Bleeding during pregnancy: Is it normal?
Bleeding during pregnancy: Is it normal?


According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, as many as one in three people will experience bleeding during their first three months of pregnancy, with the chances being higher during the first trimester. Agreeing, Dr Preethika Shetty, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi said, “Sometimes, it can be serious, and at other times not even a matter of concern. But you must always consult a doctor in case of bleeding during any trimester,” adding that women can experience slight brown spotting to bright red bleeding that may last from a day to weeks accompanied with cramping or low backache.
The silent threat of female genital TB in LMICs
The silent threat of female genital TB in LMICs



New Delhi: Women across age groups are mostly not aware of female genital TB (FGTB), as there are no symptoms; it is a silent disease sparing no age group but the majority of patients that are affected are of reproductive age. As per doctors, FGTB causes significant morbidity also a major reason for infertility. Experts inform that it is still an underestimated disease, which needs awareness and prompt attention and a high degree of evaluation by doctors for correct diagnosis and treatment. On the occasion of World TB Day, ETHealthworld spoke with doyens of fertility with diverse experience to gain a clear understanding of not only the severity of FGTB but also how it is frequently diagnosed at later stages, when the disease’s scope has widened and has the potential to have a devastating impact on women’s reproductive health. A study published in the Indian Journal of Tuberculosis suggests 25 per cent of the women who suffer from pulmonary TB in India also have silent genital tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (occasionally Mycobacterium bovis and/or atypical mycobacteria) is the primary causative agent of FGTB. It typically develops as a result of TB of the lungs or other organs and spreads by lymphatic, haematogenous, or direct dissemination from abdominal TB. Around 90 per cent of women with FGTB experience fallopian tube damage.
World Tuberculosis Day 2023: Genital Tuberculosis And How It Affects Fertility
World Tuberculosis Day 2023: Genital Tuberculosis And How It Affects Fertility



New Delhi: Women across age groups are mostly not aware of female genital TB (FGTB), as there are no symptoms; it is a silent disease sparing no age group but the majority of patients that are affected are of reproductive age. As per doctors, FGTB causes significant morbidity also a major reason for infertility. Experts inform that it is still an underestimated disease, which needs awareness and prompt attention and a high degree of evaluation by doctors for correct diagnosis and treatment. On the occasion of World TB Day, ETHealthworld spoke with doyens of fertility with diverse experience to gain a clear understanding of not only the severity of FGTB but also how it is frequently diagnosed at later stages, when the disease’s scope has widened and has the potential to have a devastating impact on women’s reproductive health. A study published in the Indian Journal of Tuberculosis suggests 25 per cent of the women who suffer from pulmonary TB in India also have silent genital tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (occasionally Mycobacterium bovis and/or atypical mycobacteria) is the primary causative agent of FGTB. It typically develops as a result of TB of the lungs or other organs and spreads by lymphatic, haematogenous, or direct dissemination from abdominal TB. Around 90 per cent of women with FGTB experience fallopian tube damage.
Expert Talk: 5 Reasons Why a Gynaec May Put You On Birth Control That Have Nothing To Do With Preventing Pregnancy
Expert Talk: 5 Reasons Why a Gynaec May Put You On Birth Control That Have Nothing To Do With Preventing Pregnancy


Birth control refers to the practice of using specific methods, medications, or surgical operations for both males and females to prevent conception. However, women have a wider variety of birth control methods to select from. Some methods of contraception are more effective than others. Your choice of birth control will be influenced by your health, desire to have children now or in the future, and need to avoid STIs.
There is nothing improper or shameful about using birth control just to prevent conception. It’s also beneficial to know that a number of birth control options have other health advantages that are unrelated to preventing pregnancy.
9 Substitutes Of Birth Control
- Birth Control Implant
- IUD
- Birth Control Vaginal Ring
- Birth Control Patch
- Birth Control Pill
- Cervical Cap
- Internal condom
- Sterilisation
- Vasectomy
5 Reasons Why A Gynaec Can Put You On Birth Control Besides Pregnancy Prevention
1. More Predictable Periods
Some surprises are wonderful. Menstrual bleeding surprises are not. You can programme your period according to a schedule by using the oestrogen and progesterone-containing combination birth control pill, also known as “the pill”. It usually operates as follows, even though some individuals use them to completely skip periods (which is safe). After taking sugar pills devoid of hormones for the first three weeks, you transition to active hormone-containing pills for the last week. You’ll be aware that the last week of each month is when you should anticipate getting your period. The ring and the patch, which employ the same hormones as the pill and are applied on a similar schedule, also control periods: The ring or patch is worn for three weeks before being taken off.
2. Lighter Flow
Fortunately, certain hormone treatments can reduce flow, including the pill, patch, ring, injection, hormonal IUDs, and in rare cases, the implant. In preparation for a prospective pregnancy, the uterus develops a thick lining of blood and tissue each month. (The lining gives the developing pregnancy the nourishment it needs.) But, if you don’t become pregnant, the lining is lost through the vagina and is known as a period. The uterine lining may thin because of the hormonal birth control treatments discussed above, resulting in lighter or even non-existent periods. Because of this, hormonal birth control can either treat anaemia brought on by heavy periods or simply make them more bearable.
3. Less Painful Cramps
All the birth control methods that lighten flow also come with another benefit: fewer unpleasant cramps. Prostaglandins are substances that are secreted from the lining of the uterus that cause menstrual cramps. A lighter menstrual flow results in a thinner uterine lining, and a thinner uterine lining helps reduce prostaglandin release, which reduces cramping. The tablet seems to greatly help with those symptoms and reduce the likelihood, need, and use of pain medication while also substantially helping with pain. Again, the ring and patch, which work by utilising the same hormones as the pill can lessen cramping.
4. Clearer Skin
It helps to lower the amounts of testosterone in the blood, which has a positive effect on acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, male hormones, such as testosterone, can overstimulate the oil glands in women’s skin, causing flare-ups of acne.
5. Treatment Of PCOS
For the prevalent illness known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, the pill is frequently used as the first line of treatment. For their periods to be more managed, this pill is prescribed to women who have been diagnosed with PCOS. It reduces the quantity of testosterone that these young women’s acne and unwelcome hair growth are brought on by. This is a very typical justification for starting individuals on the pill.
In case you are unsure about which birth control method suits you the best or if you face any symptoms while on birth control, please visit your gynaecologist for advice.
What is a ‘pregnancy nose’?
What is a ‘pregnancy nose’?


On TikTok, many pregnant women seem to be sharing a bizarre experience — about a change in the size of their nose during the last trimester. According to reports, women have been posting before and after pictures with the hashtag ‘pregnancy nose’, with their noses visibly broader and puffier in the second set of images.
“My face got so swollen towards the end of my pregnancy,” TikTok user @alexjoelenejacobson shared in a video, reported allure.com. After revealing a photo from her third trimester, she commented: “My nose feels like it’s a whole inch wider, my face felt so tight.”
But why, and do noses really get bigger during pregnancy? Is it anything to be concerned about? We reached out to experts to understand more.
So, what is a pregnancy nose?
While it is being talked about now, turns out it is not anything new. A 2004 study published in National Center for Biotechnology Information noted that nasal physiological changes during pregnancy were seen in all the 18 subjects who were studied from their first trimester of pregnancy and followed through to the postpartum period to monitor the changes that occurred.
The study analysed measurements of the nasal airway including anterior rhinoscopy (AnR), peak inspiratory nasal flow, acoustic rhinometry, anterior rhinomanometry (ARM), and the saccharin test with rhinitis questionnaire scores providing a symptomatic measurement.
Though not a medical term, pregnancy nose is one of the “physiological changes seen in pregnancy due to hormonal surges”, said Dr Manju Gupta, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Motherhood Hospital, Noida.
Is it something to be concerned about?
According to Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director, and IVF expert, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre, New Delhi and Vrindavan, hormones produce vascular dilation, which can lead to increased blood flow to specific parts, which is necessary for the uterus. “It isn’t always selective. Its just that your nose is one of the body parts with mucous membranes that experiences increased flow. It is mostly harmless and can be experienced just like any other pregnancy symptoms,” Dr Shobha told indianexpress.com.
So does the nose reverse to its original size?
Dr Manju mentioned that it takes time for the nose to reverse to its original size. “So while it is not evident immediately after the delivery, one can see the difference within 6-8 weeks difference as the hormones subside,” said Dr Manju.
Protein intake during pregnancy crucial in healthy birth outcomes: Experts
Protein intake during pregnancy crucial in healthy birth outcomes: Experts


In an era where health has taken the center stage, there is still much to be known about an essential ‘building block of life’- Protein. Protein intake from conception to two years of age may have lifelong implications.A major part of this crucial stage is spent in utero, hence in the prenatal and postnatal stages it is important to have good quality and quantity of protein intake.So the onus of bearing a healthy child falls mostly on pregnant women.
The Protein Paradox Study by Right to Protein found that an average of 85 mothers believe that protein leads to weight gain.They also agreed that they would prioritize the consumption of carbohydrates and vitamins rather than protein.This risk of inadequate dietary intake leads to poor birth outcomes and nutritional status.
Does UTI lead to pelvic inflammatory diseases? Know from an expert
Does UTI lead to pelvic inflammatory diseases? Know from an expert


Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) causes inflammation of a woman’s reproductive organs, leading to scar formation between tissues and organs. This condition either stems from an untreated sexually transmitted infection or other gynecological infection. The pelvic inflammatory disease affects the lower reproductive system such as the uterus, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. While many different types of bacteria can cause pelvic inflammatory diseases, can urinary tract infection (UTI) also lead to it? Let’s find out.
The link between UTI and pelvic inflammatory diseases
Urinary tract infection is proportional to pelvic inflammatory diseases as both affect a woman’s lower reproductive system. When the urinary bladder infection is left untreated, the infection spreads further affecting the reproductive organs such as the vagina or cervix, resulting in pelvic inflammatory diseases which require more time and more potent medications to control. Urinary tract infection is a condition where any part of the urinary system is infected which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
It is observed that symptoms of pelvic inflammatory diseases are similar to urinary tract infections. However, what differentiates them from each other is their severity and their long-term impact.
Here are some products that you can try:
Watch out for these symptoms to differentiate between UTI and PID
1. Severe pain in the pelvic area
When the body’s reproductive organs are exposed to the bacteria introduced by a sexually transmitted disease, inflammation occurs, resulting in intense pain which is more aggressive than regular menstrual cramps. If you experience intense cramping in your lower abdomen or pelvis especially if you aren’t menstruating, it is advised to consult a doctor to find out the cause.
2. Fever
Fever indicates that the body is fighting an infection. If you have a fever lasting more than a few days along with pelvic pain or vaginal discharge, it could be UTI.
3. Pain during sexual intercourse
If you experience pain during intercourse, it can either be an indication of a bladder infection or yeast infection however if infections are left untreated it may result in pelvic inflammatory disease which may pose long-term health problems.
4. Unusual vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is normal. However, if there is an excessive amount of discharge accompanied by an unusual odour, it could be a symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease. If you experience this, it is important to start the treatment before it reaches other reproductive organs.
5. Frequent painful urination
Painful urination is a symptom of a urinary bladder infection. If left untreated, the bladder infection gets worse and may travel into the uterus or ovaries, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. During the treatment, be transparent about the pain level because extreme pain is more likely a symptom of pelvic inflammatory diseases that needs more attention and a stronger dose of antibiotics than a bladder infection.
6. Irregular menstruation
Extra-long periods, spotting, heavy bleeding, or cramps throughout the month is a symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. Menstruation is accompanied by these, but if these symptoms are severe and hamper your daily activities, a proper check-up is required.
7. Rectum and lower back pain
Pelvic inflammatory disease is accompanied by intense pain in the lower back and rectum, especially during periods. So, if you’re struggling with these symptoms, it could be PID.
8. Vomiting and fatigue
Severe pain in your abdomen may result in nausea and vomiting since the body has low immunity to fight infections. If you experience fatigue along with the aforementioned symptoms, consulting with a doctor is beneficial to understand the exact cause.
Takeaway
It is important to understand that if symptoms are ignored, it may lead to long-term health complications hence it is important to consult a doctor if you experience any symptom regardless of the magnitude to be on the safer side.
Menstrual migraine before and during your periods? Check the cause and prevention tips here
Menstrual migraine before and during your periods? Check the cause and prevention tips here


Acute menstrual headache occurs in a menstruation woman during the two days before her period and/or throughout the first three days…
Digital Desk: Where we see that period pains are frequent in every woman’s life, many can handle them while others suffer from them, one such condition is Menstrual headaches/ Migraine which happens before and during your periods.
What exactly is a pure menstrual migraine?
It occurs in a menstruating woman either on the two days preceding a period and/or during the first three days of a period, as stated by Dr Bhagya Lakshmi S, Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist, and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
Menstrual migraine causes, symptoms and prevention tips are mentioned in this article:
Menstrual migraine causes – Experts believe that these migraine attacks are caused by a drop in oestrogen during the menstrual cycle. “These shady headaches may be caused by low oestrogen levels immediately before your menstruation,” Dr Thamke, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar explained.
Additional causes include the use of oral contraceptive pills. “Women may feel headaches during the pill-free week as a result of a decline in oestrogen levels,” Dr Bhagya explained, adding that headaches typically intensify approaching menopause and during the first trimester of pregnancy.
“It is related to interruption of the regular hormone cycle. Perimenopausal women may experience increased headaches due to more frequent periods. Headaches can worsen during the first trimester of pregnancy due to an imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone,” she explained.
Menstrual migraine symptoms – “PMM symptoms may include the following:”
Feeling hot
Having trouble eating
Lightheadedness
Drowsiness
Morning sickness
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Sensitivity to lighting, noise, and smells
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): How Can You Reduce The Risk Of Developing This Hormonal Disorder
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): How Can You Reduce The Risk Of Developing This Hormonal Disorder


Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common treatable cause of infertility in women, estimated to account for about 80 per cent of anovulatory infertility cases. It is a common hormonal disorder among women, affecting around 5-10 per cent of women of reproductive age. The syndrome is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, weight gain, and acne. Not just fertility problems, PCOS can also lead to insulin resistance, and diabetes. Although the exact cause of PCOS is not known, certain lifestyle habits can help reduce its incidence in women.
Here, Dr Shweta Wazir, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Motherhood Hospital, Gurugram, shares some of the habits that can help reduce the incidence of PCOS in women.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial in managing PCOS symptoms and reducing its incidence. Exercise helps to improve insulin sensitivity, increase metabolism, and regulate menstrual cycles. It also aids in weight loss, which is beneficial in reducing the severity of PCOS symptoms. A combination of aerobic and resistance training can be beneficial for women with PCOS. A study found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise three times a week for 12 weeks significantly improved insulin sensitivity and menstrual regularity in women with PCOS.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is essential for women with PCOS. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormones. It is also recommended to avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat foods. Low glycemic index (GI) foods are beneficial in reducing insulin resistance, which is common in women with PCOS. A study found that a low GI diet improved insulin sensitivity, menstrual regularity, and lipid profile in women with PCOS.
Stress Management
Stress can worsen PCOS symptoms and increase the incidence of PCOS in women. High levels of stress can lead to increased cortisol levels, which can disrupt hormone levels and menstrual cycles. Therefore, stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve PCOS symptoms. A study found that yoga improved menstrual regularity, hormonal profiles, and quality of life in women with PCOS.
Sleep Hygiene
Good sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Women with PCOS often have poor sleep quality and sleep apnea, which can worsen PCOS symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to practice good sleep hygiene by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment. A study found that improving sleep quality in women with PCOS reduced insulin resistance, inflammation, and androgen levels.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS and can worsen its symptoms. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and hormonal regulation. Therefore, it is recommended to get adequate sunlight exposure or take vitamin D supplements to maintain optimal levels. A study found that vitamin D supplementation improved menstrual regularity, hormonal profiles, and glucose metabolism in women with PCOS.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can worsen PCOS symptoms and increase the risk of developing PCOS. Smoking increases oxidative stress, which can damage cells and disrupt hormone levels. Therefore, quitting smoking can help improve PCOS symptoms and reduce its incidence. A study found that smoking cessation improved menstrual regularity and hormone levels in women with PCOS.