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Dr Anita Gupta is currently working in University College of Medical Sciences (Medical School) & Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi. She has been practicing as a gynecologist & obstetrician for the past 31 years and as a lactation consultant for 18 years. Dr. Gupta is a fellow of Indian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and a master trainer and course director of Infant & Young Child Feeding (IYCF). She is also a part of the HIV & Nutrition course of WHO/UNICEF as well as for other National Health Programmes in India.Dr. Gupta imparted many national and international trainings and organized various conferences. In addition to having various publications in her name, she has been a reviewer for an ICMR research project for a long time. Her primary mission is to provide quality, compassionate primary health care to those who need it the most.
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As an expectant mom, you are probably watchful of your eating habits and careful about what you choose to eat and drink daily. If you are thinking of drinking sugarcane juice during pregnancy but are unsure whether it is good for you, this post is for you. Sugarcane juice is not only nutritious but also healthy and is a great drink to satiate any sweet cravings. Read on to learn about the benefits of drinking sugarcane juice during pregnancy and the precautions to take. [mj-toc] What Does Sugarcane Contain? Sugarcane is a variety of tall [simple_tooltip text="perennial" tooltip="Plants that live year after year" ] grasses native to the tropical areas of New Guinea and Southeast Asia, usually in places where warm temperature prevails (1). It is primarily used to produce sugar. However, its processing provides some valuable by-products such as [simple_tooltip text="molasses" tooltip="A thick, dark brown syrup derived from sugarcane as a byproduct of sugar refining" ] and [simple_tooltip text="bagasse"...
Pregnancy is confirmed if two colored lines appear on the home urine pregnancy test. A single color line indicates that you are not pregnant (1). The evaporation line on a pregnancy test usually occurs if the test is read after a long time since the urine dries. This may appear as a faint or colorless thin line. The evaporation line is easily distinguishable from the colored lines. Read on to know about the evaporation line on a pregnancy test, why it happens, how to differentiate it from a faint positive line, and methods to prevent it. [mj-toc] What Is An Evaporation Line On A Pregnancy Test? An evaporation line is a faint line that does not indicate pregnancy. It arises when the results have been read too late, samples taken incorrectly, or the test has been exposed to moisture. If an evaporation line happens, take another test for accurate results. An evaporation line is also likely to appear when the...
If you are an expecting mom, you may have been told to work out regularly to stay fit. However, while planning your workout regime, you should know the exercises to avoid during pregnancy. Although exercises help reduce pregnancy discomfort, sleep better, and relieve stress, not all are suitable for pregnant women. Exercises such as crunches, contact sports, or hot yoga may cause complications. Therefore, before exercising during pregnancy, consult your doctor to learn about safe exercises during pregnancy and also some safety tips. This post provides information on the many aspects of exercising during pregnancy, including exercises you should avoid and important tips. [mj-toc] Safety Of Exercising During Pregnancy [caption id="attachment_890798" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Yes. Exercising is safe for both the mother and the fetus. In fact, you need to work out regularly during this time, even if you did not have a fitness routine previously. However, consult your doctor before chalking out an exercise regime (1). Since the...
Is it safe to eat blackberries while pregnant? Blackberries are a delectable addition to any diet. Many people may love the juicy blackberries, and some may have pregnancy cravings too. While there are numerous health benefits of blackberries, such as them being rich in many vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, you may wonder about their safety during pregnancy. Read this post as we bring you information about the nutritional value, health benefits, and safety of blackberries for expecting mothers. [mj-toc] What Are Blackberries? Blackberries are delicious, small, and versatile fruit belonging to the genus Rubus of the Rosaceae family and are native to northern temperate areas. In ancient Greece and Rome, the berries were popular as a cure for mild infections. You can find clusters of pinkish-white blossoms of the fruit on the [simple_tooltip text="biennial" tooltip="A plant that has a lifespan of two years." ] blackberry plant. The berries are fragile and possess a greenish core and smooth skin. Soft, juicy...
Infertility refers to an inability to conceive or become pregnant. This may be caused due to problems in either of the partners or even in both the female and male reproductive systems. FertilAid for women and men is a natural supplement manufactured by Fairhaven Health. It helps enhance fertility and is considered to improve the chances of conceiving. Couples with infertility issues usually seek medical interventions, ranging from prescription medications to invasive procedures such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). However, couples may try several natural options to improve their fertility. FertilAid is available for both men and women and is considered effective in improving their reproductive health. It comprises essential nutrients such as folic acid and vitex in the women's formula and L-carnitine in the men's formula. Keep reading this post to know more about FertilAid supplements, their ingredients, benefits, safety, and side effects. [mj-toc] Is FertilAid Right For You? [caption id="attachment_892206" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Are you in doubt whether...
Mood swings, food cravings, tiredness, and morning sickness – these are the common pregnancy symptoms triggered by the hormonal changes in the body. Progesterone is one of the major pregnancy hormones that play an essential role in the woman’s body. Throughout the nine months of gestation, the levels of progesterone keep fluctuating, and that results in several physical changes. Keen on knowing what happens when the progesterone levels rise or fall? In this MomJunction post, we will tell you about the role of progesterone during pregnancy, how to control and improve its levels, the side-effects of excessively high or low progesterone levels during pregnancy, and ways to prevent that. [mj-toc] What Is Progesterone? [caption id="attachment_885013" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Progesterone is a hormone that controls menstruation and fertility. The luteinizing hormone causes the release of this hormone by the corpus luteum or the temporary [simple_tooltip text="endocrine gland" tooltip="Components of the endocrine system that are involved in the production of hormones...
Postpartum insomnia is defined as trouble falling and staying asleep during the phase after delivery. It may be characterized by sleep disturbance such as sudden waking up in the middle of the night and not going back to sleep for the rest of the night. The major cause of sleepless nights during the postpartum period is the drastic change in hormones during and after pregnancy. If your insomnia symptoms last for more than three to four weeks, you should seek medical help as chronic insomnia may sometimes be a risk factor for postnatal depression (1). Read on to know about the causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and management of postpartum insomnia. Read on to know about the causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and management of postpartum insomnia. [mj-toc] Is It Normal To Have Insomnia After Childbirth? Yes. Sleep deprivation or lack of sleep is a common occurrence after childbirth. It usually resolves in a few weeks as you and your baby adjust...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Is Seven Weeks Pregnancy? The seventh week of pregnancy means that you are in the second month and the first trimester. By now, your pregnancy test is positive, your pregnancy is confirmed, and you are gearing up for the coming months. MomJunction tells you what happens to your baby and you in this week, the care you should take, and more. Read on. How Big Is Your Baby At Seven Weeks? The baby is about the size of a blueberry this week. Babies usually measure around 0.15 to 0.3 inches (5-5.5mm) in length. Baby Development In The Seventh Week The embryo is developing to attain a human-like structure. Here are the fetal developments happening during this week. Body parts Development stage Face (1) Distinct with features like mouth, eyes, ears, and nostrils Skin Thin and translucent Eyelids Developing and remain closed Brain Brain divides into three parts, namely forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain Forebrain helps in reasoning,...
A growth scan during pregnancy is carried out to check the baby’s development. Often scans and screening tests are a part of routine care in pregnancy and are conducted before the third trimester. Growth scans are typically performed in the final trimester for most women. Nevertheless, it may cause you to become concerned and anxious about your baby’s health. Read on to know more about growth scans and understand their significance in pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Is A Growth Scan During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_891422" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] If you have a scan during your third trimester, it’s called a ‘growth scan’ or ‘wellbeing scan’ – which is done to determine your baby’s size and measurements and assess their health. A growth scan is an ultrasound scan that determines whether your baby’s growth is normal. Doctors typically recommend it for women during the third trimester of pregnancy; one of the main reasons is to know about fetal growth (1). What Is...
It is increasingly common to work during your pregnancy. While you may be experiencing physical and mental changes and pregnancy-related symptoms, working night shifts during pregnancy may exacerbate your condition. Because relaxation and sufficient sleep are important when pregnant, working night shifts might put your pregnancy at risk. Read on to learn more about how night shifts may influence your pregnancy, some problems faced in night shifts during pregnancy, some professions that affect your health during pregnancy, and some tips that may help you manage working through your night shift. [mj-toc] Pregnancy And Night Shift Work Can you work a night shift when pregnant? Working the night shift while pregnant is a problem that is commonly faced in today’s work scenario. According to the CDC, working at night can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, which may regulate hormones in pregnancy (1). Also, sickness during pregnancy also adds to the inconvenience. In the worst case, you can only catch up on...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 14 Weeks? At 14 weeks, you enter the second trimester and are three months and one week pregnant. During this week, your baby starts moving a little, and you will start getting over morning sickness. Momjunction tells you more about your baby’s growth, changes in your body, and the prenatal care you should indulge in. How Big Is Your Baby At 14 Weeks? Your baby is about the size of a lemon (1). The baby measures 3.42 inches (8.7cm) and weighs about 1.15oz (43g) (2). [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]At 14 weeks, your baby can also be compared to the size of kiwi fruit (9).[/mj_protip] Your baby’s growth picks up at a faster pace. Read more about it next. Baby Development At 14 Weeks Here is how the baby’s body is developing in this week: Body parts Developments Face Facial features are still developing Kidney Starts making urine (3) Bone marrow Blood...
Glucosamine is a natural substance present in the body that supports the formation of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons and is found in the fluid that cushions our joints. Therefore, glucosamine supplements are used to manage conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis (1). However, you should consult with your doctor before using glucosamine when pregnant. Pregnancy may change the way most substances react in the body. Moreover, some supplements or medications may not be safe for the growing fetus. Glucosamine may confer some benefits by improving joint health, but is it safe for pregnant women? Continue reading this post, which explains whether the consumption of glucosamine supplements during pregnancy is safe and its potential side effects. [mj-toc] Can You Take Glucosamine During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_893359" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] There is no sufficient information regarding the safety of glucosamine during pregnancy. A study conducted on pregnant women by the University of Toronto stated that there was no increased...
Your body requires different nutrients during pregnancy for the proper growth of the fetus. Biotin is a nutrient from the vitamin B complex category and has several health benefits. The deficiency of biotin during pregnancy may negatively impact fetal growth, making its inclusion essential in your pregnancy diet. Maintaining a balanced diet allows for the acquisition of various nutrients necessary for proper nutrition. However, the requirement for some specific nutrients increases when you are pregnant. Therefore, you may need to include their food sources in your diet or obtain them through dietary supplements prescribed by a doctor. However, you should not take dietary supplements without first checking with your healthcare provider. Continue reading this post to learn about the importance of biotin for pregnant women and different food sources rich in this nutrient. [mj-toc] Can You Take Biotin While Pregnant? [caption id="attachment_888139" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Biotin, also known as vitamin H, belongs to the B complex group of vitamins....
The [simple_tooltip text="endometrium" tooltip="Tissues that line the uterus or the womb" ]is the tissue that normally lines the uterus or womb. Endometriosis is a disorder when the tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus and on the other areas of the body. The following post discusses [simple_tooltip text="endometriosis" tooltip="The condition identified by an abnormal growth of intrauterine tissues outside the uterus and causes irregular and painful periods " ]and pregnancy and how the condition impacts fertility, pregnancy, and the baby. Endometriosis is most commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and on the tissues that hold the uterus in its place. It may also appear on the vagina, [simple_tooltip text="vulva" tooltip="The outer part or the external genitalia of females" ], bowel, bladder, or rectum. It rarely appears on other body parts such as skin, lungs, or brain. It is believed to affect more than 11% of women between the ages 15 and 44...
Women may be unsure whether eating artichoke during pregnancy is safe or unsafe. When carrying a baby, you need to eat highly nutritious food to nourish your baby and yourself. Artichoke is a vegetable with several benefits. It is known to improve digestive health, relieve nausea and heartburn, and prevent intestinal gas. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of other health issues, such as liver disorder, high cholesterol, and [simple_tooltip text="arthritis" tooltip="An inflammatory condition characterized by swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints" ]. However, do these benefits make it safe for consumption during pregnancy? Read on if you are curious to know the benefits, side effects, and ways to eat artichoke during pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Is Artichoke? The vegetable originated from the Mediterranean, belongs to the sunflower family. The edible portion of the plant is the flower bud. It stimulates bile flow and helps you overcome uncomfortable symptoms of nausea, intestinal gas, and heartburn, during pregnancy. Some...
Conception and the embryo\'s development into a full-grown baby is an extraordinary journey that every mother proudly embraces. But, while experiencing these events yourselves is blissful, reading some interesting pregnancy facts with spark some additional joy. These facts are great to read if you are planning to conceive or pregnant. From the average pregnancy duration to how much the uterus can grow in size, these facts contain all the information a woman would love to read and explore about the expecting mothers and their unborn babies. Read on as we share some interesting pregnancy facts with you and also debunk a few pregnancy myths in between. [mj-toc] Pregnancy Facts You Probably Didn’t Know Before The average duration of pregnancy is 280 days. But it can be longer too. In 1945, Beulah Hunter, a 25-year-old woman from Los Angeles, gave birth to a healthy baby girl after being pregnant for 375 days (1). It was the longest recorded pregnancy! [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/symptoms-of-baby-girl-during-pregnancy_00382205/"...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Are 15 Weeks Pregnant? At 15 weeks, you are three-and-a half-months pregnant. You are in the second trimester by this week and may start to feel less nauseated in the mornings. Keep reading to learn what is going on with your baby, the symptoms to expect, and how to take care of yourself this week. How Big Is Your Baby At 15 Weeks? At 15 weeks, the baby is as big as an apple (1). They measure 3.98in (10.1cm) in length and weigh 2.47oz (70g) (2). Next, we tell you how the baby’s organs are growing. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/your-unborn-babys-development_00389566/" title="Fetal Development Week By Week: Stages Of Pregnancy"] The Baby’s Development This Week In the 15th week, your baby’s organs are changing as follows. Body parts Development Eyes Closed and sensitive to light (3) Skin Transparent and blood vessels are visible through it (4) Ears Attaining the position Muscles Developing Hair Eyebrows and hair on the head continue...
Congratulations on making it halfway through your journey if you're in your 16th-week pregnancy! There is more that awaits you in the next few weeks! During this week, your baby is the size of an avocado, and you are in your second trimester. You can also hear your baby's heartbeats in your ultrasounds and checkups. And it is also essential to learn about your baby's developmental milestones while still in the womb. So read on as we give you more information about your baby's growth during this period and a few tips for your partner. [mj-toc] How Big Is Your Baby At Week 16? Your baby size is about the size of an avocado (1) and could fit in the palm of your hand. She measures 4.6 inches (11.6cm) and weighs 3.5 ounces (100gm). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/signs-and-symptoms-of-twin-pregnancy_00382609/" title="24 Early Signs And Symptoms Of A Twin Pregnancy"] Baby Development In Week 16 Of Pregnancy A major growth spurt is on the way,...
Once your baby arrives, you may feel overwhelmed with the new changes. But it is still important to care for your body, and that is where postpartum checkup becomes essential. The 6-week postpartum checkup is one of the essential checkups after the baby’s birth and is especially important if you had a C-section, normal delivery or certain issues during delivery. Postpartum visits to your doctor also help you know the progress of your recovery and healing. Read on to learn more about the details and important points before planning your sixth-week postpartum checkup. [mj-toc] Why Do You Need a Sixth-Week Postpartum Checkup? Women are advised to get checked at four to six weeks after childbirth. This is particularly important after cesarean, normal or complicated delivery to evaluate the psychological health, physical health, and recovery status of the new mother (1). This is also when your doctor may assess your baby to make sure they are doing fine. Other important aspects...
Doctors across the world emphasize the importance of exercising during pregnancy. Pregnant women interested in boxing may want to know if it is safe and whether they can continue boxing during pregnancy. Moderate and low-impact exercises such as aerobics, jogging, brisk walking, etc., have several health benefits for the mother and the fetus. Boxing is not a low-impact exercise, and hence expecting mothers may have some apprehensions (1). Read this post to know about the health benefits, contraindications, and precautions while boxing when expecting. [mj-toc]Health Benefits Of Boxing During Pregnancy Here are some of the crucial health benefits of practicing boxing exercise during pregnancy: 1. Build Strong Bones And Ligaments: [caption id="attachment_880487" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Boxing strengthens your bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. The strenuous physical activity facilitates improved metabolic rate and an easy removal of toxic wastes from your body. 2. Increases Cardiovascular Fitness: Boxing incorporates full body movement that makes your heart and lungs work properly. It...
Tums is an over-the-counter antacid that is often used to relieve heartburn or indigestion. Even pregnant women take it as a go-to for heartburn, especially during the third trimester. But is it safe to have tums during pregnancy? Heartburn during pregnancy is fairly common. But it needs to be treated with proper advice from the doctor to avoid any underlying complications (1). Read on to know about the safety of using Tums while pregnant, the necessary precaution to take while having it, and its potential side effects. [mj-toc] What Is Tums? Tums is an antacid comprising sucrose (sugar) and calcium carbonate. It is the brand name for a specific variety of antacid that is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The drug is available over-the-counter (OTC) at most retail stores in the US. Tums is known to provide quick and effective relief from heartburn, indigestion, gas, acid reflux, bloating and stomach upset. The medication is available in the form of chewable tablets, which...
Regular use of activated charcoal during pregnancy to ease morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms may interfere with nutrient absorption. Activated charcoal has more pores or internal spaces than normal charcoal to trap chemicals and toxins. It is made by heating normal charcoal in a specific gas to create pores. Activated charcoal is not recommended to use without medical reasons in pregnant women since this may interfere with the absorption of prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements. You may seek doctors' advice before using activated charcoal or other alternative products in pregnancy. Read on to know the safety, effectiveness, and uses of activated charcoal in pregnancy. [mj-toc] Is Activated Charcoal Safe During Pregnancy? Activated charcoal is not toxic; a doctor can conduct a risk-to-benefit assessment and administer activated charcoal (1). However, activated charcoal may prevent the absorption of certain pregnancy or [simple_tooltip text="lactation supplements" tooltip="Substances that help enhance milk supply in nursing mothers" ] and may interact with some medications. Activated...
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is a crucial aspect of pregnancy. Including some nutritious foods and healthy drinks during pregnancy are essential for the growing baby and mother. Moreover, most women feel that having a fresh, healthy drink is easier than eating, specifically in the first trimester of pregnancy. So, you must be wondering which drinks could benefit you and your fetus. Read on as we list out some super-healthy drinks to add to your pregnancy diet and drinks to avoid during pregnancy. [mj-toc] The Healthy Drinks During Pregnancy Not all drinks are equal when it comes to pregnancy. Some are more nutritious than others. Here are the healthy drinks for pregnancy you should consume: 1. Water: [caption id="attachment_119502" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image : Shutterstock[/caption] Let’s start with the most obvious choice. You need to drink water to stay healthy. This is true even when you are not pregnant. But during pregnancy, the need for water goes up. Water is essential...
Traveling is an unavoidable aspect of our lives these days, whether for business, a doctor’s appointment, or a vacation. However, new mothers may be apprehensive about traveling long distances by public transportation. This post helps you prepare for such situations. Read this post to learn whether it is safe to travel by bus during pregnancy, the risks associated with it, and some tips for safe bus travel during this time. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Travel By Bus During Pregnancy? What Are The Risks Associated With It? The best time to travel is mid-pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks). But travel may not be recommended for women who have pregnancy complications. If you are planning a trip, talk to your obstetrician-gynecologist (Ob-Gyn). Get your check-up done before you leave for long-distance travel on a bus. There are also a few risks involved with bus travel during pregnancy. Bus journeys are uncomfortable for some expectant moms. 1. If you are traveling a...
Biltong is undercooked meat that is rich in protein. However, since it is undercooked, you may be skeptical about consuming biltong during pregnancy. Protein is an essential macronutrient during pregnancy as it is required for the proper growth and development of the fetus and to maintain maternal health. This specific type of meat is flavorful and seems like an easy dose of protein. However, uncooked foods carry the risk of many harmful bacterias and parasites, which may cause food infection. If you enjoy consuming biltong and wish to know its benefits and risks, reading our post can help you make an informed decision. [mj-toc] What Is Biltong? Biltong is a special meat originating from Southern Africa but is now popular worldwide. Many individuals enjoy eating the meat in Western countries. Read our post to learn how biltong is beneficial and safe during pregnancy. Health Benefits Of Eating Biltong During Pregnancy 1. Provides Proteins: [caption id="attachment_891047" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Biltong...
[mj-toc] Sneezing during pregnancy is common, just like it is at other times. Usually, sneezing doesn’t cause any harm to you or your baby. However, recurrent or continuous sneezing may cause some women to leak urine. In such cases, you can consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of recurrent sneezing. In most cases, simple home remedies can effectively alleviate sneezing and related discomfort. Read on as we share the causes of sneezing during pregnancy, its effects on you and the baby, and effective tips to help you deal with sneezing. What Causes Sneezing In Pregnancy? Here are a few reasons why you could sneeze during pregnancy: 1. Low immunity: Pregnancy weakens your immunity and makes the body sensitive to allergies such as: Indoor allergies caused due to dust or pet dander (microscopic skin-shed of animals with fur and feather). Seasonal allergies caused due to pollen and hay. It is a common cause for asthma and pregnancy aggravates the...
Breastfeeding mothers need to be careful about what they eat and drink since it could affect the baby through breast milk. Some babies may even acquire a taste of what they eat through breast milk. Milk is a common beverage you may consume but is it safe to consume almond milk while breastfeeding? In general, drinking almond milk offers numerous health benefits as it is high in essential nutrients. Continue reading to learn if you can drink almond milk when nursing your baby, as well as its nutritional content and health advantages. [mj-toc]What Is Almond Milk? Almond milk serves as an alternative to dairy milk. It is a plant-based beverage obtained by grinding the toasted raw almonds with water. Almond milk is a nutritious and natural drink that contains no added colors or flavors (1). [mj_protip type="Point to consider" title="Point to consider"]Plant-based milk lacks vitamin B12; without proper supplementation, their intake may put you at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency (4).[/mj_protip]...
If you are considering hair rebonding during pregnancy, you need to be aware of its safety and possible side effects to make a safe decision. The process of hair rebounding uses chemicals for permanent straightening or shining of the hair. The texture of the hair is reformed by breaking down the bonds and connecting the amino acids. Since this procedure uses harsh chemicals, making an informed decision is important for the mother and child’s well-being. Read on to know more about hair rebonding during pregnancy, including whether it is safe, possible side effects, precautionary measures to take, and alternatives to hair rebonding. [mj-toc] Is Hair Rebonding Safe For Pregnant Women? Hair rebonding may not be safe for both the pregnant woman and the growing baby. There are no studies to show that it is safe. Pregnant women should usually avoid hair treatment with chemicals. Health experts also recommend mothers to be caution and not to use harsh chemicals on your...
Fetal hiccups are normal during pregnancy. However, you may be surprised, confused, or even scared if it is your first time carrying a baby. As the baby grows inside, you will experience several movements such as kicks, rolls, and jabs that become stronger each day. Fetal hiccups are similar movements that are usually not a cause of concern. Continue reading this post as we explain what fetal hiccups are, how to ease them, and when you should see a doctor. [mj-toc] What Are Fetal Hiccups? Fetal hiccups in the womb are little movements the [simple_tooltip text="diaphragm" tooltip="A thin muscle layer below the lungs and heart that separates the chest area from the abdominal cavity and aids in breathing" ] makes when the baby begins to practice breathing. When the baby inhales, the [simple_tooltip text="amniotic fluid" tooltip="A transparent, light yellow fluid that protects the fetus from harm" ] enters into the lungs causing the diaphragm to contract, resulting in hiccups (1)....
Abdominal or pelvic cramping is a classic sign of the menstrual cycle in females, which can occur before (premenstrual syndrome or PMS) or during periods. However, this is not always the case, as there are many cases where you may experience abdominal cramping without a period. Continue reading this post to learn more about pelvic or abdominal cramps without periods, why it feels like PMS symptoms, and how it affects your reproductive health. [mj-toc]Do Non-Menstrual Cramps Indicate Pregnancy? The onset of pregnancy could be one of the reasons for cramping but it need not be the only reason. You may experience mild cramps when the baby implants in the uterus around the fourth week of pregnancy (the time you would get your period). Therefore, you can take a home pregnancy test when you have cramps without your due date of period to confirm pregnancy (1). Reasons Why You Get Cramps Not Related With Period Besides pregnancy, there are several other...