A pregnancy is initially established in the fallopian tube when a single sperm cell fertilizes an egg. Approximately 96 hours after fertilization, the early embryo leaves the fallopian tube and enters the uterus where it will eventually implant (grow into) into the uterine lining. During this implantation, a small amount of vaginal spotting or bleeding may occur. This spotting or bleeding will often mislead a woman into believing that her period is earlier and lighter than usual.

middot; A certain amount of swelling (edema) is normal during pregnancy. If occurs most often in the legs and primarily in the third trimester and may be worse with pregnancy during the summer months. Elevating your legs during the day (feet above the level of your head), and resting during the day and sleeping on your left side may help reduce swelling. middot; Do not wear constrictive clothing or stockings or socks that have a tight band of elastic around the legs.

Most women experience some degree of fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness during the first trimester of pregnancy. Other symptoms can include constipation, a pulling sensation on the sides in the lower abdomen, and cramps.

It is possible to have "pink" light spotting for a 1-2 day period around the time of ovulation. This is more common with long cycles. It is possible that ovulation did not occur and progesterone was not produced to maintain the endometrium, so spotting occurs.

middot; The extra hormones in your body during pregnancy may cause your gums to swell and bleed. Floss and brush regularly, using a soft toothbrush. Having a dental checkup early in pregnancy is a good idea to be sure your mouth is healthy. Local anesthesia, if needed, does not pose a risk during pregnancy as long as epinephrine is not used with the local anesthetic. Dental x-rays should only be done if necessary and with your abdomen shielded with lead.

This facial shine actually has a biological basis. The increased volume of blood causes the cheeks to take on a blush, because of the many blood vessels just below the skin's surface. On top of this redness, the increased secretions of the oil glands give the skin a waxy sheen. The flushed face on some pregnant women is similar to the one non-pregnant people experience when they are excited, cry, or do anything that increases their heart rate (which pregnancy does constantly.)

We suggest you schedule your appointment between weeks 22 and 34 of your pregnancy when we can generally get the best facial images of your baby. Women with twins should visit around the 26th week of their pregnancy.

Your body will be going through a lot of changes during your pregnancy so it is important to remember that many of those changes are normal. You can expect weight gain, appetite changes, water retention, and mood swings to name a few. Regular check ups with your doctor are important to monitor these changes. To read more go to "Where Has My Body Gone?" in the "Options Magazine Articles" section.

If you'd like more information on how to manage your gas bill, call (800) 674-9473 or contact PNM Customer Care.

False positive tests are rare - though there are instances and conditions where they can occur. For example, some tissues in a non-pregnant woman can produce hCG, though the levels are usually so low they are not detectable by home pregnancy tests (though our tests are the most sensitive on the market). Secondly, research indicates that half of all "conceptions" (fertilized eggs) do not go forward as a developing pregnancy.

The cheese packaging sometimes puffs as it ages. Cheese does not have to be cold. It should be used at room temperature. As soon as you put it back in the fridge it firms up. [back to top]

After six months of actively trying about 50% of couples are pregnant, and after a year of trying, 85% of couples are pregnant.

Home-and-Family:Pregnancy] As joyful as the news that your are pregnant may be, this is not a very easy time at all. During the nine, or seven months when the woman is expecting, many things may go wrong. Cancer:Colon-Rectal-Cancer] A team of scientists has discovered a gene that, when it stops working, causes the appearance of colon cancer in it's sporadic (noninherited) form. This discovery... Health-and-Fitness] People do not give as much attention as nuts as they should.

Pregnancy brings with it many changes including sleep problems, the gaining of weight, other body changes. Morning sickness and constipation and heartburn are common as are other problems including depression, fatigue and mood swings. For additional information please visit PregnancyAndChildren.com. This problem is very common since many of the terms are medically oriented and technical. A good dictionary or internet dictionary can be very helpful.

Since your first abnormal Pap "went away" fairly quickly, your doctor is on the right track to just wait for the next Pap. Wanting to get pregnant soon complicates things and I agree that you might want to get this resolved. The history of DES both lessens and worsens concerns. On the one hand we worry about cancerous changes because of the DES and on the other hand, the glandular changes of DES will lead to more "atypical glandular cells of unknown significance".

Ans. Yes, slightly increased vaginal discharge is normal in pregnancy, keep local cleanliness. But if discharge is offensive or associated with pain then it is indicative of infection, which may lead to abortion or premature labour, so consult your doctor and get yourself examined.

You can call for an appointment with the Department of OB/GYN at (203) 432-0222. If you are anxious, a nurse can speak with you. All information is confidential. When you see a nurse midwife or physician, a second pregnancy test may be performed. Early diagnosis and planning are important. Counseling is available if you would like to discuss options. Please visit our Pregnancy and Childbirth page for frequently asked questions.