As if getting your period wasn't bad enough,176 million women worldwide also have to handle the symptoms of endometriosis. It's a condition where cells grow outside of your uterus instead of on the inside, as outlined by WebMD. It'd be fine of those cells were content to just hang out there, but unfortunately, they do their job and break apart and bleed, just like the rest of your uterine cells do at the end of your period. If you have endometriosis, these misplaced cells cause inflammation, swelling and scar tissues, and these eight symptoms:

1. Cramping

Most women experience cramps with their period, but with endometriosis, the pain is often described as "'killer cramps' [that] do not go away with NSAIDS." The tissue that has formed outside of your uterus freezers tissues and muscles in place, making these areas less flexible, more swollen and can even cause inflammation, which creates extremely painful cramping.

2. Long periods

Doctor Tamer Seckin (founder and medical director of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA))outlinesthat "your period shouldn't be longer than six days", but with endometriosis, periods can last for over a week.

3. Infertility

Health.com points out that 30 to 40 percent of women with this condition experience infertility or difficulty getting pregnant. Pain during intimacy is also a common symptom for those with endometriosis.

4. Back pain

Back pain is another common period symptom, but for those with endometriosis, it can last before, after and during your period - exacerbated by the scar tissue that's formed by those wandering uterine cells.

5. Chest pain

LiveStrong highlights a unique variation of endometriosis. When these misplaced uterine cells lodge themselves in your chest causing chest pain, difficulty lying down and even can cause patients to cough up blood.

6. Painful urination

Remember those cells that are supposed to be in your uterus, but aren't? If they find their way into your bladder, kidneys and urethra, you may experience this symptom (and others). According to Active Beat, other bladder related symptoms include bloody urine, pain in the kidneys, urgent need for urination, frequent urination and the inability to urinate.

7. Fatigue

Now, most women will experience fatigue (hello, busy work and home life), but endometriosis is also accompanied with symptoms like bloating, persistent nausea, diarrhea or constipation, according to the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms are especially persistent during your period.

8. Excessive bleeding

Lots of bleeding can lead to low iron levels (which may contribute to your fatigue). Bleeding in between your period (menometrorrhagia) is also a common symptom.

Doctors aren't sure what causes endometriosis, but genetics may play a role. There is also no cure for endometriosis (even a hysterectomy can't eliminate the pain in some cases). But whatever the cause, women can opt for a couple treatment options, depending on the severity of their condition and what their life plans are.

WebMD suggests a hormone therapy to shrink the implants and possibly reduce pain, but if you'd like to get pregnant, surgery or infertility treatment may be the best option. The Endometriosis Foundation of Americaalso suggests pain relievers like NSAIDS, a low dose contraceptive and a copper IUD may also help- but talking to your doctor will really give you the best treatment option.

The post These 8 symptoms might mean you have endometriosis (and what that means for you) appeared first on FamilyToday.

You want a happy and healthy pregnancy; so you likely watch what you eat, and do your best to get enough sleep (although that growing belly makes it an increasingly difficult task).

But when it comes to the medicines you take, be extra careful to avoid these while you're pregnant:

1. Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin)

The problem with medications like Advil and Motrin is the ibuprofen, especially when taken late in your pregnancy (past 30 weeks or so).

"Ibuprofen can actually cause an important passageway in the baby's heart to close when taken in late pregnancy. That passage needs to stay open while the baby is still inside the uterus and is meant to close up soon after birth," said Kelly Kasper, MD, OBGYN and associate clinical professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

The too-early closing of that passageway can lead to heart and lung damage, and even death.

2. Naproxen (Aleve)

Naproxen should also be avoided during pregnancy. Especially when taken later in pregnancy, it can dangerously reduce blood flow to the fetus.

3. Aspirin

Like ibuprofen and naproxen, aspirin should be avoided during pregnancy as well. Taking aspirin during pregnancy can "cause the baby's blood flow to be channeled to the uterus," which can be lethal to the growing baby.

4. Acne medicines

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Accutane and similar retinoid drugs cause a high number of birth defects," including fluid in the baby's brain, facial dysmorphism, intellectual disabilities, heart defects and cleft palates, among others.

5. Ribavirin

Another drug to avoid is used to treat chronic cases of Hepatitis C. Ribavirin is so harmful that "women are advised to wait six months after discontinuing Ribavirin to start trying to get pregnant."

6. Antifungal medications

In a recent Danish study, use of the antifungal medication fluconazole, used to treat yeast infections (which pregnant women are prone to), showed an increased risk of spontaneous abortion.

7. Vitamins

Even too much of a good thing can be harmful. The American Pregnancy Association explained that taking and consuming too much of a certain vitamin (particularly iron and calcium) can be toxic to you and your baby.

8. Certain depression medications

Used as an anti-depression and anti-anxiety medication, Lexapro is still prescribed by doctors if "the benefits of the medication for the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn fetus." However, more research suggests that Lexapro can actually cause heart defects, spina bifida, club foot and a higher risk of miscarriage.

9. Certain antibiotics

Some kinds of antibiotics are regularly prescribed to pregnant women, and are considered safe; but according to the Mayo Clinic, tetracyclines can discolor a developing baby's teeth and shouldn't be taken past the 15th week of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the use and safety of antibiotics while pregnant.

10. Antihistamines

Commonly found in many over-the-counter drugs, antihistamines may not be as safe as originally thought. According to Parents, a new story reported that pregnant women who took antihistamines to treat severe morning sickness were "more likely to have premature births, babies with low birth weight, breathing and feeding problems, infections and developmental issues. In the study, more than 50 percent of the ... patients who experienced the above problems took some form of antihistamines."

11. Sleep aids

Sleeping may get more difficult while pregnant, but be careful how you treat insomnia. Dalmane has been shown to cause the same brain development risks as hard drugs and alcohol. Mental retardation, ADHD and other learning disabilities in your sweet baby can be a result of taking the medication.

12. Migraine medicines

Another drug that causes serious birth defects is Topamax. Patients struggling with migraines and/or epileptic seizures should not take this medication. Please let your doctor know if you are pregnant or might become pregnant and avoid a Topamax prescription.

13. Pepto Bismol

Bismuth subsalicylate, also known as Pepto Bismol, hasn't officially been declared dangerous while pregnant, though some research suggests that long-term usage can be harmful. When taken later in pregnancy, the ingredients of this tummy-soother may increase your risk of bleeding during delivery, according to Healthline.

As with any treatment option, be sure to discuss with your doctor which medications are safe to take during pregnancy. And don't be afraid to opt for a second opinion if you are ever uncomfortable with a treatment plan.

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My go-to breakfast used to be cereal or a piece of toast. While quick and easy, they both left me reaching for my lunch around 10:30, which I didn't love. Luckily, there are a dozen-plus meals that are almost as quick and are so packed with protein that they'll actually keep you full until lunch:

Boiled eggs and avocado

Do yourself a favor and keep peeled and boiled eggs in your fridge. Then when you wake up, all you need to do is just chop the eggs and top with diced avocado. Add herbs or add some hot sauce (like Pop Sugar suggests) and eat as-is, add to toast or onto a bed of greens.

Baked eggs in peppers

Community Table outlines the specific instructions but here's the gist: Just cut the peppers into shallow cups, add a cracked egg, season, and roast for 25 minutes while you finish up your hair and makeup. Yum.

Chia pudding

This recipe by Slender Kitchen is less than 200 calories but has 19 grams of protein, thanks to Chia seeds, Greek yogurt and a bit of milk. To make things a little bit sweet, serve with berries.

Sweet potato breakfast burritos

Ambitious Kitchenpoints out that this recipe is freezer friendly, so do some meal prep on Sunday and eat well the entire week - just smear sweet potatoes onto a wheat tortilla and top with cumin-spiced black beans, a little cheese, avocado and a couple other ingredients and you're set.

Breakfast quinoa

Move over, oatmeal. Quinoa adds tons more protein to a breakfast favorite (even if it does take a bit longer to prepare). Just prep a big pot on Sunday and you'll be set for the rest of the week - click here for the recipeor follow the instructions on the picture.

Shakshuka

Feeling fancy? Try this brunch favorite. Pro tip - make the spicy tomato base on the weekend without the eggs. Then just spoon a small portion into a pot each morning, add the eggs and wake up to fresh Shakshuka in minutes. There are lots of recipes out there, but I'm partial to the one by The New York Times.

Breakfast muffins

These little egg muffins can be topped with whatever veggie or meat you'd like. Plus they're just as portable (and way more healthy) than anything you'd find at a bakery.

This turkey sausage muffin recipe has 12 grams of protein with only 150 calories per muffin. Yum.

Frittata

Your favorite veggies and eggs turn into a protein-filled frittata that you can dress up however you'd like - serve with toast, top with cheese or slice yourself a wedge right before you walk out the door. You'll find all types of recipes online, but we love how flexible this recipe is from The Kitchn.

Cottage cheese toast

If you can't give up eating toast for breakfast, add some protein by smearing your toast with a hefty spoonful of cottage cheese. It's low in sugar and calories but high in protein. Then top with avocados and nuts for a savory version or a sprinkle of cinnamon and raisins to make it just a bit sweet.

Twice baked breakfast sweet potatoes

Plaid and Paleo walks you through every step - it's an easy recipe, and it just takes a few minutes to bake up these beautiful baked breakfast sweet potatoes.

Avocado smoothies

Smoothies are quick but are all too often low in protein and high in sugar. Bust both of those problems by adding chia seeds for protein, and replacing sugary bananas with frozen avocados instead. You'll get that same creamy texture without all the sugar.

Deli roll up

Smear cream cheese on deli meat and roll it up. Serve with fruit and some other options for a little charcuterie-inspired way to start your day.

Beans on toast

Take some inspiration from England with this DIY versionof homemade beans on toast. Making your own beans lets you control the sugar but doesn't sacrifice taste (or the protein content).

Chickpea pancake

This blogger has outlined a savory pancake we can all get behind. The chickpea flour is high in protein and the toppings are so endless, you won't miss the sugary maple syrup.

The post 15 easy breakfasts that are high in protein and low in sugar appeared first on FamilyToday.

According to WebMD, you naturally lose around 100 strands of hair every day. However, if you suspect more strands of hair than normal are in your comb or find that your hair is coming out in clumps, these 12 common causes may be the culprit:

1. Stress

The Mayo Clinic outlines that stressful events (like divorce, moving, issues at work, etc) can push your hair follicles out of the growing phase and into the resting phase. After a few months, those "resting phase" hairs fall out.

2. Your thyroid

Both an under reactive and an over reactive thyroid can result in hair loss, but Everyday Heath does outline that with proper treatment, the hair loss is usually reversible.

3. Genetics

When it comes to severe hair loss and baldness, genetics may be the cause. Studying the DNA of more than 52,000 middle-aged men, researchers found that this trait can be linked to 287 independent genetic signals. The predisposition to hair loss can come from both your mother and your father.

4. Pregnancy and delivery

40 to 50 percent of new mommies will experience increased hair loss after their little bundle arrives. So if you notice more hair loss once your baby turns a month or two old, don't worry, it's normal. The American Pregnancy Association suggests eating a healthy diet (rich in vitamins and antioxidants), using conditioners high in biotin and avoiding stressful hair styles that tug at your hair to prevent further loss.

5. Not enough protein

If you notice more hair strands than normal on your pillow, maybe your diet is to blame. A lack of protein tells your body to save protein, meaning it'll shift your hairs into a resting phase that will fall out in a few weeks' time. Crash diets and a sudden shift in what and how you're eating could be the culprit.

6. Autoimmune-related

Autoimmune diseases have many symptoms but, hair loss can be an indicator of diseases likelupus and Hashimoto's disease.

7. How you wear your hair

While several things on this list are hard to prevent, you do have quite a bit of control when it comes to how you style your hair. Overstyling your hair with heating products (like a blow dryer or straightener), wearing your hair in tight ponytails or pigtails and coloring your hair can all damage your locks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

8. Anemia

Losing more hair than normal may be linked to a lack of certain nutrients, like iron. If you think hair loss may be linked to an iron deficiency, HealthLine suggests getting your blood tested and increasing your iron intake.

9. Certain medications

Changes in your hair's texture, excess growth and loss can all be attributed to side effects of certain medications.WebMD highlights several medications that can have hair loss as a symptom, including anti-depressants, birth control pills and even NSAIDs (or most pain relievers).

10. Problems with the scalp

An unhealthy scalp can mean that your hair is having a hard time growing which leads to more hair loss than normal. Prevention suggests consulting a doctor about your scalp to get the appropriate treatment.

11. Too much Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for hair growth, but too much can stunt your hair's ability to grow (and instead causes your hair to shed more).

12. Daily life

As outlined before, daily life will mean some natural hair loss. But paying attention to what your normal shedding schedule is like and noticing any increased hair loss can help you keep an eye on your health and find the cause .

The post 12 things that make your hair fall out appeared first on FamilyToday.

Unfortunately, infidelity is a problem too many marriages and relationships struggle with. There have been numerous studies that try pinpointing why a spouse would cheat on their significant other, but one approach in particular reveals a shocking truth - when your loved one is more likely to break those marital vows.

According to the extramarital dating site Gleeden (a female-run French service), there's a surprising uptick in user signups in January. To be more specific, the second Monday of the new year. According to this popular service, January is the most popular time to cheat on your spouse. In 2016 alone, the site saw a shocking 320 percent increase in registrations the second Monday after New Year's Day.

The stress of the holidays

Since this data has been released, researchers have tried to pinpoint why January, out of all the months of the year, is the most common month for infidelity to occur. Canadian-based relationship expert Nicole McCance weighs in, commentingthat the dreary weather and the post-holiday slump is combined with the realization that couples need to seemingly endure this relationship for a whole other year. To cope, some partners go seeking illicit affairs to help grapple with those realities.

It's no secret that the holidays can be stressful - drained bank accounts, visits with friends and family you might not get along with and the general pressure to have the "perfect holiday season" might contribute to the uptick in registrations on sites like Gleeden. However, according to the New York Times, studies have shown that all this data about an overall increase in infidelity might be misleading, at least when it comes to certain demographics.

The infidelity shift

In a survey of 4,884 married women, researchers found that when asked in person (during a face-to-face interview) if they had been unfaithful, only one percent answered 'yes.' However, when the same questions were asked via a computer questionnaire, six percent of the same group of women answered that they had been unfaithful.

The silver lining

The researchers also found that while there is also an uptick in infidelity between young married couples (up five percent for men since 1991), "a vast majority of people still say adultery is wrong, and most men and women do not appear to be unfaithful." There are also questions about how accurate all infidelity data really is - well demonstrated by the discrepancy between data when the question of adultery was asked in person versus when asked electronically.

So while Gleeden might report more registrations in January, there really isn't a way to prove that all of those women ended up cheating on their spouses (or even cheated in the month of January). And according to data reported by the New York Times, even asking these women outright (in person or electronically) reveals that we might never know the answer.

Dr. John P. Robison, professor of sociology and director of the Americans' Use of Time project at the University of Maryland commented on an optimistic shift found in all this data - "couples appear to be spending slightly more time together." Additionally, "married men and women also appear to have the most active sex lives." And according to Dr. Robinson, that's good news.

The post According to studies, the most common month for infidelity is right around the corner appeared first on FamilyToday.

In a recent survey, 50 percent of those polled who took over-the-counter pain medications weren't worried about side effects (which can include nausea, seizures, stomach pain, vomiting and other symptoms, according to the New York Times). Just under half commented that it is more important to control pain regardless of risk. With so many people reaching for common pain relievers whenever pain strikes with no thought to severe side effects, the argument for more natural remedies becomes even stronger. The next time your head throbs, try one of these methods instead:

Visit the freezer

According to WebMD, pressing a cold compress against your forehead can help relieve the pain of a migraine. A cold shower can also have a similar effect. If you're using a cold compress, place it on your head for 15 minutes, then take a 15 minute break (or just take a cold 15-minute shower). For tension or sinus headaches, swap a bag of frozen peas for a heating pad or hop into a hot shower to help relieve your symptoms.

Get a massage

If you can fit it into your day, a massage around your neck and shoulders can help get rid of that headache. WebMD also suggests supplying gentle, steady pressure to where the pain is stemming if your masseuse can't fit you in mid-morning. Hold the pressure for seven to 10 seconds, release and repeat.

Reach for some oils

There may be some truth to the essential oil craze - Everyday Health writes that peppermint oil can open up your sinuses, relieve tension and help relax the pain of a headache. Lavender oil can also help. The calming properties help "regulate serotonin levels, which in turn helps to decrease the overall sensation of pain," says

Amy Rothenberg, a naturopathic physician in private practice. Think about adding a few drops of these oils to a hot bath to help sooth your symptoms.

Take time to relax

You can also see if a little relaxation will help cure you of your headache pain. Having a less stressful life might help you in the long run, but if you're in a pinch, try meditating instead of reaching for a bottle of pain relievers when a headache strikes. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position and imagine yourself in a peaceful, relaxing scene. Keep this scene in your mind while you focus on taking deep breaths and long exhales. The Mayo Clinic suggests meditating like this for 10 minutes.

These solutions might work for the common tension headache, but be sure to track your headache frequency and talk to your doctor if they seem more severe and are occurring more often. Research also suggests that certain foods can trigger headaches, so avoiding food items like chocolate, certain cheeses and citrus fruits can also help prevent headaches. Making slight alterations to your routine and your schedule can help cut down on how many pain relievers you are taking.

The post How to get rid of a headache in a few minutes without taking medicine appeared first on FamilyToday.

Dr. Scott Miller isn't the only person who pointed out that passing a kidney stone has been compared to the pain of childbirth. It's a sharp, piercing pain that happens when the kidneys have a little bit of a problem balancing the water, salts and minerals (and other things) in the urine, accordingto WebMD. All these minerals and other materials stick together and form little pebbles that sometimes just hang out, but sometimes need to come out... which isn't a pleasant experience.

Luckily, altering your life habits can drastically reduce your chance of getting these painful stones (which can range to be the size of grains of sand to the size of a golfball. Large stones are usually removed surgically, instead of passing through your body - luckily). But to avoid both options, stop doing these things:

Eating lots of meat

If you're prone to kidney stones, you might want to share your steak dinner with a friend. In a European study, Philppe Jaeger MD found that excessive meat intake is one factor to increasing kidney stone production. Experts suggest going from a high protein diet to a medium or even low-protein diet- eating about 4 oz. of meat, poultry or fish a day, at most. For reference, 4 oz. of meat is about the size of a deck of playing cards.

Not drinking enough water

Low urine volume is one of the biggest factors in kidney stone production, as outlined by the Urology Care Foundation. Not enough liquid means those salts and minerals are more likely to stick together and form a stone- not good. Luckily, just drinking more fluids, preferably water, is the easy solution. The foundation suggests three liters (or 100 ounces) each day to produce enough urine that kidney stones hopefully won't form.

Reducing your sodium intake is also crucial- avoid foods high in sodium (like soy sauce) and choose to season your foods with things other than salt... like a squeeze of citrus. Lemon and limes are also high in citrate, which can mean less kidney stones in your life.

Eating too many foods like this

One of the most common types of stones are called calcium oxalate stones, accordingto the National Kidney Foundation. Oxalate is one of those minerals that tend to stick together and form those pesky, painful stones, especially when you don't have enough liquid in your kidneys. Cutting down on certain foods that are high in oxalates (like nuts, beets, chocolate, red kidney beans, oat bran and a few others) can help this from happening.

But don't cut out oxalate completely from your diet (it's important). Just add calcium. Eating foods high in calcium with your oxalate foods can also prevent kidney stones from forming, as outlined by the National Kidney Foundation. Calcium and oxalate "bind" to each other in the stomach before they hit the kidneys, which means the oxalate can't bind to itself to form a stone. Foods high in calcium include dairy products, cucumbers, melons, bananas, cauliflower, cabbage and others.

You can also talk to your doctor about options if you're prone to kidney stones- diagnostic tests like blood testing, urine testing and even imaging can let you know if you have a kidney stone before it passes. Your doctor can also help plan a more personalized prevention plan to help make sure you can lower your chances of getting and passing a kidney stone.

The post 3 habits that can give you kidney stones and 3 ways to prevent it appeared first on FamilyToday.

We all love a clean house ... but who knew it had such health benefits? There are a bunch of sneaky ways to burn calories and lose weight the easy way, but this health hack may be the sneakiest and most rewarding - some household chores burn serious calories, meaning you'll end up with a sparking clean bathroom and a trimmer waistline. Check each one of these chores off your to-do list and burn over 1,000 calories:

1. Rub-a-dub-dub

Around 15 minutes of scrubbing the tub will shed over 90 calories (more if you've got extra stubborn soap scum).

2. Do some rearranging

Looking for a new look in the kids' bedroom or your front room? Try switching out the couches in the living room and finally moving out the extra furniture in the guest room - just 25 minutes moving furniture is a 100-calorie workout (more if you need to drag that sofa up the stairs).

3. Time for a fresh coat

Maybe you'll be more willing to repaint the master bedroom if you knew painting sheds almost 300 caloriesper hour. As a head's up, painting a whole room will most likely take you more than an hour, meaning this chore definitely can replace your gym time.

4. Skip the dishwasher

Tackle a pile of dirty dishes by hand; if it takes you around 30 minutes, you'll burn 77 calories, according to Livestrong. Play some music or have Netflix on in the background, and let this become your new favorite chore.

5. Plug in that vacuum

Finally get around to vacuuming the entire house ... all the bedrooms, hallways, closets and even the stairs. One hour of vacuuming ends up burning around 200 calories.

6. Bon appetite

Burn 150 calories by cooking up a home-cooked meal for one hour. And don't feel the least bit bad if you make a pile of dirty dishes to clean afterwards ... it'll just add to your workout.

7. Crystal clear

See your windows sparkle (and fit into your jeans a little bit better) by cleaning windows. One hour of this chore equals a 230-calorie workout.

Are you convinced to finally get around to some of these chores? Grab your to-do list, start up your favorite playlist and block out a couple hours to clean (and lose weight at the same time).

The post This is how many calories you burn just by cleaning your house appeared first on FamilyToday.

It seems silly to spend lots of money on makeupandspend lots of money on makeup remover. I've yet to find a great DIY mascara hack which means you'll probably still need to buy that on one your own, but you can make a DIY makeup remover for just a couple of dollars. As a bonus, it works great and helps make your skin feel silky smooth - a win-win.

There are a few different recipes, depending on what you have in your house and what your preference is. We've included some that use olive oil (or coconut oil), and some that use witch hazel instead of baby shampoo. Test out a couple of recipes and see what works best for your skin and the makeup you use:

Recipe 1

Mix 1 tablespoon of baby shampoo and 1 tablespoon olive oil - combine well with 1/2 cup water (recipe can be doubled, or even tripled).

Stack round cotton pads into a glass jar and immediately pour mixture over pads, and seal tightly. Keep for up to one month.

You can also put the mixture into a jar and shake well before dipping a cotton pad or cloth into the liquid and use it that way.

Recipe 2

This blogger prefers a different recipe:

Combine 2 cups of water with 1-3 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of witch hazel. Then, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender or a citrus) - this is obviously optional, but does add a lovely scent. Shake well to combine.

Like the previous recipe, you can pour this liquid over cotton pads in a sealed jar, or dip a cloth or pad into the jar for each use (shake well before using).

As with any beauty product, use this makeup remover on a small section of your skin before using it on your entire face, on the off chance your body reacts to the mixture.

Feel free to mix up the proportions too - you may find the same amount of oil and witch hazel (or baby shampoo) with less water works better, or might like a more liquid solution. Besides the price, the best part about a beauty DIY is that you can make it fit your skin.

In the comments, let us know how much you love your silky smooth skin (and how much your wallet loves this DIY beauty hack).

The post How to make your own homemade makeup remover that will leave your skin like silk appeared first on FamilyToday.

Studies show 10 to 25 percent of all clinically recognized pregnancies end up in a miscarriage, according to the American Pregnancy Association. And while research can't pinpoint the cause of every miscarriage, there are causes that can and cannot be prevented. Surprisingly, your blood type might be one of those not-so-preventable factors that increase your risk of miscarriage - especially if you are type O.

1. Declining Egg Health

There haven't been any definitive studies, but preliminary research has shown that mothers with type O blood can negatively impact their own fertility and pregnancy health. In some situations, type O blood has been correlated with higher FSH levels - a sign of declining egg health - when compared to women with type A blood.

2. Blood Incompatibility

While you might not think to consider the blood compatibility of you and your spouse when trying to get pregnant, there are certain cases of A-B-O incompatibility that can cause problems with an unborn child. When the mother has type O blood and the baby has B blood type or A blood type (from the father), research has found that there's a 20 percent incompatibility rate which could result in newborn jaundice or a possible miscarriage.

3. The Rh Factor

Regardless of your blood type (A,B, AB, or O), each blood type is either positive or negative (called the Rh factor; if you carry a specific type of protein on the surface of your red blood cells, you are Rh positive. If you don't, you are Rh negative). There are potential issues if a Rh negative mother conceives with a Rh positive father. Normally, the blood of the fetus and the blood of the mother don't intermingle, but if it does happen, the mother's body may recognize the Rh protein (there's a 50 percent chance the fetus will be Rh positive in this situation) as foreign and reject the fetus.

Blood transfusions can also introduce problems; if an Rh-positive blood transfusion is needed for an Rh-negative mother risks such as miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy go up.

While you might not be able to prevent a miscarriage based on your blood type, these are only slight risks and complications that may occur. There are many stepsyou and your spouse can take to increase your chances of having a healthy baby. Things like eating a well-balanced diet, exercising moderately, avoiding drugs, smoking and alcohol, handling your stress and discussing your concerns with your gynecologist are all things you can do to help prevent a miscarriage.

The post These are the blood types that increase your chance of miscarriage appeared first on FamilyToday.