Learn about the best days to conceive

Signs of ovulation

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

Consultant – Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, Mumbai


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

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

Ovulation and pregnancy

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

Ovulation Date calculator

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

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

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

Signs of ovulation

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits of physiotherapy for pregnant women

Benefits of Physiotherapy for pregnant woman

Author – Dr. Sohini Singh BPT, MPT

Consultant – Physiotherapist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, Mumbai


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

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

Physiotherapy and Pregnancy

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

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

Benefits of physiotherapy

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

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

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

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

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

Postnatal care tips every woman should follow

Pregnancy is one of the hardest yet one of the most blissful moments in every women’s life who want to be a mother. But not enough people talk about the unforeseen challenges and overwhelming amount of different kinds of emotions flowing through the veins of the mommy-to-be. And how the arrival of a newborn changes the mental and physical state of the mother.

Before giving birth, the mother’s body undergoes a great deal of change. That’s why the postnatal stage is very crucial for the mother’s health, and following some useful tips mentioned below can make the healing process faster.

5 postnatal tips to remember:

  1. Take rest:

You probably guessed it to be here, didn’t you? I can not stress the fact enough that your body needs rest after undergoing such a big change. If you think, everything around you seems a bit out of place, let it be. It’s important to get as much rest as you can to allow your body to repair. Simply remain in bed. That is all you need to do for the first few days or even a month in certain situations.

  1. Focus on your diet:

You do not need to prioritize exercise right away, just focus on eating healthily to maintain your current level of fitness. Avoid eating too much high-calorie food because it’s a myth that to better feed your infant, you must eat a lot of ghee and fat.

  1. Stay hydrated:

Your body requires a lot of water because it is still recovering from childbirth. You will urinate more frequently since your body will also be shedding the fluids it stored during pregnancy. Second, breastfeeding causes you to lose liquid once more, necessitating rehydration after each feeding.

  1. Stay physically active:

If your delivery was normal, you can begin working out right away. You can begin after a week if you underwent a Caesarean section, as staying active will help you lose pregnancy weight as well as combat stress, which is prevalent among new mothers.

  1. If needed call the doctor:

The first several weeks after giving birth, a new mother’s body is fragile. Keep your doctor’s appointment so they may examine your cuts and sutures. Do not hesitate to visit the doctor if you have a fever, shivering, disorientation, pain, or discomfort. In the event of a C-section, you should use additional caution.

Everything You Need To Know About Postpartum Recovery

Your postpartum recovery won’t be just some days. Full recovery from the process of childbirth can takes months. While many ladies feel mostly recovered by 6-8 weeks, it should take longer than this to want yourself again. During this point, you will feel like your body has turned against you. Try to not get frustrated. Remember that your body isn’t attentive to your timelines and expectations. The most effective thing you’ll do for its rest is to eat well and provides yourself with an occasion.

During this point, your hormones also are fluctuating. you will not be thinking clearly and can be more emotional. Again, give yourself time for this to pass.

Path to improved health

During the primary six weeks, concentrate on your body. You’ll be tired and focused on your baby, but try and notice changes in your own body. This is often vital as you heal.

As you start to feel better, resist the temptation to try and do more. Overdoing things at this time can set you back in your recovery. Focus on nourishing your body with good foods, drinking lots of water (especially if you’re breastfeeding), and getting enough rest.

Here is more of what you’ll be able to expect during your postpartum recovery.

Abdominal pain: As your uterus shrinks into its normal size and shape, you may feel pain in your abdomen (lower belly). These pains are called “afterpains.” Most of those pains are going to be dull, but some are going to be sharp.

Hormonal shifts: Besides fueling your mood swings, hormones also are chargeable for other postpartum symptoms. You’ll be sweating more, especially at nighttime after you sleep. Just ensure that your sweating isn’t among a fever.

Things to contemplate

Pay attention to your body after the biological process. Soreness is to be expected, but not an excessive amount of pain. Don’t be so committed to caring for your baby that you just ignore your health.

Postpartum Essentials For New Moms

Postpartum Symptoms in New Moms

Author: Dr. Vijayalakshmi MBBS, DGO

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar

Postpartum Symptoms in New Moms

Perhaps one of the most charming moments for a woman is to become a mother. However, those moments can gradually wane weeks on, punctuated thereafter by moments of physical and emotional challenges. The body naturally experiences a lot of changes after giving birth and while the focus has turned to caring for the baby, most forget that postpartum care for the mother is by far the most important aspect to take note of.

Every birth is unique, and therefore tough to determine the exact postpartum life of the mom. Understanding the ways a mother’s body may change, and taking appropriate steps during this postpartum period is a priority that will help you ease your life.

Postpartum Period

What to expect:

Some of the common postpartum changes can be:

  1. Constipation
  2. Hormonal changes
  3. Haemorrhoids
  4. Discomfort from C-section incision
  5. Fatigue
  6. Abdominal pain
  7. Difficulty urinating
  8. Soreness of the breasts and nipples
  9. Perineum
  10. Vaginal bleeding or discharge.

Postpartum care tips to follow:

The various ways in which pregnancy and childbirth affect the body may seem very intimidating, especially for new mothers. It can actually be tough to adjust to these changes; but postpartum health care tips help immensely in healing and taking care of the body, after giving birth.

1. Heal your body

The body experiences a lot during childbirth be it a vaginal delivery or C-section. It’s not as if you will get rid of postpartum challenges within a few days. It takes time and sometimes even months for the body to recover completely after pregnancy and childbirth. Let’s look at some of the steps that one can follow to gradually heal:

  • Vaginal soreness: Sit on a pillow or padded ring, use ice packs and keep your perineum away from irritation by spraying the area with warm water while urinating.
  • C-section scar: Consult your doctor about the care you need for C-section scar and clean it gently before applying an antibiotic ointment.
  • Pelvic floor changes: Perform regular Kegel exercises to provide your vagina and perineum with enough recovery after stretching during delivery.
  • Tender breasts: Frequent breastfeeding helps relieve engorged breasts and you can also try ice packs, warm compresses and gentle massaging in case of aches.

2. Give priority to rest

The extreme physical toll of labour and then having sleepless nights with the new-born can exhaust the new mom. Do not forget to give priority to your sleep to avoid postpartum fatigue. Make it a point to take a quick snooze whenever the baby is asleep.

3. Ask for help

At times new moms may feel shy and hesitant to ask for help from others. Do not forget that you definitely need postpartum care, and life for a new mother can be much easier and recovery faster, once you have assistance from friends and family.

4. Keep moving

Regular exercise and physical activity have shown great results in recovery from postpartum symptoms. Exercise is a great tool to boost energy levels, relieve stress and strengthen muscles after childbirth, however, it is best to consult your doctor before getting on a regime. Usually, most of the doctors will ask you to avoid rigorous activity and focus on gentle exercise such as walking in the garden and so forth.

5. Healthy diet

Eating well and healthy is always beneficial in postpartum care. It will help you fight constipation and fatigue while assisting you to shed the extra weight you gained during pregnancy.

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 Lullanagar, 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 Indiranagar 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.Vijayalakshmi, please book your appointment here

Understanding Your Baby Crying

 

Most of you would agree that apart from sleeping and feeding, crying is the most common behaviour seen in newborn babies. No matter what part of the day or night, mothers have the in-built alarm that rings, when the child cries. When the infant reaches the stage of 6-8 weeks, crying is at its summit. Do not worry, as this phase is temporary and this too shall pass! Most important is understanding the messages your child conveys through his/her crying. Have you been having a difficult time understanding the meaning behind your little oneŸ??s crying?

Do you know that infants cry for approximately three hours a day? Have you observed that most of this crying and sulking happens during late afternoons and sometimes evenings as well? However, this doesnŸ??t apply to all babies alike, as there could be exceptions. Some babies are unusually calm and it is always good to seek medical help in these cases too. 

Babies communicate through their crying and when you respond on time consistently, they feel reassured and safe. This sense of safety helps in promoting the overall development of the child. Some babies cry incessantly and with no apparent reason which can be described as colic. We have in detail explained about colic in another feature of the Ÿ??Happy KidsŸ?  series. Please feel free to reach out to us if you want to have an e-copy of the same. 

Babies cry primarily for reasons such as, when they feel hungry,  irritated, lonely, etc. It is good when you feed your baby on time and when you feed your baby immediately after he/she cries,  the baby will also feel a sense of reassurance and safety. In some cases, the crying decreases as the needs are taken care of. Here  are some quick tips and precautions: 

  • Sometimes the baby might need a nappy change or just a  cuddle or a gentle hug. Holding the baby will help to comfort the baby soon.  
  • You can also try singing a soft tune to your baby.  
  • Gently rhythmically pat your baby and this works like magic for most babies.  
  • A little bit of movement can help divert the attention of your baby when he/she starts crying. Take your baby for a little walk and see the change.  
  • On this note, please donŸ??t carry your baby to noisy public places such as cinema theatres, auditoriums, etc. The huge sounds can cause distress for your baby and also hurt their gentle ears.  

While it is important to calm your baby down and comfort with cuddles and cooing, it is equally crucial for you to take care of your well-being. The constant crying and sometimes your inability to soothe your baby into calmness might be a stressful experience for you. In case you are unable to take the strain,  please talk to your spouse and family members and seek help in taking care of the child. In case you want to speak to someone for professional advice, do consult your doctor if needed. 

The key is to quickly respond to the babyŸ??s cries and you will see a difference for yourself. Babies need attention and every parent/caretaker is required to give that care always. For more information on baby crying and related topics, talk to  our experts.

Importance Of Diapers In Baby Care Routine

 

For any mother, the toothless baby smiles would mean the world to her. One of the important keys to your child’s happiness is clean and dry diapers. It might sound like a trivial matter but for your baby to have a pleasant day with less irritability, diapers play a major role. This is not only related to your child’s happiness but also very crucial for upkeeping the health of your child along with hygiene factors. Along with food, diapers also form a major component of a baby’s well-being. 

By now, you must be aware that your baby requires frequent diaper changes, especially in the early stages. Approximately, 6-10 diapers are required to be changed daily. This will reduce over a period when the child reaches the toddler stage and learns a bit of toilet training. You can avoid any discomfort your baby might have to undergo by frequently checking the diapers.  It is important to check the diapers after you feed your little one. 

Do you know that if you don’t change the diapers when required, your baby has the risk of developing diaper rash, infections, and other health issues? Let us look at some important aspects of diapers and their importance in baby health and happiness. 

Though there are many brands available in the market, check out the ones that have greater absorption capacity and which are cottony soft on your baby’s skin.

Browse through the brands that will give great comfort and proven history of fewer rashes. You must be wondering how you would know which brand is good for your baby? For this query, you can always check with your doctor and some friendly advice from other mothers in your peer group could be helpful.  

Going by this approach, you can avoid the woes of using a  not-so-friendly diaper product. Look for diapers that the baby is comfortable wearing as well as equally less-cumbersome for you to pull down the same without causing much irritation to the baby. 

You must be aware of diapers that can be worn like underwear with a band. Purchasing such diapers could help serve the purpose of a hassle-free experience for your child and you. 

Here are some points to remember for your baby’s diaper  change routine: 

  • Always keep some warm water, cotton, and baby wipes handy before you start changing the diapers. 
  • Have some recommended lotions or creams that could prevent a rash on the baby’s skin. 
  • Always use separate wipes for different parts of the urinary area to avoid any spread of infections. 
  • Remember to wipe from the front to the back and ensure to clean the entire area gently. 
  • After wiping, don’t forget to pat dry your baby. 

Hope that the details related to the diaper change routine and its importance have been useful to you. For more information on diapers and everything connected, talk to our experts. 

New-Born Baby Care Essentials – 10 Essential Things To Know!

 

Motherhood is a continuous learning experience. Are you ready to journey through some essentials to learn more about your little one? Here are 10 things to know about your new-born baby: 

1. Baby feed: Your baby may often feel hungry. Make sure to feed your baby every 2-3 hours. Please don’t be tempted to feed your baby with solids to keep the stomach full. Strictly, no solids,  please. 

2. Holding with care: Holding a newborn baby can be a frightful experience. However, holding your baby for 2 hours in a day can be soothing. Holding your baby can promote breastfeeding,  improves confidence in the baby, and also strengthens the bond between the baby and the parent. Hold your bundle of happiness close to your heart. You will see the difference! 

3. Baby products: Use products free from fragrances and chemicals. As your baby might be sensitive or allergic to certain fragrances or chemicals, it is always the best way forward to use gentle and safe products, namely soaps, powders, lotions, etc. 

4. Massages: Give gentle massages as it will help your baby relax. Massages help to promote development in muscles and keep tummy problems at bay. Massaging will also help your confusion as you would not know the real cause of your baby’s crying Ÿ?? whether it is hunger, pain, discomfort, etc. Gradually,  you will become better at this. Understand and respond! 

8. Diaper changes: Do you know that your baby might require frequent diaper changes? Prepare mentally for this routine. On average, you might require to change the diaper approximately 6-10 times a day. This will help to avoid any discomfort your baby might undergo due to frequent discharge of urine or stool. Check your baby’s diapers after every feeding session. 

9. Tummy time: Ensure that your baby spends more time on his/her tummy during his/her waking time as this will promote strength in the back muscles. However, please take care that your baby doesn’t sleep on the tummy. 

10. Umbilical cord: Don’t be in a hurry to clip off the remnant of the umbilical cord. If you apply even little force or do anything to remove the umbilical cord unnaturally, this can lead to infections. Just keep it dry. It will fall off on its own. 

For more information on new-born care essentials, talk  to our experts.

Which foods increase breast milk?

A healthy pregnancy and childbirth skyrocket you to cloud nine. Another phase of affection and mushiness approaches you right after childbirth. That’s right! It’s about how a mother starts feeding her munchkin. Good pregnancy care is the doorway to many subsequent reasons to celebrate. And motherhood sets out to become a complete pack of elation when a new mother starts feeding her new-born. 

Mother nutrition is yet another subject of importance both during and after the pregnancy. A few important tips for new mothers may help them make the most out of their newfound motherhood. Manufacture of milk functions like a supply and demand system. The mother’s body provides milk in response to the demand received. Distributing the right proportion of milk regularly from the breasts is critical to consolidating and maintaining an ample milk supply.

Here’s how you can start:

A. The first few days after childbirth are most important. Make sure you regularize skin to skin contact from birth. 

B. You may have a regular attendant or lactation consultant at the hospital. Ask them to audit positioning and latch techniques. It will help you maximize effective breastfeeding.

C. Feed your baby each time you notice the signs of hunger in him/her. The signs may include but may not be limited to licking lips, fondling the mouth and tongue thrusting. 

D. It’s obvious and usual for the babies to expect to breastfeed as often as every 1-3 hours. Breastmilk is digestible and wholesome. It’s recommended to breastfeed the baby frequently. 

E. Hunger cues in babies are important. Avoid using pacifiers at least until the milk supply is well established. Once the baby starts gaining weight, it would be the right time to resort to pacifiers. But using pacifiers in early motherhood may decrease milk supply. They might even lead to weight loss in a baby.?˜

And below is the list of foods to regularly include in your diet and enjoy breastfeeding your munchkin. These are the foods that will increase your breast milk.

  • Unripe Papaya:

As your journey from motherhood progresses to a new phase, you may plan on a diet that suits your nutritional requirements. Unripe papaya functions as a natural sedative. It allows you to relax. You may consider using the unripe papaya even in your salad preparations. Many Asian countries consider unripe papaya as a noteworthy galactagogue. 

  • Carrots:

A carrot is a root vegetable. Being a rich source of Vitamin A, carrot boosts the quality of milk production. Carrots facilitate healthy lactation. You may consider eating raw carrots in salads or enjoy them as juice. Take a cup of carrot juice for your breakfast. Carrots are readily available worldwide and are the facilitators of healthy lactation. 

  • Asparagus:

Asparagus is a rich source of fibre, vitamin A and vitamin K. It stimulates the hormones responsible for lactation. You may consider using asparagus as a garnish on your favourite delicacies or saut?? it with your desired snack.?˜

  • Barley:

Barley facilitates lactation. It helps keep your water levels healthy. You may use barley in your favourite salad. Soak the barley overnight and drink the water the next day. 

  • Bitter gourd:

Bitter gourd shines out as a nutritious vegetable with many features. The water content in bitter gourd boosts healthy levels of hydration. Being easy to digest, it helps boost a healthy production of breastmilk. Most of us dislike bitter gourd for its bitter taste. We can, however, make it far more palatable and tastier with recipes available nowadays online and in magazines. 

  • Sweet potato:

Energy is one of the irreplaceable aspects of a healthy pregnancy. While facilitating trimester care, pregnant women count on the foods that energize them. Sweet potato is a rich source of carbohydrates providing energy. B-Complex, vitamin c and magnesium are the other important vitamins present in it. You may use sweet potato in various regional and national delicacies. It’s easy to cook and available almost everywhere. 

  • Almonds:

Dry fruits are revered worldwide for various properties and health benefits. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Full of polyunsaturated fats, almonds make a fabulous choice for all who want nuggets of nutrition. Raw almonds are a favourite food for many dynamic people worldwide. You may consider using almond supplements to boost a healthy milk supply. Baked and roasted almonds make memorable snacks worldwide. We love them for their health benefits and a piquant aroma. Many doctors prescribe almonds for nursing mothers. 

  • Water:

We often love drinking a large dose of water after an hour of strenuous workout. And when the climate becomes warm, cool water is something we love relying on. How can we overlook water while considering breast milk production? Hydration is an irreplaceable part of a diet dedicated to healthy milk production. Enjoy every glass at regular intervals or sporadically. Don’t consume a large amount in a go. 

  • Milk:

The nutritional value of breastmilk plays a crucial role in shaping your baby’s health. Milk is a rich source of healthy fats, calcium and folic acid. These are the nutrients helpful not only in the production but also the nutrition of the breastmilk produced. Enjoying a glass of milk twice a day may facilitate ample milk production. 

  • Chickpeas:

?˜Chickpeas are known for various health benefits. Chickpeas are also regarded as a superfood rich in fibre, protein and B-complex. Being a source of calcium, chickpeas may aid breast milk production.?˜

You may include various other food items in your platter. They may be Fenugreek seeds, garlic, green leafy vegetables, fennel seeds, sesame seeds, cumin seeds and holy basil// ensure that you are producing enough breastmilk?

  1. Healthy breastfeeding will be comfortable for you and your baby. It will involve nil to negligible pain. 
  2. A healthy daily schedule of feeds involves at least 8 to 12 feeds a day. 
  3. It’s a good sign that your baby wishes to feed often. Breastmilk is easily digestible and your baby may enjoyably nurse again and again. Most healthy babies prefer breastfeeding every 1.5 to 2 hours. 
  4. When you produce enough breastmilk, your breasts tend to feel mushier and lighter after every feed.
  5. Assess your baby’s reflexes each time your baby swallows while feeding.
  6. After each healthy feed, your baby would be off the breast on his/her own. 
  7. Check your baby’s weight regularly.
  8. You may prefer getting your munchkin assessed regularly by a good paediatrician.
  9. Don’t feel apprehensive if you notice weight loss in your baby immediately after birth. This may resolve within five to six days after birth. 
  10. By the end of the fourteenth day, he or she will be back to the original weight carried at birth. 
  11. Nurse your baby regularly so that the milk gets removed from the breast properly at definite intervals. 
  12. You may prefer nursing your munchkin at a frequency of 1.5 to 2 hours. 

What care should be taken during first three months of pregnancy?

By the time a woman conceives, her body prepares itself for various changes. These changes are important to help a pregnant lady carry her pregnancy to term. A list of changes occurs in the first three months of pregnancy. These occurrences are a precursor to signs that develop throughout all the trimesters. 

The first trimester of pregnancy:

The first trimester of pregnancy starts the day a woman conceives and lasts till the 12th week. The need for first-trimester care strikes right here as the first trimester involves crucial changes and challenges. The pregnant lady may gain weight or feel apathetic followed by the common episodes of morning sickness. Various other symptoms associate themselves with the first trimester. It’s a phase that involves quick foetal growth. This is when various vital organs of the foetus develop phenomenally. They include the spine, nervous system and digestive tract. The foetus obtains a human form by the end of the first trimester. A healthy lifestyle is a mandate during the first trimester. Pregnant women may have to maintain dietary control throughout the pregnancy. Pregnant women should seek an obstetrician’s advice early in pregnancy for better outcome (healthy child).

Below are the precautions to take as a crucial part of pregnancy care:

  • Hydration – marking your healthy pregnancy:

A rise in blood volume is a significant part of the first trimester. The blood volume increases to actively contribute to the oxygen and nutritional requirements of the foetus. The expectant mother needs more fluids throughout the pregnancy. Various sudden changes in the body warrant a steep rise in the demand for fluid intake. Fresh juices and clean water support you like never before in the pregnancy. 

  • Stay away from smoking:

Pregnancy is the time when all kinds of addictions negatively influence foetal growth. Smoking in pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage, premature labour, and ectopic pregnancy. The inhalation of the unhealthy vapours hinders the foetal development risking the overall success of the pregnancy. Practice a lifestyle free of addictions and especially smoking to ensure the safety of yourself and your munchkin.?˜

Below are the tests to conduct in your first trimester:

  1. Hb electrophoresis test
  2. Screening tests may be needed to find out if the baby is at risk for certain inheritable health issues.
  3. Blood type and antibody screen
  4. Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check if you have Anaemia or low platelet count. 
  5. RPR tests to detect any exposure to Syphilis
  6. Fasting glucose checks for diabetes(HbA1c)
  7. Prenatal vitamins:

Vitamins play a crucial role in determining the overall status of health. Take prenatal vitamins based on your doctor’s recommendation. The early phase or first-trimester health remains crucial for both mother and her unborn. Folic Acid is the most important supplement as it helps prevent birth defects. Iron helps in the prevention of Anaemia. 

  • Avoid hot baths and sauna:

High temperatures may interfere with healthy foetal development. Avoid hot showers. Consult your orthopaedic doctor or general physician if you have a history of back pain or joint pain. Some pregnant women can use pads wrapped in a towel to treat their pain. However, it’s important to keep the temperature of the pad below 100-degree F or 37-degree. 

  • Avoid or restrict seafood:

Seafood is widely accepted as a source of dozens of essential nutrients. Various seafood items contain abundant proteins and fats. But shark, swordfish and other similar fish species contain high levels of mercury. Some seafood items may lead to growth deficits in kids. The first trimester is the best phase to avoid seafood. It’s even better to avoid seafood throughout pregnancy. And if you feel like eating any seafood items in pregnancy, consult the right dietician or your obstetrician.?˜

  • Avoid processed foods:

Majority of the processed foods are dangerous in pregnancy. They contain additives and substances detrimental to foetal development. Many food additives contain traces of sodium nitrate and carcinogenic substances. Pesticides are also known to leach into processed foods. It’s, therefore, essential that you stick to organic foods and avoid packaged items. Make sure that the fruits and vegetables in your kitchen are properly washed and sanitized. 

  • Be choosy while zeroing your search for the right diet:

Effective weight management and healthy metabolism are the two essential parts of a well-defined pregnancy. And healthy food choices facilitating a balanced diet give you all you expect from a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you are getting abundant vitamin D, mostly from the sunlight. Incorporate more nuts and seeds that fulfil your need for omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids aid the healthy development of your baby’s brain, eyes, and nerves. Include more calcium through spinach, tofu and broccoli. Dairy products are rich sources of Calcium. 

  • Exercise:

Start with the mild sessions of warm-up or leisurely walks. Avoid brisk walks in the pregnancy. Yoga forms the irreplaceable part of a healthy lifestyle, specifically in pregnancy. Avoid heavy or strenuous exercises that may interfere with your baby’s healthy growth. Some exercises may even lead to preterm labour. Activeness and metabolism are the two essentials of a healthy pregnancy. Light exercises serve the purpose to the fullest, especially during pregnancy. 

  • Be cautious about prescription medications:

Your obstetrician may scrutinize you for at least 30 minutes if you have a sensitive medical history. He or she may ask you about the prescription medicines you are taking when you are in the first trimester. Some medications may contain teratogens – substances causing birth defects. Antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline, anticonvulsants like Coumadin, and Acne medication Accutane are some detrimental medications in pregnancy. It’s better to avoid a different doctor or physician prescribing any medication for you in pregnancy. If you have no other choice, it’s better to consult your midwife/obstetrician.

  • Occupational hazards:

If your occupation involves anything risky like handling chemicals such as mercury, it’s better to inform your immediate supervisor. It’s difficult for pregnant women, irrespective of their trimester, to pursue a job that demands strenuous physical effort. Consider taking early maternity leave or cut back on your routine.