15 Amazing Benefits Of Nettle Leaf For Skin, Hair And Health

Urtica Dioica—or you can call it Common Nettle and Stinging Nettle. Also known as a ‘folk remedy’ for its popularity in folklore all over the world, the plant is often uprooted as a weed. That is a pity because it holds within itself a number of health benefits! The plant grows to its full potential of around 1 to 2m during summers and has widely spread bright yellow rhizomes and stolon. The plant has a very fine, thin hair around its stem and leaves, which are painful to touch and sting badly. That is where the name stinging nettle comes from. But once you look beyond the stinging, the nettle leaf is chock full of nutrients and can give your body a ‘sting’ of good health!

Nutritional Information:

So, how does nettle leaf do so much for our health? It does so with the help of nutrients that fill it!

Top 15 Benefits Of Nettle Leaf:

Nettle has been known for its health benefits from medieval times. Its root, leaves, seeds, and flowers all have different benefits and are used for treating diseases.

Nettle Leaf Benefits for Skin:

Call us shallow, but we do care about how we look. Our skin largely determines our level of attractiveness. Nettle leaves in great way help to get that flawless skin:

1. Helps In Treating Acne:

Dried nettle leaves are used externally and topically for treating acne and blemishes. Nettle leaf extracts are also used as a skin tonic for oily, acne-prone skin as it not only helps in reducing acne but also does that without leaving any scars or blemishes behind.

2. Astringent Properties:

Nettle leaves have astringent properties, which helps in treating skin diseases like eczema, insect bites and chicken pox. Its extract or an oil concoction prepared with nettle leaves can be applied topically to treat eczema.

3. Anti-inflammatory:

Nettle leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for treating skin burns and reducing the burn scars.

Nettle Leaf Benefits for Hair:

Can nettle leaves help our hair too? They surely can! Here are some of the benefits of nettle leaf for hair:

4. Treats Hair Loss Problem:

Using stinging nettle is one of the oldest treatments for combating hair loss. Stinging nettle capsules and tea can be consumed to treat hair loss internally while a good scalp massage using nettle oil combats hair loss effectively.

5. Helps In Hair Re-Growth:

Not only does stinging nettle help in combating hair loss, it also helps in hair re-growth. Nettle leaves are rich in silica and sulfur. This helps in making hair shinier and healthier. Rinsing hair with nettle extracts and water results in re-growth of lost hair and also helps in restoring the original hair color.

6. Treats Dandruff:

Massaging your scalp with coconut or mustard oil infused with dried nettle leaves and leaving it overnight is a very effective treatment for dandruff. Juice extracted by crushing fresh nettle leaves is also massaged on the scalp to treat dandruff.

Health Benefits Of Nettle Leaf:

As mentioned before, the nettle leaf packs a punch when it comes to nutrients. It also gives a number of health benefits, some of which are:

7. Treats Arthritic Pain:

Stinging nettle has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a good cure for arthritic pain. It also treats other joint related diseases like rheumatism, gout, bursitis, and tendonitis. Nettle juice or nettle oil rubbed and massaged over the joints relieves the pain. Nettle tincture and tea consumed orally also helps to alleviate the pain.

8. Treats Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH):

Stinging nettle is used in medicines for the treatment of BPH and other prostate related diseases. Though the studies have found that nettle does not effectively reduce the size of an already enlarged prostate, it is effective in reducing and treating the disease in its early stage when symptoms begin to show. This herb helps in stopping cell growth and division around the area and help in improving prostate health.

9. Treats Urinary Tract Infection:

Stinging nettle has diuretic properties and aids in urination. It is used in the treatment of urinary tract infection, bladder infection and other urinary problems caused due to kidney and bladder stones as it breaks down the stones into miniscule sizes and flushes them out with urine. It is also helpful in treating diarrhea and dysentery.

10. Reduces Allergies:

The leaves of stinging nettle plant are used to treat and relieve allergies. It is believed that consuming stinging nettle leaf before meals can cure food sensitivities. Nettle has anti-histamine properties, which act against the histamine present in the body and also against the allergic rhinitis. These leaves are helpful in treating seasonal allergies, hay fever, coughs, sneezing, hives and asthma.

11. Stimulates The Libido:

Stinging nettle acts as a libido stimulant as it increases testosterone level and also helps the body in retaining it for a longer period. It is an effective remedy for improving the sex drive.

12. Acts As A Styptic:

Nettle is also known for its styptic properties that means ‘an arrestor of local bleeding’. It helps with internal bleeding like excessive menstruation, vaginal bleeding, hemorrhoids, lung and stomach bleeding, and bleeding piles formed in the body. It also helps in stopping external bleeding like nosebleeds.

13. Acts As A Blood Builder:

Nettle leaf is used for treating anemia as it is high in iron. It is known for its blood building and blood purifying properties. Consuming a bowl of nettle soup regularly is a good remedy for treating anemia and also for lowering blood sugar levels.

14. Helps With Women Related Problems:

Women are advised to consume nettle regularly. It is not only effective for skin and hair, but also prevents and cures many women-related issues. Nettle helps in relieving PMS pain and strain, as well as menopausal pain. It is also known to help in easing labor and can be used by women to help with breastfeeding by increasing lactation.

15. Other Benefits:

Apart from the above mentioned benefits, nettle has some other benefits too and they are:

• Nettle is beneficial to the endocrine system.
• Nettle leaf is a good source of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, which make it anti-tumor and help in treating neoplastic diseases.
• Nettle leaves are helpful in treating neurological disorders like sciatica and neuralgia.
• It is also known as a spring tonic and improves circulation.
• It is known to stimulate digestive glands and helps in treating indigestion and gas problems.
• Nettle tea is used to gargle for treating mouth and throat infections.
• It is used to cure Alzheimer’s disease.
• It is beneficial in treating congestion, cough, bronchitis and other chronic cardiovascular diseases.
• It is known to kill intestinal worms and parasites.
• Rinsing mouth with nettle water acts as anti-bacterial and prevents gingivitis and mouth and other gum diseases.
• Nettle leaf also improves immunity and helps to cure hypertension.

How Nettle Leaf Is Used?

Stinging nettle is used in many varied ways. It is used for food, medicines, skin and hair treatments, fiber, dyes, etc. Nettle is used in preparation of nettle tea, tincture, nettle soup, nettle puree and chutneys. Its extracts, tonics and dried leaves are used for beauty treatments. Nettle is also used in the preparation of many capsules and tablets as it is useful in treating many diseases.

A Word Of Caution:

Nettle leaf is legendary for its benefits and even finds mention in the folklore of diverse cultures. But the beneficial herb also has its side effects. The nettle leaf side effects are directly related to their combination with other drugs and also with the health condition of individuals.

• Nettle leaf is known to increase blood pressure. So it can have adverse effects on people suffering from high blood pressure.
• It is a powerful diuretic, which, if combined with other diuretic drugs can result in dehydration.
• Some studies have also shown that nettle leaf can interfere with the blood thinning drugs and prevent them from treating blood clots.
• The most important thing to keep in mind while dealing with nettle leaves is the stinging effect caused by the needle-like hairs on the herb. It is advised to wear gloves and full sleeved clothes when you go about picking nettle leaves to avoid this sting. The leaves lose the sting when they are boiled and dried.

Though this herb is great for skin, hair and overall health, nettle capsules should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. It is fine to use nettle in cooking, but too much consumption of even the nettle soup or tea can have adverse effects. So, play safe and consult your doctor before you start using nettle.

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17 Best Benefits Of Bay Leaf For Skin, Hair And Health

Bay leaf, commonly known as “Tejpatta” in India, is an aromatic leaf from the evergreen bay laurel tree, native to the Mediterranean. It is most widely used in cooking and preparing perfumes. The Indian bay leaf is basically a three veined leaf which is elliptical, pointed, smooth and tough. These leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter flavor. Their taste and fragrance are somewhat similar to the cinnamon bark but slightly milder. They are used in fresh, dried or powdered form. The oil extracted from bay leaves, called bay leaf oil has medicinal properties and is used to treat several ailments.

Due to their bitter taste, bay leaves cannot be eaten directly but are often used to impart flavor to a variety of dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Bay leaf is extensively used in Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese cuisines. It is an important spice in Moghulai dishes, particularly biryani and korma. Roasted and ground bay leaves are added to the Indian mixture of spices called “Garam Masala”. Myrcene, which is a component of essential oils extracted from bay leaves, is used in perfumery. They also have the property of repelling flies, moths, mice etc. Apart from their culinary uses, they have medicinal properties and are known for their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and astringent qualities.

Types of Bay Leaves:

These aromatic leaves belong to a variety of plants from different genera. Some of the common varieties of bay leaves are as follows.

• Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis lauraceae): Also known as Mediterranean bay leaves, these leaves are used in both their fresh and dried forms to flavor soups, stews, braises etc in Mediterranean cuisine. The fresh leaves have a milder flavor and they take several weeks after drying and picking to develop their full flavor.

• California Bay Leaf (Umbellularia californica): Also known as California laurel, pepperwood and Oregon myrtle, this variety is similar to the Mediterranean bay laurel but has a stronger flavor.

• Indian Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum tamala, Lauraceae): Indian Bay leaf or malabathrum is somewhat similar in appearance to bay laurel but has a taste and fragrance similar to cinnamon bark which is slightly milder.

• Indonesian Bay Leaf or Indonesian laurel (salam leaf, Syzgium polyanthum, Myrtaceae): Native to Indonesia, this herb is mostly used for meats and less often for vegetables.

• West Indian Bay Leaf (Pimenta racemosa, Myrtaceae): This variety is mostly used to produce cologne called bay rum.

Bay Leaf Health Benefits:

Bay leaves contain notable plant-derived compounds, vitamins and minerals which offer a range of benefits. This herb was widely used by the Greeks and Romans who believed that it symbolizes wisdom, peace and protection. The various bay leaf health benefits are given below.

1. Treatment of Diabetes:

Bay leaves have been found to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes as they cause reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. To get maximum results, these leaves can be powdered and consumed for 30 days. This will cause a drop in sugar levels in the body as well as regulate the functioning of your heart. This is because the antioxidants in bay leaf enable the body to process insulin more efficiently, thus making it a good choice for diabetics and people with insulin resistance.

2. Good for Digestion:

Bay leaves are good for promoting digestion and can treat digestive disorders such as heartburn and flatulence. Drinking a concoction of bay leaf tea with hot water can alleviate common digestive disorders like constipation, acid reflux and irregular bowel movements. It contains enzymes that enable the breakdown of proteins, thus making it an excellent spice for non-vegetarian diets. In case of indigestion and bloating, you can take 5 grams of bay leaves, add a piece of ginger and boil this in 200 mil of water till ¼ water remains. Add some honey and consume this twice a day for relief. It also acts as an appetite stimulant if you are recovering from illness.

3. Cardiovascular Benefits:

The powerful phytonutrients in bay leaf provide protection against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. They contain valuable compounds such as rutin, salicylates, caffeic acid and phytonutrients which boost heart health and improve heart function. In case of heart disease and anxiety, boil 3 grams of bay leaves and 3-4 grams of wild rose flowers in 300 ml water till only 75 ml remains. Strain and drink this concoction for relief.

4. Treatment of Cold and Infection:

Bay leaves are effective in fighting the symptoms of cold, flu and infections. In case of respiratory problems, boil water and add 2 to 3 bay leaves. Allow it to steam for 10 minutes. Soak a cloth in this water and place it on your chest to alleviate flu, cold and cough. Bay leaf tea is effective in reducing fever. In case of repeated sneezing, boil some bay leaves in 200 ml water till ¼ remains. Strain and drink this concoction.

5. Relieves Pain:

The oil extracted from bay leaf has anti-inflammatory properties which can ease the pain resulting from sprains, strains, arthritis, rheumatism as well as general pains and aches. Massaging your temples with bay leaf oil helps to relieve migraines and headaches. It also boosts circulation and promotes a feeling of well-being. In case of joint pain, you can make a poultice of ground bay leaves and castor leaves, and tie it around the inflamed joints to reduce pain and swelling. In case of headache, you can boil a few bay leaves in water for a few minutes. Strain and drink this concoction while it is still hot. You can apply a paste of bay leaves on your forehead to get relief from severe headache.

6. Anti-cancer Properties:

Bay leaf contains caffeic acid, quercetin, euganol and catechins all of which possess chemo-protective properties which provide resistance against different types of cancer. They also contain a phytonutrient called parthenolide which has shown to specifically restrain the proliferation of cervical cancer cells.

7. Beneficial during Periconception Period:

Being rich in folic acid, bay leaves are extremely beneficial during the periconception period (3 months before and after pregnancy).By providing sufficient folic acid content to the child; they prevent birth defects in the child. These leaves also have the property of inducing pregnancy.

8. Treatment of Menstrual Problems:

Bay leaves, when taken orally, can induce regular and normal menstruation. They also have the property of curing vaginal discharge.

Image: Shutterstock

9. Induces Sleep:

Consuming bay leaves at bedtime helps to induce proper sleep. For this purpose, mix a few drops of the bay leaf extract with water and consume it.

10. Treatment of Nosebleed:

In case of nosebleed, crush 2 to 3 fresh or dry bay leaves. Boil them in 200 ml water till 100 ml remains. Strain and drink this concoction for relief.

11. Clean Teeth:

To get sparkling white teeth, brush them with powdered bay leaves once in 3 days.

12. Insect Repellent:

Bay leaves are a great insect repellent as they contain lauric acid. A dish of bay leaves will ward off insects. A paste made from crushed leaves and little oil relieves stings and bites when applied topically.

13. Treatment of Kidney Problems:

Bay leaves help in treating kidney infections and even kidney stones. For this purpose, boil 5 grams bay leaves in 200 ml water till 50 ml water remains. Strain and drink this twice daily. This will stop the formation of kidney stones.

Bay Leaf Skin Benefits:

Being rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, bay leaf offers various benefits to your skin and has been used in herbal medicine for this purpose. Some of its skin benefits are as follows.

14. Relieves Stressed Skin:

Bay leaf helps to de-stress your skin, thus preventing the occurrence of wrinkles and skin outbreaks. For this purpose, boil 5 dried bay leaves with 2 cups of water, keeping the container covered. Then remove the lid and let it boil for about 2 minutes. Now pour the brew into a large bowl and covering your head with a towel, inhale this steam.

15. Healing Qualities:

Bay leaf has excellent healing properties. It was often used by herbal practitioners for treating snakebite, insect stings and relieving cuts and bruises. Bay leaf oil has antifungal and anti-bacterial properties which can cure skin infections. It is applied topically to heal cuts, bruises and insect bites.

Bay Leaf Hair Benefits:

The nutritional value of bay leaves makes them beneficial for hair health. It has the following benefits for your hair.

16. Treatment of Dandruff and Hair Loss:

A rinse made from infused bay leaves is effective in treating dandruff. Bay leaf tea is considered a great remedy for hair loss. Bay leaf oil is a tonic for hair that effectively combats dandruff and hair loss.

17. Treatment of Head Lice:

For getting rid of head lice, boil about 50 grams of crushed bay leaves in 400 ml water until 100 ml water remains. Strain out the water and apply this on the hair roots. Leave it for 3 to 4 hours and wash off. This will remove the head lice effectively. Adding bhringraj to the bay leaves before boiling will make your hair black, lustrous and healthy.

Nutritional Value of Bay Leaf:

The various benefits of bay leaf can be attributed to its rich nutritional value. These leaves are exceptionally rich in vitamins as well as copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and manganese. They also contain essential phytochemicals and volatile oils.

Their nutritional profile is explained below:

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis), Nutritional value per 100 g.(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	313 Kcal	15.5%
Carbohydrates	74.97 g	57%
Protein	7.61 g	13%
Total Fat	8.36 g	29%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	26.3 g	69%
Vitamins
Folates	180 mcg	45%
Niacin	2.005 mg	12.5%
Pyridoxine	1.740 mg	133%
Riboflavin	0.421 mg	32%
Vitamin A	6185 IU	206%
Vitamin C	46.5 mg	77.5%
Electrolytes
Sodium	23 mg	1.5%
Potassium	529 mg	11%
Minerals
Calcium	834 mg	83%
Copper	0.416 mg	46%
Iron	43 mg	537%
Magnesium	120 mg	30%
Manganese	8.167 mg	355%
Phosphorus	113 mg	16%
Selenium	2.8 mcg	5%
Zinc	3.70 mg	33%

• Vitamin C: Bay leaves are a rich source of Vitamin C. 100 grams of fresh bay leaves provides about 46.5 mg of this vitamin which is equivalent to 77.5% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in removing free radicals from the body and boosts the immune system.

• Vitamin A: Bay leaves are an excellent source of Vitamin A with a 100 gram serving providing about 6185 IU (International Units) or 206% of the RDA of this vitamin. Besides being a natural antioxidant, it is vital for healthy visual sight and for the maintenance of mucus membranes and skin health.

• Folic Acid: Bay leaves also contain folic acid with a 100 gram serving providing about 180 mg or 45% of the RDA. Folates are required in DNA synthesis and during the peri-conception period to prevent neural tube defects in the baby.

• Other Vitamins: This spice is a good source of the B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. These vitamins help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function and regulate body metabolism.

• Volatile Oils: This spice contains volatile active components such as α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, α-terpineol, gernyl acetate p-cymene, euganol and chavicol. These compounds possess antiseptic, antioxidant and even anti-cancer properties. The essential oils from bay leaves contain about 50% cineol.

• Minerals: Bay leaf is a rich source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and selenium. Potassium, an important component of cell and body fluids, controls blood pressure and heart rate while manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors of the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is vital for red blood cell formation and is a co-factor for cytochrome oxidase enzymes.

Depression can be Fatal for you if you are a Heart Patient

Heart patients are often being advised to visit a doctor frequently in order to avoid any complications. However, according to a study, heart patients must also check for depression often.
According to the guidelines given by the American Psychiatry Association, it is common for heart patients to suffer from depression. The guidelines also state that if a heart patient finds symptoms of mood disorders, they should immediately seek psychiatric help.   

Role of Depression in Heart Patients

• Stress which gives birth to depression can cause blood pressure, arterial damage, irregular heart rhythms, and weakening of the immune system.
• Patients who suffer from heart diseases have increased platelet reactivity, decreased heart variability, and increased proinflammatory markers which increase the risk of a heart disease.
• A study showed that persistent depression after recovery increases the risk of death to 17 percent within 6 months after a heart attack.
• If a person is recovering from a cardiac surgery, depression can play a significant role in increasing the pain.

Know when to Seek Help

When you have undergone a heart surgery or have suffered a heart attack, sadness or depressed feelings are common. However, you must seek medical help when you see the symptoms worsening and occurrence of other symptoms like withdrawing yourself from social activities, increase in negative thoughts, and tearfulness become frequent.
If you don’t seek treatment in time, it may worsen condition for heart patients. Rush to your health care provider who will diagnose your problem and give you the required medication.

How to Cope with Depression?

Apart from taking counseling sessions you can also introduce some changes to your daily life to fight depression. Follow tips like:

• Wear clean clothes and freshen up every morning.
• Take a peaceful stroll everyday.
• Exercise daily.
• Interact with people and resume your social life.
• Share feelings with your near ones.
• Have a healthy diet.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and overeating.

Treatment

There are many treatments available to cure your depression. If you are suffering from major depressive disorders, it may be treated with antidepressants or psychotherapy. The therapy will help you to increase your desire to interact socially and create positive thoughts in abundance.

A healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet will have an important role to play while you recover from depression. Eat healthy and completely avoid over eating. Introduce an exercise regime to your routine which you must follow without fail.

Depression is a disease which has cure only if you have a strong will power and zeal to give your life a kick start again.

How Should One Prepare for a Caesarian Section?

A Caesarean section (C-section) is a surgery wherein incisions are made to the mother’s abdomen and uterus as means to deliver the baby.

Despite the reasons or the circumstances, it is relieving to note that almost all of the mothers and babies recover well after a C-section and the prognosis is generally good.

It is important to know and prepare oneself for this surgical procedure, and below is a list of crucial information needed:

Discuss with your Doctor

It is important to ask any questions and clarify your doubts and review your circumstances beforehand. In the case of elective C-section, you will be more prepared for the procedure, but one should arm oneself with the facts in case of an emergency during delivery. You may be asked to sign a consent form, and your partner may need to be prepared to give consent during any emergency situation. Fiona Barlow, an antenatal teacher, advocates the use of BRAN, a discussion of the Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Nothing, a useful tool for exploring the options available to couples who may find themselves in these situations.

Anesthesia

As some form of anesthesia is always required, you will need a consultation by an Anesthesiologist.  According to Babycenter, this is usually regional in the form of a spinal or an epidural, both of which help numb the pain in the lower areas of the body while you remain awake. Sometimes, a combination of both is given during the surgery. There is another alternative i.e. general anesthesia, which is used more for problem births and is not common.

Blood Tests

These are mandatory to check your blood group in case of emergency transfusion as well as to check for anaemia and to determine your haemoglobin levels.
In case there are complications in the mother or the baby’s health that warrant a C-section before 39 weeks of pregnancy, an Amniocentesis may be preformed. This is to check the baby’s lung maturity and in this procedure, a sample of the amniotic fluid (the liquids protecting and surrounding the baby) from the uterus is taken. This essentially measures if the baby is ready for birth.

In the case of a scheduled C-section, it is advised not to eat anything after midnight on the day of surgery so as to keep the abdomen clear. Furthermore, an antacid may be given to keep the stomach acids neutralized.

A thin tube called a catheter is usually inserted into the bladder after giving a painkiller. This is to keep the bladder drained, empty and safe before, during and after the surgery.

• The area above the pubic region will be cleaned and shaved.
• In all likelihood, a drip will be inserted into your arm so that drugs can be easily administered through the surgery.
• You will be transferred to an operating room where monitors for your heart and blood pressure maybe attached. Sometimes, a finger saturation monitor to measure oxygen levels is also used.

A C-section that is planned usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It is wise to discuss post-operative pain management beforehand. This may take the form of painkillers as well as antibiotics and anti-sickness to ward off infections and vomiting.

It is also necessary while preparing for a C-section to know that you will be kept in the hospital for 3-5 days and will need to plan for this as well as for your post-operative care at home. It is wise to organize help and support as the mother will be weakened and indisposed after surgery.

It is important to note that if your C-section is unplanned, call and visit a doctor/hospital immediately if:

• your water breaks (a gush or trickle from your vagina).
• you have rhythmic uterine contractions 10 minutes apart for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• you have vaginal bleeding.

Pregnancy Symptoms before Missed Period

There are several hormonal changes in the body that result in the missed period of pregnancy. That is why some women even experience these pregnancy symptoms before the confirmation from a missed period.

The pregnancy hormones, particularly hCG, are already being produced in your body but their concentration is too low to be detected by normal pregnancy tests. There are some early pregnancy tests too but their accuracy is not reliable. You might want to try them out but women who are very sensitive to the changes in their body can often feel these slight changes after conception.

The usual signs of pregnancy before a missed period are:

• Morning sickness
• Fatigue.
• Tenderness in the breasts.
• Intense food cravings,
• cravings for unusual food,
• Intense thirst resulting in drinking more water and urinating frequently.

Apart from these, nausea may also be experienced by some women before missing a period. It is important that women who feel so choose healthy food and beverages including clean water that is safe for pregnancy. It has also been noted that with irregular cycles of menstruation, it is difficult to notice the pregnancy symptoms.

Break through bleeding

Some women can have break through bleeding during pregnancy which they can confuse with some sort of illness or complication caused by stress. What the woman with break through bleeding do not realise is that this was actually a symptom of pregnancy and it can take some time before she comes to know of it. The break through bleeding is red or pinkish in colour while menstrual bleeding is dark red.

Body Temprature

Women can also determine their pregnancy on their own by taking their body temperatures. Pregnancy, even in the early stages causes a rise in temperature. Women can measure their own temperature and if they find that it is always slightly on the higher side, by 1 degree Celsius, it can be a sign of pregnancy. The rise in temperature also makes them moody and irritable. If your significant other knew about the cause of such a change in behaviour, he would certainly not complain.

Pregnancy is a great event for the couples and the family as a whole too. Women go through extremes of emotions, excited and happy at one moment and shrinking with nervousness the next minute. It is only to their advantage if they are able to identify pregnancy symptoms even before missing a period. They can plan better to deal with the whole of 40 months.