Pregnant Quiz

Acne and acne care have long been part of adolescence and the teenage years. We’ve all heard the stories about some poor girl waking up to a horrible blemish on her nose the day before a big date. But acne strikes adults too, and acne care can actually become more difficult in adulthood. Acne is caused by clogged pores, which are often the result of oily skin. Adults are more likely to have combination skin types ranging from dry or normal to oily, and this can make acne care a challenge. Acne can also be caused by irritation to the skin from confining clothing, chafing or even shaving. Hormones are also a contributing factor, which is one of the reasons why acne is so prevalent in adolescence and why pregnant women can find themselves dealing with outbreaks and acne care. While there are many causes of this relatively harmless but nonetheless frustrating and often painful skin condition, the guidelines for acne care are pretty much the same across the board. Cleaning the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser is an important part of acne care. When suffering from acne, there is often a temptation to use astringent cleansers. Such products are generally not recommended for irritated skin. An important component of acne care is to avoid irritations to the skin which might cause new outbreaks. Oily hair should be washed regularly and be kept pulled away from the face and forehead areas when dealing with facial acne. Careful shaving is also an important component of acne care. Women who are dealing with outbreaks are often tempted to hide them with makeup. This can worsen the situation and counteract the positive effects of an acne care regimen, particularly if an oil-based makeup is used. While concealing acne with makeup can temporarily help deal with embarrassment or self-consciousness, it can hinder the healing process, so avoiding putting foundations or other makeup on the irritated area is the best bet. People who are dealing with acne are often tempted to pick at or “pop” pimples or blackheads, either because they have a misconception that this is part of effective acne care or out of a simple desire to get rid of blemishes. This temptation should be avoided at all costs, since doing so only aggravates the situation and can also lead to scarring. Even when these general guidelines are followed, even mild cases of acne can sometimes require a visit to the dermatologist. Professional acne care can include a variety of treatments including topical medications or pills. Acne can take several weeks to heal and ongoing acne care habits are encouraged to minimize future outbreaks.

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Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual Cycle For every woman, the monthly menstrual cycle is a life event that was very much a mystery to us when it began. No matter how much information our mothers gave us, or how many health education class lectures we endured, we still didn’t know. Menstrual cycles are as unique as is every woman. Not every cycle is 28 days; menstruation can start on the 26th or 30th day too. Some women have erratic menstrual cycles and they never know when it will begin. The onset of menarche usually occurs anywhere from age 9 to age 17; all girls are different in heredity, weight, activity, diet, health, etc. and this all has an influence on when menstruation occurs for the first time. It is normal for it to be irregular and not come at a regular interval for the first few months. Flow may be very light and last only a couple of days at first, then three months may go by until another menstrual cycle begins. The cycle should become more regular as the months progress, and of course, a health care provider should be consulted if irregularity continues or heavy bleeding occurs. The menstrual cycle occurs as a result of an egg being released from an ovary once every 28 days or so. As it travels through the Fallopian tubes, it approaches the uterus, which has been building up cushiony lining for the fertilized egg to implant. If a sperm does not penetrate the egg in its travels, then the unfertilized egg continues from the Fallopian tubes on through the uterus and out as the lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual cycle. If fertilization has occurred, the embryo will implant into the plump lining of the uterus where the cells will continue to divide forming a viable fetus. At this point in time, the menstrual cycle ceases until the pregnancy is brought to term or another event occurs which would cause the pregnancy to be terminated. Many women look forward to this time, because they get a break from having their monthly menstrual cycle and they get to experience pregnancy. If a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or there are other issues such as heavy bleeding, cramping, and/or prolonged cycles, options are available to regulate the cycle and control the uncomfortable symptoms that are being experienced. Most of the time, birth control pills are the first treatment option. Birth control pills are available in many different hormone combinations and strengths, and can be prescribed according to what type of menstrual cycle issue the patient is having. These pills are also fairly inexpensive making them accessible to all women. Our menstrual cycles do not have to take control of our lives. There are many options available for every unique woman. It is her choice to decide what is appropriate for her and her menstrual cycle. Ask your health care provider during your regular check ups about any questions or concerns you may have about your menstrual cycle.

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Special Baby Gifts

My niece is pregnant with her first child. She and her husband have tried to get pregnant for several years, so they are very excited about getting their family started. I was invited to a baby shower. I knew that my niece had been doing a great deal of shopping for the baby already; so I wanted to purchase special baby gifts that she had not already purchased or seen. The department stores did not offer any special baby gifts; they had items that have been around for years. I mentioned to one of the sales clerks that I needed special baby gifts for my niece’s baby. She stated that the store did have a line of infant things that can be personalized with the baby’s name. This sounded intriguing to me so I asked to see what was available in this line of merchandise. The clerk had several items in stock that she was able to show me. She showed me bibs that were embroidered with the infants name on them. She showed me a baby blanket that was embroidered with not only the baby’s name, but the date of birth and weight and length at birth. Each of these special baby gifts needed to be special ordered and would be available in a week to ten days after the order was placed. The clerk also showed me several items in a catalog including diapers that were personalized with the baby’s name. I did like the unique aspects of these special baby gifts; however the shower was going to be held prior to the baby’s birth so I would not have the information that was needed to have the items personalized. I found a small store that was filled with special baby gifts. This store had many of the same things from the department store, but they have a local seamstress that will complete the personalization within a day. I decided to purchase several of the special baby gifts. I bought the baby blanket that could have the baby’s personal information embroidered on. I also bought a picture frame that had a place to engrave the baby’s name. The picture frame also had space to frame the birth certificate next to the baby’s photo. I had the clerk wrap the gifts and she included a card with the shops name and telephone number so that my niece could have the embroidery and engraving completed once the baby was named. The shop charges a flat rate for the embroidery and engraving, which I paid for at the time of purchase. My niece would not have to pay anything to complete the personalization. My niece was very happy with the special baby gifts. She knew where the shop was, but had not gone into it. We made plans that I would go with her during her maternity leave to have the special baby gifts finished off.

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Maternity Gifts

There are a number of items that make perfect maternity gifts. Yet, few gift givers think to include them during a baby shower. If you have a pregnant friend, relative, or co-worker, consider the following options when deciding on presents. Often, during and after labor, doctors administer a drug called Pitocin to help with uterine contractions. Pitocin has a horrible side effect, water retention. Ankles and feet can swell to twice or three times their normal size. When considering maternity gifts, look at wide, comfortable slippers with good traction. Often, buying footwear a size larger than normal will work best. Even if the new mother only wears these slippers for the duration of the swelling, having a larger pair of footwear can be a treasure. Pregnancy is a trying time. Emotions vary from minute to minute. Another great idea for maternity gifts is an afternoon out. You can buy the mother-to-be a gift certificate to a local spa or her favorite store. Dining out or attending a movie are also great ideas for maternity gifts. The idea is to get the mom-to-be away from work or errands and allow her to think only of herself. Even if the time away is only an hour, every minute can help reduce stress. She will definitely thank you for it! Preparing for a child takes time and energy. The first few months of pregnancy are exhausting. Impending moms constantly fight the urge to sleep, and the rest of that first trimester usually includes frequent trips to the toilet or wastebasket. Paying for a temporary housecleaning service is another wonderful idea when trying to decide on unforgettable maternity gifts. Having someone else keep up with the housekeeping can lighten a mother-to-be’s load. Here is an excellent idea for your maternity gifts list. Carrying extra water, baby, and placenta weight can be tiring on the feet and calves. Consider purchasing a massaging footbath for the mother-to-be. These relaxing devices make exceptional maternity gifts for a woman with space to store the massager between uses. The blend of soothing massaging nodes and water jets help alleviate aches and pains. Any mom-to-be will greatly appreciate this item. My friend loved a present I bought her for her baby shower. While every other gift at her shower was meant for the baby, I found loungewear in a local maternity store. Her comfortable wear had become huge t-shirts and sweatpants, and that attire was making her feel frumpy. Among the maternity gifts I purchased, I bought a set of attractive loungewear that would work during the remainder of her pregnancy and contained breastfeeding flaps for after. This outfit became her favorite of all the maternity gifts she received that day.

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Early Signs of Menopause

Early Signs of Menopause The early signs of menopause usually begin to occur around the age of forty. Many women report first noticing hot flashes and vaginal dryness; these two symptoms are cardinal early signs of menopause according to Real Age Menopause Center, at www.menopause.realage.com. Other women may notice an increase in irritability or edginess, in addition to emotional swings that come and go as frequently as hot flashes. Other early signs of menopause are monthly cycles becoming irregular or having less flow than usual. Not one woman I know would complain about their period lightening up or stopping completely. That’s one nice thing about being pregnant, you don’t have to deal with it for nine months! A hysterectomy can take care of it too, for good! Women who begin to experience early signs of menopause before the age of forty experience the same symptoms as older women, however, they are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and fractures, and ovarian cancer. These woman may be experiencing early signs of menopause because they underwent chemotherapy or radiation, or had a hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). The hormones that regulate ovulation and menstruation are no longer stimulated to be produced because of interference by the cancer treatment, or because of physical removal of the ovaries. There are many treatment options available to help alleviate some of the symptoms and early signs of menopause, such as estrogen or hormone replacement therapy, soy consumption, and other herbal supplements and therapies. Strategies proven to help minimize early signs of menopause include a low fat diet, regular aerobic exercise, stress reduction, such as meditation or yoga, and increased consumption of soy based products. Tofu, soy milk and cheese, miso, and meat substitutes all are rich in phytoestrogens which are just as effective as traditional hormone replacement therapies in treating early signs of menopause. Menopause is a time to look forward, to not having to plan around that ‘time of the month’, whether it comes naturally, or it is induced by other means. It is a part of life many women enjoy because they are released in some way, they can be more spontaneous in a sense, and not burdened by always thinking about protection from either getting pregnant or from spotting through on your clothes. I don’t know any women who would miss that either. Check the many online sites that have information readily available on the early signs of menopause, and just about anything else you need to know regarding your reproductive health. Here’s to you!