Category Pregnancy

How to prepare for delivery

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You’re close to term now and it’s time to prepare for delivery . There’s a mix of excitement , fear and anxiety , I’m sure . And as is said, being mentally prepared and knowledgable is half the battle won .

Take antenatal classes which are available in most hospitals . If they aren’t ,just talk at length with your obstetrician .

What is done in these classes is this- a simple preparation for labour and delivery . A wellness specialist will talk to you about exercises such as squats and ball exercises, appraise you about breathing techniques and the right posture and help condition you towards the labour pains. Mind you , contractions are painful but knowing what to expect and how to deal with them go a long way . Most classes are couples classes where your husband or partner can also be your “ coach”. Enlightening your partner about how to ease your pain, how to breathe , teaching them positions which can help you reduce the pain ,help a great deal. When you know you have a partner in the whole process of labour , that’s shared responsibility towards the delivery process. Hospitals also have the choice of “ doulas” who help you physically , mentally and emotionally in your journey towards delivering your little bundle of joy . Working through contractions and staying in control are strategies which help in a more positive birth experience .

 Discuss with your obstetrician about the signs and symptoms of onset of labour . How Braxton Hicks contractions finally give way to labour pains , how to time contractions , their frequency and intensity which should guide you to head to hospital . There are other signs like leaking of liquor and a blood stained mucous discharge called “ show” that you must know of . Your birth plan must be discussed with your doctor . Whether you’d prefer a natural delivery without aided medication , or normal or painless delivery with epidural analgesia or whether there needs to be a Caesarean delivery, should there be complications or risks to you or the baby should all be discussed? You must discuss the pros and cons of epidural analgesia and also other pain relief techniques like the use of an inhalational gas to reduce pain. Talk about episiotomy and its aftercare too.

Remember, however, that this birth plan can always be changed or tweaked a bit; for instance, if you can’t bear these labour pains, you can always switch to epidural analgesia from a thought out plan of no aided medication.

These classes also take the opportunity of teaching you about breastfeeding and how to prepare for lactation; and the challenges you may expect.

  Another important aspect is to keep exercising. Walking, stretching, prenatal yoga and swimming are all great ways to keep your muscles and ligaments in shape and toned. They also help in a normal delivery apart from helping release the feel good hormones – the endorphins. You must continue to exercise 5-6 times a week for at least 30 minutes , unless your doctor forbids you from the same for some medical reasons .

   Focus on relaxation . Some form of meditation , yoga and pranayam helps to soothe frayed nerves. The long and tedious process of labour can definitely be made easier by maintaining calm and positivity .

  Sleep well and adequately . Sleeping at least 8 hours in the night and 1-2 hours in the afternoon help you relax . So let go of those late night Netflix shows and WhatsApp chats. Another important piece of advise – please do not scare yourself by all Facebook or Google posts about unpleasant delivery experiences someone may have had . Also try to dissociate yourself from friends with bad delivery tales to recount.Your moms also had their deliveries a long , long time ago and so much has changed since then . Don’t let negative experiences pale your positivity . The best persons to speak to now are your obstetrician , partner and your wellness consultant . Keep that spark alive and clarify any doubts, discuss anything that’s bothering you .

 

  Eat right . Eating small portions of a nutritious diet which contains green vegetables , fruits , lean protein , whole grains,milk and milk products is important . And keep yourself well hydrated . Water, lime water, coconut water, nutritious soups are great ways of keeping yourself hydrated .

   Make sure your hospital bag is now packed and ready . Most hospitals and doctor’s clinics have a checklist of all things that are needed for you , your little one as well as for your partner . These are as detailed as instructing you to carry not just your loose fitting gowns, nursing bras, baby’s clothes but also your toiletries and chargers for phones .

 By this time your doctor will have revised your history and have ordered whatever blood work , investigations are to be done and special instructions chalked out .

   Get help and take care of logistics . You may need to get your mom to look after your elder baby or look after your home . You might need to book a “japa” to help you post delivery . Plan to stock your supplies so that once you’re back from the hospital after delivery you don’t have to fret about the groceries.

Also, set up your nursery and home to welcome the baby and make it safe and comfortable for your angel.

  Birthing is indeed an overwhelming experience but being prepared to handle everything that comes your way and knowing all the choices available definitely help you to be an empowered couple.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful journey ahead!

What to pack in your labour bag

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Congratulations. Now that you are 36-37 weeks pregnant, you must keep your labour bag packed and ready just in case you go into labour before that or in case your doctor tells you that you need to deliver before your EDD for some reason. 

Let’s keep this short and simple. A checklist that you need to keep handy. Just tick off these in your labour bag. Ready, steady, GO…..

FOR YOU

  • All your medical files and reports
  • Your Insurance card and ID copies
  • Birth plan, if any
  • Cash or Credit /Debit cards

YOUR CLOTHES

  • Loose flowing gowns or loungewear [if you don’t want to wear the hospital gown]-Front opening ones are best
  • Nursing bras your size
  • Breast pads
  • Comfortable panties, cotton ones
  • Slip-on shoes or chappals
  • Warm socks, if it’s cold.  [The labour room AC may be quite cold too]
  • Towels
  • Something that helps you relax, like music or books
  • Sanitary pads [large absorbable ones]
  • Clothes to go home in 
  • Most hospitals have a post-delivery photo op too before you get discharged, so get the pretty maternity outfits you want to be clicked in

TOILETRIES

  • Comb or hairbrush
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Your favourite shampoo and conditioner
  • Moisturiser, face cream and lip balm 
  • Body lotion or oil 
  • Your favourite massage oil
  • Hairbands and scrunchies
  • Deo spray 
  • Glasses, contact lenses, lens solution and lens case 

ACCESSORIES

Nipple balm or butter,if you prefer to use one [though I prescribe desi ghee or your own milk lightly rubbed over the nipple as an emollient]

Phone charger 

FOR YOUR BABY

  • Thin, soft clothes or warm rompers and layers if its winter
  • Baby suits, vests and sleepsuits
  • Caps 
  • Mittens
  • Socks
  • Nappies or disposable diapers
  • Sheets for the little one-for their cot and for wrapping them in
  • Baby quilts or blankets
  • An outfit for going home in 
  • A baby car seat

FOR YOUR PARTNER

  • Toiletries and shaving kit
  • Clothing and PJS/ comfortable lounge clothes
  • Pillow and light sleeping bag [if needed ]
  • Laptop
  • Mobile phone and charger

All You Need To Know About Covid Vaccination For Pregnant Women

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The long-term effects and safety of the vaccine on the foetus and child have yet not been established.

 

-Dr. Shelly Singh, MBBS, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology) Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rosewalk Hospital, Delhi

Which group of pregnant women are at risk?

All pregnant women are at risk and they should definitely get the vaccine. A special mention for women who are:

Click here to read more

COVID Vaccination in Pregnancy

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There’s good news for many pregnant girls who have been expectantly waiting for the COVID vaccine. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has given us the green signal for vaccinating this vulnerable section of women.

Which group of pregnant girls need the vaccine?

All pregnant girls should get the vaccine

AND 

  1. A special mention for girls who are:
  2. Healthline workers
  3. Obese
  4. Suffering from comorbid conditions
  5. Hypertensive
  6. Diabetic

More likely to get an infection due to living in areas that have a high load of cases

Older than 35 years of age

Have a history of clotting in the limbs

Exposed to people outside the household

Living in crowded areas and unable to practice social distancing

This set of pregnant girls definitely need the vaccine as they are at a higher risk of acquiring the disease and developing complications of COVID infection. 

Also remember that girls who have had COVID in this pregnancy, still need the vaccination though it can be stalled after delivery.

Which vaccine is better?

Covishield or Covaxin-whichever is available

How to go about it?

Both, registration on the Co Win App or on-site registration is required.0.5 ml of the vaccine is given intramuscularly in the upper arm. After receiving the vaccine it is mandatory to stay at the vaccination site for half an hour so that doctors can monitor side effects if any.

Side Effects 

  • These are generally minor and last for 1-3 days
  • Pain at the vaccination site
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Muscle pain 
  • Weakness 
  • A feeling of being unwell

Major side effects to watch for:

Within 20 days of vaccination the vaccinated girls must watch out for:

  • Severe headache with or without vomiting 
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Blurring of vision
  • Chest pain 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Severe abdominal pain 
  • Small pinpoint haemorrhages
  • Weakness or paralysis on either side of the body
  • Pain, swelling and tenderness of the calf

These are red flag signs for which expectant mothers or their families must inform the healthcare workers immediately; the good news is that these side effects are extremely rare.

The long term effects and safety of the vaccine on the foetus and child have yet not been established.

Myths that need to be busted

  • One gets the disease after vaccination 
  • One turns positive after the jab
  • The DNA gets altered
  • After getting the disease pregnant girls don’t need to be vaccinated

Let’s bust all these myths and join hands to bust this disease together. Prevention, as we all know, is better than cure. And what is more important than protecting ourselves while we carry our precious bundles of joy? Stay safe, stay positive, stay informed!



Tips on Prenatal yoga by Dr. Shelly Singh

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Pregnancy…. It comes with its share of mixed feelings , elation , enthusiasm , positive anticipation as also fear , irritation and a host of other emotions you can’t label as positive. In these current COVID times we are all reeling under the stress and psychological trauma of this disease and its associated impact. 

I always reiterate the need for eating healthy and exercise. And what better than yoga? 

When is the best time during pregnancy to start yoga? 

You can start at any time as early as you like after talking to your doctor. Some girls may start in the second trimester though once the morning sickness of the first trimester has passed.

Health benefits of Prenatal Yoga: 

  • Your body remains flexible and supple. This always helps in labour and normal delivery.
  • Yoga and Pranayam also help in deep breathing and relieve you of stresses. It is one of the oldest forms of relaxation.
  • Yoga also helps in relieving some common problems of pregnancy like leg cramps, backache, constipation, leg oedema, nausea and gastritis.
  • Yogasanas help you recover faster post-delivery

Health benefits of Prenatal Yoga: 

  • Your body remains flexible and supple. This always helps in labour and normal delivery.
  • Yoga and Pranayam also help in deep breathing and relieve you of stresses. It is one of the oldest forms of relaxation.
  • Yoga also helps in relieving some common problems of pregnancy like leg cramps, backache, constipation, leg edema , nausea and gastritis.
  • Yogasanas help you recover faster post-delivery. 

What yogasanas are allowed and beneficial during pregnancy ? 

  • Cat stretch or Marjariasana
  • Konasana
  • Warrior pose or Veerbhadrasana
  • Triangle pose or Trikonasana
  • Butterfly pose or Badhakonasana
  • Shavasana
  • Yoga Nidra or Yogic sleep

Pranayamas or breathing exercises

  • Meditation 
  • These are huge stressbusters

Yogasanas not allowed in pregnancy:

  • Boat Pose
  • Cobra Pose
  • Superman Pose
  • Plough Pose
  • Sitting half spinal twist pose

Always remember

 

  • To begin with a warm-up and end with cool down
  • Set realistic goals for yourself after talking to your obstetrician.
  • To avoid asanas with inversion poses 
  • To avoid asanas that need you to lie on your back and hold it for long as the pregnant uterus puts pressure on the large blood vessels of the body and causes less blood supply to the brain leading to dizziness. 
  • Do standing poses as they strengthen the legs and increase their tone, improving circulation and even leg cramps
  • Reduce time holding asanas in the third trimester and do more of pranayam and meditation .
  • Stay cool and hydrated 
  • Wear well stretching yoga maternity gear.
  • Always enrol with an instructor who is well versed with prenatal yoga only after you get the go ahead from your doctor . Sometimes, exercises are completely prohibited like in cases of threatened miscarriage, bleeding in pregnancy, placenta previa, preterm labour etc. 
  • Listen to your body and do your yogic practice and exercises only till the point where you are not fatigued. 
  • Also let your instructor and doctor know about any associated medical condition during your past or current pregnancy . 
  • Moreover if you experience any pain or these red flag signals I’ve mentioned just stop immediately and consult your doctor. 
  • Let your yoga practice in pregnancy be fun , slow and relaxing rather than an intense workout.