5 Essential Supplements For Healthy Pregnancy!
Taking necessary supplements during pregnancy is as important as eating healthy when you're pregnant!Your body is working hard to grow your baby, so you need more nutrients than usual for your baby to develop strong bones, a healthy brain, and everything else they need.What necessary supplements are required during pregnancy?Adequate nutrients, such as protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid, are important for the proper growth of a baby's brain, bones, and organs.5 most important nutrients during pregnancy:Folic Acid: Folic Acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby, which can further lead to serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Amount of folic acid you need during this period:Before pregnancy: 400 mcg (micrograms) per day.During pregnancy and when breastfeeding, 600 mcg (micrograms) per day.Consuming this much folic acid is not possible only with food, and so folic acid is prescribed by the doctors. 2. Iron: Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to both you and your baby. It is recommended that a pregnant woman should consume atleast 27 mg (milligrams) of iron a day.Reaching this amount alone with food is not possible and hence supplements are prescribed by the doctors. 3. Calcium: Calcium is a crucial nutrient during pregnancy as it can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, a serious medical condition that causes a sudden increase in the blood pressure. Calcium also helps in building up the baby's bones and teeth. Requirement of calcium are as follows: a. Pregnant adults: 1,000 mg (milligrams) of calcium in a day b. Pregnant teenagers (ages 14-18): 1,300 mg of calcium in a day.Consuming this much calcium is not possible only with food intake, and so calcium tablets are prescribed by the doctors. 4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin is essential, as it helps absorb calcium in your body which further enhances building of the baby's bones and teeth. All pregnant women should get 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day. 5. Water: Getting enough fluids is also one special nutritional concern during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body needs much more water to stay hydrated and support the life inside you. So it becomes really important to drink enough fluids every day.Just remember, taking too many supplements can sometimes have negative impact. It is important to consult your doctor to discuss your specific nutritional needs so that they can recommend any supplements as per your personalized needs.Source:-1. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/whats-food 2. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/whats-food/proteins
Induced Labor: Why Do Doctors Recommend It and How Does It Help During Delivery?
Wondering why and how doctors induce labor? For many mothers, knowing what to expect can ease anxiety during the birthing process.Inducing labor is a medical procedure used to artificially start the birthing process. Doctors consider induced labor when delivery does not happen naturally or when there are complications threatening the health of the mother or baby. Induced labor uses medicines or mechanical stimulation to stimulate contractions and start labor.Common Methods of Inducing LaborRupturing the Membranes/ Breaking the water bag (Amniotomy): Amniotic fluid is the water that surrounds your baby in your womb.Once the cervix is open and the baby's head is visible, creating a hole in the amniotic sac will release the fluid and start the contractions that push the baby out. This will not hurt your baby.If labor does not begin after a few hours, you may receive a medicine through your veins to help start contractions. This is because the longer it takes for labor to start, the greater is your chance of getting an infection 2. Prostaglandins: Before the cervix starts to dilate or open, it must first become soft and begin to thin out. In some cases this process may begin before the onset of labor. But if your cervix has not begun to ripen or thin out, your health care provider can use a medicine called prostaglandins.This medicine is placed in your vagina next to your cervix. It helps soften and ripen the cervix, preparing it for labor. During this, doctors will monitor your baby’s heart rate for a few hours. 3.Oxytocin (Pitocin): Oxytocin is a medicine administered through veins to either start uterine contractions or make them stronger. Doctor monitors your baby’s heart rate and the strength of your contractions, to make sure contractions are not so strong that they harm your baby.Oxytocin may not be used if tests show that your unborn baby is not getting enough oxygen or food through the placenta.Reasons to Induce Labor?There are several reasons why a healthcare provider might recommend inducing labor:Pregnancy related concerns: If a pregnancy goes beyond the due date or the water bag breaks without the onset of labor. Inducing labor may then be required to reduce risks.Medical Complications: Conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), or fetal distress (when the baby shows signs of stress) may require labor to be induced.Other concerns like:If there was a past stillbirth (when the baby did not survive).Baby showing signs of stress during monitoringComplications with fetal well - being found in an ultrasoundRisks and ConsiderationsWhile induction can be a safe and effective procedure, it's important to be aware of potential risks:Stronger Contractions: Induced labor can lead to more intense contractions, which may be more painful.Can cause: headaches, nausea, vomiting and very occasionally a rash.Summary:Induced labor is used to ensure a safe delivery when waiting could pose risks. It may involve methods like breaking the water bag, using prostaglandins, or oxytocin to start or strengthen contractions.It's essential to discuss the risks and benefits of induction with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.Source:-https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000625.htm
Early age pregnancy: What is it, causes and health risk to both mother and baby!
We have often heard about early age pregnancy and its risks. Let us today dive into this topic to know all about "Why is early pregnancy seen as a concern for young girls?"What is known as Early age pregnancy?Pregnancy that happens before the age of 20 is known as Early age pregnancy. About 16 million adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years give birth each year.Adolescent pregnancy is a serious problem that can have negative consequences for both mother and baby. Adolescent girls who give birth are at a higher risk of dying from childbirth than the women in their 20s or 30s. Not only for women, even the babies born to these mothers are more likely to die in their first year of life.There are multiple factors that contribute to adolescent pregnancy like lack of education and social pressure. In some cultures it is even a culture to marry off girls at a young age and have children early.How Early age pregnancy is a hazard to both mother and baby?Health Risks for the Mother:Increased risk of pregnancy complications: Teenage mothers are more likely to experience complications such as being overweight, anemia, malaria, sexually transmitted infections, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and Obstetric fistula (a hole between the vagina and rectum or bladder).Higher risk of maternal mortality: Teenage mothers have a higher risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth compared to those who conceive after 20 years of age.Limited educational and career opportunities: Early pregnancy disrupts a woman's education and career plans further leading to long-term disadvantages both economically and socially..Increased risk of mental health issues: Teenage mothers are not completely ready for these responsibilities and hence may experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.Health Risks for the Newborn baby:Increased risk of low birth weight: Babies born to teenage mothers are more likely to be born prematurely or have low birth weight. This birthing state comes with various health problems too.Higher risk of infant mortality: Research has found that babies born to teenage mothers are more likely to die than the babies born to mothers in their 20s.Developmental delays: Children of teenage mothers may experience developmental delays in cognitive, language, and social skills.Early age pregnancy comes with significant health risks for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, the best time to get pregnant is between the ages of 20 and 35 years.We hope this video was helpful. So, plan your pregnancy well in time and watch our next video to clear some myths and misconceptions about pregnancy.Source:- https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/mca-documents/making-pregnancy-safer-notes-adolescent-pregnancy-volume-1-number-1.pdf
Top 5 medical conditions that can complicate pregnancy: Know how to deal with them!
Pregnancy complications include physical and mental conditions that affect the health of the pregnant woman, their baby or both. It is important to get healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy to lower the risk of pregnancy complications. There are certain medical conditions that can complicate pregnancy.Let us discuss 5 major medical complications today:Don't Ignore these 5 major Medical Conditions During PregnancyDiabetes: Diabetes is a condition that affects how our body processes food into energy. The three main types of diabetes are: Type I, Type II and Gestational Diabetes. Managing Diabetes is important during pregnancy. If blood sugar levels are high during pregnancy, it can lead to serious health issues for both the mother and the baby, such as birth defects or preterm birth.Pregnant women with diabetes should regularly consult their doctor and follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.Heart Conditions: Heart Conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels also pose risks during pregnancy. While many women with heart issues have normal pregnancies, they may face higher risks of complications.It's important for women with heart conditions to inform their doctors early in their pregnancy for proper monitoring.High blood pressure: Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. Hypertension is a common condition that may occur before pregnancy, while gestational hypertension develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Conditions like high blood pressure can lead to serious complications like preterm delivery or stroke. It is advised for women to manage their blood pressure through healthy lifestyle choices and regular check-ups.Hyperemesis gravidarum: It is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, much worse than regular morning sickness. It can lead to dehydration and weight loss, requiring medical treatment.Certain Infections: There are certain kinds of infections like Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) can complicate pregnancy. Pregnant individuals should be screened for the infections that could harm their health or that of their baby. They should be updated on vaccinations to prevent infections.A common infection during pregnancy is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), which can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught early.Therefore, managing diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, nausea, and infections is vital for a healthy pregnancy. Regular check-ups and consultations with doctors can help ensure both mother and baby remain healthy throughout pregnancy.Source:- https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-infant-health/pregnancy-complications/
Birth control pill: Does it decrease your fertility?
Have you heard that taking contraceptive pills can lead to infertility?This is a common myth that many women encounter. But is there any truth to it?No, contraceptive pills do not cause infertility. This is just a myth that has been around for a long time.Here’s what science says:Contraceptive pills work by regulating hormones in your body, which helps keep your menstruation regular. While you’re taking these pills, they prevent eggs from being released, so there’s no egg for sperm to fertilize, which means you won’t get pregnant.In other words, contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy but do not cause infertility. Once you stop taking the pills, your hormone levels usually return to normal within 1-2 weeks or up to 2 months, and you can conceive within 6 months to a year if you wish to.There is no study that proves that contraceptive pills lead to infertility. In fact, they help regulate hormones, reduce period cramps, and lower the risk of endometriosis, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. If you’re experiencing infertility or delays in pregnancy, factors like age, lifestyle, or health conditions might be the reasons.So, don’t believe in these myths. Talk to your doctor and choose the best contraceptives based on your body’s needs.Source:- 1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590151623000151 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6055351/
Postpartum/ Post delivery Depression: Symptoms/ Challenges, Associated factors and what helps!
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health issue affecting many women after childbirth. The transition to motherhood, although a joyful experience, can be challenging due to the substantial physical, emotional, and psychological changes a woman undergoes.Challenges Faced by Women with Postpartum Depression:Difficulty sleepingMood swingsChanges in appetiteFear of harmExcessive worry about the babyFeelings of sadness and crying spellsFeelings of doubtLack of concentrationDisinterest in daily activitiesPotential Causes of Postpartum Depression:History of depression or anxietyHaving multiple pregnancies or frequent childbirthPregnancy-related complications (e.g., emergency cesarean section, low birth weight baby)Young age during pregnancyLack of emotional and financial support from societyPoor lifestyle habits (poor diet, lack of sleep, low physical activity)Deficiency in nutrients like Vitamin B6, Zinc, and SeleniumWays to Reduce the Risk of Postpartum Depression:Exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first 3 monthsConsuming a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, legumes, seafood, dairy products, olive oil, and various nutritious foodsReceiving full support from the husbandSource:-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5561681/https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/maternal-mental-health
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