by Dr Neelima Mantri | Oct 26, 2023 | Blog, Pregnancy Complications
A sense of anticipation and concern naturally mounts as a woman approaches her due date. As the days pass beyond the expected due date, they convert into tension and anxiety. The worries about the baby’s health add on to the worries about complications and societal expectations, leading to nervousness and even grief. “Though the overdue pregnancy is quite common in women, waiting game can be harrowing for the expecting mother,” says the best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima, also an expert in dealing overdue pregnancy cases.
While overdue pregnancy is not rare, it is also associated with risks and complications in a few cases, she adds. Given it is a cause of huge concern and worry in pregnant women, we wanted to give first-hand information regarding overdue pregnancy in this blog, to improve your awareness. So today, with insights from top gynaecologist and obstetrician in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri, we delve into overdue pregnancy, its medical meaning, its causes, and risks, and also provide ways to reduce the risk it poses to pregnant women. Read on.
What Is Overdue Pregnancy?
Post-term pregnancy, also called as overdue pregnancy, happens when pregnancy extends beyond the stipulated 40 weeks of the pregnancy period. “While the average gestation is 40 weeks, it may extend up to 42 weeks, and a pregnancy is termed as overdue if it extends beyond 42 weeks,” says gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.
Overdue Pregnancy: Risks for the Baby
Because the baby tends to overstay the due date even after full growth, the size of the baby may cause discomfort to the mother, leading to back pain and difficulty in sleeping. Additionally, emotional distress due to indeterminate maternity adds to the anxiety. As for the baby, the overdue pregnancy may result in a loss of amniotic fluid for nourishment, increasing the risk of stillbirth. Some of the other risks of complications that tend to happen in overdue pregnancy cases include:
Macrosomia: Babies born in overdue pregnancy cases naturally tend to be larger than average. This increased size of babies potentially leads to birth injuries for both baby and mother during delivery.
Foetal distress: Foetal distress is a condition where the baby may not receive the required oxygen, leading to health problems for the baby. If prolonged, foetal distress may lead to abnormal heart rhythms, brain damage, and, in rare cases, stillbirth.
Meconium Aspiration: In overdue pregnancy cases, the baby may pass its first stool in the womb, which could be inhaled by the baby, leading to respiratory problems.
Stillbirth: The biggest risk of overdue pregnancy is still birth which tends to happen in rare cases. Due to various factors involved, overdue pregnancy can trigger a complex set of problems for both the baby and others, leading to stillbirth. In addition to the above, overdue pregnancy leads to a C-section, which comes with its own set of complications like long recovery timelines.
But why do a few women tend to suffer these complications? What exactly leads to these sets of complications? Let us find out.
Overdue Pregnancy – Causes:
“There is no one straightforward cause for overdue pregnancy. It is a multifactorial condition where different factors come together and increase the risk for overdue pregnancy. Genetics, low amniotic fluid in pregnancy, sub-optimal placental health, maternal health conditions like diabetes or obesity, hormonal imbalances, high stress, or anxiety are some of the common causes of overdue pregnancy cases we treat at our clinic in Mumbai,” says the one of top 10 gynaecologists in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.
Overdue Pregnancy – How to Reduce the Risk of Overdue Pregnancy?
There are multiple factors that can lead to overdue pregnancy. So a comprehensive care must be taken by the women under the guidance of gynaecologists to reduce the risk of overdue pregnancy. “The care must start right in the planning stage of pregnancy by going through health monitoring to identify potential health conditions. During pregnancy, one must prioritize a balanced diet, stress-free and active life, regular monitoring, and while avoiding smoking, alcohol to tick all the right boxes of a healthy pregnancy,” says gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.
However, in a few cases, genetics may also play a part even after following all the best practices in the medical book. In such cases, an expert gynaecologist can ensure continuous care to reduce the risk of complications caused by overdue pregnancy. If you doubt that overdue pregnancy runs in the family, it is important to seek comprehensive care tailored to this condition to nip this risk in the bud. If you are in Mumbai and would like to consult a gynaecologist in Mumbai to reduce the risk of overdue pregnancy, you can contact Dr. Neelima Mantri here.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Oct 19, 2023 | Blog, Pregnancy Complications
Arrhythmia is a medical term for an irregular heartbeat, where the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or in an uneven, out-of-rhythm manner. An irregular heartbeat leads to decreased blood flow to organs, reduced oxygen delivery, the development of blood clots, and, in severe cases, it may cause heart failure and stroke.
“The possibilities of these complications depend on the severity or type of the Arrhythmia. But Arrhythmia during pregnancy doubles the risk of these complications, as both the mother and baby may be impacted by this medical condition,” says a female gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.
Arrhythmia can happen in women even with no underlying heart conditions. During pregnancy, it can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke and may even result in premature delivery when proper treatment is not taken, adds Dr Neelima Mantri, the best obstetrician in Mumbai, who has treated hundreds of arrhythmia cases in Mumbai.
But what causes arrhythmias, how do we know the symptoms, what are the treatment options available? We have asked Dr. Mantri the most frequently asked questions on Arrhythmia. Read on to know her answers.
Arrhythmia in Pregnancy: Causes
As mentioned earlier, arrhythmias can occur during pregnancy, even in women who do not have any underlying conditions. There are multiple reasons for Arrhythmia during pregnancy. A few of them include:
Hormonal fluctuations: The woman’s body goes through intense hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, which may impact the heart’s electrical system, leading to Arrhythmia.
Increased blood volume: Pregnancy increases the cardiac output and pumped blood volume. This may put additional stress on the heart, leading to a loss of rhythm in the heartbeat.
Physical changes: The expansion of the uterus may slightly impact the positioning of the heart, which may eventually lead to changes in the heart’s rhythm.
While the above three are the most common causes of Arrhythmia, other factors such as electrolyte imbalances, emotional stress, medication and supplements, and even genetic factors may cause Arrhythmia during pregnancy.
Arrhythmia in Pregnancy: Symptoms
Because it can occur to anyone without any underlying condition, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms of Arrhythmia during pregnancy. Some of the most common symptoms of Arrhythmia include palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath, chest pain, anxiety, and fatigue. All the symptoms of Arrhythmia are also general symptoms of pregnancy, which makes it challenging to identify the condition. So, it is always essential to consult a gynaecologist with complete information about one’s health,” says the best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.
Arrhythmia in Pregnancy: Treatment in Mumbai
The treatment for arrhythmias during pregnancy is based on the specific type of Arrhythmia that women experience, the severity of its outlook, and the mother’s overall health, all considered before designing the treatment plan for Arrhythmia in pregnancy.
The standard treatment options for Arrhythmia in pregnancy include medications, lifestyle modifications, cardioversion, catheter ablation, defibrillator implantation, or even pacemaker, based on the severity of the symptoms. Given the potential for complications, close monitoring of pregnant women is critical to ensuring good health. So, if you are in Mumbai and looking for a consultation with a gynaecologist to provide complete information, you can contact a best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri here
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Sep 28, 2023 | Blog, Pregnancy Complications
Placenta previa is a condition where the baby’s exit path from the womb is blocked by the abnormal positioning of the placenta. Naturally, this blockage can result in a number of serious complications, which include vaginal bleeding, preterm birth, blood loss, placental abruption, infection, foetal distress, and more. Since the exit route is blocked by the placenta, it may also necessitate choosing a caesarean-section to ensure safe delivery.
While a C-section is performed to ensure safe delivery, the reasons for placenta previa being a serious condition lie in the complications it may cause over the course of pregnancy. “A C-section is performed only at the right time, and by the time the C-section is performed, the pregnant women may have to experience a range of complications from the placenta previa which may impact the overall health of the women and baby”, says leading female gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
What exactly causes Placenta Previa, and how does a gynaecologist in Mumbai solve the complications and treat this condition? We asked gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri. Read on to know her answers:
What is Placenta Previa?
The placenta is a unique organ that grows inside the womb. Its primary role is to supply oxygen and essential nutrients to the developing baby from the mother’s bloodstream. It aids in the removal of waste products from the foetus’s blood.
Moreover, the placenta acts as a protective barrier, shielding the baby from harmful toxins that may be present in the mother’s body. It also produces hormones that support the optimal development of the foetus. In short, the placenta is like an all-in-one support system for the baby.
The development of this organ occurs shortly after fertilization. It attaches itself to the upper part of the uterus and goes about its functions. However, in very rare cases, it tends to develop in the bottom part of the uterus, where the baby’s exit (cervix)tends to be. This placenta may block the cervix, creating a host of pregnancy problems.
Placenta Previa Symptoms:
Because the placenta finds itself in the wrong location of the uterus, blocking the cervix, it interferes with the functioning of the uterus’ lining. It may disrupt the blood flow to the lining, leading to the damage of blood vessels, causing vaginal bleeding, which is the most common Placenta Previa symptom experienced by women.
Additional Placenta Previa symptoms may include unnatural abdominal pain and irregular uterine contractions.
What Causes Placenta Previa? How is it Treated?
“There is no one exact cause of Placenta Previa, but it is considered to be an end result of various risk factors that come together to cause it,” says obstetrician in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri. Prior C-section or uterine surgery, maternal age over 35, multiple pregnancies, smoking, substance abuse, previous placenta previa, and uterine abnormalities are some of the common risk factors for Placenta Previa development in women.
Treatment for Placenta Previa in Mumbai:
The treatment for Placenta Previa depends on the severity of vaginal bleeding, the gestational stage of the pregnancy, and the exact position of the placenta, as well as the health of the woman and the baby. If the placenta is only partially covering the cervix, then the gynaecologist may recommend rest, avoiding strenuous exercises and sexual intercourse, prioritizing bed rest, and frequent prenatal checkups.
In cases where the placenta is completely covering the cervix, the severity of the Placenta Previa complications poses a higher risk. In these cases, interventions such as medication to prevent early labour, steroid shots to optimize baby development, blood transfusions to compensate for heavy bleeding, and other medical treatments may be recommended.
“If Placenta Previa is diagnosed in the second trimester of the pregnancy, the condition may resolve on its own over time. It is much more challenging if Placenta Previa is identified in the late stages of pregnancy,” says gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr. Neelima Mantri. So, it is always recommended to frequently undergoes checkups to ensure early identification and effective treatment of these medical conditions. If you are in Mumbai and are looking for gynaecologist in Mumbai, you contact Dr. Neelima Mantri here:
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Aug 17, 2023 | Blog, Pregnancy Complications
Thrombocytopenia is a medical term that refers to a low blood platelet count in the body. Gestational Thrombocytopenia is when the blood platelet count drops below the average level during pregnancy. A comforting fact about this condition is that gestational Thrombocytopenia is common during pregnancy. It affects an average of 10% of pregnant women and usually resolves independently under the monitoring and care of a gynaecologist.
However, every condition during pregnancy, no matter how minor it seems, carries a risk. Given the sensitive state of the patient, no health condition should be taken lightly. Take gestational Thrombocytopenia, for example. While it is common, it can quickly escalate to cause complications such as severe bruising, prolonged abnormal bleeding, preeclampsia, reduced urination, and weakness. So, how does a gynaecologist treat this condition, and what can be done to avoid its risks? We asked one of the top 10 gynaecologists in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri. Read on to know her answers.
Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: What Is It Exactly?
Thrombocytes, also called blood platelets, are tiny blood cells that help with blood clotting. Pregnancy is a condition where clotting is needed to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. So, these platelets, which make clotting happen, are much needed during pregnancy. They work in blood vessels to reduce clotting.
Sometimes they also build up plaque that can cause heart attacks, but that’s a different story. But sticking to the topic of Thrombocytopenia – a lesser number of blood platelets lowers the clotting potential. It increases the risk of excessive bleeding, significantly increasing the chance of pregnancy problems (prolonged bleeding, fluid loss & early birth).
Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: When to Worry?
The normal range for platelets in a non-pregnant condition is 150,000 to 450,000/µL. Due to changes in the body during pregnancy, it makes more plasma for its daily functions, and consequently, the platelet count drops by a few thousand, which is quite common. It’s a matter of concern when the platelet count falls below 100,000/µL, says Dr. Neelima Mantri, the best gynaecologist in South Mumbai.
What Causes Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy?
The human body is pretty savvy in adapting to rapid changes like pregnancy. However, occasionally, the balance gets impacted due to pre-existing conditions or chance.
One of the common reasons is the enlargement of the spleen, which tends to destroy the blood in the filtering process. The lack of folic acid is another common cause, and even viral and bacterial illnesses can lower the total platelet count. Medications such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants also impact the production of platelets.
Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy Can Impact Both Mom & Baby – Dr Neelima Mantri:
Lower blood platelets can interfere with medications that must be given for a safe pregnancy. For example, the inability to have an epidural, which is given to block the pain from labour contractions, can result in spine damage. The lack of clotting potential can lead to abnormal bleeding and even preeclampsia, which may further trigger premature delivery.
Though a lower blood platelet count doesn’t directly impact the baby, the cause of the lower count must be considered to assess the potential impact on the baby. If the lower blood count is due to an autoimmune condition, antibodies that destroy these platelets may travel through the placenta and cause similar issues for the child.
Treatment Options for Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy:
Lowered blood platelet count is often treated with regular treatment options like dietary prescriptions and lifestyle changes. Gynaecologists often recommend foods such as dark chocolate, green leafy vegetables, Vitamin C foods, and fortified breakfast cereals as primary treatment options. In cases where autoimmune conditions or any other factors, treatments may vary based on the specific reason causing Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | May 15, 2023 | Blog, Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant women may have amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), an uncommon but potentially fatal condition that can happen just before, during, or right after labour and delivery. The majority of the time this happens during labour. It is believed that in this illness, a pregnant woman experiences an intense allergic response to amniotic fluid or other fetal substances that enter her system, such as fetal cells.
Life-threatening consequences can include breathing issues, cardiac arrest, and severe bleeding. Researchers and female gynecologists in Mumbai do not fully comprehend why some pregnant women experience this reaction to amniotic fluid or fetal cells entering the mother’s bloodstream. Amniotic fluid embolism is a medical emergency that can be lethal and occurs abruptly and quickly. Early detection and quick supportive care are vital.
The Causes
Amniotic fluid embolism’s precise etiology is unknown, although several risk factors could raise a woman’s likelihood of developing this issue during childbirth. Healthy women may experience AFE during labour, following atypical vaginal delivery, during the second trimester of pregnancy, or following a cesarean section. It might potentially happen up to 48 hours after birth. The root cause of amniotic fluid embolism is unclear, making it a foreseeable and unavoidable occurrence. Nevertheless, the following are some of the risk factors:
- Mother’s advanced age
- A pregnancy-related condition marked by elevated blood pressure.
- Bearing several pregnancies, or multiparity
- Premature membrane rupture
- Tears in the uterus
- Preterm labor
- Severe labour contractions
- Augmented labor
- Cesarean section
Treatment
A rare yet life-threatening complication of childbirth called amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) necessitates rapid medical intervention. Supportive care is frequently used as a kind of treatment for AFE in order to control the mother’s symptoms and stop further issues. To save both the mother and the fetus, this problem needs to be treated as soon as possible.
According to gynecologist in Mumbai, the particular course of treatment will depend on the seriousness of the AFE and the mother’s general health, although it may include:
- Baby to be delivered right away.
- Numerous transfusions of blood, plasma, and platelets.
- To halt the bleeding, undergo a hysterectomy.
- Steroids or other drugs to lower your heart rate or blood pressure.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Employing a tracheal tube or mechanical ventilation to deliver oxygen
These are some conditions when using a spinal cord stimulator can help.
Final Overview
In order to manage the mother’s symptoms and avoid future complications, the treatment for AFE frequently entails a combination of supportive care, including oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and medicines.
Many women who suffer from AFE can recover and go on to have successful pregnancies and births with quick medical attention and the right therapy. It’s crucial to remember that AFE can be a condition that poses a threat to life, and that fast diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best outcome.
One of the best gynecologists in Mumbai is Dr. Neelima Mantri. She has dealt with thousands of difficult obstetric situations and has received significant training in high-risk obstetrics. To learn more about amniotic fluid embolism, head over to Dr. Neelima Mantri.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Apr 17, 2023 | Blog, Pregnancy Complications
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, a condition caused when a person’s body attacks its tissues and organs. Lupus affects various parts of the body including the skin, kidneys, and joints. When a woman with lupus becomes pregnant she undergoes a range of complications that impacts both her and her developing baby. The potential risks and pregnancy complications caused by lupus are as follows:
- Miscarriages: Women with lupus are at a higher risk of miscarriages.
- Fetal growth restriction: Fetal growth restriction refers to underdeveloped babies. The baby suffers from low body weight and several other complications.
- Preeclampsia: Lupus increases the risk of Preeclampsia, a condition in which the blood pressure of the woman increases after the 20th week of pregnancy causing premature deliveries.
- Increased risk of infection: Women on lupus medications are at a higher risk of developing infections during pregnancy.
- Lupus flares: Lupus flares are the increase in disease activity during pregnancy.
- Blood clots: Women with lupus are at a higher potential risk of developing blood clots which can harm both the mother and the baby.
- Delivery complications: Delivery complications such as excessive bleeding and infections can happen at the time of delivery.
- Breastfeeding complications: Medications used to treat women with lupus may harm the infants.
Higher risks of C-Sections with concerns over normal delivery.
Women with lupus who are pregnant or considering pregnancy can take several steps to reduce the risk of complications:
- Regular prenatal care: The care received during pregnancy is termed prenatal care. Women should often visit the best gynaecologist in Mumbai during pregnancy to ensure favorable outcomes.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Women suffering from lupus should avoid liquor and smoking and focus more on balanced diets and exercises.
- Get adequate rest: Women suffering from lupus are more prone to fatigue. They should take an adequate amount of rest and ensure they do not participate in any exaggerated exercises.
- Avoid stress: Stress can trigger lupus flares which can further lead to delivery complications and infections. Women suffering from lupus should try to avoid stress and keep their minds and body relaxed.
- Take the prescribed medicines: Women suffering from lupus are already on a high dose of medications. The patient must discuss the medications with a top gynaecologist in Mumbai to ensure no complications arise.
It is also essential that people affected by the condition should conduct a thorough online research so that they learn more about the disease and incorporate effective strategies to mitigate pregnancy complications caused by lupus. Women with lupus need to receive appropriate medical care before, during, and after pregnancy to minimize these risks and complications. Close monitoring by a team of healthcare professionals, obstetricians, and gynaecologists can prevent the situation from worsening.
Dr. Neelima Mantri is amongst the best obstetricians in India who can be consulted by women suffering from lupus. She holds multiple degrees (MS – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MBBS, FMAS, FACS & Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery) which showcase her utmost talent with over a decade of experience. Check the official website of Dr. Neelima Mantri to gain more information about this topic.
