Colostrum: Everything You Need To Know!!!

Colostrum: Beestings or first milk - Fernandez Hospital

Colostrum (also known as beestings or first milk) is a form of milk produced by the mammary glands in late pregnancy and few days after giving birth.

It is a thick, sticky substance, which can range in color from clear to dark yellow.

Most of the mothers might start to produce this colostrum in the last trimester.

It often referred to as ‘liquid gold’. Why you may ask? Read along and you’ll be stunned by the benefits it has for your bundle of joy.  Read More

Breast Changes During Pregnancy

Breast changes during pregnancy

Welcome aboard the wonderful journey of motherhood. As you conceive, your body starts preparing itself for several changes facilitating the baby’s arrival. So, it’s not just your womb that’s busy, but your breasts too undergo some radical changes. Hence, it’s extremely important that you know what to expect through your journey to be prepared physically and mentally to embrace the changes.

Hormonal surges result in the changes in the breast size and structure. Sometimes, it’s the first sign that you are pregnant.

Every woman is different and unique. So, the changes in the size and structure can vary from person to person. But if you’re wondering how much the breasts grow during pregnancy, note that by the time your milk comes in, they’re likely to be almost one-and-half times bigger than before you!  Read More

Preeclampsia: Not What You Expect When You’re Expecting

Preeclampsia - Fernandez Hospital

For mums-to-be, the unexpected in moments changes the course of otherwise normal pregnancies. Preeclampsia is one such unexpected condition. It is a type of high blood pressure women get after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth. It affects both you and your unborn baby. At least 5-8% of all the pregnancies are affected and it progresses rapidly.

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder of unknown causes. It is characterized by the development of hypertension to the extent of 140/90 mmHg or more with the presence of protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy in a woman with no previous history of the same.  Read More

Role of a Midwife in Mothers Opting for a VBAC

Ever heard about a midwife? Did you get to choose your midwife during your pregnancy? You might think that a midwife is ‘just a nurse who assists the doctor when you are having a baby’, but you would be wrong!

The Mindful Midwife…

She is a nursing professional who has undergone advanced further training, usually for a period of 2 years. She is able to care for the mothers during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. She supports the mother-to-be during her birthing process and provides invaluable care that a mother and baby needs.

At Fernandez Hospital, we provide the right information and necessary support to encourage natural birthing. We have a team of skilled professional midwives who will support you and be your advocate during your pregnancy. Every mother needs a companion during her pregnancy. This is where your midwife can help.

There is a high percentage of C-section in India. If you’re expecting a baby after your previous cesarean and wish for a natural childbirth process, don’t worry! It is possible to opt for Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) this time. Your midwife will be able to support you, discuss your previous birth and help you feel confident to approach a VBAC this time.  Read More

Placenta Praevia: A Difficult Road to a Beautiful Destination

 

The placenta is your baby’s main support system. It provides nourishment to your baby through the umbilical cord. It also filters the nutrients, oxygen, and waste your baby receives. For most women, the placenta attaches itself to the side of the womb but for some it attaches lower down and could cover a part or all of the cervix.

It is first seen in early ultrasound scans, during this time it is called a low lying placenta. In most cases, the placenta moves upwards as your baby grows. The placenta for some women, however, remains in the lower part of the uterus even after 20 weeks. This is condition is known as placenta praevia. It is observed in 1 of 200 pregnancies.

 

Why does Placenta Praevia happen?

Your placenta grows wherever the embryo has implanted itself in your uterus. If the embryo attaches itself to the lower part of your uterus, the placenta may grow in the lower part of your uterine wall or even over your cervix.

Initial placenta praevia usually resolves itself, that is if your placenta doesn’t completely cover your cervix. The situation gets complicated if the placenta is covering your cervix at any point in time. Read More