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Eating healthy is something we all aspire to, but there always seems to be something that holds us back. Sometimes it’s the effort it takes to whip up nutritious meals, other times it’s just the flavor. The good news is that these days, there are plenty of tasty and easy-to-make healthy options available. Think about all the choices out there, from oats and protein-packed cereals to muesli and beyond. And let’s not forget quinoa, a fantastic gluten-free option that’s both healthy and versatile!
Quinoa has become a popular healthy food in the last few years. It is a flowering plant cultivated for its seeds. Quinoa is also sometimes referred to as a pseudo-cereal as it is prepared and eaten like a grain. Quinoa is widely preferred as it’s packed with nutrients like protein, zinc, fiber, antioxidants, folate, etc. Plus, quinoa doesn’t take long to prepare!
Did you know? Quinoa is a complete protein source, i.e. it contains all 9 essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. Quinoa is also making it to the list of diets for bodybuilders due to its high protein content and other nutritional benefits.
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Quinoa is technically a seed which is cooked and eaten like a grain. It is a nutritious grain-like seed from the Chenopodium quinoa plant. Quinoa is a preferred choice for people who are gluten-intolerant, as quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Quinoa is now being used as a substitute for rice and makes a great addition to salad, soups, breakfast bowls, and more.
Quinoa is native to the Andean reg ion of South America, but given its nutritional benefits, it is now widely grown in various countries in the world. Several reports indicate that quinoa has been cultivated for approximately 5000 years.
Quinoa is a good source of fiber, which aids indigestion (tips for better digestive health), prevents constipation (causes, treatment & prevention), and helps manage blood sugar. Also, it is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats (good fats vs bad fats) that support cardiovascular health. Quinoa is now also being widely preferred for weight loss (diet chart for weight loss), given it is high in protein (top high protein foods)and fiber, which is good for satiety.
The table below showcases the nutritional composition of 100 g of cooked quinoa:
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Calories | 120 calories |
| Protein | 4.4 g |
| Carbs | 21.3 g |
| Sugar | 0.9 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Fat | 1.9 g |
| Magnesium | 64 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Potassium | 172 mg |
| Calcium | 17 mg |
Quinoa is also a good source of B vitamins including B2, B6, and B9. Several studies also note that quinoa is good for individuals with type 2 diabetes (tips to manage type 2 diabetes) as it can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Also Read: Summer Acne – Tips for preventing summer acne breakouts
Given the list of nutrients quinoa is filled with, it is no surprise that it has advantages for overall well-being. Quinoa has been cultivated in South America since ancient times. The Inca people of South America also considered it a sacred food. In recent years, quinoa has seen quite a lot of popularity, not just because of its being nutrient-rich but also because it is easy to grow. Some of the health benefits of quinoa include:
There are several ways quinoa can be incorporated into the Indian diet. Here’s how:
Read More: Top Vitamin B12 Rich Foods
How to cook quinoa?
Rinse the quinoa, then combine it with water and bring it to a boil. Further, simmer it for 15 minutes to allow the liquid to get absorbed and the quinoa to become tender.
Is quinoa a millet?
Quinoa is not a millet; it is a seed.
Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free.
Is quinoa good for diabetics?
Yes, quinoa has a low glycemic index, making it a good choice for diabetic patients.
Is quinoa good for weight loss?
Yes, quinoa is good for weight loss. Given its high protein and fiber content, it can make people feel full and satisfied, leading to reduced calorie intake.
Can quinoa help you lose weight?
Yes, quinoa can help you lose weight.
कहीं आपकी हड्डियों का दर्द कोई छुपा हुआ खतरा तो नहीं है? क्या आप भी जब सुबह उठते हैं, तो घुटनों में खिंचाव, उंगलियों में सूजन या पैरों के अंगूठे में असहनीय दर्द महसूस होता है? यदि हां, तो आप इसमें अकेले नहीं हैं। हर साल लाखों लोग भारत में हाई यूरिक एसिड की समस्या का सामना करते हैं। नेशनल हेल्थ पोर्टल के अनुसार, भारत में 10 में से 3 लोग किसी न किसी स्टेज पर गठिया या यूरिक एसिड की तकलीफ का शिकार होते हैं।
यदि समय रहते इस स्थिति का निदान एवं इलाज हो जाता है, तो यह आपके जोड़ों को अधिक नुकसान नहीं पहुंचा पाता है। कई बार लोग इसे मामूली दर्द समझकर अक्सर नजरअंदाज कर देते हैं, लेकिन सही जानकारी और सही इलाज से आप न सिर्फ दर्द से राहत पा सकते हैं, बल्कि अपनी लाइफ क्वालिटी को भी बेहतर बना सकते हैं। चलिए समझते हैं कि आप इस हाई यूरिक एसिड की समस्या को कैसे हरा सकते हैं। आज ही अपने यूरिक एसिड की जांच कराएं और जरूरत हो तो हमारे विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। याद रखें — सही समय पर किया गया इलाज ही सबसे बड़ा बचाव है।
ये भी पढ़े: नसों में दर्द का कारण और उपचार | Nerve Pain in Hindi
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यूरिक एसिड या यूरिक अम्ल शरीर में प्यूरिन नामक तत्व के टूटने से बनने वाला पदार्थ है। प्यूरीन प्राकृतिक रूप से हमारे शरीर और कुछ भोजन में होता है। कई मेडिकल रिपोर्ट के अनुसार रेड मीट, मछली, बीयर, राजमा जैसे खाद्य पदार्थ प्यूरीन से भरपूर होते हैं, जिनके सेवन से यूरिक एसिड की मात्रा बढ़ जाती है। यह समस्या तब अधिक हो जाती है, जब यूरिक एसिड का बनना ज्यादा हो जाता है या किडनी इस पदार्थ को शरीर से बाहर निकालने में असमर्थ हो जाती है। इसके कारण यूरिक एसिड खून में जमने लगता है और क्रिस्टल्स बनाकर जोड़ों में जमा होने लगता है, जिससे गठिया (Gout) की समस्या उत्पन्न हो सकती है।
भारत के प्रसिद्ध अस्पताल, AIIMS के रूमेटोलॉजी (Rheumatology) विभाग के अनुसार शहरी इलाकों में लगभग 25% गठिया के मरीज हाई यूरिक एसिड जैसी गंभीर समस्या का सामना करते हैं। विशेषज्ञों का मानना है कि इसके पीछे का कारण गलत खानपान और लाइफस्टाइल है, जिसके कारण व्यक्ति की जीवन शैली गंभीर रूप से प्रभावित होती है। किसी भी अस्पताल में हर रोज न जाने कितनी ही मरीज जोड़ों में दर्द की शिकायत के साथ आते हैं, लेकिन आपको यह समझना होगा कि सही टेस्ट की मदद से ही इस स्थिति का निदान और इलाज संभव हो सकता है।
यूरिक एसिड बढ़ने के कई कारण हो सकते हैं। चलिए उन सभी कारणों को समझते हैं, जिससे शरीर में यूरिक एसिड की मात्रा बढ़ती है –
यूरिक एसिड बढ़ने के लक्षण बहुत धीरे-धीरे उत्पन्न होते हैं। यह लक्षण शुरुआत में बहुत कम होते हैं, लेकिन समय के साथ यह बहुत बढ़ सकते हैं। हाई यूरिक एसिड की स्थिति में निम्न लक्षण उत्पन्न हो सकते हैं –
कई बार पेशेंट को लग सकता है कि यह सामान्य गठिया या उम्र का असर है। लेकिन आपको यह समझना होगा कि सही टेस्ट से ही सही डायग्नोसिस संभव है।
यूरिक एसिड के इलाज के लिए कई चीजें मदद करती हैं जैसे कि दवाएं, लाइफस्टाइल में बदलाव, घरेलू उपाय और अन्य तरीके। चलिए एक-एक करके उनके बारे में बात करते हैं –
यहां आपको ध्यान रखना होगा कि बिना डॉक्टर के सलाह के कोई भी दवा न लें और यदि किसी भी दवा का सुझाव डॉक्टर दे रहे हैं, तो बिना उनसे पूछे उन्हें न छोड़ें।
कुछ घरेलू उपायों की मदद से आप अपने शरीर में बढ़ते यूरिक एसिड को आसानी से कम कर सकते हैं। इलाज के साथ कुछ आसान हेल्दी आदतें आपके यूरिक एसिड को कंट्रोल करने में बहुत मदद कर सकते हैं –
चलिए एक टेबल से समझते हैं कि आपको क्या खाना चाहिए और क्या नहीं, जिससे आपको मदद भी मिलेगी।
| ✅ क्या खाएं | ❌ क्या नहीं खाएं |
| दालें (सीमित मात्रा में) | रेड मीट, ऑर्गन मीट (कलेजी और किडनी) |
| हरी सब्जियां (पालक, मेथी) | सी फूड — मछली, झींगा |
| खट्टे फल — नींबू, संतरा | बीयर और शराब |
| नट्स — बादाम, अखरोट (मॉडरेट अमाउंट) | प्रोसेस्ड फूड — नमकीन, पैक स्नैक्स |
| दूध, दही — कम फैट वाला | शुगर ड्रिंक्स — सोडा, कोल्ड ड्रिंक |
अगर आपके यूरिक एसिड के लक्षण बार-बार उभर रहे हैं, तो डॉक्टर से मिलना बिल्कुल न टालें, क्योंकि धीरे-धीरे यह आपके और हमारे जीवन को गंभीर रूप से प्रभावित करने वाली बीमारी बनती जा रही है। जोड़ों को स्वस्थ रखना आपकी आने वाली जिंदगी के लिए बेहद जरूरी है। यह हमारे शरीर का एक अभिन्न भाग है और छोटा-सा टेस्ट, सही खानपान और कुछ आदतों में बदलाव आपको दर्द से छुटकारा दिला सकता है। यदि आप या आपके परिवार में कोई इस समस्या से परेशान है, तो आज ही हमारे विशेषज्ञों से मिलें और इलाज के विकल्पों पर बात करें।
और पढ़े: बदलते मौसम में बीमारियों से बचने के आसान टिप्स
अचानक यूरिक एसिड क्यों बढ़ता है?
ज्यादा प्यूरीन डाइट, शराब, कम पानी पीना, अचानक वजन कम होना या कुछ दवाइयों के कारण यूरिक एसिड अचानक बढ़ सकता है।
क्या यूरिक एसिड 7.4 हाई है (uric acid normal range)?
हां, सामान्य तौर पर पुरुषों में 7 mg/dL और महिलाओं में 6 mg/dL से ज्यादा यूरिक एसिड हाई माना जाता है।
नॉर्मल यूरिक एसिड कितना होता है?
नॉर्मल यूरिक एसिड पुरुष में लगभग 3.4–7.0 mg/dL और महिला में यह स्तर लगभग 2.4–6.0 mg/dL होता है।
यूरिक एसिड टेस्ट कैसे होता है?
यूरिक एसिड टेस्ट के लिए लैब में खून का सैंपल लेकर या 24 घंटे का यूरिन टेस्ट किया जाता है। यह दोनों टेस्ट आपके शरीर में हाई यूरिक एसिड के बारे में आपको बता सकता है।
यूरिक एसिड नार्मल कितना रहना चाहिए?
सामान्य तौर पर पुरुषों में 7 से कम और महिलाओं में 6 से कम होना चाहिए। टेस्ट में यदि स्तर अधिक है, तो बिना देर किए डॉक्टर से मिलें और इलाज लें।
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World Hepatitis Day is observed on the 28th of July every year to raise awareness about hepatitis, a leading cause of severe liver disease (know about various liver diseases) and liver cancer (8 signs your liver is healing).
The theme for this year’s Hepatitis Day is ‘Let’s break it down’, which aims to break down barriers that hold us back from a hepatitis-free world. Hepatitis is a global health concern. Did you know? More than a million people lose their lives to hepatitis, and this rising number is associated with low awareness, misinformation, myths, stigma, and more.
This world hepatitis day, let’s debunk the myths around hepatitis and its treatment and end this entirely preventable disease.
Hepatitis is defined as a condition related to inflammation of the liver. The condition is often associated with viral infections, alcohol abuse, toxins, autoimmune disorders (autoimmune hepatitis- causes, types & treatment), etc. People affected with hepatitis usually experience symptoms like fatigue, feeling of weakness, fever (causes, symptoms & treatment), nausea, loss of appetite, pain in the upper abdomen, diarrhoea (8 home remedies for loose motion), and more. Hepatitis has 5 main types: A, B, C, D & E. The types are further characterised as viral, toxic, and autoimmune hepatitis.
Did you know? In India, viral hepatitis is recognized as a public health concern. Talking about global numbers, according to several studies, more than 300 million people are living with hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis, the inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection, is most common. It can lead to serious liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Also Read: Important Vaccines for Newborns
There are numerous myths and misinformation about hepatitis, which often leads to delayed treatment or severe complications. Some of the common ones are included below:
Hepatitis is also believed by many to be an untreatable disease. Though treatment exists for various types of hepatitis, some cases can even resolve on their own.
Hepatitis spreads from touching & coughing is also a common myth. However, hepatitis B primarily gets transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.
Excess alcohol consumption can cause hepatitis; however, it is not the only cause leading to hepatitis. Various other factors like autoimmune diseases, exposure to certain medications, toxins, etc. can also cause hepatitis.
Did you know? Approximately 80% of patients diagnosed with hepatitis C may develop a chronic liver infection. And only a small number of individuals get better without the need for treatment. Hepatitis C requires treatment as an untreated condition can lead to conditions like cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer.
Liver diseases, at times, may lead to jaundice (causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention), but patients diagnosed with hepatitis are not jaundiced. It can be a symptom of hepatitis, but not a cause of it.
Hepatitis being genetic is also one of the most common myths. However, hepatitis is a virus and not a condition that is inherited from parents. In rare cases, it gets transmitted from the mother to the child during childbirth.
No, there are only vaccines available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
A large population still believes the common myth that all hepatitis types are the same. However, it is not true that all the hepatitis viruses are very different; some can clear on their own, while some can lead to permanent liver damage.
It is also a popular belief that the hepatitis virus can not survive outside the body, though the hepatitis virus has the potential to survive outside the human body. The virus can survive for months on the surface under certain conditions.
Also Read: Lower & Upper Stomach Pain: Know the Cause, Symptom & Treatment
Hepatitis is still impacting millions of people around the world, and unfortunately, a lot of myths and misunderstandings continue to obscure the reality of this serious yet often preventable illness. On this World Hepatitis Day, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness, challenge the stigma, and share accurate information. By learning how various types of hepatitis are transmitted and recognizing the significance of vaccination and early diagnosis, we can take informed steps that save lives. Let’s pledge to swap out myths for facts and strive for a future free of hepatitis.
Also Read: Facing Frequent Abdominal Pain: Know the Causes & Treatments
Can I live a healthy life with hepatitis?
Yes, it’s possible to live a healthy and full life with hepatitis.
How do I protect myself from hepatitis?
To keep safe from hepatitis, it’s important to focus on prevention through vaccination, practicing safe hygiene, and avoiding risky behaviors.
What Are the Early Signs of Hepatitis?
Early signs can include fatigue, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, etc.
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Taking care of your skin means adapting to the changing seasons. In the winter, when the air is dry, your skin craves deep hydration. On the other hand, summer brings sweat and oiliness, so it’s important to clean the skin regularly and opt for oil-free products. Speaking of summer, skincare becomes more focused and preventive. Additionally, one thing that often accompanies the summer season is acne (acne treatment), and as the temperature rises, pimples on the face tend to appear more frequently.
It is irritating at times, though, are you aware why summer months bring more breakouts? Did you know? A research study focused on Google searches reported that acne-related searches increase in the summer compared to other times of the year. The primary reason behind acne breakouts in summer is related to increased sebum production and sweat.
Also Read: Dark Circles – Discover the secrets to bright eyes
A combination of factors can lead to acne breakouts in the summer. The increased sweating can lead to clogging of pores and create an environment where acne-causing bacteria thrive. Interestingly, even those who usually don’t struggle with breakouts might find themselves dealing with acne on their faces during the summer, while those who typically do may notice an increase in their usual flare-ups.
Increased sebum production is the primary cause of acne breakouts during the summer. In warmer temperatures, the body produces more sweat and more oil; these, along with dead cells and dirt, can clog pores. This blockade results in pimples on the face, blackheads, whiteheads, and more.
Warmer days bring humidity along as a bundled package. The warm and moist environment encourages acne-causing bacteria to thrive, particularly in sweaty areas that aren’t cleaned properly.
Sun exposure can initially dry out pimples on the face, but prolonged exposure can lead to increased oil production, leading to clogging of pores, ultimately exacerbating acne breakouts. Plus, sunscreen meant for sun exposure can also sometimes worsen acne breakouts due to its ingredients.
Using skin care products in the summers, like heavy sunscreens, greasy moisturizer, waterproof makeup, etc. can block pores. During the summers, choose products suited for humid weather, and focus on light, non-clogging, and soothing ingredients.
Did you know? Exposure to high temperatures can affect the body’s hormonal balance. While hormones fluctuate throughout the year, summer can subtly influence the hormonal balance. This fluctuation in hormonal levels during summers, particularly during puberty, menstruation (all about periods – for teens), pregnancy (discomforts during pregnancy – symptoms & relief tips), etc. can increase sebum production leading to acne.
Another common factor leading to acne breakouts in the summer is due to poor hygiene. In the summers, we tend to sweat more and inadequate cleansing of the skin can lead to the accumulation of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells, clogging pores, resulting in acne.
Tight clothing during the summer can trap sweat and heat against the skin, particularly in areas where clothing rubs against the skin, resulting in acne.
We don’t often realise it, but we tend to touch our face or body too much to wipe away sweat in summer. Though using bare hands or used napkins can irritate the skin barrier, leading to clogged pores and acne.
Also Read: Best foods for healthy weight loss journey
While during summers it is almost impossible to avoid sweating, below are some dermatologically recommended tips that can help prevent summer acne breakouts.
Also Read: Dermatitis – Types, Causes, Symptoms & Home Remedies for Treatment
Occasional breakouts are common; however, some signs may require professional help. Here’s when you should consult a dermatologist,
| When to See a Dermatologist | Why? |
| Persistent or Severe Acne | If breakouts don’t respond to regular skincare or last for months, medical-grade treatment is needed. |
| Painful, Large, or Cystic Pimples | Deep lesions can scar and require prescription medication or in-clinic procedures. |
| Signs of Hormonal Acne | Breakouts linked to periods, jawline acne, or adult acne may need hormonal assessment and targeted care. |
| When there’s Acne Scars or Dark Spots (home remedies for dark spot) | Early treatment can prevent permanent marks and help fade existing scars effectively. |
Acne isn’t limited to the skin and the face. From heat, sweat, and inappropriate products to hormonal changes and lifestyle routines, it seems like there are a million causes of breakouts all over the body. Stopping summer acne is about taking a conscious, whole-body plan: using light, non-comedogenic skincare, resisting constant face-touching or pimple-squeezing, eating cleanly, and drinking plenty of water. And once acne is painful, persistent, or psychologically stressful, consulting a dermatologist can be the key. With proper treatment, clear skin and a healthy complexion are achievable, no matter what the weather.
Also Read: Uses & Benefits of Castor Oil
Does niacinamide help with acne?
Niacinamide, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can help with acne.
Does shampoo irritate acne?
Certain types of shampoos can irritate acne, especially the ones containing pore-clogging ingredients or irritants.
Is acne worse in summer or winter?
Acne can be worse in both summer and winter. In the summers, the increased sweating & oil can lead to breakouts, while in winters, given the dry air & humidity, the body overcompensates by producing more oil, which can also lead to acne.
Table of Contents Hormonal changes in pregnancy affect various aspects of your body including your mood, metabolism and sleep cycle. The increase in progesterone levels leads to increased urination, heartburn and nasal congestion leading to disruptive sleep. Simultaneously, estrogen hormone can cause swelling in the feet or legs, nasal congestion and cause breathing difficulties during sleep (sleep apnea). However, the overall pattern of the sleep cycle changes dramatically throughout the pregnancy. Also Read: Morning Sickness – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment Here is how your sleep cycle during pregnancy changes as your pregnancy progress. 1st trimester – Longer periods of sleeping, frequent daytime napping, poor quality sleep 2nd trimester (what to expect in 2nd trimester of pregnancy) – better sleep efficiency, better quality sleep 3rd trimester – increased nighttime awakenings, more frequent naps during the day Here are the most common sleep problems and disorders that occur during pregnancy: The best sleeping position during pregnancy is sleeping on your side with legs slightly curved. This position is considered the best because it improves the flow of blood to the heart, kidneys and uterus. It also improves the delivery of oxygen and other necessary nutrients to the baby. You can support your body in this position by using several pillows. As your pregnancy progresses, you should avoid sleeping on your back as it can put a large amount of pressure on your back. Also Read: Prenatal Screenings & Tests You can maintain healthy and peaceful sleep during pregnancy by practising safe hygiene habits. These include: During pregnancy, you should get plenty of rest and sleep for nearly 7-9 hours every day. Common sleep problems during pregnancy include insomnia, frequent awakening in the night and daytime sleepiness. Pregnant women should sleep in a comfortable position. It is advised that women in later stages of pregnancy should sleep at their side and avoid laying on their back to prevent increased pressure.
Things you need to know
Pregnancy & sleep cycle
Sleep during pregnancy: trimester-wise changes
Common sleep problems during pregnancy
Best sleeping position during pregnancy
Sleep hygiene for pregnant women
FAQs
How many hours should I sleep?
Which sleep problems are common during pregnancy?
Can changing position in bed hurt the bed?
Table of Contents Pre pregnancy health is your health before you become pregnant. It is an essential step in helping you prepare for a healthy conception. Planning for a pregnancy includes incorporating a healthy lifestyle, keeping a check on your symptoms and consulting your healthcare provider for an early checkup. A planned pregnancy reduces your chances of pregnancy and birthing complications such as miscarriage and neural tube defects. Your obstetrician can help you tailor-make a specialised plan according to your lifestyle and health goals. If you are trying for a plan, you should plan a preconception visit to your obstetrician. A pre pregnancy health check can help you identify your existing health concerns. Your healthcare provider can offer personalised ways to help manage and treat your medical condition if any. If you are already receiving treatment for a medical problem, your doctor can alter your medication in order to treat your condition as well as boost your conception. A health checkup before planning conception can also help you to identify unhealthy motherhood lifestyle behaviour and patterns. Your doctor will thoroughly discuss your overall health followed by a physical examination. He/she may also order certain tests and scans to gain a better understanding. Common tests performed during preconception visits include Pap smears, cervical screening, dental checks and screenings for sexually transmitted infections. During your preconception visit, your doctor may also check if your vaccinations are complete and up-to-date for a healthy pregnancy. Also Read: Pregnancy Pains & Discomfort Folic acid or folate (role of folic acid during pregnancy) is a B vitamin essential for the growth and development of a baby. It majorly helps in the prevention of neural tube defects (health defects of the brain and spine). If you are planning to conceive, you should start taking 400-800 micrograms (0.4-0.8 mg) of folic acid every day. It is recommended that women start taking folic acid supplementation at least 1 month before pregnancy for healthy outcomes. Smoking and alcohol consumption before or during pregnancy can increase your chances of health problems and defects. It is essential that you avoid smoking and drinking while trying to conceive. Alcohol intake and smoking before or during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage (12 types of miscarriage & what they mean) and other health problems. Being underweight or overweight can raise your chances of developing health problems during pregnancy. Obesity can lead to complications including gestational diabetes and heart diseases. It is important to make necessary lifestyle changes and attain as well as maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy. Your personal and family history is important for the health of your child. Understanding your comprehensive medical history can help you take necessary precautions. If you are planning to get pregnant, you should seek genetic counselling from your healthcare provider (obstetrics & gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital). Genetic counselling includes detailed discussions, health checks and certain tests and screenings. These investigations allow you to become aware of your genetic conditions and understand your child’s risk for developing the same. Genetic counsellors offer a variety of treatment alternatives personalised to your need to help prevent the development of a certain disorder. Stress can interfere with the process of conception. You should aim to reduce your stress levels and maintain a healthy peace of mind while trying to conceive. Healthy eating, regular exercises, yoga and meditation are some mechanisms you can use to deal with stress. Every month, your ovary releases a mature egg which travels down to the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized with sperm. This process is known as ovulation. Your chances of conception are highest 5 days before or on the day of ovulation (symptoms & calendar). This period is known as your ‘fertile window’. It is, thus, beneficial to keep a track of your menstrual and ovulatory cycles. Keeping a note of your ovulation allows you to plan your pregnancy on the days when you are most fertile, increasing your chances of conception. Also Read: Morning Sickness – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment Your partner’s health before you try for a baby is equally important. You should involve your partner in the pregnancy and birthing plan. Your partner can support you in multiple ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Your partner should: Read More: Important Prenatal Screening & Test Common genetic conditions that can impact your fetus include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, Tay-Sachs disease and haemophilia. You should track your ovulation, have frequent intercourse, eat healthily, exercise regularly and reduce stress to increase your chances of pregnancy.
Things you need to know
Pre pregnancy health
Pre pregnancy health checkup
Folic acid supplementation
Stop smoking and drinking
Maintain a healthy weight
Genetic counselling
Reduce stress
Track your cycle
Your partner’s role
FAQs
When should you start planning for pregnancy?
You should start taking active measures for preconception at least 3-6 months in advance.
Which genetic conditions can affect your fetus?
How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?
Table of Contents Prenatal vitamins are certain supplements made specifically for pregnant women. These supplements allow expecting women to consume all the necessary nutrients required by their bodies during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins during pregnancy help in filling any nutritional gaps. You can start taking prenatal vitamins and minerals before conception. Folic acid is the most important vitamin during pregnancy. It is a type of B vitamin that lowers your baby’s risk of developing brain and spine deformities. Also Read: Pregnancy Pains & Discomfort – Types & Relief Tips Your ideal prenatal vitamins and supplements should include the following nutrients: Some other nutrients that may support your health during pregnancy include: Some prenatal vitamins can cause mild side effects such as nausea and constipation. You should consult your obstetrician to deal with these side effects or try the following: Read More: Morning Sickness – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention You should ideally start taking prenatal vitamins before you conceive as it reduces the risk of your fetus developing neural tube defects. You should take only one serving of your prenatal vitamins or as recommended by your obstetrician. You should consume nearly 350 extra calories every day.
Things you need to know
Prenatal vitamins during pregnancy
Choosing the best prenatal vitamins
Other nutrients during pregnancy
Dealing with side-effects
FAQs
When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?
How many prenatal vitamins should I take each day?
How many extra calories should I eat?
Table of Contents Postpartum bleeding is also known as postpartum hemorrhage (know about common postpartum complications). Postpartum bleeding or lochia is the discharge of blood and mucus right after delivery. Vaginal bleeding after childbirth is a normal part of recovery. It is experienced by almost all women despite the type of delivery – C-section or vaginal birth. Postpartum bleeding symptoms are usually heavier than the menstrual cycle. It is also more long lasting than your usual menstrual cycle. Lochia also consists of mucus and tissue from the uterus. This blood is usually dark red coloured. Vaginal bleeding after delivery usually lasts for up to 10 days. After 10 days, the postpartum bleeding begins to subside and changes into a lighter colour or spotting (spotting before menstruation & when to seek doctor’s help). However, postpartum bleeding is different in every person. Postpartum bleeding or lochia is not a difficult phenomena to manage. Here is how you can take care of yourself during lochia (postpartum bleeding):
Things you need to know
Postpartum bleeding
Postpartum bleeding symptoms
How long does postpartum bleeding last?
Management of postpartum bleeding
FAQs
When should I call my doctor for postpartum bleeding?
You should seek immediate medical intervention if you experience large clots, extremely heavy flow, foul smell, dizziness and breathlessness, nausea and vomiting.
When should postpartum bleeding stop?
Postpartum bleeding should stop within a few days or weeks.
Does breastfeeding help stop bleeding?
Yes, breastfeeding helps in subsiding vaginal bleeding after delivery.
Table of Contents Hypnobirthing is a specialised technique that uses deep breathing, self-hypnosis, visualisation and other comfort measures. Hypnobirthing is aimed at reducing the levels of fear, anxiety and stress in pregnant women (tips for good mental health) and preparing them for a healthy labour and delivery. Hypnobirthing techniques help a pregnant woman to become prepared mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. According to antenatal experts (antenatal care), hypnobirthing offers a wide range of benefits for the mother and her baby. Common benefits of hypnobirthing include: There are several elements to hypnobirthing. Common techniques include:
Things you need to know
What is hypnobirthing?
Benefits of hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing techniques
FAQs
When can I start hypnobirthing?
You can start taking hypnobirthing classes from 20 weeks of gestation.
How often should I practice hypnobirthing?
You should practice hypnobirthing a few times every week to gain maximum benefits.
What kind of breathing techniques are taught in hypnobirthing?
Controlled, rhythmic and deep breathing are some techniques taught in hypnobirthing.