What are the Odds of Getting Pregnant during Periods

Getting pregnant during menstrual period is possible but is less likely. In order to understand how women can get pregnant during periods it is essential to know how exactly conception occur and how women’s menstrual and ovulation cycle works.

Conception occurs when sperms and eggs meet in women’s fallopian tube. During women’s menstrual cycle, one of the ovaries releases an egg into the fallopian tube. This stage is referred to as ovulation. The egg mostly survives for one day and if then it didn’t get in to contact with sperm it sheds along with uterus lining. This causes your menstrual period.

In a study conducted by United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), menstruation cycle of 213 women was studied. Age group of women ranged between 25 to 35, wherein woman’s cycle are likely to be most regular. It was found that woman’s fertile period can extend to the beginning of menstrual cycle. Results further showed that 17% of women became fertile on seventh day of their period and some of them at even the fourth day. So, menstruation does not guarantee that women will not become pregnant.

Spotting during ovulation

Some women have slight spotting during the ovulation stage. Spotting during ovulation is of fertile cervical fluid that often appears in red or brown colour. This cervical fluid is often mistaken for an abnormal or long period. During this type of bleeding there is perfect environment for sperms to survive thus increases chances of pregnancy as well.

Early Ovulation

Mostly women who have menstrual cycle of 28 days ovulate on the 14th day. However, the cycle is not fix and the women can even ovulate earlier. If women detect ovulation early for example on the tenth day of their cycle then it is possible for them to become pregnant if by having intercourse during this period.

Long period

Women who have long or irregular periods have chances of getting pregnant during their period. Spotting and bleeding does not always mean that woman is not fertile. It is possible to approach ovulation while being in period. If a woman has period for ten days and she had unprotected sexual intercourse in this period, she might conceive.

In some of the cases, women starts producing fertile cervical mucus during the last few days of period. So if a woman starts to ovulate shortly after her period then she can become pregnant even if she is spotting.

How to get pregnant with an irregular period

If your menstrual cycle is irregular, you might face difficulty in getting pregnant. It becomes difficult to predict the time of ovulation. Here are some of the ways that can help you to get pregnant faster with irregular periods.

Try to know your ovulation period

Period of ovulation is the most fertile time of women’s menstrual cycle. For conception, it is important to have intercourse when you ovulate. The more you track the easier it becomes to predict your ovulation. Look for the signs such as surge in basal body temperature which indicates ovulation. If your body temperature shows rise on particular days every month then it is the period of ovulation.

Keep track of cervical mucus and cramping

Keep your eye open to the changes in your cervical mucus. At time of ovulation it increases in quality and becomes sticky. Some women experience cramping during ovulation.

Use ovulation kits

If you prefer to go for a less tedious way of knowing your ovulation dates then you can used ovulation kits. The problem with these kits is that by the time you get result you have already ovulated.

Fertility drugs

You can seek doctor’s advice and use fertility drugs to increase your chances to get pregnant. Such drugs elevate your chances of conception by inducing ovulation.

Medical advice

You can fix an appointment with your doctor to figure out the reason behind your irregular cycle.

How often should you get your teeth X-rayed?

Dental X-rays are useful for dentists to diagnose tooth and gum diseases. It is a simple oral exam that helps dentists find dental problems early in their development stage and this can potentially save people a lot of money and discomfort.

What can dental X-rays detect?

In adults, dental X-rays can be used for different purposes, such as:-

• to show different areas of decay that may not be easily visible in an oral exam
• to reveal bone loss that usually comes along with gum diseases
• to identify decay that may be occurring below an existing filling
• to assist in the preparation of braces, tooth implants, dentures and other dental procedures
• to reveal an infection at the root of a tooth or between gums
• to reveal developmental abnormalities, such as tumours.

How often should you get your teeth X-rayed?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends not only on your current physical health but also on your medical and dental history. While some people may need X-rays as often as once in every 6 months, others who have no history of dental problems and who visit their dentist frequently may need an X-ray only once every couple of years. If you are a new patient at a dentist’s clinic, you might need an X-ray for him/her to establish that your dental health is pristine. Also, the first X-ray with a new dentist will help him/her with a baseline record from which he/she can compared future changes.

Here is a quick guide through who really needs frequent X-rays.

• Children and teens with a history of many cavities may need X-rays once every 6 months or one year, depending on their age. People who have a high risk of decay for multiple reasons may also need to take frequent X-rays.
• People with gum or periodontal diseases should get dental X-rays often because that can help their dentist to reveal signs of bone loss. If the doctor has indeed established bone loss because of gum disease, the patient may need periodontal surgery.
• Adults with several crowns, fillings and other restorations need frequent X-rays for their dentist to find if there is any decay beneath the fillings or even in new places.
• Smokers have an increased risk of periodontal disease and bone loss around their teeth.
• People who chew tobacco are at an increased risk of bone loss around the disease as well as periodontal disease.
• People with dry mouth tend to have dental issues more often because they lack saliva, which helps teeth and mouth to stay healthy by regulating the level of acid inside the mouth. A dry mouth is characteristic of low pH, which causes minerals inside teeth to break down, causing more cavities.

Therefore, whether you need an X-ray really depends on your health and history of diseases. Do not be duped into getting an X-ray for absolutely no classic reason.

Ayurvedic treatment for pimples

Pimples are considered to be a common problem amongst youngsters, teenagers and even in adults. Although several cosmetic chemical based formulations claim to be effective in treating pimples and acne, resorting to ayurvedic treatment for pimples is the safest. Considering that your skin is already suffering from skin disorders, you might not want to aggravate the problem with the usage of unsafe chemicals.

Most of these ayurvedic remedies are simple enough to be tried at home. However, in extreme cases, you can also seek consultation from a specialized ayurvedic practitioner for case specific options pertaining to ayurvedic treatment for pimples and acne.

• Fresh fenugreek leaves: Make a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves and water. Apply it all over your face and leave overnight. Wash off the next day. This could be an effective remedy for treating blackheads as well.

• Rose water and lime: Mix one part rose water along with one part limejuice and apply on the pimples. You need to leave this on for about half hour and wash off. The difference will be visible immediately.

• Drumstick leaves and pods: Drumstick leaves and pods are also known to be effective in ayurvedic treatment of pimples. Grind them together and mix them with one part lime juice to make a paste. Apply on affected areas on a continuous basis for sustained results.

• Papaya: If your pimples have developed painful swelling, the best remedy is to extract the juice of raw papaya fruit. You need to keep the skin and the seeds when making the pulp for juice extraction. Once the juice has been extracted, apply these on the pimples for immediate relief.

• Sesame paste: If your pimples  itch, you need to make a paste of sesame seeds and water and then apply it on the affected area. This is one of the most effective ayurvedic remedies for treating itchy pimples, rashes as well as allergies.

• Groundnut oil: Mix freshly squeezed juice of one lime along with equal amount of pure groundnut oil. Apply on the visible pimples and acne marks. This concoction is well suited to manage blackheads as well.

• Tomato: Take a ripe tomato and pulp it. Apply this to your face. Wash off after 15 minutes for a remarkable and visible impact.

• Potato: Grate one potato and apply on the affected area. This is a sure shot option for ayurvedic treatment for pimples marks. This also takes care of all forms of skin blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads and all sorts of rashes.

• Milk and lime juice: Wash your face with the mixture of boiled milk and lime juice, if you have developed pimples, acne, broken skin, rashes or blackheads.

• Cinnamon and honey: Get some cinnamon powder and mix it with equal portion of honey, for a smooth paste. Apply this paste to the affected areas of the face overnight. Rinse off next morning for a visible impact and a fresh glowing skin.

• Mint juice: Mint juice is an excellent antiseptic lotion for the skin. Apply it to prevent infection from pimples. You can also use it as an effective remedy for various other skin diseases like eczema and rashes.

These simple yet effective options pertaining to ayurvedic treatment for pimples will surely make a difference in a big way.

Ayurvedic treatment for bursitis

Bursitis indicates the inflammation of a tiny sac like tissue called bursa which remains filled with a fluid and acts as a cushion to absorb shocks between bones tendons joints and muscles. Due to vigorous and repetitive movement of the bone over bursa, inflammation occurs which leads to localised pain, swelling, redness, stiffness and warmth. The affected area is therefore unable to bear body pressure, causing immense pain. There are 160 bursae in the body. The most common sites of inflammation are shoulders, elbows, ankles, knee, buttocks, hips or thighs.

Treatment of Bursitis involves rest, compression with ice, intake of analgesics and anti-inflammatory medicines. However, Ayurvedic treatment for bursitis includes certain remedies which are very promising, cost effective and readily available. Owing to the side effects caused by the medications prescribed by physicians, ayurvedic treatment of Bursitis is preferred over other treatment methods.

Common herbal remedies for bursitis are

• Application of warm olive oil, sesame oil, sandal wood paste, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil and neem oil are effective herbal remedies for Bursitis whichprovide instant respite to the patient.

• Deficiency of calcium and vitamin B12 leads to swelling of the bursa and consequently the concerned organ. Therefore oral intake of calcium, vitamin B12 and magnesium is also a part of ayurvedic treatment for Bursitis.

• Prepare a mixture by boiling a tbsp of cayenne pepper with apple cider vinegar and apply it over affected areas for quick results.

• Keep a grated potato overnight in a cup of water and drink the strained liquid before breakfast on a daily basis to soothe the pain. This is a proven herbalremedy for Bursitis.

• Sea waters also have therapeutic properties and have proved to be very good in case of chronic Bursitis.

• The application of Rumalaya Forte and Rumalaya Gel is recommended as it has an ayurvedic formulation. They are very potent in lessening the inflammation. Herbs such as boswellia, licorice, guggul, five-leaved chaste tree form the base of this ayurvedic treatment for Bursitis.

• Application of Ashwagandha, Turmeric and Boswellia are recommended to reduce stress on joints and inflammation.

• Drink two cups of liquorice tea every day to get rid of inflammation and consequent pain.

• Consume broth made from seaweeds such as kelp which is rich source of minerals to replenish the deficiency which causes Bursitis.

• Apart from the above mentioned ayurvedic treatment of Bursitis, those suffering from Bursitis are advised to practice yoga  to de-stress the body and alleviate the symptoms.

Managing Cravings and Aversions

I have no cravings, only aversions

According to studies, 76% - 90% women experience a craving for at least one type of food and 50% - 85% suffer aversion to only one food. This usually happens in the first trimester when hormonal changes are at their height.  Fortunately, most cravings and aversions disappear and weaken after the 4th month. If it persists after this, you may just need some emotional mollycoddling.
 

I find myself craving for foods that are less nutritious

Even though you cannot totally ignore cravings and aversions, you can at least ensure that your baby is getting properly nourished. Of course, you cannot force yourself to eat foods you have developed an aversion to, but you can eat other healthy foods. If you have a craving for something unhealthy, first try to distract yourself or find a healthy alternative. If it still persists, you may give in just a little bit but whatever you do, do not put your baby's nutritional needs in jeopardy.
 

I seem to have bizarre cravings

If you find yourself craving peculiar substances like ash, laundry, starch and clay, consult your doctor immediately, as it is a sure sign of nutritional deficiency. 
 

I can't stand milk. Help!

Don't worry. What your baby needs is calcium. And milk is just the most convenient source. Try having some dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Or you could try some non-dairy calcium rich foods. A third option is dry skimmed milk concealed in oatmeal, frozen desserts, puddings, soups, sauces, muffins and milkshakes. As the last option you could try a prescribed calcium supplement.

Prenatal Diet (Diet during Pregnancy)

Prenatal diet plays an important role in right growth and development of the baby. Understanding a prenatal diet helps an expecting mother to know which foods should be consumed and avoided during pregnancy. Read on to find tips on prenatal diet for a healthy pregnancy.

Good nutrition is very important during pregnancy. So, a lot of stress is given on prenatal diet. The diet helps the child grow and develop in the right way. There are lots of misconceptions and that should be made clear so that the would-be mother remains assured of the right way. 

It is important you take well balanced diet adding 300 more calories per day and take prenatal vitamin supplements as suggested by your doctor. It seems difficult at times due to cravings and morning sickness, but eating well during pregnancy is very important. 

Tips for Healthy Eating During Pregnancy

Have a quick look at some prenatal diet tips.

Add a Variety of Food Items to Diet 

Eat variety of food items so that you get the required calories and you do not get bored out of eating same things daily. Think about alternatives and add them to your diet. Try to use fats and sweets occasionally so that you save yourself from putting extra fat in your body.

Vital Vitamins and Minerals

When you are pregnant, it is very important you get all necessary vitamins and minerals from your daily diet. Your doctor will prescribe you some over-the-counter vitamin supplements so that the lacking ones get covered.

Ensure Intake of Vitamin C

Select at least one citrus fruit or any source through which you get the daily dose of Vitamin C. Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, cauliflower, mustard greens and many more are good and natural source of Vitamin C.

Ensure Intake of Vitamin A

Carrot, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, apricots and many more are rich in Vitamin A. Include at least one of these in your diet everyday. However, excess is restricted here as it may result in fetal malformations.

Foods to Be Avoided During Pregnancy

Avoid alcohol as much as you can because alcohol has been said to be the reason behind maximum premature births, birth defects and mental retardation cases in new born. Avoid eating soft cheeses. Instead take hard cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, cream cheese or processed cheese.

Prenatal Diet Dos and Don’ts

Here are some dos and don’ts associated with the prenatal diet.

• Keep a watch on your cholesterol intake. 

• Avoid very spicy and oily food items as far as you can.

• Limit your caffeine intake and this includes chocolates along with your coffee. 

• Drink at least 6 – 8 glasses of water daily.

• If you suffer from morning sickness, eat small meals instead of taking three large ones and drink liquids separately from meals. 

• Increase your intake of dairy products and take care that you take at least four servings of dairy products daily.

• Choose food items that are rich in fiber. Eat fresh fruits and make sure you eat vegetables daily. Take whole grain breads and cereals. 

• At least three servings of iron rich food daily are important when you are pregnant so that the daily requirement of iron gets fulfilled.

• Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in folic acid and every pregnant woman needs 0.4 mg of folic acid. 

So, if you keep these points in mind, you will feel much better and comfortable during pregnancy. There are few things that are natural and you should not worry much about it. For example, food cravings are normal during pregnancy. You need not stop yourself just because you will add few pounds. On the other hand it is also important that you know when to stop because excess of anything is bad.

If you have any problem that prevents you from taking balanced meal during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor. You can also contact nutrition experts to help you maintain nutrition and good health during pregnancy.