‘Maria is just not the old Maria. She is lost in her own world. At times she is upset with the smallest of things. Yesterday, when our boss told her to spend more time in office, she took it as one of the most serious comments in her professional life and just could not control her tears. That’s not all, I have seen her shouting and yelling on her husband many times on the phone. Earlier she used to be patient enough to wait or the right time to discuss matters, yelling was not her forte. All this stress and tension has even perhaps zeroed on her appetite. She pukes only on the sight of food. I hope everything is all right with her on the personal front.’

My concern about Maria only increased when she threw a party to celebrate her happiness…she had conceived. Now, I was more conscious about her well being but the only difference was that now I was not worried I was cautious for her.

Pregnancy is a bundle of happenings in the body. Puking, tension, emotional drain, confusions, pain, stretch marks, restlessness, body size changes and a myriad of other symptoms are just a part of what goes on in the pregnant body. This write up is with an objective of understanding the scientific causes of symptoms of pregnancy. It is the hormones in the human body during pregnancy which alter the physiology and give shape to a new life - the baby.

Right from the stage when the fertilized egg implants itself to the uterine lining somewhere after ten to fifteen days after the last menstrual cycle, hormones start their action. It is the hormone which is liberated from the fertilized ovum that prevents the rupture of the uterine lining which needs to be prevented for the life of the new embryo. This hormone is nothing but the reproductive hormone - estrogen.

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What is IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome ?

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the result of a relation between an anxious mind and a troubled body. This relation is explained by few while it is inexplicable to some others. Most of the people suffer from IBS at some point of their life time. IBS is also referred to as spastic colon, spastic bowel, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, colitis, intestinal neurosis, and functional bowel disease. It is not a disease or an illness but just a functional disorder within the body. In short, it is just a digestive disorder and does not lead to any serious health condition. Though it is chronic or a long-term disorder with some discomfort. As the name suggests Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a group of symptoms related to the sensitive approach of the bowels to food items in combination with the mental situations. Interestingly, many people have IBS and either they do not know about it or keep silent about it.

I was shocked to learn of my aunt’s sudden death. As the day progressed, I grew restless and uneasy and started burping. I was distressed and had no hunger or sleep for a few days. My stomach felt as if it was full and every time I saw food I felt like throwing up. My doctor told me I have IBS. I grew all the more tense not knowing what IBS was.”

IBS is a functional intestinal disorder habitually associated with panic disorder. Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterised by abdominal stress. A stressed mind is assumed to be the cause of IBS though not proven scientifically. Anxiety and tension, however, are the worsening factors of IBS.

Recognize the Symptoms

• Bloating
• Gas and burping
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain and spasms
• Nausea
• Fatigue

The symptoms appear on and off and are usually not constant. The worst thing is that people suffering from IBS can have malnutrition as they do not take sufficient food. Some others tend to eat less of in fear of abdominal pain.

IBS has no ultimate cure. The condition is recurrant and sporadic. But it is not to be worried over because it does not lead to any othe disease or endanger life. It meddles with regular life and causes discomforts in the life pattern. If you are diagnosed of IBS no need to panic. You are lucky that there are ways to improve your situation.

How to improve the condition by yourself?

Forget tension and stress. Relaxation is the best way to keep IBS at bay. Some people have found positive results with meditation and breathing techniques. Get adequate sleep and approach a counselor in case of emotional problems.

Normally, the treatment of IBS would differ from person to person as the combination of symptoms varies. It is good to be aware of your general constitution so that you can avoid the food which is not comfortable for you. Avoiding animal fat, sweets and fried items often help. It is wise to stay away from cold and carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Nuts, eggs, dairy products etc. are some of the bowel irritants which are not recommended in this condition. Lower the intake of food that is difficult to digest and reduce any gas-triggering food stuff. Drink lots of water and increase the fibre content in your daily diet.

IBS is yet another disorder found more in women than in men. There are many who find relief through peppermint or ginger while some others rely on various kinds of psychotherapies or music therapies. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if your emotional conflict worsens because it can aggravate your IBS too.

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Monotonous lives, stress at work, unmet expectations on personal front are all familiar terminologies. There are days when we don’t feel like doing anything, not even looking at ourselves. These are the days when we probably miss office or are un-productive even if in office. These days are when we face the blues, that is we feel low. It could be on account of a trivial issue like an argument with our spouse or could be a major cause like the death of a near one. Whatever be the reason if the low in mood lasts for no longer than a few days, it is not chronic depression and is only low mood.

The following can be adapted for fighting this blue and bringing back the zest and excitement in life.

1. Go for a walk : Generally when someone is in a low, he confines to the four walls of his room and this adds to boredom and lack of activity. On the other hand, a stroll outside would refresh the mind as fresh oxygen would revitalize the mind and body. Taking your spouse along, would further help it.

2. Dress up : If you look good would you feel good . Moreover your mind would be occupied to make you look and feel better. This is a productive activity and would make you realize your worth. So go ahead, wear your party dress and wear your make up as if your on top of the world.

3. Music : Music is melodious to the ears and calms the mind. Even if you are into rap or fast music your ears would enjoy something you really like and your mind would appreciate it and hence come out of boredom and monotony.

4. Cook or engage in a hobby : It may seem an awful idea to drag oneself into an activity when in a low. But believe me once you manage to get into the activity you would feel lot better. Cooking for your family itself would give you a high as you think about the delicious meal you would enjoy with your family.

5. Go for a hair cut or a Spa Treatment : Trying something different would return the spice in life. A new hair cut or a new hair color are some common ideas adapted. However the new cut looks, its important that you like the experience and the new look. Endulge in a Spa Therapy and take a break at your nearest Day-Spa.

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A girl and her parents are in for a handful from her tumultuous teens. Puberty is a difficult time that brings a lot of physical and mental stress in young adults, especially in girls. Girls also start their menstruation during then and the emotional drama begins.

For earlier generations, those of our mother and grandmother, menses would generally start by the age of fourteen or fifteen. To one’s shock and dismay the girls of the generation-next jump to womanhood by the age of ten or eleven. It is like childhood is slowly getting absorbed into adulthood. Though the appearance of the First Red Spot is an occasion for celebration the amount of physical and emotional stress that awaits the girl is not negligible.

So said, any young girl reading this should not interpret that having menses is the most difficult experience that one has to go through in her life span. Menstruation is not an illness but an activity of the body. It is the sign of fertility, of womanhood and is a green signal to human existence on earth. Motherhood is universally agreed to be the most beautiful experience on earth which cannot be compromised with anything else. This article provides an insight into the various problems faced by women during menstruation.

Irregular Periods

A girl need not get regular periods after menarche or the very first one. It can take up to two years after the first time to develop a regular menstrual cycle. The typical cycle of an adult female is 28 days, although some can be as short as 22 days while some others 45. If the period pattern has not settled in three
years after menarche one should consult a doctor.

The ‘Problems’
The Menstrual problems, though called so are not always problems but bodily reactions to various changes inside. Normally, these conditions do not require any serious medical attention. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is the precursor to menses and is the most common concern. Most of the women have some symptoms or a combination of a few or all of them, be it emotional or physical.

• The most common external symptom of period is acne or break outs. It can be on the face or on any other part of the body and can be bothersome from a week before the period.
• It is perfectly okay to feel disinterested and tired before and during the period. Insomnia or change in appetite is also a part of menstrual cycle.
• Women tend to have mood swings, anxiety, depression or aggression along with physical stress during those days. A work out or a relaxing walk would do the trick for some while complete rest aids some others.
• Some women experience backache, headache or abdominal pain during their menstrual cycle. Joint pain or muscle pain also occurs to some women.
• Pain around the breasts, swelling, soreness or heaviness also occurs to some women. These conditions do not require any treatment under normal conditions.
• Abdominal cramps are the worst among the menstrual pains that really bother all activities. These are caused by the involuntary contractions of the uterus muscles.

Are you trying to get pregnant ? Are you fighting Infertility problems, read the "Powerful Pregnancy Report ".

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