Health Tips for March 8

Health Tip: Learning About Ectopic Pregnancy

When the fertilized egg doesn't make it to the uterus and begins to grow elsewhere in the reproductive system -- in the fallopian tube, abdomen, ovary or cervix -- it's called an ectopic pregnancy.

This is a serious condition that requires a doctor's diagnosis and treatment.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of common risk factors for ectopic pregnancy:

• Having endometriosis.
• Having had a pelvic infection (such as pelvic inflammatory disease) or surgery around the pelvis.
• Being a smoker.
• Being older than 35.
• Infertility problems or treatment.
• Fallopian tube abnormalities or inflammation.
• Having had a previous ectopic pregnancy.

Health Tip: Dizziness During Pregnancy

Many women feel dizzy during pregnancy, a condition caused by hormones that help increase blood flow to the baby, but may restrict blood flow to you.

The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions to help relieve dizziness during pregnancy:

• Try not to stand up for long periods. When you do have to stand, move your feet frequently to help maintain your circulation.
• When you start to stand up, do so slowly.
• Keep a cool body temperature. Avoid very hot baths or showers.
• Don't go too long without eating.
• Make sure clothing is loose and not so tight that it can reduce blood circulation.
• Ask your doctor about other factors that could cause dizziness. In some women, lying on their back may impede blood flow as the weight of the fetus presses on certain blood vessels.