A 30 year old lady pregnant for the second time was following up with me. She had a traumatic experience in her first labour as she had an instrumental delivery followed by heavy bleeding and a deep episiotomy which took more than a month to heal.

She was apprehensive about the painful experience of labor and post-delivery discomfort. Pain relief methods in labor were discussed with her and she did not want any medical intervention like epidural analgesia.

She was offered the option of laboring under water. Since this form of delivery is not usual in India she was initially apprehensive about it. She was explained about the benefits of water birth which included faster labour, lesser pain, improved relaxation, decreased anxiety and lesser need of episiotomy.

Since she fulfilled all the selection criteria for water birth she was encouraged to go for the same.

She came to the hospital with spontaneous rupture of membranes at term and was having regular contractions. She entered the pool once in active labor and delivered within an hour without the need of an episiotomy comfortably. She was grateful for her wonderful experience.

About Dr Astha Dayal

Dr Astha Dayal is a renowned Gynaecologist working as a Senior Consultant in CK Birla Hospital for Women, Gurgaon, specializing in medical and surgical management of women’s health. She has a special interest in managing high-risk pregnancy. She is a highly progressive and well-read and has published extensively in national and international indexed journals.

She has worked previously in Medanta Medcity, Artemis, MAMC, over the past 20 years of her illustrious career and has many publications in national and international medical journals to her name

Dr. Astha has completed her MD/MBBS from Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi with multiple distinctions. She won the CL Jhaveri Award for best presentation in All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology and was awarded the Best Thesis in Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Dr Astha is also an active member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), London (UK). She is also associated with the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS).

She has had a number of firsts to her name the latest of them is the first successful water birth delivery in Gurugram.

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Advise to young gynecologists

I meet a number of bright gynecologists and these are my top 5 advice to them

1. As gynecologists, we meet women in their most vulnerable situations and it’s important to be empathetic to them.
2. You will find yourself in high pressure situations early up in your career and you should keep your cool while in stressful situations
3. Your job as a gynecologist gives you an opportunity to just not cure a patients immediate illness but to provide them with holistic advise on how they can lead a more healthy and happy life
4. While it is important to keep yourself up to date with new advances, it is equally important to document and research your own experiences to create evidences that help other medical practitioners.
5. Have fun

The post <strong>Case Summary – Successful water birth delivery in Gurugram.</strong> appeared first on .

Benefits to the baby

1. Breast milk may be regarded as the baby’s first vaccine. It protects the infant from diseases and builds immunity.
2. Up to one third of respiratory infections and almost half of all diarrhea episodes could be avoided in low- and middle-income countries through breast-feeding.
3. It cuts the risk of sudden infant deaths by more than one-third In the high-income countries
4. Children breast fed for a longer duration has been found to have higher intelligence

Benefits to Mother

1. It could prevent about 20,000 extra deaths from breast cancer each year.
2. It also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.
3. It helps losing pregnancy pounds much faster.

How to Breastfeed successfully?

Although breastfeeding is though to be natural and easy, but its mostly not! Most women face issues during breastfeeding.

You should know when to ask for help or consult your doctor for the same.

Position

1. Make sure that both the baby and you’re comfortable.
2. You should have your back well supported and then get your baby in position.
3. Extend your forearm and hand to support the baby’s neck, spine, and bottom
4. The baby’s nose should be opposite your nipple and his head and body should be in a straight line so that he can swallow easily. Also his neck, shoulders and back should be well supported.

Latching

• The baby should be latched on smoothly; his lower lip should be as far away from the base of your nipple as possible.
• His head should be tilted back slightly, and the area around the nipple should also enter the mouth.

Common problems faced by breastfeeding moms:

Pain

The most common reasons for pain during breastfeeding are

Thrush –

Thrush there could be fungal infection in the milk ducts of the breast, causing pain, more towards the end of feeding. You might find spots of cottage cheese or milk curds in the baby’s mouth and on your nipples. 

Milk letdown 

Milk letdown i.e. the discomfort due to the milk filling up the breast. Proper supportive bras, relaxation techniques, and occasional painkillers usually relieve it.

Mastitis

Mastitis meaning inflammation of the breast. It feels red, hard, sore, hot or swollen and you may also notice a lump, caused by milk in the breast tissue. There may be flu-like symptoms, such as chills, headaches, exhaustion and low-grade fever. You need to contact your doctor urgently if you are having these symptoms.

Breast engorgement 

Breast engorgement : The sudden increase of milk in the breast a few days after delivery can cause the breast becoming hot, swollen and engorged. It is generally relieved with feeding. While this can be painful in the early days, the discomfort should pass once your baby starts feeding. In case the baby has trouble latching on with engorged breasts, expressing some milk by hand or using a breast pump would help. Also, hot fomentation by putting warm damp towels on your breasts before feeding and cold towels or cabbage leaves after feeds helps reduce the engorgement

Sore nipples

Sore nipples – This can be avoided by latching the right way, i.e. the baby should not just nibble at the nipples, a part of the breast should also be in his mouth. A hot wet cloth can soothe sore nipples. Keep nipples moisturized after feeding by nipple creams/lanolin/breast milk itself and avoid washing them with soap.

Not enough milk

Most mothers have the natural capacity to produce milk sufficient for the baby. Despite this most mothers complain of not having enough milk. You must remember that the stimulus for milk production is by the suckling of the baby and emptying of the breast. If the baby were given top feeds, the breast milk would automatically reduce.

To increase the milk supply,

Put the baby to breast more often, during the day and night, if the baby doesn’t latch that often, pump the breast to stimulate milk production.

1. Have a nutritious diet
2. Have enough fluids, don’t dehydrate yourself
3. Have enough rest

Also, remember, every child has a different feeding pattern. Some baby’s may need to be fed every 40 minutes and some not even up to 3 hours.

As long as the baby is active and is gaining weight appropriately, you are doing a good job!

Returning to work

Companies use many solutions to give feeding mothers time and a private and clean place at work for feeding/expressing milk at work.

A variety of permanent, flexible, and even mobile space options provide support, privacy, hygiene and amenities even when space is limited.

Schedules may be managed in creative ways so that women can have enough time to express milk.

Expressing breast milk

• A good time to start expressing is when your milk supply is well established which is usually at around the six to eight weeks after delivery. Expressing after the first feed of the day is helpful.
• You can either express by hand or by manual or electric breast pumps or a combination of both compliments each other and makes it similar to your baby feeding.

Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to six hours or in the fridge for up to two days.

It is important to know that breastfeeding is not easy and doesn’t come naturally to most mothers. A nursing mother needs plenty of support and encouragement.

Don’t hesitate in seeking help from a nurse, doctor, family member, or friend, to get over possible bumps in the road.

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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 !

https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/family/gynaecologist-aastha-dayal-explain-how-to-improve-sexual-reproductive-health/articleshow/98267434.cms

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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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