Archive for the 'Health' Category

Hair loss during pregnancy

Friday, September 12th, 2008

Throughout my pregnancy, my hair looked lovely and thick. But now, a few months after having my baby, it looks dull and lifeless, and seems to be falling out in great handfuls. What can I do?

answer:
Don’t worry. Hair loss after giving birth happens in 45 per cent of cases -it’s known medically as postpartum alopecia. The good news is that this condition usually clears up within six months of having your baby.

The reason for this sudden hair loss is because pregnancy interrupts the balance of hormones in your body, which means that your hair stays on your head for longer and so looks thicker. But, after you’ve had your baby, your hormone levels start to re-balance themselves, which means you may experience some degree of hair loss.

Most women also find that their hair becomes greasier after pregnancy. If this is so in your case, wash it daily, making sure to use a mild, gentle shampoo.
If you’re worried about hair loss, contact your GP for further advice. You may then be referred to a trichologist.

How can I get rid of stretch marks during pregnancy?

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

My thighs and tummy became covered with stretch marks during pregnancy and they still haven’t gone, three months after my baby’s birth. How can I get rid of these markings?

answer:
Unfortunately, stretch marks - also known as striae atrophicae - are a hazard of pregnancy. Primarily, they’re caused because your skin has to stretch to accommodate your growing baby; but changes in hormone levels also can be to blame.
There’s very little you can do once you’ve got stretch marks, although you’ll find the red lines will become silvery and almost invisible in time.
The treatment to give them now is the same as you should give them while you’re pregnant - lots of moisturizing. And, as stretch marks can feel itchy, this will help to soothe them, too.

Tooth troubles

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

I’ve heard that mums should expect to lose one tooth for every baby they have. Is this just a myth?

answer:
Yes and no. While it is unlikely you’ll actually lose a tooth for every child you have, you may well experience some problems with your teeth during and after pregnancy.
This is because your gums often become a lot more sensitive during pregnancy. As gum health is the main cause of tooth loss, it is very important that you brush your teeth regularly. Daily flossing is also important to keep your gums healthy.

Scent away during pregnancy

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

During my pregnancy - and now, a few months later - I’ve found that my favorite perfume smells horrible on me. What is the reason for this?

answer:
This is a fairly common problem. The hormonal changes that your body is experiencing can alter the chemistry of your skin - and this means that it can interfere with your perfume.
Unfortunately, until your body returns to normal, you’ll continue to experience this problem. So, instead of heavy perfumes, opt for light, fresh sprays.

How can I get rid of Patchy skin

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

When I was pregnant, my face became covered with brown patches. My baby was born a month ago, but the patches still haven’t gone away. What are they, and how can I get rid of them?

answer:
These brown patches are very common indeed - in fact, they’re known as “the mask of pregnancy”. The medical name for this condition is chloasma, and the increase in skin pigmentation is caused by the hormonal changes that your body is experiencing. These patches will fade and disappear in a few months.
In the meantime, try covering them with a good concealing cream. Dot it on to your skin after you’ve applied your foundation, then set it with a fine dusting of powder.
It’s also worth knowing that these marks can become darker when exposed to sunlight. While you still have them, you can avoid this by wearing a moisturizer that has a sunscreen.

Persistent depression

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

My life seems to be in a rut since my husband died. I live in a state of permanent depression. Even when I go on a visit to the country with my children— something I used to love—I see the trees and sunshine, but I don’t feel it. What can I do?

answer:
Everybody feels blue from time to time. We all have days when, for no reason that we can think of, life seems uninteresting, effort seems pointless, and we greet events that normally arouse our enthusiasm with total apathy. Two or three days later, the feeling has gone and the hustle and bustle of everyday life finds us a cheerful participant again.

Sometimes, however, this temporary feeling that we all know visits a particular person for a lot longer. Instead of suddenly lifting, the depression gets worse. This is a serious and recognizable emotional illness— and it is important to go to a doctor to seek treatment. If it is diagnosed and treated, the results can be total recovery. But what makes things more difficult is that frequently someone suffering from depression will partly disguise her illness from herself and her doctor. She may instead complain to her doctor of fatigue, insomnia, general irritability and listlessness, but it may take a perceptive physician to see that behind these symptoms lies a more general state of illness —depression.

Some depressive phases seem entirely unconnected with outside events, and many psychologists believe that they are the result of a chemical change within the body. Since modern treatment with drugs has proved highly successful at shifting these mysterious blues there is obviously no point in hesitating. If any member of the family becomes a victim of persistent depression, it is time to get expert help.

I’ve had really bad gas

Monday, August 11th, 2008

Lately, I’ve had really bad gas. My mom says I should avoid certain foods. Is this true? If so, what are they?

answer:
Your mom’s right. Certain foods are known to be gas-producing culprits. Some of these foods include beans, broccoli, cabbage and onions. Carbonated beverages and dairy products (if you’re lactose intolerant) can also produce gas. Cutting back on or eliminating these foods from your diet may help you to solve this problem. Another alternative is to take an over-the-counter medication that’s designed to help combat gas-producing foods.