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Category: Pregnancy

Relaxation and Breathing during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a physiological burden on the body, but with the right knowledge it can be a memorable and happy phase of your life. While it is important to enjoy this phase, it is equally important to give the body its long needed rest as it is working very hard to make a normal healthy baby. Here are some ways which can help you relax and enjoy, whenever you are not so upbeat about things.

  • Muscle relaxation: Make yourself comfortable and then tense and relax each muscle of your body, starting from the toe and working upwards. Try to keep your breathing slow and even. After doing this for about 10 minutes, let your body go limp. You can also concentrate on some peaceful image and try not to follow any thoughts.
  • Rest : Make it a habit to put your feet up and rest whenever you feel like
  • Exercise: Light exercises keep you fit besides releasing endorphins, the happy hormones
  • Fresh air and sunshine: Going out into the open is refreshing and sunlight is a great mood lifter besides providing our body with the much needed vitamin D
  • Gather information: As soon as the news of pregnancy is confirmed, you may become very anxious if it is your first pregnancy. Whenever you get the time gather as much knowledge as you can. This will give you a lot of confidence and keep stress at bay.
  • Talk out your concerns: Many a times we get too paranoid when we over think . Talking to a friend or an informed person about our concerns makes us calm and relaxed.
  • Take a warm shower: If the muscles are sore or you are just tired, taking a relaxing warm shower is a help.
  • Laugh a little: Read a funny book, watch a comedy movie or just laugh with children. When you laugh you will forget what is bothering you
  • Meditate: Go to a calm and quiet place, play some soft music and settle comfortably.  There are a number of meditation techniques that you can follow. Some meditate with the light of a candle, some by concentrating on the breathing. Try each one out to find out what suits you best and then stick to it. You may learn mediation techniques at a pregnancy yoga class too.
  • Visit a Spa: The spa uses aromatherapy, massage, water and a number of other techniques to relax the mind and the body. You need to inform the therapist about your condition and make sure you avoid steam, sauna’s, hot tubs, some specific aromatherapy oils and rigorous massages. Go for facial, manicures and pedicures to relax and rejuvenate.
  • Indulge yourself: Very soon your life will change completely and the centre of attention will be the little one. This is the time to pamper yourself.

If your pregnancy is normal you can ask your doctor for a babymoon where you go for a short holiday with your partner, take weekends off or just enjoy nice candle light dinners. Do whatever makes you feel happy.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy

Dealing with a Miscarriage

Some of the reasons for miscarriage are:

  • Infection to the mother
  • If the mother is diabetic or suffering from thyroid problems
  • Hormonal issues
  • Immune system responses
  • Mother suffering from physical problems
  • Uterine abnormalities
  • If the unborn babies has some genetic problems

A woman has a higher risk of miscarriage if she:

  • Above 35 years of age
  • Past history of miscarriage

Emergency Signs

There are some emergency signs which may indicate a miscarriage but if you

 call your doctor immediately, you may not necessarily lose the baby.

  • A severe headache that won’t go away.
  • Misty or blurred vision
  • Severe prolonged stomach pains
  • Frequent painful urination (hydrate yourself well till the doctor arrives)
  • Leakage of fluids (which may suggest the waters have broken down)
  • Vaginal bleeding: If you notice bleeding from the vagina at any time during pregnancy, lie down and call the doctor immediately. This may indicate either a miscarriage or placental bleeding. You may be admitted to the hospital where the position of the placenta is checked. If you have lost a lot of blood, you may be given a blood transfusion and the baby will be delivered as soon as possible.

Consult Your Doctor within 24 Hours

  • If you have swollen hands, face or ankles
  • Severe frequent vomiting
  • A temperature of 101 degree F
  • Fewer kicks from your baby for 12 hours after week 28
  • No movement by the baby for 12 hours after week 28

Threatened abortion

If the bleeding is mild and painless, the pregnancy can often be saved

Treatment

  • Bed rest till the bleeding stops
  • An ultrasound scan to confirm all is well
  • Take things easy for a few days and it is possible that the pregnancy should go normally without any risk of abnormality in the baby.

True Miscarriage

If the bleeding is very heavy and you are experiencing a lot of pain, it probably means the baby has died. You will need to go to the clinic so that the womb can be cleaned out under general anesthesia.

Coping With the Miscarriage

Losing a baby is a huge emotional loss for the couple and a miscarriage is often accompanied by negative feelings. People might not understand but you do need to mourn the loss of your unborn baby. Quite often mothers blame themselves and feel really guilty about it, but you need to understand that it is not your fault. Also there are concerns of future pregnancy and mixed feelings whether you will ever be able to carry a healthy baby in the future.

 Treatment

  • Talk to your partner about your feelings, it will help both of you open up and strengthen your bond as a couple
  • If need be take the help of a counselor
  • Talk to your doctor as to when you should plan a baby again. Some doctors say it is better to wait for three menstrual cycles before you conceive again
  • Unless you have had a string of miscarriages, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have a successful pregnancy the next time.

A miscarriage is emotionally and physically draining yet it is not the end of the world. With adequate help you should be able to start your family very soon.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy

Looking Good During Pregnancy

pregnancy fitness

Now that you know you are pregnant, you are embarking on one of the happiest phase in a couple’s life. And yet it is also a physiological burden on the mother’s body as the body goes through innumerable changes which manifest in poor skin and falling hair apart from a different shape of the body.

While taking care of the new life is imperative, taking care of yourself and looking good is equally important for a positive attitude and high self esteem.

  • Keep it simple: Comfortable clothes with clean cuts and smaller patterns look good during this time. Use solid colours and avoid over accessorizing. Invest in a good pair of maternity jeans.
  • Watch your posture: An incorrect and slouchy posture not just looks bad but also causes back strain. Walk straight consciously.
  • Invest in good comfortable shoes: There may be a slight increase in the shoe size too.
  • Exercise regularly: Keep your body healthy and prepare for childbirth but do consult your doctor regarding the best suitable exercises for you
  • Eat well: Eat a balanced diet and include a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and dairy. Avoid processed and packed food
  • Make water your best friend: It keeps your skin looking fresh and radiant and flushes toxins from your body
  • Stay happy and calm: Enjoy your hobbies, read books, listen to music and meditate as per your interest

Hair

If you are lucky, thick shiny hair could be a bonus of pregnancy, but sometimes greasy hair becomes oilier while dry hair gets even more brittle. There may be hair fall too while facial and body hair tends to darken.

  • If the hair is dry and brittle, use a mild shampoo and a good conditioner and stop yourself from rigorous brushing.
  • Wash oily hair often to keep it shiny
  • Avoid chemical treatments as far as possible
  • Transform your hairstyle as per your changing body by trying new hairstyles and fashionable accessories.

Skin Texture

Normally skin texture improves during pregnancy, however sometimes the skin becomes dry or greasy or even spotty.

  • Clean the skin thoroughly. Moisture it if it is too dry and add a few drops of oil in the bath. Use as little soap as possible.
  • Use subtle shades to give a natural glow and use a concealer to avoid dark circles. When using make up, please make sure the product is mercury and lead free.

Skin Color

Skin pigmentation is a common occurrence during pregnancy while moles and birthmarks darken and grow in size. A brown line appears on the stomach and a brownish patch could develop across the face and neck.

  • Avoid strong sunlight as that tends to make the pigmentation worse
  • Always use a sunscreen with a strong filter
  • Do not bleach your face
  •  Don’t stress or worry because most of these will disappear after pregnancy
  • Sleep and rest as much as possible

Nails

The nails may split and break more easily so wear gloves while doing household chores. A diet rich in vitamin E makes the nails strong so focus on a nutritious diet.

Stay happy, relaxed and calm and enjoy this beautiful period in your life.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy

Keeping Fit during Pregnancy

pregnancy fitness

Pregnancy, labor and birth can make huge demands on the body and it is best to be prepared physically and mentally.

You can start exercising as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed or even before you are pregnant and then build up gradually so as to be able to retain a 20 min daily schedule throughout those nine months. If there are any health concerns, do consult an expert or go to antenatal classes to learn the right techniques.

 Guidelines for Exercising Sensibly

  • If you have enjoyed sports, you can continue fitness in pregnancy, but do not launch into a fitness overdrive in case the body is not accustomed.
  • If you want to continue dance classes make sure the instructor knows that you are expecting
  • Don’t exercise to the point of tiredness or breathlessness
  • Avoid a sport like riding or skiing that can stress abdominal muscles
  • Take extra care in the first and the last semester of pregnancy.

Safe Exercises during Pregnancy

  • Swimming is an excellent and perfectly safe exercise as water ably supports the body.
  • Brisk walking
  • Stationary bicycling
  • Low impact aerobic exercises that are taught by a qualified instructor
  • Tennis and badminton are safe provided you are careful with balance
  • Jogging and running can be done in moderation
  • Yoga can be done under a trained instructor who has been informed about the pregnancy

Exercises to Be Avoided During Pregnancy

  • Any exercise/activity that involves holding your breath
  • Activities where you can fall – horse riding, skiing etc
  • Contact sports like football, basketball, volleyball etc
  • Exercises that may cause stress to the abdomen and even rapid changes in directions like the Ferris Wheel and other joy rides
  • Activities that require jumping, hopping skipping
  • Deep knee bends, full sit ups, double leg raises, straight leg toe touches etc.
  • Exercises that require lying on the back or the right side for more than 3 minutes

Who Should not Exercise

  • Expectant mothers with asthma
  • Those with diabetes
  • Those with hypertension including PIH or Pregnancy induced hypertension
  • In case of bleeding or spotting
  • Weak cervix
  • Ruptured membranes
  • Premature labour during current pregnancy
  • Severe anaemia
  • Extreme morbid obesity
  • Extremely underweight
  • IUGR pregnancy
  • Poorly controlled thyroid disorder
  • Those with a history of  extremely sedentary lifestyle
  • Heavy smokers

Question of the Day

Is there any particular exercise that should be practiced during pregnancy?

Pelvic floor exercises can be really helpful if learnt and practiced regularly during pregnancy. Pregnancy puts a lot of burden on the pelvis and the pelvic floor exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles. This can ease the problem of leaking urine problem and even ensure an easier labor.

When you know how to relax the muscles, you can reduce the risk of a tear by easing the passage of the baby through the pelvis. Take the help of your fitness consultant or doctor to learn this exercise.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy

Special Care during Pregnancy

care during pregnancy

There are certain pregnancies which need special care and close monitoring by the doctor. It is important to be aware and take steps in the right direction to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Anaemia

Iron deficiency in the mother may lead to anaemia, which can be found out by a simple blood test. Iron is needed in pregnancy for the following reasons

  • Formation of blood for the baby’s growth
  • To replace the blood lost during delivery
  • To provide for reserve for the baby as the mother’s milk lacks sufficient iron.

Treatment

If the blood tests at the clinic indicate anaemia, corrective measures should be taken which include

Eating food which is rich in iron, while avoiding liver and liver products during pregnancy. The following food are good sources of iron:

  • Dark green leafy vegetables like beetroot leaves, spinach etc
  • Red meat
  • Pork
  • Poultry etc
  • Dates
  • Jaggery

Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron hence with the increased iron intake there should be an increased intake of vitamin c too. Some good sources include lemon, amla(Indian gooseberry), kiwi, oranges etc .

The doctor can prescribe iron supplements. Take iron supplements on a full stomach, after meals. Include a lot of fluids as iron supplements may cause constipation, nausea or even diarrhoea.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of diseases that results in high blood glucose levels. Simply put, it is caused by too much sugar in the blood. The blood sugar levels need to be constantly monitored during pregnancy. Many mothers though not diabetic, develop this problem during pregnancy, which is known as gestational diabetes. This nearly always disappears soon after delivery.

Treatment

Lifestyle modifications need to be done to manage diabetes.

  • Try to include complex carbohydrates in your diet like oats , barley etc along with a lot of fiber. This promotes satiety along with a good bowel movement.
  • Avoid too much animal protein as it is difficult to digest and has sodium which may cause water retention. Include plant protein like pulses, beans legumes in good quantities.
  • Try to eat a lot of coloured vegetables which along with providing antioxidants, also provides soluble fibre.
  • Consult a good dietician who can guide you about low glycemic and high index foods which is needed to be understood by diabetics. Good food for diabetics include oats, barley, fenugreek, low fat dairy. Avoid white bread, sweet and overripe fruits and vegetables, starchy vegetables like potato arbi, yam etc.
  • Consult your doctor for the right kind of exercises which can be done to control diabetes and have a healthy pregnancy.
  • Inform your doctor about your pregnancy so that the dose of medications and supplements are adjusted accordingly
  • It is imperative that the blood sugar remain normal so the doctor may adjust the insulin intake for pregnancy.

With the right kind of guidance and lifestyle modifications, one can have a very normal pregnancy despite any medical/lifestyle disorders.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy

Infertility

Infertility

Once you have decided to start your family, you will be very happy and eager to conceive. Sometimes in spite of repeated attempts, one is unable to get pregnant and this may lead to a lot of stress and sometimes even depression.

What Is Infertility

Generally speaking, infertility is the inability to conceive, despite having carefully timed, unprotected sex for one year.

Symptom

Inability to get pregnant.

Causes

The actual causes may be difficult to find out but may include,

  • Inadequate level of certain hormone in the father
  • Inadequacy of certain hormone in the mother
  • Trouble with ovulation in the mother
  • Psychological disturbances due to societal pressures or otherwise.

Treatment

Many treatments may improve the chances of getting pregnant they may include,

  • Hormone treatments, affects the body by regulating the activity of the organs.
  • Surgery
  • Planning intercourse within 5 days of ovulation to increase chances of getting pregnant.
  • Some medications and fertility drugs may help like estrogen modulators, anti diabetic medications etc
  • Medical procedures, which may include,
  • Artificial insemination in which sperms are directly inserted into the woman’s womb to help her get pregnant.
  • IVF which is also known as test tube baby. In this the doctors mix the man’s sperm with the woman’s egg in a test tube.
  • Ovulation induction, which uses medicines to stimulate the ovaries to release eggs.
  • One can also opt for therapy sessions, which treats the psychological problems, which a couple may be dealing with.

Though there are a lot of ways by which one can get pregnant biologically, sometimes even after trying everything, a couple may not be successful. Pregnancy may be medically impossible or may pose fatal to the mother’s health. Sometimes a single parent may wish to have a child. In such cases, one can also opt for surrogacy.

Surrogacy is an agreement in which a woman agrees a pregnancy for another person who will become the new born child’s parent post birth.

Surrogacy is of two types

  1. Commercial surrogacy, in which the surrogate mother receives money for the arrangement.
  2. Altruistic surrogacy, in this the surrogate mother just gets her medical and other reasonable expenses reimbursed. There is no additional payment for carrying the baby.

There are different laws in different countries regarding surrogacy. Some countries do not permit surrogacy so the couple or the individual might need to travel to some other country for the same.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy

Common Complaints during Pregnancy

complaints during Pregnancy

Though the body adapts beautifully to carry a new life, there are some common complaints that may be faced during the pregnancy.

Bleeding Gums

Symptoms: Bleeding from the gums, mostly after brushing the teeth

Solution: Floss and brush your teeth thoroughly after eating. See your dentist, but avoid x-rays

Breathlessness

Symptoms: Feeling breathless is common complaint which mothers feel during pregnancy.

Solution: Rest as much as possible and if the problem is severe, consult your doctor

Constipation

Symptoms: Passing dry, hard stools at infrequent intervals.

Solution: Drink a lot of water and avoid laxatives by eating high fiber food; exercise regularly; take iron supplements ( if prescribed) on a full stomach and consult your doctor if problem persists

Cramps

Symptoms: Painful contractions of muscles, usually in the calves of feet.

Solution: Massage the affected area. Walk around for improved blood circulation. Speak to your doctor who might prescribe calcium or Vitamin D supplements.

Feeling Faint

Symptoms: Feeling dizzy or unstable

Solution: Try not to stand for long intervals. Get up slowly, when sitting or lying down. Turn to one side and then get up if lying on your back. Get up slowly from a hot bath. Put your head between your knees if you suddenly feel dizzy

Frequent urination

Symptoms: You tend to urinate more often

Solution: If the urgency to use the washroom is more at night, try drinking fewer fluids in the evenings. If you experience pain while passing urine speak to your doctor as it might signal an infection

Heart Burn

Symptoms: A strong burning pain around the chest

Solution:

  • Avoid spicy and fried food
  • Take small frequent meals
  • Try a warm drink at night
  • Use extra pillows to rest your head
  • Speak to your doctor who may prescribe an antacid.

Leaking Urine

Symptoms: Urine leaks when you cough, sneeze, or laugh

Solution:

  • Practice pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles
  • Pass water more often
  • Avoid food that may cause constipation
  • Avoid lifting heavy weights

Morning Sickness

Symptoms: A tendency to vomit or puke, especially in the morning, or a particular time of the day. Most women feel sick and baulk at the smell of certain foods and / or cigarette smoke.

Solution:

  • Avoid caffeine on waking up
  • Eat something light to keep nausea at bay
  • Avoid those food that have a strong smell if it aggravates the problem
  • Take small frequent meals throughout the day

Piles

Symptoms: Pain or bleeding while passing stool.

Solution:

  • Apply an ice pack locally to ease itching
  • Avoid constipation
  • Try not to stand for long periods
  • Speak to your doctor who may prescribe local ointments

Rash

Symptoms: A red rash may develop in the sweaty skin folds under the breast or in the groin area

Solution:

  • Use non perfumed soap to wash and dry these areas regularly
  • Improve your hygiene quotient by bathing more often
  • Soothe the skin with calamine lotion
  • Wear loose clothes and use natural breathable fabrics
  • Avoid working out in warm surroundings

Sleeping Difficulties

Symptoms: The expectant mother may have trouble going to sleep or difficulty going back to sleep if woken up in the middle of the night. Some women have also reported frightening dreams

Solution:

  • Take a warm bath before bedtime
  • Read a book or practice relaxation techniques
  • Experiment with extra pillows
  • Drink a warm beverage like turmeric milk or chamomile tea that promotes sleep
  • Lavender essential oils that give out a soothing aroma may be useful.

Stretch Marks

Symptoms: Red marks appear on the thighs, stomach or breasts during pregnancy as the skin stretches beyond its normal capacity.

Solution:

  • Use a moisturizer to soothe the area although creams and ointments might not prevent or heal stretch marks
  • An oil massage is helpful

Sweating

Symptoms: Rapid hormonal changes result in perspiring after very little exertion or waking up feeling hot and sweaty. This is also caused by the increased blood flow to the skin during pregnancy.  

Solution:

  • Drink a lot of liquids
  • Wear loose clothes that are comfortable and made with breathable fabric
  • Open windows for fresh air or stay in air-conditioning to feel comfortable

Edema

Symptoms: Extra water and retention of water cause swelling in the ankles, feet, hands or fingers.

Solution:

  • Put your feet up as often as possible and rest
  • Avoid processed and canned food
  • Avoid using too much table salt
  • Try gentle foot exercises and flex your fingers

Thrush

Symptoms: A thick white discharge accompanied by severe itching and/or soreness and pain while passing urine

Solution:

  • Stop using soap if you are feeling sore
  • Avoid vaginal deodorants
  • Use cotton underwear
  • Avoid tight clothes
  • A doctor may  prescribe creams or ointments

Vaginal Discharge

Symptoms: Slight increase in clear discharge without any pain

Solution:

  • Avoid synthetic soaps
  • Avoid vaginal deodorants
  • Wear a light sanitary pad
  • See your doctor if there is any itching or weird smell

Varicose Veins

Symptoms: The veins in the calves and thighs become painful and swollen.

Solution:

  • Put up your foot often
  • Raising the foot of your bed may help
  • Use extra pillows under your feet
  • Support tights may help.
  • Exercise your feet

Tiredness

Symptoms: The need to rest and sleep more often which is caused by the extra demands on the body due to pregnancy.

Solution:

  • Rest as much as possible
  • Practice relaxation techniques and don’t over exert
  • Go to bed early
  • Practice meditation

All the above mentioned pregnancy problems are quite common, these remedies will help you soothe these problems; however, consult your doctor if these problems are persistent over a longer period of time during pregnancy.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Concerns

pregnancy concerns

Incompetent Cervix

In a normal pregnancy, the neck of the womb (cervix) remains closed until labour. Sometimes the neck of the womb is weak and it opens up, expelling the baby and resulting in a miscarriage. This may happen due to repeated pregnancies or miscarriages or other reasons.

Treatment

The doctor may suggest an operation to stitch the cervix firmly at the beginning of the pregnancy. This stitch is then removed towards the end of the pregnancy or as labour starts.

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

During pregnancy, hypertension may occur which may be mild or severe.

In mild hypertension, the blood pressure is slightly raised 140/90 mm hg. There may be slight swelling of ankles and traces of albumin in urine. This is quite common and not of grave concern.

In severe pregnancy hypertension, the blood pressure rises to above 160/100 mm hg along with excess oedema and albiminurea. This condition is also known as pre-eclampsia.

Treatment

  • The doctor will advise bed rest.
  • To lower the blood pressure, either a medicine may be given or dietary changes may be suggested. There will be a reduction in the amount of sodium in the diet and reduction on the usage of common salt.
  • In severe cases hospitalization may be needed and labour may be induced.

Pregnancy with  Rhesus Negative Mother

Your blood is tested at the clinic on your first visit to find out your blood group. About 15 percent people have a negative blood group, also known as rhesus negative. Rhesus negative mothers have a problem in pregnancy if they are carrying a rhesus positive child. Your blood groups will be incompatible and though it won’t harm the existing child, it can pose a problem for the next child.

Treatment

If you are an rhesus negative mother and have borne a rhesus positive child, you will be given a protective vaccine known as anti-D immediately after birth. This will prevent any problems with the future pregnancies. Some hospitals give this vaccine even during the pregnancy stage.

Pregnancy with an IUGR Baby

A baby who doesn’t grow properly in the womb is known as an IUGR baby. This may be due to the mother not having a good diet or if she smokes or suffers from some lifestyle disorders like diabetes.

Treatment

  • There will be constant monitoring throughout pregnancy to check adequate blood flow to the placenta
  • If the baby appears distressed or stops growing, he will be delivered early either through induction or caesarean section.

Pregnancy with Twins

If you are carrying twin babies, there may be greater chances of anemia, pre-eclampsia or premature labour.

Treatment

  • Regular visits to the antenatal clinic are a must to spot any complications in the initial stage.
  • Watch your posture and take adequate rest to make up for the additional strain on your body
  • To avoid digestive problems, eat small frequent meals and avoid canned and processed food.

Please consult your doctor before starting any treatment if you face any above mentioned concerns and do not start any of the medication and treatment on your own.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy

Becoming Pregnant

Becoming Pregnant

Starting a family is a wonderful experience and certain precautions can make the journey more enjoyable.  It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle even while planning and trying to conceive as the first three months are crucial for a baby’s growth and you may come to know of the pregnancy only when a period is missed.

The first signs of Pregnancy

  • Enlarged and tender breasts
  • A metallic taste in the mouth
  • A feeling of tiredness and/or feeling highly emotional  
  • Dizziness, Nausea and /or Vomiting
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Craving for unusual food and/or aversion to strong smells and certain things like smoking
  • Frequent urination

Confirming the Good News

Once some signs that indicate pregnancy are noticed, it is advisable to get it confirmed through:

  • Urine Test: The urine sample can be tested in a lab as in pregnancy, a hormone appears in the urine.
  • Home Pregnancy Kits : You can get a home pregnancy kit at the pharmacy. Always use the first urine sample of the day and follow the instructions on the package. The kit contains a chemical solution through which when urine is passed and the color changes only when pregnant. Though they are fairly accurate, a lab diagnosis is more accurate.
  • Physical Examination: After two missed periods, the doctor may do a vaginal examination to confirm the pregnancy.

Calculating the EDD (Estimated Delivery Date )

It is normal to start thinking of the due date for the delivery. Keep in mind that these calculations are estimates and based on averages.

EDD = LMP + 280 DAYS ( LMP = last period ).

A normal pregnancy can last between 38 to 42 weeks, though on an average it lasts 40 weeks. One is most likely to conceive during the ovulation stage, which is about 14 days before the next period is due.

Things to Avoid

The baby’s organs are formed during the first trimester, so one has to be very careful during this time. If you want a healthy baby, you should definitely avoid the following:

  • Medications without prescriptions: We often take medicines for common complaints but many of these drugs may harm the baby. When one discovers one is pregnant, one should inform the doctor immediately, who may either alter the medicine or reduce the dosage.
  • Smoking : Both active and passive smoking is very harmful for the growing baby. It deprives the foetus of oxygen and may lead to a number of complications like malformation, miscarriage, still birth, pre mature delivery, or low birth weight baby’s.  Avoid smoky places and give up smoking for the sake of a new life.
  • Alcohol: If the mother is a heavy drinker, the baby can be seriously harmed. There are no safe levels of drinking so it’s best to completely abstain from alcohol during this period. Talk to your gynecologist and take her advice regarding your concerns.
  • Poor Hygiene: Raw meat, soil particles and pet feces contain parasites which may cause serious harm to the baby. Wash your hands thoroughly especially before eating anything and be very careful about the hygiene when eating out.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy

Thinking About Pregnancy 

Thinking About Pregnancy

Thinking About Pregnancy by Famhealth

Having a baby can be an amazing experience and certainly deserves well thought out planning. How can we start planning and what comprises planning are questions that worry women and men who want to start a family. All these questions and many more will be answered in this series called Mother & Baby Care.

Why Should Pregnancy Be Planned?

  • It increases the chances of conception and those of having a normal healthy baby.
  • It helps the mother get back to normal health and shape at the earliest.

How much time should be assigned for planning?

The ideal time would be 3 months before the baby is conceived since in the initial weeks the baby develops radically and yet one may not be aware that conception has happened.  

Requirements during the planning stage?

  • Nutritious Diet: Nutritionist Nidhi Agarwal Khemka stresses on a good diet for both parents and suggests that they should make these changes together. A healthy nutritious meal is needed by the mother to be because she will nurture the baby while a healthy diet is needed by the father as the sperm quality can be adversely affected by bad diet, alcohol and smoking. It is a good idea to know if one is nutritionally deficient in any vitamin or mineral before conceiving as deficiency of folic acid may lead to neural tube defects in the baby while low levels of iron may lead to excess fatigue and complications.
  • Fitness: Keeping physically fit and active
  • Avoiding Stress: It is imperative to avoid work related stress when one plans to conceive.
  • Keeping Records: Check old vaccination cards to see if all the vaccines were given as absence of some may be fatal to the baby and could cause birth defects. Also avoid contact with chemicals and xrays that may lead to problems in conceiving. Check with the doctor about conditions like thyroid, diabetes, hypertension or epilepsy before getting pregnant.
  • The Right Weight: Keep a check on the weighing scale as both overweight and underweight mothers may need a doctor’s advice to come to the ideal weight. One should never follow fad diets during pregnancy planning.

The couple must talk to each other and the immediate family about planning for the baby as this makes everyone involved and prepared. It also gives that much needed time to work out any issues that may crop up during pregnancy while increasing the support system around.

To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,

Pregnancy