How to get your body ready for pregnancy: 5 important steps?

Physical Aspect of getting pregnant

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Before trying to conceive and assume parenthood, it is important to take some steps that can provide the best possible chances of a healthy pregnancy along with a heathy baby. Some changes are needed to incorporate in daily lifestyle for being at better odds to conceive.

Quick Fact:

The beginning of pregnancy can relate with tiredness and morning sickness making a women feel worn out.

Tips to get pregnant fast

Following are some important steps that can help you begin your motherhood in a healthy way:

  1. Know your body: You should know about your ovulation period- the time when you can get pregnant. Tracking your ovulation can help you know your most fertile days and accordingly plan your pregnancy. Ovulation can be tracked using some apps, ovulation predictor strips etc.
  2. Taking prenatal supplements: Before beginning your pregnancy, prenatal supplements including prenatal vitamins should be taken. The nutrient composition in these vitamins can sustain and nourish your body along with providing protection to your baby against birth defects.
  3. Handling stress: Stress can impact your overall health being which can affect your fertility as well. Stress can impact your menstrual cycle which can affect your ability to conceive. It is important to reduce stress to think clearly along with making proper decisions and improving relationships.
  4. Staying active: You should stay active where exercising for 30 minutes a day is recommended for sound health and body. This can help you maintain weight and stress which can help your body to stay healthy.
  5. Changing diet plan: You need to optimize you diet before trying to conceive where your diet should include low carbohydrates, increased portions of proteins and healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Besides taking nutritious foods, some foods should also be cut off like fishes’ rich in mercury.

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.

Why can’t I get pregnant again? What is secondary infertility?

What is secondary infertility?

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Secondary infertility can be defined as the inability to carry a baby to full term after having a previous successful pregnancy without any fertility medication or IVF treatment. Secondary infertility is as common as primary infertility and can be traced to either partners or both. While one-third of the cases are found in men and one-third in women, the remaining are attributed to a combination of unknown factors.

Causes of secondary infertility in women:

  • Issues in the quality and quantity of eggs( limited supply or the inability to create new eggs after birth)
  • Issues with the fallopian tube (blockage due to pelvic infections)
  • Uterine problems (fibroids and more)
  • Scarring from endometriosis
  • PCOS(polycystic ovarian syndrome)
  • Breastfeeding ( often leads to a decrease in egg count)
  • Lifestyle changes and weight gain( diets and obesity)
  • Other ovulation issues
  • Surgical complications ( past pregnancy surgeries)

Causes of secondary infertility in men:

  • Reduced testosterone level(aging or injury in the genitals)
  • Testicular varicocele(vein enlargement in the scrotum)
  • Poor quality semen (semen quality declines after 40)
  • Prostate enlargement(hinders normal ejaculation)
  • Prostate removal(this causes semen to flow backward)
  • Late-onset hypogonadism(reduction in hormone secretion)
  • Use of commercial sexual lubricants toxic to the sperm
  • Exposure to certain chemicals

Signs of secondary infertility:

Couples can suspect secondary infertility when they have unprotected sex for about a year at the age of 35 without getting pregnant.

What can be done?

One can go for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and In vitro fertilization(IVF), while there are medications and surgeries for the same. Antioxidants and anti-aging supplements are also recommended.

Failure in treatment could take a toll on mental health. The patient feels several emotions ranging from anger, sadness, guilt, and loneliness. Feeling isolated is quite common in these patients.

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.

Sex after menopause: Keeping the heat after the hot flashes

How to improve sex life during menopause?

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Menopause is attributed to physical and psychological changes in a woman which may affect her way of life. With the changing hormonal levels where they start to dip, life after menopause can change your experience of having sex, along with the desires for the same. However, there are some ways where you can adapt with the changing body and start to have a safe sexual life.

Quick Fact:

Around half of the menopausal women experience symptoms of pain, vaginal dryness and urinary problems.

How menopause affects your sex life

There are some outside factors of menopause that cause sex less pleasurable to you which affects your sex drive, as:

  • Insomnia: Symptoms of menopause can cause sleep problems which can have effect on your whole body and your sex life.
  • Mental health: Menopause may relate with depression which can affect the desires of a woman.
  • Vaginal changes and discomfort: Vaginal discomfort occurs when there is any sensation of pain or itching in the vagina, and this can reduce the pleasure women experience during sex after menopause, along with causing pain in the process as well.

How to improve sex life after menopause?

While there are some problems associated with sexual life after menopause, there are also some effective ways that can reduce the complications as:

  • Trying to engage in sexual activity, often
  • Application of vaginal lubricant or moisturizer before intercourse
  • Avoiding detergents or soaps that can cause dryness
  • Using lukewarm water and staying hydrated
  • Considering a therapist
  • Managing stress with exercise and relaxation activities
  • Bonding between couples

While these steps can be helpful, there are also some treatments for those who experience frequent and intense complications, as:

  • Using estrogen and progesterone medications to be placed directly on vaginal tissues to reduce dryness
  • Hormone replacement technique reduce vaginal dryness, discomfort and pains during sex.
  • Besides, medications for stress, anxiety or high blood pressure can help in reducing hot flashes and mood changes.

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 women care 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.

Menopause and sleep related issues- Causes and treatments

Sleep issues during Menopause

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

While there are many changes that a woman has to cope with during menopause, like sweating, hot flashes, weight gain etc., sleeping problems are other disturbances that makes this period more difficult. Sleep disturbances and poor quality sleep are some changes during menopause that are common.

As in case of menopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone in the body decreases, which results in the various symptoms such as hot flashes (a feeling of warmth suddenly over the body) or sweating. Night time hot flashes also tend to awaken you from the sleep which can disturb the sleeping pattern. Besides, mood swings and anxiety also lead to difficulty in getting sleep where it has been proposed that sleep disturbance during menopause can also be attributed to underlying causes of anxiety and depression. Thus, these symptoms generally make it difficult to sleep which can relate with other prominent issues.

Treatment options to address the sleep problems during menopause

  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): It involves the replacement of hormones including estrogen or progesterone that are not properly produced during this phase in the body. It is affective against hot flashes that can help in sleeplessness.
  • Low dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI): While they may be also used for mental health problems, they are effective in reducing hot flashes as well which can lead to better sleep.
  • Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT): It can be useful for those who are experiencing mood swings or anxiety issues as it helps to cope with these feelings which can also benefit your sleep.
  • Exercising and yoga: Meditation, exercises along with yoga and massage can also prove beneficial in improving sleep patterns.
  • Healthy eating: Eating nutritious foods along with avoiding foods that can trigger hot flashes can also be helpful in the cause.

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 women care 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.

Nutrition & Mental Health: Can Diet Improve Your Mood?

Diet and mental health

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

A healthy and balanced diet concurs to the healthy physical life of a person. Besides having this benefit, a well-balanced diet can also affect our mental health in a positive manner. It has been observed that a good food can have positive impact on the overall mental wellness along with being productive in managing mental illness like depression and anxiety.

When a healthy diet is consumed that is rich in nutrients, it can help to better the mood along with increasing the required energy levels. When the body is having a nutritious diet, it gains the tendency to think well with the elements that compromise our regular intake.

Importance of good food for sound mental health

  • When the food rich in carbohydrate is consumed, it contains the energy derived from the blood glucose which is used for the functioning of the body, of which 20% energy is devoured by the brain. Thus, having less carbohydrates tends to less energy which leads to the feeling of weakness, tiredness and vague thinking. Besides, fluctuating glucose levels can impact on the mood leading to the feelings of lowness, irritation etc.
  • Proteins are also required by the brain to regulate the thoughts and feelings.
  • Vitamins and minerals can also affect the physical and mental health where the lack of iron and vitamin B can lead to the feeling of tiredness, irritation, lowness etc. Besides, deficiency of folate and selenium can lead to the increased chances of depression and negative mood states.
  • Staying hydrated is also important to concentrate and think clearly.

Therefore, eating a balanced diet full of nutrition can help in the improvement of your mood, provide you more energy and also help you in thinking clearly.

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 women and childcare 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.

Health Tips For Women Living With PCOS

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), a hormonal condition, is becoming common in India as every 1 out of 5 Indian women in the reproductive age group is diagnosed with PCOS. Though the exact cause yet to be known, there are some changes that if adopted can help in managing the symptoms.

Lifestyle changes that can help a woman with PCOS

  • Healthy eating and PCOS: Foods rich in fiber are beneficial for people with PCOS as they help in decreasing the effect of sugar on the blood for such people are at a risk of developing health conditions like type 2 diabetes. Some high fiber foods include broccoli, cauliflower, green and red peppers, beans, almonds, brown rice, buckwheat, oats, poha, lentils, chia seeds and barley. Besides high fiber diet, foods rich in protein are suggested as they are nutritious, like tofu, sprouted hara chana and moong.
  • Avoiding food for PCOS: While the above foods are recommended for better nourishment, there are some to resist when you are having PCOS, as processed foods and sugary foods like white bread, muffins, sugary deserts etc. Moreover, beverages like soda and juice, and inflammation causing foods, like fries, or processed meats should also be avoided.
  • Physical activity: Exercising regularly can be effective in improving insulin resistance as it is one of common causes of the symptoms of PCOS. The ideal thing to aim is getting involved in any type of physical activity for 30 minutes every day which can help to prevent weight gain and stay healthy.
  • Healthy choices and confidence: Make healthy choices that will help to develop your confidence while shopping, eating, cooking etc.
  • Seeking help: It’s always better to seek an advice from the practicing dietician to help you further in choosing the best options.

Nutritional support during pregnancy

How can nutrition help with pregnancy?

Pregnancy pertains to the physical and hormonal changes in the body where the needs of the person also alter. The growing fetus inside the womb requires sufficient nutrients during the stage of development. For coping the nutritional requirements that correspond to the healthy lifestyle, appropriate weight gain, a balanced diet, exercising regularly, vitamin and mineral supplementation should be considered.

Calorie intake during Pregnancy

During the course of pregnancy, 300 extra calories are required for maintaining the healthy body and suffice the needs of the fetus. To incorporate these calories, a balanced diet comprising of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be consumed. Besides, it is better to limit the intake of sugar and fats as a balanced diet can help in relieving the symptoms of pregnancy.

Fluid intake should also be taken into consideration during pregnancy as it forms a significant part of nourishing the body. Alongside water, juices and soups should also be consumed in subtle amounts.

Nutritional foods during pregnancy

  • For vitamin A and potassium: Carrots, sweet potatoes, amaranth, spinach, tomatoes, squash, bell peppers, cantaloupe, ragi, jowar, etc. are good source of vitamin and potassium as it helps to maintain the balance of fluids and electrolytes.
  • Calcium, potassium, Vitamin A and D: Fat free or low fat yogurt, milk, soya milk etc. should be a part of balance diet as calcium helps build the baby’s bones and regulate fluids.
  • Iron and folic acid: Grains inclusive of cereals reduces the risk of neural tube defects and increase the blood flow.
  • Proteins: Beans, chickpeas, soybean, chia seeds, quinoa, etc. provide proteins to the baby and mother which are required for the proper growth of baby, along with increasing blood supply.

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 women and childcare 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.

Make Your Pregnancy Stylish

"How to stay stylish during pregnancy? "

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Pregnancy poses a challenge of being up to date and following the fashion trends that may convert you into a stylish being. While it cuts out some alteration in the living patterns, there are ideas and ways to try out for making your pregnancy a stylish one.

There can be some transitions to map out this thing while also considering the safety approaches that must be followed during the pregnancy.

Staying Stylish During Pregnancy

  • The foremost thing that is important during pregnancy is the mental look you can cast on yourself so that you look sharp and put together. There is no need to feel grumpy all the time, though a pack of hormonal rush can induce so sometimes. However, you need to feel yourself and try to be excited about each single day, trying out some new ideas.
  • You don’t need to hide your tummy completely. One can wear form-fitting clothes, as long as they are covering your belly completely.
  • One can easily wear some old cardigans and blazers, open. This has to make a good fashion sense when fitted over a tank or camisole. In this way, the ready to go casual outlooks can make a great stylish fit.
  • Maternity or nursing printed dresses can make you feel comfortable as well as ready to head out on the way when paired with a sandal.
  • One can also choose to wear heels to give a better look. While stilettos and heels can be difficult to accommodate, wedges and kitten heels are safe as well as stylish to make you comfortable.
  • Getting yourself a denim that fits the protruding belly can be really a good option. Not only maternity jeans are comfortable to wear but can also boost up your confidence.

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 women’s 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.

Consulting the maternity experts for postnatal care

Importance of consulting a postanatal expert

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Introduction: The postnatal stage which begins right after the birth of the baby is equally as crucial as pregnancy and childbirth. During this stage, the mother and the newborn needs equal care and attention, that’s why this article focuses solely on why consulting maternity experts is necessary for correct postnatal care.

Why is consulting experts for postnatal care important?

Given that maternal and infant deaths typically happen within the first few hours of giving birth, postnatal care is absolutely essential for both the mother and the newborn child. The mother must give the kid ongoing care and attention, prioritizing early and exclusive breastfeeding, sanitary skin and umbilical cord care, and keeping the newborn warm.

Importance of Postnatal Care

The mother and infant are not to be sent home during the postnatal care treatment time since the first 24 hours are crucial. Several procedures aid in lowering the danger for both the mother and the kid during these times. Prior to the mother being discharged from a medical facility, she will receive counseling and an evaluation as a part.

How is it done?

Postnatal care is usually done by maternity experts. In the first few hours following birth, the situation is evaluated, and any potential issues are identified. The postnatal examination aids the medical examiner in determining whether the mother or the baby exhibits any characteristics of the disease.

Women should be made aware of how important it is to have support, prioritize postpartum visits, and schedule them on time. During these exams, it is also crucial to emphasize the significance of having a balanced diet and receiving enough rest and sleep.

Who is eligible?

Only recent mothers and their newborns are qualified for the treatment. Every new mother and her newborn child must receive postnatal care. Women who give birth in a hospital alone are not the only ones who qualify for postnatal care. Even if the mother gives birth at home, it should still be made available to her.

Any side-effects?

There are no adverse effects to the treatment because this session concentrates on educating women about caring for their newborns and spotting warning indications.

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.

After delivery myth & postpartum care

Myths and postnatal care

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

Introduction: You finally have your newborn in your hand and instead of swooning over the arrival of the cutie, you hear some random myths telling you what to do and what not to do, for you and your baby. Sounds annoying, doesn’t it? Worry not, mommy, you got me, as I am here to bust some after-delivery myths as well as share some postpartum depression care tips.

Myths About Postpartum Care

  1. Avoid ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ foods: The next time you hear someone telling you to avoid eggplant (referred to be ‘hot’) or okra (‘cold’), completely ignore it. Science disproves this and declares it to be unfounded. Your body needs all the nourishment it can get since you recently gave birth. Eat a balanced diet and limit your intake of extra calories.
  2. No lifting heavy weights if you had a C-section: You will gradually regain strength and be able to resume your normal activities and lift heavy objects as you did before even after a C-section, after six weeks.
  3. Eat betel leaf (Paan) for calcium: Eating “Paan” won’t give you any calcium; instead, it will just darken your teeth.
  4. Eat ‘Ghee’ to strengthen your joints: In order to relax your joints in time for labor, the mom’s body secretes a hormone called relaxin throughout pregnancy. The effects of this hormone persist for some time even after delivery. With time, your joint strength will cause it to return. So’Ghee’ has nothing to do with joint strength.
  5. Ajwain (carom seed) water must be consumed after delivery: It is not bound for you to have it if you don’t like the taste of it. You always have the option to switch to other drinks, as long as your body is getting enough fluid intake.

Tips for self-care after delivery

  • Drink plenty of water; breastfeeding mothers especially need to do so.
  • As much as you can, rest.
  • Provide a balanced diet to nourish your body.
  • Apply a hot water bag, heating pad, or hot water bottle to the area to relieve any abdominal pain.
  • In the postpartum days, constipation is typical. Drink a lot of water and consume more meals high in fiber to help it go away.

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 is experts in handling complex deliveries, gynecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital at a center 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.