Welcome to week 16 of pregnancy. Your avocado-sized fetus is growing so rapidly, and moving so much, that you may feel those first fluttering movements now! Pregnancy.Healthguru.com

In the last fifteen years in the field of endocrinology great deal of evidence that the loss of estrogen is generally occurring during the menstrual cycle is bringing about changes for women at increased risk for mood, anxiety and greed that has produced disease. Given the prevalence of these diseases in women, we are fortunate to have a better understanding of them.

Women are more than twice as oftenbecome depressed. Research shows that they also suffer more from fear. To develop more phobias. It ‘the same relationship of agoraphobia: almost 8% of women are agoraphobic, compared to only 3% of men. Most succumb to traumatic stress syndrome. Seventy percent of people with social phobia are women. What could be happening here?

The cyclical nature of the secretion of estrogen may represent for the women of “particular vulnerability to mood disorders and anxiety, Dr.Mary Seeman reported in the Journal of the American Psychiatric Association’s influence in an analysis of dozens of studies on female hormones psychopathology in men and women.

The theory of “deprivation of estrogen applicants” suggests that a low estrogen state is the beginning or the worsening of mood symptoms in women who are predisposed to drive – because of the already low levels of serotonin – the mood disorders and d ‘ anxiety. In 1996, researchers at the University of Edinburghpublished a report, the discussion of the molecular level that are experiencing these changes. Affected by estrogen is “a profound impact on mood, mental state and memory” in the hormone psychoprotectant as “natural.” There must be sufficient estrogen in the brain, that is, when receiving the mental stability. Estrogen, the importance of cognitive processes and memory is not an easy thing. It ‘was in fact discovered that neurons in the brain buffer againstDegeneration.

Until the late nineties, the test assembly had begun to show a unique and persistent hormone after almost all mental disorders in women. For example, the binging behavior in bulimics and diarrhea during premenstruum, when estrogen levels get worse . Sun has panic attacks in women with panic disorder. Impulse interference seemed even worse this week or ten days before the deadline – kleptomaniacs escapades continued to steal moretrichotillomaniacs more hair, leather cutters to cut the skin stretched .. All these diseases are linked to serotonin dysfunction, and, as we have seen, serotonin and estrogen are inextricably linked.

In the nineties, a Canadian psychologist, Barbara Sherwin, it was very interesting to carry out studies on the loss of estrogen affects the knowledge and memory. I went to Toronto to spend a day with Dr. Sherwin in his office at McGill University. I needed a mini-course of estrogen and she was willing toGive it to me.

Since the beginning of fetal life hormone receptors in the hypothalamus of the brain first. It is here that the organization of brain circuits, the requirements for puberty, regulating subsequent adult sexual behavior and control the frequency and intensity of emotional disturbances. Research in neuroendocrinology has to tell us a lot about the hardship of pre-menopausal women, who used to think that the result of women’s pain over the loss of fertility. NowE ‘known that the mood and cognitive changes are experts in physical origin.

Estrogen affects mood. What I had not known until the conversation with Dr. Sherwin is that to produce serotonin in the brain needs estrogen. I have not even announced that the estrogen in the brain. “There are estrogen receptors in various organs throughout the body, including the brain,” he said. “Consequently, the loss of estrogen makes many different physical symptoms – loss of elasticity of the skin, bonesConstriction, mood and cognitive decline. “

When estrogen levels increase, on the other hand, as in the first week after menstruation, increasing their overall impact on the amount of serotonin in the spaces between nerve cells in the brain cells. The mood improved. Within the brain, estrogen may act in fact as a natural antidepressant and mood stabilizer.

Dr. Sherwin has led me to the work of researchers, the important research base, including Bruce McEwen of RockefellerInstitute in New York, and Joseph LeDoux at New York University, the discovery of the molecular changes that support the view that estrogen had a profound impact on the mind and its capabilities.

It was not long after my visit to Dr. Sherwin, I learned an important contribution to the value of ten years from studies book, estrogens, serotonin and affective disorders: Where is the therapeutic bridge? Two researchers from the Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatry Program at the Harvard Medical Schoolwas essentially the same question I had: What is the link hormone to the mental health of women? was motivated Joffe and Cohen one hundred twenty five studies examined the relationship between women’s reproductive hormonal changes, and their mental state. in study after study, they found that women with histories of depression seem more prone to recurrent episodes during periods of “significant reproductive endocrinologyChange.

Correlation does not prove causality. The fact that someone is morbidly depressed for the day of ovulation begins and remains so until the day that does not begin to try the bleeding drops of estrogen that premenstrual mood swings, but damn well raise suspicions. According to information provided by new imaging methods has been added to the mix was the case for a spiritual connection to the hormone’s weakness for women ‘as close as possible to an open and shut caseIt is likely that you get. Neuro-imaging has greatly improved our understanding shows the flashing light, when the activity in different parts of the brain, what was called the dark “that time of the month.”

And ‘the dance between the two types of hormones, ovarian hormones and hormones of the brain that ultimately determined, as is symptomatic of a particular woman has during her menstrual cycle, and in other parts of the reproductive risk. For example, if a woman is geneticallyencoded at a low or borderline levels of serotonin in the brain of estrogen drops occurs menstruation everything you need to send a spiral of serotonin below the optimal level of functioning, from a mental condition disturbing that for all their symptoms disappear mysteriously as soon as he began his estrogen levels and to trace

Why is it so? Since the serotonin it needs for its metabolism of estrogen in the brain. The two hormones are a dynamic duo, the operationArm. Falls, as the levels of estrogen, this serotonin. When estrogen increases (as, for example, begins as soon as menstruation), the levels of serotonin immediately return with him, and calm was restored. The ebb and flow of menstruation is orchestrated moods of woman ‘, not by the moon, but by secretions in his brain and ovaries. What we know is that sometimes the negative results of these changes in the secretion is not inevitable. Just as science has learned to changes in insulin and changes in the thyroid, the changemay change now, changes in the ovaries. If you do not want your mood on your ovaries blame the blame on the brain. Blame it on what you like, do not resign themselves to suffer the view that women are born.

For me it is fascinating that the pieces of this puzzle were not important to us twenty years ago. And the effect of dynamite that has the pieces together, occurred only in the last ten years. Based on previous knowledge and assemblyImage step by step, an endocrinologist at places such as the Neuropsychiatric Institute in California, and sexual organs Mood Disorder Program at the University of Texas Medical Center have understood that women not only at risk during premenstruum are vulnerable to all reproductive risk points. Furthermore, a woman who suffers from one of these points is subject to danger is always a symptom of another. If it is a genetic low serotonin in the brain,Estrogen drops going to affect them, simple.

Things have taken place since then in turn, enlightened, thank God, but we are only now beginning to understand what is really happening, women, mental well-being during times of stress hormones. Especially the scientists, including psychiatrists and reproductive endocrinologists like Barbara Sherwin, a unique and important contribution to the wave of research, which currently designing a whole newParadigm for understanding the role of hormonal changes in the female creates well-being and mental state.

http://www.womenhealth.pannipa.com/2010/03/hormones-after-the-womens-mental-health/

It is a very vital timing for women when she appears at the age of 40. Various health problems switch on at this age. Heart diseases, breast cancer, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, depression, insomnia, fatigue, obesity, diabetes, various types of mental and physical diseases are very common at this age. The main cause of these diseases is decline ofestrogen hormone in body. This female hormone regulates almost all part and organs of a woman’s body.Various health problems switch on at this age. Heart diseases, breast cancer, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, depression, insomnia, fatigue, obesity, diabetes, various types of mental and physical diseases are very common at this age. The main cause of these diseases is decline of estrogen hormone in body. This female hormone regulates almost all part and organs of a woman’s body.

The greatest risk of a woman who has approached 40 is heart related ailments. The hormoneestrogen protects from risks related to heart disease. From the 40′s the secretion of estrogendecreases and women comes under great risk. The risk declines by the age of 60. Chest pain, nausea, vomiting, shoulder ache, shortness of breath are few symptoms of heart disease. Excessive smoking and addiction to alcohol, heredity, diabetes, obesity, blood pressure, high cholesterol, and physical inactiveness are reasons behind the illness. A well balanced low fat diet and regular exercise is essential to remain fit.

OSTEOPOROSIS:Osteoporosis is one of the vital problems that come with age as Calcium level and the calcium absorption power of body go down. As a result the bone density decreases making bone structure brittle. This results in back pain, rheumatism, joint pain etc. Calcium rich food like leafy vegetables, milk, and curd, etc. together with regular intake of calcium and vitamin D may prevent the disease. Another way to fight such ailments is through regular exercise.

BREAST CANCER IN WOMAN:Breast cancer is another health risk that lurks around this age. It is the commonest type of cancer among women. Increasing age, gene, personal history , heredity, early onset of menstruation (before 12) and late menopause (after 55), not having children and not breast feeding, addiction to alcohol , continuous use of oral pills , wrong medication etc. are the main causes of breast cancer. Conduct regular medical check up for the early detection of the disease.

Hormonal changes trigger problems like mood swing, excessive sweat, insomnia, depression are other problems related to the age. Causes range from family history, stressful life as well as idle life, different types of chronic diseases etc. a disciplined life with regular exercise, yoga and meditation and a balanced diet helps a lot to stay healthy.

Women’s Health Problems Diet Treatment Foods to Avoid Disorders in Women: Diet for Women’s Health Care:

They say your health is determined by what you eat. When it comes to one’s health, your diet tells it all. The food that we eat regularly is important. What it seems is that the food that we take in every day is always short of what is required by our body. A healthy diet is always in demand to maintain and address all health issues.

Healthy food in the right amount should be considered. Drinking plenty of water, more than what is required, is always good. Lots of fruits and vegetables with the right amount of protein are required for a balanced diet.
Whole-grain foods and high-fiber foods are also required. Choose bread made from whole grains. Try to have fat-free food and low-dairy products. Choose low fat milk, fish, poultry, legumes, and lean meat. Avoid food that has saturated fat, high in cholesterol and trans fat.

When preparing food, try to avoid putting in so much salt. Too much sugar should likewise be prevented. Food and beverages that have added sugars should likewise be minimized. Alcohol should be prevented. If it cannot be helped, one drink per day will do.

Women’s health care costs keep soaring:Females experiencing physical abuse from intimate partners spend 42% more on health care per year than nonabused women, according to a study at Ohio State University, Columbus, and the costs do not end when the abuse does.

“Along with all the physical and emotional pain it causes, domestic violence also comes with a substantial financial price,” underscores Amy Bonomi, associate professor of human development and family science.Women were surveyed about whether they have experienced any physical or emotional abuse from intimate partners and, if so, when it occurred. Researchers then studied patterns of health care use and costs by the women over an 11-year period.

Those experiencing ongoing physical abuse had the highest health care costs. “It’s likely that these women need more health care because they are seeking care for immediate injuries and associated health problems,” Bonomi surmises. Those who had been physically abused within the last live years, but not currently, have 24% higher yearly health costs. Abuse that occurred more than five years ago results in 19% higher costs.Another striking finding was that all abused women, whether they experienced physical or psychological abuse, used significantly more mental health services than nonabused individuals. Those suffering ongoing physical abuse were about 2.5 times more likely to have visited a mental health provider in the past year than were nonabused females, The rate for psychologically abused women was two times higher.

Women’s Health & Neonatal Medicine: Our expertise spans the whole spectrum of women’s health & neonatal medicine – from laboratory science to clinical skills to social and behavioural sciences – with the objective of making a major contribution to the health of women, both in the UK and internationally, by pioneering research, education programmes and clinical initiatives. The UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health was established in 2004 to lead and coordinate these developments and is established as one of the leading european centres in clinical care, research and education in women’s health. We aim, for the first time, to address women’s health & neonatal medicine in its broadest sense, taking into account the social, psychological, economic, ethical and legal dimensions of health care, and working with models of health, illness and health care that move beyond the traditional.Amongst the areas of research strength are: Screening and diagnosis of cancer of the ovary; Genetic and epigenetic basis of gynaecological cancer; Preimplantation genetic diagnosis; Aetiology, prevention, management and outcomes of perinatal brain injury; Fetal and maternal medicine; and prevention and screening for sexually transmitted disease.

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The Vitamin D Conference just finished in Victoria was nothing short of spectacular. On the bus into Victoria, I met a representative from the National Cancer Institute whose job was simple: her bosses at the NIH wanted to know if they should fund the flood of grant requests about vitamin D. Given the quality of the papers presented, I can’t imagine her answer was anything but yes.

Dr. Tony Norman and Dr. Roger Bouillon, the conference organizers, had to choose from over 300 submissions from scientists around the world. The venerable Dr. Bouillon did not try to back off his recent widely quoted warning that more than a billion people in the world are vitamin D deficient. Both men did a great job balancing presentations on vitamin D nutrition, vitamin D basic science, and the patentable vitamin D analogs sought by drug companies. Of course, I thought more time should have been devoted to vitamin D nutrition but Dr. Norman pointed out that more time was devoted to vitamin D nutrition than ever before. Like Dr. Norman, I am unable to comment on all the presentations that merited it, or this newsletter would be 50 pages long.

Dr. Barbara Gilchrest, who fired Dr. Michael Holick from one of his professorships several years ago after Holick wrote a book saying God knew what she was doing when she created sunlight, gave the Plenary Lecture. Wisely, Dr. Gilchrest overwhelmed the audience with graphic pictures of invasive skin cancer to support her argument that sunlight is evil. Of course, it’s harder to show pictures of invasive colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and the 15 other internal cancers caused by sunlight deprivation.

However, Dr. Gilchrest is changing her mind. George Bernard Shaw once said, “Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds, cannot change anything.” Dr. Gilchrest is changing her mind – not about the evils of sunlight – about vitamin D. She is in the process of admitting that this miraculous substance has benefits beyond bone.

Two years ago, she dismissed any concerns about vitamin D with a “take a multivitamin if you are concerned.” Now she believes the Food and Nutrition Board needs to consider raising both the Adequate Intake recommendations (how much one should take every day) as well as the Upper Level (the amount one can take on your own, without being under a doctor’s care, and without fear of toxicity). My compliments to Dr. Gilchrest.

Dr. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari did a wonderful job, not just presenting her data that optimal vitamin D blood levels need to be at least 40 ng/ml, but for presenting Dr. Ed Giovannucci’s data (who had to cancel for personal reasons). Dr. Bischoff-Ferrari reminded us that periodontal disease in inversely related to vitamin D blood levels. She also reminded us that there is strong scientific evidence that vitamin D improves neuromuscular performance in older people.

Dr. Bischoff-Ferrari then presented Dr. Giovannucci’s data that one reduces your risk of all cancers about 17% for every 10 ng/ml of vitamin D in your blood. For cancer of the digestive system, the risk reduction is 43%. His data indicates all Americans should be taking about 2,000 IU per day and some Americans need even more to minimize cancer risk. No one know where the curve flattens out; that is, no one knows how much further cancer reduction one gets from 20, 30, or 40 ng/ml incremental increases in blood levels.

Dr. Robert Heaney presented by video hookup and made his quiet but powerful case that about 75% of American women are vitamin D deficient (levels less than 35 ng/ml), that about 3,000 units a day are needed to bring 95 % of the population out of the deficient range, and that 10,000 units a day is the safe upper limit. (This does not mean you should take 10,000 units per day, it means scientists should be able to study 10,000 unit daily doses without the bureaucratic difficulty they now encounter).

Dr. Kimball, working with Dr. Reinhold Vieth, presented data that children (age 10 -17) only increased their average blood level by 11 ng/ml when given 14,000 units per week for eight weeks and that such dosing was safe.

Dr. Hollis presented evidence in Victoria that levels of at least 40 ng/ml are required to normalize the enzyme kinetics of vitamin D. [When I say vitamin D blood levels, I'm referring to 25(OH)D levels; Bruce is studying actual vitamin D levels (cholecalciferol) as well as 25(OH)D levels]. Dr. Hollis continues giving pregnant and lactating South Carolina women about 4,000 to 6,000 units a day in an ongoing study. We predict easier pregnancies and less depression in the moms – lower prenatal and perinatal mortality, fewer birth defects, fewer infections, less diabetes, less psychiatric illness, less asthma, stronger bones, and higher IQs in the children.

Dr. Hathcock did a great job reviewing the evidence that doses below 10,000 units per day have never been shown to be toxic and that 10,000, not 2,000, units per day should be the Upper Limit. He, like so many others, urged the Food and Nutrition Board to revise their outdated recommendations. Moreover, I understand from knowledgeable people at the conference that the Food and Nutrition Board is planning to do just that!

Dr. Dixon presented fascinating evidence that high vitamin D blood levels prevent sunburn! Of course, it makes sense. When vitamin D levels are low, the skin stays as white as it can to make as much vitamin D as it can, just in case you ignore Dr. Gilchrest’s advice. When vitamin D levels are high, the skin rapidly tans to prevent excessive vitamin D skin production. A number of people have emailed me that observation: now that their levels are high, they tan very quickly. I’ve noticed the same thing.

Dr. Marie Demay presented her basic science research that vitamin D is involved in hair follicles. I loved her talk although she’s a scientist and I’m a psychiatrist so I didn’t understand much of what she said. However, I’ve always thought that vitamin D will really take off once science shows it’s involved in any of three things: sex, athletic performance, or hair growth. In Victoria, we saw evidence for neuromuscular (athletic) performance and hair growth.

Dr. Cedric Garland recounted how, 26 years ago, he and his brother Frank first thought about the relationship between vitamin D and colon cancer. The brothers, together with colleague Ed Gorham, were the first to provide epidemiological evidence that vitamin D deficiency is involved in numerous cancers. Their seminal 1980 paper is going to be reprinted, a well-deserved honour. (Int J Epidemiol. 1980 Sep;9(3):227-31).

Dr. Thadhani and his group from Harvard reviewed their recent discovery that calcitriol and similar drugs increase survival in patients with renal failure. He also presented evidence that renal failure patients have profound deficiencies of both calcitriol and vitamin D and their vitamin D deficiency is not corrected by giving calcitriol or its analogs, which is the current practice.

Of course, Dr. Robert Modlin stole the show when he reported on his research just published in Science that vitamin D may be, in effect, a powerful antibiotic. For the first time, the UCLA group showed that when researchers add vitamin D to African American blood, their blood makes more of the natural antibiotics that humans rely on the fight infection. Dr. Adrian Martineau, from the Imperial College in London, followed Modlin and showed vitamin D helped fight tuberculosis, probably from increasing these same natural antibiotics. Science has discovered more than 200 of these naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides; they are especially prevalent in the upper and lower respiratory tract; at least one inactivates the influenza virus. Let’s not forget that two other groups have also recently shown the antibiotic potential of vitamin D. (Science. 2006 Mar 24;311(5768):1770-3, J Immunol. 2004 Sep 1;173(5):2909-12, FASEB J. 2005 Jul;19(9):1067-77, J Virol. 1986 Dec;60(3):1068-74).

Dr. Lu presented evidence that the vitamin D content of fish is much less than previously thought, including mackerel. Salmon is OK but the vitamin D almost disappears when the salmon is fried.

Dr. Hardin, from Columbia University, presented evidence that blood levels above 50 ng/ml should help patients with lupus. A group from the University of Manchester presented the mechanism by which vitamin D should reduce arteriosclerosis. A group from the University of Chicago presented evidence that vitamin D should not only prevent colon cancer, but help treat it as well. Dr. Robert Scragg of the University of Auckland presented evidence that ethnic differences in vitamin D levels explain a significant proportion of the reason African Americans are more hypertensive than whites. The group from San Diego presented evidence that vitamin D deficiency is intimately involved in breast, colon, and ovarian cancer.

A group from the University of Manitoba presented evidence that one-month-old infants tolerate 2,000 units of vitamin a day for three months quite well without any evidence of adverse effects. A group from Wake Forest University demonstrated that higher vitamin D levels were associated with better neuromuscular (athletic) performance in older Americans (should help younger Americans too). A group from the University of Amsterdam showed that the increased risk of falling from vitamin D deficiency is much worse in people with a common genetic variation of the vitamin D receptor. Dr. Chen presented evidence that plain old vitamin D should prevent prostate cancer.

Dr. Barsony, of Georgetown University, presented evidence that low blood sodium is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency and that such deficiencies may not be able to be corrected until the low blood sodium is corrected. Dr. Barsony really thought outside the box to discover this potentially very important clinical finding. Dr. Godar presented evidence that young Americans, not just older Americans, are not getting much vitamin D from sunlight. Dr. Taylor showed evidence that a significant number of young children have a previously undetected form of vitamin D in their blood. (Sunlight triggers the creation of a number of different versions of vitamin D in the skin, that’s why it’s risky to avoid the sun and only depend on oral vitamin D.) Dr. Patel and a group from the University of Manchester announced evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be involved in inflammatory polyarthritis.

Dr. Grant was involved in six presentations; the most interesting was his replication of a 1937 finding that squamous cell skin cancer reduces one’s risk for a number of internal cancers. That’s why I used to be so happy when my dermatologist found a squamous cell cancer on my skin. However, now that I maintain my level at about 60 ng/ml, he hasn’t been able to find any new ones.

Dr. Bulmer and his group from the Royal Victoria Infirmatory produced evidence that vitamin D may play a role in allowing fertilized ova to implant in the uterus and thus enhance fertility. Dr. Reichrath presented evidence that transplant recipients are at a high risk for vitamin D deficiency and that 50,000 units once a month may be the most practical way of ensuring sufficiency. Dr. Selby from the University of Manchester found the same problem in patients with chronic pancreatitis. A group from the University of Tennessee found the same problem in African Americans with heart failure. A group from Norway confirmed that cancer patients do better if they are diagnosed when vitamin D levels are the highest.

Finally, the Australian group headed by Dr. Darryl Eyles and Dr. John McGrath continue to present their convincing evidence (confirmed at this meeting by Dr. Abreu and a group from France) that profound maternal vitamin D deficiency in mammals causes permanent brain damage in their offspring. The racial implication of their work is overwhelming because most of the women in the USA who are profoundly deficient are African American. Are African Americans more likely to be born brain damaged than whites? Would pennies worth of vitamin D improve the disparate prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal outcome in African Americans? The sad fact is that McGrath’s and Eyles’ work will continue to be ignored because our society has no way to rationally discuss, assimilate, or act on such racially charged scientific discoveries.

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Kevin Flatt is a Freelance Journalist specialising in Alternative Medicine. He is the publisher of Natural Health Remedies. If you are searching for information on The Benefits of Vitamin D then this website is for you.

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Locale of study- The sample was selected from the Malsisar and Ghav villages of Hanumangarh districts of Rajasthan.

Sample selection-Purposive random sampling method was used to select 50 adolescent mothers who had infants below 1year of age .The age of mothers was from 14-18 years out of which 25 belonged to group A where the age of mother was between 14 to 16 years while rest 25 belonged to group B where the age of mother was 16 to 18 years.  The data was collected by door to door visit in search of relevant  sample.

Statistical analysis- The gathered data was coded, analyzed and the mean, SD, coefficient of correlation and  t-values were computed.

Hypothesis-

1. There would be significant difference between the general health of the adolescent mothers of the two groups i.e. group  A (14-16 years) and group B (16-18 years).

2. There would be difference between the mental health of the mother of the two groups i.e. group A  (14-16 years) and group B (16-18 years).

3. There would be significant correlation between the two variables i.e. General health and Mental health .

Results

Result shows that the mean value of general health  of  adolescent  mothers between 14 to 16 years is 39.40 and those of adolescent  mothers between 16 to 18 years is 38.12 which is significant at 0.05 level which proves that the hypothesis  is approved as supported by the study  of  Mankison (1995) which states that under developed  pelvis can lead to difficulty  in child birth but appropriate   medical care, psychological care  may lead to safe child birth at the age of 14 .Obstructed labor can lead to eclampsia, obstetric fistula, infant mortality and maternal death .For mothers in their late teenage, age itself is not a risk factor. Poor out come are associated more with socio economic status rather than biology.

It also highlights the comparison between the two group A (14-16 years)and group B (16-18 years) regarding the mental health and its dimensions on the basis of mean, SD and t-values.

Results show that mean of over all mental health of adolescent mother (14 to 16 years) is 121.28 and those of (16 -18 years ) is 126.80. The difference between the two groups is significant with the t-value of 2.256 at 0.05 level.

When six dimensions of mental health  i.e. Self evaluation, Perception of reality, Integration of personality, Autonomy,  Group oriented Attitude and  Environmental mastery are compared between the two groups  it was found  that although the overall mental health of the two groups was found to be different at 0.05 level of significance only the second dimension i.e. Perception to reality was found to be significantly different at 0.01 level of significance.

There was no correlation found between the general and mental health and its dimensions  but perception of reality and integration of personality are positively correlated where correlation coefficient is 0.479*, which is significant at 0.05 level. Similarly Group oriented attitude  and Perception of reality are negatively correlated wherecorrelation coefficient is 0.490**, which is significant at 0.01 level.

A positive correlation was found between general health and mental health where correlation was 0.538** which is significant at 0.01 level of significance.Correlation between integation of personality and general health found significant at  0.05 level of significance where correlation coefficient is 0.395* . Similarly General health and environmental mastery are positively  correlated where correlation coefficient is 0.447*, which is significant at 0.05 level.

Conclusions

The general health of the group A was found to be better than the group B, Supported by the study of Mackinson, 1995, But larger sample would give a clearer picture.

Teenage pregnancy reduces the chances of getting education, increases higher drop outs from school and also decreases the chances to get married ( Moor. et. al, 1993; The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy, 1997).

As supported by the study that the teenage mothers may feel  uncomfortable and rejected during this time. One fourth of mothers will have second baby within 24 months. The closely spaced repeated  births decreases with the educational level of women( Kalmus, 1994). She may feel social difficulties and psychological disturbances and emotionally sick ( Maggie, 1999).

There is evidence in US that with emotional support, good education and child care, the teenage mother can catch up by the age of 30 years with average outcomes of the age group and socio economic back ground. When we compare teenage mothers with other girls with similar socio- cultural profile, bad schooling experience and low educational aspirations, the differences in their life chances is negligible ( East, 2001).

The  study proves that when general health increases , mental health also increases and person suffering from any kind of physical ailment cannot be expected to be as rational as compared to a person with healthy body.

Overall a positive correlation was found between autonomy and general health, perception of reality and integration of personality With age perception of reality is more and clear which results in a complete integrated personality, Hence it is significant that in development of proper mental health age plays an important role . So teenager to become a mother is inappropriate.

Suggestions to prevent teen pregnancy-

1.   Education/ raising level of aspiration in women

2.   Mass instructions regarding drawbacks of teenage marriage/ pregnancy specially to female community

3.     Streamlining teen mothers / providing social support system

References

Culp, R.E., Appelbaum, M.I.,Osofsky, J.D.and Levy, J.A.( 1988)  Adolescents and older mothers: Comparison between prenatal, maternal variables and new born interactions. Infant and behavior development, vol.11, pp.353- 362. Consequences of teen prengnancy, htm. www. Pregnancy. Period .com

East, P.L.,Jacobson, L.J.(2001 ) The younger of teenage mothers :A  follow  up of their pregnancy risk. Developmental Psychology. Vol. 37(2), pp.254-264, Retrieved May 27, 2006.

Furstenberg, F.F., Levini, J.A.and Brooks Gunn, J.( 1990) The children of teenage  mothers:Patterns of early child bearing in two generation, Family Planning Perspectives, Vol, 22(2), pp.54-61.

Gupta, C.R.(1994), Anemia in pregnancy: A critical review, Indian Journal of Medical Research, Vol. 42, pp. 421.

Kalmuss, D.S., Namerow, P.B.(1994), Subsequent child bearing among teenage mothers ; The determinants of closely spaced second birth, Family Planning Perspectives, Vol, 26(4), pp.149-53, 159.

Lessware, Jonathan (2006), Pregnancy in teenage girls : All part of nature’s law, The Sccotsman, July, 13, 2006.

Males, Michael (2004), Teens and older partners, Resource centre for adolescent pregnancy prevention.

Maggie Gallagher(1999), Hollow victory of teen pregnancy, Conservative chronicle, http;//www: abanet.org/media/teen.html.

Makinson, C. (1985), The health consequences of teenage fertility, Family planning perspectives, Vol.17(3), pp 132-9.

Moore, Gold, E.M. (1993), Age at first child birth and later poverty, Journal of research on adolescence, Vol. 3, pp. 393-422.

Population Council (2006), Unexpected elements of adolescence in the developing, World population briefs, Jan., Vol. 12 (1).

The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy (2002), Not just another single issue : Teenage pregnancy prevention’s link to other critical social issues.

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I work in mental health but i don’t think i can talk to any therapists at work, it feels too close to home.

We were trying for a very long time for this baby, but when i became pregnant, my anxiety and black moods and mood swings have become unbearable.

I need serious help, i think i might suffer from Bipolar or a similar mental health disorder, my symptoms are gradually getting worse i feel out of control and it’s not fair on my family or this baby.

I understand there is no medication that i can take during pregnancy that is safe for my baby, but what other help can i get.

I just feel like a black cloud is surrounding me, i can’t feel happy or excited im Absolutely at my wits end.

Please can anyone offer me any kind words of advice?
Luka-

What i meant is yes there is antidepressants suitable for pregnancy, however i have tried them and it’s obvious now that my depression is more then likely bipolar, and the medication for this is a big no no during pregnancy.

A pregnancy is divided into three phases, or trimesters. The first trimester is from conception to the end of week 13. The second trimester is from week 14 to the end of week 26. The third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy.

The doctor will examine you and perform a pelvic exam. He or she may also perform blood tests, a urine test, and tests for sexually transmitted disease, including a test for HIV, which is on the rise in teens. (Some STDs can cause serious medical problems in newborns, so it’s important to get treatment to protect the baby.)

The doctor will explain the types of physical and emotional changes you can expect during pregnancy. He or she will also teach you to how to recognize the signs of possible problems during pregnancy (called complications). This is especially important because teens are more at risk for certain complications, such as anemia, high blood pressure, and delivering a baby earlier than usual (called premature delivery).

Your doctor will want you to start taking prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid, calcium, and iron as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe the vitamins or recommend a brand that you can buy over the counter. These vitamins and minerals help ensure the baby’s and mother’s health as well as prevent some types of birth defects.

Ideally, you should see your doctor once each month for the first 28 weeks of your pregnancy, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then once a week until you deliver the baby. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes that needs careful monitoring during your pregnancy, your doctor will probably want to see you more often.

During visits, your doctor will check your weight, blood pressure, and urine, and will measure your abdomen to keep track of the baby’s growth. Once the baby’s heartbeat can be heard with a special device, the doctor will listen for it at each visit. Your doctor will probably also send you for some other tests during the pregnancy, such as an ultrasound, to make sure that everything is OK with your baby.

One part of prenatal care is attending classes where expectant mothers can learn about having a healthy pregnancy and delivery and the basics of caring for a new baby. These classes may be offered at hospitals, medical centers, schools, and colleges in your area.

It can be difficult for adults to talk to their doctors about their bodies and even more difficult for teens to do so. Your doctor is there to help you stay healthy during pregnancy and have a healthy baby — and there’s probably not much he or she hasn’t heard from expectant mothers! So don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Be upfront when your doctor asks questions, even if they seem embarrassing. A lot of the issues the doctor brings up could affect your baby’s health. Think of your doctor both as a resource and a friend who you can confide in about what’s happening to you.

Changes to Expect in Your Body

Pregnancy causes lots of physical changes in the body. Here are some common ones:

Breast Growth

An increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy, and the breasts may continue to grow throughout the pregnancy. You may go up several bra sizes during the course of your pregnancy.

Skin Changes

Don’t be surprised if people tell you your skin is “glowing” when you are pregnant — pregnancy causes an increase in blood volume, which can make your cheeks a little pinker than usual. And hormonal changes increase oil gland secretion, which can give your skin a shinier appearance. Acne is also common during pregnancy for the same reason.

Other skin changes caused by pregnancy hormones may include brownish or yellowish patches on the face called chloasma and a dark line on the midline of the lower abdomen, known as thelinea nigra.

Also, moles or freckles that you had prior to pregnancy may become bigger and darker. Even the areola, the area around the nipples, becomes darker. Stretch marks are thin pink or purplish lines that can appear on your abdomen, breasts, or thighs.

Except for the darkening of the areola, which can last, these skin changes will usually disappear after you give birth.

Mood Swings

It’s very common to have mood swings during pregnancy. Some girls may also experience depression during pregnancy or after delivery. If you have symptoms of depression such as sadness, changes in sleep patterns, thoughts of hurting yourself, or bad feelings about yourself or your life, tell your doctor so he or she can help you to get treatment.

Pregnancy Discomforts

Pregnancy can cause some uncomfortable side effects. These include:

nausea and vomiting (especially early in the pregnancy)
leg swelling
varicose veins in the legs and the area around the vaginal opening
hemorrhoids
heartburn and constipation
backache
fatigue
sleep loss

If you have one or more of these side effects, keep in mind that you’re not alone! Ask your doctor for advice on how to deal with these common problems.

If you are pregnant and have bleeding or pain, call the doctor immediately, even if you are not planning to continue the pregnancy.

Things to Avoid in pregnancy

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs when you are pregnant put you and your baby at risk for a number of serious problems.

Alcohol

Doctors now believe that it’s not safe to drink any amount of alcohol when you are pregnant. Drinking can harm a developing fetus, putting a baby at risk for birth defects and mental problems.

Smoking

The risks of smoking during pregnancy include stillbirths (when a baby dies while inside the mother), low birth weight (which increases a baby’s risk for health problems), prematurity (when babies are born earlier than 37 weeks), and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant who is younger than 1 year old.

Drugs

Using illegal drugs such as cocaine or marijuana during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, prematurity, and other medical problems. Babies can also be born addicted to certain drugs.

Ask your doctor for help if you are having trouble quitting smoking, drinking, or drugs. Check with your doctor before taking any medication while you are pregnant, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies and supplements, and vitamins.

Unsafe Sex

Talk to your doctor about sex during pregnancy. If your doctor says it’s OK to have sex while you’re pregnant, you must use a condom to help prevent getting an STD. Some STDs can cause blindness, pneumonia, or meningitis in newborns, so it’s important to protect yourself and your baby.

Taking Care of Yourself During Pregnancy
Eating

Many girls worry about how their bodies look and are afraid to gain weight during pregnancy. But now that you are eating for two, this is not a good time to cut calories or go on a diet. Both you and your baby need certain nutrients so the baby can grow properly. Eating a variety of healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and cutting back on high-fat junk foods will help you and your developing baby to be healthy.

Doctors generally recommend adding about 300 calories a day to your diet to provide adequate nourishment for the developing fetus. You should gain about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, most of this during the last 6 months — although how much a girl should gain depends on how much she weighed before the pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you based on your individual situation.

Eating additional fiber — 25 to 30 grams a day — and drinking plenty of water can help to prevent common problems such as constipation. Good sources of fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables and breads, cereals, or muffins that have lots of whole grain in them.

You’ll need to avoid eating or drinking certain things during pregnancy, such as:

certain types of fish, such as swordfish, canned tuna, and other fish that may be high in mercury (your doctor can help you decide which fish you can eat)
foods that contain raw eggs, such as mousse or Caesar salad
raw or undercooked meat and fish
processed meats, such as hot dogs and deli meats
soft, unpasteurized cheeses, such as feta, brie, blue, and goat cheese
unpasteurized milk, juice, or cider

It’s also a good idea to limit artificial sweeteners, and drinks that contain caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

Exercise

Exercising during pregnancy is good for you as long as you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy and choose appropriate activities. Doctors generally recommend low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga. Contact sports and high-impact aerobic activities that pose a greater risk of injury should generally be avoided. Also, working at a job that involves heavy lifting is not recommended for women during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether particular types of exercise are safe for you and your baby.

Sleep

It’s important to get plenty of rest while you are pregnant. Early in your pregnancy, try to get into the habit of sleeping on your side. Lying on your side with your knees bent is likely to be the most comfortable position as your pregnancy progresses. Also, it makes your heart’s job easier because it keeps the baby’s weight from applying pressure to the large vein that carries blood back to the heart from your feet and legs.

Some doctors recommend that girls who are pregnant sleep on the left side. Because of where some of your major blood vessels are, lying on your left side helps keep the uterus from pressing on them. Ask what your doctor recommends — in most cases, lying on either side should do the trick and help take some pressure off your back.

Throughout your pregnancy, but especially toward the end, you may wake up often at night to go to the bathroom. While it’s important to drink enough water while you’re pregnant, try to drink most of it during the day rather than at night. Use the bathroom right before going to bed. As you get further along in your pregnancy, you might have a difficult time getting comfortable in bed. Try positioning pillows around and under your belly, back, or legs to get more comfortable.

Stress can also interfere with sleep. Maybe you’re worried about your baby’s health, about delivery, or about what your new role as a parent will be like. All of these feelings are normal, but they may keep you up at night. Talk to your doctor if you are having problems sleeping during your pregnancy.

Emotional Health

It’s common for pregnant teens to feel a range of emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, confusion, and sadness. It may take a while to adjust to the fact that you’re going to have a baby. It’s a huge change, and it’s natural for pregnant teens to wonder whether they’re ready to handle the responsibilities that come with being a parent.

How a girl feels often depends on how much support she has from the baby’s father, from her family (and the baby’s father’s family), and from friends. Each girl’s situation is different. Depending on your situation, you may need to seek more support from people outside your family. It’s important to talk to the people who can support and guide you and help you share and sort through your feelings. Your school counselor or nurse can refer you to resources in your community that can help.

School and the Future

Some girls plan to raise their babies themselves. Sometimes grandparents or other family members help. Some girls decide to give their babies up for adoption. It takes a great deal of courage and concern for the baby to make these difficult decisions.

Girls who complete high school are more likely to have good jobs and enjoy more success in their lives. If possible, finish high school now rather than trying to return later. Ask your school counselor or an adult you trust for information about programs and classes in your community for pregnant teens.

Some communities have support groups especially for teen parents. Some high schools have child-care centers on campus. Perhaps a family member or friend can care for your baby while you’re in school.