HOW TO PERFORM HOME PREGNANCY TEST

PREGNANCY TEST STRIPS

The hCG Urine Pregnancy Test Strip is a test kit for the etermination of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in urine specimens. This test kit is used to obtain a visual, qualitative result for the early detection of pregnancy.  Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the developing placenta shortly after fertilization. The appearance of hCG soon after conception and its subsequent rise in concentration during early gestational growth make it an excellent marker for the  early detection of pregnancy. 

TEST PROCEDURE

1. To begin testing, open the sealed pouch by tearing along the notch. Remove the test from the pouch. Note: First morning urine usually contains the highest concentration of hCG and is therefore the best sample when performing the urine test. However, randomly collected urine specimens may be used.

2. Holding the strip vertically, carefully dip it into the specimen (you may collect your urine in a clean, dry container). Immerse the strip into the urine sample with the arrow end pointing towards the urine. Do not immerse past the MAX Line (Marker Line). Take the strip out after 10 seconds and lay the strip flat on a clean, dry, non-absorbent surface.

(Note: In rare instances when dye does not enter the result area, dip the tip of the test strip in the urine as instructed above until the dye begins traveling across the white result area).

3. Wait for colored bands to appear. Depending on the concentration of hCG in the test specimen, positive results may be observed in as little as 40 seconds. However, to confirm negative results, the complete reaction time of 5 minutes is required. It is important that the background is clear before the result is read. Do not read results after the specified reaction time.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Negative: Only one color band appears on the control region. No apparent band on the test region. This indicates that no pregnancy has been detected.

Positive : Distinct color bands appear on the control and test regions. Presence of both test line and control line indicate that you are pregnant. The color intensity of the test bands may vary since different stages of pregnancy have different concentrations of HCG hormone. NOTE: A positive test line will appear directly below the control line on the same test surface (or 'result window' area). Any line or accumulation of color/dye that appears at the juncture between test components should not be  mistaken for "test line" (this is only the source of the test reagent & dye).

Invalid: No visible band at all. The control band will not appear if an insufficient volume of specimen is added into the test kit. Proper procedures may not have been followed in performing the test. Repeat with a new test kit. Please consult above instructions and follow precisely.

STORAGE AND STABILITY 

The test kits can be stored at room temperature (18 to 30°C) in the sealed pouch to the date of expiration. The test kits should be kept away from direct sunlight, moisture and heat. Do not use test kit beyond expiration date. The test device should not be reused.

NOTE: On Pregnancy Tests / Test Limitations and Terms of Use - The Urine hCG Pregnancy Test is for in vitro diagnostic use only (for external use only). - As with all diagnostic tests, a final clinical diagnosis should not be based on the results of a single test, but should only be made by a physician. - A negative result obtained from a urine specimen collected from a mother in very early pregnancy may be due to an extremely low concentration of hCG. In such cases, the test should be repeated on a fresh specimen obtained two days later. - If a urine sample is too diluted, it may not contain a representative urinary hCG concentration. If a negative result is obtained with a low specific gravity

specimen and pregnancy is still suspected, obtain a first morning urine specimen and retest. - Test instructions must be followed precisely to insure accurate results. Please read instructions and follow exact test procedure. Please check with your doctor to verify diagnostic results – or if you receive unexpected or inconsistent test results.

USAGE OF PREGA FOR PREGNANCY TEST

This pregnancy test tube is famous for finding out pregnancy. Moreover, you can use it simply by following a few easy steps. Please Note : You should use the test tube in the morning with the day’s first urine. This increases the chances of accurate measurement of pregnancy.

● The first and foremost step is to put down a few drops of urine in the tube. Make sure to insert the

drop of urine completely inside the tube. In the test tube you can find three colorful symbols.

● Never get confused among them as they are only to measure pregnancy.

● Wait for a few minutes. If 1 or 2 colors turn red, you are not pregnant. On the other hand if all 3 colors turn red, you are pregnant.

● Remember that one test tube can be used only one time. Therefore be cautious to use it to get the right result. Also keep a sharp eye on the expiry date while buying the test tube.

FOOD TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY

First of all, congratulations on being pregnant!

For most of you who have just found out you are pregnant, especially newly mums-to-be, you must have a lot of questions including:

• What foods should I avoid?
• What foods should I eat to enhance the growth and wellbeing of my baby?

Furthermore, you may already have advice from friends and families on what you should and shouldn’t be eating. It’s important to eat a healthy and well balanced meal even more so when you are pregnant.

This is because your baby will start absorbing the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that you eat which are essential for development.

Also, as pregnancy affects your immune system, you and your unborn baby are more susceptible to food borne illness such as Listeria, Toxoplasmosis and Salmonella which can infect your baby and cause serious health issues and even miscarriages. (Although listeriosis, caused by listeria, is a very rare infection, it is essential to avoid certain types of food that may contain listeria as even a mild form of the illness in a pregnant woman can have serious effect on a newborn baby, or even causing miscarriage or stillbirth.) In general, most foods are safe to consume during pregnancy. However, there are some foods that should be avoided during pregnancy as it can be detrimental to the unborn baby’s health.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy:

1. Raw meat and seafood

Due to the risk of contamination with parasites and bacteria such as toxoplasmosis and salmonella , undercooked or raw seafood, beef or poultry should be avoided. Unfortunately, this includes sushi and sashimi as well. For all of mummies-to-be who has sushi cravings, the safest way to enjoy sushi is to opt for the vegetable or fully cooked seafood options such as fully cooked eel (unagi) or shrimp (ebi).

2. Fish containing mercury

Fish is nutritious as it’s packed full of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B and also a good source of lean protein. However, certain fish (commonly the large fishes) such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish can be contaminated with high levels of mercury which has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage in the newborn. Most other type of fish has generally lower amount of mercury, but should still be eaten in moderation during pregnancy.

3. Raw shellfish

Undercooked or raw shellfish such as oysters, clams andmussels should be avoided during pregnancy. Although cooking helps prevent certain types of infection, it does not prevent the algae –related infections that are linked to red tides which can cause an individual who consume shellfish containing red tide toxins to become very ill with neurotoxin shellfish poisoning. Hence, it is generally advisable not to eat raw shellfish, regardless of whether you are pregnant.

4. Smoked seafood and deli meat

Refrigerated smoked seafood such as salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, whitefish, cod and also deli meat such as ham, turkey, salami and hot dogs should be avoided as it could be contaminated with listeria , which can be harmful to the unborn baby leading to infection and even miscarriage These are safe for consumption if they are cook as part of a meal, like a casserole or heated until it is steaming hot before

consuming. In addition, smoked seafood contains high level of salt which could be harmful to both mother and baby during pregnancy. Only canned smoked fish or seafood is safe to eat during pregnancy.

5. Pate

All types of refrigerated pate including vegetable pate should be avoided as they may contain listeria. Another reason to avoid eating meat pate is it usually contains liver which has high levels of vitamin A and is not recommended during pregnancy.

6. Raw eggs

Homemade sauces such as Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, hollandaise sauces and homemade desserts such as homemade ice cream or custards should be avoided as they are usually made with raw eggs which could contain Salmonella. Commercially manufactured ice cream and sauces are made with pasteurized eggs which do not increase the risk of salmonella . Eggs should be cooked well until the egg whites and yolks are firm before consuming.

7. Cheese

Cheese is a great source of calcium and most types of cheese are safe to eat during pregnancy. There are a few types of cheese which are not safe to eat as they are more prone to being contaminated with listeria which can be harmful to your unborn baby. The types of cheese that are not recommended during pregnancy include:

• Soft, mould ripened cheeses such as brie, camembert, cambozola and chevre

• Blue-veined cheeses such as Danish blue, Roquefort, bergader, blue wensleydale, Shropshire blue, dolcelatte, gorgonzola and tomme.

• Soft, unpasteurised cheese such as goat’s and sheep’s cheeses.

• Soft, mould –ripened or blue veined cheeses are not safe to eatduring pregnancy as they are more likely to be tainted with listeria as these types of cheese are moister and less acidic than other types of cheeses. They can only be eaten if they are cooked thoroughly, such as in an oven until they are piping hot throughout. All hard cheeses, and soft processed cheeses made with pasteurised milk are safe for consumption during pregnancy.

8. Unpasteurized milk

Unpasteurized milk may contain listeria so stick to pasteurized or ultra-heated treated (UHT) milk. If only unpasteurized milk is available, boil it before consuming. Do not consume any types of food made from unpasteurized milk.

9. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient and has several important functions such as helping cells to replicate, essential for good vision and also plays an important role in growth, reproduction and immunity during pregnancy. However, high levels of vitamin A intake during pregnancy have been linked to multiple birth defects in the newborn. It is advisable not to eat liver or liver containing products such as liver pate, liver or haggis as they contain high levels of vitamin A. Another reason why pregnant women or those who are trying to conceive should avoid the acne drug, isotretinoin, also known as ‘accutane’, including the topical tretinoin, due to its high content of vitamin A.

10. Unwashed vegetables and fruits

Make sure you wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating. Doing so will eliminate any harmful bacteria or toxoplasmosis which may be found in the soil where your fruits and veggies were grown.

11. Caffeine

Caffeine can be found in many common drinks and foods including coffee, tea, chocolates, soft drinks, energy drinks and even some over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as headache, flu and allergy remedies . In general, the amount of caffeine intake during pregnancy is still controversial but it is advisable not to consume more than 200mg of caffeine per day as there are studies that show that consuming 200mg or more of caffeine a day increases the risk of miscarriages and stillbirth. Also caffeine is a stimulant so it can increase your heart rate, makes you feel jittery and also causes insomnia. Caffeine can also contribute to heartburn and also increase the need to urinate due to its diuretic properties. Another reason to cut down on coffee and tea is because it  contains compounds called phenols which can make it harder for your body to absorb iron which is important in pregnancy as many pregnant women already have low iron levels. If you have coffee or tea, it is better to have it between meals so it has less effect on iron absorption. On average, 1 mug of instant coffee contents 100mg of caffeine, 1 mug of filter coffee contents 140mg of caffeine, 1 mug of black tea contents 75mg of caffeine, 1 can of coke contents 40mg of caffeine and 1 bar of 50mg chocolate contents 50mg of caffeine. So, if you were to have 2 mugs of instant coffee in a day, you would have reached your daily limit.

If possible, substitute caffeinated drinks with milk, fruit juice

and water.

12. Alcohol

It is advisable not to drink alcohol during pregnancy as there is no known safe amount of alcohol intake during pregnancy. It is safer to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy as alcohol intake during pregnancy may lead to miscarriages, stillbirth, long term medical problems and birth defects in the newborn . Heavy intake of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a group of defects in the baby known as foetal alcohol syndrome which is a lifelong condition and includes behavior and attention problems, heart defects, abnormal facial features, developmental delays, low birth weight and poor growth. When you are pregnant, you want what’s best for your unborn baby and what you eat and drink will be absorb by your baby and have an effect on your baby’s health, possibly forever. This is when you should pay most attention to what you eat especially what to avoid as some food may present as a danger to your unborn baby.

SUPER FOOD TO EAT DURING PREGNANCY

First of all, congratulations on being pregnant!

Welcome back mommies to be!  

In continuation from my previous article, foods to avoid during pregnancy, we shall now move on to the brighter side – which is food that you should be eating more of during pregnancy a.k.a pregnancy superfood!

This is especially important when selecting quality food if you are still suffering from morning sickness, gaining weight too fast or not gaining enough weight – make every calorie and nutrient intake count. If you are already eating well, then the list below can be extra tips to add on to your already healthy and

nutritious diet. Aside from the foods mentioned in my previous article, all other foods are generally safe to consume during pregnancy. There are certain food that may contain more nutrients that are optimum during pregnancy for both you and your unborn child.

The list below is just a general guide; feel free to add more types of food to your personal list of superfoods.

Super Foods to Eat During Pregnancy

1. Beans – such as chickpeas, lentils, black beans and soy beans. They contain fibre, protein, iron, folate, magnesium, calcium and zinc which not only aid in the growth of your unborn baby but also help to combat constipation and prevent haemorrhoids in expecting mothers, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

2. Meat– lean cuts of beef, chicken, pork and lamb. Pack full of protein, vitamin B6, B12 and niacin as well as zinc and iron in highly absorbable forms which is essential for providing raw materials and building new cells for your unborn child. In addition, beef is also rich in choline which is required for brain development. During pregnancy, your daily iron needs double so it is important to include plenty of iron-rich foods. Low irons will make you feel tired easily and may also lead to premature delivery.

3. Pasteurized cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, edam, ete Cheeses are excellent sources of 

calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium that is vital in the growth and health of yours and your unborn baby’s bones, plus vitamin B12 and protein which is essential in cell growth. You can opt for the low fat selections to save on calories, fat and cholesterol.

4. Eggs

Eggs are a good supply of protein and contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Certain brands of eggs also contain additional omega-3-fats which is needed for brain and vision development. It is recommended not to eat more than 1 egg/day and make sure they are cooked thoroughly before eating them. If you find the aroma of cooked eggs nauseating, then try hard boil eggs instead.

5. Milk and yoghurt

These contains excellent source of calcium and phosphorus which are essential in building healthy strong dense bones in both mother and child and also vitamin D which promote calcium absorption and deposition into bones. Yoghurt is a fantastic alternative source if you do not like to drink milk or if you have lactose intolerance plus it is packed with protein, folic acid and probiotics (good bacteria) which are good for your gut as well as preventing yeast infections which can unfortunately be quite common during pregnancy. If you are worried about calories, you can opt for the low fat milk or low

fat yoghurt choices.

6. Whole grains – such as enriched whole grain breads and cereals. These are fortified with folic acid,

vitamin Bs, iron, zinc and also have more fibre than white bread and rice. As they are complex carbohydrates, they will also keep you feeling full for longer. 

7. Oils and fats

The fattier seafood such as salmon, cod, and haddock contain essential Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Make sure they are cooked well and it is recommended to stick to no more than 2 or 3 servings of low mercury fish per week. Nuts are also another good alternative form of unsaturated,

heart-healthy fats. However, as they are high in fat and calories, do not go nuts about nuts. These oils and fats are good for your baby’s brains and eyes development.

8. Soy food – such as tofu For vegetarians, soy food is an excellent source of protein, iron, 

calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting, especially after childbirth.

9. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a super source of vitamins A, B, C, folic acid, iron, and calcium. You can eat them raw or cooked! Deeper, darker coloured vegetables signal higher vitamins contain. Although red meat is rich in iron, it is not the only source. Look out for alternatives in green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Examples of super food fruits and vegetables include: Berries – such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and even avocado. (I just found out that avocado is a large berry!)

These are packed with carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, beta- carotene, folate and fibre. Berries also contain phytonutrients which acts as antioxidants that protect cells fromb damage. If you consume berries after an iron-rich meal, their vitamin C will help boost iron absorption too. Also, berries are helpful in fighting morning sickness too.

10. Broccoli

Broccoli contains folate, fibre, calcium, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, carotenoids which promotes ealthy vision, and potassium which helps in fluid balance and normal blood pressure. The ‘floret’ part of the broccoli is the most nutritious part but other parts like the stalk and stem are nutritious too so do not waste them. Steaming rather than boiling helps to preserve the nutrients.

11. Bananas

Rich in potassium, bananas are good for reducing fluid retention and maintaining a healthy fluid alance. They also contain tryptophan which helps to promote sleep. It is a great starchy, energy – boosting snack. Also an easy eat if you are feeling nauseous from your morning sickness. While you are pregnant, try to ensure that everything you eat will have some sort of beneficial effect on either yourself or your baby. Once you have overcome your morning sickness (usually after the 1st trimester), enjoy your pregnancy and enjoy what you eat. Also, do not forget to stay hydrated and aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This not only keeps you hydrated, but also helps to prevent constipation and urinary tract infections.

NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR STOMACH PAIN

Stomach Pain (or) abdominal ache is very common problem for facing everyone in particular area. It is common problem among people of all ages, whether child’s or adults. Stomach pain (Starting level of pain or fewer aches) is not a serious problem and can be readily diagnosed & treated but severe attack occurs, please suggest your doctors.

 It’s a discomforting pain in the abdominal region. Abdominal ache is common problem with varying degree of discomfort and related symptoms. However pain can also be a sign of a serious illness. Here are some most common cause of abdominal pain occurs like acidity, Constipation, Food allergies, Ulcers, Infection in the urinary tract, Stone in the kidney, Hernia, Food Poisoning, Lactose Intolerance, Appendicitis, Menstrual cramps, Infection in the stomach, Unhealthy life style or unhealthy foods, Smoking, Gastro esophageal reflux disease and more.

Fever, Inability to eat, Vomiting, Difficulty to pass stool, Passage of blood while vomiting, Inability to eat, Loss of appetites are main symptom of stomach pain. Here some natural and home remedies can give you quick relief against stomach pain or abdominal ache.

Home Remedies for Stomach pain

1. Fennel:

Fennel is a natural remedy or world’s healthiest 

Add one or two teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds to a cup of hot water and let it steep for five to eight minutes. Remove from heat, allow it to cool and strain it. Then also add a little honey and drink. This treatment is very helpful to relief against stomach pain.

foods to fight against the stomach pain. Fennel seeds can give quick relief as they have carminative, Diuretic, Pain reducing and antimicrobial properties. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, Dietary fiber, Potassium, Molybdenum, Copper, Folate, Pantothenic acid, Magnesium, Iron and more. Fennel seeds are also good relief like gas and bloating.

 2. Peppermint:

Mint is an effective home remedy to relieve a stomach pain, it is natural and give more benefits. Peppermint contains manganese, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Folate, Potassium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C and mote. The antispasmodic effect of peppermint on the muscles in the digestive tract helps relieve 

pain cause by gas. It is also improves the digestion process. Peppermint is suitable home remedies for everyone. To make the tea, add two small teaspoon of dried peppermint to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for just five minutes, strain and add some amount of honey. Sip the tea slowly. This method is instant relief against abdominal ache.

      3. Ginger:

Ginger has antioxidant as well as anti inflammatory properties that help regulate the digestion process and in turn reducing abdominal ache. It is enriched with folic acid, Calcium, Vitamin b and more. The

natural remedy also helps calm nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is also treat various types of stomach problems including motion sickness, Morning sickness, Colic, Upset Stomach, Gas, Diarrhea and more. Drink ginger tea two or three time a day to ease stomach ache and improve digestion.

      

      4. Lemon:

Lemon is the most easily available natural home remedy for curing abdominal ache. Lemon contains Vitamin C, Potassium (It helps prevent blood pressure levels and have positive effect on cardiovascular 

health) and Vitamin B6 (It gives energy). Squeeze a lemon in a glass of water then add some amount of honey to sweeten it and drink it. Use this remedy two or three time a day until your stomach ache is reduced. Lemon is also give huge benefits like help educing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolve uric acid, Helps cure the common cold and also helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems and more.

THE WORLD MOST DEADLY DISEASE

SMALLPOX

Smallpox Quite possibly the worst disease known to man, according to CBS News, Smallpox killed about 500 million people between 1880 and 1980, when it became the first disease ever to be eradicated from Earth. Before then, the virus, which is called either Variola major or Variola minor, had been around for at least 10,000 years,

 passing exclusively between humans through the air — specifically through tiny drops of saliva.

From there, it caused a high fever and body aches, which led to the appearance of a rash (this was when they were most contagious), and then the most obvious sign, small, pus-filled boils. These turned into scars if the person survived, but for the 30 percent who died, their deaths were met with the appearance of lesions in their eyes, mouths, and other bodily openings. These lesions eventually blackened, peeled off, and emitted a strong odor now known as “smallpox smell.”

Quite possibly the worst disease known to man, according to CBS News, Smallpox killed about 500 million people between 1880 and 1980, when it became the first disease ever to be eradicated from Earth. Before then, the virus, which is called either Variola major or Variola minor, had been around for at least 10,000 years, passing exclusively between humans through the air — specifically through tiny drops of saliva.

From there, it caused a high fever and body aches, which led to the appearance of a rash (this was when they were most contagious), and then the most obvious sign, small, pus-filled boils. These turned into scars if the person survived, but for the 30 percent who died, their deaths were met with the appearance of lesions in their eyes, mouths, and other bodily openings. These lesions eventually blackened, peeled off, and emitted a strong odor now known as “smallpox smell.”

The disease affected everyone, from European and Asian royalty to common folk. When Europe began conquering the New World, the West became infected as well. During the French and Indian War, the British deliberately contaminated blankets with smallpox, and then gave them to Native Americans, 50 percent of whom died as a result.

A vaccine was first developed by English country doctor Edward Jenner, who noticed in 1796 that people working on the farm weren’t getting smallpox after contracting the less-ominous cowpox. So, he decided to infect a boy with pus from a woman with cowpox, and then six weeks later, infected him with pus from someone with smallpox. He never became sick. Since then, smallpox vaccines were developed and used until the virus’ eradication. The vaccines, which are also considered highly dangerous, aren’t used anymore, but are still held Health Departments in certain parts of the world — governments worry about terrorist groups using smallpox as a biological weapon. The CDC, however, could do a better job of containing its vaccines.