Ten Timely Tips for Pregnant Working Women

Should you work while you are pregnant? About 78% of pregnant women continue work through the end of pregnancy. Consult your doctor about working during pregnancy. She will take into consideration your general health, how well the pregnancy is going, and any problems you've had with former pregnancies. She will also evaluate your work: how many hours you work, and whether your job could harm you or your baby. Some jobs are risky during pregnancy, such as: heavy lifting, climbing, standing for a long time, and tasks that require balance. If you have had a difficult pregnancy in the past, heavy physical work is not recommended. If your job has no health risks, you can usually work until labor starts. Some women may have to limit or quit work during pregnancy because of health risks or especially demanding jobs.

Ten Timely Tips for Pregnant Working Women

1. Eat three to five healthful meals a day, as well as nutritious snacks, like cut up raw vegetables, fruit, yogurt, cheese, whole grain cereal without sugar, eggs, and so forth. Get four servings of calcium spread out over each day. Your doctor may prescribe special vitamins for you which should include folate and Omega 3. Folate and Omega 3 can help keep your mental health stable as well as your physical health. They are also necessary for proper development of your baby.

2. Keep healthful snacks available at work, such as: popcorn, peanut butter and crackers, cheese, hardboiled eggs, and fruit. Hunger or low blood sugar can cause nausea, but peppermint tea and soda crackers reduce it. Medication for morning sickness is available if the problem becomes serious, but there are safer and more natural remedies which may help you.

3. To stay organized, keep a notepad handy and write reminders to yourself at work and at home. List all appointments and responsibilities on your calendar, which you should keep with you at home and work. Stick to your schedule to avoid becoming overtired. Make sure you're scheduling relaxation and fun too!

4. Drink lots of water throughout the day to hydrate yourself. Be sure to get enough vitamin C from fruits, juices, or supplements.

5. Get ten or eleven hours of sleep per night.

6. Moderate exercise, such as walking, reduces the possibility of blood clots, varicose veins, and swelling of the feet and legs. Avoid heavy work and lifting, as well as heavy exercise. Swimming is a good exercise for pregnant women. Put your feet up at night.

7. Do not smoke or allow yourself to be near secondhand smoke; it is very harmful to you and the baby. Exposure to smoke can cause abortion, premature birth, low birth weight, and infant death.

8. Don't drink alcohol at all. There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Even if your OB says it's fine, don't. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) causes severe retardation and birth defects, and it can be caused by small amounts of alcohol.

9. Don't take any medications - even if they're over the counter or herbal - unless approved by your doctor, especially during the first two months of pregnancy. The wrong kind of drug exposure may cause low birth weight, nervous system damage, and physical malformations to the baby such as heart problems and cleft palate.

10. Avoid video display terminals and microwaves.

If you do decide to work during your pregnancy, practice these ten tips. Taking care of yourself is the most important job you have for taking care of your baby! This is good practice for when your baby arrives and will help you prevent mommy burnout.

The Cost of Surrogate Mother

When couples can't produce children they have to ponder over the phenomenon of looking into the cost of having surrogate mother. Such issues have vast and extensive details. The prices of people's demand and scenarios and situations always vary - making it impossible to give exact figures of the cost of a surrogate mother. However, we can review the common costs which proceed to surrogate pregnancy with accumulating a few additional expenses.

Like we said, the fee which surrogate mothers charge varies according to circumstances. However, average costs include a sum of USD 18,000. Other women may do this for a lesser price; whereas women who are qualified surrogate mothers, or experienced, call them what you may - might charge more. Please note that the standard fee stated above does not include any medical fee or the cost of food and vitamins the couples are bound to provide.

The other thing is that if a surrogate mother finds out, through ultra sound that there are multiple babies within her womb - an additional cost of USD 5,000 will increase. This can only be found out after 12 weeks when the ultra scans are performed over the mother.

Both parties have to sign a mutual contract - which means when both the parties sign up these contracts, there will be an additional fee to pay the lawyers. The standard legal fee usually rounds up to an approximate USD 5,000. Then the surrogate mother requires psychological evaluation: these costs are just about USD 5,000.

Once the surrogate mother becomes pregnant, her body expands, which means she'll need new clothes. These clothes include bigger clothes as well as maternity clothing. The cost of such clothing is around USD 750. Traditional insemination for a traditional sort of surrogacy costs USD 500.

Then are factors which the couple need to take care of - for example when the mother drives to the doctor or use public transport in order to do so - the bus fares or gas charges add up to an approximate figure of USD 50.

If there are additional invasive methods like DNC, Cerclage, FUC or amniocentesis - then there will be more extra expenses worth USD 500. If you opt to choose gestational surrogacy, the transfer will cost you around USD 750.

In case the surrogate mother grows multiple fetuses while pregnancy, selective reduction can be an option. The procedure consists of removing other fetuses with only one remaining. The fee of such an operation costs around USD 2,000.

If any point in time the mutual parties decide to abort the baby - the fee consists if USD 2000. In case a section C is involved, the amount will add up to another USD 1,500.

If you deploy a surrogate mother through an agency they will charge you a commission worth USD 12,000 - and if your client is a foreigner you will have to pay an additional USD 1,000.

There are other little payments included in the process of breeding a child within a surrogate mother's womb. And they vary from circumstance to circumstance. But to sum up all the costs on average, the total digit piles up to USD 40,000. The figures stated above are general and should be taken as a guide and not an accurate means of calculation. The procedure of contract details and negotiations with surrogate mothers could be extensive. The article however is to give you a general idea about the cost of a surrogate mother in general terms.

The Importance of the First Prenatal Visit

You just found out you're pregnant! You rush to call your husband, then your mother, email your Aunt Annie and text your BFF. Excitement, celebration, hugging and kissing!

But before the excitement cools, there's still one more person that wants to hear your good news... your OB/GYN.

Don't delay. Here's why.

The purpose of prenatal care is to optimize the chances of a healthy baby while ensuring the physical and emotional health of the mother. In order to best accomplish this, it is essential that there is early initiation of the first prenatal visit. Reports from Center for Disease Control have shown that delayed or no entry into prenatal care can result in a higher rate of complications with resultant severe maternal morbidity and or mortality. In addition, for the baby, studies have shown a direct association between early comprehensive prenatal care and increased birth weights.

What are some of the important reasons for having an early prenatal visit?

• Establish more accurate dating


• Counsel and educate patients about diet and exercise


• Obtain a detailed medical history and physical so medical conditions both current and from previous pregnancies can be detected and managed early in the pregnancy


• Discussions about avoidance of dangerous medications and harmful habits such as smoking, drinking, and the use of drugs


• Detect early signs and symptoms of miscarriage or possible ectopic pregnancy

Unfortunately, recent studies have shown a trend that women are delaying the scheduling of their first prenatal appointments.

Several reasons why pregnant women delay early care:

Mothers sometimes avoid scheduling early appointments due to non-recognition of the pregnancy

Over the counter pregnancy tests are extremely accurate so make sure you know the signs of early pregnancy. It's very easy to ignore these signs but it's very important that you are seen before the fetus begins developing.

Difficult work schedules

Inform your employer that you are pregnant. Perhaps they can help rearrange your work schedule to find time for your very important prenatal visits.

Financial considerations

Ask the physician's billing department if the practice offers terms for newly pregnant families. Make sure you understand your insurance policy and if not, call your carrier and have them go over your options in detail.

Difficulty in the doctor's office accommodating the new pregnant mother

If the receptionist can not accommodate an early appointment, make sure the doctor knows you believe you are pregnant. Your doctor may have some slots available for a newly pregnant woman. If you can't get an appointment with the doctor, ask if they have a physician's assistance, midwife or a nurse practitioner to initiate your prenatal care. Alternatively, some practices now have Group Prenatal Care for low risk patients and multiple people can be seen together for the preliminary visit. This can be fun, a great way to meet other pregnant women and you can obtain the early, very important information and advice you need.

It has been found that over one quarter of all first prenatal visits are occurring after 8 weeks gestation when all the organ systems have already developed in the fetus and toxins or certain medical conditions have already taken their toll.

If you're not yet convinced:

In a recent article, Sept 2010 in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology by Arnold Cohen, a suggestion was made to have a mini-triage system established for all pregnant patients who called the office for a first prenatal appointment by a competent and skilled health care provider. By asking certain key questions that pertain to dating the pregnancy, and known risk factors such as medical illness, medications, and previous pregnancy complications, it can be decided which patients take precedence and require very early initial prenatal appointments and which patients are more routine and can be delayed. In this way, more time and effort can be expended to improve prenatal care to those who most need it. Too often the questions currently being asked revolve solely around patient insurance issues and hospital coverage.

Summary:

In a country that spends 35% of all US infant spending on prematurity and also ranks at the bottom of the developed countries in the world on infant mortality, I think it is very reasonable to try and identify high risk pregnancies very early in the game in the hopes of preventing adverse outcomes through education and careful, frequent monitoring by a qualified health professional right at the very beginning of the pregnancy. In this way, we might be able to see an improvement in prematurity, adverse maternal outcomes, congenital anomalies, and low birth weight infants in the future.

New Baby? Crying in the First Weeks

There is no such thing as a baby crying to "exercise its lungs" or because of it temper or naughtiness. These are the convenient issues raised for dodging the reason as to why your baby is crying, but they don't do anything to comfort your child to stop him or her from crying.

There are very few mothers out there who can calmly sit back and listen to their baby "exercising its lungs". You may even end up in tears yourself having tried everything you can think of to comfort your baby yet she still remains distressed. You end up wondering desperately if your baby is ill, or hungry, or even dying... You may feel so inadequate that you cannot sooth your own baby that you unavoidably become angry and resentful. This is a natural reaction and there is no need to feel like you are a failure or a bad mother because of it.

Keep in mind that some babies are more naturally distressed than others, and they would more than likely carry on crying even if your baby was in other hands. If you become tense you can and more than likely will transmit the feeling to your baby, making matters worse. You may have heard that over time you get used to your babies cries and will be able to recognize exactly what it is looking for, but in actual fact, spectrogram studies have shown that while there is a difference in pattern in cries made by babies with down syndrome or serious illnesses or brain damage, the sound pattern of normal babies however does not vary at all. Therefore, although your bay may cry loudly when in pain and niggle when hungry, they sound wave pattern remains the same.

The fact is, parents have to decipher what their baby is trying to tell them from obscure information. What happens over time with experience is that the possible reasons for the baby crying are gone through quickly by the mother and she is more likely to make a correct, educated guess as to what is wrong and were to comfort the baby as needed. While all babies are different, it helps to know the immediate background, as well as the experience before the crying started. Therefore, the more intimately involved you are with your child, the better you are able to read his or her distress signals.

Tissue Salt Homeopathic Remedies for a Pleasant, Not Painful Pregnancy, Delivery and Birth

Homeopathic Treatment can be a wonderful, fulfilling and quite a mystical journey. These words are often used to describe pregnancy. So, it makes sense that using Homeopathic Medicine during pregnancy is ideal. Your body is going through so many changes after you become pregnant. They are the types of changes that affect your whole being.

Hormonal shifts, morning sickness, nausea, fatigue, poor digestion, hemorrhoids, pelvic and back pain, varicose veins, and heartburn can all be helped with Homeopathy. Seeing a Homeopath during pregnancy can help create the type of pregnancy that resolves many lingering health concerns instead of potentially creating more of them in the future.

Even if all you are looking for is to ease the pain of delivery, Homeopathic Treatment is a good choice. To prepare your body to give birth, there is a series of nutritive Homeopathic remedies that I recommend to be taken during each trimester that help the specific tissues in the body to develop and support the development of your baby. These are commonly known as the Homeopathic Remedies called Tissue Salts.

I've formulated three separate combinations for each trimester to support what your body is working towards in each trimester. Some of the Tissue Salts that are included in my Pregnancy Protocol include the following:

• For bone development and elasticity of connective tissue (helping to prevent stretch marks), Calcarea Fluoraticum is the tissue salt to use. It also is helpful in preventing circulatory problems, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

• For nerve and muscle development, which will reduce the chances of heartburn and cramps, use Magnesium Phosphoricum.

• To prevent a tendency towards anemia by increasing blood oxygenation, use Ferrum Phosphoricum.

• For supporting nerves and muscles (including the heart) and to help control fluid balance (swollen hands or ankles) preventing and high blood pressure (and putting on that extra weight), use Natrum Muriaticum.

• Silica (which is one of the most ubiquitous substances on earth and in our bodies) made into a Tissue Salt Homeopathic Remedy helps to build strong teeth, bones and hair of the fetus plus pubic bones and the supportive conjunctive tissues for your delivery.

If you are looking for emotional support and meaning within your journey towards motherhood, then seeing a Homeopath is a perfect choice for you. Emotions that rise up during pregnancy are important to consider. Homeopathy works great on this level because it is a very holistic medicine that works with your whole system to help you feel like you can respond appropriately with strength and balance.

If this is your first pregnancy, this may be one of the last times you have the opportunity to indulge in healing sessions focused on yourself. Seeing a Homeopath means that you spend quality time thinking about your emotional and physical health and tendencies. The process of the Homeopathic Consultation facilitates an understanding of yourself that help you to resolve old patterns or emotional tendencies and maintain your overall well-being. This is an exceptional way to enter your journey into motherhood.

By Elena Cecchetto CCH, RSHom(NA)
Certified Homeopath
CEASE Therapist
Access Natural Healing

What's The Best Superfood For Healing Depression?

I've known for a long time that Maca powder is a powerful 100% natural and non-pharmaceutical treatment for depression, but I hadn't seen any research on it until recently. I wanted to share some promising findings in this article about how Peruvian Maca can help stabilize emotions.

Depression Stats, Treatments and Causes

In 2008 the World Health Organization estimated that about 121 million people suffer from depression worldwide. In industrialized countries maca depression like the US, depression effects around 7% of the adult population. And depression among children is increasing.

The traditional treatments for depression include counseling, therapy and pharmaceutical drugs. Alternative treatments such as exercise and nutritional improvements are gaining popularity.

One of the most recent theories regarding the worldwide prevalence of depression is that it is in part caused by a lack of nutrition. This is where Maca for depression comes in. Maca powder is an incredible nutritional powerhouse with nearly all amino acids, 10 vitamins, 12 minerals, 23 fatty acids as well as several unique glucosinolates.

The Scientific Evidence on Maca For Depression

I've been hearing about the mood elevating properties of Maca powder from customers and friends for the past 8 years, so I'm sure that there's something to the practice of using Maca to reduce depression. But digging a little further I found that a couple of scientific studies have confirmed these personal experiences.

In 2008 5 researches from a hospital in Australia studied a group of women for 12 weeks. One group was given 3.5 grams of Maca powder per day, while the other group was give a placebo. At the end of the trail the researchers reported, "... significant reduction in scores in the areas of psychological symptoms, including the subscales for anxiety and depression and sexual dysfunction after Maca consumption." The researchers conclude that Maca is indeed effective for treating psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression.

Another study published in 2006 treated mice with depression over a 21 day period using Red, Black and Cream colored Maca roots. They discovered that while Black Maca helped improve cognitive function the most, all colors of Maca were helpful for depression.

Who Should Use Maca For Depression

Based on all my research and experience Maca powder is a great natural alternative for alleviating depression for anyone suffering from a light level of the disorder. Chronic and severe depression may require a more comprehensive treatment and intervention. Here's a list of depression symptoms that Maca might help:

• postpartum depression (often nutrient related - Maca is safe while breastfeeding)


• dysthymia - low level depression


• anxiety


• low energy


• lack of motivation

How Much Maca To Take For Depression

Taking Maca for depression falls into a therapeutic usage of Maca and that means dosage levels should be consistent over a long period of time (At least one month). My recommendation for an adult of 150lb (65 kg) is to take 3-4 teaspoons (8-12 grams) of organic Maca powder daily.

Also keep in mind that it may take several weeks up to a couple of months for Maca to provide the benefits you are looking for. Maca is a powerful food, but takes time to work. The good news in this, though, is that Maca has no side effects, has many other benefits and can lead to permanent reversal of depression.

Webster Technique and Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Many women choose safe and effective chiropractic care during their pregnancy. Aches and pains during pregnancy are very common as there are many changes to the woman's body. Some such changes include weight gain, fluid retention, hormonal changes and postural changes which can all contribute to muscle soreness and joint irritation responsible for pain. Chiropractic care during pregnancy helps to restore balance, soothe the irritation to involved muscles, joints and nerves and helps the body heal from the inside out.

What is Webster Technique?

Webster Technique is a special chiropractic technique that addresses alignment and mobility of the pelvis in a pregnant woman. Ideally, there should be balance between the right and left sides of the pelvis. When there is pelvic balance, there is less muscle and joint irritation and also more even pressure on the uterus allowing the baby more freedom to move and turn. When there is a misalignment at the pelvis however, the twisted position puts adverse tension on the round ligament of the uterus which puts uneven pressure on the uterus. It may also cause discomfort for mom.

Chiropractors trained in Webster Technique can assess for pelvic balance then gently adjust the side that is abnormal to help restore optimal position and joint function. Webster Technique is just one aspect of care for the pregnant woman. Additional techniques may be applied as indicated based on the physical examination findings.

Does Webster Technique Hurt?

Most women find Webster Technique very comfortable. The adjustment itself involves a gentle, downward thrust to the involved side of the pelvis - thus, there is no rotation to the low back and usually no cracking sounds. In the second part of the technique, gentle pressure is applied to release tension in the affected round ligament. Special pregnancy pillows are used to ensure comfort.

Does Webster Technique Turn a Breech Baby?

Some may have heard that Webster Technique turns babies. The goal of Webster Technique is not to turn babies but to correct faulty alignment and/or motion of the woman's pelvic joints. That being said, a normal vertex down position is often the outcome. When pelvic balance is restored, the pelvis is more round, and the pressures are more even allowing the baby more freedom to turn.

Who Should Seek Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

Any woman with a healthy pregnancy can have a chiropractic assessment. The physical examination involves assessing the woman's posture, mobility and alignment and function of the spine, pelvis and related joints. Pain is often the primary motivator for people seeking chiropractic care. That being said, one does not need to have pain to have a problem.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) How, Why and When to Supplement

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Sources and Physiologic Functions

Requirements and Sources: Pork, whole grains, and legumes are the richest sources of thiamine. Outer layers of seeds are particularly rich in this vitamin.

Populations at Risk: The populations most at risk of developing a thiamine deficiency are chronic alcoholics in Western countries and those with an over dependence on polished rice as a staple in undeveloped nations. In alcoholics it may be caused by decreased intake, reduced absorption, and impaired ability to use the absorbed vitamin. Thiamine is spared by fat, protein, sorbitol, and Vitamin C. High carbohydrate intake, parenteral glucose, pregnancy, lactation, high basal metabolic rate, and antibiotics will increase needs. Also, it is readily lost in persons consuming raw fish, tea, coffee, blueberries, red cabbage, and cooking with excess water and baking soda. Breast fed infants of thiamine deficient mothers are particularly at risk, as death from cardiac failure can result within a few hours, even though the mother appears healthy. Other risk factors include chronic colitis, fever, malignant disease, sprue, and thyrotoxicosis. Intestinal absorption of thiamine appears to be controlled and limited, and modest increases in the serum concentration were accompanied by active renal clearance.

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency: Children present with aphonia, cardiomyopathy, and polyneuritis. Symptoms involving the heart include tachycardia, cardiomegaly, and cardiac failure. Neurological symptoms include mental confusion, anorexia, ataxia, nystagmus, and weakness of hands, calves, and feet as a result of degeneration of sensory and motor nerves. Thiamine deficiency in adults is called Beri-beri and is characterized by dry skin, irritability, disorderly thinking, and progressive paralysis. In chronic alcoholics, a syndrome of Wernicke's - Korsakoff"s Psychosis develops. Ataxia and Nystagmus (Wernicke's ) develop early and, if left untreated progresses to amnesia, confusion, and polyneuropathy ( Korsakoff's ). Complete recovery at this stage is seen in only 25% of the patients. Vomiting, diarrhea, edema, and weight loss are other non-specific symptoms.

Safety:

Due to relative increase in sympathetic activity, nervousness, sweating, tachycardia and tremors can be seen with excess thiamine. Edema and vascular hypotension occur as a result of capillary leakage. Allergies, fatty liver and herpes are common. Folates and thiamine cause seizures and excitation when administered in high dosage directly into the brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of experimental animals, but have rarely been reported to cause human neurotoxicity, although fatal reactions to i.v. thiamine are well known.

Biochemistry: The biologically active form of thiamine is TPP (thiamine pyrophosphate). It acts as a coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation at the pyruvate and the alfa-ketoglutarate steps in the energy producing Kreb's cycle and is particularly important in the tissues of the nervous system. It also acts as a coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation ( of alfa-keto acids and in the formation or degeneration of ketols ) by transketolase in the Pentose phosphate pathway, the intermediary products of which are used in the synthesis of ribonucleotides such as ATP & GTP, deoxyribonucleotides such as dATP & dGTP, and nucleic acids DNA & RNA. Thiamine is also essential for protein catabolism, acetyl choline synthesis, normal muscle tone in cardiac and GI tissues, and for normal growth and appetite.

In human the storage of thiamine is is in greatest concentrations in skeletal muscle, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. The human stores about 25 to 30mg of thiamine. ThMP and free (unphosphorylated) thiamine is present in plasma, milk, cerebrospinal fluid, and just about all extracellular fluids. Unlike the highly phosphorylated forms of thiamine, ThMP and free thiamine are capable of crossing cell membranes.

Recommendations: RDA in mg

• Infants birth to 6 mos - 0.3mg


• Infants 6 mos to 1 yr - 0.4mg


• Children 1 yr to 3 yr - 0.7mg


• Children 4 yr to 6 yr - 0.9mg


• Children 7 yr to 10 yr - 1mg


• Adolescent males 11yr to 14 yr - 1.3mg


• Adolescent females 11 yr to 14 yr - 1.1mg


• Adolescent males 15 yr to 18 yr - 1.5mg


• Adolescent females 15 yr to 18 yr - 1.1mg


• Adult males 19 yr to 50 yr - 1.5mg


• Adult females 19 yr to 50 yr - 1.1mg


• Adult males 51 yr plus - 1.2mg


• Adult females 51 yr plus - 1.0mg


• Pregnant Women - 1.5mg


• Lactating Mothers - 1.6mg

Thiamine hydrochloride is the common supplemental form. Thiamine therapy for alcoholics may involve a single injection of 10-mg thiamine or 50 mg of oral fat-soluble thiamine propyl disulfide that permits efficient absorption in alcoholics. Erythrocyte transketolase activity is considered the most reliable index of the functional state of thiamine.

Thiamine B1

Food Source - Serving Size - Number of milligrams per serving

• Pork (lean arm braised) - 3.5 oz - 0.60mg


• Pork (bacon cured/pan fried) - 4.48oz - 0.88mg


• Navy beans (canned) - 1 cup - 0.37mg


• Pinto beans (canned) - 1 cup - 0.24mg


• Pinto beans (boiled) - 1 cup - 0.32mg

Literature:

A cross-sectional investigation of patients with congestive heart failure being treated with loop diuretic therapy showed that thiamine deficiency may occur in a substantial proportion of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and dietary inadequacy may contribute to increased risk. Men and nonwhite patients with CHF appeared most likely to have evidence of thiamine deficiency, although this reflects, in part, the gender composition of the patients recruited for the study. Patients with more severe CHF (as indicated by lower percentages of left ventricular ejection fractions) had greater biochemical evidence of thiamine deficiency. Another study found left ventricular ejection fraction to be adversely affected by thiamine deficiency and described that, when these patients were supplemented with thiamine intravenously, the ejection fraction improved significantly. Thus, nutritional assessment of thiamine status, including dietary intake, may be an important component of care for patients with CHF who are being treated with loop diuretic therapy.

Cognitive functioning

A study by Benton et. al demonstrated the association between improved thiamine status and improved performance on a range of measures of cognitive functioning in females. No such association was found in males. Although it was not possible to establish the reason for a beneficial response in females rather than males, there is evidence that females respond differently to dietary factors.

Alzheimer's disease:

Results of one study suggest that probable Alzheimer's Disease (pAD) is associated with a decrease in plasma thiamine levels. In another study, a 40-50% decrease of thiamine diphosphate (TDP) was found in patients with frontal lobe degeneration of the non-Alzheimer's type (FNAD). As TDP is an essential co-factor for oxidative metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, and because low thiamine status (compared with other species) is a constant feature in humans, a nearly 50% decrease in cortical TDP content may contribute significantly to the clinical symptoms observed in FNAD. This study also provides a basis for a trial of thiamine to improve the cognitive status of the patients. A mild beneficial effect in patients with Alzheimer's disease was observed on supplementation with Fursultiamine (TTFD), a derivative of thiamine, at an oral dose of 100 mg/day in a 12-week open trial. Similar benefits were observed in another trial with high dose thiamine (3-8 g/d), while a 12 month study with 3 g/d of thiamine showed no apparent benefit in slowing the progression of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Thus, weak and contradictory evidence suggests that vitamin B1 may be helpful for Alzheimer's disease.

Assessment of thiamine status

In several human studies during the past 10 years, thiamine status was assessed either by measuring thiamine pyrophosphate response alone or by using TPP response measures in conjunction of calculated estimates of thiamine intake from diet histories. Some investigators have combined estimates of thiamine intake with measures of thiamine status other than TPP response, such as erythrocyte TPP [18] or plasma TPP In several of these reports, poor thiamine status, as defined by TPP response, could not be related to less-than-adequate thiamine intake. Several authors have noted that valid TPP response measures depend on a kinetically normal enzyme. Hence, disease states, such as alcoholic encephalopathy, may affect enzyme-cofactor binding, and thus, TPP response. Rigorous statistical analysis of relationship between urinary thiamine excretion and TPP response seems to be lacking in the report generally cited as evidence of the validity of TPP response measures. In the ICNND report, categories of thiamine status appear to relate superficially to urinary thiamine excretion, but when there is no clear break-point in the curve for thiamine intake plotted against urinary excretion, it is difficult, in contrast to the case with urinary riboflavin excretion, to define deficiency. One author has demonstrated that in non-human species, pyruvate dehydrogenase appears to be a more sensitive indicator of tissue thiamine deficiency than is transketolase. A study by Gans et. al. raises questions about the usefulness of the TPP response as the sole indicator of marginal thiamine status. Thiamine status was measured in 137 incarcerated and 42 nonincarcerated adolescent males by use of both dietary intake data and a standard biochemical assay, thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) response. Although average daily thiamine intake of nonincarcerated subjects was significantly higher than that of incarcerated subjects, both groups appeared to be at minimal risk for marginal thiamine status. Comparison of TPP response values indicated that there was no significant difference between groups. However, approximately 24% of the total population appeared to have less than adequate RBC thiamine on the basis of current standards for TPP response. Neither dietary intake nor reported previous alcohol intake was correlated with TPP response. Thus, clinical standards of thiamine deficiency seem to lack firm definition. Perhaps a better, more valid metabolic measure, such as thiamine or TPP in plasma, should be investigated and adopted. Also, intake data as well as some appropriate measure of enzyme activity or function may be important values to assess to describe the thiamine status of a group more correctly.

Summary:

Thiamine is essential in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It is also needed in the synthesis of ATP and GTP and nucleic acids DNA and RNA. It acts as a coenzyme in the energy producing Kreb's cycle and is particularly important in the tissues of the nervous system. Thiamine is also essential for acetylcholine synthesis, maintenance of normal tone of muscle in cardiac and GI tissues, and for normal growth and appetite.

A number of claims have been made about the beneficial effects of thiamine on numerous conditions. (Fibromyalgia, HIV Support, Pregnancy and postpartum support, Canker sores - mouth ulcers, and Minor injuries)

Evidence strongly suggests that patients with CHF may benefit from thiamine supplementation. Patients with CHF who are on loop diuretics are shown to have thiamine deficiency and patients with more severe CHF showed greater biochemical evidence of thiamine deficiency. Thiamine supplementation is shown to improve the left ventricular ejection fraction significantly.

Thiamine supplementation may improve cognitive functioning and has been shown to improve performance on a range of cognitive tests in females.

Populations who are prone to be deficient in this vitamin, like chronic alcoholics, patients with malabsorption syndromes, and those who consume high carbohydrates should receive supplementation. Pregnancy, lactation, high basal metabolic rate, and parenteral glucose therapy will increase the requirements of thiamine. Breast-fed infants of thiamine deficient mothers should receive adequate supplementation, as death from cardiac failure can result within hours, even though the mother appears normal.

Our recommendation for adults is 25 mg/d. This amount can be obtained from approximately 41 servings of Pork (lean arm braised), 28 servings of Pork (bacon cured/pan fried), and 80 servings of Pinto Beans (boiled). The RDA for adults is 1.5 mg/d, although a range of doses from 1-25 mg/d is usually consumed. Thiamine therapy for alcoholics may involve a single injection of 10-mg thiamine or 50 mg of oral fat-soluble thiamine propyl disulfide that permits efficient absorption in alcoholics. Wernicke's syndrome, which involves ataxia and nystagmus, develops early and, if left untreated, may progresses to Korsakoff's psychosis, the neurological manifestations of which are irreversible in 75% of the patients. Fatal reactions to high doses of I.V. thiamine have been reported.

Plus Size Maternity Clothes: How to Be Trendy and Fashionable

Modern plus size maternity clothes offer an array of beautiful and fashionable designs with a greater diversification of style, materials and patterns. It is now a fashion trend for would be mommies to slip into a stylish maternity outfit for both casual and formal occasions. If you happen to be pregnant, you can still appear cute and dressy with your choice of adorable maternity clothes from the first to the last month of pregnancy.

You can try out new styles like those which have integrated the empire waist look with more sophistication and charm with its light fabrics, vibrant colors and creative cuts. Other styles like an asymmetrical hemline and unique sleeve cut can enhance the beauty of the clothes. You can find stylish maternity clothes in many stores and boutiques at affordable prices. It is very likely to get an item of maternity wear such as a dress, jeans, slacks or shirt of plus size at a cheap price if you care to pick the right timing to source it out.

How about plus size maternity swimwear and lingerie? Well, the good news is that a fashion trend in this area has also evolved as the designs, prints, materials have become trendier, comfortable to wear and very appealing to pregnant women who are a bit larger than average.

You don't have to visit those elite and high end department stores to look at the trendy plus size maternity clothes. Many offline and online retailers are also coming up with their own collections of beautiful and fashionable lines which can fit your taste and budget. However, if your budget will permit it, save for some designer brand of clothes you can flaunt when you have a special family gathering or a glamorous event to attend. If you happen to bump into some designer brands being offered during a store's clearance sale, then by all means, take advantage and buy.

Browsing the web can assist you in finding an online store which offers exclusive designs of plus size maternity wear you will find adorable and reasonably priced. Look out also for their different strategies of promotions like free delivery, discount coupons, etc. Try the websites of JC Penney, Old Navy, A Pea in the Pod, Motherhood, Woman Within, Babies in Bellies and Destination Maternity.

If you are the creative type and fond of sewing, maybe you can do some bit of exercise by coming up with your own design, original or recycled. You can buy a plain colored maternity dress and then have it dyed, screen printed or sewed with a lovely design pattern made of some contrasting bright colors. You can also do the same with maternity tops. You can buy a black maternity top and match it with printed skirt and then pick whatever innovative design you can add to that plain black top. Your accessories will make a big difference to your full image projection.

Matching your maternity outfit with the right type of accessories like bead necklaces, bracelets and fixing your hair and adding some bright clips or headbands are important. Your choice of the appropriate type of shoes and shoulder bags play a significant role. Depending on whether you are attending a casual or formal occasion, your choice of scarves and earrings are vital too. Another item that should form part of your maternity collection is the elastic waist skirt. You should opt for some plain colors like, black, white or cream to match your printed tops or blouses. Printed skirts of various flowery and abstract designs with elastic waistline to match your plain shirts, sweaters, blouses and jackets tops are also recommended. You can wear this skirt up to the last day of your pregnancy.

The Truth About Teen Sex and Pregnancy

Teen sex and pregnancy has become a major cause of concern for parents in recent years. In fact, it has been estimated that 60% of teens are sexually active between the ages of 15-19. Also there has been a 3% increase in the pregnancy rate of teens since 2006.

Dangers Involved in Teen Sex and Pregnancy:

The most major negative effect is that their education gets affected. Due to various reasons involved, a teenage mother usually drops out of school and never goes to college. And as you may know, raising a child is not only a tough job, but also an expensive one. So as a result this mom may need to take any small job she can with typically low pay.

Statistics show that babies born to teenage mothers tend to be underweight and are more prone to suffer from health issues in future. Also a teenage mother has a higher chance of facing many female issues in the future.

The most damage that teen sex and pregnancy causes is the emotional toll it has on the teenage parents and their families. The decisions made at this time affect the lives of all involved for many years to come.

Reasons for Teen Sex and Pregnancy:

It is a heavy burden to be a teenager. It is the stage in life where they feel that they need to belong somewhere. They have the urge to be accepted by their peers. And if their friends have sex, then they too do it as they want to be accepted by others.

Teenagers, who do not have a smooth relationship with their parents, often feel that they are unloved. They see having sex as a way to find love in their life. In certain cases teenagers welcome pregnancy, as they feel that taking care of their baby will provide them with the love, that they feel, is not shown by their family.

It has been shown that teenage boys are the ones initiating sex the majority of the time though not always. Another major reason for the rise in pregnancy in teenagers is ignorance. They live in the moment and don't stop to think about the consequences of their behavior and the affect it may have on their future.

Prevent Teen Sex and Pregnancy:

The teen years are a very challenging time in the life of a person. It is the time where they mature from children to responsible adults. It doesn't always progress easily as there are times when both the adult and the child are in the same body and you don't know which one will make a decision. It is the responsibility of the parents to educate their child and guide them so that they don't go astray.

This is a time when children are curious to try out new things and the urge to rebel against anything that is said to them. This makes it important to explain your decisions and rules. Without the understanding, the result may be the opposite of what a parent has intended.

Parents have to talk with their children about sex, and not run away from the issue. An open discussion about the topic will instill better moral judgement. They will listen if the teen sex and pregnancy issues are presented in an understanding and non-threatening way.

Get involved in your children's lives by helping them look into the future and plan their success.

Though teen sex and pregnancy is increasing at an alarming rate, it can be avoided by just sitting and having an open discussion with your children. After all it is the job of the parents to be supportive and provide the necessary moral support to their kids.

Overcome Female Infertility - How to Treat Infertility With Angelica Root (Dang Qui)

As we mentioned in previous articles, infertility is defined as inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. It effects over 5 million couples alone in the U.S. and many times more in the world. Because of unawareness of treatments, only 10% seek help from professional specialists.We have spent most of the time in this series discussing the conventional and Chinese medicine in treating fertility. I believe, it is the best time to change the subject by discussing how to treat female infertility with herb dang gui (dong quai).

I. Definition
Angelica is a biennial plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It's root (angilica root) also known as dang qui or gong quai has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a reproductive tonic medicine combined with other herbs such as astragalus to treat exhaustion from blood loss.

II. How angelica root (dang Qui) effects women fertility
1. Reproductive organs tonic
Traditional Chinese medicine views angelica roots as queen herb which has been used to enhance the productive system and promote menstrual health. It is said that angelica roots has the power to restore any deficiency caused by hormone imbalance.

2. Blood tonic
It also is a reproductive blood tonic herb that not only help to increase blood production to replace blood loss for women with heavy menstruation, but also increases the blood flow to abdominal region, leading to enhancing the chance of fertility.

3. Digestive system
Beside helping to cure diarrhea, it also increases the digestive system in absorbing essential vitamins and minerals, thereby reducing the risks of infertility caused by nutrients deficiency.

4. Blood and qi deficiency
Blood and qi deficiency in the reproductive region may be caused by blood and qi stagnation in the liver, kidney or some where else in the body, leading to irregular menstrual cycle, absence of period or painful period. Angelica roots helps to increase blood and qi flow, resulting in normalizing the function of reproductive organs.

5. Kidney tonic
It is said that angelica root also helps to improve kidney function not only in regulating water and fluid through urinary extraction, but also improving kidney normal function in regulating the natural menstrual process of the reproductive organs, resulting in increasing the chance of fertility.

6. Immune system
It is said that angelica root containing variety chemicals that help to strengthen the immune system in fighting against infection and inflammation, thereby decreasing the risk of yeast infection during menstruation as well as forming of irregular cell growth in the reproductive organs.

III. Side effects
1. it may cause skin inflammation and rashes, if it is taken in high dose
2. Since angelica root causes uterus constraction, a pregnant woman should not take it, unless with the approval of her herbalist.

Types of Exercise to Help You Lose Weight After Pregnancy

One of the most common concerns is whether women are allowed to do exercise after birth. Not only are they allowed but also they are encouraged to exercise to help you lose weight after pregnancy. After all, your muscles did get stale, so you need to get them back in shape.

Here are some of the most popular and effective exercise for weight loss after pregnancy.

You can start with simple walk. This will be sufficient for the beginning. In addition, you will need to move onto faster walking. But the main reason you start light is so you joints can get use to the new weight and the walk. Many women start to exercise few weeks after they have their baby, and they suffer a lot in pain.

Later, one of the great things that you can do is swimming. Of course if you have an access to a pool or water. It works wonders with you entire body as it work on all of your muscles.

In addition, many new moms have discovered the ultimate solution is yoga practice. It is a great exercise that is together combined with relaxation, which all the moms need.

Now if you do not have an access to the outdoors, or cannot seem to find any time, or for those that prefer to practice at home there are some great elliptical trainers as well as treadmills!

However, the biggest excuse for not starting to exercise in the early months after your child is born, is the time. Many women will wonder how they can find any spare time for their daily training, but the point is that they don't have to do it at once. Take some time to recuperate, to recover your strength back. Usually this period will last up to four month after birth. It is crucial that you spend these month taking care of your baby, since that is when your child needs you the most.

But here are some tips to finding time to exercise. Number one, you can always ask one of your friends to baby-sit, your sister, neighbor, best friend, anyone. Create a back up crew. If you have friends who are already moms or some who are to be moms in the future, ask of them to help you and when they require the similar favor, do the same for them.

During PMS Hormone Levels Are Fluctuating, But Other Factors Could Be The Cause

Although the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is unknown, researchers do know that during PMS, hormone levels are fluctuating, estrogen levels are lower than at any other time of the month. Whether low levels of these hormones circulating in the blood stream causes the "PMS blues" or if chemicals in the brain are to blame is being investigated. As with many medical conditions, we may never know exactly what causes PMS.

"But you know we can't help it... we don't even know the cause...But as soon as this part's over then comes the menopause, " sings Dolly Parton in the song titled PMS blues. And, Dolly's right. We don't know the cause. And, for many of us, menopause is just around the corner accompanied by hot flashes, more mood swings, weight gain and decreased sex drive. Once menopause is over, we have increased health risks unique to post-menopausal women. Is it really any wonder that we're depressed?

According to the Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, women are twice as likely to become depressed as men, due in part to PMS hormone levels and changing hormone levels that occur throughout a woman's life. Around 75% of all women deal with the PMS blues each month. Some sources say this number is around 85%. So, what is different about those lucky 15-25% that do not have PMS symptoms? Once again, no one knows, but it is likely that a number of different factors are involved.

Stress, Diet and Exercise

Researchers have conducted numerous studies about the effects of stress, nutrition, special diets and exercise on PMS symptoms, without arriving at any definite conclusions. The most that anyone can really say is that "sometimes" exercising helps. "Sometimes" dietary changes help and sometimes supplementation with B-vitamins, calcium or vitamin E help. The effect that any of these have on PMS hormone levels is unknown.

Relaxation techniques are recommended for a number of different health conditions. The condition in which it appears to be most effective is PMS, according to a study that evaluated a large number of other studies. Yoga and the relaxation response technique seem to be the most helpful.

Yoga is great, but when a woman's schedule is already full, time may be an issue. Relaxation response is something that any woman, regardless of physical condition, can practice every day or numerous times a day. To achieve maximum levels of relaxation 15-20 minutes of "quiet time" are needed. It is a deep breathing exercise that involves focusing on each muscle group of the body and purposefully relaxing those muscles, followed by breathing in deeply and exhaling completely while you say the word "one".

A complete description can be found in the book The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson, MD. Focusing on breathing normally as a treatment for the PMS blues is further supported by a study that showed that symptoms similar to PMS are observed in patients with chronic hyperventilation.

Serotonin

If PMS hormone levels are not to blame for the majority of the symptoms, then serotonin, or the lack of it, may be. Serotonin is a compound that helps to transmit signals among nerve endings in the brain and body and is believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep, sexuality and appetite. Studies have shown that women who suffer from the most severe form of the PMS blues (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) have lower levels of serotonin circulating in the blood stream.

If you visited your doctor, because you were concerned about the way that PMS symptoms were affecting your quality of life, your relationships, your job, etc., he may have recommended or even prescribed an anti-depressant known as a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor or SSRI. You are probably more familiar with the brand names Celexa, Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil.

Rather than focusing on changing PMS hormone levels, these drugs focus on allowing the body to use serotonin more efficiently. Mostly because numerous unwanted side effects are associated with SSRI usage, researchers have investigated the effects of natural substances used by the body to create serotonin, thus, increasing the levels of serotonin circulating in the blood stream. So far, 5-HTP has yielded the most promising results. Some study participants have seen even better results than they did when using an SSRI.

PMS Hormone Levels: Low Estrogen

Because PMS hormone levels are a possible cause of the PMS blues, many doctors suggest low-dose birth control pills, which contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone, to stabilize hormonal levels, prevent ovulation and thus eliminate most symptoms of PMS. Of course, these are not an option for women who are trying to become pregnant or cannot take birth control pills for other reasons.

Phytoestrogens are considered by many to be a natural substitute for synthetic hormones. Phytoestrogens are simply plant components that have an estrogen-like effect on the body. Found in soy beans, red clover and other plant foods, researchers believe that in women who have less PMS symptoms and a diet high in soy and other vegetables, phytoestrogens are responsible.

Relief from the PMS Blues

Soy isoflavones, red clover and 5-HTP are all available without a prescription. Herbal supplements including black cohosh and sarsaparilla may help to correct hormonal imbalances. If PMS hormone levels are to blame for the PMS blues, then they may help and are also available without a prescription. Researchers have not determined exactly what compounds in black cohosh and sarsaparilla are active and effective, but they have concluded that they relieve symptoms related to changing hormonal levels in the majority of women. For more information about natural products that relieve PMS symptoms, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

How One International Health Insurance Plan Reduces Risk For International Workers

Combine the thought of "international health insurance" and not having my cup of jo from Brewed Awakening Coffee Hut around the corner of my home here in Washington State and I was already having second thoughts about living in a remote village out in East Africa just 2 months from now.

But today I have fixed the concerns I had about international health insurance because I took out the BUPA career plan. Two things that concerned me were unlimited coverage in the US and maternity coverage. BUPA solved those two issues as well as being a top international health insurance plan based out of the UK. BUPA stands for British United Provident Association.

Maternity is a concern for us since most plans have a 12 month waiting period. BUPA only has a 10 month waiting period before full maternity benefits kick in. Now my wife and I are smiling!

Sure, the maternity coverage cost is not much overseas but what happens if something dreadful occurs to my wife and baby during the pregnancy and birth? We want to make sure our health insurance will take care of everything including the unforeseen things that may happen. We pray it doesn't, but as Mom used to say "When you don't use your head, you'll have to use your feet." And I don't fancy work that can be avoided if I had only first used my head.

Then my other concern is what if I get sick in East Africa? So sick that I have to come back Stateside for good and am not able to get US individual health care? Most international health insurance plans have to follow US federal law of 6 months of US coverage during a 12 month policy period and once I do not meet this US government law I am literally a cup of hot water, sugar and cream without the "jo."

The neat thing about the two BUPA career plans is that they have unlimited coverage in the US which means I have peace of mind in case something terrible happens to me. I will not be stranded without health insurance in the US.

With my international health insurance issues solved, the barista at Brewed Awakening solved my other problem by handing me a few pounds of their beautiful, aroma filled coffee beans. Now East Africa doesn't seem so frightening anymore!

Childbirth Increases Risk of Stroke

Childbirth increases risk of stroke, this is according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) who conducted a study to determine the risk of stroke during pregnancy.

The NINDS study showed that the risk of stroke during pregnancy is highest in the postpartum period or 6 weeks after childbirth, that ischemic stroke is 9 times higher after pregnancy, and that hemorrhagic stroke is 28 times higher for postpartum women.

NINDS also cited in their website that other studies have also demonstrated pregnancy and childbirth as risk factors to stroke for women in as much as 13 times. This actually increases over time, after each childbirth.

"Pregnancy and childbirth cause strokes in approximately eight in 100,000 women. Unfortunately, 25% of strokes during pregnancy end in death, and hemorrhagic strokes, though rare, are still the leading cause of maternal death in the United States," the NINDS website said.

Though the cause of this phenomena is undetermined as of yet, NINDS notes that a possible factor is the hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy and childbirth and at the end of the childbearing years (menopause) that can increase the risk of stroke.

A study conducted by the Medical College of Georgia could also give enlightenment to this issue. The study notes that in every pregnancy, the blood volume increases about 50% to accommodate the increased demands from the placenta and baby alongside with the increase in heart rate to help circulate the extra blood. It is probable that during this time, the sudden pressure in the volume of the blood pushes for the occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke.

In a similar vein, a study, lead by Dr. Byung-Woo Yoon, investigated the underlying reasons between childbirth and stroke risk over a woman's life. Conducted at the Seoul National University Hospital in Korea, the study showed that multiple births further strain and stress the blood vessel and other body systems causing stroke risk to be higher in women during pregnancy and childbirth.

The study showed hemorrhagic stroke risk increased by 27% with each additional birth over time. It also revealed that women who had four or more childbirths had nearly a threefold higher risk of stroke as compared to women who have not had a child yet or had only one childbirth. Dr. Yoon's study shows hard evidence that childbirth influences the hardening or weakening of blood cells.

Childbirth increases the risk of stroke over time for women. These are some of the consequences that come with the beautiful miracle of childbirth that shows how much a woman sacrifices for the love of her child.

How Pregnancy Pillows Help You Sleep Better in 10 Great Ways

Your obstetrician or midwife will tell you to sleep on your side, preferably your left, for optimal pregnancy positioning at night. If you are lucky they will suggest a pillow under your knees for comfort. But that is about all you get for advice on pregnancy sleep ergonomics; usually you are left with something to the effect of, "you'll feel better once the baby is born." If you have months to go and spend hours every night tossing and turning, waking up feeling worse than when you when you went to bed, here are some valuable suggestions for you.

The secret to ensuring a better night's sleep when you are pregnant is alignment through pregnancy pillows. That means your body needs to be straight and there should be no pressure on key joints, muscles or ligaments. Below are 10 great tips to help you get aligned at night for better sleep:

1. Start out by making sure it is easy to get in and out of your bed. If you need to change the height to make getting in and out comfortable, do so. This is a safety suggestion as well as making your night-time space more ergonomic.

2. Use a cervical curve memory foam pillow. Your neck should be straight, not angled towards the bed or the ceiling. For side position this might mean a thicker pillow than you are used to, especially if your shoulders are wide.

3. Have a pillow just for your arm and hand to rest on. This keeps your hand and wrist elevated to reduce swelling and carpel tunnel symptoms. It also lifts your arm slightly off your chest to promote easier breathing.

4. If you have heartburn, try elevating your head with a wedge. Make sure the wedge is long enough to go all the way to your hips, otherwise it bends your spine in a way that is uncomfortable and will hurt at the waist.

5. Use a wedge pregnancy pillow under your belly, to reduce strain on the uterine ligaments.

6. Equally important as the belly wedge, a similar wedge tucked behind your low back on the other side keeps your spine aligned, not sinking in towards the mattress. This also helps prevent you from rolling on to your back in your sleep.

7. Use one or maybe two pillows between your knees to support your leg from your knee to your feet, making sure it is thick enough. How thick? You want to make sure your thigh is parallel with the bed. This will reduce strain on the muscles and ligaments that cause low back strain and sciatic pain in your hips and legs.

8. If this position does not remove your pain, try using pillows stacked under your top leg with your knee bent. Leave your other leg straight on the bed. This position also reduces the pressure on your lower hip joint against the bed.

9. Make sure your leg pillow is long enough to also support your whole foot. Supporting the foot will reduce swelling; leaving it dangling off the pillow will actually increase the swelling.

10. Ideally, you want your pillows organized symmetrically, so when you turn over at night you do not have to pull them with you from side to side. The faster you can turn and resettle, the faster you can get back to sleep!

Now you know how to get a great night's sleep when you are expecting a little one. Best wishes to you, and sweet dreams!

What Obstetric Services Do You Need?

Finding an obstetric provider is not hard to do. Yet, before you hire just anyone to help you with your specific needs, it pays to put some extra time into finding a professional that you can feel comfortable working with for your health. As a woman, it is critical to find someone you feel good about working with because it will impact your confidence in that provider. The good news is that there are full-service providers who will work with your needs and help you to get through any situation you are dealing with, good or bad.

Examinations and Regular Care

One type of obstetric service not to pass up on is regular screenings and examinations. Even female teens need to come in for an annual exam with these doctors. This is not to scare you or worry you about what could be wrong, but rather to provide you with the confidence to know you are in good health. If you have any type of health concern or you have questions about your health, this is the perfect time to discuss those concerns. Having a provider you can trust can make all of the difference.

STD Testing

For many, the reason to reach out to these providers has to do with getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases. However, it is often a better option to simply turn to these providers for a level of prevention. They can help you with birth control as well as STD prevention. Don't put off getting confidential screenings. Your health depends on it.

Cancer Screenings

Many people need to visit these doctors to ensure they remain healthy. Since cancer is a big risk factor for many individuals, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about your concerns with this type of condition. You'll also want to ensure that you have proper screenings that can pinpoint any type of onset of cancer at its earliest stage. This way, you do not have to worry catching it too late.

Prenatal Care

For those who are pregnant, having a doctor by your side is critical. From prior to getting pregnant through the pregnancy and even maternity care, you need a doctor you can turn to with any concerns you may have. There are many changes happening and your doctor can help you to get through them successfully.

Obstetric services are those that every woman needs. These are not doctors to turn to when you have a problem, but from the start as a tool for prevention and early detection. You can find health and maintain it with the right doctors and guidance. For women, having a go-to provider like this can make all of the difference in long term health.

2 Effective Natural Fertility Treatments To Help You Get Pregnant Fast

Many women have difficulty getting pregnant. Something which should seem so simple can become challenging for many reasons. To help improve your odds of success I am going to outline some natural treatments.

It is not always necessary to pursue expensive infertility treatments. You may be able to pregnant by simple trying a few natural infertility treatments.

Vitamins & Minerals

Taking prenatal vitamins before you get pregnant can help boost your body's amounts of needed nutrients. Besides these multi-vitamins, there are several single supplements that may help you. Vitamin C can improve sperm count and motility.

It can also help the fertility drug Clomiphene be more effective for women. B6 can help the fertility in women, and B12 can raise sperm counts in men. Zinc can aid in testosterone production and help sperm counts in men. It also helps women utilize their estrogen and progesterone more efficiently.

Folic Acid not only helps prevent birth defects, it helps increase women's fertility. Selenium also helps prevent birth defects and can raise men's sperm counts. If you are anemic, it may be hindering your fertility. Since it is common for women to be anemic, get your blood checked and see if you need an iron supplement.

Herbs

Herbs have been used for thousands of years as natural remedies. There are herbs that work positively on the reproductive organs as well. Women's herbs include red clover, which is very nourishing to the uterus, it balances the hormones and relaxes the nervous system. Stinging nettles can balance the hormones and regulate ovulation.

Red raspberry leaf is another very nourishing herb that supports the female reproductive organs. It is very good for the uterus and creating hormonal balance. If your period is irregular, lady's mantle can help regulate your cycle and prepare the uterine lining for implantation.

Herbs that are helpful for men include astragalus, saw palmetto, Panax ginseng and tribulus. They all regulate the hormones and promote sperm production.

Simple Medical Problems

Have yourself screened for thyroid problems, blood sugar imbalances, and progesterone levels. Natural progesterone cream can help with maintaining progesterone levels. Blood sugar levels and thyroid problems may require some type of medication.

National Women's Health - It is Time For Women to Get Proper Care

Did you know there are centers and networks for National Women's Health in Europe, in the US, in Australia and in some countries in Asia? In lots of countries, it is an important issue as women frequently take care of so many things, but forget to take care of themselves.

Services

It can be said that it is a dedication the nation has to provide women personalized care. Those that centers play a significant part in this respect are hospitals and other organizations such as nursing homes as well as health centers. They have doctors as well as nurses on their payroll and a number of community services.

The National Women's Health Center is one such organization which has several services particularly for women. Included are maternity care, maternity outpatient services and even newborn services. Other services that are also provided here are fertility, gynecology and oncology too.

Reform Plans

Establishing universal access to health care which meets various women's needs is very important. There are some reform plans being made in the US, and the National Women's Health Network is contributing to it in a big way. It is effective in the direction of getting quality and affordable health care for every women.

There are also doctors and lawyers who are promoting women to raise their voices for the health care that they require, so that the case becomes powerful. Finally, women's concerns can be addressed because it is looking at reforms on the local and state level as well.

Changes

First off, the changes in the health care system for women should be correctly identified and advocated. The prime concern should be the health care costs for low-income women, and their health coverage has to be increased.

Be clear with more explanation in regard to National Women's Health.

Perform a Year-End or First Of The Year Health Insurance Review

The end of one year and the beginning of another is the time that individuals usually step back and take stock of their lives and their finances and make their resolutions for the following year. Among the items you should be taking stock of is your health insurance policies and coverages. Being frugal in all areas of your life is a practice to be embraced, especially in light of recent economic times.

One way to be frugal and work on your family budget is by spending time undertaking a health and life insurance policy review. If you've had insurance for many years, chances are you pay the premiums but rarely take the time to see exactly what you're covered - and not covered - for. Did you know that some insurance policies offer coverage for maternity insurance? If you're either beyond childbearing years or aren't considering the need for this type of insurance, work with your agent to see about having this coverage removed; chances are it is a cost that is being added to your monthly premium.

If the reason you'll have no need for maternity insurance is because you're approaching middle age, you will also want to begin planning for future healthcare needs and the onset of chronic diseases that strike us as we age.

Take stock of how you've utilized your insurance coverage to date. If you take a look at the number of times you or a family member has visited the doctor or been hospitalized and the type of medications you typically purchase, this can give you clues as to which areas of your insurance policy may need revamping. If you're relatively healthy and don't typically frequent doctor's offices, you might want to buy a policy with a higher deductible as a money-saving option. Evaluate the quality of the care you're receiving. If you're unhappy with the physicians covered in your HMO, you might want to look at another plan.

Once you've determined how you've used the insurance policy in the past, now you want to plan for any future life changes. If you're looking to start a family, for example, look into supplemental maternity policies. Other items to consider could be whether your children are no longer of the age to be covered under your policy, marriage or divorce. All of these life changes can lead to changes in your health insurance policy.

After you've done your reviews and collected the data from your life and potential lifestyle changes, now is the time to either look at other insurance policy options your employer offers or shop around for insurance coverage quotes.

Be prepared to answer these questions when shopping for health insurance:
繚 What are your medical needs?

繚 What deductible can you afford to pay - both for doctor's office visits as well as prescription medications?

繚 Are you in need of regular medical attention for a chronic illness or disease?

繚 Are you looking for particular healthcare benefits? Consider if you're a frequent traveler and whether you travel inside or outside of the country on a regular basis. You will want to speak with your potential insurance agent about the type of coverage you can purchase for medical air ambulance transport. If you're injured in a remote location or in a country that doesn't provide quality healthcare, you may be a candidate for emergency medical transport. Even if you're not looking to carry the coverage year-round, ask the agent whether it's available as a rider for the times when you do need access.

繚 What premium can you afford in your monthly budget?

Performing a year-in-review of your health insurance policy will help you prepare for health emergencies in the future as well as having the potential to save you money on your monthly premiums. It is also better to be informed and prepared - especially for those out of state or country trips in the event you need access to a medical air ambulance. Also, once you've worked out the details with your insurance agent, you might want to take time to contact an air ambulance service provider to make certain that the policy you're considering purchasing is one they accept and that your policy will also provide coverage if you are outside of the United States boundaries.

In Vitro Fertilization - How to Save Money For IVF Treatments

Many couples face paying for their in vitro fertilization treatments out-of-pocket. Health insurance plans that cover in vitro fertilization procedures are uncommon and hard to find. So many couples look hard at various financing options: loans, savings, and cutting costs. Supplemental insurance offers the safest alternative and provides the best return.

When looking at ways to pay your IVF costs you can dip into savings, take a loan, and begin cutting costs. Supplemental insurance complements each alternative.

IVF Depletes Savings

An average in vitro fertilization cycle costs between $10,000 and $15,000. Couples who have built up a nest egg and have enough cash readily available are on the safest ground. But IVF does not work every time. A couple can quickly exhaust savings just trying to get pregnant.

Loans are Hard to Repay

Most families are living check to check and have little in savings, but they may have equity in their home, or they may qualify for financing. A loan allows a couple to have the upfront cash needed to begin their treatments. But IVF often does work, which means increased expenses for feeding, clothing and raising a newborn coupled with lost income from mom during her maternity leave. Repaying a loan under these conditions is very hard - especially for a couple finding it hard to save already.

Saving Money Takes Time

Other couples look to save money over time rather than take on debt just before losing income and increasing costs. Many of these couples may have married later in life and are rapidly approaching an age where child bearing in no longer realistic or safe. They may not have the luxury of time to save up, and today's interest rates are very small.

Supplemental insurance provides a safety net that helps in all three scenarios. It pays cash benefits directly to the insured when they deliver their baby. Plus, it may pay additional benefits in case of pregnancy complications, and multiple births that are born premature.

Couples with savings can be more aggressive with their nest eggs, those taking out loans can solve their income dilemma, and older couples can start more quickly with financing knowing that their downside it now covered. Rather than getting a measly 5% return on your money, supplemental insurance can return 300% for normal delivery - when the timing is right.

Health Insurance- an Umbrella for The Rainy Days

Health is wealth. This is one side of the coin. The other side is that you need wealth to recover from bad health.
No one can foresee an illness and sudden medical emergencies. A person finds himself/herself in deep waters when such a contingency arises. This is because medical bills are exorbitant and paying them without insurance is next to impossible for most people. Prescription drugs, hospital bills, maternity care, etc involve considerable monetary expenditures. Many people who did not take insurance for a rainy day have landed in debt due to improper health care management. Uninsured medical care can not only be financially taxing but may also spell doom in a family.
This is the reason why more and more people are opting for the protective cover of health insurance to ensure health and financial security. Health insurance helps to provide protection against the possible health problems that could happen in the future. The insured person needs to pay a 'premium' periodically.

The process of availing health insurance requires filling up of an application form. You need to provide some documentation about your finances. You can cover the health insurance needs of the entire family, including dental care, eye care, doctor visits, emergency care, prescriptions, etc.

Health insurance costs are rising day by day. It is becoming increasingly difficult for people to afford health insurance. However, it is not possible to forgo it. There are some affordable solutions. People with low income can qualify for a Medicaid program. They need to visit the local Division of Family Services office to get an application.

How to avail a cheap health insurance?

The costs of health insurance plans vary. So, a thorough research is essential before you choose a particular plan. It is a smart idea to find out how long the insurance company has been in business. Make sure that the company yo select is licensed in your state.

The medium of Internet provides a good platform to search for cheap insurance plans. You can compare numerous plans before you select one for you.

Morning Sickness Relief - Husbands Helping Wives During Pregnancy Discomfort

It would be nice if the only time a pregnant woman needed morning sickness relief were in the morning. At least there would be times that she could look forward to feeling better. Most expectant mothers have nausea at many different times of the day, and some have it so often that they stay in dread of it during every waking moment.

Professionals say that usually after the first trimester, all of the nausea is gone, but this is not always the case. From the comments made by women everywhere, it seems that sickness can begin as early as a couple of weeks after conception begins, and not end until the day of the birth. Additionally, the varied treatments to quell the nausea don't necessarily work for all women.

We often talk about things women can do to get relief; very seldom do we mention what husbands should do. Although the female of our species is in charge of the manufacture of babies, the male should have an active role in the support of the mother and their expected child.

Sometimes the only thing a person can do is show up. When a loved one is going through a difficult time in the hospital, visitation can help his or her mood and even speed recovery.

A pregnant woman has so many things happening within her body that affect her moods and often lead her to feel inadequate. She needs to have her man to strengthen her and provide comfort in her fragile time.

It is not easy to care for expectant mothers because of the many different characters they may present. In one moment, they may be affectionate, and in another, they may not want anything to do with you.

It is not a planned performance, but due simply to the misery and lack of self-esteem that comes with the territory. When you add morning sickness to the mix, things can get worse.

If you are the husband, you should forget your personal feelings whenever you are with your wife. You won't do her any good if you are so selfish that you can't forget your own desires.

If you expect your wife to be polite and thank you for whatever you do for her, you may be sadly disappointed. Expect the worse and you will be better suited for the part of loving husband.

Most women remember how their spouses treat them after the birth is over. They may be hard to get along with during the pregnancy, but they have somewhat of an excuse. The husband has no excuse if he behaves badly.

Sometimes the only nausea relief is to throw up and hope that helps. The husband should support and help in every way possible because it provides comfort to the woman in her trying time.

Pregnant women usually discover their nausea triggers early on, such as certain foods, smells, and activities that make it worse. Once they are in tune with these instigators, they can take preventative measures to obtain morning sickness relief. Meanwhile, you husbands just hang in there and do your best.

Things to Consider Before Buying Health Insurance For Individuals

Are you finally considering buying your own health insurance? If you are, wary about the costs and possible coverage issues, it would be best if you would first consider several things before purchasing any health insurance for individuals. Here are some insights.

Determine how much cost of coverage for health care you need. Shop around for specific products and plans that are evidently and logically tailored for your requirements. It would be wise to consider your budget, tolerance for risk, health risks, and prescription needs. You could find clues and indications on your current state of health.

If you aim to maximize health insurance for individuals, find out if the products you are considering buying are allowing students to stay on parents' plans. If your policy does so, determine how the costs could possibly stack up the premiums of your policy. Many health care insurance products available today are highly competitive so take the advantage of the active market.

Find out the physicians and hospitals that are included in a health plan's network. It would not be wise to buy a product that is not useful because the doctors included in the policy lists are already not in service. Make sure your health care plan includes hospitals and health care facilities in your locality. It would also be advisable to choose health insurance for individuals with co-payment options for doctor visits and tests.

Determine the possible maximum out-of-pocket expense with co-insurance. It is the total amount required for payment following the deductible reached. Some programs may have co-insurance rate of 80/20 (you would have pay for 20% of overall costs even after deductible is reached).

Do not be easily and instantly enticed by higher deductibles. Remember that a higher deductible could effectively lower your possible monthly premium but it could also make you shoulder more for standard care.

In general, health insurance for individuals may take unique scope and coverage. Take note that policies offered to women usually cost more compared to products offered to men. This is because those for women are including and covering many other specialized services. Maternity costs are examples.

Be Aware And Be Cautious

If you do not own a health care insurance policy and you suddenly develop a health condition, you may not possibly be able to apply for a comprehensive medical plan after your recovery. That is why it is most advised to buy and own your health insurance program now.

Consider taking medical insurance products with health savings accounts, which are tax-free accounts for savings that could be used for covering health care costs. Prefer a high-deductible medical insurance plan to qualify for such.

Organic Skin Care For Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a beautiful yet challenging time in a woman's life. For every joyful discovery there is a disappointing development, like skin outbreaks or the shedding of hair.

The modern mother-to-be is lucky however, as manufacturers have begun to acknowledge the special needs of the pregnant body. Indeed, today there are literally hundreds of products on the market that address some of the more common discomforts pregnant women face during their nine month long evolution.

Skincare is one area that manufactures often target, a wise move, since taking care of our body's largest organ is one of the primary concerns of many women who are on the precipice of becoming a mother.

With so many options available, it can be a rather daunting task to locate what will work best for you. Just how does a pregnant lady locate the skincare products that are both safe and effective?

Think Organic

Once upon a time people thought of organic products as something vegetarians and neo-hippies purchased due to paranoid concerns about contaminants. Nowadays, we realize that the neo-hippies were on to something, as the FDA and several health watch organizations have begun to prove that health and beauty items, like lotions and creams, were chock full of toxic substances.

Indeed, a mainstream lotion can contain several carcinogenic chemicals that could potentially damage reproductive health. Using such substances when pregnant could end up being extremely dangerous to both mother and baby.

On the other hand, true organic health and beauty items are free of the things that can cause harm to you and your precious little one.

Below are a few products that a resourceful mother who is interested in organic skin care can investigate to get started on her beauty regimen.

o Stretch mark cream - every mother, whether she is having her first child or her fifth, worries about getting stretch marks. The good news is that manufacturers of organic lotions and creams understand this and have created belly butters and moisturizers filled with pure botanical ingredients that will help your skin glow.

o Body toning oil -- pregnant women are also concerned about sagging skin after childbirth, but the use of toning oils can help prevent this from happening if used faithfully. Producers of organic products make all natural body toning oils with tried and true substances like avocado, pomegranate and jojoba oils which boost collagen production and help the skin retain it elasticity.

o Body cleansing - purchasing organic shampoos, body washes and soaps are another great way to keep your skin baby smooth and free of harsh drying chemicals.

To find organic products you can visit a holistic food store in your neighborhood or look online for organic distributors. Always check the ingredients list as well, since some companies can legally use very little chemical free substances in their formulas and still get an organic rating. To be sure, look for the "certified organic" label. This often means it is 100 percent organic and 100 percent all natural.

You and your baby deserve the best start possible when it comes to the mother child relationship. Taking good care of yourself during your pregnancy with rest and proper skin care is one step in the right direction.

Pregnancy Second Trimester's Tests and Procedures

During the second trimester, you and your spouse should continue to see your doctor for prenatal care. Most pregnant women have monthly office visits with their doctor or midwife until the end of this trimester.

During the second trimester your doctor can use an ultrasound to see if the baby is developing in a healthy way and to find out your baby's sex. You will also be offered screening tests to look for genetic birth defects.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, birth defects result from problems with a baby's genes, inherited factors that are passed down from the mother and the father at conception. Genetic birth defects sometimes occur in people with no family history of that disorder. Women over the age of 35 have the greatest chances of having a baby with birth defects. Some of the diagnostic and screening tests the doctor might suggest in the second trimester include:

Amniocentesis

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, this test is performed in pregnancies of at least 16 weeks. It involves your doctor inserting a thin needle through your spouse's abdomen, into her uterus, and into the amniotic sac to take out a small amount of amniotic fluid for testing. The cells from the fluid are grown in a lab to look for problems with chromosomes. The fluid also can be tested for AFP. About 1 in 200 women have a miscarriage as a result of this test.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

This test is performed between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. The doctor inserts a needle through your partner's abdomen or inserts a catheter through her cervix in order to reach the placenta. He then takes a sample of cells from the placenta. These cells are used in a lab to look for problems with chromosomes. This test cannot find out whether your baby has open neural tube defects. About 1 in 200 women have a miscarriage as a result of this test.

Maternal serum screening test

This blood test can be called by many different names including multiple marker screening test, triple test, quad screen, and others. This test is usually given between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. It checks for birth defects such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or open neural tube defects. Doctors take a sample of your blood. They check the blood for 3 chemicals: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (made by the liver of the fetus), and two pregnancy hormones: estriol and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Sometimes, doctors test for a fourth substance in the blood called inhibin-A. Testing for inhibin-A may improve the ability to detect fetuses with a high risk of Down syndrome.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, higher levels of AFP are linked with open neural tube defects. In women age 35 and over, this test finds about 80% of fetuses with Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or an open neural tube defect. In this age group, there is a false positive rate (having a positive result without actually having a fetus with one of these health problems) of 22%. In women under age 35, this test finds about 65% of fetuses with Down syndrome, and there is a false positive rate of about 5%.

Targeted ultrasound

The best time to get a targeted ultrasound is between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most major problems with the way the baby is formed can be seen at this time. Some physical defects such as clubbed feet and heart defects may not be seen.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, your doctor can also use ultrasound on your pregnant wife to see if your baby has any neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. In most cases, if you want to find out the sex of your baby, you can ask your doctor during this test. This is not the most accurate test for Down syndrome. Only 1 in 3 babies with Down syndrome have an abnormal second trimester ultrasound.

Homeopathic Treatment of Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are very common today, depression affects 40% of the population every year with 20% developing clinical depression - low mood with sleep difficulties, changes in appetite, hopelessness, pessimism and sometimes thoughts of suicide. Last year alone 36 million prescriptions for antidepressants were handed out.

Anxiety is now such a universal problem that it is costing the UK more than £5 billion per year causing much suffering to the affected individual.

Conventional treatment offered for these conditions are mostly psychotherapy and drug treatment.

Drug treatment for anxiety consists mainly of beta-blockers and sedatives:

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  Beta-blockers reduce autonomic symptoms like palpitations and tremor and reduce the heart rate but do not affect psychological symptoms such as worry, tension and fear or non-autonomic function such as muscle tension.


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  Sedatives (mostly benzodiazepines, eg diazepam, better known as valium) are licensed for short-term relief of severe anxiety, but do cause dependence with severe withdrawal symptoms. Side effects may include drowsiness, confusion, ataxia, increase in aggression, depression, impaired motor function and learning, suppressed REM (rapid eye movement - the important dream phase) sleep, amnesia, dizziness and nausea.

Conventional drugs for depression divide into three groups: Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors, trycyclic and related drugs and the more modern selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. All of them can have many side effects, some very severe.

Natural alternatives for the treatment of anxiety and depression include St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), an unlicensed herbal product, and 5 HTP (5 Hydroxytryptophan), an amino acid and precursor to serotonin.

Both the natural as well as the conventional depression remedies work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, also known as 5 hydroxytrytamine. Higher brain serotonin levels lead to mood elevation.

St John's Wort can cause inducting of drug metabolising enzymes and a number of important interactions with conventional drugs have been identified for both St John's Wort and 5 HTP.

Both herbal and conventional antidepressants can lead to serotonin toxicity, a potentially life threatening syndrome. They also do not address the underlying issue, but rely on a constant supply of serotonin increasing substances, which increases the risk of side effects and is also costly.

Homeopathy treats anxiety and depression from a completely different angle trying to address the deeper causes of the disease origin. Rather than artificially increasing serotonin levels in the brain, it addresses the underlying problem, having caused the central imbalance within you. It can be very successful in addressing both anxiety and depression, making you long term independent of drug (herbal or conventional) treatment.

By taking a very detailed history, which will discuss not only your present symptoms, but also your medical history, family history, personality, preferences, dislikes, fears, dreams, any specific causes (never well since...) and modalities (what makes you better or worse) A homeopathic doctor will be able to find the right remedies to treat your central disturbance, which has caused your "disease". These medicines will naturally return you to a state of well being by changing the energy in your body. Not only your depression/anxiety will be addressed, but all other aspects of your body and mind. Treating your central disturbance will affect all parts of your body and both mental as well as physical symptoms will improve. Improvement can sometimes be fast and dramatic, but usually is gradual over time. Occasionally there can be an aggravation of some physical symptoms, but you should feel more energy, vitality and optimism.

A medically qualified homeopathic doctor will integrate homeopathic treatment with your present medications and work together with your GP, if needed.

Homeopathy is also completely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, making it a side effect free alternative in ante and postnatal depression.

Getting Pregnant With Endometriosis - Medical and Alternative Therapies That Will Help You Conceive

If endometriosis is causing infertility and trouble with becoming pregnant, there are some alternative treatments that might be able to aid you in conceiving with endometriosis.

Getting Pregnant With Endometriosis - Medical Options

Endometriosis causes fertility and conception issues because of the damage or blockage of the delicate Fallopian tubes. Laser treatment or microsurgery may help to repair a woman's fertility, although there is reported evidence in the United States, which implies that doctors are not entirely sure of the ability of laser surgery to revive fertility. If the endometriosis has caused incurable harm, IVF treatment or tubal surgery can be employed to help with fertility and conception. Further medical treatment for endometriosis can include the prescription of some birth-control pills and often a drug called Danazol. The side effects of these medications can, for a lot of women, be more affecting than the actual affects of endometriosis. It is vitally important that you get advice from your medical practitioner if you are trying to get pregnant, because the drugs that are used to treat endometriosis can interfere with conception and pregnancy.

Getting pregnant with endometriosis - Natural ways to beat endometriosis

Conventional medicine is not always the solution for restoring fertility for women trying to get pregnant with endometriosis; resultantly many sufferers want to try alternative and natural treatments for endometriosis. Most practitioners of alternative medicine use a holistic approach addressing not only the endometriosis and the pain, but also improve diet and lifestyle to help women trying to become pregnant with endometriosis.

Hot baths with rejuvinating essential oils can help to reduce the pain of endometriosis, as do herbal teas. If you do plan to use herbal medicine, ensure that you discuss your case with a medical herbalist so that you can avoid any herbs that will interfere with conception and pregnancy. Some good, safe herbal teas, which will help to sooth endometriosis pain include powdered or root ginger tea (sweeten with honey), meadowsweet tea, chamomile tea and peppermint tea. Some experts suggest that avoiding caffeine, salt, sugar, animal fats, red meats, fried food and junk food, may be helpful in managing endometriosis.

Getting pregnant with endometriosis - True Stories

For all of the women out there who are attempting to get pregnant with endometriosis, there is always hope that you can successfully and naturally get pregnant with endometriosis, as these true stories testify:

Sam* had severe endometriosis for many years, but decided against treatment. Sam spent several years 'playing the field' with men, and never conceived, she felt secure that because of her endometriosis, she would never get pregnant. After several years of her 'liberal' lifestyle, she was shocked to discover one day that she had fallen pregnant. Sometimes things happen when you least expect them. Sam's story just goes to show that you could try for several years to get pregnant while you suffer from endometriosis, and finally end up with a nice surprise!

*name changed to protect privacy

Holly was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis two years ago, and was told by her fertility specialist that she would not be able to have her own children. Holly was devastated. Out of sheer desperation, Holly spent weeks trawling the internet for alternative answers. A fellow endometriosis suffer, also struggling with getting pregnant with endometriosis, suggested some alternative therapy. Within 2 months of pursuing the alternative treatment, Holly began to notice that she did not suffer the horrible symptoms of endometriosis that the doctors could not seem to end. Holly was stunned with the results and felt angry and confused with the medical professionals who had wanted to give Holly a hysterectomy. After just 7 weeks of treatment, Holly, the woman doctors told would never be able to have children, found that she was pregnant. Holly has gone on to give birth to healthy twins, and still feels unbelievably surprised, shocked and pleased with how her whole life has completely changed thanks to trying out some alternative solutions to cure her endometriosis and help her get pregnant.