10 tips to combat parental burnout

Parental burnout still manifests as a social taboo. The restless and frustrated parents find it hard to cope with low energy levels and the overall experience involving helplessness. Being a parent brings every wonder of the universe to your doorstep. But at the same time, it may leave many parents exhausted. Being able to experience composure and ecstasy is important to curb parental burnout. 

What is Parental Burnout? How does it manifest?

Both professional and housebound parents are likely to develop parental burnout. Being a woman is one of the common risk factors for parental burnout. Being in a part-time job, being jobless and carrying a college degree are few other factors contributing to parental burnout. Occupational inflexibility plays a crucial role in increasing parental burnout. 

Those showing signs of parental burnout develop exhaustion and deep-seated depression. Various other symptoms may add to the complexity of the burnout. The symptoms may include withdrawal or emotional detachment from your partner or children. Experiencing parental burnout leads to a loss of efficacy as a parent. Those with the symptoms may treat their kids apathetically. Parental burnout is similar to workplace burnout in various ways. Both include loss of productivity, lack of comfort and lethargy as the prevalent signs. 

The right technique to cope with parental burnout starts with your ideology. Ask more senior parents about the idea of perfect parenting.

Below are the reasons or factors that predispose you to parental burnout.

  1. Being attentive to a fault:

Being always there with and for your kids is bad for both of you. You cope with a great deal of occupational ongoing fatigue. When you overextend yourself for your kids, you restrict their ability to learn. Leaving kids alone helps them handle the situations alone and develop experimental ideas. Let them be the critical thinkers of the 21st century. Let them learn to take decisions on their own. The more you extend support for your kids, the more you make them dependent. It increases your workload thereby adding more to the burnout.

2. Failure to give yourself space you are worth:

Personal space is something all of us are worthy of. Lack of personal space adds to the ongoing irritability. We feel murky and short-tempered when we are tired or perturbed by certain occurrences in life. When we get to deal with our children in a grumpy mood, we yell at them. Such situations confirm that it’s hard to take care of others in the event of low personal space. We should give ourselves space and try making a difference to the tedium and bustle around. 

3. Faith in the illusionary ideas:

All of us feel excited to enjoy parenthood. We try to continue the same level of excitement as time passes by. But the reality may soon detect us and change the way we practice parenthood. Being a parent brings wonders of joy but not without a price. The experience as a parent demands a hefty sum of emotional and physical dedication. When you fall short as a parent, you may consider blaming yourself for having no conscience. Many
parentS end up feeling guilty for spending money, time and resources on themselves. They feel they should have spent everything on their kids. What ultimately overrides them is a sense of alienation and lack of enjoyment. 

4. Loneliness:

Parenting is perhaps the sweetest combination of hard work and smart work. But being without support in your quest for parenthood can be tricky and groggy. If you have no support, you may feel exhausted and demotivated. 

5. Pursuing perfectionism as a hobby:

Parental burnout shows that you are trying your best. Check how you can strategize yourself. Start verifying how you go about in your course of achievements. Being overwhelmed and exhausted during parental burnout is common.

10 tips to combat parental burnout:

  1. Add more to your expertise:

We tend to accumulate skills and toolkits while growing into a parent. We acquired a few skills from our parents. It’s the right time to use those nuggets of wisdom. If you are an active follower of social media, you may have even adopted skills from modern media. You may consider experimenting with the availabilities and find new approaches. You may find some forums and counselling sessions online. It’s important to realize is change is unavoidable and the law of time. Some changes may start and complete immediately. A few other changes, however, may take longer than we expect. Such changes are a process. Your ideology and analytical approaches will always support you and your expertise as a parent. 

2. Exercise:

The health benefits of regular exercise are irreplaceable. Exercise betters both physical and mental health. It’s known to release good hormones and facilitate feelings of composure and completeness.

3.  Communicate yourself better and effectively:

It’s never too late to let go of the sense of alienation and loneliness. Do it as you did when you expressed your ecstasy for the first time. Communicate your sentiments when you are around your next of kin or best buddies. Share your fears and dubious sentiments. Seek help from all who care for you and your role as a parent. 

4. Stop comparing yourself to other parents:

The comparison may often call for criticism and lack of composure. Everyone is born with different personality and personality traits. The aggregates that make you different from the others may help you shine as a parent. Comparing yourself to others, on the contrary, adds to a lack of composure. Examine yourself every day and find out how you made difference in the present day. It will help you evolve and better your parenting skills. 

5. Adopt all that you find workable in the current scenario:

Nobody is perfect. But every one of us has the superior right to practice the perfect lifestyle. Include the perfect lifestyle practices that allow the parent in you to mature and transform. Don’t worry about what people say or think about you.

6. It’s all about being compassionate:

Being compassionate is important. And being compassionate towards everyone including you is a positive trait. Recognise that irritability and criticism go hand-in-hand. More is the compassion in you, better will be the self-esteem.

7. Practice mindfulness:

Mindfulness adds to your composure. It brings you face-to-face with every affirmative side of you. It allows you to reconnect to everything that made you a responsible human being. When anger and anxiety override you, symptoms like fast breathing make you uncomfortable. But mindfulness allows you to be awake and stay alert.

8. Find space for yourself:

Schedule your favourite activities. Go for a short walk. Enjoy a cool bath. Visit your close friend and enjoy the free time. 

9. Avoid setting rules in a fit of rage:

Don’t give feedback to your children in a fit of rage. Relax for a while.

10. Set boundaries:

Set boundaries to the additional responsibilities you take. Make sure you regularly engage yourself with your kids during weekends. 

How can I take care of myself during pregnancy?

Taking care of yourself and your baby is important. And the extensive care starts the day you realize that you are pregnant. Pregnancy care is easier than expected, specifically when you start it at the earliest. The concept of pregnancy care or prenatal care may include various healthy lifestyle choices. Right from taking prenatal vitamins to scheduling appointments with your obstetrician, a healthy pregnancy denotes all you can start methodically. 

How much weight gain is normal or essential in pregnancy?

Your obstetrician or midwife will guide you about healthy weight gain. It happens to be different for everyone. Nonetheless, most women gain about 25 to 30 pounds. Underweight women may have to gain more weight as directed by their obstetrician. Being overweight or underweight demands different dietary interventions. It may further depend upon various parameters like your BMI and medical history.

How do you wish to begin your journey?

A journey that starts with the first trimester spans 9 months of ecstasy and a bit of nervousness. Start with an appointment with your obstetrician. Schedule an appointment immediately as you find that you have sprained your ankle. Your obstetrician will start with knowing about your medical history. Doctors may ask you about the symptoms you developed after your pregnancy began. Your obstetrician may subsequently give you some invaluable pregnancy tips on safety and nutrition. 

  • Start with quitting smoking:

That’s the best thing you can ever do for yourself and your baby. Countless studies worldwide show that women exposed to smoke are less likely to conceive. They may not carry their pregnancy to term even if they conceive. And smoking predisposes you to grave complications in labour. Studies associate smoking with an increased risk of having a premature baby or stillbirth. It’s perhaps the best time to kick the butt. 

  • Enjoy a diet that balances your nutritional requirements:

Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Carbohydrates may fulfil your nutritional requirements. Beans, cheese, meat, fish, pulses and eggs are those dietary essentials you should start counting on. Based on your pre-pregnancy health, you may consider including an additional meal in your diet. Both perennial and seasonal fruits help you maintain a healthy regimen. Green leafy vegetables are jampacked with iron and folic acid. Start eating nuts and make yourself full of vigour and vitality throughout the pregnancy.?˜

  • Start practising a lifestyle full of hygiene and sanitation:

Wash your hands frequently. Use a soap preferably recommended by your obstetrician or midwife. The importance of hygiene and sanitation is growing day by day. Make sure that your hands are thoroughly sanitized before and after every meal. Trim your nails frequently. Personal hygiene helps you prevent infections and transmitting them to the baby.

  • Mild physical activity in pregnancy:

You may consider joining a pregnancy exercise class. Many yoga classes held today will give you the right knowledge on exercise in pregnancy. It’s great to exercise every day unless you have issues regularizing your exercise. Exercise helps you thrive on a healthy lifestyle and avoid tedium. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day. Enjoy slow walks in the garden or lawn instead of brisk walks. Swimming is another choice that makes your day. Hydrating yourself is mandatory to assure that you don’t suffer from heats or dehydration. Dehydration is a common concern in the second trimester. Avoid any exercises causing a fall or skid. Wear skid-proof footwear. 

It’s best to contact your GP or obstetrician if you develop the following symptoms while exercising:

  1. Backache
  2. Chest pain
  3. Dizziness
  4. Blurred vision
  5. Loss of orientation 
  • It’s better to jot down all:

You may have many things to consider as you conceive and start nearing childbirth. You may take many things into account. Think about your medical history, your preferences, your current health status and your immediate surroundings. Write down all you wish to follow and include.

Following are the things you may consider including in your diary:

  1. How would you include pain medications?
  2. Special clothes you wish to wear
  3. Your favourite music/tracks
  4. Positions you prefer for labour and childbirth
  5. If you wish to avoid any procedures
  6. Plans to cope with complications if you have a medical history as such

How would you avoid or cope with the common pregnancy concerns?

  • Morning sickness:

Nauseous sensations are common mostly in the broad daylight during pregnancy. It’s better to plan small meals and eat them exactly as planned. Avoid anything that tastes spicy or acidic. Acidic foods may complicate your morning sickness in various ways. It’s better to confide in your obstetrician or midwife if your morning sickness lasts longer than 3 months. Morning sickness and weight loss may be the signs that foretell complications. Bring those to your obstetrician’s notice if weight loss accompanies 3 extensive months of morning sickness. 

  • Muscle cramps:

Muscle cramps or leg cramps may not be there to stay. If mild physical activity accompanies your midwife’s suggestions, you may avoid leg cramps easily. Stretch the calves of your legs by flexing your feet towards your knees. Drink plenty of water as directed by your obstetrician.

  • Tiredness:

Nothing is as common as tiredness and doldrums when you are pregnant. Take naps each time you feel overridden by doldrums. Make sure you aren’t anaemic. If you are anaemic, take every necessary precaution as your obstetrician guides you. 

  • Constipation:

Fibre happens to be the best natural source available if you feel constipated. Drink plenty of water. Fruits, vegetables and cereals may suffice. Laxatives can be dangerous in pregnancy. Don’t take any laxatives unless your obstetrician asks you. Prefer stool softeners over hard laxatives.

  • Haemorrhoids:

Constipation can be a precursor to Haemorrhoids. Avoid straining while passing the stool. Use stool softeners instead of any laxatives. 

  • Varicose Veins:

Don’t use tight clothes around your waistline or legs. Rest with your feet facing the ceiling. Don’t sit in an uncomfortable posture for a long time. Avoid standing for an extended period. 

  • Downright moodiness:

Hormonal changes are prevalent in pregnancy. It’s not new for a pregnant lady to develop moodiness in pregnancy. Life is all set to welcome a pleasant change. Get set for it with open arms. Avoid being rough on yourself. Consult the right psychiatrist if you feel overridden by nervousness or depressive thoughts. 

Pap smear tests: At what age and how often

Explore the importance of pap smear tests for cervical health - Motherhood Hospital India

By Dr Manisha Tomar, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Motherhood Hospital, Noida

Being the second most common cancer in women between the age group of 15 and 44 years of age, the awareness towards cervical cancer and its screening are miniscule in our country. Cervical cancer is a completely preventable disease because of its well defined, long pre-malignant phase and it can be detected easily by regular screening tests and follow up. Unfortunately, the females in India are unaware about the screening process for the cervical cancer care. With the vaccination, screening and treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently aimed to reduce more than 40% of new cases and 5 million related deaths of cervical cancer by 2050.

WhatŸ??s Pap smear test?

ItŸ??s crucial that we should also learn about Pap smear test. ItŸ??s a screening test used to detect potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous processes in the endocervical canal. The doctor takes out a cluster of cells from a personŸ??s cervix using a spatula-like instrument to look for changes in the cervixŸ??s cells. A pap smear helps in diagnosing cellular changes resulting from cancer, precancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), inflammation, or an infection.

At what age one can go for Pap smear?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend, all women who fall between the age group of 21 and 65 years should get their Pap smears tests at regular interval. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that girls below 21-year-old should be refrained from pap smears. At the same time, they also suggest that women over 65-year-old shouldnŸ??t get a Pap smear except under certain circumstances, such as abnormal results or increased risk factors for cancer.

However, both menopausal and postmenopausal, should continue to have Pap or HPV tests. Women who have had a total hysterectomy for a noncancerous condition and have not had a previous history of precancerous Pap tests may be able to stop Pap screening depending on their medical history and risk of contracting human papilloma virus (HPV).

One should not forget that testing is the best tool to detect pre-cancerous conditions that may lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be cured if detected on time.

How often one should go for Pap smear based on age?

Here are the following recommended testing schedules based on a personŸ??s age:

  • From 21Ÿ??29 years

The ideal age for having Pap smear is 21-year-old. If the result is negative then the next test would be done after the gap of three years.

  • From 30Ÿ??65 years

In this age, the person can either have a Pap test, or a combined Pap and HPV test after consulting with the doctor. In case of single Pap test, then the doctor would ask to come after three years if the tests are normal. When the person opt for the combined test, and both results are normal, the doctor would ask to wait for 5 years for the next screening test.

If a person is having her periods at the time of their scheduled appointment, they should check with their clinician whether they should go ahead with the test. In most of the cases, the test happens if youŸ??re menstruating.

 Doctors can suggest a person to avoid only the following before a Pap smear:

  • Having sex
  • Douching the vagina
  • Using tampons or vaginal lubrication
  • Vaginal creams, suppositories, or medications
  • Using birth control foam, cream, or jelly

Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Dr Madhushree Vijayakumar, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecology, Motherhood Hospital, Hebbal.

1 . What is cervical cancer and what are some of the major causes?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer where cells change in womenŸ??s cervix, which connects their uterus with vagina. Causes of cervical cancer is the beginning of unusual changes in the tissue of the cervix. Most cases of cervical cancer are linked to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is common and for most people there is less chances of virus developing into cancer. This means other factors Ÿ?? such as your lifestyle choices or environment factorsŸ?? also determine whether you’ll develop cervical cancer.

2 . What are some signs and symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for?

There are no symptoms or sign in early stage cervical cancer but for more advanced level cancer spread it includes signs as:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause.
  • Bloody or watery vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour.
  • Pelvic pain or pain during sex

3 . How do the symptoms vary in different stages of cervical cancer?

There are 4 stages to cervical cancer:

  • Stage 0: Precancerous cells are present. At this stage there are none or zero symptoms.
  • Stage 1: In this stage cancer cells have grown from the surface into deeper tissues of the cervix, and possibly into the uterus and to nearby lymph nodes. Symptoms at this stage are less.
  • Stage 2: In this stage cancer has now moved beyond the cervix and uterus, but not as far as the walls of the pelvis or the lower part of the vagina. It may or may not affect nearby lymph nodes and have symptoms like pelvic pain during intercourse, vaginal discharge.
  • Stage 3: This is an advanced stage where cancer cells are present in the lower part of the vagina or the walls of the pelvis, and it may be blocking the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the bladder. It may or may not affect nearby lymph nodes and may have symptoms like trouble peeing, swollen legs and bone pain among with stage 2 symptoms.
  • Stage 4: This is the last stage where cancer affects the bladder or rectum and is growing out of the pelvis. It may or may not affect the lymph nodes. Later in stage 4, it will spread to distant organs, including the liver, bones, lungs, and lymph nodes. Symptoms spreads to whole body resulting in Weight loss and lack of appetite, fatigue, kidney failure, pelvic pain.

4 . How does cervical cancer affect your body?

Generally cervical cancer does not have an opportunity to affect the rest of the body, mainly because it is often diagnosed in its earliest stages. But if not diagnosed at early stage in can spread to other parts of their body (metastasize), often the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum.

5 . Who is most at risk of developing cervical cancer?

Risk is a factor that increases the chances of getting a disease to a person and for cervical cancer these factors may raise a woman’s risk of developing one.

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection- HPV is themost important risk factor, though there are less chances of it developing into cancer but cervical cancer is frequently associated with HPV16, HPV18. People who are infected with high risk of HPV types are people who have sex at an earlier age or have multiple sexual partners.
  • Immune system deficiency- women with low immune systems have higher chances of developing cervical cancer.
  • Herpes and Oral contraceptives- women who have genital herpes and who takes birth control pills, may be associated with an increase in the risk of cervical cancer.
  • Smoking and age- there are more chances for women to develop cervical cancer who smokes twice a daily compared to non-smokers. Women with the age group of above 20 to mid-30Ÿ??s are exposed to this risk more.

6 . Is cervical cancer curable? Can cervical cancer spread quickly?

Cervical cancer is often curable if diagnosed at early stage. For early cervical cancer doctors recommend surgery to remove the cervix and some or all of the womb, or radiotherapy, or a combination of both. For advanced level radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy, and surgery is also sometimes used.

Cervical cancer cells are slow in growth, once cells in the cervix begin to undergo abnormal changes, it can take several years for the cells to grow into invasive cervical cancer. So there are many opportunities for early detection and treatment before the cancer has progressed to later stages.

7 . How do STIs increase your chances of cervical cancer? What is HPV and how does it affect your chances of getting cancer? 

STIŸ??s like HPV increases your chance of cervical cancer. HPV is Human Papillomavirus Infection it is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. ItŸ??s related to a group of 150 viruses.  Low risk HPV causes warts on or around the female and male genital organs and in the anal area. High risk HPV causes cancers, including cancer of the cervix, vulva, and vagina in women, penile cancer in men, and cancers of the anus, mouth, and throat in both men and women. It is a common virus and in most people the body can clear the infection by itself.

8 . What are some preventive measures that can lower your chances of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a slow and deadly disease whose symptoms cannot be predicted at early stages. However some prevention can reduce the risk of cervical cancer such as regular screening or pap smear test to detect and prevent precancers, getting HPV vaccine, delaying first sexual intercourse until late teens or older, limit the number of sex partners and practice safe sex by using condom, avoid sexual intercourse with people who had many sexual partners or are infected with genital warts or show other symptoms, quit smoking.

9 . What are the different treatment options for cervical cancer? How long can each one last?

Cervical cancer if detected at earliest stage can be cured if not then various treatments are prescribed by the doctors for different stages such as surgery if cancer cells has not spread from the cervix, this is the most common treatment. Radiation therapy if doctors feel the cancer cells are present inside the body. In advanced stages radiation and chemotherapy is recommended. In later stages palliative therapy is provided to relieve symptoms and improve the patientŸ??s quality of life and living.

Treatment for cervical cancer is a long process and takes a plenty amount of time of years.

10 . How long does it take to recover from cervical cancer treatments?

After the treatment it takes about 8 weeks for side effects to resolve although in some cases it can be permanent. ThereŸ??s also a possibility that side effects can occur after years or months of treatment.

Benefits of Deep Breathing By Dr. Shilpi

Breathing correctly is important for your overall well-being. Inhaling, exhaling a few deep breaths every day could make a drastic improvement in your lifestyle. It is important to take out 5-10 mins for deep breathing everyday as its benefits are uncountable, here are some important ones that will motivate you to deep breathe.

Natural painkiller

When you deep breathe, the body releases endorphins, which are the feel good hormones and a natural pain killer created by the body itself.

Improves blood flow

When we take deep breaths, the upward and downward movement of the diaphragm helps remove the toxins from the body promoting better blood flow.

Improves immunity

Deep breathing brings fresh oxygen and exhales out toxins and carbon dioxide. When the blood is oxygenated, it ensures smoother functioning of your vital organs, including the immune system. A cleaner, toxin-free and healthier blood supply help ward off infection causing germs from the base and strengthens your immunity. Deep breathing also acts as a natural toxin reliever. It also benefits the absorption of vitamins and nutrients in the body, making sure you recover faster as well.

Improves posture

Believe it or not, bad posture is related to incorrect breathing. If you donŸ??t believe, try it yourself. Try to breathe deeply and notice how your body starts to straighten up during the process. When you fill your lungs with air, this automatically encourages you to straighten up your spine.

Reduces inflammation

A lot is said that diseases like cancer only thrive in bodies that are acidic in nature. Deep breathing is said to reduce the acidity in your body, thereby making it alkaline. Stress also increases acidity level in the body. Breathing also reduces stress and thus the acidity.

It detoxifies the body

Carbon dioxide is a natural toxic waste that comes out from our body only through breathing. But when our lungs are compromised by shallow breathing the other detoxification system starts working harder to expel this waste. This can make our body weaker and lead to illness.

Breathing relaxes mind and body

When you are angry, tensed or scared, your muscles are tightened and your breathing becomes shallow. Your breathing constricts. At this time your body is not getting the amount of oxygen it requires. Long deep breathing reverses this process, allowing your body (and mind) to become calmer.

Sports injuries in children: Should we be concerned?

Proactive Measures for Kids' Sports Injuries - Motherhood Hospital India

By Dr. Shilpi Srivastava, Consultant Physiotherapits, Lactation Expert and Child birth educator, Motherhood Hospital, Noida

Eight-year-old Suresh is enthusiastic about sports and he is so passionate about it that he even doesn’t want to give a break to it if he is sick or met with some injury. Since he doesn’t take adequate rest after meeting such injuries, his body has become prone to wounds and sprain. The health experts even suggest that the tender bones and tissues of children are often subjected to some kind of injuries when they play without taking proper precaution and don’t rest after having a muscle pull or sprain.

Even a report from Centres from Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 2.6 million children from 0-19 years old are treated in the emergency department each year for sports and recreation-related injuries. Some sports, which require frequent contact, are more dangerous than others. Contact sports such as football or basketball can be expected to result in a higher number of injuries like sprains and strains than a noncontact sport such as swimming. All kinds of sports can result in an injury either from the trauma of contact with the other players or from overuse or misuse of a body part.    

Most frequently occurring injuries

The most common injuries are muscle-joint sprains, bruises, dislocation and fractures and all these occur at frequent injured areas of the body, knee, ankle and shoulder joints. These injuries are short-lived and can be recovered within 10-15 days. According to the experts, only 4 in 10,000 injuries are that severe, which results in quitting sports. 

In all these injuries, diagnosis and care play an utmost pivotal role. Since children have soft tissues and bones unlike adults, their X-ray or MRI reports should be carefully evaluated by the pediatric orthopedic or radiation specialists familiar with such kind of reports. Even parents, doctors and faculty members should be cautious enough to give a good-enough time to the kid to resume sports. Unlike movies, they should be refrained from participating in any kind of sports competition during the treatment procedure.

Treatment of sports injury

The treatment of such injuries depends on how badly the kid is hurt. Here are some of the options your doctor may give you:

First aid: If the injury is minor, the kid may only need to put ice on your knee, elevate  his leg, and stay off his feet for a while. He can reduce swelling by wrapping an ace bandage around his knee. Crutches can help to keep weight off his knee.

Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help to reduce swelling and pain. The doctor may suggest over-the-counter medications or prescribe something stronger.

Physical therapy: The child may need this a few days a week to get his knee back in working order. During these sessions, he will do exercises to strengthen the muscles around his knee that will help him regain a full range of motion. He may be sent home with exercise to do on your own.

Surgery: The doctor may tell you that you need this if your ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is torn badly. A surgeon will remove the damaged ACL and replace it with tissue to help a new ligament grow in its place. With physical therapy, kids who have surgery can often play sports again within 12 months.

Key Prevention Tips

Take proper time to heal completely

In general, an injury takes 12 to 16 weeks to be fully healed. But mostly, children start feeling better after a span of four weeks or so. And, they often get back to sports. This practice can have serious repercussion on bone health and might lead to disability. So, one should take full prescribed time for resting.

Always wear protective gears

Parents or teachers should create awareness among kids about the importance of wearing right protective gears such as elbow and knee pads, helmets, wrist guards for their activities.  Also ensure that all the protective gears are in right condition.  For example, avoid wearing such gears which have missing or broken buckles or compressed or worn padding. Poorly fitting equipment may be uncomfortable and also does not offer the best protection.

Warm up is the key

Before playing any sports, a kid should devote 20 minutes of his/her time in stretching the muscles, side shuffling and warming up.  They help in activating muscles and reducing injuries during the sport.

Stay Hydrated

To avoid heat-related injuries or illness, give some time to the child athletes to get their body gradually adjust to the weather conditions. Parents and coaches should make sure that players are hydrated well. Injuries occur when a child is not hydrated or rested well.

Follow the guidelines

Ensure that your child’s sports program or school has an action plan that includes information on how to teach athletes ways to lower their chances of getting a concussion and other injuries. Get more concussion safety tips.

Hypothyroidism and its effect on unborn child By Dr Tulika, Motherhood Hospital, Noida

In India, thyroid diseases are quite prevalent in expecting women. It has been found that the occurrence of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesnŸ??t produce certain crucial hormones in the body, in pregnant women in India is between four and six per cent on an average. However, the similar condition affects only two to three per cent of pregnant women in western countries.

Unchecked or untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy leads to preterm birth and low birth weight in the babies. So, itŸ??s important that a woman should get herself checked for thyroid especially during pregnancy because the fetus relies on the mother for thyroid hormones in the first few months of conception.  The thyroid hormones present in the motherŸ??s body essay an essential role in normal brain development of the unborn child and thus, deprivation of the maternal thyroid hormone due to hypothyroidism can have unalterable effects on the fetus.

Even studies have presented that those children, who were born out of hypothyroidism mothers during pregnancy, have lower IQ and impaired psycho-motor (mental and motor) development. But, fret not!  If the condition is properly controlled and treated well, then those women with hypothyroidism can also have healthier babies.

Effect of Hypothyroidism on unborn child and mother

Since the thyroid gland of the unborn child takes time to function on its own, itŸ??s completely dependent on the mother for the thyroid hormones.  Development and functioning of baby’s thyroid gland do not take place until about the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, it’s suggested that women should start getting their thyroid disorder managed before conceiving so that impaired neurological functioning, stunted growth and physical deformities in the children can be avoided.

There is always best to plan for pregnancy and to consult with your physician to ensure your thyroid status and treatment are optimized prior to becoming pregnant and monitored throughout your pregnancy. However, if this does not happen and you find out you are pregnant, you should contact your physician immediately to arrange for increased testing of your thyroid functions and a potential change in your medication.

Untreated or poorly controlled hypothyroidism can also lead to:

Miscarriage

Premature birth

Pre-eclampsia

Stillbirth

So, it is vital for pregnant women with hypothyroidism to take the recommended thyroid medication consistently.

How is hypothyroidism treated during pregnancy?

The treatment of hypothyroidism in pregnant women is similar to that of who are non-pregnant. Doctors recommend synthetic T4 so that it compensates the presence of essential hormones in the body. The medication should be taken regularly so that a steady blood level of thyroid hormone gets adjusted within the normal range as the requirement of thyroid hormones increases during pregnancy. Therefore, it is a routine practice to monitor the blood level of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) during pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism women can have healthy pregnancy by getting early prenatal care and working with their healthcare providers in the management of their disease.

Unawareness and Skipping A Pap Smear Test Can Increase Cervical Cancer Rates

By Dr Manisha Ranjan, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Motherhood Hospital, Noida

Cervix of a woman is the mouth of the uterus which is examined through vagina. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal or pre-cancerous cells start to develop. The human cervix has two parts ectocervix which is of a healthy pink color and is covered in flat thin squamous cells as well as endocervix which is the cervical canal and is made up of columnar cells. The area where endocervix and ectocervix meet is the transformation zone which is the most likely region where abnormal and pre-cancerous cells can develop.

HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer

The leading cause of cervical cancer is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible in about 70-80% of cervical cancer cases. There are over 100 different types of HPV which are considered low risk and do not result in cervical cancer. Nonetheless the high-risk cancer types are HPV-16 and HPV-18 and if a woman has persistent HPV infection then she must see a doctor immediately as they are at a greater risk of developing cervical cell abnormalities

Significance of Pap Test

Precancerous cervical cell do not cause any prominent symptoms which is why regular screening through Pap and HPV tests is recommended. They can catch precancerous cells early and prevent the development of cervical cancer.

Look for these signs to know if you have cervical cancer or not

The possible symptoms of advanced cervical cancer are:

  • Abnormal bleeding that includes bleeding between regular menstrual periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, bleeding after menopause, bleeding after douching and bleeding after a pelvic exam
  • Pelvic pain that is not related to menstrual cycle
  • Unusual or heavy discharge that is watery, thick or foul smelling
  • Pain during urination as well as increased urinary frequency

These symptoms can also be a result of some other condition than cancer so please see your doctor to know what it is.

Risk Factors

  • Women who do these following things are at a higher risk of cervical cancer than others.
  • Girls who started having early sex
  • Take birth control pills for more than 10yrs increases about fourfold chances of cervical cancer only in women who are HPV positive
  • Have a weak immune system
  • Women who are sexually active with more than one partner
  • Women who have been diagnosed with STD’s (Sexually Transmitted Disease)

 

Cervical Cancer Exams and Diagnosis

Papinicolaou test (Pap Smear) is an advanced form of cervical cancer screening which is a part of woman’s regular screening exam. The procedure is as follows as the doctor collects cells from the surface of your cervix and looks at them under the microscope. After this if anything unusual is spotted then they will extract a bit of cervical tissue for biopsy which will help in further examination.

Another method is colposcopy in which the doctor will stain your cervix with a harmless dye or acetic acid to improve visibility of abnormal cells. After that the doctor will use a colposcope to magnify your cervix by 8 to 15 times to look for unusual cells.

One more method is the Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) wherein the doctor uses an electrified loop of wire to take a sample tissue of your cervix for a biopsy  Long standing HPV infection may cause the cells to turn into cancer by forming into a tumor over time. Regular Pap smear will help in early detection of cervical cancer so that it can be diagnosed and treated

The Importance OF Getting Vaccinated for Cervical Cancer

Prioritize health: Cervical cancer vaccination insights - Motherhood Hospital India

Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital Kharghar

Cervical cancer is ranked as the fourth common cancer all over the world. One of the main risk factors of it is the human papilloma virus. This type of cancer originates in females at the entrance to the womb from the vagina, the cervix. Although the condition mostly seen in women after 30 years. Currently, you will be shocked to know even girls at a younger age can get cervical cancer. Thus, cervical cancer will not only occur in the sexually active women belonging to the age group of 30-45 but before that too. The reason behind this can be the increasing number of girls have become sexually active at a younger age.

The human papillloma virus can be transmitted during sexual intercourse from one person to another. But this does not suggest that every sexually active woman will get cervical cancer. Did you know? HPV-16 and HPV-18 are known to cause this cancer while abnormal vaginal bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, pain during intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain are some of the common symptoms of cervical cancer in the advanced stages of the condition. Thus, taking cervical cancer vaccination is the need of the hour, and can save many lives.

Importance of cervical cancer vaccinations

Awareness about cervical cancer is extremely low in India, mainly in rural areas. Women are often shy and do not want to discuss their symptoms openly. Though, the vaccines are available still women are not aware of them. Basically, they are not okay with the idea of taking a vaccination. It is recommended for girls at the age of 9 to make sure that they do not skip the cervical cancer vaccination, and no booster is required. Prevention is possible via HPV vaccination which is routinely advised to girls between 12 and 13 years. The cost of the vaccine is around 3,000 per vaccine, and one will require 3 doses 0, 2- and 6-months Gardasil and Cervarix at 0, 1 and 6 months. Every girl should take a cervical cancer vaccine before she gets sexually active as this can increase her risk of cervical cancer. The benefits of taking vaccination are they act as a shield against cervical cancer by preventing the two strains of HPV like 16 and 18. Many hospitals give vaccination mandatorily after delivery. 

Screening about cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is preventable if it is detected at an early stage. Screening tests for cervical cancer that is a Pap smear and HPV test must be advised in every young woman above 25 years, every 3 years or early if sexually active. 

Awareness regarding cervical cancer

When it comes to awareness regarding cervical cancer in every 10 women only 2 may be aware of it. While speaking about the rural areas, there is a lack of knowledge and education regarding this. This can increase morbidity and mortality as women-only visit the doctors in an advanced stage where saving lives becomes difficult. 

For awareness amongst rural area, annual pap smear camps be conducted. Vaccine charges should be made affordable for rural women by Govt health schemes or at least early detection measures like pap smear camps be organized regularly. Thus, to improve the outcome and efficacy, women should be educated at the primary level regarding the condition (in schools) to create awareness about cervical cancer. They should be taught about the benefits of taking a vaccination and ways to prevent this cancer should be discussed. 

Health for all women be given priority.

Pregnancy and COVID-19: What are the risks?

We are distanced from many day-to-day habits. We are distancing ourselves from almost everyone around us. We no longer freely get along with anyone. That’s right! The wave of COVID-19 left us all in shambles. The discomforts and plights are plaguing various walks of our life. Most of our answers are unclear due to the unknown levels of COVID-19 infectivity. The scientific literature on similar pandemics in the past may help discover the effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy. COVID 19 and pregnancy risks remains a regularly explorable subject in obstetrics and gynaecology. 

How does COVID-19 affect pregnancy?

Pregnant womenmay be less likely to contract COVID-19. However, pregnancy is a phase that alters various mechanisms of the body. It modifies many systems of the body including the immune system. The way a body responds to a virulent strain of microbes including viruses may change. Therefore, alterations in the immune system may relate themselves to more complexities. The symptoms of COVID-19 in pregnancy can often become severe.

Some cases reported of COVID-19 pneumonia in pregnancy are less severe and show a good rate of recovery. Most pregnant women develop mild flulike symptoms if they contract COVID-19. A few cases involving chest pain that worsens day-by-day, however, may require immediate clinical attention. Here we explore the topic of COVID-19 and pregnancy risks in detail.

Effect of COVID-19 on foetal health

Concrete data is unavailable to cite the risk of miscarriage in the event of COVID-19 infection. The risk of miscarriage may increase in the second trimester. Foetal Growth Restriction (FGR) may be a possibility in COVID-19 infection. There’s no concrete evidence that shows that COVID-19 exposure in pregnancy may pass on the infection to the unborn. Nine women in China were tested positive for COVID-19 infection. Their nine babies, however, went on to be tested negative for the virus. A case in London contradicted the previous scenario. A pregnant lady in London tested positive for COVID-19. Her baby tested positive for the virus too.

The healthcare providers assisting the events are unable to establish the mode of transmission. It’s not clear whether the unborn falls victim to the virus in utero or shortly after he or she is born. Opinions worldwide vary as to what comes next after a pregnant lady contract the virus. A few opinions hold that the baby may not contract the virus during pregnancy. Nor may the baby fall prey to any developmental delays or defects. No persuasive evidence is available to establish a correlation between COVID-19 and its interferences in overall pregnancy. 

Effects of COVID-19 in the first trimester

Studies denote that the infection of COVID-19 may not predispose the first trimester of pregnancy to early pregnancy loss. Data on pregnant women to test positive for COVID-19 in the first trimester is still unavailable. Some anecdotes suggest that the patients infected with high fever may raise the risk of birth defects or developmental defects. Evidence to demonstrate such impacts, however, is unavailable. 

Coronavirus and pregnancy

No data suggests an increase in the risk of spontaneous abortion due to COVID-19. Evidence is still unavailable to prove the status of Coronavirus as teratogenic. The healthcare fraternity may need extensive data to demonstrate how coronavirus influences pregnancy. The infection of COVID-19 doesn’t associate itself with the clinical end of pregnancy. However, pregnant women with COVID-19 may be at increased risk of severe COVID-19. It might be prevalent especially if those infected people hail from ethnic minority backgrounds. Pre-existent conditions like Diabetes, Blood Pressure and obesity may complicate the health of pregnant women with COVID-19. 

What kinds of symptoms of COVID-19 may prevail in pregnant women?

Cough and fever may be the two most common symptoms of COVID-19 in pregnant women. In comparison with non-pregnant women in their fertility age, the pregnant and newly conceived women infected with COVID-19 may remain asymptomatic. Pregnancy during COVID 19 comes with dozens of medical responsibilities.

What are the risk factors that associate themselves with COVID-19 in pregnant women?

High body mass index is one of the most significant risk factors in pregnant women with COVID-19. Conditions that existed before their conception including diabetes and chronic hypertension may lead to developing severe symptoms of COVID-19. Studies even impute the severe symptoms of COVID-19 to advanced maternal age. Many studies warn that preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are two of the important risk factors that may occur in pregnant women.

No persuasive evidence exists to substantiate how these risk factors influence the outcomes of pregnancy with COVID-19. Women who have conceived should take care of themselves, specifically if they have pre-existent health conditions. Obstetricians should take the initiatives and educate pregnant women about risk factors and precautionary measures against them. There may be additional risk factors if you have a pregnancy-specific condition.

How should obstetric staff observe precautions during the pandemics like COVID-19?

  1. Medical facilities should generate substantial space and staff to help prevent the viruses like COVID-19 from going awry. 
  2. Help pregnant women and new mothers to observe proper precautions and protocols.
  3. Staff members should use every safety protocol and follow the guidelines as they proceed to meet pregnant women at Maternity Unit.
  4. If a staff member finds that someone has COVID-19 or someone is a PUI, he/she should initiate the most suitable infection control techniques. 

Precautions to observe by pregnant women

  1. Start practising social distancing from your home. 
  2. Stay at least 2 meters or 6 feet away from others including your family members if they have a high risk of infection.
  3. Take vaccinations and immunize yourselves against COVID-19 or other opportunistic ailments.
  4. Take even flu vaccination if your obstetrician guides you.
  5. It may not protect you from COVID-19, but it will safeguard you from flu which may complicate your pregnancy. 
  6. Use tissue each time you feel like sneezing or coughing or do so.
  7. Call your General Physician or obstetrician immediately if you encounter respiratory issues.
  8. Prefer video consultations over every other mode of clinical support. 

How can I breastfeed if I am suspected to carry COVID-19?

  1. Sanitize yourself regularly as your immediate supervisor suggests.
  2. Make sure you are using the mask each time you are around your baby. 
  3. Avoid sneezing or coughing while you carry your baby.
  4.  Sterilize the breast pump as your immediate supervisor/attendant directs.