The preconception period which is three to six months before pregnancy is a crucial time to ensure a healthy pregnancy. It could help you to seek clarity on boosting the chances of a healthy pregnancy. But do you know why is it necessary to plan a second pregnancy?
It is because a woman’s body takes immense time to recover from the first pregnancy. Research says that it takes a minimum of eighteen months for a woman’s body to get ready for a second baby. After an ocean change in the hormones, how do you know if the body is ready for carrying a second baby?
Keep a check on iron and calcium deficiency:
Folic acid is used up extensively during pregnancy. The body thus demands 50%more iron during pregnancy. Keeping a check on iron deficiency thus ensures that the baby isn’t underweight or premature. Your store of iron and calcium has to be detained before being drained again. Otherwise, there will be adverse effects.
Hormonal balance:
It isn’t safe to bear a baby with elevated progesterone levels. Hormonal upsurges and abrupt hormonal changes are common in pregnancy. One must allow the hormones to get back to normal before bearing a new child.
Hormonal checks and ovulation trackers play crucial roles to ensure that the body is ready for a second baby. Make use of an ovulation tracker to ensure that your cycles are normal and place the pregnancy in such a way that makes the best of your nutrient store. Your body must have all the nutrients for the baby’s development. Also, one must ensure to keep an eye on the body weight and adjust it according to the body mass index (BMI). Apart from this, regular exercise could ensure that the body becomes healthy enough to bear a second child.
Timing is the key to getting pregnant. All you have to do is be in sync with the ovulation cycle. A brief window is available each month for conceiving. Women are more likely to get pregnant at the most fertile point of their monthly menstrual cycle which is marked by an upsurge in the luteinizing hormone. The most fertile phase lies 5-6 days before and after the day of ovulation.
While sperm can survive in a woman’s reproductive tract for five days, the egg can be fertilized only between 12-24 hours after being released from the ovaries.
What happens during ovulation?
The ovary releases a mature egg. The egg travels way down the fallopian tube. The sperm may meet it in the process and fertilize the eggs.
Estimates say that the majority of pregnancies result from having sex during the periods. The likelihood of conceiving is therefore marked at 10% five days before ovulation and 33% on the day of ovulation.
In many cases, the lack of knowledge about the ovulation cycle and the signs of ovulation creates an obstacle to conceiving. The tricky part lies in identifying when ovulation occurs because every woman’s menstrual cycle is different.
Ways to track the ovulation period: what do the doctors say?
Track your basal body temperature: It is the temperature when you wake up in the morning. During ovulation, it goes slightly up and stays up until the next period. Make use of an ovulation predictor kit that is used to detect a surge in Luteinizing hormone. Cycle charting apps could be helpful Fertility monitors to keep a check on Luteinizing hormone and estrogen levels. Cervical mucus method
There is a right time to get pregnant. All you have to do is track your cycle and time it right. Making out on the days close to ovulation is important.
Secondary infertility can be defined as the inability to carry a baby to full term after having a previous successful pregnancy without any fertility medication or IVF treatment. Secondary infertility is as common as primary infertility and can be traced to either partners or both. While one-third of the cases are found in men and one-third in women, the remaining are attributed to a combination of unknown factors.
Causes of secondary infertility in women:
Issues in the quality and quantity of eggs( limited supply or the inability to create new eggs after birth)
Issues with the fallopian tube (blockage due to pelvic infections)
Uterine problems (fibroids and more)
Scarring from endometriosis
PCOS(polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Breastfeeding ( often leads to a decrease in egg count)
Lifestyle changes and weight gain( diets and obesity)
Other ovulation issues
Surgical complications ( past pregnancy surgeries)
Causes of secondary infertility in men:
Reduced testosterone level(aging or injury in the genitals)
Testicular varicocele(vein enlargement in the scrotum)
Poor quality semen (semen quality declines after 40)
Prostate enlargement(hinders normal ejaculation)
Prostate removal(this causes semen to flow backward)
Late-onset hypogonadism(reduction in hormone secretion)
Use of commercial sexual lubricants toxic to the sperm
Exposure to certain chemicals
Signs of secondary infertility:
Couples can suspect secondary infertility when they have unprotected sex for about a year at the age of 35 without getting pregnant.
What can be done?
One can go for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and In vitro fertilization(IVF), while there are medications and surgeries for the same. Antioxidants and anti-aging supplements are also recommended.
Failure in treatment could take a toll on mental health. The patient feels several emotions ranging from anger, sadness, guilt, and loneliness. Feeling isolated is quite common in these 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 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 delivery 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.
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.
Bearing baby number two could be both exciting and scary. While the first pregnancy solves several issues, the second one comes with a new set of challenges to deal with. It is often believed that a woman is extra fertile after a pregnancy loss because of elevated progesterone levels. This is a myth. Second pregnancy has to be effectively spaced to get the best results and it is quite different from the first one as the body undergoes an ocean change in hormones.
Advantages of second pregnancy
First pregnancy can solve issues of endometriosis that make it harder to get pregnant for the first time.
The uterus can now stretch out adhesions. The adhesions make it difficult for the egg to descend from the fallopian tube to the uterus. However, the first pregnancy eases it out.
You have already been through the minuscule issues like gastric problems and other stuff. Second pregnancy would not have you running here and there for small things.
Being well acquainted with ovulation tracker and other devices could make pregnancy handling smoother than before.
What makes second pregnancy difficult?
The second pregnancy is quite tiring. Looking after the first child while handling pregnancy issues could stress you out, especially if the first one is at the breastfeeding stage. In such a case, hormonal issues will have you grappling with pregnancy at least for six months. You will be more anxious and less active.
Scarring during c – section often makes implantation and placenta formation difficult.
Secondary infertility and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) could take a toll, especially if you are above 35.
False labor pains and morning sickness are common during the second pregnancy.
Apart from these few differences, you can enjoy the kicks that come sooner in the second pregnancy along with short labor.
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.
After having been through a pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a sea change, both physically and mentally. With such rapid changes, no woman can undergo another pregnancy. Way before the body heals, another pregnancy would be a nightmare for both the woman and her baby.
The practice of waiting between pregnancies is known as child spacing.
It is recommended that a woman should wait for at least 18 months before she could get pregnant again.
Child spacing is the best option for a woman’s health.
What if you don’t maintain child spacing?
It would take a toll on the woman’s health as well as the health of the baby by poor birth outcomes like premature birth and low birth weight baby. These conditions are associated with infant mortality and short and long-term health complications.
Ways to avoid unplanned pregnancy during birth spacing
Barrier methods: female condom, male condom, diaphragm or shield
Medications/ Hormonal methods: pills, injections, patches, implants, and more.
Since each of the above methods varies in the degree of effectiveness one must take care of the best suitable method keeping in mind the health status of the woman like blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, anemia, BMI(body mass index), smoking, and drinking.
Benefits of child spacing
By child spacing, the baby can be born at the right time and one can expect a healthy baby.
We can expect green shoots in the process of development as the baby will have undivided attention.
The mom gets more time to bond with the baby.
Future babies will be healthier as during the resting stages the mother was able to restore the necessary nutrients.
Both parents will have time for each other
The family will bond better
If you have an older child, he/she will get more time to accept the sibling. Fewer chances of rivalry between the two.
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.
A second child is about double love, laughter, and double responsibilities. You will now have less couple time and more shared responsibilities. Before you welcome a new member to the family, you must educate yourself on family planning. Here are a few tips one must follow for a second pregnancy.
Understand that every pregnancy is different
Every pregnancy that you go through is different as the body undergoes immense changes with fluctuating hormones. You need to be more health-conscious if you are planning a second child. It is recommended to keep a check on the iron levels to avoid preterm labor and developmental delays.
Have discussions about it
Consider your stress levels: Seek clarity on having a second child, especially if you both are working. Getting your time and attention divided without making it tough for other members is no cakewalk. You need to be decisive about your career before you go for a second child. Make decisions that you or your partner don’t regret or stress over in the later stages of pregnancy. This could adversely affect your health.
Prepare your first child
You have to ensure that your first child doesn’t have any feelings of jealousy or rivalry against the second one. Try to instill the feeling of joy about having a sibling. This would prepare the elder ones to look after the younger ones.
Place the pregnancy right
Track your ovulation to know the right time to conceive. Usually, a gap of 2-3 years is considered ideal for a second pregnancy. This could help you give your first child a lot of attention till he/she is out of the nappy stage. Less gap could result in premature and underweight babies.
Lastly, be decisive about your finances. Go for it only for yourself and only if your finances allow you. Keeping your age, health, finance, and career in mind could aid in effective decision-making.
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.
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.
Once you skip your period, the excitement sets in. Have you conceived? Is it finally happening? Next is a visit to the doctor, who will test you to confirm it and then calculate a date. By that time, you would definitely have come across a pregnancy calculator online, something that would be advised by friends or relatives.
So how accurate are pregnancy calculators? According to BabyCenter, an online media company, only one in twenty women deliver on their due dates. To begin with, it is important to understand that a pregnancy calculator at best offers an approximation of your delivery date based on your date of conception. The weeks of pregnancy are dated from the first day of your last period. This actually means that in the first two weeks, you would still not have conceived. The body would just be preparing to ovulate which means, realising an egg from your ovaries.
It is indeed a logical question and one of the first any woman would ask on being informed she is pregnant – “What’s the due date?” It is important to estimate the due date as it can help you plan your pregnancy and for the baby’s arrival. From this context, a pregnancy calculator can be helpful even if it is an estimate at best and cannot be on point always. Now let’s explore how it works.
Typically there are two methods of calculating a delivery due date. One is to estimate the date based on the last menstrual period. The second is to estimate based on the date of conception. Now, the due date based on the menstrual cycle is calculated as forty weeks from the date of the last period. The due date based on the date of conception is arrived at by adding thirty eight weeks to the exact/ approximate date of conception, which is a presumption again.
The issue is that most women won’t know their exact date of conception. This makes the calculation of the delivery date an approximation. There is a possibility that the conception would not have happened on the day when the woman was sexually active and the egg could have been fertilized a day or two days later by the sperm that was lodged in the fallopian tube.
Considering this variation, most healthcare specialists recommend that a calculation based on the last menstrual period is reasonably more accurate. Even with this, one can arrive at only an estimated due date. The doctor could reassess this date based on the results of an ultrasound that would indicate the size of the baby. So it is advised that you use the pregnancy calculator as a guide, but be prepared to welcome your little one anytime within one to two weeks around the due date. It could be a couple of days after the specified date too. It would be a surprise but a pleasant one, isn’t it?
At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of gynecologists and super specialists capable of addressing a range of health issues and conditions related to women and children. Do take an appointment with our doctor at a centre close to you and you are assured of effective investigations, diagnosis and treatment enabling you to lead an active life.
What are the prerequisites for good pregnancy care?
Pregnancy care remains one of the most significant topics in obstetrics and paediatrics. It may include healthy lifestyle choices such as taking prenatal vitamins and seeking the right consultation for pregnancy and wellness. Prenatal care is all about assuring nutrition that helps your body develop the right setup. Proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins help your body prevent exhaustion in various ways.
Prenatal nutrition:
Evidence suggests that a high body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, poor nutrition and excessive weight gain hamper the overall quality of pregnancy and childbirth. It may even contribute to non-communicable diseases. Both underweight and overweight new-borns may struggle with metabolic diseases in their lifetime. The mother’s health before pregnancy is affected by genetics and nutrition. These are the two main factors. The presence of congenital issues and exposure to occupational toxins are the other factors affecting the overall quality of pregnancy.
Pre-pregnancy weight influences your baby’s birth weight. Underweight women may give birth to small babies. Overweight women may be at a higher risk of high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Consult your healthcare provider to find out more about healthy weight gain or loss toward healthy childbirth.
Below are the basic guidelines:
Avoid artificial sweeteners and drinks, sweets, cakes, biscuits and marmalades.
Eat more unsaturated fats like nuts, healthy seeds, avocados.
Lentils, beans, fruits and vegetables are the right suggestions.
Avoid saturated or bad fats. Bad fats may further create problems like bad cholesterol.
Fried foods, pastries, biscuits, cakes and pies are the foods to avoid.
Wholegrain high fibre foods are essential to ensure health throughout all the trimesters.
Consider joining a pregnancy exercise class.
Stay updated with every instruction given by your dietician/obstetrician.
Yoga is one of the healthy ways to live. It’s helpful especially when you start preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy tips on safety and nutrition:
Prenatal nutrition assures that the pregnancy is well-prepared and well-defined. Weight in proportion to height and dietary regimen are the two factors determining foetal health. Find out how many additional calories you may need in pregnancy. The concept called ‘eat for two’ may be a fact for some but a myth for many. A gradual rise in calories alongside the baby’s development will help you. If it’s your first trimester, you may need 0 extra calories. If you are in the second trimester, you may need up to 300-350 extra calories a day. If you are in the third trimester, you may need 450 extra calories.
Follow the guidelines and details given below:
DHA:
DHA is essential for your baby’s brain development and growth. DHA is known to help you maintain a healthy pregnancy all along.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C helps in the development of healing abilities. Vitamin C helps your baby develop teeth and bones.
Fat:
Fat is the energy we need. It’s one of the essentials that aid the development of your baby’s organs and placenta. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) aid the growth of your baby’s nervous system, retina and brain.
Calcium:
Calcium is one of the essentials in the healthy growth of your baby’s bones, teeth, muscles, nerve functions and heart functions. Calcium controls the overall inflow of fluid.
Iodine:
Iodine is important for a healthy brain and a good nervous system. Substantial intake of iodine helps the baby move, feel and think appropriately.
Protein:
Protein is helpful in the development of your baby’s tissue. It aids the growth of your baby’s breast and uterine tissue, muscles, and blood in pregnancy.
Iron:
Iron is essential in the manufacture of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. The need to supply the blood adequately to the baby rises in pregnancy. The amount of blood in the body increases in pregnancy.
Folic Acid:
Folic acid plays a crucial role in making blood during pregnancy. Folic acid is essential for the baby’s brain and spine. Folic acid is also a key element when it comes to preventing neural tube defects (NTD) in the baby. An adequate supply of folic acid helps prevent 70% of all NTDs. All these essentials contribute to a healthy pregnancy and wellness.?
Daily Nutrient Requirements:
DHA – 200 mg/day
Iodine – 220 mcg/day
Vitamin C – 85mg/day
Vitamin D – 600 IU/day
Folic Acid – 60 mcg/day
Iron – 27 mg/day
Protein – 75-100 g /day
Calcium – 1000 mg/day
Do you develop cravings?
The actual cause of food cravings in pregnancy isn’t well established. The majority of the researches suggest that hormonal changes in pregnancy may lead to cravings. Hormonal changes may make you more sensitive than ever to certain tastes and smells. It all ultimately leads to food cravings. Most obstetricians or midwives may suggest you satisfy your food cravings. It’s a good habit as long as the food you consume is nutritious.
How essential is dental care in pregnancy?
A poor diet is likely to interfere with dental health. You should control your dental health and uplift it with:
Regular dental treatments if and as needed
Regular dental checks
Floss
Regular cleanliness dedicated to the overall dental upkeep.
How about your eating habits?
If you have a chronic health condition to manage, you may be on a restricted diet. Personal beliefs are also a reason why some women restrict their eating habits. If you are planning to conceive, start with a consultation with your obstetrician/GP. Some women may have an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa or bulimia. It’s important to design a proper diet in such cases. Some health forums are also available nowadays online. You may consider following the health forums. However, always ask your GP or obstetrician about what suits your overall pre-pregnancy health.
Start practising food hygiene:
Food poisons are risky for everyone. Some foodborne illnesses are dangerous for your baby’s health even before you conceive.
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