Marijuana and Pregnancy

What is marijuana? Marijuana, also called pot, weed, or cannabis, is a recreational drug that comes from the hemp plant. Parts of the plant are dried and smoked in pipes or cigarettes (joints) or less commonly eaten. It is an illegal substance in the United States, except in some states that allow marijuana use by prescription for medical purposes.
How much is known about the effects of marijuana on a pregnancy?
Marijuana contains about 400 different chemicals and some marijuana cigarettes may contain other drugs or pesticides. It is very difficult to study the effects of marijuana use during pregnancy because some women who use marijuana may also use alcohol, tobacco, or other substances at the same time. They may also have other factors that can increase pregnancy complications, such as lack of prenatal care. In addition, accurate information on the amount, frequency, and timing of marijuana use is not usually available for study participants. These factors may help explain why we see inconsistent findings in the studies that have been published.
I am trying to become pregnant. Will marijuana use by myself or my partner lower my chance of becoming pregnant?
In women, long-term use of marijuana may affect the menstrual cycle and lead to a reduction in hormones involved in reproduction and fertility. In men, an association with reduced sperm count has been documented. These effects do not appear to totally prevent pregnancy, but may lower the chances. The effects on fertility appear to be reversible when marijuana is discontinued.
Will smoking or ingesting marijuana cause birth defects in my baby?
The frequency of birth defects was not higher than expected in the babies of 1246 women who reported smoking marijuana during pregnancy. However, most of the women in the study smoked only "occasionally." While this data is reassuring, in the absence of studies where women smoked more heavily, it is best to avoid marijuana during pregnancy
Can marijuana harm the baby in any other way?
The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known to cross the placenta during pregnancy. This means it gets into the baby's system, although how THC may impact a developing baby is unclear. Some studies have suggested that for women who smoke marijuana cigarettes regularly, there is an increased risk for premature births and low birth weight, similar to what is seen with cigarette smoking. Premature and low birthweight babies have higher rates of infant deaths, learning problems or other disabilities.
If I smoke marijuana in the third trimester, can it cause my baby to go through withdrawal after birth?
Some newborns exposed to marijuana have been reported to have temporary withdrawal-like symptoms, such as increased tremors and crying.
Can my marijuana smoking affect the brain development of the baby?
Differences in brain activity, behavior, and sleeping patterns of infants and children exposed to marijuana in pregnancy have been reported in some studies. It is believed that these children may have more problems with attention, impulsive behavior, and academic performance. However, the evidence is far from conclusive as many of the studies reportconflicting results.
What happens if I use marijuana when I'm breast-feeding?
Marijuana can be passed to infants through their mother's breast milk. Marijuana may also affect the quality and quantity of breast milk. Although no consistent effects have been noticed in infants exposed to marijuana through breast milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that breastfeeding mothers avoid the use of marijuana.

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Anxiety and Pregnancy - Simple Tips To Relieve It Now

Anxiety and pregnancy is a common occurrence for many women and this article is all about understanding why and some simple tips to relieve it.
For some, anxiety during pregnancy is nothing more than generalized worry about managing pain, and coping after the baby is born, and for others, anxiety and pregnancy can be all consuming.
What causes anxiety & pregnancy?
The words "anxiety and fear" are so commonly used and interchanged that many people don't fully understand what they mean. Anxiety refers to an overriding mental tension with no apparent identifiable cause while fear may be caused by a specific, often external reason which causes mental tension.
Most of us will experience low levels of anxiety at various times through our life, this is perfectly normal. People with Generalised Anxiety Disorder suffer with unrealistic or excessive anxiety and worry about almost all aspects of everyday life.
They may feel panicky about carrying out everyday activities, like shopping and using public transport and are generally anxious most of the time.
Anxiety and Pregnancy - when is a little bit too much?
As with the rest of the population who may experience anxiety of a non clinical nature from time to time, most pregnant women experience generalised anxiety surrounding their pregnancy.
While a certain amount of anxiety during pregnancy is inevitable, high levels of stress and anxiety can have a detrimental effect on both mother and baby and there is growing evidence that high levels can affect children long after birth.
It is well known that a woman's maternal emotions can have an affect on her unborn baby. Anxiety and pregnancy can increase a woman's risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and giving birth to a baby that is low birth weight.
Recent studies show a strong link between maternal anxiety levels early in pregnancy and a child's susceptibility to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) years later.
How do I know if my anxiety levels are too high?
Being concerned about the changes in your body, feeling a little more tired than usual, worrying about how you'll cope after your baby is born are all perfectly normal concerns.
However, your anxiety levels may be cause for concern if you experience any of the following:-

• unrealistic or excessive worry
• unrealistic fears concerning objects or situations
• "flashbacks" of past trauma this may include previous pregnancies
• tension
• fatigue
• high pulse and/or breathing rate

Anxiety and pregnancy - how to reduce it now!
In order to overcome anxiety during pregnancy it is essential to learn how to relax. The process of reciprocal inhibition means it is impossible to feel relaxed and tense at the same time.
If you have been an anxious person prior to pregnancy, or even if your anxiety has emerged as a direct result of pregnancy, the chances are you do not know how to relax and release the tension stored in muscles that contribute to the experience of anxiety.
Many of the symptoms of anxiety can be combated with regular practice of relaxation techniques.
Daily practice in the skills of relaxation will assist you in relieving muscle tension, will greatly improve your overall feeling of wellbeing and most importantly, reduce your anxiety during pregnancy.
Deep relaxation involves a number of physiological changes including:

• decreased heart rate
• decrease in respiration rate
• decreased blood pressure
• decrease in skeletal muscle tension
• decrease in analytical thinking
• decrease in metabolic rate and oxygen consumption

Concerns over anxiety and pregnancy can be greatly reduced by regular practice of deep relaxation for approximately 30 minutes on a daily basis with the aid of a relaxation CD.
During pregnancy and birth, feeling relaxed and at ease ensures you are less likely to respond with anxiety therefore you will find that you feel more in control most of the time.
Over time the effects of anxiety and pregnancy can be greatly reduced and a general feeling of greater wellbeing and relaxation can benefit every area of your life.
Anxiety and pregnancy fears surrounding labour and birth can also be dispelled with the use of regular relaxation and there are several childbirth preparation CDs which focus specifically on relaxation for labour and birth.

Source: EzineArticles.com

Pregnancy and Tinnitus

I have been living with tinnitus for more than five years before I got pregnant. I have been having constant and low volume buzzing in my left ear and it gets amplified when I am in a quiet place or agitated. Tinnitus is the condition wherein one perceives noises like ringing, buzzing, whooshing and clanging in one or both ears without the presence of any external sound.
Often tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition and does not connote a sickness in itself. It is said to be caused by either, but not limited to, impacted earwax, ear infection, hearing loss, increased blood pressure, circulatory problems and diabetes. Curious to note, a bigger percentage of the tinnitus cases affect men ranging from the age of 27 to 72 years old. Most have been exposed to very loud noises or have carried jobs that expose them to constant loud noises.
In a recent study conducted by The Royal Institute of Deaf People, United Kingdom (RNID), tinnitus is also found to have affected women. Women are predisposed to suffer from tinnitus between the ages of 13 to 45 and can experience the condition when there is a shift and imbalance of hormones. The hormonal changes start during puberty and can be manifested during menstrual period, pregnancy and menopause.
About 67% of the women who have not had tinnitus experienced the condition on the onset of pregnancy. Around 62% of those who already have tinnitus prior to pregnancy report an increase in the condition upon pregnancy.
As so, on the onset of my third trimester in pregnancy, my tinnitus increased in frequency and volume. I didn't think pregnancy was a factor, and I considered that my tinnitus was just getting worse. I had sleepless nights, terrible headaches and vertigo too.
My good friend Jane also suffers from tinnitus and as she was nearing her third trimester, she noticed that the noises also got a lot worse.
Pregnancy is almost always responsible for pulsating tinnitus and is often remedied after childbirth. A number of reasons have been pointed out as to why tinnitus is deemed to be aggravated during this phase of a woman's life. One of which is the change that our body undergoes during gestation. During this period, our hormones fluctuate as major changes in our physical and emotional aspects can be observed.
During my pregnancy, my blood pressure was monitored starting at 20 weeks of my gestation. As my blood pressure increased, my tinnitus worsened. My ob-gynecologist pointed to a correlation between my blood pressure and my tinnitus. Every time my blood pressure shot up, my tinnitus increased in volume and frequency and the buzzing could be heard as whooshing. I have been told that this shift in noise is because of the pressure that can be felt by my blood vessels in my inner ear. The whooshing sound is the sound of blood flowing.
Additionally, the stress that women feel during this stage contributes to the worsening of our tinnitus. Pregnancy is not an easy time for us. It entails a lot of major emotional, mental and physical changes and the mere idea of being responsible for another life poses a major pressure on women. Though it is natural to be experiencing such thoughts and feelings, it is important that women during the course of pregnancy minimize the level of stress.
Remember to put emphasis on the health of your baby and your own health. Do away with the negative thoughts and create an atmosphere of love, relaxation and comfort. Continue taking your daily exercise, incorporate a healthy diet and don't worry!
Stress and pregnancy may come hand in hand, and tinnitus often follows closely behind. So take control of your stress and you will manage your tinnitus without difficulty.

Source: EzineArticles.com

Phentermine and Pregnancy - Is Phentermine Safe For Your Baby?

Obesity is the main problem during pregnancy and may lead to diabetes in pregnant women. As per the latest survey carried out by the various research teams, there are no side effects of Phentermine in case of pregnant women if it is taken as per prescribed doses.
But if the doses of Phentermine are consumed in large quantity, there is a risk of abnormal development of foetus, so to reduce these risks, prescribed doses needs to be followed in proper manner under strict vigilance of the doctor. But it is an advice to the pregnant women that they should avoid Phentermine during pregnancy period because it may lead to gestational diabetes. Sometimes Phentermine can cause various withdrawal symptoms in case of pregnant women. To avoid all these side effects, Phentermine should be stopped before start of pregnancy stage and doctor needs to be consulted for more information about Phentermine.
In case of breast-feeding mothers, Phentermine is to be avoided, so that the newborn baby is safeguarded from various side effects. As Phentermine is from the family of sympathomimetic amines and it is almost similar to the Adipex-P, pregnant women should avoid taking Phentermine. This may lead to an addiction if the doses of Phentermine are taken in large quantities. If doctor permits you to go ahead with Phentermine during pregnancy period, you should gradually reduce the dose to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal. Before opting for Phentermine, please go through the instructions and quantity of doses written on the leaflet. Do not follow self-medication practice, it may result in abnormalities.
Along with above stated abnormalities, there are various side effects of Phentermine during pregnancy period and they are as follows.

• Phentermine may lead to allergic reactions during pregnancy stage.
• You may feel abnormality in breathing.
• Throat choking in pregnant women is a common side effect of the Phentermine.
• It might lead in swelling of lips and face.
• Phentermine may lead to risk of abnormal babies.
• Phentermine may cause abnormal heartbeats and the risk of high blood pressure.
• Headache and the dizziness occur in case of pregnant women due to Phentermine.
• Diarrhea and constipation are other minor side effects of the Phentermine, in case of pregnancy.
• The common and minor side effects in pregnancy are soar throat, confusion, anxiety, insomnia and the abnormal taste.
• There is also a risk of impotency due to the Phentermine.

Basically Phentermine is a type of medication that is used for reducing the appetite and obesity as it simulates the nervous systems in case of pregnant cases.
In general, Phentermine is not recommended for pregnant women as losing weight may lead to under-weight babies or with abnormality such as neural defect in which the spinal has abnormality. In case of such problems, it is better to get examined to have a healthy baby. The examinations or tests recommended by the doctor are ultrasound examination, which enables to check the physical behavior of the baby in mothers' womb. Even this ultrasound can provide complete details of the head and the spinal cord of the baby. In such cases Phentermine should be stopped immediately.
Women who breast-feed their babies should also avoid taking Phentermine as the contents may pass on to the baby through the milk and may affect the health of baby. Tremors and agitation may occur in baby due to breast milk because the main function of Phentermine is to stimulate the central nervous system and that may lead to side effects. Before breast-feeding, mothers who plan to take the dose of Phentermine, should consult with the doctor.
All of the above information regarding side effects and disorders during pregnancy is only a guideline and not to be treated as authority for the Phentermine users. Readers are advised to discuss the issues with their doctor before opting for Phentermine.

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How To Deal With Bad Circulation During Pregnancy

The circulatory system undergoes several changes during pregnancy. One of the most frequently-encountered problems which women face during the second and third trimesters is bad circulation in pregnancy, particularly leg cramps. This sudden stiffening of the leg muscles can sometimes be very painful. The reasons for developing such cramps during pregnancy are not clear; however changes in blood circulation during pregnancy, the stress on the leg muscles caused by carrying the extra weight of the baby are cited as probable factors contributing to the cramps.
While bad circulation in pregnancy does not pose a threat, if it is accompanied by redness, swelling or a warm feeling, you should consult your doctor. There are very simple exercises which could help you prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. Stretching your legs before you go to sleep could help in the reduction of stress on your leg muscles. When you straighten your legs, you must stretch your heels first and do some circular motions with your toes, clock and anti clock-wise. While doing the exercises, avoid pointing your toes.
The other thing you need to avoid is to remaining one position, standing or sitting, for a long period of time. Being in one position would restrict the blood flow and can cause circulatory problems. During pregnancy, some simple but effective exercises like walking promotes blood circulation. Leg cramps can also be treated with gentle massage or application of a warm towel round the legs
It is not uncommon to feel a bit light-headed during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that during this period, the cardiovascular system can undergo some very quick changes, with heart rate going up and the heart pumping more blood per minute. Even the quantum of blood in your body increases by 40 to 45%. During normal pregnancy, you would experience a reduction in blood pressure during the early stages. This reaches its lowest point some time in the middle of pregnancy and then starts to rise till it reaches normal level at the end of pregnancy. While the cardiovascular and the nervous system can handle these changes, at times it fails to do so and it can result in a feeling of dizzy and light-headed. So long as you do not faint as a result of this light-headedness there is no cause for worry. You just have to lie down so that you do not fall down and hurt yourself. If you are in a place where lying down is not possible, you could sit down for some time and try to put your head between your knees.
One of the ways you could prevent this feeling of light-headedness during pregnancy is to always try to lie down on your left, as then it is easy for the blood to flow to your heart and the brain. Here is some more information on the causes of light-headedness during pregnancy and how you can prevent them:
Never change your body position too fast. For instance, if you are lying down, do not get up too fast and if you are sitting, do not stand up with a jerk.
When you are stationary in one position, keep on twirling your legs from one position to the other. This will promote circulation.
Avoid lying down on your back during the second and third semesters. This affects the blood circulation negatively. Your heart rate will increase, blood pressure may drop and you may feel light-headed, dizzy or nausea. Instead it is safer to lie on your side than flat on the back.
Drink enough fluids and eat properly. When you do not eat well, your blood sugar level drops and result in your feeling dizzy and uneasy. If you do not feel like eating at the right time, keep on having small quantities of food at regular intervals.
Iron deficiency anemia is responsible for having fewer amounts of blood cells to carry the oxygen to your brain. Make your diet iron-rich so that you have enough blood to feed your heart and brain.

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Thyroid and Pregnancy - How the Thyroid Affect Your Pregnancy

Many pregnant mothers do see any correlation between thyroid and pregnancy and so don't think it is necessarily important to undergo thyroid diagnostic check before or during pregnancy. Experienced obstetricians will always ask for blood test because there's almost no clear difference between the symptoms of early pregnancy like; insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, lethargy and constipation and that of a thyroid disease, like hypothyroidism whose symptoms in women include; insomnia, nervousness, weight gain, breast milk formation, constipation, sleeping more, loss of energy, severe fatigue, and depression just to name but few. Although, thyroid disease in pregnancy is not too prevalent- about 2-4% of the US population, however, that is still a significant number of the population.
The truth is that it is absolutely necessary to undergo a thyroid test before and during pregnancy. It is every pregnant mother's dream to have a healthy baby, because the health of the baby must always be prioritized. Apart from other possible diseases, a thyroid disease that is not seriously dealt with in pregnancy could have very serious ramifications on the unborn child. For example, a thyroid disease like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) that is untreated could result in prematurity, placental abruption- a situation where the lining of the placental separate from the mother's uterus, pre-eclampsia-this refers to a pregnancy induced hypertension. The child may also develop deafness, mental retardation and muteness. That's why the relationship between thyroid and pregnancy cannot be ignored or treated with triviality.
A proper diagnosis is as much very important, either before or during pregnancy-even if your doctor fails to mention it; you have to discuss it with him/her as the case maybe. Oftentimes, women with hyperthyroidism experience difficulty getting pregnant as ovulation can be problematic. However, if discovered early and treated well, fetal pregnancy complications can be avoided. In a case where a woman has thyroid disease before pregnancy- close monitoring by a qualified doctor or endocrinologist should be followed while adjustments is made to treatment and medication throughout the pregnancy. Some women with thyroid problems during pregnancy can develop diabetes later in life.
There are cases where pregnant mothers with mild to moderate hypothyroidism are treated fairly easily and if properly managed; their babies would not experience any significant problems. At the end of these therapies, most mothers feel well and even much better than before. A mother diagnosed with hypothyroid disease during her pregnancy should undergo therapy as soon as possible because it is imperative to restore her thyroid hormone levels back for the health of mother and baby.
In some cases of thyroid and pregnancy, it could be Hyperthyroidism during Pregnancy. This is a condition when thyroid gland over produce hormones (T4 or thyroxine and T3 or triiodothyroine) usually caused by overactive tissue within the thyroid. Symptoms among others include morning sickness. Normally, pregnant women with hyperthyroidism are given anti-thyroid medication as part of treatment at the initial stage. The patient is monitored constantly and treatments changes depending on the reaction and condition of the pregnancy.

Source: EzineArticles.com

Early Pregnancy Testing - 6 Rules to Follow

When it comes to pregnancy testing many women want to take a test as early as possible. At the same time, they don't want to waste money on a test just to find out they are not pregnant. Waiting for your period to start can be nerve wracking, but staring at a big white blank space on a pregnancy test can be just as upsetting.
Pregnancy tests have come a long way. You used to have to wait for your period to be late before you could get an accurate result on a pregnancy test but the new tests they have now are pretty darn sensitive. In fact, some of them are even more sensitive than the urine test you would take at your doctor's office. If you are like me and want to take a pregnancy test early - before your period is late - here are some rules you should follow.
Early Pregnancy Testing Rules to Follow:
Rule number 1: Know when you have ovulated. If you want to test early you really have to know when you ovulated. The best way to determine when you have ovulated is to keep a bbt chart but you can also use an ovulation prediction test to give you a good idea of when ovulation took place. The reason this is important to know your ovulation date is because if you ovulate later, your period will also be later. A late ovulation would push back the date of when you would be able to get a positive test as well.
Rule number 2: Use a sensitive name brand test like First Response Early Results or Clear Blue Easy. There are several over the counter brand pregnancy tests designed for testing early. When you purchase your pregnancy tests look carefully at the package and make sure that it says you can use it up to five days before your period is due.
Rule number 3: Don't start testing earlier than 10 days past ovulation (or at the very earliest 5 days before your period is due). Even though you want to test early, taking a test too close to ovulation will just lead to frustration. Before you can get a positive test, implantation needs to occur. Implantation generally takes place around 7 to 10 days after ovulation. Once the egg has implanted, your body will begin producing hCG. This is the hormone that pregnancy tests are looking for. Generally after implantation, it takes about 2 or 3 days before you start making enough hCG to show up on a home pregnancy test.
Rule number 4: Use first morning urine. Most of the newer pregnancy tests do not require you to use first morning urine. However, when you are testing early, first morning urine may be helpful. First morning urine is usually more concentrated and is best for early pregnancy testing.
Rule number 5: Don't read the results of a pregnancy test after the time limit. Read the manufacturer's instructions on when to read the test results. It is possible to see a faint colorless line, or an evaporation line, if you read a test after the time limit. There are two places for dye to cling to on a home pregnancy test - one is for the control line and the other is for the test line. Sometimes urine can leave a stain where the test line would have developed. This stain can sometimes be confused as a positive result.
Rule number 6: Don't get discouraged if your test comes back negative. Being an anxious and early tester may give you an early start on knowing if you are pregnant, but you are also more likely to get a negative result if you test really early. If you test negative and your period isn't late, don't worry. You may have miscalculated when your period was due, ovulated later than usual, implanted late, or your urine just might not have been concentrated enough. Wait a couple days if you get a negative test and try again.

Patty Hone is a wife and mother to four kids. She is also the cofounder of JustMommies.com. For more information on pregnancy visit JustMommies.com. Also see our baby names data base for help choosing the perfect name for your baby.

Source: EzineArticles.com