Pregnancy care- Do’s and Don’ts during labor pain

Author –

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

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

If you’re expecting, you need to take care of your baby before it’s born. Mothers-to-be need to be careful during this phase with their choices and consult the doctor for healthy outputs.

Quick fact:

Routine visits and tests enable doctors to detect symptoms before they turn into a serious concern.

Why is pregnancy care important?

It is better to prepare early for childbirth by taking childbirth preparation classes where you and your spouse will learn how to cope with it, along with getting answers to questions that may be in your mind. During the last trimester, care should be of utmost importance where you should keep your mind at ease for the process of labor. You can enroll yourself at the best pregnancy care hospital, Motherhood Hospital, which specializes in pregnancy and delivery care along with rendering the service of pregnant women counseling.

Things to do during labor pain

When it comes to labor, every mother can have a different experience. However, there are some labor tips that can be followed during the process:

  • Bring a water bottle during labor as it not only quenches your thirst but also diminishes the pain to an extent.
  • Be aware of contractions that may occur at the time of delivery so that you can reach the hospital at the right time.
  • You may bring a body pillow along with you in the maternity care for extra comfort.
  • You can opt for medication that can ease the pain during labor i.e. analgesics or anesthetics.
  • Do prepare yourself in advance for the labor like doing regular exercises that can strengthen your muscles and help your body against the stress during labor. Moreover, it is better to relax and stay calm during labor as stressing or fearing about the pain can make it worse.
  • Do keep moving and changing positions during labor as it can ease the pain.
  • Taking massages can help where your partner can rub your feet or hands which can distract your mind and calm you down.

Things not to do during labor pain

Besides these, there are things that should be avoided during labor to make the process easy for you, such as:

It is better to not over exert yourself during the contractions where you may feel overwhelmed and want to change your positions frequently. Though changing positions can help speed up the things, rest is crucial as well. A labor can last for long hours; resting in between will help your mind and body to recover.

Do not feel stuck where you have to stay in one position. Sometimes, you may have to sit in one position which can cause labor pain to be more painful. If so, you can change your position as per your comfortability.

Do not hold your breath during labor as some may be over breathing or breathing too fast, this can lead to numbness, dizziness or even fainting. Do not hold on to your breath by being calm during the process. Taking big and deep breaths can be helpful for the body in managing stress.

It is better to avoid greasy or heavy foods before going to pregnancy & delivery care hospitals as during this process digestion is slowed down. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking beverages with electrolytes.

When it comes to pregnancy and birth care, Motherhood Hospital holds a significant position among the leading maternity care hospital. It has manifested into a special maternity care hospital where the service exhibits the professional and advanced treatment options for the ease of patients.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist 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.

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.

ADVANCED WOMEN AND CHILD HEALTHCARE CENTRE

Making motherhood a blissful experience,Motherhood Indiranagar

Women require unique and specialised health care in every stage of life; some for themselves and some for their children. With a view to providing women in Bangalore a healthcare facility close to home,Motherhood, Bangalore inaugurated the new wing of their Indiranagar facility on 14th November 2013.

The facility known as the Advanced Women & Child Healthcare Centre is equipped with ultra-modern medical facilities to provide comprehensive care in Gynaecology, Neonatology and Paediatrics. The centre was inaugurated by Mr. U.T. Khader, Honourable Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Karnataka.

While most pregnancies progress without any problems, some require specialized care. Motherhood has partnered with leading experts in fetal medicine, The Bangalore Fetal Medicine Center (BFMC) to give this expert care to the unborn baby primary care while it is still in the womb, making it possible to diagnose and manage genetic and other abnormalities in the fetus. Fetal medicine specialists, sonologists and emotional counsellors provide the most advanced treatment and care.

Motherhood has also partnered with Kosmoderma Skin Clinics &Medispa’s, a leading skin, hair and laser clinic in South India. Motherhood  Mommy  Makeover for new mothers provides customised cosmetology services to women before, during and after pregnancy.The Mommy Makeover program includes, Anti-stretch Mark Treatment for body, Post Delivery Tummy Toning, etc.

We recognise that the health of women and children is very essential in building a self-reliant, healthy, stable and confident community. Our healthcare centre functions with the assistance of world-class expertise and technology, coupled with compassion and a home-like setting.