If you know all the early symptoms and signs of pregnancy, you should also know the non-pregnancy signs as well. The symptoms of pregnancy differ from one woman to another. To clear your doubts, you should know all the symptoms of pregnancy before comparing yourself with a cousin or your sister who used to be pregnant.

Signs of Pregnancy from Your Body

There are several changes that a woman passes through during pregnancy. There are sudden psychological and hormonal changes that happen in a woman’s body during pregnancy. Almost all women are able to notice the similar symptoms of pregnancy during the first trimester; however they can be slightly different.

The following are the early symptoms of pregnancy

1. Bleeding Due to Implantation.

   Bleeding happening due to implantation is also called vaginal spotting. It is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy which takes place when the egg attaches itself to the uterus walls. The following are the ways to distinguish vaginal spotting from regular vaginal bleeding:

   • Implantation bleeding happens after about five days of the fertilization.
   • The color of the implantation bleeding is light in color differentiating it from the menstrual bleeding.
   • Minor cramps are also experienced by some women during implantation bleeding.
   • If you are going through something which is looking like implantation bleeding, you should try running a home pregnancy test.

2. Frequent Urination.

   If you are running towards the bathroom every now and them, then this is one of the early symptoms of pregnancy. The ligaments in the uterus stretch causing hormonal changes and frequent urination. These happens due to the enlargement on the uterus which gets prepared to build room for the fetus by pushing the bladder.

3. Tender and Sore Breasts.

   You might experience severe soreness and pain in your breasts during pregnancy. This happens because the breasts get prepared for producing milk and enlarge due to hormonal changes.

4. Increase in Body Temperature.

   Increase in body temperature usually happens after possible conception. If your body temperature keeps on a high scale at a basal thermometer, then this is a symptom of pregnancy.

5. Missed Periods.

   Missing a regular period is one the most sure signs of being pregnant. However, this symptom of pregnancy varies in women.

6. Weakness and Fatigue.

   Feelings of exhaustion are normal after getting pregnant. If you are getting the feelings dizziness with some of the other symptoms, you should contact your doctor. This is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. This symptom is known as “Morning Sickness” which can happen in anytime of the day.

If you are going through any one of the symptoms of pregnancy mentioned above and are expecting to conceive, then you should start keeping a track of any of the symptoms and tell your gynecologist after you set up a meeting. However, if you had planned this pregnancy before, you will start noticing the symptoms of pregnancy soon after five days of conception. You should take proper guidance as soon as you suspect of being pregnant so that your baby would develop a good health and a fit mind.

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Boys are known to be more vulnerable as fetuses. That’s why they tend to need more energy and nutrients for survival. The scientists studied genes in the placenta of pregnant mice and found the difference among groups fed with regular, high-calorie and low-calorie diets.  After 12 days (pregnancy period for mice is 24 days), about 2000 genes were identified in the genome of mice from all the three groups.  The scientists concluded that maternal placenta can adjust to specific conditions, influencing the gender of fetuses.

The diet “for boys”, according to scientists, includes high calorie foods as well as sufficient levels of calcium and vitamins C, E, and B12. Additionally, it is recommended to have a hearty breakfast to increase the daily calorie intake.

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As a man’s weight increases so his chances of becoming a father decreases. The researchers studied more than 300 couples undergoing IVF treatment. Dr. Hassan Bakos of the University of Adelaide, Australia, said that as parental body mass index increased, successful pregnancy rates plummeted.

Couples involved in the study were either undergoing IVF treatment or an alternative procedure. Almost 80 percent of male participants were either overweight or obese. The man’s weight played no role at the initial phases when embryo develops. However, by day four of embryo cell division, when genetic factors become important, signs of impaired development were found. The evidence suggests that DNA damage and oxidative stress are to blame, according to Dr. Bakos.

So before planning on pregnancy, both partners have to try to make their weight normal to increase their chance of conceiving a baby.

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Almost half of those interviewed said that they want to postpone pregnancy or have fewer children because of their financial problems. 31 percent said they don’t want to have children at the moment, 28 percent want fewer children than previously planned, and 7 percent said they don’t want getting pregnant at all. About two thirds (64 percent) agreed with the statement that As long as the economic situation remains the way it is now, I can’t afford having a baby. The researchers also found that every fourth woman (or their partner) has lost jobs or health insurance over the past year. Besides, 52 percent said their financial situation got worse compared to what it was a year ago. Over half of the women are concerned if they could take a proper care of their baby.

These findings are raising concerns among scientists. Such changes in childbearing attitude and related behavioral changes can stay on after the recession is officially over. Men obviously share their partners’ attitude.

Earlier this year, doctors reported a surge in the number of vasectomies (male sterilization) since the economy stumbled.

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Recent CDC (The Centers for Disease Control) report revealed that pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe complications after infection with swine flu. Reeves also claims that pregnant women should be aware that anti-viral drugs like tamiflu are safe in pregnant women. Dr. Reeves says that the benefits from using the drug outweigh the risks. It’s important to remember that anti-flu drugs work better if you start taking them within two days of the first flu symptoms. Physicians encourage that women don’t delay with the treatment.

In addition to pregnant women, other flu risk groups that will be vaccinated include: people who live or care for children younger than 6 months of age; health care personnel and paramedics; people aged from 6 months through 24 years; people aged 24 through 56 years whose risk of complications is related to chronic health disorders or compromised immune system. The listed groups make for nearly half population of the United States. Experts note that once people from higher risk groups have been vaccinated, the vaccinating will continue among other groups, including people over 65.

Before using any medications, even those regarded to as safe during pregnancy, please, consult your health care specialist.

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Such phenomenon is very rare (there are only ten reported cases) and is called superfetation. It happens when a woman ovulates more than once a month and a second egg is fertilized soon after a pregnancy has already begun.

According to the Grovenburgs’ obstetrician Michael Mailart, the superfetation can be verified after birth by comparing the babies’ chromosome set and metabolism.

It’s curious that due to his location in the womb, a second baby should be born first; either it will be a vaginal delivery or a Cesarean section. Due dates for the babies are 2009 and 2010.

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Age and Fertility

Biologically, we are more fertile during a certain timeframe. Right time to conceive begins as we turn 18 and extends into 20s. With early 30s approaching, our reproductive abilities start declining gradually. However, it’s not before reaching the age of 35 when fertility can become a problem. Towards 40s, women are more likely to encounter more difficulties getting pregnant. While the nature signals the best time for pregnancy is reaching 20s, social realities weigh in and 20s just seem not that right for many young moms.

Why Old Age Pregnancy

Today’s women tend to miss fertile 20s as they are busy with starting a career, figuring out an advanced education, or even both. Having a baby in 20s may be very challenging financially, without job security and all. Let’s face it, having a baby requires not only parental love, it also needs sound household budget.

Early pregnancy may be hard on a relationship, too. Younger moms simply don’t have enough life experience to deal with baby-related stresses while fathers may feel alienated as they see their wives suddenly preoccupied with a child. This transition period would take a lot of tolerance to come through and emerge stronger as a family. Unfortunately, many marriages don’t pass the test.

Form this perspective, matured couples would have fewer problems having a baby. They gain more experience with age and are more ready to make sacrifices which parenthood requires. Maturity also matters when it comes down to weathering the trauma of pregnancy and labor. Older women are more likely to be easier with the problem of pregnancy pounds and other post-pregnancy issues.

Pregnancy Complications

But as we proceed with our careers, reproductive time’s ticking away. Now as you’ve crossed the age of 30, it might take a bit harder to conceive. Of course, turning 30 doesn’t mean at all you are getting irretrievably infertile. And the study of the University of Texas at Austin just backs up the assumption. According to scientists, the best time to get on a journey into motherhood is 34. At this point a woman is quite healthy to have a baby and achieves financial stability.

However, beyond this line, pregnancy complications can be piling up. Another study conducted by Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, UK, showed a steady rise of fertility treatments among women over 35. More and more babies are born as a result of IVF treatment with higher risk of birth defects. So older age pregnancy doesn’t seem like a totally safe haven. Obviously, as we get older, our health weakens. Many women over 35 are very likely to develop diabetes or high blood pressure, making it tougher to carry and deliver a healthy baby.

Pregnancy is a milestone event whatever time it happens. So, what time seems best to you?

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During the study 116 men suffering from infertility issues were supposed to make sex daily for a week. As a result, 4 out of 5 men showed 12% decrease in DNA malfunctions. Additionally, the number of spermatozoons fell from 180 millions to 70 million, but the latter grew more active.

David Greening’s findings in fact contradict the current approach to male infertility treatment which suggests that men should abstain from sex for a few days to improve fertility.

Source of the image: flickr.com/photos/mazelx.

Challenges for Women Trying to Conceive after 35

A lot of studies have proved that the probability of ovulation decreases in women after they cross the age limit of 30, decreasing fertility. Women in mid-thirties and older may often have regular cycles without an egg released. Moreover, the quality of the egg decreases when women reach the age of 30 and even more when a woman crosses 40.

The following are a few reasons why conceiving after 35 becomes difficult for women:

• various uterine disorders and fibroids,
• decrease in cervical fluid.
• endometriosis
• development of scar tissue around the cervix or fallopian tubes due to a surgery or infections.
• chronic health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension.

A woman above the age of 35 or running in her mid forties should also keep in mind that she has higher chances of miscarriage which go up to 35% higher, as well as a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

With a long list of health problems, how can a woman think of conceiving after 35?

How to Increase the Chances to Conceive in Older Age?

The following things can be done to increase the chances of conceiving.

• Setup a meeting with your health care provider to discuss the subject. An experienced doctor would review your recent medical requirements, your current lifestyle, as well as your medical history. After going through all these details, your doctor will be able to come up with a numbers of tips on how to conceive, such as taking folic acid, vitamin E and eating a healthy diet.
• The second most important recommendation that you should follow in order to conceive is quit smoking, avoid or completely stop drinking alcohol. Also, try to consume less caffeine.
• There are fertility tests that you and your partner should go through. You will be able to buy these tests at any drug stores.

Trying to Conceive after 35 – Tips for the Man

You should get your partner involved in this process as well – and here are some tips for the man planning to conceive. The man should also give up smoking and reduce the amount of alcohol consumed to the minimum. He is also supposed to wear something loose and comfortable rather than wearing anything tight which could hamper his sperm. Your partner must also avoid hot baths as they may make the sperm less effective. And in the end, your male partner should also be told to limit the sexual intercourse to once every two days to make his sperm counts high.

Stay Positive and Be Patient

After all that has been said, the most important factor for you is to stay positive. You have to accept the fact that for women aged 35 and more it takes a longer time to conceive. Following the tips above will boost your chances of conception.

If after trying to conceive for six months you have no signs of pregnancy, you should visit your health care specialist for some additional help in solving the problem. Your doctor would then conduct a fertility test in both of you or may recommend consulting a fertility specialist.

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Sometimes spouses are so overwhelmed by worries that they seem to get lost. Here are three dangerous situations any expecting couple may face.

1. Broken Sexual Identity

There are persons whose self-esteem is strongly determined by their sexual identity. The sexual identity, on its turn, is associated with fertility. If something goes wrong, you partner may be thinking like “I’m a useless woman” or “I’m not a real man”.

What Can You Do about It?

Try to support your spouse by making him or her understand that your partner is great whatever the quality of sperm or fallopian tube health. That works if your really care for your partner.

2. Deciding on Who’s the Leader in the Home

Some couples see pregnancy problem as a cause for fighting over the issue who’s the leader. Who should choose sex positions? Who should take care of contraception? Who should decide on the right pregnancy diet? But for the can’t-get-pregnant-problem, they would have picked up another cause.

What Can Be Done Instead?

Do the list together. You know, set a kind of a household policy. It may stir up some discussion. Well, you have your weekend to figure it all out. Remember that you are doing this for your future baby’s sake. But do you really need to decide on who is better for the leader’s role?

3. Pregnancy Problems or Mutual Claims

Not all marriages are for love. Sometimes, love springs up later. It may happen that spouses get attached to each other after having their own baby or making an adoption. The pregnancy problems may provoke aggression or obscenities towards a person you decided to build a family with. And what was the pregnancy problem at first evolves into mutual bitter reproaches like “You don’t need me, you need a child” or “You are hysteric, no wonder you had the miscarriage!”

What Would Help in this Situation?

Imagine you are 25 years from now and you are an empty-nester. Your son, or a daughter, has a big house and doesn’t want to have children (and that’s a person’s right to decide, by the way). Do you want to be together in twenty five years? It’s up to you. Or you think it is impossible to be happy in marriage?

You Do Have a Baby

Remember, if you plan to have a baby, your baby is already here. You are thinking and dreaming about your baby. You are arranging everything. You are talking about your future child even if you say nothing. At the back of your mind, you are a family now. However, family physiologists warn both parents against being too much focused on their kids. These parents sacrifice a lot, and the sacrifice won’t do any good for your kids in the first place. Trust family physiologists. They had a great experience.