Top Health Tips on Preparing for Labor & Delivery

According to Ayurveda, pregnancy and delivery can be the most rejuvenating experience of a women s life, during which every cell of the mother s body can be transformed. Unfortunately, in the west we did not get that memo and mothers often pay dearly with health concerns after a pregnancy. During pregnancy, a downward-moving energy called apana vata supports the development of the fetus. When the mother-to-be is balanced, there is enough apana vata to go around. In cases of stress and tiredness, however, the upward-moving vata called prana vata has to step in and is redirected downward to support the needs of the baby. Without the prana needed to feel the joy of pregnancy, this can leave the mom exhausted, depleted, tired and even depressed postpartum. There are classic strategies to be used during pregnancy that can support the health and well-being of mom and baby, and keep the prana and apana vata in balance. Favor Your Cravings. The most important advice is to eat what you naturally desire. Follow a well-balanced diet, with meals including adequate amounts of protein, healthy starch and veggies. Balance Vata. The major theme during pregnancy is to balance vata, the energy of the nervous system. This is best done with a diet of fresh, plant-based, whole or sprouted grains and non-processed foods. Warm, freshly cooked foods with healthy oils of olive, ghee and coconut are good. Avoid eating leftovers as much as possible. Foods to Avoid:
Hot spicy foods
Undercooked beans and lentils which can also cause gas.
Uncooked leafy greens as they can cause gas.
Artificial flavors, preservatives and chemical additives
Enjoy These Three Tastes. The three tastes that balance vata are sweet, sour and salty. During pregnancy, the sweet taste should be most emphasized, because it is the most sattvic or wholesome for the baby. This includes sprouted breads or those cooked without oils, whole grains, rice, fruits and healthy starches like sweet potatoes, quinoa, cooked beets and carrots.
The Right Milk. Drink warm, vat-pasteurized (heated under 135 degrees F), non-homogenized milk with ghee made from grass-fed cows. One cup of warm milk with a teaspoon of ghee twice a day is said to boost immunity and the complexion, or ojas, of the baby.
Daily Massage with an Ayurvedic Herbalized Massage Oil. These oils feed the microbiology on the skin, as well as calm the skin-based sensory nervous system of the mom. The calmer the mom, the calmer the baby.
Tips to Conquer Morning Sickness:
Roast cardamom seeds, powder them and eat a small pinch through the day.\
Snack on dry crackers or toast. It helps to always keep a little food in the stomach.
Temporarily eat from the Spring Grocery List or Kapha-Reducing Diet.
Sip tea made of 1/4 tsp. ginger powder and/or fennel seeds and hot water.
Try sleeping in a semi-reclined position by putting a pillow between the box spring and the mattress.
Do basic exercise daily. A great way to get this is to walk for 30 minutes each day.
Take Rest. In the 8th month, you should get as much rest as possible. This is a delicate time when the subtle nutrient fluid called ojas that supports vitality, complexion and immunity is passed between the mother and baby.
Be Happy. The most important pregnancy principle is to remember to be happy. The partner s job during this time is to keep the mama-to-be happy. Of course, the mom must practice daily acts of happiness as well.

Premature labor is also known as preterm labor. This is the term given when the body gets ready for early delivery in the pregnancy. Labor is considered to be premature if it starts almost three weeks prior to the due date. Premature labor usually leads to early birth, but now this can be delayed with medical help. It is better that the baby grows inside you because there are fewer chances of problems after birth.

Risk of Preterm Labor:

Some of the things which can increase the risk of a preterm labor are:

- Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy
- Poor prenatal care
- Use of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy
- Smoking
- Health conditions such as preeclampsia, infections, diabetes, high blood pressure and clotting disorders
- Pregnant with a bay with birth defects
- Getting pregnant through vitro fertilization
- Pregnant with multiples like twins and triplets
- Becoming pregnant soon after having a baby

Symptoms of preterm labor:

Warning signs should be heeded to stop the stop premature labor, as acting quickly can help. Consult your doctor or midwife immediately in case you have the following:

- Backache, especially in the lower back. Backache can be a constant feature or might keep coming in intervals, but does not change with a change in position.
- Contractions that take place in each 10 minutes
- A leaking feeling in the vagina or fluid leakage from the vagina
- Cramps in the lower abdomen very similar to menstrual cramps. These usually give a feeling of gas pains and come with a diarrhea
- Symptoms of flu-like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Must to see a doctor if the liquids cannot be tolerated for more than 8 hours
- The pressure in the vagina or pelvis increases
- Vaginal discharge increases
- There might be light bleeding from the vagina

Ways to check for Contractions

To spot and early labor one must be sure to check for the contractions. Contractions can be checked by the following:

- When the fingertips are placed on the abdomen and the uterus feels too soft or tight then these are contractions.
- Contractions if felt, should be timed and the starting time of these should be noted.
- Contractions should be stopped by changing the position and drinking some water or by walking around
- Doctor or midwife should be contacted if the contractions occur every 10 minutes and the symptoms worsen

Sometime women might experience false labor also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These are not so strong, are erratic and stop on moving around.

Guidelines for normal delivery

Hi friends my name is Deepa Sethia. I am attached as a consultant in Gynea and Obs, Sarvodaya, Sector 8, Faridabad. Today I am going to speak on topic ways to induce labor which can be done naturally or by medications.

The natural ways of induction of labor are like,

they can be done by a simple walk to a climbing stairs.
Exercise; they can induce labor, the gravity poses pressure on the cervix and that can result in the dilation of the cervix and ultimately the delivery.
Next is the Evening Primrose oil; taking this oil orally or putting it into vagina can help in the dilation of the cervix, softening of the cervix and induction of the labor.
Next is the Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a method in where in the stimulating certain sites in the skin can result in induction of labor. Because the pressure points they induce oxytocin in the body and then that can help in induction.
Next is the nipple stimulation stimulating the nipples can result in an induction of labor.
Literature mentions the use of red raspberry leaf extract consuming this tea in Linda along with the evening with primrose oil can help in induction of labor. Then there are many medications that help in induction like oxytocin is the method by which the doctors use and in induce labor. Prostaglandin like servi prime gel is inserted into the cervix to help in induction. Then in hormonal methods are include putting a holy catheter into the cervix through the vagina and dilating the balloon end can help in induction. Induction of labor can be done either couple of weeks after the due date or it can be done three weeks prior to the due date. So the due date is an estimation of when a baby is stepping into this world.

These are the ways which are very essential for primary gravitas to know the time of the delivery.

So anything else required in this context you can contact me through lybrate or reach my clinic at Sarvodhya Health Clinic or the Gynae and Neurology Clinic, Sector 86. Thank you.

Usually, when it comes to doing anything or trying something new, we say age doesn t matter at all. But that is not the case with pregnancy. Pregnancy should be planned at earlier ages to keep your baby as well as the conceiving mother healthily. Although it has been observed that those women who conceive their babies at the age of 35 (or maybe even more than that), experience no difficulties but one should take precautionary steps before planning a baby so that no difficulties arise.

Increase in age can lead to an increase in the potential risks when it comes to pregnancy. Along with age, the quantity of the egg cells produced in the female body decreases along with the reduced quality of eggs. Also, the fertility of the sperm in males gets declined with age which makes the pregnancy at the later ages more difficult.

There can also be certain risks associated with 35+ pregnancies such as genetic disorders like Down syndrome occurrences increases with the increase in maternal age. Recombination irregularities also take place because due to increase in age the regulation of recombination process becomes inefficient that may lead to many chromosomal aberration or abnormalities such as a change in the number of sex chromosomes and increased chances of rearrangements of chromosomes.

Pregnancy in thirty-five plus years can increase the chance of miscarriage. One of the possible reasons could be the decline in fertility of the egg. The researchers have found that the risk of getting gestational diabetes, or the breeching position of the child. There could be an emergency delivery of the baby or postmortem hemorrhage can also occur. The baby born could have reduced birth weight or high birth weight, both can be dangerous for the health of the baby.

There are some of the prenatal tests which can be done in case of mothers who conceive at 35+ age. These tests can assist the gynaecologists to determine whether there are any complications during the pregnancy or not. Hence, gynaecologists always recommend the expecting ladies to maintain a properly balanced diet, take vitamins such as folic acid supplements, exercise on a regular basis, and refrain from taking drugs and regularly ask your doctors for prescribed medicines.

The women who are planning the pregnancy at such ages should go for regular prenatal checkups and further counselling. Also, one should take proper prenatal care for keeping your baby healthy and avoiding complications.

Pregnancy and childbirth are matters of great importance in a woman s life. A woman needs to be taken care of and made the centre of attention during this phase. The set of rules that are prescribed in Ayurveda are very important for pregnant women. They give you detailed information about the Vichara (thought process), Vihara (lifestyle) and Ahara (diet) which are recommended to be followed at various stages during the pregnancy period. The general guidelines that are recommended to be followed during pregnancy are:

Do's

Maintain a healthy, mild, easy to digest diet
Keep your food timings regular
Keep your mental health constant and keep yourself happy
Don'ts

Avoid foods that are spicy or contain too much oil
Do not engage in sexual intercourse, intense work out regimen during pregnancy
Try to avoid negative feelings and general feelings of discontent
Do not cover your abdomen with heavy blankets
While wearing your clothes, do not tie tight knots over your abdomen
Do not change sides during your sleep without getting up
Avoid sleeping on your back and sleep on your sides
In Ayurveda, the guidelines to a healthy pregnancy are given in accordance to months.

First month: A mixture of natural supplements such as khajoor, draksha, vijari and manooka are taken with milk. This mixture is consumed through most of the time. In the first twelve days of pregnancy, drink a mixture of Salaparni herb with milk. This mixture should be made in a vessel of precious metal (silver or gold). Also, avoid getting massages during this time and delay that until your fifth month.
Second month: The mixture of the natural supplements with milk is continued.
Thrid month: Drink the above supplements with milk, honey and ghee.
Fourth month: The same mixture is consumed with milk and honey,but the ghee should be replaced with butter.
Fifth month: The supplements are continued and along with it, gentle oil massage is started. Take bath with lukewarm water every day and continue this regimen until delivery.
Sixth month: The fifth month regime is continued
Seveth month: An itchy and burning sensation on the breast and stomach may be felt during this time as the foetus grows in size. It is recommended to eat in small quantities, have sweet things with ghee or oil to make it easy to digest. Salt intake should be kept at a minimum. Avoid drinking water right after a meal.
Eighth month: Rice is made into a paste and is consumed with milk and ghee.
Ninth month: The eighth month diet should be followed along with oil massages. Massage oil on your belly and genital areas. Hygiene should be maintained to avoid infections. Lubricate your vagina with a cotton ball dipped in oil to provide a smooth passage when the baby is born.

Conceiving a baby is one of the most joyous experiences for a couple and it can be a healthy one as well if the couple is aware of pre- and post-conception care. While it is true that these days couples are more aware of family planning and pregnancy than they were in the earlier days, it still makes sense to make pre- and post-conception care a part of life when going for a baby.

It is important because:

It helps one get pregnant faster Many times, couples looking to get pregnant think that getting off the pill is sufficient to get pregnant but this is not true. Getting off the pill is just the first step towards conceiving and it has to be supplemented with other steps such as keeping a tab on the ovulation cycle, having intercourse at the most favorable time and with the right technique, eating a nutritious diet, saying no to unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking and much more. It is only when a couple follows these other steps that the woman can get pregnant and this is why it is important to be aware of these pre-conception care steps as they ensure quicker pregnancy.
It ensures healthy pregnancy The nine months of pregnancy are a delicate time for the mother-to-be and she needs to take care of her health to make sure that her baby is also fine. She needs to eat healthily and abstain from harmful lifestyle activities, before as well as after conceiving. Pre-conception care makes sure that the fetus is healthy right from the beginning. The practice of healthy habits and lifestyle prior to and after conception makes the uterus fit to carry the fetus. It ensures that the mother-to-be is also in the right state of mind and body to sail through the pregnancy.
It minimizes the chance of miscarriage and post-delivery complications Miscarriage is something that creates fear in the minds of women and if they have had a history of abortion then they are even more concerned. However, if they know the necessary things about pre - and post-conception care and follow it, they can minimize the chances of miscarriage and also deliver the baby safely. Also, proper care makes sure there are no birth defects in the child and the mother and the baby are healthy after the delivery.
Basic few blood tests need to be done prior to planning pregnancy so that if any variation found, it can be corrected. Also, those women who are already on certain pills, need to reassure that medications that they are taking are safe.

Pre-conception care is vital not just for women but also for men. The latter also need to follow a healthy lifestyle in order to make conception a reality. Healthy lifestyle results in increased sperm count and healthier sperm, which when fertilizes with the eggs, results in a healthy embryo. As for post-conception care, it rests with the woman but being the father-to-be, the man also needs to be educated and mentally prepared for the pregnancy.

He needs to give emotional support to the mother of his child and look after her during the nine months. So, pre- and post-conception care is for the man as well as the woman and therefore, both should learn and get themselves educated about the same.

For a mother, the first few months after delivery are crucial since the uterus after expanding due to delivery, shrinks back to its normal size. Moreover the tendons, ligaments and muscles connected to the uterus begin to regain the power and strength lost during labor. A lot of emphasis is put on postnatal care in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda suggested diet tips:
According to your digestive system, you must take Sesame oil i.e. Til oil and ghee i.e. clarified butter after mixing it with panchkola. Once this mixture has been digested, you must consume rice gruel and milk that is medicated with Vidharigandhadi gana or panchkola. Apart from these, you must consume jaggery water for about a week. After a week, you must eat foods that are easily digestible to help you regain your strength.

Do's and Don'ts:
1. Do massage yourself with Vatahara Oil
2. Do bathe with warm water
3. Do keep your perineum and breasts clean
4. Do urinate every 5 hours
5. Do breastfeed properly
6. Don't consume food irregularly
7. Don't have stale or cold food
8. Don't retain urine or feces
9. Don't indulge in sex or exercise

Ayurvedic medicines and herbs:
All the medicines and herbs mentioned below are never advised together. An ayurvedic specialist will usually give you a combination of a few medicines depending on your symptoms and condition.
1. Dashamoolarishtam: Dashamoolarishtam is extremely effective in boosting your immunity and keeping infections at bay. It is usually prescribed for the first few months as it also helps reduce inflammation and pain.
2. Jeerakarishtam: Jeerakarishtam is well known for inducing normal lactation, and is usually prescribed to mothers during the monsoon or winter seasons. This is because it keeps the body warm owing to its hot nature.
3. Shatavari Gulam: Improve lactation and achieve overall hormonal balance by consuming Shatavari Gulam.
4. Pulileham: Pulileham is administered to new mothers from the third week onwards for about a month and half.
5. Shatavari: Shatavari herb is mixed with boiling milk to improve the production of breast milk and avoid post partum depression. It is also useful for normal involution of the uterus.
6. Musta: Apart from improving breast milk production, musta herbs also relieves clogs in milk ducts and inflammation.

Pregnancy can wreak havoc in your body; be it your hormones overflowing or the constant crying of your newborn that makes you agitated after a point of time. Your baby will probably be your top priority in times like these but maybe, you can put yourself on the list as well once in a while because carrying a human inside isn t a very easy task.

Vaginal soreness
On the off chance that you suffered a vaginal tear or an episiotomy while delivering, the injury may sting for a couple of weeks. Broad tears may take more time to heal. Meanwhile, you can promote healing by:

In case of sitting becoming uncomfortable, try sitting on a cushion or cushioned ring.
Utilize a squeezer-bottle in order to pour lukewarm water over the vulva while you're urinating. Press a cleansed washcloth immovably against the injury when you hunker down for passing stool.
Cool the injury using an ice compress, or place a cool witch hazel cushion between the wound and a clean sanitary napkin.
Take stool softeners or analgesics as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
For treatment of episiotomy wound in 1st week - betadine wash should be used 3-4 times a day.
While you're recovering, anticipate that the uneasiness will gradually reduce. Contact your doctor if the pain increases; the injury gets swollen, hot and excruciating; or if you notice a discharge with pus.

Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge (lochia) might be a problem for several weeks post-delivery. Expect a red, overwhelming stream of blood for the initial few days. The release will continuously decrease, getting to be watery and changing from pink or chestnut to yellow and finally white. Contact your doctor if:

You have substantial vaginal drying
The discharge has a foul scent
You have a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or more
Contractions
You may feel contractions for the initial few days post-delivery. These constrictions, which frequently seem like menstrual cramps help in preventing excess bleeding by compressing the vessels. These contractions have a tendency to get more intense with subsequent deliveries. Your healthcare supplier may suggest an OTC pain reliever as well. Contact your healthcare personnel in the event of fever or if the stomach area is tender to your touch. These symptoms and side effects could show a uterine disease.

Babies can enter this world in one of two ways: Pregnant women can have either a vaginal birth or a surgical delivery by Caesarean section, but the ultimate goal is to safely give birth to a healthy baby.

A C-section, or Caesarean section is a surgical procedure to remove baby through an incision in the mother s abdomen and then a second incision in the uterus.

A C-section may be a necessity in certain situations, such as delivering a very large baby in a mother with a small pelvis, or if the baby is not in a heads-down position and efforts to turn the baby before a woman gives birth have been unsuccessful.

Sometimes the decision by an obstetrician to perform a C-section is unplanned, and it is done for emergency reasons because the health of the mother, the baby, or both of them is in jeopardy. This may occur because of a problem during pregnancy or after a woman has gone into labor, such as if labor is happening too slowly or if the baby is not getting enough oxygen.

Some C-sections are considered elective, meaning they are requested by the mother for non-medical reasons before she goes into labor. A woman may choose to have a C-section if she wants to plan when she delivers or if she previously had a complicated vaginal delivery.

Reasons for a C-section may include-

Health problems in the mother
The mother carrying more than one baby
The size or position of the baby
The baby s health is in danger
Labor is not moving along as it should
The surgery is relatively safe for mother and baby. Still, it is major surgery and carries risks. It also takes longer to recover from a C-section than from vaginal birth. It can raise the risk of having difficulties with future pregnancies. Some women may have problems attempting a vaginal birth later. Still, many women are able to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

How You Might Feel-

You won t feel any pain during the C-section, although you may feel sensations like pulling and pressure. Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia during a C-section.

That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born. A curtain will be over your abdomen during the surgery, but you may be able to take a peek as your baby is being delivered from your belly.

However, women who need to have an emergency C-section occasionally require general anesthesia, so they re unconscious during the delivery and won t remember anything or feel any pain.

Recovering from a C-section-

After a C-section, a woman may spend two to four days in the hospital, but it may take her up to six weeks to feel more like herself again.

Her abdomen will feel sore from the surgery and the skin and nerves in this area will need time to heal. Women will be given narcotic pain medications to take the edge off any post-surgery pain, and most women use them for about two weeks afterward.

A woman may also experience bleeding for about four to six weeks after a surgical birth. She is also advised to not have sex for a few weeks after her C-section and to also avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects.

Pregnancy was once considered a time for rest when women advised to refrain from physical activity/exercise as they were considered to be harmful for the mother and unborn baby. This view is challenged by several studies which found that physical activity in pregnancy is safe and has many benefits for the mother and baby.

How do I stay active during pregnancy?

If you were active for at least six months before your pregnancy, ask your doctor about whether you may continue your sports or workouts safely. As you move further into your pregnancy and your body changes, you may feel mild aches and pains due to looser joints and shifting of your body weight. You may need to revise your exercise program every trimester to reduce the risk of falls and limit high-impact activities.

If you have not been active before your pregnancy, start low and go slow. Try regular brisk walking, swimming, strength training for pregnant women, or other activities that will strengthen your heart and lungs and tone your muscles.

What are the benefits of exercise?

Regular exercise can:

Maintain cardiovascular fitness and improve circulation
Help maintain a healthy weight
Improve energy levels and sleep
Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
Lower the risk of varicose veins and swelling of extremities
Maintain strength and flexibility
Improve your balance, co-ordination posture
Reduce physical complaints e.g. low back pain and constipation
Prevent and treat pelvic floor dysfunction
Prevent and control gestational diabetes mellitus (a type of diabetes that affects women during pregnancy) and high blood pressure
Reduce the length of labour and delivery complications
Help in postnatal recovery
What type of exercise is best?

It should be something that you enjoy, feel comfortable doing and can work into your daily routine. Over-exertion may result in overheating which can affect the development of the baby, so exercise safely at a low to moderate intensity.

Low impact exercise is recommended to reduce strain on your joints. Examples include:

Walking
Using an exercise bike
Swimming
Using a cross-trainer
Aqua-aerobic classes
Low-impact aerobic classes
Endurance light weight training
Pelvic floor muscle training
Deep abdominal (transversus abdominus) muscle training
Antenatal Pilates
Antenatal yoga
What type of exercise should I avoid?

You should avoid high impact exercise, contact sports and other activities that may result in a heavy fall. Examples of exercise to avoid include:

running
cycling
jumping
step aerobics
ball sports
racquet sports
skiing
scuba diving
walking at high altitude
heavy weights
You should stop exercise and seek medical advice if you experience any unusual symptoms such as excessive shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations, dizziness, painful uterine contractions, abdominal or pelvic pain and excessive fatigue.

Advice for exercising:

Stop and rest if you feel too hot
Avoid spas, saunas, solariums, and exercising in hot conditions
Drink water while you exercise
Don t exercise for more than 45 minutes at a time
Keep your heart rate below 150 beats per minute
Wear a supportive wireless bra, ideally with wide straps
Wear supportive shoes (trainers)
Wear loose, breathable clothing
Avoid extended periods on your back
Eat carbohydrates at least 30 minutes before exercising
Which pregnant women should avoid aerobic exercises?

Women with heart or lung disease
Women with a weak (incompetent) cervix and those who have undergone cervical stitching (cerclage)
Multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets) at risk of preterm labour
Persistent bleeding in second or third trimester
Placenta praevia (low lying placenta) after 26 weeks of pregnancy
Women with raised blood pressure in pregnancy
Severe anemia
Poorly controlled diabetes or seizure disorder
Poor growth of baby in current pregnancy (Intrauterine growth restriction)
Women with premature uterine contractions in current pregnancy