Constipation is one of the most common complaints amongst pregnant women. In pregnancy women, this is mainly caused by the enlarged womb pushing against the intestines. This slows down the movement of intestines, thereby causing constipation. Constipation can also be brought on by dehydration due to morning sickness, as well as hormonal changes that in effect slows down bowel movement. This is why a good daily routine is of utmost importance, especially for pregnant women.

After successfully passing your first prenatal test- Peeing on a stick, it’s now time to focus on other tests as well. Medical tests enable you to understand your health and that of your baby. Most of these pregnancy-related tests comprise of non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) that are safe and accurate.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is common on the digestive tracts of men and women. The bacteria is also present on the lower reproductive tracts of human beings. GBS is common in pregnant women- About 1 in 4 of expectant mothers carry GBS. Women who have GBS are known as “colonized” and can pass it to their babies during delivery.

Your body goes through enormous physical changes during pregnancy. Some of these physical changes may cause aches and pains as well as discomfort. Luckily there are a few tips and tricks that can hopefully make going through such physical changes easier. Read on to learn more.

Morning sickness is marked by nausea and occasional vomiting. It may also cause discomfort during the later hours of the day. These symptoms usually present themselves in expectant moms during the first four months. It’s actually one of the signs of pregnancy.

Low-carb and restrictive diets are not advisable during pregnancy. There is really no way of knowing for sure whether the diets are safe for both you and the baby. The same goes for weight-loss diets. It has been noted that low-carb diets could affect the weight of a baby and its development progress. You may also find that you are not receiving the right nutrients that ensure you stay healthy.

When a woman smokes cigarettes during pregnancy, her fetus is exposed to many harmful chemicals. Nicotine is only one of 4,000 toxic chemicals that can pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow, so less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the fetus. Nicotine also damages a fetus’s brain and lungs. This damage is permanent.