Lower back pain in pregnancy is very common. It is often accepted as a normal part of pregnancy but this is no reason for women to suffer with the condition. Although several anti-inflammatory drugs may help with pain relief and can be safely used during pregnancy, most pregnant women would prefer to stay away from medication. However, there are many other simple ways that pregnant women can relieve lower back pain without opting for the chemical route.

It is important to first understand why lower back pain is so common during pregnancy. Some of the causes can in fact be avoided with just simple lifestyle changes.

continue reading Simple Ways to Relieve Lower Back Pain In Pregnancy

Pregnancy is usually an exciting event in a woman’s life but it is definitely not one of the easiest times. The body undergoes a host of changes to cater for the growing fetus and prepare for childbirth as well nursing thereafter. Although many women have a healthy and disease-free pregnancy, there are a host of conditions that can arise during this time. One of the common complications associated with pregnancy is gestational diabetes. It is condition where the body’s ability to regulate the blood glucose levels is impaired. There are several implications for both mother and baby, and pregnancy diabetes should not be taken lightly.

continue reading 6 Lesser Known Facts About Pregnancy Diabetes

What does ovulate mean?

Ovulation is a process where one of the ovaries releases an egg cell (ovum) into the fallopian tube. Ovulate is therefore the action of the ovary in releasing the ovum from the ovary. If a woman is to fall pregnant, she has to ovulate prior to unprotected intercourse. The sperm cells from the male then travel to the egg cell and fertilize it. Pregnancy has then occurred. As simple as this may seem, the process is quite complex. In order to ovulate, there are a host of other factors that need to be carefully coordinated. Ovulation is a single event in the menstrual cycle. It marks the end of the first phase and start of the second phase of the menstrual cycle.

continue reading Why Some Women Do Not Ovulate (No Egg Cell from the Ovary)

Definition

Meigs syndrome is a triad of medical conditions where there is a benign ovarian tumor (specifically an ovarian fibroma) with ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity) and pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs in the pleural space).  Once the tumor is removed, both ascites and pleural effusion resolves. The exact reason why fluid accumulation occurs in the abdomen and around the lung with a benign ovarian tumor is not fully understood although there are several theories. It tends to occur with an ovarian fibroma but is sometimes seen with other types of benign ovarian tumors and even malignancies. Overall Meigs syndrome is uncommon affecting only 1 out of 100 women with an ovarian tumor. When present, ascites is more commonly seen without a pleural effusion.

continue reading Meigs Syndrome

What is premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure is a condition where the ovaries cease functioning to the same degree as it would in the reproductive years of life. This decline in ovarian function is seen in lower than normal female sex hormone levels, disruption in the menstrual cycle and difficulty in falling pregnant. It is essentially the same process that is seen in menopause but for it to be considered premature, it has to occur before 40 years of age. Therefore the condition is also known as premature menopause or early menopause.

continue reading Premature Ovarian Failure (Early Menopause, Ovarian Insufficiency)