Dr Deepika Aggarwal is an eminent and highly qualified Gynaecologist and Obstetrician as well as a trained “Da Vinci certified Robotic Surgeon”. With over 26 years of experience, she has been performing all complex robotic, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries, as well as managing high-risk pregnancies.
She has vast experience of working both in London (14 years) and India, that places her amongst the best gynaecologists in Delhi and the NCR. She is well known in India and abroad for her skilful management of complex gynae and high risk obstetric cases.
She is a pioneer in the unique birthing technique of “Water birthing”. She is the first one to establish Water birthing in Delhi NCR, having had extensive experience and knowledge from years of practise in the UK.
She is a “colposcopy specialist”, trained and certified by the “British Society of Colposcopists” in London. Over the years Dr Aggarwal has successfully diagnosed and treated number of cervical cancer patients and patients with abnormal pap smear in India and abroad.
She is well known for her protocol driven practice which she brings along from London; and is a strong promoter of “Normal Deliveries and VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)” Dr. Aggarwal firmly believes in providing the highest quality of multidisciplinary care to her patients. Her patients find her approachable and recommend her for her compassion and empathy.
She is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, London (RCOG), Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), Gurgaon Obstetrics & Gynecologic Society (GOGS).
Water birth delivery: The most natural form of normal birth
What would be your first assumption if we ask to think about childbirth? Like most of us, your thoughts will likely be about the process of labour and delivery and the excruciating pain attached to it. However, what if we tell you that there are ways to lessen the intensity of this searing pain? Water birth delivery is one such delivery alternative for women.
Waterbirth delivery is a traditional scientifically-backed method that eases the pain for the mother and offers a smooth transition for the baby.
In this article, Dr Deepika Aggarwal, a leading obstetrician and water birthing expert, will tell us everything we need to know about what is water birth delivery and what is it like giving birth in water.
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Water birth delivery is gaining wide popularity in metro cities. Despite the recent fame, the practice of giving birth in delivery dates back nearly 200 years ago. The first incident is believed to have happened in 1803 in France when a woman who was in labour for over 48 hours decided to enter a bath upon her physician’s advise. Later, water birthing method was used as she gave birth to her child without any complications.
Water birthing method is a birthing option in which you spend some part of your labour or delivery (or both) submerged in water. This technique can be applied in a tub or pool filled partially with warm water.
Water birth process is a safe way of welcoming your baby in this world, under strict supervision of a qualified expert and nursing team.
Water birth process is not a widely understood concept because of the misconceptions or fears associated with it. Nonetheless, the benefits of water birth overweigh these misconceptions.
There are various benefits of water birth that make it a preferred birthing option for women.
All these factors combined signify why is water birth good for you and your baby.
Similar to other birthing options, medicinal factors are the deciding points for whether or not you are eligible to give birth in water.
You can opt for water birthing if you have:
You may not be a candidate for water birthing if you have:
If you have any of the above complications, you will be advised not to choose water birthing.
After you gain an understanding of what is water birth, you may find yourself wondering is water birth safe for you and your baby? Waterbirth is a relatively safe birthing option if and when performed with the guidance of verified medical experts at a natural water birthing centre.
However, despite its numerous advantages, there are also substantial water birth risks associated with the process.
Some common risks of water birthing process include:
1. Risk of drowning: Warm water gives a familiar environment of amniotic fluid to the newborn. In theory, the child takes his first breath after he comes out of the water and in the air. However, if the baby breathes when he submerged, he may be exposed to various complications including the risk of drowning.
Nonetheless, it is highly unlikely to happen. It is because babies do not breathe when they in the womb. They receive oxygen from their mother through the placenta. During water birthing, their bodies behave similarly in the warm water and only breathe when they out in the air. In this process, the newborn comes from water (amniotic fluid in the womb) to water and so his lungs are not open yet.
2. Risk of pneumonia: There is a minimal risk of the child contracting Legionnaires’ Disease which is a type of bacterial pneumonia.
Medical experts take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any complication to the mother and the child. If you are still wondering is water birth safe, then the answer is yes (under the supervision of qualified medical professionals).
While both methods are effective, safe and reliable techniques for childbirth, water birth has more advantages than normal delivery. As discussed above, the amount and duration of labour pain that a mother has to experience can be significantly reduced through water birthing. While on the other hand, normal delivery makes you dependent on medicinal pain relievers. Hence, water birthing is a more natural form of delivery.
However, it should be noted that both of these birthing processes have their own pros and cons. Clinical requirements and the mother’s gestational health is the final indicator of the type of method used.
Yes, it is possible to have a healthy water birth after C section. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is safe, reduces the risk of complications and has a lesser recovery time. The requirements will almost be the same as regular water birthing. You should always consult an experienced water birthing expert and choose a natural water birthing centre.
If you have had a C-section in your previous pregnancy, you should discuss this with your obstetrician while planning future childbirth options.
Water birth delivery is no longer a birthing option just for celebrities. You can access the advantages of the most natural form of childbirth at the CK Birla Hospital, the only hospital that offers water birth in North India.
For more information on birthing options, book an appointment with Dr Deepika Aggarwal, leading expert for delivery in water in India, at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: Is water birth safe?
Yes, water birth is a safe and reliable birthing option, if carried out under the guidance of a verified medical professional.
Ques: Which is the best centre for water birth in India?
The CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon is the best centre for water birth in India. It is, in fact, the only centre offering water birth services in the entire northern part of India.
Ques: Can I have a water birth after C section?
Yes, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) through water birthing is possible.
Ques: Do water births hurt less?
Yes, one of the advantages of water births is that it reduces the severity of labour pains.
Ques: Can you still have an epidural with water birth?
No, you cannot have an epidural (anaesthesia injection) in water.
...High Risk Pregnancy? Here’s All You Need to Know!
A woman becomes a mother from the moment she learns that she is carrying a child. The news of pregnancy irks the behaviour of motherhood. She encounters a variety of emotions ranging from joy, excitement, calmness and worry. However, for some women, the extent of worry goes overboard. It is because they have a possibility of a high risk pregnancy.
In India, nearly 20-30% gestational women go through a high risk pregnancy. Despite such high figures, there is little understanding of the management and prevention of high risk pregnancy.
In this article, Dr Deepika Aggarwal, the best obstetrician & gynecologist in Gurgaon for high risk pregnancy, provides an overview of this health condition.
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As the name denotes, a high risk pregnancy is the one that has higher risks of health complications for the newborn, the mother or both.
These health complications can arise anytime during, before or after pregnancy. There is special gynecologist for high risk pregnancy that offer additional monitoring and care.
Some women are more prone to endure a high-risk pregnancy than others. Several risk factors result in this condition. Some common factors include:
Maternal Age: If you are an expecting mother over the age of 35 years or younger than 17 years, you would have higher odds of going through a high-risk pregnancy. There are additional risks of genetic deformities and miscarriage in women over the age of 40.
Lifestyle: Your lifestyle choices directly impact your child’s life. The chances of high-risk pregnancy increase in women who lead a sedentary life. If you have a history of smoking, drinking alcohol or substance abuse, you would be more vulnerable to this condition. It is recommended that you discuss your medical history with your doctor so that preventive healthcare can be given to you.
Underlying health conditions: Pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure, thyroid, obesity, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, cancer, autoimmune diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, blood disorders, fertility issues and more can cause serious health concerns to the unborn child.
Obstetrics history: Your previous pregnancies can also cause a high-risk pregnancy in the present. You should discuss your obstetrics history with your doctor to plan the care you need. Previous obstetrics medical conditions that can lead to high-risk pregnancy are-
Numerous complications can arise during pregnancy. Some of the common pregnancy complications are:
Among the top pregnancy complications that pave way for high risk pregnancy is the possibility of preterm labour. Preterm labour is the one that is induced before 37 weeks gestation.
One of the most common pregnancy complications in women is preeclampsia. It is a disorder that leads to a sudden rise in blood pressure. It mostly develops after the 20th week of gestation.
It is a specific type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. In most cases, gestational diabetes can be treated post-delivery with the help of lifestyle-based treatment plans.
Numerous birth defects can affect a child. If the presence of such birth defects is seen during screening, there are higher odds of a high-risk pregnancy. In such cases, expecting mothers require closer medical care.
A baby is expected to grow at a moderate pace. If the baby’s growth is interrupted for some reason, the expecting mother would have to deliver pre-term. This situation raises the likelihood of a high-risk pregnancy.
There is a greater chance of undergoing a high risk pregnancy if the mother is expecting multiples. Birthing more than one baby can give rise to several complications.
If you are impacted by any of these risk factors, you should consult the best gynecologist in Gurgaon for high risk pregnancy.
You can avoid high-risk pregnancy with an attentive approach. Here is a list of measures you can take for the prevention of high-risk pregnancy:
You can book an appointment with Dr Deepika Aggrawal to learn more about how to prevent high risk pregnancy.
The incidence of high-risk pregnancy is very common for gynaecologists. Some specialised doctors help in the management of high-risk pregnancies.
Each pregnancy is unique and so is its prenatal care. Your gynaecologist for high-risk pregnancy will carefully monitor your health. Depending upon on your health conditions, he/she indicate certain tests or screenings. These include:
High-risk pregnancy treatment is varying in every case. The type of treatment offered depends upon the type of disease, its effect on the baby, the patient’s overall health condition and more. Most of the high-risk pregnancy complications can be treated effectively if the condition is highlighted in the early stages. This is why it is more important to have regular prenatal care.
You can get customised high-risk pregnancy treatment in Gurgaon at the CK Birla Hospital.
Undoubtedly, high-risk pregnancy is a critical time for expecting parents. You would have to practice extra prenatal care and look out for any problems.
You should immediately consult your healthcare provider in case you have:
Read: Vaginal Discharge: What’s normal and what is not?
High-risk pregnancy puts, both, the mother and child at risk of health complications. However, these complications can be minimised with the early intervention of a specialised gynaecologist and extra prenatal care.
A high-risk pregnancy is an ordinary phenomenon around the globe. Due to its high prevalence, it requires an increased amount of awareness. The above article is your complete guide for a high-risk pregnancy.
To know more about maternal and child health, you can book an appointment with Dr Deepika Aggarwal, the best gynecologist in Gurgaon for high-risk pregnancies.
You can also visit the CK Birla Hospital for more details.
Ques: How will a high-risk pregnancy alter my prenatal care?
With a high-risk pregnancy, you can expect to visit your obstetrician/gynaecologist more frequently. Your doctor will monitor your health more closely than for a normal pregnancy.
Ques: How do I know my pregnancy is high risk?
Your gynaecologist will be able to tell if you have a high-risk pregnancy. However, you can get a better idea by yourself by knowing the risk factors of a high-risk pregnancy.
Also, read: Tips to ensure healthy Pregnancy
...All you need to know about cervical cancer | Know your risk
Every year approximately 96,922 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer of which more than 60,000 women succumb to the disease. This is majorly due to late diagnosis and lack of regular screening. It is considered to be the 2nd most common cancer detected amongst women of 15-44 years of age.
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Cervical cancer is defined as a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus which connects to the vagina.
The cervix is divided into two parts, namely; the endocervix (opening of the cervix which leads to the uterus) and the ectocervix (outer part of the cervix which is visible in a speculum exam). Both these parts are made of different types of cells (glandular cells and squamous cells respectively). The area where these two regions meet is called the transformation zone. Most cervical cancers begin here itself.
This, however, is a gradual process. The normal cells present in the cervix first develop abnormal changes. These pre-cancerous changes are also referred to as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), the squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and dysplasia. Pre-cancerous changes can be detected in a Pap test.
While the exact causes of cervical cancer are still unclear, HPV or human papilloma virus is known to play a role. Not all women with HPV develop cervical cancer.
Lack of awareness, overlooking the need to routine gynecological screening and lifestyle changes have all contributed towards the increasing occurrence of cervical cancer. Dr Deepika Aggarwal (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital) explores the various warning signs of cervical cancer to watch out for, its risk factors and the need for routine screening.
Similar to almost all other forms of cancer, early detection offers the best chance of complete recovery from cancer. Some of the early symptoms of cervical cancer include:
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean cervical cancer but you must seek the opinion of a gynaecologist.
Read: Ways to Get Rid of Period Cramps
Cervical screening (which is also called a smear test) involves taking a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix. This is then sent to the laboratory to see if there are any abnormal cells which can turn into cancer if left untreated.
Cervical cancer screening is done with Pap testing (LBC- liquid base cytology) and/ or HPV testing.
Connect with one of our top gynaecologists today to speak about scheduling a screening, receiving the HPV vaccination, or to discuss your symptoms. Book an appointment at the CK Birla Hospital now.
One of the most important risk factors for cervical cancer is infection by HPV or human papilloma virus. HPV is a group of 150 viruses and can cause a type of growth called papilloma. It can affect cells on the skin, lining the genitals, anus, mouth and throat.
HPV spreads via skin-to-skin contact and any type of sexual intercourse. Most types of HPV are considered low risk type, they rarely cause cancer. The HPV types that cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, penis, anus, mouth and throat are called high risk HPV.
Smoking has also been shown to increase the risk of developing cervical cancer amongst other health conditions. Other risk factors include chlamydia infection, long term use of oral contraceptives, multiple full-term pregnancies, unhealthy diet and becoming pregnant at a very young age.
The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is to get screened regularly. Visit your gynaecologist for routine HPV screening, pap smear and general health check-up. If you are sexually active, you should also get screened for STDs once in a while. Those with weak immune systems or those suffering from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will be more likely to contract cervical cancer and hence, should take additional precautions against it.
HPV Vaccine can also be taken to prevent cervical cancer. It is available at the CK Birla Hospital. Connect with Dr. Deepika Aggarwal, expert gynaecologist at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology to learn more.
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