Women's Health and Pregnancy Archives - Healthhype

Low Breast Milk Supply

Dr. Chris — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:51:17 +0000

New mothers are often concerned about their breast milk supply. A common fear is that breast milk production will be insufficient to meet with a newborn’s nutritional needs. In most cases, a mother’s breast milk supply will be adequate and will not hamper the baby’s growth. However many nursing mothers do experience a low breast milk supply, due to hormonal and/or physiological factors. For mothers who are keen on breastfeeding, simple measures such as proper feeding techniques and good nutrition may be sufficient. Similarly, many mothers become obsessive about their breast milk supply. A perceived lack of breast milk causes great stress and anxiety for mothers wishing to breastfeed. If a baby is gaining weight in accordance with the baby’s growth chart, is active, appears healthy and able to feed frequently, then the breast milk supply is likely to be adequate. Breast Anatomy and Physiology of Breast Milk Production Breasts are underdeveloped at birth and start to grow in size during puberty as a result of hormonal stimulation. Pregnancy and lactation cause further growth in breast size but the size of the breast is not related to the amount of milk production. During pregnancy the breasts enlarge and the glandular [...]

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What is Cervical Cancer? Location, Pre-Cancerous, Growth Patterns

Dr. Alison — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:25:10 +0000

Cervical cancer is cancer that develops in the cervix – the narrow, lower part of the uterus which leads into the vagina. It is often asymptomatic in the early stages. Symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse usually appear late, similar to uterine cancer (endometrial) and vaginal cancer. Although it may occur at any age, middle aged and older women are most commonly affected. The pre-cancerous stage (carcinoma in situ) or early stage cervical cancer can be detected by a pap smear. Routine testing is therefore advisable for all girls and women, especially those who are sexually active. Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact, is a very important risk factor associated with the development of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV and early detection of the cancer by routine pap test can significantly lower the incidence of cervical cancer and increase the chance of successful treatment. Although the incidence of cervical cancer has decreased in the United States over the past few years, it is still one of the most common cancers of the reproductive system seen in women in the developing countries. The Cervix The uterus is a pear-shaped [...]

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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – Alcohol and the Unborn Baby

Dr. Chris — Fri, 27 May 2011 00:05:13 +0000

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is not a single disease but a range of disorders which include numerous physical and mental problems, as well as various developmental defects, that may occur as a result of alcohol consumption by the mother while pregnant. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy since alcohol passes easily through the placenta to reach the fetus, where it may also affect the fetal brain. Consuming even a small amount of alcohol carries the potential danger of irreversible birth defects in the baby. However, the risk may be lower with occasional drinking than with regular heavy drinking. The whole spectrum of disorders associated with alcohol use and its effect on the unborn baby is known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which may range from mild learning disorders to severe birth defects. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the extreme form of FASD and may include features such as facial abnormalities, small head (microcephaly), growth disorders, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation. Other Terms for Alcohol Related Symptoms in Babies Other terms that may be used to describe related symptoms are : Fetal alcohol effects [...]

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Diagnosis, Staging and Survival Rate of Breast Cancer Patients

Dr. Alison — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:31:33 +0000

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of breast cells which invades and destroys surrounding tissue and may spread to other parts of the body. It is also referred to as a malignancy or malignant breast tumor and must be differentiated from a benign tumor which is abnormal mass of normal cells that is less serious in nature. Breast cancer remains one of the most common malignancies in women, particularly those residing in Western countries, and may very rarely occur in men. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment and screening programs are now in place in most developed and many developing nations. Self-examination of the breast is of utmost importance in early diagnosis. Women are therefore encouraged to learn basic techniques for effective self-examination, identify any abnormal breast lumps and report it to a medical professional as soon as possible. However, many tumors are missed in the early stages, even during a physical examination by a doctor. Other diagnostic investigations are essential both as a routine screening practice and as a more definitive assessment of a malignancy. Diagnosis of Breast Cancer History and Physical Examination As with most other medical conditions, a through case history is important to identify [...]

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Round Ligament Pain During, After Pregnancy, When Not Pregnant

Dr. Chris — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:38:17 +0000

What is the uterine round ligament? There are several ligaments in the body known as the round ligament. With regard to the female reproductive system, there are two round ligaments on either side of the upper corners of the uterus. It is therefore more correctly referred to as the round ligament of the uterus or ligamentum teres uteri. The round ligament of the uterus is a flattened band that runs from the upper corners of the uterus through the inguinal canal and to the labia majora. There is a round ligament on either side of the uterus. It is contained within a fold of peritoneum along with other structures like the fallopian tubes which are collectively referred to as the broad ligament. The round ligaments are between 10 to 12 centimeters in length. It composed of muscle tissue which is continuous with the muscular layer of the uterus, some fibrous tissue, loose connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics. Picture of the round ligament from Wikimedia Commons Function of the uterine round ligament The lower part of the uterus is supported by fibrous tissues in the pelvis but the upper parts requires suspensory ligaments for support. The round ligament of [...]

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How To Do A Self Breast Exam – Visual, Standing, Lying Down

Dr. Chris — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:37:40 +0000

Introduction to Self Breast Exam Regular breast self-examination for women is often recommended by physicians as a means of checking for signs of breast cancer. Mammography is the most effective way of detecting breast cancer, but along with clinical breast examination by your doctor, a self breast exam is important in detecting any signs of abnormality and seeking medical attention. A home breast examination also makes a women more aware of her breasts, particularly the look and feel of the healthy breast, which will further aid in the early detection of any abnormality. If you have decided to conduct regular self examination of your breasts, it is advisable to first speak to your doctor or gynecologist to learn how to do it properly and what to look for. For women older than 40 years of age, a self breast exam should not replace a clinical examination by a doctor and a mammography, both of which should conducted on a regular basis. What is a Breast Self-Examination? Breast self-examination is a method consisting of various steps for a woman to detect any changes in the appearance and structure of her breasts. It is intended to assist women in : becoming familiar with [...]

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Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

Dr. Chris — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 18:00:26 +0000

What is pelvic organ prolapse? Pelvic organ prolapse refers to the condition characterized by an abnormal descent of female pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, the small bowel and large bowel), due to which vagina and/or uterus protrude. A prolapse or slipping out of these organs from their normal anatomical position occurs with weakening of the tissues (muscles and ligaments) that normally hold up the pelvic organs in women. Vaginal child birth, advancing age, removal of uterus, or obesity may result in a prolapse. The concern about the possibility of a prolapse later in life is one of the several reasons why some women opt for elective cesarean section (C-section) during childbirth. Many women, who have undergone childbirth, may have some degree of prolapse. However, most of the prolapses do not present with significant symptoms that compels a person to seek treatment. How common is it? The exact prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse is difficult to assess. As many as 25% women, who have children, may have a prolapse without showing the symptoms. However, less than 9% of such women require medical intervention for the condition. Types of Prolapse Pelvic organ prolapses can be of four types: Cystocele Also known as [...]

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Meigs Syndrome

Dr. Chris — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 22:55:48 +0000

Definition Meigs syndrome is a triad of medical conditions where there is a benign ovarian tumor (specifically an ovarian fibroma) with ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity) and pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs in the pleural space). Once the tumor is removed, both ascites and pleural effusion resolves. The exact reason why fluid accumulation occurs in the abdomen and around the lung with a benign ovarian tumor is not fully understood although there are several theories. It tends to occur with an ovarian fibroma but is sometimes seen with other types of benign ovarian tumors and even malignancies. Overall Meigs syndrome is uncommon affecting only 1 out of 100 women with an ovarian tumor. When present, ascites is more commonly seen without a pleural effusion. Pathophysiology Benign tumors, although non-cancerous, can still cause a host of complications in the body beyond the organ where it originates. Most of these complications are a result of the mass pressing against blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves. Sometimes it is associated with abnormal hormone secretion or triggering reactions within the body for reasons that are not clearly obvious at the outset. Meigs syndrome is one such instance. Fluid accumulation occurs in the [...]

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Simple Ways to Relieve Lower Back Pain In Pregnancy

Dr. Chris — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:29:27 +0000

Lower back pain in pregnancy is very common. It is often accepted as a normal part of pregnancy but this is no reason for women to suffer with the condition. Although several anti-inflammatory drugs may help with pain relief and can be safely used during pregnancy, most pregnant women would prefer to stay away from medication. However, there are many other simple ways that pregnant women can relieve lower back pain without opting for the chemical route. It is important to first understand why lower back pain is so common during pregnancy. Some of the causes can in fact be avoided with just simple lifestyle changes. Reasons for Pregnancy Lower Back Pain There are several reasons for lower back pain during pregnancy. It is often a result of the normal changes that occur in the body. But sometimes it may associated with injury that may be caused during the course of pregnancy. There are instances where previous back injuries, even before falling pregnant, only becomes apparent during pregnancy. Some of the more common reasons includes: Increasing body weight especially during the later stages of pregnancy. Larger abdominal girth due to the expanding uterus. Abnormal and excessive curving of the lower [...]

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How To Know When You Are Ovulating (Egg Cell Released)

Dr. Chris — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 21:48:39 +0000

Most women only focus on their period and go by the rest of the month without much concern about the menstrual cycle. But for women who are having difficulty conceiving or use a calender-based method of contraception, the time of ovulation is the most important time in the month. If you are one of these women then knowing when you are ovulating is crucial – it can mean the arrival of that much awaited bundle or joy, or intimacy without the risk of pregnancy. But getting it right is not always an exact science and miscalculations can be disappointing. Points To Consider It is important to understand what ovulation is if you are scanty on the details. It is the time in your menstrual cycle when an egg cell (ovum) is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. Rather simplistically, it means that you are the most fertile during this time of the month, and just before it. Ovulation occurs around 12 to 16 days before menstruation. If the egg cell is fertilized by a sperm cell (conception), then you are technically pregnant and the next period should not occur. However, there are several factors to consider when determining ovulation. [...]

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