Explanation of the conception process of pregnancy
Ovulation:
Each month, in one of a woman’s two ovaries, a group of immature eggs start to develop in small fluid-filled cysts called follicles. Normally, one of the follicles is selected to complete development (maturation). This “dominant follicle” suppresses the growth of all of the other follicles, which stop growing and degenerate. The mature follicle ruptures and releases the egg from the ovary (ovulation). Ovulation generally occurs about two weeks before a woman’s next menstrual period begins.
Development of Corpus Luteum:
After ovulation, the ruptured follicle develops into a structure called the corpus luteum, which secretes two hormones, progesterone and estrogen. The progesterone helps prepare the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for the embryo to implant by thickening it.
Release of Egg:
The egg is released and travels into the fallopian tube where it remains until a single sperm penetrates it during fertilization (the union of egg and sperm; see below). The egg can be fertilized for about 24 hours after ovulation. On average, ovulation and fertilization occurs about two weeks after your last menstrual period.
Menses:
If no sperm is around to fertilize the egg, it and the corpus luteum will degenerate, removing the high level of hormones. This causes the endometrium to slough off, resulting in menstrual bleeding. Then the cycle repeats itself.
Fertilization:
If sperm does meet and penetrate a mature egg after ovulation, it will fertilize it. When the sperm penetrates the egg, changes occur in the protein coating around it to prevent other sperm from entering. At the moment of fertilization, your baby’s genetic make-up is complete, including its sex. Since the mother can provide only X chromosomes (she’s XX), if a Y sperm fertilizes the egg, your baby will be a boy (XY); if an X sperm fertilizes the egg, your baby will be a girl (XX).
Implantation:
Within 24-hours after fertilization, the egg begins dividing rapidly into many cells. It remains in the fallopian tube for about three days. The fertilized egg (called a zygote) continues to divide as it passes slowly through the fallopian tube to the uterus where its next job is to attach to the endometrium (a process called implantation). First the zygote becomes a solid ball of cells, then it becomes a hollow ball of cells called a blastocyst. Before implantation, the blastocyst breaks out of its protective covering. When the blastocyst establishes contact with the endometrium, an exchange of hormones helps the blastocyst attach. Some women notice spotting (or slight bleeding) for one or two days around the time of implantation. The endometrium becomes thicker and the cervix is sealed by a plug of mucus.
Within three weeks, the blastocyst cells begin to grow as clumps of cells within that little ball, and the baby’s first nerve cells have already formed. Your developing baby is called an embryo from the moment of conception to the eighth week of pregnancy. After the eighth week and until the moment of birth, your developing baby is called a fetus.
Pregnancy Hormones:
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hormone present in your blood from the time of conception and is produced by the cells that form the placenta. This is the hormone detected in a pregnancy test; but, it usually takes three to four weeks from the first day of your last period for the levels of hCG to be high enough to be detected by pregnancy tests.
The development stages of pregnancy are called trimesters, or three-month periods, because of the distinct changes that occur in each stage.
Product reviews: Fact Plus pregnancy test
When I started to notice subtle changes in my body, including a mild fluttering feeling in my tummy, tender breasts, and the absence of a period, I began to suspicion that I might be pregnant. So, I set out for the local drug store in search of the perfect pregnancy test to suit my needs. I’m sure I spent close to an hour reading the backs of the boxes of various pregnancy tests, and even tapped into my mental information base regarding various commercials I had seen. Eventually, I decided on the Fact Plus Pregnancy Test.
I was attracted to the idea of seeing a plus sign or minus sign instead of just the presence or absence of a single line. That seemed to reinforce the feeling that I would not have any problems reading the results correctly. Also, the two pack purchase seemed like added insurance because the chance of getting an inaccurate reading on both didn’t seem highly likely (or at least less likely than with one). The directions were easy to read and straight forward, and the process was simple.
The purchase consisted of the two pregnancy tests and a small disposable cup for collecting a urine sample. The tests themselves are thin and square and are meant to be set on a flat surface when in use. There is one well in each, where you pour the urine after collecting it in the cup. The urine is absorbed into a built-in test strip, and the strip’s purpose is to test whether the pregnancy hormone HCG is present in the urine. An added benefit to this particular test is that you can take it any time of the day, regardless of the level of the hormone present. I took mine around 9pm in the evening.
The claim is that positive results are available as soon as one minute and negative results in three, but I waited five minutes before reading the results. Once I summoned the courage to see if my suspicions would be confirmed, I approached the tests with a unique mix of emotions never quite felt before that moment, allowed myself to view the results, and there, unmistakably on each test, was a plus sign, clear and easily readable. My heart skipped a beat and I couldn’t wait to share my news with my significant other!
After taking the tests, I disposed of them easily, and a visit to the doctor confirmed their accuracy. I decided then that due to such a positive experience (literally!) with the Fact Plus Pregnancy Test, if I ever needed to take another one, it would be the same brand.
The company has been making steady improvements to the test to enhance its ability to produce a result more quickly and to ensure its accuracy. This information only helps to reinforce my preference for the brand.
Vital Information About Ectopic Pregnancy
What is Ectopic Pregnancy? Ectopic may be defined as an organ or body part existing in an unusual form or position. Ectopic pregnancy is one which is developing in the wrong place. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg or ovum fails to move down through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Instead, it develops outside the womb. The ovum may attach itself to the fallopian tube, the ovary, cervix, or any other organ within the pelvic and abdominal organ. Most ectopic pregnancies lead to immediate miscarriage, while others need medical attention.
Reasons for Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies occur in women with damaged fallopian tubes. A history of pelvic inflammatory disease, previous surgery, scar tissue, endometriosis, or previous ectopic pregnancies increases the likelihood of such a pregnancy. Chances of ectopic pregnancies increase if you become pregnant while using a contraceptive-coil or a progestogen only contraceptive pill. Even in-vitro fertilizations are known to be ectopic despite the fact that the ovum is directly placed into the womb. The ovum may attach itself somewhere else, leading to ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes, women suffer from this despite not having any of the above risk factors.
Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
Pain on one side of the abdomen is the first sign of ectopoic pregnancy. This pain is often severe and constant and starts suddenly. Pain in shoulder, which intensifies when breathing in and out, is also a sign of ectopic pregnancy. Pain while using the bathroom may also indicate towards this type of pregnancy. Other symptoms include sickness, diarrhoea, light headedness, paleness, collapse, falling blood pressure, and vaginal bleeding or unusual periods.
Diagnosis
An ectopic pregnancy is often difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms are that of a normal pregnancy, such as tender breasts, nausea, frequent urination, missed period, and vomiting. However, in case you notice any of the signs discussed above, you must consult your physician immediately.
A urine test may not be a surest way to detect ectopic pregnancy; but a positive result for a specialized HCG blood test will confirm it. An internal pelvic examination will reveal that the womb is smaller in an ectopic pregnancy than in a normal pregnancy at the same stage of pregnancy. A swelling is also a sign of this type of pregnancy. An ultrasound is the safest bet when it comes to detecting this type of pregnancy.
Treatment
Most ectopic pregnancies need to be surgically treated or need proper medication. Without such medical intervention, the pregnancy can turn fatal to the mother. With technological advancements, it has become a lot easier to detect an ectopic pregnancy. Also, the treatment of such a pregnancy has improved, for example, keyhole surgery. Techniques like laparoscopy or laprotomy can by used to remove the misplaced ovum.
Future Pregnancies
You must understand that even if you have had an ectopic pregnancy, you will be likely to have successful pregnancies in the future. It is advisable to wait for several cycles before attempting to become pregnant again. Most women are known to become pregnant again with a healthy pregnancy as soon as they attempted again.
What are the gastro
Hormonal changes during pregnancy result in physiologic changes that affect close to every organ system in the body. These changes are related to 3 major hormones: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and estrogen. Because hCG levels peak in the first trimester of pregnancy, hCG has been implicated to be the suspect in the development of nausea and vomiting and hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy, but there is no evidence to support this theory.
Normal gastro-intestinal tract functioning changes during pregnancy through several mechanisms. The tone and motility of the stomach are both decreased, and this is most likely due to the smooth musclerelaxing properties of progesterone hormone.
Stomach emptying time is decreased by more than 50% at term, and the lower esophageal sphincter tone is reduced. These factors, along with increasing intra-abdominal pressure from the growing fetus, often lead to heartburn and regurgitation with resultant gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn problems- many women find comfort in using tums or Zantac.
Small and large intestinal movement also slow down during pregnancy secondary to the effects of progesterone and estrogen hormones. There is an increase in the water and sodium absorption from the large bowl, which in addition to the transient mechanical obstruction of the large bowl by the growing uterus, can lead to the common symptom of constipation during pregnancy- eating a fiber rich diet usually helps move things along.
The size of the gallbladder increases during pregnancy. Also, the emptying time of the gallbladder is much slower in pregnant women, this is mainly due to the effects of estrogen. During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, a decrease in the production of some bile acids can increase the risk of gallstones formation and that is why some women have to have their gallbladders taken out during pregnancy or shortly thereafter.
Finally, in the majority of normal pregnancies, the liver does not enlarge, and although signs associated with liver abnormalities are seen during normal pregnancy they frequently disappear soon after delivery and should raise no concern. Also, spider angiomata (which look like bleeding spidering blood vessels under the skin) and palmar erythema ( Redness of the palm of hands) are commonly caused by elevated estrogen levels and typically not by liver pathology, the usual suspected cause, in the pregnant patient.
So there you have it!A quick explanation to the changes that occur in each organof the gastro-intestinal tract during pregnancy. I hope it has demystified some myths.
(GASTROENTEROLOGY 15225720/04,Arleen H et. al.)
Selecting the Best Anti Aging Product
Because of so many anti aging products available in the market today, it is almost impossible to tell which ones are effective and which ones are not. The best way to find out if an anti aging product is worth-buying is by getting acquainted with anti aging product ingredients that are used in anti aging products.
The best anti aging product is most likely to contain ingredients that fight aging: Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA), antioxidants, collagen and Vitamins C, D, E and K.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids or its substitute Beta-Hydroxy Salicylic Acid (BHA) clears your skin of any dead skin cells by exfoliating the skin’s surface. The lesser dead skin cells are accumulated on the pores, the fresher, cleaner and the more youthful your skin appears. Albeit alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy salicylic acids are widely used in anti aging products, some individuals experience irritation due to the ingredient’s exfoliating ability on the skin.
Antioxidant is another anti aging ingredient. The good thing about antioxidants is that they work below the surface. The antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 promotes cell turnover by restoring and preventing damaged skin from the inside. This antioxidant also promotes natural removal of the skin of its dead skin cells that cause skin discoloration.
Collagen is another anti aging property that moisturizes the skin and protects it from further damage from too much sunshine or too much dryness. Collagen is also responsible for plumping the skin.
Several of the anti aging products we have in the market these days already have added vitamins. These are Vitamins C, D, E and K which are important in preventing deficiencies, as well as in healing wounds, smoothing out scars and strengthening the immune system. Many of these vitamins are antioxidants which fight against free radicals in the body. These free radicals cause the skin to age.
Some ingredients work while there are also some that still has to be proven to work. Vitamin C is one example of this ingredient. It is yet still to be scientifically proven if Vitamin C can truly prevent anti aging or that it has any relation to skin care. This is probably the reason why some Vitamin C creams do not have lasting effects when used as an anti aging product.
So far, the best ingredient for anti aging is the antioxidant. Studies have shown that anti aging products that do not contain antioxidants do not work as effectively as those that contain it. This is because its primary function is to fight free radical which are naturally produced by our body. Since free radical’s unstable oxygen can damage healthy skin, antioxidants keep free radicals at bay, thus, delaying the aging process.
Popular anti aging supplements which have been found to be in one of the best anti aging products are estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, thyroid and melatonin. These are more commonly used in hormone supplements designed to retard the progression of aging. These hormones have been known to help libido, improve sleeping patterns, prevent cancer and strengthen the immune system.
Other effective anti aging ingredients include Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), oxytocin, erythropoietin (EPO) and insulin and they are known to be effective to some extent. Human chorionic gonadotropin promotes fertility in humans while oxytocin aids and protects the reproductive system. Erythropoietin treats anemia while insulin is used to treat diabetes mellitus type 1.
Anti aging supplements can have varying effects on different individuals. It is therefore important to consult a doctor before using products containing any of these.
Teen Sex – the Reason Why Mom Needs to Know You are Pregnant
Teen Sex – Have you just found out you are pregnant and worried sick? Are you unsure what to do or who to turn too? Is your reason for concern that of being too young for motherhood or the trouble you expect from having underage sex? Does your concern involve protecting your partner? The most common of all concerns is telling your parents you are pregnant, right. Come on girls’ mom and dad ain’t so bad. In fact your parents are the two most important people in your life right now that you need more than anything else in the world. An impulse decision made to have an abortion can leave you full of remorse later in life. Parents have a duty to fulfil. Their parental role is to protect their children and “their” kids too, do not deny them nanny and granddad responsibilities.
Have you had teen sex and showing signs of pregnancy? If so the first step is to face the music and tell your parents sooner than later. Mom and dad can only display disappointment for a while and any hollering if any will not last forever. Parents do calm down after having time to mull over the situation of which may have come as the biggest shock of their life. Parents have earned the right to be upset don’t you agree. A combination of sadness and madness on hearing the news is normal. Most outbursts are normally caused when parents see their dream shattered. Witnessing their child’s career or that of having a life go down the swanee can be unbearable for some. However there are many teen mums with a baby who cope and still manage to return to school, but you may bet the biggest majority have the support of their folks behind them.
Have you been fortunate with your teen sex encounters and evaded pregnancy, well next time you may not be so lucky. Contraception (condoms/birth control pill) should be used for protection agains’t sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and unwanted babies. The long wait for your period to arrive following sexual intercourse without protection can cause severe stress.
Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman; if you have been sexually active do a home pregnancy test to clarify. Bleeding can happen in pregnancy only shorter or lighter than a normal period. Surrounding skin around the nipples may get darker. Early Symptoms of pregnancy can begin before your first missed period.
Pregnancy symptoms
1. Swollen breasts and tenderness.
2. Lethargic
3. Morning sickness. This normally happens between 2-8 weeks after conception.
4. Pain in the lower back; backache can remain throughout the entire pregnancy.
5. The sudden rise of hormones in the body can cause headaches early in pregnancy.
6. Around 6-8 weeks after conception – urinating can become more frequent
The flood of hormones in the body in early pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and weepy. Mood swings are common, especially in the first trimester. The symptoms mentioned here aren’t always unique to pregnancy. Some can signify that you are nearing your first menstrual cycle. (Period)
Food cravings can be the norm for a pregnant woman. Cravings can include strawberry jam and mustard pickle sandwich filling or tuna and chocolate on a bun how yummy is that, maybe not for those who watch from “afar.”
How to use a home pregnancy test kit purchased from a chemist.
1 Wash your hands before and after pregnancy test.
2 Remove the test applicator (stick) from the foil wrapper.
3 Sit comfortably on the toilet do not rush.
4 Locate the test applicator in line with the urine stream with the “result window” facing upwards.
6 Wee onto the applicator for the time suggested on the instruction leaflet.
7 Wait until results appear.
Pregnancy test kits may show a different result symbol (negative positive) Regular test sticks display a blue line through the middle of the result window or a simple yes or no. If you find urinating onto the test stick awkward then wee into a tumbler and plunge the stick into this. Discard the container after use. If the test reads positive tell mom first then make an appointment with your doctor.
Home pregnancy test kits employ monoclonal antibodies to identify a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which is created by the developing placenta starting on the day on which the embryo implants in the uterine wall.
First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test
($18.09 for two)
Consumer Rating: Excellent
Confirm Pregnancy Test
($11.19 for two)
Consumer Rating: Poor
ClearPlanEasy Ovulation Test Pack
($30.32 for five)
Consumer Rating: Very Good
Answer Quick & Simple One Step Ovulation Test
($16.89 for five)
Consumer Rating: Poor
The reason why you need mum to confide in is because she is your best friend after all.
Do You Think You May be Pregnant?
Do you think you may be pregnant? The only way to know for sure is to confirm your pregnancy with your physician but another option is to test in the privacy of your own home. Home pregnancy tests are generally inexpensive and readily available at your local pharmacy.
A home pregnancy test determines whether or not you are indeed pregnant by the detection of the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin). This human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone is measured in milli-international units per milliliter, (mIU). You need to be careful when purchasing a home pregnancy test as certain tests are meant to detect higher levels of hCG then others. If you take a less sensitive pregnancy test it could produce a false negative, when you are really pregnant. Certain medications may also affect the results of your pregnancy test.
hCG levels can be detected about 12-14 days after conception by a urine test. Also please remember that hCG levels can vary dramatically from one pregnancy to another.
Before taking a pregnancy test make sure you take the time to read the instructions closely and be sure to read the test within the given time frame. If you read a pregnancy test outside of the given time line it could produce a false positive.
Although home pregnancy test are 98-99% accurate, according to the instructions, it is important to have your pregnancy confirmed by a blood test. By having a blood test and confirming your pregnancy your physician will be able to help you on your journey to a happy nine months!
How to ensure the accuracy of your pregnancy test – Part 1
Wether it’s a plus sign or a minus sign, a pink strip or a blue strip, anyone woman wondering if she’s pregnant will not have peace of mind until she’s been given an accurate result. Many home pregnancy tests are about 99% accurate according to most manufacturers. Having a test performed at your doctor’s office will produce approximately the same rate of accuracy as a home pregnancy test.
Pregnancy tests are designed with a chemical strip which detects the pregnancy hormone called hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). Detectable levels of hCG become present in the urine within two weeks of conception. Although hCG may be present, it’s recommended to wait until your period is at least a week late before using a home pregnancy test. One tip to increase the chance of detecting the hCG hormone is to use your urine first thing in the morning if possible. Levels of hCG are best detected at this time. You should not however, consume added amounts of fluid to increase the volume of urine produced. Doing so may dilute the levels of hCG in your urine.
If for any reason a home pregnancy test isn’t an option for you, there are other options. A pregnancy test can be administered at a clinic free of charge. Clinics can be located through a local telephone listing or via the internet. Speak with your local doctor’s office for recommended clinics in your area.
Some tests can be falsely negative if run too early. If a pregnancy test is taken less than 10 days from the time of conception, a false nagative reading may appear on the test. Low hCG levels caused by an ectopic pregnancy may reslut in a false negative test. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg has settled within the fallopian tube and not the uterus. It’s usually a good idea to wait a few days before taking another test if you receive a potential false negative reading. If you’re still unsure of your home pregnancy test, it’s always best to consult a doctor for further testing.
Remember these suggestions when using home pregnancy tests:
– Wait 5-10 after your expected period date before taking a pregnancy test.
– Take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning, utilizing the first urine of the day.
– False negative resluts may occur. Always consult your doctor if you have any questions or
concerns.
Whether your pregnancy is a planned or an unplanned event, finding out the results of your pregnancy test as soon as possible can prevent some unexpected health issues along the way. Detecting pregnancy as early as possible can allow the mother to begin preperations for herself as well as her baby.
Book reviews: Natural Cures They Dont Want You to Know About, by Kevin Trudeau – Part 2
What can I say about Kevin Trudeau?
Absolutely nothing to make anyone
want to buy his book
or dismiss him as a quack.
Matter of choice.
To me he is the sound on t.v.
that keeps me company
while I am on my computer.
He seems to have the answers
to all my ails
but so does my Doctor.
On one hand Kevin will only charge me
$19.95 plus shipping and handling.
My Doctor charges $150.00 per visit.
Can he cure my lung cancer?
I don’t know.
Should I risk the $19.95
or stay the course?
My doctor say he is a quack
but how do I know that
my Doctor is not.
I know Kevin has been
fraudulent in the past.
Do I care?
Of course, but if he has
a cure, I might overlook
this travesty of justice.
I found myself confused.
Do I believe my Doctor
or spend the money to buy
Kevin Trudeau’s book.
Kevin is an amazing personality
but my Doctor is quite the man.
So in my opinion,
If you are going to die,
which we all are,
spend the $19.95
and enjoy the read.
I think Mr. Trudeau
is on the right path.
Especially if he wants
to become rich.
There are many natural drugs
that will aid recovery
from various ills.
I believe the American Indians
were among the first
to realize this.
I do not know if Mr. Trudeau holds
any secret key to longevity
nor do I really care.
I applaud him for his sales
ability
and accomplishing
the American dream.
Throw out the line
and you will
eventually catch a fish.
I have a Doctor’s appointment
tomorrow but might
have to cancel.
Mr. Trudeau’s book just arrived. book
Symtoms of multiple pregnancy
My first prenatal visit for my second pregnancy started out like a normal visit. I was lead into the back rooms, instructed to give a urine sample, sat through the taking of blood and went into the private room for examination. I was estimating my due date to be around the beginning of October, give or take a few days and the nurse had estimated about the same making me about 10 weeks along. When the doctor came in and did his thing- he smiled and asked me to come back in two days for an ultrasound.
Confused and worried I asked him what was wrong. He answered me, “Nothing, just wanting to check that everything is alright in there- routine procedure.”
Back I came, and when the nurse first swished the probe around on top of my belly you could see not one, but two little blobs in two little sacks. The doctor smiled, “I thought so! Congratulations, you are having twins!”
So began my experience as a mother of multiples. After I found out the first time, I began wondering just what it was that was hinting to him that I needed an ultrasound six weeks earlier into my pregnancy then I had with my singleton daughter. I began my quest to understand multiple pregnancies and how they were diagnosed.
The first tip-off I found was with my original pregnancy test. During a singleton pregnancy, HcG levels at about 6 weeks (when I took the blood test) usually read between 50-2000. Mine was already then showing almost 5000.
The second clue for me, was my fundal height. With a singleton pregnancy you will measure about a centimeter per week (If you are 16 weeks you will measure about 16 centimeters, give or take a little) At ten weeks, I was measuring 13 centimeters. Not an outrageously abnormal size but just another hint that something was different.
Another symptom that many mothers of multiples tend to have is exaggerated pregnancy symptoms. Some mothers experience very severe morning sickness, joint pain, light-headed-ness, and increased food cravings.
Doctors can also suspect a multiple pregnancy if they hear more then one heart-beat on the Doppler. Although this is usually a clear cut sign, doctors often will advise an early ultrasound to be positive and get an accurate due date.
If your doctor suspects that anything may be ‘off’ about your pregnancy they should schedule you an ultrasound for within a week or two of your visit. This is the only sure-fire way to diagnosis a twin pregnancy, and early detection is vital for both your health and the health of your babies.
Because pregnancy symptoms vary so much from woman to woman, if you suspect twins (or anything else) that makes your pregnancy extra special- you should request an ultrasound and/or follow-up testing. Bring up your concerns to your doctor, they only want what’s best for you!
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