Everything about pregnancy
 | The excitement has just begun... You have happily discovered that you are pregnant. You are worried about morning sickness and whatever else lies ahead. What tests do you need to do? Relax, we are here to help you through these special nine months of your life. |
Smoking, Drinking and Drugs
I have been a chain smoker for many years, how will it affect my baby
There is no evidence to prove that smoking before getting pregnant has any harmful effects on the baby. However, heavy smoking during pregnancy, especially after the fourth month, could lead to miscarriages, premature and undersized babies, infant deaths, and physically and mentally deficient children. It is therefore recommended that mothers quit cigarette smoking as soon as possible. If you are already 9 months pregnant and have still not stopped smoking, you should do so immediately, to preserve oxygen flow to the baby. Note that there have also been instances where chain smokers have delivered perfectly healthy babies, but the odds are certainly stacked against them.
Is passive smoking also harmful to the baby
Although not as harmful as direct smoking, passive smoking, (i.e. inhaling smoke when others smoke) is also harmful to the unborn child. It is therefore advisable to stay away from smoke-filled areas.
What effect will alcoholic drinks have on my baby
Contrary to popular belief, a few drinks during pregnancy generally cause no harm to the baby. However, heavy drinking (5-6 drinks each time) during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. Babies born to alcoholic mothers could be undersized, be mentally deficient, and have deformities of the head, limbs, heart, nervous system, etc. Therefore, controlling your alcohol intake during pregnancy is essential.
I have been taking illicit drugs, will it affect my baby
Drug use prior to getting pregnant, seems to pose almost no risk to the baby. Since the risk, however, increases with the progress of the pregnancy, if you are already pregnant, it is important to stop using any illicit drugs. Marijuana use, even as infrequently as once a month during pregnancy, could lead to inadequate weight gain for the mother, severe vomiting bouts, complications during delivery and an undersized baby. Similarly, cocaine use could also result in miscarriages, premature delivery, infant death, and many other complications. Even an occasional use during the third trimester could trigger contractions and fetal distress.
Morning Sickness FAQs
Morning sickness unfortunately isn't confined to the morning. Some frequently asked questions answered.
I feel nauseated all the time - not just in the morning - throughout the day. Is this normal?
Unfortunately morning sickness is not limited to the morning and around 60 to 80 percent of women reportedly feel nauseous in the morning, evening and night. Misery loves company so while you may feel better reading this and knowing you are not alone, this doesn't mean you should treat it likely. Speak to your doctor at once especially if you keep vomiting. You may even need to be hospitalised because if you keep throwing up both you and your baby will get dehydrated. You will probably need to be hydrated intravenously with the help of electrolytes, fluids and glucose.
Can morning sickness affect my baby?
If your morning sickness is relatively mild, your baby will be absolutely fine, as long as you don't keep throwing up and are able to retain fluids and food. What is important is that you mustn't be throwing up all the time so you get dehydrated. As long as there is sufficient food and water in your body, your baby will be fine.
Remember to eat food rich in minerals and vitamins. If you like your cornflakes, pick one up that's fortified with extra minerals. Eat vitamin supplements along with food instead of taking them randomly throughout the day. They are easier on the stomach.
Can I do anything to reduce nausea?
Don't we wish there was some miracle cure for reducing morning sickness without any side effects? Unfortunately there's nothing of the sort. However, there are certain things that could help reduce morning sickness and soothe nausea. Try eating small meals throughout the day. If possible, keep chewing on something or the other. The meals should be low in fat and high in carbohydrates. Avoid eating foods with offensive odours as it may trigger nausea. You will find that you feel nauseaus after eating certain foods. Once you've figured out what makes you sick, stay away from it.
Another tip to help reduce nausea: Try taking 50 milligrams of vitamin B6 twice a day. However, this does not work for all women but if it does work for you, great! In any case, the vitamin helps strengthen the immune system, helps metabolise certain amino acids and is good for you, so take it anyway. Foods which include this vitamin are:
- Bananas
- Brown rice
- Fish
- Whole grains
- Corn
- Nuts
- Avocados
How long will this morning sickness last?
On an average, morning sickness lasts anywhere from three weeks to three months. Some women hardly feel nauseous while others feel sick right up to their pregnancy. However, it is rare that a woman feels nauseous throughout at the most eating something or a certain smell may trigger nausea.
Will I be more likely to develop motion sickness when pregnant?
While there is no obvious link between motion sickness and pregnancy, anything can trigger off morning sickness, even motion, especially if you are slightly prone to motion sickness the feeling will only get magnified.
Will a change of place or weather make me more prone to morning sickness?
Yes, it is possible for you to feel sicker when you've moved to a new place, till you've adjusted to the place and climate. If you have planned a holiday at a hill station, make sure you increase your water intake, as the climate is drier and dehydration is common.
Old Wives Tales
Old wives tales about pregnancy abound, and almost every pregnant woman is inundated by them. Even though you may not know the sex of your baby, you are sure to hear lots of people telling you whether you will have a boy or a girl based on the shape of your stomach, on the way you are carrying your baby, or on the position you had sex in when your baby was conceived.
How true are these old wives tales anyway? According to research conducted by Yale University, they are completely baseless and the tales are nothing more than fanciful rumours.
Baby's Sex: If your stomach sticks out, it means nothing more than the fact that you have a small upper body, so your baby is pushing out since he has no where else to go. If you are carrying the baby wide, it is because your baby has positioned himself horizontally. If you are carrying the baby high, it is because your stomach muscles are not very strong; it does not that you are having a boy.
Child Size: A big belly does not mean a big, tall child. The tallest of people may have been born to women whose bellies increased almost imperceptibly during pregnancy.
Why then place so much belief in old wives tales? Essentially such sex-determination tales have a fifty percent chance of being right. So if you are pregnant and someone tells you that you are going to have a girl because you are carrying her low, and if you really do give birth to a girl, you will remember with amazement and wonder that your aunt had predicted your baby's sex accurately and your own faith in the tail is bound to increase. But on the other hand if you give birth to a boy, you will forget who said what and no one would broach the topic again.
Increased Odds: Of all the old wives tales out there, this possibly takes the cake: "To get pregnant, stand on your head after intercourse. Gravity will ensure that the egg gets fertilized." Well, you can stand on your head all you want. It is good for you, but it will not help you get pregnant. Simply placing a pillow under the pelvic region and lying down in this position for a few minutes after sex should give you the extra push that is needed.
Mother's Pregnancy: Although women get many characteristics and physical attributes from their mother, their pregnancy normally does not depend on how their mother's pregnancies were, unless of course it relates to a genetic disease. No, just because your mother had stretch marks does not mean you will have them too. If you look after your skin, moisturize it well, you just may be lucky and not develop any stretch marks at all! On the other hand if your mother had no stretch marks don't think you will automatically escape them. Yes, if you take the benefit of your mother's knowledge, like her, you too could get lucky!
How true are these old wives tales anyway? According to research conducted by Yale University, they are completely baseless and the tales are nothing more than fanciful rumours.
Baby's Sex: If your stomach sticks out, it means nothing more than the fact that you have a small upper body, so your baby is pushing out since he has no where else to go. If you are carrying the baby wide, it is because your baby has positioned himself horizontally. If you are carrying the baby high, it is because your stomach muscles are not very strong; it does not that you are having a boy.
Child Size: A big belly does not mean a big, tall child. The tallest of people may have been born to women whose bellies increased almost imperceptibly during pregnancy.
Why then place so much belief in old wives tales? Essentially such sex-determination tales have a fifty percent chance of being right. So if you are pregnant and someone tells you that you are going to have a girl because you are carrying her low, and if you really do give birth to a girl, you will remember with amazement and wonder that your aunt had predicted your baby's sex accurately and your own faith in the tail is bound to increase. But on the other hand if you give birth to a boy, you will forget who said what and no one would broach the topic again.
Increased Odds: Of all the old wives tales out there, this possibly takes the cake: "To get pregnant, stand on your head after intercourse. Gravity will ensure that the egg gets fertilized." Well, you can stand on your head all you want. It is good for you, but it will not help you get pregnant. Simply placing a pillow under the pelvic region and lying down in this position for a few minutes after sex should give you the extra push that is needed.
Mother's Pregnancy: Although women get many characteristics and physical attributes from their mother, their pregnancy normally does not depend on how their mother's pregnancies were, unless of course it relates to a genetic disease. No, just because your mother had stretch marks does not mean you will have them too. If you look after your skin, moisturize it well, you just may be lucky and not develop any stretch marks at all! On the other hand if your mother had no stretch marks don't think you will automatically escape them. Yes, if you take the benefit of your mother's knowledge, like her, you too could get lucky!
Cautions during Pregnancy
During your pregnancy one thing you're not going to be short of is unsolicited advice. However, this advice is often conflicting and you end up back to where you started. So what should you do? Don't worry, you've come to the right place.
Here are some things you should avoid when pregnant.
Caffeine
Reports of the effects of caffeine on a foetus have been conflicting. Some studies state that caffeine is harmful to the foetus and can cause miscarriages, premature delivery and low birth weights, while other studies deny any such connection. It is now widely believed that drinking small amounts of caffeine is fine - but too much of it should be avoided. How much is too much? As long as you stay below the 300mg of caffeine a day mark, you should be fine. Different coffees have different amounts of caffeine but in general drink no more than two cups a day. Remember that tea, colas and other soft drinks, and chocolate, all contain caffeine. The caffeine content in chocolate is very low so you don't need to worry about it, but do remember that it all adds up. Some mothers prefer playing it safe and staying off caffeine during their entire pregnancy, but if you cannot do this, try and limit your intake as far as possible.
Saunas
Soaking in a hot tub or going in for a steam or sauna session may seem like the perfect way to relax and pamper yourself at this time, but this is not a good idea. Any activity that raises your body temperature should be avoided, especially during your first trimester. Sure, you could take a hot shower, but make sure you get out of there as soon as possible. You don't want hot streams of water pelting your belly for an extended period of time. Give yourself ten minutes in a warm shower at the most.
Food
Avoid eating heaty foods like ginger, honey etc. Soak almonds overnight in water before eating. Fish containing high levels of mercury should be avoided. Also, avoid eating uncooked cheese or unpasturised milk and its products, as these often contain bacteria that may be harmful to your unborn baby.
Alcohol, cigarettes and drugs
Abstain from alcohol and cigarettes during your pregnancy. If you must drink, red wine - in limits - is your safest bet. A few glasses of red wine a week should be fine, but in general alcohol is best avoided. Don't smoke even a single cigarette during your pregnancy. If your husband or partner smokes, make sure he smokes outdoors. Secondhand smoke can be just as bad for your baby. During your pregnancy your husband should not smoke indoors at all, even when you are not around - as stale smoke will lurk in the home for hours after smoking. Any time your husband wants to light up, he should make it a point to go outdoors or out into the balcony. Some husbands who find this impractical, smoke in a toilet that their wives don't use.
Drugs too are off limits. Speak to your practitioner before taking any medication. Some OTC drug as Disprin are generally thought to be safe but don't take anything without asking your doctor. Your doctor may suggest alternate medication which would be less harmful to the foetus.
Here are some things you should avoid when pregnant.
Caffeine
Reports of the effects of caffeine on a foetus have been conflicting. Some studies state that caffeine is harmful to the foetus and can cause miscarriages, premature delivery and low birth weights, while other studies deny any such connection. It is now widely believed that drinking small amounts of caffeine is fine - but too much of it should be avoided. How much is too much? As long as you stay below the 300mg of caffeine a day mark, you should be fine. Different coffees have different amounts of caffeine but in general drink no more than two cups a day. Remember that tea, colas and other soft drinks, and chocolate, all contain caffeine. The caffeine content in chocolate is very low so you don't need to worry about it, but do remember that it all adds up. Some mothers prefer playing it safe and staying off caffeine during their entire pregnancy, but if you cannot do this, try and limit your intake as far as possible.
Saunas
Soaking in a hot tub or going in for a steam or sauna session may seem like the perfect way to relax and pamper yourself at this time, but this is not a good idea. Any activity that raises your body temperature should be avoided, especially during your first trimester. Sure, you could take a hot shower, but make sure you get out of there as soon as possible. You don't want hot streams of water pelting your belly for an extended period of time. Give yourself ten minutes in a warm shower at the most.
Food
Avoid eating heaty foods like ginger, honey etc. Soak almonds overnight in water before eating. Fish containing high levels of mercury should be avoided. Also, avoid eating uncooked cheese or unpasturised milk and its products, as these often contain bacteria that may be harmful to your unborn baby.
Alcohol, cigarettes and drugs
Abstain from alcohol and cigarettes during your pregnancy. If you must drink, red wine - in limits - is your safest bet. A few glasses of red wine a week should be fine, but in general alcohol is best avoided. Don't smoke even a single cigarette during your pregnancy. If your husband or partner smokes, make sure he smokes outdoors. Secondhand smoke can be just as bad for your baby. During your pregnancy your husband should not smoke indoors at all, even when you are not around - as stale smoke will lurk in the home for hours after smoking. Any time your husband wants to light up, he should make it a point to go outdoors or out into the balcony. Some husbands who find this impractical, smoke in a toilet that their wives don't use.
Drugs too are off limits. Speak to your practitioner before taking any medication. Some OTC drug as Disprin are generally thought to be safe but don't take anything without asking your doctor. Your doctor may suggest alternate medication which would be less harmful to the foetus.
Common Pregnancy Concerns
Your body changes a lot at this time, and if you are unaware of what to expect, you may be subject to unnecessary worry.
If you don't know what to expect during pregnancy, you may be in for quite a few sleepless nights, as you wonder whether what you're going through is normal. Here's when you need to call the doctor, and when you don't.
Pain
Women often get worried when confronted with slight sharp stabs of pain in the stomach. If the pain is severe, you should call your doctor, but if it is slight, there is nothing to worry about. Your uterus is growing, and it is applying pressure on the other organs of the body, due to which you experience some pain and discomfort. These are just growing pains.
Spotting
Women often get alarmed at the first sign of spotting. Spotting, if not accompanied by pain, is not a cause for panic. It often signals a greater need for rest, and your doctor may suggest bedrest for a few days. It is also not uncommon for a woman to spot during the time she would be expecting her period. Although most women don't get their period during pregnancy, some women experience light bleeding throughout their pregnancy, on the dates they would be expecting their period. Don't worry too much about spotting that is not accompanied by strong pain, but do make it a point to let your doctor know. Also, bleeding or spotting during the first month is very common. Many women don't even realise that they are pregnant as they think they have had their period.
Iron
Iron levels often fall during pregnancy. Be regular with your iron supplements, and eat foods rich in iron like beans, potatoes with skin, chicken, whole grains, enriched breakfast cereals and lentils. Don't take iron supplements immediately after spinach, sweet potatoes, wheat or soy products, since these inhibit iron absorption. If you take chapattis with every meal, you could consider taking your supplement a couple of hours later, along with an orange and a glass of juice. This will ensure maximum iron absorption.
Thyroid
Thyroid medication is completely safe during pregnancy. If you have thyroid problems, let your doctor know so she can monitor your levels through your pregnancy.
Leg Cramps
You may wake up one morning, stretch, and suddenly experience unbearable pain shooting through a leg. The intense pain lasts for just a minute, but your legs may continue to feel slight pain for the next couple of days. Leg cramps are If you have been experiencing leg cramps, here's an easy exercise to make sure they stay at bay. Stand a couple of feet away from a wall. Place your palms on the wall and lean forward, bending your elbows. Don't bend your knees. Feel the stretch in your calves. Hold this position to the count of ten and let go. Do this five to ten times a day.
Foetal Heartbeat and Movements
I am in my third month and cannot hear my baby's heartbeat. Only a highly sensitive instrument like the Doppler can pick up the foetal heartbeat by the 10th or 12th week. An ordinary stethoscope can pick it up only in the 17th or 18th week. Sometimes the baby's position or the mother's layers of excess fat prevent one from picking up the heartbeat. There is also the possibility that you could have miscalculated your date. So just have patience and don't worry. Still, if you like, you can request your doctor for an ultrasound., which is sure to pick up the foetal heartbeat. Quite like music to your ears.
How can I identify a foetal movement You can look out for it between the 14th and 25th week or more likely between the 18th and 22nd week. It is difficult to describe, though you could expect a fluttering in the abdomen, or a bump, nudge, twitch or bubbly feeling. Some of you may have mistaken foetal movements for gas or hunger pangs.
I don't think my baby is kicking, but I feel regular spasms on and off This could well be your baby's hiccups. It could happen several times a day upto a stretch of 20 mins. There is no cause for concern as hiccups are not a source of discomfort to babies as they are to adults. Sex during Pregnancy
Can one have sex during pregnancy The profound physical and emotional changes that take place during pregnancy are bound to affect sexual needs and responses of both the partners. Sexual desires also seem to vary from one month to the next throughout pregnancy. Sexual activity between the father and mother is very important during pregnancy because each partner needs to feel loved and nurtured. Sex is one of the highest expressions of that love.
Is intercourse allowed during the last few months of pregnancy There are divided views on this subject. Mostly, neither orgasms nor intercourse can precipitate labour, so in normal cases, it is permitted. But in cases of high risk pregnancies, intercourse could trigger premature labour, premature rupture of the amniotic membranes or even an infection. Do check with your doctor because he knows you best. Even if he does permit it, you must use condoms, because prostaglandins in the semen pose as irritants to the cervix and could result in contractions. So the safest bet is to make love without actually making love e.g. hugging, romantic dinners, bathing together or a simple massage.
Travel and Driving
Is it safe for me to travel this month
In the 3rd trimester, this is a definite no-no. Not only is it uncomfortable physically but mentally as well. Because you never know when you'll go into labour, and not have your doctor ready at hand. In fact, airlines rarely allow pregnant women to fly without a doctor's written permission. So avoid travelling as far as possible.
Can I still continue driving
As long as you are not feeling dizzy and can fit comfortably behind the wheel, you can drive short distances. Avoid long car trips as they will be draining. Just make sure that you don't drive yourself to hospital in labour! If no one is around, it's more practical to hire a cab.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
Missed Period At times this is also referred as late period. When the woman misses her menstrual cycle, it can be an indication of pregnancy. But women who usually have irregular period may find it hard to notice if they are at all late on a certain month. Besides it should also be noted that there can be a wide number of reasons that can make a woman miss her regular periods like acute stress, sudden gain or loss of weight, some other illness and also when she discontinues her birth control pill. So it is advisable to carry out a pregnancy test to ascertain the possible pregnancy.
Bleeding after Implantation Women often experience vaginal bleeding in the form of light to heavy spotting roughly around 10-12 days after she conceives. This is basically caused when the fertilized egg burrow into the uterine wall or the blood vessel lining that coats the inner wall of the uterus. This burrowing action causes them to break resulting in bleeding along with cramps that is similar to the cramps that are accompanied with menstruation. The blood spots can vary from light to pink to brown. This bleeding does not last long like the usual periods.
Breasts Become Sensitive and Swollen
Changes in the feel of the breasts can also be an early sign of pregnancy. It is usually noticed within a couple of weeks after conception. The hormonal changes that results from fertilization and the formation of the embryo makes the woman’s breasts fuller, heavier and sensitive. The nipples might appear darker and some women may feel a tingly sensation and soreness too.
Nausea This is considered to be a classic symptom of pregnancy. Alternatively known as morning sickness, women can experience it within 2 weeks after conception. They become hyper-sensitive to smells and is caused by high estrogen levels that makes her stomach to empty extremely slowly.
After fertilization, the uterus begins to gradually expand thereby putting pressure to the urinary bladder. For the nurturing of the fetus, the body begins to enhance its fluid and blood composition thereby resulting is frequent visits to the toilet. Constipation is another problem as the high progesterone levels slows up the passage of food through the intestines. Bloating is another problem that is often mistaken as PMS.
Mood Swings, Fatigue and Dizziness Sudden rush of hormones cause emotional imbalance and is considered to be one of the early sign of pregnancy. The high progesterone levels induce fatigue. This is also attributed to the fall in blood pressure and sugar levels. And the dilation of the blood vessels causes dizziness.
Craving for Food During early stages of pregnancy, women usually experience strong craving for certain foods along with aversion towards a previously liked food. These changes are brought about by hormonal variations. Weight Gain, Diet & ExerciseDietary Supplements Are vitamin supplements necessary
Due to morning sickness and food aversions, it is not possible to maintain a completely nutritious diet. Therefore, although vitamins can not take the place of a good antenatal diet, they are more like insurance. Research has shown that women who take vitamins before pregnancy and during the first month greatly reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida in their babies. So do ask your doctor for a prescription.
Which dietary supplements do I need to take
Studies have shown that lack of folic acid in the first trimester can increase the risk of spinal tube defects and lip and palate deformities in the baby. Vitamins, iron and calcium are essential in your diet. Most doctors also recommend daily supplements of folic acid and vitamin B12 starting from the first month, and iron and calcium after the first trimester. Specially iron-fortified multivitamin supplements especially formulated for pregnancy and lactation are also available. Although most supplements are over-the counter medicines, please make sure that you clear them with your doctor first.
Benefits of Drinking Water False alarm
When you are going into labour, the body produces a hormone called pitocin. This hormone is very similar to another hormone produced when the body is dehydrated. Thus, if you are dehydrated when you are pregnant, your body may mistake the other hormones to be pitocin, and cause your uterus to contract even if you are not going into labour. However, you should get a check up and may be required to take fluids for dehydration.
Your kidneys will thank you
Your baby in your womb is constantly growing and developing, and pressure on your bladder increases. As a result, some urine remains in your bladder even though you feel you've emptied it. As urine in your bladder can cause bacteria, you should empty it more often, which can only happen when you drink a lot of water. And remember, you should urinate the moment you feel the urge. Don't hold it in.
Constipation
A majority of women experience constipation and irregular stools when they are pregnant. Iron and vitamin supplements that are taken during pregnancy harden the stool, making it difficult to be passed (in addition to various other factors like hormonal changes etc). Water helps dissolve the stool, reducing chances of constipation.
Nourishment
Water aids the flow of nutrients to your baby.
Breastfeeding
When you are breastfeeding your baby you should drink even more water, as breastfeeding makes you thirsty and could dehydrate you if you haven't had adequate water.
Exercise During Pregnancy - I
With your legs about 3-4 feet apart, try and touch the toes with the fingers of your opposite hand without bending your knees. Swing your hands from one leg to the other. Here's a routine workout, which you should do everyday, just to keep your body supple and limber. Neck Stand with your feet 15 to 18 inches apart, and hands on your waist. Stretch your neck to the left, roll it back and stretch to the right. Repeat slowly 4 times, moving your head in opposite directions. If bending your neck forwards doesn't make you dizzy, move your neck clockwise and anticlockwise, twice.
Shoulders (10 times in each direction) With your hands on the side, shrug your shoulders back, up, forward and down again. Place your fingers on your shoulders and rotate your elbows forward in as wide a circle as possible, and then backwards. With hands on the sides, swing them round and round forwards and backwards.
Arms (10 times in each direction) Raise your arms to your sides, stretch them outwards, and bring them forward till they meet. Then stretch them as far back as they go. Don't forget to repeat 10 times! Clasp your fingers behind your buttocks and stretch them as high up as they go. Bring down and repeat.
Waist (10 times in each direction) With your hands on your waist twist as far back as you can go, in each direction. Don't move your upper body. Make sure you feel the stretch on your waist. Bring your arms up straight, shoulder level and swing
them backwards in each direction, once again feeling the pull in your waist. Stand with your feet 3-4 feet apart, hands on hips, bend your knees slightly, and bend to the left and then right. Make sure you bend sideways and not forwards. Feel the pull in your waist.
Lower back stretch (5 times) Stand with your feet together, knees straight, and slowly try to touch your fingers to your toes. Hold the stretch for at least 7 seconds. Repeat.
The last 2 exercises may have strained your lower back a little, so with hands on your waist and feet 15-18 inches apart, simply stretch backwards and forwards a few times, in a bending motion. Once you finish the round of standing exercises, it's time to get out your exercise mat and squat.
Increase Iron Intake
Although not many people are highly anemic, a slight iron deficiency is very common. Women are the most prone to low levels of iron.
Iron deficiency is probably one of the most common forms of deficiency found among people in high to middle income groups. Although not many people are highly anemic, a slight iron deficiency is very common. Iron helps distribute oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body, so if your body doesn't have adequate iron, it is likely that your body is not receiving the full benefits of oxygen. Here's what you should know.
Who is prone to iron deficiency?
Women are the most prone to developing iron deficiencies. In fact, more than 30% of women of reproductive age and approximately 50% of pregnant women have iron deficiencies. Women with heavy periods, women with regular periods (during menstruation), pregnant women, toddlers growing at a rapid rate, adolescents, who have erratic eating schedules and expend a lot of energy, strict vegetarians and people with certain health conditions - are also likely to have low iron stores in the body.
Low iron during pregnancy
It is important that you check Hb levels in your blood when you are pregnant. Even if your Hb levels are adequate, it is possible that you may develop anemia as your pregnancy progresses. This is because your baby draws from your body's supply of iron, leaving you lacking. So you need to keep a constant check on your Hb levels during pregnancy, and make it a point to increase iron intake naturally. In fact, during pregnancy your iron intake should almost double! Iron supplements do help, but including foods rich in iron, in your diet on a daily basis, will probably be of more help.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
You know you have iron deficiency if you feel tired and listless often, are low on energy and feel dizzy every now and again. On the other hand, some of these are also symptoms of iron toxicity, which is a condition that results from excessive iron intake - leading to excessive iron storage. Iron toxicity does not result from excessive iron intake from natural sources. It is mostly caused due to excessive intake in the form of iron supplements. This condition also results from frequent blood transfusions.
What foods are rich in iron?
Iron is found in various foods. Haem iron is easily absorbed by the body. This is found in poultry, lean meat, liver, seafood. Non-haem iron is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grain breads, iron-fortified cereals and eggs, and is harder to be absorbed by the body. This is because the absorption of non-haem iron can be inhibited by various other foods. Essentially, whether or not non-heam iron is absorbed by the body depends on what else you eat, in addition to foods rich in such iron.
How can I increase iron absorption?
Vitamin C helps in iron absorption, and it is especially effective if eaten along with food. This is why it is always a good idea to take Vitamin C supplements just after meals. Foods rich in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, berries and capsicum, so make sure you include these foods in your meals with regularity, along with green, leafy vegetables. So your aim should basically be to combine foods rich in iron, with foods rich in Vitamin C, in the same meal.
On the other hands, foods that inhibit iron absorption include tea and coffee. So, if you must have these beverages, avoid having them with or just after your meals. Have them in between meals so they don't inhibit iron absorption. Also, avoid having too much tea, coffee or bran.
If you don't know what to expect during pregnancy, you may be in for quite a few sleepless nights, as you wonder whether what you're going through is normal. Here's when you need to call the doctor, and when you don't.
Pain
Women often get worried when confronted with slight sharp stabs of pain in the stomach. If the pain is severe, you should call your doctor, but if it is slight, there is nothing to worry about. Your uterus is growing, and it is applying pressure on the other organs of the body, due to which you experience some pain and discomfort. These are just growing pains.
Spotting
Women often get alarmed at the first sign of spotting. Spotting, if not accompanied by pain, is not a cause for panic. It often signals a greater need for rest, and your doctor may suggest bedrest for a few days. It is also not uncommon for a woman to spot during the time she would be expecting her period. Although most women don't get their period during pregnancy, some women experience light bleeding throughout their pregnancy, on the dates they would be expecting their period. Don't worry too much about spotting that is not accompanied by strong pain, but do make it a point to let your doctor know. Also, bleeding or spotting during the first month is very common. Many women don't even realise that they are pregnant as they think they have had their period.
Iron
Iron levels often fall during pregnancy. Be regular with your iron supplements, and eat foods rich in iron like beans, potatoes with skin, chicken, whole grains, enriched breakfast cereals and lentils. Don't take iron supplements immediately after spinach, sweet potatoes, wheat or soy products, since these inhibit iron absorption. If you take chapattis with every meal, you could consider taking your supplement a couple of hours later, along with an orange and a glass of juice. This will ensure maximum iron absorption.
Thyroid
Thyroid medication is completely safe during pregnancy. If you have thyroid problems, let your doctor know so she can monitor your levels through your pregnancy.
Leg Cramps
You may wake up one morning, stretch, and suddenly experience unbearable pain shooting through a leg. The intense pain lasts for just a minute, but your legs may continue to feel slight pain for the next couple of days. Leg cramps are If you have been experiencing leg cramps, here's an easy exercise to make sure they stay at bay. Stand a couple of feet away from a wall. Place your palms on the wall and lean forward, bending your elbows. Don't bend your knees. Feel the stretch in your calves. Hold this position to the count of ten and let go. Do this five to ten times a day.
Foetal Heartbeat and Movements
I am in my third month and cannot hear my baby's heartbeat.
Only a highly sensitive instrument like the Doppler can pick up the foetal heartbeat by the 10th or 12th week. An ordinary stethoscope can pick it up only in the 17th or 18th week. Sometimes the baby's position or the mother's layers of excess fat prevent one from picking up the heartbeat. There is also the possibility that you could have miscalculated your date. So just have patience and don't worry. Still, if you like, you can request your doctor for an ultrasound., which is sure to pick up the foetal heartbeat. Quite like music to your ears.
How can I identify a foetal movement
You can look out for it between the 14th and 25th week or more likely between the 18th and 22nd week. It is difficult to describe, though you could expect a fluttering in the abdomen, or a bump, nudge, twitch or bubbly feeling. Some of you may have mistaken foetal movements for gas or hunger pangs.
I don't think my baby is kicking, but I feel regular spasms on and off
This could well be your baby's hiccups. It could happen several times a day upto a stretch of 20 mins. There is no cause for concern as hiccups are not a source of discomfort to babies as they are to adults.
Sex during Pregnancy
Can one have sex during pregnancy
The profound physical and emotional changes that take place during pregnancy are bound to affect sexual needs and responses of both the partners. Sexual desires also seem to vary from one month to the next throughout pregnancy. Sexual activity between the father and mother is very important during pregnancy because each partner needs to feel loved and nurtured. Sex is one of the highest expressions of that love.
Is intercourse allowed during the last few months of pregnancy
There are divided views on this subject. Mostly, neither orgasms nor intercourse can precipitate labour, so in normal cases, it is permitted. But in cases of high risk pregnancies, intercourse could trigger premature labour, premature rupture of the amniotic membranes or even an infection. Do check with your doctor because he knows you best. Even if he does permit it, you must use condoms, because prostaglandins in the semen pose as irritants to the cervix and could result in contractions. So the safest bet is to make love without actually making love e.g. hugging, romantic dinners, bathing together or a simple massage.
Travel and Driving
Is it safe for me to travel this month
In the 3rd trimester, this is a definite no-no. Not only is it uncomfortable physically but mentally as well. Because you never know when you'll go into labour, and not have your doctor ready at hand. In fact, airlines rarely allow pregnant women to fly without a doctor's written permission. So avoid travelling as far as possible.
Can I still continue driving
As long as you are not feeling dizzy and can fit comfortably behind the wheel, you can drive short distances. Avoid long car trips as they will be draining. Just make sure that you don't drive yourself to hospital in labour! If no one is around, it's more practical to hire a cab.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
Missed Period
At times this is also referred as late period. When the woman misses her menstrual cycle, it can be an indication of pregnancy. But women who usually have irregular period may find it hard to notice if they are at all late on a certain month. Besides it should also be noted that there can be a wide number of reasons that can make a woman miss her regular periods like acute stress, sudden gain or loss of weight, some other illness and also when she discontinues her birth control pill. So it is advisable to carry out a pregnancy test to ascertain the possible pregnancy.
Bleeding after Implantation
Women often experience vaginal bleeding in the form of light to heavy spotting roughly around 10-12 days after she conceives. This is basically caused when the fertilized egg burrow into the uterine wall or the blood vessel lining that coats the inner wall of the uterus. This burrowing action causes them to break resulting in bleeding along with cramps that is similar to the cramps that are accompanied with menstruation. The blood spots can vary from light to pink to brown. This bleeding does not last long like the usual periods.
Breasts Become Sensitive and Swollen
Changes in the feel of the breasts can also be an early sign of pregnancy. It is usually noticed within a couple of weeks after conception. The hormonal changes that results from fertilization and the formation of the embryo makes the woman’s breasts fuller, heavier and sensitive. The nipples might appear darker and some women may feel a tingly sensation and soreness too.
Nausea
This is considered to be a classic symptom of pregnancy. Alternatively known as morning sickness, women can experience it within 2 weeks after conception. They become hyper-sensitive to smells and is caused by high estrogen levels that makes her stomach to empty extremely slowly.
After fertilization, the uterus begins to gradually expand thereby putting pressure to the urinary bladder. For the nurturing of the fetus, the body begins to enhance its fluid and blood composition thereby resulting is frequent visits to the toilet. Constipation is another problem as the high progesterone levels slows up the passage of food through the intestines. Bloating is another problem that is often mistaken as PMS.
Mood Swings, Fatigue and Dizziness
Sudden rush of hormones cause emotional imbalance and is considered to be one of the early sign of pregnancy. The high progesterone levels induce fatigue. This is also attributed to the fall in blood pressure and sugar levels. And the dilation of the blood vessels causes dizziness.
Craving for Food
Weight Gain, Diet & ExerciseDietary Supplements Are vitamin supplements necessary
Benefits of Drinking Water False alarm
Who is prone to iron deficiency?
Women are the most prone to developing iron deficiencies. In fact, more than 30% of women of reproductive age and approximately 50% of pregnant women have iron deficiencies. Women with heavy periods, women with regular periods (during menstruation), pregnant women, toddlers growing at a rapid rate, adolescents, who have erratic eating schedules and expend a lot of energy, strict vegetarians and people with certain health conditions - are also likely to have low iron stores in the body.
Low iron during pregnancy
It is important that you check Hb levels in your blood when you are pregnant. Even if your Hb levels are adequate, it is possible that you may develop anemia as your pregnancy progresses. This is because your baby draws from your body's supply of iron, leaving you lacking. So you need to keep a constant check on your Hb levels during pregnancy, and make it a point to increase iron intake naturally. In fact, during pregnancy your iron intake should almost double! Iron supplements do help, but including foods rich in iron, in your diet on a daily basis, will probably be of more help.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
You know you have iron deficiency if you feel tired and listless often, are low on energy and feel dizzy every now and again. On the other hand, some of these are also symptoms of iron toxicity, which is a condition that results from excessive iron intake - leading to excessive iron storage. Iron toxicity does not result from excessive iron intake from natural sources. It is mostly caused due to excessive intake in the form of iron supplements. This condition also results from frequent blood transfusions.
What foods are rich in iron?
Iron is found in various foods. Haem iron is easily absorbed by the body. This is found in poultry, lean meat, liver, seafood. Non-haem iron is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grain breads, iron-fortified cereals and eggs, and is harder to be absorbed by the body. This is because the absorption of non-haem iron can be inhibited by various other foods. Essentially, whether or not non-heam iron is absorbed by the body depends on what else you eat, in addition to foods rich in such iron.
How can I increase iron absorption?
Vitamin C helps in iron absorption, and it is especially effective if eaten along with food. This is why it is always a good idea to take Vitamin C supplements just after meals. Foods rich in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, berries and capsicum, so make sure you include these foods in your meals with regularity, along with green, leafy vegetables. So your aim should basically be to combine foods rich in iron, with foods rich in Vitamin C, in the same meal.
On the other hands, foods that inhibit iron absorption include tea and coffee. So, if you must have these beverages, avoid having them with or just after your meals. Have them in between meals so they don't inhibit iron absorption. Also, avoid having too much tea, coffee or bran.
Dietary Supplements Are vitamin supplements necessary
Due to morning sickness and food aversions, it is not possible to maintain a completely nutritious diet. Therefore, although vitamins can not take the place of a good antenatal diet, they are more like insurance. Research has shown that women who take vitamins before pregnancy and during the first month greatly reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida in their babies. So do ask your doctor for a prescription.
Which dietary supplements do I need to take
Studies have shown that lack of folic acid in the first trimester can increase the risk of spinal tube defects and lip and palate deformities in the baby. Vitamins, iron and calcium are essential in your diet. Most doctors also recommend daily supplements of folic acid and vitamin B12 starting from the first month, and iron and calcium after the first trimester. Specially iron-fortified multivitamin supplements especially formulated for pregnancy and lactation are also available. Although most supplements are over-the counter medicines, please make sure that you clear them with your doctor first.
Benefits of Drinking Water False alarm
When you are going into labour, the body produces a hormone called pitocin. This hormone is very similar to another hormone produced when the body is dehydrated. Thus, if you are dehydrated when you are pregnant, your body may mistake the other hormones to be pitocin, and cause your uterus to contract even if you are not going into labour. However, you should get a check up and may be required to take fluids for dehydration.
Your kidneys will thank you
Your baby in your womb is constantly growing and developing, and pressure on your bladder increases. As a result, some urine remains in your bladder even though you feel you've emptied it. As urine in your bladder can cause bacteria, you should empty it more often, which can only happen when you drink a lot of water. And remember, you should urinate the moment you feel the urge. Don't hold it in.
Constipation
A majority of women experience constipation and irregular stools when they are pregnant. Iron and vitamin supplements that are taken during pregnancy harden the stool, making it difficult to be passed (in addition to various other factors like hormonal changes etc). Water helps dissolve the stool, reducing chances of constipation.
Nourishment
Water aids the flow of nutrients to your baby.
Breastfeeding
When you are breastfeeding your baby you should drink even more water, as breastfeeding makes you thirsty and could dehydrate you if you haven't had adequate water.
Exercise During Pregnancy - I
With your legs about 3-4 feet apart, try and touch the toes with the fingers of your opposite hand without bending your knees. Swing your hands from one leg to the other.
Here's a routine workout, which you should do everyday, just to keep your body supple and limber.
Neck
Stand with your feet 15 to 18 inches apart, and hands on your waist. Stretch your neck to the left, roll it back and stretch to the right. Repeat slowly 4 times, moving your head in opposite directions. If bending your neck forwards doesn't make you dizzy, move your neck clockwise and anticlockwise, twice.
Shoulders (10 times in each direction)
With your hands on the side, shrug your shoulders back, up, forward and down again. Place your fingers on your shoulders and rotate your elbows forward in as wide a circle as possible, and then backwards. With hands on the sides, swing them round and round forwards and backwards.
Arms (10 times in each direction)
Raise your arms to your sides, stretch them outwards, and bring them forward till they meet. Then stretch them as far back as they go. Don't forget to repeat 10 times! Clasp your fingers behind your buttocks and stretch them as high up as they go. Bring down and repeat.
Waist (10 times in each direction)
With your hands on your waist twist as far back as you can go, in each direction. Don't move your upper body. Make sure you feel the stretch on your waist. Bring your arms up straight, shoulder level and swing
them backwards in each direction, once again feeling the pull in your waist.
them backwards in each direction, once again feeling the pull in your waist.
Stand with your feet 3-4 feet apart, hands on hips, bend your knees slightly, and bend to the left and then right. Make sure you bend sideways and not forwards. Feel the pull in your waist.
Lower back stretch (5 times)
Stand with your feet together, knees straight, and slowly try to touch your fingers to your toes. Hold the stretch for at least 7 seconds. Repeat.
The last 2 exercises may have strained your lower back a little, so with hands on your waist and feet 15-18 inches apart, simply stretch backwards and forwards a few times, in a bending motion.
Once you finish the round of standing exercises, it's time to get out your exercise mat and squat. Increase Iron Intake
Although not many people are highly anemic, a slight iron deficiency is very common. Women are the most prone to low levels of iron.
Iron deficiency is probably one of the most common forms of deficiency found among people in high to middle income groups. Although not many people are highly anemic, a slight iron deficiency is very common. Iron helps distribute oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body, so if your body doesn't have adequate iron, it is likely that your body is not receiving the full benefits of oxygen. Here's what you should know.
Iron deficiency is probably one of the most common forms of deficiency found among people in high to middle income groups. Although not many people are highly anemic, a slight iron deficiency is very common. Iron helps distribute oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body, so if your body doesn't have adequate iron, it is likely that your body is not receiving the full benefits of oxygen. Here's what you should know.
Who is prone to iron deficiency?
Women are the most prone to developing iron deficiencies. In fact, more than 30% of women of reproductive age and approximately 50% of pregnant women have iron deficiencies. Women with heavy periods, women with regular periods (during menstruation), pregnant women, toddlers growing at a rapid rate, adolescents, who have erratic eating schedules and expend a lot of energy, strict vegetarians and people with certain health conditions - are also likely to have low iron stores in the body.
Low iron during pregnancy
It is important that you check Hb levels in your blood when you are pregnant. Even if your Hb levels are adequate, it is possible that you may develop anemia as your pregnancy progresses. This is because your baby draws from your body's supply of iron, leaving you lacking. So you need to keep a constant check on your Hb levels during pregnancy, and make it a point to increase iron intake naturally. In fact, during pregnancy your iron intake should almost double! Iron supplements do help, but including foods rich in iron, in your diet on a daily basis, will probably be of more help.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
You know you have iron deficiency if you feel tired and listless often, are low on energy and feel dizzy every now and again. On the other hand, some of these are also symptoms of iron toxicity, which is a condition that results from excessive iron intake - leading to excessive iron storage. Iron toxicity does not result from excessive iron intake from natural sources. It is mostly caused due to excessive intake in the form of iron supplements. This condition also results from frequent blood transfusions.
What foods are rich in iron?
Iron is found in various foods. Haem iron is easily absorbed by the body. This is found in poultry, lean meat, liver, seafood. Non-haem iron is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grain breads, iron-fortified cereals and eggs, and is harder to be absorbed by the body. This is because the absorption of non-haem iron can be inhibited by various other foods. Essentially, whether or not non-heam iron is absorbed by the body depends on what else you eat, in addition to foods rich in such iron.
How can I increase iron absorption?
Vitamin C helps in iron absorption, and it is especially effective if eaten along with food. This is why it is always a good idea to take Vitamin C supplements just after meals. Foods rich in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, berries and capsicum, so make sure you include these foods in your meals with regularity, along with green, leafy vegetables. So your aim should basically be to combine foods rich in iron, with foods rich in Vitamin C, in the same meal.
On the other hands, foods that inhibit iron absorption include tea and coffee. So, if you must have these beverages, avoid having them with or just after your meals. Have them in between meals so they don't inhibit iron absorption. Also, avoid having too much tea, coffee or bran.
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