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It is important to prevent unplanned pregnancies, especially if you don’t want to have children again. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to achieve this, some of which may be temporary or permanent. An example of a permanent method of birth control is tubal ligation.

Before making a decision to have a tubal ligation done, you need to really understand what it is, what the procedure entails, the pros and cons, and lots more. This knowledge will help guide your decision.

This article has been put together to help you understand in detail what tubal ligation is, when it is advisable, the potential risks involved, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure.

What is tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is also referred to as the “tying of the tubes.” It is a kind of surgery that prevents you from getting pregnant ever again. From the name, tubal refers to the fallopian or uterine tubes, and ligation means tying off.

Your fallopian tubes are thin tubes that connect your ovaries to your uterus and also allow the passage of eggs from the ovaries to your uterus. There are two fallopian tubes, one on each side of the uterus.

During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut or tied to permanently prevent pregnancy from happening. Pregnancy will not happen because a tied or blocked tube will not allow eggs to pass from the ovaries to the uterus, and it will also prevent sperm from moving up the tube to fertilize the egg.

You can also read this post on how to get pregnant without fallopian tubes.

Why tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control method for women who do not want to get pregnant again. With this procedure, you don’t need to worry about any type of birth control again.

Other reasons why some women opt for this permanent birth control method include:

• If pregnancy will put them at a health risk i.e. the pregnancy will endanger their life.
• If they or their partners have genetic disorders that they don’t want to pass on to a child.

Risks associated with tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure and just like other surgical procedures has risks associated with it. Some of the potential risks associated with the procedure are:

• Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
• Bleeding from the site of the incision or from the abdomen
• Infection at the site of surgery or incision
• Side effects or reactions to the anesthesia used for the surgery
• Injury to the bowel, bladder, or other major organs 

The probability of having complications following a tubal ligation is increased in the following cases:

• Previous history of a pelvic or abdominal surgery 
• Being overweight or obesity
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Lung disease
• Hypertension

Depending on your health status, you may have other side effects aside from the ones listed above. It is important to note, however, that these risks are common to most surgeries, not just this one. Also, as long as a properly trained surgeon performs the procedure, the chances of experiencing any of this are significantly reduced.

Advantages of tubal ligation

It is highly effective

Research has shown that only less than 1% of women get pregnant after having a tubal ligation done. This means that it has worked in more than 99% of cases. Hence, tubal ligation is a very effective method of birth control.

It is a permanent process

With tubal ligation, you don’t have to worry about birth control, either for you or for your partner. It is a permanent process and of great benefit, if you don’t want to have children again.

Tubal ligation does not affect your hormones

Other birth control methods, like hormonal pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs), affect the hormones and cause side effects such as mood swings, weight gain, headaches, cramps, heavy periods, or spotting. Tubal ligation, on the other hand, does not affect the hormones, hence, these side effects do not happen.

It won’t bring changes to your periods or cause menopause.

It lowers the chances of having ovarian cancer

Although the reason for this is not fully understood, studies show that this procedure greatly reduces the chances of having ovarian cancer.

Disadvantages of tubal ligation

Permanence

You must be very sure of what you want before opting for a tubal ligation because once you get a tubal ligation done, you cannot change your mind. The process is not always possible to reverse. In fact, only about 50% of those who had a reversal have been able to get pregnant again.

Pregnancy

It is possible that a tubal ligation will fail, although this is extremely rare. When it does happen, this can result in pregnancy, particularly if the tubes are not completely closed.

No Protection Against STDs

This birth control method only prevents pregnancy, not sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, you need to put other preventive measures to protect against STDs.

Ectopic pregnancy

On the off chance that a person gets pregnant after a failed tubal ligation, it is possible that the pregnancy will be an ectopic pregnancy, i.e., it is possible that the embryo will implant in other places (like the fallopian tubes) apart from the uterus.

An ectopic pregnancy can lead to severe and life-threatening bleeding if it causes the fallopian tube to burst. In cases like this, urgent or emergency surgery is necessary to fix the problem.

Conclusion

Tubal ligation is a very effective and efficient process to prevent pregnancy. Before opting for a tubal ligation, you should speak with your doctor to determine if it is the best method for you. Also, consider the advantages and disadvantages of going for a tubal ligation.

Remember that a tubal ligation will have no effect on your sexual life or experiences. Following recovery from the surgery, you can return to your normal sexual activities.

Are you on any birth control? Have you ever wondered if you would be able to get pregnant again? Do you wonder if your birth control option can cause infertility? These and many more questions may be going through your mind if you are on birth control.

You are not alone

Many women around the world who want to get started on birth control often wonder if they will be able to become pregnant again. Some who are coming off birth control and have been trying to get pregnant also ask questions about the impact of previous contraceptive use on fertility.

Whichever category you belong to, this article is for you.

In this article, you will get to know more about birth control and infertility. You will also know if birth control can cause infertility, key facts about infertility, and what you can do if you want to stop birth control and get pregnant.

Birth control and infertility

Birth control is a method put in place to help avoid unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. In fact, birth control also helps you adequately plan and prepare for the coming of your child.

Several birth control methods are available for you.

Some are temporary like:

• condoms
• Diaphragms
• Contraceptive pills
• Patches
• Implants
• Injectables

On the other hand, some methods can be permanent.

This means that once you opt for them, you can never have children again. They include:

• Tubal ligation
• Hysterectomy
• Vasectomy.

These methods are irreversible so you must be sure you want them before you opt for any of them.

Infertility is defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the inability to get pregnant after trying for a year or more with regular unprotected sex.

If you’re over 35 years old, the time span is reduced to six months. At the age of 35 or more, if a woman has been trying to get pregnant for six months or more, it is termed infertility. However, women on any form of birth control are not classified as infertile even if they meet the definition above.

This is because sex with any birth control intact is already protected.

Does birth control cause infertility?

One of the popular misconceptions about birth control is that it leads to infertility. This is not true. Birth control is not one of the causes of infertility. Hormonal contraceptives don’t cause infertility irrespective of the method you are using or how long you’ve been using them.

The purpose or function of birth control is to delay fertility for a while and not allow conception. When you stop using birth control, your normal fertility levels will return after a while. If you have used hormonal birth control, you are as likely to conceive as women who have not used hormonal contraceptives.

Factors you need to know

While it is true that birth control does not make you infertile, there are some factors about fertility you need to know if you are trying to become pregnant after coming off birth control.

They are:

1. Starting a normal period after stopping birth control can take some time:

Some women have reported delays in returning to normal ovulation and menstruation after halting birth control pills. Normally, you should resume your normal menstrual cycle in less than 3 months after stopping birth control. If this is not the case with you, you should see an obstetrician and gynecologist to know what’s happening and also check for any underlying health conditions or problems.

2. Using birth control can mask irregularities in the menstrual cycle:

One of the advantages of using birth control is that it affords you a regular and predictable menstrual cycle. The downside is that women with menstrual irregularities also enjoy this benefit, masking their health condition.

Eventually, the irregular cycles only present when they stop using birth control, making conception more difficult. Some of the irregularities in the menstrual cycle that can contribute to infertility include:

• Amenorrhea
• Irregular bleeding
• Heavy period.

3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can cause infertility:

Birth control prevents conception from happening, it does not prevent STIs.

Most women who are already on birth control may not bother to use condoms or ask their partners to. Of all the available birth control, only condoms can prevent STIs. STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can go unnoticed. When they are left untreated, the infections ultimately lead to infertility.

If you are using any birth control, you should still use a condom to protect against STIs, especially if you have multiple sexual partners. Furthermore, you should get screened for STIs regularly if you are sexually active and treat any if found.

You can read this post to know which STDs cause infertility.

4. Birth control thins the lining of the uterus

Using hormonal birth control for more than five years has been associated with a thinner lining of the uterus. This can make it more difficult to have a healthy implantation or a healthy pregnancy.

5. Birth control pills deplete anti-oxidants

Antioxidants protect our cells from free radicals and are important in maintaining good ovarian health. Recent studies show that contraceptive pills are associated with the depletion of these antioxidants. Women with prolonged use of contraceptive pills show signs of ovarian aging.

This reduced level of antioxidants can affect fertility.

What to do if you want to stop birth control and get pregnant

• Speak with your obstetrics and gynecologist: They will provide counsel on what you can do and the necessary lifestyle modification you should make.

• Get started on prenatal vitamins: Some of the nutrients needed for conception to occur might have depleted while you were on birth control. Starting on a quality prenatal conception vitamin can help replenish them and prepare your uterus for implantation and pregnancy.

• Rest well: Melatonin does not only help you sleep, but it is also a key antioxidant that helps to protect your ovaries.

• Quit smoking: Smoking affects fertility. Chronic smoking makes it difficult for you to get pregnant and can also lead to early menopause.

Conclusion

If you are unable to get pregnant after stopping your birth control pills, even with regular menstrual periods, please consult your doctor for a proper fertility exam.

Infertility can be due to several factors and it can affect both the man and the woman. You should speak with your doctor immediately because delays in getting tested and treated can reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.

There is always an option for you

Ovarian cysts are common in women who are ovulating. Most women produce at least one cyst each month. A large number of the cysts that are produced are harmless and have no effect on fertility. In fact, you may not even be aware that they are there. On the other hand, a few cysts are harmful, and they can affect fertility.

As you go on with this article, you will learn what ovarian cysts are, what causes ovarian cysts, how they affect fertility, which ovarian cysts can cause infertility, and what you can do.

What are ovarian cysts?

“Cyst” is a general name for fluid-filled sacs or cavities formed anywhere in the body. Therefore, cysts that develop in the ovaries are called ovarian cysts. They usually form on the surface or within either or both ovaries. Some cysts are usually small in size, measuring between 1 and 4 cm, while some can be big, measuring about 5 cm or more.

As we discovered earlier, most ovarian cysts do not cause any discomfort and are very harmless. However, some types can cause serious symptoms.

Causes of ovarian cyst

• Hormonal imbalance: a common cause of this type of cyst is ovulation medication use. They usually result in a type of ovarian cyst known as a functional cyst.
• Endometriosis: this occurs when tissues attach to an ovary and forms a growth. It can also cause an ovarian cyst.
• Pelvic infection: ovarian cyst can develop due to infections in the pelvis that spreads to the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Abnormal cell growth: cell growth can sometimes become abnormal and cause some cells to develop into a cyst or into cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cyst

Most of the time, ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms. In situations where symptoms do occur, the woman may experience:

• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Pressure
• Bloating
• Swelling where the cyst is located

Sometimes, she may experience pain during sexual intercourse.

Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?

Ovarian cysts do not always cause infertility.

The fact that you have an ovarian cyst does not mean that your chances of becoming pregnant will be affected. Your doctors will only consider the possibility of infertility if you have been trying to get pregnant naturally through consistent sexual intercourse for over a year without success.

However, some ovarian cysts may be associated with reduced fertility.

In this instance, it all depends on the type of ovarian cyst in question.

Which ovarian cyst can cause infertility?

• Endometriosis

These are cysts caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus, the endometrial tissue, grows in other places, such as outside the uterus or the fallopian tubes. Endometriomas vary in size and can be as small as less than an inch or as big as six inches.

They are usually filled with dark blood.

Endometriosis is usually associated with infertility. It can decrease the chances of becoming pregnant by decreasing the woman’s ovarian reserve and can also decrease fertility by anatomical distortion or inflammation.

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

This syndrome is characterized by:

• Multiple small cysts in the ovaries
• Irregular periods
• High levels of some reproductive hormones.

It is also associated with irregular ovulation which contributes to infertility problems in some women.

A hormone imbalance causes PCOS.

As a result, it affects fertility more than any other factor, excluding age. What happens in PCOS is that the eggs that begin to develop during the ovulation cycle don’t get to mature. Hence, there is no prompting for ovulation to occur, so, no eggs are released from the ovary. The immature follicles which now contain an immature egg then cause the ovary to become polycystic, being filled with tiny cysts.

The lack of ovulation in PCOS affects the levels of hormones that play important roles in the ovulation process. Women with PCOS often end up with higher levels of male hormones known as androgens. In PCOS, the presence of cysts doesn’t cause infertility.

In fact, women with PCOS only experience infertility due to a lack of ovulation, which is very crucial for pregnancy to occur.

Ovarian cysts that do not directly cause infertility:

• Cyst adenomas

They are benign cysts that grow on the ovary. These cysts should not be ignored even though they do not directly cause infertility.

If cyst adenomas are not treated early enough, the woman may lose her ovary, thereby decreasing fertility. In addition, an affected person may have a reduced egg supply if a large portion of her ovary is removed due to the cyst or may have adhesions from the surgery to remove the cyst.

• Dermoid cyst

They are formed at birth and enlarge with age. Although dermoid cysts do not directly affect fertility, affected women may experience a decline in fertility if they have lost an ovary from the dermoid. They may also have a decrease in the function of the ovary due to the surgery to remove the dermoid.

Ovarian cysts that do not cause infertility:

• Functional cysts

They are the most common type of ovarian cyst. There are two cysts that usually form during a normal menstrual cycle in all ovulating women:

i) Follicle cyst: it contains the eggs that are maturing and will be released during ovulation.

ii) Corpus luteum cyst: it is formed from a follicle cyst after the egg is released and it is responsible for making the hormone called progesterone.

What to do next

Ovarian cysts are commonly diagnosed through ultrasound. When found, it is important to speak with a gynecologist immediately. Your gynecologist will further provide guidance as to what you can do.

If it is a cyst that affects fertility, you will be guided on the best fertility options for you.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular opinion, not all ovarian cysts can cause infertility. The impact of a cyst that does not cause infertility also depends on the size. Normal-sized cysts do not cause infertility. However, some can be large enough to affect conception.

You should speak with your doctor if you notice any body changes, especially with your menstrual cycle. He/she will be able to provide guidance on what you can do based on their findings.

About 8 in every 10 women would have had a fibroid before the age of 50. This fact is according to a detailed study conducted in 2020 on the causes and distribution of fibroids. These fibroids are noncancerous, or benign, tumors that develop from uterine muscles and other tissues in the body. Now, the question is: Can fibroids cause infertility and affect your chances of getting pregnant?  

In this post, you’ll learn what fibroids are, the various types, their relationship with infertility, and how it affects your chances of getting pregnant.

First, What Are Fibroids?

As we discovered earlier, fibroids are common growths or tumors which develop in the uterus from uterine muscles and other tissues. In most cases, these abnormal growths are generally painless, harmless, and rarely lead to uterine cancer.

These uterine fibroids vary in size, number, and location. Interestingly, a woman may have a single fibroid or multiple ones in a lifetime. As a result, fibroids can change both the size and shape of the uterus. These variations also serve as the basis for the classification of fibroids into various types.

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids are classified into various types depending on their location. Based on this factor, there are three main types of fibroids:

• Subserosal: These fibroids grow on the external wall of the uterus and may continue to grow outwards as they increase in size.
• Intramural: These fibroids develop inside the uterine wall. As they expand, intramural fibroids also cause the uterus to become larger than normal.
• Submucosal: Submucosal fibroids are located in the inner lining of the uterus and may extend into the uterine cavity as they grow larger. This type of fibroid has a relationship with infertility.

In addition to these, it is also possible to classify uterine fibroids into a fourth, and less common, type:

• Pedunculated: These fibroids attach to the uterine wall with a stem-like growth referred to as a peduncle. The unique feature of this type of fibroid is the presence of this stem or peduncle.

 Although fibroids are generally harmless and painless for most people, the type and size of a fibroid often determine the symptoms it presents with.

In the next part of this article, you will discover the major signs and symptoms of fibroids.

Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids

It is possible to have fibroids and remain completely unaware of them.

This is because these growths, although abnormal, are generally harmless and do not necessarily cause any obvious symptoms. In addition, the symptoms associated with fibroids are dependent on the location, size, and the number of growths.

 However, women with uterine fibroids may experience one or some of the following:

• Heavy menstrual flow
• Irregular and over-extended periods
• Pelvic pain
• Frequent urination
• Lower back pain
• Constipation

Do Fibroids Cause Infertility?

If you pay close attention to the signs and symptoms of fibroids mentioned earlier, you’d realize that there is no mention of infertility. This is because only 1% – 3% of all infertility cases are caused by the presence of fibroids.

In fact, most women with uterine fibroids will not be infertile.

Furthermore, data retrieved from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine shows that less than 10% of women trying to conceive actually have fibroids.

Nevertheless, fibroids can affect your chances of getting pregnant in various ways, depending on the location, size, and type. This is because certain fibroids may be located in positions that block the fallopian tube or prevent implantation (pregnancy) by altering the shape of the uterus. As a result, large fibroids (usually above 4cm) are often associated with lower conception and pregnancy rates.

Fibroids only affect pregnancy and cause infertility if:

• The fibroids block the uterine tubes
• There are major changes in the shape of the cervix
• The uterine fibroids prevent the movement of sperm into the uterus.
• It causes the uterine lining loses a significant amount of its thickness.
• The fibroids reduce the blood flow getting to the uterine cavity.

Furthermore, fibroids have no effect on ovulation. However, they may make it more difficult for your uterus to support conception and see a pregnancy to term. Therefore, women with fibroids who are trying to conceive are advised to monitor the growth closely and work with their doctors to develop an effective treatment plan.

Other Causes of Infertility

As we mentioned earlier, uterine fibroids alone rarely affect pregnancy. That is, there’s only a very slim chance of uterine fibroids being a standalone cause of infertility.

Nonetheless, women with uterine fibroids may be affected by other factors that largely cause infertility. Some of these other causes of infertility include:

• Anovulation or failure to ovulate
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis
• Uterine abnormalities, like damaged fallopian tubes
• Unknown factors

Treating Fibroids and Infertility

Although most people believe that removing or treating fibroids would improve their chances of getting pregnant, this is not always the case.

The fact is: women with uterine fibroids can still become pregnant without treatment.

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and you are trying to conceive, the first step is to book an appointment with your gynecologist for a proper fertility check to determine the main cause of infertility and determine the best treatment plan for you.

If the doctors determine that fibroids are the main cause of infertility, the next step would be treatment or removal. Treatment options for uterine fibroids include:

• Hormonal medications that work to shrink the fibroids
• Surgical procedures that serve to completely remove the growths.

Summary

In conclusion, it helps to remember that fibroids are common and in most cases, they do not cause infertility or affect your ability to get pregnant. However, if you have large, many, or submucosal fibroids, they may negatively influence fertility.  

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, please consult your doctor for a proper examination and diagnosis. With the right treatment plan and proper medical care, you’re going to get all you desire.

You Don’t Have to Worry.

Children who are undergoing respiratory distress from having trouble breathing frequently exhibit symptoms of not getting enough oxygen. Symptoms associated with breathing issues are referred to as “respiratory distress.” Children’s respiratory distress can have a variety of causes, but most often, infections, long-term illnesses, or clogged airways are to blame.

Some of the symptoms that may show that your child is not getting enough oxygen are highlighted in this article. Thankfully, knowing the symptoms of respiratory distress is the first step in knowing how to react.

Signs of Respiratory Distress

You need to look out for the following signs and symptoms to determine whether your child may be experiencing respiratory distress.

1. Breathing Rate

A child may be having problems breathing or not obtaining enough oxygen if their breaths per minute increase. Is your youngster breathing faster than usual? Count their breaths for one minute.

2. Color Changes

When a child isn’t getting enough oxygen, bluish stains may appear around the mouth, on the inside of the lips, or on the fingernails. The skin color may also appear light or gray. Check the area around the lips, eyes, hands, and feet—especially the nail beds.

If your child’s skin color changes, it could indicate that their blood circulation is inefficient or that there is not enough oxygen in their system.

3. Wheezing

The air channels may be smaller, which would make breathing more challenging, as indicated by a tight, whistling, or melodic sound heard with each breath. Keep an ear out for grunting or coughing when your child is breathing. One typical asthmatic symptom is wheezing.

4. Retraction

With each breath, the chest seems to sag in right below the neck and/or under the breastbone, which is an attempt to fill the lungs with more air. Check to see if the chest contracts with each breath, paying careful attention to the area surrounding the ribs and the collarbone.

5. Nose Flaring

When breathing, a child may appear to be working harder to breathe if their nose stretches apart. See if their nostrils enlarge when you breathe in.

6. Sweating/Clammy Skin

In cases of respiratory distress, the skin doesn’t feel warm to the touch, though there may be more sweat on his/her head. Furthermore, the skin may frequently feel clammy or chilly. When the respiratory rate is really rapid, this can occur. Check to see if your child’s skin is cool and sweaty by touching it.

The skin may feel chilly or clammy while his/her head may be sweaty.

7. Runny nose, blocked nose & sneezing

Sneezing, a blocked nose, and a runny nose are typical symptoms of a cold. Your child may have a high temperature in addition to having a cold. If allergies are the cause of your child’s runny or congested nose or sneezing, they may also have trouble falling asleep.

When allergies are the source of a runny or plugged nose, a high temperature is unusual. You should seek medical help if your child has a runny nose that smells or is bloody since there may be an obstruction in the nose.

Another cause of allergies in babies is the common infection with the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

8. Coughing

Everyone coughs at one time or the other.

A cough assists in clearing the airway of mucus as well as debris like smoke and dust. Typically, a random cough is not a major warning sign. Coughs that are more chronic may be brought on by a viral infection or cold that generally goes away in a few days.

Coughing may occasionally be a sign of another ailment for which medical help is required. Consult a doctor if your child coughs, has a fever, is having trouble breathing, is unable to engage in typical activities, isn’t eating or drinking normally, throws up later, or has these symptoms for more than three to four weeks

9. Problems with Feeding and Drinking

Feeding and drinking issues may indicate a problem with the lungs or airways. If your child has an infection, they may have trouble breathing while eating. In addition, if your infant is having trouble breastfeeding, seek medical assistance. If your child is exhibiting symptoms of dehydration, you need to get care right once.

These include:

• Consistent sleepiness
• Having no tears when they cry
• Dry mouth
• Peeing a dark yellow color
• Long periods without urination

10. Aches and Pain

A chest infection may cause headaches, aches and pains, and chest pain. Asthma symptoms might also include a tight, painful chest. Infants do not typically complain about aches and pains, however, they might become agitated when you pick them up.

If your child is older, they might say things like, “My chest hurts,” or “I have a stomachache.” Younger children may also rub their stomachs.

11. Colored Mucus

Mucus shields your child’s airways. It pulls dirt and germs out of their lungs by trapping them. If it doesn’t function properly or if there is too much of it, mucus might be an issue. Catarrh is a buildup of mucus in your child’s airways.

Yellow, green, or brown mucus indicates an allergy or illness. However, it might not be serious or require medical attention. An example of a mild infection that doesn’t require medicines is green mucus coming from the nose.

12. Change in Body Position

In an effort to breathe more easily, your child may alter his/her posture by leaning forward or turning his head upwards or backwards.

Respiratory distress symptoms are similar to those of other diseases or ailments. For a diagnosis, always speak with your child’s primary care physician.

Three Things to Do If Your Child Is in Respiratory Distress

1. Stay calm and reassure your child
2. Place your child in a comfortable position, usually sitting up.
3. If you think your child has a fever, take his temperature:
   • In baby’s bottom (rectally) if under 4 months
   • Under the arm (axillary) if he is older than 4 months
   • In the mouth (oral) if older than 4 years

When to Call the Doctor

Seek medical attention if your child:

• Shows any signs of respiratory distress
• Has a fever:
  • Rectal temperature is more than 100.4 F or less than 96.5 F if younger than 4 months
  • Axillary temperature is more than 103 F, if older than 4 months.
  • Oral temperature is more than 102 F for 3 days or more than 104 F, if older than 4 years
• Has a cough and phlegm or drainage is thick and yellow-green colored

Finally,

When your child has to work hard to breathe, it may indicate that not enough oxygen is reaching the lungs or that an illness is beginning. You should carefully look out for the signs of respiratory distress and symptoms discussed above. Keep your home surfaces dust-free, and everyone should practice good hand washing to prevent the spread of germs around your child and keep your child away from people who are sick.

The pregnancy period can be all shades of amazing. You are happy and patiently waiting for the arrival of your baby. That is not to say that there are no days when you’ll be down. During pregnancy, you may have work piled up for you and your baby just wants you to rest. On days like this, energy drinks may be one of the options on your mind.

First, What Are Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks contain stimulants such as caffeine that can keep you going all day. They help you stay awake and active. Now that you are pregnant, energy drinks should no longer be your go-to drink for “energy.”

Why is this so? What are the risks associated with taking energy drinks during pregnancy? Can energy drinks affect your pregnancy test results? Will energy drinks affect your baby?

You will find answers to these questions as you continue reading this article.

What is contained in energy drinks?

Energy drinks are so called because they contain substances that can stimulate the body. They have the capacity to increase energy, maintain mental alertness and also increase physical performance.

Substances contained in energy drinks include:

• Caffeine
• Carbonated water
• Sugar
• Artificial sweetener
• Certain herbs

Caffeine is a stimulant that can be addictive. Some energy drinks contain these ingredients in excess amounts. This can have a detrimental effect on you and your baby during pregnancy.

Risks associated with taking energy drinks during pregnancy

It is advisable to avoid energy drinks during pregnancy. This is due to the high amount of caffeine and other ingredients used to make the drink. Are you wondering how this impacts your health and that of your baby?

Keep reading.

Most of the time, you’re taking energy drinks to stay awake and to boost your energy level. Sadly, excess caffeine in your body has the potential to raise your blood pressure and your heart rate. When taken in excess, caffeine can cause psychosis, seizures, and irregular heartbeat. It can also make you irritable, nervous, and sleepless.

You can also read this post about healthy Starbucks drinks for pregnant women.

Caffeine during pregnancy does not affect you alone, it affects your baby too. The excess amount of caffeine content in energy drinks can result in preterm delivery and other pregnancy complications.

In Addition,

Caffeine has stimulant and diuretic properties. Hence, it can increase the frequency at which you urinate. This causes the fluid level in your body to drop and can lead to dehydration. Take a moment to understand the causes of increased urination during pregnancy.

Furthermore, caffeine also has the capacity to cross the placenta and get to the system of your developing baby. At this stage, your baby does not have the necessary enzymes needed to break down caffeine. Even if the amount of caffeine you consume is tolerable for you, it may not be for your baby.

In large doses, caffeine can disrupt your baby’s sleep pattern. This can make both of you restless. It can also affect the typical movement of your baby in the third trimester.

Apart from caffeine, energy drinks also contain high amounts of sugar. This high amount of sugar can put you at risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. It can also affect your baby’s health by causing some congenital disabilities. Sadly, most energy drinks do not specify the amount of sugar contained in each drink. The fact is simple: you may not know the exact amount of sugar you are consuming daily.

Energy drinks also contain some herbs which are said to be health-promoting supplements. These herbs are advised to be taken with caution during pregnancy. This is because even though they may be helpful to the body, too many of them can have adverse effects on the body during pregnancy.

Can energy drinks affect pregnancy test results?

The ingredients contained in energy drinks cannot directly affect your pregnancy test result. However, they have an indirect effect on the test result.

A pregnancy test result is determined by the concentration of the hormone, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). HCG is produced following the implantation of your developing baby into the wall of the uterus. It can be detected in the urine about two weeks after conception has taken place.

Energy drinks can slightly affect your pregnancy test result when you consume them in large amounts. Usually, a pregnancy test is done in the morning when the concentration of hCG is expected to be high. However, the caffeine contained in the drink makes you urinate more since it is a diuretic, thereby affecting the concentration of hCG in the urine, and producing an inaccurate result.

However, if you think you may be pregnant and the test keeps giving you a negative result, it is good for you to check with your healthcare provider.

Which energy drinks are good for pregnancy?

Now that we’ve struck off energy drinks as a safe energy source during pregnancy, does this mean there’s no reliable way to boost energy levels during pregnancy?

Not Really.

Safer options to consider include:

1. Go for Drinks Rich In Protein and Complex Carbohydrates

It is good for you to stay hydrated during pregnancy, but it does not have to always be water. Simple carbohydrates cause an early rise in blood sugar level after eating, As time goes on and digestion progresses, this blood sugar level crashes.

On the other hand, complex carbs and proteins do not do this. They break down slowly, ensuring you have a good supply of energy until your next meal. Some of the proteins you can go for include smoothies, milk, nuts, or seeds.

2. Go For Low Sugar Juices

Thankfully, with the right juice blend, you can stay hydrated and boost energy levels during pregnancy. All you’ve got to do is ensure that the sugar content is very low. To increase your fiber intake, you can add the pulp of these fruits (like oranges) to the juice.

3. Whole Fruit Juices

Another reliable option to try during pregnancy is whole fruit juices. This is because they contain the right blend of vitamins, minerals, and sugar you need to meet the ever-changing energy demands during pregnancy.

Conclusion

It is very important to reduce fatigue and tiredness during pregnancy. Asides from taking these energy drinks, you can also cultivate healthy living habits by having enough rest. Take a nap and sleep well at night. This will help you stay healthy and active during the day.

If you are usually tired and fatigued, it may be a sign of anemia. You would do well to see your health care provider for an appropriate check-up.

We are always here to lend a helping hand.