Dispelling Birth Control Pill Myths

June 10th, 2011 Posted in Pregnancy
No Comments
Share

There have been some contentions about the long term effects or birth control pills. Women in particular should be enlightened about the myths that have been hovering around for quite some time now. This has also been one of the most studied topics in the medical field. Some studies also indicate that the lack of knowledge or the belief in these myths account for some unwanted pregnancies all throughout the world. Women need to be properly educated on this matter so that they may dispel whatever misconceptions that they have when it comes to birth control pills.

One of the most common thoughts about birth control pills is that women will gain weight. Research indicates that it is not the pill itself that makes women to gain some weight. Although it may make them feel bloated because of the estrogen that is contained in it; it is not the cause. Birth control pills contain progestin as well which increases the appetite of women. Their increased appetite may bring weight gain if they do not control their food intake. Some women may retain more water while they are on the pill. However, they can correct this by taking lower doses instead.

Women may also believe in the myth that they should take a break after several years of taking birth control pills. However, medical experts believe that women may take it for more than fifteen years without any problem. Those who choose to have a break from it are at risk of getting pregnant especially when they are sexually active. They may also have to adjust again when they resume taking pills. Some women also think that birth control pills are not safe and that they may cause some birth defects. The pill has been proven by medical experts to be safe and may also bring other benefits as well.

Women at times blame birth control pills for their infertility. At times, the cause may be due to age related factors especially when the fertility period starts to slow down. Women may not also be aware that they already have some problems with fertility even before they started taking birth control pills. Women need to consult with their doctors if they would like to take birth control pills. There are different brands and these may contain different levels of hormones which may affect the body systems of women. One particular brand may have some side effects on some women but not to others.

Women who smoke should see their doctors first if they would be allowed to take birth control pills. Smoking may increase their chances of suffering from a stroke especially when they are about 35 years old or more. They may be given the appropriate kinds and doses of pills that are suitable for them. These are some of the myths about birth control pills that should be dispelled. Women should be very honest with their doctors as to their conditions or their lifestyles. Their doctors will be able to recommend the right brand or kind and the right dose for them.

Share
, , ,
Read More

Developmental Stages in Pregnancy

June 10th, 2011 Posted in Pregnancy
No Comments
Share

Learning about the different stages in pregnancy will help women to care more about themselves and their babies before they are born. Women may undergo different experiences as their unborn babies grow and develop in their wombs. For the first trimester, pregnant women may crave for particular foods. They may also feel moody at times because of some hormonal changes taking place inside their bodies. At this time, their babies’ brain and their spinal cord are being developed. The heart and the lungs also start to be formed. Their fingers, toes as well as their arms and legs are slowly developed too. By day 25, the babies inside the womb start to have heart beats.

The second trimester during the developmental stages in pregnancy will not be too difficult for pregnant women. They will have lesser morning sickness episodes and other symptoms. Pregnant women may now have more appetite and would start to gain weight. Their bellies tend to grow bigger at this time. The babies inside the womb would start to grow their eyelashes and their eyebrows. They may also have their fingernails developed and they may be able to make a fist already. By the 28th week, pregnant women may feel their babies kicking inside. Their babies may also start sucking their thumbs and may open and close their eyelids.

Pregnant women’s belly will grow fast during the last developmental stages in pregnancy. At times, they may feel some pains especially on the lower part of their bodies. Pregnant women may also feel the first signs of milk coming out of their breasts. Their babies inside have now fully developed and continue to grow. Babies may now open and close their eyes but they could only see some blurry light. By the end of the last trimester, pregnant women may feel the pressure of the weight of their babies in their pelvic area. Their babies are now getting in position for delivery.

Women should know what is happening in each of the different stages in pregnancy. Their knowledge will help them ease the pains and aches. They will also have the opportunity to prepare for their delivery without undue stress. As they monitor the progress of their babies with the help of their doctors, they may be able to prevent complications especially during the delivery period. Pregnancy may also be a wonderful experience to women who are ready to undergo the process. Their knowledge about the things to expect and to feel during the different stages in pregnancy will be of an advantage to them throughout the process.

 

Share
, , , ,
Read More

Pregnancy and Substance Abuse

June 9th, 2011 Posted in Pregnancy
No Comments
Share

Pregnancy and Substance Abuse

A lot of people may have a difficult time understanding that pregnancy and substance abuse abound in any society today. Some pregnant women make use of illicit drugs that may include cocaine, marijuana as well as ecstasy or amphetamines. These pregnant women may be aware of the dangers of these drugs not only to themselves but to their unborn babies as well. However, they cannot stop the urge to indulge in their addiction. Babies may come out prematurely while other babies may be born with defects. Babies may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they are born. Other babies may have learning as well as behavioral problems as they grow. At times, the abuse of these substances by pregnant women can be fatal for their babies as well.

Pregnancy and substance abuse also cover women who take in alcohol and smoke tobacco. Pregnant women who are addicted to drugs may also be into alcohol and tobacco abuse. The effects of all of these substances on the unborn child may be very serious. Marijuana may be the most used substance by pregnant women. This substance may slow down the growth and the development of the fetus. Babies who are exposed to marijuana before birth may exhibit excessive crying and trembling. They may also show signs of withdrawal from the substance when they are born.

Pregnancy and substance abuse also include the use of ecstasy and amphetamines. Some studies have shown that babies who are exposed to these may be born with congenital heart defects. The weight of the babies at birth may be lower than the normal range and they may also have smaller head circumference than the normal size. Children with smaller head size are believed to have more learning problems as they grow. Methamphetamines may cause some complications such as problems with the placenta. Other physical defects may include cleft palate though there are still no proofs as to this defect.

Pregnancy and substance abuse such as heroin also contribute to complications and birth defects. Babies also show other signs of substance exposure such as trembling and diarrhea. They may also experience vomiting, irritability as well as incessant crying or some seizure episodes. Babies are also at a risk of sudden death. Pregnant women who make use of cocaine have a higher chance of having a miscarriage or undergo preterm labor. Their babies are at risk of having learning disabilities. Babies may also be at risk of mental retardation as well as cerebral palsy.

There are still other substances that are abused by pregnant women aside from these. Though women may have a choice as to the lifestyle they would like to live, that sad part is that their babies do not have this privilege of choosing. It would all depend on their mothers and the chance that they would like to give to their babies to have healthy and normal lives. Pregnancy and substance abuse is something that mothers should think about. Pregnant women live, sleep and eat not only for themselves but also for the unborn inside their wombs.

 

Share
, ,
Read More
Older Entries
Newer Entries