Treating UTI During Pregnancy

Author – Dr. Asha Hiremath MBBS, MD

Consultant – Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon at Motherhood Hospital, Indiranagar, Bangalore

When any part of the urinary system is infected, it is referred to as urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection. Urinary tract comprises kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, where usually bacteria from outside can infect the urinary system concurring to problems, like an infection or inflammation. Though it is apparent in all the age groups, it is commonly seen during pregnancy. The prevalence of UTI increases in young women where during pregnancy the incidence of physical and hormonal changes lead to chances of developing a UTI.

The entry of bacteria into the urinary tract leads to its multiplication where painful urination and other symptoms become prevalent. During pregnancy, the levels of progesterone and estrogen increase which leads to the weakening of the bladder and the ureters, along with the changing anatomy of kidneys and compression of uterus and bladder. This makes it prone to UTI whereupon the excess sugar in the urine encourages bacterial growth. Therefore, it is important to consult a gynaecologist and obstetrician during pregnancy and receive urinalysis and urine culture at 12 to 16 weeks.


It is always recommended to visit the best gynaecologist nearby during the early weeks of pregnancy to look out for any prevailing conditions. Besides, there can be some symptoms that correspond to UTI whereby it becomes necessary to see your healthcare provider. Common symptoms of UTI can be:

  • Strong and frequent urge to visit the bathroom
  • Burning sensation while urinating
  • Passing small amounts of urine
  • Cloudy, red or pink colored urine
  • Foul smell in the urine
  • Pelvic pain

While these symptoms are noticeable, pregnant women can also have asymptomatic UTI’s where there are no signs or symptoms. As it progresses, it can lead to other developing symptoms or problems like symptomatic UTI or even kidney infection which requires immediate treatment.

With respect to treatment, UTI’s can be prevented in the first place by:

  • Trying to empty your bladder frequently
  • Wearing cotton underwear
  • Trying to avoid perfumes or sprays
  • Staying hydrated by drinking ample amount of water
  • Avoiding the use of harsh soaps or body wash in the genital area

When it comes to treatment, most UTI’s are treated using antibiotics. While during pregnancy the treatment would be the same where the antibiotics are safe for mother and baby usually following the 3-day low-dose and long term course. Antibiotics commonly used include amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalosporin’s, etc. Besides, a doctor may also prescribe some pain relieving medications to get relief from the discomfort of UTI. When a UTI is recurring, a doctor may carry out some tests, like urine culture test (diagnosing the bacterial cultures in urine), visual bladder and urethra exam or CT scan of the urinary tract.

There are some home remedies that may be suggested for UTI, such as:

  • Consuming acetaminophen to get relieve from pain and reduce the fever
  • In case of stomach discomfort, placing a hot bottle on the lower stomach may relieve from it
  • In order to flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract, plenty of water should be drunk
  • Having a plenty amount of rest so that the body can fight the infection

If urinary tract infection remains untreated, it can involve kidneys and become more dangerous. In rare cases, chronic UTI’s may lead to sepsis (blood poisoning) if left untreated.

Therefore, a person should tend to the early signs of infection and take the prescribed antibiotics as soon as possible. Moreover, it is important to closely work with your healthcare provider and ask for further treatment if UTI keeps recurring.

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

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital in Indiranagar, Bangalore 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. Asha Hiremath 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.

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.

Is the second pregnancy different? How to prepare for it?

Second pregnancy difficulties

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

The second pregnancy is quite different from the first one – both physically and mentally.

The second pregnancy is no cakewalk and is quite different from the first one. You can expect new challenges in the process.

Physical Aspect when preparing for second pregnancy:

  • The baby bump shows up faster. Your stomach muscles have been through it already.
  • The feel of a baby kick comes sooner.
  • Morning sickness is more prevalent in the second pregnancy.
  • More of Braxton Hicks – you will feel more tired as you have a toddler to manage.
  • Labour and birth take time.
  • Breastfeeding becomes easy as the milk comes easier this time even if it did not show up the first time.

Mental Aspect when preparing for second pregnancy:

  • You will have less time to enjoy the pregnancy unlike the first one.
  • It will be difficult to pay attention to the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy
  • It will be quite challenging to manage an older child along with the pregnancy.

Preparing for a second pregnancy:

  • Check for iron levels. Go for a blood test to know the hemoglobin count. The body demands more iron during pregnancy. If your body hasn’t recovered from the first pregnancy, don’t go for a second one.
  • Place it right. If you feel that managing two kids around the same age would be difficult, go for it later. Avoid stress.
  • Keep a track of the menstrual cycle. It helps to time the pregnancy right.
  • Try to get back in shape after the first pregnancy. Obesity not only meddles with fertility but makes room for more complications
  • Go for lifestyle changes. Indulge in meditative practices for keeping stress away.
  • Educate your partner.
  • Prepare the older child mentally.

All in all, a second pregnancy has to be planned well. From timing to health, all have to be considered before going for it. If you go for an unplanned pregnancy, it could take a toll on your mental and physical 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.

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.

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.

Postpartum Essentials For New Moms

Postpartum Symptoms in New Moms

Author: Dr. Vijayalakshmi MBBS, DGO

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar

Postpartum Symptoms in New Moms

Perhaps one of the most charming moments for a woman is to become a mother. However, those moments can gradually wane weeks on, punctuated thereafter by moments of physical and emotional challenges. The body naturally experiences a lot of changes after giving birth and while the focus has turned to caring for the baby, most forget that postpartum care for the mother is by far the most important aspect to take note of.

Every birth is unique, and therefore tough to determine the exact postpartum life of the mom. Understanding the ways a mother’s body may change, and taking appropriate steps during this postpartum period is a priority that will help you ease your life.

Postpartum Period

What to expect:

Some of the common postpartum changes can be:

  1. Constipation
  2. Hormonal changes
  3. Haemorrhoids
  4. Discomfort from C-section incision
  5. Fatigue
  6. Abdominal pain
  7. Difficulty urinating
  8. Soreness of the breasts and nipples
  9. Perineum
  10. Vaginal bleeding or discharge.

Postpartum care tips to follow:

The various ways in which pregnancy and childbirth affect the body may seem very intimidating, especially for new mothers. It can actually be tough to adjust to these changes; but postpartum health care tips help immensely in healing and taking care of the body, after giving birth.

1. Heal your body

The body experiences a lot during childbirth be it a vaginal delivery or C-section. It’s not as if you will get rid of postpartum challenges within a few days. It takes time and sometimes even months for the body to recover completely after pregnancy and childbirth. Let’s look at some of the steps that one can follow to gradually heal:

  • Vaginal soreness: Sit on a pillow or padded ring, use ice packs and keep your perineum away from irritation by spraying the area with warm water while urinating.
  • C-section scar: Consult your doctor about the care you need for C-section scar and clean it gently before applying an antibiotic ointment.
  • Pelvic floor changes: Perform regular Kegel exercises to provide your vagina and perineum with enough recovery after stretching during delivery.
  • Tender breasts: Frequent breastfeeding helps relieve engorged breasts and you can also try ice packs, warm compresses and gentle massaging in case of aches.

2. Give priority to rest

The extreme physical toll of labour and then having sleepless nights with the new-born can exhaust the new mom. Do not forget to give priority to your sleep to avoid postpartum fatigue. Make it a point to take a quick snooze whenever the baby is asleep.

3. Ask for help

At times new moms may feel shy and hesitant to ask for help from others. Do not forget that you definitely need postpartum care, and life for a new mother can be much easier and recovery faster, once you have assistance from friends and family.

4. Keep moving

Regular exercise and physical activity have shown great results in recovery from postpartum symptoms. Exercise is a great tool to boost energy levels, relieve stress and strengthen muscles after childbirth, however, it is best to consult your doctor before getting on a regime. Usually, most of the doctors will ask you to avoid rigorous activity and focus on gentle exercise such as walking in the garden and so forth.

5. Healthy diet

Eating well and healthy is always beneficial in postpartum care. It will help you fight constipation and fatigue while assisting you to shed the extra weight you gained during pregnancy.

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

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital in Indiranagar 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.Vijayalakshmi, please book your appointment here

Learn About Gestational Diabetes

How to deal with Gestational Diabetes

Author: Dr. Kavya Krishna Kumar MBBS, FMAS, MS

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Alwarpet

How to deal with Gestational Diabetes

During pregnancy, the fetus and placenta produce certain hormones that make the mother resistant to the insulin produced by her own body. To compensate, the mother has to produce more insulin to maintain the blood sugar levels. When this extra insulin produced is not enough, blood sugar level rises to cause a condition called gestational diabetes.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

A condition where a pregnant woman’s blood sugar rises is called gestational diabetes. 

Gestational diabetes is classified into two categories. The first category is class A1, which can be managed through diet and exercise. The second category is class A2. Pregnant women diagnosed with class A2 need to take insulin and other medications to keep their blood sugar level at a normal level. Although gestational diabetes goes away after delivery, it can affect your baby’s health and can raise the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors associated with Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

Gestational diabetes does not have any specific symptoms. Most cases are only discovered when your blood sugar levels are tested during screening for diabetes.Some women can develop symptoms,if the sugar levels are too high ,such as..

  • You feel more thirsty than usual
  • You feel like eating more than you usually do
  • Urination is persistent and uncontrollable.
  • Tiredness

Gestational Diabetes Causes

The primary function of your pancreas is to release insulin when you eat food. Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose from the blood to the cell so that it can use for energy. Your placenta can produce a variety of hormones which produces insulin resistance leading to increase in blood glucose levels resulting in gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes and pregnancy are very closely associated. Here are some of the risk factors that have high chances of developing gestational diabetes:

  • Being overweight before pregnancy
  • Have a family history of diabetes
  • Prior gestational diabetes in your first pregnancy
  • Given birth to a stillborn or with birth defects
  • History of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other medical complications
  • History of PCOS or PCOD or any other health disorder related to insulin.

Risk factors associated with gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes increases the risk of having high blood pressure during pregnancy. It will ultimately affect the baby with issues like a large head which can only be delivered by caesarean section (C-section).

Other effects that gestational diabetes can have on the baby are:

  • Overweight at the time of birth (9 pounds or more)
  • Premature birth with breathing and other problems
  • If you have gestational diabetes, your baby is at a high risk of developing severe breathing issues such as respiratory distress syndrome — a condition that makes breathing difficult.
  • Baby may have low blood sugar, which can only be balanced by prompt feedings or, in some cases, intravenous glucose solution.
  • The baby may develop Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Usually, women having gestational diabetes return to regular blood sugar levels after delivery. However, 50% of women develop Type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the risk associated with gestational diabetes can be avoided with a healthy diet and maintaining reasonable body weight after delivery.

Treatment for Gestational Diabetes

Treatment for gestational diabetes must be taken as soon as you are diagnosed with it to keep you and your baby healthy, post-delivery. During this treatment, you need to:

  • Examine the blood sugar level at least four to five times a day.
  • Follow a healthy diet. Dieticians specially design gestational Diabetes diet keeping in mind the body type and condition of your pregnancy.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Take urine tests to check for ketones (chemicals that determine whether your diabetes is under control or not)

The doctor will keep a close track of your weight and your baby’s healthy development. If required, they may give you insulin or certain other medications to keep your blood sugar normal.

Exercise and Diet for Gestational Diabetes

You can maintain the gestational diabetes blood sugar levels by taking good care of the diet and following proper exercise plans.

You need to:

  • Replace sugary snacks like ice cream, biscuits, candies and so on with natural sugars like fresh fruits. Eating fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains in a proper proportion is highly recommended.
  • Maintain the habit of having small meals and snack meals at least twice or thrice a day.
  • Organise an exercise plan for yourself. Daily exercise can help burn excess fat.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best experts in Alwarpet, Chennai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.
Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital in Alwarpet, Chennai 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. Kavya Krishna Kumar, please book your appointment here.

Pregnancy Calculator – Block The Date For The Greatest Arrival Of Your Life

Author: Dr. Sushruta Mokadam (MBBS, MD)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi

Online Pregnancy Calculator

For any couple planning a family, the happiest moment is when the doctor says, “Congratulations, you are pregnant!” After this, a good amount of time is spent on discussions that involve estimating the due date. Of course, the doctor will share the date with the couple and unravel the mystery. Let’s look at the science behind the estimation of the date of delivery.

The human egg can fertilize for only 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, so the date of ovulation could be a reasonably good indicator to estimate the date of conception. Ultrasound which is used to determine the date of ovulation is not too perfect because this only suggests the gestational age. In fact an accurate date of conception is usually arrived at only with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).

Also to be considered is that although a woman is most likely to conceive if she has had sex on the day of ovulation, pregnancy could occur from active sperm in her reproductive tract on the day of ovulation, even if the woman had intercourse five days prior to that date.

Determining the Estimated Due Date 

Estimated Due Date (EDD or EDC) is that date on which a non-induced delivery is expected to occur. This date is arrived at by taking the first day of the Last Menstrual Period (LMP) and adding 280 days

(9 months and 7 days) to it. This is the method followed by ‘pregnancy wheels’, also called a Gestation Calculator. The accuracy of the estimation of EDD in this method depends on how accurately the mother can recall the day of intercourse, assuming she has regular 28 day cycles and that ovulation and conception occurs on the 14th day of the cycle. Assumption of LMP to arrive at the due date of pregnancy may result in an overestimation of the pregnancy duration to the tune of over 2 weeks.

Coming to ultrasound, this approach considers the size of the foetus to determine the gestational age (the time since the first day of LMP). The accuracy of such an estimate of the gestational age varies. Using ultrasound to measure the foetus in the first trimester (up to and including 13 6/7 weeks of gestation) is the most accurate method to arrive at the gestational age.

Canada’s Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends the earliest ultrasound presenting a crown rump length that indicates at least 7 weeks (or 10 mm) should be used as the benchmark to arrive at the gestational age.

In the case of Vitro Fertilization (IVF), the date of conception will be known accurately and EDD can be calculated by adding 266 days to that date.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that the dates arrived at through ultrasound should be considered over those indicated by LMP when the variation between ultrasound and LMP is:

  • More than 5 days before 9 0/7 weeks as indicated by LMP
  • More than 7 days from 9 0/7 weeks to 15 6/7 weeks as indicated by LMP
  • More than 10 days from 16 0/7 weeks to 21 6/7 weeks as indicated by LMP
  • More than 14 days from 22 0/7 weeks to 27 6/7 weeks as indicated by LMP
  • More than 21 days after 28 0/7 weeks as indicated by LMP

There are possibilities that a foetus could have a restriction in growth leading to a risk of inaccurate dating of a small foetus.  Considering this, decisions based on ultrasonography alone (in the third-trimester) are not conclusive and the doctor has to consider the entire clinical status of the woman. This could include repeat ultrasonography to assess the correct growth in the interval.

Other methods used to estimate gestational age

Clinical Examination

For a patient with a good menstrual record in the first trimester, a simple pelvic examination has proven to be a reliable method to accurately date the pregnancy.

Doppler Ultrasonography

A foetal heart beat can be heard with a Doppler ultrasound if the gestational age of the patient is 10 to 12 weeks in most cases. This is the minimum age for the foetal heart tone to be registered.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Pregnancy Test

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is detectable in the mother’s blood or urine from 6 to 14 days after fertilization (3 to 4 weeks of gestational age). The gestational age can be assessed as at least 3 to 4 weeks at the time of an hCG pregnancy test.

In case of a twin pregnancy

In case of a twin pregnancy due to an IVF procedure, the gestational age has to be considered from the date of embryo transfer. Considering the possibility of an early intrauterine growth restriction in one of the foetuses, specialists feel that it is advisable to consider assessing the gestational age using the larger foetus.

For those of you curious to access a pregnancy calculator, here’s one right here! 

We at Motherhood Hospitals have a team of experts specialising in all kinds of maternity and childbirth related issues and woman and child care – from teens to those in their post menopause years. Take an appointment with our specialist at a centre close to you and you will be assured of an accurate investigation, diagnosis and treatment. 

Book your appointment with Dr. Sushruta Mokadam for all Gynaecological issues. 

Nutrition and Exercise Until D Day – Pregnancy Tips

Healthy Pregnancy Diet

Author: Dr. Preethika Shetty MBBS, DNB, M.S (OBGY), Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine (ICOG)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi – Pune

Healthy Pregnancy Diet

Maintaining good health during the weeks of pregnancy provides your baby with the nutrition it needs as it steps into the world. Doing regular exercise, following a balanced diet and keeping up with scheduled appointments with your doctor are some of the pregnancy care tips that help you to have a healthy pregnancy. Let’s learn more about the steps you could take right from the first month of pregnancy:

1. Focus on eating healthy – Inculcate a healthy and balanced diet in your regime: Here is what you could include:

  • Have five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Consume fresh fruits or fresh juices and avoid drinking packaged or canned ones. Along with this, also avoid vegetables that come packed in saltwater. Do not forget to drink plenty of water.
  • Starchy foods such as pasta, rice, bread and potatoes should make more than one-third of all the food you are eating. Furthermore, always choose whole grain variants instead of the white ones since you need plenty of fibre. Also, leave the skin on potatoes while cooking to provide more nutrition for you and your baby.
  • Have daily servings of protein from good sources like eggs, fish (two portions weekly should be oily such as mackerel, salmon or sardines), pulses, lean meat, beans, or nuts.
  • Consuming dairy foods such as yoghurt, milk and cheeses is also recommended right from the first trimester of your pregnancy.

2. Take your supplements

During your pregnancy, you and your growing baby need to have regular folic acid and Vitamin D supplements. These will be required even if you are having a well-balanced diet. Although it is recommended to eat healthily and have your daily quota of vitamins, minerals and nutrients from your diet, if you are having issues with consuming the right kind of food, talk to your doctor for all the required supplements your body might need for a healthy pregnancy.

3. Regular exercise

Regular exercise gives your body several benefits not only during pregnancy but also in post-pregnancy care. Make sure to include the following exercises during your pregnancy weeks:

  • Brisk walking
  • Yoga
  • Swimming
  • Pilates
  • Aquanatal classes

Get in touch with your exercise instructor and inform that you’re pregnant so he/ she can tailor classes or exercises specifically for you.

4. Perform pelvic floor exercises

The wide sling of muscles present at the base of your pelvis is what’s known as your pelvic floor. The functionality of these muscles is to support your bladder, vagina and back passage. During the weeks of pregnancy you may feel these muscles are getting weaker because of the extra pressure on them. To ensure adequate strength is maintained in these muscles, perform pelvic floor exercises including Kegel exercises regularly. Do take your doctor’s advice on which type of exercise best benefits you. The benefit will be experienced once you start building up to 10 long squeezes of 10 seconds followed by 10 short squeezes thrice a day.

5. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol

Regardless of the concentration, alcohol of any type will reach your baby rapidly via your bloodstream and placenta. Hence, there is no safe or minimum level of alcohol to drink during your pregnancy and one should avoid drinking to put the baby under any harm. Similarly, smoking during pregnancy can expose you and your baby to serious health problems such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or placental abruption.

6. Stop caffeine intake

High caffeine content elevates the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage late in pregnancy. Hence try not to consume too much coffee, energy drinks, cola, tea or chocolates. Apart from the mentioned risks, caffeine can also contribute to having a low-birth-weight baby or premature birth.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of expert doctors, super specialists and highly trained nurses backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We ensure complete care and advice to ensure a safe delivery at any of our centres. All our centres are equipped with modern equipment and the expertise to handle complex deliveries. Do take an appointment at a centre closest to you with our doctor and have a safe delivery of your baby.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Preethika Shetty, please book your appointment here