What should I expect from my first prenatal checkup?

When you suspect that you could be pregnant or if you have already got a positive pregnancy test at home, you must see your gynaecologist as soon as possible.

At this first visit, a detailed consultation with your doctor would take place. The aim is to understand details of your health, any problems that may be running in the family and any other issues which may put you or your baby at risk. This visit also gives you information regarding the Ÿ??doŸ??s and donŸ??tsŸ?? during your pregnancy so as to protect your health and the babyŸ??s health.

Be prepared for plenty of questions as this helps the doctor to get a clear idea of your health and your familyŸ??s health. If you have had any previous pregnancies, then detailed information of each pregnancy is sought by the doctor.

Examination:

Your examination at this visit would include general checkup including blood pressure, height and weight.

Information:

Now is the time to clear your doubts about your pregnancy and what to expect in the next nine months. There will be a lot of information to take in at this first visit.

Discussions and advice:

  • healthy eating
  • exercise
  • travelling and driving
  • your job
  • your lifestyle
  • sex
  • investigations that are recommended in pregnancy

Investigations:

If warranted, a test to confirm your pregnancy would be done.

Other than this, various tests would be recommended to ensure that you are in the pink of health. Early identification of any abnormalities and their treatment would reduce complications for you and the baby.

Tests would include

  • Hemoglobin level
  • Blood group
  • Blood sugar levels
  • Thyroid function
  • Testing for Rubella immunity
  • Tests for various infections like Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B
  • Complete Urine Examination
  • Ultrasound scan to confirm pregnancy location and your due date

Prescription:

You would be given a prescription for folic acid which is essential for preventing neural tube defects in the baby. Other vitamin supplements or a prenatal may be prescribed if needed.

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolismŸ??the way the body uses energyŸ??and affect nearly every organ in the body.Too little thyroid hormone is called hypothyroidism and can cause many of the bodyŸ??s functions to slow down. Hypothyroidism affects between three and ten percent of adults, with incidence higher in women and the elderly.

Thyroid hormone plays a critical role during pregnancy both in the development of a healthy baby and in maintaining the health of the mother.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a 2-inch-long, butterfly-shaped gland weighing 25-30 g in adults (it is slightly heavier in women). Located in the front of the neck below the larynx, or voice box, it has two lobes, one on either side of the windpipe. The thyroid gland produces, stores, and releases hormones into the bloodstream. The hormones then travel through the body and direct the activity of the bodyŸ??s cells.

The thyroid gland makes two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 is the active hormone and is made from T4.Thyroid hormones affect metabolism, brain development, breathing, heart and nervous system functions, body temperature, muscle strength, skin dryness, menstrual cycles, weight, and cholesterol levels.

Thyroid hormone production is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low, the pituitary releases more TSH. When thyroid hormone levels are high, the pituitary responds by decreasing TSH production.

Pregnancy

Thyroid hormone is critical to normal development of the babyŸ??s brain and nervous system. During the first trimester, the fetus depends on the motherŸ??s supply of thyroid hormone, which comes through the placenta. At around 12 weeks, the babyŸ??s thyroid begins to function on its own.

The thyroid enlarges slightly in healthy women during pregnancy, but not enough to be detected by a physical exam. A noticeably enlarged thyroid can be a sign of thyroid disease and should be evaluated. Thyroid problems can be difficult to diagnose in pregnancy due to higher levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, increased thyroid size, fatigue, and other symptoms common to both pregnancy and thyroid disorders.

Two pregnancy-related hormonesŸ??human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogenŸ??cause increased thyroid hormone levels in the blood. Made by the placenta, hCG is similar to TSH and mildly stimulates the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. Increased estrogen produces higher levels of thyroid-binding globulin, also known as thyroxine-binding globulin, a protein that transports thyroid hormone in the blood. Overall, only 0.04% T4 and 0.5% T3 are free and functioning.

These normal hormonal changes can sometimes make thyroid function tests during pregnancy difficult to interpret.

What causes hypothyroidism in pregnancy?

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is usually caused by HashimotoŸ??s disease and occurs in three to five out of every 1,000 pregnancies.2 HashimotoŸ??s disease is a form of chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland.

HashimotoŸ??s disease is an autoimmune disorder. In HashimotoŸ??s disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing inflammation and interfering with its ability to produce thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy can also result from existing hypothyroidism that is inadequately treated or from prior destruction or removal of the thyroid as a treatment for hyperthyroidism.

How does hypothyroidism affect the mother and baby?

Uncontrolled hypothyroidism during pregnancy can lead to

  • preeclampsia
  • anemiaŸ??too few red blood cells in the body, which prevents the body from getting enough oxygen
  • miscarriage
  • low birth weight
  • stillbirth
  • congestive heart failure, rarely

Because thyroid hormones are crucial to fetal brain and nervous system development, uncontrolled hypothyroidismŸ??especially during the first trimesterŸ??can affect the babyŸ??s growth and brain development.

How is hypothyroidism in pregnancy diagnosed?

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through a careful review of symptoms and measurement of TSH and T4 levels.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in pregnancy include extreme fatigue, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, constipation, and problems with memory or concentration. High levels of TSH and low levels of free T4 generally indicate hypothyroidism. Because of normal pregnancy-related changes in thyroid function, test results must be interpreted with caution.

The TSH test can also identify subclinical hypothyroidismŸ??a mild form of hypothyroidism that has no apparent symptoms. Subclinical hypothyroidism occurs in 2 to 3 percent of pregnancies.2 Test results will show high levels of TSH and normal free T4.

If subclinical hypothyroidism is discovered during pregnancy, treatment is recommended to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

How is hypothyroidism treated during pregnancy?

Hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone called thyroxineŸ??a medication which is identical to the T4 made by the thyroid. Women with preexisting hypothyroidism will need to increase their pre-pregnancy dose of thyroxine to maintain normal thyroid function. Thyroid function should be checked every 6 to 8 weeks during pregnancy. Synthetic thyroxine is safe and necessary for the well-being of the fetus if the mother has hypothyroidism.

Dietary Supplements

Because the thyroid uses iodine to make thyroid hormone, iodine is an important mineral for a mother during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the baby gets iodine from the motherŸ??s diet. Women need more iodine when they are pregnantŸ??about 250mcg a day.

However, people with autoimmune thyroid disease may be sensitive to harmful side effects from iodine. Taking iodine drops or eating foods containing large amounts of iodineŸ??such as seaweed, pulse, or kelpŸ??may cause or worsen hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.To help ensure coordinated and safe care, people should discuss their use of dietary supplements with their health care provider.

To conclude, women with thyroid problems can have a healthy pregnancy and protect their fetusesŸ?? health by learning about pregnancyŸ??s effect on the thyroid, keeping current on their thyroid function testing, and taking the required medications.

High-risk pregnancy ensuring the best possible outcome by Dr. Beena Jeysingh

Pregnancy, a nine-month period of caretaking, is a time of happiness and joy for every mother. It also brings along a new set of anxieties. While most pregnancies are uneventful and without any sudden surprises, some pregnancies may be categorised as “high-risk”.

What is a “high-risk” pregnancy?

A “high-risk” pregnancy is one in which the mother, fetus, or both are at increased risk, before, during or after the delivery.

What causes these risks?

Terming a pregnancy as “high-risk” may lead to unnecessary anxiety when the outcome is eventually uneventful. In some cases, the pregnancy can continue smoothly, despite the presence of a significant past medical history. If a risk factor is identified, the mother is informed of the complications associated in a sensitive manner.

Some of the factors that can put women at risk are:

  1. Maternal age:

The age of the expectant mother is an important risk factor. Women under 17 or over 35 years of age are at a higher risk.

  1. Bad Obstetric History
  • A history of three or more miscarriages/complications in earlier pregnancies
  • History of genetic abnormalities in prior pregnancy
  • Rh (rhesus) sensitisation in the previous pregnancy (a dangerous condition which puts the mother at risk, if her blood group is Rhand the baby’s blood group is Rh+)
III. Medical Conditions
  • Tuberculosis (TB), infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, thyroid dysfunction, etc.
  1. Risks that may occur during pregnancy:

Even if a person is healthy at the start of the pregnancy, development of the following conditions can put her in the high-risk category:

  • Communicable diseases like chicken pox, rubella, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, etc.
  • Non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, preeclampsia (caused due to high blood pressure eventually damaging other organs like the kidneys), gestational diabetes (pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes), multiple pregnancy (conception of twins, triplets or quadruplets), antepartum haemorrhage (vaginal bleeding), etc.
  • Complications with the developing fetus like heart disease, skeletal malformations, neural tube defects, etc.
  1. Risks that may develop during labour and delivery:
  • Placental abnormalities, such as placenta accreta (placenta that enters the uterine muscle thus making separation of placenta from uterus)), may be discovered rarely during pregnancy or after delivery.

What are the signs of a high-risk pregnancy?

It is important to learn about issues that you might encounter during the course of your pregnancy. It would be helpful to learn about a few symptoms that could cause concern, like:

  • Frequent contractions of uterus in preterm period
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Persistent headaches
  • Edema of lower limbs

What should I do if I my pregnancy is categorised as high-risk?

Mothers with chances of a high-risk pregnancy will have regular antenatal check-up and may require to visit the doctor more frequently for routine prenatal screening tests and special tests are done to ensure that the baby is developing well and to keep the mother out of risk.

A specialised multidisciplinary team may be involved to tackle associated complications in mother, if any to help women at “high-risk” to have a safe and healthy pregnancy, and aid in completion of the term of pregnancy.

Who will I be referred to?

Your regular obstetrician will guide you throughout your pregnancy and cross reference as per risk condition will be given to physician or nephrologist or neurologist or any other speciality of medicine.

How can I have a healthy pregnancy?

In order to have a healthy pregnancy, the following are advised:

  • Consult with the doctor before conception:

The mother-to-be’s medical condition will be assessed and she will be advised accordingly. In addition to prescribing supplements for a healthy pregnancy, if required, the existing treatment can be revised/adjusted in preparation for pregnancy.

  • Regular check-ups:

Regular visits to the doctor will help in constant monitoring of the mother’s and the baby’s health. Based on these periodic assessments, the medications can be altered and the expectant mother can be referred to a specialist, if required.

  • Healthy lifestyle habits:

In addition to a healthy diet and appropriate supplements, it is also important to ensure that the mother-to-be gains weight the healthy way. Exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and the intake of other harmful agents will help in reducing unforeseen risks.

How will I be cared for after the delivery?

Mothers are closely monitored for development of any complications and the newborn is under the care of a neonatologist and need be monitored in a NICU.

by

Dr. Beena Jeysingh

Pregnant , Stay Healthy By Dr. Faiza Waliullah

Pregnant? Tips for a healthy one!

There are a number of different emotions people go through when they discover they are pregnant. Excitement is perhaps the most common, but it is also natural to experience a bit of anxiety, especially while considering the best things to do for good health of the mother and baby. Often there are many questions, ranging from what food is safe to eat to exercise tips in order to stay healthy. We’ll be answering some of those questions here.

Exercise

It is important that most women take part in regular exercise.Moderate exercise is safe and can benefit both mother and child in most cases. However, you do need to be sensible as to the extent you decide to exercise and ensure you don’t over-extend yourself, especially if you’re not used to regular exercise. The guidelines for physical activity are no different for pregnant women than for the rest of the population – at least 30 minutes worth of moderate-intensity exercise a day.

Diet and dietary supplements

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is really important during pregnancy, and although you may feel hungrier than before, you should avoid eating for two. Gaining too much weight can lead to complications laterand can make it difficult to move around after your baby has been born. The World Health Organization suggests a weight gain of 10-14 kg is ideal for limiting the chance of complications later on.

When planning meals, a third of your plate should be starch-based food, such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes. This should be eaten with fruits and vegetables, with moderate amounts of protein. Your baby needs plenty of iron, calcium and folic acid from a very early stage of pregnancy, so it is vital you include these in your diet. You’ll find iron in many sources, including red meat, fish, pulses, seeds and green vegetables. Low-fat dairy products are good sources of calcium, while green vegetables and fortified cereals are ideal for folic acid.

While eating fish is very healthy as it contains plenty of vital nutrients, you should be wary of the type of fish you are eating. Some fish contain high levels of mercury, which can affect your baby’s nervous system. Tuna should be limited to two steaks or four medium cans a week, while shark, swordfish and marlin should be avoided. Uncooked shellfish and raw fish should be cut out of your diet, while you should also avoid foods that are rich in vitamin A, such as liver.

Alcohol

During pregnancy, you must avoid alcohol altogether. Alcohol stays in baby’s system much longer than an adult’s as it is unable to process it properly, which can cause serious problems. Heavy drinking while pregnant can lead to fetaldeformities, brain damage and low birth weight, known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Even light drinking can be problematic and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines in the UK advise that if you are pregnant, do not drink at all.

Smoking

If you are a smoker and you get pregnant, it is strongly advisable to stop as quickly as you can. As well as damaging your own health, the poisonous chemicals in tobacco can increase your risk of miscarriage or slow down the growth of your baby. It can also bring about early labour and stillbirth. Even after the baby has been born, the chances of it developing chest infections or asthma, or being at risk of cot death are greatly increased if either parent is a smoker.

Medicines

Some medicines (such as paracetamol) are perfectly safe to take while you are pregnant, but there are many medicines where there is insufficient evidence of their possible effects on your baby. This means it is generally advisable to limit your use of medications unless absolutely necessary – even herbal and natural remedies should be checked out with your doctor first. If you are unsure about safety of a medicine, seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before using it.

Wishing you health & happiness!

Dr. Faiza Waliullah
Motherhood, Hyderabad

Diet tips for a winter pregnancy by Mrs. Edwina Raj

Being pregnant in winter is definitely better compared to summer as the cooler weather balances your naturally high internal temperature. It reduces the increased sweating during the third trimester. Although, winter is also associated with flu, common cold, infections, chills, etc.

Diet for Pregnancy during winter needs to be taken special care of. Your food intake is responsible for boosting your immunity. You must also keep yourself well hydrated and prevent your skin from becoming dry.

Here are some healthy eating tips to keep you and your growing foetus safe during winter:

  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to ensure a robust immunity.
  • Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. Add it to chutneys or drink it as amla juice, or you have it as sweet amla murabba. Vitamin C helps your body fight infection, and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
  • Drink kesar (saffron-few strands) milk which is also an antioxidant to help in improving your immune system.
  • To keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Keep a bottle of water handy and sip water regularly. It is important to stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty.

by Mrs. Edwina Raj , Nutritionist.

10 More Vegetarian Superfoods For Pregnant Women

In our earlier blog, we had discussed the top 10 Superfoods for Vegetarians. These are 10 more Super Rich & Nutritious foods that make a remarkable impact on your health. Pregnancy is the most beautiful feeling any woman can ever experience. Throughout the three trimesters, your body floods out various hormones to adjust to bearing and nurture a new life within.

Along with healthy food, regular exercise can prevent the risk of birth defects and depression. Low iron levels can cause lethargy during pregnancy. Hence, Vegetarians need to take efforts persistently to include the below mentioned superfoods to account for the nutrients quintessentially required to meet the needs of the developing fetus as well as the energy requirements of the mother.

 

1)Tofu

Essential Nutrients: Packed with protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin K.

Health Benefits: Essential for normal blood clotting, particularly after the birth, helps in building essential cells that forms vital body organs.

2)Avocado

Essential Nutrients: Powered with protein, folic acid, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, high calories.

Health Benefits: Helps in forming your baby’s brain and nervous system, building up tissues, helps to combat morning sickness. The high calorie helps those who want to gain weight during pregnancy.

3)Cereal

Essential Nutrients: Power house of energy, folic acid, fibre and vitamin B.

Health Benefits: Fortified cereals make great for an energetic breakfast. You need energy as you progress through your trimesters to support your child as well.

4)Cabbage

Essential Nutrients: Wholesome goodness of thiamin, folic acid, vitamin E, A, B6, C, K, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, fibre & iron.

Health Benefits: These vitamins aid in healthy breast-milk production. Chilled cabbage leaves placed in your bra help to soothe sore breasts during & after pregnancy. Magnesium improves blood flow.

5)Chickpeas

Essential Nutrients: Rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc and folic acid.

Health Benefits: Hummous (made from chickpeas) with peta bread makes a tasty snack. Fibre balances glucose levels; iron helps combat anaemia.Folic acid is vital for baby’s development.

6)Oils and Fats

Essential Nutrients: Entails omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants.

Health Benefits: Quintessential for cell function, brain and eye development.Go for the extra virgin olive oil. it lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health by providing protection against heart disease, depression, cancer, high cholesterol and dementia.

7)Oatmeal

Essential Nutrients: Packed with fiber, protein and vitamin B6. It can be fortified with iron & folic acid.

Health Benefits: Whole grains containing complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly after you have eaten it. A bowl of oatmeal or porridge is a great start to the day and will help combat any fatigue which sets in mid-morning.

8)Tomatoes

Essential Nutrients: Contains vitamins A and C.

Health Benefits: Low fat tomatoes have the ability to regulate blood sugar, reduce stress, cure headaches and even protection against gall & kidney stones.

9)Going Nuts over Nuts

Essential Nutrients: Proteins, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, magnesium, Vitamin E.

Health Benefits: They are memory-boosting foods, helps development of child’s brain and eyes, reduced risk of premature baby. Indulge guilt-free in almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, reduced risk of heart diseases.

10)Whole Wheat

Essential Nutrients: Plentiful of iron, fiber, Vitamin B complex and protein.

Health Benefits: Along with energy boost to the body, it releases energy from muscles, iron fights anemia & eases constipation. Brown rice & millets are considered a healthier option.

Are you a working Mom?

If you are a working woman and you happen to be expecting, it is important for you to apply for your maternity leave. The Maternity Act of 1961 under the Indian Constitution lays down the maternity rights for women across all the industries ranging from industrial to agricultural. Any woman who is entitled to a salary from her employer is entitled to this maternity leave under this act.

Maternity leave is important for every expecting mother. However, in many cases there are demanding situations which require her to work in order for her to pay her bills and take care of her household. For instance, women who work as nurses, waitresses or teachers do not get the liberty to work from home because such is the nature of their jobs. They do not have the option of working through e-mails also. Thus, they end up returning back to their jobs as quickly as possible because they have bills to take care of and cannot afford to lose their jobs.

Research claims that it is extremely of high importance that a woman, while she is pregnant must take enough maternity leave to ensure good health for her baby and herself. During pregnancy, it is important for her to take adequate rest, eat healthy and remain stress free. And when women work during pregnancy, they are naturally inviting work stress and an imbalance in their work-life. Maintaining a work-life balance is of utmost importance in a working woman’s life. This escalates to a higher importance during pregnancy. Few women give more importance to their work and tend to ignore matters related to their health.

Once you become a mother, your responsibilities are doubled and you need to make greater efforts to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It has been observed that women with short maternity leave tend to fall prey to negative outcomes in terms of health, stress and the baby’s health. And it has been observed that women with two or three month old infants, working full-time reported higher levels of stress, depression and poor health conditions when compared to women who stay at home during their pregnancy, and for a while post-pregnancy. Not only does it affect the mothers, it has an adverse effect on the children also. Conditions like clinical depression, anxiety and psychological distress might sustain in your child’s life.

In many cases, the issue is not about the expecting mother taking maternity leave, it is about the employers who are whiny about giving adequate maternity leave. Hence, the real problem comes down to how many days you can take off under maternity leave. It is all about the time you devote towards your motherhood and towards your baby once you deliver. Being a mom is not easy, especially a working mom. It has its own set of challenges to overcome. The key to this challenge lies in smart maintenance of work-life balance.

 

Early Signs Of Pregnancy

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

Home Pregnancy Test

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

You may experience some of these early signs of pregnancy.

1.Fever:

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

2. Prickling Sore Nipples

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

3. Mood Swings

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

4. Feeling Sick Nausea/Dizziness

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

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

6. Shortness of Breath

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

6. Frequent Urination

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

7. Backaches

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

8. Food cravings and Sensitivity towards Aromas

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

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

10. Constipation and Bloating

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

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

Top 10 Vegetarian Superfoods For Pregnant Women

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

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

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

1)Dairy in your Diet Diary

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

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

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

2)Affectionate Apricots

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

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

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

3)Broccoli For Bones

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

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

4)Blueberries and Strawberries

Essential Nutrients: Packed with Vitamin C and fibre.

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

5)Sweet Potato

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

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

Tip: Steaming works better than boiling.

6)Go Bananas over Bananas

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

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

7)Beans For The New Genes

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

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

8)Power Of Pomegranate

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

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

9)Goodness of Orange Juice

Essential Nutrients: Rich in potassium, fibre and vitamin C

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

10)Go Green with the GLV’s

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

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

15 Tips for a healthy pregnancy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Healthy Pregnancy, Happy Motherhood.