Five ways to prepare your body for a smooth delivery

Author: Dr. Sonal Singhal MBBS, MD

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Gurgaon

A normal delivery accounts for a speedy recovery. It has been found that as the baby passes through the birth canal, it gets beneficial bacteria. However, one has to undergo robust preparation to attain a smooth delivery. Here are a few insights on the ways to prepare the body for smooth delivery.

How to prepare for normal delivery: Five tips to prepare for normal birth

Having a balanced diet

Your diet has a lot to do with childbirth. Gaining too much weight during gestation doesn’t allow normal delivery. It poses problems during labour. A balanced diet consists of a meal that comprises half a portion of fruits and vegetables, one-fourth portion of lean protein, and one-fourth portion of whole grains.

Walking

It has been found that a scheduled 30-40 minutes walk is necessary for smooth delivery. For mothers who have never exercised before, it is recommended that they begin with fifteen minutes of light walking and build it up gradually.

Prenatal yoga

Breathing exercises and squats could work wonders for labor. It has been found that prenatal stretches help in alleviating common pains associated with pregnancy like back pain, leg cramps, etc.

Kegels and perineal massage

Normal birth is the result of strong pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercise and perineal massage work wonders for the same. The third trimester is the time when one must begin with Kegels. Perineal massage on the other hand prevents the tearing of vaginal tissues.

Drink Plenty of Water

It has been found that consuming an adequate amount of water helps to prevent urinary tract infections, dehydration, and edema and works wonders for smooth delivery.

Tips to prepare yourself throughout your pregnancy:

Experts recommend that one must not wait for the baby bump to appear in order to prepare for normal delivery. Instead, the preparation must begin from the very first day itself. One must begin with mild exercises, in the beginning, to make it a habit for the later stages. Likewise, a proper diet chart must be followed from the beginning along with other supplements that are recommended by the specialist. Another aspect of preparing throughout pregnancy includes visiting the doctor regularly.

How to minimize the possibilities of complications during pregnancy?

The root cause of complications lies in an unhealthy uterus. The uterus is a muscle that must be well nourished to avoid complications. All the strength and stamina that is required to push the baby out is stored in the uterus. All the diet and exercise that one undergoes during pregnancy is a part of uterus nourishment and strengthening that is done to avoid complications. Increasing blood supply and nutrition, regular exercises, and expert guidance could therefore help with complications.

A healthy pregnancy diet:

As mentioned earlier, a healthy pregnancy diet includes a half portion of fruits and vegetables, one-fourth portion of lean protein food and one-fourth portion of whole grains. One must go for a nutrient-dense food menu. While proteins and carbohydrates form the majority of calorie intake, one must include diet supplements that account for calcium, iron, folate, and other nutrients. A total of all these forms a healthy pregnancy diet.
Normal delivery exercises:

Pregnancy exercises that help with a smooth delivery shall be enlisted as:

Kegel exercise can be done for pelvic strengthening.
Cobblers pose for increasing endurance and power
Squats for lower body strengthening
Pelvic tilt to strengthen the muscles around the midsection of the body.
Wall slide for spine stabilisation
Hip raise or bridge pose for buttock strengthening

Normal delivery exercises, especially yoga poses, are more inclined to strengthen the pelvic floor. hypnobirthing

Walking and prenatal yoga: study highlights

Prenatal yoga poses are designed especially to meet the body needs of a pregnant woman. Studies highlight that a pregnant woman’s heart rate and blood pressure lowers after doing prenatal yoga. It has been found that taking walks during active labor helps ease the intensity of labor. It can also help keep your labor progressing by moving the pelvic bones. This helps position the baby appropriately for a shorter and easier overall birth.

Natural childbirth:

Natural childbirth shall be defined as a way of giving birth that lets nature take its course, to be more specific, going through labor and delivery without the aid of medicines and pain relievers. Apart from the above-mentioned tips, natural childbirth can be aided by a few natural pain management methods that include breathing techniques, meditation, music therapy and breathing exercises that can work wonders for natural childbirth.

Conclusion:

While eliminating surgical procedures and replacing the same with natural childbirth has been on the to-do list of several hospitals. These practitioners are easily accessible in the city as they aren’t just confined to the top maternity hospitals in Gurgaon.

Painless normal delivery in Gurgaon is thus quite easy as a result of the presence of these practitioners who combine relaxation, breathing, and visualization methods to ease labor pain. Hypnobirthing has now become a trend amongst the best hospitals for normal delivery in Gurgaon. The best gynecologists in Gurgaon ensure complete safety for all expecting and aspiring mothers.

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 Gurgaon. 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 Gurgaon 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. Sonal Singhal, please book your appointment here.

Weight loss guide for new moms

Author – Dt. Arti Singh MSc – Nutritional Science

Consultant – Nutritionist & Dietician at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar, Mumbai

Getting back to pre-pregnancy weight isn’t a cakewalk. After having been through extreme changes in hormones, the body is bound to undergo many changes. The right amount of nutrients and exercises might help with the same. Here’s an insight into the weight loss tips for new moms.

Do you know that initial weight loss begins at the time of delivery?

Yes, along with the baby, you lose amniotic fluids, placenta, and other fluids in the next six weeks. With the fluids returning to pre-pregnancy levels, the body naturally loses weight. However, getting back in shape becomes challenging for new moms as their body’s in the healing phase and the busy and overwhelming time brings added responsibilities along with a huge lifestyle shift.

Small portions for weight shedding: insights on portion control

Top dietician nutritionists recommend eating smaller and more frequent portions. Portion control aids healthy weight loss. It is believed that having five to six smaller meals daily could help keep up the energy levels while reducing stress and fatigue. One must however take care of even spacing throughout the day.

Best food for pregnant women: listen to what the best nutritionists say:

It is recommended that the body must get a steady supply of essential nutrients for a speedy recovery. A light, simple and nutritious diet is the key to getting back into shape. Best nutrition clinics recommend –

Fresh fruits
Sliced veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and pepper
Whole grain crackers
Small portions of almond and nuts
Eliminate sugars and sweets (as they are full of calories)
Lean meat and proteins
Low-fat dairy
Nuts, beans, and legumes

Weight loss tips for first time mothers — Diet and Healthy life loss weight slim Concept. Organic Green apple and Weight scale measure tap with nutrition vegan vegetable and sport equipment gym for body women diet fit. Top view copy space.

Apart from this, one must replace fast food with something better. A fibrous diet could help with digestion. Complex carbs form the heart of a healthy diet during pregnancy. These include beans, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and more. Simple carbohydrates can be consumed in the form of white bread, white rice, and white pasta. However, it isn’t safe to restrict food intake during pregnancy as it would affect the nutrition of the baby.

Food for breastfeeding moms: tips to follow if you’re breastfeeding the baby

Strict weight loss programs must be avoided as the baby derives nutrition from breast milk. Thus, a well-balanced diet is the need of the hour. Consuming adequate fluids like juice, water and milk could help combat feelings of thirst while breastfeeding without adding many calories. One must avoid sugary drinks and limit caffeine intake during this phase. It is recommended that breastfeeding moms derive calories from a variety of foods while breastfeeding instead of a single type of food. Tough exercises must be avoided in the first six weeks but one can always start with walking.

Data insights:

A study has found that 20% of women return to their pre-pregnancy weight within the first three months postpartum and 24% of them retain at least 10 pounds every year. On average 80% of women take more than three months to return to their pre-pregnancy weight.

It must be noted that losing baby weight will take time. New moms must not indulge in any hard practices like too much exercise or skipping meals. This could have adverse effects on both the baby and the mother.

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

Do take an appointment with the Best Maternity Hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dt. Arti Singh , please book your appointment here.

Qualities to look for in choosing a gynaecologist (Obs/ Gynae)

Author – Dr. Pratima Thamke MBBS, MRCOG, MD

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar, Mumbai

Obstetrics & gynaecology services are essential to help a woman maintain her reproductive health and wellness. It’s necessary to seek out a gynaecologist who is experienced and competent enough to understand the various issues that could arise at different ages and help you address your health concerns. This could be painful periods, issues associated with the reproductive system, infections, uterine problems, issues related to pregnancy, contraceptives, and more. You must be able to share all this and more with your gynaecologist. Even if you think you are healthy, it is always advisable to get periodic tests done to ensure all is well internally.

Tips to find the Best Gynaecologist

References and recommendations – The first thing towards identifying the right gynaecologist is to gather references – it could be from your GP, friends, family or other acquaintances. Do take some time to research the Doctor’s credentials, experience and skills. Find more about certifications, institution, affiliations and training.
Assess for their approachability – You’ll share your most intimate problems with your gynaecologist only if you have an atmosphere that makes you comfortable. Your doctor must have a friendly disposition and be willing to give you a patient hearing. The doctor must be effective in his/ her communication and reassuring while answering questions.
Patient reviews – Look for patient reviews online before booking an appointment. Examine the number of reviews, check if they are recent and invest a little time on portals such as Google, HealthGrades or Vitals. Search for a doctor with a good star rating and then shortlist the one you think is best suited for you.
Is the gynaecologist part of a network institution? – Before booking an appointment with the gynaecologist or obstetrician, see if they’re part of the network and you are covered under your insurance plan. If you decide to go for a doctor that’s out of network, you could face issues in terms of settlement or processing subsequently.
Reputation of the hospital – If you’re searching for a reputed gynaecologist or obstetrician, ensure the professional is part of the best gynaecology hospital, a reputed institution with world class infrastructure. Take note of the various top-rated obstetrics and gynaecology clinics in the vicinity. If you’re pregnant, you may want to be associated with a hospital that’s easy to reach and well connected to your home.
Expertise/ experience – You will need to engage with an experienced gynaecologist/obstetrician with an ability to address complex pregnancy/ menopause issues or uterine conditions. Do bear in mind that you will need the advice and guidance of a competent professional to help you address and manage your condition.
Similar value systems – The gynaecologist or obstetrician will advise you on personal topics like pregnancy and contraception, issues on which individuals may have different opinions. Do confirm if there is an alignment in terms of thinking before you begin interacting with the doctor.

Finding the best gynaecologist can take a while, do your due diligence patiently, talk to people before you make your decision.
Your gynaecologist is a vital member of your healthcare team because he/ she is responsible for your and your child’s health. You must associate with someone experienced and someone you could trust during and after pregnancy. Getting the recommendations required and identifying the right specialist and you could maintain a healthy and active life with that valuable advice.

Tips to find the best Gynaecologist — Young doctor examining pregnant woman in clinic

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 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. Pratima Thamke please book your appointment here

Pregnancy after 35: Risks and benefits

Author- Dr. Nilofar Yelurkar MBBS, DGO, DNB

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals Kharghar, Mumbai

Here’s an insight on the risks and benefits of pregnancy after thirty-five.

Why is pregnancy after thirty-five difficult?

We are aware of the fact that each woman is born with a certain number of eggs. An egg is released each time a woman ovulates about 14 days before periods. With advancing age, the egg count and quality deteriorate and make it difficult for the woman to get pregnant. With the ticking biological clock, more fertility problems come into the limelight. Therefore, pregnancy after 35 is considered difficult.

High-risk pregnancy complications –

The high-risk pregnancy complications include

Premature birth
Birth defects
Getting pregnant with multiple
Pre-existing diabetes
Gestational diabetes
High blood pressure
Preeclampsia
Miscarriage
Stillbirth

In-depth analysis of the complications:

Premature birth is when the baby is born too soon. It invites health problems in the later stages of life. The baby might have low birth weight in this case. It may be less than 5 pounds. Hormonal changes and fertility treatments shoot up the chances of being pregnant with multiples in older women. On the other hand, if the woman is grappling with pre-pregnancy diabetes, it might bring in more complications. Moreover, there are chances of developing gestational diabetes and high blood pressure and an even higher chance of developing preeclampsia. Preeclampsia happens in the 20th week or after pregnancy. In this case, some organs might not be working properly due to high blood pressure and the signs include severe headaches, vision changes, and higher protein content in urine. Birth defects like down’s syndrome could affect the baby adversely. One can go for screening tests like cell-free fetal DNA screening (maternal blood screening) to know if the baby is at a higher risk for a birth defect.
It is thus recommended to consult a high-risk pregnancy doctor. Doctors for high-risk pregnancy care are known as perinatologists. These are maternal-fetal medicine specialists known as obstetricians. They are specialized in high-risk pregnancy care.

Consulting a gynecologist for geriatric pregnancy could suit your needs. The best gynecologist for high-risk pregnancy in Bangalore can be easily found online. You can refer to the internet for appointments.

Benefits of getting pregnant after 35:Research highlights and more

Well, geriatric pregnancy isn’t just about high risk. There’s a positive side too. Your child can benefit from an older mom way more than you can think. Not just the child, these benefits reach out to the mother too. Here’s an insight into the benefits –

A study published in the journal of the American geriatrics Society highlights that women who had their last child after 35 had sharper cognition and verbal memory. Having a baby after 35 years of age boosts brain power.
Studies highlight that the risk of unintentional injury in the child declines with increasing maternal age.
There is an undoubted sense of maturity with age. Older moms are more mentally prepared. Several studies and research highlight that maturity plays a role in better parenting. Children of older moms are thus better behaved, well socialized, and emotionally healthy in their pre-teen duration.
Children of older moms benefit from the educational and social progress that has been made in the days of delayed chilbearing.

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.

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

Neonatal- What is a NICU?

NICU Insights for Empowering Neonatal Knowledge - Motherhood Hospital India

Author – Dr. Khushboo Kapasi

Consultant – MBBS, MD(PAEDIATRICS), Fellowship in Neonatal intensive care, PGPN at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar, Mumbai

Some babies may be born with health problems or can have a difficult birth due to preterm labour, where they need care and specialised treatment. In such cases, NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) dispenses the services of providing intensive medical care for the newborn.

Quick fact: Premature birth is the leading cause of death among young children.

Changes after birth

Before birth, the baby is dependent on the functions of the mother, where after coming to the world, its body’s system changes. While most of the babies have a smooth transition, some may have trouble making this change outside the womb. Babies may be born with health problems or can have a difficult birth due to preterm labor.

Therefore, special care must be dispensed for newborns that are sick or premature for which NICU has advanced technology along with trained professionals. Such babies are taken into NICU within 24 hours of their birth, where they stay as per their improving health condition. Some may stay for a few hours until they recover, or some may have to stay for weeks or months. Parents are allowed to visit the NICU and spend some time with the newborns. However, there are set visiting hours. If you are rooting for the best neonatologist doctors, gynaecologists and paeditricians, Motherhood hospital confers with the best NICU and services for pregnant women.

Babies who need NICU

Babies need special care for which NICU becomes important if they are preterm, have low birth weight i.e., less than 5.5 pounds, or may be suffering from a health condition which needs immediate and specialized care. In case of twins, triplets, or multiple babies, they can also be admitted to the NICU as such babies are born earlier and are usually smaller than the single birth babies. Besides, a newborn may be suffering from infections, cardiac problems, or any birth defects where they are taken care of in the NICU.

Factors leading to NICU

The common maternal factors that can be risky for a baby and increase the instances of getting admitted to NICU are:

If a mother is too young below 16 years or older than 40
A mother is consuming drugs and alcohol which can relate with preterm deliveries or birth defects
Diabetes can risk the birth of a newborn if not controlled
Bleeding can also pose a risk
Multiple pregnancies like twins or triplets
If there is too much or too little amniotic fluid
Rupturing of the membranes or amniotic sac before time

While these are the factors pertaining to mother, there can be other delivery or baby related factors:

Due to lack of oxygen, there can be changes in the organ system of the baby where they may lack proper development
Abnormal positioning of the baby in the womb
Umbilical cord gets wrapped around the neck of the baby
If a baby is born before 37 weeks or more than 42 weeks
Baby weighing less than 5 pounds
Distress in respiration such as rapid breathing, grunting etc.
Infections
Seizures and low blood sugar
Requiring specialized treatments like blood transfusion

Services offered in a NICU

Once a baby is admitted in the NICU, specially trained healthcare providers that have expertise in dealing with the conditions of the newborn will dispense their services. While it is a sensitive area, visitors are supposed to sterilize their hands as babies can easily catch infections in the NICU. Besides, NICU is usually a quiet and calm place, as babies may get overwhelmed by the noise and light, whereupon lights are kept dimmed. Each baby inside the NICU is kept in an incubator or heated cot so that their bodies are placed at the right temperature. If there are some breathing problems, equipment such as ventilators may be kept along with machines that can deliver fluids, and medicines which are supplied via tubes in their veins. There are also monitors attached to the baby’s body to keep checking the heart rate, breathing rate and oxygen level of their blood.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Neonatologist in Kharghar, Mumbai who aims to provide optimum state-of-the-art care for critically ill, as well as recovering, neonates and infants

Do take an appointment with the best women and child care 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. Kushboo Kapasi, please book your appointment here.

Hysterectomy via Laparoscopy

Author – Dr. Jainesh Doctor MBBS, MS (Obgyn), FMAS

Consultant – Advanced Gynaecologic Endoscopic Surgeon at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar, Mumbai

Laparoscopy also known as “Keyhole surgery”, is a type of minimal invasive surgical procedure that is used to deal with pathologies of the organs present in the abdomen including those of a woman’s reproductive system. It derives its name from Latin ~ Lapara which means flank and scopy which represents the instrument used i.e., a thin tube with a camera-lens system.

Quick fact

In Laparoscopy, Advanced Techniques are employed leading to pain free/minimal pain associated major surgeries, bloodless surgeries along with fewer complications. Immediate post-surgical recovery and in some instances spending just a few hours in the hospital without the need for a night stay i.e., daycare surgery are exclusive miracles. Against this, Traditional Open Surgeries are associated with lot of post op care, pain due to extensive damage to nerves & muscles, big gruesome scars, delayed recovery- affecting personal-professional lifecare in an unimaginable way.

Best laparoscopic hospital

When it comes to best laparoscopy hospital in the region, Motherhood Hospital holds a distinct place due to its German-US Advanced Instrumentation and its association with the best of the best Laparoscopic specialists. Along with complete palette of advanced surgical work by experienced hands, it also stands out with an advanced diagnostic centre.

Hysterectomy

When it comes to hysterectomy, it is defined as the surgical removal of the uterus of a woman. Uterus can be removed due to various reasons like fibroids, abnormal heavy bleeding, severe menstrual pain, uterine prolapse and cancer. Once the uterus is removed, a woman loses the ability to become pregnant and menstruate. A hysterectomy was considered a major surgery, but along with the development of technological advances, the infections, discomfort and recovery time has been diminutive due to the laparoscopic method.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is also a minimal invasive surgical procedure, where a uterus is removed using small 2-3, 5 mm incisions instead of large cuts. Performed by an expert these surgeries are bloodless and pain free. Patients hence resume daily chores/professional responsibilities as early as 7-10 days.

Before the treatment is carried out using laparoscopic hysterectomy, a pre-operative lab work is performed, and fitness taken by a physician or an anesthetist. Patients are advised not to eat or drink anything after the midnight of the night that falls before surgery.

The patient is wheeled inside the Operating room and immediate put under general anesthesia, so no pain is felt at all. Then a small sub-centimetric incision is made above the belly button through which a tiny camera is inserted. After this, the surgeon watches the internal organs in High Definition on a screen and performs the procedure using advanced precise technologies.

Following the surgery, patient sips liquids and walks within 4-6 hrs. Patient is usually discharged within 2 days. Surgical sutures are taken in cosmetic way and are absorbable leaving the patient free to wear a saree within days of surgery.

In all, hysterectomy is considered a safe procedure when done by expert hands and the chances of any complications are negligible.

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

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