12 early signs of pregnancy

 12 early signs of pregnancy. Are you pregnant? Maybe the test doesn't show positive yet, but you may still be pregnant. See the earliest signs that you might be pregnant.

Sore breasts

Tension or tenderness in the breast can be a sign of pregnancy. Some also get darker nipples or bigger breasts very early in pregnancy. However, these signs can also occur before menstruation and it can be difficult to distinguish. The reason is the increased hormone content in the body.

Fatigue

Already early in pregnancy you can get very tired. The body works at high pressure in the beginning, where a number of physiological changes occur in the body. You also have an increased content of hormones. It can make you very tired - especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Nausea

Some people get nausea very early in pregnancy, while others don't suffer from it at all. The reason is also an increased hormone level, so if you suddenly wake up with morning sickness, it can be an early sign that something is happening inside.

Increased sense of smell

Does the whole house smell of onions, or do you suddenly notice different smells more than before. The sense of smell is heightened when you are pregnant - and this can therefore be a sign that the test will show positive. It is not actually known for sure why the sense of smell is sharpened during pregnancy, but some believe that it originates from the time when women had to avoid spoiled food.

Urge to pee

If you suddenly have to urinate more often during the day or night, this can also be a sign of pregnancy. The body produces more fluid during pregnancy, and this can cause an increased urge to urinate. However, the urge to urinate can also be caused by cystitis, so if it persists - and the test is negative - then you should contact the doctor.

Headache

When your body is filled with hormones during pregnancy, you may well get a headache. However, headaches can also be caused by dehydration or lack of sleep. If it gets bad or lasts for many days, you should talk to your doctor. Remember to drink plenty of fluids.

Tension in the abdomen

Little jolts that don't quite resemble period pains can be early signs that something is going on down there. However, it can also be a sign that your period is on its way.

Bloated stomach

The increased hormone content during pregnancy can slow down the body's digestive system a bit - and this results in bloated bellies. However, like so many of the other symptoms, this can also be due to an upcoming period or other things. But if you suddenly can't button your pants and your stomach feels distended, then it's not necessarily wishful thinking.

Special appetite

Do you suddenly have a special craving for pickled licorice or cucumbers? Special appetites are characteristic of pregnancy and this can be an early sign that there is gain.

Mood swings

When you are pregnant, the hormone content in your body increases sharply. It may well cause some hooting and big tantrums, which may indicate pregnancy. However, many women experience the same mood swings due to an upcoming period.

Spotting

If you experience a little spotting around the time you expect your period, it could very well be because the egg has stuck. If the bleeding only lasts a short time and is less than usual, then you may need to rush down and buy some pregnancy tests.

Positive pregnancy test

The only thing that can give you an answer for sure is a positive pregnancy test. Test on your expected menstrual day if you want to be sure - and possibly take several tests at intervals of a few days.

Last updated: 18.07.2022

Overcoming The Weight Loss Plateau

Overcoming The Weight Loss Plateau. The average human body is capable of a variety of astonishing acts that appear to suspend or defy how science explains how things function. Athletes can move something that their body should not be able to without feeling anything worse than muscular spasms by pure willpower. People can adapt to severe physical injuries sustained in a vehicle accident and defy predictions that they will never walk again. Despite the fact that these incredible achievements are useful in a variety of contexts, there are some physical reactions that are seen with a great deal of contempt. A "weight reduction plateau" is one of these undesirable effects.

Essentially, "plateau" is a phrase used to describe a condition in which the body is unable to lose further weight, typically due to establishing a tolerance to the weight reduction medications and methods being utilized. Essentially, a plateau is reached when the body builds tolerance for the regimen's restrictions and practices, allowing the body's metabolic rate to adapt to whatever weight reduction drugs or tactics were used. Most diet manuals disregard the occurrence of the plateau, primarily because it can be interpreted as defeating the aim of the diet and is, thus, bad marketing. However, there are ways to prevent the body from developing a tolerance to exercise and weight reduction drugs.

When confronted with a pattern, the human metabolism will eventually adapt to that pattern. This natural adaptation of the human body can lead to a stall in weight loss, especially if the individual's diet and eating habits have been altered for weight loss. Therefore, altering the pattern will, once a significant amount of time has elapsed, restore the effectiveness of your diet plan or weight loss medications. This tactic consists mostly of confusing the human metabolism, and it is commonly viewed as a somewhat severe method for putting the body back into "diet mode." Obviously, there are numerous ways to modify this rhythm without inflicting irreversible injury to the body.

In most circumstances, adding strength and weight training to one's exercise regimen and altering one's exercise routine can also assist in overcoming a plateau. During physical activity, the body will continue to consume nutrients, but the metabolic rate of the digestive system can adapt so that more weight is maintained than burned. Effectively forcing the body to re-adapt can be accomplished by increasing the difficulty of the exercises or altering the movements to target less-developed muscle groups. While the body is adjusting to the changes, it can begin to lose weight once more. However, this technique is most effective when used in conjunction with dietary changes.

Altering the span of time between meals is a further method for avoiding the plateau. The internal clock that regulates the digestive system of the human body can be altered to fit one's needs, provided one makes the appropriate dietary and dietary behavior changes. Changes to the meal schedule, such as eating more frequently but eating less at each meal, can have a significant impact on metabolic rate. This method's central principle is to trick the body into burning food faster, hence restoring a person's weight loss program and diet to normalcy.

It is useful to remember that what works for one individual may not work for another while assessing the possibilities. Some slower metabolisms may necessitate dietary and activity adjustments, while others may suffice with a reduction in the interval between meals. It can be time-consuming to find a solution that works and is effective for a certain metabolism.

The Nutritional Dos and Don'ts During Pregnancy

The Nutritional Dos and Don'ts During Pregnancy. During pregnancy, proper diet is vital for the health and wellbeing of both mother and child. With so much information available, it can be tough to determine which foods to consume and which to avoid. In this post, we will discuss the nutritional dos and don'ts of pregnancy to ensure that you and your unborn child receive the essential nutrients.

Dos Regarding Pregnancy Nutrition

Consume sufficient calories: Pregnant women require an extra 300 calories each day to support the growth and development of the baby. Choose nutrient-dense foods to maximize the efficiency of your caloric intake.

Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. At least five servings of fruits and vegetables should be consumed daily.

Protein is needed for the development of the organs, muscles, and tissues of the infant. Lean meats, fish, eggs, and lentils are all good sources of protein.

Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals; therefore, they should be incorporated into your diet. Choose breads, cereals, and pasta made with whole grains.

Iron is needed for the synthesis of red blood cells and the delivery of oxygen to the newborn. Iron-rich foods include lean meats, seafood, and green leafy vegetables.

Staying hydrated is essential for the health of both the mother and the infant. Ensure that you consume at least eight glasses of water per day.

The Contraindications of Pregnancy Nutrition

Meats, fish, and eggs that are uncooked or undercooked may contain hazardous bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Caffeine can pass the placenta and alter the heart rate and sleep patterns of the developing infant. Reduce your daily dosage to less than 200 mg.

Alcohol can negatively affect the development of the baby's brain and other organs. Alcohol should be avoided totally throughout pregnancy.

Some artificial sweeteners have been related to birth abnormalities and other health issues, therefore they should be avoided. They should be avoided during pregnancy.

Limit your consumption of seafood high in mercury. Fish such as swordfish, shark, and king mackerel can contain high levels of mercury, which can impair the brain and nervous system development of an unborn child.

Fish such as swordfish, shark, and king mackerel can have high levels of mercury, which can impair the brain and nervous system development of an unborn child.

In order to support the growth and development of the fetus, appropriate nutrition is crucial during pregnancy. By adhering to the nutritional dos and don'ts of pregnancy, you may ensure that you and your unborn child receive the proper nutrients. If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy diet, you should speak with your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, pregnancy is a crucial time in a woman's life, and nutrition is essential to the growth and development of both the mother and the child. Pregnant women should consume sufficient calories, a variety of fruits and vegetables, adequate amounts of protein, whole grains, iron, and water. Additionally, they should avoid raw or undercooked meats, fish, and eggs, restrict their caffeine intake, and avoid alcohol, artificial sweeteners, mercury-rich fish, and some types of fish. If you have any queries or concerns about your pregnancy diet, it is also crucial to speak with a healthcare professional. By adhering to these dos and don'ts of pregnancy nutrition, you can guarantee that you and your baby receive the necessary nutrients for a successful pregnancy.

Procedures to follow before becoming pregnant

Procedures to follow before becoming pregnant. When pregnant, most women are aware that they must consult a doctor or midwife and make lifestyle changes. However, it is equally important to begin making changes before becoming pregnant. These steps will assist you and her body in preparing for pregnancy and will increase her chances of having a healthy baby.

Consult your doctor.

Before becoming pregnant, consult your doctor or a midwife (nurse midwife). Even if you believe you are healthy and ready for a pregnancy, your doctor or midwife can do a lot to help you prepare ahead of time.

• The doctor or midwife will examine your current health, medical history, and family medical history. Some family health issues can be passed down to your children. A genetic counselor may be recommended by your doctor.
• You may need blood tests or to catch up on immunizations before becoming pregnant.
• Your doctor or midwife will discuss any medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking with you. These can have an impact on the fetus. Before you become pregnant, your doctor may advise you to make changes to your medications.
• Chronic health issues, such as asthma or diabetes, must be under control before you become pregnant.
• If you are obese, your provider will advise you to lose weight before becoming pregnant. This lowers your chances of complications during pregnancy.

Give up smoking, drinking, and drug use. reduce your caffeine intake

You must stop smoking or using other forms of tobacco, drinking alcohol, or using drugs before becoming pregnant. These substances have the potential to:

• Make it difficult to conceive.
• increase the likelihood of miscarriage (losing the baby before birth).

Speak with your doctor or midwife if you need assistance quitting smoking, drinking, or using drugs.

Alcohol, even in small amounts, can harm a developing fetus (unborn baby). Drinking alcohol while pregnant can result in long-term issues for your baby, such as intellectual disability, behavioral issues, learning difficulties, and facial and heart abnormalities.

Smoking is harmful to the fetus and increases the child's risk of developing health problems later in life.

• Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have babies with low birth weight.
• Smoking also makes it more difficult to recover from pregnancy.

Drugs not prescribed by a doctor (including street drugs) can be dangerous if used at any time in your life.

When trying to conceive, you should also limit your caffeine intake. Women who drink more than two cups (500 mL) of coffee or five cans (2 liters) of soda per day may have difficulty becoming pregnant and have a higher risk of miscarriage.

Reduce the use of unnecessary supplements and medications. Before attempting to conceive, discuss with your provider what supplements and medications you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Most drugs have some risks, but many have unknown risks, and their safety has not been thoroughly investigated. Do not take medications or supplements unless absolutely necessary.

Consume a well-balanced diet.

Maintain or strive to achieve a healthy body weight.

A well-balanced diet is always beneficial. Before you get pregnant, eat a healthy diet. Here are some basic guidelines:

• Reduce your intake of empty calories, artificial sweeteners, and caffeine.
• Protein-rich foods should be consumed.
• Fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy will help you become healthier before becoming pregnant.

A moderate consumption of fish will keep you and your baby healthy. Fish, according to the FDA, is part of a healthy eating pattern. Some shellfish contain mercury and should not be consumed in large quantities. Women who are pregnant should:

• Consume up to three 4-ounce (oz) servings of fish per week.
• Large sea fish, such as sharks and sea bass, should be avoided.
• Reduce your tuna consumption to one can (85 g) of albacore or tuna steak per week or two cans (170 g) of light or light tuna per week.

If you are underweight or overweight, you should try to reach your ideal weight before becoming pregnant.

• Being overweight during pregnancy increases the likelihood of complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, and the need for a C-section.
• Trying to lose weight while pregnant is not a good idea. However, it is a good idea to try to achieve a healthy body weight before becoming pregnant.

Consume vitamins and folic acid.

Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement with at least 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid.

• Folic acid lowers the risk of birth defects, particularly issues with the baby's spine.
• Before attempting to conceive, begin taking a folic acid-containing vitamin.
• High doses of any vitamin, especially vitamins A, D, E, and K, should be avoided. If you take more than the recommended daily amount, they can cause birth defects. Regular prenatal vitamins do not contain high levels of any vitamin.

Workout

Exercising before becoming pregnant can help your body adjust to the changes that will occur during pregnancy and delivery.

Most women who already exercise can continue to do so safely for the majority of their pregnancy.

And, even if they aren't currently exercising, most women should begin a program of 30 minutes of light exercise 5 times per week, both before conceiving and throughout their pregnancy.

The amount of exercise you can do during pregnancy should be determined by your overall health and how active you were prior to becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or midwife about the best type and amount of exercise for you.

Rest, relaxation, and stress

Try to relax and be as stress-free as possible while trying to conceive. Inquire with your doctor or midwife about stress-reduction techniques. Get plenty of rest and take some time to unwind. These steps may help you become pregnant more easily.

Symptoms Of Childhood Anxiety And Why It Has Increased With The Pandemic

Childhood anxiety is described as an anguish similar to that experienced by adults but, unlike the ways adults respond, the little ones do not have as many emotional resources to deal with it, so child anxiety symptoms are difficult to detect and can confuse parents .

With the arrival and establishment in our lives of the pandemic, this disorder has also skyrocketed, so it is vitally important to have the greatest amount of information available to tackle one of the most common diseases of the 21st century as soon as possible.

Symptoms of childhood anxiety in children under 3 years of age

As you can imagine, the smaller your baby is, the greater the difficulty in finding the symptoms. However, there are a number of changes in behavior that should be taken into account:

• Insomnia

• startles

• separation anxiety

• Incontinence

• pathological dissatisfaction

• Aggression with other babies

Symptoms of child anxiety in children over 3 years of age

• Sudden changes in character (for example, the child was very calm and suddenly becomes aggressive)

• Apathy with respect to those hobbies that you liked previously

• Insomnia

• Sudden weight changes that can mask eating problems

• Memory and concentration problems

• In adolescents, drug and alcohol use

• Suicidal thoughts (although this one is hard to identify)

• school failure

Why is anxiety in children increasing?

If some problems such as obesity or a sedentary lifestyle were already part of the concerns of millions of parents on half the planet, anxiety in children after the pandemic has become a constant .

Among the causes is the fact of spending more time in the family home which, in many cases, is not large enough for families of four or five people to live without having friction with each other. And it is that mood swings is the characteristic that has defined children who have lived through the confined pandemic .

Along with this, changes in sleep habits and insomnia stand out as one of the consequences of having less mobility and spending less time outdoors.

If this last generation was already characterized by a sedentary lifestyle, the impossibility of going to school or extracurricular activities for months has further aggravated this situation.

How can the parent identify if their child has childhood anxiety?

Anxiety is an essential defense mechanism for life. However, an excess can achieve just the opposite of what this defense mechanism should, it paralyzes .

Given this, parents have to be observant . If your child suddenly changes character, has mood swings or stops doing what he was fascinated with before, it may be that he has a problem.

To diagnose whether it is child anxiety or another disorder, a professional will be able to give all the necessary clues.

How To Control Emotions When We Have Anxiety

How To Control Emotions When We Have Anxiety

"The intensity of the anxiety is proportional to the meaning that the situation has for the affected person, even if she is essentially ignorant of the reasons for her anxiety" ( Karen Horney )

Few phrases have so effectively and simply described what the difficulty in controlling emotions entails when we have anxiety. As if it were an overflowing river -although paralyzing, not activating-, our mind remains on guard even when there is no real threatening stimulus .

In the same way that happens when the stomach produces too much gastric acid due to an organic imbalance, anxiety does the same with the natural mechanism that human beings have to perceive threats.

However, it is not easy to overcome generalized anxiety when we enter that cycle of "fear of fear" or, rather, of being afraid of feeling that anxiety again .

This can actually be explained by the chemistry behind anxiety. According to the "Revista Ciencia" and the psychologist Miguel Pérez de la Mora, "there is no single region in charge of the integration of anxiety" in our brain, but there are multiple ones that are activated in our central nervous system when we feel it, that is, , it is not possible to refer to a single neurotransmitter but to the global number of neurons and neuronal connections that participate (as you can guess, it is more complex, even at an explanatory level).

In other words, it is a complex and multifactorial disorder, so it is difficult to give it a simplified solution.

Can we control emotions with anxiety?

It depends. If anxiety occurs in a timely manner, there are certain tips that can be followed to modulate emotions at a "home" cognitive level. However, when you suffer from generalized anxiety, treatment without adequate professional intervention can worsen the situation, since we are talking about a serious disorder that greatly affects who suffers from it. For this reason, the line must be drawn between what is natural anxiety and what is not, separating between that specific event in which we feel anxious (a meeting or interview, the death of a loved one, an exam...) and that other event that it does not abandon us but settles in our daily life .

How you can control emotions when you suffer from anxiety

Although the complexity of generalized anxiety disorder makes it impossible for definitive solutions to be identified in a single article (since each case is different), here are two basic tips to modulate emotions when we believe that a sensation of this type overwhelms us: Often, one of the roots of anxiety is self-demand and a tendency toward perfectionism. Therefore, if you want to change your internal dialogue, the main thing is to treat yourself well and know how to forgive .

 Remember that boycotting the most difficult judge in your mind is the worst thing you can do. Small achievements to improve self-esteem : Anxiety is also linked to a tendency to feel scrutinized with a magnifying glass. How to control emotions when we have anxiety times and judge for which self-esteem must also be worked on . One way to do it is to gradually meet small goals -for example, start eating a healthy breakfast or do a few minutes of exercise a day for 4 days a week-. They must be easy objectives to achieve so that it is not difficult to achieve them. By being aware that you are capable, your self-esteem and motivation will improve, and, therefore, your anxiety will decrease.

How to Prepare For Pregnancy

 

Almost every woman has the capacity to bear at least one kid during her lifetime. It is regarded as one of the greatest presents a lady can give her spouse. The birth of a child would bring the couple closer together, and at this time in their lives they can be considered a family. Upon learning that the lady is pregnant, the majority of couples begin excitedly preparing for her pregnancy and ultimate delivery.

When discussing pregnancy, it is essential to understand preconception concerns related to childbirth. In order for the lady to confront the realities of childbirth, a checkup with a physician or midwife is advised. Physical preparation is necessary for childbirth, as it can significantly alter the normal function of a woman's body. A caregiver would help the woman's body get ready for conception and tell her about possible problems during pregnancy. In order to have a healthy child, the mother must now adhere to particular procedures, causing her to experience anxiety. By receiving guidance on preconception, safety, changes in lifestyle, prenatal vitamins, and the significance of folic acid, the lady may truly prepare for childbirth. In order to prepare for pregnancy, a woman must alter her lifestyle. Smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol are strictly prohibited. These addictions can harm both the mother and her unborn child's health. Based on her current weight in relation to her height and build, a woman may need to shed or gain weight. Being overweight or underweight may cause issues for both mother and child. 

Establishing a fitness regimen for the duration of the pregnancy would be an excellent way to prepare for childbirth. For potential questions regarding diet and exercise, it might be prudent to see a physician. Learning more about the woman's body during the early stages of childbirth is crucial for gaining a complete understanding of the situation. Different sections of a woman's body play distinct roles throughout pregnancy. Certain problems exhibited by both prospective parents should be discussed with the doctor in order to obtain further medical history information. Since this is a highly vital moment for the woman, both partners experience anxiety and worry. Preconception anxiety is common in women who are about to give birth, due to a variety of circumstances including schedule, sexuality, and self-esteem.

When preparing for pregnancy, the couple should be capable of handling a child with confidence. Knowledge of early pregnancy symptoms is also essential, as these are indicators that childbirth will occur on schedule. When the couple is ready, a visit to the obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN) would be beneficial for learning more about pregnancy. The pair can now utilize a pregnancy calendar to track the due date of delivery.

Women frequently experience anxiety when they discover they are pregnant. Feelings of anxiety and stress are typical indicators that she is nervous about giving birth. Anxiety should not be a problem, however, if you spend time with your husband, make regular visits to your obstetrician, take time to relax, and exercise regularly. All you have to think about is the baby's name.