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Recurrent Miscarriage ! 0

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Recurrent miscarriage is defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Also known as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and habitual abortion, it can have severe effect on emotional state of mother. Recurrent pregnancy loss affects about 0.34 percent pregnant women and usually occurs before 20 weeks of gestation.

Some of the causes of recurrent miscarriages include:

Genetic abnormalities in embryo increases risk of recurrent miscarriage by 3% to 5%. Chromosomal abnormalities that are passed from parents to child can abort pregnancy. Sometimes embryo contains wrong number of chromosomes or they are not arranged properly, this results in recurrent miscarriage.
On an average hormonal imbalance plays key role in 20 percent of recurrent miscarriage. Inadequate production of progesterone (luteal phase defect) and high level of luteinizing hormone can lead to recurrent miscarriage. Therefore, the women who suffer from hormonal disorders such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) needs to take extra care of themselves during pregnancy.
Structural abnormalities can also lead to recurrent pregnancy loss. At times size and shape of uterus can also lead to structural abnormalities. Women who have division in uterus or who have scarred uterus are more likely to have recurrent miscarriage. Structured abnormalities increase the risk of recurrent miscarriage by 2 percent.
Blood clotting disorder (thrombophilia) is seen to be underline cause in 15 percent of recurrent miscarriage cases. Some women with blood clotting disorder may experience several pregnancy complications while the others can go through one or more pregnancy without any complications. This disorder blocks blood flow to placenta thus causing foetus death. Such disorders are mainly caused due to anticardiolipin antibodies and antiphospholipid antibodies.
Weak cervix during second trimester of pregnancy can lead to recurrent pregnancy loss.
Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism also increase risk of recurrent miscarriage.
Undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus can cause recurrent miscarriage.
Women’s lifestyle greatly influences risk of miscarriage. Pregnant women must avoid exposure to toxins such as smoking alcohol and drugs.
Another possible cause of recurrent miscarriage is immunological factors such as autoimmune and alloimmune. In case of autoimmunity the antibodies against self are developed, they destroy cellular or sub-cellular components of body. In addition, imbalance in alloimmune factors also contributes to recurrent miscarriage.
Thyroid disorder is also considered to increase risk of recurrent miscarriage.
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A woman’s life is filled with hard times.As a teenager, she must learn to cope with regular periods; as an adult she worries about birth control and birth, and as she ages, she must learn to cope with her body changing yet again as she reaches menopause. Menopause can be as trying a time for a woman as her first period or pregnancy, only harsher. She must learn to cope with a whole new set of physical and emotional troubles. So, what is menopause?

Menopause is the absence of menstrual periods for a period of twelve months.

The menopausal transition starts with the changing length of the menstrual cycle and ends with the final menstrual period. What actually happens at the time of menopause is that the function of the ovaries ceases. The ovaries are a pair of reproductive glands in women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond, and produce eggs and female hormones such as oestrogen.

The ovaries are also the main source of female hormones. These female hormones are responsible for the control and development of female body characteristics such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair.

The hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Women usually reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. Symptoms of menopause can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, hot flashes, vaginal and urinary symptoms, and mood changes too. But the symptoms don’t occur in all women. Many women feel no discomfort during this time at all.

Irregular vaginal bleeding is one of the symptoms of menopause. The menstrual cycle may become shorter or longer in duration before stopping altogether. Gynaecologists say that there is no “normal” pattern of bleeding during the menopause transition, and patterns vary for every woman. It is common for women to have a period after several months without one during this time.

The important thing is to remember that irregular periods are not necessarily a result of menopause and it could be due to several reasons. Thus, it is best to consult a doctor about the causes and reasons.

Hot flashes are another common occurrence in women undergoing menopause. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of warmth spreading through the body. Hot flashes can vary in duration and can last from 30 seconds to several minutes. The exact cause of hot flashes is not yet fully understood, but scientists believe that they are probably due to a combination of hormonal and biochemical fluctuations that are brought on by declining oestrogen levels.

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Relief from any of these symptoms is not difficult, but doctors strongly advice against self medication. It is first important to ascertain that the cause of your problem is menopause and not something else. This can only be done in consultation with your doctor.

Menopause is a term given to the period of cessation of women’s monthly periods. The duration of menopause can last for one to two year at a stretch. The age of natural menopause ranges from 40 to 61 years, though the median age is considerably earlier i.e. 44 years.

Menopause is considered to be a difficult time as it brings various health issues with it. Changes in sex drive, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, memory loss, weight gain, mood swings and hot flashes are some of the common symptoms of menopause. The changes in sex drive and the general distress due to the other symptoms adversely affects the sex life after menopause.

Sex Life after Menopause

According to a recent study conducted in UK, the post menopausal women have better sex ife than they had before menopause. Results of this study indicate that 65% of women reported to have happier sex life since they need not worry about the unplanned pregnancies.

Women often have misconception and worries pertaining to their sex life after menopause. They are afraid that their partner may no longer be sexually interested in her. Such fears stem from the fact that after menopause one tends to lose their libido. Factors effecting sex life after menopause:

Emotional well-being of women- Emotional state of women is an important influencing factor in post-menopause sex life. If a woman is constantly worried about looks of her body, the state of mind can have negative influence on her sex drive. During menopause women experience mood swings but post menopause majority of women report to have more fun in their daily activities. Almost all the women report to be experiencing greater sense of independence. If you are facing emotional distress even after the menopause period then it is advisable to take medical assisstance in postmenopause phase as well.

Physical well-being of women- It is only small percentage of women that report to have reduced sexual drive due to physical changes during menopause. For instance, vaginal dryness can make sex an uncomfortable experience. This is so because lower estrogen level decreases blood supply to vagina causing low vaginal lubrication. The physical health concerns can also significantly hamper the sexual desire of women. Lowered levels of progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are one of the reasons of decreased sexual drive (libido).

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If your sex life after menopause is becoming an issue of concern for you then the best solution is to discuss the problem with your doctor and opt for the best possible treatments.

Menopause is an inevitable truth in every woman’s life and is often shrouded in a thousand fears. Most of the apprehensions are related to the fate of marital relationships in general, and sex life in particular. Although the average age for the onset of this condition is considered to be around 45 years, menopausal symptoms might start showing way ahead of this age. Most of these symptoms are related to hormonal changes which reflect in behavioural patterns, sexual libido and physical appearance. All these can have seemingly unpleasant repercussions on marriage, in various ways. However, it all depends on the sensitivity and depth of the relationship you share with your partner. If he is a supportive husband, such problems can be easily managed without any major unpleasantness. Marriages which successfully tide through these difficult times are certainly based on deeper understanding, thus helping one partner to empathise with the other.

Menopausal Repercussions on Marriage

Menopause effects on marriage can often assume serious repercussions. Some of the most common menopausal side effects which can lead to potential marital discord are listed below.

The Sex Life: A normal healthy sex life is not only an essential ingredient for happy existence; it is apparently great for your marriage too. Marital sex is often considered to be an expression of love and intimacy for each other, which strengthens the relationship in many ways. Couples who indulge in the act more often are known to be happier and more content in each other’s company. As menopause sets in, women tend to lose interest in sex and physical intimacy. They tend to shirk from it, which can sometimes baffle the partner. This imbalance in sexual desires can often result in major discords too. However, always remember that it is the hormones which are to blame and not your partner. She needs your support to handle these changes effectively.
Behavioural Patterns: Effects of menopause on marriage can also be related to mood swings or abrupt behavioural changes in women. The fluctuating hormone levels are responsible for such changes. Menopausal women are known to exhibit high tempers and irritation, for the smallest reason possible. Naturally, husbands may find it difficult to cope with and understand such erratic behaviour, especially at the outset. These might result in misunderstandings and quarrels, thus hampering domestic peace.
Physical Changes: Menopausal side effects also have to do with changes in the physical appearance of women. Most women tend to put on weight and lose hair as they approach menopause. As a result their self-esteem might also take a hit. Your husband might also find it difficult to handle such changes with ease. He might not be able to deal with this sudden change in the way he has perceived their partner for years. Physical changes are more likely to hamper marriages which are primarily based on physical as well as sexual attraction. However, sensitive partners are more likely to take this in their stride. For them, the person lying within this external shroud is any day more important. Remember, it is not easy for your partner to accept such negative changes in her appearance. The least you can do is to help her face this.

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These are some of the most common impacts menopause can have on marital relationships. However, there are ways in which you can cure and control them effectively.

What are the best foods, activities, & natural treatments for health in spring? Read on to learn about spring cleansing & other revitalizing health tips.

From birdsong and melting ice to sprouting flowers and sunshine, spring may be the most uplifting and renewing time of year. If you're interested in making the most of the season to boost your energy levels, lose weight, or improve other aspects of your health, read on for the five best natural health tips for spring.

Spring is the Best Time to Cleanse

Why do experts recommend that you cleanse in spring? Colon and liver cleansing are important to maintain a healthy weight and high-functioning joints, muscles, and mind, especially considering the junk additives that turn up in so much of our food supply.

A spring cleanse is one of the best ways to purge these toxins at the same time as the earth and our bodies are ready to renew themselves for summer. Cleansing is also recommended by naturopathic doctors as a way to possibly reduce seasonal allergy symptoms

Plant a Garden

Forget boot camps and expensive exercise equipment! Gardening is a great way to soak up some sunshine and get back into shape. Not only is it a break from the norm and a chance to enjoy the warmer weather - and beautify your home - gardening is real physical exercise that burns some serious calories: per half hour of gardening, it's possible to burn as much as 243 calories mowing the lawn, 202 calories digging, 162 calories raking, and 182 calories planting trees or seedlings, according to Mother Jones Magazine.

Eat Locally Grown Food

As the weather turns warmer, farmers are able to bring fresh produce to market that's been grown in your area. Spring is a great time to eat more greens, vegetables and salads, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can provide you with energy, boost the immune system naturally, and enhance any spring cleanse you might undertake. Leafy greens, bitters, and herbs are the best combination for spring cleansing and renewal.

Whether you choose conventionally grown produce, organic fruits and veggies, or find a CSA or community-supported

agriculture program, you'll be supporting your health and your community.

Sunscreen for Healthy Skin

Sun damage is one of the greatest dangers to your skin, and even winter sunlight can do harm. Most people spend more time outside in spring and summer, though, and that puts your skin at risk of burns, wrinkles, spots, and other signs of aging. Plan ahead by choosing sunscreen with high SPF to keep your skin healthy and beautiful all summer long.

Get Moving with Physical Exercise

One of the best things about warmer weather is that it draws people outside - and outdoor exercise is one of the best ways to get fit and stay in shape. Whether it's more your style to go for leisurely walks, join a running club, try out a fitness boot camp or something entirely different, spring makes it easier to make outdoor exercise a part of daily or weekly routines. Take up horseback riding, outdoor yoga, rollerblading… the options are endless!

Whatever your spring health goals, these fitness and health tips can help you make the most of the season and enjoy the return of warmth and sunshine.

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The female body goes through significant changes during pregnancy and works very hard during the birth of the baby. When a new mother comes home, she is mentally very happy but probably not physically fit. The process of getting a new mother’s body back to shape and in a fit condition takes a little time and should be done gradually and sensibly. To be fit after pregnancy, it is important to allow the excess weight to come off slowly. You should aim to give yourself around six months to get your figure back in shape naturally before trying out restricted diets. In the early days of motherhood your body needs some additional energy and nutrients to meet the extra requirements of feeding and looking after your body. You should never compromise on that.

To be fit after pregnancy, there are simple rules that every new mother should follow, and however difficult it is to find time from a new born baby’s needs, she should try and fit in the following:
1- Eat a wide variety of food, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, eggs, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes, fish, poultry and lean meat.

2- Drink plenty of water.

3- Avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast.

4- Have your meals at regular intervals.

5- Have balanced meals and snacks without too much fat or sugar and nutrition rich lunches and dinners.

How to Get Back a Flat Stomach The stomach muscles and skin become distended and stretched during pregnancy and child birth, and they need toning up. Pelvic floorexercises during pregnancy helps the muscles to recover quickly after childbirth. Your doctor would be able to guide you according to your specific needs.

Regular bowel movementsBowel movements sometimes get irregular after childbirth. Eating a variety of fibre rich food ( e.g. wholemeal bead, fibre rich breakfast cereals, fruits and vegetables etc.), drinking plenty of fluids and some gentle exercise like walking helps regularising the system.

The three pilates based exercises that helps immensely to get fit after pregnancy are:The hundreds: Lie flat on your back with your hands by your side, and legs raised to a 45 degree angle Lift your head and shoulders, with your chin tucked in. Start pumping your arms quickly down, one hundred times.

Side Leg Lift: Lying sideways and with one hand supporting your head, lift both legs up, keeping them together. Keeping thighs and bottom tight, and engaging those muscles, hold for 5 seconds. Return to resting position and repeat 10 times. Likewise on the other side.

Criss cross obliques: Lie flat on your back with both hands under the head and with elbows opened wide. Bring up one knee towards the chest, extending other leg. Lifting head and shoulders off the ground, reach towards the bent knee, and touch your elbow to the opposite knee. Release and reverse legs. Repeat 10 to 15 times, resting in between if necessary.

Please remember that you should introduce moderate exercise after your body has recovered enough postpartum (usually two months), to get fit after pregnancy. And always check with your doctor before you start.

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Many immunological mechanisms ensure the successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and imbalance in these mechanisms is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

In a review published in Advances in Neuroimmune Biology, researchers from the Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine at Swansea University in the UK examine the impact of maternal obesity on the inflammatory responses in tissues of both the mother and the child.

"While great progress has been made in elucidating the immunological mechanisms that ensure reproductive success, we now need to understand the impact of a very modern epidemic on immune response at the materno-fetal interface, as well on the mother and the child," said lead investigator Catherine A. Thornton, PhD. "Inflammation may have a key role in many of the detrimental effects of obesity in non-pregnant individuals, and emerging data suggest that inflammation also links obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes."

Evidence of altered inflammatory status with obesity in the circulation of both the mother and child in pregnancy is emerging. For example, obese pregnant women have elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 is also increased in the cord plasma of offspring of obese mothers, and is associated with increased fetal adiposity and, in a rat model, to hypertension and increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in adulthood. Altered inflammatory status of the placenta in association with maternal obesity may have a critical role in the short term programming of health and disease in the offspring, the researchers commented. Maternal obesity is associated with an inflammatory response by the placenta including elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression.

The negative impact of maternal obesity on the immune function of mother and child includes an increased risk for preeclampsia, likely mediated via inflammation and triglycerides. Increased maternal body mass index is associated with an increased risk of neonatal early onset group B streptococcal disease, and an increased risk of respiratory tract infections. The inflammatory response and immune function of the newborn might relate to later health outcomes. Hyper-responsiveness of inflammatory function at birth is linked to the development of allergic disease in infancy.

Maternal metabolic status during pregnancy and weaning is particularly relevant to healthy development of hypothalamic neurones that regulate weight and feeding in offspring, the researchers report. One study demonstrated that a high-fat diet during pregnancy can induce the expression of hypothalamic peptides involved in the regulation of food intake and body composition in weanling rats. More recently, female offspring of fathers fed a chronic high fat diet had impaired glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. "These findings lead to the suggestion that such programmed expression has a role to play in adult physiology, including increased food intake, preference for a fat-rich diet, weight gain, and metabolic dysfunction," says Dr. Thornton.

"Diseases once found only in adults are increasing in the paediatric population. The focus has been on diseases with a clear metabolic component and it remains relatively unknown what risk maternal obesity during pregnancy imposes for the development of autoimmune diseases, allergy and asthma, and neurodevelopment and cognitive behavior," stated Dr. Thornton. "Animal models indicate that the provision of a normal diet to the offspring once weaned does not overcome the effects of maternal overnutrition, so simple dietary changes may prove ineffective. Targeted maternal immunomodulation might be needed to curtail this potential pandemic."

Source-Eurekalert