During pregnancy, the body produces approximately 50% more blood and body fluids to meet the needs of the developing baby. Swelling is a normal symptom of pregnancy that is caused by this additional blood and fluid. Swelling is usually found in the legs, feet and hands. You may notice any rings you wear becoming tighter, sometimes making it necessary to take them off until after your baby is born. Some women notice their feet increasing by a half to one shoe size (or more). Continue reading “Leg swelling and Fluid Retention During Pregnancy”
Tag: Pregnancy
What to expect in your first antenatal visit?
To discover that you are pregnant is one of the most pleasant feelings in the world. It is an altogether new chapter in one’s life which if taken care of properly turns out to be wonderful and memorable experience. According to latest medical studies, it is advisable to visit your doctor as soon as the pregnancy is discovered .This care is popularly known as “antenatal care” Continue reading “What to expect in your first antenatal visit?”
Are you worried about vaginal discharge during pregnancy?
Increased amount of vaginal secretions are thought to be normal due to the increased blood flow to the vagina and surrounding glands during pregnancy . The incidence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy is 31.5% and remaining can be normal.
When to worry?
It is considered completely normal unless there are other signs such as :
- Discharge heavier and thicker than usual
- Itching in the genitalia
- Burning urination
- Soreness
- Rashes
- Pain
- Greyish, greenish, yellowish or blood-tinged discharge
- Foul smelling discharge
These above symptoms indicate the presence of a vaginal infection or Urinary tract
infection in which case a visit to the gynecologist for a physical examination would be
needed and may require a course of antibiotics too.
Tips to get rid of it:
Keep the area clean and dry
Wear loose cotton undergarments and change undergarments 2-3 times in a day
wash the area with plain water or wipe with baby wipes after using the washroom
Avoid using scented soaps, perfumes and fragrances
Avoid sexual intercourse in case of any pain or discomfort
Avoid rough sexual intercourse
Drink plenty of water at least 2 to 3 liters
Eat a well-balanced meal and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
Consume curd as it is also a rich source of probiotics which are needed for
growth of healthy bacteria in the vaginal secretions
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2099568/
http://www.bmj.com/content/328/7451/1306
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-discharge- whats-abnormal#1\
-Dr Bhavani Sagar
Prepare your body for conception
There are no statistics reporting as to how many women in India are pregnant at a given point of time, but I am sure the number is really huge. Pregnancy is considered as just another phase of the life cycle in women but actually it is THE MOST IMPORTANT PHASE because it not only marks the arrival of a new human being but is also a rebirth for the mother. The health and well being of both is very crucial since their survival depends on each other.
Most women are very receptive to changes in diet and lifestyle during pregnancy as every mother wants a HEALTHY BABY. So no matter what they have been doing all this while, they want to build a healthy foundation for a normal healthy infant. Unfortunately, the much needed focus on nutrition during this phase is lacking with Doctors hardly acknowledging the need for a structured and specific diet regimen. Except that they mostly monitor weight closely but don’t tell the mothers the right way to gain or lose to achieve the ideal. Continue reading “Prepare your body for conception”
Benefits of breastfeeding for baby and mother
Infants in developing countries often suffer from infections (ear, throat, stomach) due to lack of proper knowledge about correct time of initiation and duration of breastfeeding. In developed countries, decreasing breastfeeding practices result in increased food allergies such as lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, peanut allergies, etc. Breast cancer incidence is also increasing rapidly and one of the ways to prevent it is through breastfeeding.
Importance of first milk
UNICEF suggests that the mother should start breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Milk secreted by the mother soon after childbirth is called ‘colostrum’. This colostrum is thick, yellowish milk having high protein content, vitamin A and sodium chloride (salts) and lower amounts of carbohydrates, fats and potassium. The numerous antibodies present in this colostrum lead to growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and offer life-long protection against infections.
Benefits of breast milk
– Improved gut health
– Increased immunity
– Cognitive development
– Protection against chronic diseases
Breastfeeding benefits to mothers
– Helps the uterus to shrink to its pre-pregnancy state
– Helps mother to lose weight gained during pregnancy.
– Helps in child- spacing among women who do not use contraceptives
– Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
– Reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Breast- milk is like the elixir of life for the newborn. No child should be denied of this invaluable gift of nature. Infant formula prepared in laboratory cannot match the miraculous science behind composition of breast milk. Breastfeeding provides the natural way of balancing the health of the child as well as the mother. Any attempt to disrupt this physiological balance can lead to harmful repercussions for both.
Why pregnant women should be screened for Hepatitis B ?
Screening for Hepatitis B is usually done at the first prenatal visit for 95% women but these women are not identified and followed –up sufficiently. Once a pregnant woman tests positive for Hepatitis B, she should be carefully monitored and given timely intervention during delivery to prevent Continue reading “Why pregnant women should be screened for Hepatitis B ?”
Toxic chemicals in food that pregnant women should avoid
When babies are exposed to numerous toxic compounds in the womb, it can damage the body and affect development, brain function, and reproduction.These chemicals can also impair the immune system and increase vulnerability to carcinogens and can lead to other diseases later in life. Eliminating these harmful substances can give your baby the best chance at a happy, healthy life. Continue reading “Toxic chemicals in food that pregnant women should avoid”
Being chubby – Is it good for baby’s health?
My heart reaches out to mothers who equate healthy baby with chubbiness and plumpness. Media projects images of ‘perfect baby’ who is fair with blue eyes, chubby cheeks and a wholesome built. But like all other deceptions, this idealistic projection has turned into a dangerous fad. It’s high time we stop trusting media stereotypes and use our own discretion in perceiving a truly healthy baby!
Ideal Birth weight
It is important that a mother takes all efforts during pregnancy to ensure that newborn has an ideal birth weight (3 – 3.5kg/ 6.5 -7.5lbs). Most babies who are born full term (38-40 weeks gestation) weigh between 6-9lbs (2.7 – 4kg). An average Indian baby weighs approximately 2.8 kg and is 51 cm long. Babies born closer to the ideal weight are better protected against diseases in later life. Low birth weight has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth of less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). If your child is anywhere above this weight, then he/she is normal and does not need be treated like an underweight baby with excessive feeding. Continue reading “Being chubby – Is it good for baby’s health?”
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