The First Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a unique journey, and for many women, it begins with subtle changes long before a positive test appears. While the only way to confirm pregnancy is through a pregnancy test and medical confirmation, your body often gives early signals that something new is happening. Some women notice early pregnancy symptoms just days after conception, while others may not feel any changes until weeks later. Both experiences are completely normal. Understanding the early signs of pregnancy can help you recognize what your body may be telling you. Common Early Signs of Pregnancy Below are the most common early symptoms experienced during the first weeks of pregnancy. You may notice one, several, or none at all. 1. Missed Period A missed menstrual period is often the first and most noticeable sign of pregnancy, especially if your cycle is usually regular. When pregnancy occurs, hormone levels prevent the uterus from shedding its lining, which stops menstruation. However, stress, illness, tr...

By Rebecca Prescott Whilst most women are aware of the negative effects smoking whilst pregnant can have on their developing baby, many still cannot give up. The good news is that researchers believe that taking vitamin C can counteract some of these effects. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery of the baby, poor growth, and in some instances, is implicated in fetal deaths. It can also affect the way the infant's lungs develop, as nicotine can cross the placenta. As a result, babies may have less lung function and develop more respiratory illnesses. But a group of researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University found that in baby monkeys given both nicotine and vitamin C, the flow of air in the lungs was close to normal. There were three groups of pregnant monkeys in the study - one group was given only nicotine, one given neither nicotine nor vitamin C, and one group given both. The nicotine given was comparable to that which a pregnant mother wo...

By Robert Melkonyan Pregnancy can have different effects in the woman's overall health condition. Most pregnant women can notice some changes in the gums throughout pregnancy, including redness and bleeding of the gums when brushing the teeth. In addition, some women can experience severe bleeding and swelling. These changes are known pregnancy gingivitis that usually starts on the second month of the pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis tends to increase around eight month and may decrease after giving birth. This condition is usual in the front area of the mouth. The symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are the same with the common gingivitis but may have different causes. Progesterone level in the body during pregnancy can reach up to ten percent higher than the normal level, which can improve certain bacterial growth that results to gingivitis. In addition, during pregnancy, the immune system works differently, which can change the body's reaction to bacteria. To be able to re...