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Chances of Pregnancy Before, During and After Periods
Pregnancy and the birth of a baby can evoke varying reactions in people, ranging from joy and anticipation to horror and fear. This is mostly dependent on the timing of the pregnancy - some women may be financially and personally comfortable enough to take on the responsibility of having a child, while some women might prefer to wait a while before embracing parenthood. Whether you’re looking to conceive (or prevent conception), timing is everything. Here, we discuss what the chances are of you getting pregnant any time before, during, or after your periods.
How Does Pregnancy (Conception) Occur?
A pregnancy occurs when a mobile sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell and the fertilised egg gets implanted in the uterus. To do this, the sperm cell must swim up from the vagina and into the fallopian tube via the cervix. After fertilisation, the egg cell travels from the ovary to the uterus via the fallopian tube. Here, it attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. Soon after, the remaining processes that are part of pregnancy follow suit.
Conception can happen at any time, from a few hours after intercourse to 5 days after sex. The fastest-swimming sperm may zero in on the egg in just about 45 minutes while slower swimmers may take up to 12 hours to navigate the same journey. Sperm cells can take a break for up to 5 days in the hospitable environment of the fallopian tube and still do their primary job of fertilizing the ovum. This happens if ovulation happens 5 days after sex. This means that if at any time in this window of opportunity an egg is released, the sperm has a chance of fertilizing it.
So, we can see that in the action of conception, there are various markers that have to be met:
There must be a mobile sperm cell.
There must be a viable egg.
They must meet at some time.
Conception is most probable if when the sperm reaches the uterus, it meets with a viable egg.
This is logically most probable if a woman has sex when there is a viable egg in the uterus.
The time when the uterus hosts a viable egg is called ovulation. This time window around ovulation is, thus, a time when conception is most possible.
Chances of Getting Pregnant Before Your Period
Can a woman get pregnant right before her period? For the sake of this question, let us assume that this refers to the week leading up to the period. In this scenario, we also need to assume that the woman in question is aware of her period cycle.
In that case, unless she is ovulating in that week, it is highly unlikely that sex that takes place during that week will lead to conception. Typically, a woman’s most fertile period to get pregnant is the period lasting from five days before her ovulation to ovulation itself. Unless this time matches with the week before her period, fertilization cannot happen. The rare case where this can happen is when a woman has a very short cycle of about 19-22 days, where it is possible that sex before periods can lead to a pregnancy.
If you are trying to get pregnant and are wondering, ’Can I get pregnant after ovulation but before my period?’, the answer is yes, you can. While the chances are low, it is certainly not impossible.
Chances of Getting Pregnant During Your Period
Is it possible for a woman to get pregnant during her periods? Well, this depends on the woman, the length of her period, its regularity and the time of her ovulation.
If you’re also wondering whether you can get pregnant while you’re menstruating and whether having sex during your period can lead to a pregnancy, the answer is yes if the following holds true for you:
Your period is regular.
It lasts for up to 5-7 days.
The time between your cycles is short (approximately 20-23 days).
You ovulate around the 10th to 12th day of your cycle.
In all these situations, the sperm that has entered your body during sex while having a period can fertilize an egg and you can get pregnant.
Tips on Having Sex During Your Period
Having sex during your period offers several benefits. For one, it acts as a natural painkiller (for some people) to get relief from cramps and headaches. It also eliminates the need for additional lubricant, and thanks to hormonal fluctuations, you may feel more turned on than usual during your period. While period sex can be a slightly more messy and uncomfortable experience than regular sex, the tips below can help make it a lot better!
First off, if you want to avoid the chances of getting pregnant at all, have your partner put on a latex condom. This also helps keeps any STIs at bay.
If you use tampons while on your period, make sure you take it out.
Cover your bed with dark and thick towels to catch leaking blood. This will help keep your sheets clean!
Keep wet washcloths or wipes right by your bedside so that you can use them when you’re done.
It’s important that you communicate openly to your partner about your needs and concerns. If you’re uncomfortable with anything, make sure you let your partner know. You can work things out and find out (creative) solutions to the problem that might just make period sex more fun!
Chances of Getting Pregnant After Your Period
You can get pregnant after your period ends; in fact, the fertile days last for up to 3-5 days after the end of your period. Regular sex on alternate days is recommended if you’re planning to conceive. This should be continued up until a few days after the halfway mark of the period. For example, if the halfway mark is 14, 6 days before and 4 days after are considered ideal.
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
Most women have a cycle that lasts for 28-32 days, while other women have cycles much shorter or longer than this average.
Understanding the ovulation period for pregnancy is important. It is measured near the halfway mark of the length of the period and is counted for a 28-day period. Normally, this is between day 10 and 15. During this period cycle, pregnancy is most likely to happen. Ovulation is the time when a woman will be most fertile and sex during ovulation increases the chances of conception. The chances of a pregnancy occurring during a woman’s menstrual cycle are higher during the 5 days that lead up to day 10 and continue from days 16 to 21. Ovulation can generally be gauged by a difference in vaginal secretions which resemble egg whites. Basal temperatures are also higher at this time.
Factors That Affect Your Chances of Getting Pregnant
What are the factors that affect your odds of getting pregnant? How can you make the odds turn in your favour or alternatively make sure that conception does not happen? Read on to find out.
1. Maternal Age
The chances of getting pregnant which are around 15-25% in your 20s go down in your 30s and become much lower in your 40s. So, if you really want a good shot at carrying a baby, start early.
2. Having Regular Periods
Menstrual periods which come at irregular intervals make it very difficult to predict the time of ovulation and thus, the right time to have sex for conception.
3. Too Much Sex or Too Little of it
The frequency of having sex is obviously important but strangely enough, sex every day may be less effective than on alternate days. It’s important to give men recovery time and make the act seem like less of a mechanical necessity or a chore.
4. Timing of Seeking Medical Attention
If a couple has been having regular sex for up to a year without being able to conceive, they should see a medical professional and rule out sexual health issues. Delaying a visit to the doctor can lead to problems later.
5. Ruling Out Other Medical Conditions
Any illness or medical condition which either partner is suffering from also affect conception.
Misconceptions About Pregnancy During Your Period
Many myths and misconceptions surround the act of conception and its relation to a period. Let us clarify some of them:
1. It Is Not Possible to Conceive Right After Your Period
The most common misconception is that sex just before or right after your period cannot result in conception. As we’ve covered earlier, it is all about the individual’s cycle and being able to predict the approximate time of ovulation.
2. Having Sex Every Day Is Better for Conception
The myth that more sex is equal to better chances of conception is not correct. While regular sex obviously grants people better odds of conceiving, as with everything in life, quality is better than quantity. One sperm cell is enough to ensure conception and each ejaculation contains thousands of sperm cells. Therefore, it is not the number of times that sex occurs, but the quality of the sperm that matters - their mobility and the health of their DNA is what affects conception. Even ejaculating once is enough to conceive if it is timed right during the woman’s ovulation period and if the individual sperm cells are healthy swimmers.
3. Previous STDs Do Not Impact the Chances of Conceiving
The damage to sexual organs from previous sexually transmitted diseases can seriously impact fertility. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea can adversely affect the fertility of both men and women. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID is a particularly serious condition and can permanently damage the uterus and the fallopian tubes.
4. Some Sexual Positions Are Better Than Others for Conceiving
Since it is very difficult to gather data on sexual positions and their relation to conception, it is a matter that is left to comfort and individual preference.
5. The Woman’s Orgasm Has No Effect on Conception
A woman’s orgasm during sex is, according to many experts, a very good thing. With the rhythmic contractions of the vaginal muscles, the uterus assists the sperm’s journey to the egg. It also increases the blood supply and hormone secretion in that area to increase the chances of a successful conception.
6. Fertility Does Not Depend on the Age of the Couple
The prime reproductive age of humans has been found to be the ages between the 20s and the 30s. There will be a slight fall in fertility levels after the age of 35 and a sharp fall after that. After this, that is, any time during the age of 40 and above, the chances of a healthy unassisted pregnancy without complications, such as a miscarriage and genetic abnormalities, are quite low. This is true for both men and women.
Signs of Successful Conception
The signs of successful conception are often missed. Since the signs of pregnancy vary so much when it comes to each individual pregnancy, some women might be confused as to whether they’re pregnant or not. While some women may identify the signs very easily, others may not, such as those who have irregular periods and are used to missing their periods. The most common signs of pregnancy are:
Missing your period
Morning sickness
Frequent urination
Tingling tender and swollen breasts
Darkening of the areola
Darkening of the line from the navel to the pubic region
Food cravings
Bluish and pinkish lines around the breasts
All these signs appear at varying times and in some cases, not at all. Hence, the pregnancy needs to be confirmed with pregnancy tests – either an OTC or a lab test, and a medical examination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Trying to Get Pregnant
While trying to get pregnant, these are some points one should take note of - they will improve your chances of conception.
1. Timing
Having sex at the wrong time is the first mistake people do. If they calculate the time of ovulation right and plan regular sex in the time leading up to and after ovulation, they will have better chances of succeeding.
2. Not Seeing the Doctor Early Enough
A couple who has been having regular sex every 2-3 days for a year and has had no luck conceiving should plan to see a doctor at the earliest. A test may be needed for both the partners for any sexual health as well as general health issues.
3. Seeing the Doctor Too Soon
It is normal to take up to a year to achieve a successful conception. Seeing the doctor within 6-8 months of having regular sex generally means that a couple is worrying too much about conception. This worry can, in turn, affect conception.
4. Unhealthy Habits
Drinking, smoking, doing drugs, excessive exercising, and overworking are all unhealthy habits that can impact your health, fertility and sexual health. They can impact the health of your sperm, egg, and lower your chances of conceiving.
5. Having Sex Every Day
Sex every day may lead to a decrease in sperm count and would seem like a chore rather than a pleasurable activity. Hence, indulging in intercourse every alternate day would be a better choice.
6. Not Checking for Issues With the Male Partner’s Sexual Health
Automatically assuming that the problem is with the woman is a mistake. 40% of fertility problems are because of the male partner. Testing both partners is integral for the correct identification of sexual health problems and eradicating them so that successful conception can occur.
7. Trying Very Late in Life
The difference in fertility goes down by almost 50% from your 20s to your 40s. If you really want a child, it is better to try while you have better chances for success.
When it comes to conception, timing is almost everything - but only almost! There are still several other factors that can affect your chances of being able to get pregnant. Make sure you take the necessary precautions and measures to achieve your objective and stay healthy.
Also Read:
Chances of Getting Pregnant on Birth Control
Pregnancy after Abortion
How to Get Pregnant with an Irregular Period?
Is it Possible to Get Pregnant without Ovulation?
Can You Get Pregnant Without Having a Period? Read more
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26 Weeks Pregnant with Twins or Multiples
For a woman who is carrying twins at 26 weeks of gestation, this juncture can feel quite strange as well as the start of something unnerving. Not only are the physical changes rapidly setting in within the uterus as well as in your body, but the hormonal changes would also be pretty surprising. All of these can affect your moods and cause emotional upheavals in overwhelming times. With the third trimester soon approaching for you, it is essential to know that these are all steps in the natural progression of a pregnancy. Similarly, some careful steps need to be undertaken to ensure that your body and the babies are in the pink of health, without any unforeseen issues that might crop up later on.
The Growth of the Babies at 26 Weeks
Similar to how the babies were coming to terms with different physical realities of their own body, the 26th week of pregnancy with twins or triplets will continue to be similar on that front. Most babies begin to take the initiative of opening their eyes around this time, though they can’t make any sense of where they are or what they are saying. Throughout the journey up until now, the eyelids have been fused together to keep the eyes from developing without any hindrances. Once the retina is created correctly, the eyes can now sense the presence or absence of light and begin to look around without any problems.
Within the babies, a lot of complex changes are taking place, all of which play a crucial part in turning your little ones into unique individuals of their own volition. While the brain development begins pretty early in the pregnancy cycle, their further development is still in its progress and it also kicks into high gear around this week. The folds or wrinkles that we instantly identify a brain with, begin to appear in your babies’ brains, bringing them another step closer to being a fully functional human being. The skin development takes its time and it may not have the thickness that should work as of yet. The fat deposits continue to take place at a rapid pace and, even though the lining over their bodies might not be thick, it isn’t as transparent as it used to be earlier.
The eyebrows on the little faces would start being visible by now, as well as the hair structure would begin to have a semblance of a proper hairline. While most babies tend to shed their hair, which becomes a part of the vernix covering the babies, some babies might do it at this stage while a few others might continue to have it even after birth. Rest assured, that isn’t a problem to be worried about since babies can even shed their hair after they are outside the womb.
What is the Size of the Babies?
The weight of the little ones continues to surge ahead at a surprising pace. When looking at women who are pregnant with a single child, the baby in the womb is nearly as heavy as 750 grams, with a length that might be approximately 36 centimetres or so. Using this as a benchmark, you can look at your triplets or twins to be a notch lower than these values. However, their size would now roughly be as large as a spring onion and, pretty soon, they all would be jostling for space inside your womb.
Common Bodily Changes
The changes that the body undergoes in this particular week of pregnancy is intensely physical since the babies are growing up to be independent human beings in their own right, all within you.
No matter how much your body tries its best to adapt to the rapid changes taking place inside you, there will always be instances that might leave certain areas unprepared. At times, certain activities of the body can even work against it resulting in various issues. A common occurrence is the tendency to find your joints with a lower strength or tactility than before. Blame it on your hormones yet again, especially a pretty potent one called relaxin, which works directly in loosening these joints to allow the body to expand quickly. The result, however, can make you feel like a bony structure that is barely being held together in place. At times, certain joints might feel like they have popped out of place and left your body wholly misaligned.
If your bones and joints are struggling to keep their arrangement as it is, the uterus is posing a different set of problems for you all by itself. With the children growing rapidly within you, the position of the uterus begins to adjust itself within the body. This can, at times, put the babies in such a place that their weight or activities can apply pressure on specific areas of the body. These are different from the kicks and flutters you feel and enjoy. If your baby’s butt or head begins to push in a particular region, such as the pelvis, it can cause a nerve to be stuck under it and send it out sharp pains majorly termed as sciatica. Not only does it make the area numb but it can result in a sensation that is quite discomforting. This gets quite irritating when you are already coming to terms with a backache the pregnancy is causing you.
There’s a reason why it is recommended that pregnant women invest in clothes that are a size or more higher than what fits them presently. The tummy will make you feel like it has grown overnight, and one fine morning, you would suddenly realise that you can’t walk the same way you used to. The constantly shifting centre of gravity within your body will make it necessary to relearn your gait and sense of balance quite frequently throughout your pregnancy. It is highly essential to keep yourself supported at all times when you are navigating around.
Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy at 26 Weeks
Remember most of the troublesome symptoms that you had in the previous weeks of the second trimester? Well, they will make a return this time around yet again, in varying intensities.
Don’t let the sudden pains and contractions fool you into believing that you have a premature delivery. Most of the ones that occur lightly and fade away when you move around are the Braxton Hicks contractions, as a result of your body’s pregnancy drill. Unless they continue for more than a minute and repeat frequently, you’re all good.
Fluid retention and boosted blood circulation will rarely leave you with any part of the body that isn’t swollen beyond its usual size. Fingers, hands, feet, legs, breasts, and even your face might seem larger than usual, which can get a tad annoying over the week. Accept it as a reality and move on, unless the swelling starts hurting you tremendously.
With a body that is metamorphosing every second and a bladder that fails to live up to its part, your insomnia might return as a result of it. Many women have trouble sleeping on the side or suffer from the effects of hormones keeping them awake at night.
The 26th week is also a time when you would step outside your house to get something and lose track of what you wanted to get. These tiny forgetful incidents will make a comeback as your body is busy figuring out rest of the changes taking place within it.
Twin Pregnancy - Belly at 26 Weeks
Say hello to your lovely tummy that is getting more and more close to the typical pregnant one you’ve always wanted. Well, it does come with a free backache so you can’t complain about it.
One of the key aspects that can help you get through this is having strong abdominal muscles that can hold your belly in place. The abs pretty much separate in two portions, which doesn’t allow them to support your core as much as they could earlier. With a core strength that is at a pretty good level, your backache can take a break.
Twin Pregnancy at 26 Weeks - Ultrasound
Again, your doctor won’t ask you to have an ultrasound scan at this stage, since one would be needed when the third trimester begins. The scans will be more frequent after that.
Anyway, all your babies are usually doing around this time is swallowing the amniotic fluid, peeing it back out, and taking it back in. As disgusting as that might sound, it is the very thing that prepares their body to function correctly.
What to Eat
A fully balanced diet should be the only thing on your mind at this moment. Keep away any food items that might trigger an allergy. Drinking fluids and maintaining a good water content in your body can keep other issues at bay, too.
Pregnancy Care Tips
Keep a bunch of simple tips in mind to take care of yourself effectively.
Dos
Indulge in long conversations with your babies regularly
Have a discussion with your doctor regarding the delivery
Dont's
Gorging on fried foods and confectionaries should be strictly avoided
Avoid standing for long hours as it can make the swelling in your legs worsen
What You Need to Shop for
A bunch of simple items can make your pregnancy week simpler, such as:
Baby monitors or a foetal Doppler
Mattress for the baby’s cradle
Calm music records
When 26 weeks pregnant with twins, foetal development can catch her off-guard with the rapid increase in weight and the changes it puts her through. Don’t be afraid of having honest conversations with your partner regarding things that can make your journey more comfortable for you.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In Pregnancy
The hollow space formed by the carpal bones of the wrist below and the fascia (thin shiny envelope covering the muscle tendons) above is known as the carpal tunnel. These bones enclose the median nerve, the ulnar nerve and the flexor tendons of the forearm.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
The median nerve of the hand is responsible for the sensory supply of the lateral half of your palm (flexor aspect), while it’s motor innervation controls most of the flexor muscles of the forearm. Conditions like inflammation, fluid retention or trauma to the arm can lead to increased pressure within the carpal tunnel. This may, in turn, compress the median nerve which can lead to sensory or motor symptoms in the hand, including tingling, numbness, pain and weakness of grip. This group of symptoms is collectively known as the carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnant Women?
Pregnancy: This is a state where there is excessive fluid retention and hence resultant weight gain. Most of the fluid accumulates in the extra-vascular spaces (outside the blood vessels) like the peritoneum (abdominal free space), joint cavities or loose subcutaneous tissues. The wrist space or the carpal tunnel is one such small space where fluid accumulates easily. This space encases important structures like the median nerve, flexor tendons of the hand, ulnar nerve, etc. The median nerve gets easily compressed whenever there is compression of the space. Fluid retention is common in the second trimester of pregnancy, and hence carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in mid-pregnancy.
Inflammatory conditions: Inflammation, in general, manifests with pain, swelling, and redness. Inflammation-causing carpal tunnel syndrome can be local due to trauma or joint pathology. It may also be associated with various systemic inflammatory disorders.
The following systemic disorders can be the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy:
Diabetes Mellitus
It is the most common autoimmune endocrine disorder associated with weight gain and associated fluid retention which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome as one of its local complications besides affecting the eyes and the kidney. Diabetes in a pregnant woman doubles the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome owing to the cumulative retention of fluid.
Hypothyroidism
This is also a state of reduced metabolism and hence excessive weight gain due to fluid retention.
Hypertension
Excessive blood pressure leads to leakage of fluid in the third space or out of the blood vessels. This fluid then accumulates in the loose cutaneous tissues.
Autoimmune disorders
Some disorders like, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gouty arthritis, and Systemic lupus erythematosus which cause joint swellings and effusions.
Local trauma or fractures of the bones forming the wrist joint, like Colle’s fracture, which commonly occur in postmenopausal women, can lead to local inflammation and result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Excessive joint movement
Carpal tunnel syndrome is worsened by repeated and excessive joint movements. Constant use of the joint hampers the resolution of inflammation and hence prevents healing. Professions like sports including tennis and badminton, musicians playing guitars or pianos, fine artists, hardware tools operators, etc. are at a higher risk due to excessive joint movement at the wrist.
Sign & Symptoms
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can easily be recognised by the patient herself, as the compression of median nerve causes intense pain, tingling in the region of hand supplied and numbness.
Besides pain and tingling, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may be broadly divided into motor and sensory symptoms for simpler understanding.
Motor symptoms
These include the inability to make a fist, hold an object in the hand, or clumsiness of the hand.
Difficulty in doing daily chores, like brushing teeth, buttoning and unbuttoning of clothes, holding a pen, etc.
Difficulty in doing fine activities, like typing, sewing, doing artwork, etc.
Sensory symptoms
Loss of sensation in the region of the palm which is supplied by the median nerve. The median nerve supplies the skin of the lateral three-fourths of the flexor aspect of palm.
Loss of skin creases and excessive susceptibility to burns and trivial traumas due to the reduced sensation.
Who is at Risk of CTS?
Women are more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome than men. Pregnancy further predisposes women for this condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also more commonly diagnosed in patients between their thirties and sixties.
It is also more common with certain lifestyle factors like, high-fat diet and obesity, sedentary habits, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, jobs which require prolonged hours of immobilisation and repeated and excessive joint movements.
People suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases including arthritis are at increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A clinical diagnosis can be ascertained based on a detailed history of symptoms, elaborate physical examinations, laboratory tests and nerve conduction studies or NCS.
Examination of all the joints of upper limbs including the shoulders, elbows, and wrists will determine and rule out any other cause of nerve compression at various levels in the course of the nerve. Any local swelling, redness or deformity can be observed, while pain on touching indicates tenderness. Tests for sensation over the skin of palm and motor examination including object holding test can be useful for the diagnosis.
NCS or Nerve conduction studies definitively tests carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy. It measures the velocity and amplitude of an electrically transmitted impulse through the nerve being tested. A delay in the conduction indicates nerve damage and hints towards carpal tunnel syndrome in the case of median nerve of hand.
A few natural remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy include:
Herbal therapy
Applying cabbage leaves over the affected joint is believed to reduce inflammation.
Drinking water
Adequate hydration, following a balanced diet with low uric acid is an effective sure.
Massage
Regular exercise with intermittent rest and massage of the wrist while at work helps relieve symptoms.
Yoga
Yoga can be of significant help in relieving the pain and is a good lifestyle habit.
Acupressure
Applying controlled pressure on certain spots over the palm can significantly reduce the pain and inflammation.
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel syndrome in Pregnancy
Medical treatments are mostly conservative and include the following options:
Support
Splinting of the affected wrist during night time for about three weeks.
Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
Analgesics like diclofenac and ibuprofen, significantly reduce the inflammation and hence relieve the pain. Diuretics: Injectable or oral diuretics reduce the fluid and swelling to provide symptomatic benefit.
Anti Convulsants
Gabapentin and Pregabalin are effective in reducing the pain.
Local Steroid Injection
Injecting a steroid reduces the inflammation and has significant benefits in cases not relieved by NSAIDs.
Hormonal injections
Local Progesterone injection.
Surgical options are considered for patients who have severe CTS disease and do not respond to medical management. Surgically releasing the transverse ligament of the wrist, has proven to be effective in up to 85% cases. The procedure has a low rate of complications and is increasingly being practised.
Contemporary therapies are also practised as an add-on or stand-alone therapy in a few cases. These include:
Yoga:
Yoga can be of significant help in relieving the pain and is a good lifestyle habit.
Acupressure
Applying controlled pressure on certain spots over the palm can significantly reduce the pain and inflammation.
Pain Relief for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during Pregnancy
The self-help and natural remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome listed below can help relieve the pain:
Herbal therapy
Applying cabbage leaves over the affected joint is believed to reduce inflammation.
Hydration
Adequate hydration while preventing over-hydration.
A Healthy Diet
Following a balanced diet rich in Vitamin A, B complex and Vitamin C and low uric acid.
Exercise
Regular exercise with intermittent rest and massage of the wrist while at work.
Hot Compress
Application of hot compresses over the inflamed wrist area can help relieve the pain.
Sea Cord Oil
Drinking Sea cord oil is beneficial for joints and cartilages
Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy can be a significantly distressing experience. Prompt recognition of symptoms, timely workup and diagnosis can help treat the condition. Initial non-pharmacological measures involve physiotherapy, yoga and lifestyle changes including diet and moderate daily exercising. This can lead to symptom reduction and general well being. Although rarely reported, wrongly diagnosed or inadequately treated carpal tunnel syndrome may over time lead to permanent neuritis damage resulting in a handicap and ultimately loss of hand function. Read more
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Essential Vitamins That Will Make Your Hair Grow Faster
Having long, beautiful, and shiny hair is what all women dream of. It's hard to look our best if our hair is in bad shape. Similar to your other body parts, your hair also needs essential nutrients to grow and to be healthy. If your goal is to grow your hair and keep your scalp healthy, then read on.
Which Vitamins Are Good for Your Hair?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to hair growth in individuals. Your hair reflects the state of your health and immunity. But there is one thing we can agree on - hair growth depends on a steady supply of the right nutrients in appropriate proportions. There are a few vitamins that can make your hair healthy and strong. Find out which are these.
1. Vitamin A
Your body needs Vitamin A, so do your hair follicles.
How It Helps
Vitamin A leads to increased cell growth which directly influences your hair growth. It leads to the production of sebum which is known to moisturize and keep your hair healthy. If your body lacks Vitamin A, you'll notice an increase in hair fall, while an overdose of this will also result in the same. The key to healthy hair is finding a balance with regards to its intake.
Dietary Source
To meet your body's requirements of Vitamin A, you should eat carrots, spinach, kale, and animal products like eggs, milk, and yoghurt. Cod liver oil is also a good source of Vitamin A.
2. Niacin
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that is popularly referred to as Vitamin B3. It is one of the essential vitamins that can make your hair thick.
How It Helps
Niacin provides oxygen to your hair follicles. It opens up the blood vessels on your scalp and stimulates hair follicle growth. A diet lacking in this vitamin can result in weight gain and thinning of hair. This nutrient also turns carbs into energy and boosts blood circulation to the scalp. Thus this vitamin will help in weight loss and hair growth.
Dietary Source
Good dietary sources of niacin include mushrooms, beef, shellfish, nuts, sunflower seeds, beets, and dairy products.
3. Biotin
Biotin is a member of the B Vitamins family and is water-soluble. It is also referred as Vitamin H and is one of the hair growth vitamins that work fast.
How It Helps
Biotin deficiency can lead to thinning of hair as well as hair fall. Although biotin deficiency is rare, it may happen. The protein called keratin makes up the structure of our hair. Biotin enhances the keratin infrastructure of our body. Thus, it helps in hair growth and reducing hair fall.
Dietary Source
Getting biotin is easy if you're consuming a well-rounded diet. Good dietary sources of this key nutrient include organ meats, salmon, dairy products, avocados, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower.
4. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the rare vitamins for preventing hair loss and is obtained exclusively from animal products.
How It Helps
Vitamin B12 is responsible for red blood cell formation in the body and carries oxygen to the scalp and brain regions. Besides the cognitive benefits like improved mood and memory, a deficiency in this nutrient has shown to result in hair loss. An important factor to remember is that since this is a water-soluble vitamin, you need it daily. If you take supplements, its absorption depends on an individual's health. For example, out of a 500mcg Vitamin B-12 tablet, only 10mcg is absorbed and used by the body. This is why you have to obtain it from foods more instead of supplements.
Dietary Source
Plant-based foods aren't a good source of Vitamin B 12, with the only exception being yeast. You can obtain B-12 from animal products like organ meats, tuna, low-fat yoghurt, and fortified breakfast cereals.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is responsible for collagen production in the body, a mineral that is key to healthy hair growth.
How It Helps
The deficiency of Vitamin C in your body can lead to drying and splitting of hair. This, in turn, leads to hair loss, thus being not directly responsible. Vitamin C also supplies antioxidants which fight against free radicals in the body and protect your hair follicles.
Dietary Source
Good dietary sources of Vitamin C include kiwis, oranges, pineapples, winter squashes, and citrus fruits. Your diet should include at least five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily to meet your required intake.
6. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin and is necessary for healthy hair, skin, and bones.
How It Helps
Vitamin D doesn't directly influence the hair growth but it does wake up any dormant hair follicles in the scalp. Sometimes hair may grow and may not. But the good news is that you will notice a decrease in hair loss when you start eating Vitamin-D rich foods.
Dietary Source
Good dietary sources of Vitamin D include fish like salmon and swordfish, mushrooms, ragi, fortified orange juice, fortified milk, and grains. Exposing your skin to the sun is the direct way of acquiring it but be sure to use sunscreen to protect yourself from the UV rays.
7. Vitamin E
Vitamin E can give shine to your hair and prevent frizzy hair.
How It Helps
Vitamin E has antioxidant properties which are known to protect your hair follicles against free radical damage. One of the key vitamins for preventing hair loss, it has been shown to add shine to your hair and provide an extra layer of protection against the harmful UV rays.
Dietary Source
Vitamin E is found abundantly in foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, and fortified breakfast cereals. Our favourite sources include roasted almonds, steamed spinach, wheat germ oil, and peanut butter.
8. Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins include a blend of essential nutrients like iron, folic acid, Omega-3 fatty acids, and biotin - all of which are crucial for healthy hair, nails, and skin.
How It Helps
Women who are of child-bearing age are recommended to start taking prenatal vitamins. Doctors usually give these prenatal hair growth vitamins while pregnant. If you want strong, shiny, and long-lasting hair, start taking prenatal vitamins.
Dietary Source
Since prenatal vitamins are marketed as supplements, most women take these in the form of pills or capsules. If you want these vitamins from natural sources, consume a well-balanced and varied diet that includes sources like fish, liver, organ meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and nuts and seeds.
FAQs
When it comes to achieving strong and healthy hair, there are some additional things you need to know. Here are some commonly asked questions by our readers.
1. Are External Supplements Safe for Hair?
Yes. Most external supplements for hair are safe when taken along with a healthy and balanced diet. However, just taking supplements and eating the wrong foods won't help you.
2. Which Other Nutrients Foster Hair Growth?
Some of the other nutrients which foster hair growth are:
B-complex vitamins
You can get B-complex vitamins from foods like barley grass powder, wheatgrass powder, whole-grains, and dark leafy vegetables.
Zinc
You can get meet your body's requirements of zinc by eating plant-based foods. You should include nuts and seeds like almonds and walnuts, fruits like avocados and bananas, and legumes such as mung beans and other lentils in your diet.
Selenium
Brown rice and Brazil nuts are the best sources of selenium. However, you can also acquire this from animal meats like turkey, beef, and shellfish.
Iron
An iron deficiency not only leads to anaemia but hair loss too. Just add a couple raisins and dried fruits like dates to your diet to get enough. Animal meats are a good source of iron such as beef and chicken.
Protein
Pea protein powder, whey protein, and other protein powders are available for those who train hard and want to supplement. You can get your overall protein by eating a balanced and varied diet every day. Increase the egg yolks and meats and you won't have to worry.
Today, you can obtain vitamins for hair growth through supplements too, but it recommended that you obtain it from natural sources. Eat the right foods to meet your recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Also Read:
Homemade Hair Oils to Use for Strong and Beautiful Hair
Foods to Eat for Getting Smooth and Silky Hair
Do and Dont's for Daily Hair Care Read more
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