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
Do Birth Control Pills Cause Weight Gain?
Birth control pills are used to prevent pregnancy, and they are also used for PCOD and irregular periods.But when women start taking birth control pills, they sometimes notice weight gain or feel like their weight is increasing. So, do birth control pills really cause weight gain?There are two types of birth control pills:Combination Pill (Estrogen and Progesterone)Progesterone Only PillEstrogen and Progesterone are female hormones that help maintain the reproductive system. When you take birth control pills, your body might hold onto more water, which can make you feel like you've gained weight. However, this weight gain is usually temporary. It means that while birth control pills might make you gain weight at first, it often returns to normal after some time.How do birth control pills affect weight?If you take only Progesterone pills, you generally won't gain weight because these pills don’t cause your body to hold onto water.However, if you take Combination Pills with Estrogen and Progesterone, you might notice some weight gain temporarily. This is because Estrogen can increase a hormone called Vasopressin, which makes you feel more thirsty and helps your body hold onto water. This temporary weight gain usually goes away after a while as your body adjusts.So, birth control pills don’t actually cause long-term weight gain, just temporary changes that usually return to normal.Source:- 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441582/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880912/
Pregnancy and Hyperthyroidism: How does thyroid increase during pregnancy?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck.Thyroid hormones are crucial for the proper development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. Because, for the first 3 months of pregnancy, the thyroid hormones produced by your body are supplied to your baby through the placenta. When your pregnancy reaches the second trimester, your baby’s thyroid glands start producing thyroid hormones, but in insufficient quantities. Therefore, the thyroid hormones produced in your body remain essential until your pregnancy reaches 18-20 weeks.This is why, if a woman experiences hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, it can be hard to diagnose.Generally, the primary cause of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is Graves' Disease. Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your body produces Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI). TSI is a type of antibody that increases the production of thyroid hormones.In some cases, severe nausea and vomiting leading to weight loss and dehydration, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can also cause hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.During hyperemesis gravidarum, the level of HCG hormones increases, which in turn raises thyroid hormone levels.This problem usually resolves within 6 months of pregnancy.Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy include:Increased heart rateFeeling excessively hotExtreme fatigueTrembling handsWeight lossOr lack of weight gain during pregnancy.If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor.Source:- 1.https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/pregnancy-thyroid-disease 2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/hypothyroidism-and-pregnancy
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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