AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the final stage of HIV disease, which causes severe damage to the immune system.

Causes

Important facts about the spread of AIDS include:

• AIDS is the sixth leading cause of death among people ages 25 - 44 in the United States, down from number one in 1995.
• The World Health Organization estimates that more than 25 million people worldwide have died from this infection since the start of the epidemic
• In 2008, there were approximately 33.4 million people around the world living with HIV/AIDS, including 2.1 million children under age 15.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS. The virus attacks the immune system and leaves the body vulnerable to a variety of life-threatening infections and cancers.
Common bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses that ordinarily do not cause serious disease in people with healthy immune systems can cause fatal illnesses in people with AIDS.
HIV has been found in saliva, tears, nervous system tissue and spinal fluid, blood, semen (including pre-seminal fluid, which is the liquid that comes out before ejaculation), vaginal fluid, and breast milk. However, only blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk generally transmit infection to others.
The virus can be spread (transmitted):

• Through sexual contact -- including oral, vaginal, and anal sex
• Through blood -- via blood transfusions (now extremely rare in the U.S.) or needle sharing
• From mother to child -- a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus through their shared blood circulation, or a nursing mother can transmit it to her baby in her breast milk

Other methods of spreading the virus are rare and include accidental needle injury, artificial insemination with infected donated semen, and organ transplantation with infected organs.
HIV infection is NOT spread by:

• Casual contact such as hugging
• Mosquitoes
• Participation in sports
• Touching items previously touched by a person infected with the virus

AIDS and blood or organ donation:

• AIDS is NOT transmitted to a person who DONATES blood or organs. Those who donate organs are never in direct contact with those who receive them. Likewise, a person who donates blood is not in contact with the person receiving it. In all these procedures, sterile needles and instruments are used.
• However, HIV can be transmitted to a person RECEIVING blood or organs from an infected donor. To reduce this risk, blood banks and organ donor programs screen donors, blood, and tissues thoroughly.

People at highest risk for getting HIV include:

• Injection drug users who share needles
• Infants born to mothers with HIV who didn't receive HIV therapy during pregnancy
• People engaging in unprotected sex, especially with people who have other high-risk behaviors, are HIV-positive, or have AIDS
• People who received blood transfusions or clotting products between 1977 and 1985 (before screening for the virus became standard practice)
• Sexual partners of those who participate in high-risk activities (such as injection drug use or anal sex)

Symptoms

AIDS begins with HIV infection. People infected with HIV may have no symptoms for 10 years or longer, but they can still transmit the infection to others during this symptom-free period. If the infection is not detected and treated, the immune system gradually weakens and AIDS develops.
Acute HIV infection progresses over time (usually a few weeks to months) to asymptomatic HIV infection (no symptoms) and then to early symptomatic HIV infection. Later, it progresses to AIDS (advanced HIV infection with CD4 T-cell count below 200 cells/mm3 ).
Almost all people infected with HIV, if not treated, will develop AIDS. There is a small group of patients who develop AIDS very slowly, or never at all. These patients are called nonprogressors, and many seem to have a genetic difference that prevents the virus from damaging their immune system.
The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of infections that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. These are called opportunistic infections.
People with AIDS have had their immune system damaged by HIV and are very susceptible to these opportunistic infections. Common symptoms are:

• Chills
• Fevers
• Sweats (particularly at night)
• Swollen lymph glands
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Note: Initial infection with HIV may produce no symptoms. Some people, however, do experience flu-like symptoms with fever, rash, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, usually 2 - 4 weeks after contracting the virus. Some people with HIV infection stay symptom-free for years between the time they are exposed to the virus and when they develop AIDS.

Exams and Tests

The following is a list of AIDS-related infections and cancers that people with AIDS may get as their CD4 count decreases. In the past, having AIDS was defined as having HIV infection and getting one of these additional diseases. Today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person may also be diagnosed as having AIDS if they have a CD4 cell count below 200 cells/mm3, even if they don't have an opportunistic infection.
AIDS may also be diagnosed if a person develops one of the opportunistic infections and cancers that occur more commonly in people with HIV infection. These infections are unusual in people with a healthy immune system.
CD4 cells are a type of immune cell. They are also called "T cells" or "helper cells."
Many other illnesses and their symptoms may develop, in addition to those listed here.
Common with CD4 count below 350 cells/mm3:

• Herpes simplex virus -- causes ulcers/small blisters in the mouth or genitals, happens more frequently and usually much more severely in an HIV-infected person than in someone without HIV infection
• Tuberculosis -- infection by tuberculosis bacteria that mostly affects the lungs, but can affect other organs such as the bowel, lining of the heart or lungs, brain, or lining of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
• Oral or vaginal thrush -- yeast infection of the mouth or vagina
• Herpes zoster (shingles) -- ulcers/small blisters over a patch of skin, caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma -- cancer of the lymph nodes
• Kaposi's sarcoma -- cancer of the skin, lungs, and bowel associated with a herpes virus (HHV-8). It can happen at any CD4 count, but is more likely to happen at lower CD4 counts, and is more common in men than in women.

Common with CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3:

• Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, "PCP pneumonia," now called Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, caused by a fungus
• Candida esophagitis -- painful yeast infection of the esophagus
• Bacillary angiomatosis -- skin lesions caused by a bacteria called Bartonella, which may be acquired from cat scratches

Common with CD4 count below 100 cells/mm3:

• Cryptococcal meningitis -- fungal infection of the lining of the brain
• AIDS dementia -- worsening and slowing of mental function, caused by HIV itself
• Toxoplasma encephalitis -- infection of the brain by a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii , which is frequently found in cat feces; causes lesions (sores) in the brain
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy -- a disease of the brain caused by a virus (called the JC virus) that results in a severe decline in mental and physical functions
• Wasting syndrome -- extreme weight loss and loss of appetite, caused by HIV itself
• Cryptosporidium diarrhea -- Extreme diarrhea caused by one of the parasites that affect the gastrointestinal tract

Common with CD4 count below 50/mm3:

• Mycobacterium avium -- a blood infection by a bacterium related to tuberculosis
• Cytomegalovirus infection -- a viral infection that can affect almost any organ system, especially the large bowel and the eyes

In addition to the CD4 count, a test called HIV RNA level (or viral load) may be used to monitor patients. Basic screening lab tests and regular cervical Pap smears are important to monitor in HIV infection, due to the increased risk of cervical cancer in women with a compromised immune system. Anal Pap smears to detect potential cancers may also be important in both HIV-infected men and women, but their value is not proven.

Treatment

There is no cure for AIDS at this time. However, a variety of treatments are available that can help keep symptoms at bay and improve the quality of life for those who have already developed symptoms.
Antiretroviral therapy suppresses the replication of the HIV virus in the body. A combination of several antiretroviral drugs, called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has been very effective in reducing the number of HIV particles in the bloodstream. This is measured by the viral load (how much virus is found in the blood). Preventing the virus from replicating can improve T-cell counts and help the immune system recover from the HIV infection.
HAART is not a cure for HIV, but it has been very effective for the past 12 years. People on HAART with suppressed levels of HIV can still transmit the virus to others through sex or by sharing needles. There is good evidence that if the levels of HIV remain suppressed and the CD4 count remains high (above 200 cells/mm3), life can be significantly prolonged and improved.
However, HIV may become resistant to HAART, especially in patients who do not take their medications on schedule every day. Genetic tests are now available to determine whether an HIV strain is resistant to a particular drug. This information may be useful in determining the best drug combination for each person, and adjusting the drug regimen if it starts to fail. These tests should be performed any time a treatment strategy begins to fail, and before starting therapy.
When HIV becomes resistant to HAART, other drug combinations must be used to try to suppress the resistant strain of HIV. There are a variety of new drugs on the market for treating drug-resistant HIV.
Treatment with HAART has complications. HAART is a collection of different medications, each with its own side effects. Some common side effects are:

• Collection of fat on the back ("buffalo hump") and abdomen
• General sick feeling (malaise)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness

When used for a long time, these medications increase the risk of heart attack, perhaps by increasing the levels of fat and glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Any doctor prescribing HAART should carefully watch the patient for possible side effects. In addition, routine blood tests measuring CD4 counts and HIV viral load should be taken every 3 months. The goal is to get the CD4 count as close to normal as possible, and to suppress the amount of HIV virus in the blood to a level where it cannot be detected.
Other antiviral medications are being investigated. In addition, growth factors that stimulate cell growth, such as erthythropoetin (Epogen) and filgrastim (G-CSF or Neupogen) are sometimes used to treat anemia and low white blood cell counts associated with AIDS.
Medications are also used to prevent opportunistic infections (such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia) if the CD4 count is low enough. This keeps AIDS patients healthier for longer periods of time. Opportunistic infections are treated when they happen.

Support Groups

Joining support groups where members share common experiences and problems can often help the emotional stress of devastating illnesses. See AIDS - support group.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Right now, there is no cure for AIDS. It is always fatal without treatment. In the U.S., most patients survive many years after diagnosis because of the availability of HAART. HAART has dramatically increased the amount of time people with HIV remain alive.
Research on drug treatments and vaccine development continues. However, HIV medications are not always available in the developing world, where most of the epidemic is raging.

Possible Complications

When a person is infected with HIV, the virus slowly begins to destroy that person's immune system. How fast this occurs differs in each individual. Treatment with HAART can help slow or halt the destruction of the immune system.
Once the immune system is severely damaged, that person has AIDS, and is now susceptible to infections and cancers that most healthy adults would not get. However, antiretroviral treatment can still be very effective, even at that stage of illness.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any of the risk factors for HIV infection, or if you develop symptoms of AIDS. By law, AIDS testing must be kept confidential. Your health care provider will review results of your testing with you.

Prevention

• See the article on safe sex to learn how to reduce the chance of acquiring or spreading HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Do not use illicit drugs and do not share needles or syringes. Many communities now have needle exchange programs, where you can get rid of used syringes and get new, sterile ones. These programs can also provide referrals for addiction treatment.
• Avoid contact with another person's blood. Protective clothing, masks, and goggles may be appropriate when caring for people who are injured.
• Anyone who tests positive for HIV can pass the disease to others and should not donate blood, plasma, body organs, or sperm. Infected people should tell any sexual partner about their HIV-positive status. They should not exchange body fluids during sexual activity, and should use whatever preventive measures (such as condoms) will give their partner the most protection.
• HIV-positive women who wish to become pregnant should seek counseling about the risk to their unborn children, and methods to help prevent their baby from becoming infected. The use of certain medications dramatically reduces the chances that the baby will become infected during pregnancy.
• The Public Health Service recommends that HIV-infected women in the United States avoid breast-feeding to prevent transmitting HIV to their infants through breast milk.
• Safe-sex practices, such as latex condoms, are highly effective in preventing HIV transmission. HOWEVER, there remains a risk of acquiring the infection even with the use of condoms. Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV.

The riskiest sexual behavior is unprotected receptive anal intercourse. The least risky sexual behavior is receiving oral sex. Performing oral sex on a man is associated with some risk of HIV transmission, but this is less risky than unprotected vaginal intercourse. Female-to-male transmission of the virus is much less likely than male-to-female transmission. Performing oral sex on a woman who does not have her period has a low risk of transmission.
HIV-positive patients who are taking antiretroviral medications are less likely to transmit the virus. For example, pregnant women who are on effective treatment at the time of delivery, and who have undetectable viral loads, give HIV to their baby less than 1% of the time, compared with about 20% of the time if medications are not used.
The U.S. blood supply is among the safest in the world. Nearly all people infected with HIV through blood transfusions received those transfusions before 1985, the year HIV testing began for all donated blood.
If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. There is some evidence that an immediate course of antiviral drugs can reduce the chances that you will be infected. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and it has been used to prevent transmission in health care workers injured by needlesticks.
There is less information available about how effective PEP is for people exposed to HIV through sexual activity or injection drug use. However, if you believe you have been exposed, discuss the possibility with a knowledgeable specialist (check local AIDS organizations for the latest information) as soon as possible. Anyone who has been raped should be offered PEP and should consider its potential risks and benefits.

References

Piot P. Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A global overview. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine . 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 407.
Del Rio C, Curran JW. Epidemiology and prevention of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and human immunodeficiency virus infection. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 118.
Sterling TR, Chaisson RE. General clinical manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection (including the acute retroviral syndrome and oral, cutaneous, renal, ocular, metabolic, and cardiac diseases). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 121.

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How to Live With Diabetes and Be Healthy

 Diabetes is a serious health condition,but you can make live normally with it. The disease can't be cured, but thankfully it can be successfully managed with the appropriate changes in lifestyle. If the disease is left untreated it invites many diabetic complications like heart stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, amputation, blindness and erectile dysfunction. If diabetes is diagnosed at an early stage the risk of diabetic complications can be reduced by the efficient management of the disease.
Diabetics can enjoy a healthy life by following these 10 steps:
Eat Well
Diabetics should enjoy healthy foods that are low in sugar, saturated fats and salts. It is recommended that they should consume a diet that is high in fiber. Examples of such foods are cereals, whole grain bread, vegetables and fruits. Diabetics should keep a close eye on the portion size of the food. You should try not to eat more than they consume, with the goal being to control weight gain. The vegetarian lifestyle is better overall for your health, as the vegetables are rich in fiber and they put a check on the weight gain.
Be Active
You should try to bring maximum physical activity to your life. Aim for at least for 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Stop Smoking
It is better to quit smoking. If it is difficult, one should consult a physician that can assist him.
Monitor Blood Sugar Level
The blood sugar levels should be regularly monitored. You can prevent the diabetic complications by keeping the blood sugar level in control.
Drink in Moderation
If you drink alcohol, either quit it or try to have it in moderation.
Weight Control
Keep a track of the waist size and the weight. If you are overweight it can make a reasonable difference in his blood sugar levels by losing some weight.
Annual Tests
Go regularly for the annual tests recommended for diabetics.
Foot Examination
Examine the feet well. Use well fitted socks and comfortable shoes. Be aware of any cut or injuries on feet.
Eye Examination
Have an eye examination annually by an optician.
Positive Attitude
Keep a positive attitude towards life
Changing your lifestyle with the help of the above mentioned steps can help you to keep diabetes in control. It will also enable you to live a happy and healthier life and enjoy all the benefits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1943379

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What is cervical cancer?

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). It is sometimes called the uterine cervix. The body of the uterus (the upper part) is where a baby grows. The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). The cervix is part of a woman’s reproductive system. It makes mucus that helps sperm move from the vagina into the uterus or keeps sperm from entering the uterus. Every month during your menstrual period blood flows from the uterus through the cervix into the vagina. During pregnancy, the cervix is closed to keep the baby inside the uterus. During childbirth, the cervix opens (dilates) so that the baby can pass through the vagina.

The part of the cervix closest to the body of the uterus is called the endocervix. The part next to the vagina is the exocervix (or ectocervix). The 2 main types of cells covering the cervix are squamous cells (on the exocervix) and glandular cells (on the endocervix). The place where these 2 cell types meet is called the transformation zone. Most cervical cancers start in the transformation zone

Most cervical cancers begin in the cells lining the cervix. These cells do not suddenly change into cancer. Instead, the normal cells of the cervix first gradually develop pre-cancerous changes that turn into cancer. Doctors use several terms to describe these pre-cancerous changes, including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), and dysplasia. These changes can be detected by the Pap test and treated to prevent the development of cancer (see "Can cervical cancer be prevented?").
Cervical cancers and cervical pre-cancers are classified by how they look under a microscope. There are 2 main types of cervical cancers: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. About 80% to 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers are from the squamous cells that cover the surface of the exocervix. Under the microscope, this type of cancer is made up of cells that are like squamous cells. Squamous cell carcinomas most often begin where the exocervix joins the endocervix.
Most of the other cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas. Cervical adenocarcinomas seem to have becoming more common in the past 20 to 30 years. Cervical adenocarcinoma develops from the mucus-producing gland cells of the endocervix. Less commonly, cervical cancers have features of both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. These are called adenosquamous carcinomas or mixed carcinomas.
Although cervical cancers start from cells with pre-cancerous changes (pre-cancers), only some of the women with pre-cancers of the cervix will develop cancer. The change from cervical pre-cancer to cervical cancer usually takes several years, but it can happen in less than a year. For most women, pre-cancerous cells will go away without any treatment. Still, in some women pre-cancers turn into true (invasive) cancers. Treating all pre-cancers can prevent almost all true cancers. Pre-cancerous changes and specific types of treatment for pre-cancers are discussed in the sections, "How are cervical cancers and pre-cancers diagnosed?" and "Treating pre-cancers and other abnormal Pap test results."
Pre-cancerous changes are separated into different categories based on how the cells of the cervix look under a microscope. These categories are discussed in the section, "How are cervical cancers and pre-cancers diagnosed?"
Although almost all cervical cancers are either squamous cell carcinomas or adenocarcinomas, other types of cancer also can develop in the cervix. These other types, such as melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma, occur more commonly in other parts of the body.

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Acne

Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars.
No one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormone changes, such as those during the teenage years and pregnancy, probably play a role. There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn't cause acne, but stress can make it worse.
If you have acne

• Clean your skin gently
• Try not to touch your skin
• Avoid the sun

Treatments for acne include medicines and creams.

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Posted in Acne Treatments

Keep Your Body Healthy At Home

To every organism in the world, body is of utmost importance. Without a healthy body, you can do nothing even you are a millionaire. Therefore, we should always try our best to keep our bodies healthy. However, as the world is having a faster and faster pace of life, it is more and more difficult for us to have a healthy body.
Junk food is flooding the food market and natural food is being put at the corner of the kitchen. Many part of our bodies, like the liver and stomach, are in danger.

In fact, if we want to stay healthy, we should protect our liver well. Liver is the major organ responsible for purifying our bodies. Besides, the intestines and kidneys are also important for eliminating toxins from our bodies. Without these organs, we could not survive.

In fact, if you want to keep your body healthy and have a very good system of internal organs, you can do something starting at home. These techniques are not difficult to learn, but they are very useful.

First, you could drink more water.
Then, you should try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Also, you should try your best to avoid caffeine, alcohol and soda.
Moreover, you can drink more lemon juice instead of soft drinks.
Of course, you should do more exercises regularly.

Do not think that these techniques are useless. They are very effective in helping you to keep your internal organs clean and if you stick to these measures, the effect could be in long term. Of course, you should also try to take in different kinds of food in the correct proportion.

If you have problems like fatigue, flatulence, obesity, impaired digestion, bad breath, recurring headaches, irritability, constipation, food cravings, etc, it means that you are having toxins in your body. If you have more than one of these symptoms, you seriously need to do something to clean your body.

Apart from internal organs, another thing we need to take care of is parasite. Parasites exist naturally in our bodies. Some of them are good and harmless. However, there are some foreign parasites which would harm our bodies. Therefore, you should try to keep these parasites away from your bodies. There are several ways you can do to remove parasites from your body.

First, you can have cloves to prevent parasite eggs.
Second, you can take seeds of pumpkin to kill parasites.
Also, you can take garlic, which is a good anti-bacterial agent.
Moreover, you could take in more fibers which allow free movement of intestines and also prevents re-absorption of toxins.
Lastly, you can try some bitter vegetables, which are important in preventing the accumulation of toxins.

These are little things that you can do at your home. Of course, you should also do other things like keep your meals light and regular. Also, you should try to take organic food and prevent junk food. If you can bind to these ideas and try your best to do more exercises, you can have a very healthy body.

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Do I have a Lack of Iron? Symptoms and Signs

All minerals in the body are considered essential in maintaining our health in optimum level.

However, deficiencies and abnormalities in the amount of level of these vital components are things that we cannot easily avoid to happen. Although it is possible for us to avoid this from happening, mineral imbalances in the body are still common to occur. This is quite risky since deficiencies can actually cause serious complications in our health, which can lead to unfortunate outcomes. One of the most important minerals in our system is none other than iron.

We all know that iron is a very useful substance since it aids in the distribution of oxygen to the different tissues in the body. But what happens when our iron level suddenly becomes less than the normal or expected amount in the body? For us to understand this better; here are some facts about the lack of iron symptoms.
Iron deficiency or abnormally low iron count in the body is actually recognized as the leading nutrient deficiency in the whole world. This type of condition is medically termed as iron deficiency anemia, wherein there is a significant decrease in the level of iron in the blood.

Menstruating women, growing children and pregnant mothers are the ones that are highly susceptible to having this kind deficiency. Other causes of iron imbalance in the body include poor nutritional diet, malabsorption disorders and chronic blood loss. So what are the different symptoms of iron deficiency in the body?

One of the major roles of iron is to help distribute oxygen to the different tissues of the body. 

Oxygen acts as the cells fuel in order to function properly and effectively. Without oxygen, cells will eventually die. As a result of this, patients with low iron levels are considered to have low stamina and are easily tired and hit with fatigue. Anemic individuals are also prone to having SOB or shortness of breath even in just doing mild activities or exercises such as walking. Iron depletion can also cause pallor or paleness in the skin color. Aside from this, nail disorders are also very possible to happen such as nail thinning, brittleness, ridges and even discoloration. In addition to nails, hair can also become brittle and easily damaged.

Children with this kind of problem are also prone to having appetite changes and decrease in interest with food. Craving for usual stiffs like ice, plain starch or clay is also an evidence of iron deficiency. This is otherwise known as pica. Others may also experience having headaches particularly in the frontal portion of the head. Painful atrophy of the tongue may also become evident which exhibits redness, soreness and the production of white coverings. Aside from these, weakened immune system is also possible to happen, which increases the risk for infections and contaminations. Menstrual cramps in women can also lead to this type of problem. In addition to these, the heart may also work twice as hard in order to increase its pumping rate as compensation to reduced oxygen level in the blood. Hypotension, cold hands and legs, dizziness, irritability, lightheadedness and sleep problems are also some of the common symptoms of iron deficiency.
 From:
http://www.healthforworld.com/do-i-have-a-lack-of-iron-symptoms-and-signs

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Posted in Diet and Weight

Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?

Pregnancy can be a scary thing, especially when it is the first pregnancy for a woman and her partner. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether the parents having sex during pregnancy is safe for the growing baby. In most cases, the answer is yes.

Your baby is growing in your uterus, which is high up in your body. The uterus is not close to your vagina, nor in danger of being touched during your having intercourse. Since it is thought that your baby sleeps while you are moving around during the day, many people suggest that the act of intercourse actually puts the unborn baby to sleep.

Some people also worry about the baby knowing that they are having intercourse. There is no way that your baby can know or be affected negatively by intercourse during a normal healthy pregnancy. In fact, since fetuses can be affected by the emotions and feelings a mom experiences during pregnancy, some believe that the endorphins a woman will feel after an orgasm will be passed through the placenta to her baby, helping her baby be calmer and happier in the womb.

There are instances, however, when sex is not safe during your pregnancy. If you have had any complications or bleeding during your pregnancy you should check with your midwife or doctor prior to having intercourse to make sure it is safe. Also, if you had any complications in previous pregnancies you should check with your doctor.

Towards the end of your pregnancy, while safe, sex may become difficult or uncomfortable for mom or even dad. The big bump may make it hard for mom and dad to get in the groove, or it may feel different for dad since the woman’s body is changing. At this point a couple may choose NOT to have sex, even if their doctor has not said that it is a problem.

If your doctor or midwife approves intercourse throughout your pregnancy, and as a couple you choose to continue having sex until the end of your pregnancy, some believe that sex may help a woman go into labor. One of the old wives’ tales suggests that because a man’s sperm contains prostaglandin, a substance that is used in some labor inducing drugs, that sex can help dilate a cervix that is ready to dilate. This is a much debated theory.

Remember, if your midwife or doctor says it is safe to have sex and you WANT to have sex, there is no reason not to have sex. However, be sure to get the ok from your physician before you do, so that you know it is ok for you, during your pregnancy.

From: 

http://www.babiesonline.com/articles/health/sexsafeduringpregnancy.asp

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Posted in pregnancy health