Pregnancy: A wonderful experience

Pregnancy is arguably the most angelic phase in women’s life. A couple’s relationship is not complete unless they become proud parents. All said and done, extra care must be taken by expecting parents, especially women during delicate pregnancy. We have colligated some important, basic pregnancy care tips for good health pre and post pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a crucial period when a woman is raising a fetus inside her womb. Usually, the period ranges to 40 weeks or 9 months. Though there are variable symptoms some colloquial pregnancy symptoms can be considered if they match with yours. It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a family or already pregnant, you need a thorough planning and stay organised and take care of yourself and upcoming new addition to the family.

Pregnancy SymptomsDifferent women have different symptoms. Some of the common signs seen in pregnant women are missed menses, morning illness, food cravings, unable to sleep, restlessness, backache, nausea, puking among many others. Some women have typical symptoms either throughout the pregnancy phase or for the initial few months.

Benefiting Exercises

In the pregnancy period, you are not allowed to exercise heavily as you might be doing earlier. Light exercises such as yoga, meditation, walking is considered fruitful for expecting mother and child. You will have to consult your gynaecologist before getting started because she will be the one looking after your overall progress. She may devise an exercise routine for you to follow daily.

Importance of dietTaking care of diet is essential throughout and post pregnancy. Even though you will most likely suffer from food cravings, pay attention to taking fully nutritious food because the fetus inside is not capable of feeding itself and is totally dependent on your diet. A simple adjustment is by saying strict no to fat and junk food that are filled with blank calories. If you follow a healthy diet, it will keep your child healthy. Remember, the health of your unborn is proportional to your prenatal nutrition. Have wholesome diet and drink enough water to keep body fluid levels balanced. Avoid smoking and alcohol as they can hamper the growth of the fetus.

Initial few monthsIn the first three months, you will experience changes in your body. The baby speedily develops during this period and you have to extra cautious. Immediately report your gynaecologist for any unusual abdomen pain or bleeding. You might feel tired, exhausted and sick in the mornings. If this persists for long, then consult your doctor.

Middle PeriodNormally, it’s a complication free phase and expectant mothers enjoy it to the fullest. You can see your baby bump slowly increasing and feel the baby movements inside the womb. Have fresh fruits and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.

Final StagesYou may feel heavy, overburdened, unable to eat much, short breathlessness by the time you reach 9th month. You have to be extra vigilant during this time as your baby may arrive soon. Consult your gynaecologist at the earliest.

Postnatal DepressionIt has been seen that few women undergo depression after the delivery. Thankfully, this condition lasts only for few days. A professional help is all you need if the problems persists.

Health Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore

A woman's body is definitely more complicated than a man's. A small sneeze will get a man running to the doctor, perhaps for a complete check-up. But a woman will sleep or rest through her worst illness at times. Yes, we know women are more tolerant, and also have a higher threshold for pain, and in most areas, both physical and mental.

So, small issues like headaches, slight pain or discomfort in any part of the body, is usually brushed off by most women. They reason it with their hectic and busy lives. But did you know that a pain or discomfort or any other sign is perhaps a signal from your body that something is not right? Sleeping off a small cold is understandable, but there are other symptoms that women should never ignore. Women are simply designed that way – they do not have the time to get to the root of these things. There are plenty of 'other' issues their lives are stacked with. But is it OK to take your body and health for granted? Definitely not. Beneath that minor ache or pain may be lying a serious, or in rare cases, a potentially life-threatening condition. It is, therefore advisable to notice any symptoms which do not seem regular. It is your body, and you will know when it tells you something is just not right.

Symptoms Never to Be Ignored

Unusual bleeding between periods/Unusual vaginal discharge

Bleeding between periods can indicate many underlying health issues, though not all of these are serious concerns. There may be less-serious causes like, polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal imbalances, and endometriosis. If bleeding takes place after menopause, during sex, and is accompanied with pelvic pain and bloating, it may be indicative of gynaecological cancers. It is always advised to immediately take medical help and undergo tests in case of any of the above symptoms. Excessive vaginal discharge, foul-smelling or changes in colour of the discharge, are also symptoms of health issues, like BV (Bacterial vaginosis), and in rare cases, even cervical cancer.

Heavy bleeding

Heavy bleeding is a common condition for most women, the cause of which can vary. Sometimes, heavy bleeding is due to minor issues like a thick uterine lining. However, other serious issues like fibroid tumours, ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian cysts, can also cause heavy bleeding. Not all these conditions are serious, but some tumours may be the cause of infertility. Do get a check-up done in any case.

Skin changes

Most women make it a point to keep a tab on the health of their skin. Keeping aside the beautification aspect, it is also important to observe any major changes in the skin, like excess pigmentation, scaly and dry skin, changes on moles, and even bleeding of the skin. In very rare cases, these indicate cancer. So a proper medical test is advised, before concluding anything.

Blood in stool or urine

Cancer of the rectum is the third-most common cancer in women. With that being said, any unusual bleeding, like rectal bleeding or blood in the stools should be immediately reported to the doctor. All cases, however, may not be indicative of cancer. Haemorrhoids may also be a major cause of rectal bleeding. Nevertheless, blood in the urine calls needs immediate medical check-up.

Breathlessness/Difficulty in breathing

Feeling breathless after a workout or climbing stairs once in a while is normal. When you feel breathless with minor activities, it is more often a common symptom of an underlying heart disease. Most women ignore this symptom, as they think it is too common and minor. But if you also have other symptoms like breathlessness, coupled with fatigue, dizziness, and nausea, get medical help. Sometimes, congestive heart failure, lung cancer, or emphysema, could be the underlying reason for shortness of breath.

Pain during sex

Most women are ashamed to bring up issues related to sex. They feel this problem is with them, and feel embarrassed to discuss the same even with their partner. A woman's gynac and sexual health is very important. Ignoring issues like painful and discomforting sex may invite many health risks. Pain during intercourse can have many reasons, like hormonal changes, infections, and other gynaecological problems. So, do not ignore or self-treat this issue, and take medical help.

Changes in the breast/Lump or pain in the breast

Women know how crucial it is to be screened for breast cancer regularly. If you find a lump, thickening of the skin around the breast, or if the breasts are sore and painful, get a check-up done immediately. It is, however, important to know that not all cases of pain and lumps in the breasts indicate breast cancer. However, it is advisable to get tests done regularly.

The above was the list of the symptoms that you need to be careful about. There are many things that we overlook, and this includes our health too. But, make sure that in the whole mad world of a career and balancing relationships, your health does not get affected.

Unable to lose weight post delivery- Try these tips

Welcoming a new member in the family is an awesome emotion. On one side, a mother is filled with joy of bringing a cute little angel in the world, while on the other side she is anxious about whether she’ll be able to lose weight and cope with post-pregnancy hormonal changes. During and after pregnancy, a woman gains weight, which is completely normal.

Putting on weight during pregnancy is crucial as the baby requires the right nutrition and it is under developing stage. Post delivery, mothers are on a look-out for methods which can help them shed extra fat. After going through rigours of childbirth, women can use these tips to reduce but only after consultation with their gynaecologist.

Bring regulation in your diet

It is critical for mothers to eat a balanced diet as they have to breastfeed the baby. It is essential to keep a tab on what you consume as it will affect the milk formation. Therefore, your diet must contain high nutrients such as fruits, whole grains, green vegetables, lean meat etc. Avoid aerated drinks at any cost. Limit the amount of sugar in your tea or coffee. This will assist in losing weight.

Exercise

Strenuous exercise is not the need of the hour but an easy walk in the morning/evening can help you to lose weight if you steadily for few kilometres. This implies that minimum of 20 minute walk is required if you wish to burn fat. Other options include cycling, swimming or games like badminton or squash.

Yoga

Yoga under supervision can bear fruitful results for you and that too swiftly. Yoga can rid all anxiety issues which often perturb new mothers. The onus is upon you to ensure that these workouts are regular and consistent.

Drink Lots of Water

Consuming large quantities of water is known to regulate the flow of milk and simultaneously helps in removing body fat. Gynaecologists recommend 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Weight loss post delivery is something that should not give you headaches. However, practice your weight loss program through appropriate consultation and management.