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These days many women are aware of the side effects and contraindications associated with drugs, either prescription or non-prescription medicines, and how it can affect their pregnancy adversely. However, with the list of teratogenic substances growing, it is important to have a greater understanding of how the fetus may be affected rather than just avoiding specific drugs and related substances.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are two important causes of infertility and women suffering from either condition may be concerned about their chance of falling pregnant. However, treatment options are available which may increase the chance of pregnancy in women eager to conceive.

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After delivery, most women are curious and concerned about when they will get their periods, if it will be any different from menstruation before childbirth, or whether there will be any changes in their periods if they are breastfeeding. A lot of changes take place in a woman’s body following pregnancy, childbirth and during lactation, but these changes are by no means the same in every woman.

Bloody Discharge after Childbirth

The blood stained vaginal discharge continuing after delivery is mistaken by some women as menstruation. This discharge is known as “lochia” and consists of blood mixed with mucus and endometrial tissue lining the uterus. The lochia will gradually diminish in amount in a week or two but may continue for up to 6 weeks after delivery.

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Frequent bowel movements (more than three times a day) with passage of loose, watery, or unformed stools of more than 200 grams per day is known as diarrhea. It should be taken seriously in a pregnant woman, especially if it continues for more than two days. The causes may be varied but it is important to guard against the danger of dehydration, for which treatment should be initiated promptly.
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Many women become anxious about vaginal discharge during pregnancy but usually the discharge may be considered normal if it is odorless, thin in consistency and white in color. However, vaginal discharge that is yellowish or greenish in color, looks like cottage cheese or has an unpleasant smell may indicate an infection, especially if accompanied by vaginal itching. A blood stained or brownish discharge may be a cause for concern too and needs to be brought to the doctor’s notice.
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Whether air travel is safe during pregnancy is a question that worries a lot of would-be moms. Concerns about whether it will have any adverse effect on the pregnancy such as a miscarriage or early delivery or if it can harm the baby in any way is normal. Generally speaking, in case of an uncomplicated pregnancy, travel by air is considered to be absolutely safe.
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Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes

All pregnant women should be routinely screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you fall in the high-risk category for developing diabetes during pregnancy, you will need to be tested for diabetes as soon as you become pregnant and later again at 24 to 28 weeks.

An oral glucose tolerance test involves drinking 50g of glucose solution and your blood sugar is tested after one hour. If screening is positive, you will need to take another glucose tolerance test. This will be done after you have been advised to take an unlimited carbohydrate diet for 3 days, overnight fasting, and resting for 30 minutes before the test.

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Diabetes mellitus (a condition where there is high levels of glucose in the blood) is of special concern during pregnancy because of the many risks for both mother and baby. In order to carry on a healthy pregnancy, expectant mothers should realize how important it is to maintain a normal glucose level, whether it is by diet control and exercise or with medication.

Women with established diabetes prior to pregnancy need regular monitoring of their blood sugar levels from the time pregnancy is planned – both for conceiving (Causes of Infertility) and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. If you previously had a normal blood sugar level but have developed diabetes during your pregnancy, you are suffering from a condition known as gestational diabetes. It is very possible that your blood sugar will return to normal after delivery of your baby, but there will remain a chance that you will develop diabetes in subsequent pregnancies or later in life.

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The thought of childbirth or delivery can be daunting and extremely scary, especially if this is your first baby. The uncertainty and lack of knowledge of what is transpire is the main hurdle that a first time mother has to overcome. Childbirth classes can be helpful to you prepare for this final stage of your pregnancy and answer many of your questions.

Alternatively you can discuss your concerns with your gynecologist and obstetrician who will direct you to appropriate reading material and videos on the labor process.
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Any breast swelling, whether it is on one side or both, is likely to be a cause for concern as the worry of breast cancer is always on a woman’s mind. While it is absolutely necessary for all breast swellings or lumps to be evaluated by a doctor, in most cases they do turn out to be non-threatening in nature and can be treated effectively.

It is important to note that if you do discover one sided breast swelling, with or without any palpable lumps, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or gynecologist first before you jump to any conclusions or decide to ignore it. The reality is that both breasts are not exactly the same size or shape, but it is usually such a subtle difference that it cannot be easily noticed.

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