Pregnancy made simple!

We made a list of the most common and important questions regarding pregnancy and answered them for you. We hope this is beneficial for you if you are soon going to enter motherhood. Read and understand. Here is pregnancy made simple.

How does pregnancy happen?

In order for pregnancy to happen, sperm needs to meet up with an egg. Pregnancy officially starts when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. It takes up to 2-3 weeks after sexual intercourse for pregnancy to happen. If the egg gets fertilized by the sperm a fetus is formed in the womb and if the egg remains unfertilized, the egg is thrown out of the body with blood and mucus in a process we call the period.

How does a woman get pregnant?

Pregnancy is actually a pretty complicated process that has several steps. It all starts with sperm cells and an egg. Sperm are microscopic cells that are made in testicles. Sperm mixes with other fluids to make semen, which comes out of the penis during ejaculation. Millions and millions of sperm come out every time you ejaculate — but it only takes 1 sperm cell to meet with an egg for pregnancy to happen.

Eggs live in ovaries, and the hormones that control your menstrual cycle cause a few eggs to mature every month. When your egg is mature, it means it’s ready to be fertilized by a sperm cell. These hormones also make the lining of your uterus thick and spongy, which gets your body ready for pregnancy.

About halfway through your menstrual cycle, one mature egg leaves the ovary. This process is also known as ovulation, the egg travels through the Fallopian tube towards your uterus. The egg is available for fertilization for only about 12-24 hours, slowly moving through the Fallopian tube, to see if any sperm are around.

If semen gets in the uterus, the sperm cells can swim up through the cervix and uterus and into the Fallopian tubes, looking for an egg. They have up to 6 days to find an egg before they die. When a sperm cell goes into an egg, it’s called fertilization. Fertilization doesn’t happen right away. Since sperm can last in your uterus and Fallopian tube for up to 6 days after sex, there’s up to 6 days between sex and fertilization.

If a sperm cell does join up with your egg, the fertilized egg moves down the Fallopian tube toward the uterus. It begins to divide into more and more cells, forming a ball as it grows. The ball of cells (called a blastocyst) gets to the uterus about 3–4 days after fertilization. The ball of cells floats in the uterus for another 2–3 days. If the ball of cells attaches to the lining of your uterus, its called implantation and this is how pregnancy officially begins.

Implantation usually starts about 6 days after fertilization, and takes about 3-4 days to complete. The embryo develops from cells on the inside of the ball. The placenta develops from the cells on the outside of the ball.

When a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, it releases pregnancy hormones that prevent the lining of your uterus from shedding, that’s why people don’t get periods when they’re pregnant. If your egg doesn’t meet up with sperm, or a fertilized egg doesn’t implant in your uterus, the thick lining of your uterus isn’t needed and it leaves your body during your period. Up to half of all fertilized eggs naturally don’t implant in the uterus and they pass out of your body during your period.

What are early pregnancy symptoms?

Many people notice symptoms early in their pregnancy, but others may not have any symptoms at all.

Common signs and symptoms of pregnancy can include:

• §  Missed period
• §  Swollen or tender breasts
• §  Nausea and/or vomiting
• §  Feeling tired
• §  Bloating
• §  Constipation
• §  Peeing more often than usual

Some early pregnancy symptoms can sometimes feel like other common conditions (like PMS). So the only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. You can either take a home pregnancy test like Pregakem online the most accurate home pregnancy test in the market or you can pay a visit to your gynecologist.

How long does it take to get pregnant?

The amount of time it takes to get pregnant is different for each person, and can depend on a lot of things like your age, genetics, and overall health. If you’re fertile and having unprotected vaginal sex, there’s a very good chance you’ll get pregnant within 1 year. About 85 out of 100 people who try to get pregnant succeed within 1 year. But everyone’s different and for some people it’s much faster, while it may take longer for others.

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 6 months to a year with no luck, talk with your doctor, or visit your gynecologist to see if they can help and make sure everything’s okay.

How do I increase my chances of getting pregnant?

One of the best ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant is knowing what days you ovulate you’re most likely to get pregnant, and planning to have sexual intercourse around those days.

Everyone’s body is different, but ovulation usually happens about 14 days before your period starts. An egg lives for about 1 day after it’s released during the ovulation period, and sperm can live in the body for about 6 days after sex. So people are usually fertile for around 7 days of every menstrual cycle: the 5 days before you ovulate, and the day you ovulate. You can also get pregnant a day or 2 after ovulation, but it's less likely.

Some people have very regular cycles, and some people’s cycles vary from month to month. Many people track their menstrual cycles and other fertility signs to help them figure out when they’re ovulating. This is called fertility awareness and some people use it to prevent pregnancy, and others use it to try to get pregnant. If you need help understanding when you’re ovulating, all you have to do is go to on the Pregakem website and use the online pregnancy ovulation calculator to figure out your ovulation window. You can use a fertility chart to keep track of your cycle and when you’re most fertile (like your body temperature, changes in your cervical mucus, and your menstrual cycle). There are apps that can make it easy to chart your cycle and figure out your fertile days.

You can also use ovulation predictor kits and urine tests that tell you when you’re ovulating. You can buy ovulation predictor tests in the drugstore, usually near the pregnancy tests. Ovulation predictor tests look for a hormone called luteinizing hormone, which increases in your body right before you ovulate.

5 KBM Spices Packed with Health Benefits

There’s often a misconception that eating healthy means eating boiled bland food that will get boring as every day passes by. However, spicing up a plain-but-healthy meal is not only good for your taste buds but is also a major plus when it comes to your health. Reach for your spice rack and you’ll not only up the flavor of your food, but you’ll also get a boost of antioxidants that your body needs.

There are more than 100 common spices used to cook around the world. Spices are concentrated sources of antioxidants, but some have been more studied for their therapeutic properties than others. There’s no need to go on a hunt for exotic ingredients as Gai Chhap has the best of masalas. Here, suggests which spices to consider incorporating into your meals.

1. Cinnamon

This popular spice comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree and is such a beautiful flavor used in all things savory and sweet. Cinnamon is especially great for people who have high blood sugar. It lends a sweet taste to food without adding sugar, and studies indicate it can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Cinnamon may also provide heart-healthy benefits, such as reducing high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. That’s especially important for people with diabetes who are at greater risk of developing heart disease. Cinnamon can be a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle to lower blood pressure.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is best known for its use in Indian dishes and has become a trendy superfood for its ability to reduce inflammation which is a common cause of discomfort and illness. One of the components of turmeric is a substance called curcumin. Research suggests it may reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and depression. 

Studies show that turmeric helps with improvement in memory test scores. It is also effective at reducing pain and swelling in people with arthritis. And animal studies indicate that curcumin could have powerful anti-cancer properties.

3. Ginger

Now comes everyone’s favorite chai ingredient – Ginger, a tropical plant that’s been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years to treat stomach upset, diarrhea and nausea. You will see it being used in a variety of convenient forms lollipops, candies, and capsules. You can also purchase the dried powder from KBM Gai Chap Masala, or buy it fresh to make teas or grate into food.

The research found ginger to be effective at calming pregnancy-related nausea and reducing stomach upsets. Some studies have also found that ginger cuts the severity of motion sickness or prevents the symptoms altogether. It may even help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when taken along with anti-nausea medications.

4. Garlic

Most of us are familiar with garlic, the strong-smelling spice frequently used in cooking. But what you might not know is that eating garlic may protect your heart from changes that lead to heart disease. As you age, some hardening of the arteries is normal, this is called atherosclerosis and occurs as fatty deposits made up of cholesterol and other substances build up on the inside of your artery walls. 

Factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can make it worse. As the build-up increases over time, the arteries narrow. This can make you prone to heart attacks and strokes. Research has linked garlic intake with keeping the blood vessels flexible, especially in women. In addition, studies suggest that eating garlic may reduce cholesterol. Garlic is a key ingredient for a healthy heart and is often used in savoury dishes.

5. Cayenne

Cayenne is a type of chili pepper, Cayenne peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. It’s what makes them spicy and also can provide pain relief. Capsaicin reduces the number of pain signals sent to your brain. This results in reduced discomfort. It works on pain caused by arthritis and diabetes-related nerve damage. You can apply creams with capsaicin directly on joints and muscles.

Lab research and studies in animals suggest that eating cayenne pepper can also help with something that causes a lot of internal pain: ulcers. Although people often associate spicy foods with stomach upset, capsaicin aids in helping reduce ulcers by restricting the growth of an ulcer-causing bacteria, reducing excess stomach acid and increase blood flow.

Whether you use spices fresh or dried, you’ll still get beneficial compounds. If you’re tempted to take supplements to increase your dose of these beneficial compounds, it’s important to note that commercial supplements aren’t strictly regulated, which means you can’t be certain of what the pills actually contain. Certain third-party organizations do testing to verify the quality and contents of supplements. If you’re thinking about taking a supplement, talk to your dietician about what form and amount are right for you.

Regardless of the other health benefits, spices add flavour to food and can make healthy meals delicious and interesting. One of the biggest benefits of using spices is that they are a healthy way to get you out of an eating rut. Enjoying your food is key to maintaining healthy habits for the long term.

To bring you the freshest possible products, we grind and blend the best available spices and seasonings in-house with utmost cleanliness and hygiene, so that you enjoy the zest and flavour these spices add to your food. Not forgetting all the health benefits they come packed with.

KBM Gai Chaap Masala is India’s leading selling spice brand offering more than 20 variants in spices in their pure form and their blends. 

We have been accepted and appreciated by millions of homes, not only all across India but also across the world. We have been providing solutions zesty flavour every day to mothers in cooking the tastiest food that suits every diverse palate from the last 49 years. Don’t think twice, buy only the Best quality spices inDelhi today from KBM Gai Chap Masala.

Natural Family Planning and its Methods

You are probably wondering what natural family planning is. Natural family planning (NFP) is a form of pregnancy planning that does not involve medicine or devices. NFP helps people know when to have sexual intercourse and can be used to easily get pregnant. It involves keeping track of a woman’s bodily changes throughout her menstrual cycle and most people who choose NFP to do so for religious or personal reasons. Basically with NFP instead of using a pregnancy calculator, you will do the calculation by yourself timing your period and understanding better about the ovulation cycle.

Natural family planning is a form of birth control that doesn't involve pills or devices. As a result, you don't have side effects. With these methods, you track your fertility, which is when you are most likely to get pregnant.

Pregnancy can occur if sexual intercourse takes place right before or after ovulation. Ovulation is when a woman’s ovaries release an egg. It usually happens around the same time each month. The egg moves toward the uterus through the fallopian tubes. This is where conception takes place. An unfertilized egg may live for up to 12 hours. Your body will shed it during the menstrual period with blood and mucus which we call our period if it isn’t fertilized.

Usually, a woman releases an egg from her ovaries at about the same time each month. That’s called ovulation. The egg moves through the fallopian tubes toward the uterus. An unfertilized egg can live up to 24 hours. Most women are fertile for about 6 days each month -- 5 before ovulation and the day of ovulation. Natural family planning uses different methods to pinpoint those fertility days and is being practiced.

You can use natural family planning to control pregnancy in several ways:

Rhythm method-

Of the oldest ways of natural family planning, this is based simply on the calendar. A woman's normal menstrual cycle lasts between 28 and 32 days. Ovulation usually happens around day 14 in your menstrual cycle. So you can try procreating on days 8 through 19 since that’s when you’re most fertile.

Cervical mucus or ovulation method-

You track the mucus your cervix makes. When you're ovulating, your mucus will be clear, stretchy, and wet, like raw egg whites. You write down what your mucus is like each day so you know when you're ovulating. During every menstrual cycle, the consistency of the cervical mucus discharge keeps changing. The mucus is easily recognizable on the wettest day. It looks clear, slippery, stretchy, and resembles the egg whites. Without this ‘egg white’, it is difficult to conceive. Ovulation takes place within 1-2 days of this peak day of clear, stretchy mucus. Keep a tab on your vaginal discharge every day and you will get a hang of how things work and eventually figure out your ovulation cycle.

Basal body temperature (BBT) method –

Temperature can rise between 0.5 and 1 degree when you ovulate and stay there until your next period. With this method, you take your temperature before you get out of bed each morning before you have anything to eat or drink as it would cause changes on its own. BBT by itself isn't a good way to prevent pregnancy because charting your temperature tells you when ovulation has already happened. The basal body temperature technique helps you to identify if there is a change in your body temperature. Your body temperature can say a lot about your health. Studying the pattern for 3 months can help you to predict your ovulation window. Generally, there is a change in the temperature after ovulation and it tends to remain the same until the next period.

Symptothermal method-

For this method, you combine several methods, usually BBT and cervical mucus. Using more than one method can give you a better idea of what's going on in your body. The popularly known method is also called the calendar method by some. It is nothing but keeping a track on your menstrual cycle to anticipate your fertile sign. Nowadays there are a lot of mobile applications as well to help you keep track of your menstrual cycle. These applications also help you to predict your fertile window based on the duration of your menstrual cycle. When all these 3 methods are combined effectively you are more likely to conceive a baby.

Fertile Window calculator-

Fertile window is your best time to conceive. With the help of a fertile window calculator, you can increase your chances of conceiving. Your fertile window refers to the period in your female fertility cycle during which a woman can conceive a baby. This includes the day she ovulates and the five days after ovulation. That is the best time to have intercourse if you're trying to conceive.

How effective are these NFP methods?

Natural family planning isn't as effective as other methods of birth control. According to the CDC, the failure rate is 24%. That means about 1 in 4 women who use natural family planning will get pregnant. You need to be cautious, attentive and have plenty of self-control to practice natural family planning. You have to follow instructions completely to be successful.

What are the benefits?

Natural family planning is free. There are also no side effects. You can stop anytime and it won't have an impact on your body. It also meets most religious guidelines. Many apps can help you track your fertility, which can make things easier. Once you've learned a method, you don't have to keep going to a doctor for refills or follow-up appointments.

Natural family planning requires you to keep track of your body and stick to a schedule. It may not be for you if you have irregular periods or if you are breastfeeding. Which is when you can opt for a pregnancy test kit online same day delivery and what’s better than Pregakem’s pregnancy detection kit in this case. It has been rated as the top India pregnancy test kit. Get your hands on it today and get the khush khabri you want to hear.

Talk to your doctor or gynecologist if you have questions about these methods or to see if natural family planning might work for you.

How do pregnancy tests work?

Think you might be pregnant? Even with the most effective birth control methods, there’s always a chance for error. After all, it takes just one sperm to fertilize the egg. Finding out whether or not that’s happened is as easy as taking an over-the-counter pregnancy test.

OTC pregnancy tests typically test your urine for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is only present if you’re pregnant. The hormone is only released if a fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus or to your uterine lining.

Shop for pregnancy tests online from Pregakem and get it delivered the very same day. The best thing is it comes with a 3 step kit that includes a urine tray, a dropper and the test stick. Plus the added benefit is the pregnancy test kit cost. You can place an order online and get it delivered the same day.

There are different ways to collect your urine for the test. Depending on the test you choose, you may have to:

•Collect your urine in a cup and dip a testing stick into the liquid

•Collect your urine in a cup and use an eyedropper to move a small amount of fluid into a  special     container

•Place the testing stick into the area of your expected urine stream so that it will catch your urine midstream

But with Pregakem you will always have a hassle-free and non-messy process. Most tests are 99 per cent effective if taken after a missed period. The best part is that you can do it in the privacy of your own home. Simply open the test and follow the instructions, and wait for the recommended amount of time to view the results.

After the recommended waiting time has passed, the tests will display your results in one of the following ways:

•A change in color

•A line

•A symbol, such as plus or minus

•The words “pregnant” or “not pregnant”

But with Pregakem you will get two lines that determine a positive pregnancy and one for a negative.

How soon can you take a pregnancy test?

You should wait to take a pregnancy test until the week after your missed period for the most accurate result. If you don’t want to wait until you’ve missed your period, you should wait for at least one to two weeks after you had sex. If you are pregnant, your body needs time to develop detectable levels of HCG. This typically takes seven to 12 days after successful implantation of an egg.

You may receive an inaccurate result if the test is taken too early in your cycle, so wait for a few days and retest just to be sure. Our tests are the most accurate but it is so much easier if done more than once for the most credible results.

The Symptoms of Pregnancy you need to know if you are expecting!

If you are in a stage where you want to make sure your pregnancy test kit works, this article is for you. 

Pregnancy tests are usually accurate based on your hCG level. Which is why if you want the best results you should use your morning urine as a sample for the test. But now comes the tricky bit, knowing the symptoms. 

As part of the physical Pre-menstrual symptom, lots of women undergo bloating, cramping and minor backache. Normally this is also experienced as their uterus begins to grow at the early pregnancy stage. 

Other early pregnancy symptoms usually include:

• Lighter bleeding or no period

• Cardiovascular, blood flow and temperature changes

• Nipple and breast changes

• Frequent visits to the toilet

• Morning sickness

• Saliva increase

• Fainting and dizziness

• Headaches

• Exhaustion and tiredness

• Constipation and wind

• Early pregnancy libido changes

Among the most obvious signs which allow a woman suspect or know about her pregnancy is usually the skipping of a menstrual period. However, there are a number of other symptoms and signs that give early pregnancy clues. Every woman does not necessarily undergo a missed period during the early weeks that follow her inception. Other than mere confusion, this also leads to misjudged due date calculations and worries concerning continuation of the pregnancy. Instead of normal periods, some women may experience 'implantation bleed', despite having conceived. Light bleeding usually occurs around 12 days following conception or fertilization of the egg in the woman Fallopian tube, as the developing fetus begins burrowing into the mother's uterus lining.

Implantation bleeds typically occur shortly earlier than or almost around the same time as a pregnant woman's subsequent period would normally have occurred. Though, it is normally not as long or heavy as the normal average period. You will start detecting pregnancy or notice its symptoms 7 to 10 days after ovulation. About six weeks following the last period of a pregnant woman, volume of blood that now flows through her pregnant body will increase gradually.

Pregnancy necessitates remarkable changes in your blood flow. Most obvious of these occurs in your uterus as well as in development of your placenta which enables the fetus to nurture. Blood flow to your skin also increases, thereby making you feel a little warmer and even sweat more, especially in your feet and hands.

This blood flow increase helps to boost the metabolism of your body by almost 20%, which creates extra body heat to protect you from feeling too cold. During pregnancy, your body core temperature will usually rise to around 37.8º Celsius, which is equivalent to around 100.4º Fahrenheit, whereas the normal body temperature is around 37º Celsius, which is equivalent to around 98.6º Fahrenheit. Surplus blood helps your body in meeting the metabolic requirements of your developing fetus, and in flowing to other vital organs, such as your kidneys, etc.

Nipple and Breast Changes will occur within a period of 2 to 4 weeks of conception, your breasts will undergo a massive change. Your breasts will begin to enlarge and develop under direct influence of a special hormone in the body, known as o estrogen. This hormone plays the main part during puberty, in the development of your breasts.

Changes noted in your breasts during pregnancy are on account of formation of the growing milk ducts for later breastfeeding purposes. An increase in blood supply will also cause veins of your breasts to become more obvious during pregnancy. As sign of Pre-menstruation, some women may undergo breast changes shortly after conception. Accordingly, they may even sense changes prior to the date of their next period.

Many women frequently complain of a repeated urge to pass urine during the period of their early pregnancy. Though, you will start detecting pregnancy or notice its symptoms 7 to 10 days after ovulation, the likelihood of your not experiencing it until nearly at the end of a 6-week gestation period, is more probable.

Pregnant women urge to urinate more because of an increased flow of blood to your kidneys, which may be about 35 to 60% more. Shortly after conception, this additional blood makes your kidneys produce more urine, by about 25%. This increased production of urine peaks around nine to fifteen weeks of your pregnancy before gradually settling down.

Further, your developing uterus can also influence passing of frequent urine by applying pressure on your bladder. Pressure on your bladder is among the core reasons for passing frequent urine towards the three last months of your pregnancy. By this time your baby will also have become heavier, as well as moved down further into your pelvis during the weeks preceding birth.

The morning sickness, actually a contradiction for the 'entire day sickness', reflects an overbearing nausea or possibly vomit feeling. It is easily among the most widespread physical complaints related to early pregnancy, caused due the reaction of your body to high level of the pregnancy hormone present. Many women spontaneous react to certain smells or odors, and at times even when a toothbrush is pushed down too far, it causes an overwhelming feeling of vomit or nausea.

Overall, about 85 percent of pregnant women are plagued by various stages of morning sickness. 

Hence, it is can reasonably be called an inherent feature of pregnancy. Usual signs of morning sickness normally start to show themselves about four weeks into pregnancy and may continue up to around the twelfth week, when they begin to gradually resolve.

During the 6-week gestation period, though highly unappetizing, an unexpected amount of saliva may normally be produced by your salivary glands. Many women may notice that their salivary glands are producing excessive saliva. Some may find this excessive salivation highly unpleasant and nauseating. They may hence even blame it as the primary cause of their morning sickness.

Ptyalism is a medical term commonly used for referring to excessive saliva. Though, it may develop entirely by itself, it is normally associated with vomiting and nausea, or the symptoms of morning sickness related to the early pregnancy period. Though, dizziness is quite common in the early pregnancy period, fainting or 'syncope', has the trend to be rather uncommon. Fainting in early or even mid pregnancy periods may be the causative result of natural dilation and relaxation of your blood vessels under the sway of the hormone known as progesterone that lowers your blood pressure.

During pregnancy, pains and aches are rather common, just as expected muscle cramps in your legs, thighs and feet. Though the precise reason for them is unknown, it is strongly suspected that expansion of your uterus may be responsible for applying pressure on blood vessels and nerves in your legs, whereby causing occasional pain and leg cramps.

If you should experience cramps, try stretching your affected muscle or limb. You can also try by straightening the leg so that your toes face in your direction. Your partner can be asked for help, if needed. Standing up so that your leg is stretched can also provide some relief. If pain in your cramps persists, ask your partner for a massage. You may also call for professional massage to make the best use of your relaxation period, which would be excellent for you.

Diet makes a significant difference. Many nutritionists are convinced phosphorous, potassium and calcium supplements are suitable for relieving cramps. However, you must consult your physician prior to using any supplements. Your healthy diet should include leafy vegetables and fresh fruits, in addition to food sufficiently rich in calcium, such as yogurt, cheese and milk.

In the end of the day, this is a huge change for you and you can ace it with some help from your partner and your family as you welcome your baby into your life. Parenthood is a beautiful journey and we bet it is worth the trouble.