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

Second pregnancy difficulties

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

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

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

Physical Aspect when preparing for second pregnancy:

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

Mental Aspect when preparing for second pregnancy:

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

Preparing for a second pregnancy:

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

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

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

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

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Is it easier to get pregnant the second time?

Advantagesand Disadvantages of second pregnancy

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

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.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Child spacing: An ideal age between children

After how many years should I have my second child?

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

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

  • Avoid sex during the fertile days.
  • 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.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

Advice on planning for a second child

What all to keep in mind while planning for second child?

Author – Motherhood Medical Team

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.

If you wish to get in touch with our doctors, please book your appointment here.

7 Tips To Handle A High-Risk Pregnancy

Taking care of yourself during High-Risk Pregnancy?

Author: Dr. Sushruta Mokadam MBBS, MD

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Kharadi, Pune

Taking care of yourself during High-Risk Pregnancy?

How to handle High-Risk Pregnancy ?

Pregnancy is a beautiful new journey for any woman as she looks forward to the arrival of her child. However, as in any journey there can be challenges and anxious moments of concern. A high-risk pregnancy is prone to have high blood pressure, diabetic conditions, miscarriage, fetal abnormalities or placenta previa.

With early and proper prenatal care, women facing high-risk pregnancies can deliver healthy babies. Although high-risk pregnancy can create self-doubt, certain lifestyle changes and a strong support system can help you get through this.

Those detected with high-risk pregnancy are transferred from the gynaecologist to a maternal-fetal medicine doctor who is specially trained to deal with a high-risk pregnancy. High-risk pregnancy care requires endurance and positivity from the pregnant woman. 

Let us look at 7 tips that can help you avoid challenges

How to deal with High-Risk Pregnancy?

1. Keep yourself updated:

It is very important to stay updated with information that will help reduce the risk quotient involved in a high-risk pregnancy, and closely monitor your health. Despite this, if at any point you feel that your health conditions are deteriorating, please do immediately consult your gynaecologist.

2. Adequate support required:

This is the time when you require maximum support and help. Feel free to ask for help from your family and friends. High-risk pregnancy requires a huge lifestyle change which can be a tough affair for anyone; and for this, you need appropriate moral support to balance it out.

3. Regular consultation with your healthcare provider:

High-risk pregnancy can leave you exasperated and full of doubts. Instead of consuming yourself with questions and doubts, simply consult your doctor or gynaecologist. With the help of your doctor, you can prepare a cohesive plan for maternal care that best suits your requirement. This will help you relax and peacefully progress towards the due date.

4. Self-care is a must:

Pregnancy is all about self-care. It is all the more important when you are going through a high-risk pregnancy. Prioritize your well-being—a healthy diet, good sleep, exercise and yoga should be incorporated into your daily routine. Avoid exposure to a harmful environment and unnecessary medication. The key to a healthy baby is a stress-free lifestyle and maintaining good health.

5. Know your bodily requirements:

Pregnancy changes your body structure and its demands. When you are going through a high-risk pregnancy, it is important to understand specific bodily requirements. You may suddenly have an urge to rest more, or your appetite may increase without notice. At such moments, its best to go with the flow of what your body requires, instead of restricting yourself to the prescribed daily routine. Remember, the body consumes a lot of energy while growing a fetus and you require it to preserve your energy. So, it’s really alright to eat more on those days.

6. Prioritize mental health concerns:

A high-risk pregnancy can be quite mentally exhausting. During this time, you are flooded with emotions and can face a lot of mood swings. In certain cases, women start to blame themselves for everything. It is a good thing to reach out to your gynaecologist, partner, family or friends. In fact, it is equally advisable to take the help of a reputed psychiatrist, since it will only help you clear your vagrant thoughts and keep you confident.

7. Stay optimistic:

A high-risk pregnancy can be stress-free if you have an optimistic attitude. Staying calm and relaxed is very important—listening to relaxing music, doing meditation, talking to family and friends can help immensely and be a major stress-buster.

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

We have the best Gynaecologist medicine specialists in Kharadi, Pune. 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. Sushruta Mokadam, please book your appointment here.

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

Author: Dr. Sushruta Mokadam (MBBS, MD)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi

Online Pregnancy Calculator

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

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

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

Determining the Estimated Due Date 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other methods used to estimate gestational age

Clinical Examination

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

Doppler Ultrasonography

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

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Pregnancy Test

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

In case of a twin pregnancy

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

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

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

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

How Accurate Are Pregnancy Calculators

Pregnancy Weeks Calculator Online
Author: Dr. Padma Srivastava, MBBS, MD(OBG)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Lullanagar, Pune

Pregnancy Weeks Calculator Online

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

Nutritional advice, planning pregnancy, wellness

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:

  1. Avoid artificial sweeteners and drinks, sweets, cakes, biscuits and marmalades.
  2. Eat more unsaturated fats like nuts, healthy seeds, avocados.
  3. Lentils, beans, fruits and vegetables are the right suggestions.
  4. Avoid saturated or bad fats. Bad fats may further create problems like bad cholesterol. 
  5. Fried foods, pastries, biscuits, cakes and pies are the foods to avoid.
  6. Wholegrain high fibre foods are essential to ensure health throughout all the trimesters.
  7. Consider joining a pregnancy exercise class.
  8. Stay updated with every instruction given by your dietician/obstetrician.
  9. 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:

  1. DHA – 200 mg/day
  2. Iodine – 220 mcg/day
  3. Vitamin C – 85mg/day
  4. Vitamin D – 600 IU/day
  5. Folic Acid – 60 mcg/day
  6. Iron – 27 mg/day
  7. Protein – 75-100 g /day
  8. 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:

  1. Regular dental treatments if and as needed
  2. Regular dental checks
  3. Floss
  4. 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. 

How to calculate your due date?

There are multiple ways to calculate your date, as follows:

First day of last period: The best way to estimate your due date is to count 40 weeks, or 280 days, from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Another useful way is to subtract three months from the first day of your last period and add seven days.

Conception date: If your cycle is irregular, the LMP method may not work for you. Just add 266 days to get your estimated due date.

IVF transfer date: If youŸ??ve gone throughassisted reproductive technology cycles, you can calculate your due date more precisely using your IVF transfer date.

If you are already pregnant, then book an appointment at Motherhood Hospitals. It offers a complete birthing experience to couples by hand-holding them through their journey towards parenthood. With the highest standards of clinical competency, backed by state-of-art technology and proven protocols, Motherhood is committed to offering the best outcomes for the mother and child.

Services we offerinclude:

Comprehensive pregnancy care, preconception care, pregnancy care, high-risk pregnancy care, 3D/4D ultrasound, early pregnancy scan, NT scan, anomaly scan, growth scan, maternal-foetal medicine, vaccination, antenatal classes, diet and nutrition plan by clinical dietician, physiotherapy, antenatal workshops, Lamaze, lactation counselling, postnatal nutrition, postnatal fitness, 24×7 emergency care

If you have failed IUI, IVF treatment, then book an appointment at Motherhood Fertility. We are a renowned fertility and reproductive centre, well-equipped with expert doctors (male andrologists), female fertility doctors, skilled team of nurses, counsellors, physiotherapists, and clinical dieticians. The team of experts provides comprehensive fertility services like IUI treatment, ICSI, artificial insemination and IVF treatment backed by our state-of-the-art andrology lab.The team conducts all fertility tests for men, women and advanced laparoscopic and surgical treatments for all fertility issues.

Preparing for Motherhood

Pregnancy comes as a surprise to some women. For others, it is a result of much planning and waiting. If you and your spouse are ready for the pattering of little feet around your house, here’s what you should know before trying to conceive.

Stop the pill

If you have been using contraceptives in the form of injections or pills, now is the time to stop using them. Let your periods regularize so you can keep track of your cycles.Research also suggests that use of lubricants act as barriers to sperms and so, use of lubricants should be avoided.

Know your body

It helps to know what happens during conception and how a pregnancy advances. Prior to that, observe and time your menstrual cycles and figure out when you ovulate. This is very essential as you stand a chance of conceiving only when the egg is still in your reproductive system. You will find several online tools to help you calculate your ovulation period or your most fertile period.

Also remember that you have just a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant each month. So don’t be alarmed if you did not get pregnant in your first attempt. Regular sexual intercourse specifically during the fertile period is important. However, if you have been trying for more than a year (or 6 months for women over 35 year), it might be time you met a fertility specialist.

Visit a gynaecologist

You don’t necessarily need to wait to get pregnant, in order to meet a gynaecologist. It is recommended that you schedule your first appointment as soon as you decide you want to have a baby. You can discuss your fears, apprehensions, medical history, and nutritional habits with your doctor. A gynaecologist might put you on multivitamins and folic acid supplements couple of months in advance.

It is also advisable to get a dental check-up done before you get pregnant.Some dental complications cannot be treated effectively during pregnancy and are linked to pre-term birth and underweight babies.

Eat healthy and exercise

You could also book an appointment with a nutritionist who can inform you the recommended daily nutrition needs based on your lifestyle and diet preferences. If you are underweight or overweight, it is advisable to get to a healthy weight before pregnancy. Also note that underweight/overweight women can have irregular ovulation, which can delay pregnancy.

Quit smoking and drinking

If you are a heavy drinker and smoker, you will have to cut down on it and eventually, stop completely. These habits have a very negative impact on reproductive health including ovulation and pregnancy. Talk to your physician about how you can quit smoking and drinking.

Most women get pregnant without much problem but if you follow the above tips, you can be assured that you are on the right track. We hope you found this information useful. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.