Importance of Staying Physically Active During Pregnancy:Pregnancy is Your Journey:Enjoy your own journey without stressing over others' experiences.This could be the best time of your life.Physical Activity vs. Rest:Ask yourself, 'Should I stay physically active or take rest during pregnancy?' rather than asking others.Staying physically active is highly recommended.One of the best ways to stay active from the beginning of pregnancy to just before delivery is brisk walking.Benefits of Staying Physically Active:Brisk walking during pregnancy can provide health benefits for both the mother and the baby.Reduces the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.Alleviates back pain.Eases constipation.Promotes healthy weight gain during pregnancy.Helps in the spontaneous onset of labor, reducing the risk of cesarean delivery.Helps in weight loss after the baby's birth.Advice:Consult your gynecologist whenever you feel the need.Source:-1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8395880/2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6742678/3. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/04/physical-activity-and-exercise-during-pregnancy-and-the-postpartum-period

Whenever there is good news in the family, it fills everybody’s heart with happiness. When a woman is pregnant, her whole life revolves around her pregnancy and her fetus. Everything she does or plans to do relates to her coming newborn, and during this period, she is ready to do and learn whatever is best.The 9 months of her pregnancy are quite demanding. She might face different emotions and feelings. Her diet during pregnancy also changes to a greater extent.There are certain things that can help during pregnancy like brisk walking, good and healthy eating, supplements, sound sleep, etc., but there is one more thing that is definitely very helpful throughout the entire pregnancy until delivery. and that is ‘Deep Breathing Exercises.’Deep breathing exercises have numerous benefits:1. Reduces Anxiety:Helps in reducing the anxiety of the pregnant mother before delivery.2. Increases Confidence:Boosts self-confidence and self-efficacy.3. Enhances Control During Labor:Increases the feeling of being in control during labor.4. Reduces Pain Intensity:Helps in reducing pain intensity during the first stage of labor.5. Mobilizes Pelvic Muscles:Assists in mobilizing the pelvic muscles.6. Activates and Oxygenates Abdominal Muscles:Ensures that the abdominal muscles are actively contracted and oxygenated.7. Shortens Labor Duration:Helps in shortening the duration of the second stage of labor.Go ahead with the deep breathing exercises and have an amazing pregnancy and a wonderful delivery.Source:-1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9675115/2. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/jubk/article/view/22489

Causes and Remedies for Heartburn During Pregnancy:Causes of Heartburn:1. Pregnancy Hormone Progesterone:This hormone relaxes the muscle that closes the food pipe, making it harder for it to function properly.The muscle or valve doesn't close when it should, causing food and acid to flow back up into the esophagus.2. Growing Baby and Uterus:As pregnancy progresses, increased pressure on the stomach leads to more backflow of food into the food pipe.This makes heartburn worse.3. Foods that Increase Heartburn:Tea, coffeeFatty foodsChocolateCitrus foods (e.g., oranges, lemons)Spicy foodsAlcohol4. Foods to Avoid:Avoiding these foods can help manage heartburn during pregnancy.Source:-1. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/indigestion-and-heartburn/2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/pregnancy-and-heartburn

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health issue affecting many women after childbirth. The transition to motherhood, although a joyful experience, can be challenging due to the substantial physical, emotional, and psychological changes a woman undergoes.Challenges Faced by Women with Postpartum Depression:Difficulty sleepingMood swingsChanges in appetiteFear of harmExcessive worry about the babyFeelings of sadness and crying spellsFeelings of doubtLack of concentrationDisinterest in daily activitiesPotential Causes of Postpartum Depression:History of depression or anxietyHaving multiple pregnancies or frequent childbirthPregnancy-related complications (e.g., emergency cesarean section, low birth weight baby)Young age during pregnancyLack of emotional and financial support from societyPoor lifestyle habits (poor diet, lack of sleep, low physical activity)Deficiency in nutrients like Vitamin B6, Zinc, and SeleniumWays to Reduce the Risk of Postpartum Depression:Exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first 3 monthsConsuming a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, legumes, seafood, dairy products, olive oil, and various nutritious foodsReceiving full support from the husbandSource:-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5561681/https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/maternal-mental-health

Trying to Get Pregnant for Over a Year? Are you tired of trying various fertility foods and sex positions in the bedroom?Not seeing those double pink lines on your pregnancy test can make you feel guilty and stressed about the mistakes you might be making.In this video, we will discuss 5 common mistakes that couples make while trying to get pregnant.1. Not Knowing the Exact Day of OvulationMistake: Women often don't know their exact ovulation day.Tip: For women with a 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day from the start of their period. The chances of getting pregnant are higher on the ovulation day than on other days of the cycle.2. Not Having Enough Sex or Only on Ovulation DayMistake: Not having enough sex or only having sex on the day of ovulation.Tip: Ovulation means that eggs are released into the fallopian tube, where they can stay for up to 5 to 6 days. Your chances of getting pregnant are still high during these days.3. Not Quitting Alcohol and SmokingMistake: Not stopping alcohol and smoking until pregnancy is confirmed.Tip: Drinking can decrease fertility in women and reduce sperm count in men. Smoking can damage the quality of both eggs and sperm, leading to infertility.4. Planning a Pregnancy in the Late 30sMistake: Planning a pregnancy in the late 30s.Tip: Research shows that fertility in both men and women decreases by 50% in the late 30s. The quality and quantity of eggs and sperm start to decrease after 30, making it harder to get pregnant.5. Using Water-Based LubricantsMistake: Using water-based lubricants during sex.Tip: Water-based lubricants can decrease the quality or survival rate of sperm, preventing pregnancy. Using oil-based lubricants may have very little effect on sperm quality.If you are stressed after realizing these mistakes, remember that stress itself can be a factor in not getting pregnant. Stay positive and focus on avoiding these common mistakes while trying to conceive.Source:-1. Taylor A. (2003). ABC of subfertility: extent of the problem. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 327(7412), 434–436. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.327.7412.434https://www.bmj.com/content/327/7412/4342. Rooney, K. L., & Domar, A. D. (2018). The relationship between stress and infertility. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 20(1), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/klrooney

Many pregnant women often wonder if their growing baby is safe and healthy.Visiting a doctor frequently is not always convenient,How can you check if your growing baby is healthy at home?Symptoms During Pregnancy:There are many symptoms during pregnancy that indicate the baby is doing well. Let’s explore these symptoms:Nausea and Dizziness:Women often experience nausea and dizziness, which is completely normal due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.Difficulty Breathing:As the baby grows, the uterus exerts pressure upwards, causing difficulty in breathing.Additionally, back pain, shoulder pain, and lower back pain can occur, which are signs of a healthy baby.Weight Gain:During the second and third trimesters, a mother’s weight can increase by 10-12 kg. Stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, breasts, or other parts of the body.Breast Changes:Your breasts may feel heavy, and you might experience nipple pain. The area around the nipples can also darken, indicating that your breasts are preparing to produce milk for the baby.Baby Movements:In the second trimester, the baby starts moving and kicking. Some women feel these movements by the 5th month, while others might feel them earlier.Swollen Feet:Due to the growing baby and uterus, women might experience swelling in their feet. The veins in the feet might become visible, a condition known as varicose veins. This is also a sign of a healthy baby.To understand the signs of potential risks to the baby in the womb, watch our next video. For more such information, like, share, and subscribe to our channel, MedWiki.Source:-1. Kepley JM, Bates K, Mohiuddin SS. Physiology, Maternal Changes. [Updated 2023 Mar 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539766/2. Soma-Pillay, P., Nelson-Piercy, C., Tolppanen, H., & Mebazaa, A. (2016). Physiological changes in pregnancy. Cardiovascular journal of Africa, 27(2), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2016-021

During pregnancy, it is normal to see a change in the color of poop. On normal days, the color of poop can be light to dark brown, which is considered healthy.But during pregnancy, the color of poop can turn green, black, dark black, or clay-colored.1. Green Poop: If you have green poop during pregnancy, it can be due to the consumption of more green leafy vegetables, and this is normal.2. Black Poop: If you have black poop during pregnancy, it can be due to iron supplements or antibiotics that you are taking.3. Dark Black or Tarry Stool: If you have dark black or tarry stool, it can be a sign of digestive issues or bleeding in the digestive tract.4. Light or Clay-Colored Poop: If your poop is light or clay-colored, it can be due to problems in the liver or gallbladder.It is important to see a doctor if there are changes in your stool color to get the right treatment.Source:-1. Liu, Z. Z., Sun, J. H., & Wang, W. J. (2022). Gut microbiota in gastrointestinal diseases during pregnancy. World journal of clinical cases, 10(10), 2976–2989. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v10.i10.29762. Gomes, C. F., Sousa, M., Lourenço, I., Martins, D., & Torres, J. (2018). Gastrointestinal diseases during pregnancy: what does the gastroenterologist need to know?. Annals of gastroenterology, 31(4), 385–394. https://doi.org/10.20524/aog.2018.0264

1. Coconut Oil MassageProperties: Coconut oil can quickly and effectively soak into our skin. This helps to make our skin more hydrated, improve its flexibility, and relieve itching.Instructions To Use: Warm the coconut oil and apply it to the itchy areas. Massage it until the oil is completely absorbed into the skin.2. Neem Leaves BathProperties: Neem has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that fight itching and skin irritation. It provides a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.Instructions To Use: Boil one cup of neem leaves in water. Let it cool, and then use it for bathing. Bathing with this water can help reduce itching and prevent skin infections.3. Turmeric PasteProperties: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that can relieve itching.Instructions To Use: Mix turmeric powder with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the itchy areas and leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Taking turmeric as a supplement or adding it to milk and tea can also help manage itchiness.4. Sandalwood PasteProperties: Sandalwood has antiseptic, antimicrobial properties that is useful in treating redness, itching, and inflammation, and other skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.Instructions To Use: Mix sandalwood powder with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the itchy areas and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off.5. Aloe Vera Gel:Properties: Aloe Vera has more than 90% water content, which is rich in essential vitamins like Vitamin C and E. It keeps skin hydrated and nourished and reduces itching.Instructions To Use: Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the leaves and apply it directly to the itchy areas. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before washing with water.6 Oatmeal Bath:Properties: Oatmeal creates a protection layer on the top of skin which lock the moisture inside, avoiding dryness and relieve from itchiness.Instructions To Use: Add finely powdered oatmeal to a bathtub filled with warm water and soak in it for 15-20 minutes.Other Tips for Relieve Itching During PregnancyIn addition to these remedies, making some lifestyle changes can help relieve itching during pregnancy:- Wear loose, and clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton.- Keep the skin well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.- Avoid hot water bath and choose to bath with lukewarm water to prevent further drying of the skin. Hot water can remove the natural oils of skin, leading to dryness and increased itching.- Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps or hypoallergenic products and avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin.PrecautionsWhen using natural remedies, it is important to perform a patch test to ensure that the ingredients do not cause any adverse reactions. Additionally, if the itching is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.Source:-1. Stefaniak, A.A., Pereira, M.P., Zeidler, C. et al. Pruritus in Pregnancy. Am J Clin Dermatol 23, 231–246 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00668-72. Gopinath, H., & Karthikeyan, K. (2021). Neem in Dermatology: Shedding Light on the Traditional Panacea. Indian journal of dermatology, 66(6), 706. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_562_213. Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 13. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/