Signs of Pregnancy

In the life of every woman at least once had a situation where she asked: "And I'm not pregnant?" The presence of certain signs suggest the probability of a possible addition of the family.

Some women have this hypersensitivity that almost from the moment of conception, are aware of pregnancy. But often times when the future mother learns of his "family way" when the baby starts to move.

So, the following signs of pregnancy:

Lack of regular menstruation. most common, although not completely reliable sign. Often fail menstrual cycle caused by hormonal changes or various diseases. After birth, the restoration of the cycle takes some time. Nursing mothers month absence, which may render them unkind service.

A positive pregnancy test. tests now sold in almost any pharmacy. Using them is easy. You can know the result on the day the alleged period. But ... Sometimes the tests give false results. This can happen if the test was expired, or used incorrectly. Influence the "picture" can some gynecological diseases or hormonal drugs. Because the test results in any case not absolute indicator of the presence or absence of pregnancy.

Tenderness and breast enlargement. Many women on the eve of pregnancy breasts become especially sensitive and increases in size. But if pregnancy occurs the pain is particularly strong, and can be released from the nipple cloudy liquid (colostrum).

Hypersensitive to smells. favorite perfume may suddenly disgusting, the smell of food being prepared can cause nausea and even vomiting, and ride public transportation can become a torture because of the increased "vonyuchesti" passengers.

Morning sickness. This symptom is quite different. Most often manifested toxemia from 7 weeks of pregnancy, but sometimes nausea can annoy and at earlier stages.

Changing eating habits. Increased appetite and absorption of food in incredible combinations, aversion to favorite foods, eating chalk and sand - also one of the possible signs of pregnancy.

Mood changes, irritability, tearfulness. Some women notice this sign of pregnancy as the first. Again, only this character can not be considered reliable. Women are prone to premenstrual syndrome, experience mood swings before each cycle.

Frequent urination. Many women suffer from it as one of the first signs of pregnancy. However, these symptoms may occur in diseases of the urinary tract or bladder compression of the tumor due to diseases of the internal organs.

Drowsiness, fatigue. early pregnancy often complain of fatigue inhuman, placed them on the bed almost half a day. Again, as an independent symptom she can not testify about the "family way."

Make clearly defining the question, "is pregnant or not pregnant" can only visit to the antenatal clinic. Elementary inspection gynecologist can give almost complete answer. Even at 7-day delay in the U.S. can see the presence of the ovum in the uterus. Visit a gynecologist for suspected pregnancy makes sense, if only because, unfortunately, terrible pathology - ectopic pregnancy - has the same symptoms as normal.

Cause Breast Cancer?

Free From Harm compiled a collection of information from experts about the connection between dairy and breast cancer. Some highlights:

• "Casein, which makes up 87% of cow's milk protein, promoted all stages of the cancer process," says Dr. T. Colin Campbell, author of the well-regarded, seminal China Study, summing up his relevant findings.
• "[S]everal epidemiological studies have indicated a relationship between dairy consumption and breast cancer risk in pre-menopausal women (Outwater, 1997)." -Breast Cancer Fund
• "It appears that when individuals do not have the correct enzymes to metabolize many of the hormones naturally found in any type of cow's milk, a glass of milk can flood the body with excess estrogen. This raises the risk of developing or accelerating the growth of existing breast cancer." -Susan Wadia-Ells, Founding Director of Knowbreastcancer.net
• Professor Jane Plant advocates changing from dairy to soy products to prevent breast cancer, noting that "even in Hiroshima, the chances of contracting breast cancer are half that of western nations. Only when Chinese and Japanese women move to Europe or the United States does their chance of contracting breast cancer dramatically increase," as Free From Harm summarized.
• "While scientists are hard at work searching for specific breast cancer-fighting compounds, the safest approach is to apply what we already know: Diets that are highest in a variety of plant foods and stay away from heavy oils, meat, and dairy products, help prevent a great many diseases." -Dr. Neal M. Bernard
• 'Some dairy products, such as whole milk and many types of cheese, have a relatively high saturated fat content, which may increase risk. Moreover, milk products may contain contaminants such as pesticides, which have carcinogenic potential, and growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor I, which have been shown to promote breast cancer cell growth.' -The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Some nutritionists confirm the doctors' findings. One of them, Phil Richards, writes that 'the connection between casein and cancer was so profound [in experiments on rats] that the scientists could literally turn cancer growth on and off in the laboratory animals, like a light switch, simply by altering the level of casein protein in their diets." Specifically, "[c]onsuming dairy products is linked to an increased risk for breast cancer as dairy products are high in fat, animal protein, and hormones, each of which increases cancer risk. Since the 1980′s, study after study has linked dairy consumption to a high incidence of breast and other cancers.'

Part of the problem with dairy is the things that come out of cows because of the way factory farmers treat them, as The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition quote above suggests. Dairy producers inject cows with a growth hormone to increase their milk production by a factor of ten. That milk then contains pus, bacteria, and blood because of the infections cows are prone to from their living conditions and from producing far more milk than they are meant to. Obviously these are not healthy things for us to drink.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure sounds a more conservative note than the researchers cited above: 'data from the Nurses' Health Study II found women who ate a lot of high-fat dairy products (like whole milk or butter) were at higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer," it admits, but nevertheless asserts that "[m]ost studies have found no link between consuming dairy products and breast cancer in premenopausal women." The site also claims that studies "have found no link between dairy product intake and postmenopausal breast cancer risk.'

By Piper Hoffman @care2.com

Cancer: breast implants diagnosis

The breast implants make it more 'difficult to diagnose a tumor. In fact, the prosthesis may prevent the display of the tumor mass by routine tests. Consequently, the cancer is often diagnosed when and 'now already' developed or already 'in metastasis. Sounding the alarm 'was a group of Canadian researchers, according to what we read in the British newspaper' The Sun '.

According to scientists, women with breast implants have a three times greater risk of being diagnosed with advanced cancer . The odds' to die for cancer would then be 30 percent. To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed data from 40 thousand women with breast, 409 of which have cancer. "The implants are radiopaque.

They may hinder - scholars have pointed out - the visualization of tissue during a mammogram." In the light of these data, the UK experts call for vangano made ​​more 'research. In the meantime urged the women to report to the doctors if they have dentures, before being screened.

By AGI

Benefits of breast feeding and bursting the false image of artificial supplements for babies

Some facts are as follows

1. Breast milk is the best protection that loving mother can give to her new born. Its can be called as 'the child's first vaccine'.
2. The yellowish milk secreted by mothers soon after delivery is called colostrum. It is rich in anti infection substances like anti-bodies and anti microbial substances, nutrients concentrate, vitamin A, proteins, and much more all these are present in easily absorbable form for infant's underdeveloped gastrointestinal system.
3. Breast feeding (B.F.) is cheaper, safer and more nutritious than artificial supplements.
4. It creates a strong bond between mother and the child.
5. B.F. is also protective to mothers as it reduces the risk of breast cancer
6. delays the process of ovulation in mothers.

Further info:

• B.F. Should be initiated within 1 hour after delivery.
• Exclusive B.F. for a minimum period of 6 months.
• Keep the baby close to mother's body while feeding without obstructing the baby's nose.
• Mother's milk cannot be quantitated. Mother's often worry if their milk will be sufficient for their baby. The physicians have no answer for this, but the baby has !

If the baby is fed sufficiently, then

• The baby will be happy, energetic, and joyful.
• doesn't cry.
• sleeps well for 2-3 hours after every feeding.

Tips to stay away from Breast Cancer

1) Breast self-examination
Women should begin self-examination at the early age of 20s. Self-examination helps you to identify breast cancer treatment early. Women should do self-examination at least one time a month the week after their period finishes. The women who are no longer menstruating should examine at the starting of every month. If you feel nodes or discomfort, then visit to a doctor for further examination. Self examination process can be found on medical websites but it is best to talk to a doctor and find out the correct process.

2) Mammogram
Mammogram can also help to identify breast cancer early. Women who are older than 40, must get mammogram once a year though there is no cancer in the family. Women should begin mammography in their 30s if their sister or mother had breast cancer before menopause. Mammogram is breast's x-ray picture. For women, who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer, screening mammograms are used to check. For women who have lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer, diagnostic mammograms are used to check.

3) Breastfeed your baby
Breastfeeding is among the most essential ways to prevent breast cancer. Now-a-days most women stay away from breast feeding as they think it will harm their figure but it is very essential to understand that avoiding breast feeding may increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who breastfeed their babies for up to 2 years decrease the breast cancer risk up to 60%. The theory is that breastfeeding decrease the complete menstrual cycle's number of women over her life and lower the level of estrogen hormone which is related to breast cancer.

4) Maintain healthy weight
Women who are overweight or obese after menopause are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Before menopause, most of estrogen are created by ovaries and little amount of estrogen are created by fat tissues. After menopause, ovaries discontinue making estrogen so estrogen is created by fat tissues only. After menopause, having more fat tissue means higher estrogen levels which enhance the risk of breast cancer. Women should maintain a BMI below 25.

5) Genetic tests
Only 5 to 10% breast cancers are caused by gene mutations inherited from a parent. If you have been detected with breast cancer, you can look for genetic mutations recognized as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. The cost of this test is $3,400. Before undergoing the test, you should talk to a genetic counselor, nurse or doctor to clarify the procedure and the results of these tests. Before these tests are done, it is also very essential for you to know pros and cons as well as what these genetic testing can and can't inform you.

6) Exercise
Breast cancer risk is decreased by performing exercise 1/2 an hour 3 times a week. Exercise also helps to burn excess fat, maintain weight and enhance the immune system. Exercise manages the oestrogen levels to stay balanced. Exercise decreased the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 40%. You can do moderate aerobic activity such as brisk walking.

7) Use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
Women can use Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate her breast cancer risk for the next 5 years and up to age of 90 as well as compare the woman's risk calculation with the average risk for similar age woman. Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool is a computer program which is developed to help health care providers in talking about breast cancer risk with their female patients. You can found The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool at cancer.gov.

8) Consume low-fat diet
Low-fat diet prevents breast cancer as well as excellent overall health. Low-fat diet also reduces the obesity risk. Reduce the amount of trans fat and saturated fats as they increase the risk of breast cancer. Increase the consumption of monounsaturated and fish oils. Also include yogurt, low fat milk and cottage cheese in your diet. Consume only 70g fat daily.

9) Avoid high doses of radiation
The risk of breast cancer also increases due to high exposure to radiation. Women who had undergone radiation therapy to the chest part as treatment for Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or for acne are at high risk of developing breast cancer. The risk of developing cancer differs with the age of patient when they had radiation. If the chest radiation was given during teenage years when the breasts were still developing the chances of developing breast cancer is highest. After age of 40, radiation treatment does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

10) Limit alcohol
Limit the use of alcohol as it enhances the risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol increases the other toxins effect and directly damage DNA which cause cancer. Women who take 1 alcoholic drink increase somewhat chances of developing breast cancer than non-drinkers. Women who take 2 to 5 drinks regularly increase about 1½ times chances of developing breast cancer compared to non-drinkers. Excessive alcohol also enhances the risk of throat, mouth, liver cancer and esophagus cancer. Women should limit the alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day.

11) Consume soy
Consume soybeans and soy products like tofu, tempeh, edamame and miso as they decrease breast cancer risk. Soy contains isoflavones which binds to tissues in the body by obstructing estrogen from stimulating breast cancer cells. Avoid the consumption of sweetened and refined soy products like soymilk and soy oils.

12) Avoid too much exposure to pesticides and chemicals
Limit exposure pesticides and chemicals as they contain estrogen like properties which lets cells of breast cancer to reproduce quickly. It also lets the disease to spread faster. As per study oder women who exposed to pesticide DDT) and similar compounds had somewhat more risk of developing breast cancer compared to other women.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

In the initial stages, the breast cancer has no obvious symptoms and it vary in individuals from lumps to swelling and changes in the skin.

A lump too small which is felt does not cause any unusual changes and it is unnoticed.

However, in many cases appearance of new lump or a mass is the first sign noticed. The lump may be hard to touch with uneven edges and they are painless.

But there are cases the lump is very tender, round edged and soft. More lumps are painless.

Breast Cancer Symptoms are:
Swelling of part of the breast or all parts
Skin irritation in the breast.
Nipple pain,
Nipple begins to turn inward (inverted) slowly
Breast pain.

Appearances of changes in the nipple like redness, scaly formation,
thickening of the nipple.
A nipple discharge (bloody or clear fluid)
Changes in the skin of the breast like thickening.
Arm pit with lymph nodes or a mass or lump

It is essential to note that these symptoms always an indication for a breast cancer. But in some cases the above symptoms may be a symptom of non-cancerous conditions like in an infectious cyst.

In the early stages of the breast cancer, the cancerous tissue formation is hidden inside the tissues and it is always not possible to see the cancer by naked eyes. The changes happen in the breast may not be always cancer. A lump may come by an infection and it may disappear. The changes in the skin surface of the breast may be due to sunburn. A rash may be by an allergy. But all these symptoms to be decided for a benign or malignant type of growth.

Having different sized breasts?

Having different-sized breasts is perfectly normal. It's quite common for girls to have different-sized breasts or nipples, especially as they develop during puberty. Everyone's different, and no two women's breasts will look exactly the same. In fact, asymmetry - where one body part, like a foot or a hand, is a slightly different size or shape from its partner - is quite common in humans.

When girls begin puberty, usually between the ages of 8 and 13, their breasts begin to develop starting with just a little swelling under the nipple. This is known as breast budding. You may notice that one of your breasts starts developing before the other or that one is growing more quickly. Many times this difference in breast size evens out once a girl is older, usually by age 20. But it's also perfectly normal for women's breasts to remain different sizes even when they're fully developed.

Some girls with different-sized breasts worry that there's something medically wrong, but chances are, for a teen, there isn't. If you're really worried about your breast size, talk to your doctor or gynecologist. He or she should be able to reassure you that your breasts are normal.

Girls who notice their breasts are different sizes are aware of their breasts - and that's good news. Being aware of your breasts can help you stay healthy! Learning how your breasts normally look (and feel) can help you notice any changes that might not be normal. Your doctor can teach you how to do a breast self-exam (BSE) that will help you become familiar with your breasts so you can identify any changes.

Some girls worry about their different-sized breasts for cosmetic reasons. Many girls with different-sized breasts or nipples just accept that they are normal and don't do anything differently. But other girls feel self-conscious. It's likely that no one else notices your breasts look different, though. Other people usually can't see the difference in the size of a girl's breasts - even if that difference is a full cup size.

The fact is that exercises, supplements, or diets won't change the size or shape of a girl's breasts - only plastic surgery can do that. (And most doctors recommend that a girl wait until her breasts have finished growing before considering plastic surgery.) Some girls decide to wear especially supportive bras or special inserts that make their breasts appear more equal in size. Talk to a lingerie salesperson if you want some suggestions for evening things out. It may also help to talk to your mom, older sister, or an aunt or grandmother - they may have worried about having different-sized breasts during their teen years, too.

Everyone develops differently, and it's normal for the two sides of our bodies to be a little different from each other. We humans aren't as evenly proportioned as we appear at first glance!

by: Larissa Hirsch, MD