Fit Mothers, Fit Babies!

Physical exercises help in enhancing and maintaining body wellness and health. And during pregnancy, exercises are a must. However, there will be a slight change in the course of exercises from the normal regime. It is said that fit mothers have healthy and fit babies.

As much as stress and high amount of physical toil should be avoided during pregnancy, exercise on the other hand must be undertaken by all the mothers-to-be. Moreover, research is witness that women who stay fit during their pregnancy term are instrumental in the development of healthy hearts of their babies.

In addition to having healthy hearts, the babies also have healthy blood vessels which help in resisting any sort of problems in the arteries. And the positive consequences of exercising are extended to their adulthood. They develop a good immunity level as they grow older.

There are a lot of advantages of exercising during pregnancy. For the mother-to-be, exercises are recommended because they help in providing relief from backaches and also help in improving the posture of the body and preparing it for labor. If not at all days of the week, moderate intensity level exercises are recommended for pregnant woman timed at about 30-40 minutes per day. This helps in reducing constipation by accelerating the bowel movement and also helps in avoiding any kind of joint wear and tear which usually happens during pregnancy due to hormonal changes with the help of lubricating fluids in the joints.

If you are going to be a mommy, then the most important thing is for you to sleep well and be relieved of any type of stress and anxiety which might make you restless during the nights. Exercising on a regular basis during pregnancy increases the blood circulation in the body and results in a healthier glowing skin. Not only do you start looking more beautiful, you also are prepared to cope with labor pain and it is easier for you to get back into shape after the delivery of the child if you exercise while you are pregnant.

The biggest upside to being fit during pregnancy is that the risk of low birth weight, complications during pre-term delivery, or early pregnancy loss is minimized and the baby is born with a healthy heart and metabolism. The quality of the blood vessels in the pregnant women who exercise regularly is higher as compared to those who do not exercise.

When you exercise during pregnancy, there are significant changes in your vascular muscles that line the arteries which are of high importance in maintaining cardiovascular health. As a result of which, the baby is born with a strong inbuilt cardiovascular system and is helpful in avoiding a lot of diseases in future.

Early Signs Of Pregnancy

It’s been 7 days past your due date and now you are keen to know if you are pregnant. Missed periods are one of the surest signs of pregnancy. However, you cannot conclude the same without viable symptoms and tests.

Home Pregnancy Test

Home pregnancy tests after missed periods are very reliable. And if it’s positive then hurrah! Let’s celebrate for the coming of a baby!

You may experience some of these early signs of pregnancy.

1.Fever:

Your body temperature above 100.4 degrees indicates an infection; you should see the doctor. Pregnancy stresses out the immune system, thus you are prone to infections. The symptoms may include fever, cough, cold nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

2. Prickling Sore Nipples

As your body flushes out pregnancy hormones in the blood, you may feel your breasts sore or swollen and a prickling sensation around your nipples. It occurs during the first few weeks. You can also blame your hormones if notice the bluish veins beneath the skin.

3. Mood Swings

The dormant volcano inside you suddenly becomes active when your husband forgets to close the toothpaste cap. You suddenly get moody and your emotions are on a roller coaster ride. Well, if you are pregnant and you get your mood swings too often, dear husbands all the best!

4. Feeling Sick Nausea/Dizziness

Most women experience morning sickness (even during the nights for some). Occurring during the second trimester, you may feel like vomiting. Ensure sure you eat well and drink plenty of water and juices.

5. Feeling Tired & Fatigue
It’s not uncommon to find your energy draining out quickly. The low blood sugar and low blood pressure can take you for a roll. Indulge in eating healthy food to refrain yourself from getting exhausted & zoned out. It also helps in controlling birth defects.

6. Shortness of Breath

Do you find it difficult to climb stairs? The growing fetus needs oxygen, just as you do. Occurring from the second trimester onwards, the baby starts to put pressure on your lungs and diaphragm, making it slightly difficult for you to cope with your oxygen and energy levels.

6. Frequent Urination

One of the most annoying things most women experience during the second and third trimester is the need to urinate frequently. Accounting for the production of a larger volume of fluids and blood in your system, your kidneys work extra hard & more pressure is exerted on your bladder.

7. Backaches

If you experiencing frequent back pains, it could mean your ligaments are loosening to support your posture when your body gains weight and shifts the center of gravity.

8. Food cravings and Sensitivity towards Aromas

You may tend to suddenly develop a craving for a particular food or just go off some foods. Some can’t stand the taste of coffee and eggs; while others love to indulge in foods like ice-creams, tamarind, pickles, mangoes, etc. Your sensitivity towards aromas from food or cooking becomes more prominent.

9. Spotting & Cramping
Spotting during early pregnancy is caused by the hormones facilitating the implantation of the egg in the uterine wall. It takes place within two weeks. Spotting maybe a light pink or brown-coloured stain. An uncomfortable cramping in lower abdominal region could occur due to the stretching of skin. You may also encounter vaginal discharge or bleeding.

10. Constipation and Bloating

You hate to feel puffy or bloated up, because it not only brings discomfort but also because it makes you look fat in your favourite tees. It may be the progesterone hormone, which slows down your digestive system.

11. Darker nipples
The body prepares to breast feed the child. Hence, you may notice the patch of skin around your nipples (areolas) gets darker. More prominent during the last stages of pregnancy, your nipples become more erect. Shift to more comfortable inner wear that supports these changes occurring to welcome the new life.

Top 10 Vegetarian Superfoods For Pregnant Women

They say pregnancy is the most beautiful feeling any woman can ever experience. Throughout the three trimesters, your body floods out various hormones to adjust to bearing and nurturing a new life within. Hence, your diet makes a remarkable impact on your health.

Vegetarians need to take efforts persistently to include the below mentioned superfoods to account for the nutrients quintessentially required to meet the needs of the developing fetus as well as the energy requirements of the mother.

While there are many foods that have tremendous nutritional benefits like Quinoa, Hemp Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Brown Rice, Flax Seeds, etc. which may be difficult to accommodate in your daily diet; these are some simple superfoods that can be made a mandate to your regular diet to ensure your child’s healthy development.

1)Dairy in your Diet Diary

Essential Nutrients: Excellent source of proteins, calcium, zinc, vitamin B.

Health Benefits: Pivotal for development of bones and teeth, reduces risk of under-weight or pre-termed babies, reduced risk of osteoporosis in women at a later stage, production of hormones and enzymes, fights infection.

Include milk, yoghurt, soy milk, fortified products to deal with increased demand of calcium essential for child’s growth.

2)Affectionate Apricots

Essential Nutrients: Rich in folic acid, potassium, calcium, magnesium and 10% of RDA of iron.

Health Benefits: Dried apricots help to combat problems related to constipation and checks to normalize bowel movements.

Tasty for an in-between snack during your hunger pangs.

3)Broccoli For Bones

Essential Nutrients: Great sources of calcium, magnesium, folic acid, Vitamin C, potassium and excellent source of vitamin A, anti-oxidants

Health Benefits: Vital for child’s bone development, aids digestion, helps healing of bruises.

4)Blueberries and Strawberries

Essential Nutrients: Packed with Vitamin C and fibre.

Health Benefits: Protection against cell damage and cystitis, regeneration of new cells, a handful meets the RDA for folic acid everyday, prevents serious birthing effects.

5)Sweet Potato

Essential Nutrients: Various nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, beta carotene, calcium, energy, vitamin A, copper, iron.

Health Benefits: An antioxidant, vital for bones, skin and eye development, copper helps better absorption of iron, helps in expanding blood volume, maintains healthy immune system.

Tip: Steaming works better than boiling.

6)Go Bananas over Bananas

Essential Nutrients: Rich in potassium, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, energy, tryptophan, pectin.

Health Benefits: Right pick to reduce the common problem of fluid retention and nausea, normalizes blood pressure, promotes digestion and good sleep, shields against ulcers and stomach acids, reduces swelling in the body and improves circulatory system of the body.

7)Beans For The New Genes

Essential Nutrients: Packed with protein, iron, calcium, thiamine, and niacin.

Health Benefits: Includes ease of digestion, development of the placenta, baby’s brain and central nervous system, new blood production.

8)Power Of Pomegranate

Essential Nutrients: Rich in potassium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E and anti-oxidants.

Health Benefits: Reduced risk of anemia, heals hemorrhoids, excellent for immune system, increases bone density, excellent for skin care.

9)Goodness of Orange Juice

Essential Nutrients: Rich in potassium, fibre and vitamin C

Health Benefits: It increases the absorption of iron and calcium from your food, keeps you hydrated, prevent fatigue and tiredness, keeping your muscle function, fighting colds, metabolism and overall health in check, increases blood circulation in the placenta

10)Go Green with the GLV’s

Essential Nutrients: It contains calcium, iron, beta-carotene, lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C.

Health Benefits: Helps fight cancer, promotes nutritionally-dense breast milk, vital for normal birthing and child development.

15 Tips for a healthy pregnancy

1) When in doubt, ASK. See a gynaecologist. It is essential to consult a doctor when you have missed your periods. She will guide you well through your most crucial phase : the first trimester.

2) Change your food habits to include a healthy variety of foods.

3) Food Hygiene : One should be aware about the environment & food intake as it has a direct implication on your fetal health. Undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk can be toxic & fatal to your baby’s health.

4) Stop smoking. The risk of child birth defects triple with smoking.

5) Take early pregnancy classes like lamaze & yoga. Stretching exercises help your muscles relax & keep cramps at bay. These foster physical as well as mental relaxation.

6) Follow a regular exercise regimen  it will help you stay in shape throughout your pregnancy, ease birthing process & help lose your post-pregnancy weight faster.

7) Incorporate some pregnancy super foods that you may have never tried before like quinoa, broccoli, avocado, blueberries, flax seeds to name a few. 

8) Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water. Keep yourself well hydrated to avoid fatigue & dizziness.

9) Practice pelvic tilts to overcome lower back pain & help baby assume a good birth position which will be pivotal during birthing.

10) Alcohol Addiction is detrimental to your baby’s health. It can cause birth defects, disorders or even lead to miscarriage. The first trimester is crucial in deciding your baby’s health condition.

11) Attend breast-feeding classes to prepare yourself to nurture your child during it’s formative years. A well breast-fed child has higher immunity, lower risk of obesity & higher resistance towards allergies.

12) We know you love shoppin. Indulge in a shopping spree & enjoy the beautiful & unforgettable journey of Motherhood.

13) We know you love your morning coffee. But too much caffeine is said to increase the risk of miscarriage & have other implications like low birth weight. So next time judiciously choose your morning beverage.

14) It is a common belief that a pregnant woman should consume double the amount of food since she is also feeding her child. UNTRUE. A woman with normal weight need not consume not more than 300-400 additional calories to her daily diet  that’s just about a bowl of curd.

15) Relax! It maybe your first or third pregnancy. We understand your anxiety & fear of the unexpected. Do not stress out. Pamper yourself at a spa. 

Healthy Pregnancy, Happy Motherhood.

Preparing for Motherhood

Pregnancy comes as a surprise to some women. For others, it is a result of much planning and waiting. If you and your spouse are ready for the pattering of little feet around your house, here’s what you should know before trying to conceive.

Stop the pill

If you have been using contraceptives in the form of injections or pills, now is the time to stop using them. Let your periods regularize so you can keep track of your cycles.Research also suggests that use of lubricants act as barriers to sperms and so, use of lubricants should be avoided.

Know your body

It helps to know what happens during conception and how a pregnancy advances. Prior to that, observe and time your menstrual cycles and figure out when you ovulate. This is very essential as you stand a chance of conceiving only when the egg is still in your reproductive system. You will find several online tools to help you calculate your ovulation period or your most fertile period.

Also remember that you have just a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant each month. So don’t be alarmed if you did not get pregnant in your first attempt. Regular sexual intercourse specifically during the fertile period is important. However, if you have been trying for more than a year (or 6 months for women over 35 year), it might be time you met a fertility specialist.

Visit a gynaecologist

You don’t necessarily need to wait to get pregnant, in order to meet a gynaecologist. It is recommended that you schedule your first appointment as soon as you decide you want to have a baby. You can discuss your fears, apprehensions, medical history, and nutritional habits with your doctor. A gynaecologist might put you on multivitamins and folic acid supplements couple of months in advance.

It is also advisable to get a dental check-up done before you get pregnant.Some dental complications cannot be treated effectively during pregnancy and are linked to pre-term birth and underweight babies.

Eat healthy and exercise

You could also book an appointment with a nutritionist who can inform you the recommended daily nutrition needs based on your lifestyle and diet preferences. If you are underweight or overweight, it is advisable to get to a healthy weight before pregnancy. Also note that underweight/overweight women can have irregular ovulation, which can delay pregnancy.

Quit smoking and drinking

If you are a heavy drinker and smoker, you will have to cut down on it and eventually, stop completely. These habits have a very negative impact on reproductive health including ovulation and pregnancy. Talk to your physician about how you can quit smoking and drinking.

Most women get pregnant without much problem but if you follow the above tips, you can be assured that you are on the right track. We hope you found this information useful. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.

Importance of Antenatal Visits

Antenatal or prenatal care refers to the care that a woman receives during pregnancy. This includes healthcare services to the would-be mother as well as the unborn baby. Also, other health concerns regarding pregnancy are addressed during antenatal visits.

Most women do not realise the importance of consulting a gynaecologist right from the beginning of pregnancy.Often, they try to evade pregnancy tests and scans in trying to curb costs.However, care for the mother and the baby should begin as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.

In this blog we will highlight some of the most important benefits of prenatal visits to a healthcare centre.

Prenatal check-ups during the first trimester

  • During the first trimester, the mother needs to ensure that she consumes a well-balanced diet so as to provide the baby with all the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Folic acid supplements are recommended as they reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the foetus during the first 12 weeks.
  • Consuming alcohol and smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery and birth d
  • effects in the foetus. Visiting the obstetrician during early pregnancy can help you receive important advice regarding diet and lifestyle.
  • Certain medications can be extremely harmful to the unborn baby. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, an antenatal check-up will help you understand how it can affect your pregnancy and your healthcare provider will advise you on ways to bring it under control.
  • Also, it is during the first trimester that the first ultrasound scan is done to observe the development in the foetus and to determine the expected date of delivery. Multiple pregnancies can be identified during the scan.A blood test will also be conducted to rule out possibilities of infections, blood cell count, blood typing, and screening for Rh antibodies.

Prenatal check-ups during the second trimester

Until the end of the second trimester, you will typically have an antenatal check-up every 4 weeks. Tests that you can expect during this time include:

  1. Urine test  you will be asked to give a urine sample to check for blood sugar and protein.
  2. Blood test  is conducted to rule out possibilities of infections, blood cell count, blood typing, and screening for Rh antibodies.
  3. Ultrasound  ultrasound scan helps observe the developments like heart rate, head-to-toe measurements in the foetus, etc. Down syndrome, which is a chromosomal abnormality, can also be identified during this stage.
  4. Measurements  the size and shape of your uterus is measured.
  5. Blood pressure and weight  your blood pressure and weight will be checked at each prenatal visit.

Prenatal check-ups during the third trimester

In the third trimester, you will be expected to visit your obstetrician every two weeks.This helps identify the position of the baby as it drops low in the uterus in the head down position, in preparation for the birthing process, towards the end of the trimester.

Without regular prenatal check-ups, problems in the placenta, foetal abnormalities and other complications will go unnoticed, posing a health threat to both the mother and child. Even if you feel perfectly fine or have gone through healthy pregnancies previously, you still require regular antenatal check-ups from the beginning of your pregnancy until the birth of your baby.

Remember, there is no substitute for good prenatal care!

Importance of Folic Acid during the First Trimester

Every woman naturally pays special attention to her diet and lifestyle as soon as she discovers she is pregnant.While its important to eat healthy during pregnancy, it is particularly important to eat foods that provide all the necessary nutrients necessary to ensure normal development of the baby and the mother’s good health.

Folic acid is one such essential nutrient that is required right from the pre-conception period until the first trimester. Let us take a look at what folic acid is and the role it plays in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Folic acid and its benefits

Folic acid is also known as folacin or folate. It is a B vitamin that naturally occurs in certain foods. It works along with vitamin B12 in generating healthy red blood cells in our body. Folic acid is essential for the healthy development of the unborn baby’s brain, spine and skull.

It is known to reduce the chances of the unborn baby developing neural tube defects likespina bifida. Spina bifida is a birth defect wherein the spine of the baby remains under-developed, causing some severe physical disabilities including paralysis.Folic acid can also help prevent many other birth defects like cleft palate (cleft lip) and heart defects by as much as 70%.

When you need it most?

It is during the first trimester (first 12 weeks) of pregnancy that your baby’s brain and nervous system are developing. It happens at a very fast pace and so makes it very vital that you have folic acid rich foods along with folic acid supplements during this time.

Majority of women have an unplanned pregnancy and do not realise they are pregnant until 4-6 weeks into their pregnancy. By this time most of the vital organs in the foetus have already begun to form. That is why, doctors recommend women of reproductive age and those trying for a baby to have a folic acid rich diet.

Foods rich in folic acid are:

  • Oranges/ orange juice
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Lean red meats
  • Brown rice
  • Black-eyed beans
  • Broccoli
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Folic enriched foods like whole grain bread and cereals

(Talk to your obstetrician or pregnancy dietician for further advice)

Points to remember

  1. Do not boil vegetables as this dissolves the folic content in them. Steam or microwave instead.
  2. Overcooking vegetables can also destroy folate content.
  3. Ensure that you eat your multivitamins just before/after your meals to improve absorption.
  4. If you are going through any other medical treatment like that of epilepsy, diabetes, blood pressure, etc., consult your doctor to know how it can affect your pregnancy.
  5. Folic acid deficiency can cause anaemia.
  6. Folic acid rich foods alone cannot fulfil the daily requirement of folic acid during pregnancy and so, supplements recommended by your obstetrician should be taken on a daily basis.

After you have crossed your first trimester, you can discontinue eating folic acid supplements. However, there is no harm in continuing with the prescription even in the following trimesters.

Tips to Tackle Pregnancy Stress

Pregnancy is an experience that defines the essence of womanhood. If you are pregnant you could be experiencing a mixed bag of emotions. You feel extremely excited about the day you will hold your little bundle of joy in your arms and on the other hand you have a myriad of anxieties.

blog1

Listed below are some common worries you might go through and ways to effectively handle these anxieties.

1.Nausea, weight gain, stretch-marks! How do I cope with bodily changes?

Well, it’s true that the onset of pregnancy can be pretty difficult for many mothers to be. Tiredness, nausea, constipation, heartburn, an itchy belly, the list goes on. The good news is that for most women, the nausea subsides by the end of the first trimester. A well balanced diet with adequate amounts of fluids can help tackle digestive problems. For stretch marks and itching, a mild lotion applied in the early stages is a good remedy. If you are suffering from extreme pregnancy symptoms your healthcare-provider can prescribe some medication that is safe during pregnancy.

2.Which hospital should I go to?

Yes, you do need to decide where you want to go for all your pre-natal scans and check-ups. This is very essential because it ensures that you and the baby remain healthy. Early ultrasounds help confirm your due date (if you do not remember the date of your last menstruation cycle). Ultrasounds are also instrumental in detecting genetic abnormalities like the Down syndrome.

Choosing a hospital or birth centre will also help you in getting a fair knowledge about charges and birth packages. You will also be more comfortable with your doctor and hospital on the whole.

3.Is my baby ok? Is it getting enough nutrition?

Mums-to-be also worry about their unborn tiny tots throughout pregnancy. While this is a perfectly natural tendency, you want to make sure you don’t go overboard with your concerns and worries. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding medications, food and exercise. Keep up with all your ante natal medical check-ups and don’t exert your body.

4.Will I be able to handle labour pain or should I go for a C-section?

This is one thought that women contemplate even before they conceive. Most pregnant women opt for natural vaginal deliveries and yes, it is true that they can be painful. But then again, there are some things you can do to prepare your body and mind to deal with labour pain effectively. Sign up for a prenatal class where your learn nutrition, meditation and exercise strategies like Lamaze. You can also talk to your obstetrician about delivery and pain control options.

Natural vaginal delivery is the preferred childbirth option compared to Caesarean section due to its faster recovery time.

5.Will I be a good Mom?

Of course you will! There is no reason to think otherwise. Take things one day at a time. The main thing to do here is to accept any help that comes your way. Don’t hesitate to get help and support from family and friends. Pregnancy and motherhood can involve a lot of physical and mental stress. Include your spouse in every aspect of your pregnancy and baby care. Don’t try to do everything on your own. Rest whenever you feel tired. Let your maternal instincts take over and enjoy every moment of your pregnancy.

Tips to sleep better during pregnancy

Enhance your pregnancy journey with expert tips on better sleep - Motherhood Hospital India.

blog-for-26

No matter how much you long to slip into your nightwear and catch up on some sleep, one of the greatest challenges many women face during pregnancy is getting comfortable, uninterrupted sleep.

A woman’s quality of sleep deteriorates during the first trimester due to a full bladder. You are more likely to go through emotional and physical stress-related to pregnancy during this stage. You might feel very sleepy during the day-time. The second and third trimester bring additional sleep problems as the growing baby adds pressure on the bladder. You might also suffer from heartburn, leg cramps and sinus congestion. The movement of your little one can also wake you up from sound sleep.

How to sleep better

  • Reduce the amount of water you drink during the evening. This will help reduce the frequency of the trips to the bathrooms at night.
  • Cut down on caffeinated beverages and foods such as chocolates, soda, tea and coffee.
  • Use pillows to give your tummy and back extra support. It can also help to place a pillow between your legs and sleep on your side. Some maternity stores sell pillows that are specially designed to enhance sleep in pregnant women.
  • You can promote good sleep by drinking a glass of warm milk or eating foods high in carbohydrates.
  • Avoid eating spicy foods and very heavy meals just before bedtime. Spicy foods may cause digestive problems like heartburn. If you are suffering from heartburn, eat smaller portions at regular intervals and eat the last meal 3-4 hours before bedtime.
  • Take a short nap during the day to avoid feeling very tired during the night. Avoid napping too late in the afternoon as this may interfere with your night-time sleeping routines.
  • If you are having a lot of trouble sleeping, try to practice relaxation techniques that help induce sleep. These include meditation, deep breathing, guided imagery or reflexology massages that are safe during pregnancy. If you do not have enough knowledge of these methods enrol for a class that gives specialized classes like Lamaze for pregnant women.
  • Sleeping on the left side helps promote blood and nutrient supply to your uterus and baby. It also helps your body eliminate waste and fluids. Make this sleeping posture a habit during early pregnancy as it will help sleep better during the later stages of pregnancy when your belly is bigger.
  • If your sleep is interrupted due to shortness of breath, try propping up your body with the help of a pillow.
  • Make your bedroom more sleep friendly. Keep noise and light out of the room. Use bedroom decor that you find most comfortable.
  • Follow a proper bedtime routine. Try to sleep during the same time every day to make sure you get enough rest. You can try taking a warm bath, listen to soothing music, or read a light-hearted book a few minutes before your bedtime.

These methods are sure to help you sleep better during pregnancy. If you still find yourself waking up at night once in a while, don’t fret! It’s perfectly natural to have a few nights of interrupted sleep.

For further details or queries , kindly contact us at tomotherhoodindia@gmail.com

Importance of Oral Hygiene during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an important phase in the life of a woman and brings with it numerous physical changes. While most of these changes are needed to assist foetal development and to prepare the body for labour, increased hormonal levels during pregnancy can also intensify dental problems. Therefore, maintaining dental hygiene becomes increasingly essential during pregnancy.

Common dental problems during pregnancy

Pregnant women commonly experience swollen or bleeding gums when they brush their teeth. If you have an existing gum disease it might get elevated during pregnancy. Gingivitis is an alarmingly common occurrence in pregnant women. If proper care is taken to curb gingivitis during pregnancy, it is likely to reduce or end after childbirth. Periodontal gum disease is another gum disease that can have adverse effects on a pregnancy.

The periodontal gum disease causes infections in the gums and the bones. If left untreated, it can cause loss of tooth or teeth. You could even develop pus filled sacs known as abscesses that are quite painful. According to medical research, the bacterium contains a chemical known as prostaglandin which enters the bloodstream and affects the foetus, potentially increasing the risk of pre-term labour. Another study suggests that there is also an increased risk of preeclampsia in women who suffer from periodontal disease.

Tips to maintain oral health

It is very important to maintain good oral health when you are planning a pregnancy or as soon as you find out you are pregnant.

Many recent studies indicate a strong link between oral health and pregnancy complications like low birth weight and preterm delivery. If you are pregnant, you should consider visiting your dentist to treat any gum related problems. Make sure you inform the dentist that you are pregnant so that you receive treatments and medications that are safe for pregnant women.

  • Avoid consumption of anything that you feel can worsen your gum condition
  • Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth in order to remove the existing plaque. Brush twice daily.
  • Floss your teeth at least thrice a week. This will help remove trapped food and plaque between the teeth.
  • Use a dentist recommended mouth-wash with anti-microbial properties to prevent gingivitis.
  • Adopt a healthy diet.
  • Treat any existing tooth decay and other problems before it worsens.
  • Do not share food or utensils with others while pregnant to avoid the transmission of bacteria that causes tooth decay.
  • Get regular dental check-ups during pregnancy.

Once you are confident that you are following a good and healthy dental routine, you can sit back and enjoy the most precious moments of your life.

For further details or queries e-mail us at: tomotherhoodindia@gmail.com

Disclaimer:The information contained in this issue is not a substitute for medical advice. All content including text, graphics and images are for general information purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.