Don't Wait to Get Healthy If You Might Be Pregnant

Are you pregnant? Are you trying to get pregnant? Could you possibly be pregnant? Is it conceivably possible you could be pregnant, and at the same time doing something that could be putting your unborn child at harm? If getting pregnant is something that is even on the back of your mind, you may want to consider the possible harm you're doing to your body.

A chemical pregnancy is a miscarriage that occurs within the first 20 weeks of gestation. Specifically, it's a case where a pregnancy test results in a positive result, but no heartbeat is ever heard. Because of pregnancy tests of greater accuracy, women are seeing positive pregnancy results more frequently than ever. However, medical personal are also noting a rise in chemical pregnancy because of it. Studies show that between 10-25% of all pregnancies will result in a miscarriage, and 50-75% of those will be chemical pregnancies.

The rise in chemical pregnancies isn't the result of a change in behavior. It's due to better diagnosis. Some pregnancy test results are accurate enough to detect the levels of the hormone hCG, which is produced by the uterus just after implantation, up to four days before your first missed period.

The scary truth is, most miscarriages cannot be prevented, as many are the result of chromosomal abnormality, which means, something not correct in a fetus' chromosomes due to a damaged egg or sperm cell. In a small number of cases, however, the risk of a miscarriage can be mitigated.

It's not a good idea to stress over the risks of a miscarriage. As earlier stated, most miscarriages cannot be prevented. All you can do is take the best care of yourself as you can, and hope for the best. There is however, one thing most people don't know. You could be pregnant right now, but you're still doing the things you've always done. What if you're already pregnant, and you haven't changed the way you're living. For a woman to get pregnant, she should be as healthy as possible. If you're trying to conceive, don't wait to start acting pregnant.

• Make people aware. Tell any medical professional that you may be pregnant if you are trying to get pregnant. This can prevent exposure to harmful tests and chemicals if you are pregnant and don't know it yet.
• Act pregnant. This includes not drinking alcohol, even while trying to conceive. There is no known safe level during pregnancy and alcohol can cause birth defects.
• Stop smoking. Nothing is more harmful to an unborn baby than smoking during pregnancy. There are many programs to help you.
• Stop changing cat litter. Cat's are common carriers of the infection toxoplasmosis. About 40% of pregnant women who are exposed to toxoplasmosis will have babies who contract the disease, which in many cases can lead to a miscarriage, congenital defects, damage to the eyes, brain, or other problems with the fetus.
• Avoid harmful chemicals and fumes. If you are decorating your house or a nursery remember to avoid fumes often associated with paint and wallpaper. Invite friends to do the heavy work, while you help make snacks for them. And always keep the windows open.

The conception of a fetus can take up to a year, or it can happen overnight. Don't underestimate, and be sure to take the necessary precautions sooner rather than later.