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Pregnancy – Stages, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention

Pregnancy – Stages, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention

A proper family and pregnancy planning is one of the most important aspects of life. The entire pregnancy period lasts for about 40 weeks. During this time, it is very important to stay healthy and safe. Early diagnosis and proper care ensure that both the mother and the child remains in good health. It is important that you understand the different stages of pregnancy to make sure of taking proper care.

Stages of pregnancy

The duration of the pregnancy is generally divided into three trimesters or stages.

  • First trimester
    The first 12 weeks of the pregnancy is known as the first trimester. By the end of this stage, the heart, muscles, nerves, and the sex organs of the baby starts to form.
  • Second trimester
    The 13 th week to the 28 th week is known as the second trimester. This is when the baby starts to form fingerprints and footprints. Hair starts to grow on the head and the blood cells are created by bone marrow too. By the end of this trimester, the baby can become up to 12-inches long.
  • Third trimester
    The remaining of the pregnancy up to the 40 th week is the third stage. By the 37 th week, the organs of the baby can function on their own. The baby fully forms by the time of the delivery.

Symptoms and diagnosis of pregnancy

The family and pregnancy planning starts right when you see the first signs that indicate your pregnancy. If you can read the signs right, you will know that you are pregnant even before visiting the doctor.

  • Missed period
    If you are someone whose menstrual cycle maintains regularity then a missed period can be an indication of pregnancy. A delay of a week can be a possible sign.
  • Fatigue
    If you are pregnant then the progesterone hormone production significantly increases in your body. This leads to feeling sleepy and fatigued, which may indicate pregnancy.
  • Increase in urination
    The amount of blood present in your body increases when you become pregnant. This leads to your kidneys processing fluids in more amount and causes you to urinate more.
  • Nausea
    Nausea during pregnancy is very common and it is known as morning sickness. However, you can have this condition at any time of the day. This generally starts after a month since pregnancy but it may start early for some people too.
  • Pregnancy test

There are pregnancy test kits available which you can use at home too. The result of this test is generally 99% precise. However, you should always visit a doctor who can confirm the diagnosis with a blood and urine test.

Prevention

If your family and pregnancy planning is to not get pregnant right now, you can take precautionary measures to prevent it. Condoms, cervical caps, diaphragm, spermicide, contraceptive patch, contraceptive pills, and other commonly used birth control methods can be effective for you. Implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can also be used to prevent pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor regarding these.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Methods to maintain perfect eye health

Eye-related complications need to be taken quite seriously. According to a survey, many people are not too serious about their eye health, as only 30% of the population go for eye check-ups regularly. Apart from weak vision, various other conditions that can lead to eye-related problems. Below is a list of some of the most common ones.Different types of eye conditionsGlaucomaThe increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in your eyes can lead to many complications, which are known as glaucoma. It is a group of diseases of the eye. The optic nerve of the eye is affected due to the increased IOP. This can also lead to a complete loss of vision. CataractsIt is a cloudy lens that forms in your eye. Even though this condition does not cause any pain, cataracts lead to blurry vision. While aging is the most common cause of this condition, it can also be a result of diabetes, certain medications, trauma, and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.Retinal detachmentYour eye health can be seriously affected by a detached retina. The retina is a tissue located at the back of your eyes. Sometimes, it can get separated from its underlying structures. It is caused by a fluid build-up, but it does not cause any pain. It results in flashing lights, compromised visuals, and floaters. AllergiesEye allergies are common. However, the severe form of allergies can lead to blindness, cornea damage due to inflammation, and other issues. Eye allergies are caused due to seasonal changes, medication, and dust. Apart from the aforementioned, the various other eye conditions include uveitis, sty, keratoconus, blepharitis, chalazion, corneal ulcer, myopia, and color blindness. DiagnosisRegular visits to an eye specialist are the best way to maintain your eye health, as they can diagnose any eye condition before it can get serious. There are many different methods to determine eye-related issues. Some of the common ones are: RefractionIt determines if you have farsightedness or nearsightedness.Snellen testThis test is done to check the accuracy of your vision.Visual field testIt is performed to test the range of your field of vision in both the eyes, one after the other. In this test, you need to close one eye while the other one is being examined by the doctor Goldmann perimeterYour peripheral vision is tested with this method.OphthalmoscopyA flashlight is used to check the health of your retina and other areas behind the pupil.TonometryThis test is done to determine the eye pressure.Maintaining eye healthIf you want to maintain good eye health, you need to be serious about eye health. You need to eat healthy, which must include the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Staring at the mobile or computer screen continuously can harm your eyes, too. Resting your eyes every 20 minutes, blinking more, and using an eye drop prescribed by the doctor can help. When you are going out during the daytime, do not forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UV rays. Most importantly, you need regular eye check-ups to make sure that any eye-related issue is diagnosed before it can affect you.

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Important things you should know about diabetes

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Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

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