Pregnancy is such an exciting and scary time for a woman. When that plus sign shows up on the stick, a woman's life will be forever changed. Get the facts you need to stay calm and happy throughout your pregnancy, so you'll feel confident that you're going to be a great mom.
Yipee, I'm Pregnant! Now What?
- > Am I Really Pregnant? Normal Symptoms
- > Common Pregnancy Check-ups and Tests
- > Healthy Pregnancy Exercises
- > Feeling Icky? Sooth that Morning Sickness
- > Special Section for Mothers Over 35
- > Typical Pregnancy Discomforts
Fun Pregnancy Moments
- > Fun Myths: Predicting a Baby's Gender
- > Tips for Picking a Baby Name
- > Top 10 Baby Boy Names
- > Top 10 Baby Girl Names
- > Top 10 Pregnancy Myths
- > Sex During Pregnancy
Pregnancy "No No's" & Warning Signs
- > Activities to Avoid During Pregnancy
- > Food During Pregnancy - List of No No's
- > These Medicines and Pregnancy Don't Mix
- > Should I Call a Doctor? Warning Signs
- > Signs and Risk Factors for Miscarriages
- > Signs and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes
Getting Prepared for Baby's Arrival
Signs and Risk Factors for Miscarriages
All pregnant women worry about the possibility of having a miscarriage. Luckily, your risks are greatly minimized after the first trimester. There are some early warning signs that your body might not be accepting the pregnancy and some risk factors that can make you more susceptible to miscarriages. Learn the facts below.
- Sign: Vaginal Bleeding - If you have light or heavy bleeding with abdominal pain, call your doctor.
- Sign: Pelvic Cramps - This refers to abdominal pain or a constant ache in your lower abdomen. If cramps are steady and painful you could be having problems.
- Sign: Blood Clots or Discolored Discharge - If you experience large blood clots or have grayish tissue discharged from your vagina then this is a sign that your pregnancy might be compromised.
- Risk Factor: Age - Older women 35 and up are at higher risk for miscarriage.
- Risk Factor: Infection - If you get certain bacterial or viral infections during pregnancy this could put you at higher risk for miscarriage.
- Risk Factor: Family History - If women, on your mother's side of the family, have a history of miscarriages then you're at greater risk.
- Risk Factor: Substance Abuse - If you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or do drugs during pregnancy this raises your risk of miscarriage.
- Risk Factor: Father's Age - Believe it or not, dad's age does matter. If your baby's father is over 35 this makes your chance of miscarriage higher.
- Risk Factor: Personal History - If you've had recurrent miscarriages, 3 or more, you're at higher risk for having another one.
- Risk Factor: Physical Injury - If you get physically injured during your pregnancy this puts you at greater risk for a miscarriage.
