G-spot

What is a G-Spot?

The “G” spot, so named after Dr. Ernest Grafenberg who wrote in 1950 an article about his discovery of this area of the female body, is a bean shaped mass of nerve tissue behind the clitoris located just the other side of the pubic bone on the upper wall of the vagina. The size and development of the urethral sponge can vary from woman to woman and can be anywhere from the size of a dime to a silver dollar, hence no two women will respond to G-spot stimulation in exactly the same way. G-spot once stimulated gives a woman immense pleasure and is a focal point of sexual arousal.

How to locate G-spot?

To locate G-spot either you can do it yourself or take the help of your partner. Locating G-spot together is not only fun by it will help you reach the peak of sexual satisfaction. You must be able to guide your partner and should be open as to what feels good and how your partner should stimulate your G-spot.

Positions that help locate and stimulate G-spot?

So, start out by kissing and stroking, caressing and teasing each other until you two can’t stand it any more and penetration is necessary. Vaginal stimulation may be unpleasant if the vagina is not well lubricated. Production of vaginal lubrication varies dramatically from female to female. Hence if vaginal dryness is a concern, make sure to use a water-based lubricant during your exploration.

The exact location of the G-Spot varies slightly from woman to woman. It is normally found about two inches in from the opening of the vagina, on the anterior wall (toward the stomach). Place two fingers into her vagina. Using your index finger, touch the anterior wall. It generally feels best if you keep consistent, firm pressure along the entire length of the fingers against the vaginal walls. Stop rotating and rest your fingertips on the (often slightly ridged) area of the vagina just behind the pubic bone and exert pressure upwards, towards her belly. This is direct G-spot stimulation, and it usually feels best if you move the fingers in small, slow circles, or point the fingers more sharply upwards and rock them forwards and back.

The G-Spot is easily located with the help of a partner while the women is lying on her belly with her hips slightly elevated. When in this position, one’s partner should apply light pressure to the vaginal wall with two or three fingertips while pressing down (towards the bed).

If a woman chooses to lie on her back, she or her partner can insert a couple of fingers curved upwards and then press upward with the tip of the fingers until you are pressing the G-Spot.

If engaging in intercourse, many women find the woman-on-top or the sitting position the best arrangement for providing stimulation to the G-Spot.

Sex on the first date

Love at first sight or sex on a first date – there isn’t much difference between the two. Often you fall in love with someone at the very first stance only to regret your hasty decision. Sometimes this intense attraction brings with it the temptation to get physically involved.

With a flurry of emotions to deal with post intimacy, the relationship tends to get tricky in the initial stages, as your heart gets into a serious conflict with your head. It’s entirely up to the couple as to whether they want to ride the moment or hold on a little longer till they are absolutely sure of their commitments towards each other.

When we asked Gen X about how comfortable they were to have sex on their first date, they seemed pretty divided on their opinions. While some felt that there was nothing wrong in it, provided both partners were consenting adults, there were others who admitted it to be a fun-for-a-while moment which lacked permanence.

Whether the first date transforms into a long term relationship or not is not the point to be debated upon. It’s about how the modern generation is much more accepting of sex on the first date itself.

“Come on, you’re living in 21st century where people know what’s right and what’s wrong for them. Nothing is a big deal as long as it’s healthy and done with full consent. I don’t see anything immoral in having sex on the first meeting. If you believe that the first impression is the last impression, then be broad-minded enough to have sex with someone you are naturally attracted to,” says 24-year-old Jayant Batra, working with an MNC.

Fully supporting the above argument, Rajat Gupta, 24, working as an executive with a private firm, quips “Most guys believe in living in the present, rather than wasting time thinking about the distant future, so, if a girl asks me for sex on our first date, I’ll oblige willingly.”

However, 26-year-old call employee Kartik Mehra shares, “You can’t always blame men for sex on a first meeting. At times, it’s the girl who insists on it and on getting a negative response from the guy, very often women feel offended. I remember on my first date, my girl asked me if we could go to a private place and on my refusing her, she simply walked off.”

On why couples get tempted for such sexual encounters, Dr. Avdesh Sharma, a clinical psychiatrist, elucidates, “Mainly it’s because of the influence from their peer group which coerces couples into getting physically close. Often, they may feel that sex is the best option to hold onto a person and women in most of the cases think that if I don’t give in, I may lose the man.”

Impulsively living the moment, very often the uber cool generation ignore the mental and physical effects of such quick physical encounters. Dr. Sharma adds, “There are repercussions like sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and AIDS that arise. Other than this, the physiological upshot is tough to deal with, in case the relation doesn’t continue after a few sexual episodes. You feel completely used; the level of guilt is extremely high in case there was alcohol involved, and you develop a hatred for the opposite sex that lasts a lifetime.”

Understanding the aftermaths of such virtually one-night stands, there were a few young minds we spoke to who strictly stood  against the idea of  lovemaking on day one. While they weren’t obsessed with the permanence of the relationship, they were skeptical about sex.

“Demand for sex on the first date makes it clear that you are not interested in a long term relationship. Personally, I believe in forging an emotional bond, before indulging in close moments or sex. Merely one date can’t familiarise you much with a person that you agree to get cosy in bed immediately,” retorts 22-year-old Sakshi Arora, working as a client and media relations executive.

Agrees Rachna Seth, a 23-year-old PR consultant, “The first date is meant to know and get comfortable with each other. Being comfortable doesn’t mean ending up in a physical connection with someone whom you just like or have been infatuated to.”

College goer Mohit Sikka adds, “I would never appreciate a girl who believes in showing off her cool attitude or status through her broad-mindedness in initiating sex on our first meeting. I think it’s unhealthy and morally I wouldn’t want to live with any guilt.”

As Gen X stands at loggerheads with their opinions on sex on the first date, it’s all about being level headed regarding their sexual choices.

Getting too hot and heavy? Here’s are some tips to refrain from sex on the first date.

Avoid too much privacy : Most of the times, it’s the venue for the date and the surrounding atmosphere that lures young couples to have sex. Thus, shun away private places like a hotel room or a friend’s place that allows you to get cosy. Meet at a public place instead and be comfortable.

Keep it short and sweet : Try not to keep a very prolonged date as the person might try to charm you on the first meeting itself. It’s better to give more time to him/her to open up on future occasions.

Be clear about your preferences : Do not treat sex as a casual affair. Be firm on your physical needs and choices. Even if the other person seems casual enough to freely discuss it, do not let such a discussion go overboard.

Avoid any provocative discussion : You should avoid indulging into an intimate conversation related to sex as a subject because if either of you drop a subtle hint or initiate such a topic, the opposite sex may feel you to be an easy catch who doesn’t attach much meaning to a sex escapade. Try and delve into each others’ lives, hobbies, career choices etc.

Don’t dress merely to provoke : Girls often try to make an impression by donning revealing outfits presuming it will attract the male counterpart. Sometimes too much of skin show on the first day itself gives out a wrong vibe. Opt for comfort clothing and remember the man should judge you by your brains.

No chauffer service please : Get away with any hand-holding and teasing moments in the car on your way home. If you’re a lady, try arranging for your own conveyance so that your date doesn’t get a chance to ask you for a drop back home. In case of men, they should not insist incessantly on asking the girl to be dropped back, so as to avoid any possibility of a passionate contact with her.

Know his background : It’s always advisable to know a bit more about the person you’re meeting for the first time. If he’s been a Casanova always, be careful and act as a tough girl, even if you’re not!

No alcoholic moments : Indulging in any kind of alcohol intake is a strict ‘no’ on the first date. It can be really dangerous, as it doesn’t allow you to be in your right senses and unknowingly you may agree upon a sexual act which you might regret later.

Kissing the miss : When it comes to expressing love on the first date, don’t go overboard with any physical gesture, especially a goodnight kiss on the steps while bidding adieu. Make sure that it’s restricted to a polite peck and that too on the cheek as a lip-lock or even a tender touch on her lips can set off something unexpected.

Protection is a must : However, if you do decide to give into your feelings and indulge in sex, ensure you use protection and don’t give opt for unprotected sex. Prevention as we all know is better than cure, so play safe people!

Awas Rakaman Klip Video, Gambar

Sebarang rakaman klip video atau gambar yang disimpan dalam memori telefon bimbit jangan disangka terpadam sepenuhnya setelah pengguna berkenaan menekan butang ‘padam.’

Orang ramai mungkin tidak sedar bahawa hampir 95%data memori dalam telefon bimbit yang sudah dipadam itu boleh diperoleh semula menggunakan perisian tertentu.

Ia bukan saja boleh dilakukan oleh mereka yang profesional, malah sesiapa saja mampu melakukannya dengan memuat turun perisian menerusi laman web Internet.

Perkembangan itu bermakna data-data peribadi pemilik telefon bimbit adalah terdedah dan privasi mereka berisiko diceroboh oleh pihak tidak bertanggungjawab.

Perbuatan seumpama itu akan mengundang masalah sekiranya ada pihak yang menyalahgunakan perisian terbabit dengan niat untuk menceroboh ruang peribadi seseorang itu.

Masalah lebih serius sekiranya ia melibatkan data-data seperti rakaman klip video atau gambar berunsur seks membabitkan pemilik telefon bimbit itu.

“Masalah itu boleh berlaku apabila telefon bimbit bertukar hak milik, misalnya ketika seseorang pemilik itu menjualnya kepada pihak lain. Ia juga boleh berlaku ketika telefon bimbit dihantar ke kedai untuk dibaiki atau ia dipinjamkan kepada kenalan.

Apa yang berlaku kemudian ialah pihak yang berniat jahat akan mengambil kesempatan melakukan ugutan terhadap mangsa atau lebih teruk ia didedahkan kepada umum, seperti yang biasa berlaku sejak kebelakangan ini.

Data tersimpan dalam cakera keras komputer yang sudah terpadam juga tidak terkecuali daripada risiko itu kerana pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawab tetap boleh menggunakan kaedah sama untuk mendapatkan semula data terbabit.

Contohnya seperti yang berlaku ke atas artis Hong Kong terkenal, Edison Chen yang pada tahun lalu menggemparkan seluruh dunia dengan penyebaran gambar dan klip video seks membabitkan dirinya dengan beberapa artis wanita terkenal yang lain. Ia berlaku selepas beliau hantar komputernya untuk dibaiki.

Oleh itu AWAS atau berhati-hatilah dan cuba elak daripada  merakam perkara tidak bermoral tidak kira menggunakan telefon bimbit atau peralatan elektronik lain.

Seperti yang kita tahu sudah banyak  aduan yang dibuat oleh mangsa-mangsa dimana mangsa diugut oleh bekas pasangan yang mendakwa memiliki rakaman video hubungan seks atau gambar intim ketika hubungan terdahulu.

Oleh itu, berfikirlah dua tiga kali (baik & buruknya) sebelum merakam aksi atau gambar anda yang terlampau walaupun ianya untuk kegunaan anda sendiri.

Why do girls allow taking of nude pictures?

IT has to be a sign of absolute trust, plain gullibility or loose morals when i read of the same consequences of usually failed relationships (or stolen hand phones) in “Woman who lost gems fears release of nude pics” (The Star, May 20) where women fall prey to blackmail of having their nude pictures exposed.

Some questions that beg to be asked are: “Why our sweet ladies think that it’s proper to allow their boyfriends to take pictures of them naked? Do they think naked flesh will cement their relationship and stop the boyfriends from straying or flirting?

If a boyfriend threatens to break off a relationship if he is not allowed to take pictures of her undressed, does she believe it’s worth to keep such relationships?

We have seen how such pictures have nearly destroyed the careers and families of those exposed, and yet there are women wanting to continue frolicking in the altogether. And for heaven’s sake, most of them are not even engaged!

Of course, we can say Malaysia is a progressive nation and we are broad minded and what anyone does in private is private. But to trust a guy completely just because he says you have a lovely body and he wants to have sweet memories? Come on ladies, grow up!

My Related Post  : http://khunshikang.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/awas-rakaman-klip-video-gambar/

Sex,Lies and Videoclips

In this age of sex,lies and videoclips,nothing really comes as suprise anymore.But Jennifer,who appears to be just like any others 21 years old college student,says the kind of home videos some of her peer are making now would raise more than just a few eyebrows.

It seems almost every college student now knows of  someone who has filmed themselves having sex,or has seen those clips online.According to DSP Mahfuz Abd.Majid form Royal Malaysia Police’s Cyber and Multimedia Crime Investigation Division (CMCID), most of the reports they’ve received or leaked sex videos feature young people aged between 16 to 28.

If you checked the Internet, you will find more than just leaked videos. As many a new media proponent would argue, technology has changed mass media so much. For some, it’s no longer enough to just consume media content, you have to be an interactive producer of content as well; and it’s the same with pornography.

Home made porn videos, featuring youths joking around in local slang with their faces in full view, are made explicitly for all to see on the Internet; that is the erotic lure of new age porn.

After all, teenagers these days are comfortable being in front of the camera. They pose provocatively when they’re taking pictures (or more commonly known as cam-whoring these days), and explore risque topics over webcams.

It is an exhibitionist mindset, that seems to have emerged from the same self-indulgent, self-publishing, “attention-whoring” culture, with which many young people Facebook, Twitter and blog. For some, filming their sex acts is but an extension of this exhibitionist streak.

Possession and distribution of pornographic content, even if it is self-produced, is illegal.

Just for thrills
Farah, 19, is in a stable relationship, and she and her boyfriend film themselves having sex despite knowing the risks involved for the added thrill.

“There’s excitement when we are filming ourselves having sex. It enhances the experience. But a lot of it is for my boyfriend. He lives far away, so I let him have some videos of me on his cellphone to keep him hooked while I’m not around.

“It’s also for evaluation. I want to see how I look, so I can improve on my performance. I don’t sleep around, so I had to learn (about sex) from watching porn. I have a whole stack of DVDs of porn I downloaded from the Internet, and I have a membership with a sex chat service,” said Farah matter-of-factly.

The college student believes she isn’t doing anything wrong, although she sometimes feels guilty because of her religion. She thinks their sex clips are private, and her biggest worry is that her parents might discover them one day.

Jennifer is a lot more liberal in her sexual outlook; she admits to sleeping around and watching a lot of porn but draws the line at recording her sex acts.

She and her friends have “porn parties” where they watch their latest porno downloads, but she always has her guard up.

“I never do webcams. I never put my pictures or videos on my blog, even though some sex blogs are doing that now. That’s because these days, there’s no such thing as ‘I love you forever’. This guy I dated for two years suggested we film ourselves once.

“But for me, even if we’re married there’s no guarantee it won’t come back to haunt me. Who knows? I might marry a Datuk next time, or become someone famous. The most I’ve done is tape some stuff just for fun, which I deleted immediately after watching it once,” said Jennifer during an interview at a cafe in Kuala Lumpur, where she talked openly about her sex life within earshot of several patrons.

She, however, could not resist sharing her sexual experiences on a blog.

“My blog is completely anonymous, because I don’t want my family to know,” says Jennifer who couldn’t be persuaded to reveal her blog address.

Early exposures

Psychologist Associate Professor Dr Khaidzir Ismail from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia believes one of the main reasons why young girls seem more sexually daring to try things like videotaping, cyber sex and sex blogging, is increasingly early exposure to sex.

“Women naturally enjoy sex, they enjoy the intimacy. But when they’re sexually active from an early age, our research shows that they become habitual. They want more, and they explore more, branching into things like videotaping,” he said.

Twenty-year-old communications student Melissa is one of those “early adopters”, having watched porn as a secondary school student with classmates on her cellphone at the back of the classroom, and even along her college corridors “in broad daylight” using the campus’ free wireless broadband.

More and more youths are filming themselves having sex these days.

Melissa is used to filming her sexual encounters. She thinks taping sex has become so common some girls might feel pressured into doing it. She commented: “It’s so acceptable these days. If a guy takes out his cellphone halfway through sex, it’s hard to say no sometimes.”

Even though she knows several friends who’ve had their videos leaked, she remains unperturbed.

“My boyfriend has sex videos of me on his cellphone right now, and I have ex-boyfriends who still have videos of us having sex. But I’m more careful now after my friend’s video got leaked. If I’m breaking-up with anyone, I’ll make sure I delete my videos first,” said Melissa.

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Not safe for life

AN indication of how prevalent filming sex has become is the increase in police reports and media coverage of leaked sex tapes and pictures in the last two to three years.

DSP Mahfuz said sometimes, leaked footage aren’t even the result of malice, but sheer carelessness.

“Sometimes the people who have the videos aren’t even thinking about publishing or distributing them. Maybe they sent their laptops for repair, lent someone their thumbdrive, or had their computers accessed over a network by someone else.

“We had a case involving a college student living with four other people. They accessed the Internet using the same hub, and one of her housemates used this to retrieve nude photos of her and used them against her,” he said.

Melissa knows all too well how such things never just stay hidden on the Internet, or in a spurned lover’s cellphone memory card, and how unpleasent the consequences are.

“My friend broke up with her boyfriend, so he sent naked pictures of her to all their friends in college using bluetooth. At first, I didn’t want to see them, but naturally everyone gets curious.

“At first she was like, ‘whatever’, but then people started to talk about it, and finally she just broke down. She stayed at home for about three months, not hanging out, not partying, nothing,” revealed Melissa.

Although Mahfuz says possessing and distributing any form of pornography, whether it’s self-produced or downloaded, is illegal, he reveals that the police “don’t go hunting for it (personal sex videos)”, and they usually investigate a case only when there’s a complaint.

Almost all the complainants of leaked pornographic materials have been girls. Although the guys are usually the ones who initiate the sex recordings, it is usually the girls who bear the worst of the social stigma and shame when these clips become public.

Incriminating pictures or videoclips will eventually find its way on the Internet even when you think they have been deleted.

But in terms of people who’ve had their sex tapes leaked without their permission, Mahfuz says the law is on their side.

“Usually if the victim can help narrow down the possible suspects who would leak their videos, we have more than a 50% chance of finding the person responsible. The victims can also get a court injunction prohibiting the videos from being published if they know someone already has them,” he said.

Jennifer offered some rather different words of consolation to those who’ve had their tapes leaked.

She said: “It’s not like it’ll be national news. There are so many sex tapes out there, you won’t even be able to find what you’re looking for.”

Then again, remember what happened to Hong Kong actor Edison Chen.

(All names have been changed.)

Source: rage.com.my

UK schoolgirls getting pregnant at 10

Schoolgirls as young as 10 are getting pregnant in the UK, according to statistics reported by a newspaper Monday.

UK Government statistics show 60 per cent of under-age pregnant girls have an abortion

Over the past eight years, at least 15 girls aged 10 and 39 aged 11 in primary schools, were found to be expecting. According to an exclusive report in The Sun, about 300 others aged 13 or below get pregnant every year in England and Wales.

It reported that since 2002 there have been 63,487 pregnancies among under-15s or almost 23 each day.

The shocking figures were released after a Freedom of Information request by The Sun.

They show that since 2002, there have been 268 pregnant girls aged 12, 2,527 aged 13, 14,777 aged 14 and 45,861 aged 15.

Up until now, the youngest girl reported to be pregnant in the UK conceived aged 11 in Scotland and gave birth aged 12.

The true number of children who fall pregnant could be even higher as there is no way of adding illegal abortions and miscarriages to the data.

Government statistics show 60 per cent of under-age pregnant girls have an abortion. Among the youngest, this figure is thought to be much higher.

But there is no breakdown by age for abortions or births in the statistics – nor the circumstances in which girls became pregnant. Similar figures for boys becoming fathers are not available as it is often hard to prove who is the real dad.

Britain has one of Europe’s highest under-16 pregnancy rates. Ministers have unsuccessfully poured millions into schemes to tackle the problem.

Sociology Professor Frank Furedi, from the University of Kent, said the figures were “tragic”.

“They show the consequences of the sexualisation of childhood.”

Norman Wells, of the Family Education Trust, said: “There are far too many schools telling children they are entitled to become sexually active when it is ‘right for them’.”

Anastasia de Waal, of think tank Civitas, said: “We have kids behaving as adults, not realising the complications.

“Often the girls feel they have to have sex to please their older boyfriends.”

Meawhile, in another report, The Sun has also learnt that girls as young as 13 are to be offered pregnancy tests at school in a controversial scheme while Chlamydia screening and referrals to sex specialists will also be available at drop-in clinics in secondary schools.

Council chiefs wrote to parents of girls aged 13 and over to promote the pilot scheme at five schools in Liverpool. But family campaigners said the plan sends out the wrong message.

Adrian Rogers of Family Focus said: “It’s going to promote promiscuity.”

Norman Wells of the Family Education Trust said: “It sends out the message it’s normal for schoolchildren to engage in sexual activity.”

The pregnancy rate for girls aged 15 to 17 is nearly 52 per 1,000 in Liverpool. The national average is 41.7.

Liverpool Primary Care Trust said accessible sexual health services will help cut teen pregnancies.

Beer makes the bones stronger

Beer can help strengthen the bones and prevent fractures in old age, a new study has confirmed.

Beer is a significant source of silicon, which is a key ingredient of the diet that helps to improve bone mineral density.

The best beers for silicon are the pale malted ales and lagers.

Dark bitters and stouts contain lower levels because they are made with roasted barley, which has lower silicon content.

Wheat contains less silicon than barley, so wheat beers are poorer sources of silicon.

Previous studies have suggested that a regular pint or two may help to prevent the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.

In the new study, researchers at the University of California studied 100 commercial beers and found their silicon content ranged from 6.4 milligrams per litre to 56.5 mg/l.

Paler beers have more silicon than darker ones because less heat is used in the malting process.

“Beer containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon. It is the husk of the barley that is rich in this element.”

“While most remains during brewing, significant quantities are none the less extracted into wort and survive into beer,” the Independent quoted Charles Bamforth, who led the study, as saying.

The study has been published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture ( JSFA ).

Teen’s midnight date turns into gang-rape

A 19-year-old school leaver planned a romantic midnight date with her new boyfriend at the historic monument where Malaysia’s first oil well is located but it turned into a nightmare – she was gang-raped by the boyfriend and two others.

She was coaxed into a heavy drinking session at the secluded Grand Old Lady monument on Canada Hill before her boyfriend and two security guards raped her in the wee hours of Thursday.

The victim, who had just started working in a private firm, lodged a police report at the Miri Central Police Station.

According to her report, her boyfriend had taken her up the 100m-high Canada Hill overlooking the city centre on the pretext of visiting the Grand Old Lady – the name given to the remains of Malaysia’s first oil well.

The area surrounding the monument is dark and isolated. There is a petroleum museum next to the oil well.

The girl said her boyfriend then coaxed her into drinking some alcohol with him at the foot of the monument.

The drinking session went beyond 3am and she became intoxicated.

She claimed her boyfriend then raped her, adding that two men in security guard uniforms who knew her boyfriend also took turns to rape her.

After the assault, she said her boyfriend took her to the foot of the hill and dumped her by the roadside. She managed to seek help from passers-by and then lodged a police report.

Miri Police Chief Asst Comm Jamaluddin Ibrahim confirmed that police had arrested the boyfriend and the two security guards.

Medication Bad for foetus

Medication consumed by an expectant mother can be passed on to the foetus.

EVERYONE gets ill at some time or other. Sometimes, the condition is self-limiting and requires no medicine. At other times, medicine is required.

The pregnant woman’s circulation is intricately linked to that of the developing foetus’, through the placenta. Just like how the necessary nutrients for foetal development cross the placenta and get into the foetal circulation, medicine consumed by the pregnant woman will be passed on to the foetus.

The effect of a medicine on the developing foetus depends on the medicine itself and the stage of pregnancy. In general, most pregnant women are aware of the need to avoid taking non-essential medicine. Yet they are not spared from illnesses and minor ailments.

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters lasting about 13.3 weeks each. Foetal development is at its maximum in the first trimester. Medicine taken during this time can lead to foetal malformations or birth defects. If the defect is substantial, it would result in a miscarriage.

The foetus grows during the second and third trimesters with the development of the foetal nervous system in the first trimester continuing into the second. Medicine taken during the second trimester can affect the foetal nervous system and foetal growth. The latter could lead to low birth weight.

Medicine taken in the last trimester can remain in the newborn’s body. The baby may not be able to deal with medicine in the same manner the mother can. This can lead to complications like breathing difficulties in the newborn.

Medicine taken by a pregnant woman can also affect the environment in her uterus. For example, some medicines lead to uterine contractions which can affect the blood supply to the developing foetus.

The maximal impact of medicine is often in the first trimester. Some are risky if taken in the first trimester but may be safe in the second or third trimesters. Others are safe in the first trimester but risky in the second or third trimesters. In general, the risks are least in the second trimester.

Safety

Before a prescription medicine is marketed, it is first tested in animals, including pregnant animals, to detect any problems. Then it is given to humans in clinical trials to check its effectiveness and efficacy for various conditions, and to identify any side effects.

Although tests of medicines in animals can identify potential problems, they do not always predict its effects on humans.

As a general rule, pharmaceutical companies do not carry out clinical trials in pregnant women because it is unethical to do so. This results in few medicines being licensed for use in pregnant women.

Once a medicine is marketed, its effect in pregnancy is monitored in various ways:

· Adverse event reports – Pharmaceutical companies, doctors and researchers are required to report any adverse events to regulatory bodies, such as the Drug Control Authority in Malaysia.

· Pregnancy registries – Some pharmaceutical companies conduct special studies called pregnancy registries. Pregnant women who have taken certain medication are recruited and their babies are compared after birth to the babies of women who did not take the medicine.

· Research that identify risk factors for birth defects and problems with medicine in pregnancy.

Information about the safety of medicine in pregnancy is usually obtained from practical experience. When a medicine has been used extensively for several years without reports of adverse effects on pregnancies, it can be concluded that it is not harmful. Information is also available from the accidental consumption of medicine by pregnant women and animal studies. Some of the former may not know they are pregnant. It is in this manner that some prescription and over-the-counter medicines are known to be safe and others, harmful.

However, there is still insufficient information about the safety of many medicine in pregnancy. When medicine is taken during pregnancy, the benefits and risks have to be considered. If the benefits to the pregnant woman are greater than the risks to the foetus, then the medicine may be consumed. If the risks to the foetus are substantial, alternative treatments have to be considered.

Sometimes, a pregnant woman has to take medicine to reduce the likelihood of harm to herself and/or the foetus. The conditions include high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes mellitus, fits (epilepsy), asthma, blood clots in the veins or lungs (thromboembolism) and certain infections. When treating these conditions, the doctor will prescribe medicine that is the most appropriate and safe for the pregnant woman.

Dietary supplements and herbal products

Many dietary supplements and herbal products are produced from natural compounds. This has led many people to believe that they are harmless and safer than prescribed medicines, especially with the marketing strategies of some companies.

It must be remembered that the regulatory requirements for dietary supplements and herbal products, if any, are considerably less stringent than that of prescribed medicines. Furthermore, most of these products have not been subjected to animal studies or human clinical trials. As such, any woman who is pregnant or intends to get pregnant is advised to consult the doctor before taking such products.

Folic acid is the only medicine available over the counter that is important to take, prior to and during pregnancy. It is used by the body to make new cells. If a woman has sufficient folic acid in the body before she gets pregnant, some major defects of the foetal brain and spine called neural tube defects (NTD) can be prevented. A dose of 400 microgram should be taken daily by every woman intending to get pregnant and for the first trimester. If a woman or her spouse has spina bifida or a previous child was born with NTD, a higher daily dose of 5mg is recommended.

Minor ailments

The only way to minimise risks to the foetus is to avoid consuming all non-essential medicine, particularly in the first trimester. Consult the doctor or pharmacist before consuming any medicine, including dietary supplements and herbal products, during pregnancy.

This does not mean that pregnant women have to put up with minor pregnancy ailments. There are medicines that are safe to use in pregnancy. They will be discussed in the next article.

There are a number of essentials to remember for pregnant women:

• In general, avoid all non-essential medicine.
• Consult the doctor or pharmacist before consuming any medicine.
• Some medicine sold over the counter are harmful to the foetus.
• Dietary supplements and herbal products are not necessarily safe. Consult the doctor or pharmacist before consuming any.
• Contact the doctor or pharmacist immediately if there are any unusual effects experienced after consumption of a medicine.

Source: Dr Milton Lum

Stunted growth

The reasons behind the retarded development of foetuses are varied and not easily determined.

INTRA-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a condition in which a foetus is unable to achieve its genetically determined potential size. This has to be distinguished from small for gestational age (SGA) foetuses in which the growth is at the 10th or less percentile weight for all foetuses at a particular gestational age.

About 40% of SGA foetuses are constitutionally small; another 40% are at increased risk of preventable perinatal death; and the rest are small due to chromosomal or environmental causes, for instance, trisomy 18 and foetal alcohol syndrome.

Small-sized: A foetus can suffer from impaired growth when it fails to get enough nutrients and oxygen.

Risk factors

IUGR occurs when nutrients and gas delivery to the foetus is insufficient to permit optimal growth. There may be maternal conditions that decrease oxygen carrying capacity, a dysfunctional oxygen delivery system due to maternal vascular conditions or placental damage due to maternal conditions.

The maternal factors that increase the risk of IUGR include pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, uterine malformations, smoking and substance abuse. The placental or umbilical factors that increase the risk of IUGR include multiple pregnancy, placenta praevia, abruptio placentae and abnormal cord insertion.

When the foetus has no nutritional reserve, it redistributes its blood flow to sustain the growth of vital organs, with increased relative blood flow to the brain, heart, adrenals and placenta, and decreased blood flow to the other organs. This is called the head sparing effect.

Growth may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. In the former, the foetus may have had an early global insult such as infection and foetal alcohol syndrome. The latter is more likely due to an imposed restriction on nutrient or gas exchange.

The symmetrical SGA infants have outcomes similar to those appropriate for gestational age. The asymmetrical SGA infants are more likely to have anomalies, pre-term birth, induction of labour before 36 weeks, Caesarean section for non-reassuring foetal heart rate, intubation in the labour ward, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular brain haemorrhage and neonatal death.

The consequences of IUGR extend into adult life with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome which is manifested as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia. In addition, IUGR children have an increased risk of mental health problems.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of IUGR is not easy as there is no single test that provides an accurate diagnosis. As such, obstetricians screen foetuses during antenatal check-ups to identify those that are at risk. A useful population-wide screening test for IUGR is the fundal height measurement from the pubic symphysis. Although the sensitivity of fundal height measurement is limited, it is helpful in identifying potential IUGR.

An ultrasound scan at 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy will confirm the dates, identify multiple pregnancy and evaluate for anomalies. Another scan at 28 to 32 weeks will detect abnormal growth, evidence of asymmetry and evidence of head sparing, that is, reduced amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), abnormal Doppler findings.

Accurate gestational age and individual parameters measurements are available with the current ultrasound machines. An abdominal circumference measurement less than two standard deviations below the mean is a cutoff point to consider a foetus asymmetric.

Amniotic fluid volume measurements provide supporting evidence of a hostile intra-uterine environment. The incidence of IUGR is higher in those with a low amniotic fluid index or low maximum vertical pocket values.

Umbilical artery (UA) resistance shows a continuous decline in normal pregnancies but not in foetuses with uteroplacental insufficiency. The status of UA blood flow measured by Doppler corroborates the diagnosis of IUGR. It assists in the identification and initiation of surveillance of foetuses that are at increased risk of complications

Foetal medicine specialists carry out middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler studies. A normal MCA Doppler finding is useful in identifying SGA foetuses that are unlikely to have a major adverse outcome.

Management

A meta-analysis of studies, where the goals were the treatment of impaired growth, reported three useful interventions:

> Cessation of smoking resulted in lower rate of low birth weight at term.

> Nutritional supplements in undernourished women and magnesium and folate supplementation, in some studies, resulted in a decrease in SGA babies.

> Where malaria is a cause, its treatment can increase foetal growth.

The only intervention shown to decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality is the administration of steroids to premature foetuses when delivery is anticipated. There is no evidence that hospital bed rest, maternal oxygen administration, maternal oestrogen administration and maternal nutritional supplements improve foetal growth or decrease perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Maternal haemodilution and intermittent abdominal negative pressure are experimental therapies and are potentially harmful to mother and foetus.

The management goal in a pregnancy diagnosed with IUGR is to deliver the most mature foetus in the best physiological condition possible with minimal risk to the mother. This involves a surveillance plan that maximises gestational age with minimal risks of neonatal morbidity and mortality. It requires antenatal testing with the hope of identifying the foetus with IUGR before it gets distressed in utero.

There are various protocols used in the management of IUGR. It is essential that the condition is managed by an obstetrician who is supported by a paediatrician, preferably a neonatologist, an anaesthetist and trained nursing staff. As the prognosis of severe IUGR is poor, its management is usually individualised.

The mode of delivery is dependent on the gestational age of the foetus, any foetal distress and the state of the cervix. An elective Caesarean section will be advised when there is evidence of foetal distress or there are traditional obstetrical indications.

When a trial of vaginal delivery is carried out, the foetal heart will be monitored and the mother nursed on her left side. Should there be any indication of foetal distress and the cervical state does not permit vaginal delivery, Caesarean section will have to be resorted to.

The cessation of smoking will result in a lower incidence of low birth weight at term. Although there are reports of the beneficial effects of aspirin, its role, if any, in the prevention of IUGR, is still unclear.

IUGR presents many challenges as it is not associated with risk factors in most instances and there is no single diagnostic test available. An obstetrician is usually alert to the possibility of IUGR. However, its diagnosis, assessment and management are complex.

Source: Dr Milton Lum

Pregnancy ills

Pregnancy can cause all kinds of minor maladies.

MANY pregnant women suffer from minor ailments which may or may not cause discomfort. It is advisable to consult the doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine during pregnancy.

Morning sickness

Symptoms of nausea and vomiting are common during early pregnancy. Although termed morning sickness, it can occur at any time of the day.

About half of all pregnant women will experience nausea and vomiting; about a quarter experience nausea without vomiting. The exact cause of this ailment is unknown.

There are several measures that can help reduce these symptoms. They include drinking in small but frequent amounts which may help reduce vomiting; eating small but frequent meals high in carbohydrates but low in fats; avoiding factors that trigger the symptoms such as food, smell; and getting plenty of rest as tiredness can aggravate the nausea.

The doctor should be consulted if: none of the above measures work; there is persistent vomiting (more than three to four times a day), the vomitus contains blood or looks like coffee; there are symptoms of dehydration including thirst, dizziness, passing small amount of urine, dark coloured urine or none at all; there is weight loss; or there is any concern about the symptoms.

The doctor will check for features of dehydration. A urine test for ketones provides helpful information about the severity of the dehydration. The doctor will prescribe a sort course of medicine that will reduce the severity of the symptoms (anti-emetic). The medicine prescribed will be one that is safe for use in pregnancy.

Sometimes, hospitalisation may be advised for correction of severe dehydration with intravenous fluids.

There are reports that taking ginger and acupressure, a form of acupuncture, may be helpful in reducing symptoms in some women.

Indigestion

This term is frequently used to describe a number of symptoms which include heartburn, food coming back from the stomach (regurgitation), discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen and bloating. About half of pregnant women experience it at some time during the pregnancy, with an increased likelihood as pregnancy advances.

Indigestion is primarily due to pregnancy-related body changes such as increasing hormones and abdominal pressure resulting in acid reflux, which is the backflow of acid from the stomach into the gullet (oesophagus) causing an irritation of its lining.

A simple measure like avoiding food that triggers indigestion may be all that is needed to control the symptoms, especially if the symptoms are mild. However, if the symptoms are more severe, the doctor may prescribe some medicines for symptom relief such as antacids and alginates. It is important to check with the doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine that has not been prescribed.

Antacids provide rapid symptom relief by neutralising the acid in the stomach so that its irritation of the digestive system is reduced. Sometimes the antacid is combined with an alginate which forms a foam barrier on top of the surface of the stomach contents, thereby confining the acid within the stomach. Antacid and alginates are safe as long as the recommended dose is adhered to.

Iron supplements should not be taken at the same time as antacids as the latter can affect the absorption of iron. The antacid should be taken about two hours before or after the iron.

If antacids and alginates do not provide symptom relief, a medicine that suppresses acid production may be prescribed. Both are safe for use in pregnancy. It is important to adhere to the dose prescribed.

Constipation

Many pregnant women have problems opening their bowels. Dietary measures like eating food with more fibre (vegetables and fruits), and drinking more fluids are helpful. If the measures are ineffective, bulking agents (bran, ispaghula, methylcellulose) can be used. Stimulant laxatives (cascara and senna) can be used if the bulking agents are unhelpful. However, it is best not to depend on medicines to treat constipation.

Diarrhoea

Many pregnant women get the occasional episode of diarrhoea, particularly those who eat out often. A short episode of diarrhoea does not harm the foetus. However, diarrhoea that lasts more than a few days can lead to dehydration. This can be prevented by taking rehydration salts which are safe in pregnancy.

Loperamide should be avoided because of insufficient information available to make a decision on its safety in pregnancy.

Coughs and colds

These are very common. Most medicines for cough and cold contain more than one compound, which may include antihistamines, decongestants and painkillers. It is vital to ensure that it is safe to use each compound in pregnancy. As such, it is advisable to consult the doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine during pregnancy.

Pain

Everyone gets pain from time to time. Pregnant women are no different. They can be prone to backache, especially in the latter stages of pregnancy. It is advisable to try measures that do not involve consumption of medicines, such as gentle exercises, to relieve backache.

Paracetamol is considered safe for short term use in all three trimesters and is often used for pain relief and when there is fever. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and aspirin are usually not recommended during pregnancy as it can delay labour and affect the newborn baby. The risk of bleeding is increased in mothers and their newborn if aspirin is taken in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Opioid analgesics like codeine and dihydrocodeine should be avoided in the third trimester as they can affect the newborn’s breathing. However, it can be prescribed in the first two trimesters for pain relief if the dose is small and the duration of intake is short. As some over-the-counter painkillers contain codeine and dihydrocodeine, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming them.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks (striae) appear whenever there is stretching of the skin because of sudden growth. Sometimes, it may be due to medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. The body parts that are commonly affected by striae are the abdomen, thighs and buttocks.

Pregnant women are prone to striae, especially after the second trimester. One reason is that the hormones produced in pregnancy soften not only the pelvic ligaments to facilitate childbirth but also the fibres in skin, thereby increasing the likelihood of striae formation. Another reason is that as the foetus grows, the abdominal skin is stretched more and more. Striae can also appear on breasts and thighs as they in-crease in size during pregnancy.

Most striae become thinner and fade in the course of time. If the striae are prominent or affect a large part of the body, it is advisable to consult the doctor who may make a referral to a specialist. Some treatments for striae may reduce it but does not make it disappear. In this respect, it is essential to be realistic about what can be achieved.

Source: Dr Milton Lum

England’s ‘Captain Despicable’

Disgraced England captain John Terry got best pal Wayne Bridge’s ­ girlfriend pregnant.

Vanessa Perroncel

And then he arranged for devastated Vanessa Perroncel to have an abortion to shamelessly tried to keep the scandal under wraps.

According to a Sunday Mirror exclusive report, Vanessa, 28, a French underwear model became pregnant last autumn after weeks into her fling with Terry – Bridge’s best friend and neighbour.

Terry, 29, who has two children with long-suffering wife Toni, was worried about the news leaking out and wrecking his lucrative sponsorship deals.

Terry and his long-suffering wife Toni

So, he arranged for an abortion at an exclusive clinic where Vanessa was taken in through a side entrance.

The Sunday Mirror quoted a source as saying: “Terry was gripped by blind panic. Having a love child with the girlfriend of his best pal, who’s also a friend of his wife’s, would have spelled total disaster – even by his shocking standards of behaviour”.

“Having been caught cheating on Toni so many times and having publicly promised to be 100 per cent faithful, he knew he would be finished as any kind of role model that sponsors want to be associated with.”

“He was appalled when Vanessa told him she was pregnant and all his thoughts were for self-preservation.”

The pregnancy and subsequent abortion were the mystery “consequence” referred to by the judge overturned Terry’s attempt to keep the affair secret.

The latest revelation will fuel the already fevered calls for him to be stripped of England’s football captaincy.

Apparently, Vanessa confessed the affair to Bridge dramatically in a showdown at their 3 million pounds (RM16.32 million) Surrey mansion and told him: “I’m sorry Wayne, but John was there for me.”

Friends say the affair began last summer as her relationship with ex-Chelsea star Bridge crumbled after he moved 320km away to sign for Manchester City.

A friend said: “John and her had agreed to a story that they were just friends and that he was helping her through the split.”

Vanessa told the newspaper how Wayne called her a week ago when he learned of the legal ­gagging order taken out by Terry to prevent the affair being made public.

She said: “Wayne rang me last weekend and started shouting at me, accusing me of having an affair. It was terrible.

“He was saying horrible things. I thought if all of this comes out it will make things difficult ­ because it is a very close community of footballers and their wives.”

Wayne and Vanessa during better times

“I told Wayne I wasn’t having an affair but he wouldn’t believe me. Wayne was convinced I had been cheating on him because the court action had been taken. It was an agonising call and he was furious.”

Vanessa – who has a four-year-son with Bridge – steadfastly stuck to a pact she agreed with Terry not to admit anything. But she later crumbled when Bridge confronted her in person.

She said: “I don’t want to hurt Wayne any more and I just want to protect my little boy from all this – now he’s my most important concern.”

And, of Terry, she revealed: “I’m a close friend of his and we are in touch a lot although we don’t talk every day. I have known John for eight years, even before I met Wayne and we were close. I still speak to him every other day.”

Bridge earlier confronted Terry and accused him of sleeping with Vanessa behind his back.

But Terry, lying through his teeth, insisted to Wayne that the “rumours” were nonsense and he would never stoop so low.

Toni and Vanessa, seen here carrying her baby, were best friends

Bridge was all the more stunned by Terry’s betrayal because he had been offering “emotional support” during a sticky patch with Vanessa.

Terry, who earns 170,000 pounds (RM927,320) a week, got close to Vanessa after defender Wayne transferred from Chelsea to Man City in a 10 million pounds (RM54.5 million) deal in last January.

Source:  Sunday Mirror

Mum to twins of different dads

A Turkish woman has given birth to twins fathered by two different men with whom she had sex with on the same day.

The 24-year-old woman in Istanbul, identified only as CK, was reported to have sexual intercourse with her husband and lover on the same day when the twins were conceived.

Soon after giving birth, CK noticed that one of them looked like her lover and ran away in panic, leaving the twins with her husband.

The husband then requested for a paternity test on the children after neighbours alerted him over his wife’s betrayal.

A DNA test confirmed that the twins were fathered by different men.

sperm

According to the report, the man subsequently threw his wife and the baby conceived with the sperm of the other man out of the house.

CK attempted to return to her father’s house but the latter too disowned her.

She is currently seeking refuge in a women’s shelter while the government has taken custody of the child.

It was reported that CK had started a relationship with her lover, a married man with children, about six years ago.

When her family learned about it, they forced her to marry her current husband.

She, however, continued her affair with her lover.

The case of the twins is a rare phenomenon, known as heteropaternal superfecundation.

hamba seks

MANGSA menunjukkan laporan polis dan tempat dia disimpan di Kampung Baru Cina, Kulim.

Lari dari mulut buaya, masuk mulut naga. Mungkin itulah ungkapan yang sesuai bagi menggambarkan penderitaan seorang isteri yang menjadi mangsa pemuas nafsu seorang anggota polis sejak 10 tahun lalu.

Wanita berusia 40 tahun, dari Sungai Nibong di sini, pada awalnya mengharapkan persahabatan dengan anggota polis berusia 47 tahun berkenaan boleh menamatkan penderitaannya yang sering dipukul suami.

Malah, sejak bersekedudukan dengan lelaki itu, dia mendakwa sudah sembilan kali menggugurkan kandungan sehingga rahimnya rosak dan dipaksa mengambil ubat pencegah hamil.

Dia membuat pengakuan itu kepada Berita Harian dalam satu pertemuan di sini sebelum menunjukkan ‘markas’ tempat anggota polis itu memuaskan nafsunya.

Mengimbau kisah dukanya, wanita itu mendakwa bertemu anggota polis itu ketika dalam perjalanan ke tempat kerja di sebuah pusat kecantikan di Bukit Jambul dan keesokannya, lelaki itu menunggunya dan mahu berkenalan.

“Saya memberitahunya saya sudah bersuami tetapi dia tetap mahu berkawan. Saya kemudian menerimanya sehingga dia berani ‘merampas’ saya daripada suami ketika berada di rumah,” katanya.

Wanita itu juga mendakwa anggota polis itu cuba menyalahgunakan kuasa bagi memerangkap suaminya, tetapi ia diketahui pegawai atasannya dan dia ditukarkan ke tempat lain.

Walaupun ditukarkan, anggota polis itu masih berhubung dengannya dan mendakwa seperti dipukau kerana akan mengikuti apa saja yang dikatakan lelaki itu tanpa berani melawan, memendam perasaan serta sentiasa ketakutan.

Dia juga ke tempat anggota polis itu setiap hari selepas bekerja dan ditempatkan di rumah yang tersorok di sebuah kawasan kediaman.

“Setiap hari saya dipukul, didera, dicekik dan diterajang sehingga selalu mengalami sakit dalam badan. Saya juga dipaksa makan dan minum makanan yang dibelinya yang dipercayai dijampi,” dakwanya.

Sepanjang 10 tahun berkeadaan begitu, suaminya tidak mengendahkannya lagi kerana kecewa dengan perbuatannya yang bersekedudukan dengan anggota polis itu, manakala hubungan mereka dirahsiakan daripada pengetahuan isteri anggota polis itu.

Dalam tempoh itu, setiap kali hari raya, dia akan dikurung dalam rumah dengan hanya berbekalkan roti, kaya dan air kosong.

Wanita itu mendakwa, pada 14 Januari lalu, dia dirogol dalam tandas kira-kira jam 10.30 malam oleh seorang lelaki tidak dikenali.

Apabila memaklumkan kejadian itu kepada anggota polis itu, dia dipersalahkan dengan mendakwa cuba mengkhianati perhubungan mereka dan dimarahi serta dipukul sebelum ditinggalkan dalam kesakitan.

“Selepas itu saya menghubungi kakak angkat untuk mendapatkan bantuan dan pergi ke Hospital Bukit Mertajam untuk rawatan,” katanya.

Dia turut membuat laporan polis mengenai kejadian rogol pada 16 Januari selepas dinasihatkan doktor yang turut mendapati badannya mempunyai kesan lebam.

Selepas membuat laporan, sepasukan anggota polis diketuai seorang pegawai berpangkat Inspektor mengambil keterangan anggota polis itu tetapi memintanya mengaku dia isterinya.

“Saya kecewa dengan sikapnya, malah dia pernah mengugut akan melakukan sesuatu yang dahsyat jika perkara itu terbongkar,” dakwanya yang kecewa kerana dua laporan polis yang dibuatnya di Ibu pejabat Polis Kulim, Kedah tidak diambil tindakan.

Buffalo and pig fine for couple who had illicit sex

Four buffaloes, a pig and RM2,000 – this was the fine a court imposed on a man and his wife’s colleague for having an illicit affair.

The two were convicted by the Penampang Native Court here on Friday under customary native laws, after the man’s wife filed a complaint against them last year.

During the hearing, the woman claimed her husband had become indifferent to her after he enrolled for a degree course at a university here in 2006. She claimed she later found him and her colleague living together in a house in the city, and that when she confronted them there, her husband was clad in shorts while his lover was in a sarong.

The court fined the man RM1,000 and ordered him to pay compensation of a buffalo or RM1,500 to his wife, a pig or RM500 to his two sons and another buffalo or RM1,500 to his Kampung Langkuas folks in Papar.

He was also ordered to pay RM200 in monthly expenses for his two sons by the three-man bench comprising Penampang district officer William Sampil, and native chiefs Johney Molijo and Adrian Sikawah.

The man’s lover was fined RM1,000 and ordered to compensate his wife with one buffalo and her village in Keningau district with another buffalo.

Sampil, in delivering the ruling, said although the man and his lover claimed they were “best friends” in their defence, the court found strong evidence of their intimate affair.