Foods to Eat During Pregnancy

Author: Dt. Arti Singh MSc – Nutritional Science

Consultant – Nutritionist and Dietician at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important for everyone, but it is especially crucial for pregnant women. A balanced pregnancy diet can provide the essential nutrients needed to support the healthy growth and development of the baby, while also helping to prevent complications during pregnancy. In addition, research has shown that a healthy diet is linked to improved mental health outcomes, which is particularly important for pregnant women who may experience increased stress and anxiety during this time. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods and essential nutrients, pregnant women can support both their physical and mental health throughout their pregnancy journey.

Food To Eat during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need to ensure that you are consuming enough essential nutrients to support your baby’s growth and development. Essential nutrients include folic acid, iron, calcium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Folic acid is essential for preventing birth defects, iron is essential for preventing anemia, calcium is essential for supporting your baby’s bone development, protein is essential for supporting your baby’s muscle and tissue development, acids are essential for supporting your baby’s brain development, and vitamin D is essential for supporting your baby’s bone development.

Regardless of dietary preferences, pregnant women require a variety of essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. These include:

Protein: Essential for growth and development of the fetus. Good sources for vegetarians include legumes, tofu, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Non-vegetarian sources include lean meats, fish, and poultry.
Omega-3 fatty acid: Essential for supporting your baby’s brain development. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish like salmon and sardines, as well as nuts, seeds, and plant oils like flaxseed oil and canola oil. However, it can be difficult for vegetarian women to get enough EPA and DHA through diet alone. Consult our experts at Motherhood Hospitals to understand your options for supplementation.
Iron: Required for the formation of red blood cells in both the mother and the baby. Good vegetarian sources include dark leafy greens, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and whole grains. Non-vegetarian sources include beef, chicken, and seafood.
Calcium: Essential for the development of strong bones and teeth in the fetus. Good vegetarian sources include dairy products, fortified plant milks, tofu, and leafy greens like kale and collard greens. Non-vegetarian sources include dairy products and canned fish with bones.
Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium and is important for bone health. Good vegetarian sources include fortified plant milks, mushrooms, and exposure to sunlight. Non-vegetarian sources include fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and fatty fish.
Folate: Important for fetal development and reduces the risk of birth defects. Good vegetarian sources include leafy greens, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals. Non-vegetarian sources include liver and fortified grains.
Fiber: The Intake of fiber rich foods during pregnancy decreasing diabetes risk, preventing constipation & Preeclampsia also helps in promoting good health. Veg, Fruits & Salad

It’s important for vegetarian women to ensure they are getting enough of these essential nutrients through a balanced vegetarian diet or supplements, especially since some nutrients like iron and calcium are often more easily absorbed from animal sources. Consult our experts at Motherhood Women & Children’s Hospital to understand your options for supplementing your diet.

First Trimester Pregnancy Food Options:

The first trimester of pregnancy can be challenging in terms of diet, as many women experience nausea and vomiting, which can make it difficult to eat a healthy and balanced diet. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting enough nutrients during this critical time of fetal development.

During the first trimester:

Folate rich foods: Focus on consuming foods that are rich in essential nutrients such as folate, iron, and calcium. Foods that are high in folate include leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, and legumes. Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, fish, fortified cereals, and legumes.
Calcium-rich foods: Include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified plant-based milk. Calcium is essential for fetal bone development, and vegetarian sources of calcium include leafy green vegetables, fortified plant-based milk, and tofu.
Protein: Protein is essential for fetal growth and development, and vegetarian sources of protein include beans, lentils, soy products, nuts, and seeds.
Iron: Iron is essential for preventing anemia, and vegetarian sources of iron include leafy green vegetables, dried fruit, fortified cereals, and legumes.
Vitamin B12: This is essential for nervous system development, and vegetarian sources of vitamin B12 include fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, and fortified plant-based milk.

Second Trimester Pregnancy Food Options:

The second trimester is often considered the most comfortable period of pregnancy, as nausea and vomiting tend to subside, and energy levels increase. During this time, it’s important to continue focusing on a healthy and balanced diet, as the fetus continues to grow and develop.

During the second trimester:

It’s important to ensure that you’re consuming enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which are essential for fetal bone development.

Protein: Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and legumes. Vegetarian women can also get protein from sources such as soy products, nuts, and seeds.
Calcium: Dairy products, leafy green vegetables
Omega 3 fatty acids: Vegetarian women should ensure that they are consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for fetal brain development. Vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and algae-based supplements.

Third Trimester Pregnancy Food Options:

During the third trimester, the fetus continues to grow and develop rapidly, and it’s important to ensure that you’re getting enough nutrients to support this growth. In addition, as the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the stomach, making it difficult to eat large meals. Therefore, it’s important to focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest.

During the third trimester, it’s important to consume enough protein, iron, and calcium. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and legumes. Vegetarian women can also get protein from sources such as soy products, nuts, and seeds. Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, fish, fortified cereals, and legumes. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products,

Managing Dietary Restrictions During Pregnancy

It is important to be aware of dietary restrictions during pregnancy, whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Certain foods should be avoided to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and other complications. For example, pregnant women should avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and fish, as well as unpasteurized dairy products and juices. They should also limit their intake of caffeine and avoid alcohol and smoking altogether. Vegetarian women may have additional restrictions if they avoid certain animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. However, with careful planning and the inclusion of alternative protein sources such as legumes, tofu, nuts, and seeds, a healthy and balanced vegetarian pregnancy diet is possible. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure that all nutrient needs are being met and to address any concerns about dietary restrictions.

In conclusion, a healthy and balanced pregnancy diet is essential for both the mother and the developing baby. It can be challenging to know what to eat during each trimester, but by focusing on nutrient-dense foods and essential nutrients such as folate, iron, calcium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, you can support the healthy growth and development of your baby. If you have any concerns or questions about your pregnancy diet or any other medical support you need, consider reaching out to us at Motherhood Hospital. We can provide you with the guidance and support you need to have a healthy and successful pregnancy.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best nutritionist in Kharghar, Mumbai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai 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. Arti Singh, please book your appointment here.

FAQ’s:

What are the essential nutrients that pregnant women need?
Essential nutrients that pregnant women need include iron, calcium, folic acid, protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods to ensure proper nourishment during pregnancy.
How can vegetarian women ensure they are getting enough essential nutrients during pregnancy?
Generally, including lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and fortified cereals can help you get the essential nutrients during the pregnancy . Consult with your dietitian for expert guidance and get an individualized diet plan.
What are the best foods to eat during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources like lentils and chicken, and dairy products like milk and yogurt. These foods provide essential nutrients for fetal growth and development.
What are the dietary restrictions for pregnant women?
Certain foods to avoid during pregnancy are raw or undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and certain types of fish that may contain high levels of mercury. It is also important to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy.
How can a doctor help pregnant women with their diet?
Doctors can help by providing guidance on meal planning and nutrition. They can also monitor the mother’s and baby’s health throughout pregnancy to ensure proper nourishment and growth.

6 Foods that Fight Nausea During Pregnancy

Author: Dr. Anuja Thomas MBBS. DGO, DNB (OBGY)

Consultant: Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar

As a leading healthcare provider, we at Motherhood Hospital understand the unique challenges that expecting mothers face, especially morning sickness and nausea. For many expecting mothers, these uncomfortable symptoms can make it challenging to maintain a healthy pregnancy diet, which is crucial for the well-being of both mother and baby. However, with the right strategy, nausea during pregnancy can be effectively dealt with.

What Is Nausea During Pregnancy?

Nausea during pregnancy, commonly known as morning sickness, affects many expecting mothers. Although the exact cause of morning sickness is still unknown, hormonal changes, blood sugar fluctuations, and metabolism changes are believed to play a role.

Causes and Symptoms of Nausea During Pregnancy

Morning sickness symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and general discomfort, and typically occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, some women experience morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy.

It is essential to note that morning sickness is a normal part of pregnancy and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the pregnancy. However, severe or persistent nausea and vomiting should be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider.

By understanding the causes and symptoms of morning sickness, it is possible to alleviate discomfort. In the following sections, we will explore the top foods that can help alleviate nausea during pregnancy, provide tips for eating habits and meal planning.

5 Foods to Include in Your Pregnancy Diet to Combat Morning Sickness

When it comes to pregnancy, morning sickness can make you feel uncomfortable and interfere with your daily routine. Fortunately, certain foods can help alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness and make you feel better.

Here are some of the best foods to include in your pregnancy diet to combat morning sickness:

Ginger: Ginger is a popular natural remedy for nausea and has been found to be effective in combating morning sickness. You can include ginger in your diet by adding it to your tea, smoothies, or as a flavoring agent in your cooking.
Peppermint: Peppermint is another natural remedy for nausea that can help alleviate morning sickness. You can include peppermint in your diet by drinking peppermint tea, chewing peppermint gum, or using peppermint oil as a flavoring agent in your cooking.
Lemon: Lemon is a great source of vitamin C and can help alleviate nausea. You can add lemon to your water, tea, or even your meals to help combat morning sickness.
Plain crackers: Plain crackers are an excellent source of carbohydrates that can help prevent nausea. You can snack on them in between meals or before getting out of bed in the morning.
High-protein snacks: Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent nausea. High-protein snacks like nuts, cheese, and yogurt can help you feel full and satisfied while also preventing morning sickness.
Bananas: As banana is rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, consuming banana on regular basis can help you reduce stress during pregnancy.

Healthy Eating Habits and Meal Planning Tips for a Nausea-Free Pregnancy

Maintaining healthy eating habits during pregnancy is essential, as it impacts not only the mother’s health but also that of the growing baby. In this section, we provide expert advice on healthy eating habits and meal planning for a nausea-free pregnancy. These tips can help you combat morning sickness and promote a healthy pregnancy journey.

Firstly, it is essential to avoid skipping meals, as this can worsen nausea. Instead, opt for small, frequent meals throughout the day, including nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, coconut water, or herbal teas.

We also recommend that you avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt, as they can worsen nausea and negatively impact your overall health. Additionally, it is essential to avoid foods that are known to be harmful during pregnancy, such as raw or undercooked meat, fish with high levels of mercury, and unpasteurized dairy products.

Meal planning can also be helpful in ensuring a healthy pregnancy diet. Consider planning meals in advance and keeping healthy snacks on hand to prevent hunger and avoid reaching for unhealthy options. Consult with our nutritionists to develop a customized meal plan that works for you and your baby.

Here are other useful tips that you can follow to alleviate nausea:

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or diluted juice, to stay hydrated.
Avoid spicy, fatty, or fried foods, which can exacerbate nausea.
Try to eat protein-rich foods, such as chicken, fish, eggs, or beans, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full for longer.
Don’t skip meals, as an empty stomach can worsen nausea

Debunking Common Myths and Misconceptions About Nausea During Pregnancy

While it is natural for expecting mothers to seek advice and guidance on how to navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy, it is important to distinguish fact from fiction. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding nausea during pregnancy that can be not only misleading, but potentially dangerous for both mother and baby.

Let’s debunk some common myths and provide accurate information to help you make informed decisions.

Myth: Morning sickness only happens in the morning
Fact: Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, not just in the morning.

Myth: Nausea during pregnancy means you are having a girl
Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking nausea during pregnancy to the gender of the baby.

Myth: Cravings are a reliable indicator of what your body needs
Fact: Cravings are often influenced by psychological and social factors, and not necessarily an indicator of what your body needs.

Myth: Nausea is always a sign of a healthy pregnancy
Fact: While some nausea during pregnancy is normal and can be a sign of a healthy pregnancy, severe and persistent nausea may require medical attention.

Myth: Ginger is the only natural remedy for morning sickness.
Fact: While ginger can be helpful for some women, it may not work for everyone and there are other natural remedies that can also be effective in alleviating nausea during pregnancy.

Myth: Pregnant women should eat for two
Fact: Pregnant women only need an additional 300-500 calories per day, depending on their pre-pregnancy weight.

Conclusion

It is also important to maintain a balanced and healthy pregnancy diet to combat morning sickness. At Motherhood Hospital, we recommend that pregnant women include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in their diet. Consult with our nutritionists and healthcare professionals at Motherhood Hospital to create a meal plan that works for you and your baby, ensuring that you are getting all the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. We offer comprehensive care for pregnant women and are committed to providing the best possible care to ensure a healthy pregnancy journey for both you and your baby.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai, 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. Anuja Thomas, please book your appointment here.

FAQ’s:

What causes morning sickness during pregnancy?
While the exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, it is believed to be related to hormonal changes in the body.
What are the common symptoms of morning sickness?
Common symptoms of morning sickness include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and food aversions.
What are some effective natural remedies for nausea during pregnancy?
Some effective natural remedies for nausea during pregnancy include ginger, peppermint, lemon, and high protein snacks.
What are the best foods to include in a pregnancy diet to alleviate morning sickness?
Ginger, lemon, whole grains, high protein foods like lentils, yogurt and nuts, and foods rich in vitamin B6 like bananas, spinach and sweet potatoes are some of the best foods to include in a pregnancy diet to alleviate morning sickness. Additionally, consuming small, frequent meals throughout the day and staying hydrated can also help alleviate nausea during pregnancy.
Can severe or persistent nausea during pregnancy be a cause for concern?
Severe or persistent nausea during pregnancy, especially accompanied by other symptoms such as dehydration or weight loss, can be a cause for concern and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

How to Tell If You Have Menopause Blues or Clinical Depression?

Author: Dr. Manisha Ranjan MBBS, MGO, FGO, DGO

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Noida Sector 48

As we all know when a woman reaches her 50’s, the reproductive hormones naturally tend to decline. This not only terminates the period, but also brings about other physical and mental changes. Many people talk of mood changes being a normal part of the change of life or menopause.

But not only are these hormones related to reproduction, but they also play a role in defining the person’s mood. For many women it may just be the menopause blues but for the rest, it may lead to depression.

Here’s how to tell if you are experiencing menopause blues or if you have clinical depression.

Perimenopause Phase

As you enter perimenopause, you may experience mood swings. It may be hard to tell if these are just temporary or symptoms of a more serious mental health problem. While many women go through menopause without experiencing depression, many women will experience depression either as a recurrence of previous depression or for the first time in their lives. Depression can make coping with menopause very difficult or impossible. It may impact relationships, professional, and personal life.

Make a Menopause Journal

The best way to differentiate a normal menopause from depression is to analyse your mood. It will be ideal for you to start a journal that will help you track your mood, activity level, other menopause symptoms, and menstrual cycle for a period of three to four months. This will be convenient if you decide to talk about your symptoms over with a professional.

What is Clinical Depression?

Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder or unipolar depression is a serious condition characterized by intense sadness or despair that lasts more than two weeks, and that interferes with your daily life. Major depression is typically characterized by symptoms such as sadness, feelings of emptiness, loss of enjoyment of hobbies, work, other activities, weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite and constant thought of dying.

Causes of Midlife Depression

There are ample reasons why women in their 40s may experience depression; it may be biological, situational, or psychological. Factors such as hormonal changes, Response to loss Medical conditions and Drug and alcohol use may contribute to depression.

Symptoms of depression while going menopause may be common, but they may vary depending on severity. Here’s how you can cope with menopause depression and the menopause blues.

Menopause and Age

Some studies suggest that the age of menopause and depression have found that women with longer reproductive period are likely to not get depressed, reason being longer exposure to estrogen produced by the body.

How to treat Menopausal Depression?

Symptoms of depression during menopause may be the same but they may vary in terms of severity. Try these methods of coping with menopause depression and the menopause blues.

It’s okay to feel sad or down for a day or two. Even grief following a major loss is normal for up to a year. But if these symptoms persist then it is mandatory to talk to a psychologist or a counselor about your condition.Or alternatively, you may seek interpersonal or cognitive behavioral therapy as these two therapies have helped a lot of women dealing with depression.
Natural remedies may be an effective way of managing depression for women who experience symptoms that are not so severe. You can try everything from special teas to herbal supplements to keep your symptoms in check.
It is not common for women going through menopause to experience insomnia. Hot flashes and other physical changes can all affect your sleep cycle and eventually your mood. Focus on getting better sleep by meditating which may also improve your mood.
There are several other women out there who are going through menopause and understand what it feels like firsthand. To understand your situation better, read a book on the subject, join a support group, or look up online.

Menopause or depression symptoms are not uncommon in a woman’s life during this phase, but when these symptoms persist, it might be more than just menopause.

Perimenopause: Age, Stages, Symptoms & Treatment

Author: Dr. Suhasini Inamdar MBBS, MS (OBG)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Indiranagar, Bangalore

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause occurs among women during the natural transition period before menopause, when the reproductive functions begin to wane – this is the time when the ovaries reduce the amount of estrogen produced and it lasts till the point when the ovaries stop producing eggs. It normally lasts from around 40 years of age to 55, but in some women it can even start in their mid to late 30s.

Perimenopause Symptoms

The level of estrogen is uneven during this time and the menstrual cycles become irregular. This means that bleeding could happen twice a month or happen once in two months, and there are cycles when the ovaries may not release an egg. The first sign for a woman who is approaching menopause is when the woman’s menstrual cycle is either infrequent or involves less bleeding.

The common problems during this period are hot flashes, which is a feeling of intense heat and sweating with rapid heartbeat and usually occurs during the night. Other symptoms are sleep problems, vaginal dryness and mood swings due to the changes in hormone levels. Low estrogen could also lead to frequent vaginal and urinary infections. It is also possible that due to poor tissue tone, she could experience incontinence. This could also lead to psychiatric problems. The bone density also decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis – which causes fragile bones. Women could also develop male balding patterns due to the increase in ratio of testosterone as compared to estrogen and this may also lead to them developing extra facial hair.

Lipid profiles also go haywire during this period and because of the reduced levels of estrogen, it could lead to an increase in LDL – bad cholesterol. Cardiac and cerebral strokes are also very common in perimenopause phase because of poor cholesterol levels. This period of perimenopause is expected to last around 5-10 years.

Perimenopuse Diagnosis

It is important for women to keep a track of their periods and the symptoms so that they can discuss it with their doctor. The doctor usually asks to do a test to make sure it is not a thyroid condition which also cases hormonal imbalance. The usual tests are Follicle Stimulating Hormone test. During menopause, the FSH levels increase and estrogen levels decrease. Prolactin levels are also tested to check if they are high, which signals approaching menopause. Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is another test that shows the ovarian reserve and when that is low, it also means she is heading towards menopause.

The doctor also asks for certain blood tests and scans, to check the thickness of the endometrium. If the woman is not getting periods during perimenopause, the inner lining should not be very thick. If it is thick, they conduct other tests like hysteroscopy and D&C, pap-smear tests to rule out abnormalities like cervical cancer.

Perimenopuase Treatment and Management

Once menopause has been confirmed, the doctor may recommend medication and hormone replacement therapies to deal with the symptoms of perimenopause. The person may not necessarily need any treatment if the symptoms are not severe. But, there is a possibility that it may affect the quality of life – it is even possible for daily life to be affected if the symptoms are severe.

Doctors might recommend psychiatric help for women who are having a difficult time with mood swings and irritability. Women also need to follow some basic lifestyle changes in order to deal with symptoms. For hot flashes, it is recommended that they sleep in a cool and airy place. A change of place during the hot flash may help as will drinking cool water.

It is important to follow a good and nutritious diet and avoid fried food and sweets. The doctor will also recommend taking vitamins and supplements for getting the required nutrition. It is recommended they avoid or reduce intake of caffeine, alcohol and smoking as these increase the symptoms. Women can use lubricants to manage the problems of vaginal dryness.

Exercise is a very important part of managing symptoms. It keeps one healthy and delays the problems of aging. Maintaining a positive attitude also helps a lot towards addressing mood swings and mental issues. Perimenopause is a very natural part of life and much of the symptoms can be handled naturally by just following a good lifestyle rather than depending on medications.

What is the best diet for pregnancy?

Food is the main source of nutrients for the body and fetus. So, one must know what to eat and avoid during pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is better to consume different types of food which include a variety of lean meats, grains, fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats.

What are the foods that should be avoided?
Some foods can affect your or baby’s health and should be avoided, such as:
• Seafood high in mercury
• Raw, undercooked or contaminated food
• Undercooked meat, poultry and eggs
• Unpasteurized foods
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables

What is the normal weight for pregnancy?

Your health care professional will reflect on Body Mass Index (BMI) for weighing aspect. You will be suggested to maintain weight in healthy ways.

What are prenatal vitamins?
For the better growth and development of a baby, prenatal vitamins are important as they contain nutritious elements like vitamins and minerals. Your healthcare provider will suggest you consume any prenatal vitamin.

Should a pregnant woman exercise?

Exercise is a way to a healthy lifestyle, but a pregnant woman should avoid activities that are risky and excessive.

Can a person travel during pregnancy?

It is safe to drive or travel during pregnancy where even air travel is allowed up to 37 weeks gestation. However, a woman can talk to her doctor about following some safety measures as well during travelling.

What are the safe medications during pregnancy?

To ease some symptoms of pregnancy, you can have some non-prescription medication where the healthcare professional will recommend you safe over-the-counter meds as well.

How Not To Stress Your Fetus

The Harmful Effects of Excess Stress During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is accompanied by a lot of emotions, stress and anxiety as it is a way of enduring the continuity of species. Stress and pressure are common during pregnancy, but excess of everything is not beneficial. The persistent stress and pressure during pregnancy can be harmful to the baby as well as to the mother. The buildup of stress can stimulate the levels of hormones including stress hormones that fuel up the muscles and make up your heart beat faster.

Tips for Reducing Stress During Pregnancy

• Try to stay fit and healthy by eating healthy foods. It’s important to manage your sleep where you prioritize the rest that is required for your body.
• You need to know that this situation is temporary by being mindful of the present. Mindfulness can help you to live in the present moment and avoid the problems that may be building up.
• Exercise and yoga go hand in hand and can be extremely helpful. Relaxation activities such as yoga and meditation can be helpful in managing stress along with preparing for labour.
• Talk about this to your partner or friend. Try to build a supportive network around you that can help you to come out of this period, and where you can easily share your worries and feelings to get relief.
• You can take some childbirth education classes where you will come across the knowledge of pregnancy and its related procedures. You will also learn some techniques to cope with the pressure.
• If by any means you are suffering from depression, you should consult a professional. Getting early treatment and counselling can map this problem and ensure your well-being as well.

Signs And Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

Age and Fertility: Understanding the Relationship

Age is perceived as a major element that can determine the chances of getting pregnant because of the ability to conceive. As put before, the conceiving ability of women decreases steadily after 30 when pregnancy is thought to be gruelling. Nonetheless, the chances of getting pregnant are still valid as fertility is gradually tending to a lower bar, not diminishing suddenly go.

Complications in Pregnancy After 35

The rising graph of age concurs with many changes that occur in women. The major problem for women in their 30s is related to the difficulty of getting pregnant. As a matter of fact, the number of eggs in women starts to decrease after the 30s which affects the chances of getting pregnant due to the lower odds of conception. In that case, there are complications like premature birth, birth defects, high blood pressure etc. that may arise in older women as compared to women in their 20s. It’s better to opt for some prenatal screening tests in order to look and check out for any risks pertaining to birth defects.

Ways to Increase the Chances of Getting Pregnant at a Certain Age

Older women can try to conceive in a natural way and wait for some time. By the time, there is no success in doing so, a woman can consult a doctor and look for other possibilities, like taking reproductive medicines. Doctors can recommend drugs/medicines that may enhance and stimulate the production of eggs in women. And for another case, IVF (In Vitro fertilization) or egg donors may be suggested when the former method doesn’t work.

Besides, a woman can adapt to some healthy lifestyle changes to increase the chances of getting pregnant at a certain age, like taking a healthy diet and quitting smoking. Moreover, trying to conceive during the ,ovulation period can also maximize the chances of conceiving.

Fetal Developmental Stages And Baby Growth

After the fertilization of sperm and ova, the egg develops that rapidly divides into many cells which reach the fallopian tube and remain there for three days. Then the fertilized egg is passed to the uterus and persists in dividing slowly, where it attaches to the endometrium for implantation. The further growth and development of the fetus occur in the uterus where the period is divided into three stages as:

First Trimester: From Fertilization to Baby’s Development

First Trimester: After the baby is conceived, this period begins and spans 12 weeks. It constitutes the first 3 months of pregnancy where the fertilized egg is divided into cells that will change into a fetus. The fetus begins to develop baby-like features where after three months all the organs and limbs are present. Generally, it is about 4 inches long.

Second Trimester: Comfortable and Baby-Like Features

Second Trimester: This is the second stage of pregnancy which has to be the best experience and remains up to 7 months or 28 weeks. The discomfort and symptoms of early pregnancy are no longer here. Facial features along with some movement are seen in the developing fetus, where it also responds to stimuli as well. The fetus is generally 14 inches long at the end of the seventh month and weighs between 2-4 pounds.

Third Trimester: Fetus is Fully Prepared for Birth

Third Trimester: This is the last stage of pregnancy which remains up to 40 weeks or 9-10 months (in some cases). During this stage, the fetus starts to gain weight along with body fat. Lungs are almost fully developed along with the brain, internal organs and other reflexes that begin to coordinate like the closing eyes, turning the head etc. The fetus is generally 17-19 inches long and weighs 5-6 ½ pounds. Finally, at the time of labour fetus is developed with all the organs and is prepared for birth.
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Birth Defects & Exposure To Prescription Drugs In The Womb

What are Birth Defects?

When there is any visible, chemical or internal abnormality in the newborn, it is referred to as a birth defect. This defect may be a result of genetic factors, radiation or exposure to some drugs. It is important to know how some drugs can pertain to birth defects if taken without acknowledgement. It is due to the fact that some substances can affect the development of a fetus along with influencing the health of the mother as pregnancy is the crucial stage in one’s life.
Prescription medicine is used to treat a health condition when recommended by a health provider. A certain exposure to some drugs proffers high chances of disabilities in the fetus, particularly congenital disabilities, which are known as teratogenic drugs. These disabilities can concur to infant mortality along with leading to premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage etc.

Factors that Can Harm the Development of the Fetus

The baby inside the womb goes through two important developmental stages; an embryo stage during the first 10 weeks where the systems and organs are formed, and the fetal stage where the growth of the organs and fetus happens. During the fetal stage, the developing baby is more at risk of injury or any abnormality where infections and drugs are some significant causes that can damage it. There are certain factors that are underlined for potentially harming the development of the fetus, like the type of drug, size of the dose, how frequently it is used, the stage of pregnancy, individual response etc.

The Risk of Teratogenic Drugs During Pregnancy

Some drugs are most severe during the first three months of pregnancy, like Thalidomide which was used to treat nausea can cause birth defects known as phocomelia, and Isotretinoin (used to treat skin conditions) can cause malformations and abnormalities in the skull, CNS and heart.

What A Woman’s Body Experiences In Their 50s?

Hormonal Shifts and Menopause Symptoms in Women Over 50

Ageing relates to many changes in the body where a woman undergoes some major changes during her 50s. The hormonal changes along with the physical changes are worth noticing during this period, as:

Hormonal changes: During this phase of life, menstruation will cease in women where there will be changing levels of estrogen and other dominant hormones. This alteration can lead to some uncomfortable symptoms while the body is dealing with it, like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, and importantly, anxiety. Besides, the lining of the vagina also becomes thinner and drier.

Immune System Changes and the Importance of Staying Healthy After 50

After the age of 50, the immune system can gradually go slower to invade viruses or any outside threats that can cause infections or any other disease. Besides, the number of fighter cells in your body will also decrease and you are likely to get sick when in contact with any virus, bacteria or pathogen.

Maintaining Strong Bones and Heart Health Through Exercise and Nutrition

• Weaker Bones and joints: Postmenopausal phase often leads to calcium deficiency which can lead to weaker bones. During younger years, the body has the capability to replace the broken cells with new and strong ones. However, with age, this tendency decreases where a person has more broken-down cells than replaced ones. In the same way, the joints also become weaker as the tissues and cartilage surrounding them begin to thin over time.
• Muscle changes: Besides bone strength, muscle strength is also lost at a rapid rate after turning 50.
• Chances of heart attack: With increasing age, the chances of heart attack also increase. The Postmenopause phase results in the decline of estrogen which is linked with the increasing risk of heart disease in women.
A combination of a healthy diet along with exercise can attribute to healthy living in ageing women.