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Diet tends to influence health to a great extent. Females affected with PCOD have shown positive results from some dietary and lifestyle changes. Women affected with PCOD are likely to have higher levels of insulin than the ones without PCOD. They have Insulin resistance, which means that the insulin produced by the pancreas is not utilized for digestion of the sugar in the body which leads to excess of blood sugar. The stored sugar transforms into fat eventually leading to obesity.
In addition, due to insulin resistance many affected females find it difficult to lose weight easily. Excess of insulin in the body leads to production of hormones, called testosterone, release of this hormone from the ovaries results in male like pattern of hair growth on the body. Improving your diet and exercise program by making lifestyle changes may reduce your risk for developing chronic diseases associated with PCOS such as diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer.
A Caesarean section is considered to be a major abdominal surgery. This can be conducted as a lifesaving procedure for the baby and the mother at the time of delivery, however, it does carry certain risks and might take longer period for recovery when compared to a normal vaginal delivery.
On an average a complete recovery from a cesarean section takes around 6 to 8 weeks. However, not every female is same and hence, there can be certain variations in the recovery period.
In most of the cases a female undergoing a cesarean section will receive an anaesthesia in the form of epidural or spinal block. This form of anaesthesia numbs the lower part of the body but keeps the patient awake.
Once the patient receives the anaesthesia she might not be able to walk or move the lower part of a body for certain duration of time. A catheter will be inserted post-delivery in order to help her urinate.
In some cases which require general anaesthesia a longer duration may be needed for the patient to regain her senses. She might feel nauseated, anxious and confused while recovering from the anaesthetic effect.
Contrary to the common myth, skin to skin contact is possible even after a cesarean section, provided the mother is not suffering from any infection and the baby is doing well.
The initial 24 hours following a cesarean section are almost similar for a caesarean section as for a normal vaginal delivery. The woman undergoes through adjustments to the newly found parenthood, meeting visitors, feeling of exhaustion and tiredness. Caesarean section might require for 2 to 3 days of post-delivery hospitalization.
One of the risk factor for Caesarean section is that it can lead to formation of blood clot in the legs, this is likely to develop in people who are overweight or who have not been moving their legs for a long period of time following delivery due to effects of anaesthesia.
Hence, the doctor and nurses will encourage the woman to move her legs as soon as possible. Women, who are unable to move their legs or walk for a considerable amount of time, maybe given special cuffs which are designed to ensure movement of blood in the legs to prevent clotting of blood. Pain at the site of incision and uterine cramps are common in the first 24 hours.
The sensation is somewhat similar to the one felt during menstruation; however, they are more intense this time. The doctors and nurses will keep a close watch on the possibility of infection, vaginal bleeding will be checked frequently during your hospital stay.
The bleeding may last 4 to 6 weeks which is heaviest during the initial few days. Following discharge, special care needs to be taken for the incision wound at home. The risk of infection is very high during the initial period.
Excessive bleeding can be troublesome and calls for immediate medical intervention. Driving or exercising it is not recommended still about 6 to 8 weeks post cesarean section.
The incision site may be sore and continue to pain for about the first two weeks. Nowadays, dissolvable stitches are used which do not require removal by the doctor. In case of non-dissolvable stitches being used, it needs to be removed after a few weeks following birth as decided by the doctor.
Recovery might take relatively a longer time. It is recommended that the female takes adequate rest which is extremely vital for complete recovery following the surgery.
Visit Dr. Astha Dayal, expert obstetrician at the CK Birla Hospital, top maternity hospital in Gurgaon to learn more about caesarean or c-section delivery. Book your appointment today!
Breast cancer found during pregnancy, breastfeeding or within a year following the birth of a baby is considered Pregnancy-associated Breast Cancer. It is a comparatively rare phenomenon with the incidence rate varying from 1/3000 to 1/10000.
During pregnancy, the menstrual cycles stop in the mom-to-be and the levels of estrogen and progesterone go up. Prolactin, a hormone that tells the breasts to prepare for nursing, also increases during pregnancy.
Such changes in the hormone cause the breasts to change. They tend to feel larger, lumpy, and tender. This can make it harder for the mom-to-be or her doctor to notice a lump caused by cancer until it gets quite large.
Also, the increase in hormones tends to make a hormone-dependent variety of Breast Cancer to grow faster. Cancer tends to be of large size and it is usually at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis.
Women diagnosed with breast cancer can possibly continue their pregnancy and take treatments as per the level of their pregnancy concurrently. They can proceed and deliver healthy babies. While it is not a blanket statement for all breast cancer patients, it depends on the age of the patient.
When deciding about pregnancy, it is important for the doctors to consider and talk to the patient about her age, family size and type of breast cancer to check aggressiveness and the risk of recurrence.
The diagnostic and staging investigations are limited to Ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy as we cannot expose a woman to radiation during pregnancy.
Surgery can be done during the pregnancy; it does involve some mild risk, associated with anesthesia, of early induction of labor/abortion and/or exposing the pregnant woman to infection.
Chemotherapy can be given during the 2nd or 3rd trimester. During the 1st trimester, chemotherapy can affect the organogenesis and fetal development. Also, it is avoided during the last three weeks of pregnancy
Radiation, hormonal and targeted therapy have to be avoided during pregnancy as they are more likely to adversely affect the baby.
It is also important to know that pregnancy after breast cancer does not increase a woman’s risk of a relapse.
The new Mom may experience some difficulty in breastfeeding post-surgery and radiation, but the possibility is higher with probable lower milk production on the treated side. Chemotherapy drugs can also be present in the milk. Radiation also definitely affects the milk production.
It is very important that the oncology team works very closely with gynecologists & fetal medicine specialists.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. However, if intervention takes place at the right time then this factor cannot discourage motherhood.
As per many medical experts, pregnancy is possible for survivors of breast cancer since it does not increase risk of recurrence and neither does it cause any harm to the baby.
There were concerns raised by doctors earlier that there is increased risk of cancer recurrence in women who contemplate pregnancy, but the latest research show that there is no such phenomenon – there is no increased risk in women who conceive in comparison to women who do not.
Dr. Rohan Khandelwal, the Breast Cancer Specialist in Gurgaon at the Breast Centre, CK Birla Hospital to learn more about breast cancer. Book your appointment today with our best Breast Cancer Doctors
Gallstones are solid deposits that accrete within the gallbladder when there is a chemical imbalance in the digestive fluid bile. Their prevalence among adults has become increasingly common in recent years. Gallstones are a considerable risk factor for gallbladder cancer, which contributes to around 10% of cancer cases worldwide. Moreover, gallstones have been found in 80% of GBC patients in India. Their presence worsens the condition of cancer patients and decreases the chances of recovery. It is thus important to learn about gallbladder stone symptoms to detect them early and get timely treatment.
This article provides a useful overview of some of the causes, symptoms, recommended treatment and/or surgery for gallbladder stones.
Table of Contents
Gallstones are hard, pebble-like fragments that are caused mainly by an excess of cholesterol, bilirubin or other bile salts.
Their size can vary from as microscopic as grains of sand to as large as a golf ball.
There are two types of gallstones:
The exact cause for gallstones or what is medically termed ‘Cholelithiasis’ has not been established yet. However, researchers believe that high concentrations of cholesterol, bilirubin or bile salts due to poor gallbladder functioning can contribute to the formation of gallbladder stones.
Several factors can contribute to the development of gallstones. Below are pointers to answer your question on what causes gallbladder stones?
Most gallbladder stone patients have what are called “silent stones” and, therefore, remain asymptomatic for quite a long period. When gallstones symptoms manifest, however, they can be agonizing and painful. They may even lead to complications and long-term effects such as inflammation of the gallbladder or cholecystitis, gallbladder cancer, and infection.
The following are some symptoms of cholelithiasis:
Apart from these, other red flags that one must pay attention to are jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, tea-coloured urine, and clay-coloured stools.
As reported by the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), the following population groups are more likely to develop gallbladder stones:
Medical or healthcare professionals may use a combination of lab tests and imaging tests to diagnose gallstones.
The following are some of the tests that may be used to establish the diagnosis:
Some gallstones treatment options may include:
Surgery to remove the gallbladder, or cholecystectomy, may be recommended if gallstones recur frequently.
Cholecystectomy is of two types:
Alongside following your doctor’s treatment plan, you could add alternative and complementary therapies for relief, too.
Some widely recommended home remedies for gallstones include:
These remedies lack scientific evidence to render them effective treatments for gallbladder stone symptoms. Hence, one must consult a doctor before making use of these treatments.
Many risk factors of gallstone disease such as age, gender, ethnic background, and genetics cannot be modified to prevent the formation of gallstones.
However, gallstones can be effectively managed and prevented by:
If you experience acute cholecystitis or develop symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, seek immediate treatment. You can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist or surgeon at CK Birla Hospital.
Q1. Can gallstones go away without surgery?
Yes, gallstones can clear up without any surgery through medicinal methods.
Q2. What should I avoid eating with gallstones?
You should avoid the intake of fatty foods, high-fat dairy products and fatty meats if you have gallstones.
Q3. What is the fastest way to relieve gallbladder pain?
Heat compression is the fastest way to relieve gallbladder pain.
A hernia can be seen as a localised bulge in the abdominal or groin region. It usually is harmless and painless, however, some may present with localised symptoms and hence require treatment.
A muscular wall keeps the abdominal organs in place. Weakness in the wall may lead to bulging of organs causing a hernia. The herniated mass protrudes outside the abdomen which can be pushed into the abdominal cavity with the help of minor pressure or it may disappear by itself when the patient lies down, however any activity like, sneezing, coughing, lifting weight or anything that increases intra abdominal pressure can make it reappear.
There are different types of hernia which affect different age groups and may develop along with different type of health conditions. There’s no exact cause for most of the types of hernia, except incisional hernia. The chances of occurrence of hernia increases with age as muscles tend to lose their tone and become more lax. Males are more likely to develop hernia as compared to females. Children may have hernia which can either be present right from birth (congenital) or may develop due to weak abdominal muscles. Femoral hernia is more commonly found where the bulge is seen right below the groin.
Inguinal hernia is more common among males with the protrusion seen in the groin which might extend up to the scrotum. It is more common among aged males, chronic smokers, people with previous history of inguinal hernia, positive family history of hernia, people involved in lifting excessive heavy weight, and those who are overweight.
Another form of hernia called as hiatus hernia, develops when the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm.
An umbilical hernia shows up more commonly in children. Babies born prematurely or those having excessively low birth weight are likely to develop umbilical hernia. Adult females who have undergone multiple pregnancies and are obese are also at a higher risk of suffering from umbilical hernia.
Some patients who have undergone an abdominal surgery in the past, might experience organs or tissues protruding through the site of incision, this is called as incisional hernia.
Medical conditions or activities that have a potential to increase intra-abdominal pressure over a prolonged period of time can increase predisposition to hernia. Persistent cough, habitual constipation, enlarged prostate, cystic fibrosis, lifting heavy weight, obesity, peritoneal dialysis, excessive straining for urination or stool can lead to hernia in the long term.
Some patients might feel a dragging sensation, some amount of discomfort, and swelling on straining, after prolonged standing, lifting heavyweight. The symptoms might become bothersome to some patients and they might want to see a doctor to get a permanent relief from them.
An immediate medical intervention must be sought in case of an inguinal hernia which shows sudden signs of enlargement, pain, nausea, vomiting and excessive pain. For a non symptomatic one, wait and watch can be the best approach.
The type of surgery required usually depends upon the location and the size of herniated mass. The two usually performed procedures are an open surgery or a laparoscopic surgery.
Some lifestyle changes may be advised in few types of hernia, for example, in hiatus hernia, the doctor will advise you not to lie down right after meals, avoid spicy food and alcohol.
Breast Cancer Awareness has been a crucial concern for nations across the globe. While the diagnosis of breast cancer can be frightening, it is important to understand that many of the known risk factors, such as genetics or ageing are beyond our control. As you read information, it is important to know what is right and what isn’t. For Breast Cancer too, there are multiple misconceptions that need correcting.
Read below to know the most common myths against breast cancer and the facts behind them.
Myth: Being at risk means there’s nothing much you can do but watch for sign
Fact: Like we mentioned earlier, there are some breast cancer risk factors that you have no control over, like your age and family history. There are certain risk factors that can be addressed i.e. timely and natural pregnancy and proper and adequate lactation. In addition, there are certain lifestyle habits you should follow, that can significantly reduce your odds, including sleeping regularly, eating well, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, Reduce stress – It’s important to note that breast cancer risk is linked to increased levels of estrogen, and fat tissue produces excess amounts of it.
Myth: Breast lumps are cancerous.
Fact: While it’s unarguably important for you to see the doctor as soon as possible if you find something unusual in one of your breasts, in a number of cases, lump in breasts are not cancerous. Only 20 % of the lumps are cancerous. However, if the lump persists, it should never be ignored. Ensure that you do regular self-examination and also get an annual clinical exam done.
Myth: Wearing deodorant increases risk of getting breast cancer
Fact: It has been shared in a report by the National Cancer Institute that there’s no conclusive evidence linking the use of antiperspirants or deodorants, and the development of breast cancer. Other research studies have further suggested that since breast cancer risk is linked to increased levels of estrogen. aluminium-based compounds in Paraben creams used for controlling sweat that are applied frequently near the breast may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like effects.
Myth: Wearing an underwire bra increases a woman’s breast cancer risk
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this rumour. Bras do not obstruct the drainage of lymph fluid from the bottom of the breast so there’s no such boost to the risk of breast cancer.
Myth: Bumping or bruising the breast
Fact: This might come across as one of those old-school myths but bumping or bruising the breast is not known to cause breast cancer. However, it may be able to draw attention to an existing lump. An underlying lump which causes a bump or bruise represents an advanced stage breast cancer.
Myth: Your dad’s family cancer history doesn’t affect your risk
Fact: The hereditary variety of Breast Cancer is not sex linked – it can pass from either mother or father’s side. The chances of the affected gene to pass from one generation to the other is 50% and the chances of it being present in a sibling if a person has the affected gene is again 50%. Apart from Breast cancer itself the hereditary linkage is also to Ovary, Peritoneal malignancy.
When evaluating family history, the male side should be considered. A history of breast cancer from the father’s side can, as a matter of fact, boost your risk. Even though the connection between a family history of prostate cancer and breast cancer is unknown, the possible signs include shared lifestyle factors or gene mutations.
Myth: The longer you breastfeed, the lower the risk
Fact: It’s not the breastfeeding, it’s the fact you don’t have periods. It’s the cyclical month after month. The more periods you have in your lifetime, the higher you are at risk of getting signs of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in pregnant and postpartum women. When women are pregnant or breastfeeding, their breasts are naturally more tender and enlarged, which may make it harder to find a lump or notice other changes.
Myth: Tobacco smoke has nothing to do with breast cancer
Fact: Tobacco is the greatest preventable cause of cancer and while lung cancer is the main cancer linked to tobacco exposure, it has also been linked to breast cancer. The carbon in the smoke binds to the estrogen receptor which causes increase in Breast Cancer
Visit Dr. Rohan Khandelwal, The Breast Cancer Specialist at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon to learn more about Breast Cancer and treatment options available. Book an appointment here with the best Breast cancer doctors of our Breast Centre .
ALSO READ | Breast Cancer Symptoms & Warning Signs
The third trimester of pregnancy starts from the 28th week and continues till delivery. Delivery of the baby usually takes place around 40th week of pregnancy. However, there can be a variation of a week or two on either side. Crossing your EDD might require induction of labour. Have a chat with your doctor regarding the same.
The baby will grow in this trimester to its full extent. The baby develops all its systems and organs to its entirety. By the time you reach the 34th week of pregnancy the head of the baby usually moves down with bottom up position. In some cases, however, the baby may continue to lie in the breech position. You will be experiencing lots of fetal movement during this trimester. Abdominal skin and round ligaments of the abdomen are stretching to accommodate the growing baby. Fatigue can be common during this trimester as the baby is growing and hence exerting weight on to your lower abdomen and back. Heartburns may recur as experienced in the first trimester, as the growing uterus pushes stomach and its contents upwards.
You may experience lack of bladder control leading to frequent urination/urine leakage, even when you sneeze. Try doing Kegels exercise to relieve the symptom. Leaky breast is another common phenomenon experienced in this phase of pregnancy. Keep the skin of the abdomen moisturized to combat itching, dryness and stretch marks.
Around the 36th week, you may experience something called lightening where the baby drops in the pelvis and the presenting part of the baby gets accommodated into the lower pelvic bone.
You may experience stringy mucus of a pink or brown colour which is a sign of labour being on its way. Labour contractions are like fetal movements but unlike the fetal movements experienced before, this time the contractions are not going to decrease in intensity upon movement but will only increase in intensity.
In case you have fever, vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain or any abnormal symptom drawing your attention, you must talk to your gynaecologist immediately. In this trimester, you will want to keep count of movements that you experience throughout the day. Be cautious about the number of fetal movements you perceive especially during the ninth month; the numbers and fetal movements are likely to reduce to some extent as you approach the day of delivery. After due consultation with your doctor, keep doing pregnancy exercises and taking relaxation massages in this trimester.
You can expect to undergo some diagnostic tests in trimester such as a sonogram for fetal growth and the blood flows along with physical examination which will include examining the pelvis. You will also be finishing your vaccination course by this time .
In case you are declared as a high-risk pregnancy, opt for a hospital well-equipped with advanced neonatal care support. Get a hospital booking done in advance to avoid last minute hassles. The Neonatal Care Unit at the CK Birla Hospital provides expert neonatologists to ensure that the treatment is as comfortable for the baby as far as possible.
Also Read | What to expect when your baby is in the NICU
Keep your hospital bag ready with all necessary items which will be required immediately post birth. Enroll yourself into classes and learn about the available options and healthy delivery, like a water birth, labour analgesia, pros and cons of a caesarean section, breastfeeding techniques and its benefits, etc.
Inform your family members and your doctor about any special arrangement that you would like to have at the time of childbirth.
Connect with one of our expert obstetrician at the CK Birla Hospital, top maternity hospital in Gurgaon to learn more about the basics of post-delivery care for the baby and yourself. Book an appointment today!
The second trimester begins from the 13th week of pregnancy and lasts till the 28th week. During this phase of pregnancy, women tend to get some relief from the symptoms of the first trimester including morning sickness, nausea, and headache. You will feel more energetic and relatively better in this trimester of pregnancy. You can expect to undergo some tests around the 20th and 27th week to check for the progress of pregnancy including the growth of the baby and the possibility of any abnormality which can affect the health of the baby or the mother in the long run. You can consider this as one of the best phases of your pregnancy as you feel relatively at ease and you can now start feeling the baby bump as it starts showing up bit by bit. You will also start to feel the movements of the baby within you.
However, there are some growing discomforts. The uterus will grow larger in size as the baby is growing now and exerting its weight towards your back leading to a sense of pain and discomfort. You should sit with your back straight, supported with a comfortable cushion. Keep a comfortable pillow in between your legs while you are sleeping and always try and sleep sideways. Avoid lifting heavy weights. Try to wear shoes with a proper arch and a comfortable sole and as far as possible avoid heels.
Many women may experience gum diseases during pregnancy. This happens due to an increased blood flow to the gums as a result of the hormonal changes. Practice proper oral hygiene and use a dental floss.
Like gum bleeding, nosebleeds are also not uncommon during pregnancy. Increased blood flow often leads to stuffiness of the nose and may result in bleeding eventually. You can use decongestants, but do so only after consulting with your doctor. However, you can use natural methods of the decongestion like nasal saline drip or other simpler natural methods.
You might feel some form of breast tenderness that you would have experienced in the first trimester. Your breasts are still enlarging to ensure proper nourishment for the baby post-delivery. You may require a bra that is a size larger than your normal.
Some amount of vaginal discharge is normal at this stage, if you feel uncomfortable you can use a panty liner, but do not use a tampon as external germs may be introduced into the vagina. If the discharge smells offensive or has an abnormal colouring, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
Heartburns can become a regular issue if not paid much attention to. Pregnancy hormones relax the digestive system affecting the general process. Food rich in spices and oil increases the chances of heartburn. Take frequent meals. Have plenty of water and fibre rich food for proper functioning of the digestive system.
Around the 20th week of pregnancy, you may start feeling some movements in the abdomen, called as quickening. However, not all women may have quickening even till 28 weeks. But this should not be a matter of concern. Relax, there are some cases where women only start feeling quickening during the ninth month of pregnancy only.
The pregnancy hormones lead to some changes in the colouration on the face of the females often called as pregnancy glow. There can be some dark spots on the face and towards the midline from the navel. This usually disappears post birth. The skin at this time is highly sensitive to sun rays. You must use some form of sun protection in the form of lotions, clothing, hats and sunglasses.
You might start noticing some stretch marks in the lower abdomen and lower back. These are due to undue stretching of the skin to allow the growing foetus accommodate itself. Many stretch mark creams are available in the market which claim to reduce stretch marks to some extent. Keep your skin hydrated with proper moisture in order to get relief from itchiness and dryness of the skin.
As the morning sickness has subsided by now, your appetite will increase, and you can relish eating different types of food items you have been craving for. However, you should keep a watch that you do not overindulge. Keep your calorie count to not be significantly more than what you intake during your non pregnancy stage. Remember, some amount of weight gain is not only healthy but necessary in order to have a healthy pregnancy.
Be sure to consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Speak with one of our expert obstetrician at the CK Birla Hospital, best maternity hospital in Gurgaon, to learn more on the do’s and don’ts during pregnancy for a healthy pregnancy. Book an appointment here.
The onset of menstruation is one of the most important physiological changes occurring in girls during the adolescent years. Menstruation heralds the onset of physiological maturity in girls. It becomes the part and parcel of their lives until menopause. Apart from personal importance, this phenomenon also has social significance.
Menstrual hygiene is a hygienic practice during menstruation which can prevent women from the infection in reproductive and urinary tract. In India, menstruation is surrounded by myths and misconceptions with a long list of “do’s” and “don’ts” for women. Menstruation and menstrual practices are still clouded by taboos and socio – cultural restrictions resulting in adolescent girls lacking knowledge and remaining ignorant of the scientific facts and hygienic health practices, which sometimes results into adverse health outcomes.
Hygiene-related practices of women during menstruation are of considerable importance, as it may increase vulnerability to Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI’s). Poor menstrual hygiene is one of the major reasons for the high prevalence of RTIs in the country and contributes significantly to female morbidity. Lack of knowledge regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene lead to poor attitude and practice. There are various issues like awareness, availability and quality of napkins, regular supply, privacy, water supply, disposal of napkins, reproductive health education and family support which needs simultaneous attention for promotion of menstruated hygiene.
Frequent episodes of such infections can lead to future consequences like difficulty in conceiving, increased risk of abortions and preterm delivery. Hence, not maintaining proper menstrual hygiene can affect entire reproductive career of woman.
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