Platelets are small cell fragments that are colorless, with no particular shape. These small bodies floating through the blood stream play an extremely crucial role in the natural process of hemostasis or the clotting of blood. Thus, these particles are vital as they help in the prevention of excessive bleeding by restricting the flow of blood from damaged blood vessels.

‘What causes low platelet count during pregnancy?’ is a commonly asked question. The main cause of this problem is a change in blood composition. During pregnancy, the plasma portion of blood increases, resulting in fewer platelets per milliliter of blood. In addition, the body destroys platelets faster than it can produce more to replace the ones destroyed. Other reasons for low platelet count include a deficiency of folic acid, also known as vitamin B12. A persistent viral or a bacterial infection could also trigger this condition. In order to keep a check on the platelet count and to ensure that the count does not fall too low, a healthy diet rich in tomatoes, beetroots, raisins, dates and dried figs is recommended. Foods like tofu, lentils and peas are also believed to be beneficial for this purpose.

The signs of a low blood platelet count during pregnancy include spontaneous bruising, even on light impact. The appearance of red or purplish patches or red spots on the skin is typical of this condition due to damaged blood vessels. Nose bleeds and bleeding gums could also be a result of low platelet count during pregnancy. Some women are also known to experience excessive fatigue and weakness as a result of this condition. In most cases, the problem of a low platelet count occurs during the third trimester. More often than not, a low platelet count does not have an adverse affect on the mother and the developing baby. In the case of patients with a low platelet count, at the time of delivery, doctors are extra careful to ensure that conditions that could lead to hemorrhaging are avoided.

On an average, one in every five known pregnancies ends in miscarriage, mainly owing to genetic deformities in the developing baby. However, most of these occur during the first trimester and the chances of miscarriage in third trimester are very low. Nevertheless, there are a number of causes of miscarriage in third trimester. The main reasons for miscarriage in third trimester are physical or emotional trauma and stress. Medical conditions such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, autoimmune disorders, uterine disorders and thyroid problems could also lead to third trimester pregnancy loss. The risk of miscarriage in third trimester increases with advanced maternal age as well as when a woman is pregnant with multiple fetuses.

The main signs of miscarriage in third trimester are severe abdominal cramps and vaginal bleeding. The cramping may begin in the form of rhythmic contractions referred to as labor pains. Most women ignore these untimely contractions, mistaking them for false labor pains. However, one must keep in mind that actual labor pains begin at the top of the uterus and gradually increase in intensity and frequency. Bleeding normally starts in the form of spotting and steadily becomes heavier. A number of women who go into premature labor also experience a leak in the amniotic sac. Since any form of bleeding or excessive fluid discharge is a sign on impending complications, consulting a doctor at the earliest is recommended as timely medical intervention could save the pregnancy. At this stage, the mother goes through the whole natural process of childbirth. However, in case of serious complications, especially when the mother’s life is in danger, a c-section may become imperative.

The main signs of a miscarriage are vaginal bleeding and cramping. If the miscarriage occurs before the seventh week of pregnancy, one may experience symptoms similar to those during a menstrual period, like bleeding and mild abdominal cramping. If the loss takes place between the seventh and thirteenth week of gestation, the embryo and placenta may be expelled, surrounded by a clot. The expulsion of blood clots along with severe abdominal cramps is common at such a time. A miscarriage occurring after the thirteenth week is usually accompanied by pain similar to labor contractions and the baby is usually delivered through the natural process of childbirth. In many cases, the placenta does not get expelled completely and a medical procedure may be required to ensure that the uterus is free of all the products of conception. If not cleaned completely, it could result in a uterine infection that could lead to future complications. The symptoms of infection after miscarriage include severe pain and an unpleasant change in the vaginal discharge. Fever and persistent bleeding accompanied by a foul odor could be indicative of an infection post-miscarriage.

Pregnancy symptoms after miscarriage are uncommon. Most miscarriages occur during the first trimester and early pregnancy symptoms after miscarriage cease almost immediately. The normal physical symptoms after miscarriage also include lower back pain and nausea. The woman may also experience abdominal cramping for a while after the miscarriage as the uterus works on regaining its normal size and structure. Feeling of grief and guilt make recovery from a miscarriage even more difficult. A normal menstrual cycle usually resumes around a month and a half after a miscarriage. Period symptoms after miscarriage include the regular mood swings, breast tenderness and mild cramping. The first period after a miscarriage may not be normal, rather heavy flow or irregular spotting or bleeding is commonly experienced.

They should be given healthy foods to help reinforce the immune system. Their body needs to be made capable of fighting against the illness. German measles in toddlers is caused by the rubella virus. The rubella virus is present in the bodies of almost all children and will occur without being noticed. It was the German doctors who first discovered the eponymous disease. Children will bounce back from German measles in approximately three days. Expectant mothers who are affected by the rubella virus, however, may not be so lucky and may even experience severe complications with the pregnancy itself. The symptoms of German measles are similar to those displayed by a common flu.

There are no specific methods of how to treat measles in toddlers. Giving them fruits and vegetables to eat will play a very important role in providing nutrition to the body that will reinforce the immune system and help to fight off the illness. You can give your little one barley water, orange or lemon juice and other such healthy drinks. Once he starts improving, give him lots of fruits. Making your child feel comfortable should be your primary objective. Children need a lot of love and affection at times like these, and doing so will have a great impact on his or her recovery. He will be irritable and easily perturbed at this time. Comfort and be with him throughout.

Some women who have received an epidural will complain of soreness and pain in their backs after birth, but this usually recedes within a few days of birth. Studies have shown that epidurals do not contribute significantly to long term back pain after birth. The physical effort and strain of labor and birth may also be a factor in lower back pain after birth. Forceps deliveries may bruise the tailbone which will cause strong shooting pain in the region of the tailbone. In rare cases the tailbone may also fracture but this tends to heal on its own. This can lead to severe back pain after pregnancy.

Upper back pain after pregnancy and pain around the chest can be caused by the baby pushing against the ribs causing the ribs to flare. However, constant and severe pain in the back and the chest and ribs can be a cause for concern, and you should contact your physician immediately.
Postpartum back pain usually resolves within a few months as the body slowly returns to its normal shape. If the pain is severe and persists for too long (over six months), you should visit a chiropractor or a back specialist.

The best treatment for back pain after pregnancy is exercise. Start with exercise to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles, but only after your physician has given you the green signal. Make sure the exercises start gently and avoid overstretching and other extreme postures. Join a yoga class for new mothers.

Pay proper attention to your posture. Stand upright with a straight back. Sit up straight and do not slouch. A cushion placed behind your lower back will help too. Avoid bending down with your legs straight. Instead squat down on bent knees to pick your baby or other objects. Position yourself right while nursing and try not to lean forward. Instead bring the baby to your breast. If you have pain in your upper back try lying on your side. If the pain doesn’t subside within a few months or gets too severe, then contact your physician.

There are a number of causes of brown mucus discharge during late pregnancy. A change in the quality, quantity and colour of the discharge during late pregnancy is normally the result of the body preparing for labor. As the time for the baby’s arrival draws near, the mucus plug is expelled through the vagina. This is the mucus blob that sealed the opening of the uterus for the entire pregnancy term, thus preventing the spread of infection to the uterus or the baby. When the body prepares for delivering the baby, this plug dislodges and is passed out either in the form of thick mucus or a gooey blob. In most cases, this discharge is blood stained or blood streaked. This bleeding results in light brown discharge during late pregnancy and is also referred to as the ‘bloody show’. This is an indicator of impending labor. However, it is not necessary that active labor will begin immediately. If the brown discharge is accompanied by increasing pressure in the pelvic region, abdominal cramping, leaking fluid and backache, it could be a definite sign of labor in progress.

Dark brown discharge during late pregnancy could also be due to certain pregnancy complications. In some cases, the placenta gets detached from the uterine wall. The baby derives all its nourishment and oxygen through the placenta, from the uterine wall: this dislodging is therefore a serious pregnancy complication. It is referred to as placental abruption. Placental previa is another complication, wherein the placenta attaches itself to the base of the uterus instead of the top. This lower portion is weaker and loaded with blood vessels. The strain can result in ruptured blood vessels and this in turn could lead to serious complications, such as preterm labor and placental abruption. The friction caused during an internal examination or during intercourse could also lead to mild bleeding, due to the irritation faced by the cervical wall. Nevertheless, it is always better to consult a doctor when any change is experienced so as to avoid further complications.

The best way to avoid saggy breasts after pregnancy is to wear a good bra that supports your breasts well during the course of your pregnancy. The breasts increase in size as the pregnancy progresses and it is important to accommodate these changes by wearing appropriate bras. A bra that fits poorly will not only make you feel uncomfortable, but will also not provide any support to the breasts. Even after you give birth, you need to invest in new bras as the breasts will continue to change in size during and after breastfeeding. This is because the skin surrounding the breasts tends to stretch when there is milk production.  Nursing also leads to stretching of the breast tissue. Saggy breasts after pregnancy can also be prevented by keeping a track of weight gain. Women with healthy weight should attempt to put on between 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy. After pregnancy it is important to maintain a healthy pace of weight loss.
Losing weight too quickly may place considerable strain on the body. A great way to tone and firm up saggy breasts after delivery is to perform simple exercises. However it is important to wait until you feel strong enough. You should also consult your doctor regarding which exercises are suitable for you. Pushups are a great way to firm up the breast area. Incorporate those exercises which target the muscles of the chest and back. Remember to wear a snug, well fitting sports bra while exercising.

Another way to improve sagging breasts is to moisturize the area constantly. This keeps the skin supple and allows the breasts to rebound to their original size in an easier manner. There are also some creams and lotions which are meant especially for toning the breasts. These products should be used only when you have stopped breastfeeding. Massaging the breasts for about ten minutes each day is also helpful as it will enhance blood circulation and tone the muscles that surround the breasts. Saggy breasts after pregnancy causes may not be widely known, but gaining the right knowledge can help you tackle the problem better.

Your body is likely to take up to 6 months to return to normal after a pregnancy. Therefore it is not necessary to rush in to a weight loss plan immediately. The experience of childbirth and caring for a newborn can take up a lot of your energy and you need to allow your body to get adequate rest. It is advisable to focus on eating healthy in the first 3 to 4 months after delivery. Gentle exercise is a great way to keep the body fit and it can be done soon after you return home from giving birth. Vigorous exercise should not be done until you have had your first medical checkup post pregnancy. It is important to seek your doctor’s advice regarding the most suitable exercise regimen. There is likely to be some amount of weight loss after pregnancy while breastfeeding. This is due to the release of certain hormones which cause the uterus to regain its original size. It is also essential to take in a minimum of 1800 calories each day while breastfeeding.

A program for weight loss after pregnancy can begin when you experience improved strength and when menstruation returns to normal. The average weight loss after pregnancy should be about a pound per week, as more than that can take a toll on your body. How fast you are able to return to your previous weight depends on how much weight gain occurred during pregnancy. Most women put on about 25 to 30 pounds and lose about 12 to 14 pounds during childbirth. Therefore the remaining 12 to 21 pounds can be shed within 6 to 8 months. However these figures should only be seen as a basic guide and care must be taken to see that weight loss occurs in a healthy manner.

There are physical as well as emotional side effects of miscarriage. The main symptom of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. The bleeding usually continues for around two weeks, going from a bright red heavy flow to mild streaking or spotting before ending in a pinkish discharge. It may take around six weeks for a normal menstrual cycle to resume. The physical side effects of miscarriage may also include lower back pain, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal cramping for a while, until the uterus gets back to its original shape and size. The physical pain may not be as difficult as the emotional suffering. The woman experiences tremendous grief after a miscarriage. She may start unreasonably questioning herself, causing more stress and tension. Many women are also known to experience anxiety disorders or depression and may need psychological help. A feeling of guilt is also common as women tend to blame themselves for the miscarriage considering that they may have done something that might have resulted in the loss. This could lead to conditions such as insomnia.

There are no serious long-term complications of miscarriage generally observed. In some cases, some fetal tissue or placental tissue may be left behind after pregnancy loss. This is referred to as an incomplete miscarriage and is the most common problem that may be experienced, following a miscarriage. This could lead to excessive bleeding. It could also lead to an infection and if not treated in time, could lead to complications that could affect future pregnancies. Hence, a D&C is usually recommended to clear out the uterus of all the products of conception. In rare cases, a D&C could lead to scarring of the uterine wall and this could affect the success of future pregnancies and hence, should only be performed by an experienced doctor.

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Symptoms of appendicitis during pregnancy

Due to several reasons, it is not very easy for women to recognize the symptoms of appendicitis during pregnancy. Very often, these symptoms are mistaken for normal pregnancy symptoms and left unchecked. However, there are a few signs of appendicitis during pregnancy that should never be ignored. Make it a point to consult your doctor, without any delay, in case you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain: Appendicitis pain is quite different from cramping, as it just does not go away. You will feel the pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. It may start off as light pain, but will gradually build up to an intolerable level. Any pressure exerted on the area will only worsen the pain, instead of alleviating it.
• Bleeding: Most women who suffer from appendicitis during pregnancy notice light to heavy bleeding from the vagina. In case of appendicitis the bleeding usually has a foul odor and is accompanied by pain.
• Digestive problems: It is quite common to experience constipation or even diarrhea in case of appendicitis. Pregnant women may also experience nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting in this case.
• Fever: One of the classic symptoms of appendicitis is fever that could be low-grade or even high. The fever does not go away, in spite of using home remedies.

Appendicitis during pregnancy diagnosis

The best way to diagnose appendicitis during pregnancy is by consulting a doctor and going through the required tests. Health care providers usually order a blood test and conduct an ultrasound of the area to check if you are suffering from appendicitis. The ultrasound will help your doctor determine the extent of the problem and the best course of treatment to be followed.

Appendicitis during pregnancy treatment

Most pregnant woman are bound to be concerned about undergoing treatment for appendicitis, as they believe that the medication, painkillers or the surgical procedures could have an adverse effect on the baby or the pregnancy. However, appendicitis is the most common cause of surgery in women who are pregnant. Therefore, your doctor may advise you to go through appendicitis during pregnancy surgery as soon as possible, to reduce the unbearable pain and discomfort you are experiencing.

In general, appendicitis during pregnancy recovery is not much different as compared to other women. However, because of the pregnancy, women do stand a higher chance of complications. After the surgery, some women may be required to stay in the hospital for as many as 10 days, just to make sure that the baby is fine.

In case you have been diagnosed with appendicitis during pregnancy, do set up an appointment with your doctor and discuss all your treatment options, as well as the risk factors involved with surgery, before taking any decision.

To know more about Appendicitis click: Appendicitis After Pregnancy