What’s best? Breastfeeding vs formula feeding

Benefits of formula feed

Author – Shovna KC (PT)

Consultant – Physiotherapist Motherhood Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

Are you confused between breastfeeding and formula feeding? Do you want to provide your child the best nutrition? In such a case, the best nutrition considered for a newborn is breast milk which is recommended by doctors as well, provided the benefits it concurs with. Though the final decision rests with the parents, it is important to know about the benefits of breastfeeding so to consider it as an ultimate choice.

Quick fact: Breastfeeding can burn upto 500-600 calories a day, thus helping some mothers lose weight.

Consultation

It is better to go for a lactation counselling when you have a baby with a best lactation specialist or consultant. If that’s what you are eyeing on then Motherhood Hospital is eminent for the best breastfeeding and lactation consultants along with the counseling services that add to its prominent value.

Benefits of breastfeeding over Formula feed

If we look at the advantages from both mediums, breast feeding leads the tally. In terms of nutrition, breastfeeding has a perfect balance of nutrients that are present in high levels like proteins, carbohydrates, fats and calcium, for the better development of the child in their early years. When it comes to formula feeding, it can be devoid of nutritional content as it is manmade. Breastfeeding concurs to easy digestion and absorption by the babies, whereas formula feeding cannot relate with efficient absorption, where some babies can also have some toleration problems regarding certain nutrients in it.

Besides nutritional value, breastfeeding also relates with the changing nutritional requirement as the content varies as per the production of milk from the mother. To add more, breast milk has the best temperature that a baby can consume easily. The amount consumed during formula feeding is decided by the parents or caregiver where it may be difficult to correspond with proper temperature as well. When it comes to providing immunity, mothers milk contains the required immunoglobulins which can provide passive immunity to the baby and protect them from various diseases. Passive immunity which is acquired from the immunoglobulins through breast milk provides temporary immunity to the baby until its immune system becomes functional. Breastfeeding is also beneficial to the mother as it reduces the risk of breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.

While these are content related comparisons, breast milk can also confer with other benefits. The best thing amongst all is that this milk is absolutely free where there is no preparation needed. Formula milk needs preparation and can correspond to average or good amount of expense depending upon the brand that is being used. Having said that, formula feeding has a unique feather to its cap for which it has become needful for some parents. And that is, there is no need for a mother to feed the baby when it comes to formula milk.

Cons of breastfeeding

While we have gone through the pros, there are some cons that are adhered to both of these methods. The mother must be available for feeding the baby whereupon her absence, milk should be pumped beforehand. Besides, a mother may get uncomfortable during the early days of breastfeeding. There are also some medications that can interrupt with breastfeeding as well. On the other hand, formula milk may be somehow intolerable for the baby where it can lead to diarrhea. Moreover, there is always a need to carry bottles, and formula items with you which can be inconvenient.

It is important to note that formula making can never create the contents that are present in original breast milk as there are still some contents that are unknown to us when it comes to breastfeeding. Besides, the bonding cohered with the mother-baby relationship comes into play with breastfeeding, which cannot be replaced with any formula. That is why health experts agree that the healthiest option for both mother and baby is breastfeeding.

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

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital in Hebbal, 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. Shovna KC, please book your appointment here.

How to differentiate between implantation bleeding and period blood?

implantation bleeding versus period bleeding

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

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals Alwarpet, Chennai

The onset of pregnancy is marked by implantation bleeding. Bleeding during early pregnancy occurs about 10-14 days after conceiving a baby and is a normal sign.
Why does it occur? The timing :

After an egg is successfully fertilized by a sperm the resulting embryo starts dividing and growing. At this moment, the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, starts to change. Apart from thickening through the menstrual cycle, it grows and matures to nourish the embryo.

The zygote gets implanted into the uterine lining. This causes a part of the uterine lining to shed hence causing a little bleeding, to be more specific, the embryo implantation disrupts the tiny blood vessels in the spot it burrows into.

Why is it difficult to differentiate between the two?

Since this bleeding happens around the time of your menstrual cycle, it is difficult to identify the difference between period spotting and implantation bleeding.
Here are a few insights that would help you identify the differences between the two.

The coloration: color of the blood is different

Period bleeding starts as a light pink or brown shade and soon turns into crimson red. Unlike period spotting, implantation bleeding begins as a rust-colored stain. It is more of a pinkish-brown shade than that of a period stain.

The flow:heavy or a light flow?

The period starts off light and the flow gets stronger with time. One can feel the transition with the passing time unlike the implantation bleeding wherein one experiences a super light spotting.

Cramps:mild, moderate or intense?

Another way to differentiate period spotting from implantation bleeding is by the cramps. Although it has been found that the cramps experienced by women largely depend on the body type, in general, it has been observed that implantation causes short-lived cramps. This is just three opposite of period cramps that are more intense and long-lasting.

Clot formation:happens or not?

The period spot is marked by clots – a mix of blood and tissue. But implantation bleeding doesn’t result in clot release. There are no clots in implantation bleeding. The consistency of the flow can also be cited as a point to differentiate between the two. Implantation bleeding is an on-and-off spotting, unlike the period spot that starts off light and continues with heavy progress.

Other signs and symptoms that accompany implantation bleeding:

Implantation bleeding is accompanied by other signs like swollen breasts, headache, and woozy feeling but period bleeding doesn’t come up this way.
Pregnancy blood test and ovulation calculator: the best way to differentiate between the two

However, estimates suggest that there is no way to tell the difference between the two. It is only a pregnancy test that could confirm the type of bleeding. A pregnancy blood test costs a minimal amount and is quite easy to go for. It’s just that you have to give your urine or blood sample for the test.

Period and ovulation calculator could help regarding the same but it largely depends on the body type. The above insights are thus based on the common experiences shared by women.

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 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.

Ovulation Calculator- Know Your Most Fertile Days

track your ovulation

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

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

If you are trying to get pregnant, do you know when you ovulate? Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from the ovaries, which is referred to as the most fertile period for conceiving. It happens every month usually halfway of the menstrual cycle i.e. around the 14th day of the average 28-day cycle. So, to increase the chances of getting pregnant, it is better to know the days that are most fertile for it.

Quick fact: Most ovulation calculator tools can predict your ovulation by asking about the date of the first day of your last period and the average length of your menstrual cycles.

Ovulation calculator

For each menstrual cycle, there are about 6 days during which pregnancy can occur which are referred to as the fertile window or the time of ovulation, and it can be different for every woman. The estimation of this fertile window is given by the ovulation calculator which is based on a woman’s last menstrual date.

Signs and symptoms of ovulation

The common signs and symptoms that are to be noticed for ovulation are:

  • There can be change in the sustained basal body temperatures where it can fall slightly and then rise again.
  • The mucus in the cervix can become thinner and clearer.
  • Cervix can open up due to softening
  • One may feel breast tenderness as well
  • Some may feel light pain in the lower abdomen along with some mild cramps
  • There may be swelling in the vulva or vagina

Ovulation calendar and preparation

There are some steps that may help in the preparation and pinpointing the time of ovulation, like:

  • Keeping a menstrual cycle calendar can give you an idea of when it is most likely the ovulation can take place where you can use tools like pregnancy and ovulation calculator to estimate the same
  • Body symptoms can be usually felt like twinge of pain or cramps that point towards ovulation.
  • Keeping track of your basal body temperature which can be lowest during ovulation and rise as soon as ovulation occurs.
  • You can buy an ovulation predictor kit to identify the date of ovulation by looking at the levels of LH (luteinizing hormone), the hormone that rises before ovulation. They are usually available at the chemists.

Pregnancy ovulation calculator

From the figures of your pregnancy ovulation calculator, you can get an estimated date when you are likely to be fertile. Perfect ovulation calculator is not possible for all menstrual cycles, for some can be regular and irregular. It can be helpful in the case of a regular menstrual cycle, as there is no 100 percent accurate ovulation calculator. When it comes to ovulation calculators for irregular periods, ovulation urine tests or ovulation tracking may be helpful. It is better to consult your health care professional and seek further guidance in this case. Ovulation tracking is a process to identify the days during which you are the most fertile by tracking the hormone cycle, which are at a surge during ovulation. Using simple blood and ultrasound tests, you can detect the hormonal surge and know about your ovulation. Besides, it is a more advanced and accurate ovulation calculator than home ovulation prediction kits.

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 Kharadi, 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 Kharadi, Pune 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. Preethika Shetty, please book your appointment here.

First trimester pregnancy tips- Do’s and don’ts by experts

first trimester tips

Author – Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha MBBS, DGO

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar, Mumbai

The whole period of pregnancy can last up to 40 weeks where it is divided into three semesters. The first trimester begins from the fertilization of the egg with sperm and lasts up to week 12 of the pregnancy. This period is accompanied with a lot of changes that occur in a woman’s body where you may begin to worry about the decisions and choices that are best for you and your baby. So, during the first trimester of pregnancy precautions along with right decisions are important.

Quick Fact: During week 6, your baby begins to develop bulging eyes on each side of its head.

Do’s during first trimester

There are some things that are important during the first trimester to help with the growing baby inside your womb, as:

  • Grab in some folate: It is recommended that about 600 micrograms of folic acid should be consumed during the first trimester of pregnancy, as it is utterly important to prevent any birth defects. If you are likely to become pregnant, start taking folic acid supplements to boost your pregnancy in a healthy way.
  • Say yes to prenatal vitamins: You must increase the week by week nutrition during pregnancy as you have to feed in two lives. Along with folate, calcium, iron, and zinc should be consumed i.e. try to eat healthy during pregnancy, that will make your body strong along with helping in the development of the baby.
  • Set up your appointment: You should consult your doctor once you become pregnant so as to clear some confusions or questions that may be in your mind regarding it. Besides, you can discuss with your healthcare provider about medications and supplements that are safe during this period.
  • Stay active: It’s always recommended to stay active during pregnancy. Doing some exercises can really benefit a woman during the first trimester as it can decrease the stress levels, balance the emotions, lower the risk of diabetes, and allow better sleep.
  • Drink more: It is very important to stay hydrated during the course of pregnancy. Hydration will prevent many 1st trimester pregnancy symptoms like dizziness, constipation, headaches, and also preterm labor.
  • Get plenty of sleep: First trimester of pregnancy symptoms include exhaustion as major changes are occurring inside your body. It is therefore important to get quality sleep of 8-9 hours.
  • Take a flu shot: Many experts recommend that pregnant women should take flu shots as infections can be harmful for the growing baby. Taking a flu shot can ensure that you protect your baby and yourself.
doctor advice for first trimester pregnancy

Don’ts during first trimester

There are some 1st trimester pregnancy precautions that you need to follow, as:

  • Don’t drink alcohol: First trimester of pregnancy is very important as the baby starts to grow where its brain also begins to develop. Drinking alcohol can correspond to the damage of the brain resulting in poor memory, abnormality in some features, poor coordination etc. where experts recommend staying away from alcohol.
  • Don’t smoke: Like alcohol, smoking can also be harmful for your baby as it increases the chances of miscarriage along with resulting in birth defects and low birth weight. Therefore, it is advised to quit smoking during pregnancy along with avoiding other drugs that can be dangerous.
  • Don’t eat some foods: Foods such as unpasteurized dairy, processed meats, seafood, raw eggs, undercooked meat, etc. should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Don’t drink too much caffeine: Drinking too much caffeine can also affect a baby’s heart rate and placenta during the first trimester. Hence, one should limit caffeine intake during this period.
  • Don’t clean the litter box: Cleaning the litter box of cats can cause infection in pregnant women where it is better to avoid cleaning such things.

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 Kharghar, Mumbai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

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

Learn about the best days to conceive

Signs of ovulation

Author – Dr Parul Sathe MS, DNB and fellowship in Advanced Fertility

Consultant – Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, Mumbai


Timing your pregnancy can be the one of the best ways to go through your pregnancy journey as it helps you to be fully prepared. When you are planning to conceive, it is better to know the days that render with the best possibility. Since a woman’s body undergoes numerous changes, there are some days that are regarded as the most fertile days during which the chances of having the baby are utmost.

Quick Fact: Surprise! Your weight can affect your overall ability to conceive a baby.

Ovulation and pregnancy

When the eggs are released from the ovaries, we refer to it as ovulation. After the eggs are released, they travel to the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs with the sperm. Ovulation usually occurs 12 -14 days prior to your menstrual cycle, which can range between 28-32 days in an average person. If we consider this timeline, the time of ovulation can be the most fertile period to kick off your pregnancy. There are some days during the menstrual cycle when you are likely to become pregnant known as the “fertile window” which can be detected using ovulation calculators. It is because the sperm in your fallopian tube can remain there up to a few days where the egg must reach the fallopian tube during that time and begin the process of fertilization.

Ovulation Date calculator

Generally, most people ovulate between 11-21 days of their menstrual cycle, where the date of ovulation can also vary every month. It is considered ideal if you try to conceive on the day of your ovulation or around the days of this process. So to determine the days of your ovulation using Ovulation calendar, you can:

  • Pinpoint your monthly menstrual cycle so as to know about the length of an average cycle
  • To make this happen, you need to start from the first day of your period and count the days between your periods.
  • Since 28 days are considered as average, this range can be different where some may have between 21-35 days
  • Say for example your menstrual cycle is for 28 days after the last one began, it is likely that you will ovulate between day 14-16.

There are few techniques that can help you find your most fertile days, such as ovulation calculators. Ovulation date calculator can provide you with an estimate of your fertile days which can help you in conceiving at the right time. This estimation is done by counting back 14 days from the day you expect your next period. Therefore, an ovulation calculator can provide you with ovulation dates and fertile days for women who are having regular periods. Motherhood Hospitals dispense the service of easy-to-use free ovulation calculators that can predict the ideal time for conceiving a baby.

Signs of ovulation

You can predict your ovulation by looking for the below mentioned indicators:

  • Fertile cervical mucus: Cervical mucus secretions increase as you approach ovulation. You may have wet or egg-white-like cervical mucus during your fertile days.
  • Increase in basal body temperature: When at rest, the temperature of your body is referred to as basal body temperature (BBT) which varies throughout the days or months. After ovulation, a change in hormonal levels like an increase in the levels of progesterone can increase your temperature slightly.
  • Ovulation predictor kits: They help in detecting ovulation when used for testing where if they come positive, you are likely to ovulate.

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 Kharghar, Mumbai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Parul Sathe please book your appointment here.

Benefits of physiotherapy for pregnant women

Benefits of Physiotherapy for pregnant woman

Author – Dr. Sohini Singh BPT, MPT

Consultant – Physiotherapist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, Mumbai


While there may be butterflies in your stomach with the advent of good news about your pregnancy, along comes some struggles too. The most exciting milestone of your life causes some distress also, where you have to cope with some pain and difficult conditions of being a mother-to-be. While the journey is unique to every mother, there are some common conditions like lower back pain, increase in severity of pre-existing injuries, weak pelvic muscles etc. where physiotherapy can come to the rescue.

Quick Fact: It is a fact that two thirds of pregnant women suffer from back pain whereas one fifth experience pelvic pain during pregnancy.

Physiotherapy and Pregnancy

Physiotherapy refers to the treatment that helps with any injury or physical problems along with restoring the overall well-being of an individual. The medical treatment provided in physiotherapy comprises solutions like massages to release trigger points, cryotherapy, heat therapy, exercises and electrotherapy, whereas there is no requirement of medicines or surgery in the process. Therefore, consulting a good physiotherapist is considered safe for pregnancy, who can treat the ailments during that period in a way totally safe to you and your child.

While there are certain physical, physiological and emotional changes that occur in women during pregnancy, there is a need to manage some pain points that can create discomfort. Physiotherapy can be used to alleviate the pain and issues with the musculoskeletal system, resulting in many health benefits out of physiotherapy.

Benefits of physiotherapy

Any person, especially a pregnant woman, may be evaluating the benefits that she might obtain before considering a physiotherapist. So, here are some benefits enlisted about physiotherapy:

  • Relief from back and pelvic pain: While back pain is common during pregnancy, physiotherapy can be helpful in alleviating this pain. Physiotherapists recommend their patients certain exercises that treats the muscles near the spine, that helps bring relief from the pain. As a result of exercises along with physiotherapy, the muscles of your body get relaxed and are relieved from the stress caused by bearing extra weight of the mother and the baby during pregnancy period.
  • Control your incontinence: Women during and after pregnancy are seen complaining about incontinence due to the changes in pelvic floor muscles wherein, controlling the bladder becomes a problem. The exercises that a woman is made to do by a physiotherapist during pregnancy can help her control the muscles in a better way. As a result, she can get relief from the problems of incontinence.
  • Reducing Carpal tunnel syndrome: The carpal tunnel present in the wrist can become swollen due to the buildup of fluids in the body during pregnancy. Due to this, a woman may suffer from symptoms like pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. Strengthening exercises, stretching and mobilization techniques in physiotherapy can help in reducing such symptoms.
  • Loosening joints and muscles: During pregnancy, a woman often complains about muscle aches and pains in her joints where physiotherapy can alleviate these issues. The stiff joints which are causing pain are particularly targeted wherein some exercises are recommended to ease the pain.
  • Ease in labor and delivery: During pregnancy, a woman can become inactive and lazier, and here physiotherapy has proven beneficial for them. The exercises and activities recommended at physiotherapist make it easy for women to go through the process of delivery and keep them energetic and rejuvenated. So, physiotherapy is recommended by most of the doctors to all the expecting mothers.
  • Increase strength of your pelvic floor muscles: Pelvic floor muscles are required to support the weight of the growing baby.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best physiotherapist in Kharghar, Mumbai. Motherhood Hospital offers the best service with 100% client satisfaction. The hospital brings forth the experience of best physiotherapists rendering the best of treatments to the mothers-to-be.

Do take an appointment with the best physiotheraphy hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Sohini Singh please book your appointment here.