Menstruation During Pregnancy: Misconception Or Truth?

Menstruation during pregnancy? Is this a misconception or truth? I have often heard women ask questions about this possibility. In fact some have reported to have ‘heard’ a case reported by another woman, maybe a friend or relative.

This article seeks to consider the likelihood of this occurrence and the main premise or assumption that drives this thought amongst most women.

Misconception or Truth?

By principle, menstruation during pregnancy is simply out of place. It is actually an oxymoron indeed. It is prudent however to really ‘never say never’ but some affirmations are necessary to guide our daily lives and avoid confusion.

The uprising of this question of menses during pregnancy is not really because it is a complex issue to understand. It is simply because by mouth-to-mouth women talk, it has gained some popularity amongst women and almost appears as though it is true. In fact what drives this is word of mouth that …’ some relative here or a friend there has reported having had her period during pregnancy”.

Not All Vaginal Bleeding Is Menses

The major error in this misconception is that proponents of this idea call any brief uterine bleeding “menses”. Even in a woman who is not pregnant, menses is not synonymous to vaginal bleeding. Menstrual bleed is a well-defined physiologic process resulting from known hormonal interactions. Menses is just one type of  bleeding through the vagina, which is not a disease!

The different types of uterine  bleeding result from different mechanisms. Pregnancy hormones make menses not to be possible. In fact the very presence of pregnancy abolishes menses. Why? The typical hormonal pattern during the menstrual cycle that results in menses cannot occur during pregnancy. Bleeding not caused by this known hormonal interplay is not menses, though still vaginal bleeding of another cause.

It is important to recognize this because any “menstrual-like” bleeding during pregnancy warrants medical attention. Mislabeling it menstruation may result in adverse outcomes. However, there are minor vaginal bleeding episodes that may occur during pregnancy.

Beware Of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy may have multiple causes. As a matter of fact, bleeding during pregnancy should not be taken lightly because of its potential   adverse impact on both the mother and the embryo or fetus.

The severity and likely causes of bleeding during pregnancy vary with the age of the pregnancy. One very common cause of vaginal bleeding that most women often mistake for menses during pregnancy is the mild 13th day bleeding from the implanted embryo during early pregnancy. Since it coincides with the date of expected menses  for most women with cycles about 27 to 30 days, it is very easy to take this for menstruation.

There are also known causes of  bleeding through the vagina, even intermittent bleeding such as placenta previa ( diagnosed in third trimester) which may be preceded by intermittent short periods of vaginal bleeding during the second trimester.

Therefore, a basic statement to retain is that ‘not all vaginal bleeding episode  is menstruation’. The very presence of a pregnancy physiologically makes it impossible for the hormonal process necessary for menstruation.  Normal menstruation is a precise physiologic process driven by a known interplay of hormones.

Find More Pregnancy Questions Articles

Is It Safe to Perform Exercise During Pregnancy? Try Out Yoga When You Are Pregnant

Pregnant women often question about, “Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?” Research has been made in this context which shows positive signs of exercising during pregnancy. Today, yoga is best type of exercise and is benefiting the people lot. Yoga is very beneficial for pregnant ladies also. Benefits of exercise during pregnancy are futuristic in their approach, i.e. it helps the women in their postnatal phase and maintain fitness and desired body shape by shedding the additional flab they got during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and exercise can go hand in hand very well. But the major question is how to exercise during pregnancy. The techniques can be learned from trainers and experts. Pregnancy & exercise can be combined by modifying them to compensate to each other.

It means that a pregnant lady can gain agility and flexibility by performing a safe pregnancy exercise routine without much effort. It helps in reducing pains and aches. Yoga keeps your body agile and flexible which is the basic requisite to attain fitness. Some of the benefits of a yoga regime during pregnancy can be:

It helps in keeping the body agile and flexible during pregnancy.
It reduces the possibility of gaining hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy.
It helps in relieving pains.
It helps in delivering normally, and reduces the possibility of complications if any.
The weight gain during pregnancy is a critical issue for every woman. A pregnancy exercise routine helps in shedding the weight gained till then and prevents the body from other related ailments also.

In the view of many renowned trainers and researchers, walking is the best exercise for any pregnant woman. Pregnant women are advised to walk for at least an hour everyday. And walks should be done during early morning or late evenings in fresh air only.

Sex During Pregnancy

Very often pregnant women and their partners have this question in mind: is sex during pregnancy safe? The answer is “yes”. If you have a normal pregnancy, it is safe to have sexual intercourse throughout pregnancy. Sex during pregnancy does not hurt the baby or cause miscarriages. These are some of the many myths associated with this activity. However, sometimes it is not only better, but necessary, to avoid sex while you are pregnant. For e.g., if you or your partner have an infectious disease, that may be transmitted during intercourse, such as herpes or AIDS, you should not indulge in sex during pregnancy. Some men feel that their partners lose interest in having intimate physical relations while they are carrying a baby in their wombs. But, is this true? “Yes and no”; it depends upon and varies from woman-to-woman and on the gestational period.

Some women feel that pregnancy reduces their desire for making love, while others experience similar intensity of desire as before. Few women postpone sex out of fear of hurting the baby, though this hardly has any detrimental effect on the little one. If you are afraid, you may opt for other forms of stimulation, such as oral sex or masturbation. But you need to know the limits to follow during all these activities. How do you find out reliable answers to all these and many more questions on sexual intimacy during pregnancy? You might be shy to ask about them or do not know whom to turn to.

Even after your baby is born, you may want to know when it is safe to resume your sex life. Apart from physical relations, you may want to get answers on questions about your baby, such as how to take care of the little one, what to do if your baby has high fever and so on. What matters most here is getting sound advice. But this may not be possible during all times of the day. So, if you are a blessed to-be mom or dad, here’s an extremely useful resource on pregnancy, parenting and women’s health topics. The content is reviewed by medical professionals and, what’s more, you can send in your own query and get answers from experts in all fields of medicine.

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Exercise During Pregnancy Helps you Keep Healthy

If you pregnant, it is natural that you will have several questions in your mind about pregnancy symptoms, exercise, diet and what to do and what not to do during pregnancy. Moreover, the first thing that comes to your mind is whether it is safe to exercise during pregnancy, as you want to stay fit and in shape but without compromising on the health of your unborn baby.

Exercise During Pregnancy – Myth Broken

It is a myth that exercising during pregnancy can be harmful to the unborn as well as the mother. In fact, exercising during pregnancy is beneficial for both the mother and the child, as it not only reduces physical discomfort, but also reduces stress and labor length. Here is a list of general frequently asked questions with answers about exercise during pregnancy:

Is It Safe To Do Workouts During Pregnancy?

Working out during pregnancies is not only safe but also healthy if you do not have any complications during the pregnancy period. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor or mid-wives and take their approval.

Why Is Exercise Necessary During Pregnancy?

As per a research, working out or mild exercise during pregnancy helps in reducing backaches and swelling of ankles, and constipation, which are some of the most common problems faced by pregnant women. In addition, it also gives energy and makes you feel fresh.

Does Exercise Help During Pregnancy?

The answer is ‘Yes’. Exercising during pregnancy promotes muscles, strength, and endurance, thereby, helping the mother to carry the weight gained during pregnancy.

I Do A Rigorous Workout. Is It Safe During Pregnancy?

According to a study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, healthy, well-conditioned women who exercised before pregnancy may continue to do so throughout pregnancy, without compromising their baby’s health or development.

For How Long Should I Exercise?

The workout should be approximately 45 minutes long and should include warm-ups, the actual workout and cool downs.

What Precautions Do I Need To Take While Exercising During Pregnancy, As I Had Never Worked Out Before?

Talk to doctor or midwife, and as far as you have the permission to proceed from them, you can engage yourself in mild exercise, like walking or swimming.

Immediately After The Birth Of My Child, What Exercises Can I Do To Regain My Shape?

Make sure you are physically ready before you start with the process of regaining you shape. Once you think you are fit to start with the exercise, begin with stretching and firming exercises and then gradually adding to the second set of exercises.

Just remember that you need to follow normal exercise safety aspects like, drinking lots of water, stopping immediately if you feel any pain etc. Most importantly, remember to speak to your doctor before starting any exercise regime.

Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy – How To Cure & How To Prevent

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy is a common condition afflicting millions of women around the globe. And if you have suffered from hemorrhoids before pregnancy, what you probably don’t want to hear is that the likelihood of you having them during or after the birth, is increased.

 

But the good news is that the risk of hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be greatly minimized, if not completely prevented.

 

Some women only experience hemorrhoids after birth, brought about the pressure from pushing during the second stage of labour, but hemorrhoids in pregnancy occur for many reasons:

 

1. An expanding uterus puts pressure on the pelvic veins – in particular, the inferior vena cava. This large vein on the right side of the body receives its blood flow from the lower limbs.

The pressure on this vein often means that the return of blood from the lower part of the body is weakened.

In turn, this increases the pressure in the veins below the uterus and results in them becoming more distended. This can produce hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

 

2. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the hormone progesterone. Progesterone slows down the intestinal tract – food is not digested as quickly, resulting in constipation.

In its turn, constipation tends to cause straining – and straining puts pressure on the rectal veins, producing hemorrhoids.

In addition, this increased level of progesterone in the body causes a relaxation of the walls of the veins, allowing them to swell more easily.

The combination of these two factors, means hemorrhoids can easily occur if preventative measures are not taken.

 

3. Some women find they are less active during pregnancy, and their food intake increases more than necessary. The combination of these two factors, along with the above-mentioned effects of increased progesterone, create an unbalanced digestive system.

 

However, from personal experience and that of consulting thousands of others, I know hemorrhoids during pregnancy are almost always preventable.

Ideally, it’s best to start an anti-hemorrhoid regime before becoming pregnant. Your body will actually benefit from this in many more ways, other than just preventing hemorrhoids.

Of course, you should always consult your doctor before undertaking any form of treatment or exercise.

 

These are my top 6 tips for preventing and treating hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

 

1. The use of natural supplements to strengthen the veins has proven extremely effective in clinical trials – they’ve worked better than placebos and drugs.

If you are already pregnant and experiencing hemorrhoids, these same supplements can be taken to relieve pain, swelling and bleeding. They have shown no side effects in studies.

There are also natural supplements which possess astringent qualities – these have been found to be highly effective in tightening the tissues of the swollen veins.

 

2. The use of natural supplements to aid the digestive process will help improve a sluggish metabolism. In turn, this will help reduce, if not completely, prevent, constipation.

 

3. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic area. This will help increase blood flow in this region and keep veins more elastic. Also, these exercises will help during the birth process, and minimize excess pressure.

 

4. Sleep or rest on your left side – this will help alleviate pressure on the inferior vena cava, and increase blood circulation from the lower body.

 

5. Avoid constipation and straining – get plenty of fluids and fiber and some suitable exercise – walking is great. Straining on the toilet needs to be avoided as much as possible. Sitting on the toilet for longer than necessary can also cause extra pressure on the rectal veins, so avoid this.

 

6. Avoid sitting for long periods of time – this can cause congestion in the rectal veins. Try to walk if only for a few minutes every hour or so.

 

One of the questions I am most commonly asked by women suffering from hemorrhoids during pregnancy is: Will my hemorrhoids go away after the birth?

My answer is always the same: Of course, it depends on the individual, but the more you do before, during and then after your pregnancy to minimize weakening of the veins, the better your chance of those veins returning to their normal size.

 

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are not inevitable – it is not necessary to suffer with them as though they are just a normal part of having a baby.

Neither is it necessary to suffer with hemorrhoids during pregnancy because you are concerned about the side-effects of drugs. The many natural treatments that are available have been the subject of many well-conducted clinical trials, producing highly effective results.

 

Pregnancy and the birth of your new child should be an enjoyable time of your life. Hemorrhoids can be particularly painful – don’t allow them to intrude on your happiness when there are effective options easily available.

 

 

 

Pregnancy and hemorrhoids are a common combination.

 

If you have suffered from hemorrhoids before pregnancy, what you probably won’t want to hear is that the likelihood of you having them during or after the birth, is increased.

 

But the good news is that the risk of hemorrhoids in pregnancy can be greatly minimized, if not completely prevented.

 

Some women only experience hemorrhoids after birth, brought about the pressure from pushing during the second stage of labour, but hemorrhoids in pregnancy occur for many reasons:

 

1. An expanding uterus puts pressure on the pelvic veins – in particular, the inferior vena cava. This large vein on the right side of the body receives its blood flow from the lower limbs.

The pressure on this vein often means that the return of blood from the lower part of the body is weakened.

In turn, this increases the pressure in the veins below the uterus and results in them becoming more distended. This produces hemorrhoids.

 

2. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the hormone progesterone. Progesterone slows down the intestinal tract – food is not digested as quickly, resulting in constipation.

In its turn, constipation tends to cause straining – and straining puts pressure on the rectal veins, producing hemorrhoids.

In addition, this increased level of progesterone in the body causes a relaxation of the walls of the veins, allowing them to swell more easily.

The combination of these two factors, means hemorrhoids in pregnancy can easily occur if preventative measures are not taken.

 

3. Some women find they are less active during pregnancy, and their food intake increases more than necessary. The combination of these two factors, along with the above-mentioned effects of increased progesterone, create an unbalanced digestive system.

 

However, from personal experience and that of consulting thousands of others, I know hemorrhoids in pregnancy are almost always preventable.

Ideally, it’s best to start an anti-hemorrhoid regime before becoming pregnant. Your body will actually benefit from this in many more ways, other than just preventing hemorrhoids.

Of course, you should always consult your doctor before undertaking any form of treatment or exercise.

 

These are my top 6 tips for preventing and treating hemorrhoids in pregnancy.

 

1. The use of natural supplements to strengthen the veins has proven extremely effective in clinical trials – they’ve worked better than placebos and drugs.

If you are already pregnant and experiencing hemorrhoids, these same supplements can be taken to relieve pain, swelling and bleeding. They have shown no side effects in studies.

There are also natural supplements which possess astringent qualities – these have been found to be highly effective in tightening the tissues of the swollen veins.

 

2. The use of natural supplements to aid the digestive process will help improve a sluggish metabolism. In turn, this will help reduce, if not completely prevent, constipation. Hemorrhoids in pregnancy will be much less likely to bother you if you have a happy stomach.

 

3. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic area also aids in reducing hemorrhoids in pregnancy. This will help increase blood flow in this region and keep veins more elastic. Also, these exercises will help during the birth process, and minimize excess pressure.

 

4. Sleep or rest on your left side – this will help alleviate pressure on the inferior vena cava, and increase blood circulation from the lower body. This small adjustment can make a big difference for those suffering hemorrhoids in pregnancy.

 

5. Avoid constipation and straining – get plenty of fluids and fiber and some suitable exercise – walking is great. Straining on the toilet needs to be avoided as much as possible. Sitting on the toilet for longer than necessary can also cause extra pressure on the rectal veins, so avoid this if you want to help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids in pregnancy.

 

6. Avoid sitting for long periods of time – this can cause congestion in the rectal veins. Try to walk if only for a few minutes every hour or so.

 

One of the questions I am most commonly asked by women suffering from hemorrhoids in pregnancy is: Will my hemorrhoids go away after the birth?

My answer is always the same: Of course, it depends on the individual, but the more you do before, during and then after your pregnancy to minimize weakening of the veins, the better your chance of those veins returning to their normal size.

 

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy are not inevitable – it is not necessary to suffer with them as though they are just a normal part of having a baby.

Neither is it necessary to suffer with hemorrhoids in pregnancy because you are concerned about the side-effects of drugs. The many natural treatments that are available have been the subject of many well-conducted clinical trials, producing highly effective results.

 

Pregnancy and the birth of your new child should be an enjoyable time of your life. Hemorrhoids can be particularly painful – don’t allow them to intrude on your happiness when there are effective options easily available.

 

Related Pregnancy Questions Articles

Cervical Alterations During Pregnancy in Small Ruminants

Cervical alterations during pregnancy in Small Ruminants

 

P. Goswami and G. M. Wani

Directorate of Extension Education,

SKUAST-K, Shalimar Srinagar

 

 

The cervix uteri is a thick walled fibromascular tube connecting the body of the uterus and vagina. It a muscular organ composed of connective tissues predominantly elastic fibres. In the non pregnant ewes, the cervical canal is impassable except during oestrous. Five or six hard prominences within the canal assist the sphincter effect of the cervix (Nickel, Schummer & Seiferle, 1973). During the course of gestration, the length of cervix increases and in late pregnancy the wall becomes thicker, with an overall increase in the compliances of the tissues (Cloete, 1939; Abusineina, 1969). This may be related to disaggregation of densely packed collagen fibre in the cervix of pre-partum ewe. This paper will focus some of the important physical and microscopical changes occurred in the cervix of small ruminants during pregnancy

 

Anatomy of the cervix:

The cervix separates the uterus from the vagina. During pregnancy, it seals and protects the embryo and fetus from the external environment. The gross and microscopic anatomy of the cervix has been studied by various workers. The casts of the inside of the cervical lumen shows its convulated structure consisting five to six circular folds and the second fold being eccentric  to the other concentric folds and acting as physiological barrier. The cervical fold in small ruminants varies from five to six folds. In cow four large circular and 15-25 longitudinal primary folds each with many secondary and tertiary folds are present. Cervical mucosa is generally characterized by longitudinal primary fold and most of which maintained continuity throughout the cervix.  Superimposed on these secondary folds which is varied in length and depth. Abundant shallow uniformity and parallel longitudinal grooves covers all surface.

 

 

Morphological changes in the cervix:

Three major changes generally observe in cervix during pregnancy. These are described as growth (physical increase in length and breadth). Softening (changes in tensile properties) and dilation to allow passage of the foetus. The study carried out by different workers showed that ovine cervix shows an increase in width and length in the later stages of pregnancy. The analysis of the constituency of cervices shows increase softening from the mid pregnancy and there after firmness of cervix losses.

A small increase in the degree of hydration of the cervix or dry weight at different gestrational stages has been reported by Fosang et. al. (1994), ward 1968. This may be due to increased tissue mass rather than increase in size of water content. However some author reported no significant changes/differences in water content of the cervices from non pregnant to pregnant animals. The physical chemical and histological properties of cervix are constant throughout the length of cervix. However, Basset (1958) reported morphological changes in the fibroblast of the broad and sacro-iliac ligament by the 60th day of pregnancy but this information is not supported on ultrastructural studies.

 

Light Microscopical changes: 

Morphologically the most prominent feature of non pregnant cervix is heavy, densely packed collagen fibre interspersed with fibroblast (fig.3 ). Small blood vessels are present throughout the depth of the tissue, but most numerous in deepest layer. Smooth muscle bundle are running both longitudinally and transversely in the middle and deeper layer. The figure represents a wall of non pregnant cervix. The lining epithelium is low columnar and secrets neutral  mucin. The sub epithelial connective tissue is vascular and contains variety of cells including eosinophil, macrophages, mast cells and plasma cells. The greater proportion of cervical wall is composed of dense fibrous connective tissue consisting of compactly arranged collagen fibre with some fibrocytes and occasional fibroblast embeds in sparse ground substance. The individually arranged smooth muscle fibre forms an incomplete muscularies of which the outer fibre is longer and more prominent than inner fibre. The electron microscopically the collagen fibre shows very compact in arrangement and the scarcity of the ground substance and the presence of fibrocytes. Fosang et. al . opined that there is no significant changes observe between proximal, middle and distal portion of cervix irrespective of stain used. The best stain normally use for differentiation between collagen fibre and the smooth muscle bundle are Massons’ Trichrome stain, where the alignment of the collagen fibre along with villi shows projecting towards lumen. In general collagen fibre are large and closely spaced and are organized either longitudinally or obliquely. Section stained with Toludine Blue stain revels metachromatic staining along the collagen fibrils with strong staining of epithelial cells associated mucus. The morphological changes donot become apparent until quite late in the gestration period. The description of non pregnant cervix applied equally to the connective tissues observed in the early stages of pregnancy even to 100 days.  

                                                             

Fig. Pregnant cervix showing

      

Fig: Dense Collagen fibre, inner circular & longitudinal muscular layer with epithelium H&E 4X

Fig. Central cervix Transverse section Loosening of epithelium and collagens layer H&E  (pregnant)

 

 

 

 

 

The histological section at 100 days of pregnancy revels no virtually distinguish alteration from that of non pregnant cervix (Calder et. al).  The tall columnar cervical epitheliums are the only changes represents in pregnancy and the secretions are a mixture of acid and neutral mucin. Acidity increases with the pregnancy age. Tissue breakdown and destruction of collagen networks is evident at 140 days of pregnancy. The cells are more widely spaced (empty area) and the collagen fibre losing their organization exposing smooth muscle cells. This can be best seen with Massons’ Trichrome. The infiltrating cell at this stage are lymphocytes and monocytes and few eosinophils. In late gestration increased fibroblast activity, smooth muscle hypertrophy, vascular edema and dissolution of collagen fibre bundle are reported by various worker. These findings contrasted with the rigid fibromuscular tissue observe in the non pregnant animals. The appearance of thinner fibre and empty areas between fibres in late pregnancy is lead to decrease concentrations of hydroxyproline in tissue. Collagen fibre dissolution in pregnant cervix has been extensively reported in several species and many authors have reported that active collagenolysis occurring during pregnancy may be the underlying mechanism of cervical softening. Ellowed et al (1981) have shown that ovine cervical explants produce both latent and active collagenase activity, with greater yields of activity in parturient tissue compared with the late pregnancy after 3-5 days in culture. Inflammatory cells invading cervix towards late gestration provide a potential source of collagenase and neutral protinease activity. Eosinophils also have been described as potential bearer of specific collagenase which may be responsible for collagen catabolism (Basset, 1972). At the term the disruption of collagen fibre are more even pronounced with virtually no large fibre remaining. In Haematoxyline & Eosin stain sectioned it sometimes appears very little or no collagen at all. But very little and small fibrils arranging random pattern are seen in Massons’ Trichrome stains. In this stage there is heavy infiltration of inflammatory cells among which eosinophils predominant. An area of haemorrhage is also a constant finding along with infiltrating cells. In late pregnancy there is complete network of subepithelial capillaries with a marked increase in the size of the vessels in the outer part of the cervical wall.

 

Ultrastructure feature:

Ultrastructuraly, non pregnant cervix reveals the typical dense connective tissue with collagen aggravated in closely packed fascicles and fibrocytes embedded in sparse ground substance. The ultrastructural characteristic in late pregnancy are presence of rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria,plasmalemmal vesicle and extensive branching of individual fibres in contrast to the absence of these feature in muscle fibres of the non-pregnant cervix. This description is also similar to early pregnancy stage. The ultrastructural analyses of the cervical connective tissue reflects active changes in tissues, with a reorganization of the cervix prior to the functional changes at parturition.

 

 

 

Changes in collagen concentration:

The biochemical analysis of hydroxyproline in tissue can be used for collagen concentrations. Study carried out by Regassa et al. (1983) shows the total collagen content of cervix at all stages of pregnancy is significantly greater than that of caruncular mean and the intercaruncular areas. The concentration of hydroxyproline is not changed in cervix during Ist trimester of pregnancy. However the concentration of hydroxyproline progressively decreases at days 100, 140 days and in post partum tissues as compared to the non pregnant tissue(Fosang et. al 1984). The concentration is same between proximal, middle or distal region of the pregnant and non pregnant cervix.

In conclusion it is summarized that uterine cervix of small ruminants became softer during the pregnancy and that some associated changes first appear in early gestartion. There is no significant changes in water content through pregnancy although light increases is associated with cervical size and softening of the tissue. Physical and histological properties are identical in all section along the length of cervix. The changes associated with increasing length of gestration are absolute increase in width and length, relative increases in fibroblasts, smooth muscle and softening; relative decreases in collagen and fibrocytes. But increased vascularisation without any white cell infiltration of the tissue is specifically associated with late gestration.

 

 

REFERENCES

Abusineina M.E. (1969) Effect of pregnancy on the dimendions and weight of the cervix uteri of sheep. British Vet. J 125, 21-24

 

Amanda J. Fosang, Christopher J. H. Vivien S., Dennis A. L. and Geoffery D. T. (1984) pregnancy related changes in connective tissue of ovine cervix. Biology of reproduction 30, 1223-1225

 

Aughey, E, Munro, C. D., Calder, A. A., Coutts, J R. T. & Fleming, R (1981). The histology and ultrastructure of the pregnant sheep cervix uteri. J. of Anatomy 132, 448

 

Basset, E. G. (1958) Gestational changes in connective tissue. Nature 181, 196-197

 

Cloete, J.H.L. (1939) prenatal growth in the merino sheep onderstepoort journal  of veterinary science & animal industry 13, 417-543

 

Calder A.A., Aughey E. Coutts J. Fleming R and Munors C.(1983) Changes pattern of cervix on pregnancy J. Anat (1983) 136, 2 389-399

 

Ellwood D.A., Anderson, ABM, Mitchell and Turnbill A.C. (1981) Prostanoids, collagenase and cervical softening in sheep. Am. J. Obst. Gyneol. 10:281-287

 

Hollingsworth, M. (1981) Softening of rat cervix during pregnancy. In the cervix in pregnancy and labour- clinical and biochemical investigations (ed. D. A. Ellwood & A.B.M. Anderson) pp.13-33 Edinburg

 

K. June Mullins, R. G. Saacke (1988) Study of the functional anatomy of bovine cervical mucosa with special reference to mucus secretion and sperm transport Journal of Reproduction and Fertility (1979) 57 261-266

  

Karen Sohan , Rebecca Wiggins and Peter Soothill (1999), Cervical Physiology in pregnancy and labour. Foetal and Maternal Medicine review 11: 135-141 Cambridge

 

 More J (1984) Anatomy and Histology of the cervix uteri of ewe: A new insight Acta. Anat (basal) 120 (3). 156-9

 

Nickel, R., Schummer A. & Seiferle E., (1981) The viscera of domestic animals pp.358 and 361 berlin verlag Paul Pavey.

 

Regassa F. and Noakes D. E.(1983) Changes in the weight, collagen concentration and content of the uterus and cervix of ewe during pregnancy. J Biology 73, 221-25

 

 

Related Stages Of Pregnancy Articles

Headache During Pregnancy

Natural remedies you can try include the application of a warm compress over the eyes, forehead, and nose (for sinus headaches), or a cold compress to back of the neck (to help with tension headaches). You may want to take a warm shower or bath, or get a neck and shoulder massage. Meditation and/or relaxing in a darkened room may also provide some relief. Coconut water is also excellent for re-hydration.It is important to contact your doctor if you do not achieve any relief from the methods described above. Furthermore, do not take any OTC pain relievers unless you have been given the go-ahead.

A migraine headache during pregnancy can mean any number of things. Your body is going through some major changes and hormones are flooding your body at unpredictable times and causing all sorts of physiological changes. That being said, a migraine headache can result from this but you might also get a migraine from external factors.

If you are looking to ease those aches that you are having in your head, then there are a number of different things you can do. Are you experiencing levels of stress? If so, then you should try to reduce it. If you have not been getting an adequate amount of sleep, then you need to try your bet to sleep. If you feel tired during the day time, then feel free to take you a little nap. In order to avoid that low blood sugar, you should make sure you eat regularly.

Do you suffer from pregnancy stretch marks or are you trying to prevent them? Most women are embarrassed by their stretch marks and find them very ugly. If you are stressed about your stretch marks or desperate to avoid getting them in the first place during your pregnancy check out the website below. Don’t settle for less than normal looking, beautiful skin.

Relax – This is the time in your life that you should enjoy the most, being pregnant and pampered. Yes, I know pregnancy can be stressful because you are constantly worried, Am I eating properly? Is the baby ok? Can I do this? Can I do that? Women deliver healthy babies every day and as long as you have no symptoms or warning signs of a problem you should be just fine so stay calm and enjoy the nine month journey. Stress can trigger a headache.

Your body is going through major hormonal changes during the early stages of pregnancy and this can cause headaches for some women, equally, some women who regularly suffer with headaches may find they are reduced. The main causes of headaches during pregnancy are related to your overall health; tiredness, hunger, stress, dehydration, and lack of exercise and fresh air.

Pregnancy exercises which are safe for your unborn child can be helpful in getting rid of a migraine headache. Exercise increases circulation, which aids in easing the pain of a this hard hitting headache.Pregnant women can take a yoga or tai chi class if they have an annoying migraine that won’t go away. Meditation is very effective at reducing the effects of a painful, throbbing migraine.

Most medications are simply not safe to take if you may be pregnant – especially those for the treatment of migraines like triptans (prescription medications which can stop migraine attacks.) If you are currently taking prescription medications for the treatment of migraines and become pregnant – your baby could be at risk. Before you plan on trying to get pregnant, it is very important to have a sit-down discussion with your doctor to determine which if any of the drugs and supplements you take are not safe for your baby.

Doctors say that acetaminophen is safe to take in as long as proper dosage is administered. But, aside from acetaminophen, painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and most prescription headache medicines are restricted to women who are pregnant. Make sure that you consult your physician first what are the safest medications you can take in if you can no longer tolerate the pain.

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Facts for Early Labor During Pregnancy

Early labor during pregnancy is an early phase of labor which not many women realize until it ends. Ignoring contractions is a common mistake made by many women which results in early labor. Contractions are generally less than 10 minutes apart and last for 45-60 seconds. Some women might experience more frequent contractions, though they are mild and last for few seconds. With time, these contractions get stronger, longer, and closer together. With contractions you might feel pressure in the pelvis, backache or menstrual cramping. And all this can result in early labor during pregnancy.

Mild contractions might start when you are sleeping. Knowing this fact makes the women too excited or too nervous to sleep. And lack of sound sleep results in beginning their labor. Tiredness and fatigue is another reason for early labor in pregnancy which increases the discomfort among women. So if you do not want to face such situations then take sufficient rest.

Eating is restricted during labor. Although it has no relation with the normal process of labor and delivery still many women think that they should not eat once the labor begins. The body feels hungry when the blood sugar level goes down and is required to be raised. It is a fact that the mother’s appetite decreases as labor progresses. And if the mother avoids eating during labor then it reduces the energy which increases fatigue and decreases the ability to deal with the labor stress. Therefore, a pregnant woman should eat something even in the early labor stage in pregnancy.

Another important thing to be considered between the labor and delivery stage is that the mother should not stop performing their regular activities. Many pregnant women are advised by their elders to stop doing daily activities and just lie down for the whole day. This sometimes becomes boring for the women and results in mental and emotional weakness. So women should keep on performing their daily routine activities as long as their body allows them to do so.

As far as sign of early stage of labor during pregnancy is concerned, you should keep an eye on your body reactions. In case you notice mucous vaginal discharge which might be tinged with blood then it means that it is the time to call the labor and delivery nurse. In case it is not tinged with blood then its normal and calling the labor and delivery nurse is not required. With this you may find red streak and thick mucus ‘blob’. This mucus thick plug is formed in your cervix during pregnancy. As soon as cervix softens and starts to open this mucus plug comes out from vagina. This happens approximately three days before the labor begins and is a sign of early labor during pregnancy.

The labor period is dependent on how ripe the cervix is at the first stage of labor and how strong and frequent contractions are there. When the women cervix is about 4 cm dilated and the progress speeds up it indicates the end of the early labor during pregnancy.

Find More Stages Of Pregnancy Articles

Headaches During Pregnancy, are They Normal. Do You Know How to Ease Your Pregnancy Headaches?

Headaches during pregnancy are very challenging as over the counter pain killers are not recommended. Read on to see what you can do to relieve the pain from your headaches during pregnancy.

First of all let’s address why some pregnant women suffer from headaches during pregnancy. Within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy the surging hormones play a part in the development of pregnancy headaches. The 40% increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy increases pressure within the blood vessels and this itself can cause pregnancy headaches. Headaches during the last month of pregnancy may also be caused by a condition called preeclampsia, which is associated with high blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine.

It is normal to have headaches during pregnancy because of the above reasons plus the following:

Stress

Lack of sleep

Vomiting

Low blood sugar

Dehydration

Caffeine withdrawal

Nicotine withdrawal

Poor posture

Pregnancy related vision changes

What you can do to ease your pregnancy headaches:

Reduce stress.

Get more sleep.

Treat your early morning sickness.

Eat regularly to avoid low blood sugar levels.

Drink adequate amounts of high quality water.

Get chiropractic adjustments and advice to correct your posture.

Avoid over the counter medication especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Consult a homeopath or an acupuncturist for treatments to relieve your pain.

Pregnancy headaches are sometimes relieved with either hot or cold compress around your forehead and on the back of your neck.

Have someone massage your shoulders and neck during acute pregnancy headaches.

Rest in a dark room and practice deep relaxation breathing.

Relaxing in a warm bath or shower sometimes reduces the stress and tension.

The fruit mangosteen is well known to support every system in the body. It is all natural and can relieve and prevent pregnancy headaches.

You tried all the above and you still have a pregnancy headache:

At this point it would be appropriate to call your doctor or midwife for advice.

Have your eyesight checked as you may need glasses or a change in glasses.

 If you experience any of these symptoms below with a headache call your physician or midwife immediately as these are signs of a severe pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia:

Blurred vision

Right sided abdomen pain

Swollen hands and face

Sudden weight gain

Feeling very agitated or restless

 Pregnancy headaches can be very painful and very frustrating, as it is not recommended that you use over the counter medication during pregnancy. I have assisted pregnant women in the past to make their headaches a little more manageable or made them go away with a one on one coaching-healing phone sessions.

Many of my pregnant clients have experienced improvement of their pregnancy headaches by taking mangosteen juice. Mangosteen is present in different quantities in different products. For a high quality mangosteen and information on my one on one coaching-healing session visit http://www.VemmaMidwife.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html

If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html

Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Pregnancy Success Coach

Heartburn Remedies During Pregnancy That Can Help Relieve Your Pregnancy Heartburn Misery!

Heartburn relief during pregnancy is a common concern many pregnant women have. Read on to see what you what heartburn remedies during pregnancy are available.

What causes early pregnancy heartburn?

Heartburn in early pregnancy is a common complaint. The hormone progesterone is released as soon a woman becomes pregnant and can cause many early pregnancy symptoms which include pregnancy heartburn. Progesterone causes relaxation of the cardiac sphincter of the stomach which is the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus (food pipe). Relaxation of this muscle allows for some gastric acid and food to flow backwards and re-enter the esophagus (food pipe). Gastric acid irritates the lining of the esophagus causing a burning sensation in the center of the chest called pregnancy heartburn.

As your baby grows bigger and takes up more room in the abdominal area, the stomach itself is displaced and squashed. The growing uterus can permanently press on the cardiac sphincter of the stomach and allow gastric juices and food to constantly leak back into the esophagus (wind pipe) which may cause severe heartburn during pregnancy.

Heartburn remedies during pregnancy

Heartburn relief during pregnancy can be achieved by eating yogurt or drinking a glass of milk.

Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk for pregnancy heartburn relief.

Eat smaller more frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large meals.

Avoid spicy, greasy, fatty foods, peppers and tomatoes produce extra gastric acid causing pregnancy heartburn.

Avoid foods that relax the cardiac sphincter of the stomach such as alcohol, peppermint, garlic, and chocolate.

Avoid eating for at least two hours before going to bed.

Do not lie down after eating to prevent the food from the stomach flowing back into your esophagus causing pregnancy heartburn.

Mild over-the-counter antacids such as Mylanta or Tums may prove helpful in relieving heartburn pregnancy symptom.

If your heartburn symptoms are severe or accompanied by headache or swelling (especially if you are later on in pregnancy) consult with your health care provider immediately as you may have pre-eclampsia of pregnancy.

Sleeping with extra pillows under your head to keep your stomach lower than your esophagus (food pipe) works very well to give you a better start to the day and a better nights sleep.

One of the most effective heartburn remedies during pregnancy is to try to prevent heartburn developing in the first place. The healthier you are prior pregnancy and the healthier you eat during pregnancy can have a direct correlation to the amount of pregnancy symptoms you have. I would like to invite you to supplement with a high quality Mangosteen and mineral product that many of my pregnant clients use to correct misalignments within the body and encourage the stomach to produce the right amount of gastric acid that you body needs for digestion. Visit http://www.VemmaMidwife.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html

If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html

Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.

Certified Nurse Midwife.

Pregnancy Success Coach 

These were most questions that I have usually been asked so yea I was tired of answering the same ones so I put them in a video… and also i was 25 weeks and 3 days wen i made this video Also the song in the background is Large Professor – I just wanna chill