What are the symptoms of low oxygen levels?nutritions to help you

What are the symptoms of low oxygen levels?

What is Blood Oxygen Level?

Blood oxygen level is a crucial measure indicating the amount of oxygen circulating in our blood. Essentially, red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s various parts. Interestingly, too little or too much oxygen can have serious health consequences. Therefore, it’s vital to seek immediate medical care if blood oxygen levels fall significantly. Similarly to how we monitor blood pressure or blood sugar, keeping an optimal blood oxygen level is essential for maintaining good health.

What Should Your Oxygen Level Be?

Under normal conditions, oxygen saturation levels should range between 95% to 100%. If levels fall below this range, one must consult a doctor. Moreover, oxygen levels between 91% and 95% might indicate an underlying condition, urging immediate medical consultation. Notably, a level below 90% signals a medical emergency, known as hypoxemia, requiring urgent care. Furthermore, if oxygen saturation dips below 85%, it severely affects the brain, potentially leading to vision changes and loss of consciousness. Alarmingly, levels below 80% impact the brain, liver, and other vital organs significantly. Lastly, cyanosis, which indicates a saturation below 67%, presents as a bluish tinge on the skin or mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen.

Symptoms of Low Oxygen Levels

Interestingly, hypoxemia, or the condition of having unusually low blood oxygen, triggers a variety of symptoms that can vary significantly from person to person depending on how low the oxygen level is. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, restlessness, dizziness, rapid breathing, chest pain, confusion, high blood pressure, lack of coordination, visual disorders, a sense of euphoria, and a rapid heartbeat. Furthermore, extremely low levels lead to cyanosis, which is marked by a bluish discoloration of the skin around the lips and fingernails.

Preventing Low Oxygen Levels

Fortunately, with the right medical advice combined with specific changes in lifestyle and food habits, we can maintain appropriate blood oxygen levels and prevent them from getting too low. Healthcare workers recommend adopting a nutritious diet, considering yoga and breathing exercises, exercising regularly, using preventive medications such as inhalers, and avoiding triggers that may cause breathing difficulties. Additionally, keeping yourself hydrated, stopping smoking, and avoiding secondhand smoke are crucial steps. Treating the underlying condition responsible usually improves blood oxygen levels. For individuals living with chronic lung diseases or those who have contracted COVID-19, regular blood oxygen monitoring might be necessary. Adopting lifestyle changes, in conjunction with oxygen therapy, could significantly help raise their oxygen saturation levels. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are the keys to avoiding complications and ensuring good health. Therefore, booking an appointment with specialists in the field to get the right medical advice is highly recommended.

Disclaimer

This information serves to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. Importantly, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Moreover, never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/

https://www.thehindu.com\

Insomnia During Pregnancy

Insomnia During Pregnancy

It’s normal to have trouble sleeping at any point during pregnancy, but many expectant women experience insomnia starting in the second to third trimesters, as other pregnancy symptoms increase, and a burgeoning baby belly makes it harder than ever to get comfortable in bed. 

Still, first trimester woes can force you from your cozy bed and disturb precious sleep too, including morning sickness, which can happen any time of the day or night, and a constant need to pee. But if you’re worried that a case of insomnia may harm your baby, rest assured it won’t. So do your best not to fret and sometimes, just letting go of these feelings is all it takes to help you sleep. 

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it hard to drift off to sleep or stay asleep at night. This common sleep problem can also cause you to wake up too early and not be able to head back to dreamland, and it may make you feel as if the sleep you did manage to get wasn’t refreshing or restorative.

What Causes Insomnia During Pregnancy?

Insomnia during early pregnancy is usually due to factors such as hormonal changes. Many people experience insomnia at some point, during pregnancy. Better sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help. Levels of the hormone progesterone are high during the first trimester, and this can cause sleepiness and napping during the day.

Aside from hormonal changes, factors that may make insomnia worse includes hunger, spicy foods, which may cause digestion issues, especially if eaten near bedtime, nausea, anxiety or depression, physical discomfort, and frequent bathroom trips. Other less obvious causes include difficulty breathing, with this difficulty sometimes affecting a person’s breathing at night when they are pregnant. This can cause snoring and brief pauses in breathing called apnea. Breathing problems during sleep at the end of the second and during the third trimester are more common.

Will Insomnia During Pregnancy Harm The Baby?

It’s understandable to assume that if you aren’t sleeping well, your baby isn’t either. But relax, your baby sleeps even when you’re wide awake. Your baby’s health is at risk, however, if your insomnia during pregnancy affects your ability to function. If you fall asleep while driving, or exhaustion leads you to stumble or fall, your baby could pay the price. Furthermore, research has found that women who have chronically disturbed sleep during pregnancy are at greater risk of gestational diabetes, preterm birth, depression, longer labor, and cesarean section. So it’s well worth doing what you can to sleep well.

What Can You Do To Improve Sleep During Pregnancy? 

  • Consider using a pregnancy pillow
  • Diet and exercise
  • Eat a healthy dinner
  • Get a massage
  • Establish good sleep habits. 
  • Create the ideal sleeping space
  • Try to relax

Feeling exhausted is a common pregnancy symptom, particularly at the beginning and end of your pregnancy. However, if you always feel like you are finding yourself needing to sleep at all hours of the day, it may be time to speak with your doctor. They can make sure that no underlying medical conditions are causing this.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/excessive-sleeping-during-pregnancy#sleep-tips

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/early-insomnia#comfortis-key

Anxiety During Pregnancy

Anxiety During Pregnancy

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is feelings of worry, stress, or fear, and is a normal part of life. Anxiety is not only part of being pregnant, it’s part of being human. We all worry, and pregnancy can often amplify those worries. Antenatal anxiety is a very common experience. More than 1 in 10 women experience anxiety at some point during their pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be an incredibly wonderful time in your life, as well as a very scary time in your life. Pregnancy brings a mix of feelings, and not all of them are good. Your whole life as well as your body is going through a number of changes. These changes can be especially anxiety-provoking if this is your first pregnancy. You want everything to go perfectly, but you find yourself struggling with an array of worries and fears about every possible thing that could go wrong. If you’re feeling worried, you’re not alone. Worry is common, especially during a woman’s first pregnancy or an unplanned one. It can be even harder if you’re dealing with depression or anxiety. The more you think about those things, the worse your anxiety becomes.

What causes anxiety during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is also a time of tremendous change and hormonal changes during pregnancy may affect the chemicals in your brain. This can cause anxiety. After all, not everything that makes you feel anxious is under your control. Some of these feelings and sensations are welcomed, while others are downright uncomfortable and scary. You may even have complications or other issues that arise that keep you up at night. 

What Are Some Symptoms of Anxiety During Pregnancy?

Since there are different types of anxiety disorders, the symptoms vary. Speak with your doctor about any symptoms you experience so he or she can accurately diagnose and treat you. Some common symptoms of anxiety disorders include: 

  • feeling an uncontrollable sense of anxiousness
  • worrying excessively about things, especially your health or baby
  • feeling irritable or agitated
  • having tense muscles
  • Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge frequently
  • Finding it difficult or impossible to relax
  • Feeling restless and hard to stay still
  • Feeling afraid, or thinking that bad things will happen
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Difficulty sleeping

Things You Can Do to Manage Your Anxiety

  • Avoid Scary Stories and Images
  • Stop Thinking of “What Ifs”
  • Meditate
  • Deep-breathing exercises
  • Avoid Stress
  • Find a release
  • Talk about it
  • Rest up

Treatment for Anxiety During Pregnancy

  • Counseling or therapy
  • Support groups
  • Medication
  • Other approaches
  • Exercise
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Get enough sleep
  • Meditate and breathe

When to See a Doctor?

Even if you experience only mild symptoms of anxiety, it is important to inform your doctor. If your anxiety is affecting your daily life or if you’re having frequent panic attacks, you should call your doctor right away. Only they can diagnose you with an anxiety disorder and recommend the best, most effective treatment options for you. Seeking help is the best step you can take to ensure that you and your child stay safe and healthy. The sooner you get help, the sooner you’ll be able to gain peace of mind for your health and the health of your growing baby.

Always remember; Take care of yourself as much as you can, for your and your baby’s health.  Be sure to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and take your prenatal vitamins. Look for ways to reduce your stress. 

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/anxiety-coping-tips#treatment

https://www.lifespan.org/centers-services/multidisciplinary-obstetric-medicine-service-moms/anxiety-pregnancy

Foods to Eat and Avoid During Pregnancy

Foods to Eat and Avoid During Pregnancy

It’s well known that a mother’s diet during pregnancy is very important to the health of her baby. Expecting mothers need to consume more vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are helpful for a fetus’s growth and development. However, there are also some foods pregnant women should avoid. There are some foods you should not eat when you’re pregnant because they might make you ill or harm your baby. Certain foods should only be consumed rarely, while others should be avoided completely. Make sure you know the important facts about which foods you should avoid or take extra care with when you’re pregnant. The best foods to eat are freshly cooked or freshly prepared food.

foods to eat during pregnancy

5 foods to eat during pregnancy

  • Produce containing Vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli, support the baby’s growth and improves iron absorption. Adding in servings of green veggies is an efficient way to pack in vitamins and fend off constipation due to all that fiber. Vegetables rich diets linked means reduced risk of low birth weight.
  • Foods that have iron, such as beans, lentils, green leafy vegetables, Lean beef, pork, chicken, and spinach are excellent sources of high-quality protein and all support the mother’s body in making more blood for both mom and baby. Red blood cells use iron as a part of hemoglobin, an essential mineral.
  • Dairy products. During pregnancy, you need to consume extra protein and calcium to meet the needs of your growing little one. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt should be on the docket. Foods rich in calcium, including pasteurized dairy products (yogurt, cow’s milk, and hard cheeses) as well as almonds, broccoli, and garbanzo beans will help support the development of bones and teeth. Dairy products contain two types of high-quality protein: casein and whey. Dairy is the best dietary source of calcium and provides high amounts of phosphorus, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc.
  • Foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids (EHA and DHA) such as sardines, salmon, trout, and canned light tuna. Or choose a prenatal supplement with Omega-3s if you don’t like fish.
  • Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated supports the proper delivery of nutrients through the blood to the baby. Increasing your water intake may also help relieve constipation and reduce your risk of urinary tract infections, which are common during pregnancy. We all have to stay hydrated and pregnant especially. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 45 percent. General guidelines recommend that pregnant women drink about 80 ounces (2.3 liters) of water daily. But the amount you really need varies. Check with your doctor for a recommendation based on your specific needs.

5 foods to avoid during pregnancy

  • Anything containing unpasteurized milk, however, is a no-no. These products could lead to foodborne illness. Avoid soft cheeses, such as brie, feta, and blue cheese, unless they are clearly labeled as being pasteurized or made with pasteurized milk. Also, avoid drinking unpasteurized juice.
  • Any food in a dented can increases the risk for botulism, a foodborne illness that can cause neuromuscular deficits for expecting mothers.
  • Avoid raw, undercooked, or contaminated seafood. Consuming raw seafood, like sushi or raw oysters, increases the risk of salmonella, a foodborne illness that can cause fever and nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, and diarrhea for pregnant women, as well as intrauterine sepsis that can affect babies.
  • Avoid seafood high in mercury. Fish with a high mercury content, such as swordfish, shark, orange roughy, marlin, and king mackerel. Too much mercury could harm your baby’s developing nervous system
  • Avoid Alcohol during pregnancy. There is nothing as safe level of alchol during pregnancy. The safest bet is to avoid alcohol entirely. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy leads to a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Drinking alcohol may also result in fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause facial deformities and intellectual disability.
Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy?utm_source=ReadNext#1.-High-mercury-fish

https://www.webmd.com/baby/foods-avoid-pregnancy

Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches during pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you’re no doubt experiencing new aches and pains. Headaches can be common in early pregnancy. They usually improve as your pregnancy goes on. Headaches in women can often be triggered by a change in hormones during pregnancy. Expectant mothers may experience an increase or decrease in the number of headaches. A headache can sometimes be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it’s not monitored and treated. Pre-eclampsia usually starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Nearly all women have occasional headaches, but having a headache in pregnancy is not fun, especially tricky in the first trimester when you should avoid many medicines. Whether your headache is from tension or is a full-blown migraine, there are some things you should know.

What causes headaches during pregnancy?

The exact cause of a headache isn’t always clear. In the first trimester, changing hormone levels and blood volume may play a role. Hunger and low levels of blood sugar can trigger headaches, too. Researchers believe that overly excited brain cells stimulate a release of chemicals. These chemicals irritate blood vessels on the brain’s surface. That, in turn, causes blood vessels to swell and stimulate the pain response. Headaches during your second or third trimester of pregnancy may be a sign that you have high blood pressure. About 6 to 8 percent of pregnant women ages 20 to 44 in the United States have high blood pressure.

Other causes of headaches during pregnancy can include:

  • not getting enough sleep
  • hormonal changes
  • withdrawal from caffeine (e.g. in coffee, tea, or cola drinks)
  • low blood sugar
  • dehydration
  • feeling stressed
  • poor posture, particularly as your baby gets bigger
  • having depression or anxiety
  • weight changes
  • high blood pressure

Types of headaches

Most headaches during pregnancy are primary headaches. This means that the headache pain happens by itself. It’s not a sign or symptom of another disorder or a complication in the pregnancy. Primary headaches include:

  • Tension headaches: A tension-type headache (TTH) is generally a mild to moderate pain that’s often described as feeling like a tight band around the head. About 26 percent of headaches during pregnancy are tension headaches and are common in the first trimester of your pregnancy. 
  • Migraine attacks: Migraine headaches are a common type of headache in pregnancy. These painful, throbbing headaches are usually felt on one side of the head and result from the expansion of the blood vessels in the brain.
  • Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headaches. A cluster headache commonly awakens you in the middle of the night with intense pain in or around one eye on one side of your head.

What can I do about headaches?

Steps to manage headaches include the following:

  • Avoid any known headache triggers
  • Include physical activity in your daily routine. 
  • Reduce your stress level and relax
  • Practice relaxation techniques. 
  • Eat regularly
  • Follow a regular sleep schedule. 
  • drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
  • get enough sleep

Treatment for headaches during pregnancy

If you experience frequent headaches that don’t go away with paracetamol, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition called pre-eclampsia. Most pregnant women can safely take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to treat occasional headaches. Talk to your doctor before taking your regular headache pain medication during pregnancy.

See your doctor if you have any headache pain at all during pregnancy. Get urgent medical attention if you have a fever, severe pain, and blurred vision. Let your doctor know right away.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References: 

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/headache-during-pregnancy#treatment

https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraines-headaches-finding-help

Using Epidural Anesthesia During Labor: Benefits and Risks

Using Epidural Anesthesia During Labor: Benefits and Risks

Epidural anesthesia is a regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a specific part of the body, making it the most preferred method of pain relief during labor. Women request it by name more than any other pain relief method. The primary aim of an epidural is to provide analgesia, or pain relief, rather than total anesthesia, which results in a complete absence of sensation. Epidurals work by blocking nerve impulses from the lower spinal segments, and over 50% of women in hospitals opt for this type of anesthesia during childbirth.

Types of epidurals?

Regular Epidural: Once the catheter is positioned, a mix of a narcotic and an anesthetic is delivered either through a pump or by periodic injections into the epidural space. To supplement the higher doses of anesthetic required, narcotics such as fentanyl or morphine are used.

Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE) or “Walking Epidural”: An initial dose of narcotic, anesthetic, or both is injected into the intrathecal space, located just beneath the outermost membrane covering the spinal cord and deeper than the epidural space. After this, the anesthesiologist retracts the needle to the epidural space, inserts a catheter through the needle, removes the needle, and leaves the catheter in place for continuous pain relief. This method offers more mobility in bed and the ability to change positions with assistance. You can request additional epidural pain relief through the catheter if needed. Generally, CSE provides pain relief for 4-8 hours.

Benefits  of Epidurals During Delivery

  • Potential for a painless delivery.
  • Allows rest during prolonged labor.
  • Can enhance the childbirth experience by reducing discomfort.
  • Essential for cesarean delivery, enabling you to remain awake and providing effective pain relief during recovery.

 

Risks of Epidurals During Delivery

  • Low blood pressure: Approximately 14% of women experience a drop in blood pressure with an epidural, which is typically not harmful. Healthcare professionals will monitor your blood pressure closely, administering fluids and medication as needed to maintain it.
  • Loss of bladder control: The epidural may numb the nerves around your bladder, making it difficult to sense when it’s full. A catheter may be inserted to manage urination until the epidural’s effects wear off.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Opioid pain relievers used in epidurals can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects.
  • Fever: About 23% of women with an epidural develop a fever, compared to 7% without one. The cause of the temperature increase is unclear.
  • Permanent nerve damage: Although rare, there’s a slight risk of permanent sensory or motor loss in the legs.

Other complications

Very rare complications include seizures, severe breathing difficulties, and in extremely rare cases, death.

When is an epidural NOT an option?

  • If taking certain medications
  • With heavy bleeding or low platelet counts
  • In the presence of an infection on or near the back
  • If experiencing hemorrhage or shock
  • Labor is progressing too rapidly
  • The epidural space cannot be located
  • Inadequate dilation (less than 4 cm)
  • Abnormal blood work

Considerations and Restrictions:

Discuss the benefits and risks of epidural anesthesia with your anesthetist to make an informed decision. While epidurals offer significant pain relief, they come with potential side effects. Your decision should be based on your personal pain tolerance and preferences.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/natural-birth-vs-epidural

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pain-risks-epidurals