Skin and hair care in monsoon by Dr Arun Kumar

Natural immune resistance in the body is decreased during monsoon. Apart from common infections like flu, common cold, dysentery asthma, skin problems like the allergic rash, atopic dermatitis, dry skin eczema, fungal infections, acne, prickly heat are common. Dry scalp, dandruff, itchy scalp, hair fall are common too.

Damp and humid weather in monsoon, attracts more microbes and fungi, resulting in skin rashes to ringworm etc. The season tends to infect the air, atmosphere surroundings, foods, and drinks. While skin changes during pregnancy are common, your skin and hair are also affected from the harsh treatment of the moist humid rainy weather.

Skin care in monsoon:

  • Drink lots of water, 2-3 liters per day, water consumption hydrates your body and flushes out all the unwanted toxins.
    • Use a soap free cleanser for washing your face, wash gently 2-3 times a day.
    • Mild organic face scrubs twice a week.
    • Dap dry the face, body, towel usage roughens the skin.
    • Alcohol-free toner to maintain PH balance.
    • The humidity leads to dry skin, use a nourishing moisturizer to keep your skin soft supple and healthy.
    • Use a water based moisturizer for oily skin.
    • Use a reliable sunscreen with a good SPF, it may be cloudy but that doesn’t stop sun’s UV rays causing skin damage.
    • The homemade facial pack is preferred.
    • Waterproof light makeups are the better choice.
    • Prevent the lip cracking moisturizing lip balm with SPF.
    • Apply moisturizer twice a day for the entire body.
    • Facial and bleaching should be avoided or at least limited as it makes the skin rough.

Hair care in Monsoon

  • Monsoon is the time of humidity which creates itchiness on the scalp. It is recommended to have a warm coconut oil massage which will help to get rid of itchiness. If there is dandruff in the scalp, massage with neem oil.
    • Mild anti dandruff shampoo diluted 1:1 ratio in water weekly once or twice to clean the scalp.
    • Prevent the hair from getting drenched in rain, but if does happen it is best to shampoo the hair as soon as possible and then dry them.
    • Monsoon season demands a conditioner after a mild gentle shampoo.
    • Hair coloring must be avoided during the rainy season.
    • Natural herbal products are better than heavy chemical shampoos in rains as they help to maintain the shine and natural look of the hair.
    • Try the hairstyles that are more natural in look than elaborate ones.
    • Avoid blow dryers and try to dry hair with a towel to retain the moisture.

Some do’s and don’ts to tackle fungal infection

DO’s

  • Regular bathing, body cleaning is the must..
  • Before wearing clothes, drying out the folds area to prevent excess moisture wearing loose fitting clothes.
  • Laundering clothes of an infected person in hot water and washing with the antiseptic agent.
  • Drying clothes in sunlight for at least 2 hours wearing clothes after ironing them and placing them separately.
  • Washing your hands with anti-septic and water frequently. Keeping hair, nails and scalp clean.
  • Wearing well ventilated shoes with cotton socks not sharing comb and other utilities with other family members.

DONT S

  • Occasional bathing using towel used by other members of the family wearing clothes immediately after bath washing personal clothes with family members clothes.
  • Wearing clothes dried under the fan and without ironing them, wearing tight jeans, leggings, sharing comb and other utilities with family members.
  • Scratching on lesions and not washing hands, keeping hair, nails, and scalp filthy walking barefoot in public places.

Dr. Asha Hiremath Critical Case 1

28-year-old Dr. Meena dentist by profession, diagnosed pregnancy for the first time. She had to undergo treatment for primary infertility which was successful & was diagnosed with twin pregnancy.

She was extremely happy when her pregnancy was confirmed but unfortunately, she complained of pain in abdomen on & off. She was diagnosed with a fibroid (lump in uterus) about 9.8 Cms subserosal fibroid. In order to protect her pregnancy, we had to manage her with Dolo 650mg to control pain & any other treatment modality could affect her pregnancy. She was managed safely until 39 weeks & was delivered by LSCS healthy girl baby of 2.56kg and 2.93 Kgs boy baby born.

Dr. Asha Hiremath Critical Case 2

Dr. Asha:Expert Insights on Critical Cases - Motherhood Hospital India

38- year elderly lady Mrs. Pallavi with BOH- Bad Obstetric history of recurrent pregnancy loss. She previously had 3 spontaneous abortions all within 1-2 months of early pregnancy.

Her first child was her fourth pregnancy which was a complicated case of APLA positive pregnancy, (Antiphospholipid Syndrome). This is an auto immune disorder, considered as high-risk obstetrics patients. She was evaluated sonographic, monitoring & medication was initiated & completed her term pregnancy, she was asked to be delivered by LSCS with a 3.4 kg healthy baby girl.

2 years later she conceived again and in spite of all critical & high risk past history, with supersize anticoagulation therapy, proper counselling & intense monitoring she successfully delivered her second child 3kg health girl child.

 

Dr. Asha Hiremath

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Dengue and Malaria Beware of the Fever During Pregnancy

Monsoon is the season where everyone starts enjoying their life. This season gets the child out in you. Many wants to play in the rain water, get drenched in the rain and the list goes on. Yes, enjoying is one part of monsoon. But getting ready to fall sick is another aspect which everyone needs to be careful during this season.

Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, Swine flu are common in the monsoon season. In the last 2 -3 years, there is a sudden spurt in the dengue cases everywhere. Most of the time hospitals will be completely filled with dengue patients and they turn away the patients because of the unavailability of the beds. But fever like dengue, malaria and swine flu could be dangerous during pregnancy if the care is not taken properly.

Dengue infection in pregnancy carries the risk of haemorrhage for both the mother and the new-born. Also there is a serious risk of premature birth and fetal death. In the case of infection developing close to the delivery time, there is a risk of vertical transmission.

Similarly malaria and swine flu during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, congenital infections etc. Malaria can also cause anaemia in pregnant women and may result in convulsion, kidney failure. So it is important to monitor for dengue, malariaand swine flu during pregnancy.

Measures to be taken to avoid dengue, malaria and swine flu

  • Don’t travel to areas where dengue, malaria are prevalent
  • Keep your surroundings clean. Close the window in the morning and evening to avoid mosquitos entering the house
  • Wear protective cloths like long pants, long sleeve dresses
  • Use bed nets, preferably treated with an insecticide to prevent mosquito bite.

Simple treatments which a pregnant women can follow during dengue, malaria and

  • Drink plenty of fluids like water, fresh juice, coconut water. This will help to prevent dehydration.
  • Avoid taking medicines like aspirin for fever. This may lead to bleeding and other complication
  • Antipyretics helps to manage fever and body pain.
  • Meet the physician as early as possible.

World Hepatitis Day

28th July is recognized as World Hepatitis Day; and today we would help you understand the common causes and Effect of Hepatitis in Pregnancy.

Hepatitis is an infection and inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Jaundice during pregnancy is mainly caused by Hepatitis.

Normally, being pregnant will not hasten the disease process or make it worse, unless a woman has hepatitis E.

Most of the times pregnant women are completely unaware that they have been infected with a hepatitis virus. Usually this is because any symptoms of the illness may only be felt or at times there are no symptoms at all. Good antenatal care and blood screening are important during pregnancy, to avoid and cure it at an early stage.

The common types of Hepatitis are:

Hepatitis A :

Hepatitis A is transmitted by the oral-fecal route, such as from contaminated water or diapers. The main treatment is rest and a nutritious diet, and usually the woman will recover within a month or two. If a newborn is exposed, the infection is usually mild and they will have a lifelong immunity to the disease. If a pregnant woman gets exposed, she will be given immune gamma globulin (IG) to help protect her from getting the disease. It is always recommended to the pregnant ladies who plans a travel to get immunized.

Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is one of the most highly transmitted forms of hepatitis from mother to child around the world. Usually, the disease is passed on during delivery with exposure to the blood and fluids during the birthing process.

When the infant is born, the newborn will receive hepatitis B immune globulin at birth, and should be vaccinated with a hepatitis B vaccine at one week, one month, and six months after birth.

Hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C occurs if a person is exposed through transfusions, contaminated needles, or injected drug use. Mostly women become pregnant during the years between 20 and 40, which is also the age group in which the incidence of hepatitis C, hence screening for hepatitis C before and during pregnancy is done. The risk of a pregnant woman passing the hepatitis C virus to her unborn child is generally low and has been related to the levels of quantitative RNA levels in the motherŸ??s blood.

Hepatitis E:

Hepatitis E is a rare and sporadic viral infection of the liver. Its risk of transmission is highest in regions where there are low standards of sanitation. It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contaminated water. When this illness affects pregnant women, they may experience a more severe form of illness, which may possibly lead to acute liver failure.

1. What are the signs of hepatitis during pregnancy?

Common signs of Hepatitis are:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

The problem is, depending on the type of virus, symptoms might not show up for months after infection, or you may have no symptoms at all.

2. How can we analyses that a person is infected with hepatitis during pregnancy?

Blood Test can indicate the presence of hepatitis. There are blood tests which can also show the liver condition.

3. How will hepatitis affect the unborn baby?

The baby would be fine throughout the pregnancy. Some risk factors involve only during the time of birth. ThatŸ??s why all pregnant women are tested for hepatitis B. If the test shows the mother has been infected, doctor will take steps to minimize the baby’s chances of infection.

 

Dr. Sireesha Reddy

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Endometriosis – Everything You Need To Know

Many women learn to normalise pain they experience during their period and not to talk about out loud.We’re encouraging women and teenagers to break a taboo and talk about their menstrual health.Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh mee tree oh sis) affects more than just the physical body and can have a profound emotional impact on women and girls living with the condition. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner, friends or family for their support when you feel upset or confused. Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age, regardless of race o Endometriosis r ethnicity.

Endometriosis & It’s Effect On Fertility

The most common complication of endometriosis is infertility and couples often find out about the problem when they take up tests to check fertility status. The relationship between endometriosis and infertility has been the topic of much debate. Research has shown that infertile women are six to eight times more likely to have endometriosis than fertile women. Some of the explanations given for decreased fertility in women suffering from this disorder include distorted pelvic anatomy, endocrine and ovulatory abnormalities, altered peritoneal and tubal function, altered hormonal and cell-mediated functions in the endometrium.

Based on common observations during laparoscopy, it has been found that the cysts and adhesions caused by the disease can lead to changes in anatomy of the pelvic organs. This impairs the fertilization process and in turn affects the release of eggs, thus leading to infertility.

Many women with mild to moderate endometriosis are able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Doctors may advise women with endometriosis not to delay having children as the condition is likely to get worse over time. Interestingly the symptoms of endometriosis, especially pain, seem to disappear in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Preeclamsia & Prematurity

Preeclampsia and Prematurity Insights on Managing Challenges in Pregnancy- Motherhood Hospital India

Pre – Eclampsia is a serious health problem affecting 5-8% of pregnancy worldwide

(8-10)% of pregnant women in India gets affected by it.

40% indicated or medically induced prematurity is caused by pre – Eclampsia and eclampsia in order to save life of mother and baby as delivery is the final option for this disease of placental origin.

Main indications of premature delivery are

Fetal:

  • Fetal disease
  • Intrauterine growth restriction
  • Oligo hydramnios
  • Placental abruption
  • Abnormal blood to fetus or abnormal doppler study

Maternal indications :

  • Recurrent eclampsia
  • HELLP syndrome
  • D/C
  • Liver hematoma
  • Renal failure
  • Hypertensive encephalopathy
  • Pulmonary edema

Can pre-elcampsia, eclampsia and prematurity can be prevented?

Primary prevention:

To prevent disease from happening

  • Avoid smoking and alcohol (It reduces disease by 30 – 40 %)
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Avoid late marriage and late pregnancy
  • Diet rich in antioxidant such as Vit C, Vit E,Magnesium,. Zinc and calcium if positive family history of hypertension pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
  • Medication
  • Role of low dose of ecospirin is still no confirmed

SECONDARY PREVENTION

  • Medicines as such as Nifedipine, Labetalol, Hydralazsine
  • Sodium nitro prusside sodium

Tertiary Prevention to avoid recurrence by Magnesium sulphate

The main culprit of Pre-Eclampsia and eclampsia is placenta, which provides nourishment for baby.

There is no 100% effective screening method to prevent it. So, final outcome depends on experienced and dedicated obstetrician for early diagnosis organized antenatal care and family decision of delivery

Authored By : Dr Deepmala

Lamaze Simplifying Your Journey From Pregnancy To Childbirth

Lamaze Simplifying your journey from pregnancy to childbirth

While being in a room full of pregnant women discussing their hormonal changes may seem to be scary for a few husbands, Lamaze instructors make it comfortable for you by giving the serious issues some interesting twists.

Lamaze techniques involve not just written and oral instructions on birthing but also include

  • Practical exercises
  • Variety of activities
  • Visual Aid

To take you through the nine beautiful months of pregnancy and the process of birthing with ease.

Note To Fathers To Be

Hello Fathers To Be, this course will make your transition in the new role simpler. We expect you to be involved actively in the birthing process too. Just holding your partner’s hand during labour is not support. You need to actively participate in the process by giving soothing massages to your partner and help her move positions to ease labour pain.

The technique emphasizes on the benefits of natural birth and thus, trains you for giving birth with confidence without medical interventions.

One in four deliveries is to a woman educated in the Lamaze method

Lamaze is popularly known for its rhythmic breathing techniques, which emphasize active concentration and promote relaxation. The rhythmic breathing patterns help women turn their attention away from their contractions.

What should I expect in a Lamaze course?

Expecting Parents are advised to begin a class near the start of their seventh month of pregnancy. Here’s what the class covers:

  • Normal labor and birth (using videos of real births) and the early postpartum period
  • How to be active and informed participants during the birth
  • Focused breathing techniques for labor
  • Other relaxation techniques and natural strategies to help you work with labor pain, such as massage, walking, position changes, and hydrotherapy
  • Tips to help your partner encourage and support you during labor
  • The value of one-on-one professional support during labor
  • How to communicate with your healthcare team so your needs are met
  • Complications that could arise during labor and birth, and interventions that might be medically necessary
  • Epidurals and other options for managing pain with medication
  • Early interaction with your baby
  • Breastfeeding

Benefits Of The Lamaze Method

  • Management of pain without drug intervention gives the Lamaze method widespread appeal among parents who seek a natural childbirth experience.
  • Lamaze helps build your confidence in your body’s ability to give birth.
  • You can discuss your fears about labor and birth with the instructor and other couples with the same concerns.
  • Your partner will learn about childbirth and how to support you on the big day. You may find that attending lamaze classes together will create a special bond.
  • Lamaze supports evidence-based pregnancy, birth and parenting practices that are supported by research and experienced childbirth educators.
  • Lamaze guides you as you navigate all of your options, and their benefits and drawbacks.
  • Lamaze seeks to empower you as you explore how your body was designed for birth, and encourages you to work with your body’s natural abilities.
  • Lamaze provides strategies for comfort and coping with pain during labor, reducing unnecessary medical interventions, and receiving continuous support during labor and birth.
  • Lamaze encourages bonding between you and your baby, with the importance of skin-to-skin contact and time to get to know your new baby after birth.
  • Your instructor will discuss pain relief options, including massage, relaxation, breathing techniques, and medications.
Core Beliefs Of Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices

These six practices are as follows:

  • Healthy Birth Practice 1: Let labor begin on its own
  • Healthy Birth Practice 2: Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor
  • Healthy Birth Practice 3: Bring a loved one, friend or doula for continuous support
  • Healthy Birth Practice 4: Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary
  • Healthy Birth Practice 5: Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push
  • Healthy Birth Practice 6: Keep mother and baby together It’s best for mother, baby and breastfeeding
Myths About Lamaze
Myth #1: Lamaze is all about breathing.

Reality: Breathing techniques are just one of many things that help women in labor.The goal of Lamaze classes is to increase women’s confidence in their ability to give birth. Women learn simple coping strategies for labor, including movement and positioning, labor support, massage, relaxation, warm baths/showers, and the use of heat and cold are some others.

Myth #2: Lamaze promises painless childbirth.

Reality: Many women are afraid of the pain that is a normal part of childbirth. The pain of labor and birth, like other pain, protects us. Responding to the pain of contractions by changing positions and moving, by massaging, by moaning actually strengthens the contractions, helps the baby settle into the pelvis and move through the birth canal, and reduces pain perception.Lamaze classes help women understand the value of pain and learn how to respond to pain in ways that both facilitate labor and increase comfort.

Myth #3: Lamaze childbirth means you can’t have an epidural.

Reality: Lamaze classes provide information about natural pain relief options as well as epidural analgesia. Eliminating pain completely makes it difficult to respond to contractions in ways that facilitate labor and birth. The ability to use many of the comfort techniques learned in Lamaze classes, such as changing positions, walking, and warm baths/showers may be limited. Lamaze education will assist women in making personal decisions that are right for them.

Myth #4: Lamaze doesn’t work.

Reality: Lamaze is working if women trust the natural process of birth, have confidence in their ability to give birth, have the freedom to work with their bodies as labor progresses, and are supported by health care providers, family and friends who wait patiently for nature to do its incredible work. Lamaze works if birth is allowed to work.

Myth #5: Lamaze is not for everyone.

Reality: Today, Lamaze childbirth classes provide the knowledge, skills, and support that help women give birth with confidence and joy as they have done for centuries. Lamaze preparation is for everyone!

Knowing that pregnancy and birth can be demanding on your body and mind, Lamaze seeks to help build your confidence and ensure that you have the support you need during pregnancy and birth.

Can micturition post coitus affect chances of conception in a female

For a lot of women post coital pee is regular. Peeing after sex as your doctor, best friend and mom have probably told you countless number of times, is the best way to avoid UTI. But what about when you are trying to get pregnant?

The commonly asked question in the outpatient clinic is will peeing after sex force the sperm outside my vagina. Good News is NO! Peeing after sex has no impact on your chances of conceiving. But donŸ??t hop up and run to the bathroom right after a sexual intercourse. Lying down at least for 2 to 5 minutes after intercourse increases the odds that the sperm might reach its date with the egg. If you are prone to UTIŸ??S go ahead and pee after 5 minutes. If not, you can enjoy a good cuddle.

Here it is important to understand how the sperm works towards a pregnancy. Every time there is ejaculation millions of sperms are released and it takes only one to cause a pregnancy. Immediately after an ejaculation, with a favourable cervical mucus, sperm are off like a racing team speeding up the vagina through to the cervix to get you pregnant and set you on a journey towards a healthy pregnancy.