Getting back in shape after childbirth: Nutrition and workout for new moms

Weight loss tips after pregnancy

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Post-baby body is a nightmare for many women. The body doesn’t look and feel like what you had nine months ago. Getting back in shape becomes quite challenging for moms. Pregnancy is the most dramatic change the body can go through. With an ocean change in hormones, it is natural for the body to change shape.

Post-baby body:

  • Weak and stretched abdominal muscles
  • Inactivated butt muscles
  • Looser joints

Women thus find it difficult to get back in shape after pregnancy. It takes around 4-8 weeks for the body to heal. A balanced diet and exercise could keep you going. Here are a few diet and exercise tips to get back in shape after pregnancy.

Nutrition for getting back in shape:

  • Have smaller balanced meals
  • Spread the meals evenly throughout the day
  • Avoid skipping breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day
  • Incorporate protein to control hunger
  • Add extra fiber for extra calories
  • Add healthy fats like nuts and avocados
  • Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables

Exercise routine to get back in shape:

  • Begin with normal walks. Start walking right after the doctor’s clearance. This could help to burn calories faster.
  • Then you can include the Kegel exercises of contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor as soon as you feel able.
  • Strengthen the abdominal and core areas with bridge and plank exercise
  • Add flexibility with yoga poses.
  • Spice up your cardio. Indulge in treadmill exercises.
  • Add weights back in – incorporate strength training exercises to target the entire body. This aids in faster metabolism.
  • Get your heart rate up with other activities like swimming.
  • Breastfeeding also helps burn calories.

It takes around 12 weeks to get into shape. For a perfect shape, you have to be consistent with exercise and a proper diet for about 20 weeks. However, it largely depends on the body type and health.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Nutritionist customized diet plans for pregnant women and monitor their health throughout the period of pregnancy, in consultation with gynaecologists.

Do take an appointment with the Best Maternity Hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Everything You Need To Know About Postpartum Recovery

How to deal with postpartum?

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Your postpartum recovery won’t be just some days. Full recovery from the process of childbirth can takes months. While many ladies feel mostly recovered by 6-8 weeks, it should take longer than this to want yourself again. During this point, you will feel like your body has turned against you. Try to not get frustrated. Remember that your body isn’t attentive to your timelines and expectations. The most effective thing you’ll do for its rest is to eat well and provides yourself with an occasion.

During this point, your hormones also are fluctuating. you will not be thinking clearly and can be more emotional. Again, give yourself time for this to pass.

Path to improved health

During the primary six weeks, concentrate on your body. You’ll be tired and focused on your baby, but try and notice changes in your own body. This is often vital as you heal.

As you start to feel better, resist the temptation to try and do more. Overdoing things at this time can set you back in your recovery. Focus on nourishing your body with good foods, drinking lots of water (especially if you’re breastfeeding), and getting enough rest.

Here is more of what you’ll be able to expect during your postpartum recovery.

Abdominal pain: As your uterus shrinks into its normal size and shape, you may feel pain in your abdomen (lower belly). These pains are called “afterpains.” Most of those pains are going to be dull, but some are going to be sharp.

Hormonal shifts: Besides fueling your mood swings, hormones also are chargeable for other postpartum symptoms. You’ll be sweating more, especially at nighttime after you sleep. Just ensure that your sweating isn’t among a fever.

Things to contemplate

Pay attention to your body after the biological process. Soreness is to be expected, but not an excessive amount of pain. Don’t be so committed to caring for your baby that you just ignore your health.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist who are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Tips to get your body ready for pregnancy

Tips to get ready for pregnancy

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

You may be planning for pregnancy, but there may be some questions in your mind regarding how to make your body ready for it. There are some steps that if taken will give you the best possible chance of having a healthy pregnancy along with a healthy baby.

Quick fact:

Your heart actually grows during pregnancy as the blood volume increases up to 50% which makes it beat faster.

Tips to get ready for pregnancy

Here are some important steps that you can plan to undertake in order to begin your motherhood easily:

  • A preconception checkup: If you are ready to get pregnant, it is better that you schedule a preconception checkup. During this checkup, your overall health status will be reviewed along with the health history. Besides, there may some health areas where you need some improvement which can be analyzed by the doctor as well.
  • Taking folic acid supplement: Before you start conception, it is advised that you should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day though your first trimester. The process can be started 30 days prior to conception. By taking folic acid, you are decreasing the chances of birth defects in your baby.
  • Avoid alcohol intake: Excessive drinking is prohibited when you are trying out for pregnancy, though a moderate drink is considered fine. While during pregnancy, it is better to avoid drinking as this may pose health problems for the developing fetus.
  • Cut off smoking: Smoking can lead to miscarriage or premature birth, where you should halt this activity as it can also make it difficult for you to get pregnant.
  • Eat well and exercise: Having healthy preconception diet including of whole grains, lean proteins, low fat diary can prepare your body for pregnancy. Moreover, exercising can keep your body strong and healthy.
  • Monitor your weight: A healthy weight can make your pregnancy smoother where you can easily get pregnant as well. It is better to maintain a healthy weight before trying to conceive.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist who are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best delivery hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Tips to boost your fertility

Fertility and pregnancy

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

While trying to conceive, some couples may get pregnant immediately while for some it may take longer than expected. Therefore, the path towards parenthood can be challenging, sometimes. However, there are some ways by which you can increase your fertility.

Quick fact

Caffeine intake by a woman can impact how long it takes for her to get pregnant.

Tips to boost your fertility

Following are some ways in which improve the chances of conceiving:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Healthy weight is an important factor that can help you with fertility where an overweight or underweight woman may find it difficult to conceive. Hormone regulation can get affected by weight which can impact the ovulation.
  • Know when you ovulate: You can keep the track of your ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg) which is the best time for conceiving. Provided you are having regular periods, it means you can try to conceive on days 8-19 after periods, while as in case of irregular cycles, you should use a calendar to track it.
  • Limit your alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can affect the ovulation in women along with affecting the production of hormones in men, leading to decreased chances of fertility. It is better to limit your alcohol intake.
  • Eat healthy foods: Eating healthy foods can help you obtain critical nutrients to maintain a healthy body. Your diet should comprise of variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, dairy foods etc. Besides, you should consume about 8-10 cups of water a day.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking is ascribed with fertility problems where it can effect ovaries. It is better to stay away from smoking, and increase your fertility.
  • Exercising: You don’t need to stress about your pregnancy where you can exercise daily to cope with the pressure.
  • Try for conceiving often: Try to have sex often, at least 3 times a week. There are more chances to conceive when you try continuously.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist who are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Tips for a healthy beginning for pregnancy

Tips to get pregnant fast

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

You need to take good care of yourself while on the journey of pregnancy in order to have a healthy baby. You should stay healthy before, through and after the pregnancy as well. So, this phase should begin in a healthy way.

Quick Fact:

Just after 14 weeks of pregnancy, a woman can start producing breast milk.

Tips for beginning a healthy pregnancy

Here are some essential tips to start your pregnancy in a healthy way:

  • Start visiting your doctor: As soon as you come to know about your pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare provider and take frequent visits to ask your impending questions and track your baby’s growth.
  • Taking vitamins: Even before getting pregnant, it is advised to start taking prenatal vitamins for your baby’s protection, which can be continued during the pregnancy as well.
  • Take your flu shot: Being pregnant can propose some additional risks to you and your baby where taking flu shots can prevent any serious infections.
  • Avoid soft cheese: It is better to avoid cheese made from raw or unpasteurized milk as it may act as a carrier of organisms harmful for your baby.
  • Tackle morning sickness: You may start to have morning sickness in the beginning of pregnancy where ginger and vitamin B6 can help with you with its symptoms, after being proposed by the doctor.
  • Exercising: You can start exercising along with yoga, swimming or walking for half an hour as these are safe practices and keep your body sound and healthy.
  • Visit your dentist: During pregnancy, gum diseases can be common where you need to consult a dentist as soon as possible.
  • Take some power naps: If you are problems with your sleep during the night, you can take power naps during the day.
  • Eat healthy and avoid toxins: You should consume healthy foods rich in nutrients and avoid toxins, such as alcohol, smoking, etc.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist who are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Safe Contraception

Practicing safe sex

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

You may be not ready to have a baby right now. While having no intention for starting a family, you may want to prevent your pregnancy while adhering to the safest possible way. Contraception is one of the ways that can prevent your pregnancy along with protecting you from sexually transmissible infections (STI’s).

Quick Fact:

World contraception day is celebrated on 26 September every year to provide right to all the couples and individuals to decide freely.

Safe contraception methods

While there are many options for contraception, but we will consider some of the methods that are safe for you:

  • Condoms: This is one of the effective contraceptive that not only prevents pregnancy but also provides protections against STIs. It is free from hormones and can be used on demand as well. While it renders a safety option, but it can come off during intercourse if not used properly.
  • Oral contraceptive pills: Being one of the most common methods used for contraception, oral contraceptive pills are of different types that are effective when used by women once a day. However, you should take these pills when recommended by a medical professional.
  • Intrauterine device (IUD): This is a small device comprising of progesterone hormone or copper which can be placed inside the uterus of a woman by a trained professional. It can be used for long run where it can be effective in birth control.
  • The contraceptive injection: Comprising progesterone, this injection can be inserted via woman’s buttock or upper arm where the hormone is released into the blood stream to render its job as a contraceptive.
  • Diaphragm: It can also act a safe contraceptive when placed correctly inside the uterus to prevent the fertilization. It is usually a small dome shaped silicon which can be used more than once as it can be taken out and cleaned.

The final decision of using a birth control contraceptive rests on the recommendations of your health care provider along with your partner.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist who are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Prenatal supplements before pregnancy

Prenatal supplement for pregnant women

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

In order to have a healthy pregnancy, you need to incorporate balanced nutrients in your diet which may fall short during this stage. To make sure you are healthy enough to start a pregnancy with a healthy body, prenatal supplements are highly recommended conferring to their advantages.

Quick Fact:

If you didn’t take prenatal supplements before pregnancy, you can still use them throughout pregnancy.

Best time to take prenatal supplements

When you decide to start your family, you can consult your health care professional to begin this phase in a healthy way. When it comes to recommendations for prenatal care, prenatal supplements are considered important to cover up the deficiency of important vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. Prenatal supplements are multivitamins that are needed during the course of pregnancy. So to make sure you are able to nourish your body and your baby with the nutrients during pregnancy, it is important to start taking these supplements before it.

Prenatal supplements

Prenatal supplements should be rich in nutrients that are most important for the body, as:

  • Folic acid: Folic acid as a nutrient helps in the development of neural tube and structure that makes up the brain and spinal column. Taking folic acid supplements decrease the chances of any neural tube defects.
  • Calcium: Your baby needs calcium to form his teeth and bones which can be provided by prenatal calcium supplements. If you are lacking calcium in your body, you can suffer from temporary bone loss as the baby can take the calcium prevailing in your bones.
  • Iron: Iron is important in producing red blood cells where it also helps in the growth and development of the baby. During pregnancy, you iron demand can be more where you have to supply another life growing in your womb. To cope with this demand, iron supplement can be used.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Nutritionist customized diet plans for pregnant women and monitor their health throughout the period of pregnancy, in consultation with gynaecologists.

Do take an appointment with the Best Maternity Hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Preconception counselling in Pregnancy and Postnatal care

Preconceptual Counselling

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

You may be wishing to have a healthy and happy pregnancy where having a consultation can help you. Preconception counselling concurs to planned and healthy pregnancy. During this, you can have an appointment with your healthcare specialist to plan about your pregnancy along with mitigating prevailing risk factors.

Quick Fact:

If there is poor control of diabetes, it can increase the chances of birth defects and other problems for pregnancy.

Preconception counselling

Appointment with your doctor regarding preconception counseling should be planned before three months of pregnancy. During your appointment, the following areas may be considered and discussed:

  • Your medical history: Your healthcare provider will go through your overall health before pregnancy. Any pre-existing medical condition, if any, would be discussed along with the need of medications.
  • Family history: Knowing about family history can help in identifying any genetic condition that may be passed over.
  • Lifestyle: A proper and healthy lifestyle means a healthy pregnancy where your health care provider will recommend a nutritious diet, exercising, and stoppage of smoking or alcohol.

While these are the topics discussed, there are some tests as well that can be conducted during preconception counseling, as:

  • Physical examination: Your healthcare provider may take your physical exam where he can check your heart, lungs, breast, thyroid, abdomen, weight etc. Besides, a pelvic exam and blood pressure may also be checked.
  • Tests: In case of any disease or condition, various tests for cell blood count (CBC), thyroid issues, diabetes screening etc. may be conducted as well.

Postnatal care

Postnatal care refers to the immediate care dispensed towards a mother after delivery. It includes prevention, elimination, early detection and medication for health complications. Mothers need care after delivery as they suffer from physical as well as emotional changes. Postnatal care involves taking care of nutrition, proper rest, and vaginal care for the mother to help her recover quickly.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist who are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

How to get your body ready for pregnancy: 5 important steps?

Physical Aspect of getting pregnant

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Before trying to conceive and assume parenthood, it is important to take some steps that can provide the best possible chances of a healthy pregnancy along with a heathy baby. Some changes are needed to incorporate in daily lifestyle for being at better odds to conceive.

Quick Fact:

The beginning of pregnancy can relate with tiredness and morning sickness making a women feel worn out.

Tips to get pregnant fast

Following are some important steps that can help you begin your motherhood in a healthy way:

  1. Know your body: You should know about your ovulation period- the time when you can get pregnant. Tracking your ovulation can help you know your most fertile days and accordingly plan your pregnancy. Ovulation can be tracked using some apps, ovulation predictor strips etc.
  2. Taking prenatal supplements: Before beginning your pregnancy, prenatal supplements including prenatal vitamins should be taken. The nutrient composition in these vitamins can sustain and nourish your body along with providing protection to your baby against birth defects.
  3. Handling stress: Stress can impact your overall health being which can affect your fertility as well. Stress can impact your menstrual cycle which can affect your ability to conceive. It is important to reduce stress to think clearly along with making proper decisions and improving relationships.
  4. Staying active: You should stay active where exercising for 30 minutes a day is recommended for sound health and body. This can help you maintain weight and stress which can help your body to stay healthy.
  5. Changing diet plan: You need to optimize you diet before trying to conceive where your diet should include low carbohydrates, increased portions of proteins and healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Besides taking nutritious foods, some foods should also be cut off like fishes’ rich in mercury.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist who are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Why can’t I get pregnant again? What is secondary infertility?

What is secondary infertility?

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Secondary infertility can be defined as the inability to carry a baby to full term after having a previous successful pregnancy without any fertility medication or IVF treatment. Secondary infertility is as common as primary infertility and can be traced to either partners or both. While one-third of the cases are found in men and one-third in women, the remaining are attributed to a combination of unknown factors.

Causes of secondary infertility in women:

  • Issues in the quality and quantity of eggs( limited supply or the inability to create new eggs after birth)
  • Issues with the fallopian tube (blockage due to pelvic infections)
  • Uterine problems (fibroids and more)
  • Scarring from endometriosis
  • PCOS(polycystic ovarian syndrome)
  • Breastfeeding ( often leads to a decrease in egg count)
  • Lifestyle changes and weight gain( diets and obesity)
  • Other ovulation issues
  • Surgical complications ( past pregnancy surgeries)

Causes of secondary infertility in men:

  • Reduced testosterone level(aging or injury in the genitals)
  • Testicular varicocele(vein enlargement in the scrotum)
  • Poor quality semen (semen quality declines after 40)
  • Prostate enlargement(hinders normal ejaculation)
  • Prostate removal(this causes semen to flow backward)
  • Late-onset hypogonadism(reduction in hormone secretion)
  • Use of commercial sexual lubricants toxic to the sperm
  • Exposure to certain chemicals

Signs of secondary infertility:

Couples can suspect secondary infertility when they have unprotected sex for about a year at the age of 35 without getting pregnant.

What can be done?

One can go for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and In vitro fertilization(IVF), while there are medications and surgeries for the same. Antioxidants and anti-aging supplements are also recommended.

Failure in treatment could take a toll on mental health. The patient feels several emotions ranging from anger, sadness, guilt, and loneliness. Feeling isolated is quite common in these patients.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist who are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best delivery hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.