Does Menopause Have Any Effect On Mental Health?

How does Menopause affect Mental Health?

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Hormonal changes in women during menopause are attributed to some common mental health problems. The end of menstrual cycle and reproductive life in women is called menopause where there are changes in the hormonal levels of the body which can bring about many issues. These changes during the later stage of life are related with symptoms that can last for short period, or can last for quite a while.

Menopause can cause many physical symptoms like tiredness, night sweats, insomnia, hot flashes, stress, etc. Besides, mood changes like irritability, sadness, problem in concentration, and depression are also common. It has been seen that the symptoms associated with menopause can double the chances of depression during this time. Women who may have a history with depression or anxiety, may see a recurrence in symptoms.

Role of Estrogen in Menopause

The main hormone that fluctuates and cause as many symptoms during menopause is estrogen. Estrogen levels begin to drop during this period that can bring about hormonal fluctuations affecting the brain and nervous system altogether. Due to this, mood changes are common along with physical symptoms like fatigue, memory loss, tension, etc. that can cause emotional distress.

When it comes to depression, it has been seen women with a history of clinical depression are likely to witness recurring symptoms of depression during menopause. Research also suggest that menopause is linked with increasing the symptoms of bipolar disorder, where a woman with this disorder during menopause can experience more depressive episodes as well. The hormonal changes during menopause has shown that it can trigger mental health problems including psychotic conditions.

Solution for Menopause Symptoms

The treatment options for treating mental health problems during menopause can include lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, exercising, quit smoking, seeking support groups, etc. Besides, some medications and therapies may also be recommended.

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

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Postnatal care tips every woman should follow

Postnatal care tips for new mothers

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Pregnancy is one of the hardest yet one of the most blissful moments in every women’s life who want to be a mother. But not enough people talk about the unforeseen challenges and overwhelming amount of different kinds of emotions flowing through the veins of the mommy-to-be. And how the arrival of a newborn changes the mental and physical state of the mother.

Before giving birth, the mother’s body undergoes a great deal of change. That’s why the postnatal stage is very crucial for the mother’s health, and following some useful tips mentioned below can make the healing process faster.

5 postnatal tips to remember:

  1. Take rest:

You probably guessed it to be here, didn’t you? I can not stress the fact enough that your body needs rest after undergoing such a big change. If you think, everything around you seems a bit out of place, let it be. It’s important to get as much rest as you can to allow your body to repair. Simply remain in bed. That is all you need to do for the first few days or even a month in certain situations.

  1. Focus on your diet:

You do not need to prioritize exercise right away, just focus on eating healthily to maintain your current level of fitness. Avoid eating too much high-calorie food because it’s a myth that to better feed your infant, you must eat a lot of ghee and fat.

  1. Stay hydrated:

Your body requires a lot of water because it is still recovering from childbirth. You will urinate more frequently since your body will also be shedding the fluids it stored during pregnancy. Second, breastfeeding causes you to lose liquid once more, necessitating rehydration after each feeding.

  1. Stay physically active:

If your delivery was normal, you can begin working out right away. You can begin after a week if you underwent a Caesarean section, as staying active will help you lose pregnancy weight as well as combat stress, which is prevalent among new mothers.

  1. If needed call the doctor:

The first several weeks after giving birth, a new mother’s body is fragile. Keep your doctor’s appointment so they may examine your cuts and sutures. Do not hesitate to visit the doctor if you have a fever, shivering, disorientation, pain, or discomfort. In the event of a C-section, you should use additional caution.

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

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Postnatal care – First 6 weeks of recovery

Postnatal recovery tips for women

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

No one needs to be Sherlock to understand that, despite how exciting and amazing pregnancy may seem, it is one of the most challenging experiences a woman will ever have. While some people might believe that after childbirth, the challenges are over, they are not. For the mother, the postnatal stage can be just as frantic and stressful as the first two. Therefore, it’s crucial that the mother have excellent postnatal care, especially in the first six weeks following delivery.

Postnatal healing tips:

There are some things you may do to hasten your recovery, but keep in mind that every mother’s recovery is different because every pregnancy and body are distinct. So, I’ve provided some tips for postnatal self-care here for new mothers.

1. Follow a healthy diet and nutrition:

The first step to recovery is maintaining a healthy diet. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. You should also drink a lot of water if you are lactating.

2.Rest:

To help you feel less worn out and fatigued, try to get as much sleep as you can. You will need to get as much rest as you can because your infant could not have a regular waking and sleeping schedule.

3.Try light and moderate exercise:

Exercising doesn’t have to be anything demanding; go for a leisurely stroll around, try breathing exercises, or pelvic floor exercises. However, when it is appropriate to begin exercising, your doctor will advise you.

4.Ice your perineum (for normal delivery):

Regularly ice your perineum. Specific perineal ice packs are available to buy. In the first several weeks, ice the perineum for 10 minutes at least three times per day.

5.Maintain hygiene:

You might have undergone a perineal tear or an episiotomy if you had a normal delivery. To avoid infection and hasten to healing, keep the wound clean and dry. Every time you use the bathroom, wash the wound with water.

If you had a cesarean, once the stitches are removed you can take a shower and a bath as usual After taking a shower, tap the wound dry and avoid using soap on it.

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

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Getting back in shape after childbirth: Nutrition and workout for new moms

Weight loss tips after pregnancy

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Post-baby body is a nightmare for many women. The body doesn’t look and feel like what you had nine months ago. Getting back in shape becomes quite challenging for moms. Pregnancy is the most dramatic change the body can go through. With an ocean change in hormones, it is natural for the body to change shape.

Post-baby body:

  • Weak and stretched abdominal muscles
  • Inactivated butt muscles
  • Looser joints

Women thus find it difficult to get back in shape after pregnancy. It takes around 4-8 weeks for the body to heal. A balanced diet and exercise could keep you going. Here are a few diet and exercise tips to get back in shape after pregnancy.

Nutrition for getting back in shape:

  • Have smaller balanced meals
  • Spread the meals evenly throughout the day
  • Avoid skipping breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day
  • Incorporate protein to control hunger
  • Add extra fiber for extra calories
  • Add healthy fats like nuts and avocados
  • Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables

Exercise routine to get back in shape:

  • Begin with normal walks. Start walking right after the doctor’s clearance. This could help to burn calories faster.
  • Then you can include the Kegel exercises of contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor as soon as you feel able.
  • Strengthen the abdominal and core areas with bridge and plank exercise
  • Add flexibility with yoga poses.
  • Spice up your cardio. Indulge in treadmill exercises.
  • Add weights back in – incorporate strength training exercises to target the entire body. This aids in faster metabolism.
  • Get your heart rate up with other activities like swimming.
  • Breastfeeding also helps burn calories.

It takes around 12 weeks to get into shape. For a perfect shape, you have to be consistent with exercise and a proper diet for about 20 weeks. However, it largely depends on the body type and health.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Nutritionist customized diet plans for pregnant women and monitor their health throughout the period of pregnancy, in consultation with gynaecologists.

Do take an appointment with the Best Maternity Hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Everything You Need To Know About Postpartum Recovery

How to deal with postpartum?

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Your postpartum recovery won’t be just some days. Full recovery from the process of childbirth can takes months. While many ladies feel mostly recovered by 6-8 weeks, it should take longer than this to want yourself again. During this point, you will feel like your body has turned against you. Try to not get frustrated. Remember that your body isn’t attentive to your timelines and expectations. The most effective thing you’ll do for its rest is to eat well and provides yourself with an occasion.

During this point, your hormones also are fluctuating. you will not be thinking clearly and can be more emotional. Again, give yourself time for this to pass.

Path to improved health

During the primary six weeks, concentrate on your body. You’ll be tired and focused on your baby, but try and notice changes in your own body. This is often vital as you heal.

As you start to feel better, resist the temptation to try and do more. Overdoing things at this time can set you back in your recovery. Focus on nourishing your body with good foods, drinking lots of water (especially if you’re breastfeeding), and getting enough rest.

Here is more of what you’ll be able to expect during your postpartum recovery.

Abdominal pain: As your uterus shrinks into its normal size and shape, you may feel pain in your abdomen (lower belly). These pains are called “afterpains.” Most of those pains are going to be dull, but some are going to be sharp.

Hormonal shifts: Besides fueling your mood swings, hormones also are chargeable for other postpartum symptoms. You’ll be sweating more, especially at nighttime after you sleep. Just ensure that your sweating isn’t among a fever.

Things to contemplate

Pay attention to your body after the biological process. Soreness is to be expected, but not an excessive amount of pain. Don’t be so committed to caring for your baby that you just ignore your health.

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

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Tips to get your body ready for pregnancy

Tips to get ready for pregnancy

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

You may be planning for pregnancy, but there may be some questions in your mind regarding how to make your body ready for it. There are some steps that if taken will give you the best possible chance of having a healthy pregnancy along with a healthy baby.

Quick fact:

Your heart actually grows during pregnancy as the blood volume increases up to 50% which makes it beat faster.

Tips to get ready for pregnancy

Here are some important steps that you can plan to undertake in order to begin your motherhood easily:

  • A preconception checkup: If you are ready to get pregnant, it is better that you schedule a preconception checkup. During this checkup, your overall health status will be reviewed along with the health history. Besides, there may some health areas where you need some improvement which can be analyzed by the doctor as well.
  • Taking folic acid supplement: Before you start conception, it is advised that you should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day though your first trimester. The process can be started 30 days prior to conception. By taking folic acid, you are decreasing the chances of birth defects in your baby.
  • Avoid alcohol intake: Excessive drinking is prohibited when you are trying out for pregnancy, though a moderate drink is considered fine. While during pregnancy, it is better to avoid drinking as this may pose health problems for the developing fetus.
  • Cut off smoking: Smoking can lead to miscarriage or premature birth, where you should halt this activity as it can also make it difficult for you to get pregnant.
  • Eat well and exercise: Having healthy preconception diet including of whole grains, lean proteins, low fat diary can prepare your body for pregnancy. Moreover, exercising can keep your body strong and healthy.
  • Monitor your weight: A healthy weight can make your pregnancy smoother where you can easily get pregnant as well. It is better to maintain a healthy weight before trying to conceive.

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

Do take an appointment with the best delivery hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Tips to boost your fertility

Fertility and pregnancy

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

While trying to conceive, some couples may get pregnant immediately while for some it may take longer than expected. Therefore, the path towards parenthood can be challenging, sometimes. However, there are some ways by which you can increase your fertility.

Quick fact

Caffeine intake by a woman can impact how long it takes for her to get pregnant.

Tips to boost your fertility

Following are some ways in which improve the chances of conceiving:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Healthy weight is an important factor that can help you with fertility where an overweight or underweight woman may find it difficult to conceive. Hormone regulation can get affected by weight which can impact the ovulation.
  • Know when you ovulate: You can keep the track of your ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg) which is the best time for conceiving. Provided you are having regular periods, it means you can try to conceive on days 8-19 after periods, while as in case of irregular cycles, you should use a calendar to track it.
  • Limit your alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can affect the ovulation in women along with affecting the production of hormones in men, leading to decreased chances of fertility. It is better to limit your alcohol intake.
  • Eat healthy foods: Eating healthy foods can help you obtain critical nutrients to maintain a healthy body. Your diet should comprise of variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, dairy foods etc. Besides, you should consume about 8-10 cups of water a day.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking is ascribed with fertility problems where it can effect ovaries. It is better to stay away from smoking, and increase your fertility.
  • Exercising: You don’t need to stress about your pregnancy where you can exercise daily to cope with the pressure.
  • Try for conceiving often: Try to have sex often, at least 3 times a week. There are more chances to conceive when you try continuously.

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

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Safe Contraception

Practicing safe sex

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

You may be not ready to have a baby right now. While having no intention for starting a family, you may want to prevent your pregnancy while adhering to the safest possible way. Contraception is one of the ways that can prevent your pregnancy along with protecting you from sexually transmissible infections (STI’s).

Quick Fact:

World contraception day is celebrated on 26 September every year to provide right to all the couples and individuals to decide freely.

Safe contraception methods

While there are many options for contraception, but we will consider some of the methods that are safe for you:

  • Condoms: This is one of the effective contraceptive that not only prevents pregnancy but also provides protections against STIs. It is free from hormones and can be used on demand as well. While it renders a safety option, but it can come off during intercourse if not used properly.
  • Oral contraceptive pills: Being one of the most common methods used for contraception, oral contraceptive pills are of different types that are effective when used by women once a day. However, you should take these pills when recommended by a medical professional.
  • Intrauterine device (IUD): This is a small device comprising of progesterone hormone or copper which can be placed inside the uterus of a woman by a trained professional. It can be used for long run where it can be effective in birth control.
  • The contraceptive injection: Comprising progesterone, this injection can be inserted via woman’s buttock or upper arm where the hormone is released into the blood stream to render its job as a contraceptive.
  • Diaphragm: It can also act a safe contraceptive when placed correctly inside the uterus to prevent the fertilization. It is usually a small dome shaped silicon which can be used more than once as it can be taken out and cleaned.

The final decision of using a birth control contraceptive rests on the recommendations of your health care provider along with your partner.

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

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Prenatal supplements before pregnancy

Prenatal supplement for pregnant women

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

In order to have a healthy pregnancy, you need to incorporate balanced nutrients in your diet which may fall short during this stage. To make sure you are healthy enough to start a pregnancy with a healthy body, prenatal supplements are highly recommended conferring to their advantages.

Quick Fact:

If you didn’t take prenatal supplements before pregnancy, you can still use them throughout pregnancy.

Best time to take prenatal supplements

When you decide to start your family, you can consult your health care professional to begin this phase in a healthy way. When it comes to recommendations for prenatal care, prenatal supplements are considered important to cover up the deficiency of important vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. Prenatal supplements are multivitamins that are needed during the course of pregnancy. So to make sure you are able to nourish your body and your baby with the nutrients during pregnancy, it is important to start taking these supplements before it.

Prenatal supplements

Prenatal supplements should be rich in nutrients that are most important for the body, as:

  • Folic acid: Folic acid as a nutrient helps in the development of neural tube and structure that makes up the brain and spinal column. Taking folic acid supplements decrease the chances of any neural tube defects.
  • Calcium: Your baby needs calcium to form his teeth and bones which can be provided by prenatal calcium supplements. If you are lacking calcium in your body, you can suffer from temporary bone loss as the baby can take the calcium prevailing in your bones.
  • Iron: Iron is important in producing red blood cells where it also helps in the growth and development of the baby. During pregnancy, you iron demand can be more where you have to supply another life growing in your womb. To cope with this demand, iron supplement can be used.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Nutritionist customized diet plans for pregnant women and monitor their health throughout the period of pregnancy, in consultation with gynaecologists.

Do take an appointment with the Best Maternity Hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Preconception counselling in Pregnancy and Postnatal care

Preconceptual Counselling

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

You may be wishing to have a healthy and happy pregnancy where having a consultation can help you. Preconception counselling concurs to planned and healthy pregnancy. During this, you can have an appointment with your healthcare specialist to plan about your pregnancy along with mitigating prevailing risk factors.

Quick Fact:

If there is poor control of diabetes, it can increase the chances of birth defects and other problems for pregnancy.

Preconception counselling

Appointment with your doctor regarding preconception counseling should be planned before three months of pregnancy. During your appointment, the following areas may be considered and discussed:

  • Your medical history: Your healthcare provider will go through your overall health before pregnancy. Any pre-existing medical condition, if any, would be discussed along with the need of medications.
  • Family history: Knowing about family history can help in identifying any genetic condition that may be passed over.
  • Lifestyle: A proper and healthy lifestyle means a healthy pregnancy where your health care provider will recommend a nutritious diet, exercising, and stoppage of smoking or alcohol.

While these are the topics discussed, there are some tests as well that can be conducted during preconception counseling, as:

  • Physical examination: Your healthcare provider may take your physical exam where he can check your heart, lungs, breast, thyroid, abdomen, weight etc. Besides, a pelvic exam and blood pressure may also be checked.
  • Tests: In case of any disease or condition, various tests for cell blood count (CBC), thyroid issues, diabetes screening etc. may be conducted as well.

Postnatal care

Postnatal care refers to the immediate care dispensed towards a mother after delivery. It includes prevention, elimination, early detection and medication for health complications. Mothers need care after delivery as they suffer from physical as well as emotional changes. Postnatal care involves taking care of nutrition, proper rest, and vaginal care for the mother to help her recover quickly.

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

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital 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 our doctors, please book your appointment here.