MD
Burcu Saygan Karamürsel is a board certified obstetrics - gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine specialist with 22 years of experience. She is currently working in Ankara,Turkey. A graduate from Hacettepe University Medical School, she has also attended a fellowship programme at Bonn University Hospital, Perinatology Department.Currently, she runs her own private clinic in Ankara and contributes to several newspapers’ online health columns and websites. She specializes in targeted ultrasound scanning, fetal invasive procedures and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
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A gestation of 39 to 40 weeks is regarded as a full-term pregnancy. Therefore, your little bundle of joy may be due anytime as soon as you complete the 40th week of pregnancy. However, some women may experience the onset of labor before completing these nine months, while some may not experience any such signs even during the 40th week. This post explains the symptoms and signs you may experience in the 40th week of pregnancy, the changes that occur in your body and that of your baby, and tips to help you cope with labor. Also, we address some of the frequently asked questions related to the 40th week of pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Are The Pregnancy Symptoms At 40 Weeks? In the 40th week of pregnancy, you might have the below symptoms (1) (2) (3) (4): Pelvic pain and discomfort: The baby goes down further, putting more pressure on the pelvis and thus causing pain and discomfort. Moreover, the...
Stomach flu during pregnancy, or viral gastroenteritis, is an infection by a virus that causes acute inflammation in the intestinal lining. Pregnant women are more prone to dealing with stomach flu and its complications because of their weakened immune systems (1). In most cases, this infection is self-limiting and does not harm the baby. Many home remedies may also help you deal with the issue. However, you should seek medical advice if you notice worrying symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, or diarrhea, that may impact maternal health and fetal development. Read this post to learn about the causes of stomach flu during pregnancy, its symptoms, treatment, and prevention. [mj-toc] Causes Of Stomach Flu During Pregnancy Stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis can be caused by viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus. Among these, noroviruses, also known as stomach bugs, cause approximately 50% of foodborne viral infection outbreaks worldwide (2). The illness is contracted from contaminated water or...
Performing squats during pregnancy might be beneficial as the simple movement of lowering the hips then standing back strengthens the lower half, pumps the heart rate, and tones the body. But there’s a catch, performing squats in excess may leave you feeling tired and weak. Hence, the benefits are limited to doing it in the required repetitions. Read on to know more about squats, their benefits, guidelines, and when to avoid squats. Also, it is better to consult a doctor before you begin them. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Do Squats During Pregnancy? Yes. Squats are one of the best exercises to keep you healthy and make you feel better during pregnancy, provided you do not overdo them or indulge in a strenuous prenatal exercise. You can continue with this exercise throughout, for a healthy pregnancy. However, it is advisable to check with your doctor before beginning any pregnancy workout routine. Squats help build the lower body strength and facilitate...
Your body undergoes several changes during pregnancy. Besides the weight gain, expanding belly, and protruding navel, you may also see a dark, vertical line running down from the middle of your abdomen to the pubic bone. It is called linea nigra, harmless hyperpigmentation that commonly appears in the first trimester. It gradually wanes after delivery. Read on to learn more about linea nigra, including its causes and ways to make it disappear after delivery. [mj-toc] What Is Linea Nigra? [caption id="attachment_892071" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Linea nigra is a 6-12mm darkened line that runs from your navel to the pubic bone and is evident during pregnancy. The line can also extend vertically from the upper abdomen to the pubic bone (1). This line is present on the belly before pregnancy but in a lighter shade that makes it invisible. The less-evident line is called the linea alba, where alba means ‘white’ in Latin. The line is darker and prominently visible...
Hives during pregnancy may most commonly occur on the abdomen and may also spread to the limbs. Urticaria, often known as hives, is a skin condition marked by itchy, elevated red welts (bumps) (1). The Office on Women's Health reports that approximately twenty percent of pregnant women feel itchiness during pregnancy. It's common to feel hot and itchy when pregnant, which might lead to hives. This post discusses the causes and symptoms of hives, treatment options, and associated concerns in pregnant women. [mj-toc] Is It Normal To Have An Outbreak Of Hives During Pregnancy? There is no research to suggest that there is an increased risk of having hives during pregnancy. Your possibility of developing hives during pregnancy is the same as the risk during non-pregnancy times. [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]If you press the center of the red hives, they turn white. This process is called blanching (8).[/mj_protip] What Causes Hives During Pregnancy? As your body undergoes changes during...
[mj-toc] Women experience hair fall in pregnancy due to various reasons. Hair grows in a cycle; when 90% of the hair grows, 10% enters the telogen or resting phase. After resting for two to three months, the hair falls, and new growth occurs. Although some pregnant women experience hair fall, most women experience a prolonged resting phase, causing the hair to appear thicker since there is no hair fall (1). However, they may experience sudden hair loss when a large quantity of hair moves out of the resting phase. Read on to know the reasons for hair fall in pregnancy and how to control it. Is Hair Loss Normal During Pregnancy? Small patches of hair loss are quite normal during pregnancy (1). Research states that nearly 40 to 50% of pregnant women suffer from hair loss, but the good thing is that this is just a temporary phenomenon. Hair may become drier because of the [simple_tooltip text="progesterone" tooltip="A female reproductive...
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy or PUPPP rash in pregnancy is one of the most common skin conditions to occur during pregnancy. This condition causes an intense rash in the belly area surrounding the stretch marks. The rashes can be extremely itchy, and the itchiness might last for about a week or two. The rashes are characterized by slightly raised red-colored patches on the skin, sometimes surrounded by a light-colored halo. This condition is also known by various names including, Bourne's toxemic rash of pregnancy, toxic erythema of pregnancy, and nurse's late-onset prurigo (1). PUPPP usually develops towards the third trimester of pregnancy or right after the baby's delivery. Studies have shown that PUPPP affects about one in 300 pregnancies, and its prevalence is high in the case of first pregnancies and multiple births (2). After the rash subsides, the itch might persist and appear intermittently. Therefore, it is vital to seek immediate medical care to avoid complications....
Sore throat or throat pain during pregnancy is common. Sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is the irritation and pain in the throat that can be felt while swallowing or talking. During pregnancy, the body’s immune system usually becomes less efficient in supporting the developing fetus, making it prone to bacterial and viral infections (1). On the other hand, sore throat might also be caused due to [simple_tooltip text="heartburn" tooltip="A common discomfort caused by acid reflux, distinguished by a burning sensation in the chest and throat." ] or allergies (2). The primary cause of pharyngitis is considered to be viral infections such as cold and flu (3). Keep reading this post for more information on the sore throat in expecting mothers, its causes, signs, treatment, and precautions. [mj-toc] What Are The Symptoms Of A Sore Throat Infection During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_885411" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Symptoms that accompany a sore throat include: Redness of throat Difficulty in swallowing Constant pain...
Although eggs are considered one of the richest sources of protein, you may want to know if it is safe to eat eggs during pregnancy. Eggs are a must-have in a balanced diet as they provide all the required nutrients such as minerals and fats. However, there are certain restrictions and rules to follow regarding food during pregnancy. And even though egg may be a healthy option for pregnancy, it may have certain side effects on maternal health and fetal development if taken in excess. Read on to know more about the benefits and risks of eating eggs during pregnancy and the precautions to take. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Eat Eggs While Pregnant? Yes, it is safe to eat eggs during pregnancy, provided they are completely cooked or pasteurized. Raw or undercooked eggs contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella that is likely to cause food poisoning. Cooking and pasteurizing the eggs will kill the bacteria, and it will reduce...
Childbirth is a laborious and tiring process that often extends into the postpartum period as well. So how long does postpartum fatigue last? Most of the time, postpartum fatigue is a form of adaptive response to the energy lost and extra bodily demands that last the duration of pregnancy. In some cases, however, the fatigue might also be a sign of an underlying psychiatric or medical illness. Read on to know more about the causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of fatigue after your delivery. [mj-toc] Is It Normal To Feel Fatigued Several Weeks After Delivering The Baby? Yes, the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion are common and may last weeks to even months after the child’s birth. The rate of fatigue increases from 20% in the antepartum period to 50-64% in the postpartum period (1). How tired you are also depends on how well you adjust to the baby’s napping schedule and how much help you have at home. What...
Pregnant women may feel anxious about anything that happens out of usual. For instance, green poop during pregnancy may cause concern. A change in the stool's color may occur due to various [simple_tooltip text="physiological" tooltip="Related to the functions of the body." ] changes in pregnancy. Some other reasons may include conditions not related to pregnancy. Read this post to know about the causes, management, and signs indicating you should consult a doctor if you have green poop in pregnancy. [mj-toc] Is It Normal To Have Green Poop/Stool During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_882530" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] It is likely that you could pass a green stool during pregnancy. Though it sounds a bit gross, there is nothing to worry about it. Your stools contain many things, such as water, [simple_tooltip text="indigestible fiber" tooltip="Insoluble fibers that cannot be digested and hence are passed whole through feces." ], protein, fat, cholesterol, [simple_tooltip text="intestinal mucus" tooltip="Essential mucosal lining in the intestine to protect the...
The flowers of the marigold or calendula have many therapeutic uses in alternative medicine. Its extract is used to treat several skin conditions. If you are being suggested to use this flower extract while carrying, here’s all you need to know about calendula during pregnancy. Calendula has many [simple_tooltip text="phytochemicals" tooltip="Naturally occurring compounds in plants that provide health benefits to humans" ] with anti-spasmodic, antipyretic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and stimulant properties It is also rich in [simple_tooltip text="carotenoids" tooltip="Colored pigments found in plant-based foods that act as a precursor in the synthesis of vitamin A" ], carbohydrates, and [simple_tooltip text="phenolic compounds" tooltip="Antioxidant compounds naturally and widely found in foods derived from plants and animals" ], making it a common ingredient in many medicines (1). However, it may feel unsafe to use an unknown substance during pregnancy. Read on to know more about calendula, their uses, and side effects. [mj-toc] Are Marigolds The Same As Calendula? [caption id="attachment_889725" align="alignnone"...
Suffering from breathing difficulty during pregnancy is fairly common. Studies have shown that about 75% of women who seldom felt out of breath before getting pregnant experienced breathlessness more frequently during pregnancy (1). The signs of breathlessness or respiratory distress during pregnancy are not something to be worried about. However, if you have any questions related to it, consult your doctor. Read on to know more about the signs of breathing difficulty in pregnancy, its causes, and treatment options. [mj-toc] Is Shortness Of Breath During Pregnancy Normal? It is common to experience shortness of breath, especially in the third trimester, and also early in the pregnancy. Some women may feel breathless right from the first trimester, while some others experience it in the final trimester (1). If the breathlessness is due to some physical strain like climbing the stairs, then it is completely normal and harmless. But if you have certain medical conditions such as asthma, peripartum cardiomyopathy (a cardiac issue...
Nub theory is a method to predict fetal gender. It is observed that between 11 and 13 weeks, the [simple_tooltip text="genital tubercle" tooltip=" A mass of tissue in a developing fetus that later forms parts of female and male genitals" ] is present between the legs of the babies. According to the theory, based on the angle of the tubercle, the gender may be determined. Tubercle pointed towards the baby’s head means a boy and it pointing downwards means a girl (1). The nub’s angle can be determined by carefully examining the ultrasound scans. Read on to know more about the nub theory and the criteria for predicting the gender of the baby with the help of this theory. [mj-toc] How Accurate Is The Nub Theory Of Sex Prediction? The accuracy of the method depends on the timing of your ultrasound. According to a research study published in the journal Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, the ultrasound scans (weeks 11 to...
Earlier, a pregnancy lasting three weeks before or after the estimated due date was considered a full-term pregnancy. Hence, several mothers had gone for elected labor induction three weeks before their estimated due date, considering it safe. However, studies have shown that elected labor induction earlier than the estimated delivery date could have adverse outcomes for the baby, especially because some of their major organs, such as the brain, continue developing during those last weeks (1). Hence, the ideal gestation age terminology has been changed. Read on to know more about full-term pregnancy and the potential risks of delivering the baby before and after the estimated due date. We also give you tips on ensuring you attain a full-term pregnancy. [mj-toc]What Is A Full Term Pregnancy? A pregnancy that lasts for 40 weeks (i.e., 280 days) is considered as a full-term pregnancy. Generally, the due date is calculated by taking into account the first day of the last menstrual period....
Announcing the news of your pregnancy to your family is a big deal, and you would want to make the announcement as exciting as you could imagine. Read on for a curated list of unconventional ways to tell your family you are pregnant. Scroll through and find the best one to surprise everyone and make sure that you have fun while doing it 1. Gift A ‘Best Dad Ever’ T-Shirt To Husband Guys simply love T-shirts. So you can get a T-shirt with a print of ‘Best Dad Ever’ on it. Gift the shirt to your husband and surprise him with the good news. 2. Get A Funny Book Or Movie On Pregnancy Gift your husband a funny book on pregnancy, such as ‘My Boys Can Swim’. Also, you can get him to watch a funny movie on pregnancy and see how long it takes for him to get the clue about your good news. 3. Arrange A Family Dinner...
What is acne? Is acne a sign of pregnancy? When does pregnancy acne start? What causes acne during pregnancy? How to manage acne based on its severity? General measures to deal with acne during pregnancy Home remedies to treat pregnancy acne Is acne treatment safe during pregnancy? What acne treatments are safe during pregnancy? Acne medicines and treatments to avoid during pregnancy Frequently asked questions Those blisters will not go. Yes, when you are pregnant your acne will only worsen. You could have acne during pregnancy due to the changes in the body, including fluctuations in hormonal levels. MomJunction tells you about acne when you are carrying a baby, what you can do to get relief from them and then what you should not do. What is acne? Acne is an outburst from the skin. They appear when the oily secretions from the sebaceous glands, along with the dead skin cells, clog the tiny pores creating room for bacterial growth...
Causes Of Cold During Pregnancy Cold Symptoms During Pregnancy Can You Find It Right – Cold Or Flu Home Remedies To Alleviate Cold During Pregnancy What Cold Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy Alternative Treatments How To Prevent Getting A Cold During Pregnancy Tips To Boost Your Immunity A cold or a cough is as common during pregnancy as it is during the normal times. But, what makes it different during pregnancy is that you cannot take the liberty to pop in some pill to get relief. Instead, what you need to try is to avoid it or deal with it carefully. Do you know what causes cold, and what you can do to get relieved from the cold during pregnancy? MomJunction has put together some relevant information. Read on. Causes Of Cold Cold is a common infection of the upper respiratory tract. Contrary to popular belief, cold is not caused due to the mere exposure to cold weather or not...