Learn About Gestational Diabetes

How to deal with Gestational Diabetes

Author: Dr. Kavya Krishna Kumar MBBS, FMAS, MS

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Alwarpet

How to deal with Gestational Diabetes

During pregnancy, the fetus and placenta produce certain hormones that make the mother resistant to the insulin produced by her own body. To compensate, the mother has to produce more insulin to maintain the blood sugar levels. When this extra insulin produced is not enough, blood sugar level rises to cause a condition called gestational diabetes.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

A condition where a pregnant woman’s blood sugar rises is called gestational diabetes. 

Gestational diabetes is classified into two categories. The first category is class A1, which can be managed through diet and exercise. The second category is class A2. Pregnant women diagnosed with class A2 need to take insulin and other medications to keep their blood sugar level at a normal level. Although gestational diabetes goes away after delivery, it can affect your baby’s health and can raise the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors associated with Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

Gestational diabetes does not have any specific symptoms. Most cases are only discovered when your blood sugar levels are tested during screening for diabetes.Some women can develop symptoms,if the sugar levels are too high ,such as..

  • You feel more thirsty than usual
  • You feel like eating more than you usually do
  • Urination is persistent and uncontrollable.
  • Tiredness

Gestational Diabetes Causes

The primary function of your pancreas is to release insulin when you eat food. Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose from the blood to the cell so that it can use for energy. Your placenta can produce a variety of hormones which produces insulin resistance leading to increase in blood glucose levels resulting in gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes and pregnancy are very closely associated. Here are some of the risk factors that have high chances of developing gestational diabetes:

  • Being overweight before pregnancy
  • Have a family history of diabetes
  • Prior gestational diabetes in your first pregnancy
  • Given birth to a stillborn or with birth defects
  • History of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other medical complications
  • History of PCOS or PCOD or any other health disorder related to insulin.

Risk factors associated with gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes increases the risk of having high blood pressure during pregnancy. It will ultimately affect the baby with issues like a large head which can only be delivered by caesarean section (C-section).

Other effects that gestational diabetes can have on the baby are:

  • Overweight at the time of birth (9 pounds or more)
  • Premature birth with breathing and other problems
  • If you have gestational diabetes, your baby is at a high risk of developing severe breathing issues such as respiratory distress syndrome — a condition that makes breathing difficult.
  • Baby may have low blood sugar, which can only be balanced by prompt feedings or, in some cases, intravenous glucose solution.
  • The baby may develop Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Usually, women having gestational diabetes return to regular blood sugar levels after delivery. However, 50% of women develop Type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the risk associated with gestational diabetes can be avoided with a healthy diet and maintaining reasonable body weight after delivery.

Treatment for Gestational Diabetes

Treatment for gestational diabetes must be taken as soon as you are diagnosed with it to keep you and your baby healthy, post-delivery. During this treatment, you need to:

  • Examine the blood sugar level at least four to five times a day.
  • Follow a healthy diet. Dieticians specially design gestational Diabetes diet keeping in mind the body type and condition of your pregnancy.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Take urine tests to check for ketones (chemicals that determine whether your diabetes is under control or not)

The doctor will keep a close track of your weight and your baby’s healthy development. If required, they may give you insulin or certain other medications to keep your blood sugar normal.

Exercise and Diet for Gestational Diabetes

You can maintain the gestational diabetes blood sugar levels by taking good care of the diet and following proper exercise plans.

You need to:

  • Replace sugary snacks like ice cream, biscuits, candies and so on with natural sugars like fresh fruits. Eating fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains in a proper proportion is highly recommended.
  • Maintain the habit of having small meals and snack meals at least twice or thrice a day.
  • Organise an exercise plan for yourself. Daily exercise can help burn excess fat.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best experts in Alwarpet, Chennai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.
Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital in Alwarpet, Chennai at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Kavya Krishna Kumar, please book your appointment here.

7 Tips To Handle A High-Risk Pregnancy

Taking care of yourself during High-Risk Pregnancy?

Author: Dr. Sushruta Mokadam MBBS, MD

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Kharadi, Pune

Taking care of yourself during High-Risk Pregnancy?

How to handle High-Risk Pregnancy ?

Pregnancy is a beautiful new journey for any woman as she looks forward to the arrival of her child. However, as in any journey there can be challenges and anxious moments of concern. A high-risk pregnancy is prone to have high blood pressure, diabetic conditions, miscarriage, fetal abnormalities or placenta previa.

With early and proper prenatal care, women facing high-risk pregnancies can deliver healthy babies. Although high-risk pregnancy can create self-doubt, certain lifestyle changes and a strong support system can help you get through this.

Those detected with high-risk pregnancy are transferred from the gynaecologist to a maternal-fetal medicine doctor who is specially trained to deal with a high-risk pregnancy. High-risk pregnancy care requires endurance and positivity from the pregnant woman. 

Let us look at 7 tips that can help you avoid challenges

How to deal with High-Risk Pregnancy?

1. Keep yourself updated:

It is very important to stay updated with information that will help reduce the risk quotient involved in a high-risk pregnancy, and closely monitor your health. Despite this, if at any point you feel that your health conditions are deteriorating, please do immediately consult your gynaecologist.

2. Adequate support required:

This is the time when you require maximum support and help. Feel free to ask for help from your family and friends. High-risk pregnancy requires a huge lifestyle change which can be a tough affair for anyone; and for this, you need appropriate moral support to balance it out.

3. Regular consultation with your healthcare provider:

High-risk pregnancy can leave you exasperated and full of doubts. Instead of consuming yourself with questions and doubts, simply consult your doctor or gynaecologist. With the help of your doctor, you can prepare a cohesive plan for maternal care that best suits your requirement. This will help you relax and peacefully progress towards the due date.

4. Self-care is a must:

Pregnancy is all about self-care. It is all the more important when you are going through a high-risk pregnancy. Prioritize your well-being—a healthy diet, good sleep, exercise and yoga should be incorporated into your daily routine. Avoid exposure to a harmful environment and unnecessary medication. The key to a healthy baby is a stress-free lifestyle and maintaining good health.

5. Know your bodily requirements:

Pregnancy changes your body structure and its demands. When you are going through a high-risk pregnancy, it is important to understand specific bodily requirements. You may suddenly have an urge to rest more, or your appetite may increase without notice. At such moments, its best to go with the flow of what your body requires, instead of restricting yourself to the prescribed daily routine. Remember, the body consumes a lot of energy while growing a fetus and you require it to preserve your energy. So, it’s really alright to eat more on those days.

6. Prioritize mental health concerns:

A high-risk pregnancy can be quite mentally exhausting. During this time, you are flooded with emotions and can face a lot of mood swings. In certain cases, women start to blame themselves for everything. It is a good thing to reach out to your gynaecologist, partner, family or friends. In fact, it is equally advisable to take the help of a reputed psychiatrist, since it will only help you clear your vagrant thoughts and keep you confident.

7. Stay optimistic:

A high-risk pregnancy can be stress-free if you have an optimistic attitude. Staying calm and relaxed is very important—listening to relaxing music, doing meditation, talking to family and friends can help immensely and be a major stress-buster.

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

We have the best Gynaecologist medicine specialists in Kharadi, Pune. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Sushruta Mokadam, please book your appointment here.

How to get rid of Varicose Veins In Pregnancy

Author: Dr. Archana Dubey MBBS, MS (OBG)

Consultant – Gynecologist, Infertility and Laparoscopy at Mechanic Nagar, Indore

Pregnancy is a blissful experience that most women go through at least once in their lifetime. However, each pregnancy comes with different challenges. The most common challenge is varicose veins. Women may develop varicose veins in the initial days of their pregnancy.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are knotted, lumpy or swollen veins that are caused due to blockage in the veins. It is generally benign in nature and appears on legs or feet. These swollen veins usually bulge on the surface of the skin in blue, red or purple colour. These colours define the intensity of the blockage of the veins. The most affected areas during pregnancy in varicose veins are the lower pelvic area, buttocks, calves or ankles.

If the varicose veins reach advanced levels, they can cause discomfort, excruciating pain and may raise the flag for some serious circulatory problems.

What causes varicose veins during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the uterus grows. As a result, it lays pressure on the large vein on the right side of the body which increases pressure on the leg veins. Varicose veins are caused when the leg veins endowed with one-way valves that help the blood flow to the heart, stops it from flowing back to the leg. During a walk, the calf muscles pump the blood up towards the heart, and the valves stop it from flowing right back. It leads to the accumulation of blood in the veins, which stretches the veins causing them to swell, gnarl or bulge. If the swelling increases more than its limit, it is visible under the skin. This is what is called varicose veins.

Since veins are the blood vessels that carry blood pumped by the heart, they are already working anti-gravity. During pregnancy, the blood levels increase, causing more pressure on the veins. Also, the progesterone levels increase, which relaxes the walls of the blood vessels.

A pregnant woman is more prone to pregnancy [MOU1] if there is a family history of varicose veins, i.e., if one of the family members had or has varicose veins, there is a high chance that the pregnant woman may also suffer from them. Standing for longer periods, sudden increase in weight, being already overweight, or carrying twins or other multiples, can also cause varicose veins.

There are good chances that varicose veins may improve or disappear once the pregnancy is over; especially in cases where the woman contracted it only during pregnancy. In case it does not disappear, several exercises and treatments can cure varicose veins.

Another type of occurrence of varicose veins is spider veins. They appear in a spider-like pattern, where the major blockage is in the centre of the vein and various other blocked branches radiate out of the centre. They generally do not cause any discomfort or pain and disappear after the delivery.

How can I prevent varicose veins in pregnancy?

Varicose veins can be prevented or completely cured during pregnancy and, most heartening, it can be done naturally!

  • Daily exercise is a must. Brisk walking is the best form of exercise during pregnancy as it can improve blood circulation, especially in the legs.
  • Weight control is very essential. As we know, overweight is a major reason for varicose veins. Controlling your diet and weight is crucial.
  • While sleeping or sitting, try sitting with your legs elevated. Prolonged abated legs can cause swelling and ultimately varicose veins.
  • Sitting for long hours is a strict no-no. Small breaks from sitting are highly recommended.

Fight against varicose veins

Fighting from varicose veins is not a tough job when you have the best varicose veins treatment hospital in Indore.

Motherhood Hospital is the best vascular surgery hospital in Indore. We have a team of expert gynaecologists and super specialists who are capable of addressing a range of health issues and conditions that are related to women and children. Do take an appointment with our doctor at a centre close to you, and we assure you with effective investigations, proper diagnosis and treatment, you will be able to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Archana Dubey, please book your appointment here.

Pregnancy Calculator – Block The Date For The Greatest Arrival Of Your Life

Author: Dr. Sushruta Mokadam (MBBS, MD)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi

Online Pregnancy Calculator

For any couple planning a family, the happiest moment is when the doctor says, “Congratulations, you are pregnant!” After this, a good amount of time is spent on discussions that involve estimating the due date. Of course, the doctor will share the date with the couple and unravel the mystery. Let’s look at the science behind the estimation of the date of delivery.

The human egg can fertilize for only 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, so the date of ovulation could be a reasonably good indicator to estimate the date of conception. Ultrasound which is used to determine the date of ovulation is not too perfect because this only suggests the gestational age. In fact an accurate date of conception is usually arrived at only with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).

Also to be considered is that although a woman is most likely to conceive if she has had sex on the day of ovulation, pregnancy could occur from active sperm in her reproductive tract on the day of ovulation, even if the woman had intercourse five days prior to that date.

Determining the Estimated Due Date 

Estimated Due Date (EDD or EDC) is that date on which a non-induced delivery is expected to occur. This date is arrived at by taking the first day of the Last Menstrual Period (LMP) and adding 280 days

(9 months and 7 days) to it. This is the method followed by ‘pregnancy wheels’, also called a Gestation Calculator. The accuracy of the estimation of EDD in this method depends on how accurately the mother can recall the day of intercourse, assuming she has regular 28 day cycles and that ovulation and conception occurs on the 14th day of the cycle. Assumption of LMP to arrive at the due date of pregnancy may result in an overestimation of the pregnancy duration to the tune of over 2 weeks.

Coming to ultrasound, this approach considers the size of the foetus to determine the gestational age (the time since the first day of LMP). The accuracy of such an estimate of the gestational age varies. Using ultrasound to measure the foetus in the first trimester (up to and including 13 6/7 weeks of gestation) is the most accurate method to arrive at the gestational age.

Canada’s Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends the earliest ultrasound presenting a crown rump length that indicates at least 7 weeks (or 10 mm) should be used as the benchmark to arrive at the gestational age.

In the case of Vitro Fertilization (IVF), the date of conception will be known accurately and EDD can be calculated by adding 266 days to that date.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that the dates arrived at through ultrasound should be considered over those indicated by LMP when the variation between ultrasound and LMP is:

  • More than 5 days before 9 0/7 weeks as indicated by LMP
  • More than 7 days from 9 0/7 weeks to 15 6/7 weeks as indicated by LMP
  • More than 10 days from 16 0/7 weeks to 21 6/7 weeks as indicated by LMP
  • More than 14 days from 22 0/7 weeks to 27 6/7 weeks as indicated by LMP
  • More than 21 days after 28 0/7 weeks as indicated by LMP

There are possibilities that a foetus could have a restriction in growth leading to a risk of inaccurate dating of a small foetus.  Considering this, decisions based on ultrasonography alone (in the third-trimester) are not conclusive and the doctor has to consider the entire clinical status of the woman. This could include repeat ultrasonography to assess the correct growth in the interval.

Other methods used to estimate gestational age

Clinical Examination

For a patient with a good menstrual record in the first trimester, a simple pelvic examination has proven to be a reliable method to accurately date the pregnancy.

Doppler Ultrasonography

A foetal heart beat can be heard with a Doppler ultrasound if the gestational age of the patient is 10 to 12 weeks in most cases. This is the minimum age for the foetal heart tone to be registered.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Pregnancy Test

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is detectable in the mother’s blood or urine from 6 to 14 days after fertilization (3 to 4 weeks of gestational age). The gestational age can be assessed as at least 3 to 4 weeks at the time of an hCG pregnancy test.

In case of a twin pregnancy

In case of a twin pregnancy due to an IVF procedure, the gestational age has to be considered from the date of embryo transfer. Considering the possibility of an early intrauterine growth restriction in one of the foetuses, specialists feel that it is advisable to consider assessing the gestational age using the larger foetus.

For those of you curious to access a pregnancy calculator, here’s one right here! 

We at Motherhood Hospitals have a team of experts specialising in all kinds of maternity and childbirth related issues and woman and child care – from teens to those in their post menopause years. Take an appointment with our specialist at a centre close to you and you will be assured of an accurate investigation, diagnosis and treatment. 

Book your appointment with Dr. Sushruta Mokadam for all Gynaecological issues. 

Skin & Hair – How Your Pregnancy Affects Them

Author: Dr. Preethika Shetty MBBS, DNB, M.S(OBGY), Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine (ICOG)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi

Hairfall During Pregnancy

So you are pregnant! You are excited, so is the family and your days of anticipation begin. But along with it are surprises, some comfortable and some not so comfortable that begin to happen day after day. To begin with, the first sign of pregnancy is that there will be an increase in breast size. This will be due to a higher level of production of hormones – estrogen and progesterone. The woman’s breasts could continue to grow throughout the pregnancy and there may be a need for a replacement of the bras more than once. Of course this apart, there could be nausea, bloating, morning sickness and a craving for foods that are intense in terms of their taste such as saltiness, sourness and spice.

Skin and hair changes – the most visible ones

Pregnant women will have an increase in blood volume that aids additional blood supply to the uterus, kidneys, and other organs. The increase results in extra supply of blood to the vessels and further activates the oil glands. Sure, friends congratulate on that pregnancy glow! That’s one among the many effects that come from hormonal changes and the stretching of the skin. This stretching could also cause itching and flaking. The woman is advised to use a moisturizer cream or something appropriate to soothe the dry skin.

Some women could also develop brown or yellow patches, referred to as chloasma, also called the ‘mask of pregnancy’ on their faces. In some cases a dark line will appear in the centre, usually from the navel to the lower abdomen called linea nigra. There could also be a hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) of the nipples, external genitals and the anal region. It is the hormones that cause the body to produce more pigment. Although Chloasma cannot be avoided, a sunscreen could be used to reduce its impact.

The other side effect of pregnancy is acne. The sebaceous glands get activated and produce more oil resulting in moles or freckles becoming more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses. These skin changes subside post-delivery. Pregnant women could also suffer from heat rashes caused due to dampness and sweating.

Hair

Several women experience changes in their hair texture and the volume of hair growth during pregnancy. The hormones encourage denser hair growth and also reduce hair fall. These changes are not permanent however and women usually lose some hair post-delivery or after they stop breast feeding the child. Hair could also grow in unwanted areas for example on the hair, belly or around the nipples.

Nails too change during pregnancy. The hormones enhance the rate of growth and the nails also tend to get a bit stronger. Nails could also split more during pregnancy.

‍Most changes subside post-delivery although changes on the skin such as stretch marks could remain. It is advisable to consult a specialist on how best to minimize it and get back the flexibility and suppleness. In all, pregnancy is an unforgettable phase and the woman would find it really interesting to observe the changes in her body, all the way to the D-day, when she would welcome her bouncing bundle of joy. A gynecologist would be the best suited to offer advice on these matters to ensure the woman experiences a memorable phase.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of doctors and super-specialists with the expertise to investigate, identify and treat a range of conditions related to girl children and women. All our centres are equipped with modern equipment and dedicated staff and strategically located across India. Do take an appointment with our doctor who will ensure the right tests and treatment to help you get back to an active life.

Book your Appointment with Dr. Preethika Shetty for all Gynaecological issues.

Nutrition and Exercise Until D Day – Pregnancy Tips

Healthy Pregnancy Diet

Author: Dr. Preethika Shetty MBBS, DNB, M.S (OBGY), Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine (ICOG)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi – Pune

Healthy Pregnancy Diet

Maintaining good health during the weeks of pregnancy provides your baby with the nutrition it needs as it steps into the world. Doing regular exercise, following a balanced diet and keeping up with scheduled appointments with your doctor are some of the pregnancy care tips that help you to have a healthy pregnancy. Let’s learn more about the steps you could take right from the first month of pregnancy:

1. Focus on eating healthy – Inculcate a healthy and balanced diet in your regime: Here is what you could include:

  • Have five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Consume fresh fruits or fresh juices and avoid drinking packaged or canned ones. Along with this, also avoid vegetables that come packed in saltwater. Do not forget to drink plenty of water.
  • Starchy foods such as pasta, rice, bread and potatoes should make more than one-third of all the food you are eating. Furthermore, always choose whole grain variants instead of the white ones since you need plenty of fibre. Also, leave the skin on potatoes while cooking to provide more nutrition for you and your baby.
  • Have daily servings of protein from good sources like eggs, fish (two portions weekly should be oily such as mackerel, salmon or sardines), pulses, lean meat, beans, or nuts.
  • Consuming dairy foods such as yoghurt, milk and cheeses is also recommended right from the first trimester of your pregnancy.

2. Take your supplements

During your pregnancy, you and your growing baby need to have regular folic acid and Vitamin D supplements. These will be required even if you are having a well-balanced diet. Although it is recommended to eat healthily and have your daily quota of vitamins, minerals and nutrients from your diet, if you are having issues with consuming the right kind of food, talk to your doctor for all the required supplements your body might need for a healthy pregnancy.

3. Regular exercise

Regular exercise gives your body several benefits not only during pregnancy but also in post-pregnancy care. Make sure to include the following exercises during your pregnancy weeks:

  • Brisk walking
  • Yoga
  • Swimming
  • Pilates
  • Aquanatal classes

Get in touch with your exercise instructor and inform that you’re pregnant so he/ she can tailor classes or exercises specifically for you.

4. Perform pelvic floor exercises

The wide sling of muscles present at the base of your pelvis is what’s known as your pelvic floor. The functionality of these muscles is to support your bladder, vagina and back passage. During the weeks of pregnancy you may feel these muscles are getting weaker because of the extra pressure on them. To ensure adequate strength is maintained in these muscles, perform pelvic floor exercises including Kegel exercises regularly. Do take your doctor’s advice on which type of exercise best benefits you. The benefit will be experienced once you start building up to 10 long squeezes of 10 seconds followed by 10 short squeezes thrice a day.

5. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol

Regardless of the concentration, alcohol of any type will reach your baby rapidly via your bloodstream and placenta. Hence, there is no safe or minimum level of alcohol to drink during your pregnancy and one should avoid drinking to put the baby under any harm. Similarly, smoking during pregnancy can expose you and your baby to serious health problems such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or placental abruption.

6. Stop caffeine intake

High caffeine content elevates the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage late in pregnancy. Hence try not to consume too much coffee, energy drinks, cola, tea or chocolates. Apart from the mentioned risks, caffeine can also contribute to having a low-birth-weight baby or premature birth.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of expert doctors, super specialists and highly trained nurses backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We ensure complete care and advice to ensure a safe delivery at any of our centres. All our centres are equipped with modern equipment and the expertise to handle complex deliveries. Do take an appointment at a centre closest to you with our doctor and have a safe delivery of your baby.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Preethika Shetty, please book your appointment here

How Accurate Are Pregnancy Calculators

Pregnancy Weeks Calculator Online
Author: Dr. Padma Srivastava, MBBS, MD(OBG)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Lullanagar, Pune

Pregnancy Weeks Calculator Online

Once you skip your period, the excitement sets in. Have you conceived? Is it finally happening? Next is a visit to the doctor, who will test you to confirm it and then calculate a date. By that time, you would definitely have come across a pregnancy calculator online, something that would be advised by friends or relatives.

So how accurate are pregnancy calculators? According to BabyCenter, an online media company, only one in twenty women deliver on their due dates. To begin with, it is important to understand that a pregnancy calculator at best offers an approximation of your delivery date based on your date of conception.
The weeks of pregnancy are dated from the first day of your last period. This actually means that in the first two weeks, you would still not have conceived. The body would just be preparing to ovulate which means, realising an egg from your ovaries.

It is indeed a logical question and one of the first any woman would ask on being informed she is pregnant – “What’s the due date?” It is important to estimate the due date as it can help you plan your pregnancy and for the baby’s arrival. From this context, a pregnancy calculator can be helpful even if it is an estimate at best and cannot be on point always. Now let’s explore how it works.

  Typically there are two methods of calculating a delivery due date. One is to estimate the date based on the last menstrual period. The second is to estimate based on the date of conception. Now, the due date based on the menstrual cycle is calculated as forty weeks from the date of the last period. The due date based on the date of conception is arrived at by adding thirty eight weeks to the exact/ approximate date of conception, which is a presumption again. The issue is that most women won’t know their exact date of conception. This makes the calculation of the delivery date an approximation. There is a possibility that the conception would not have happened on the day when the woman was sexually active and the egg could have been fertilized a day or two days later by the sperm that was lodged in the fallopian tube. Considering this variation, most healthcare specialists recommend that a calculation based on the last menstrual period is reasonably more accurate. Even with this, one can arrive at only an estimated due date. The doctor could reassess this date based on the results of an ultrasound that would indicate the size of the baby. So it is advised that you use the pregnancy calculator as a guide, but be prepared to welcome your little one anytime within one to two weeks around the due date. It could be a couple of days after the specified date too. It would be a surprise but a pleasant one, isn’t it? At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of gynecologists and super specialists capable of addressing a range of health issues and conditions related to women and children. Do take an appointment with our doctor at a centre close to you and you are assured of effective investigations, diagnosis and treatment enabling you to lead an active life. 
If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Padma Srivastava, please book your appointment here

Dos and Don’ts For A Safer And Healthier Pregnancy

Author: Dr. Nusrat A H, MBBS, M.S.

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Bangalore, Banashankari

Becoming a mother and expecting your newborn is an overwhelming experience for a woman. This experience brings along various responsibilities that need to be followed even before the baby is born to ensure the newborn comes safe and healthy. In this segment, we’ll talk about the healthy pregnancy tips that you should focus on to take care of your unborn baby and how you can be prepared to make parenthood easier.

Start with the preconception period

Your body should be prepared mentally and physically before you look to conceive and it starts from knowing about the potential risk factors and health conditions that may affect you or your baby.
Many pregnancies take place without planning. No matter how advanced the prenatal care and medicine available are in today’s time, unplanned pregnancies come with the risk of low birth weight or preterm birth of the baby. Experts suggest women should focus on leading a healthier lifestyle before they plan to conceive, so they can avoid any risk or problems that may occur with the mother or her baby.
 

Taking care of the mother and baby’s health during pregnancy

A mother encounters a lot of doubts and questions during pregnancy – What should I eat? What are the must-haves? What do I avoid? How do I change my routine to ensure best safety and health for my baby?

Let’s talk about the important things to take care of:

Diet: There is endless advice on how much a pregnant woman should eat or avoid eating. However one needs to note that when you are “eating for two” your diet shouldn’t be doubled! In reality, it’s all about including the foods in your diet that are rich in nutrients for both mother and baby – where eating a balanced meal is enough for both.

Food items that are good for both mother and baby:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Grains, cereals, and wheat germ
  • Low or no-fat dairy products (milk, yoghurt)
  • Meats, poultry, and a few selective fishes

Food items that are best avoided:

  • Refrigerated meat spreads and refrigerated smoked seafood such as mackerel, salmon, or fishes that have a high concentration of mercury
  • Unpasteurised milk, juices, and cheeses such as feta or blue cheese
  • Trying new variations of herbs and plants
  • Raw sprouts

Stop smoking: Apart from damaging your body and increasing the risk of cancer and heart diseases, smoking is bad for the health of your unborn baby too. Smoking during pregnancy contributes to having a baby with low-weight or heart problems that may take place soon after birth. Along with this, the baby can suffer from cleft lip/palate, and has an elevated risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Smoking has also been the cause of miscarriages in certain women.

Improve your oral health:  Apart from the usual dental check-ups that most women go through before getting pregnant, it is advised for them to undergo a complete oral exam during the initial stages of pregnancy. This is because pregnancy gingivitis is very common. It is a condition where gums become swollen and bleed easily. It could be the result of both poor oral hygiene and increased hormone levels during pregnancy. Though there’s little evidence to support this, gum diseases may contribute to having a baby with low birth weight.

Stop drinking Alcohol:  Lastly, drinking alcohol during pregnancy can put your baby at high risk of developing Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which results in learning disability, behavioural issues, and abnormal facial features. This damage can take place during the earliest stages of pregnancy, even before the mother is aware that she is pregnant.

If you are looking for the best maternity hospital for normal delivery in Bangalore, then Motherhood Hospital is the answer for you. We have an excellent team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure. We have the expertise to handle complex deliveries, gynaecological, and various other surgeries. Do take an appointment at a centre closest to you and our doctors will make the required investigations, diagnose the issue, and recommend the most appropriate treatment – enabling you to lead an active life.


If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Nusrat A H, please book your appointment here.
 

Everything moms and moms-to-be need to prep for a post-pandemic world By Dr. Manisha Ranjan

The year that went by threw all our learnings and wisdoms handed down to us from our mothers and grandmothers, out of the window. Moms and moms to be had to learn to wing it and hone new skills to sail through the pandemic. Keeping yourself and your family safe and healthy became a challenge like no other. As we navigate back into a post pandemic world there are a million things that both moms and moms-to-be need to keep in their mind when it comes to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of themselves, their children and their soon-to-be born children. Now is the time to pause, reflect and take stock as we step into a post pandemic world. Few things to keep in mind:

The pandemic is not over

Even with the roll out of vaccinations across the globe, the pandemic is far from over. We need to continue to practise social distancing, sanitising and wearing masks while out in public places. Moms need to convey this to their children and ensure they are protected and that they follow social distancing wherever applicable. Moms-to-be need to practice extra care and precaution with the help of a support system which includes their medical practitioners, primary care givers and immediate family.

Doctor visits and check-ups

One of the most critical and important steps, is to ensure that all children below 6 are vaccinated with age appropriate vaccinations which are imperative for a child’s growth and development. Moms-to-be must also ensure that their immunisation records are up to date and be in constant touch with their doctors and attend all scans and tests as they progress with their pregnancy

Building immunity

Keeping up with our age old traditions of eating immunity boosting fruits and nutrients, it is very important that we focus on building and keeping immunity levels high as we step back into the world. A good and robust immunity helps safeguard the entire family against seasonal infections and allergies. Our body is the most important tool we possess and nourishing it adequately will help keep infections at bay.

Mental Well-being & Mindfulness

While physical health is important, the pandemic has made us unlearn a lot of things when it comes to keeping calm. Especially in case of children, families and moms-to-be. Mental well-being is as important as physical fitness, for a happy and sane mind dwells in a healthy body. The pandemic has adversely effected children as it has taken away their freedom of movement, hence it’s up to the moms to ensure that kids have a safe place at home to speak their mind and share feelings. Mindfulness is very important when it comes to both moms and moms-to-be, for stress is not good and can lead to several health complications.

Self-care

One can never stress enough on the importance of self-care for moms. Sometimes balancing home, children, family and work can get a little overwhelming and it is important for moms and/or moms-to-be to take a step back and pause. It is an old saying which holds true that the woman of the house is the glue holding everything together and we must ensure that she is happy, hale and hearty.

The world as we know is undergoing a change and we must keep up with the changing pace while keeping in mind that our fight with COVID19 is far from over. Ensuring the health and well-being of the family is of utmost importance as we step back into a semblance of our lives pre COVID.

Pregnancy & Thyroid Things to know By Dr. Madhavi Reddy

Hypothyroidism is often associated with either slow pregnancy or difficulty in conception. Untreated thyroid can cause serious repercussions and leads to either miscarriage, premature baby. It is important that thyroid diseases hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are both treated & monitored closely during pregnancy.  Thyroid should be managed with proper medications and regular thyroid level investigations and proper dosage of the medications. Regular monitoring of thyroid stimulating hormones & T4 levels are imperative in order to conceive. Some of the high risk factors of developing thyroid include family history of thyroid issues, autoimmune disease and thus arresting thyroid symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy is critical, so a proper treatment can be provided and can lead to a more fruitful outcome.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

  • Weight gain & fatigue
  • Sensitivity towards cold temperature
  • Muscle cramps
  • Difficulty in concentration

It is always advisable to undergo thyroid testing before conception and keep your doctor informed incase you are on medications. As TSH lab values must be reviewed every 3 weeks during the pregnancy journey. Generally during the pregnancy thyroid hormone requirements rise to support baby and the mother. The prenatal vitamins can hinder how the body may use up thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This can be avoided by keeping a 4 Ÿ?? 5 hour gap between thyroid medicines & prenatal vitamins. The doctor must pay special attention to treat hypothyroidism during pregnancy and can lead to blood pressure, still birth, low birth weight of the baby, maternal anemia and premature delivery. Unusual symptoms can impact babyŸ??s growth and brain development.

Post pregnancy thyroid care: Once the mother gives birth postpartum thyroiditis is common and is especially critical among women with auto immune thyroid disease as this can cause severe complications. The postpartum thyroiditis develop usually in first 3 Ÿ?? 6 months after giving birth and some of the symptoms can be hard to identify as they are identical with initial struggles of becoming a new parent.

Early symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis are

  • Disrupted sleep pattern, nervousness, cranky behaviour and pounding heartbeat, fatigue etc.
  • The other symptoms that may follow are loss of energy, dry skin, constipation, aches & pains etc.

Infact hypothyroidism can also disrupt the mil production, however a hormone replacement therapy can help in curing this condition.

Things to eat & precautions for women having thyroid troubles during pregnancy

  • Eating Cruciferous veggies can help in regulating the thyroid levels. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale etc are great
  • Food rich in iodine is avoidable
  • Lean meat for boating protein requirements are a good source
  • Light exercises like walking, pregnancy walking, meditation & breathing exercises are advisable

Maintaining right balance in nutrition and prenatal exercises and aid smooth pregnancy for women facing thyroid troubles.  Healthy lifestyle is a key factor for overcoming difficulties in this condition.