The drama of childbirth has been immortalized in media through scenes full of mixed emotions where the mother experiences labor pains as each contraction brings the child closer and closer to a new world outside the womb. Like those movie scenes, many women go through a difficult pregnancy which makes childbirth a complicated procedure.
Each pregnant woman’s labor pains is unique. No one can really tell what triggers it but knowing labor symptoms will help you understand what is to be expected. Having more information about giving birth will help the mother to better prepare herself psychologically and physically. Here are some important phrases and terminology related to labor and childbirth that every woman should know
Lightening when the baby settles deeper into the pelvis
Effacement – softening and thinning of cervix
Dilation – opening of the cervix
Vaginal spotting losing of mucus plug with bloody discharge
Nesting energetic urge to clean and organize baby’s things
Membrane rupture amniotic sac leaks or breaks before labor
Contractions – a sensation that your uterus is tightening and relaxing
Signs and symptoms are the woman’s body’s preparation for labor. But there is no clear-cut boundary between the body’s preparation and the actual labor process. Some women may have painful contractions for days without cervical changes while others feel only a little pressure or a back ache as the cervix gradually dilates.
Pre-term labor may be difficult to detect. Any signs or symptoms of labor before 36 weeks, especially if they’re accompanied by vaginal spotting, needs consultation with a physician. At term, labor will nearly always make itself apparent. However, if you arrive at the hospital in false labor, don’t feel embarrassed or frustrated. Just think of it as a practice run for the real thing is definitely on its way.
Most women consider relaxation exercises, breathing techniques or medication to manage the pains of labor. Some women want to give birth without the aid of drugs and consider complementary and alternative medicine to help them through the labor pain and delivery. Still, there are other choices which are non-traditional methods such as hypnosis, acupuncture, and reflexology.
Hypnosis is considered to be a focused state of concentration that allows the body to relax and helps guide one’s thoughts and control breathing. Hypnosis will not stop the pain of contractions but it will condition your mind to help you ride the wave of each contraction and trust in your body’s ability to give birth.
Learning self-hypnosis techniques, such as repeating positive statements to yourself, concentrating on vivid imagery or listening to a recording of verbal affirmations, may be acquired through private lessons or specialized childbirth classes.
Acupuncture is an ancient chinese practice based on the theory that energy flows through the body in channels known as meridians. Stimulating specific areas close to the skin, also known as acupuncture points, with hair-thin needles is thought to correct imbalances or disruptions in this energy flow. There’s a possibility that it may help treat nausea and vomiting of pregnant women as well as reducing labor pains depending on how the labor is progressing and the type of pain being experienced.
The practice of reflexology can be traced back to Egypt, China and India thousands of years ago. This method applies pressure to specific parts of the body, usually the soles of the feet, for an intended therapeutic effect on other parts of the body. Though scientists haven’t found evidence to support the theories of reflexology, some women find it helpful in relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation during pregnancy.
It is said that applying pressure or strokes to specific points on the feet during labor somehow stimulates the pituitary gland to release hormones that speed labor and reduce pain.
Hypnosis, acupuncture, and reflexology may be promising methods to relieve pain during labor and delivery, but there is little scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of these approaches and more research is needed to determine whether these techniques can actually relieve labor pains and provide relief in childbirth.
Working with professional health care provider may help if any of these methods can be right for you. Combining complementary treatments with other methods of pain relief and medication should always be consulted with your doctor.

Boys will be boys. They are naturally physically active. They run a lot and get involved in brawls and fights most of the time. They are sports-minded and energetic. They always appear to be strong and mighty. But there is one vulnerable part in a man’s body that needs to be treated tenderly the crotch. Though testicular injuries are uncommon, men must not discount the fact that such accidents could occur. Men who regularly engage in sports such as basketball, cycling, or lifting weights are aware of this fact. Some sports can expose a man’s testicles to possible injuries. Unlike other parts and organs of the body, the testicles are not protected by bones and muscles. They hang in a sac outside the body called the scrotum and, as such, make the said body part a prime target for accidents.
However, because the testicles are loosely attached to the man’s body and are made of a spongy material, they are able to absorb most collisions without permanent damage. Testicles, although sensitive, can bounce back pretty quickly and minor injuries rarely have long-term effects. The good news is that sexual health functions or sperm production will most likely not be affected if you have a testicular injury.
Definitely, it will cause pain if the testicles are struck or kicked, which may lead to a feeling of nausea for a short time. For minor testicular injury, pain should gradually subside in less than an hour and any other symptoms should go away. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relief can make you feel better or you may do some simple remedies such as lying down, applying ice packs to the affected area or wearing supportive underwear. However, avoiding strenuous activity for a while and taking it easy for a few days can be of great help.
Symptoms of a much more serious injury that needs to be addressed as soon as possible are the following
Pain doesn’t subside or you experience extreme pain that lasts longer than an hour;
Swelling or bruising of the scrotum or a puncture of the scrotum or testicle;
Continued nausea and vomiting; and
Fever.
Two of the most serious testicular injuries are testicular torsion and testicular rupture. Testicular torsion is not a common injury but usually affects males between 12 to 18 years old. In the case of testicular torsion, the testicle twists around, cutting off its blood supply. This can occur due to a serious trauma to the testicles, strenuous activity, or even for no apparent reason.
It is very critical to see a doctor as soon as possible – within six hours of the time the pain starts. Unfortunately, after six hours, there is a much greater possibility that complications could result, including reduced sperm production or the loss of the testicle. The problem may be fixed by a doctor manually untwisting the testicle. If that doesn’t work, surgery will be necessary.

On the other hand, testicular rupture is a rare type of testicular trauma. This can happen when the testicle receives a forceful direct blow or when the testicle is crushed against the pubic bone causing blood to leak into the scrotum. Testicular rupture, like testicular torsion and other serious injuries to the testicles, causes extreme pain, swelling in the scrotum, nausea and vomiting. To fix the problem, surgery is necessary to repair the ruptured testicle.
Consulting a doctor will require the length of time pain is being experienced by the patient and how severe the discomfort is. To rule out a hernia or other problem as the cause of the pain, the doctor will examine the abdomen and groin. Moreover, the doctor will look at the scrotum for swelling, color, and damage to the skin and examine the testicle itself. A urine test to rule out urinary tract infection or infection of the reproductive organs may also be conducted.
Being involved in sports activities and living an active lifestyle are great ways to stay fit and relieve stress. Just make sure you are wearing support and protective gear to avoid testicular injury especially when the game turns rough and reckless.

Some guys have all the luck,
Some guys have all the pain
Some guys get all the breaks
Some guys do nothing but complain
- Rod Stewart

There may be some truths in the lyrics of Rod Stewart’s hit song Some Guys Have All The Luck. Whether they admit it or not, guys sometimes compare themselves with other guys especially in certain settings, such as the locker room. Time in a locker room can be challenging. It is a place where you can actually separate the boys from the men, at least, in terms of their physical development. Guys are stereotyped to be tough and shouldn’t place much concern with their appearance. Vanity is a girl’s issue.
But it’s natural to observe friends and classmates, and notice the different ways they’re growing and developing. And the reality is that a lot of guys do spend plenty of time surveying themselves in front of the mirror. It doesn’t matter whether they have reed thin bodies, or buffed like Clark Kent. The truth is, some guys care just as much as girls do about their appearance. But unlike girls, most guys are less likely to talk to their friends or relatives about how their bodies are developing. A guy may suddenly develop a negative self-image when he sees that all his friends have already matured physically, are taller, and more muscular. Guys who feel that they don’t measure up with their peers as far as body image is concerned may feel pressured and may resort to using steroids to speed up the development of their physique without taking into consideration its side effects.
The human body produces natural steroids to fight stress and promote growth and development. However, there are some people, mostly athletes, who use steroid pills, gels, creams, or injections to improve their physique or their performance. Steroids, sometimes referred to as ‘roids, juice, hype, weight trainers, gym candy, arnolds, stackers, or pumpers, are the same as, or similar to, certain hormones in the body.
Anabolic steroids are artificially produced hormones similar to androgens, the male-type sex hormones in the body. The most powerful androgen is testosterone. Testosterone is mainly a mature male hormone which promotes the masculine traits that develop during puberty, such as deepening of the voice and growth of body hair. Testosterone levels has an effect in the aggressiveness of a person. This is the reason why some athletes take anabolic steroids because of their testosterone-like effects. They stimulate muscle tissue to grow and “bulk up” in response to training by mimicking the effect of naturally produced testosterone on the body. Anabolic steroids can remain in the body anywhere from a couple of days to about a year. The popularity of this substance is due to the improved endurance, strength, and muscle mass for its users. However, there is no research study to substantiate these claims.
Another group of steroids called steroidal supplements contains dehydroepiandrosterone DHEA andor androstenedione also known as andro. They used to be found at health food stores or gyms but are now considered controlled substance and require a prescription. However, DHEA is one of the few exceptions and can still be bought over the counter.
The effects of steroid supplements are not well known. They are considered weaker forms of androgen but when taken in large doses, they cause effects similar to other androgens like testosterone. However, it’s been known that companies manufacturing steroids supplements often use false claims with very little known long-term effects on the body. For this reason, the government passed laws controlling steroid distribution to protect the general public.
Anabolic steroids cause many different types of problems. Some of the more serious or long-lasting side effects are
l premature balding or hair loss
l dizziness
l mood swings, including anger, aggression, and depression
l seeing or hearing things that aren’t there hallucinations
l extreme feelings of mistrust or fear paranoia
l problems sleeping
l nausea and vomiting
l trembling
l high blood pressure that can damage the heart or blood vessels over time
l aching joints
l greater chance of injuring muscles and tendons
l jaundice or yellowing of the skin; liver damage
l urinary problems
l shortening of final adult height
l increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer
Specific risks for girls associated with anabolic steroids include
l increased facial hair growth
l development of masculine traits, such as deepening of the voice, and loss of feminine body characteristics, such as shrinking of the breasts
l enlargement of the clitoris
l menstrual cycle changes
Specific risks for guys include
l testicular shrinkage
l pain when urinating
l breast development
l impotence
l sterility
Serious psychological side effects of steroids may result to aggressiveness or combative attitude, extreme, uncontrolled bouts of anger caused by long-term steroid use. Steroids injections can place the person at risk for human immunodeficiency virus HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, if they share needles with other users. Dirty needles pose greater risk for contracting hepatitis or bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart. So, do not envy other guys whose muscles are well-developed than yours. Not everyone’s body changes at the same time or even at the same pace. Working out in a gym is still the best way to pump up those muscles without the possible risks steroids may bring. Most guys will eventually catch up in terms of physique development. However, some guys will remain to be taller or well-built. It could be in the genes.

“To understand a mother’s love, bear your own children.”

– Chinese Proverb

Being a first time mom is the most exciting event to ever happen in a woman’s life. It is perhaps, the ultimate fulfillment for any woman. To be able to create life… to carry a baby in your womb for nine months — both difficult and wonderful milestones that every woman should experience. Awaiting in anticipation for the moment of the baby’s arrival creates such an indescribable feeling of joy, completeness, and excitement. To hold that bundle of joy in your own arms for the very first time compensates for all the discomfort and personal sacrifice that a woman makes during pregnancy.

Being a parent or first time mom has long been considered the epitome of self-sacrifice. Indeed, going through the usual morning sickness that consists of nausea and vomiting is really something to reckon with. Having a newborn at home quite literally disrupts all routines and practices of a couple. Adjustments are made from the time meals are cooked, to the time we get off from work, to the amount of time we can sleep at night. All of a sudden, a couple’s life revolves around that little baby in the crib. Still, all the hardships and challenges of motherhood are accepted with open arms. In fact, it is a time to celebrate the real meaning of being a woman.

But just like everything else in life, the first-time mom is sure to encounter challenges that require new skills and a lot of emotional stability. One of the first issues that women grapple with is the surprise of becoming pregnant.

Signs of Pregnancy

First-time moms usually do not know they are pregnant until after major symptoms appear or only after they use a pregnancy test kit. So, here are a few pointers on how to know if a woman is pregnant

1. Tender nipples- Your breasts, particularly the nipples becomes tender around three weeks after conception. It may also feel swollen. You may also notice that the areola has become darker and has increased in diameter. The color change in the areola is associated with the body’s adjustments in preparation for breastfeeding.

2. Slight spotting A light pink spotting can occur at the time when the embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus. Cramping can also happen and this is when the uterus assumes its mid-position and becomes supported by the pelvis during the second trimester.

3. Extreme fatigue A very common symptom among pregnant women is fatigue or feeling exhausted. A pregnant woman undergoes hormonal changes that also cause a bit of sluggishness.

4. Fainting- There are times you would feel dizzy or feel that you are about to faint. This happens when the growing uterus compresses major arteries in your legs which causes your blood pressure to drop, therefore, making you feel light-headed.

5. Nausea and vomiting- This is more popularly known as morning sickness. This may come as early as a week into the pregnancy. Others experience nausea in the afternoon or evenings while for some, it can be throughout the day.

6. Frequent urination When the fetus is growing, it causes the uterus to swell and it puts pressure on your bladder, which also makes you urinate more often.

7. Constipation You would feel this in the early part of your pregnancy when your hormones slows down bowel functions.

8. Irritability Sometimes, you would feel a combination of these symptoms in just one day and because of your raging hormones — you tend to feel irritable. This symptom is best managed by getting rest and plenty of sleep, and by maintaining a healthy diet.

Things Pregnant Women Should do…

A pregnant woman should also make sure that she follows the following pregnancy tips

l Regular Medical Exams Monitoring the progress of your pregnancy is a must to avoid any complications or problems. The doctor can recommend what medicines or supplements you should take; what to avoid food to avoid; and other dietary prescriptions that you should follow such as the regular consumption of milk that contains high amounts of folic acid and pre-natal vitamins.

l Check your immunity Pregnant women should avoid contracting diseases like chicken pox and measles — which have potential harmful effects on your pregnancy. It is important to be fully vaccinated prior to getting pregnant.

l Eating right Pregnant women should eat plenty of high protein foods which are essential to the healthy development of the baby. Pregnant women should be aware of the the appropriate amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and fat that should be consumed daily.

l Avoid negative emotions – Emotions like anger should be avoided because even the baby is affected by the mood of the mother.

l Inform your doctor on your family history- If you have any pre-existing conditions, it is best to inform the doctor so that appropriate action can be taken to adjust procedures and medicines that may be prescribed during your pregnancy.

Things Pregnant Women Should Not Do…

l You should not smoke- You should not smoke or be around people who smoke. Smoking is hazardous to the health of the mother and the baby. Direct or second-hand smoke can result in spontaneous abortion, underweight babies, and even infantile deaths.

l You should not drink alcohol- Like smoking, alcohol consumption during pregnancy poses a very serious health risk to the baby in the womb.

l You should not take prescription drugs or over-thecounter medicines- There are certain drugs which are not safe to take when you are pregnant. The approval of your doctor must be sought before using any kind of drug or medication. The use of prohibited drugs can also cause severe birth defects.

l You should not drink coffee Consumption of drinks with caffeine increases the baby’s risk of having diabetes.

l You should avoid stress – Stress should be avoided by pregnant women because emotional instability has adverse effects on the health and physical growth of a baby.

l You should avoid exposing your self to pesticides, paint thinner, and household cleaning products. These chemicals can have harmful effects to your newborn.

Parenthood is learning process that entails studying how to care for your baby even before it is born into the world. It takes a lot of involvement by both the new mother and new father — who equally share the responsibility of ensuring that their baby is healthy and free from risks that could impede its growth and development. Expectant fathers should be more patient and prepared to engage in a more active role in caring for the baby. The last few weeks of pregnancy can very exhausting and might cause some anxieties for the first time mom. But a caring husband can do wonders for his expectant wife by being more understanding and by doing all he can to make his wife comfortable and fully relaxed. Before you know it, the waiting game would be over. By taking the time and effort to prepare for the baby’s arrival, a new mom and new dad can become fully prepared for the day that they’ll finally meet their little bundle of joy.

Im pregnant? How can that be? I was not expecting this to happen!

These are some of the common reactions of women who became aware of their pregnancy at the very last moment. Since many women today basically missed the early signs of pregnancy, they only became aware that they are indeed pregnant after they try using a home pregnancy kit or after their gynecologists confirm it.

To avoid the hassle and drama of unwanted pregnancy, it is best for all sexually active women to become responsible enough to engage in safe sex and of course, to become aware of the early signs of pregnancy.

The following are the seven signs of pregnancy

1. Light to moderate spotting

Moderate spotting generally occurs before a womans menstrual period begins. Spotting can also be a sign of pregnancy as implantation starts. Since this type of bleeding is brownish and the flow is usually light to moderate just like the pre-menstrual spotting, some women often disregard it as an early sign of pregnancy.

2. Increased body temperature

Just like the spotting, sudden increased in body temperature is also one of the most frequently missed signs of pregnancy among women, for this also normally happens during menstrual period. If a womans basal body temperature is higher than normal, then it can be a symptom for pregnancy.

3. Nausea

Nausea or morning sickness is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. This basically happens during the first to two weeks of pregnancy. Although the feeling of nausea and vomiting oftentimes occur anytime within the day, these can trigger when one least expects it.

4. Missed period

A missed period is probably the most obvious indication that a woman is pregnant. When this happens, women tend to immediately look for other signs of pregnancy or better yet, confirm their condition by means of reliable pregnancy home kit.

5. Frequent urination

A pregnant woman may not notice her frequent trips to the comfort room, but others can easily notice this, thus, an indication of pregnancy. This symptom happens because the uterus begins to swell and pressure on the bladder eventually occurs.

6. Tender breasts and nipples

Tender and swollen breasts and nipples are signs of menstrual bleeding, but these can also be indications that a woman might be pregnant. A woman may notice such soreness during sleeping, exercising, and even while getting dressed. Apart from soreness and tenderness of the breast as possible signs of pregnancy, a woman may also notice that her nipples darken in color.

7. Exhaustion or fatigue

A sudden feeling of fatigue or exhaustion is also one of the early signs of pregnancy. A woman can tell if shes pregnant when she easily becomes exhausted and tired even after doing little or no activity at all.

These are just seven of the many early signs of pregnancy. Since the symptoms explained above are perhaps the most obvious indications that a woman is pregnant, one should confirm pregnancy by immediately consulting a gynecologist. Keep in mind that not all signs of pregnancy apply to every woman, hence, a trip to the gyne can definitely save one from the paranoia of possible pregnancy.

The human body is made up of about 70 percent water. Under normal conditions it loses some body water through sweat, tears, urine and stool. Water also evaporates from the skin and leaves the body in the form of vapor when people breathe. Because of these facts, dehydration becomes a major health concern among many individuals. Dehydration is a condition in which the body lacks water and electrolytes. Electrolytes are substances which contains free ions that are used by the body in important cellular activity. This condition may lead to serious ailments and even death if not given proper attention.

One major cause of dehydration is insufficient consumption of water. Coupled with intensely hot weather, insufficient water intake may lead to severe dehydration or heatstroke severe form of heat illness. In addition to these factors, other causes of dehydration may include intense workouts and other excruciating physical activities. These activities may cause excessive sweating and deplete the body of electrolytes and other necessary nutrients. Other causes of dehydration can be digestive problems caused by defects, illness or reaction to gastric bypass or other surgeries on the stomach. Health ailments like nausea and vomiting or diarrhea are other causes of dehydration. Too much alcohol and coffee consumption may also cause dehydration.

Some signs of dehydration may include dizziness, sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, fatigue, and irritability. It is important to give emphasis on the treatment of dehydration because untreated and extreme dehydration can cause shock. This happens when there are insufficient water in the brains and other important organs.

It is important to learn the signs of dehydration and treat them quickly before they worsen. If possible, individuals should try not get dehydrated in the first place. The aim in treating dehydration is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Plain water is the best option in the first three hours. Health specialists encourage the use of sports drink and other alternative drinks with electrolytes. These products may replenish lost nutrients faster than ordinary water.

Here additional remedies that can be done to reduce the development of dehydration

Reduce or eliminate the consumption of dehydrating beverages like coffee, tea, and sodas. These drinks contain caffeine may increase the risk for dehydration.
If drinks with caffeine are consumed, it is advised that more water than the normal daily total. The dehydration caused by these drinks can be compensated by drinking additional water.
Include lots of fruits and vegetables in a diet. These foods have high water content and may increase the body’s water content.
The sense of thirst is not a reliable dehydration indicator. Individuals may need water long before the sense of thirst is felt.

Many cases of dehydration can be prevented by keeping the body cool and by avoiding hot environments. It is a preventable condition that can result to death if left unattended. Extreme care should be taken to prevent dehydration especially during sports activities and intensely hot weather. Home treatment is usually that is needed to treat mild dehydration. However, intense exhaustion and sever dehydration may need immediate medical attention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments for dehydration may enable many individuals to be conscious of their water intake and improve their health.