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  • early pregnancy symptoms

    END MORNING SICKNESS!!
    For a Happy Pregnancy

    If you’ve never been pregnant before, you may be a little surprised or even somewhat frightened by the early pregnancy symptoms that many women experience. While the obvious things like weight gain and a bulging belly are inevitable, some other early pregnancy symptoms can be a little more troublesome. Fatigue is a common side effect of pregnancy. Most women feel more tired than usual during the first trimester, and this fatigue can often last throughout the pregnancy. Some early pregnancy symptoms include a swelling and tenderness of the breasts. This can sometimes be mildly painful but is usually more of an annoyance and will go away in due time.

    Getting more frequent headaches and obtaining a strange ability to notice smells more strongly than usual are also early pregnancy symptoms. Strange cravings for foods that you may not normally eat are also some common symptoms although this is much more rare than other issues you may experience.

    Mood swings including crying spells are often earmark early pregnancy symptoms. Your hormones are going through a huge change, so it’s to be expected that you may have a hard time keeping your emotions in check. Bloating and slight cramping are other problems, as well as spotty bleeding. If you feel more cramping or notice more bleeding than normal, it is definitely advised that you talk to your doctor about this as soon as possible in order to prevent any issues from occurring later on down the line. Morning sickness is one of many early pregnancy symptoms, and almost all pregnant women go through this phase. Sometimes you may not vomit but you will feel nauseas and this can last throughout the morning. In most cases it does go away after a little while. All of these early symptoms usually subside by the middle of the second trimester.

  • Early Pregnancy Test

    Many women want to know as soon as possible if they are pregnant, for a variety of different reasons. In order to find this out, you can have an early pregnancy test done to get the results quickly. Every single pregnancy test out there is looking for hCG, which is known as the pregnancy hormone. There are several tests out there though that can pick up the levels of this hormone earlier than others can.

    If you need an early pregnancy test, there are two types of tests that you are going to be able to choose from. There are blood tests available as well as urine tests. Usually these tests will need to be administered by your doctor; however, there are also some home pregnancy tests that you can purchase that can give you early results as well.

    For the earliest results from an early pregnancy test, you are going to want to go with the blood test. The blood test can actually pick up the pregnancy hormone a quite a bit earlier than the urine tests can. Usually the blood tests can let you know if you’re pregnant within about 6-8 days after conception. With the urine tests you’ll have to wait about two weeks, or one day after the first period that you miss.

    If you decide to take an early pregnancy test, you can rest assured that most of them are quite accurate. Of course you have to be sure that you use them right, but if you do your test will be close to 99% accurate. Many women choose to do a home pregnancy test, and if you do, you need to be sure not to do it too early. Wait until after you have missed your period for the best results. Then you should have enough hCG in your blood to make the test show positive results if you are pregnant.

  • early signs of pregnancy

    END MORNING SICKNESS!!
    For a Happy Pregnancy

    All women experience a wide variety of both physical and emotional symptoms both during and after pregnancy. There are many early signs of pregnancy that can help you determine whether or not you may be pregnant. Of course, the most obvious of these is a missed period. If your period is more than a few days late, you may have a very good chance at being pregnant. Another one of the early signs of pregnancy is a general “feeling” that you are pregnant. We all know our bodies, and when something feels different, odds are it is. Listen to your body and if you suddenly feel more tired than usual, notice slight swelling, headaches, or tenderness in the breasts, you could be pregnant. Frequent urination and nausea in the morning when you awake are also early signs of pregnancy. Some women actually experience very strange, unexplainable cravings for certain foods, while others have sensitivity to aromas and smells all of a sudden. These symptoms are less common but do occur in many pregnant women.

    Since your body is going through humongous changes when you are pregnant, you may experience a great deal of early signs of pregnancy. Some other signs include strong and sometimes painful heartburn as well as constipation. If you don’t normally experience these things, they could also be early signs of pregnancy. Of course, bloating and weight gain, back pains, mood swings, and a higher body temperature than normal are also common signs. Be sure to check with your doctor and find out if you are pregnant for certain, as some of these symptoms may be indicative of other medical conditions. Once you’ve confirmed whether or not you are pregnant, you can begin your plans toward a new baby and a brand new member of the family.

  • Ectopic Pregnancy

    An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo of a child does not completely reach the uterus. Instead, it embeds itself into the lining of the fallopian tube. Eventually in most cases, the embryo can cause bleeding to the mother, which can often expel the embryo, resulting in a miscarriage. In most pregnancies, the embryo is implanted in the uterus, but in an ectopic pregnancy, this is not the case. The cause of this happening is still not known, but there has been some speculation as to what may contribute to it such as smoking or other particular lifestyle choices, but none of them have been scientifically proven. Some other risk factors include age, the use of certain fertility drugs, perious sexually transmitted diseases (which can damage the reproductive organs), and any prior tubal damage. One of the most difficult things about an ectopic pregnancy is that it is hard to diagnose early on, since at the beginning stages there are little to no symptoms. However, as the embryo grows, the symptoms do begin to be more prevalent.

    Some of the most prominent symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include vaginal bleeding, exceptional back pain, and severe cramping (more than normal). Some women can experience internal bleeding so it is essential that the problem is diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent any harm to the mother. Unfortunately, in cases like this, the embryo cannot and does not survive. At this point it is essential for the doctor to worry about the well being of the mother. If an ectopic pregnancy is treated early, the mother has a better chance of conceiving and having a child successfully the next time around. Since there is no real known cause, most women can usually try to get pregnant again with a fairly high success rate.

  • Brain Tumor

    Brain Tumors –  Malignant brain tumors:  There
    are various types of malignant brain tumors, gliomas, meningiomas, and
    schwannomas are the most common and may occur at any age.  In adults,
    these tumors occur most often between ages 40 and 60.  In children,
    these tumors generally highest before age 1 and then again between ages
    2 and 12, and are one of the most common causes of death from cancer in
    young children.

    Cause: Exact cause of malignant brain tumors in unknown.

    Symptoms:

    Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) – (these features vary with the
    type of tumor, the location , and the degree of invasion.

    Seizures

    Treatment:

    Treatment depends on the tumor’s histologic type, location, and radiosensitivity.

    Treatment may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, or decompression
    of increased ICP with drug therapy such as; diuretics, corticosteroids,
    or possibly ventriculoatrial or ventriculoperitoneal shunting of CSF (cerebral
    spinal fluid)

    Relieving cerebral edema or ICP

    Relieving symptoms, and preventing further neurologic damage.

    Therapy includes removing a resectable tumor, reducing the size of a
    nonresectable one.

  • Birth Video Clips

    Having a child is a very exciting event. For new parents, it can also be a little bit scary at times. Fortunately, there are birth video clips available on many different websites that give real insight into the actual birth process. These clips show parents what to expect when they are expecting a new baby in their lives. They can also give very helpful hints to new parents as to how to handle the entire birthing process. In many cases, birth video clips are often shown in new parenting classes. This gives parents a real insight into the way a new baby is brought into the world, how health care professionals will handle it, and what to expect overall. There is a lot of confusing terminology involved in childbirth. When going to classes, parents can learn what all of these terms mean, and then see them in action when watching birth video clips. It helps to put everything together when they see doctors using these terms in their actual context.

    Birth video clips are useful in many ways. They can be very helpful to new mothers who want to know what the whole experience of childbirth is like. They give a realistic view of what happens when women give birth, and the emotions and physical pain they feel. It is all worth it, however, when a new, little person is brought into the world. The beauty of childbirth is really shown well in birth video clips. People can see in real life an actual hospital room where a mother is giving birth and experience everything firsthand. It’s a great way to educate and prepare new parents for the biggest day of their lives. It’s also a wonderful memento for parents who want to capture that moment in time for their own, and share it with family and friends.

  • Allergies

    Learn how you can end anxiety and panic attacks without expensive medication!

    Allergy

    Bacterial:  specific hypersensitiveness to a particular bacterial antigen.

    Bronchial:  example – asthma (see asthma)  a condition manifested by local and systemic reactions, mediated by histamine, which is released from mast cells and basophils as a result of exposure to cold.

    Contact:  hypersensitiveness marked by an eczematous reaction to contact between the epidermis and the allergen.

    Delayed:  an allergic response appearing hours or days after application or absorption of an allergen; including contact dermatitis and bacterial allergy.

    Drug:  an allergic reaction occurring as the result of unusual sensitivity to a drug.

    Endocrine:  allergy to an endogenous hormone

    Food/gastrointestinal:  allergy, usually manifested by a skin reaction, in which the ingested antigens include food as well as  drugs.

    Immediate:  an allergic response appearing within a short time.  From a few minutes up to an hour, after application or absorption of an allergen;  includes anaphylaxis and atopy.

    Induced:  that resulting from the injection of or contact with an antigen, or infection with a microorganism, as contrasted with hereditary allergy.

    Hereditary:  atopy

    Latent:  that not manifested by symptoms but which may be detected by tests.

    Nonatopic:  one of two general groups of clinical allergies, including contact dermatitis and some food and drug allergies

    Pathologic:  hereditary

    Physical:  a condition in which the patient is sensitive to the effects of physical agents, such as heat, cold, light, etc.

    Physiologic:  induced

    Pollen:  hayfever

    Symptoms:

    Symptoms varies with individuals, type of allergy/allergen

    Some of allergy  symptoms (may or may not)  (and not limited to:) includes

    • Rash
    • Itching
    • Sneezing
    • Runny nose
    • Coughing
    • Watery eyes/irritated 
    • Redness (discoloration)
    • Swelling
    • SOB (shortness of breath)
    • Hard time breathing
    • Nasal congestion
    • Nasal obstruction
    • Itchy eye and or nose
    • Headache
    • Sinus pain
    • Dark circles under the eyes
    • Itchy throat
    • Fever
    • Malaise
    • Feeling of impending doom or fright
    • Weakness
    • Edema
    • Weakness
    • Sweating
    • Hypotension
    • Hoarseness
    • Stridor
    • Stomach cramps
    • Nausea
    • Diarrhea
    • Urinary urgency

    Treatment:

    Anaphylaxis is always an emergency.  Seek immediate medical attention

    Discuss some over the counter allergy medication with your doctor or pharmacist

    You May have to avoid certain food, products, etc. depending on allergen of which you are allergic to.

    See anaphylaxis for further info.

    See Allergic rhinitis for further info.

    a hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular allergen, reexposure bringing to light an altered capacity to react.

  • Birth Videos

    Pregnancy is different for everyone. The scariest thing about being pregnant is not knowing what to expect. This is why many people go out and buy “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”. However, many couples do not have the time to sit down and read a book. This is what makes birth videos a great tool to help you during your pregnancy.

    There are many birth videos out there on a variety of different topics. Finding the videos is the only problem. However, finding birth videos isn’t that hard when you know where to look and what you are looking for. For example, do you want a video that explains the delivery process or do you want a video that shows the developmental stages of the fetus.

    No matter what subject you are trying to find, there are birth videos meant just for you. Many of these videos can be found through your obstetrician. These are the best types of videos because they are usually ones that were created by medical professionals. If your doctor doesn’t have any of these videos, chances are your doctor can name a few videos that are just what you’re looking for.

    Another great place to find birth videos is online. You can find all types of birth videos online. These videos may even be available for free when you download it to your computer. Some videos will be available for purchase and will be shipped to your home.

    You might also be surprised to find that your television may have a variety of birth videos. The Discovery Channel and other channels may offer a number of programs devoted to expecting parents. These channels will sometimes have specials devoted to different aspects of pregnancy from conception to birth.

    If all else fails, you can always make a trip to your local rental shop. You would be surprised at what birth videos you may find right around the corner.

  • Alcohol Abuse

    Alcoholism or Alcohol Abuse:  Chronic, uncontrolled
    intake of alcohol is the nation’s largest  substance abuse problem,. 
    It cuts across all social and economic boundaries, involves both sexes,
    and occurs at all stages of the life cycle.  It can state as early
    as elementary school age, and alcoholic mothers pass the disease on to
    their unborn child.  Alcoholism has no known cure.

    Many Alcoholics are difficult to identify because most are able to
    function adequately at work. 

    Cause:  There is no definite cause that has been clearly identified. 
    However, biologic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors contribute
    to the disorder.  Studies shows that women become intoxicated more
    readily than men because they metabolize alcohol more slowly.

    Symptoms:

    Characteristically, the alcoholic patient depends on daily or episodic
    use of alcohol to function adequately.

    Inability to discontinue or reduce alcohol intake

    May experience episodes of anesthesia, amnesia, or violence during intoxication

    Later stages of alcoholism:  unexplained traumatic injuries or
    mood swings, unresponsiveness to sedatives, poor personal hygiene, and
    secretive behavior.

    The patient may attempt to consume alcohol in any form when deprived
    of his usual supply.

    May experience ‘black out’ where the patient does not remember any activity
    he has done during intoxication

    Treatment:

    Total abstinence is the only effective treatment

    Admitting that one has a drinking problem is a start

    Detoxification

    Rehabilitation

    Support group such as AA programs

  • AIDS

    Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/AIDS:  Progressive weakening
    of cell mediated (T-cell) immunity,  AIDS heightens susceptibility
    to opportunistic infections and unusual cancers.  Diagnosis rests
    on correlation of the patient’s history and clinical features rather than
    on laboratory criteria.  The time between probable exposure to the
    causative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and diagnosis averages 1 to
    3 years. Incubation time for children appears to be shorter.

    Studies shows more than 75% of AIDS patients die within 2 years
    of diagnosis.  Some patients, though, have AIDS-related complex (ARC). 
    In this condition, the patient’s signs and symptoms suggest AIDS and laboratory
    tests reveal HIV antibodies.  However, no opportunistic infections
    or neoplasms exist.

    Clinical profile differ between adults and children with AIDS. 
    For instance, pediatric patients rarely develop Kaposi’s sarcoma, B-cell
    lymphoma, or acute mononucleosis-like symptoms.  Children with AIDS
    usually don’t develop hepatitis B or peripheral lymphopenia.

    Pediatric AIDS patients do, however, experience problems that
    are uncommon or milder in affected adults.  These include hypergammaglobulinemia,
    lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis, serious bacterial infection, and progressive
    neurologic disease caused by CNS infection.  Pediatric patients may
    also have dysmorphic facial features.  They may exhibit a normal ratio
    of T-helper to T-suppressor cells, although they will have fewer T-helper
    cells than normal.

    Causes:  The retrovirus HIV causes AIDS.  This virus
    appears in body fluids, such as blood and semen.  Modes of transmission
    include sexual contact, especially associated with trauma to the rectal
    or vaginal mucosa; transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products;
    and use of contaminated needles.  The virus can also be transmitted
    perinatally from mother to fetus.

    Risk factors include multiple sexual contacts with homosexual
    and bisexual men, heterosexual contact with someone who has AIDS or is
    at risk for it, present or past abuse of I.V. drugs, and transfusions of
    blood or blood products, Multiple sex partners increases the risk of AIDS. 
    Prenatal an perinatal exposure to AIDS also increases the risk of AIDS
    in infants.  Breast feeding if the mother has AIDS or is at risk of
    it.

    Symptoms:

    Symptoms vary widely.  Nonspecific ones often precede complications
    and may include:

    Fatigue

    Afternoon fevers

    Night sweats

    Weight loss

    Diarrhea

    Cough

    Patient may be asymptomatic until abrupt onset of complications, such
    as opportunistic infections, HIV encephalopathy, and Kaposi’s sarcoma (see
    below)

    A child with AIDS may exhibit dysmorphic features.

    Diagnostic tests:  two HIV antibody tests detect antibodies
    to the virus responsible for AIDS:  the enzyme-linked immunosorbent
    assay (ELISA) and the Western blot assay.

    NOTE:  A positive result indicates previous exposure
    to the virus and means the patient may be contagious and capable of transmitting
    the virus; it doesn’t mean that he has or will get ARC or AIDS.

    An antigen test, known as the HIVAGEN test, can detect antigens to HIV
    (HIV p24 core protein) as early as 2 weeks after infection.  Patients
    who test positive for HIV antibodies and carry the antigen may be more
    apt to develop AIDS than patients who carry antibodies only.  The
    presence of HIV antigen along with HIV antibody indicated that the virus
    is actively replicating.

    Treatment:

    Currently no cure exists for AIDS.  However, researchers continue
    to explore methods to arrest growth of HIV or to restore lost immune function.

    Kaposi’s Sarcoma

    Kaposi’s Sarcoma:  is characterized by purple or
    blue patches, plaques, or nodular skin lesions that spread widely in patients
    with AIDS.  The lesions occur most commonly in the skin, oral mucosa,
    lymph nodes, GI tract, lungs, and visceral organs.  Although they
    seldom drain or bleed, the lesions can cause other problems.  GI lesions
    are associated with diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, and weight loss. 
    Lung lesions are associated with congestion and difficulty breathing. 
    Lymphatic system lesions are associated with severe facial and extremity
    swelling with secondary pain.

    Treatment:

    Currently, many experimental protocols are being used to treat Kaposi’s
    sarcoma.

    Surgical incision may remove skin lesions, with no need for further
    treatment.

    Local irradiation usually has proved effective when tumors require further
    treatment.

    Chemotherapeutic agents, including doxorubicin, vinblastine, bleomycin,
    interferon, and interleukin-2, are also used with some success.