14 Ağustos 2012 Salı

Chlamydia Symptoms (Signs) in Men and Women!

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The “STDs” or “Sexually transmitted diseases” are on the rise -- according to a CDC report. And did you know that Chlamydia is the most commonly reported -- it is the no one of STDs. Anyone (either men or women) can get it. The Chlamydia symptoms either in men or women typically don’t develop quickly or even in many cases the disease may cause no signs. If the signs of the disease do occur, they may appear within 1 to 3 weeks or more after the infection. You may also like to read Chlamydia treatment!

That’s why many people with it don’t realize when they have it and therefore the disease can spread not too difficultly from an infected individual to another (particularly through a sexual intercourse).
What is Chlamydia?
As mentioned before, today it is one of the most common STDs. According to the medical dictionary on WebMD, Chlamydia is a vernacular term used to describe /refer to any kind or member of the genus Chlamydia.
Though it can occur in all age groups (both male and female), but it is more common in young adults (particularly for young women). The following are some risk factors of Chlamydia (conditions or factors that put you at higher risk of having Chlamydia):
  1. You are under the age of 24.
  2. Have multiple sex partners, particularly without using condom. However, once again sexually intercourse is the most common cause to spread the disease from one individual to another.
  3. Have a history of prior STD.
How to prevent it?
There are some preventive steps to reduce your risk of having this disease, these include:
  1. If you in doubt to your condition, it is much better to temporarily avoid sexual contact until you get a clearly diagnosis from your doctor. Fortunately, this disease is easy to treat once you realize that you have it! But if left untreated, there is a chance for the disease to generate or cause other serious health problems.
  2. Practice sexual abstinence! It is so recommended to restrict your sexual contact to 1 uninfected partner.
  3. Take regular screening tests, especially for individuals who have multiple partners (even if they are not experiencing any symptom). Ask a doctor to get to know how often to get these screening tests.
  4. For women, it is much better to avoid douching or other certain factors /activities that can affect or disturb the balance of good bacteria in the vagina.
  5. And don’t forget to use a condom, particularly if men who have more than one sex partner!
Chlamydia symptoms in men
As written before, men with Chlamydia may not have any signs. There is about a half of all cases of Chlamydia in men are reported without signs or symptoms -- according to a report from CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
If the signs do occur, they may include:
  1. Burning or itching, particularly in the opening of the penis.
  2. A discharge from the penis.
  3. When urinating, patient may feel a certain pain or burning sensation.
  4. Testicular pain (around the patient’s testicles, he may feel pain & swelling). But this symptom is usually less common than other symptoms.
  5. Abdominal pain, particularly in the lower abdominal.
You may also be interested to read yeast infections in men and erectile dysfunction in young men!
Chlamydia symptoms in women
If about 50 percent of cases of Chlamydia in men are followed without symptoms -- there are about 75 percent of cases of this disease in women are also reported without symptoms. These suggest that the early diagnosis of this disease without an appropriate test is not easy.
If the signs occur, the symptoms of this disease in women may include:
  1. Abnormal vaginal discharge with/without an odor!
  2. Lower stomach (abdominal) pain. Sometimes it may be followed with fever or/and nausea.
  3. Something wrong with the patient’s periods, like painful menstruation and bleeding between the periods.
  4. Burning /itching around the vagina. This uncomfortable sensation may also occur from inside the vagina.
  5. Pain during sexual intercourse and when urinating.
  6. Low back pain (less common).
For Chlamydia in women, cervix & urine canal (urethra) are usually the first area where the bacteria infect. Then the infection may also spread to rectum (especially if left untreated).
Moreover, both in men and in women -- the infection of Chlamydia may also occur in the throats (due to oral sex activity) and in the rectum (due to anal intercourse).
How to diagnose this disease?
The big question is how to determine whether or not you have Chlamydia? To get a clearly diagnosis, it is so recommended to see a doctor. There are several methods /tests to diagnose this disease, such as NAAT, DFA (Direct fluorescent antibody test), ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), DNA probe test, and Chlamydia culture -- ask a doctor for more in-depth information!
Furthermore, there is now also available a Chlamydia home test kit that you purchase on line, but it is usually less accurate if compared with an appropriate test that you will get when you see a doctor. 
If you prefer using DIY (do-it-yourself) home testing, choose one from a research-based program instead of one that is offered for only profit oriented (from profit-sites without having a good standard lab). Even you can order free a good test kits through research-based programs. Just visit Google or Bing, and then type a keyword such as ‘free Chlamydia home test” and then you will get many choices what you are looking for!________
Reference: WebMD


Chlamydia Treatment for Men and Women!

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What is Chlamydia treatment for men and women? Well … Chlamydia is a kind of disease that can be categorized into a group of sexually transmitted disease (STD). Even CDC reports that it is the most commonly reported. Many patients (both men and women) with this disease don’t realize that they are being infected -- because most of them typically don’t have any symptom or only have mild symptoms (read also symptoms of Chlamydia if they do occur). 
However, don’t ever underestimate this disease! If left untreated, it can cause other health problems or serious complications! And you should know that the damages that this disease causes are often ‘silent’ -- according to CDC. 
How do you get Chlamydia?
This disease is caused by bacteria what we call as “Chlamydia trachomatis”. It can be transmitted through intercourse. 
Anyone (both men and women) can be infected, particularly for those who have multiple partners, but in many cases the disease is relatively more common in the age of 24 or under (young adults). Furthermore, Chlamydia trachomatis also can be transmitted during oral /anal sex.
Complications from Chlamydia
As written before, there are some serious health problems /complications that may occur if this disease left untreated. These complications may include:
In men
  1. NGU (nongonococcal urethritis) - a kind of infection in the urethra. Urethra is the tube to pass urine.
  2. Inflammation in the rectum - this health condition is also called ‘proctitis’.
  3. Epididymitis - an infection in the tube that has function to carry sperm away from the men’s testes.
  4. There is also a chance for men with Chlamydia to have prostate gland infection, which may cause pain when urinating, pain during /after sex, and even lower back pain. Ask a doctor for more detailed information!
In women
  1. PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). This disease infects /affects the fallopian tube which then can cause fever and pelvic pain. Fallopian tubes are tubes that connect uterus to ovaries. PID can lead to serious fertility problem, because there is a chance for this disease to damage the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
  2. The damage of to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and surrounding tissues can increase the risk of a woman to have a condition what we call as ectopic pregnancy (a condition when the fertilized egg develops not in the uterus (outside uterus)).
  3. Giving birth too early! Women with Chlamydia (especially if left untreated) have higher risk of experiencing a premature birth.
  4. There is also a chance for newborn to get pneumonia, eye infection, or the risk of blindness. Because the Chlamydia infection can be passed from a mother to her newborn during childbirth!
Furthermore, both men and women with Chlamydia infection can be associated with other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). In other words, they are at higher risk of also getting other STDs, such as HIV and gonorrhea.
In rare cases, individuals with this infection are also at high likelihood of developing Reiter's syndrome or also familiar called ‘reactive arthritis’. 
And complications of Chlamydia in men are rare -- according to CDC. Nevertheless, men should not underestimate this disease, because they can spread this infection to their partners. 
Diagnosis of Chlamydia
Both men and women (especially for those who sexually active age 25 or younger) are so recommended to get an annual screening test for Chlamydia. Tests to detect a Chlamydia infection usually use/involve a body fluid sample from the affected area. Some of these tests include:
  1. Chlamydia culture! It usually must be done in the lab. If compared to other tests for Chlamydia, it requires more days (about 5-7 days) to get the test result.
  2. NAAT (Nucleic acid amplification tests), such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction test)! Many doctors believe that these tests are the most sensitive test to detect a Chlamydia infection, because they can get and detect the genetic material of Chlamydia. 
  3. DFA test (Direct fluorescent antibody)! It can give a quick result to find antigens of Chlamydia.
  4. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay! It is another option for quick test to find an infection of Chlamydia.
  5. DNA probe test! Like NAAT, DNA probe test is also helpful to catch the genetic material of Chlamydia, but it may be less sensitive.
Furthermore, we can also use a Chlamydia home test kit that we can get for free from non-profit sites. If you seriously want to get the clearly diagnosis, see a doctor for more detailed information!
Chlamydia treatment for men and women
Fortunately, this infection is not too difficult to be treated & cured. Since the cause of this infection is bacteria -- the most common treatment is by using antibiotics. 
According to CDC, the most commonly prescribed treatments are doxycycline and azithromycin. Doxycycline is usually prescribed twice daily for about a week. And azithromycin is a single dose prescribed treatment. Individuals with Chlamydia infection and also have HIV should receive the same prescribed treatment as other HIV-negative individuals with Chlmaydia infection.
Sex partners of patients must also be evaluated & treated. This is so important to anticipate and prevent re-infection, and also intended to eliminate the spread of the disease. During the treatment, doctor usually asks their patients with Chlamydia infection to abstain from sex until the infection is completely cured.
If you are diagnosed with a Chlamydia infection, with the right treatment your disease should completely go away about 1-2 weeks. And don’t forget to follow all instructions from the doctor -- finish completely all of prescribed antibiotics even if you feel much better!
After you finish all of your prescribed antibiotics and you feel better, see your doctor once again to make sure that your infection is completely cured. Ask also completely to your doctor about the next steps that you should do to prevent re-infection.________Reference: MayoClinic, CDC, and WebMD


Best Fish Oil Supplement: Which One ‘Top Rated’?

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Fish oil supplements are one of the most popular supplements in this modern living. Fish oil is a high source of omega-3 fatty acids (particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (ocosahexaenoic acid))! Therefore, there are a lot of health advantages that we can get from them -- though there are also a few side effects! Even for healthy people who are eating well, taking daily omega-3 from fish oil supplement is good idea. The big questions are; how to choose the best or top rated fish oil supplement? And what dose we should take?
Health advantages of fish oil
As mentioned before, fish oil has a lot of omega-3fatty acids. And overall, the risks or side effects of taking omega-3 supplements are much lower if compared to the health benefits. Good quality of oil-fish supplements is so helpful & useful to treat certain health conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, ADHD (‘Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’), high blood pressure, depression, bipolar disorder, psoriasis, menstrual cramps, and pregnancy complications.

Furthermore, some studies also found that omega-3 fatty acids are also effective to control the level of triglycerides (a kind of cholesterol - you may also be interested to read supplements to lower cholesterol!).

Do you really need fish oil supplements?

Though fish oil supplements provide a lot of health benefits, but you should clearly understand that not all people actually need them!

If you are a healthy individual, and there is no prescription from your doctor to take a fish oil supplement, it’s much better to get your omega-3 by eating fresh fatty fish!

But since fish also can collect unfriendly pollutants from the environment, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and FDA recommend for breastfeeding and pregnant women to limit their fish consumption. This recommendation is also recommended for women who are becoming pregnant. For these groups, the consumption of fish should be less than 12 ounces or 2 average portions per-week of shellfish/fish (such as Pollock, catfish, tuna, shrimp, and salon) that have lower mercury -- discus with a dietitian for more in-depth information.

King mackerel, swordfish, tilefish, and shark also should be avoided because all of them usually have high mercury levels.

Another type of omega-3 fatty acids that can be essential to promote better health is ALA or alpha-linolenic acid. But it is most often found in plants (such as canola oil, soybeans, and walnuts).

Back to the topic, so should you take a fish oil supplement? In fact, there are many people who are resistant to adapting/changing the way they eat.

For instances, eating fish is something that can be difficult for certain individuals who just don’t like fish or for vegetarians. Furthermore, increased intake of omega-3s is also very essential for individuals with certain disease or risk factors.

For them, fish oil supplements are one of choices. And once you decide or your doctor asks you to take fish oil supplements, you should clearly understand about what the right dose that you should take!

So, what is the right dose you need to take?

In fact, there are many individuals who are confused about the dosage. You should know that a gram of fish oil is not exactly equivalent to a gram of its essential active ingredient (like DHA & EPA). This is one of reasons why the calculation of the right dose that you should consume /day is slightly more difficult than you expect.

1 gram of oil fish supplement usually contains less than 1 gram of its active ingredients. For instance, 1 gram of oil fish capsule may only contain 300 mg or less of EPA & DHA -- depending on the brand of the supplement. So for this case, to provide 1,000 mg of essential omega-3s for your body, you need to consume about four grams of fish oil supplements.

To keep safe, it is much recommended to discuss first with a doctor to get to know the right dose that you should take - especially if you are an individual who have certain health conditions or some risk factors of certain disease, because taking a fish oil supplement may interact with your medication.

Generally, people with heart disease may be prescribed to take about 1 gram of eicosapentaenoic acid and ocosahexaenoic acid (combined, preferably from fish) -- according to a published article on WebMD! But if you have a high level of triglyceride or other specific conditions, your doctor usually recommends taking about 4-2 grams of DHA & EPA per day!

Top rated & best fish oil supplements

One thing you should always keep in mind when choosing fish oil supplement is about purity. This means, you need to concern the level of mercury or other unfriendly pollutants (such as cadmium & arsenic) in the supplement!

Best fish oil supplement must be free for these unfriendly pollutants and contaminants. This is one of reasons why some people choose consuming a capsule of fish oil instead of eating fish! But unfortunately, not all brands can provide as pure as you might expect -- according to Consumer Reports.

Below are some helpful checklists to narrow your choices in finding the best fish oil supplements!

Choose one that is made from small fish

Small fish like mackerel, sardine, and ‘Pollock’ are typical fish that have a lower chance of accumulating pollutants because they usually do not live for very long. Fortunately regular fish oil supplements are made from these fish.

On the other hand, some products that are made from Cod and shark should be avoided, because these fish have higher on the food chain, so thus they are more likely to accumulate more pollutants from the environment.

Visit the third parties tested product!

To help you in making a decision and to get some objective testimonials for certain products of fish oil supplement, you can visit certain 3rd parties tested products, such as “International Fish Oil Standards” or IFOS!

Pharmaceutical grade fish oil

Another option to narrow your selection is by choosing one that is pharmaceutical grade fish oil. This is helpful for you to ensure that you are getting good quality fish oil supplement without getting any unfriendly contaminants left in the fish.

Choose lovaza if necessary!

Lovaza is also a kind of pharmaceutical grade fish oil -- but it is also certified by FDA approval process. Bottom line: all fish oil (including lovaza) can be stinky & rancid over time. Therefore alwway keep in mind that though lovaza is very pure product, but it is also going to degrade over time.

Once again, to keep safe and for better result, talk and discuss more with your doctor to get more advices (particularly if you have a certain health medication)!

What else you should know?
  1. If you have tried a certain product and it doesn’t work, it’s much better to try another! A certain brand may work well for certain people, but it may not work well for you!
  2. Taking a supplement is helpful to increase certain nutrients, but this doesn’t mean you can ignore about what you eat! Furthermore, always take your fish oil supplement with food, so thus the risk of an upset stomach can be eliminated.
  3. Read completely the instructions on how you should store your oil fish supplements. This is so important to stand up the active ingredients of the supplements! In general, they should be stored in the fridge to reduce the side effects (such as indigestion or burping) and to keep them fresh.
  4. If you experience some side effects from your supplements or even these side effects is something too bothersome for you, then it may be a sign to consider a different approach. For this case, discuss more with your doctor to get more advices and tips!
________Reference: WebMD and Consume Reports


Salmon Oil Benefits (Omega 3 - The Essential Nutrient)

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Did you know that salmon is one of top choices of fish that contain good source of omega-3 fatty acids? That’s why there are a lot of health benefits from salmon oil. Other top choices of fish that also contain omega-3 fatty acids are tuna, sardine, lake trout, mackerel, anchovies, and herring. And if you are a vegetarian or an individual who just don’t like to eat fish, fish oil supplement is not too bad idea (you may also be interested to read more about how to choose the best fish oil supplement)!
Since fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that can be essential nutrient to promote good health for the heart, it’s recommended to eat them at least 2 servings a week, which 0.75 cup of flaked fish or 3.5 ounces of cooked fish -- according to the American Heart Association.

Moreover, there is misperception that all kind of fat is not good for the health, especially when you have a weight loss diet program. But omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are different kind of fat! It can provide a lot of health benefits, particularly to reduce the risk of heart disease. Some studies also suggest that it can be helpful for other health conditions, such as may be useful to protect against signs/symptoms of depression, cancer, dementia, arthritis, etc.
What are the essential nutrients from omega-3?
There are some essential nutrients, and the most common nutrients of omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon or fatty fish are EPA and DHA. Both provide the strongest health advantages. 
Furthermore, there is also an essential nutrient what we call as ‘ALA’, but it is relatively more common to be found in plants (particularly such as spinach, walnuts, flaxseed, or vegetable oils). In the body, ALA will be converted into DHA & ALA, which then eventually also can provide a lot of health benefits for anyone.
Salmon oil benefits
The body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own. Therefore, you need to get them from your diet. And as mentioned before, with its omega-3, salmon oil can give numerous of health benefits! Below are some of these benefits!
Helpful to fight some diseases
Many experts believe that the inflammation in the joints, blood vessels, or other areas in the body can be reduced by getting adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon. They also can help reduce the unhealthy fat levels in the bloodstream, reduce the risk of having an abnormal heart rhythm (life-threatening arrhythmias), and also useful to slow/delay the rate of plaque build-up in the body’s blood vessels.
Helpful to prevent heart attack and heart disease!
Omega -3 is one of common recommendations for an individual who have had a previous heart attack. It can reduce the risk of death from a heart attack or heart disease. Some studies found that heart attack survivors who regularly consumed fatty fish (like lake trout or salmon) had lower risk of sudden death from heart attacks than others who consumed less fatty fish.  
Salmon oil and triglycerides
As well we know that having high levels of triglycerides are not good for the health of your heart. With its omega-3 fatty acids, salmon oil is also believed to help decrease the level of triglycerides (a kind of blood fat that is often associated with heart disease). Triglycerides are also known as one of cholesterol types.  
Nevertheless, it is so important to consume fatty fish in moderation! Eating them too over can increase other types of cholesterol (both LDL ‘bad cholesterol’ and HDL ‘good cholesterol’). Furthermore, they also contain fat that may lead to weight gain problem if you eat them too much!
Though in general eating salmon or omega-rich fish is safe, but if you have high level of triglycerides you should ask/consult with a doctor first in order to keep safe and to get more advices about what the right steps you should do?!
Helpful to control/lower your high blood pressure!
Many studies found that omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are also essential to help reduce the level of blood pressure. Along with medications and dietary changes, eating fish or other foods high in Omega-3 can treat your high blood pressure (hypertension) problem.
Bottom line: but sometimes for some people with hypertension, smoked salmon or salty fish may be not too good -- because as well we know that salt is not too good if you have hypertension. For more detailed information about this issue, see and talk more with a doctor!
Salmon oil and lower risk of stroke!
As written before, omega-3 is also useful to curb plaque build-up in your blood vessels. Therefore, eating salmon in moderation also can give positive contribution to prevent or lower your risk of stroke, particularly for ischemic stroke (the most common type of stroke)! You may also like to read causes and symptoms of stroke!
Once again, you have to eat salmon moderately, because omega-3 at very high doses may cause or may increase your risk of having hemorrhagic stroke (another type of stroke)!
Salmon oil and lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Some studies also suggests that with its omega-3 fatty acids, salmon oil is linked to the lower risk of joint pain & stiffness symptoms, particularly in people with rheumatoid arthritis. 
Omega-3 in salmon oil and depression & dementia
Studies suggest that omega-3 may also be useful to help the prescribed antidepressants to work more optimal in people with depression. And in fact, people from countries that have high omega-3 levels are more likely to have less cases of depression.
Furthermore, there are also some scientifically evidences show that omega-3s may also be helpful to improve mental function and lower the risk of dementia. In a study of article published on WebMD, older individuals who have high diet in omega-3s had lower risk of developing a dementia form what we call as Alzheimer’s disease. 
But more studies and research are required to confirm these issues!
Omega-3 in salmon oil and lower risk of cancers
Your risk of developing certain cancers (particularly such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer) may be lowered if you concern to the intake of your omega-3 fatty acids. 
For cancer prevention, a diet that includes fish is more recommended than taking omega-3 supplements -- according to the American Cancer Society. If you in-doubt to this issue, consult more with your doctor!
For brain boosting
Eating more not-breaded /not-fried fish (like salmon) is recommended to boost the brain power of children -- according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. But be careful to certain fish that contain high levels of mercury, such as tilefish, swordfish, king mackerel, and shark -- these fish must be avoided, especially for pregnant women and breastfeeding women! 
Additionally, in order to reduce /eliminate the level of mercury in fish, before cooking fish don’t forget to remove skin & fat!
Salmon oil benefits for pet
Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon also can provide some health benefits for pet. For instances, they can be essential nutrient for pet to ease pain of arthritis, to improve the coat quality of pet, to increase the appetite of pet (especially for pets that have problem in maintaining their weight), and to reduce/improve the symptoms of allergies in pet (read also how to reduce pet allergen)-- according the Whole Dog! Another benefit is helpful to lower the risk of developing kidney disease in pet.____Note: salmon is one of fish that contains omega-3 fatty acids. For better result, you should also diversify the food that you eat -- once again, don’t forget to eat salmon or other omega-rich fish in moderation!
In other words, consider other foods (like leafy greens and nuts) or other fish that also have omega-3 fatty acids, because the health advantages may differ significantly from one source to another. If you have a certain health condition that require adequate intake of omega-3, ask a doctor or dietitian -- and completely follow all instructions from your healthcare providers.
Reference: WebMD


All about Pregnancy | How to Get Pregnant | Signs | Miscarriage

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We all agree that pregnancy is the most challenging thing in a woman’s life. And there are a lot of issues that we can explore when discussing about pregnancy; from issues associated when trying to get pregnant, signs or symptoms of pregnancy that occur -- to issues associated with miscarriage.
Learn more facts of pregnancy to get pregnant easily!
As well we know that some common early signs of pregnancy are enlarged & tender breast, easily to get tired, morning sickness, frequent urination, and missed period. But before suspecting these common symptoms, you may need the right efforts to become pregnant.

Unfortunately, sometimes getting pregnant is not easy for some couples. The following are some helpful facts of pregnancy to get pregnant easily!
Facts of male fertility boosters
Either male or female has a significant contribution to result a successful fertilization. To find clearly diagnosis, either male or female of a couple that is difficult to have a baby should be checked.
There are a lot of ways to boost up men and women fertility. But make sure you know what you want to do! In other words, there are also some of them that can be categorized into useless option or even sometimes can disturb your effort to have a baby.
Some common best advises from your doctor to increase men fertility may include:
  1. Keep well the ideal weight of the body!
  2. Avoid stress or manage it as well!
  3. Avoid any bad behaviors that can affect the fertility, such as drinking alcohol too much and cigarette smoking.
  4. Having healthy diet. Choose foods that are rich in vitamin E, selenium, and zinc! Talk more with a dietitian for more detailed information!
  5. Avoid getting saunas or hot tubs too long -- or avoid it if necessary, because more heat to the testicles can reduce the production of sperm.  
The fertility declines in line with the age
Either in male or female, their fertility declines as they get older. In women, they are more likely to be difficult to get pregnant once they reach their 30s (particularly after the age of 35). Some studies found that the chance of getting a successful fertilization /month is about 20% for 30 year old healthy women, and become only about 5 percent for 40 year old healthy women.
And in men, the quality and number of sperm also declines as they get older. But unlike in women, 40-45 year old healthy men still have a good chance to create fertilization.
Weight and fertility
Some studies found that having ideal weight can improve the fertility either in men or in women. That’s why, as mentioned before you need to keep well your healthy weight if you seriously want to create a successful fertilization.
What else you need to clearly understand?
  1. To improve ovulation, eating foods high in folic acids is usually also recommended by doctor. Don’t forget to also prioritize green products and organic foods. 
  2. You are still allowed to consume caffeine, but make sure you consume it moderately -- or avoid it if you can!
  3. Do exercise regularly. It is not only important for your health but also help improve your fertility.
  4. Choose the right time for intercourse. For woman, she needs to get to know when her fertile days (ovulation days) come. Therefore it is so important to have the record of the menstrual cycles, especially for those who have irregular menstruation periods.
The most common early pregnancy signs!
One of favorite topics when discussing about pregnancy is the pregnancy symptoms. There are several symptoms, but what are the most common early pregnancy signs? In fact, the pregnancy symptoms can be different from woman to woman. Even, if you experience pregnancy for the second time, your symptoms also can differ if compared to the symptoms in your first pregnancy. However, missed period is one of most clearly signs in all pregnant women. 
Well … It is so essential to clearly understand the pregnancy symptoms, why? Because this is not only important to get to know whether or not you are pregnant, but also to minimize your risk of something other than pregnancy!
A pregnant woman can experience the symptoms within a couple days and a week after conception, while another may not have any signs for a few weeks after conception. What else you should know? 
The following are some common early pregnancy signs!
Nausea and vomiting
Both nausea and vomiting are often associated with a popular term what we call as ‘morning sickness’. Unlike the name implies, this term doesn’t describe the time when nausea and vomiting occur. Many pregnant women usually feel and experience nausea or vomiting anytime (not only in the morning).
But there are also some women who experience both nausea & vomiting more frequently in the morning. On the other hand, there are also some pregnant women who don’t experience any feelings of nausea in their early pregnancy. You may also like to read when does morning sickness start!
Rapidly hormone changes during pregnancy are believed for the key of the cause of morning sickness.
Light bleeding (spotting)
Spotting is also one of early signs. It can be a symptom of the embryo implantation into the uterus (uterus’s wall). Some women may think that light bleeding is the early sign of their menstrual period. But in many cases, this bleeding is lighter than the bleeding in the regular menstrual periods.
Light bleeding usually occurs about 12-6 days after conception. But there also other conditions that cause light bleeding, such as certain infection, early stage of menstruation, or even changes in using birth control pills. Furthermore, light spotting may also be caused by abrasion from intercourse.
Missed period
As written before, missed period is one of common early pregnancy symptoms -- even some doctors say that it is the most common early pregnancy sign. It can be used for the indication that there is a successful fertilization between the egg and sperm.
But stress, taking birth control, being in not-ideal weight (weigh loss /weight gain), illness, or even excessively fatigue also can lead to a delayed period in a woman’s body. You may also be interested to know what does mean to have irregular period?!
Changes in breasts
Tender /swollen breasts are the most common form of changes in breasts for the early sign of your pregnancy. It can develop and obviously seem in the 1-2 weeks after the process of your conception. In this case, your breasts will be more sensitive to touch. Then in line with the progress of your pregnancy, there is usually also darker skin around the nipples.
Other possible conditions that cause swollen /tender breasts are PMS (impending menstruation), the effect of using birth control pill, or you may experience hormonal imbalance due to other health conditions.
Fatigue /backache /headache
The rapidly changes of your hormone are believed for the responsible of these symptoms. 
Frequent urination
This symptom is usually common after about 8-6 weeks after your conception. This is one of effects from the growth of the embryo (growing bigger in size) in the uterus. 
Other explanations for frequent urination are due to having diabetes (read also about gestational diabetes during pregnancy), having excessively diuretics, you have the increased liquid intake, or even urinary tract infection.
Strange signs of pregnancy
Did you know that there are also several strange signs of pregnancy that may occur in some pregnant women? What are these strange symptoms?
Constipation
Really?! Yes, there are also some cases of pregnant women who experience constipation during pregnancy. Many experts have opinion and believe that changes in hormone during pregnancy have contribution to cause the slow down performance of intestines which then will become sluggish.
What you should do if you experience this symptom? Getting adequate liquid a day by drinking adequate water and eating fresh fruit & vegetable is usually helpful enough to reduce the symptom of your constipation. If this idea doesn’t work, call a doctor promptly!
Insomnia
Pregnancy can make a woman be easily to get fatigue throughout the day. Furthermore, pregnancy also can generate insomnia. The symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or frequent urination usually also can make your insomnia worse. 
Solution: 
  1. Avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine! Moreover for some pregnant women, caffeine also can trigger their nausea symptom.
  2. During pregnancy you should not do excessively activities that make you feel very tired. But this doesn’t mean you don’t need to move your body! Choose the right exercise and do it properly to keep fit your body. Discuss more with a professional trainer or your doctor for the right exercises for a pregnant woman!
  3. And avoid stress! 
Experiencing vaginal discharge!
During pregnancy, you will temporarily lose your menstruation period. But for some pregnant women, they may also experience vaginal discharge. Generally, this vaginal discharge is normal -- it is similar to the condition when a woman ovulates. But if there is something wrong with the color and odor, let your doctor know!
Nasal stuffiness
The distance between uterus and nose is so far, but sometimes pregnant women can have nasal stuffiness or even nose bleed during their pregnancy. If this symptom occur continuously (especially for nose bleed), you need to see a doctor immediately!
Continuously morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting are some of the most common pregnancy symptoms. But did you know that sometimes they may run continuously throughout pregnancy (from 1st-trimester to 3rd-trimester). Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the term used to call this condition. A pregnant woman with HG requires specialist treatment, because there is a higher chance of HG problem to generate other health conditions that can affect the baby. If you in doubt whether or not you have HG, for clearly diagnosis -- see a doctor immediately! 
Fortunately, there are a few cases of pregnancy with HG. Only about 1 in 200 pregnant women that experiences HG! However, it is important to clearly understand what actually HG is -- so thus you can prepare better for yourself to get a successful pregnancy! 
Nausea and vomiting
Morning sickness is popular term used to call the condition of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. But there are also some pregnant women who don’t get morning sickness or have little nausea in their pregnancy period.
The following are some possible factors that put a pregnant woman at higher chance of experiencing morning sickness (or even with heavy nausea and vomiting) in her pregnancy period:
  1. Stress. High level of stress may also cause more frequent nausea during pregnancy!
  2. Having pregnancy for the first time.
  3. History of having morning sickness in the previous pregnancy.
  4. Pregnant women who have twins or multiple pregnancies!
  5. Having history /experience of motion sickness.
  6. Having enlarged placenta.
  7. Being overweight before pregnancy, particularly for those who have BMI of 30 or more!
  8. A family history (your mother have history of morning sickness).
Hyperemesis gravidarum signs
  1. Prolonged nausea and vomiting. 
  2. Frequent dehydration. This is usually caused by a lot of fluid that go out from the body due to nausea and vomiting. 
  3. Having lower blood pressure, especially when you are standing.
  4. Losing more weight which is usually caused by lack of nutrient and appetite due to prolonged nausea & vomiting!
  5. And even ketosis also can occur in pregnant women with HG. 
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is also often called as SAB or ‘spontaneous abortion’. It is a term used for a condition when a pregnancy ends on its own way. In many cases, the end of this spontaneous abortion occurs within the first 20 weeks or earlier of gestation. 
Causes of miscarriage
Chromosome abnormalities are believed for one of the major causes of SAB, and therefore you have a few options to prevent miscarriage. But being as healthy as possible before and after conception is usually the best option to lower your risk!
Other factors that may contribute in causing miscarriage are:
  1. Malnutrition, particularly severe stage of malnutrition.
  2. Certain radiation, particularly excessively radiation.
  3. Uncontrolled diabetes.
  4. Kidney disease in severe stage.
  5. Bad lifestyles -- such as the use of illegal drug, alcohol abuse, or even smoking.
  6. Abnormality problems associated with uterine.
  7. Excessively exposure to unfriendly environments like pollutants and unfriendly chemical properties.
  8. The side effect of certain medications.
  9. Having certain diseases, such as thyroid disease, lupus, and congenital heart disease. 
  10. Certain infection.
And did you know that your risk can increase if you get pregnant in the older age. Some studies found that the risk of miscarriage is high for those with pregnancy at the age of 40. That’s why, getting pregnant in the age of 35 or older should be avoided.
Symptoms of miscarriage
Women with SAB can experience common pregnancy symptoms, but the most common symptom is usually lighter or heavy bleeding. Other signs may include; back pain, fever, crams in severe stage, weakness, and pain in the abdominal.

***For more detailed information, see and consult more with your doctor!