by Dr Neelima Mantri | Jun 15, 2026 | Blog, Pregnancy Women
Most mothers spend a large part of their pregnancy waiting for milestones. The first heartbeat. The first kick. The first ultrasound. As the months pass, many also begin wondering whether their baby is growing and moving as expected.
One question often comes up during the later months of pregnancy. Is my baby in the right position for birth?
For many women, the answer is yes. The baby gradually settles into a head-down position before delivery. In some pregnancies, things happen differently. This is when doctors may discuss a condition known as a breech baby during pregnancy.
A Surprise Many Mothers Do Not Expect
Pregnancy brings enough surprises on its own. Learning that a baby is not positioned head-down can add another layer of concern.
The interesting thing is that many women do not notice anything unusual at first. They continue their daily routine and attend regular check-ups without realising that the baby may be positioned differently.
That is one reason routine antenatal visits remain so important.
What Exactly Is A Breech Position?
As delivery approaches, most babies naturally turn so that their head points towards the birth canal. This position usually supports a smoother delivery process.
A breech position in pregnancy occurs when the baby remains positioned with the buttocks or feet pointing downward instead of the head.
Hearing this diagnosis can sound worrying. In reality, many breech pregnancies are identified during routine examinations and monitored carefully by experienced doctors.
Many Mothers Ask The Same Question
One of the most common concerns is simple – How to know if a baby is breech? The answer is not always straightforward.
Some women notice stronger kicks in the lower part of the abdomen. Others feel a hard, rounded structure higher in the uterus. A few mothers report unusual pressure beneath the ribs. At the same time, many women experience no noticeable signs at all.
This is why self-observation alone cannot confirm the baby’s position.
Can You Feel Breech Pregnancy Symptoms?
The internet is filled with stories from mothers describing their experiences. While every pregnancy is different, certain breech pregnancy symptoms are reported more often than others. Some women describe:
- Kicks lower in the abdomen.
- Pressure beneath the ribs.
- Discomfort while sitting.
- A feeling that the baby is positioned unusually high.
- Changes in the pattern of movements.
These experiences may raise suspicion, but they do not provide a definite diagnosis.
What Causes A Breech Baby?
Many mothers immediately wonder whether they did something wrong. The answer is usually no.
Several factors may influence the baby’s position. Some recognised causes of breech baby include premature pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, unusual uterine shape, placental position, or differences in amniotic fluid levels.
In many cases, there is no clear explanation at all.
How Doctors Confirm The Baby’s Position
This is often the point where professional assessment becomes important.
It is surprising to learn how doctors identify breech babies during routine check-ups for many mothers. Physicians can start with the examination of the abdomen and evaluation of the position of the baby’s head and back.
An ultrasound scan normally gives the clearest answer. It enables the doctors to verify the position of the baby and discuss the right management.
When to talk to your doctor?
The issue of fetal position should not be overlooked at all, particularly in the last weeks of pregnancy.
- You need to consult a doctor when:
- You have been told previously that your baby is breech.
- Baby movements are observed to be different.
- You are approaching your due date and have concerns.
- You are confused about the location of your baby.
A lot of mothers are relieved when they are given a good check-up and explanation.
The Future With Hope.
The news that your baby is breech can be shocking, particularly when all other things seem to be going well. The positive aspect is that contemporary obstetric care provides a number of methods to evaluate and cope with such cases safely. Mothers who want to have the services of a skilled pregnancy care provider and individualised advice may refer to Dr. Neelima Mantri, who most families consider as the best gynecologist in Mumbai to provide all-round obstetric and gynaecological services.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Feb 24, 2023 | Blog, Pregnancy Women
Sciatic nerve pain is a common condition that most pregnant women suffer at least once during pregnancy. The sharp shooting pain in the lower back that travels down the leg, aches and numbness can be irritatingly uncomfortable during pregnancy. Fortunately, there are a few remedies that can help get relief from the discomfort caused by Sciatica during pregnancy.
In this blog today, with inputs from the best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri, we explain the reasons behind Sciatica during pregnancy. And then provide you with remedies that can provide relief from Sciatica. Read on to know:
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body that runs from the lower spinal cord to the sole through the deep layers of the buttock and back of the legs. Sciatica is a neurological condition when the sciatic nerve is inflamed, irritated or compressed. This results in pain and other symptoms that originate in the lower back, radiate deep into the glutes and travel down the leg.
In most cases, Sciatica happens when nerves get irritated or compressed by slipped, ruptured or bulging discs, arthritis or even spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord). However, during pregnancy, Sciatica can happen due to a variety of other reasons.
Why Does Sciatic Happen During Pregnancy?
Sciatica is the most common during pregnancy due to a variety of physical and structural changes that happen in the body, which are as follows:
Expanded Uterus: The uterus that is broadened due to conception may press down and irritate the sciatica nerve in the lower spine.
Weight gain: The weight gained by the woman during pregnancy and the fluid retention that happens can put pressure on the sciatica nerve and compresses it as it passes through the pelvis.
Structural change: The subtle physical change and growing belly may shift the centre of gravity, which may stress the lordotic curve and pinch the sciatic nerve.
Alignment of head: The baby’s head can directly rest on the nerve as it settles into the final position, inflaming the nerve.
In addition to the above prior spinal conditions like slipped, bulging or herniated discs, spinal stenosis can also increase the risk of Sciatica, according to a lady gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr Neelima.
Remedies & Treatment Options for Sciatica:
There are specific remedies to Sciatica that can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused. Using a warm compress, resting comfortably, sleeping on the pain-free side, using a firm mattress, and doing Kegels are some common remedies that can help relieve the pain. In addition, performing low-impact activities like swimming and walking and gradually gaining weight are other best practices recommended to reduce the risk of Sciatica. Remedies may not always help; sometimes, the pain can become severe, and this is when one needs to seek help from a gynaecologist for medications that provide instant relief. If you are in Mumbai and are looking for comfort from Sciatica, you can contact the leading gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri .
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Feb 22, 2023 | Blog, Pregnancy Women
A woman is at her most sensitive self during pregnancy and hence she suffers a higher risk of common conditions like seasonal allergies. Persistent sneezing, coughing, itching and runny nose are commonly suffered by women due to seasonal allergies.
It is common for a woman to worry about these allergy symptoms during pregnancy. So prior information about potential seasonal allergies and treatments can really help women stay well-prepared for the challenging journey she is about to take.
So are allergies common during pregnancy? What causes them? How these allergies are treated? We identified the most common questions about allergies and asked the lady gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri for answers, read to know them:
What are allergies?
Our body’s natural immune system fights off the virus, bacteria and another disease-causing organisms. But sometimes our body’s immune system may even get triggered when it encounters things that don’t cause harm to the body. When we say a person is allergic to a certain thing, it means that the person’s immune system identifies ‘the thing’ as a potential threat and triggers an immune response which is responsible for the way the body reacts. The ‘things’ that cause allergy are called allergens
What causes seasonal allergies?
The allergens that cause seasonal allergies are pollen, a powdery substance that is made by trees, grass and weed during the spring season when fertilization in plants/trees happens.
“Few people are allergic to this pollen which is released into the atmosphere during the March and April months in India. The immune system of these people mistakes the pollen for a harmful substance and triggers an immune response to get rid of it and this causes runny or stuffy nose, coughing, itchy or watery eyes.” says the best gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
Are allergies common during pregnancy?
Allergies are very common during pregnancy, especially when the woman has a history of seasonal allergy conditions prior to pregnancy. However, they are only temporary and can be easily treated with medications. Protective filters when outdoors, nasal strips at night, nasal sprays and limiting outdoor activities are some of the most common tips suggested to cut down the risk of seasonal allergies.
How are season allergies treated? Are medications safe during pregnancy?
Season allergies are being safely treated by gynaecologists using medications for decades now. A gynaecologist may recommend nasal steroid spray, saline rinses to ease congestion, and antihistamines to ease sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose. Some of the most common OTC medications suggested for allergy include but are limited to Zyrtec, ChlorTrimeton, Benadryl, and Claritin – subject to availability.
“However, every woman is unique and so is their allergy condition and treatment that is recommended. So one must always consult a certified gynaecologist to get rid of these seasonal allergies”, says leading gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
If you are in Mumbai and are suffering from persistent seasonal allergies that don’t seem to go away, you can contact a lady gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri .
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Mar 18, 2021 | Blog, Pregnancy Women
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful yet very complicated painful times. The complications that arise during pregnancy are not any joke. There is body pain, vomiting, nausea, mood swings, and whatnot. We face issues that we aren’t even aware of. One of these complications is itching during pregnancy or medically known as intrahepatic cholestasis.
This itching is actually a result of a liver condition that occurs in the late stages of pregnancy. What actually happens in this condition is that it starts intense itching in various parts of the body, but without a rash. The most common areas where Itching occurs are the hands and feet. The biggest issue of Cholestasis of pregnancy is that it can make you extremely uncomfortable due to the constant itching.
This condition is not merely a condition of itching, but it can be a reason for complications with the baby as well. This condition is also an indicator for you to reach experts like Dr. Neelima Maitri in order to resolve the issues related to it and also understand whether there are any risks posed or not.
Common symptoms-
The most common symptom of stomach itching during pregnancy is obviously heavy itching in the abdomen area. Apart from that, there can be other issues like skin problems, nausea, no hunger, weakness, and other things.
The above-mentioned symptoms are not only associated with stomach itching but also with other types of intrahepatic cholestasis. The itching usually gets worse at night and may even cause trouble in sleeping. This in turn leads to weakness as well.
Treatment of itching during pregnancy-
The main purpose of any expert gynaecologist will be to prevent complications to your baby. They will first mainly focus on the health of the baby and will try to take all the measurements possible in order to ensure that intrahepatic cholestasis doesn’t cause any harm to the baby. This is also what you would want for your baby. The itching is the second priority of the doctor.
After ensuring that the health of the baby is okay, then the doctor will focus on the treatment of itching during pregnancy. They will prescribe you medications and lotions that will ease the itching. It is a very dynamic area and thus we will always recommend you to contact experts like Dr. Neelima Maitri in order to resolve your issue.
Conclusion-
It is always in the favour of you and your baby to be in continuous contact with the gynaecologist. Not just the condition of itching but also regarding each aspect of pregnancy. When you obtain services from the industry’s renowned experts like Dr. Neelima Maitri, you will have benefits like regular consultations, check-ups, the resolve of any minor-major issues, etc.
Think of having a gynaecologist as an investment for your beautiful future. A certain level of care during the 9 months will lead to you enjoying the whole life. Why so much importance is given to these services is because they have the ability to stop any minor or a major issue in its tracks.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Oct 31, 2019 | Blog, Pregnancy Women
Premature birth of children had been the causing of grief to the millions of parents worldwide for centuries now. Fortunately today we are in a position to take proper care of a premature child which is not exactly the case a few decades back. Today’s premature birth treatments can help you provide proper health care to ensure the proper development of the child.
It is quite common for parents to have questions regarding premature births. So here are few frequently asked questions that can help you know about the premature birth:
What is premature birth?
While 40 weeks is the normal duration of a full-term pregnancy, if a baby is born before the 37th week of the pregnancy then the baby is considered as a premature baby and the birth is called premature birth in medical terminology.
Is premature birth common?
Premature births are very common in the early days when medical and preventive care are not as developed as they are now. Even today on an average one in every ten babies is born before 37-38 weeks of pregnancy.
What caused premature birth?
Premature birth can be caused by various risk factors. Though not all of the causes of premature birth are completely discovered, the following are the causes that account for more than 60% of premature births:
Infections during pregnancy: Urinary infection, viral illness, vaginal infections, gum diseases, respiratory infections are some of the common infections that are commonly identified in preterm birth cases.
Multiple births: The risk of premature birth increase with the increase in the number of babies carried by the mother. Multiple babies can sometimes tighten the uterus decreasing the blood flow resulting in early delivery.
Congenital abnormalities of the baby: Babies who develop abnormalities in the womb may also need early delivery. As they are already identified in screening tests, the doctor, however, can plan out the early delivery of the baby.
The health of the mother: Mothers with chronic health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or pregnancy-related illnesses like preeclampsia, bleeding or any other problems may need early delivery.
Can we prevent premature births today?
Premature birth treatments can help in treating the risk of prematurity. But prevention for premature birth is always better than cure. The first thing you can do is to make yourself aware of the prematurity, its symptoms, risk factors, complication. Adhering to good prenatal care, following the recommendations of your healthcare provider and making healthy life choices, taking regular screening tests can significantly improve your pregnancy which decreases your risk of premature birth.
How does premature birth impact the baby’s health?
A full-term pregnancy makes sure that the baby grows strong enough to thrive in the outside world. Premature birth may halt this development process and hence the babies can experience a few short term complications like breathing problems, anaemia, infections, heart problems, jaundice. Cognitive, growth and development problems may also occur in premature babies in the long term.
Fortunately today we live in a world where premature births can be successfully treated with specialized premature birth treatments. If you are in Mumbai are looking for premature birth treatment in Mumbai you can take help from Dr. Neelima Mantri an expert in the treatment of premature babies. You can find her here.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Mar 9, 2019 | Blog, Pregnancy Women
Pregnancy is undoubtedly one of the best phases in a woman’s life. Along with the bad stuff like morning sickness, weight gain etc, there are certain good things which a mother-to-be enjoys during her phase of pregnancy. Let’s find out what they are.
- Feeling baby move: The whole idea of life growing inside you itself makes you feel good. When the baby starts moving inside, it signifies the connection between the mother and the baby. So when you feel your baby moving, that can make you feel happy
- People are nicer: People are nicer to you nice they see that you are pregnant. They help you out in lifting heavy stuff, hold doors for you and even smiles at you which can make your day better
- Baby hiccups: A pregnant woman can understand when the baby gets hiccups. Here will be movement in every ten seconds or so. Some may enjoy this feeling as the baby movement reminds you of your motherhood and the unborn child whom you love a lot
- Whole second trimester : This can be one of the best phases in your entire pregnancy as you don’t feel like throwing up or sick, your belly is not that big, you can sleep well and even eat the food you like without much issues
- Nesting: Once you start thinking of baby names as your baby keeps growing, you may also plan to get cradle, clothes and other essential baby care. Selecting such things and preparing it to welcome your bundle of joy can make you feel happy and excited
- Hair of a goddess: Pregnancy can do wonders to a woman’s body. It can make your skin glow and make you feel your hair strong. The hair volume can also increase as the hormones in your body are active and at its peak during pregnancy. Thus if you have strong and silky hair, you will definitely feel happy and good
- Buying things for your baby: It can be wonderful to plan on what you will buy for your baby and when you buy it for the baby. Warm blankets, baby clothes, basic cleaning essentials, buying all these can make you feel excited that your baby will be joining you soon as a new addition to the family
- Pregnancy being the best excuse: Pregnancy can be your best excuse to avoid doing certain things which you do not like. If you do not like to cook, you can blame it on pregnancy as feeling of sickness or any other excuse and people around you would actually believe it, thinking of you and your baby’s health as top priority
After you undergo the process of labour and when you get to see your baby, that’s the most joyous occasion! You may feel wonderful when you have a healthy baby in your hands as you have experienced the perks and drawbacks of handling the initial stage of pregnancy, motherhood!
