About Health

Friday, August 1, 2014

5 Things You Need to Know About Pregnancy Sex

5 Things You Need to Know About Pregnancy Sex

Because no one expects you to abstain for nine months

Just because you have a bun in the oven doesn't mean the fire is out of your libido. In fact, you might find yourself feeling friskier than ever these days thanks to a surge of pregnancy hormones.

But every time you go to have sex with your partner, it just feels like there’s something huge between the two of you—literally. So we consulted the experts to find out how to have the best sex ever while pregnant:

Some Positions Are Better Than Others
If you're up for it, woman on top and doggy style are great positions throughout your entire pregnancy, says ob-gyn Alyssa Dweck, M.D., coauthor of V is for Vagina. (Just make sure you choose a twist on doggy style where you won't be hitting your bump or putting strain on your lower back.) But you really can't go wrong with the spooning sex position, says Emily Morse, Ph.D., co-founder of Emily & Tony and host of Sex With Emily. "Not only is it comfortable for both you and your partner, but also allows for a warm, intimate connection with little movement." And let's be real, sometimes you're just exhausted and want something that's low-effort.

Missionary is fine during the first trimester and early second trimester but you’ll have to retire it around 16-20 weeks, when you should avoid being flat on your back, says Dweck. This can cause the uterus to press against the vena cava and reduce blood flow from your lower body to your heart.

You're Even Sexier Than You Think Right Now
Don't be surprised if your partner can't keep his hands off you. Besides the pregnancy glow and the bountiful breasts you get while you're pregnant, "pregnancy is attractive because it's the ultimate sign of fertility," says Morse. "Men are naturally more attracted to women when they are the most fertile," she adds. So keep that in mind the next time you're feeling like the complete opposite of hot. Need some help getting in the mood? Swap the stretchy sweatpants for one of these adorable outfits to rock while pregnant.

It's Totally Safe to Get Busy with a Bump
We promise, sex during pregnancy is definitely safe, as long as you're comfortable. Doctors only advise against it in certain medical situations, like with placenta previa (when the placenta is partially or completely covering the opening in your cervix), preterm labor, or premature rupture of the membranes, says Dweck. If you're worried, you can always ask your ob-gyn for their blessing.

MORE: 17 Things No One Ever Tells You About Being Pregnant

But Leave the Sexperiments for Another Time
While it's perfectly fine to be as acrobatic as is comfortable while pregnant, Morse does not recommend trying too many crazy new moves during pregnancy. If you don't know how you feel about something, leave the testing until after the birth.

MORE: The Biggest Myths About Sex and Pregnancy

Your Orgasms Could Be Even More Intense
If you're on the fence about pregnancy sex, this should convince you to give it a try: "Studies have shown that pregnant women can have even stronger orgasms because of increased sensitivity in nerve endings, engorgement of the genitals, and increased levels of oxytocin—'the cuddle hormone,'" says Morse. While you're pregnant, increased blood flow to your pelvic area could result in a bigger, better finish. Sounds good to us!

MORE: What Sex REALLY Feels Like After You Have a Baby

You HAVE to See Ballerina Misty Copeland's Kick-Butt, Girl-Powered New Commercial

You HAVE to See Ballerina Misty Copeland's Kick-Butt, Girl-Powered New Commercial

Get ready to remove the word "can't" from your vocabulary.

"I Will What I Want." Thats the message behind Under Armour's new commercial featuring Misty Copeland, and it's guaranteed to make you (1) adore Misty and (2) feel ready to take on the world.

The 60-second spot starts with the rock-hard ballerina on pointe. In the background, a young girl's voice reads a rejection letter from a ballet school that lists the dancer's flaws. Among other things, the girl is told she has "the wrong body" and "is too old."

Then, the music changes, and Misty breaks out into a breathtaking dance. See for yourself:

In case you didn't know, Misty started ballet at the age of 13 (most people who hope to become a professional dancer start taking classes much younger). She also struggled with custodial battles between her parents and dance teachers but fought through these obstacles to become the third African American woman to ever achieve the rank of American Ballet Theater soloist.

The commercial ends with the words "I Will What I Want," the name of Under Armour's new community fitness app for women; the app lets you follow Misty and other badass female athletes, like skier Lindsey Vonn, tennis player Sloan Stephens, and soccer player Kelley O'Hara.

For inspiration from another amazing woman, check out this video of Kacy Catanzaro becoming the first woman ever to qualify for the finals of American Ninja Warrior.

Could Morning Sickness Actually Be a Good Thing?

Could Morning Sickness Actually Be a Good Thing?

Even though it feels like the worst thing in the world

"Morning sickness is the best part of being pregnant!" said no one, ever. But it turns out this unpleasant symptom may have a bright side, according to new research published in the journal Reproductive Toxology.

The paper examined all studies that have been conducted regarding morning sickness and its effect on other various aspects of pregnancy. The first major finding was that women who experienced nausea and vomiting while pregnant had a 55-80 percent lower chance of miscarriage than women who didn’t. Plus, women who dealt with this queasiness also gave birth to healthier babies.

"These children were at less risk for congenital malformations that can range from cleft palate to cardiovascular abnormalities," says Gideon Koren, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., lead study author and Director of the Motherisk Program in Toronto.

MORE: 7 Myths About Getting Pregnant

The research also found a link between morning sickness and a lower rate of preterm birth, which is something that could lead to further complications down the line, says Koren.

And interestingly, they found that kids whose mothers had severe nausea actually performed better in intelligence testing when they were older. These children scored especially high in numerical memory, verbal performance, and verbal fluency. Even when they factored in the mothers' IQ scores, the association was still significant.

MORE: 5 Foods That Can Help Extend Your Fertility

All of that said, this doesn't mean you should be worried if you’re pregnant and not constantly lunging for the bathroom. "Some women get morning sickness and some don't, but it doesn’t mean something will definitely go wrong if you don't experience it," says Koren.

So, why do some women have this annoying symptom while others don't? Turns out both the occurrence of morning sickness and the associated positive benefits may all be linked to hormones. "We don't have accurate details, but studies show the time women have morning sickness corresponds with an upsurge in levels of the hormone Beta hCG, which is what we measure to see if a woman is pregnant," says Koren. "Studies also show there are higher levels of progesterone and estrogen when you have severe morning sickness."

The bottom line: As awful as morning sickness may feel, it could be a sign of a super-healthy pregnancy—so just remember that when you're spending tons of quality time with your toilet. And don't fret if you don't have morning sickness. Some women get it and some don't, but if you're worried, you can always check in with your ob-gyn.

MORE: 17 Things No One Ever Tells You About Being Pregnant

Fake 8 Hours Of Sleep In 8 Minutes

Fake 8 Hours Of Sleep In 8 Minutes

No one will be able to tell the difference—promise!

This article was written by Gyan Yankovich and repurposed with permission from Refinery29.

We've all been there: You've stayed up way too late working, partying, binge-watching—basically, anything other than sleeping—only to wake with a face that looks the exact opposite of fresh.

When life gets in the way of solid snooze time, the first place it shows is on your dial for everybody to see. Want to avoid all that stress? It's important to know the best ways to trick everyone into thinking you switched off the lights well before those a.m. hours rolled around.

Ahead, we've compiled the easiest ways to appear as though you got in a solid eight hours, even if you only got eight minutes. Because nobody should ever have to hear the cringe-inducing "You look tired…" line.

Raid Your Cutlery Drawer
The first tip for achieving a faux glow is one you've probably heard before—but that's because it works. Grab two spoons, and place them in the freezer while you make yourself a coffee. Once they've cooled, gently press the spoons (curved side in) into your eye sockets. Hold the spoons in place for a few seconds, and follow with a brightening eye cream to rehydrate the chilled area.

Reach For the Cold Water
As nice as it feels getting your cleanse on in the warmth, water this temperature doesn't do your skin any favors. "Cool water refreshes the complexion better than warm water, thanks to vaso-constriction," says makeup artist Allie Clark. "The cool temperature causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing redness and swelling, particularly around the eyes." Team this with the spoon trick, and your skin’s well on its way to being nursed back to a glowing state of awake.

Give Yourself A One-Minute Massage
If you're a fan of facials, it's probably due in part to how plump and smooth your face feels after a solid session at the spa. The thing is (pro products aside) your post-appointment complexion comes courtesy of a good facial massage, which you can also take into your own hands at home with a face oil or serum.

"Apply a generous amount of product to the compass points of your face: your forehead, cheeks, and chin," says Clark. "With your fingertips, smooth from the center of your forehead out to your temples, across the planes of your cheeks from your nose to ears, and from the center of your chin along your jawline. Repeat the same pattern, this time massaging in small circles. Using your ring fingers, press lightly into the inner corners of the eyes, sweeping toward the outer corners." Repeat this process two to three times, and blot off any excess oil before taking a moment to appreciate how good your skin feels after these 60 seconds well spent.

Brighten Up
On any normal "I just slept so great last night" day, your regular moisturizer will do here just fine. But this isn't a normal day. This is a day when you need a little extra pep in your skin prep, so look for products that contain ingredients like caffeine and green tea. These work magic on your body, and they can do wonders at kicking your face skin into gear, too.

Mix Up Your Makeup
Tired skin is dull skin, and the trick to fighting a flat complexion is always illuminator. While a fine tap along the cheekbones is a great way to create shine daily, when you're really desperate for a boost, the best place to start is with your base. "Mixing illuminating cream with your foundation adds a touch of radiance," says Clark. Look for a product with a golden, peachy glow rather than a silver one for a more vacation-fresh, less Tin Man appearance.

Get Good Lines Around Your Eyes
Today's not the day for a smoky smudge, of course. But it's also not the time to reach for that white liner you rushed to buy when you first heard about its eye-opening abilities. Turns out, a nude pencil works way better. "Nude is less obvious than white," says Clark. "Skin-toned liner on the waterline helps to open the eyes, making them look bigger and more awake."

Click HERE to read the rest of these genius beauty tricks from Refinery29!

Are You Actually a Great Date?

Are You Actually a Great Date?

Find out if you're worthy of a second date.

This article was written by Lauren A. Peña and repurposed with permission from YourTango.

As a matchmaker and dating coach, I follow up with many singles and their dates the day after they meet for the first time. One person usually says the date went phenomenally—but the other one says there wasn't any chemistry. What gives?

The hard truth is that dating is a skill, and some people are better at it than others. So while you may think you wowed your date by telling some good jokes and ordering the lobster, you may have left your date feeling empty and dissatisfied. But don't fret—it's a skill you can practice and improve. Just ask yourself these questions before your next hot date:

Do you show up on time? Sorry, but being "fashionably late" is just rude. Show your date you're respectful of their time by being there promptly. Making the other person wait doesn't build suspense—it generally makes your date wait in nervous annoyance, which can set the tone for the rest of the date.

Do you look prepared? Dress for the date you want. Showing up and looking good sends the message that you care about yourself, and you're a person someone should care about.

Do you have questions ready? Usually, on a first date, you know very little about the other person. That leaves one million unanswered questions about them. Be curious about the other person and have an arsenal of questions in your bank to fire off should there be any awkward silences.

Do you listen? Sometimes the things you don’t say will impress your date the most. Sitting back and listening to your date will let them know that you care and are interested in what they're saying.

Are you polite? You should always be kind to everyone you meet, but especially on a first date. And this includes everyone: the hostess, the servers, and other patrons. The first date is not the place to showcase your road rage or annoyance, even if the waiter gave you Chardonnay instead of Merlot.

Are you energetic? First dates should be light-hearted and fun, not heavy and depressing. So leave any work struggles at the office. Too often people get bogged down with the other stresses of life, and that energy is a turn-off.

Are you laughing? Smiling invites people in, and laughing keeps them there. First dates can get too serious, too fast, as you both try to get all the pertinent info out there. Laughing things off will relax you, and put you and your date at ease.

Are you flirting? Remember, it's a date! Maintain eye contact, lean in, face your date, touch—anything really. Or think of something nice to say, whether it's about their family, work, or something they're wearing. A little extra effort shows you think of them more than just a friend.

If you answered "yes" to most or all of these questions, congrats! You're a skilled dater. For those of you who mostly answered "no," don't worry—there's still hope. Practice makes perfect, after all! So hone these crucial date skills, and you're next first date could be your last one ever.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

The New Thriller You Wont be Able to Put Down

The New Thriller You Wont be Able to Put Down

Get a sneak peek of Eyes on You, a new novel from former Cosmo editor Kate White.

Every month, Scoop hosts our 60-second book club, where we invite you to take a quick peek inside a buzzed-about new book and let us know what you think. This month’s pick: Eyes on You by Kate White (Harper).

Summer may be winding down, but you still have time to savor another great read or two before the season ends—and if you need a recommendation for what to pick up next, we've got just the book for you. Eyes on You, the newest novel from Kate White (the former editor-in-chief of Cosmpolitan and the author of the Bailey Weggins mystery series) is a suspense novel that keeps you hooked until the very last page.

In it, Robin Trainer is finally coming out of a two-year rough patch: She's just published a book and landed a gig co-hosting a hot new TV show. In the excerpt below, Robin is at a party celebrating her book when something goes disturbingly awry:

As soon as I re-entered the living room, the guy in black from the front door was back by my side, his expression expectant. "Ms. Lane is ready to give the toast now," he said. "Great," I said. I snaked behind him toward the far end of the room, where Bettina was standing with her back to the view. She nodded to me as I reached the fringe of the crowd.

Before stepping forward to join her, I pulled the notecard from my purse and set my bag down on a table. Bettina tapped her wineglass several times with her thick gold bracelet. The room went nearly silent, and people turned all their attention toward us.

Her toast was pure Bettina, all gushy and dramatic. She ran through my bio, how I'd segued from being a print journalist and frequent TV guest to a job as a celebrity reporter on the top morning show and eventually to host of my own cable show. Then, she exclaimed, she'd been lucky enough to nab me as a blogger and consultant before I was lured back to TV. She said she was thrilled for my success on cable's hottest program, and declared that my book blew the lid off what women really feel.

I tried not to cringe at the hyperbole and instead did what Ann had advised: I briefly let my ego run wild and lapped it up.

Then it was my turn. I didn't feel nervous, exactly—it had been years since speaking publicly had scared my pants off—but I felt a quick rush of adrenaline. I was in front of tons of heavy hitters, people who could slice and dice a person behind her back, and I couldn't help but feel exposed up there. Yet as I glanced around, I saw a sea of receptive faces.

I grinned and thanked everyone for coming. I quickly described the genesis of the book, how there are some parts of themselves that women felt too uncomfortable to share, even to their partners and closest friends. While I spoke, I unfolded the notecard in my hands. "I don't want to take you away for long from either the incredible view or that fabulous tuna tartare, but there are a few people I must thank individually."

I glanced down at the notecard and almost jerked back in surprise. It wasn't the right card. Or rather, it was —I could see the names I'd jotted down—but someone had scrawled words over them in thick, black Sharpie strokes: "You evil little bitch. You'll get yours."

If you have a pulse, we bet you want to keep reading right now. But that's just the beginning of the crazy twists and turns the novel takes.

TELL US: Are you a fan of mysteries? Do you think you'll pick up the book? Share your thoughts about the excerpt in the comments below!

Are Restaurant Menus Making You Gain Weight?

Are Restaurant Menus Making You Gain Weight?

They may be tricking you into ordering high-cal dishes.

You might think that you're picking your dinner order based on whatever food you're craving in the moment—but the menu is probably deciding for you. A menu's design and the descriptions used to explain dishes heavily influence what you ultimately order, according to a new Cornell University review published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management.

After reviewing previous studies on the subject, researchers explained several ways in which restaurants use menus to influence diners' orders. For example, writing out a certain dish in bold or in a different color or font makes customers more likely to notice (and therefore order) it. The placement of an item on a menu also matters (things located on the lower left-hand side are almost never ordered), and restaurant owners also make foods sound more appetizing by using sensory names (i.e., velvety chocolate mouse), geographic names (i.e., Tex Mex), or nostalgic names (i.e., Grandma's apple pie). Other factors also come into play, like how good a deal you think the item is.

MORE: The RIGHT Way to Eat Out with Friends While Dieting

The problem? Right now, restaurant owners use these strategies to encourage you to order the most profitable dishes—regardless of how healthy they are. Chances are, the dishes you're being influenced to choose are hurting your waistline since previous research shows that, on average, restaurant meals contain more than twice the number of calories they should. In fact, researchers wrote this review as a guideline for restaurant owners in hopes that they'll start using these strategies to highlight healthy (but still profitable) options for diners.

MORE: What Nutritionists Eat When They Go Out to Restaurants

It's unclear whether restaurants will actually start to follow these suggestions, but you can still take action to eat healthier when you're eating out. Remember to look at the entire menu—not just what you notice first—before making your decision. And for more guidance on how to make healthy choices, check out these tips on making smarter decisions when dining out.

MORE: How Restaurants Keep You Addicted to Their Food