Pregnancy Health

Early Cramping in Pregnancy – Is It Normal?

Whether mild or severe, cramping in early pregnancy is naturally alarming. If you’ve never been pregnant before, you may be worried that you’re going to miscarry. Fortunately, in most cases, cramping in early pregnancy is normal. But if you have severe cramping that is accompanied with vaginal bleeding, it can be a sign of a complication.

Cramping in early pregnancy can be light, or severe. Sometimes, light cramping signals implantation – one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Cramping may also be a sign of your uterus stretching to accommodate your developing baby. Other times, cramping can be a sign that you will have a miscarriage, or you have an ectopic pregnancy.

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hCG Levels in Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG for short) is the unique pregnancy hormone that is produced by the cells of the placenta. hCG is needed to maintain the pregnancy and it also aids with fetal development. Experts theorize that this special hormone also plays a role in suppressing a pregnant woman’s immune system (so that her body [...]

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Chicken Pox in Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Although we normally think of chickenpox as a harmless childhood disease, it is a highly contagious viral illness that can pose dangers and risks to your unborn baby – if you catch it for the first time during pregnancy. According to national data in the pre-vaccine era (before 1995), an estimated 95 percent of all [...]

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Fibroids in Pregnancy: Should You Worry?

Pregnancy

Having anything that complicates your pregnancy is scary. Fibroids, however, don’t have to be one of them. Many women who have fibroids in pregnancy have no trouble, and they deliver perfectly normal babies. However, being pregnant with fibroids does put you at risk for potential complications – including pain, bleeding, placental problems, preterm labor, and [...]

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Can You Get a Tattoo While Pregnant?

Pregnancy

Every pregnant woman likes to commemorate her pregnancy in different ways. Some women make pregnancy belly casts and paint them; others like the idea of getting inked. Tattoos are a creative outlet for some women, but just how safe is getting a tattoo when you’re pregnant? Can you get a tattoo while pregnant? What does [...]

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Wearing Contacts in Pregnancy

Pregnancy Health

Many of the physical changes a woman goes through during her pregnancy are commonly known, such as hormonal spikes, increased body mass index (BMI) and swelling of hands and feet. Something many future mothers are not aware of is that their eyes also have a possibility of swelling, causing the cornea to thicken. While this [...]

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Hot Tubs vs. Hot Baths: What’s Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy

Sitting in a hot tub when pregnant, or taking a long hot bath sounds like a relaxing and wonderful way to get relief from all your pregnancy-related aches and pains. But you might want to resist the temptation. One of these options is safe, and one is not. So what’s safe during pregnancy – a [...]

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What are the Earliest Signs of Pregnancy

Preconception / Trying to Conceive

It’s been a few weeks since you did the deed (without protection), and now you’re wondering, “Am I pregnant?” You feel more exhausted than normal; your breasts are swollen and tender; and you’re always running to the bathroom to pee. Are your symptoms normal PMS, or are you pregnant? Because PMS symptoms can be remarkably [...]

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What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Labor and Delivery

Every pregnant woman will experience contractions at some point in her pregnancy. Some might have contractions earlier on; others may not feel these uterine contractions until closer to labor. If you’re freaked out about preterm labor, you might be worried that your contractions mean that your baby is coming early. For this reason, it’s a [...]

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