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Hard stomach during pregnancy is quite a normal thing that happens to most women. Excessive hardness is often a result of unnecessary stress in a pregnant woman. So, do not get worried if you are also one among suffering from hard stomach during pregnancy. There are some causes on why pregnant women suffer from hard stomach. So, read onto know some of the causes for this problem.

Hard Stomach and Pregnancy – What are the Causes?
Here are some of the causes for hard stomach during pregnancy:

• Hardening of the abdomen during the 21st week is quite common because the growing uterus applies immense pressure on the stomach walls, which in turn results in a feeling of hardiness.
• During the second trimester, the fetal skeleton develops and grows much stronger. This is another reason why stomach hardens.
• It is also observed commonly that thin women experience hard stomach in the initial days of pregnancy and on the other hand, fat women experience hard stomach in the third trimester.
• Another cause of hardening is the formation of stretch marks.
• Consuming inappropriate food or having meals fast can often result in such problems.
• Constipation is another cause for a hard stomach.
• If you consume foods like sodas, drinks, soft drinks, and other beverages, then this can also cause temporary hardening and pain of the stomach.
• If it occurs in the third trimester, then it is pretty normal as it occurs due to uterine expansion due to the growth of the baby. However, if stomach hardening is accompanied by severe and unbearable pain, then you must take the guidance of a doctor.

Stomach Hardening – Tips to Prevent!
Here are some of the tips to prevent stomach hardening during pregnancy:

• If it occurs as a result of stress, then go for meditation and yoga classes for a calm mind.
• Learn various relaxation techniques to relieve yourself from stress.
• If it is caused due to digestive problems, then avoid the intake of foods that causes this problem. Eat a high fibre diet.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages or sodas as they further trigger digestive problems.

Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and have a calm mind. These are some of the simple yet effective tips that would treat hard stomach during pregnancy.

Pregnancy

We all know that honey is the universal remedy for many of the ailments and illnesses as well. Honey is used by many people as a part of their regular diet. However, many have doubts regarding the intake of raw honey during pregnancy. Morning sickness is one of the earliest symptom that is overcome with the intake of raw honey. Raw honey is also taken to relieve oneself from constipation that is another common thing that every pregnant women suffers from. Read on to know more about the intake of raw honey during pregnancy.

Is Raw Honey Safe During Pregnancy?
Many of the women and gynaecologists feel that raw honey is safe during pregnancy. However, it can be proved that it is not pasteurized and processed product. Pasteurization is an important process that involve the killing of the dangerous bacteria after getting exposed to very high temperatures. Raw honey is found to have spores that has Clostridium botulinum, which is an harmful bacteria that causes botulism in humans. You can avoid this by going for the best and trustworthy brand that sells quality honey.

Raw Honey in Pregnancy Diet
Here is how you can start the consumption of raw honey in your pregnancy diet:

• If you want to consume raw honey, then it is better to take it with yogurt or milk. This would suit your body the best.
• You can have honey along with fresh fruits. One teaspoonful of honey would be the best choice.
• You can also make smoothies by mixing vinegar, salt, oil, mustard and pepper. This can be taken with vegetables and fruits.
• You can also mix honey with cinnamon, fruit juices, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.

Now you know the benefits of raw honey during pregnancy, so all you need to do is start consuming honey. However, too much of honey is not good. Therefore, take it in moderate levels. But, this nutritious, cholesterol free natural sweetener is healthy in all the ways.

Pregnancy

Shoulder pain during pregnancy is one of the most common problems experienced by a woman during pregnancy. The whole body undergoes a variety of changes during pregnancy and the pain occurs in one form or the other which is normal. It has been observed that 40% of pregnant women experience shoulder pain during pregnancy. Other parts of the body may also pain such as the abdomen but the pain is felt more in the shoulder. Read onto know some of the causes of shoulder pain during pregnancy.

Shoulder Pain and Pregnancy – What are the Causes?
Here are some of the causes of shoulder pain in pregnancy:

• Tubal pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy is one of the severe causes of the pain in the shoulder during pregnancy. It is a condition where the embryo gets misplaced and the implantation which must occur in the endometrial area of the uterus, occurs in some other parts.
• Due to this one may experience a stabbing pain in the abdomen but the pain is felt in the shoulder and back region as well. The pain is life threatening and requires immediate medical intervention.
• Shoulder pain occurs during early pregnancy which accompanies the symptoms such as vomiting, low blood pressure, spotting, faintness, nausea and vaginal bleeding.
• Gallstones may develop and results in shoulder pain. Food rich in cholesterol and fats are eaten, the gallbladder receive signal to release bile for digestion of fatty foods.
• The gallstones are formed if the the bile remains inside the gallbladder for longer time. The digestion process slows down during pregnancy and release large amount of progesterone hormones. The gallbladder fails to empty itself as a result. If a pregnant woman experiences vomiting and nausea after eating spicy foods, then the cause is likely to be gallstone.
• Pain in the shoulder also occurs due to the increase body weight which exerts a lot of pressure on the upper back muscles resulting in shoulder pain.

If you are also one among suffering from shoulder pain during pregnancy, then consult your doctor and take the required treatment.

Pregnancy

Eating disorders during pregnancy are very common. During pregnancy, a woman has body image issues. This results in changes in their normal eating pattern. The common types of eating disorders are bulimia and anorexia. Both the types of eating disorders affect negatively on the pregnancy and the reproductive process as well. Read onto know more about eating disorders during pregnancy.

Disorders in Eating Pattern During Pregnancy
If your normal eating pattern gets disturbed during pregnancy. Then it affects the pregnancy in number of ways. Some of the complications are:

• Pre-eclampsia
• Miscarriage
• Depression
• Complications during labor
• Gestational diabetes
• Respiratory problems
• Delayed fetal growth
• Increased risk of caesarean birth
• Fetal death or still birth
• Low birth weight
• Premature labor

If you are one among suffering from an eating disorder, then the best thing is to take help to overcome it for your reproductive and pregnancy health. Here are some of the simple yet effective tips for those women who are planning or trying to become pregnant or have become pregnant.

Before Pregnancy

• Maintain and achieve a healthy weight.
• Avoid purging.
• Meet a nutritionist and start a healthy diet that even includes prenatal vitamins.
• You can consult your doctor for a pre-conception appointment.
• You can seek counselling to address the eating disorder and you can take both group and individual therapy.

During Pregnancy

• You need to schedule a antenatal visit at the earliest and inform the doctor that you have been struggling with an eating disorder.
• Strive hard for a healthy and normal weight gain.
• Find a nutritionist, who can help you with healthy eating patterns.
• Eat a well-balanced diet as the baby also needs nutrients for normal growth and development.

This was all about eating disorders during pregnancy. If you are also one among those suffering from eating disorders, then its high time that you control those unhealthy eating patterns. So, all you can do is be determined, take help, eat healthy, have a calm mind, exercise regularly, and visit your doctor regularly for prenatal health check-ups. This would surely ensure you to have a healthy and happy pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Constipation in pregnant women is a common problem and some of the causes of constipation during pregnancy are minimal exercise, low-fiber diet, worry and anxiety. Constipation occurs mainly due to hormonal imbalances.Intake of prenatal vitamins is another cause of constipation. There are many simple and effective remedies that can be followed to treat constipation during pregnancy.

Home Remedies for Constipation in Pregnancy
Treating constipation is very simple, which can be done by making certain changes in your lifestyle. Here are some of the things that you must follow:

• Eat a diet that is rich in fiber because if you consume up to 30 grams of fiber from vegetables, fruits, prunes, bran, whole grain breads and breakfast cereals.
• Drink plenty of fluids as it us important to increase the bulk of the stools. Drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water everyday. The combination of liquids and high fiber diets helps in the elimination of wastes from the body.
• You must be active by exercising regularly because if you remain inactive then you may have the greater chance of suffering from constipation. Swimming, walking and any other mild to moderate exercises can be done as they stimulate the bowels. You must schedule exercises for more than three times a week for at least 20 – 30 minutes.
• You can take medications for severe constipation only after consulting a doctor.
• Talk to your health care provider and reduce the intake of iron supplements as they contribute to constipation. Eat foods rich in iron content rather than taking medications for constipation.

Remember always not to take certain drugs for constipation during pregnancy like laxatives are usually not recommended as they stimulate the contractions of the uterus , which can result in premature labour. So, follow these simple but effective remedies for treating constipation in pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Yeast infections during pregnancy are common, especially during the second trimester. You may notice an increase in the white discharge, which has a foul odor. This is a normal and common symptom. However, you need not worry because yeast infections do not have any major negative effects on pregnancy. But this does not mean that you do not treat these infections. Yeast infection occurs when the vaginal bacteria foes out of balance. This allows the yeast to grow more in number. This results in an uncomfortable, but not a serious condition. Read onto know more about yeast infections during pregnancy.

Causes of Yeast Infection
Here are some of the causes of yeast infections during pregnancy:

• Douching
• Vaginal intercourse
• Getting in contact with infected blood or semen
• High blood sugar levels as in diabetes
• Taking steroids or antibiotics
• Taking birth control pills or hormones
• Hormonal changes that can come normally with pregnancy

If you have never been treated or diagnosed with yeast infection, then you must see for the following signs and symptoms for further treatment. Some of the signs are:

• Burning sensation during intercourse or urination
• Itching, redness, or irritation of the vagina
• Copious amounts of discharge
• Other discharge may be yellowish or greenish in color
• It is similar to a cotton cheese and can smell like bread or yeast
• The discharge is usually white in color and is similar to yeast
• Yeast infections occur mainly due to changes in your body to keep up the pH of the vaginal environment intact.

These are some of the causes and signs of yeast infections during pregnancy. I hope that if you are pregnant and are experiencing all the above signs, then it is high time that you meet a health care professional for further treatment. If treated at the earliest, then you will have a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Food cravings and aversions are normal for any individual. However, they seem to intensify during pregnancy. Cravings during pregnancy is another sign of a dietary imbalance. Nutritionists believe that craving does not occur for the food itself, but for the ingredients that the foods has and the effect that it has on the body. If you have a high grain diet, then this often produces severe craving for sweets and fats. Those who consume protein rich foods rich foods can crave for sugar. On the other hand, if you eat more sweet foods, then some women start craving for salty foods. Read onto know more about some of the cravings during pregnancy.

Cravings and Pregnancy – What are the Causes?
Here are some of the causes for cravings in pregnancy:

• Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy: Fluctuations in the hormonal levels can alter the sense of taste and smell making her crave for food that she normally does not enjoy. This is one reason why menopausal women experience food aversions and cravings.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Some of the nutritional deficiencies can be another reason why women crave for more amounts of certain nutrients. For example, cravings for pickle can indicate low sodium levels in the blood. Craving for chocolate can be triggered due to vitamin B deficiency. If you crave for red meat, then it might be an indication that you need protein. Craving for peaches can be due to low beta carotene levels.
• Emotional Needs: In this type of craving, a pregnant woman can crave for certain foods subconsciously or consciously, as a response to meet the emotional needs. Most pregnant women crave nostalgic foods that could remind them of their childhoods cultural or religious practices, especially if they are removed from it.
• Warding Off Pregnancy Symptoms: In some cases, nausea and morning sickness can be the basis for some food aversions. Baking soda is well know for the calming effects that it has on the digestive system. Whereas on the other hand, fried foods, alcohol, and coffee can induce nausea and can harm you and the baby as well.

These are some of the causes of cravings during pregnancy. All you need to understand is that craving is not a bad thing, but it is actually a message from the body that it needs more. So, during pregnancy, all you need to do is to eat well and have a balanced diet for a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Urinary tract infection during early pregnancy (UTI) is also called a bladder infection, where there is an inflammation of the urinary tract due to bacteria. During pregnancy, a woman is at a greater risk for UTI’s, especially starting from the 6th week to 24th week. They occur more commonly during pregnancy due to the common changes in the urinary tract. The uterus is located directly over the bladder. The uterus grows in size and compresses the bladder, which can block the bladder from draining completely. This can cause urinary tract infection during early pregnancy.

What are the signs and symptoms of UTI’s?
You may experience one or more of the below signs and symptoms:

• When the bacterial infection spreads to the kidneys, you may experience fever, chills, nausea, back pain, and vomiting.
• Pressure, pain, and tenderness at the bladder region.
• Urine that looks cloudy and smells unusually strong or a foul smelling urine.
• Change in the amount of urine i.e. less or more.
• Waking up in between sleep to urinate.
• Fever, sweats, and leaking of urine i.e. incontinence.
• Severe pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pain or cramps in the lower part of the abdomen.
• Presence of mucus or blood in the urine.
• A feeling of urgency while urinating.
• The frequency to urinate is increased.
• Burning sensation or pain while urinating.

If urinary tract infections are left untreated, then it can result to infections of the kidney. Kidney infections can cause premature birth of the baby. It can also result in low birth weight of the baby. If a health care provider treats UTI properly in the early stages then this infection would not harm the baby. UTI’s are diagnosed with an urinalysis and a urine culture. These are the diagnostic tests done to detect urine infection.

Urinary tract infections during early pregnancy can be treated safely with the use of antibiotics during pregnancy. Doctors prescribe a 3-7 day course of antibiotics that is considered safe for you and the baby as well. You must consult a doctor immediately when you have the following signs like chills, lower stomach pains, contractions, nausea or vomiting, fever. If you have the burning sensation, even after taking medications then you must report it to the doctor immediately.

Pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy has many health benefits as it relaxes the body. It alleviates many problems of pregnancy like back pain, swelling of the feet, constipation and improves your mood as well. There are many effects of exercise during pregnancy. In this article you would know some of the common effects that occur as a result of exercising, especially during pregnancy.

Effects of Exercising During Pregnancy
Here are some of the positive effects of exercising, especially during pregnancy:

• Alleviates Common Problems: Exercise helps in the alleviation of many problems as it prevents constipation, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, varicose veins, and swelling of the legs. It mainly improves circulation and prevents backaches by strengthening the muscles and supporting the back.
• More Energy: Pregnancy is a wonderful phase, but it comes with its own problems. Hence, regular exercise gives you more energy to make it throughout the day. It strengthens the cardiovascular system and gives you more endurance. The stronger muscles allows you to finish your daily tasks with very less effort. This gives you more energy to continue with the rest of the day. Some women prefer prenatal yoga, which relaxes your body.
• Better Sleep: Exercising during pregnancy gives you much better sleep. If you workout regularly then make sure that you exercise at least three hours before pregnancy. This will make you tire easily, which would result in a restful and deeper slumber.
• Improves your Mood: Exercise has also proven to improve the mood of a person. It lessens the mood swings, gives you a sense of control, and improves your self image. It improves the mood by making your more happy.
• Prepares your Body for Childbirth: Exercising has even proved to prepare you for childbirth. Some studies have stated that the fitness levels of a mother actually shortens the labor and reduces the medical interventions, especially during labor. Exercising regularly does not exhaust you during pregnancy as well. It does not reduce the labor pain, but will definitely give you the endurance that is needed for the labor.
• Post-natal weight Loss: Most experts have stated that gaining more weight during pregnancy i.e. more than 25 to 30 pounds more than the normal weight can put the mother in difficult task of losing weight after pregnancy. If you maintain a proper fitness routine, then the chances of you gaining more weight is less. This can help in losing the post-natal flab easily without much difficulty. Hence, exercise properly during pregnancy to have a fit and slim body after delivery as well.

Problems to Watch Out For:

• You need to check with the health care provider before you begin exercising. Most pregnant women are comfortable exercising, but for those women who have a risky pregnancy or are at a risk of premature labor, must be monitored closely by the health care provider. If you have a high risk pregnancy, then makes sure that you do not exercise as it can pose additional threats to the baby.
• Do not exercise too strenuously, as you can deprive your baby from getting oxygen. This happens because when you exercise, the blood flow shifts from the internal organs like uterus to the lungs, heart, and muscles. You need to stick to the recommended heart rate while exercising to make sure that your baby is getting enough oxygen.
• As the pregnancy progresses, the centre of gravity shifts. This can make you fall if you are not careful while performing any activity. Participate in activities like walking, low-impact aerobics, or swimming that do not have risks like slipping or falling. Avoid activities like horse riding, contact sports, downhill skiing, and mountain climbing.
• Be careful while exercising in hot and humid weathers as it can affect the baby. An increase in temperature can cause problems with the baby’s development. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Your body temperature must not stay below 101°F.

These are some of the effects of exercise during pregnancy. I hope that you would keep the above pints in mind and have a fit and healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an extremely wonderful phase, which every women would love and cherish. To make your pregnancy the most memorable one, you need to keep yourself healthy by eating right kind of food, following a healthy lifestyle, and above all by keeping yourself fit. In order to be fit, you need to follow an exercise regimen. However, before you follow an exercise regimen, you need to talk to your doctor about the safety. In this article, you would know some of the best exercises for pregnancy. So, read onto know more about the recommended exercises during pregnancy.

Best Exercises During Pregnancy
If you are already exercising, then you may continue with your routine. Remember to keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minutes to avoid overheating, especially during the first trimester. Here are some of the recommended exercises:

• Kegel Exercises
  This is the best exercise for all the pregnant women. Kegel’s exercise has helped women to have an easier birth. It strengthens the muscles and develops the ability to control the muscles during the process of labor and delivery. It tones the muscles and reduces the risk of two problems i.e. hemorrhoids and bladder leaks. These exercises are recommended even after pregnancy as it promotes healing of the perineal muscles, strengthens the pelvic floor muscles, and regains the bladder control. Another best things about this exercise is that it can be done anywhere and nobody will know that you are doing some sort of exercise. So, all the pregnant women must do this exercise to get all the benefits.
• Swimming
  Most health care providers and fitness experts have stated that swimming is the most safest exercise for all the pregnant women. It keeps the body well toned without adding any further weight. It also does not stress your joints as well. While swimming, you are raising your heart rate and doing a cardiovascular exercise too. This does not cause your body to get overheated as well. Avoid water skiing or scuba diving as well.
• Walking
  Walking is another perfect exercise that is safe for your body. It is easy to walk than running as it can be easily included into your schedule. Stretch before you start. Start slowly and set realistic goals. Wear proper shoes to reduce the risk of pressure or falling on your feet.
• Running and jogging
  If you had the habit of running before pregnancy, then you can continue running. However, if you did not run before pregnancy, then you must talk to your health care provider before beginning a running program. If you start running after consulting a doctor, then make sure that you drink lots of water. Keep yourself well hydrated and avoid over-heating of the body.
• Bicycling
  This is another best exercise and the best thing about it is that the bike supports your weight. So, the stress of weight does not fall on your body. A stationary bike is another great way to exercise as there are less chances of falling. As your abdomen grows, the center of gravity shifts. So, you are at an increased risk of falling. The increased abdomen can also put a lot of pressure or stress on the abdomen. So, you need to start slowly by not over straining yourself.
• Stair Climbing Machines
  These machines can pose risk of you falling. However, the side rails provides support and balance. This is an excellent way to raise the heart rate.
• Yoga
  Prenatal yoga is known for relieving pressure and stress from the body. Most of the yoga forms are considered safe for you and the baby as long as they are not rigorous or strenuous. There are some yoga instructors, especially for pregnant women. All you need to do is to avoid lying on the back for long time. Avoid overstretching as well.



• Aerobics
  If you have participated in aerobics even before pregnancy, then you will be able to continue. However, you must speak to your health care provider before you begin a new program. Keeping the same balance during pregnancy is a bit difficult and you need to be careful or cautious. You can attend classes that are conducted exclusively for pregnant women. Most health clubs offer such classes. While exercising, do not lie flat on the back for long periods.
• Dance
  Dancing is another excellent workout that can be done at a gym, or home. There are gyms that offer special dancing classes for pregnant women. All you need to do is to avoid a lot of leaping, jumping, and spinning.

Exercises to Avoid
Though exercising is considered as the best thing to be fit during pregnancy, there are certain exercises that you must avoid. They include:

• Skiing: Downhill skiing is considered dangerous and has greater risk of falling.Though cross-country skiing is fairly considered safe, still there is a risk of falling.
• Water Skiing: Water skiing can cause abdominal injuries, especially during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
• Horseback Riding: Riding a horse is another dangerous activity as it involves quick movements and lots of jolts, which can hurt the mother and the baby as well.

Tips for Exercising During Pregnancy
Here are some of the tips that you need to follow while exercising:

• Do not wear tight clothes, but you can wear good or a fitting bra that gives proper support.
• Wear shoes that have good support and do not wear those that are slippery.
• Take deep breaths and drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
• Remember to keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minutes.
• Avoid lying on your back and jerky motions for long periods.
• Stop exercising if you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, nauseous feeling, vaginal bleeding, or contractions.

These are some of the best exercises during pregnancy. I hope that you would exercise well, eat a healthy diet, and maintain good health. Have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy