Taking Drugs While Pregnant

Once you have made the decision to try for a baby, chances are you don’t want it to take forever and would like to know how to get pregnant fast. Fortunately, there are a number of simple steps you can take which will maximize your chances and get you on the right track not only to conceive quickly, but healthily too.

Body Weight

Being outside the normal healthy weight range for your height (whether underweight or overweight) can have an adverse effect on ovulation, with both groups displaying disruption. Steps should therefore be taken to get within the healthy weight range. If you are overweight, even slightly reducing body fat can help and if underweight, just a little gain can trigger ovulation.

Alcohol and Drugs

If both parties regularly drink, fertility can decline by around 50%. Alcohol is know to have an adverse effect on an early pregnancy so it makes complete sense to avoid it throughout pregnancy. It goes without saying that illegal drugs should be avoided. With regard to over the counter and prescription drugs, always mention to the pharmacist that you are trying to conceive and check that the drugs are safe. Less considered is the potential effect of caffeine. It is known that caffeine (as found in coffee, tea, chocolate and some fizzy drinks) can reduce the chances of conception so keep consumption to a minimum. Read the rest of this entry »

The changes that occur in the pregnant patient’s body are caused by several factors. Many of these changes are the result of hormonal influence, some are caused by the growth of the fetus inside the uterus, and some are the result of the patient’s physical adaptation to the changes that are occurring. This lesson is closely related to anatomy and physiology.

CHANGES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM DURING PREGNANCY

Changes in the body during pregnancy are most obvious in the organs of the reproductive system.

a. Uterus.

(1) Changes in the uterus are phenomenal. By the time the pregnancy has reached term, the uterus will have increased five times its normal size:

(a) In length from 6.5 to 32 cm.

(b) In depth from 2.5 to 22 cm.

(c) In width from 4 to 24 cm.

(d) In weight from 50 to 1000 grams.

(e) In thickness of the walls from 1 to 0.5 cm.

Read the rest of this entry »

Many women feel awkward and even a bit frightened when they see their gynecologist for a routine check up. This level of anxiety can be compounded when there’s a serious medical problem requiring continuing visits. For this reason, women are often selective in who they choose as their gynecologist.

One of the decisions a woman must make in selecting a gynecologist is whether to choose a male or female doctor. When making this decision, it’s important to understand the advantages of choosing a male or female gynecologist. There is no doubt that there are highly competent and caring gynecologists of both sexes, so it will be important to consider the individual and their background over sex. What are the advantages of choosing a female gynecologist over a male gynecologist?

Women doctors tend to spend more time with their patients.

You may have a variety of questions and concerns when you visit your gynecologist. You need a gynecologist who’s willing to take the time to answer your questions. Several studies have shown that, women doctors tend to spend more time with patients when compared to their male counterparts. Again, you’ll want to consider the individual physician since this doesn’t hold true in every case.

Women doctors may have more natural empathy for gynecological problems.

Women physicians have the same reproductive organs that you do and often experience the same problems as their patients. This may give her unique insight and empathy into what you’re experiencing. It can be reassuring to know someone understands what you’re going through.

Read the rest of this entry »

Whether you belong to a forum, chat with others about pregnancy or are just starting to browse the Internet for information – there are a ton of abbreviations and acronyms that people use! 

BBT – basal body temperature
BCP – birth control pill
BD – baby dance (making love)
BF – breastfeed or boyfriend
CD – cycle day (if you are charting the length of your menstrual cycles, this is the number of days after the start of your period)
CF – cervical fluid
CM – cervical mucus
CNM – certified nurse midwife
CONTRAX – contractions
DD – due date or darling/dear daughter
DH – darling/dear husband
DPO – days past ovulation
DS – darling/dear son
DTD – do the deed (making love)
DW – darling/dear wife
EDD – estimated due date
EWCM – egg white cervical mucus
GBS – group b strep
GD – gestational diabetes
HPT – home pregnancy test
IUI – intra-uterine insemination
IVF – in vitro fertilization
LMP – last menstrual period
LP – luteal phase
MC or M/C – miscarriage
O – ovulation
OPK – ovulation predictor kit
OPT – ovulation predictor test
PG – pregnant
SAHM – stay at home mom
SO – significant other
STD – sexually transmitted disease
TTC – trying to conceive
UTI – urinaty tract infection
WAHM – work at home mom

What am I missing?