General information and advice for all pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic

Q. What effect does corona virus have on pregnant women?

Pregnant women do not appear to be more likely to be seriously unwell than other healthy adults if they develop the new coronavirus. It is expected the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms. Cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache and loss of sense of smell are other relevant symptoms.

More severe symptoms such as pneumonia, seem to be more common in older people, those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions. As yet, there is no evidence that pregnant women who get this infection are more at risk of serious complications than any other healthy individuals.

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Q. What effect will coronavirus have on my baby if I am diagnosed with the infection?

As this is a very new virus we are just beginning to learn about it. There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage.

Emerging evidence suggests that transmission from a woman to her baby during pregnancy or birth (vertical transmission) is probable. There has been a report of two cases in which this seems likely, but reassuringly the babies were both discharged from hospital and are well. In all previously reported cases worldwide, infection was found at least 30 hours after birth. It is important to emphasise that in all reported cases of newborn babies developing coronavirus very soon after birth, the baby was well.

Given current evidence, it is considered unlikely that if you have the virus it would cause problems with your babyŸ??s development, and none have been observed currently.

In China, some babies have been born prematurely to women with symptoms of coronavirus. It is unclear whether coronavirus caused these premature births, or whether it was recommended that the baby was born early for the benefit of the womenŸ??s health.

Q. What can I do to reduce my risk of catching coronavirus?

The most important thing to do is to follow government guidance. For pregnant women and the rest of their households, this includes:

  • Regular hand washing
  • Use a tissue when you or anyone in your family coughs or sneezes, discard this and wash your hands
  • Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus. These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
  • Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
  • Work from home, where possible.
  • Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.
  • Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
  • Use telephone or online services to contact your DOCTOR or other essential services .

Q. I am pregnant, what do I need to do?

As a precaution, you should follow government advice about social distancing; stay away from public places and avoid anyone who has symptoms suggestive of coronavirus It is still considered necessary for pregnant women to go out for essentials, such as food shopping, exercise and to attend antenatal appointments..

Q. Should I attend my antenatal and postnatal appointments?

Yes. It is really important that you continue to attend your scheduled routine care when you are well.

Daily Post and Cover story

As Hospital OPDs Shut In Coronavirus Lockdown, E-consulting Comes To Patients’ Rescue

E-consulting is especially useful for those who are in the family way, say in their third trimester who need regular monitoring. Doctors say there is a changing pattern in the queries of the patients.

Aruna Roy, an auto-immune warrior who has been suffering from lupus would visit her doctor every two months for a review. She had a severe sepsis attack a couple of years ago and has to taper and increase the dosage of her medicine every time her bones hurt or when she suffers from severe fatigue. She has a long-term medical condition and a weak immune system.

Due to the Coronavirus scare, she is unable to visit her doctor but is regularly in touch with her doctor through tele-consultation. Ÿ??Lupus is a disease where your white blood cells instead of protecting your body from invaders attack your cells, tissue and all vital organs. My body is prone to infection. Hence I have opted for tele-consultation and online OPD with my doctor during this period of coronavirus scare,” says Roy

Online consultation, which many doctors have started, is like a virtual visit to your doctor. The appointment is booked online, a link is sent to the patient through an SMS. The patient dials the doctor at the appointed time, get the check up done and doctor uploads the prescription with her electronic signature. “We are doing about 200 online consultations a day since the national lockdown began,” says Vijayarathna Venkatraman, CEO, Motherhood Hospitals, Bangalore.

E-consulting is especially useful for those who are in the family way, say in their third trimester who need regular monitoring. Doctors say there is a changing pattern in the queries of the patients. Dr Suhasini Inamdar, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist says: Ÿ??The queries of the patients are quite different now. Expecting mothers are concerned about their health and baby during this Coronavirus lockdown. They are concerned about the virus affecting their health. Since some pregnancies are complicated and immunity of some of the patients are low, they are worried that they might get COVID-19.Ÿ?

Most big hospitals in the metros have started e-consulting. Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai for instance is providing a solution for any health-related problem to every family via its virtual consultation facility. Dr Parag Rindani, centre head, Wockhardt Hospitals: “ItŸ??s a video conference between a doctor and a patient at home. The motto of this service is to provide the best healthcare facilities to the patients without them having to visit the hospital in the time of lockdown.”

According to reports, AIIMS will begin a teleconsultation facility for its patients by the end of this week as it has shut down its OPD. Majority of the issues can be solved via online consultation for minor illnesses. But for anything serious, doctors say they can’t come to a conclusive diagnosis in the absence of a physical examination and inability to prescribe tests. However, a general plan of treatment can be discussed to put the patient at ease. As Dr. Ritu Garg of Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Ÿ??While we physically canŸ??t examine our patients, we hear them out and take down the questions and symptoms they have. However, a lot of these are follow up patients of the doctors. For example, diabetes patients check their blood sugar at home and then video consult with the doctor to titrate their medications.Ÿ?

In this worrying lockdown situation, there has been an increase in demand for support from mental health professionals too. Many psychiatrists are offering virtual sessions and telephonic support which is extremely important. Says Dr Sapna Bangar, psychiatrist, Mpower, Mumbai, who is offering online consultation to her patients, Ÿ??Counselling has always been about emotions and a large part of it is interpreting what may not have been said but communicated by body language, eye contact and reading the cues some of which maybe lost online. However, with advanced technology and skilled therapists a lot can be solved too.”

The Medical Council of India has also released guidelines about prescriptions and tele-medicine. Health and wellness Apps are also witnessing a huge increase in doctor consultation on their platform. For instance, vHealth, a doctor consultation service has seen a surge in its queries. Dr Sneh Khemka of vHealth says people are using their services to check their symptoms for COVID-19. In such cases vHealth doctors are screening symptomatic patients to identify COVID-19 risks. They are proactively staying in constant touch with high and medium risk patients to help them get the required guidance. Since COVID-19 is a notifiable disease, such cases are also being reported to the government authorities.


E-consulting platforms like these, and hospitals offering virtual OPD in your city can be easily found by a simple internet search.

How to calculate your due date?

There are multiple ways to calculate your date, as follows:

First day of last period: The best way to estimate your due date is to count 40 weeks, or 280 days, from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Another useful way is to subtract three months from the first day of your last period and add seven days.

Conception date: If your cycle is irregular, the LMP method may not work for you. Just add 266 days to get your estimated due date.

IVF transfer date: If youŸ??ve gone throughassisted reproductive technology cycles, you can calculate your due date more precisely using your IVF transfer date.

If you are already pregnant, then book an appointment at Motherhood Hospitals. It offers a complete birthing experience to couples by hand-holding them through their journey towards parenthood. With the highest standards of clinical competency, backed by state-of-art technology and proven protocols, Motherhood is committed to offering the best outcomes for the mother and child.

Services we offerinclude:

Comprehensive pregnancy care, preconception care, pregnancy care, high-risk pregnancy care, 3D/4D ultrasound, early pregnancy scan, NT scan, anomaly scan, growth scan, maternal-foetal medicine, vaccination, antenatal classes, diet and nutrition plan by clinical dietician, physiotherapy, antenatal workshops, Lamaze, lactation counselling, postnatal nutrition, postnatal fitness, 24×7 emergency care

If you have failed IUI, IVF treatment, then book an appointment at Motherhood Fertility. We are a renowned fertility and reproductive centre, well-equipped with expert doctors (male andrologists), female fertility doctors, skilled team of nurses, counsellors, physiotherapists, and clinical dieticians. The team of experts provides comprehensive fertility services like IUI treatment, ICSI, artificial insemination and IVF treatment backed by our state-of-the-art andrology lab.The team conducts all fertility tests for men, women and advanced laparoscopic and surgical treatments for all fertility issues.

A Quick Guide to a Hernia & Hernia Repair Surgery

What is hernia?

A hernia happens when an internal organ/body part pushes through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally keeps it in place. Hernias usually occur in the abdominal cavity region i.e. between the chest and hips.

The different types of hernias include:

  • Inguinal hernia
  • Umbilical hernia
  • Femoral hernia
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Incisional hernia
  • Spigelian hernia
  • Epigastric hernia
  • Diaphragmatic hernia

Hernias are quite common and require medical treatment as they donŸ??t get better/go away on their own. Even though they rarely need immediate attention, it is important to not ignore them and seek treatment immediately. This is because the symptoms can get worse over time and become life-threatening.

If left untreated, the symptoms of hernia include nausea, vomiting, pain in the region where the hernia protrudes etc.

What is a hernia repair surgery?

A doctor may advise surgery as a course of treatment for hernia. The procedure requires the surgeon to repair the weakened muscle/tissue with the help of a mesh. The procedure can be done with the help of a laparoscope or as a traditional open surgery. However, laparoscopic hernia repairs are usually preferred if feasible as this offers several advantages such as a shorter hospital stay, a smaller surgical scar etc.

If you need to get a laparoscopic hernia repair surgery and are looking for the best laparoscopic surgeon in Sarjapur, then Motherhood Hospitals could be the right choice for you. The renowned hospital is dedicated to the care of women and children. The hospital boasts a team of experienced doctors and state-of-the-art infrastructure. In fact, it is considered to have the best laparoscopic surgeon in Hebbal.

What are the 5 things to do when you find out you’re pregnant?

Pregnancy Care Tips & Essentials: 5 Must-Dos for a Healthy Pregnancy - Motherhood Hospital India

The pregnancy test result says itŸ??s positive, and now you donŸ??t know what to do? Suddenly, a multitude of emotions engulf your mind and heart. While the emotions of approaching parenthood will keep you elated, doing the top five things mentioned below will help you prepare, stay healthy, and have the best pregnancy you can!

1. Talk to/visit your doctor/gynecologist: While most pregnancy tests are often accurate, it is always better to confirm the pregnancy if necessary. The specialist will enlighten you with some very basic yet important things which you would need to take care of throughout your pregnancy.

2. Start taking a prenatal vitamin: Supplements that contain folic acid and an omega-3 of DHA are important to the babyŸ??s brain health and help with visual and cognitive growth, respectively.

3. Quit smoking and alcohol: Protecting the baby from tobacco and alcohol gives your baby the best chance of a healthy start in life.

4. Exercise and get adequate rest: It is important to stay healthy and workout while you are pregnant! Also, make sure your body gets enough rest.

5. Follow your and your babyŸ??s development: It is a good idea to document the progress of your baby. For yourself, you can take a lot of pictures to go along with documenting your pregnancy.

Book an appointment at Motherhood Hospitals. It offers a complete birthing experience to couples by hand-holding them through their journey towards parenthood. With the highest standards of clinical competency, backed by state-of-art technologies and proven protocols, Motherhood is committed to offering the best outcomes for the mother and child.

Services we offer:

Comprehensive pregnancy care by a team of highly experienced obstetricians/gynecologists, high-risk pregnancy care, 3D/4D ultrasound, anomaly early pregnancy scan, NT scan, anomaly scan , growth scan, pregnancy tests and vaccinations, maternal-foetal medicine, antenatal care, diet and nutrition by clinical dietician, exercises for pregnancy by experienced physiotherapist, antenatal workshops, Lamaze, lactation counselling, postnatal nutrition, postnatal fitness, 24×7 emergency care

PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) for Beginners

PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) is an illness that is becoming increasingly common these days, especially among young women. However, awareness about this disease is still relatively low and, since the cause is unknown, it is often not diagnosed or misdiagnosed.  Therefore, educating ourselves about PCOS is crucial to helping those who are suffering from it.

What is PCOS?

PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a relatively common hormonal disorder that occurs in women of reproductive age (usually between the ages of 15 to 44). Women who suffer from PCOS face issues like an irregular menstrual cycle, overproduction of male hormones (androgen) and formation of small collection of fluids (follicles) in the uterus.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS since the exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, its symptoms can be managed easily by making the correct lifestyle choices which include the ensuring the right diet, weight etc.

What are its symptoms?

The symptoms of PCOS include:

  • An irregular menstrual cycle
  • Heavy bleeding during periods
  • Acne
  • Hyperpigmentation of the skin in areas like the neck, groin, under the breasts etc.
  • Excess hair on the face and the body
  • Male-pattern baldness
  • Polycystic ovaries in the uterus which can result in difficulty in having a baby

If you think your symptoms match those of a PCOS patient, then make sure you visit a gynaecologist at the earliest to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you are looking for a gynecologist in Indiranagar, Bangalore, then Motherhood Hospital is an ideal choice. The hospital is dedicated to the healthcare of women and children and is considered to have the best gynecologist in Indiranagar. It also boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and an expert team of experienced doctors.

The importance of seeing a gynaecologist

Women's Health Care:Gynaecologist Importance - Motherhood Hospital India

A gynaecologist doctor is an expert in the female reproductive system. They specialize in the health & diseases field. It is essential to choose the right doctor because we trust them with our most intimate medical problems such as pregnancy, missed periods, etc. Many gynaecologists are also obstetricians who deal with pregnancy and delivery.

Every female needs to see a gynaecologist sustain good health. As reproductive organs mature during puberty, a regular gynaecological evaluation is a must. One can expect a detail explanation about normal body functions or answers to any female health-related questions upon their visit to the gynaecologist.

During the visit, a gynaecologist performs breasts & pelvic exams. Breasts exam allow the doctor to check for breast abnormalities. Pelvic exams detect potentially cancerous cells. It is encouraged for every woman to go for a pelvic exam annually to assess/prevent any disorders in the reproductive system. Here are some necessary tests conducted during a gynaecology examination- 

  • The conduct of Amniocentesis and ultrasound to detect abnormalities of the fetus in a pregnant woman. Chorionic villus sampling for evaluating the fetus.
  • The evaluation of unusual vaginal discharge is undertaken to detect sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Gynaecologists take smears to decide if the discharge is an STD-related issue. The STDs may include Herpes, bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, etc. 
  • Gynaecologist also conduct tests related to fibroid tumours, cancer, and more. They treat it with surgery or medicines depending upon the evaluation.
  • Doctors evaluate blood hormone levels for menopause symptoms such as physical and emotional turmoil. They prescribe hormone replacement therapies to eliminate these symptoms. 

Do proper research before searching for a?˜gynaecologist in Sarjapur road Bangalore. You want to pick a doctor that you feel comfortable sharing your problems. Cross-check the doctor’s education, qualifications, experience, etc. and affiliated hospitals.

Why chose a laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is an invasive surgery which is also called keyhole surgery. During the laparoscopy procedure, the doctor conducts a small incision to insert a tube. The tube has a light attached to it. The light helps the surgeon to get a better visual inside the operated area.  Laparoscopic surgery gives a denser accuracy about the patient’s illness. Choosing a laparoscopic surgery is less painful than other surgical procedures. 

Aside from accurate assessments, less painful, cost-friendly, Laparoscopic surgery is also a short procedure. Here are the reasons in details to why you should opt for laparoscopic surgery- 

  • It provides an accurate assessment. This is appreciated massively by the doctors because it helps in determining the exact illness of the patient. And also, makes it easier to spot the treatment needed. 
  • The surgery completes in 30 to 60 minutes. However, the timing may slightly be different based on the operated area. It is a short surgery process and highly preferred by many. 
  • Laparoscopic surgery leaves the most minimal scar. In comparison to other major surgeries, laparoscopic surgery is relatively painless. The invasive steps during the operation are minimum, and this results in minimum pain. 
  • To many, cost plays a significant factor in deciding if the procedure will happen. However, laparoscopic surgery is a win in many ways. It is cost-friendly, less painful, and leaves little to no surgery scars. 
  • Laparoscopic surgery is a short surgery which is complete in under an hour. The healing period is also fast due to cuts and leads to less no surgical complications. 

Laparoscopic surgery comes with many advantages. A short surgical process with fast recovery- such operations rid unnecessary post-surgery constraints and enables a rapid return to the regular routine.  

Are you looking to make an appointment with the?˜best laparoscopic surgeon in Sarjapur or for the best laparoscopic surgeon in Hebbal? Motherhood hospitals provide top services with treatments under highly qualified doctors.

Motherhood Hospitals introduces Fastrack teleconsultation services

In the wake of disruptions being caused due to lockdown situations in many cities across the country, Motherhood Hospitals is using telemedicine technology to provide continuity of care to women and children and has launched an integrated online Teleconsultation service. The video consultation services can be availed in Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics. Pregnant women can go through their routine follow up consultations through this technology so they have continued access to their care. Similarly children requiring routine consultations particularly at this time to distinguish between common cold and other issues can also be provide through this service.

Patients opting for online consultation can access the Motherhood Hospitals website to book an appointment, which will be facilitated via a video call. Post completing the registration process, the patient will receive an email with a link to join the video call. All patient details, observations, etc. will be digitally recorded on a central system so these will go under the outpatient records of the patient. At the end of the consultation, the patient will receive a digitally signed copy of diagnosis, investigation advice and prescription via email.

On the introduction of the online consultation services, Vijayarathna Venkatraman, CEO, Motherhood Hospitals said, “In the current times of uncertainty and restrictions, we at Motherhood want to ensure that women & children are provided appropriate medical advice through virtual doctor consultation sessions. We believe through the launch of this service most of our patients will not have any break in their medical treatment and all our senior consultants in Gynaecology and Pediatrics will be available through this technology interface. He further added, Ÿ??Social distancing processes have created their own challenge in healthcare services and we are creating solutions to meet our patient expectations. All our services at the hospitals are continuing and our emergency department is open 24/7 to extend medical attention.Ÿ?

Through the launch of the Video Teleconsultation services Motherhood Hospitals has created a new model of hospital based patient care coupled with virtual care wherever applicable. At this time the anxiety levels particularly with expectant mothers and children are high, having access to their doctors will give the patients extreme comfort and confidence. This service is extended beyond Motherhood patients to the larger community on the whole.

Indian Express Doctor Availability on call

BENGALURU:  In the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown, there’s always a concern about health and how one can reach their doctors.Which is why, many hospitals have come up with online consultations, wherein patients can take part in a video conference with their doctor over Skype or Zoom. We rolled it out a few days ago, understanding the restrictions on transport, and the general apprehension of coming to a hospital at this point, says Dilip Jose, MD and CEO, Manipal Health Enterprise. On Thursday, they received about 50 consultations among various departments, including neurology and medical oncology. Doctors, who are following a rota, have access to the patients medical records, he says, adding that the fee is the same as a regular face-to-face consultation.  

It being a tough time for expectant mothers, Motherhood Hospitals has rolled out a telemedicine technology for pregnant women who can go through their routine follow-up consultations. Social distancing processes have created their own challenges in health care services and we are creating solutions to meet our patients expectations, says Vijayarathna Venkatraman, CEO, Motherhood Hospitals, adding that video consultation services are available in gynaecology, obstetrics and paediatrics.
To relieve general health anxiety, Dr Kishan Rao, founder of The White Army a group of over 1,000 medical students across India that provides online medical consultation has started a helpline for minor ailments, which is mostly to reassure patients.

In the last two days, we have received almost 50-60 calls. Most of the cases we re getting right now are solved through counselling. More than a doctor, I am trying to be a responsible citizen, he says, adding that they are open to home consultations, if required. For more serious ailments, including cancer, Onco.com, an internet aggregator for cancer care, has introduced teleconsultation to help cancer patients and caregivers get advice from oncologists through a telephonic call or video conferencing. The teleconsultation will be 20 minutes long and scheduled within 24 hours. Cancer patients undergoing active treatment, or those with blood cancers have reduced immunity and are at a much higher risk of acquiring Covid-19 infection. As patients are unable to travel and consult doctors, they can speak with their oncologists regarding treatment and address their concerns, says Dr Amit Jotwani, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Onco.com.  (With inputs from Tanya Savkoor)

Reach out 
Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road: 1800-102-5555/9606457127 Motherhood Hospitals: 1800-108-8008
Onco.com: 7996579965 The White Army Online Helpline: 8105232787