We’ve all seen the news stories and TV shows. A proud mother is cradling her newborn, but looking baffled: She didn’t know she was pregnant until she was in labor. For those who have been pregnant before, this may seem impossible. After all, how can you miss all of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Most women are very anxious to take a pregnancy test the minute their period is late....
Sertraline withdrawal can occur when someone abruptly stops taking their antidepressant medication. It can lead to flu-like symptoms, irritability, nausea, imbalance, strange skin sensations, headache, and insomnia. Sertraline (Zoloft) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. It is part of a class of drugs known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat major depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorders, and eating disorders. It is also used to treat severe premenstrual symptoms caused by premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)....
When a physician wants to jumpstart labor, Pitocin is a medication that can be used for the induction of labor. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, a hormone that the body naturally produces and that is responsible for causing contractions and cervical dilation. Although the hormones are chemically similar in nature, there are fundamental differences between how the body responds to natural oxytocin and its synthetic counterpart. Oxytocin’s Role in Spontaneous Labor In spontaneous labor, natural oxytocin is what controls the contraction of uterine muscles that initiates labor....
Assertive communication can strengthen your relationships by reducing stress from conflict and providing you with social support when facing difficult times. A polite but assertive "no" to excessive requests from others will enable you to avoid overloading your schedule and promote balance in your life. Overview An understanding of assertive communication can also help you handle difficult family, friends, and co-workers more easily, reducing drama and stress. Ultimately, assertive communication empowers you to draw necessary boundaries that allow you to get your needs met in relationships without alienating others and without letting resentment and anger creep in....
Pregnancy is full of new aches and pains, and your legs are no exception. Leg cramps trigger your muscles—specifically your calf muscles—to contract involuntarily, causing painful spasms. While often temporary, pregnancy leg cramps can stop you in your tracks, especially until they pass. The good news? There are ways to minimize the intensity and frequency of these spasms and prevent them from happening in the first place. To get to the bottom of leg cramps, Verywell asked three OB/GYNs to share insight on the causes and symptoms of leg cramps, how to prevent them, and what you can do to feel better when you experience leg cramps during pregnancy....
The brains of people with anorexia nervosa can alter in shape and size, but can again change when the patient is in recovery, new research suggests. Key Takeaways Researchers have found that anorexia can have a bigger effect on brain structure than other mental health conditions like depression and OCD.The study suggested that people with anorexia are more likely to display reductions in three key measures of the brain, including surface area and thickness....
The terms prognosis and diagnosis are often used in mental health. While they are sometimes confused, they have different meanings. A prognosis is a prediction about the course that a condition will take. A diagnosis, on the other hand, identifies the condition that is associated with a set of symptoms. What Is a Prognosis in Mental Health? People often confuse the terms prognosis and diagnosis. The difference between the two is that while a prognosis is a guess as to the outcome of treatment, a diagnosis is actually identifying the problem and giving it a name....
Joining an infertility support group can be a great way to cope with infertility. Finding support when dealing with infertility is important, but not always easy. Friends and family can provide some support, but even the very best of friends can’t truly understand what you are going through without having experienced infertility personally. A support group can provide a place where couples can meet and speak with people who do understand....
The break between school years can be a long one for parents and trying to determine the best way for your child to spend it has its challenges. Do you keep them home and try to entertain them between meetings, or send them off to a sleepaway camp? Perhaps summer school is an option you’ve thought about, but aren’t quite sure exactly what it entails or if it’s the right choice for your kid....
Today’s teenagers are the first generation who have grown up with an opportunity to find romance online. Many teenagers welcome the opportunity to exchange awkward face-to-face interactions with online dating. While there are many benefits of online dating, there are dangers to consider, too. These potential hazards include dating partners who may take advantage of teens. Many dating apps limit their users to 18 and up, but some teens make profiles on restricted sites using fake ages....
Anti-anxiety medications are often prescribed to help manage panic attacks and other symptoms of panic disorder. Klonopin (clonazepam) is a type of anti-anxiety medication that is often used to treat panic disorder and other conditions. Klonopin is the trade brand name for the drug clonazepam, an anti-anxiety benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers due to their calming, sedating, and tranquilizing effects. Other common benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam)....
A heart rate monitor is an excellent fitness tool, allowing you to work out within your chosen heart rate zone. The best heart rate monitors under $100 are easy to read and packed with extra features—even at these lower price points. The best features to look for include a backlight, clock, stopwatch, settable heart zones with alarm, and more. A rechargeable battery is also a convenient feature since some monitors must be returned to the manufacturer for a new battery, and that can be time-consuming....
Most people can meet their protein requirements through diet alone. However, those with increased protein needs, such as high performance athletes or those with dietary restrictions that can lead to low protein intake, may benefit from supplementing with protein. Many people think protein needs to be eaten at very specific times around exercise. However, Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics Andrea Chernus says, “Most of the research shows that consuming enough protein, spread throughout the day in relatively even amounts, is more important than the specific timing around exercise....
Parents juggle. It’s what we do. And the reality is that sometimes, we can feel like we’re not juggling very well, and just can’t keep all the balls in the air. All too often, it can seem like there just isn’t enough time in the day to do all the things we want and need to do, whether it’s meeting that work deadline, tackling the always-growing pile of laundry, helping kids with homework, and somehow still getting dinner on the table on time....
Different types of antidepressants may be used to treat mental health conditions. An antidepressant, as the name implies, is a drug primarily used to treat depression. Depression is a common disorder that affects the chemistry and function of your brain. Antidepressants can help correct the dysfunction by altering the circuits and chemicals that pass signals along nerve routes to the brain. Antidepressants are grouped into classes based on how they affect the chemistry of the brain....
Some women will vividly dream of the sex of their baby or the actual birth and have it be so crystal clear they’re convinced that this is how it will be for them. On the flip side, some women will have no specific dreams and may feel like they haven’t been given any clues about their pregnancy whatsoever. Other pregnant women, on the other hand, may have strange dreams and even nightmares....
Koumpounophobia is the fear of buttons, a relatively rare condition. Like any phobia, the specific fear may vary dramatically between sufferers. Some people are afraid of the texture of certain buttons. Others feel that buttons are somehow dirty. Some only fear touching or wearing buttons, while others are scared of viewing buttons worn by strangers or friends. Texture Issues People may actually feel disgusted by buttons rather than actively afraid of them....
Being busy people, most of us have at least some ambivalence about “doing nothing.” Most people carry a heavy load of responsibilities for work and family and need to remain productive. Our time is valuable, and we don’t want to waste it. (Even when on vacation, many people not only structure their schedules and over-plan activities but bring work along with them as well!) Unstructured time, leisure time may feel like wasted time to many....
All water essentially looks the same, but not all water sources are created equal. It’s not just a matter of taste—it’s also true in terms of drinking water safety, and it’s especially true when it comes to what water to use for formula. You can use tap water if you are mixing infant formula at home, provided your tap water is safe for your baby. Or, you may need to use boiled or bottled water for formula....
What Is a Mental Health Advocate? A mental health advocate is a person who provides support to those with mental illness. This can come in many forms, including providing emotional support and advice on dealing with their diagnosis. Mental health advocates are not only the voice of those living with mental illness but also their hands. They listen, speak up for them, stand up for them, and fight alongside them....
