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Monday, February 7, 2022
So What Happens When you Don't Have Sex During Pregnancy?
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Pregnant
women and their partners often wonder if it's safe to have sex during
pregnancy. Will it cause a miscarriage? Will it harm the unborn baby? Are
there sex positions to avoid? Here's what to know.
Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes! As long as you're having a normal pregnancy without complications, sex during pregnancy is safe until your water breaks or you go into labor.
Sex
is a natural, normal part of pregnancy if you're having a normal pregnancy.
Penetration and intercourse’s movement won't harm the baby, who is protected by
your abdomen and the uterus’ muscular walls. Your baby is also
cushioned by the amniotic sac’s fluid.
The contractions of orgasm aren't the same as labor contractions. Still, as a general safety precaution, some doctors advise avoiding sex in the final weeks of pregnancy, believing that hormones in semen called prostaglandins can stimulate contractions.
One
exception may be for women who are overdue and want to induce labor. Some doctors believe
that prostaglandins in semen actually induce labor in a full-term or past-due
pregnancy since the gel used to "ripen" the cervix and induce labor
also contains prostaglandins. But other doctors think that this semen/labor
connection is only a theory and that having sex doesn't trigger labor.
When Not to Have Sex During Pregnancy
Talk
with your doctor about whether it’s safe to have sex while you’re pregnant.
They may advise you not to have sex if you have any of the following types of
high-risk pregnancy:
- You're at risk for miscarriage or a
history of past miscarriages
- You're at risk for preterm labor (contractions before 37
weeks of pregnancy)
- You're having vaginal bleeding,
discharge, or cramping without a known cause
- Your amniotic sac is leaking fluid
or has ruptured membranes
- Your cervix has opened too early
in pregnancy
- Your placenta is too low in the
uterus (placenta previa)
- You're expecting twins, triplets,
or other "multiples"
- You're having an incompetent cervix or if it has dilated.
- You or your partner has sexually transmitted disease.
Keep
in mind that if your doctor says "no sex," that may include anything
that involves orgasm or sexual arousal, not just intercourse. Discuss it so
you’re clear on what they mean.
Call
your doctor if you have unusual symptoms during or after sex, such as:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Fluid or discharge
- Significant discomfort
- Contraction
Pregnancy Sex
All
woman's experiences during pregnancy are different -- including how they feel
about sex.
For
some, desire fades during pregnancy. Other women feel more deeply connected to
their sexuality and more aroused when they're pregnant.
During
pregnancy, it's normal for sexual desire to come and go as your body changes.
You may feel self-conscious as your belly grows. Or you may feel sexier with
larger, fuller breasts. Not having to worry about birth control is another
perk.
Here's
a common pattern of libido during pregnancy:
- First trimester. Nausea, fatigue,
or breast tenderness may kill your sex drive. But don’t
worry; it will come back.
- Second trimester. Your libido may kick into high
gear. In fact, increased blood flow throughout your body can
enhance your orgasms.
- Third trimester. Sex may feel uncomfortable as
birth approaches.
Tell
your partner what you're feeling and what works. You may need to play with
positions, especially later in pregnancy, to find one that's both comfortable
and stimulating for you. If something doesn't feel right for either of you,
change what you're doing and talk to your OB about any physical problems.
Avoid
lying flat on your back in the "missionary position" for sex after the
fourth month of pregnancy. That way, you can avoid the weight of the growing
baby constricting major blood vessels.
Get
on top or lie on your side, with your partner behind. Or get on your hands
and knees, with your partner kneeling behind. These positions reduce
pressure on your belly.
Use
a lubricant if vaginal dryness makes sex
uncomfortable.
Enjoy intimacy in
other ways. Cuddle, kiss, or massage each other. Enjoy a bubble bath
together.
As
always, if you're not absolutely sure about your partner's sexual history, use
condoms. Pregnancy doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections --
such as HIV, herpes, genital warts, or chlamydia -- and those infections can
affect your baby.
The
first six weeks after delivery are called the postpartum period. Sex during
this time may be the last thing on your mind. You may have less desire because
of:
- Healing from an episiotomy
(incision during vaginal delivery)
- Healing from abdominal incisions
after cesarean birth
- Normal postpartum bleeding, common
for 4 to 6 weeks after birth
- Fatigue after pregnancy and
the birthing process
- Demands of your newborn (increased
if you had twins or triplets)
- Changing hormone levels
- Sore breasts from breastfeeding
- Emotional issues, such as
postpartum blues, anxiety over parenting, or
relationship issues with the father.
Intercourse is generally safe after any
incisions have fully healed and you feel the delicate tissues of your vagina have
healed. This healing usually takes several weeks. You can ask your doctor what
they recommend. Most doctors will say to wait at least 6 weeks after delivery
before intercourse. Equally important is feeling emotionally ready, physically
comfortable, and relaxed.
After
pregnancy, some women notice a lack of vaginal lubrication. A water-based
lubricant can ease the discomfort of vaginal dryness during sex.
For
both you and your partner, patience is a virtue. Given the realities and
stresses of early parenthood, it can take up to a year for a couple's normal
sex life to return in full bloom.
Can I Get Pregnant Again if I Am Breastfeeding?
Women who breastfeed have a delay in ovulation when an egg is released from the ovary and menstruation. But ovulation will happen before you start having periods again. So, you can still get pregnant during this time. Follow your health care provider's recommendations on birth control.
What are the common myths or misbeliefs of sex during pregnancy?
You may have heard several warnings about how harmful is sex during pregnancy. But the truth is, most of those warnings are mere myths and misconceptions. A lot of couples do not really know what they should and should not do regarding sex during pregnancy.
As a result of incorrect knowledge, many couples refrain from sex as they do not want any risks but sex during pregnancy has no risks. Rarely, some women may suggest avoiding sex during pregnancy due to their complicated pregnancy but for others, you need not hold your sex desires. Here are the common myths and misbeliefs about sex during pregnancy
- Sex during pregnancy is harmful
- Sex can harm the baby
- Sex during pregnancy can cause miscarriage
- You do not need to use condoms
- Avoid sex to keep pregnancy healthy
- Women have low sex drive during pregnancy
- Pregnancy sex is painful
- All pregnancy sex positions are not good
- Different positions will influence the sex of the baby.
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
DIABETES MELLITUS
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes happens when your body isn't able to take up sugar (glucose) into its cells and use it for energy. This results in a build-up of extra sugar in your bloodstream.
Why is my blood glucose level high? How does this happen?
What are the different types of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes.
Who gets diabetes? What are the risk factors?
- Having a family history (parent or sibling) of Type 1 diabetes.
- Injury to the pancreas (such as by infection, tumor, surgery, or accident).
- Presence of autoantibodies (antibodies that mistakenly attack your own body’s tissues or organs).
- Physical stress (such as surgery or illness).
- Exposure to illnesses caused by viruses.
- Family history (parent or sibling) of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
- Being African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American race, or Pacific Islander.
- Being overweight.
- Having high blood pressure.
- Having low HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and high triglyceride level.
- Being physically inactive.
- Being age 45 or older.
- Having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Having a history of heart disease or stroke.
- Being a smoker.
- Family history (parent or sibling) of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
- Being African-American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian-American.
- Being overweight before your pregnancy.
- Being over 25 years of age.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
Causes of Type 1 diabetes
Cause of Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
- Increased thirst.
- Weak, tired feeling.
- Blurred vision.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
- Slow-healing sores or cuts.
- Unplanned weight loss.
- Frequent urination.
- Frequent unexplained infections.
- Dry mouth.
- Cardiovascular issues include; coronary artery disease, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).
- Nerve damage (neuropathy) causes numbing and tingling that starts at toes or fingers then spreads.
- Kidney damage (nephropathy) can lead to kidney failure or the need for dialysis or transplant.
- Eye damage (retinopathy) can lead to blindness; cataracts, glaucoma.
- Foot damage includes nerve damage, poor blood flow, and poor healing of cuts and sores.
- Skin infections.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Hearing loss.
- Depression.
- Dementia.
- Dental problems.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
- Keep your blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible by following a diet plan, taking prescribed medication, and increasing your activity level.
- Maintain your blood cholesterol (HDL and LDL levels) and triglyceride levels as near the normal ranges as possible.
- Control your blood pressure. Your blood pressure should not be over 140/90 mmHg.
- You hold the keys to managing your diabetes by:
- Planning what you eat and following a healthy meal plan. Follow a Mediterranean diet (vegetables, whole grains, beans, fruits, healthy fats, low sugar) or Dash diet. These diets are high in nutrition and fiber and low in fats and calories. See a registered dietitian for help understanding nutrition and meal planning.
- Exercising regularly. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Walk, swim or find some activity you enjoy.
- Losing weight if you are overweight. Work with your healthcare team to develop a weight-loss plan.
- Taking medication and insulin, if prescribed, and closely following recommendations on how and when to take it.
- Monitor your blood glucose and blood pressure levels at home.
- Keeping your appointments with your healthcare providers and having laboratory tests completed as ordered by your doctor.
- Quitting smoking (if you smoke).
- You have a lot of control – on a day-to-day basis – in managing your diabetes!
- Eat a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean or Dash diet. Keep a food diary and calorie count of everything you eat. Cutting 250 calories per day can help you lose ½ pound per week.
- Get physically active. Aim for 30 minutes a day at least five days a week. Start slow and work up to this amount or break up these minutes into more doable 10 minute segments. Walking is great exercise.
- Lose weight if you are overweight. Don’t lose weight if you are pregnant, but check with your obstetrician about healthy weight gain during your pregnancy.
- Lower your stress. Learn relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, mindful meditation, yoga and other helpful strategies.
- Limit alcohol intake. Men should drink no more than two alcoholic beverages a day; women should drink no more than one.
- Get an adequate amount of sleep (typically 7 to 9 hours).
- Quit smoking.
- Take medications – to manage existing risk factors for heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, cholesterol) or to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – as directed by your healthcare provider.
Can Type 1 diabetes be prevented?
No. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning your body attacks itself. Scientists aren’t sure why someone’s body would attack itself. Other factors may be involved too, such as genetic changes.
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