सभी महिलाओं में से 75 प्रतिशत से अधिक महिलाएं पर्सनल हाईजीन के बारे में नहीं जानती हैं। अपने निजी अंगों को साफ रखना बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है। प्राइवेट पार्ट को को सूखा रखें, सिंथेटिक अंडरगार्मेंट्स या ऐसे कपड़ों से बचें जिससे वहां पसीना आ सकता है।
खासकर मासिक धर्म के दौरान स्वच्छता बनाए रखने के लिए हर 4 घंटे में पैड बदलने का ध्यान रखें। वॉशरूम का उपयोग करते समय, हमेशा आगे से पीछे की ओर सफाई करें, भले ही जेट स्प्रे का उपयोग कर रहे हों।

साफ-सफाई रखें

खासकर मासिक धर्म के दौरान स्वच्छता बनाए रखने के लिए हर 4 घंटे में पैड बदलने का ध्यान रखें। वॉशरूम का उपयोग करते समय, हमेशा आगे से पीछे की ओर सफाई करें, भले ही जेट स्प्रे का उपयोग कर रहे हों।

अधिक जानकारी के लिए यँहा पढ़े !

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What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a nutrient that is needed in order to produce healthy red and white blood cells, especially during pregnancy. Folic acid is a type of vitamin B present in leafy vegetables, fruits, beans and grains. It is crucial for the healthy development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord.

Folic acid is a B vitamin that comes from the Latin word folium, meaning leaf. Folic acid was first discovered by Lucy Wills.

The name ‘folate’ was used for the substance until it was discovered that it could not be synthesized by animals and had to come from our diet. ‘Folate’ means leaf, because it was first found in green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach.

The proper intake of folic acid has been shown to reduce the risks of neural tube defects (NTDs) in infants – such as spina bifida – during early development in the womb.

What Are Neural Tube Defects?

Neural tube defects refer to a group of birth defects in which the neural tube (a structure that forms the spine and brain) does not close all the way.

Neural tube defects can occur when the fetus is developing, usually during the first 28 days following conception. The most common types of neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly.

What are the Risks Associated With Not Getting Enough Folate in Pregnancy?

One of the risks associated with not getting enough folate during pregnancy is a neural tube defect. It is important to not just get your folate through diet but also from supplements.

Other Risk factor, A lack of folate in pregnancy can lead to major complications in terms of neurological development, heart disease, and reproductive difficulties.

Folate supplements are essential for pregnant women to reduce the risk of birth defects. As long as you make sure you’re taking in enough, this vitamin can reduce the risk of major birth defects by 30%.

Benefits of Consuming More Folic Acid in Pregnancy

Folic acid is important for pregnant women and their developing babies. It can help prevent serious birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.

Pregnant women should take more folic acid to protect their babies from serious birth defects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 600 micrograms of folic acid a day during pregnancy, especially in the first few weeks.

Folic acid benefits are also significant for both mothers and fathers.

Reduce the risk of birth defects

Reducing the risk of neural tube defects

Reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart attack.

Helps in babies mental development and prevents autism spectrum disorder.

How Much Folic Acid Should You Take in Pregnancy?

It is highly recommended that pregnant women take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, most notably in the first few weeks. This should be continued until pregnancy is complete.

Folic acid (400 micrograms) is an essential nutrient which can help prevent birth defects like spina bifida during pregnancy. It is important to start taking it before you are even pregnant, and continue throughout your entire pregnancy.

The state of the fetus’ neural tube depends on folic acid intake during the first weeks of pregnancy– between 3 to 7 days after conception– when the neural tube will close up permanently.

It is recommended for pregnant women to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, as this can help lower their risk of having a baby with neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

It is important to have a well-balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients like Vitamin A, C, E, calcium magnesium, potassium to make sure that you are getting enough folic acid in your daily routine.

Good sources of folic acid, you should take

Some good food sources of folic acid include:

• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Certain whole grains like oatmeal and barley
• Avocado
• Beans, lentils, and other legumes (Beans: ½ cup cooked beans = 193 mcg RDI)
• Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt (yogurt -1 cup plain yogurt = 400 mcg RDI)
• Oats: 1 cup (6½ ounces) dry oats = 884 mcg RDI

How Dr. Astha Dayal helps in Pregnancy care?

Dr. Astha Dayal is a gynecologist and an obstetrician in gurgaon who is known for her clinical skills and her understanding of the many facets of pregnancy care.

She has been in practice for over 19 years and she has gained expertise in women’s health, family medicine, reproductive health, gynecology, obstetrics, prenatal care, diabetic care and more. Dr. Astha Dayal aims to provide holistic services to the women who visit her clinic so that they can have a healthy pregnancy that would result in a beautiful baby.

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“If you want to keep exercising during pregnancy, find a certified fitness instructor or other knowledgeable healthcare provider who can tailor an exercise program for you and your developing baby.”

Pregnant women need to take extra care of themselves, but they often neglect their own well-being in the process. For example, they might not drink enough water or eat as well as before getting pregnant.

“It’s important to keep moving as much as possible during pregnancy.”

Tips for pregnant women looking to exercise:

1. Talk to your Gynecologist and get a green light before starting an exercise routine.
2. Take it easy, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Start with light cardio like biking or walking and work your way up to more intense workouts like running.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after a workout session.
4. Stay away from exercises that might put undue pressure on the pelvic area such as weightlifting or squats – these can cause bleeding.
5. Eat foods rich in iron such as red meat, eggs or poultry so your body can make healthy red blood cells for baby.
6. Try not to overdo it – you don’t want to tire yourself out too much!
7. Exercise regularly to help your body stay strong and reduce stress hormones in the long run. This will also keep you from gaining too much weight which can be hard on your body during pregnancy.

Stay Healthy and Fit with These Simple Exercises for Pregnant Women

Get pregnant women to stay healthy and fit by following these simple exercises.

It is important for pregnant women to take care of themselves because this could have a great impact on the child’s future.

Keep in mind that fitness and wellness are important not just for moms, but also for their babies to be. The key is not just about doing exercises, but also about staying hydrated and consuming enough protein each day.

Why Choose Dr. Astha Dayal as your Gynecologist

Dr. Astha Dayal is an expert in the field of Gynecology and Obstetrics, she has over 19 years of experience in her field. She can help you with all your gynecological needs.

She is a well-known gynecologist and an obstetrician in Gurgaon who owns her own practice and have helped many people with their pregnancy, vaginal delivery and child birth needs. Dr. Astha Dayal has treated people who have some gynecological problem like infertility, premature menopause, ovarian cysts etc.

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A healthy pregnancy depends on 

• The mother’s pre-pregnancy weight 
• The amount of weight gained during pregnancy

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends healthy weight gain during pregnancy depending on the pre-pregnancy BMI. BMI(Body mass index) is the measure of one’s weight in relation to their height. It is calculated by a formula Weight in kg/(Height in meters)2 We generally recommend half to 2 kg weight gain in the first trimester. You should generally gain about 0.2 to 0.5 kg /week in the second and third trimester depending on the BMI.

For twin pregnancy, the IOM recommends a weight gain of 16.8–24.5 kg (37–54 lb) for women of normal weight, 14.1–22.7 kg (31–50 lb) for overweight women, and 11.3–19.1 kg (25–42 lb) for obese women. 

Being obese pre-pregnancy could increase the risks of diabetes, having high blood pressure during pregnancy, and the tendency of thrombosis (forming blood clots in legs) which could travel to the lungs.

It could also increase the risk of neural tube defects(problems information of the baby’s brain and spinal cord), risk of miscarriage, and a higher possibility of the child having obesity and diabetes in their later life. However, the ideal time for an obese woman to lose weight is before pregnancy.

Weight loss is not advisable in pregnancy as the growing fetus may be harmed but they should keep the weight gain within the recommended limits.

• Gaining too much weight could increase the possibility of a big size baby, a difficult labor, or an emergency cesarean section.
• Gaining less weight during pregnancy could lead to premature delivery or a low birth weight baby and increase the chances of a cesarean section.

The right nutrition and diet modification is the key factor determining the weight gain during pregnancy.”Eat-for-two” is actually a myth, as the mother’s energy needs do not change in the first 6 months of pregnancy and increase only slightly in the last 3 months (and then only by around 200 calories per day).

The NICE guidelines recommend that Women will be more likely to achieve and maintain a healthy weight before, during, and after pregnancy if they[1]:

• Base meals on starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, rice, and pasta, choosing wholegrain where possible
• Eat fiber-rich foods such as oats, beans, peas, lentils, grains, seeds, fruit, and vegetables, as well as wholegrain bread and brown rice and pasta
• Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day, in place of foods higher in fat and calories
• Eat a low-fat diet and avoid increasing their fat and/or calorie intake
• Eat as little as possible of fried food; drinks and confectionery high in added sugars (such as cakes, pastries, and fizzy drinks); and other food high in fat and sugar (such as some take-away and fast foods)
• Eat breakfast
• Watch the portion size of meals and snacks, and how often they are eating
• Make activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, aerobics, and gardening part of everyday life and build activity into daily life – for example, by taking the stairs instead of the lift or taking a walk at lunchtime
• Minimize sedentary activities, such as sitting for long periods watching television, at a computer or playing video games
• Walk, cycle, or use another mode of transport involving physical activity.

NICE recommends that moderate-intensity physical activity does not harm the mother or the unborn child. At least 30 minutes per day of moderate-intensity activity is recommended.

• Recreational exercise such as swimming or brisk walking and strength conditioning exercise is safe and beneficial
• The aim of the recreational exercise is to stay fit, rather than to reach peak fitness
• If women have not exercised routinely they should begin with no more than 15 minutes of continuous exercise, three times per week, increasing gradually to daily 30-minute sessions[7]
• If women exercised regularly before pregnancy, they should be able to continue with no adverse effects.

Women who would find this level of physical activity difficult that it is important not to be sedentary, as far as possible.  After delivery, the mother should lose weight safely and gradually.

• If pregnancy and delivery are uncomplicated, a mild exercise program consisting of walking, pelvic floor exercises, and stretching may begin immediately. But women should not resume high-impact activity too soon after giving birth.
• After complicated deliveries or caesareans, you should consult your doctor before resuming exercise.

Obese women with BMI > 30 after childbirth should diligently work towards losing weight and could see a dietician or a weight management specialist for the same. It’s always a good idea for women with babies and children to take part in a range of physical or recreational activities like swimming, organized walks, cycling, or dancing.

This not only helps them lose the pregnancy pounds but also helps in bonding with the baby and as a mood elevator.  A healthy diet and regular, moderate-intensity physical activity and gradual weight loss will not adversely affect the ability to breastfeed or the quantity or quality of breast milk. In fact, besides all its benefits, breastfeeding helps in post-pregnancy weight loss naturally.

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How does COVID-19 affect pregnant women?

Researchers are still learning how COVID-19 affects pregnant women. A report released in June 2020 looked at whether pregnant women might be at increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. This report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that:

• Pregnant women with COVID-19 may be more likely than non-pregnant women with COVID-19 to need care in an intensive care unit (ICU) or need a ventilator (for breathing support).
• Pregnant women who are Black, Hispanic, or Asian may have a higher risk of severe illness or need ICU care more often than other pregnant women. This is likely caused by social and economic inequity, not biological differences.

Although the risk of needing more care in the hospital and having more severe illness may be increased, the overall risk of these outcomes is still low for pregnant women. Also, it’s important to know that the report suggests the risk of death is not higher for pregnant women with COVID-19 than for nonpregnant women with COVID-19. 

What should pregnant women do to avoid the coronavirus?

Pregnant women should take steps to stay healthy, including

• keeping your prenatal care visits 
• limiting contact with other people as much as possible
• staying home as much as possible
• staying at least 6 feet away from other people if you need to go out 
• wearing a mask or cloth face covering in public and any other needed protection while at work 
• washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• cleaning hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if you can’t wash them (rub until your hands feel dry)
• avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth 
• having a good stock of essential supplies, including at least 30 days of any medications (so you don’t have to go out as often)

What is corona virus?

Corona viruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air?

Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. See the previous answer on “How does COVID-19 spread?”

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Can CoVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?

The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

Can I catch COVID-19 from the feces of someone with the disease?

The risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears to be low. While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in feces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak. The ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share new findings. Because this is a risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly,after using the bathroom and before eating.

How does COVID-19 spread?

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

How likely am I to catch COVID-19?

The risk depends on where you are – and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there. For most people in most locations, the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement, or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19. COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. It’s important to be aware of the situation where you are or intend to go.

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