7 Reasons To Save Your Baby’s Cord Blood

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  1. Protect Your Family’s Future Health

You have many decisions to make during your pregnancy as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

One of these decisions is whether or not to save your baby’s cord blood stem cells. Stem cells are found in abundance in your baby’s umbilical cord blood and the cord. These genetically unique cells are the building blocks for your baby’s body for blood, organs, tissue and immune system. They can help to repair or rebuild injured or damaged cells for your child and could possibly aid other family members. By banking your child’s blood you have the opportunity to preserve these potentially life-saving cells.

Umbilical cord blood is being used in the treatment and, in some cases, cure, for many cancers, immune and genetic diseases, injuries and other illnesses. Families who have a history of certain genetic diseases are especially encouraged to bank their baby’s cord blood due to its potential use in siblings or parents. More and more families choose to bank their child’s umbilical cord blood for peace of mind for their family’s future. Babycell offers many options to families in saving these precious resources.

The window of opportunity to collect these cells is very short and it is only a one time opportunity.

The cord blood and tissue must be collected in the few minutes following the birth of your child, so the decision to save these valuable cells should be made by your third trimester in order to have your collection kit, or “Babycell Collection Kit,” delivered to you in time.

  1. Many Diseases Can Be Cured Or Treated With Cord Blood Stem Cells Now

Cord blood stem cells are used in the treatment or cure of more than 80 diseases. Doctors are able to use it to treat many cancers and other malignant diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, autoimmune diseases and more.

Stem cells found in cord blood are much easier to match to a patient than bone marrow because it does not need to be as perfect a match as is required with bone marrow, which is why doctors are increasingly relying on this life-saving alternative to bone marrow transplants. Doctors have also turned to cord blood stem cells due to its lower probability of graft vs. host disease (GVHD).

Cord blood stem cells are also being used for the treatment of many more common diseases and medical afflictions such as cerebral palsy, autism, pediatric stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

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  1. Cord Blood Stem Cells Will Always Be A Perfect Match For Your Baby

To be a match for any kind of stem cell transplant you must be a “match” to the donor cells. For a transplant coming from a bone marrow donor, a perfect 6 out 6 Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) tissue type match is required. For cord blood stem cells, only a 4 of 6 HLA match is necessary. Your baby will always be a perfect match to his or her cord blood should the need ever arise for a stem cell transplant. But did you know that for a full sibling there is also a 1-in-4 chance that they will also be a high-quality match? And cord blood stem cells are also a “half match,” or 3 of 6, for each parent.

  1. Stem Cell Research Is Revealing Exciting Future Uses

It’s an exciting time in stem cell research. More and more successful transplants and medical breakthroughs are leading expectant parents to cord blood banking. The results of medical researchers studying the effects that stem cells have on many diseases are encouraging. They are looking at the use of stem cells in the treatments of spinal cord injuries, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, HIV, diabetes, and many, many more illnesses, injuries, and diseases.

With this research, the importance of saving your baby’s cord blood is greater than ever before. By choosing a private cord blood bank like Babycell, you can store your child’s cord blood and provide him or her a guaranteed exact genetic stem cell match as protection for treatment possibilities in the future.

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  1. Cord Blood Stem Cells Have Potential Sibling Use

Your children have an increased likelihood of requiring a stem cell transplant sometime in their life if your family has a medical history of any of the diseases that can be treated with cord blood. Choosing to bank the cord blood from all pregnancies is highly encouraged. The reason being that a sibling transplant may be superior for treatment of certain genetic diseases as opposed to one from the child’s own cells.

  1. Cord Blood And Cord Tissue Are Valuable For Your Family’s Medical Future

The stem cells in your baby’s cord blood have the ability to heal, repair or regrow damaged or diseased cells for your child or family members. The potential for their use today is remarkable with stem cells being used in the treatment of more than 80 diseases currently, and their future potential, as well as that from cord tissue stem cells, is promising with new therapies and discoveries made every day.

  1. There’s No Reason NOT To Bank Your Child’s Cord Blood

Whether it’s to protect your family’s future medical health, to treat a sibling with a current ongoing condition, or just for peace of mind, there is essentially no reason not to bank your baby’s umbilical cord blood. The scores of diseases currently being treated, coupled with the promising future potential being discovered every day, make the value in saving your baby’s cord blood even more important today. Preserving your child’s cord blood is an investment in your family’s future.

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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!

 

10 Tips to Maintain Pregnancy Hygiene and Safety

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Successful Cord Blood Transplants of 2015 – Transformation in Healthcare

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Major healthcare transformations and preventive medicine developments were witnessed in 2015. Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplants have been increasingly researched and proactively brought to use for curing a large number of diseases which were initially not treatable.

Successful Cord Blood Transplants of 2015

The life of a seven-year-old Emirati boy, Zayed Al Hammadi, was saved by cord blood stem cells

Zayed was diagnosed with beta thalassaemia major, a severe form of an inherited blood disorder that requires regular transfusions and does not have a permanent cure. Cord blood stem cells were donated by his three-year-old brother Mohammad. His condition was deteriorating fast and the family was given their last chance of hope thanks to the storage of Mohammad’s umbilical cord blood which was preserved at his birth. At present, stem cell transplant is the only known cure for beta thalassaemia major. A detailed Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing that is done to match a potential donor and recipient, showed the siblings were compatible. Zayed underwent a cord blood stem cell transplant. Since the transplant, he has returned back home, made a full recovery and no longer manifests any signs of disease. Kenneth R. Cooke, managing director, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who carried out the surgery, said: “Stem cell storage really can change lives and to see such a positive outcome with Zayed’s case shows just what is possible. I would always recommend families to store their child’s cord blood whether they know of any possible health issues or not, as it can be used in the future for their benefit and that of other family members”.

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Stannington toddler suffering from massive brain tumor undergoes a successful cord blood stem cell transplant

Little Joseph Fawcett battled back from a massive brain tumor which almost claimed his life. Courage knows no bounds for the three-year-old who has undergone 11 bouts of intensive chemotherapy and a cord blood stem cell transplant in order to fight back to health. His parents are today looking forward to a family Christmas, knowing they have come a long way from that heartbreaking day their son was diagnosed. Luckily, against the odds, Joseph’s treatment started working and he no longer has any signs of the tumor. Now the lively three-year-old is looking forward to Christmas at home with his parents and younger brother, William.

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Shanghai Baby Girl Returns Home after Successful Stem Cell Treatment

Zhao Jiaxin is back in her parents’ arms yesterday after being released from the hospital in Shanghai. The baby earlier underwent cord blood stem cell therapy at Fudan University’s Children’s Hospital to treat a bowel disease. The stem cells were extracted from umbilical cord blood provided by a donor.

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The dearth of available treatment options and proven results of cord blood stem cell transplants, make the need for Cord Blood Stem Cell Banking evident. Babycell is one of the best and largest service providers of cord blood stem cell banking. Along with stem cell preservation, Babycell also provides value added services like antenatal care newborn screening (NBS), CFU assay- to test the ability of stem cells to differentiate, HLA testing and more.

 

Cord Blood Stem Cell Banking – A hope for HIV cure

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HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the immune system, people infected with it can live up to many years without showing any symptoms. This virus slowly deteriorates the immunity of a person and is transmitted to another if certain precautions aren’t followed.

Signs and symptoms of late-stage HIV infection may include:

If left untreated, HIV weakens the ability to fight infection leaving the person vulnerable to many diseases. There are a few signs and symptoms which shouldn’t be taken lightly if they are prevalent for a long time. These symptoms are a Blurred vision, fever of above 37C (100F) lasting for weeks, night sweat, weight loss, permanent tiredness, shortness of breath, diarrhoea (which is usually persistent or chronic), dry cough, white spots on the tongue or mouth, swollen glands lasting for weeks.

Prevalence and Incidences of HIV in India

Men, but less so women, showed a distinct age pattern of deaths from AIDS, peaking at age 25-34. In India, more than 2.1 million people are suffering from HIV, with 172,000 deaths occurring annually

Treatment

HIV is treated using a combination of medicines. This is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART does not cure the disease; it can control the virus so that you can live a healthier life and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

Benefits of umbilical cord stem cells for curing HIV

The world’s first clinical trial which aims to cure five HIV patients within three years using transplants of blood from the umbilical cord is set to start in Spain. Till now, only one person has been completely cured of HIV and is known as the “Berlin patient”. He was diagnosed with both HIV and Leukaemia and needed to be treated for cancer. The doctors used a bone marrow of a donor who had a certain cellular mutation which resisted HIV.

Patients suffering from AIDS-related lymphoma are witnessing the birth of new treatment methods for their illness, and one of these procedures successfully utilizes HIV-resistant umbilical cord stem cells. Doctors have identified stem cell transplantation as a viable treatment method for relapsed or high-risk AIDS-related lymphoma, suggesting a more effective cure for patients currently suffering from this disease.

Here’s an info-graph to illustrate and summarize the above-mentioned facts.

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The alarming numbers of HIV incidences in India and proven results of stem cell transplants, make the need for Cord Blood Stem Cell Banking in India evident. Babycell is one of the best and largest service providers of cord blood stem cell banking. Along with stem cell preservation, Babycell also provides value added services like newborn screening (NBS), CFU assay- to test the ability of stem cells to differentiate, HLA testing, Father’s wellness program and more.

Need and Benefits of Umbilical Cord Blood Banking to cure Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral palsy is considered a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the baby’s brain is under development. Current treatment centers on the alleviation of symptoms to make cerebral palsy more manageable and does not offer a permanent cure. Infusion of stem cells preserved through umbilical cord blood banking is a proven cure for cerebral palsy and provides permanent relief to the patients.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that affect movement. It is permanent, but not unchanging, physical disability caused by an injury to the developing brain, usually before birth. Cerebral palsy primarily affects body movement and muscle coordination.

Causes:

For most babies born with cerebral palsy, the cause remains unknown. For a long time, it was believed that cerebral palsy was due to complications at birth, including asphyxia (lack of oxygen). Now, it is generally accepted that cerebral palsy usually arises from a series of events that can lead to an injury in a baby’s developing brain.
In 13 out of 14 cases of cerebral palsy in India, the brain injury leading to cerebral palsy occurs either in the uterus (while the mother is pregnant) or before 1 month of age.

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Risk Factors

  1. Premature birth
  2. Low birth weight (small for gestational age)
  3. Blood clotting problems (thrombophilia)
  4. Inability of the placenta to provide the developing foetus with oxygen and nutrients
  5. RH or A-B-O blood type incompatibility between mother and baby
  6. Prolonged loss of oxygen during the pregnancy or birthing process, or severe jaundice shortly after birth.

Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy in India

According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimation, 10% of the global population has some form of disability due to different causes; in India, it is 3.8% of the population. Nearly 15-20% of the total physically handicapped children suffer from Cerebral Palsy (CP). For India, the estimated incidence is around 3/1000 live births; however, being a developing country, the expected actual figure may be much higher.

Cure of Cerebral Palsy – Stem Cell Transplant

Injection of umbilical cord blood stem cells can help protect or repair damaged nerve cells. Umbilical cord blood stem cells can be collected from the umbilical cord shortly after birth. They are currently being used as a potential treatment for cerebral palsy and are able to support the recovery of damaged nerve cells by releasing substances that stimulate the body’s own repair systems.

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Considering the high incidence of cerebral palsy in India and curative uses of umbilical cord blood stem cells, it is evident that umbilical cord blood banking is important. Babycell is one of the best cord blood banks in India and uses a sophisticated Double Sedimentation Spin (DSS) Technology for the preservation of umbilical cord blood stem cells.

World Autism Awareness Day

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What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism is a complex developmental disorder affecting social, language and behavioral skills. It usually appears in the first 3 years of life.

Symptoms of Autism

The symptom visibility ranges from medium to severe. Early signs of autism in children include:

  1. Unusual Visual Fixation
  2. Abnormal repetitive behavior
  3. Lack of age appropriate sound development
  4. Delayed intentional communication
  5. Decreased interest in interaction

Here’s a brief description of early signs in infants –

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People with ASD also have aspects of other conditions, such as:

  1. A learning disability.
  2. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  3. Tourette’s syndrome or other tic disorders.
  4. Epilepsy.
  5. Dyspraxia.
  6. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  7. Generalised anxiety disorder.
  8. Depression.

Autism has emerged as the leading cause of child mortality worldwide. Currently 10 million children are Autistic and 6 children out of every 1000 have Autism in India. Also 1 to 1.5 per cent autistic children are between age two and nine in India. The prevalence rate of autism in India is 1 in 250. Autism accounts for higher incidences in males: One in 4,000 boys to one in 6,000 girls. Up to 20 per cent of boys with autism have the condition. Till date Autism has no cure, and there is an increase in number of cases year on year.

Cord Blood Stem Cells offer the ray of hope

Infusion of umbilical cord blood stem cells can stimulate repair of nervous system to improve language and behavior skills. FDA Approved Phase I Clinical Trial at Duke University, US involves infusing patients diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder with their own cord blood stem cells. 25 children of age 2-4 years have already been successfully treated using their own cord blood stem cells

Autism

Summer Care for Pregnancy

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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.

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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.

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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!

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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.

 

Pregnancy exercises and its benefits

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.