Category Pregnancy

COVID Vaccination in Pregnancy

0 Comments read Pregnancy

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

3 Comments read Pregnancy, Women Health

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.