Category: Pregnancy

Skincare Tips in Pregnancy During Monsoon

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Pregnancy is a phase in a woman’s life where you have to take extra care of yourself. Your body constantly undergoes a variety of changes. If you are pregnant during the summer season, it becomes very uncomfortable to pass the days due to excessive heat, sweating etc. But monsoon also doesn’t bring much relief as the level of humidity increases.

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At times, monsoon and pregnancy don’t go well together as the body’s immune system becomes more susceptible to infections. This may result in dysentery, indigestion, cold and cough, and many skin related problems. Dry skin, rashes, eczema, pimples, prickly heat boils are some of the common skin problems that arise in pregnant women during the monsoon. So, it becomes very necessary to keep yourself fit and healthy and take care of your skin to beat the odds of monsoon.

Skincare Tips for the Monsoon

A little change in the way of skincare can do wonders during the monsoon season. Here are some pointers :

  • Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the best ways to make your skin flawless and healthy. Drinking enough water helps in flushing out the unwanted toxins.
  • Pregnancy hormones make your skin more sensitive to sunlight darkening your skin. Stay indoors as much as possible and if you have to go out wear a hat, use an umbrella or cover exposed areas with a light scarf.
  • As it is not possible to avoid sunlight totally, dermatologists suggest applying sunscreen lotion at least 30 minutes prior to going out.
  • Taking a Neem water bath daily helps in fighting bacteria and other germs making your skin free of rashes. Neem water can be prepared easily at home by boiling Neem leaves for around 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Wear clothes made of breathable fabrics like cotton which absorb sweat and keep your skin dry.
  • During monsoon, soil and sewage make the rain water dirty, it may cause skin infections if your feet get exposed to such water. Wash your hands and feet immediately with mild disinfectant soap and warm water after coming from outside.

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Avoid using skincare products containing harmful chemicals:

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During pregnancy, read the skin care product labels carefully regarding the ingredients as using products containing chemicals may be harmful to you and your baby in the womb.

  • Hydroquinone: Commonly present in skin whitening cream, hydroquinone is not good at all for you and your developing baby. Using such products may have different types of ill effects.
  • Salicylic Acid: Present mostly in acne products, salicylic acid is dangerous for pregnant women as it may lead to preterm birth, low birth weight or malformation of the baby.
  • Spray or fragrances: Using spray on tanned areas or fragrances during pregnancy is not a good idea. Though it may not do much harm to the skin as it will not be absorbed much but inhalation of the chemicals in the spray may cause DNA mutations.
  • Hair Removers: As hair removers contain different type of chemicals, avoid using them as much as possible.
  • Bath Products: Most of the luxurious bath products contain chemicals which are not good at all for pregnant women. These chemicals may cause different types of allergic reactions. Rather opt for non-luxurious bath products free from chemicals.

A little skin care during the monsoon can make your pregnancy peaceful by avoiding any kind of skin problems. But if you face severe skin problems it would be better to consult an expert dermatologist.
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How to stay healthy during a monsoon pregnancy?

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How to stay healthy during a monsoon pregnancy?

One of the most awaited seasons to get relief from the summer heat, monsoon is loved by all. But for women who are pregnant during the summer season, monsoon doesn’t bring much relief. However, you can make the best of monsoon by taking some special care and making some changes in your lifestyle.

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Here’s what you can adopt to make your monsoon pregnancy a lovely one:

  • Clothes: As the level of humidity increases during monsoon, you will sweat more than summer. Moreover, pregnancy leads to fluctuation in body temperature and you may often feel your temperature to be high. So, to stay comfortable, wear cotton clothes that are a size bigger. Cotton will absorb the sweat easily and keep you dry.
  • Personal Hygiene: Hygiene is one of the most important factors to remain free from infectious diseases. As monsoon brings rain and the water gets dirty due to sewage, mud etc., it may lead to variety of infections. So, don’t go outside barefoot during pregnancy. Stay indoors as much as possible and if you have to go out, make sure to wash your hands and feet with mild disinfectant soap immediately after returning home.

Take bath with Neem water at least once every day during your monsoon pregnancy. It will help in preventing various skin problems. And whenever you sweat, wipe your face, hands and the back of your neck with a wet cloth. It will freshen you instantly.

  • Keep your Home Clean: If you are not working, then you have to pass most of your time at home during pregnancy. So, it becomes very necessary to keep your home free from infection. Use good quality mild disinfectants to clean the floors and bathroom. You can even burn dried Neem leaves to keep away flies and mosquitoes.
  • Keep Hydrated: During pregnancy, it is very necessary to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and make sure to have filtered water only. Unfiltered water carries lots of germs causing varied health problems.
  • Eat Healthy Food: Stay away from street foods during monsoon. In fact, street food is not at all good for pregnant women as it may carry different types of germs. As your baby in the womb will receive nutrients from the food you eat, have a healthy and balanced diet.

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Tips for pregnant women during monsoon:

  • Carry an umbrella or a raincoat whenever you step out of your house.
  • Wear comfortable footwear which is not slippery.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables properly before eating or cooking.
  • Stay away from fish and prawns during the rainy season; as this is the time they breed, and you may suffer from stomach infections.
  • Don’t go near open wires or any electrical appliances which may harm you.
  • Inform your family members if you are going out.

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Gestational Hypertension

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Gestational hypertension, also known as pregnancy induced hypertension occurs in women during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman has high blood pressure i.e., more than 140/90 and this occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy, then she is said to have gestational hypertension.  This can lead to preeclampsia or toxaemeia, which is a serious medical condition during pregnancy.

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Symptoms of gestational hypertension

Some of the symptoms you may notice if you are suffering from gestational hypertension:

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  • Rise in blood pressure level
  • Presence of protein in the urine
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nose bleeding
  • Swelling of the body
  • Double or blurred vision
  • Pain around the stomach
  • Urinating in small quantity
  • Sudden gain in weight

Diagnosis of gestational hypertension

Based on the above symptoms, the following tests are done to diagnose if you are suffering from gestational hypertension:

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Measuring the level of blood pressure

  • Testing for body swelling or edema
  • Checking your body weight regularly
  • Urine, kidney and liver function test
  • Testing for blood clotting

How to prevent gestational hypertension?

Though there are no foolproof methods to prevent gestational hypertension, adopting the following will definitely be helpful for a healthy pregnancy.

  • Have at least seven to eight glasses of water daily
  • Lower the consumption of salt and use only required for taste
  • Do exercise regularly
  • Take rest as much as possible
  • Include foods with high protein
  • Avoid junk food
  • Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol

Treatment for gestational hypertension

If you are suffering from gestational hypertension, your doctor may recommend the following to lower the level of gestational hypertension so that it doesn’t worsen.

  • Medications for lowering the level of gestational hypertension
  • Frequent testing of your blood and urine
  • You may be recommended bed rest
  • If needed, you may be hospitalised as you may need special attention
  • Monitoring the health of the foetus

So, it is very essential to have check-ups regularly during pregnancy to know that everything is okay with you and your baby. If your doctor finds that you are suffering from gestational hypertension, you will be recommended to do the necessary things.

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Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy – Symptoms, Risks and Management

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What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition in which our body is unable to control the level of sugar in the blood properly. As our body doesn’t produce the required amount of insulin to control the sugar level, we suffer from diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a severe diabetes mellitus, an autoimmune condition in which our body requires insulin daily as the lack of insulin increases the sugar level in blood and urine. Basically, this is insulin dependent diabetes.

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Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy

Whether you have conceived or are trying to conceive and you are suffering from Type 1 diabetes, it becomes very necessary to treat diabetes so that you have a healthy pregnancy. Treating diabetes at the right time helps to control your blood sugar level and protects your baby from any kind of adverse effects.

Symptoms

  • Increased thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Increased hunger
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight loss
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurred vision

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Risks

Women suffering from Type 1 diabetes before or after conceiving may suffer from miscarriage. There are a few risks to the unborn baby, as well if the mother is suffering from Type 1 diabetes which are as follows:

  • Macrosomia: Also known as fetal obesity, macrosomia is a medical condition in which the baby grows too large making it difficult for vaginal delivery. Due to the size of the baby, it may get hurt during the delivery process.
  • Growth restriction: The baby may not grow at the normal rate if the mother is suffering from Type 1 diabetes.
  • Growth acceleration: The baby may grow at a faster rate than the normal development.
  • Birth defects: A baby born to the mother suffering from diabetes may suffer from a variety of birth defects.

Management

During pregnancy, Type 1 diabetes could be managed effectively if the mother-to-be follows some rules. Here are some tips to keep the glucose level controlled.

  • Meal planning: You should plan your meal and maintain proper timings of meals throughout the day. You should eat three meals which should be small and around one to three snacks on a daily basis.
  • Include fibre: Have balanced fibre intake in the form of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
  • Avoid sweets: Avoid having sweets or items containing sugar.
  • Do physical activity: You should engage yourself in different types of mild physical activity like walking, swimming etc.
  • Check glucose level frequently: Monitor the glucose level frequently as it will help you to know that your blood sugar level is normal or not. In addition, keep a proper record of the test results. It will help you to compare the level on each test.
  • Take insulin: Some women may need extra insulin to keep the glucose level normal. In that case, you have to take insulin as recommended by your doctor which is not harmful to your baby.

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Ways to Control Obesity During Pregnancy

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Most women are overweight when pregnant. Some gain too much weight after being pregnant. When your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or greater, you are said to be obese. Gaining too much weight and reaching a stage of obesity creates a variety of complications during pregnancy.

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Problems related to pregnancy due to obesity

If you are obese, you must take care of your health and that of your would-be baby by losing weight before you plan on getting pregnant. Obesity during pregnancy may put you at risk of a variety of problems that include:

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  • Gestational Diabetes: This occurs during pregnancy and if you are obese there is a greater chance of suffering from this problem. Due to gestational diabetes, you may end up having a caesarean section. Moreover, it increases the risk of the mother and the baby suffering from diabetes in the later stages of their lives.
  • High Blood Pressure: Obesity can also lead to high blood pressure during pregnancy which is also known as preeclampsia. In some cases, it may lead to seizures, kidney or liver failure etc.
  • Miscarriage: Obese women are at a higher risk of miscarriage compared to women with normal weight.
  • Birth Defects: Obesity can lead to various type of birth defects like neural tube defects, heart defects etc.
  • Preterm Birth: Preterm birth may occur if you are suffering from obesity during pregnancy.


What to do if you are obese during pregnancy?

Losing weight during pregnancy is not good, but if you are obese, try not to gain much weight. You can keep yourself and your baby healthy by limiting weight gain. If you are obese you may adopt the following ways to keep on track with weight gain.

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  • Healthy diet: During pregnancy, it is very essential to have a healthy diet as recommended by your nutritionist. Avoid junk and unhealthy foods.
  • Drink plenty of water: During pregnancy, you should drink lots of water. Water not only helps in keeping you and your developing baby healthy but also in preventing hunger.
  • Have light meals: If you don’t want to gain much weight, eat light meals frequently instead of heavy meals. Light meals provide the required energy without increasing your weight.
  • Avoid eating for two: Pregnancy doesn’t mean that you have to eat for two. Eating for two makes you put on lots of excess weight which is not good at all for obese pregnant women.
  • Exercise: Daily exercise helps a lot in limiting excess weight gain. If you are a beginner, you can go for pregnancy exercises like swimming and low impact aerobics. But do consult your doctor before doing any one of these.
  • Walking: You can walk slowly for 20 to 30 minutes daily. Walking helps in keeping yourself fit and healthy.

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How To Safeguard From Summer Heat During Pregnancy

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Summer which is both hated and loved has arrived. With temperatures soaring and hot winds blowing, it becomes very difficult to cope during summers now-a-days. The best way to enjoy the flavours of summer is by being prepared to beat the heat.

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This is the time of the year you can nourish your body and mind with delicious seasonal fruits like mangoes, watermelons, pineapples etc. which are loaded with variety of nutrients. These fruits not only make you healthy and feel refreshed but also help in making your skin glow and hair shine.

However, getting the best of out of summer depends on how you beat the heat and enjoy the offerings of the season. Here are some tips to stay cool and healthy during summer.

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  • One of the most important things during summer is staying hydrated. So, drink lots of fluids like water, fruit and vegetable juices etc. It will help you to retain the fluids lost while sweating. Carry a water bottle along with you whenever you step out of your house.
  • Using an umbrella, hat and sunglasses will help you avoid direct contact with sunrays and keep you comfortable.
  • Have a proper breakfast during summer as it prevents dizziness and low blood pressure. Have small but frequent meals during the hot days as it will keep you healthy.
  • Stay away from heavy foods and focus on light and refreshing food options. Light meals are easy to digest making you feel comfortable during the summer season.

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  • To stay cool and comfortable, wear loose fitting cotton clothes and flip flops.
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks, caffeine etc. during summer as they may speed up the loss of fluids.
  • Avoid staying in closed, parked cars during summer which may lead to suffocation etc.
  • Whenever you go out use sunscreen lotion adequately to prevent tan and rashes.
  • Have lot of seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables to keep you fit and healthy.

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Why Your Workout Should Change With Pregnancy

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Exercising during pregnancy is good for both the mother and the baby. It helps in lessening different kinds of discomforts, pains etc. which occur during pregnancy. Pregnant women can continue with the workouts they have been doing before getting pregnant. However, certain changes should be made with the pre-pregnancy workouts so that you feel comfortable doing the exercises and it doesn’t hurt your baby. It is very essential to seek your doctor’s advice before indulging in any kind of workout during pregnancy.

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Reasons for modifying your pre-pregnancy workout during pregnancy:

  1. Change in Posture: During pregnancy many changes occur in the woman’s body. The weights of the baby, uterus, growing breasts, amniotic fluid etc. are some factors responsible for weight gain. And the increased weight makes your posture change. Your shoulders may be rounded and your hips may be tilted forward. Due to the postural changes, you would suffer from different types of body pain. So, in order to reduce pain during pregnancy, you should focus on workouts that strengthen your core muscles.
  2. Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles: The weight of the baby, uterus etc. makes your pelvic floor muscles weak. To make your pelvic floor muscles strong, you can indulge in pelvic floor exercises and kegels during pregnancy and after childbirth, as well.

Time to Stop Workouts

Though exercising is good during pregnancy, you should stop doing any form of exercises if you suffer from any of the following and consult your doctor.

  • Out of breath before doing exercise
  • Bleeding or spotting
  • Chest pain, joint pain and stomach pain
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Walking difficulty
  • Decrease in the movement of the foetus
  • Leakage of amniotic fluid
  • Risk of Preterm labour

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Workout points to remember during pregnancy

  • Avoid lying flat on your back for too long while doing workouts.
  • Reduce the intensity and frequency of workouts during the last trimester at your doctor’s recommendation.
  • Don’t indulge in uncomfortable jumps and twists during workouts
  • Avoid contact sports or workouts which have the possibility of getting you out of balance.
  • Avoid workouts that put too much pressure on your abdominal area.
  • Workout when the climate is not too hot and humid or in temperature controlled environment.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and good supportive undergarments during  workouts.
  • Wear the right shoes which are comfortable.
  • Hydrate yourself before, after and during workouts with water or juices.
  • In order to keep your energy high, you can have a light snack before doing workouts

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Hygiene during pregnancy

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During pregnancy, it is very essential to take proper care of your health as it not only helps you to stay fit but also keeps your baby healthy. From a healthy diet to keeping yourself clean, you need to take proper care of everything you do. Personal hygiene is one of the vital factors for a healthy pregnancy.

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Importance of maintaining proper hygiene during pregnancy

When you get pregnant, your body tends to undergo many uncomfortable changes due to the increase in blood circulation and hormonal changes. This results in frequent urination, perspiration, vaginal secretions etc.

The baby in the womb is vulnerable and weak. If the expectant mother does not maintain proper personal hygiene, there are more chances of infection which may harm the baby. The would-be mother also suffers from various infections that affect the skin, stomach, urinary tract etc. Thus, it becomes very necessary for expectant mothers to maintain a healthy personal hygiene.

Tips for maintaining healthy hygiene during pregnancy

  • Clothing: For pregnant women, it is very important to wear washed clothes as it helps prevent infections and irritation of skin. Throughout pregnancy, you should wear loose and comfortable cotton clothes as cotton is said to be the ideal fabric for expectant mothers. It helps in absorbing any discharge and dries quickly. As milk secretion is possible during the third trimester, wearing cotton maternity bra with pads will help to absorb the leakage of colostrum from the nipples. Moreover, you should avoid wearing sweaty clothes for longer period of time.
  • Breast care: To prevent nipple irritation, it is very important to wash your breast and nipples properly with water so that the dry colostrum gets removed. Caring for your breast will help you maintain good personal hygiene.
  • Genital care: Pregnant women should take special care to keep their pubic area hair-free and clean but you should not douche. It thus helps in preventing genital infections which may affect the developing baby. To maintain the pH level, you should use mild and unperfumed genital wash.
  • Dental care: During pregnancy, teeth care is another important factor of hygiene. Due to the increase in estrogen level, pregnant women may suffer from gum sensitivity or swelling. You should make sure that you brush twice daily to keep your teeth and gums free of infections.

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  • Wash hands: In order to prevent stomach infections, you should wash your hands properly before eating. If you go to work or any other place, use sanitizer before having food. In addition, have fruits and vegetables that are washed properly and use clean utensils.

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  • Skin and hair care: As the oil glands become more active during the pregnancy your scalp might turn oily. So, shampoo your hair regularly using mild shampoo. Avoid taking bath in a bathtub as there is a higher chance of vaginal infection as the water gets dirty in the bathtub. Use the shower or a mug to take a bath and natural bath products to wash your skin.

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Benefits of Coconut Water during Pregnancy

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Introduction

Extremely refreshing with a slight sweet taste, coconut water helps you to keep hydrated. Rich in electrolytes and essential nutrients like potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin C and certain B vitamins, coconut water helps in giving you instant relief from fatigue and tiredness by reviving the salts lost by your body.

Coconut water is produced naturally in the fruit and contains 94% water and very little fat. It should not be confused with coconut milk, which is made by adding water to grated coconut meal. Coconut milk contains about 50% water and is very high in coconut fat.

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Is it safe to drink coconut water during pregnancy?

Coconut water helps a pregnant woman to get refreshed as she often suffers from dehydration and exhaustion. These occur due to rapid physical changes, increased fluid requirement and the additional needs of the developing baby in the womb.

As a healthy oral rehydrating fluid, it is safe for pregnant women. It is recommended that it be had in moderation so that you gain all the nutritional benefits. Fresh and tender coconut water could be the perfect alternative to sodas or caffeinated fluids. Even though drinking coconut water is safe during pregnancy, consulting your doctor/nutritionist is always advisable.

 

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Benefits of coconut water during pregnancy

  • Keeps you energised: Rich in electrolytic content, coconut water helps refuel your body with essential nutrients keeping you energised when you feel exhausted or suffer from diarrhoea.
  • Boosts immunity: The presence of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants strengthens the immunity of the Mom-to-be. So, consuming coconut water during pregnancy can help both mother and baby be healthy.
  • Prevents constipation and heartburn: As digestive problems are common during pregnancy, consuming coconut water helps in preventing acidity, maintaining pH levels and relieves nausea. It also helps in soothing and preventing heartburn during pregnancy.
  • Maintains blood sugar level: Coconut water contains sugars which can help raise your blood sugar level when you’re hypoglycemic, and reenergise you. It is a natural isotonic fluid.
  • Prevents urinary tract infection: It has been found that consumption of tender coconut water helps during urinary tract infection which occurs in most pregnant women.


Conclusion:

Though there are numerous health benefits of coconut water during pregnancy, it doesn’t act as a medicinal cure for severe and chronic diseases. Take your doctor’s/nutritionist advice about the quantity of water to be consumed.


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Morning Sickness and How to Cope With It!

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What is morning sickness?

Most pregnant women suffer from morning sickness which occurs in the first three months of pregnancy. Also known as nausea, pregnancy sickness or vomiting in pregnancy, it is caused due to the high level of pregnancy hormones that are produced in your body. Though morning sickness makes you feel lousy, it doesn’t have any effect on the baby.

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In the early weeks of pregnancy, human chorionic hormone (HCH) provides the nutrients required for the foetus. When the placenta starts nourishing the foetus with the required nutrients, the level of these hormones drops resulting in elimination of morning sickness. During the first trimester, most women are susceptible to smells that leads to vomiting. In some cases, morning sickness is mild, but this not the same for all. By the end of the first trimester, morning sickness settles down, though in some women, it continues a little bit longer.

How to tackle morning sickness?

Though it is difficult to prevent morning sickness completely, following these tips might help minimise the effects.

  • Take rest: Taking rest as much as possible helps in reducing morning sickness. Ensure proper sleep at night and keep yourself relaxed and stress free. Tiredness and stress may worsen morning sickness.
  • Eat little but frequently: It is very essential to keep your stomach full. And for that you have to eat in small amounts but frequently. It will also help in keeping your sugar level controlled and lower the chances of experiencing morning sickness. If your stomach remains empty, the acids will work on the stomach lining resulting in vomiting.
  • Remain active: During pregnancy, it is very important to keep yourself fit and active. Even if you feel lousy, you should try to keep yourself physically active. This helps in lowering nausea to a great level.
  • Get up slowly: If you are pregnant, you should always remember to get up slowly from sleeping or sitting positions. Always take your time to get up.
  • Eat healthy food: You should include protein rich food. Food containing vitamin B and other healthy options is good for both the mother and baby. Try to avoid junk and unhealthy food as these may trigger nausea and vomiting.
  • Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated with fluid intake is one of the best options to keep you healthy during pregnancy. Your nausea may worsen if you stay dehydrated.
  • Ginger tea: Having a cup of ginger tea is found to be helpful in minimising nausea. Ginger helps in soothing your stomach.
  • Lemon: The aroma of cut lemon can help in reducing nausea. You can even add slices of lemon to tea or water to get relief from nausea.

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Seek your doctor’s advice if morning sickness is severe

If you are pregnant and suffering from mild morning sickness, you can adopt the above tips to minimise it. But if it worsens, it is better to consult your doctor. Normally, nausea goes away at the end of the first trimester. Taking good care of yourself is a key to healthy pregnancy.

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Role of Folic Acid during Pregnancy

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Folic acid is very important for all women during pregnancy. Also known as folate, folic acid is a B vitamin and plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells. There are lots of folic acid rich foods but only dietary source of folic acid is not sufficient during pregnancy. So, folic acid supplement is necessary along with folate rich foods for a healthy pregnancy. In fact, it should be taken before you are pregnant, though on the recommendation of your doctor who will know better how much folic acid your body needs before, during and after pregnancy.

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Dietary sources of folic acid include:

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  • Green leafy vegetables – Rich sources are amaranth, ambat chukka, spinach, mint
  • Oilseeds like gingelly (til) and soya bean
  • Orange Juice
  • Chickpeas
  • Other legumes like green gram and red gram
  • Broccoli
  • Peas
  • Asparagus
  • Black-eyed beans
  • Okra
  • Cluster beans
  • Enriched grains

Since, folates get dissolved in water, boiling the vegetables and draining off the water will destroy all the folates they contain. So, it is better that the vegetables are steamed or cooked in a microwave to help you to get all the nutrients.

Benefits of folic acid during pregnancy:

  • Produces red blood cells
  • Protects your baby from neural tube defects like spina bifida
  • Prevents your baby from birth defects like cleft palate
  • Protects you from suffering from anaemia
  • Prevents your baby from brain defects like anencephaly

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Most of the defects occur during the first month of pregnancy when most women don’t even realize that they are pregnant. It is better to plan your pregnancy and have the required amount of folic acid before getting pregnant or during the childbearing age. But consuming more than recommended may be harmful to you and your baby’s health. So, take folic acid supplements as recommended and have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

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Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

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Carrying a baby in the womb and giving birth is a beautiful feeling that women get to experience. During pregnancy, it is quite natural that the blood pressure of women may fluctuate.

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Blood Pressure

The pressure at which blood is pumped throughout the body is known as blood pressure. Usually, blood pressure is measured in terms of the maximum pressure over the minimum pressure. In an adult, the normal resting blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg (millimetres of Mercury) approximately.

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Pregnancy and Blood Pressure

When a woman conceives, there are changes in her body due to hormonal influence. Due to this, the blood pressure of the pregnant woman fluctuates. During the first and second trimester of pregnancy, blood pressure may be lower than normal.  And in some cases, blood pressure becomes higher than normal. And as time progresses, after delivery, blood pressure may return to normal.

So, it is very necessary that special attention should be given if you are suffering from high or low blood pressure during pregnancy.

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Types of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

  • Gestational Hypertension: When a pregnant woman develops hypertension after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and no other organs are affected, it is referred to as gestational hypertension.
  • Chronic Hypertension: When a woman has blood pressure before being pregnant or before the 20th week of pregnancy, then it is known as chronic hypertension (Pre-existing Hypertension).
  • Preeclampsia: Sometimes, gestational hypertension or chronic hypertension can lead to preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition during pregnancy which is also known as toxaemia. It occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy which is characterized by high blood pressure along with signs of other organ system damage. Preeclampsia when left untreated may cause severe complications including death of the foetus.

Problems Caused Due to High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy, causes different types of health problems, including :

  • Fetal Growth Restriction: High blood pressure may result in slow growth of the baby, leading to low birth weight.
  • Premature Delivery: In order to prevent further complications due to high blood pressure, premature delivery may be necessitated.
  • Separation of Placenta: Due to preeclampsia, the placenta may get separated from the uterus before the baby is born. And when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterus heavy bleeding may occur which may be seen coming through the vagina. In some cases, separation of the placenta from the uterine wall may be life threatening for both the mother and the baby.
  • Eclampsia : Preeclampsia can lead to mother having seizures (fits / convulsions) that is called Eclampsia. This is life threatening for both the mother and the baby.
  • Multi-Organ Damage: Preeclampsia can affect all the organs of the mother – leading to multi-organ damage. Sometimes, any one organ like the kidney, liver or blood cell may be affected, and this may lead to premature delivery. The mother is also at risk of developing HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low platelets).


What are the Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, many times, may occur without any warning symptoms. It may be detected by your doctor during routine check-ups.

The symptoms of severe preeclampsia include:

  • Severe headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers
  • Problems with vision, such as blurring or flashing before the eyes
  • Severe pain just below the ribs
  • Heartburn that doesn’t go away with antacids
  • Rapidly increasing swelling of the face, hands or feet
  • Feeling very unwell.

Who is Likely to Get Preeclampsia? How to Prevent High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy:

Preeclampsia can occur in any pregnancy but you are at higher risk if:

  • Your blood pressure was high before you became pregnant
  • Your blood pressure was high in a previous pregnancy
  • You have a medical problem such as kidney problems or diabetes or a condition that affects the immune system, such as lupus.

If any of these apply to you, you should be advised to take low-dose aspirin (75 mg) once a day in pregnancy, to reduce your risk.

The importance of other factors is less clear-cut, but you are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia if more than one of the following applies:

  • This is your first pregnancy
  • You are aged 40 or over
  • Your last pregnancy was more than 10 years ago
  • You are very overweight – a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or more
  • Your mother or sister had preeclampsia during pregnancy
  • You are carrying more than one baby.

If you have more than one of these risk factors, you may also be advised to take low-dose aspirin once a day in pregnancy.

Treatment for High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and suffering from high blood pressure, it is very necessary to seek your doctor’s advice.  Normally, a doctor may suggest the following in order to make your blood pressure normal and keep you and your baby safe.

  • Advise admission
  • Medications to lower high blood pressure
  • Offer frequent tests of your blood and urine
  • Monitor the health of the baby

So, it becomes very necessary to have regular check-ups during the gestation period. It will help you to know your health status and that of your baby. And if you are suffering from high blood pressure, your doctor will recommend certain things that you need to do.