Metallic taste in mouth in early pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases in a woman’s life. It is the time when she feels a new life breeding inside her bringing her utmost joy and ecstasy. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]During this phase apart from the sheer joy she experiences, she also feels little discomforts. These problems are a part of the whole package and are absolutely normal if one feels so. Among the many little discomforts that a woman feels in early pregnancy is the metallic taste in mouth. The metallic taste in mouth gives sour, bitter or acidic taste in mouth. This problem is scientifically known as dysgeusia. It is mostly experienced between the gaps in meals. The metallic taste in mouth can also lead to loss of appetite or nausea. Although the problem isn’t serious but a treatment for this problem would ensure healthy eating habits and a good appetite.

Causes behind metallic taste in mouth in early pregnancy

There can be many reasons why a woman would suffer from metallic taste in mouth in early pregnancy. Although the exact cause behind this problem has not been ascertained but it is mostly blamed on the fast production of hormones in the body. The hormone known as oestrogen gets produced rapid speed during early pregnancy. This hormone governs the sense of taste and smell. Due to the fast production of oestrogen the sense of taste and smell get imbalanced. This leads to the metallic taste in mouth.

Another reason for metallic taste in mouth in early pregnancy is the intake of antibiotics and pre-natal vitamin medication. The folic acid medications are the prime reason behind the metallic taste in mouth.

Effects of metallic taste in mouth in early pregnancy

This problem does not cause alarming health issues to the expecting mother. One side effect of this problem could be lack of appetite due to the sour or bitter taste in mouth. The unpleasant taste kills the desire of having food which could result in weight reduction or health dropping issues. This can be unhealthy for both mother and the baby. Another effect of the metallic taste in mouth could be nausea. Nausea brings the unpleasant sensation of vomiting and dizziness which could be discomforting for the would-be mother. Sometimes the metallic taste is coupled with bad breath too. This too is an unpleasant feeling. Other than these there are no major side effects of the metallic taste in mouth in early pregnancy.

Treatments for the metallic taste in mouth in early pregnancy

The treatments for this problem are given below-

• Increasing water intake to keep the mouth wet and curb the metallic taste
• Having fresh citrus fruit juices like lemon juice, orange juice etc.
• Consuming vinegar marinated food
• Brushing teeth every time you consume a meal
• Maintaining good oral hygiene
• Gargling with salty water
• Using mint based mouth washes to rinse mouth.
• Chewing mint leaves and mouth fresheners
• Rinsing mouth with a decoction of baking soda and water

Please note that before following any of the above mentioned treatments kindly consult your gynaecologist.

Bitter taste in mouth during pregnancy

Pregnancy brings in a whole new wave of joy and excitement in a woman’s life. Along with the joy it brings in many changes that take place in a woman’s body. They are mixed changes. Some bring in sheer joy and some bring in the discomforts. Mood swings, cramps, nausea, food craving are all part of being pregnant. These changes are inevitable and mostly make women worried or bothering. Once such change and bothering condition is the bitter taste in mouth. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]This is not a serious issue but does make the expectant mother bother and feel uncomfortable. So let’s have a look at the causes behind the bitter taste in mouth during pregnancy.

Causes of bitter taste in mouth during pregnancy

The bitter taste in mouth during pregnancy is termed medially as Dysgeusia. This medical condition is not serious and happens commonly in pregnant women. The actual cause behind this bitter taste hasn’t been found yet. In this condition the expecting mother experiences a lasting unpleasant, bitter, sour and acidic taste in mouth. It is mostly estimated by doctors round the world that this happens due to the hormonal changes in the body which affects the sense of taste and smell of the expecting mother. There is an increase in the production of oestrogen hormone in the body. This hormone is mainly responsible for the changes in taste and smell sense. The taste buds in the mouth grow bigger during this phase and leave a bitter taste in mouth. Apart from this the antibiotics and prenatal vitamins are also a major cause for bitterness in mouth during pregnancy.

Treatment for bitter taste in mouth during pregnancy

The bad taste in mouth that happens during pregnancy sometimes causes bad breath too so it is better to treat it. The bitter taste alone is very common symptom during pregnancy and doesn’t require much of your attention, but if it affects your diet and eating habits it must be treated. The treatments for getting rid of that bitter taste are given below.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day and use a good mouth wash every time you consume something. A minty toothpaste or mouthwash helps greatly.
2. A solution of baking soda and water helps neutralising the pH level in mouth hence removing the bitter taste in mouth.
3. Chewing fresh mint leaves or mind flavoured mouth fresheners are also of great help.
4. Citrus fruit juices deal effectively with the bitter taste. Lemonade is also a good option.
5. Using vinegar in food helps increase saliva production and helps you ward off the bitter taste in mouth.
6. Drinking plenty of water also helps. So increase your intake of water to get rid of the bitter taste in mouth during pregnancy.

Please note that all the treatments above must be followed after consulting your gynaecologist.

How can I tell if I am pregnant?

Pregnancy is the most beautiful experience in a woman’s life. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]Although there are some discomforts associated with this phase but it comes in a woman’s life with bundles of joy. The journey of those nine months is not only crucial for the mother and the baby but the father too witnesses the journey and becomes an integral part of it. There are a few very obvious symptoms and signs that show you could be pregnant. Now you no more need to worry about how you can tell if you are pregnant. Given below is a guide that will clear all your doubts.

Pregnancy symptoms to tell if I am pregnant

• Missed periods: This is the most prominent sign that suggests you might be pregnant. If you have been sexually active and have missed a period you must get a laboratory test done of your first early morning urine sample. If the result is positive then you indeed are expecting.
• Nausea or vomiting: This is the second most obvious sign of pregnancy. If you’ve been experiencing vomiting sensation or nausea or have been vomiting, the reason might be pregnancy. This kind of nausea in the early morning in pregnancy is called Morning Sickness. This occurs in about 50 per cent to 95 per cent women in the first week of pregnancy. Nausea in pregnancy however can happen at any time of the day too.
• Dizziness and fainting spells: This again is a sign of pregnancy. Due to the low blood pressure during pregnancy, this symptom often occurs with many women.
• Fatigue: Feelings of tiredness and lethargy often occur in pregnancy. This is not an alarming sign but happens to many women. This basically happens due to hormonal changes in the body.
• Weight gain: Pregnancy brings with itself a very common symptom that is weight gain and bloating. If you feel that your clothes are becoming tighter and that you are putting on weight especially around your hips and stomach, this could be happening due to pregnancy.
• Lower back pain: With you carrying the baby in your womb, additional weight gets pulled by your spine causing lower back pain from time to time.
• Tender or swollen breasts: This is one symptom most women feel during pregnancy. Swelling of breasts, tenderness, tingly or sore sensation is very common. This happens as the women’s breasts start preparing them for breast feeding.
• Constipation: Hormonal changes during pregnancy make the digestive system lazier and the movement of food slows down. This results in constipation.
• Food cravings: Craving for a particular food more strongly than your normal days is a very common sign of pregnancy. Normally reports suggest that women crave for spicy or starchy foods during pregnancy.
• High Basal Body Temperature (BBT): If your BTT has been staying in the higher range for 18 days or more, you could doubt a pregnancy.
• Headaches: If you have been experiencing regular headaches before pregnancy then you must be prepared for throbbing pain during pregnancy in your head and neck. Changes in hormone levels are the major cause for such head and neck aches.
• Mood swings: Now this one is a one of the most common symptom of pregnancy. Most women undergo major and minor mood swings in pregnancy. Having irritational tendencies, being cranky or unmanageable anger spells are all results of being pregnant.
• Cramps: During pregnancy the uterus grows and stretches to accommodate the baby, this gives cramp spells to the would-be mother similar to the menstrual cramps.
• Spotting: Slight bleeding or spotting could occur as the fertilised egg begins to implant itself into the uterus from 3 to 6 days of fertilisation. This generally happens outside of the normal period cycle. So women tend to confuse it with normal menstruation.
• Darkening of areolas: The areolas if begin to darken or increase in diameter it could be a prominent sign of your pregnancy. This happens as the body prepares itself for breast feeding.

If any of the above given symptoms is what you are feeling these days, get yourself diagnosed by getting a urine pregnancy test done in a laboratory to confirm if you are pregnant. If the result is positive an immediate consultation with your gynaecologist is advisable.

Prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

It is the symptoms which occur during the pregnancy when our stomach size will start increase. This marks are remain on your body after pregnancy. But if we can take the proper precautions then we can reduce the marks.[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]

Stretch mark Creams

Some creams are available in the market to reduce the marks. We have to apply the cream on the increase portion of our body during the pregnancy. We can apply this cream when we feel that our body size is increases, mostly during the second stage of the pregnancy.

Apply moisturizing creams or lotion but be extra careful in what type of creams you use. To prevent any harmful side effects, stay away from chemical based products or creams. It is advisable to get cream that possesses all natural ingredients that proven effectively prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks during and after pregnancy while strengthening and deeply softening your skin.

Another effective method to avoid pregnancy stretch marks is by massaging your arms, legs, breasts and abdomen gently with special pregnancy stretch mark cream. This should be done twice a day for best results.

But before using any creams on your body contact with your doctor.

Drinking Water to prevent stretch marks

Keep your body and skin hydrated by drinking lot of water during your pregnancy. The greater amount of water the skin can absorb the more elasticity of it will be retained.

Proper diet to prevent stretch marks

You need to add plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet that are rich in silica, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E. These vitamins and minerals are vital to make your skin stronger when skin breakages occur due to weight gain. It is better to include food that promotes skin health in your diet. Vitamins have a good diet rich in vitamins that help promote skin elasticity. Vitamins that help prevent stretch marks.

Exercise to prevent stretch marks

Carry out regular or mild exercise at least for 1-2 times in a week. However you should not try to perform exercise more than 15 minutes per workout as it can be harmful for you and the baby. Again, check with your doctor first to confirm if you can undertake some mild forms of exercise during your pregnancy.

Body Massage to prevent stretch marks

Massage the body areas where there is possibility of stretch marks to appear. The advantage of gentle massaging is that it gives your skin healthy and natural stretch. In addition, you can use olive oil for massaging which is a good source of Vitamin E. This will keep the skin flexible and prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

Closely monitor your weight and be aware for sudden gain. This is because sudden weight gain or changes can stretch the skin more than its tolerances that cause tearing and scarring. Talk to your physician about the ideal amount of weight you should achieve for your particular body type. If you keep your weight within the desired range, you will be less likely to develop the scars.

All women are different in when their pregnancy symptoms begin or start at all. However, all concerns should always be discussed with your pre-natal care provider in order to ensure a happy, healthy pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the most complete source of naturally balanced nutrition available for your baby. The only food an infant needs during the first six months of life is breast milk.
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Breast milk contains antibodies that protect your baby from illness. Breastfed babies tend to have fewer allergies than bottle-fed babies.

Breast milk is easier for babies to digest.

Breastfeeding can help your uterus return to normal size more quickly after delivery because of the release of the hormone oxytocin.

Breastfeeding can also help you lose weight.

Because breast milk is easier to digest, breastfed babies tend to require more feedings.

The foods you eat and the medications you take while breastfeeding can enter your baby’s system through your milk. Therefore, women often have to avoid certain foods, drinks and medications that might have a negative effect on the baby throughout the entire period of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding can lead to sore nipples and leaky breasts

The Third Stage of pregnancy (Weeks 28–40)

The third stage of pregnancy is from 7^th month to 9^th month of your pregnancy period.

As you enter into the final trimester of your pregnancy you may notice that you feel more sensitive, emotional and anxious. When you are resting these feelings are very natural. It’s common to begin worrying about what kind of mother you are going to be. Many times, the increased size and weight of your baby can cause increased pain, making you feel more uncomfortable and anxious. At 28 weeks you should be able to feel your baby kicking several times per hour.[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]

The final stage of pregnancy, weeks 28 through 40, is often marked by excited expectation of the baby’s arrival. At this stage, it is a good that always ready to go hospital.

Development of baby during last stage of pregnancy

 The growing fetus begins to be aware of its surroundings as the third trimester gets underway. Early in the third trimester, the fetus begins to open and close its eyes and suck its thumb. He or she also begins to respond to light and sound. As the fetus continues to grow, it has less and less room to move around. Some women report being able to identify the shape of an elbow or a heel poking into their abdomen. At the end of this trimester, the fetus moves into the position for birth, which usually means he or she moves into a “head down” position lower in the mother’s abdomen, nearer to her pelvis?

Experience during third stage of pregnancy

 The third trimester can be marked by physical discomfort associated with the now large size of the developing baby and mother’s associated weight gain. It is common for third trimester mothers to experience heartburn, significant hemorrhoids, increased body temperature, and more fatigue. Additionally, many women experience swelling in their ankles and fingers. Although some swelling is normal, you should alert your physician if you notice sudden, extreme swelling, or if you experience a rapid, sudden weight gain. These two symptoms may indicate a serious condition which could harm your baby.

Complications of pregnancy

The third trimester ends with labor and the birth of the baby. It remains possible to enter into pre-term labor prior to your due date. Contact your physician to make sure you are not in preterm labor if you experience contractions that are accompanied by a watery or bloody discharge or back pain, or if you find you have more than 8 contractions per hour, occurring at regular intervals.

Planning For Labor in the final stage

Labor is the process through which a pregnancy ends and a baby is born. The birth of a child is one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences a person can have. At the same time, the labor process can be difficult, painful and confusing, particularly if you have not previously experienced the process before, or are going into it without having been educated as to its complexities. No two births are the same, and no two mothers have the same experience during labor. The best way to prepare yourself for this important last stage of pregnancy is to know your options and to know yourself and what you want for the birth of your child.

It is a good idea that you establish a plan for labor and delivery well in advance of your due date. The first decision you need to make when thinking about the birth of your baby is where you would feel most comfortable delivering. There are many options for where your baby can be born, and how your baby will be delivered.

Another choice you will need to make in preparation for labor is whether or not you want to use pain medication. It is impossible to predict how much pain you will feel when you are in labor, and therefore it is impossible to know whether or not you will require medication in order to remain comfortable during the process. Talk to your health care provider about the various methods for pain relief that are available in natural and medical form.

In preparing for a delivery, you may choose to take relaxation and breathing technique classes, or to do exercises to help strengthen the muscles you will use during labor.

After the child birth, we have the other responsibility to give the proper diet to the baby on a proper time. Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby for first 3 month. Hence we should know about the breastfeeding.

The Second Stage of pregnancy (Weeks 13–27)

The second stage of pregnancy is from 4^th month to 6^th month of your pregnancy period.

For many women, the middle part of pregnancy is the most comfortable pregnant period. The second trimester is a good time to prepare yourself and your home for the arrival of the new baby. This is the time to begin preparing a nursery or other space for the baby, to learn about breast feeding, and to study books about early childcare.[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]

Development of baby of pregnancy

The second trimester marks a period during which the developing fetus becomes active, and begins to move, kick and swallow. Around the fifth month of pregnancy, the fetus gains the ability to turn from side to side or head over heels. It is usually around this point in the pregnancy (between the 18th and 22nd weeks) that most women experience “quickening”, or the ability to feel fetal movement. It is also during this stage that the fetus begins to sleep at regular intervals. By the end of the second trimester the fetus is around 8 to 12 inches long and weighs up to 1 pound. Between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, you should begin to feel fluttering and light kicking from the fetus.

Experience During second stage of pregnancy

The nausea and fatigue characteristic of the first trimester begin to fade for most women as they move into their second trimester. The second trimester is also marked by the development of outward symptoms of pregnancy. Many women first really begin to “feel” pregnant, and to show physical signs of pregnancy during the second trimester.

Your abdomen will begin to expand as your growing fetus gets bigger. You will likely also experience some weight gain, not all of which will be due to your fetus. As your uterus grows in size and your abdomen expands, you may notice a change in the color of the skin pigmentation on your abdomen, as well as the beginnings of stretch marks. Approximately 50% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Most of these marks will fade after delivery.

The second trimester can also be marked by aches and pains in your abdomen, groin, thighs, or back. These pains are normal, and should simply be considered signs that your body is adjusting itself to accommodate your growing fetus. Resting and heat applied to the painful muscles or massage can help to alleviate symptoms. Be careful with any medications you might think to use to relieve pain. Check with your doctor if heat, rest or massage is insufficient to provide pain relief.

As your baby grows it begins to exert pressure on your organs, including your lungs. It is common for women in their second trimester to experience shortness of breath, or an increased feeling of internal pressure. Maintaining good posture and taking deep breaths may help alleviate this symptom. Doctors often recommend that pregnant women sleep on their left side in order to avoid them putting pressure on the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to their fetus.

Complications of pregnancy in second stage

Though the risk of miscarriage lowers as the second trimester gets under way, the possibility of pre-term labor beings. Pre-term labor occurs when a woman goes into labor more than three weeks before her due date. Luckily, when caught early enough, pre-term labor can often be stopped by a physician. Learning to recognize the signs suggesting that pre-term labor is coming on can thus help you to save your pregnancy. Signs of pre-term labor can include:

• contractions or cramping (with or without pain)
• sharp, gas-type pains
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vaginal bleeding
• pelvic pressure
• lower backache
• increased discharge from your vagina, including watery discharge

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

This second stage of pregnancy lasts until the end of the seventh month and is many times the easiest stage of pregnancy as most women will start to regain some of their energy. During this stage your stomach will begin to expand and those around you will start to notice that you are pregnant.

The First Stage of Pregnancy (Weeks 1 – Week12):

The first stage of pregnancy is from 1^st month to 3^rd month of your pregnancy period.

The first stage of pregnancy period until 12 weeks gestation (pregnancy length). Women usually don’t realize they are pregnant until at least two weeks into the first phase, when they miss their period. During the first trimester, your growing baby is developing at an amazing rate.[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]

A baby starts out as a few cells. Growing baby called an “embryo” until it reaches its eighth week. After the 8^th week, baby called as fetus. To develop the basis for all of the mechanisms it will need within the first trimester. Development begins when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus in a process called “implantation”. If all goes well, the fetus will be approximately 6 to 7.5 cm in length, and weigh a little over 1 ounce by the end of the first trimester. A heartbeat can usually be seen with an ultrasound around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy.

During the embryonic phase, you may naturally find yourself on the hungry side. However, you also experience certain negative responses to specific foods that have nothing to do with morning sickness. Strong food and odor aversions may occur, and if you find the idea of eating a type of food disgusting, then simply avoid that food. Other strong food cravings may compensate.

During the first trimester, you can expect to gain anywhere from six to eleven pounds. Your doctor will be able to help you with nutritional questions and key pregnancy benchmarks that indicate good health.

You get enough vitamins, minerals and nutrients as they are essential for growth and development. It’s a good idea to consult with your health care provider to determine what is best for you.

Developments that occur during this first stage include

• The development of the placenta and umbilical cord. These structures are important for bringing nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and for removing waste products from the fetus back to the mother’s body.
• The development of the amniotic sac, a fluid-filled membrane that cushions the developing fetus.
• The development of all major organs. The heart begins to beat on or around the 25th day after conception.
• The development of the neural tube, which goes on to form the brain and spinal cord.
• The development of limb buds, which are the beginnings of arms and legs.
• The development of fingers, toes, ears, ankles, wrists, and eyelids. By the end of the first trimester the fetus will have finger and toenails and will have “buds” in its mouth area that will go on to become baby teeth.

Experience during the first stage of pregnancy

Women experience some amazing changes during the first trimester. Some symptoms you may experience during this stage include nausea (sometimes accompanied by actual vomiting), frequent urination, fatigue, food aversion, and breast swelling and tenderness. The two most pronounced (intense) symptoms are nausea and fatigue.

Nausea is commonly called “morning sickness” as many women find that it is worse during the morning. However, some women find they are nauseous all the time, and nausea is possible at any time of day or night. Vomiting should not be a cause of alarm unless it occurs more than four times per day or is bloody. Often, the symptoms of morning sickness are worse when your stomach is empty and your blood sugar is low. Avoid this possibility by eating 6 to 8 small meals per day, maintaining a small amount of food in your stomach at all times.

During the first trimester, you may find that you can’t make it through the day without a nap, or that you feel tired even after sleeping for 8 hours at night. There are a few things you can do to combat fatigue, including making sure you are eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and paying attention to environmental conditions such as poor lighting or ventilation that might contribute to tiredness. Your body is working very hard to build your new baby during this stage of your pregnancy; the fatigue you feel is your body’s way of telling you it needs rest. You will likely find that your energy levels return to normal as your body gets used to the new demands it faces.

Complications and Miscarriage chances during first stage of pregnancy

 Miscarriage means spontaneous termination of pregnancy within the first 20 weeks. During the first trimester, miscarriage  chances are very high. Though many women are not aware of the fact, miscarriage is relatively common, and as many as twenty percent of pregnancies may end in miscarriage. Some pregnancies end even before you experience your first pregnancy symptoms. This can result in a phenomenon known as a “chemical pregnancy” in which enough HCG is produced to register a positive pregnancy test, but following tests indicate negative results (as HCG production stops following a very early miscarriage).

There are also a few symptoms to watch out for that will require medical attention when present. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• bloody or watery vaginal discharge
• edema (swelling of the hands, feet, or face)
• recurring headaches
• excessive vomiting
• blurry vision
• dizziness
• fevers
• decreased urination or burning with urination

Miscarriages often occur when an abnormal fetus (for example, a fetus with serious genetic abnormalities that are “incompatible with life”). Having a single miscarriage doesn’t mean you will necessarily have a difficult time conceiving the next time you try and get.