by Dr Neelima Mantri | Sep 5, 2018 | Blog, Women Health Issues
Whatever you put in your body directly affects the well-being of your child. And that is why the diet is deemed out to be the most important factor during pregnancy. It’s not just about what you put inside but it is also about what you put on your skin too.
Perplexed? Yes, you read that right.
Skin absorbs almost 50% of what you put on it. So are you sure they are safe? Most of them might be safe in normal conditions but pregnancy is a special condition, isn’t it?
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy throw your body out of its balance and that’ll surely show up on the outside. This may allure you to stack-up your shelf with lot cosmetics onto your skin, but we advise you to stay put. Not all the cosmetics are your friends now, few of them do more harm than good.
But it’s not the cosmetics that you must avoid but the harmful ingredients they are made of. So, avoiding the cosmetics with certain ingredients can help you avoid any potential complications.
Here is the list of ingredients that you must be wary of before using them:
Retinoids:
Retinoid is a type of Vitamin A that is widely used to treat acne and is known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. When taken orally, these retinoids are found to induce Fetal Retinoid Syndrome i.e. characteristic pattern of mental and physical birth defects that results from maternal use of retinoids during pregnancy.
Pregnancy prevention programs are implemented for a woman who uses retinoids. Though the potential side effects of topical application are still being studied, the research available today is controversial and doctors suggest to stay away from the cosmetic products containing retinoids. It is an FDA Category C ingredient which means that its effect cannot be ruled out.
Listed on ingredient label as retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene, and isotretinoin.
Hydroquinone:
Hydroquinone is the typically used as a skin lightening agent to improve complexion, treat conditions like melasma or vitiligo. It is also category C ingredient and usage of Hydroquinone is proven to cause birth defects in animals and the not conclusive in humans due to limited research. Almost 45% of this ingredient is absorbed by the skin making it a considerable risk for both pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Almost all the skin lightening agents contain Hydroquinone, so it is in best interest of you and your child to stay away from these agents.
Parabens:
Almost all of us are subjected to parabens through our daily shampoos. Though it is the general ingredient that is not harmful to the rest, it can pose a risk to the pregnant women. Journal of Epidemiology has published a research paper that proves the possibility of parabens disrupting the growth of boys during fetal development and first years of life and now a lot of ongoing research claims the same. Fortunately, you can easily get rid of parabens through control measures, there are a lot of paraben-free shampoos available in the market, for starters.
That is almost it, though there are others as well, these three ingredients pose the maximum threat as far as cosmetic ingredients are concerned. So next time you shop, do check the ingredients list before you make the decision.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Jun 24, 2018 | Blog, Women Health Issues
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin, essential for proper red cell formation, neurological function and DNA synthesis. Its deficiency is very common affecting 1.5-15% of the general population, the cause being unknown. Its deficiency results in anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, weight loss, neurological problems like tingling and numbness in hands and feet, neuropathy, poor memory, confusion and sore mouth.
Maternal vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with the increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight babies, premature delivery and neural tube defects i.e. defects affecting the brain and spinal cord of the fetus. During infancy it could result in lack of weight gain, delayed development of milestones, poor mentation and megaloblastic anemia.
The natural sources of vitamin B12 are fish, meat, poultry, eggs and milk products, fish and red meat being excellent sources. Vegetarian diet is a poor source of the vitamin.
Maternal vitamin B12 levels gradually decline throughout the normal pregnancy, thus requiring its supplementation during the pregnancy. Exclusively breastfed infants depend on maternal reserves for their nutritional needs. A women who is on a vegetarian diet is not able to meet the neonatal requirements of vitamin B 12. As a result the baby may suffer from significant neurological damage. Thus such babies often require supplementation to prevent the effects of its deficiency.
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B 12 for healthy adult is 2.4 mcg whereas that during pregnancy and lactation is 2.6 – 2.8 mcg.
The neurological symptoms of vitamin B 12 deficiency can occur without anemia, as a result early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent irreversible damage. There are various formulations available for vitamin B 12 supplementation like oral , sublingual or injectable, depending upon the individual case requirement. Appropriate consultation with the physician is advised for management of the problem.
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by Dr Neelima Mantri | Jun 21, 2018 | Blog, Women Health Issues
High blood sugar levels in pregnant women can cause birth defects and can also increase the chances of miscarriage. Let us now discuss elaborately how diabetes can affect a pregnant woman.
It is important to consult a doctor as soon as you come to know that you are pregnant, as high blood glucose level during the early stages of pregnancy can have a negative bearing on the outcome on successful pregnancy. It is during the early period (2 to 4 weeks) that the baby gets affected due to high blood sugar level because it is during this period that the organs of the baby start forming, such as the head, heart and the lungs. There is always a chance of these organs being defective due to diabetes. Examples of such defects include defects in the heart, spine or the brains.
There are many health problems that a pregnant woman can develop due to diabetes. Such problems include kidney disease and problems of the eye. Other health problems that a pregnant woman can develop include toxemia, which is a problem related to high blood pressure and excess proteins in the urine as a result of high level in blood sugar. These problems generally arise during the second half of the pregnancy and may become life threatening both to the mother as well as the baby. In most cases the result is premature delivery, which becomes necessary when reaching the 37th week of pregnancy.
Gestational Diabetes can also affect pregnancy. This happens during the later stage of pregnancy, when a pregnant woman is diagnosed with high blood sugar levels, even if she had never been diagnosed with diabetes. What happens is that, the body is unable to absorb the total amount of insulin released, which may result in the glucose level building up. This is known as hyperglycemia, which can be life threatening for both the mother as well as the baby. There is also a chance of giving delivery of a deformative baby.
Pre-eclampsia is also one of the problems that pregnant women could face if they are diabetic. Such problems arise because of unplanned pregnancy for women already having high blood sugar levels. Multiple complications can arise if the blood sugar is not controlled before conceiving. Vascular complications may also arise due to pregestational diabetes, in which case, fluctuations in blood pressure may arise. Poor control of blood glucose may also lead to giving still birth or the baby is larger in size than normal, which is known as Macrosomia.
To avoid such complications, a pregnant woman having high blood glucose level should do the following.
Consult a doctor immediately after coming to know that she is pregnant
Stay away from consuming alcohol, drugs and smoking
Plan your diet so that there is no intake of food supplements that may increase the blood sugar
Get a regular check up to resolve any issue relating to thyroid, kidney, heart and the nerves.
Diabetes can be at sometimes life threatening for pregnant women, and that is why you should carefully monitor the blood glucose levels during every stage of the pregnancy.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Jun 21, 2018 | Blog, Women Health Issues
While stress and depression, which are part of our lives can be overcome at some or other point, women suffering from infertility stress can find it hard to overcome until they give birth to a baby. Depression and stress are the two factors that can take a toll on women undergoing infertility treatment, especially in cases where there have been multiple miscarriages. Although we cannot change the circumstances that lead to depression and stress, there are ways by which women are able to deal with them. Here are some ways by which you can deal with depression & stress during infertility?
- There may be at times when you might feel discomfort when somebody asks you about getting pregnant and babies during a social interactive session. This is where you will need the support of your husband to overcome the situation which can make you feel distressed. Your husband can approach you with some simple gestures that will show that you are both equal partners.
- Practice dancing alone or with a group. This will help you to release stress and depression. Make it a daily habit dancing to your favorite items. This will keep your body and mind free.
- Pick up some hobby that will keep you engaged for a certain period of time. This will help your mind to be diverted to the new occupation and to overcome the moments of stress and depression. Choose a hobby that is interesting and not one of those which you will feel bored with.
- While accepting the fact that you are suffering from depression during infertility treatment, stay away from obligations that are not essential. Do not unnecessarily spend time dealing with commitments that can be avoided at that particular period of time.
- Take up any of the mind and body techniques like yoga. Meditation and yoga postures can help your body and mind to be harmonized. This can really be useful to deal with depression and stress, especially when the level of stress is intolerable.
- Find out means by which you can devote yourself to volunteering. Engage in social activities that help you to devote energy, passion and time. This will make your mind to be diverted.
- Confide to a trusted friend and tell about the trauma you may be undergoing due to stress and depression during infertility treatment. You may also join a group discussion where women undergoing infertility treatment interact among themselves. This will help you not to feel alone.
- Adopt a pet that would help you spend most of your time diverted from the feelings of depression and stress. Taking care of a furry friend can really help you to find great relief.
- Make a habit to eat foods that help to soothe the body and mind. Avoid taking comfort foods that can be harmful during the time when you are fighting to overcome stress and depression when undergoing infertility treatment..
There are other ways by which you can deal with depression & stress during infertility, but take to the ways that you find compatible.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Feb 27, 2018 | Blog, Women Health Issues
Pregnancy is a wonderful time in the life of woman. There is excitement and anticipation of parenthood. Pregnant mothers often find themselves in wide varying mood swings. From joy to irritation to weepy to stressed, the mood swings are normal and expected in the life of a would be mother. The mood swings would happen frequently and increase as the delivery date inches closer. There are some commonly observed mood swings during pregnancy and are elucidated below.
Depressed Thoughts:
The thoughts and mood swings are influenced by the release of hormones in the body. hey alter the release of neurotransmitters from the brain leads to various changes in the body. Being unsure about pregnancy is pretty common and depressed views lasts for some time before being vanquished. If it extends for couple of days more, consult the doctors.
Feeling Lost:
There is time when you will lose track of time and activity. You will keep on holding a bedsheet in hand while roaming across the house. This is the moment to relax and allow other people to take care of the household activities. Time to unwind and listen to some music.
Irritable and Angry Mode:
Even at rest, the amount of energy spent by a pregnant woman is same as that of an average male doing mountain climbing. shifting centre of gravity causing your spine to curve excessively in pregnancy also lends anger to one. So it is quite acceptable to be irritated by minor stuff and prepare to hit at someone. No issues, take a rest and let someone handle the household work.
Cleaning Spree:
A mother instinct to clean everything for the baby arrival and the anxiety worsens your need for cleaning the house exhaustively. Allow someone to handle the cleaning issues and you can supervise it with a handkerchief over your mouth. Be safe all the time during pregnancy.
Sudden Food Cravings:
At midnight, you might feel a craving for delicious or ice creams and it would be irritable if you don’t get it. It is what we call food cravings and that too sudden. It is fairly common for pregnant woman to have a sudden impulse for a particular kind of delicacy and your loved ones would be too happy to get it.
If you are in Mumbai or in vicinity, consulting a leading Gynaecologist in Mumbai would be well heeded. Laparoscopic Surgery Doctors in Mumbai are very attuned to the needs of the pregnant mothers and would help you greatly. Dr Neelima Mantri is one of the brilliant doctors in the field of Gynaecology and would help expectant mothers savour the enjoyment of pregnancy with aplomb.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Apr 27, 2017 | Blog, Women Health Issues
The most common Gynae problems faced by every woman is due the hormonal imbalance. Most women are unaware of the symptoms of gynecological problems, which may include excess urination, back pain and other signs, and take it for granted as symptoms not related to the reproductive system. Very often they treat themselves by taking NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which is unfortunate. Every woman should be well informed about some common gynecological problem and the symptoms related to them, so that proper treatment is carried out instead of being neglected. Here are 5 most common gynae problems every woman must know.
- Ovarian Cysts – Follicular cyst is the most common type of ovarian cyst which is caused due to many reasons, where the follicle is unable to open for releasing the eggs during the menstrual cycle. Corpus luteum cyst is another type of ovarian cyst where the corpus luteum persists as a cyst within the ovary.
- Dysmenorrhea – There are two types of dysmenorrhea, primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. The symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea include pain in the lower abdomen or back, whereas the symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhea include cramps during the early stages of the menstrual cycle, lasting longer than usual.
- Endometriosis – Symptoms of Endometriosis include chronic pain in the pelvic region and lower back, pain after or during sex, pain during urination and spotting or bleeding in between the menstrual periods.
- UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) – There are many causes for Urinary Tract Infection, which include sex with multiple partners, and the symptoms are debilitating pain during urination, pus or blood during urination and among others, pain in the lower abdomen.
- Poly Cyst Ovarian Disease (PCOD) – Hormonal changes is the primary cause of Poly Cyst Ovarian Disease, symptoms of which include hair loss and growth of hair on the face, and among others, irregular bleeding and menstrual problems.
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