Things to Know for Moms-To-Be!
Published: Mon 6 Apr 2020, 12:10 PM
Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2020, 7:32 PM
Motherhood is a very special experience for a woman and every lady looks forward to it. Once she has conceived there are multiple questions and doubts in a lady's mind regarding the vitals, tests to be done, maintaining her health, avoiding risks, ensuring a healthy child birth, and preparing for the delivery itself. It's best to seek professional advice to get the right answers.
Answering our queries on the subject are Specialists Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Dr. Humera Bint Raees in Zulekha Hospital Sharjah and Dr. Laxmi Yaliwal in Zulekha Hospital Dubai.
Are frequent gynecology tests recommended? What basic checks can women undergo to keep a watch on her health?
A Gynecological examination is recommended once a year which involves a pelvic examination. Pelvic examination is the examination of the women's reproductive organs. Pelvic examination takes a few minutes. Pap smear is one of the tests performed during the pelvic examination to check for presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Pap smear is recommended once in three years if initial yearly tests appear normal.
Does a thyroid disorder create any complications during pregnancies? What can be done to minimize any risks?
Thyroid disorders are commonly encountered endocrine disorders during pregnancy. Untreated Hypothyroidism can cause miscarriage, low IQ and impaired psychomotor development in the child, preterm delivery and stillbirths. Though hyperthyroidism is not a common problem in pregnant women, it can predispose hypertension, miscarriage and preterm delivery.
When do frequent discharges happen? When do I need to see a doctor?
Most of the time vaginal discharge is normal. It is a healthy way for the body to get rid of old cells and fluid from vagina. Normal vaginal discharge appears clear or milky. You need to visit the doctor if you have curdy white/yellowish/greenish discharge associated with fishy odour or with itching/burning.
What precautions need to be taken by women who have high blood pressure? Can it be treated completely so one can stop medication?
Women with high BP should get BP under control with medications, exercise regularly, consume low salt diet, avoid alcohol intake, quit smoking, reduce weight and reduce their stress levels. Antihypertensive medications are usually continued indefinitely. Keeping the BP under control reduces the risk of stroke, kidney and heart diseases.
When is a cesarean delivery recommended?
A cesarean section is recommended when a normal delivery would be risky for mother or baby. Causes of this could be previous history of cesarean section, twin pregnancy, obstructed labor, high blood pressure or high blood sugar in the mother, baby's mal presentations and problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.
What are some complications I need to worry about during my pregnancy?
- Some most common complications of pregnancy might be:
- High blood sugar in mother
- High blood pressure
- Early labor
- Preeclampsia
- Infections
- Pregnancy loss
Why does a lady experience a leakage? What are the risks associated with this?
If a pregnant lady leaks before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is known as premature rupture of membranes and it could lead to the baby's death, if not taken care of properly and promptly. There are multiple causes for this which might be related to the mother, baby or placenta. Mother's high blood pressure, high blood sugar, old age, heart disorders or any cough during pregnancy can be a causing factor. Moreover, if baby's weight is less, the baby has abnormal presentation or twin pregnancy etc.
What precautions do I need to take during my first few months and closer to the date of delivery?
During the early pregnancy have a healthy balanced diet along with essential vitamins, avoid smoking, alcohol and raw meat. Get a lot of sleep and rest and have a moderate work out.
However, nearing the delivery period, avoid excessive exertion and strenuous exercise, go for a daily walk unless prohibited by the doctor, check your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly, keep an eye on the baby movements and contact your doctor in case of leakage.
What are key expectations one needs to set in her mind before and after child birth?
Once you arrive in the hospital, your doctor will evaluate you to see you if your labor is in real progress. Once have active labor started, you will be on intravenous access to do necessary blood tests and start with the fluids if required. Moreover, during active labor you may need to have necessary preparation for an uncomplicated baby birth which your doctor will advise you.
After child birth, you may expect pain in the local areas which would be managed by the pain relievers. Moreover, constipation is a common complication, which could be managed accordingly.
Expert staff will help you to start the breast feeding at the earliest to encourage the early mother and baby physical and emotional bonding. You will also need support from family and friends to get physical and emotional support to avoid post-delivery depression and mood swings.
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