Summer do’s and don’ts for to-be-mothers

Posted on May 26, 2017May 26, 2017 by admin

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of a woman’s life. The feeling of nurturing a new life is priceless. But pregnancy comes with its own set of issues. And a harsh summer season just adds to your woes.
During pregnancy, your body temperature is slightly higher than normal due to the increased blood volume. The heat and the humidity further add to your discomfort. Here are a few guidelines to sail comfortably through the summer season during your pregnancy.

Do’s:

Stay hydrated: This is the most crucial thing to do in summers. During pregnancy, you are unable to eat or drink much due to the pressure on your stomach. Hence, keep sipping water continuously to stay hydrated. You can also go for homemade flavoured water. Other beverages like nimbu paani (fresh lime water), chaas (buttermilk) and aam panna also help you with hydration.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables provide you with the necessary nutrients required during each season. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, tomatoes, plums etc. are full of moisture and nutrients. Have them regularly.
Slather on the sunscreen: The high level of estrogen in your body during pregnancy makes you more susceptible to dark patches of skin called melasma. So, slather on the sunscreen to prevent such patches from appearing on your skin.
Choose safer sandals: I know that flip-flops seem like the ultimate footwear for hot summers. But they are the worst footwear to wear during pregnancy because they don’t offer any arch support. During pregnancy, you are carrying extra weight which puts pressure on your feet. So opt for comfortable footwear which offers good arch support.
Wear breathable fabrics: Wear light weight and breathable fabrics like cotton and mulmul. These help you to keep cool.
Stay cool: It is imperative to stay cool during this time. If you are a swimmer, go ahead and indulge in a cooling swim. Carry facial mists with you to spray on. This will instantly refresh and cool you. You can carry a spritzer filled with rose water for a refreshing feeling. You can carry wet tissues with you too.
Summer proof your office space: Stock things like extra water bottle, some healthy snacks and a hand fan maybe. Also keep a pair of your most comfortable shoes handy in office. Have a good cushion to support your back. Whenever you get time, try and elevate your feet for some time.
Exercise at cooler times during the day: Exercising during the hot time of the day can increase your discomfort.
Pamper yourself: Look your best during pregnancy. Go for your regular facials, manicure, pedicure or head massage. Avoid any kind of chemical treatments though.
Relax and rest: It is very important to lie down and rest during the day.
Stay happy: Happy mom equals to happy baby. The heat and the humidity along with your hormones tend to make you irritable. Try and indulge in relaxing and calming activities that make you happy.

Don’ts:

Don’t wear constrictive clothing: Too tight clothes will make you very uncomfortable and sweaty.
Avoid sodium: Avoid packaged and salty food. The excess sodium in these will lead to water retention and swelling in the body.
Stay away from too much sugar: Avoid too much sugar in any form. Stay away from sweets, bakery products and packaged juices.
Don’t eat for two: This myth of eating for two has long been busted. Yes, you do need extra calories, but you don’t have to double your intake. Have nutrient dense food and focus on nutrition more than calories.
Don’t go out in the sun during the mid day: The sun during the mid day is quite harsh and hence it is better to be avoided.
Don’t take any diuretic: Diuretics lead to a loss of many important electrolytes from the body. Hence, don’t take them unless suggested by your doctor.
Don’t stress: Stress is bad for you and your baby. So stay away from it.
Don’t take any medication on your own: Consult your doctor before consuming any medicine or even before using any topical creams.
Don’t compare: Each pregnancy is different, hence don’t compare your pregnancy with anybody else’s. This will give you undue stress.

Hope these pointers will help you sail through the summer like a song!

Stay healthy, Stay happy 

About Sarika:

Sarika is a diet and lifestyle consultant. She is very passionate about health and loves to help people be healthy the right way! She consults both online and offline. She is an avid blogger who writes informative articles about diet, nutrition and healthy recipes.

Important Prenatal Tests for all Trimesters

Posted on March 29, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Posted on March 28, 2016November 2, 2016 by admin

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

10 Awesome Things about Being Pregnant!

Posted on February 24, 2016April 20, 2016 by admin

Pregnancy is a huge turning point in your life that brings in a rush of mixed emotions! Your body goes through a lot of exciting changes and reactions which will be a nostalgic memory for the rest of your life. You are enjoying the attention and the extra care people are showing towards you but have you considered the other reasons that this journey will be unforgettable?

Here are 10 reasons to cherish pregnancy that every pregnant woman can relate to, we know you will have more to add to this list!

1] You have a secret that only you and your husband know!
Isn’t it exciting when you have to hide the ‘Big News’ from your friends and family until you are sure that you can disclose it? You have this uncontrollable blush when you face your loved ones and try your best to hide the news.
Before you disclose this exciting news to your family and friends, you should tell your spouse first! It’s also exciting to share this joyful news with your family in a creative way.
Here’s a link to try out some exciting ways – http://bit.ly/1XLX8DF

2] You Won’t Have To Do Any Heavy Lifting -
Once your family members find out you’re pregnant, they start making it a habit running around making sure your errands are completed while you sit in the comfort of your home!
Say goodbye to heavy physical work and enjoy your cup of tea while the others work.

3] You will always get a seat!
Leave all your worries behind when it comes to standing in a long queue at a ticket counter or worrying about getting a seat while travelling! Pregnant women will always be treated royally by everyone almost wherever you go.

4] Pregnancy spa and massages become the way of life!
If you are a woman who loves pampering yourself by booking an appointment at the nearest spa, this is the time to make most of it!
It also rejuvenates you and helps you get rid of physical and mental stress. Pregnancy massage is different from regular massage consult your OB/GYN before enrolling for sessions.
You have 9 months of these amazing visits!

5] Everyday day is a ‘Good Hair Day’
Your hair-fall decreases each day while you’re pregnant, which makes it appear thicker and voluminous.
Get rid of all those clips and rubber bands, and enjoy your bouncy tresses and flaunt them along with your adorable bump.

6] Yes, it’s time for a holiday – You get to go on a Maternity Leave!
Pack all the stuff on your office desk and say goodbye to your daily to-do list because now your daily task manager has only one task on it – Relax!
It’s time you enjoy your leaves and tick things off your bucket list!

7] Woohoo! – Did you feel the kick?
We often come across movies, articles and videos that talk about babies kicking inside a mother’s womb. However, it is the mother for whom this is a special moment. These foetal movements are the first steps that mark the beginning of the baby-mother bond.

8] No one is going to stop you from relishing your favourite food items –
During pregnancy, you will have various food cravings like pickles, tamarind, ice creams and candy, the list goes on. The best part about this phase is that no one will stop you from relishing them.

9] That proud moment of carrying “a life inside you!”
During pregnancy, you will know how it feels to carry life inside you; a living soul that beats within your womb. Such moments are a blessing that nothing in the world can replace.

10] You get to watch your beloved husband become a Dad–
Pregnancy not only brings changes into a woman’s life but also a man’s life. You see the to-be-dad transform from a man into a husband and finally into a father. Just like yours, his lifestyle also changes for the better. But more importantly, a baby on the way will be one of the crucial responsibilities you undertake together, helping you get closer and work as a team.

10 clever ideas on gifting your pregnant wife on Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 13, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

Valentine’s is the season of love, care and affection! It’s also the gifting season, which gets some men worried! We’re here to help you out!

Here are some clever ideas on what to gift your pregnant wife this Valentine’s Day –

1] Chocolate, Of Course!

Not only is dark chocolate insanely delicious, but it also has some amazing health benefits! The generous amount of Theo bromine in dark chocolate will help relax her stressed muscles and dilate blood vessels. This chemical stimulates the heart and will give her an extra boost during that overtime her body is putting in.

Get some home-made delicacies for her in a heart shaped box with a cute ribbon and a personalized message to show her how much she means to you!

2] Play a round or two of Mini-Golf –

Your sweetheart is going through a lot of changes in her body, and she could definitely use her husband’s emotional support. She would enjoy a day out with you that will remind her she is still entitled to go out and have some fun! To not make it a more stressful or tiring event, take her somewhere nice and quiet for a fun activity like miniature golf. It will be romantic and will help you bond with her on the -day!

3) Gift her a Heart Necklace –

Women have always been crazy about jewellry. Gifting your lady luck a heart necklace will just bring an irresistible blush on her face. The simplicity of a heart necklace will only lift her mood up and will add the flavour of love this Valentine’s season.

4] A tranquil massage –

Prenatal massage therapy is one of the best methods for relieving aches and pains, reducing stress and anxiety, and even making the process of labour easier. Make her feel special this valentines by gifting her a soothing spa kit.

You can also book a couple’s massage to accompany her to make your bond stronger!

5] Cupid Maternity T- Shirt –

A cute T- shirt with a heart or cupid over the belly will make your darling go gaga over it! It will also give her another reason to flaunt her baby bump in style! After all, who doesn’t like to dress up and spend a few romantic moments with their partner on this day?

6] Get her some drinks!

Your wife needs to stay hydrated all the time. What better way to make her feel special by taking her out for non-alcoholic drinks that are safe for her?

Try your hand at making some simple and fresh Mocktails at home or surprise her by taking her out to a nice restaurant and get her some cranberry mixes to make it a perfect night-out. She will surely relish these moments as they will make her feel young and lively again!

7] Dinner for Cravings!
Food is not just the way into a man’s heart, but a pregnant woman’s heart as well!

Make a list of the cravings she has mentioned to you, and make sure you set the table for her with all of these favourite things, there is nothing more special than a husband who remembers what his pregnant wife was craving for! Give her a special Valentine’s Day that she will never forget!

8] Maternity Photo-shoot –

There is no woman who has said ‘no’ to a photo-shoot!

During this memorable time of her life, it becomes important to capture these special moments. Making her feel pampered by surprising her with photo-shoot planned is a great way to do this! Create some amazing themes that cover her interests, for e.g. if she likes scenic backdrops, take her to a beautiful place and compliment her pregnancy glow in those pictures. We are sure this will steal her heart and make you her dream man!

9) Momma needs some Ice-cream!

Take your sweetheart on an Ice-cream date or maybe those yogurt joints where she can choose her favourite toppings that she loves!

When she is pregnant she will definitely be craving sweets and ice-creams and taking her out on a simple ice-cream date will just help you brighten up her mood.

10] Gift your wife an Umbilical Cord Blood Bank Gift Jar.–

The best gift a husband can give his pregnant wife is something that safeguards their baby’s future! Gifting your expecting lady a gift as unique as an Umbilical Cord Blood Bank Gift Jar will just make her feel overwhelmed with your love and care towards her and the baby. Also, those antenatal and postnatal programs that are clubbed with the package will just be the cherry on top of the cake. This would be a gift that speaks the language of love and clearly shows her that you care!

Go ahead and register yourself this Valentines for a lifelong healthcare investment and let your family benefit from it in future.

Weird cravings during pregnancy

Posted on January 21, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

As a mom-to-be, you must have experienced the crazy pregnancy cravings! You are feeling emotional and some food/beverage items just feel right! But if you are having an extreme craving that does not seem right as it could mean there is some kind of nutritional deficiency. Here is a list of all food items that one usually craves and the science behind it.

Dirt, wall paint, ice

If you are craving for non-food items like chalk, wall paint, dirt and detergent, you might be suffering from ‘pica’. This means you are a little anemic and need to include iron rich foods in your diet.

Chocolate

If you are craving for chocolate then it could mean your body has magnesium deficiency. If you are good at self-control, you could eat sweets in moderation, have just a square or two of dark chocolate at a time. But if you aren’t, you could probably snack on almonds instead.

Pickles

It is very common for all pregnant ladies to crave for pickles at some point or the other. The craving for sour and tarty flavors might mean you want more variety in your daily diet. So go ahead and try out different things to see what makes you happy!

Spicy Food

Yet another common craving among pregnant ladies is spicy food, especially hot curries and red peppers. One of the advantages of spicy foods is makes you sweat, which in turn makes your body to cool-off. You can try adding spices to your meal to combat your craving.

Ice cream

If you are craving it for its creamy, sweet and icy feel then it might just be the weather. But if you are craving it too much, then your body might be in need of calcium. You can eat frozen yogurt instead and ensure there is enough calcium in your daily diet.

Green leafy vegetables

This might be the weirdest craving! But some time you can end up craving for leafy veggies. You would want to eat a giant pile of lettuce, palak, methi, etc. But this is a good craving to have! These are packed with nutrients and are good for your body and your baby!

All these crazy cravings are just a small part of the great journey that is pregnancy. Just remember to have a well-balanced diet and drink a lot of fluids between your meals.

A special message for all you fathers out there! Make her feel loved and never let the cravings take charge of her.

Pregnancy Nutrient Needs

Posted on January 14, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

Here’s a simple illustration of what your body needs during pregnancy.

Make the most of these ingredients in your diet for you to enjoy pregnancy with a power back up!

Here’s all the information on why to include these in your daily diet and how it will benefit your baby during pregnancy.

Share your comments if you find this information helpful!

Five things you can stop worrying about now that you’re pregnant!

Posted on January 14, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

Hello to be mommies, Congratulations on your pregnancy! We understand that you are curious, excited, sad, frustrated and at times really tired. But we would want to throw some light on five things that you can stop worrying about since you are pregnant. We hope this gives your belly a good laugh!

Sanitary Napkins and Tampons

Yes you heard it right. Its 42 weeks of bliss without your periods. You can get rid of tampons and sanitary napkins. You don’t need them anymore. Enjoy this break from cramps, bleeding and back-aches

Trying to get pregnant

The struggle finally ends. You clearly don’t need to keep checking and monitoring pregnancy tests. Now that you are finally pregnant, go ahead and make the big announcement!!

Looking Fat

Your tummy will keep growing each week. Enjoy more shopping as per your new sizes. You don’t need to worry about being fat or looking fat. Your husband, girlfriends and sisters cannot question your body weight anymore!!

Birth Control

You don’t need to worry about contraception anymore.

Mood Swings

You will be pampered by your hubby, friends and family members, so you can stop being conscious about your mood and hormonal changes. Enjoy the love and pampering. The best way to burst your pregnancy stress is to spend time with your loved ones.

Bumpy Bonding!

Posted on July 13, 2015April 7, 2016 by admin

Pregnancy is the most exciting phase of any woman’s life. It is a journey that takes a woman to a new phase called – Motherhood!

While you are excited about getting to that new stage, your body goes through a complete roller coaster ride – mentally, emotionally & physically! You will be very cautious about things you do! One of them is an attempt to bond with the bump!

Bonding with your bump helps you build a stronger connect with your baby! But in most of the cases mommies-to-be wonder how?

To help you sort this dilemma, here are few ways that you can try:

1. Massage your bump

A soothing way to bond with your baby is to gently massage your belly. This is safe to do after the first three months of pregnancy, and it’s a great way to relax and unwind.

2. Sing soothing songs to your bump

If you are wondering what to talk to your baby, in that case singing out your favourite song would be the best thing to do. This will also help you develop a habit of singing lullaby to your baby for the coming time.

3. Read out positive stories

A baby always believes in the stories heard from his mother. Reading out stories to your bump will lay a foundation of positive thoughts in the baby?s brain.

4. Listen to some music together

A baby can sense music while in the womb. Music is one such thing that can calm and sooth all the senses.

5. Feel the kick

Feeling the baby?s kick is one sensation that should be experienced by both the parents. Together responding to the kicks will not only nurture your bond but builds a two way communication with the baby too.

One last quick tip – To connect better with your bump choose on a name to address your unborn child. Keep a unisex name for the bump and address him with that name. This will help you give your bump a definitive identity and make your bond with it even more special.

Style your comfort in pregnancy trimesters!

Posted on May 26, 2015November 2, 2016 by admin

In pregnancy the only key factor that your dressing depends upon is comfort. Relying on that completely, often your style goes for a toss. Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with fashion trends. Pregnant women too can wear whatever they like, the only key is to modify and adapt it to your new body!

1st trimester: In the 1st trimester the major challenge you face is to keep your pregnancy under wraps. To overcome this challenge you can opt for clothes which are lose and flowy. This will help you cover up those extra kgs you gain in your first months. The best suggested attire would be a lose kurta, an A-line skirt with a lose top or a blouson top with a stretch band at the bottom.

2nd trimester: While you move on to your 2nd trimester you will realize your body is changing with the day. At this time the major challenge that you will face is spending on new clothes every time. But rather than blowing up your budget on buying new clothes every month invest in a few items that will grow with you. Try going for dresses that have details like ruching, tie-backs, buttons or gathering at the sides. They will let you adjust your clothing as your body grows and changes.

3rd trimester: The moment you enter your third trimester you feel huge and uncomfortable. Everything you wear right from zippers to waist bands will be torturous. In this phase try going for comfortable yet stylish ankle length maxi dresses. Maternity leggings along with tunics can also add quite a lot to your style and make you feel comfortable at the same time.

During all the three trimesters make sure you play with colours and don?t just stick to blacks and greys. Whatever you pick make sure it suits your body. If you think you are comfortable in extra lose clothes make sure you pair them with accessories; they are certain to take your look from drab to fab.

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