The joys of motherhood are always preceded by pregnancy, which is a different and beautiful journey in itself. Along with the abundance of joy and hopes, pregnancy can bring some discomfort due to rapid hormonal changes and pregnancy-related weight gain, backaches and morning sickness.
One of the most common complaints by expecting mothers is morning sickness, as many as 70%-80% of pregnant women experience it! A lucky minority may never undergo this condition during their pregnancies. For those that do experience it, we’ve covered all the basic things you need to know below about morning sickness in pregnancy.
Morning sickness can occur on waking up or during any time of the day or night despite the name. The basic signs of morning sickness are nausea and vomiting. This may be most common during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Here are a few signs to watch for:
While it is rare, sometimes morning sickness can progress to a more extreme condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition involves excessive and severe vomiting as well as potential weight loss. Apart from extreme morning sickness, you need to be aware of the following even if you have mild symptoms:
These are all warning signs that your body is getting dehydrated and it’s affecting your health. It is best to speak to your doctor immediately. If you begin experiencing severe vomiting and nausea
Eat small, frequent meals of plain foods that are high in carbohydrate and low in fat (such as bread, rice, crackers and pasta) eat cold foods rather than hot ones if the smell of hot meals makes you feel sick. drink plenty of fluids, such as water (sipping them little and often may help prevent vomiting).
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
It is difficult to point out a particular cause of morning sickness. Doctors believe it can be due to different reasons in different women. Some causes- of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are listed below-
Treatments for morning sickness will depend on the severity of your case and how often it occurs. While you cannot always prevent morning sickness, you can avoid things that trigger it (such as strong smells, spicy foods).
Here are some options for managing morning sickness that your doctor might suggest:
Apart from these, there are several morning sickness remedies that may or may not help:
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Also Read: How to Make Yourself Throw Up: Necessary Techniques and Precautions
Morning sickness may not be easily avoided or treated, the best you can do is follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Using some of the above remedies and treatments, you and your doctor can work out a plan to effectively manage this pregnancy side effect until it subsides. Keep in mind that if you never experience morning sickness, there isn’t something wrong with you! Nearly 20% of women may never experience it. As always, be sure to inform your doctor of any strange, sudden and new symptoms you notice during your pregnancy and do not consume any medicine or supplement without consulting your doctor during pregnancy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Staying healthy is important to avoid medical complications and keep your immune system functioning well. This is even more vital when you are pregnant since you are taking care of 2 lives – your own and your child’s. Doctors and modern medicine can help to ensure the health and development of the foetus are going well using scans and tests.
As a mother, you also need to do your part by eating nutritious food that will support your own requirements and the heavy demands of a growing baby. Another thing you can do is exercise during pregnancy, which comes with a slew of benefits.
Before you attempt any of the following be sure to check with your doctor whether it is okay to start. In most cases, these exercises are perfectly safe when performed carefully and in moderation. For women with complications and whose babies are experiencing developmental issues, their doctors may recommend against exercise. Check out these pregnancy exercises at home and talk to your doctor to understand what works for you:
A rule of thumb is that you should be able to talk freely while you exercise. If you are breathless and unable to speak freely then you should pull back on the intensity of your workout.
Here are a few activities to avoid or reconsider if you are pregnant:
Pregnancy can feel physically (and psychologically) intense. The changes your body goes through may lead to fatigue, swollen ankles, various aches and pains. Apart from that, morning sickness and nausea as well as trouble sleeping are also common during pregnancy.
Exercise during pregnancy can provide a host of health benefits such as:
Exercising during your pregnancy can surely bring some much needed-motivation and good feelings when you’re down. If your doctor gives you the green light and you don’t have any medical complications, make the most of these moderate exercises. Make sure you do the right ones only. Remember that staying hydrated, eating healthy and getting regular rest is as important as getting a healthy amount of exercise!
Also read: Eating Right: Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Many micronutrient supplements are often marketed as helping women give their baby’s the best chance at healthy development. Folic acid in pregnancy (during, before, and after) is one of the most commonly recommended nutrients. Besides this, most obstetricians will tell you that a well-rounded diet should be enough for most women to stay healthy during their term.
If the mother has inadequate nutritional intake, supplements may help to support healthy overall nutrition during this time. Several studies have been conducted to explore how these nutrients can help expectant mothers and their children. Let’s dive into the importance of folic acid during pregnancy.
Folic acid is a manmade form of folate, also known as vitamin B9. When folic acid tablets for pregnancy or deficiency are used, the body converts folic acid into folate. Folate is a vital nutrient that the body needs from outside sources since we cannot make it ourselves. Usually, we get this nutrient from foods like peanuts, lentils, chickpeas as well as chicken liver, cheese and eggs.
Folate is required by the body particularly when cell division takes place. It is used during DNA synthesis and for producing the amino acids that are involved in new cell creation. It is also important for the formation of healthy blood cells and for transforming carbs into energy.
Universal prophylaxis for the general obstetric population — For most women, we recommend a folic acid supplement (multivitamin, prenatal vitamin) containing 0.4 mg once per day, beginning at least one month prior to attempting conception and continuing throughout pregnancy, in agreement with most national medical organizations.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
folic acid during pregnancy has the strongest evidence for actually benefiting the mother and developing child. Folate (in the form of folic acid) has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of babies developing neural tube defects during pregnancy. Neural tube defects are a type of condition that affects the proper formation of the baby’s spinal cord and vertebrae.
There may be some other potential benefits of folic acid in pregnancy such as lower risks of cleft palate, premature birth, low weight at birth, poor foetal development. Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia may also be reduced with regular folic acid intake during your term. Note that the evidence for these benefits is much lower than folate benefits against neural tube defects.
An individual need not worry if they have not taken folic acid before conceiving or in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy inadvertently. It is still likely that the baby will develop normally. Routine ultrasound scans at around 12 and 20 weeks will detect if there are any concerns.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Also Read: Can Precum Cause Pregnancy? Dispelling Misconceptions About Conception
It will depend on your existing health condition and diet. If your obstetrician or doctor recommends taking this supplement then follow their instructions. If they think that your diet sufficiently covers the folate requirements of both you and your baby, they may not prescribe any supplements.
High-dose prophylaxis for women at high risk of offspring with NTD — Women who are at higher risk of having a child with an NTD than the baseline population are candidates for higher (1 to 4 mg) dose folic acid supplementation. This dose should be initiated one to three months prior to conception and maintained through the first 12 weeks of gestation, after which the dose is reduced to 0.4 mg.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The WHO, CDC in the USA and many other medical bodies all recommend that folic acid should be taken starting from several weeks before you intend on getting pregnant. This is because the birth defects that folate is effective against usually happen within the first month of pregnancy. Hence it is very important to have sufficient amounts of folic acid before you are even pregnant.
Also Read: Can You Get Pregnant Without Having Sex? Debunking Pregnancy Myths
While other supplements are not protective against mortality, birth defects and other such conditions, they are still essential for a balanced nutrition intake. Hence, your doctor may prescribe prenatal supplements regardless. Note that apart from folic acid and vitamin D, no supplements have shown strong evidence of protecting your baby from birth defects so be careful with products that suggest anything similar. And remember that diverse, nutritious food plays an even bigger role in maintaining your health during pregnancy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a couple. It also brings with it a variety of new experiences not only because you become a parent but also because a woman’s body goes through a number of physical, emotional and mental changes as it tries to make room for another human in the body. It is a rollercoaster ride and can also be overwhelming and exhausting as you try to process so many new changes in your life.
It is a happy time as you start preparing your nest to bring home a new person. You need to stay positively healthy both in your mind and body so that the 9 months seem like a breeze. However, according to research, about 7% of women tend to feel depressed during pregnancy. And this number saw a surge during the pandemic as 47% of expectant mothers were found to feel depressed and about 60% of pregnant women reported feelings of anxiety.
In this article, let us quickly evaluate how depression is common during pregnancy, why it increased during the pandemic and what can you do to reduce it.
Studies had shown that the rate of anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic had raised (20). A review article reported that the anxiety and depressive symptoms were highly prevalent, effecting 58–72% of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Studies have revealed that women are twice as vulnerable to feeling depressed as opposed to men and this condition starts to peak during their reproductive years. The feelings of stress and anxiety are quite common for women during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, morning sickness, sudden increase or decrease in appetite all contribute to both emotional as well as bodily stress. So, how to recognize that you are going through depression? What are the signs?
Persistence of some or all of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks-
In addition to prenatal depression, most women also tend to experience post-partum depression (PPD) now called peripartum depression. During and after pregnancy women tend to go through a myriad of emotional, physical and behavioural changes.
According to multiple surveys, almost 70 per cent of all new mothers undergo the ‘baby blues’. This is a short-lived condition that does not affect or impair daily activities and no medical treatment is required.
Some of the most common symptoms of ‘baby blues’ include-
Such symptoms usually only last 7-14 days and recede on their own without medication.
Peripartum depression is not the same as ‘baby blues’. Like any form of depression, postpartum depression too wrecks a person emotionally and debilitates a new mother physically. It may continue for many months and medical treatment is highly recommended.
Postpartum/Peripartum depression can be treated over time with counselling and medication.
A study conducted by the University of Essex in the UK found that the COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for increasing the rate of depression and anxiety in pregnant women. A peer review was carried out taking 150 women between April 2020 and January 2021 which is considered the peak time of the pandemic all around the world to come to these conclusions. Although depression as stated above is quite common in women during the prenatal stage and even after delivery, the paper highlighted the fact that the surge in depression rates was due to the fear and trauma experienced by women at the time of the lockdown during the first wave. It also mentioned that women who had a history of clinical depression or had past traumatic experiences were also at the risk of feeling detached from their newborn babies.
Dr. Rigato from the University of Essex thus came to the conclusion that a woman’s experience during pregnancy played a key role in influencing the nature of her bond with her newborn baby. It has also put forward that women who had a negative attitude or negative takeaway about the COVID-19 pandemic were at a higher propensity to feel greater anxiety, depression and mood changes.
Also Read: Pregnancy Fatigue: Unraveling Causes and Research-Backed Solutions
The tendency of women to feel more anxious during and after pregnancy and the sudden surge in the rates as revealed by the study shows us that expectant mothers are going through a vulnerable time in terms of both mental and physical health during the pandemic. In this regard, the importance of positive social support from loved ones such as family and friends is crucial. Unaddressed mental health crises in women could severely affect the health of the mother, the nature of the delivery, the relationship between the mother and the child and lastly, the development of the infant in its later stages. These mental health issues that arise during or after pregnancy are collectively termed peripartum depression and can be managed well with proper treatment and counselling given on time.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends taking women for counselling at least once during their pregnancy to screen possibilities of undetected anxiety and depression. Pregnant women and new mothers need to be felt loved and supported by their loved ones to make their most special time healthy as much as possible.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Have you been using regular soap to wash your intimate female body part? If yes, you could be causing harm! Your intimate areas require a special hygiene routine because their needs are different from the rest of your skin.
Pregnant women especially need to be very careful about the products they use for personal hygiene. So what should you choose? We recommend you to start using Cipla Mamaxpert Intimate Wash. It has been specially formulated to meet the hygiene requirements of a pregnant woman’s intimate parts.
Read on to know why all women need special intimate care and how Cipla Mamaxpert Intimate Wash will help.
The normal vaginal pH is acidic. This ensures that only good bacteria can survive and harmful bacteria are killed. But chemicals in regular soap can destroy the acidic pH balance.
Pregnant women are at greater risk of vaginal infections because pregnancy hormones disrupt the pH balance.
Fortunately, these problems can be addressed with a gentle intimate wash. Wash your intimate area with Cipla Mamaxpert Intimate Wash to free yourself from the discomfort of vaginal infections.
Cipla Mamaxpert Intimate Wash is made with ingredients that are used to provide ideal protection and cleansing effect. Cipla Mamxpert Intimate wash is a soap-free and alcohol-free combination which is ideal for the intimate area to maintain acidic pH balance.
It is a solution specifically designed to cleanse the intimate areas of women. It keeps the pH levels balanced and protects the vagina from bacterial and fungal infections.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help protect the vaginal area from infections, thereby reducing the vaginal discomfort, itching and irritation.
A healthy vagina needs to maintain acidic pH for healthy microbial balance to keep infections away. If this balance is disturbed, harmful bacteria can multiply leading to a vaginal infection, discharge and discomfort. Lactic acid promotes ideal vaginal pH between 3.5 to 4.5, thereby lowering the risk of vaginal infections.
Neem extract is another herbal ingredient known for antibacterial action that helps relieve symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation and also reduces the unpleasant odour in the intimate area.
All women can use an intimate wash but not regularly. It is safe to use by those who experience irritation, itching, dryness, and infection. It is recommended to use an intimate gel wash over traditional soap or shower gel.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Any woman can use Cipla Mamaxpert Intimate Wash as it –
Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen for pain relief. Rest when needed. Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol. Avoid popping pain medications without doctor’s advice as these medicines may have side effects in some cases. If you find that none of these self-care measures are providing relief, it is recommended to seek medical advice from your doctor. They will be able to provide proper guidance and may consider prescribing appropriate medication to help alleviate your pain and other symptoms effectively.
Can PMDD be treated? Yes! Treatments for PMDD include- Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Stress can affect all aspects of your life, including your emotions, behaviours, thinking ability and physical health. Apparently, people handle stress differently. In fact, the stress response varies between males and females. Symptoms can be vague and may mimic those caused by medical conditions.
Women are believed, to face situations heads on rather than using the ‘fight and flight’ response. This is thought to be mediated by oxytocin, an anti-stress hormone produced more in females as compared to males, hence helping them in managing stress tactfully.
With women always trying to match up to their male counterparts at work while living up to the ideal housewife standards at home; they are more prone to be stressed. Stress usually manifests its effects on behaviour and can be easily spotted with changes in appetite, avoiding responsibilities or increased use of alcohol, drugs, etc. Certain physical symptoms that can be seen are Low Energy, Headaches, upset stomach including diarrhoea, constipation and nausea, Insomnia, Loss of sexual desire, nervousness and shaking cold or sweaty hands and feet and also Clenched jaw and grinding teeth. This can, in turn, lead to mental health problems, such as different types of depression, anxiety and personality disorders, cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke, obesity and other eating disorders, menstrual problems, sexual dysfunction, such as impotence and loss of sexual desire in both men and women. Skin and hair problems, such as acne, psoriasis and eczema and permanent hair loss, gastrointestinal problems, such as GERD, gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
In these present times, stress is an unavoidable part of our lifestyle. But it all depends on how you manage your stress. Stress management is something we all need to learn.
Also Read: Benefits of Jumping Jacks: An In-depth Exploration into this Simple Exercise
The first step in managing stress is recognizing it in your life. Everyone feels stress in a different way. You may get angry or irritable, lose sleep, or have headaches or stomach upset.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
All these activities may help you relax down. If you find yourself struggling to seek medical help. Talk to your doctor who may suggest counselling or prescribe medicines, such as antidepressants or sleep aids. Your relationships can be a source of major stress in your daily life and it’s okay to see a counsellor. You can seek help from:
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Must Read: 10 Effects of Stress on the Body
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