Obstetric Care

It is important to start pregnancy in good health and good care during pregnancy is necessary to ensure the desired outcome of a Healthy Mother and a Healthy Baby!!!

Here are some pointers about care to be taken during pregnancy:

• It is better to visit gynaecologist before you start planning the pregnancy, when she/he will examine and advise some tests, that will help to identify, treat or optimize any medical problems before you conceive so as to start your pregnancy in optimal health.
• When your periods are delayed by at least 7-8 days, you can confirm pregnancy at home by pregnancy kit which is easily available at pharmacy and visit your gynaecologist.
• At this visit, the doctor will examine and advise blood tests and ultrasound to find out the location of pregnancy, its viability and the expected date of delivery.
• In first few months, you many experience nausea, vomiting which can be treated with medications which are safe during pregnancy.
• In the 3rd month of pregnancy, another ultrasound is done along with blood test (double marker) which is together called as combined test that will help to identify chromosomal abnormality like Down’s syndrome. Although this is not mandatory for all, it is better to identify and it should be done in women who are at high risk for such abnormality like women above 35 years of age, previous baby with any problem, family history, etc.
• At 4th month, your doctor will advice you iron and calcium supplements and an anomaly scan at 4 and 1/2 month of pregnancy to detect any structural defect in the baby. This ultrasound is mandatory for all and helps to identify if there is any serious problem in the baby.
• Usually, the check up during pregnancy is once a month for first seven months, once a fortnight in the 7th and 8th month and weekly in 9th month. This regularity helps to evaluate how the pregnancy is progressing and identify any complications if arising like hypertension, diabetes during pregnancy and to treat it accordingly.
• At 7th month the blood tests are repeated and ultrasound is done if required.
• It is important to take vaccines during pregnancy like TT, Tdap, Flu as advised by your doctor.
• Diet- Healthy, home cooked diet, rich in iron, calcium and protein should be consumed. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Remember to take one portion of protein in your meal which may be in the form of dal, sprouts, paneer,chana, groundnuts, nuts, egg, meat or fish,etc as per your liking.
• Exercise- Regular exercise in the form of walking, yoga, breathing exercises will help you to remain fit and active during the pregnancy and post delivery.

• Usually, when the pregnancy is approaching the expected date of delivery, you may experience a relief in breathing once baby’s head goes in pelvis.
• Labour pain start from back and radiate to front and then to thighs. They will come at regular intervals, increase in intensity and you experience some mucoid discharge through vagina mixed with blood or watery discharge.
• For a first time mother, labour may take about 7-8 hour once active phase start. If you have delivered previously, labour would be faster!
• Doctor will examine you and evaluate condition of you and the baby periodically.
• Labour pains can be relieved with medications or epidural analgesia.
• Once you are ready for the delivery, doctor will guide you how to push the baby and will deliver the baby.
• As per your condition, baby’s condition, progress of labour, space available for delivery, baby can be delivered vaginally ,by instruments or by caesarean section.

• Preferably consult your doctor before planning for baby.
• Consult your doctor when you miss your period by 7-8 days.
• Follow the advise given by the doctor and schedule of tests and injections.
• Keep baby’s kick count.
• Keep your reports and doctor’s file datewise and handy.
• Follow the healthy diet and exercise.

• Consumption of alcohol, smoking and drugs.
• Taking any medication without consulting with your doctor.
• Travelling without prior consult with your doctor.
• Neglecting the doctor’s advice.

• Bleeding through vagina.
• Excessive discharge through vagina.
• Labour pains before 9th month.
• Excessive abdominal pain.
• Excessive vomiting.
• Excessive weight gain or loss.
• Extreme headache.
• Absence of baby movements.
• Any medical illness during pregnancy.

Dr. Anuya is best gynecologist and obstetrician with expertise in pregnancy care and deliveries including high risk pregnancy. For best care during your pregnancy, visit us at Dr. Anuya‘s Gynoworld, for motherhood and beyond…