The most popular form of birth control used today are oral contraceptive pills. More than 100 million women use these pills to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The effectiveness of these pills, however, is still questioned by many. It can be said that is these pills are used properly, they are very effective in preventing pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse.

These pills are very handy when used for family planning. It is important for women to know how these pills work and how effective they work before using them.

Are birth control pills effective?

Yes, these pills are very effective, only when used in the right manner. And their effectiveness depends on how you use them. Basically, there are three different types of contraceptive pills:

• Combination pills
• Progestin-only pills
• Emergency pills

As you would rightly think that “emergency pills” need to be taken during an emergency, but some women use them each time after they have sex, which is very dangerous. Only take them during an emergency, like when you have forgotten to use a condom or any other form of contraception and you do not want to get pregnant.

Some pills that contain only progestin are less effective. Combination pills, which contain synthetic forms of naturally occurring female hormones progesterone and oestrogen, are the most effective when it comes to preventing a pregnancy. Also, the side effects of these pills are less. Micronor and Marvelon are two very effective contraceptive pills used by women. You can buy these contraceptive pills online in the UK from a reputed online clinic.

If you are worried about getting pregnant after having unprotected sex, emergency contraceptive pills are available for you. Oral contraceptive pills have proven to be almost 100% effective in prevention of pregnancy. These pills have come a fair way expanding the ‘window of opportunity’ in which you can take these pills.

How do these pills work?

These pills are best taken as soon as possible after having sex. They release the progesterone hormone which prevents the egg from getting fertilized. And even if the egg is fertilized, it prevents this fertilized egg from planting in the womb. These pills trick the body into thinking that ovulation has already occurred and so no more eggs are released. It further alters the lining of the womb so that it is not prepared for the fertilized egg.

Different emergency contraceptive pills are effective for different lengths of time. The two most popular and prescribed pills are ellaOne and Levonelle.

ellaOne

ellaOne is a new revolutionary birth control pill which works for 5 days after having sex. It has proved to be 98% effective.

Levonelle

Levonelle is a tablet which works if taken within 72 hours after having sex. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is.

Side effects of morning-after pills

The most common side effects of these pills are:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Temporary disruption of the menstrual cycle
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings

Some of the serious effects of these pills are as follows:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Chest pain / shortness of breath
• Severe headaches
• Blurred vision
• Ovarian damage
• Skin allergies

Buying emergency contraceptive pills online

You can buy Levonelle and ellaOne online. Young women prefer buying these pills online so as to avoid embarrassment and face to face consultation with their doctor.

Gaining weight during maternity is common. During the growth stage, human body changes to accept more space for baby. In fact, absence of pregnancy weight gain may even result in major health hazards. More to the point, acquiring heaviness does not denote that you can never get free from that weight. Getting back to the swig is the important key. Bear in mind, the body is actually recovering from diverse alterations. Your muscles are still overstretched and ligaments are soft. If your physique is not set then both of these can cause severe injury.

Start with the things in a low speed. Make new diet and exercise plan. Consult your physician to lose pregnancy weight healthily. Notably, ensure the consumption of balanced diet which contains sufficient amount of essential and vital nutrients. It will keep you as well as your baby healthy and fit. Avoid foods like sodium, processed foods, caffeine and sugars. They are bad for you and your baby as well. Move every day with your baby. However, it is best means to get few work out (doing laundry or blankets for these small clothes can give an excellent start).

Even the sleeping pattern plays a crucial role. Good sleep can help you to lose pregnancy weight healthily. Lack of proper sleep badly affects the hormones and you may even end up consuming a lot. Additionally, it also slows down the metabolic rate resulting in fatigue or exhaustion. So, enjoy the moment and once you are ready, embark on to lose those extra pounds.

WEIGHT GAIN

At one time doctors were very concerned about excessive weight gain and would even prescribe gentle dieting.

There is no place for any kind of dieting in pregnancy because food restriction nearly always results in the exclusion of essential nutrients. However, no-one would advocate too great a gain in weight and the old adage “eating for two” is certainly inappropriate.

Most authorities would advise eating to satisfaction and no more. All else being equal, most weight gain takes place in the middle trimester. Little weight increase is experienced in the first. About 0.5kg-lkg (l—2lb) is gained weekly from months 4 to 8, and less in the ninth month so that, on average at least, a total of 11.5kg (26-28lb) is gained. This extra weight is split roughly into 2.75-3.5kg (6-8lb) for the baby and 6.5-9kg (14-20lb) for the baby’s support system (you). This weight includes the placenta, amniotic fluid, increased breast tissue, the body fat you accumulate for your milk, the enlarged uterus and extra blood volume.

GOOD FOR YOU

Exercising regularly can be emotionally as well as physically satisfying. Its an enjoyable way of preparing for the months of change and hard work ahead.

• You will receive an emotional lift from the release of internal hormones such as endorphins,

• You will feel more contented as the release of tranquillizing hormones that follows exercise aids relaxation,

• You can improve your self-awareness as you learn how to use your body in new ways.

• Backache, leg crump, constipation and breathlessness can be alleviated by regular exercise.

• Your energy level will be increased.

• You will be better prepared for the work of labour.

• You will regain your shape more quickly after delivery.

• You can make new friends by meeting other mums at antenatal exercise classes.

• You can share the exercise routine with your partner or other members of your family.

WHAT TO AVOID

We now know that certain common foods carry potentially harmful infective agents that can be dangerous to vulnerable groups such as infants, pregnant women and the elderly. The chances of your being infected in pregnancy are low but it is I best to observe some safeguards.

Listeria. This is a rare bacterium found in products containing unpasteurized milk, liver, and in undercooked meat and pre-cooked meals. Avoid these products as infection during pregnancy may result in miscarriage or stillbirth.

Toxoplasmosis. This is caused by a parasite found in cat and dog faeces, and also in raw meat. It can cause birth defects. Always wash your hands after handling a pet.