, then you need to visit a doctor.

Side effects or allergic reactions to food due to hypersensitivity in pregnancy can cause pain due to flatulence.

8 Causes of gas during pregnancy

1) Rising progesterone

Also known as the pregnancy hormone, Progesterone, is crucial for maintaining pregnancy. A rise in progesterone level cause relaxation of every muscle in your body. As a result, the intestinal walls relax making it difficult to hold gas. There is no way possible to reduce progesterone or nullify its cons.

2) Long period of inactivity

During pregnancy, morning sickness and feeling tired restricts your physical workout. The more inactive you are, the longer it will take to digest food. Food must not stay in the gut for long else bacteria continue to break it down. A release of bad smelling substances occurs and is the cause of foul gas while pregnant.

3) Constipation

Constipation and incomplete bowel movement aggravate flatulence while pregnant. When you don’t clean your gut, then gas gets trapped inside. You feel the urge to pee again and again. All this happens because your stomach is not removing waste. Detoxify and cleanse using medications if constipation is severe.

4) Suffocating clothing

Plus size clothing might still press you down there. If you are still wearing pants from the pre-pregnancy period, then you will have to keep them unbuttoned. Especially during sleep time remove all tight clothes. They obstruct blood circulation and press your abdomen.

5) Increase in body weight

As your baby increases in size, you’ve additional space requirement. Your pregnancy weight gain will distribute near your abdomen. Third-trimester gas is because of compression of organs. Accommodation pain is also responsible for gas troubles.

6) Uterus growth

The uterus grows from the size of a bean to a big bag. Where does this space come from? An increase in the size of the uterus pushes organs out of place. Once you are showing, know that uterus has started pressing on the gut.

7) Fluid retention

More and more fluids retained by your body cause pregnancy swelling. Puffiness is a sign that there is a lot of fluid retention. It is a possible cause of gas.

8) Slower digestion

Gas while pregnant is because of longer transit time. Food stays for extra 18-20 minutes per hour required for digestion. Sign of slowed digestion is burping during pregnancy. After having your food long back, you continue to burp.

Relaxed muscles don’t push out gas during pregnancy. Changing positions you wait for the discomfort to go. Flatulence while pregnant is mostly out of your control. 

Laugh off any oops moments and take pride in being the mom-to-be. If you have excessive gas or painful gas, then ask your doctor. Maintain a journal of what you eat and after effects. Slash off items that cause gas.

10 Ways to prevent gas during pregnancy

Bad gas is curable and excessive flatulence beyond a limit needs treatment. At home methods of controlling gas while pregnant include diet changes. Mainly what, when, and how you eat determine the extent of suffering stomach gas.

You can prevent gas by exercising and sitting with legs up. Do not hesitate to belch with face covered. Holding on gas is a terrible mistake you could make. The gas expands and moves all around and reaches your head. Severe headache can be because you did not pass out gas.

1) Reduce fibers in your diet

High levels of fiber in food make it stay longer in the gut. Prolonged transit time of food allows bacterial action. Their action cause bloating and burping. Overeating fibers is not going to serve you good. Stick to the daily needed amount of fibers.

2) Eat lots of salads and fruits

Salads and fruits are raw and easy to digest. Their antioxidants and other components hasten digestion. Elimination of toxins is by the liver. A healthy diet ensures optimal liver function. Less number of reactive species prevents pregnant gas production.

3) Drink plenty of water

Fluids keep you hydrated. Water is the best way to wash off your body. Constipation home remedies include drinking lukewarm water. It is important that your intestinal walls have moisture. The relaxed muscles can suffer from water scarcity and become stiff. Make sure your eight glasses of water a day keep going in.

4) Wear loose clothes

Better than unbutton now and tuck in later is wearing loose clothes. Pregnancy requires you to be at your highest level of calmness in the worst scenarios. Avoid tight and uncomfortable clothes.

5) Exercise and Yoga

Move and move. Yoga is a set of mental, physical and spiritual practices devised by ancient Hindu yogis for a complete transformation of a human being. Doing appropriate yoga asanas and meditation will not keep you and your baby healthy. Exercising will mobilize the food and gas along. Sit with legs up or keep legs elevated while sleeping. Sleep on your sides and change positions to avoid overnight accumulation of gas.

6) Use stool softener to treat constipation

Read about safe stool softener while pregnant, and laxative pills. The drugs don’t affect your baby and address the prime cause of bad gas. How frequently can you take a stool softener? Depends on what your doctor recommends and how severe is constipation.

7) Chew your food thoroughly and have small portions

You should have light meals and small portions at short breaks. Keeping the servings small will prevent feeling full or uneasy. While eating, do not drink water along with it.

8) Reduce caffeine, carbonated drinks, soda

Carbs and carbon dioxide together cause gassy stomach. Switch to fresh, natural beverages.

9) Add probiotics to your diet

Imbalance in gut bacterial population diversity causes gas. Taking probiotics such as curd, and yogurt will replenish good bacteria. Improving digestion is the most significant benefit of probiotics.

10) Minimise beans, peas, and gassy foods

Some foods are known to cause gas always. Beans, broccoli, garlic, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage cause more gas than other food items.

When to call the doctor for gas during pregnancy?

Pregnancy gas safety precautions are barricades for further complications. Abdominal pain during pregnancy can be because of gas. But if the pain lasts for more than 30 minutes then consult a doctor.

When none of the remedies help you, then it is the right decision to get an appointment with your OB.

The post Gas During Pregnancy appeared first on Pregnancy.