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A Trimester Guide by Dr Neelima Mantri

A Trimester Guide by Dr Neelima Mantri

Every day is a new and mystifying adventurous during pregnancy. As a tiny precious life is building up in your bodies, they may be some uneasy and complications during the time. It is up to us to take proper care and be aware of what happens. Dr. Neelima Mantri, one of the best Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Doctors in Mumbai, advices you what should be done on which trimester.

First Trimester (1 – 13 weeks): The first weeks are the vital time for the establishment of the baby. Your body will be busy building the baby and will grow faster in this stage than later on.

Activities:

  1. Make sure you are really pregnant. Do not conform just by symptoms, because these aren’t unique to pregnancy. Go for a home tests or an official one by a doctor.
  2. Take prenatal vitamins. Consume folic acid capsules which helps in the heathy development of foetus.
  3. Should begin searching for a doctor.
  4. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol because it raises miscarriage problems.
  5. Start eating healthy foods and avoid hazardous foods.
  6. Thing about how to announce your pregnancy and start taking belly photos.

Second Trimester (14 – 26 weeks): You look more plump than bump in this stage. It is an amazing phase when a mom feels her baby’s movements and free from morning sickness and fatigue. The growing baby will be around 11.5 cm by week 16 and tiny tooth buds will start bulging by week 20. The mother will experience more noticeable changes like abdominal expansion, body aches, stretch marks, patches of darker skin, numbness, swelling happens. A very thin hair will be developed and their little sensitive ears respond to noises through the rest of the second trimester.

Activities:

  1. Join in a pregnancy-friendly work out class or do it at your home with an expert’s guidance.
  2. Take prenatal visits and tests. Go for an ultrasound, when you are likely to see the traces of baby.
  3. Shop for maternity clothing. It is important to wear comfortable clothes which offers a room to grow. Most pregnant women actually look pregnant in between 12 to 18 weeks. You may need different types of maternity clothes in different stages, so buy fewer pieces.
  4. Play soothing music, talk to your little honey as they could respond to your voices.

Third Trimester (27 – 40 weeks): Final trimester and the awaiting for your baby is shorten now! Some discomforts from second trimester will continue and difficulty in breathing is added. As the baby grows bigger and puts the pressure on your nerves, the urge to go to the bathroom is even more often. Trouble sleeping, tender breasts, signs of false labour, feel of baby dropping or moving lower in the abdomen are new body changes you might notice. As the due date gets nearer, your body gets ready for birthing process.

Activities:

  1. Thing about what to carry to the hospital and get packed everything.
  2. Prepare for baby’s arrival. Shop for your little one from tiny furniture to clothes.
  3. Plan the birth.
  4. Have short walks to help you through contractions.

Nurture positive-ness throughout the pregnancy and vision for a healthier baby.

How to Protect Your Baby and Your Body While Breastfeeding

How to Protect Your Baby and Your Body While Breastfeeding

The real work begins when the baby is on the board. For the past nine months, you have been anticipated for the day, which is finally arrived. Now, a mom is in her full time job of guarding and feeding her tiny one. What, how, when to feed the baby are the most common puzzles for the new mother, however there is a vast information available in the internet on breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby.

Breastfeeding is considered one of the most nutritious supply for the babies and also profits the mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics and WHO declared that the breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both mother and child. In such a wonderful procedure, the busy mom and her little human being may experience some discomforts. Here we give some guidelines on how to protect you and your darling while breastfeeding.

For Mom:

By Food:

Eat proteins: Build up your protein portion in the daily food. A new mom needs to consume 71 grams of protein every day. Chicken, eggs, dairy products and salmon fish are the immediate protein blocks available in the market.

Veggies and fruits: Definitely a large portion of green vegetables and fruits should be included in your food intake as it the best source of fiber. They protect the mother from the cardiovascular diseases.

Carbs: To resume your work or restore the strength, carbohydrates help to stable the blood sugar.

Hydrate: Hydrating yourselves is the most important factor post pregnancy. Water is the foremost element to produce milk. Inadequate water intake may cause dizziness, bladder infections and many more side effects. Keep hydrating!

Postures: Comfort yourself while breast-feeding. Adjust and change the positions in relaxed ways, get some movement for every few minutes to avoid tense shoulders, upper and lower back pains and neck pains. Incorporate at least 15 minutes of low impact exercises to strengthen muscle tones.

For Baby:

Keep out of infections: Your new-born is very much prone to the infections as their immunity is weak for many years. Being yourself neat is the first and foremost way to prevent infections reaching the baby. Washing hands, cover your mouth and nose while sneezing, using separate utensils for the baby, ventilating the house with passable sunlight and air are some of the practices to be followed. And also ensure the baby to be vaccinated on time.

Remember the food you eat will turn to your baby’s food by breast milk. So, keep yourself healthy and far from sickness.

Postures: Check out the baby’s positions and make them relax while breast-feeding. Being rigid may put the little one’s spine into pressure. Keep an eye on the lower back and skull as their bones are too weak and immature.

Keep your new baby rocking – but protect your body as a new mom at the same time. Have a session with your doctor for more information on breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby.

10 Vital Health Tips for Pregnancy

10 Vital Health Tips for Pregnancy

Pregnancy is filled with mixed intense feelings of excitement, fear, love and doubt. It is not necessary to have sciencey skills to study the changes in your body, all to do is to strictly follow some health tips for the healthy labor.

There is lot more information in the internet on the guidelines for pregnancy, but here we take the first ten vital health tips.

Start Your Day Off Right – Obvious, but most important point for everyone. A health and a.m. meal sets the energy and satisfy your appetite for the unborn’s proper growth and development. An ideal breakfast should not include cereals, fruit juices, white bread. Best foods for pregnant ladies anytime is eggs, museli and a serve of veggies.

Sleep Like A Baby – According to National Sleep Foundation, pregnant women need to relax more than in usual time. Pregnancy complicates the sleep cycle by nausea, heartburn, leg cramps and snoring. So, it is important to learn relaxing by sticking to a schedule, taking small naps, not to work in late during later stages. Sleeping on your left – Another key point to be noted by everyone, train yourself to sleep on your left side as it helps to flow the nutrients to the fatal.

Soak Up Some Sunshine – Even though some studies show that the pregnant women should avoid hot sun, sufficient Vitamin D will radically cut the complications of pregnancy.

Workout – Yes! Do exercise throughout your pregnancy for at least 30 minutes in a day. Brisk walk, stationary cycling, low-impact aerobics are some of the safe workouts can be done, while yoga and swimming are dangerous. Exercising also lifts your spirits, prepares your body for the labour and also helps in postpartum recovery. Get up and move your body, but with extra cautions.

Intake of Omega-3 fats – Research confirmed that the adequate amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids has an effect on the cognitive growth of the unborn baby. Fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines are the best foods for pregnant ladies. Or fish oil supplements can also be purchased from the stores, though with the doctor’s consultation.

Catching Infections – The immune system becomes weak during pregnancy, thus chances of getting infected is high. Take the best foods which boosts the system.

Not To Do While Pregnancy –

No To Soy Products – Though some doctors say it is perfectly fine to consume soy while pregnancy, though it is always debatable. They contain hormones called phytoestrogens that impacts the development of baby’s brain and immune system.

Excess Caffeine – A strict no to the excess coffee, limited amount is advisable. The higher incidence of miscarriages and low birth weight due to excessive caffeine consumption have been recorded in the medical science.

Don’t Wear Stilettos – Wearing high heels (even wide one’s) is not advisable because it makes you to wake in difficulty and unsteady. A fall could hurt you and your baby very badly.

No Passive Smoking – Second-hand smoking is as bad as active smoking, there are 4000 chemicals which may lead to cancer.

Happy pregnancy!

Dr. Neelima Mantri is an Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai, India, with over a decade of experience in the subject. You can call & book appointment with Dr. Neelima Mantri +91 70451 15577 for all gynaecological problems.

Itching During Pregnancy: Causes, Home Remedies

Itching During Pregnancy: Causes, Home Remedies

In the process of having a baby on board transforms your body in every way – from head to toe. Pregnancy comes with many wonderful symptoms as well as weird. Spotting, miscarriage and swelling of feet are well known difficulties during pregnancy. But there are other less common disorders that may be harmful to the mother and the unborn. If it is the case, consult any of the Mumbai’s best gynecologist as early as possible.

One of those rare complications is itchiness. Is it driving you mad? Not to worry, you are not alone, mild itching is common during pregnancy and there are reasons for it.

Blood flow

What’s going on – During the early stages of pregnancy, i.e.; up to 6 months, the itchiness is very normal. This is due to increased flow of blood and as the tummy grows bigger and bigger, the skin becomes dry and stretches out consequently to accommodate the baby.

What to do – There are no specially followed remedies as the symptoms are very common, but maintain healthy diet and light exercise once a day. As the belly blows, wear loose clothes and apply skin moisturizers, cocoa butter to maintain the regularity. Try avoiding harsh soaps which reduces the natural oils of the body.

Hormones

What’s going on – Just like we blame hormones for even a simple transformation in our body. But if you already have eczema (condition that causes the skin to be inflammable and irritated), may become worse during the term of pregnancy.

What to do – Stay out of any fragranced solutions and use skincare products which are especially made for pregnant women.

Extreme Itching

What’s going on – In medical terms, Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) or obstetric cholestasis, jaundice of pregnancy is a condition when the liver is affected, happens for one in every 140 women. The ability of liver to transport chemicals will be damaged, so that they built up under the skin and causes terrible itching. Severe itching in the hands and feet is the symptom for ICP which is fatal for the unborn babies. Other signs for ICP are dark-colored urine, light-colored bowel movements, yellow eyes or skin, small and itchy bumps on skin. It is a very rare problem and also potentially serious condition which occurs in third trimester. The lady should be continuously monitored by her doctor as it increases the complications while labor.

What to do – Mums-to-be must not left untreated during this condition. Firstly, it is to be confirmed with concerned medical tests whether the lady is affected by ICP or not. If it is diagnosed, consult the gynecologist and take prescribed medicines and lotions. The terrible itchiness can also be treated with natural ways. Taking a warm bath or applying ice areas also eases the itch. It is recommended to take Vitamin K capsules, on a doctor’s consultation, though.

In the whole, to prevent any skin problems during pregnancy is to drink eight glasses of water in a day, use gentle cleansers. Most of the complications fade out themselves in a month after conceiving, if you develop persistent problems, don’t hesitate to consult Mumbai’s best gynecologist.

13 Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Back Pain

13 Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Back Pain

Back ache is one of the common symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy. The naturally grown weight and change in the posture, as the bump grows bigger, causes back pain in the pregnancy women. Most pregnancy women likely to feel pain in the lower back and uneasiness in the upper back, shoulders and the ribcage.

Refer the best female gynecologist in Mumbai for the further assistance in the pregnancy difficulties. Expected moms have to deal with complaints from sickness to swollen feet. But they can be easily relieved with a very few changes in our routine.

Posture – Focus on posture and how you move about – stand straight and tall. Try not to cross your legs while sitting on a chair. Get up and move around for every subsequent timing to get fresh air.

Exercise – Like it is mentioned in the previous blog, gentle workouts will help you in many hitches. Walking and stretching on regular periods relieves you from back pain.

Acupuncture – A traditional Chinese medicine stimulates body points and relives low-back pain.

Aromatherapy – A warm, relaxing bath with a few drops of essential oils (which suits you) eases the pain of back ache.

Stretching – Stretching out the whole body is a quick yet effective remedy for the back pain.

Heat – Another natural medication is to apply mild heat on the pain. Hot water bag is the most common equipment used.

Massage – A prenatal massage can be absolutely necessary. But the massage should be undertaken by a professional. Such a sweet relief!

Sleep Easy – Lie down on your left side to reduce the strain on the back. Sleeping with pillows behind, between the legs, below the knees also helps you.

Epsom Salt – Relax in the bathtub with a handful of Epsom salt works through the skin and sore muscles.

Intake of Calcium – Increase the consumption of Calcium in your diet, which makes the bones stronger and prevents from back ache.

Mind your Footwear – Say no to high heels, wear something comforts you. There is a high risk of falling which could be dangerous to you and the unborn.

Remedies From Our Kitchen –

Potato – This tip is not just for pregnant ladies, wrap some grated raw potatoes in a thin cloth and keep it on the area for at least an hour.

Cabbage – Form a paste of cabbage leaves with boiling milk and apply it on the affected part.

Citrus – An intake of lemon juice every day is one of the best home remedies for back ache.

Oats – Place hot mashed oats on the lower back to alleviate the pain.

Herbal Remedies-

Chamomile Tea – Add chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water and steep it for some time. Sip the tea at least 1-3 cups daily.

Basil Leaves – Since ages, basil leaves have been a miracle solution for most health complications. Prepare basil leaves decoction and add salt, for quick respite take 2-3 cups a day.

Back pain, cramps and leg swelling are very common discomforts for moms-to-be. For a few lucky women, sail through the pregnancy without any complaints.

Best Foods for Pregnant Ladies

Best Foods for Pregnant Ladies

Pregnancy is a beautiful and special time for the wife and her husband, and the rest of the family. However, it is the most crucial and the most amazing part of the woman’s life. She needs to be take care of, both physically and emotionally. She must receive attention at all times and her problems are first world problems during that time. Everyone needs to make efforts to keep her satisfied, mentally and emotionally happy and needs to make her feel comfortable at all times. It is a delicate time when the mother’s body is fragile so extensive care must be given.

What Foods to Eat During Pregnancy?

There are certain practises that the mothers can adopt during pregnancy that can prove to be highly effective later. Eating right is certainly one of the more important factors. Pregnant ladies are not allowed and should not indulge in whatever they feel like. There are certain food and diets that they must restrict themselves to. These are highly nutritious and rich in essential minerals. These are needed in pregnancies. Some of the foods that the pregnant mother can have or indulge in are listed below:

  1. Eggs– Great source of protein, eggs are a crucial part of your staple pregnancy diet. The amino acids help in the formation of protein in your body and your child’s body. They contain a lot of minerals and nutrients including choline (essential for the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord). Eggs can be had with lots of vegetables, making the diet even more nutritious in nature.
  2. Salmon– Salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids. It is important for the growth and development of your baby’s health. It can also lighten your mood. It is one of the Best Food for Pregnancy. Pregnant women are encouraged to eat 8-12 ounces of seafood every week.
  3. Beans– An essential source of essential fatty acids, potassium, iron, folic acid, magnesium, protein and fibre, beans are absolutely indispensible when it comes to pregnancy diet. It can help prevent different kinds of discomforts during pregnancy.
  4. Sweet Potatoes– Plant pigments and carotenoids contained in sweet potatoes are turned into Vitamin A when they enter our body. They’re also great sources of Vitamin C, fibre and folic acid. When there is a mention of Foods for Pregnancy, sweet potatoes are favourites.
  5. Whole grains– Rich in fibre and nutrients, Whole grains contain Vitamin E (antioxidant) and selenium as well. The presence of phytonutrients in Whole grains protects the body cells making them stronger.
  6. Walnuts– One of the most common pregnancy foods, Walnuts are extremely rich in omega-3s. They are also a great source of fibre and protein. Just a handful of these can work like magic.
  7. Greek Yogurt– Not the typical yogurt or the typical pregnancy food, Greek Yogurt is known to contain a lot of calcium and probiotics.

These are some of the foods that the pregnant women can opt for. However, it is best to consult professionals or the likes of Dr Neelima Mantri to know what food you should eat and what you should stay away from.