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10 Common Pregnancy Problems In First Trimester
It is said that pregnancy is the best time of a woman’s life. It involves pampering, indulgence, and immense support from one’s partner and family. Most pregnancies see a smooth sailing and are uncomplicated. However, it is essential to know what the most common risks are that pregnant women face during their first trimester. You will go through a series of tests, ultrasounds, and physical exams so that your doctor may rule out any complications or address any concerns promptly.
An expecting mother is more susceptible to risks as the body is undergoing tremendous change to accommodate a new life. Certain parts of the expectant mother’s immune system have heightened activity while some parts are suppressed to accommodate this enormous change. Here is a look at the top complications that are a possibility during your first trimester of pregnancy. The body goes into overdrive to support two lives that are amalgamated within the to-be-mother.
Pregnancy Complications in the First Trimester
There is a significant change in the hormonal activity during the first trimester. This change is essential but brings with it complications like fatigue or nausea. While these are low risk and are more bothersome than dangerous, there are a few serious complications that you should be aware of. We have mentioned them below:
1. Miscarriage
It is unfortunate that about 10-15 per cent of pregnancies conclude in a miscarriage. Of these, it is reported that around 80% happen during the first trimester. Miscarriage during early pregnancy can be caused by infections, chromosomal abnormalities, clotting disorders, or anatomic problems with the uterus. Eating a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes should help sustain your pregnancy.
2. Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilised egg gets implanted outside the uterus. One in 50 of all pregnancies could be an ectopic one. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube and may cause the tube to rupture. This can be fatal as it causes internal bleeding.
3. Constipation and Diarrhoea
Stomach problems during pregnancy first trimester are not uncommon. Usually, women experience mild to severe constipation due to changes in diet and incorporation of iron-rich foods. This may sometimes cause haemorrhoids and bloody stools. Diarrhoea that lasts more than 3-4 days should be reported to the doctor, or it could lead to dehydration and weakness. Continue to have a balanced diet and drink copious amounts of water. In rare cases, diarrhoea can be a result of food poisoning. It should be treated immediately if it doesn’t resolve within 24 hours.
4. Multiple and Twin Pregnancy Complications
30% of mums carrying twins or multiple foetuses are known to have vaginal bleeding. Twin pregnancy complications in the first trimester include vanishing twin, where one baby is lost to a miscarriage during the pregnancy. The embryo that is lost is usually reabsorbed into the uterine lining without any noticeable symptoms to the expectant mother. Up to 30 per cent of multiple pregnancies face the vanishing twin syndrome. It is detected because the mother has usually had early scans that showed dual embryos.
5. Vaginal Discharges or Itching
Vaginal discharge is a regularity in a woman’s life. Nothing is alarming about a little vaginal discharge unless it has an odour or is coloured yellowish. Additionally, if there is itching or redness, it could indicate an infection. A more serious concern is if the itching indicates an STD that could be transmitted to the baby.
6. Painful Urination
A urinary tract infection is a bane in every woman’s life. During pregnancy, a woman becomes highly susceptible to Urinary Tract Infection. The changes that pregnancy causes to the urinary tract makes it very easy for a pregnant woman to contract a UTI. Additionally, the pressure from the uterus prevents the bladder from completely draining and this causes infection. If you leave a UTI untreated, it can lead to kidney infection or early labour.
7. Difficulty Breathing
Increased levels of progesterone during the first trimester contributes to shortness of breath. Working slowly, sitting up straight, and sleeping on propped up pillows might help with easing breathing problems during the first trimester of pregnancy. Once you're past the first trimester, the shortness of breath usually occurs around the third trimester when your uterus pushes up against the diaphragm and lungs, making it difficult to take a deep breath. If wheezing, palpitations, or coughing accompany shortness of breath, then you should let your doctor know immediately. They may be able to tell the difference between plain shortness of breath and other complications.
8. Spotting or Vaginal Bleeding
Implantation bleeding is common in pregnancy and is nothing to get alarmed about. There are, however, other reasons like cervical polyps that can lead to spotting and bleeding. Rupture of a tubal pregnancy, as in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, can also cause a fatal bleed.
9. Calf Pain & Headache
Calf pains during the first trimester are not very common. Hormonal changes combined with exhaustion can be credited with this. But pain on one side alone could be an indicator of a travelling blood clot. Pregnancy increases the chances of developing clots. A clot in the head could cause severe headaches. Clots that form in leg veins are known as Deep Vein Thrombosis. Staying active and improving blood circulation reduces the chances of blood clots and cramps.
10. Nausea & Vomiting
Morning sickness is the most common affliction that affects a pregnant woman during her first trimester. It affects different women differently. For some people, it could be extreme, and it increases the risk of dehydration. Some women cannot hold down anything that they eat. It may lead to reduced nutrition for the mother and foetus. Doctors may recommend some medication to regulate nausea and prevent dehydration in extreme cases.
11. Fatigue & Insomnia
Pregnant women, during the first trimester, experience a massive slump in the quality of sleep. Pregnancy sleep problems in the first trimester could be attributed to the fatigue and extreme exhaustion that women feel throughout the day. It could also be attributed to heartburn and bathroom breaks at night.
12. Temperature above 101°F
A fever that crosses 101°F could be a sign of an underlying infection. This could invariably affect the foetus, and it should be checked. Fever accompanied by rash or joint pain could be parvovirus or Toxoplasma. There is also a minor chance that it could indicate cytomegalovirus which is a reason for congenital deafness. The chances of risk to the infant occur when a pregnant woman has recurrent CMV infection.
13. Swelling
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, swelling is considered to be normal in most women. This is caused by a change in blood volume and blood flow, allowing fluids to be trapped in the tissues around the extremities. But swelling in the first trimester, especially in the face and hands could be an indicator of preeclampsia. Always consult your doctor if in doubt about such things.
Pregnant women might face any number of discomforts ranging from slight dizziness to mild pelvic pain. Once past the 12 weeks mark, discomforts like nausea and vomiting will reduce or completely stop. Expectant mothers will now be asked to get scans and tests done in each trimester to rule out any other complication like Down’s syndrome in the foetus, preeclampsia, placenta previa, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or low amniotic fluid.
Bear in mind that although we have listed one too many complications that mothers-to-be should watch out for, pregnancy is one of the most naturally beautiful phases in a woman’s life. There are many positives about being pregnant like hearing baby’s first heartbeat, feeling that first movement, the first kick, the glow and radiance of being pregnant, and the arrival of those tiny fingers and toes after 10 months. So, be watchful and heed any medical advice from your doctor but remember to relax and enjoy these months before your entire life becomes about your tiny tot.
Also Read:
List of Pregnancy Problems and Their Solutions
Pregnancy Complications Every Woman Should Know
Uterine Prolapse during Pregnancy Read more
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Why You Should Try Activated Charcoal for Your Skin Problems This Summer
The term ‘activated charcoal’ has been buzzing around for quite some time now. The black powder (that you might have seen in face washes and face masks) has become a trend not just in the beauty world, but also in the culinary world! But what is activated charcoal, and why is it popular? Read on!
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal (also known as activated carbon or animal charcoal) is a powdered mineral that is made of bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits or sawdust. This charcoal is ‘activated’ when put under severe pressure and processing it under high temperatures. This processing changes its internal structure and makes it porous.
How Does Activated Charcoal Work?
Because activated charcoal is super porous, it gets a ‘negative’ charge which makes it attract ‘positive’ charged molecules like gases and chemicals. So, applying it on your body can make it trap harmful toxins and eliminate them from your body.
This is why activated charcoal is a new trend – it has a lot of benefits attached to it! Activated charcoal powders are available both online and in pharmacies, so take your pick!
A word of caution: Activated charcoal is different from charcoal that we use in our tandoors and barbeque parties. Even though they are both made of similar components, charcoal is not processed under high heat – thus, it is toxic for humans. Remember this before you consider reaping the benefits of activated charcoal!
Skin Benefits of Activated Charcoal
Putting activated charcoal on your skin has several benefits. Here they are:
1. Reduces pores
Our daily grind shows its effects on the skin. The skin’s exposure to pollution and dirt and the body’s sweat tends to accumulate on the skin, making the pores larger. Activated charcoal is a great remedy for this problem – it simply traps these harmful chemicals and takes them with it. This brings the pores back to their normal size and makes your skin look tighter.
2. Godsend for oily skin
Activated charcoal works miraculously on oily skin! Oily skin is the result of excess sebum produced by the body, and not taking care of its production can cause pimples on the skin. Activated charcoal absorbs the oil and leaves skin feeling fresh and light.
3. Works as a great exfoliator
Activated charcoal when used with naturally exfoliating materials takes the dead skin and dirt off, making way for soft and glowing skin.
4. Fights blackheads
The ability of activated charcoal to soak itself into the skin makes it an excellent mineral to naturally remove black and whiteheads. It allows the pores to breathe and go back to their normal size too.
5. Naturally brightens skin
Pollution can wreak havoc on your skin. The dirt and grime can not only make your pores large, but can also make your skin look dull. Activated charcoal does its magic by sucking out all the dirt and impurities, leaving your skin bright and beautiful.
6. Helps with acne
Oily skin is also acne-prone skin, which means there needs to be a remedy to get rid of the excess oil. Fear not, because activated charcoal does exactly that! It cleans out oily pores and the toxins that accompany them, thus restricting acne build-up.
7. Soothes cuts, bites, and irritation
Did you know that activated charcoal is popularly used among medics in cases where someone is poisoned? The adsorbing properties of activated charcoal are used to reverse the effects of poison in one’s body. So, applying this on cuts and bites helps immensely in reducing redness, bumps, and even helps suck out venom (produced by poisonous animals). Applying some activated charcoal in paste form is the best way to get rid of skin irritation and cuts.
8. Helps with scalp irritation
Dandruff and an itchy scalp are annoying and painful, and activated charcoal is a great mineral to remedy that. The mineral makes its way into the hair follicles and cleans them out, just as it does with the skin. Using activated charcoal with a hair mask or with shampoo can help achieve great results.
4 Activated Charcoal Recipes for Beautiful Skin
1. Activated Charcoal Face Mask
This face mask is extremely beneficial for getting rid of oily skin and stubborn blackheads.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp multani mitti
1/2 tbsp activated charcoal powder
Rose water as required
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix the activated charcoal and multani mitti.
Add rose water to the mixture, making a thick paste.
Apply this paste on the face and neck and allow it to sit till the mask dries.
Wash it off with cool water.
Best time to use this mask is after steaming your face, once a week.
2. Activated Charcoal Natural Exfoliator
You can use this easy-to-make exfoliator on your face as well as your body – just adjust the ingredients according to how much you need! This mask will help get rid of dead skin cells and dirt on your face, and give your face a natural glow, and tighter pores.
Ingredients:
1/2 tbsp activated charcoal
1/2 tbsp coarse sea salt
1/2 tbsp rose water
Directions:
In a bowl, mix the activated charcoal and sea salt.
Add the rose water to create a mixture.
Apply this mixture to your face/body and scrub thoroughly.
Wash it off with warm water.
Use this mixture on your face once a week.
3. Activated Charcoal Hair Mask
You can use this hair mask before you wash your hair – it will help eliminate dirt from the scalp and keep it fresh and clean!
Ingredients:
2 tbsp activated charcoal
Coconut oil as needed
Directions:
In a bowl, take the activated charcoal and mix in coconut oil as much as your hair length requires.
Apply this mix to your hair, starting from the scalp to the tip.
Massage in the oil and charcoal mix thoroughly. Keep it for at least 2 hours.
Wash with regular water, till the water runs clear.
4. Activated Charcoal Mix for Cuts and Bites
Mosquito bites, cuts, and bee stings can be quite painful. For temporary relief, apply this activated charcoal mix on the affected area and watch the magic happen.
Ingredients:
1 part activated charcoal
1 part pure water or rose water
A medium-sized band-aid
Directions:
In a bowl, mix the activated charcoal and rose water/pure water to form a paste.
Take a band-aid and open it to expose the soft gauze. Take a small amount of the charcoal mix and apply it on the gauze.
Take this band-aid and stick it on the affected area. Keep it for a few hours.
Things to Note Before Using Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has become a new trend in the world of beauty. Its detoxifying properties have made it a hit among skin and hair care experts, and for good reason. However, there are a few important things one must note before using activated charcoal. Here they are:
Activated charcoal is also being used in the culinary world for its ability to pull away toxins from the body. Studies have shown positive links between activated charcoal and decreased cholesterol levels, better kidney function, lowered gas problems and fewer hangovers. However, more studies are needed to prove them accurately. So, remember these before consuming health drinks/foods that contain activated charcoal. We have not talked about consuming activated carbon in this article; we have only discussed the skin benefits.
Always go for activated charcoal made of coconut shells, as they are the safest.
Go for trusted brands before buying activated charcoal.
Always remember the difference between activated charcoal and regular charcoal; they are not the same.
Activated carbon can interfere with the medication you are taking. Thus, talk to your doctor to understand if you can consume activated charcoal if you’re on medication such as oral contraceptives.
Activated charcoal can be a great remedy for your skin and hair woes. Use it wisely and regularly, and you’ll be able to notice the difference very soon!
Also Read:
Summer Skin Care Tips
How to Treat Sunburn Naturally
Natural Ways to Remove Sun Tan Instantly Read more
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4 Easy Ways to Fuel Growth Hormone On your Workout
As women, we want to look good and have a healthy and fit body. But our hormones don't always cooperate with us! PMS, menstruation or a skewed ratio of growth hormone vs cortisol production can make things difficult. While the first two are not really in our control, there are easy ways to get the growth hormone working for you!
Contrary to what some believe, a rigorous workout routine may not always be beneficial. Research has suggested that strenuous exercise may even speed up the ageing process! This is because of the love-hate relationship between our hormones - something we must tweak to our benefit.
Want a Balanced Workout Routine for Women? 4 Ideas to Explore
1. Be Clear About The Growth Hormone vs. Cortisol Equation
Before setting out to exercise, it’s important to understand the specifics of hormones and the part they play in helping you stay fit. For instance, what is human growth hormone and what significance does it have when you exercise? GH or youth hormone is the ‘magical’ hormone that is produced during a workout and assists your body in burning up excess fat while building lean muscle. But on longer workouts, another hormone called cortisol is released. This lowers the metabolic rate of the body and makes it difficult to burn fat!
2. Take Sufficient Breaks Between Exercise Sets
A workout is only effective when you can maintain the optimum balance between these two hormones. The trick is to increase the production of GH and suppress production of cortisol. When we are talking about conflicting hormones, what maintains this balance and how to reduce cortisol? Split your workout routine into several short duration and high-intensity sessions rather than going for longer workouts for women
3. Make Sure You Get a Good Warm-Up
Theories suggest that the growth hormone gets stimulated with just a couple of 30-second bursts of extremely high-intensity workouts like sprinting. If you can manage to do this multiple times a day, your body releases GH multiple times too. And, such short sessions will also ensure that your body doesn’t have to suffer the negative implications of cortisol release. Before a rigorous workout, stretch, sprint or just dance! Space your exercise out according to your schedule and job.
4. Keep a Watch Out for Messed Up Hormones
Are you experiencing water retention, bloating or complete failure to feel fitter despite exercising? These could be signs of excessive cortisol production. On the other hand, weakness or tiredness could be signs of inadequate cortisol. Be on the lookout for these signs and if you feel something is not quite right, consult with your doctor.
When you understand the hormonal response to exercise, you can be smart and plan your workouts to get the desired effect from them like greater fat loss, a leaner and more sculpted body, and anti-ageing benefits. Sweat it out smartly at your next exercise session! Read more
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Motherhood or a Solitary life?
Every thing has a cost!
The princess when born is introduced to this world like a fairy tale only if not born in a family of so called underprivileged people. The world is competitive and hence, the upbringing of our kids being a boy or a girl.The parents shower them with all the goodness of their life more than their own worth. A girl also grows up aspiring and living her own dreams, her own life, her ambitions, her career and above all her own rules of living life but the word 'Motherhood' is that beautiful word in a girl's life which molds her completely!
“Mother” word in itself encompasses the feeling of warmth, love and care but like any other good thing, it too comes with its own cost. In the journey of becoming a mother, certain changes are expected like a new baby, physical changes, responsibilities, etc. but one may not anticipate all the ways that motherhood changes you from within; your own inner-self! Being a 'mother' is an exhilarating experience and children bring a new meaning to every moment of your life and depth to your experience as a human being. As a 'parent' your life has a revolutionary change in the way not only your day to day life but it alters your very identity as a person! You life is no more of your own. The happiness of giving it all to your little bundle of joy energizes you to keep doing it day and night but at times you feel like running away from everything. Sometimes you really want to reanimate your earlier days. But the motherhood word is so deep that even a smile on your baby's face makes you forget everything, you want to play with him, feed him, see him growing, and wake up all night to watch him asleep and may be you feel proud realizing the worth of being a mother, a creator of another life on this Earth!
The motherhood becomes like an invisible job.You keep grappling the entire day but when you count, you are actually not able to sum it up! All this causes a huge emotional fluctuation and many times a woman is not able to balance herself due to both physical and mental changes. But no one understands that this is indeed a very big change in her life. After becoming a mother, we realize that we not only held a new baby, we owned a new identity! Somewhere I read "Marriage was a minor blip but having a child was something different." People look at her just as a mother. Now the ambitions of a women, her dreams, her style of living, her choices everything needs to go in sync with her child. Forgetting those lazy weekends, those only 'me' outings, reading, writing, anything you want to or like to, you need to create a balance with the preferences of your child.
Being called a "Dad" makes you feel proud and yes you should feel so but for all this you need to respect the 'mother' of your child, love her the most and support her in all the ways during this important transition. When a child is born , a mother also gives birth to various relationships and make the entire family feel privileged but in most cases it is only the mum who bears all the responsibility, put in her best efforts and sacrifice everything for his/her upbringing! Keep loving her and go ahead to at-least calm her during these emotional fluctuations!
So, the “motherhood” even at a cost makes us feel privileged that the God above has chosen us as a creator on earth. It makes you understand the real meaning of two words ‘Love’ and ‘Care’. Let her not realize that her solitary life has come to an end but together we can discover the new dimensions of this beautiful feeling of parenthood instead of just motherhood!
Being a mother of a one year old child now, I could sail in the same boat of my mother and feel how much she loved, cared and sacrificed to bring us here! Kudos to all the mothers of this world! Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
6 hours ago
Q. hello everyone, please suggest me, am getting pain in lower abdomen right side, anybody plz tell me why am getting pain pls
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. this needs proper examination to find out problems like appendicitis. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 hours ago
Q. hi mam for 2days I am seeing my baby bumb decreasing is it cause of worry?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. I don’t know how the bumps of your child decreasing that’s not fair to me second you have not mentioned the current age of your child to do it and there is no clarity in the query it would be difficult for me to help us so if you don’t mind can you please repost with all the necessary details associated with your question
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. Hello I had my period missed for April month and today I got my period. Is it normal to have period after 1 month or is there anything I should be worried about? Iam worried please let me know if that's ok or should I consult my doctor
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. consult your doctor for any evaluation required. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
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