Pregnancy checklist.

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A baby is growing inside you, your body is changing, your hormones are jumping, and you are up for a great ride. There are plenty of things you can do to make this journey as safe and pleasurable as possible. Prepare for what’s about to come and prepare well. This pregnancy checklist will help you make your pregnancy fun, systematic and memorable:

Tips for the first trimester:

Take your prenatal vitamin and insurance for baby’s health:

As soon as you are overwhelmed by the news of pregnancy, start taking a prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid. This reduces the risk of neural-tube defects. Do a good research options for securing your upcoming baby’s health. One such move towards good health of your baby would be preserving his umbilical cord blood stem cells. Click here to read more about cord blood basics, benefits and umbilical cord blood stem cell banking facilities in India. Get all these questions answered well in advance.

Choose your Ob/Gynec:

It is time to look for an ob-gyn. If you don’t have one already, look for factors like proximity from your house, insurance coverage and which practice will best suit your perfect birth experience. Once you have chosen, book an appointment.

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Schedule a check-up and take the tests:

In addition to your physical check-up, around the 10th week you will have an ultrasound to check the baby’s heartbeat. Verify the due date with your ob/gyn.

During week 11 and 14, pregnancy screenings are given for pregnancy related plasma protein, HCG and blood tests that determine the risk of Down syndrome and trisomy. No matter what, you must take these tests between weeks 11-15.

Tips for the second trimester:

Enrol in a childbirth education class:

This is your 12-15th week of pregnancy, you must enrol in a childbirth education class. The class goes on for 6 to 12 weeks and ideally you would want to finish by your 37th week, in case you go into labour early. This class should cover the labour and birth process, also breathing and comfort measures.

Discuss your maternity leave and Set up the baby’s room:

If you are a working professional you will have to inform your Supervisor or Boss about your pregnancy on time. Discuss your maternity leave and all prospects of how work will be handled when you are gone. Once this is done, focus on setting up your baby’s room. Setting up your little one’s room along with planning the furniture can take quite some time. It is better to start now and occupy yourself with the best thing ever.

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Take a peek at your baby:

Around week 20, you will have an ultrasound. This is the time you check the growth of the baby and make sure all organs are developing properly. This is probably the time when you find out the sex of your little one.

The birth plan discussion and a babymoon:

Start discussing a birth plan with your partner and family members. Decide whom you want beside you during the birth of the baby. If you wish to go for a babymoon and are craving it, now is the best time to do it. Don’t push it, go for it.

Take the glucose screening:

During week 26-28, take the glucose screening to test for gestational diabetes.

Tips for the third trimester:

Start shopping and have a baby shower:

Start shopping for things you will need in the hospital like nursing bras, night gowns, baby clothes, diapers and wipes. Have your baby shower ideally two weeks before your due date so that you can shop for the things that didn’t come as gifts.

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Choose a baby nurse and get help for the kitchen:

Interview and choose a nurse for your baby. Choose the best one as this person will be with your baby in their earliest days of life. Ensure to talk to your family and partner to get assistance with cooking and household chores, so that you can focus on the baby completely.

Choose a paediatrician and pack your hospital bag:

It is the perfect time to go scouting for the best paediatrician for your child. Do a good research and choose the best doctor, a one that your child will adore and like visiting. At the same time, start packing your hospital bag with all the essentials you and the baby will need. http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=595

Read up about breastfeeding:

If you intend to breastfeed which is best for the baby, get yourself completely prepared. Read up in depth about breastfeeding and also involve your partner in this learning. Do have a conversation with your doctor regarding the same as they will be able to give you the best tips.

Live this journey of your baby growing inside you with immense joy and positivity. While you enjoy the ride and keep yourself happy, don’t miss out on one time opportunity for preserving your baby’s cord blood stem cells, ensure that you take a presentation from reputed stem cell banks in India. Enjoy your pregnancy, relax and keep this pregnancy checklist with you through the 9 months, it’s sure to stand by you like a long lost friend!

What to pack for delivery!

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Let’s look at packing your hospital a bag with everything you think you’ll need at the hospital so that you’re ready to go as soon as your baby’s ready to arrive.

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Your hospital bag checklist:

  1. Cell phone and charger. List of names and phone numbers that your partner or family member should call after the birth.
  2. Camera and video camera. Don’t forget the batteries or charger!
  3. Essential Medical Papers and documents.
  4. Cash and change for snacks and things at the hospital.
  5. 2-3 pairs of warm non-skid socks and a pair of slippers to walk around in before and after labor. You may want to bring some flip-flops as well for the shower (remember your feet will likely be swollen).
  6. A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind getting stained and a night suit you don’t care ruining either.
  7. Maternity bras (avoid under-wires) and nursing pads for support and leak protection.
  8. Breast pump if you plan to use one. The nurses will show you how.
  9. Your Babycell – Cord Blood Collection Kit Box. Be sure to handover the cord blood collection kit to the Doctor or Staff Nurse to collect your baby’s cord blood in time
  10. Maternity underwear and sanitary pads.
  11. Toiletries and makeup essentials such as ChapStick or tinted lip balm, hairbrush, barrettes, bobby pins, headband or pony tail holder, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant face wash or makeup wipes. Mascara, blush and eyeliner, concealer, hand held mirror, tweezers, body lotion and face moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, contacts, lens case and solution, and eye glasses (if you wear them). Travel sized products are the best, so you don’t have a bag that’s too heavy.
  12. Soft, warm, thick, fluffy towels and pillows. Hospital towels are very thin and often uncomfortable. Having your favorite pillow(s) will make a world of difference, too.
  13. A positive book or magazines, an iPod to listen to music and some DVDs and a computer to watch movies on.
  14. Bring pictures of your other kids for your hospital room to inspire you and ward off any jealousy they may have when meeting your newborn for the first time.
  15. Your birth partner should have a bag with basic hygiene products and a change of clothes (or two) as well.
  16. Last, but not least, you’ll want to be comfortable and yet look fabulous in the pictures of you and your baby coming home.Bring some cute and comfy change of “going home” clothes, attractive flat shoes to match and sunglasses. Make sure your partner has something appropriate to wear for the occasion as well. Your new baby will need a cute outfit, too!
  17. Anything else you can’t live without for a couple of days.

What to bring for baby coming home:

  1. Car seat.
  2. A soft carrier for hands-free use when you can’t put your baby down (be warned: this will happen).
  3. A stroller.
  4. An extra bag to bring home what you accumulated in the hospital like diapers, wipes, creams, bottles, formula, papers, etc.
  5. A nursing pillow and bib.
  6. Warm blankets.
  7. An adorable, classic and seasonally appropriate coming home outfit for photographs. If it is a cold time of year, bring a hat, jacket and warm booties for your little one.
  8. Have all the other essentials you need at home ready to go.
  9. A smile, patience, and love!

About Mummy ki Paathshaala

‘Mummy ki Paathshaala’ has been initiated by Babycell for all 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!

 

Important Prenatal Tests for all Trimesters

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We are sure that the good news of the new baby has already brought in some zeal into your relationship. Now it’s time to take the onus of keeping you and your body healthy. For that, you and your partner might have started taking doctor’s appointments and doing your research on what is to be done before the baby gets here.

If this is first time, the primary concern is that you are new to this challenge and you might not be aware about the kind of tests to be taken during your pregnancy. We are here to guide you through all the vital tests and check-ups to keep in mind during this period.

First Trimester

ROUTINE TESTS

1. Initial Blood Tests

A blood sample screening is conducted at your first pre-natal visit to the gynaecologist.

  • A complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you are suffering from Anaemia.
  • Hepatitis B – It can put your baby at risk of future liver disease, if it’s not treated.
  • Rubella (German measles) and Chicken Pox – If you aren’t immune, exposure during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

2. Thalassaemia

Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder. The disorder results in excessive destruction of red blood cells, which leads to anaemia.

It’s a must to undergo this test in order to know about your type, whether it’s Alpha or Beta or if you are a carrier or not. In case you are then your partner also needs to be tested. If both partners are carrier there is 75% chance of child being Thalassaemic.

  1. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Tests
  • HIV – the virus that causes AIDS can cross the placenta before or during delivery and infect the fetus.
  • Syphilis – If unchecked, it can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
  • Gonorrhea and Chlamydia – If untreated, both can cause preterm delivery and eye infections in the baby.
  • Herpes – It can cause complications during delivery.

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4. Pap smear – It is a screening procedure to determine cervical cancer.

5.  Blood Pressure – During pregnancy, you might have more chances of high blood pressure. In case high blood pressure continues after 20 weeks of pregnancy, there can be complications.

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  1. Urine Tests
  • Glucose Screening – Gestational diabetes – It can increase the potential need for a caesarean section (because it can lead to the baby growing to be very large).
  • Blood and bacteria – It indicates urinary-tract infection and can lead to a kidney infection or preterm labour.
  1. Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a simple, painless procedure. A wand that uses sound waves will be placed on your belly. It is used to determine the age, rate of growth, position, and heart rate of your baby, and whether you’re carrying multiples or not.

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ADDITIONAL TESTS

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) – A genetic test showing that a person inherited one or two defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) genes. This testing can be done using blood or a sample from the mother’s womb before birth (chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis). Two positive sweat tests on different dates.

Second Trimester

Besides the basic urine and blood pressure tests, there are a few additional tests to pay heed to in your second trimester.

  1. Amniocentesis – The test is offered to women who are at the age of 35 or above. Amniotic fluid analysis detects some birth defects and genetic diseases, including some chromosome abnormalities (such as Down Syndrome) and neural tube defects.

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2. Cordocentesis – Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS) is a procedure that is used to obtain a small sample of the fetus’ blood. It is used to detect chromosome abnormalities indicating Down syndrome and blood disorders such as Anaemia and certain infections.

Third Trimester

1. Group B Streptococcus Screening – This helps to detect bacteria in your bowel, rectum, bladder, vagina, or throat since these can cause serious and potentially fatal infections in new-borns.

2. The Non-stress Test – The non-stress test (NST) measures your baby’s heart rate as it moves around. This test measures foetal heart rate patterns in women who have high-risk pregnancies, including those who have preeclampsia or diabetes.

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3. Biophysical Profile – The biophysical profile combines the non-stress test with an ultrasound. The ultrasound component measures four foetal characteristics: breathing movements, muscle tone, body movements, and the amount of amniotic fluid.

This list sums up all the tests you should undergo in each stage of your pregnancy to ensure the health of your baby and yourself.

It’s important to undergo these tests with a prenatal expert/doctor who has experience and who you are comfortable sharing your personal information with.

It’s important to know what kind of tests are performed and what the benefits/threats

We hope this helps you with all the information on what prenatal tests are needed before the baby is born. Make sure you consult your OB/GYNEC before taking any tests.

 

What To Pack For Delivery

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On the day of your delivery, you have no time to think about what to carry along & the pre-requisites to be packed in the middle of all the excited hustle bustle!

Here’s a compact checklist to your rescue! Keep these items in your bag and you are sorted for your big day!

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Pregnancy Calendar

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Pregnancy is an exciting phase of life for every woman! After you announce your pregnancy, the first question you’ll probably be asked is, “When are you due?”

To answer that question for you, we bring to you our pregnancy calendar!

Calculate your due date in seconds with this! Try it out now!