Role of a Father in pregnancy

Posted on July 13, 2017July 14, 2017 by admin

We all know that father’s make a very special place in our lives even before we are born. Let’s say that our wonderful fathers done that double shift or sacrificed that weekly off to become more financially stable. Let’s not forget those all nighters to ensure you and mommy slept peacefully. This is just the tip of the ice berg. In fact, it takes almost the same amount of toll on the dad as much as on the mother while preparing for the baby.

Hence whenever we arrange ANCs we make it a point to keep a separate session for the expecting fathers where we talk and discuss about their perspective and apprehensions while they are entering this new role as a father.

While discussing the role of a father here we will consider 3 aspects:

During pregnancy
During labour
Post pregnancy

During Pregnancy

They say it’s not just the mother but also the father who experiences pregnancy, although not physically but mentally and emotionally;

Take a few minutes every day to discuss your doubts and queries

Since the breasts become tender especially during the early weeks of pregnancy be careful when you get intimate. Avoid sexual intercourse in case of bleeding and pain. You can still keep the romance alive with some foreplay (let her know that despite of the weight gain and hormonal imbalance she still is as appealing as before).

Discuss your finances and investments with your wife to assure her that you do have a plan. This will ascertain her financial stress is reduced.

Help her with good sleep since the stress and anxiety will do a lot of talking.

Try to accompany her with every prenatal check-up.

Try to be around her when she is going through the “Morning Sickness” phase since this will be accompanied with a lot of mood swings (understand it’s the hormones talking).

Although there is a lot of literature on preparing to be a father, along with enlightening yourself by reading this you may also join a Lamaze class (which teaches you a father’s role during pregnancy and labour).

Pregnancy includes a lot of healthy eating and avoiding junk, try to be a part of this healthy eating carnival with you wife to support her and show her that even you a part of this change. Once in a while you may want to exhibit hands on your culinary skills “as an experimental chef” just to surprise her (then even if it means blending a milkshake and presenting it in an exotic way).

Encourage her to exercise under an expert with the doctor’s consent preferably through an antenatal class.

During Labour

As the due date starts nearing a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety will encroach upon you and your expecting wife

Calm yourself first and then try to calm your panicking wife (your meditation and breathing exercise lesson will be your savior here).

Since you would be already on a paternal leave you must read a bit on 3 stages of labour.

Anxiety can lead to pregnancy induced hyper tension in expecting mothers hence you need to divert her from the same. Lighten the environment by playing her favorite movies, music, call over some close friends for an evening chat over some tea or coffee

As the days pass by they may seem long so instead of waiting and anticipating enjoy each moment with her

Make sure that the mom-to-be has packed her bag if you are planning to have the delivery outside your home (hospital or birthing centre).

Stock the house with essentials so this saves you from running around post-delivery.

Update yourself with the knowledge regarding the Brackston Hicks contractions (false contractions) from your concerned gynecologists. Learn to time the contractions.

Make sure you are well hydrated and stuffed with some healthy food to remain energetic

Once the contractions begin these may last up to 14 to 16 hours or even more.

While she is being taken to the labour room run her through the breathing exercises that you learnt in your Lamaze class.

During the second stage of labour as the baby is being pushed out comfort the mother with some light massage on her forehead and hands. This is “sparsh chikitsa” (touch therapy by the ones who love you!)

If the mother is unable to maintain the much-required skin-to-skin contact you can do it to help your baby know its father (some men even get topless to get a better feel)

Complications:

When things don’t go as per the plan, it becomes a bit disheartening for the mother as well as for you. This could be in case of an induced labour which an emergency call taken by the doctor in case the contractions don’t begin even once the due date arrives

In any situation, you as a father must remain as strong as possible as this will help the expecting mother to gain more confidence

In case of pregnancy induced hypertension help the expecting mother calm down with the breathing exercises.

Post- Pregnancy:

Now that you have successfully welcomed your little angel, this little one has come with a lot of added responsibilities.

Say goodbye to your sleep since for initial few days you may have to go on night shifts while the newbie mommy recovers from the labour exhaustion and gets some good sleep.

Try to have a domestic help as laundry and cooking are your two new friends!

While you make sure that the new mom is eating well you must do it too.

Help her begin her exercise routine as soon as the doctor gives a green signal.

Learn things like changing the diapers, sponging your baby, massaging the baby occasionally, putting the baby to bed. This will not only make your wife feel better but also improve your bonding as a father with your baby.

Post-partum depression is a serious case and needs to be handled very delicately. In case you feel your wife is suffering from one do not hesitate to take her to a counselor asap. Together you can overcome this phase as well!

Be responsible to accompany your child and your wife for regular check –ups post pregnancy

For the first six months while the mother will be busy feeding the child exclusively the breast milk, help her ease down the back with some soothing massages. Attend the lactation classes with her to help her get a better ”breast feeding” experience.

In case of working and ambitious mothers let them know that you respect their work and encourage them to go ahead and follow their dreams. Remember it’s important to let her know that although she has acquired a new role as a mother with new responsibilities, she still has a life of her own and can choose to do whatever she aspires to do.

Blog by – Dr. Kranti Nimkar Kumta

Summer do’s and don’ts for to-be-mothers

Posted on May 26, 2017May 26, 2017 by admin

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of a woman’s life. The feeling of nurturing a new life is priceless. But pregnancy comes with its own set of issues. And a harsh summer season just adds to your woes.
During pregnancy, your body temperature is slightly higher than normal due to the increased blood volume. The heat and the humidity further add to your discomfort. Here are a few guidelines to sail comfortably through the summer season during your pregnancy.

Do’s:

Stay hydrated: This is the most crucial thing to do in summers. During pregnancy, you are unable to eat or drink much due to the pressure on your stomach. Hence, keep sipping water continuously to stay hydrated. You can also go for homemade flavoured water. Other beverages like nimbu paani (fresh lime water), chaas (buttermilk) and aam panna also help you with hydration.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables provide you with the necessary nutrients required during each season. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, tomatoes, plums etc. are full of moisture and nutrients. Have them regularly.
Slather on the sunscreen: The high level of estrogen in your body during pregnancy makes you more susceptible to dark patches of skin called melasma. So, slather on the sunscreen to prevent such patches from appearing on your skin.
Choose safer sandals: I know that flip-flops seem like the ultimate footwear for hot summers. But they are the worst footwear to wear during pregnancy because they don’t offer any arch support. During pregnancy, you are carrying extra weight which puts pressure on your feet. So opt for comfortable footwear which offers good arch support.
Wear breathable fabrics: Wear light weight and breathable fabrics like cotton and mulmul. These help you to keep cool.
Stay cool: It is imperative to stay cool during this time. If you are a swimmer, go ahead and indulge in a cooling swim. Carry facial mists with you to spray on. This will instantly refresh and cool you. You can carry a spritzer filled with rose water for a refreshing feeling. You can carry wet tissues with you too.
Summer proof your office space: Stock things like extra water bottle, some healthy snacks and a hand fan maybe. Also keep a pair of your most comfortable shoes handy in office. Have a good cushion to support your back. Whenever you get time, try and elevate your feet for some time.
Exercise at cooler times during the day: Exercising during the hot time of the day can increase your discomfort.
Pamper yourself: Look your best during pregnancy. Go for your regular facials, manicure, pedicure or head massage. Avoid any kind of chemical treatments though.
Relax and rest: It is very important to lie down and rest during the day.
Stay happy: Happy mom equals to happy baby. The heat and the humidity along with your hormones tend to make you irritable. Try and indulge in relaxing and calming activities that make you happy.

Don’ts:

Don’t wear constrictive clothing: Too tight clothes will make you very uncomfortable and sweaty.
Avoid sodium: Avoid packaged and salty food. The excess sodium in these will lead to water retention and swelling in the body.
Stay away from too much sugar: Avoid too much sugar in any form. Stay away from sweets, bakery products and packaged juices.
Don’t eat for two: This myth of eating for two has long been busted. Yes, you do need extra calories, but you don’t have to double your intake. Have nutrient dense food and focus on nutrition more than calories.
Don’t go out in the sun during the mid day: The sun during the mid day is quite harsh and hence it is better to be avoided.
Don’t take any diuretic: Diuretics lead to a loss of many important electrolytes from the body. Hence, don’t take them unless suggested by your doctor.
Don’t stress: Stress is bad for you and your baby. So stay away from it.
Don’t take any medication on your own: Consult your doctor before consuming any medicine or even before using any topical creams.
Don’t compare: Each pregnancy is different, hence don’t compare your pregnancy with anybody else’s. This will give you undue stress.

Hope these pointers will help you sail through the summer like a song!

Stay healthy, Stay happy 

About Sarika:

Sarika is a diet and lifestyle consultant. She is very passionate about health and loves to help people be healthy the right way! She consults both online and offline. She is an avid blogger who writes informative articles about diet, nutrition and healthy recipes.

Monsoon Pregnancy Care Tips & Precautions

Posted on July 21, 2016November 2, 2016 by admin

Monsoon is one of the most loved seasons in India. The thundering sky, heavy rains, making paper boats, and wearing raincoats, everything related to monsoon brings back happy memories. Monsoon is that time of the year when you should be more cautious about your health, especially if you are pregnant. While the monsoon gives relief from hot summer, allergies, other hazards are lurking around.

The gloomy weather not only sets the stage for mood swings (though for some it can be just the opposite) but also makes you susceptible to various infectious or communicable diseases with an already suppressed immune system.

Here are ways in which you can tackle the monsoons with ease :-

Increase your water intake:

Most people do not feel thirsty due to increase in humidity. During monsoons, you must keep yourself well hydrated and keep a count of your water intake. This will help you flush out toxins from the body. Drink purified or boiled water when you feel thirsty. Make it a habit to consciously drink at least 2 to 2.5 litres of water throughout the day.

Dressing for the season:

Humidity increases manifold during monsoons, this can cause excessive sweating. ‘So avoid wearing uncomfortable clothes, especially if you are in your last trimester. Make sure that you wear clothes that fit you well or are a bit loose around the tummy. Choose light cotton to go with the season,’ says Dr. Bandita Sinha, consultant gynecologist and obstetrician, SSD hospital, Mumbai.

Ensure optimal hygiene:

To keep you cool and fresh bathe at least twice daily. Keep a wet tissue handy to wipe off sweat and grime. Wash your hands, ideally with warm water before you eat or touch your food. Use a hand sanitizer instead if you are outdoors or at work.

Sanitize Your Home :

Pest Control your house during the monsoon to free your home from disease spreading insects like flies, cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes, etc. But, make sure you stay away during the process as the smoke with chemicals may affect your pregnancy in a negative way.Use a high quality disinfectant to clean your house and keep it germs free.

Pregnancy yoga:

While you are likely to stay indoors for most of the time, indulging in pregnancy yoga can be a good way to pass the time. Yoga during this time of the year can help you get through with minimal discomfort. It will also help child-birth and post-delivery stages. Read about yoga postures, exercise safety, and more – http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?cat=17

Keeping the above pregnancy tips in mind will ensure happy monsoon and healthy pregnancy. All to-be mothers take utmost care of yourself and make the best effort secure the future of their upcoming baby.

Importance of Vaccination in India

Posted on April 29, 2016November 2, 2016 by admin

Immunization is the process of one’s immune system fortifying itself against attacks by foreign antibodies. When we sniff dust, we sneeze. Same is with the way the immune system functions. When the body senses any agents of a foreign nature, it responds with a solution to get rid of the agents. When it finds the right formula, it stores that information for when there is a need to find a solution again, but this time around much quicker than the last. This is called immunological memory. Thus, when you expose one to a strand of virus or foreign agent in controlled conditions, the body quickly learns to adapt and defend itself from future attacks. This is called active immunization.

Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once killed thousands of children, have been eradicated completely and others are close to extinction– primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. Eradication of Polio is one example of the great impact that vaccines have shown in India.

Parents want to do everything possible to make sure their children are healthy and protected from preventable diseases. Vaccination is the best way to do that.

Vaccination protects children from illness and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and cough, which are still a threat when it comes to disease progression.

Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but this is minimal compared to the pain and discomfort of the diseases these vaccines prevent.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that licensed vaccines are currently available to prevent or contribute to the prevention and control of twenty-five infections.

The various types of Vaccines are: –

Live Attenuated Vaccines
Inactivated Vaccines
Toxoid vaccines
Conjugate Vaccines
Subunit Vaccines

Vaccines

Birth – 6 weeks

BCG
OPV 0
Hep-B 1

These vaccines must be given to all newborns immediately after birth before they can go home.

6 – 10 weeks

DTP – DTaP vaccine/combinations should preferably be avoided for the primary series. They should be preferred in certain specific circumstances only. No need of repeating/giving additional doses of whole – cell pertussis (wP) vaccine to a child who has completed their primary schedule with cellular pertussis (aP) vaccine-containing products.
Polio – All doses of IPV may be replaced with OPV if administration of the former is unfeasible. No child should leave the facility without polio immunization (IPV or OPV), if indicated by the schedule.
Rotavirus – 2 doses of RV1 and 3 doses of RV5 should be given. RV1 should be employed in 10 & 14 weeks schedule, instead of 6 & 10 week. 10 &14 week schedule of RV1 is found to be far more immunogenic than existing 6 & 10 weeks schedule.

10 – 14 weeks

Rotavirus 2
PCV 2
IPV 2
HIb 2

14 weeks – 6 months

IPV 3
Hib 3
Rotavirus 3
PCV 3

6 – 9 months

OPV 1
Hep B – The final (third or fourth) dose in the HepB vaccine series should be administered no earlier than age 24 weeks and at least 16 weeks after the first dose.

9 – 12 months

MMR – Measles-containing vaccine ideally should not be administered before completing 270 days or 9 months of life; the second dose must follow in the second year of life. No need to give stand-alone measles vaccine.
Hepatitis A – Single dose for live attenuated H2-strain Hep-A Vaccine. Two doses for all killed Hep-A vaccines are recommended now.

15 months

MMR – The second dose must follow in the second year of life. However, it can be given at any time between 4-8 weeks after the first dose.
Varicella - The risk of breakthrough varicella is lower if given 15 months onwards.

16 – 18 months to 2 years

The first booster (fourth dose) may be administered as early as 12 months of age, provided at least 6 months have elapsed since the third dose.
DTP – First & second boosters should preferably be of DTwP. Considering a higher reactogenicity of DTwP for certain cases, DTaP as an alternative can be considered for the boosters.

10 Tips to Maintain Pregnancy Hygiene and Safety

Posted on April 18, 2016November 2, 2016 by admin

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time being pregnant or not, the need to protect your baby and yourself is, and will always be the highest priority you will face at this delicate stage of life. Even the most minute of things can have major implications on the health and development of your baby.
But fret not, we are about to list ten tips that will keep at bay any form of infection, complication or harm to your baby.

Hygiene

Cotton all the way -

Cotton fabric is a must for all those expecting. Since it is light and dries fast, clean and washed cotton clothes help prevent the development of skin irritation and incubation of infection causing bacteria.

Keep downtown clean, Always!

Always wash the vaginal area with water and mild soap regularly. . Besides this, after using the toilet always wipe front to back. These steps are essential in preventing the spread of bacteria to the urethra and in turn prevents urinary tract infection that can spread to the fetus and cause complications in its development.

Hand it to cleanliness -

One of the most basic and yet overlooked hygiene must do’s. Always wash your hands, preferably with warm water and disinfecting soap for more than 20 seconds. Carry a sanitizer along with you, keep it in your handy bag for you to use when you’re outdoors. This keeps you sanitized all day so that you avoid any intake of germs while you eat your meals.

Don’t go mental over dental -

There is a rise in oestrogen levels in the body, there can be swelling and sensitivity of the gums. If not kept in check, it can increase the risk of developing gum disease which, in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby.

If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, change to a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend routine check-ups to maintain your dental hygiene.

Take the Breast care you can!

12 weeks in, your breasts start secreting a fluid called ‘Calostrums.’ This can lead to nipple irritation. Besides washing your breasts with warm water during your bath, a padded bra is a must. However, it must be changed regularly depending on the extent of fluid secretion.

Safety

A good exercise to follow –

The most important safety tip is to always stay active. Walk, stretch with pilates, breathe in and out with some serene yoga, all these activities are beneficial for the baby and keep you ready for labor. Besides, exercise helps control weight, improves circulation, uplifts your mood and helps you rest better.

You can also immerse yourself into your favorite dance routine with some energetic tunes, don’t care about looking odd, it’s what Momma needs!

Baby’s got a plan –

Always have a written plan so that during pregnancy, whoever is assisting or taking care of you knows what your preferences are during pregnancy. Things like emergency contacts, people you want present during delivery, procedures you want to avoid, type of medications you can take, a what-to-do in case of complications.

Calling doctor jones -

Always call the doctor if you get sudden and unbearable pains, strong cramps, contractions at 20-minute intervals, spontaneous vaginal bleeding, feeling of dizziness, breathlessness, heart palpitations, continuous and constant nausea or vomiting, trouble in walking or swelling of joints and most importantly decrease in activity by the baby.

Have an expert’s personal contact number for you to call them, even in the middle of the night and consult on any kind of complications or unusual experiences.

Store the story –

The most downplayed tip, always maintain a journal of all the experiences that you and the baby go through. This can help the doctor find irregularities and has proven to be a preventive tool in many instances.

Shoe shopping!

The best way to keep yourself active and safe during pregnancy is to wear comfortable and un-slippery shoes.

Keep three pair of shoes for yourself. One for your exercising, one to go out and one for the washroom for you to avoid losing your grip on the wet floors.

Try using ortho- heel soles that are soft and padded with a firm grip, they are the best for your daily outing requirements.

Watch your diet -

This would be the most common nightmare for a pregnant woman, she tries everything to avoid upsetting her stomach and food poisoning. An ideal way to prevent this is to eat at home and eat safe.

Check the “Best before Date” on any packed food item you purchase, clean your veggies and fruits with enzyme cleanser before consuming them. It helps keep the bacteria and pesticides away.

Boil your food before you consume it to avoid any stomach infections.

Avoid eating leftovers and street food. If you crave something spicy and want to go to your favorite street-food joint, make sure they follow basic hygiene before serving you.

Besides these pointers, enjoy your pregnancy and stay healthy and safe!

Summer Care for Pregnancy

Posted on March 30, 2016November 2, 2016 by admin

Summer season is a difficult time of the year. It’s hot, it’s humid, and you’re pregnant. … “Heat and humidity are unpleasant for most people, but they take a greater toll on pregnant women. With the rise in temperatures, dealing with pregnancy issues can be daunting. This article provides useful tips that will ease your life while you make the most of and enjoy this beautiful phase of your life.

Pregnancy during summer can be difficult, especially for first-time mothers. To-be-moms are constantly looking for summer care tips that will make pregnancy comfortable. There are a number of reasons that make summers an amazing time to sit back and relax and try your best to beat the heat. Read on about pregnancy summer problems and learn a few tricks that will ease your way through summer.

Fight Dehydration:

As the temperature rises, you are required to drink more water to keep yourself and the baby hydrated and cool.

Make it a habit to keep a bottle of filtered water with you wherever you go. It also helps in boosting your metabolism and thereby helps you fight the frequent head-aches and hot body rushes you face during pregnancy.

You could also consider going ahead and making this activity tasty by sipping on coconut water, juice, or even electrolytes. This will not only keep you hydrated but also ensure that your electrolyte levels are optimum.

Swelling:

Swelling during pregnancy can be painful as it can cause your ankles, calves and feet to bloat. Women who face such conditions should be active on their feet. Keep time for walks in gaps for proper blood flow early in the morning when the weather is pleasant . You could also go ahead and try comfortable shoes with ortho- heel soles that are soft and padded with a firm grip. It will definitely help reduce swelling. Avoid resting your body in one position for too long as it may cause cramps.

Beat the sweat:

Summers are always going to be hot, especially humid in most cities of India, and one easy way to beat the heat is to wear lightweight and comfortable maternity clothes. Light-cotton wear and bright colours are preferable and will make your summers more comfortable and relaxing. Such clothes will help you keep cool and prevent any kind of skin rash.

Have more fruits and vegetables:

We all know how important nutrients are to a mom and her baby. Consuming fruits and vegetables can provide your body with vitamins and other vital nutrients that are the major building blocks for a healthy baby. These fruits also help you maintain the fluid level in your body which helps you fight the heat in your body and safeguard your baby from it.

About Mummy ki Paathshaala

‘Mummy ki Paathshaala’ has been initiated by Babycell for all the to-be parents. The experts can enlighten you with valuable information related to pregnancy diet, pregnancy yoga and exercises, labour and delivery tips. They also hold interesting discussions on Do’s and Don’ts that cover all the pregnancy related questions you may be asking yourselves.

If you have any issues related to pregnancy, make sure to ask the experts and get your doubts cleared. On the overall, ‘Mummy ki Paathshaala’ not only enlightens you with issues related to pregnancy, but will also teach you to be an awesome parent.

What better way to enjoy your pregnancy and have some fun with it? Register today and see for yourself how it helps you make good choices for you, your baby and your family!

Pregnancy exercises and its benefits

Posted on March 28, 2016November 2, 2016 by admin

Doctors recommend regular exercise during pregnancy for an overall health of the mother and the baby.

The need and importance of exercises during pregnancy

Maintaining a regular exercise regime throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel confident. It also improves posture and decreases common physical discomforts. Pregnancy exercise also helps prevent gestational diabetes, improves blood circulation, relieves stress, and builds stamina, which is much needed for labor and delivery. Exercise also helps in a smoother weight loss transition post pregnancy. It is also known to boost the mood and help expecting mothers sleep better.

It is recommended that pregnant woman must exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. A perfect workout is the one that gets your heartbeat going, makes you supple, manages the weight gain as well as prepares your muscles without putting any additional stress on you or the baby.

Even if you have never exercised regularly before, you can safely begin the exercise program during pregnancy after consulting with your gynaecologist. But do not try a new, strenuous activity.

Pregnancy exercises can be broadly classified into two categories:

Cardiovascular development exercise
Exercises to increase strength and flexibility

Cardiovascular development exercises

Walking:

Walking is an ideal exercise for pregnant women. It not only keeps you energized but also provides the necessary fitness without causing too much pressure on the knees or ankles.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the best pregnancy exercises as it works out both major muscle groups – arms and legs. It also provides the much-needed relief by making expectant mothers feel light and weight-less for some time.

Dancing

Dancing is a fantastic and fun exercise during pregnancy! Not only do you get the thrill of moving your body to music you love, but it will keep you flexible while toning your muscles.

Exercises to increase strength and flexibility

Yoga

Yoga helps in maintaining muscle tone as well as increases flexibility. It relieves the tension of lower and upper back, neck and shoulders. Yoga also fine tunes our emotional balance.

Stretching

Stretching during pregnancy keeps you relaxed and improves flexibility. If rightly combined with deep breathing, also brings more oxygen to your baby to help him grow.

Squats

Squatting is a perfect exercise to open your pelvic outlet and allow more room for your baby to descend. Practicing squats now will make it easier to squat during labor.

Babycell is one of the best on stem cell preservation banks in India. Babycell understands needs of expecting mothers; you can consider attending the Mummy ki Paathshaala and Mother Care Forum sessions offered by Babycell. These sessions guide pregnant women on areas like exercise, nutrition tips, parenting tips, and more. Go ahead and register today for a complimentary antenatal care session by Babycell.

Pregnancy Exercise Tips

Posted on March 22, 2016November 2, 2016 by admin

It is essential to have a fit, flexible and strong body when you’re pregnant!

Exercise during pregnancy helps you improve your metabolism, aids digestion, and helps in dealing with pregnancy woes such as back aches and muscle cramps.

Here’s an exercise chart especially for pregnant women that will guide you through an exercise regime.

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Pregnancy Wellness & Fitness