Health Tip

Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding — typically defined as bleeding that occurs 10 to 14 days after conception — is normal and relatively common.

Implantation bleeding is thought to happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Implantation bleeding generally lasts for a short time, and is usually much lighter and occurs earlier than a menstrual period. Occasionally, implantation bleeding might last for one to two days with a flow similar to a menstrual period.

Some women don't experience implantation bleeding and others don't notice it. It's also possible to mistake implantation bleeding for a period. If this happens, you might not realize that you're pregnant — which can lead to mistakes when determining a baby's due date.

Implantation bleeding stops on its own and doesn't require treatment. If the bleeding persists or you're concerned about any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, contact your health care provider.

Placenta
The placenta plays a crucial role during pregnancy. The placenta is a structure that develops in your uterus during pregnancy. The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby and removes waste products from your baby's blood. It attaches to the wall of your uterus, and your baby's umbilical cord arises from it. In most pregnancies, the placenta attaches at the top or side of the uterus

Various factors can affect the health of the placenta during pregnancy, some modifiable and some not. For example:

Maternal age. Certain placental problems are more common in older women, especially after age 40.
Premature rupture of the membranes. During pregnancy, your baby is surrounded and cushioned by a fluid-filled membrane called the amniotic sac. If the sac leaks or breaks before labor begins, the risk of certain placental problems increases.

High blood pressure. High blood pressure can affect your placenta.
Multiple pregnancy. If you're pregnant with more than one baby, you might be at increased risk of certain placental problems.

Blood-clotting disorders. Any condition that impairs your blood's ability to clot or increases its likelihood of clotting also increases the risk of certain placental problems.

Previous uterine surgery. If you've had a previous surgery involving your uterus, such as a C-section, you're at increased risk of certain placental problems.

Previous placental problems. If you've had a placental problem during a previous pregnancy, you might be at increased risk of experiencing it again.

Substance abuse. Certain placental problems are more common in women who smoke or use illegal drugs, such as cocaine, during pregnancy.

Abdominal trauma. Trauma to your abdomen — such as from a fall or other type of blow to the abdomen — increases the risk of certain placental problems.

During pregnancy, the most common placental problems include placental abruption, placenta previa and placenta accreta. Each of these conditions can cause potentially heavy vaginal bleeding. After delivery, retained placenta is sometimes a concern.

Consult your health care provider during pregnancy if you notice: Vaginal bleeding, Abdominal pain, Severe back pain, Rapid uterine contractions etc.

Nausea
Nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy, also called morning sickness, can be signs of a healthy pregnancy.

Shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to your uterine lining, your body begins to produce a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). While the cause of nausea during pregnancy isn't clear, nausea typically begins when production of HCG begins. As a result, nausea during pregnancy might indicate that you're experiencing the normal climb in pregnancy hormones needed for a healthy pregnancy.

Other theories suggest that nausea during pregnancy might:

Reduce fetal exposure to potentially dangerous substances in your diet

Encourage you to eat foods that contain certain nutrients, such as those rich in carbohydrates

Prompt you to adjust your activity level to favor maternal and fetal tissue growth

A lack of nausea during pregnancy, however, isn't necessarily a cause for concern. Some women simply might be immune to the effects of pregnancy hormones. In addition, nausea can sometimes signal a problem. For instance, severe nausea and vomiting can indicate any serious problem. So, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Courtesy: Health Prior 21