16 May 2019 | 7 min Read
Dr Gauri Valame
Author | 2 Articles
Pregnancy care can start as early as in preconception stage. A mother’s body goes through a lot of changes throughout pregnancy and hence the care should not be ignored. A pregnant lady should never ignore the issues related to following and should give attention:
Our health expert Dr. Gauri Valame has helped us with some amazing ways to take care of this journey. Here is an excerpt from her video chat.
I’m Dr. Gauri Valame and I have 15 years of experience in Obstetrics and treatment of infertility. Care during pregnancy is something every woman has questions about. Pregnancy care is split into three parts.
If you are trying to conceive then make sure that your body is fully prepared to handle the demands of pregnancy. Maintain regular intake of folic acid and monitor thyroid, weight, blood pressure and sugar regularly.
this phase is again divided into trimester. While the care and precautions remain same overall weight gain needs to be monitored. Weight gain normally occurs as 1kg, 5kg and then 5kg in each trimester respectively.
Care extends up to breast feeding phase and you have to follow the same nutritional plan as you baby is still dependent on your body for nutrition.
Strictly avoid alcohol and smoking. Exercise regularly and follow proper diet.
If pelvis is open adequately and there is labour pain then normal delivery is possible. Other factors which have to be taken into consideration are health and weight of both mother and baby.
It’s your choice but there’s a risk of infection.
There’s a chance that the baby may turn. Otherwise delivery can be done through C-section.
It is quite a common symptom. Don’t stress. Practice butterfly and Kegel’s exercises. You can also do housework like squatting and mopping.
Stay hydrated and avoid physical exertion and standing for too long.
There’s no need for C-section as it’s not harmful. However if the baby is choking then surgical intervention may be required. If active infection is there then vaccination may be required for the baby.
NSD and water around baby is to be checked. Consult your doctor.
Both are normal symptoms of first trimester. Consult your doctor for medication.
Immediate treatment is important as cramps can cause premature labour.
It’s a test to detect congenital anomalies in baby. Previous test results also matter. If you have a history of congenital anomaly then definitely take the test.
Normal TSH levels are 3-3.5. High thyroid levels can affect baby’s development.
If it’s curdy then it’s a sign of infection otherwise it’s normal. Consult your doctor to check for labour.
Gas is usually a sign of indigestion. Have an early dinner and do light exercise to improve digestion. Munch ajwain with a little salt.
Don’t worry. It’s too early to feel a heartbeat. As long as other scans are normal there’s no cause for worry.
Eat small meals more frequently. Ideally breakfast should be done by 9am. You can eat snacks at 11am. Eating too late or having too much gap between meals can cause acidity.
You can apply topical gel ointment and consult your doctor for painkiller.
Avoid sexual relations and strenuous physical exertion. Avoid traveling and stay at home and stress-free environment. Take stairs and maintain proper posture.
It’s normal and indicates that the baby’s head is moving downwards. If frequent motions are accompanied by cramps or constipation you can take stool softener.
It shouldn’t be more than 10mm or it could lead to complication.
It should be between 2.25-2.75kg.
It’s nothing to worry about. It’s a reference for doctors to judge the position of placenta.
A detailed NIPT blood test can give decisive results.
As long as your health and baby’s health is fine it’s possible to have a normal delivery.
Don’t worry. You can check again after 7 days.
Get your eyes checked. Headaches are often caused by a change in the power of eyes. Also check if you have acidity. In case you do you can take regular syrup antacids.
Its within the range so don’t worry but monitor your health regularly.
Never self medicate and only take medicine according to prescription. Drink warm water.
Doxin makes you drowsy so it should be taken right before bedtime.
At this stage the vaccines you should take are diphtheria prevention, influenza prevention. I would not advise water birthing as there’s not enough experience to support it in our community.
A full profile test should be done along with ultrasound.
Both the partners should go for fertility tests.
Take rest and follow the medication prescribed by your doctor.
Also read: When Is It Safe To Travel During Pregnancy?
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