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Reasons of Missed Period & Negative Pregnancy Test
Before the release of the first at-home pregnancy tests, it was difficult for women to reliably know if they were pregnant. Even now, an at-home pregnancy test can lead to many questions for women, such as: 'Why have I had a delayed or missed period but still have a negative pregnancy test?'
These issues can cause great concern for women, and here we will touch on some of the reasons why a woman’s period might be late, even if their pregnancy test is still negative.
Is There a Possibility of Pregnancy If Your Period is Late But Pregnancy Tests Are Negative?
It is possible that you are pregnant if your period is late and your at-home pregnancy tests continue to be negative, although it is unlikely. Normally, the cause of the late period will be something else besides a pregnancy. Most pregnancy tests are highly very reliable.
Reasons for No Period and Negative Pregnancy Test
The reasons for having no period and a negative pregnancy test are complicated and can include both situations where you are pregnant and where you are not pregnant at all.
The following lists provide reasons for why you might have no period and receive a negative pregnancy test in both situations:
1. If You Are Pregnant
These could be the reasons for your negative pregnancy test if you’re pregnant:
Low-Sensitivity Pregnancy Test
This means that the pregnancy test you purchased from the store is only capable of detecting pregnancy when hCG levels are quite high. Such a test will not be able to detect pregnancy at a very early stage.
Drinking a Lot of Fluids Before the Test
This can dilute the hCG levels in the urine. In these cases, try to avoid drinking a lot of fluids before your test. Holding urine for several hours before collecting a sample, or testing a sample collected in the morning can ensure pregnancy.
Carrying Twins or Triplets
In some cases, carrying twins or triplets can produce high levels of hCG and will result in at-home pregnancy tests not working well. This is known as the “high-dose hook effect”.
Misusing the Test
Make sure you are reading and properly following the instructions of the pregnancy test, particularly with respect to “reaction time”.
Ectopic Pregnancy
This is rare but occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself somewhere other than the uterus (such as the fallopian tube), delaying the production of hCG and causing abdomen pain.
Faulty Test
In very rare cases, there may be anti-hCG antibodies in the test reagent which do not bind well with the hCG hormone composition of a woman, resulting in a delayed positive.
Test Taken too Early
If you take the pregnancy test too early, your body might not yet be producing enough hCG hormone to detect pregnancy. Normally, hCG can only be detected in the urine two weeks after conception.
Too Far Along in Pregnancy
At-home pregnancy tests are normally designed to detect early molecular forms of hCG, and being too far along in the pregnancy can sometimes lead to problems with detection.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)
This is a very rare disease wherein tumours in the layer of cells (known as the trophoblast) surround the embryo.
2. If You Are Not Pregnant
These could be the reasons for your negative pregnancy test if you’re pregnant:
Thyroid Problems
Women with thyroid problems can experience abnormalities in their menstrual cycles, including late or missed periods. In cases of hyperthyroidism there can be infrequent or light periods, and in cases of hypothyroidism, there can be too frequent or heavy periods.
Too Much Prolactin
This usually happens in breastfeeding mothers. Prolactin is a hormone that enables breast milk production, but it can simultaneously suppress the hormones associated with a menstrual cycle.
Medication
Some medications – such as implants, antidepressants, thyroid medications, chemotherapy drugs, and antipsychotics – can cause late periods or abnormal menstrual cycles and activity.
Stress and Anxiety
Too much stress and anxiety in everyday life can in some cases lead to a delayed – though very rarely missed – period.
Uterine Abnormalities
Physical defects or problems with the uterus – such as cysts, fibroids or polyps – can lead to late periods or other menstrual abnormalities.
Too Much Exercise
Intense exercise or high-interval exercise regiments can stress the reproductive system, leading to late periods or fertility issues.
Imbalanced Hormones
Underlying hormonal imbalances can lead to late periods. For example, with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), women often experience irregular ovulation and late or missed periods.
Fertility Treatment
If you have normally have a short menstrual cycle, fertility drugs like Clomid can extend the cycle length. Also, if you went through IVF, IUI, an injectable cycle or other related treatment, it can throw you off your expected period date.
When Should a Late Period with a Negative Pregnancy Test Be Taken Seriously?
A late period in combination with a negative pregnancy test should be taken seriously when there are problems with the thyroid gland or when you the brain produces too high levels of prolactin. In both cases, a doctor can prescribe medications which can help you with these symptoms.
If you have a late period that is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately and/or go the emergency room:
Abdominal/pelvic pain
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting
Shoulder pain
Extreme dizziness
What Should You Do When You Have Missed Your Period But There is a Negative Pregnancy Test?
If you are frequently late for one to two weeks and/or miss more than three periods in a row with the tests remaining negative, you should consult your doctor for evaluation. In most cases, there is a simple explanation for a pregnancy test being negative but still not having a period.
Often a missed period with no pregnancy symptoms and with a negative pregnancy test may not require you to see a doctor at all. However, when diagnosing the problem, it can sometimes be difficult to separate from your daily life what might have caused your period be late, for which seeing a doctor will be useful.
It more likely that your period is late than that a pregnancy test is negative, meaning that a late or missed period in combination with a negative pregnancy test often means you are not pregnant, though not always. Common reasons for a late or missed period include anxiety and stress, fertility treatments, imbalanced hormones, and medication and thyroid problems, among others. In some cases – such as a delayed positive, misuse of a pregnancy test, a faulty test or low-sensitivity test or other rare reasons –you can be pregnant and have the test be wrong. If you are late on your period by more than one or two weeks, it is recommended you follow-up with your doctor.
Also Read: Ways To Calculate Safe Period To Avoid Pregnancy Read more
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Nose Swelling during Pregnancy - Why It Happens
If you are pregnant, you are bound to experience certain changes in your body. Some of these changes such as tender breasts, pigmentation, swelling of ankles, and more are expected, but then there are certain changes like swelling in the nose is not expected at all. Yes, swelling in the nose is also a symptom of pregnancy. If you feel that your nose is getting bigger and wider, it could be due to hormonal changes. As the progesterone and oestrogen hormone levels are high during pregnancy, hence it may lead to swelling in your nose and other parts of the body too.
What Are Some Unusual Symptoms of Pregnancy?
Apart from swelling in the nose, there are a lot of other unusual symptoms of pregnancy. However, not all women will experience all of these uncommon symptoms during pregnancy. Some women may find a change in their hair colour due to pigmentation, some may notice hair growing on their belly, and there will be some who may notice their feet becoming longer or bigger. All these symptoms are due to hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy. But they should return to normal after delivery.
Why Does the Nose Swell During Pregnancy?
Swelling in the nose during pregnancy is not a normal symptom of pregnancy and obviously you will worry. But if you have a fair idea of why it happens, you might be able to take care of those problems.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the blood vessels expand to send more blood to the growing foetus. These blood vessels expand in the sinuses and nasal passages too, thus causing a slight swelling in the nose.
During the last trimester of pregnancy, water retention in the face may cause the nose to swell to a great extent.
High blood pressure levels during pregnancy can also cause swelling in the nose.
Swelling in the nose or an increase in the size of the nose can be attributed to the changes in the hormonal system of the body.
An increase in the oestrogen levels of the body can increase the flow of the blood into the mucous membrane, which is just beneath the nose. The increased blood flow expands the muscles in the nose.
How Does the Shape of the Nose Change During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman's body parts expand to accommodate the growing baby. The same is with the case of the nose. The increase in levels oestrogen during pregnancy results in the blood flow to the mucous membrane. The muscles and membranes beneath the nose thus expand because more blood is pumped through the nose. The soft bones of the nose are influenced easily and hence take a different shape. And this is why some women may notice their nose getting wider and taking a different shape during pregnancy.
When Will the Nose Get Back to Its Normal Size and Shape?
Nose enlargement during pregnancy happens because of the hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman. However, these changes are temporary. After delivery, the hormonal makeup goes back to its normal level, and all these changes should get back to normal within a month to forty days.
How to Prevent Swelling in the Nose During Pregnancy
Although swelling in the nose is very normal during pregnancy, there are ways to manage and lessen the swelling. If you notice swelling in your nose, try and minimise your overall salt intake, it will lessen the level of water retention and manage the high blood pressure. You can also drink water as water intake helps reduce water retention which in turn reduces the swelling. Taking the right precautions as suggested by the healthcare provider is the best way to prevent nose swelling during pregnancy.
When to Consult a Doctor
Usually, swelling in the nose is normal during pregnancy and you need not worry. However, if you notice swelling anywhere else in the body such as hands, face, or feet, you should check with a doctor. If you notice severe or sudden swelling, it can be because of high blood pressure. And preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) coupled with water retention is not really favourable for pregnancy, so it is best that you consult a doctor without delay.
Pregnancy can bring about certain weird and unwanted changes, such as a swollen nose, but be assured that these changes will subside post delivery. Whatever changes happen in the body during pregnancy are because hormonal fluctuations and there is no need to concern yourself. Pregnancy is a wonderful time, so enjoy it. Eat healthy and you will have a safe and healthy pregnancy!
Also Read: Nose Bleeding during Pregnancy Read more
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Umbilical Hernia after Pregnancy
Welcoming your baby to this amazing world and cradling him in your arms is one of the most overwhelming feelings a woman can experience. Now that you have become a mother and your little one is out, you must be relieved mentally, but your body may not be completely alright. You may feel pain because of several reasons, even after your baby is born. One of the reasons for post-delivery pains is a hernia which is also known as a postpartum hernia. A hernia can occur anywhere in the body, for example, the legs, lower abdomen or groin area. But, if it becomes extremely painful, you need to seek medical attention right away.
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia is when the belly button protrudes outwards post-delivery. It may feel soft and tender to touch, and you may also be able to push it in sometimes. The most common symptom of an umbilical hernia is experiencing strain on the lower abdomen while sneezing and coughing continuously, or even while lifting heavy weights.
Causes of Post Delivery Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is caused due to the excessive pressure built-up in the abdomen and pelvic area. During pregnancy, your umbilical cord opens up and is connected to the abdominal muscles of your baby. After the baby is born, this tiny opening usually closes; however, at times the muscles do not join completely, which puts you at high risk of developing an umbilical hernia. The major causes of an umbilical hernia are:
More than one pregnancy: If you have had twins or conceived for two or three times with less time gap in between then your muscles tend to weaken, which also triggers the risk of a hernia.
Overweight: If you are overweight, the chances of getting an umbilical hernia is more, as it weakens the elasticity of your abdominal muscles.
Long hours of labour: A prolonged labour delivery can also lead to an umbilical hernia, as it strains and stretches the abdominal muscles.
Weak core muscles: If your core muscles are not strong enough, then it might lead to an umbilical hernia. The core muscles support your spine, waist, lower back, and abdomen. So, it is important that these muscles are strong enough to support the body.
Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity: Accumulation of fluids in the layers of the abdominal wall and abdominal organs may also lead to an umbilical hernia.
Excessive strain: Straining due to prolonged coughing, lifting heavy weights, or sneezing continuously can also increase the risk of an umbilical hernia.
Abdominal Surgery: Previously undergone abdominal surgeries may also lead to umbilical hernia.
Symptoms of Postpartum Umbilical Hernia
Following are the symptoms of an umbilical hernia that you may witness:
Mild pain and swelling in your lower abdomen. The pain and burning sensation will increase when you are lifting heavy weights, coughing, sneezing or during bowel movements. In the case of a strangulated hernia, which causes rigidness and severe pain in the abdomen, you need to get medical treatment immediately.
You may see visible skin symptoms as a hernia develops after C-section delivery around your abdomen. The skin on your belly button becomes loose and bulges out. A hernia restricts your blood flow to the intestines, which causes the skin around the affected area to become reddish blue.
You may also experience nausea, vomiting, blood while passing stool, and gastric trouble when you are affected by a hernia.
Treatment for Post Pregnancy Umbilical Hernia
There are majorly two ways to treat a hernia, which include:
1. Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment will effectively strengthen the weakened muscles of the abdomen and push the tissues back to its place through open surgery. You may also opt for laparoscopic surgery which is less painful and more effective with minimum recovery time. The chances of re-appearance of a hernia are also less in this case. But it is highly recommended that in case your hernia is not severe then you perform physical exercises like yoga to strengthen your core muscles.
2. Non-surgical treatment
Most of the doctors prescribe regular exercising like yoga, aerobics, and stretching instead of surgery. Exercising generally strengthens the weaker muscles and eases the protrusion back to normal. Performing exercises that will not put excessive pressure on your abdomen and pelvic muscles will give better results. Breathing exercises, yoga, stretching, cycling, meditation will help immensely. Along with regular exercises, maintaining a correct posture is also equally important. You need to be acquainted with how your body functions and come up with stress-relieving techniques. Also, you must refrain from wearing high heels when you are diagnosed with an umbilical hernia as it puts a strain on the lower abdominal muscles. Standing straight, sitting in an upright posture will also help you correct your posture.
What If Umbilical Hernia Is Not Treated After Childbirth?
You need to be acquainted with the severity of your hernia. If it is very slight and does not cause much discomfort, then it can be left untreated, but regular exercising is a must. However, if you suffer from a severe hernia, then you require immediate medical attention as it can cause serious effects like uncontrollable abdominal pain, and less blood supply to your intestines. Hence, it is advisable to have an open discussion with the doctor before pursuing any kind of treatment or exercises.
A hernia is a serious medical condition with dangerous effects if left untreated. So you need to consult your doctor even if you do not experience severe pain or discomfort. Prevention is always better than cure. Regular exercising post-delivery, and getting back into the correct posture is necessary to keep your body healthy, and fit.
Also Read: Stomach Pain after Delivery Read more
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Keeping Pre-schoolers Safe in the Sun
Learn about the precautions you need to take to keep your kid safe under the sun. Summer time calls for stocking up sunscreens, especially while traveling. Loose clothing and wide brimmed hats are must have's during summers. Do not forget a good pair of glares to protect your kid from the harsh rays of the sun.
Sunny days are a treat for kids and they love to play outdoors. The sun's rays have immense benefits, but too much exposure to the sun can lead to rashes, sunstroke and cancer later in life. Taking a few simple precautions can keep your child safe. The best thing for a child is to stay away from the sun during the peak hours i.e. from 10am to 4pm. That may not always be possible, so here’s what you can do to minimize sun damage on exposure.
Keep your Child Covered
Research suggests that even 15 minutes of exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays every day can double the chances of skin cancer in later life. Make sure your child wears clothes with full sleeves, and long pants or skirts instead of shorts. As a thumb rule – light coloured clothes with tightly woven fabric should be worn to provide better protection. Cover the head with a broad brimmed hat instead of smaller caps. Dress up in loose fitting clothes.
UV rays affect the eyes and increase the chances of cataracts during adulthood. Get your child a pair of sunglasses. A good pair of glares will not just protect the eyes, but also the skin around the eyes.
1. Use a Sunscreen
Use a sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or more. Apply it all over the exposed parts of your child’s body, including often ignored areas like the ears, feet and the back of her neck. Apply it 15 minutes before she steps out into the sun. Reapply every two hours. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days because the UV rays travel through the clouds and reflect off the ground and water, and can be harmful even though the day seems cool.
2. Drink Lots of Water
Dehydration often goes undetected as children are busy playing and forget to keep themselves hydrated. It may cause tiredness, dizziness or fainting spells. By the time a child feels thirsty, she is already dehydrated. Make sure your child always carries her water bottle and drinks plenty of water at short intervals. Since children are always running and jumping, they sweat a lot and need more water than most adults.
3. Take Breaks from the Sun
If your child has to be out in the sun for longer durations, encourage her to take ‘shade’ breaks. Let her move out of the sun for a short time before going out again. You could put up a baby tent or a large umbrella for your child to play under.
Research suggests that 80 percent of a person’s lifetime exposure to the sun happens before they reach adulthood. Stressing the need for sun protection for a child is, therefore, of immense importance. Be a good role model, and inculcate sun safety habits in your child. Read more
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5 “Health” Foods you Must Stay Away From!
Do you always stop and look at the labels that wrap your favorite foods and ask yourself if you're eating the right stuff? Well, that is actually wise as most health foods aren't as healthy as often assumed to be! Get rid of these items from your shopping cart before it's too late.
We all reach out for ‘health’ foods that are green or fruity, light in calories or recommended by those who probably are a tad fitter than us. We think of them as our shortcut to good health. But how healthy are these health foods? There are many unsuspecting healthy foods that are lowering your metabolic rate and making you pile on the kilos.
Top 5 Surprisingly Unhealthy Foods No One Told you About
1. Non-Goodness of Granola Bars
This will surely break a few hearts, but granola bars aren't a healthy snack proposition. Rich in corn syrup, high calorific value ingredients, and an extra dose of sugars, carbohydrates, and GMOs (genetically modified organisms), such bars are seldom recommended by modern-day dieticians! If you must, pick up an organic variant of these bars or just go ahead and create your own at home.
2. Sorry Soy Sauce, You Are Not for Me
Packed with sodium and other inferior sources of protein, soy sauce lacks methionine and cystine, which are essential amino acids for a healthy diet. Moreover, the Vitamin B-12 present in this sauce is incapable of being utilized by your body. Go in for coconut aminos instead and enjoy boosted energy levels, better overall body functions and stronger muscle tissues.
3. Fruit Juice Menace
What is unhealthy food and what’s not? The difference is shocking when we talk about fruit juices. The packaged ones that disappear off the racks of food stores like no other product are nothing but a storehouse of artificially added sugar. Additionally, over consumption of fruits lead to the ready absorption of fructose by your body, thereby leading to excessive weight gain if the same is not burnt the right way.
4. Cereal Killer, Well!
While cereals have always served as your friend in need for a hurried breaksfast or midnight snack, they contain high levels of sweetening agents. Contrary to what most ‘health-food’ advertisements by cereal giants say, the nutrition labels reveal it all. Want to be safe? Stick to the brands that serve 150 calories or less per helping.
5. Don’t Dress Your Salads Up
When debating healthy food vs. unhealthy food, you will be better off giving your salads a closer look. Did know that though low in calories, a salad may still be unhealthy if dressed with those inviting swirls of colored dressings? These kill the goodness of your greens and give you nothing more in return than corn syrup and other non-value adding ingredients.
If you're still wondering what foods are not good for you and if there are more, don't fret too much. With the right awareness and a little more care, you can keep unhealthy ‘heath foods’ at bay. Go for edibles that keep you lithe, energetic and feeling great at all times; you deserve them! Read more
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19 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert hi this is Sarika here . my question is how to encourage my baby to latch because he get irritated whenever I try to latch him
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
19 hours ago
A. It’s very important that when you ask a question please provide us the age of the child currently I would say that if your child is unable to latch properly so whenever you’re feeding Press your breast with your hands for the feeding of the milk is better because the milk flow is going to be better and hopefully that you do the trick
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. my baby have gastric problem..
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 2 yr 11 m old boy
8 hours ago
A. use colimex df drops
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts red scretch marks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. You can mix coconut oil and Kapoor together and that is what you can apply regularly want to your stretch marks is one of the best options that you can use currently other than that also I would recommend you that if you feel any kind of a burning sensation or irritation then you can have a word with your gynaecologist
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. left side pain kyu hota h
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. many times and the most common cause would be due to accumulation of milk clots and sometimes it can be neurogenic pain and sometimes it might be a partx any local mass like lymph nodes or tissue pain.
if it is not improving with simple massage as well as simple hot compressesx and expression of accumulated milk then meet your doctor at the earliest for local examination.
you can take paracetamol for pain.
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
3 hours ago
Q. I got chicken pox in my 8th week..it's just started how I can deal with it?
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Hello dear! Chicken pox during pregnancy is a matter of concern. Consult your doctor for personal evaluation and seek medical advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and follow your doctor’s advice. Good luck and take care
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. is sesame seeds healthy in 37th week of pregnancy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. yes you can have but limited .
During pregnancy it is always advisable to have your normal routine foods and include more of sprouted grains along with green leafy vegetables and adequate water intake which helps maintain good health
Do have regular daily walking
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