Kalpataru Hospital Kharghar, Navi Mumbai

Ultrasounds have become a regular — and very welcome — part of prenatal care. Early in pregnancy, ultrasounds are used to confirm the fetal heartbeat and a uterine (as opposed to ectopic or tubular) pregnancy. Later, ultrasounds screen for fetal growth, placenta location and umbilical cord, as well as the baby's general health and anatomy. Ultrasounds can also be useful for checking the length of your cervix, if there is any suspicion that you may be in preterm labor. Who an ultrasound during pregnancy is for All pregnant women should receive more than one ultrasound during pregnancy. When an ultrasound during pregnancy is done Usually, a woman gets a minimum of two sonograms during her pregnancy, one in the first trimester and one in the second trimester. First-trimester ultrasound In the first trimester of pregnancy, an early ultrasound is a routine part of prenatal care at 6 to 9 weeks, allowing parents a welcome first glance of their tiny baby bean. The Americ...

Without a doubt, pregnancy is an exciting time for a woman. It is also a period when extra care needs to be taken. A healthy diet is an absolute must during this period. A pregnant woman should not just be eating to keep herself healthy and fit, but she also needs to keep in mind the nutrients the child growing inside her requires. The Best Indian Food Sources for Pregnant Women Indian cuisine is rich with unlimited options available for planning a pregnancy diet. Certain common ingredients tend to be predominant, and a diet plan based on these food habits goes a long way in ensuring the right nutrition for both, the mommy-to-be and the baby growing inside her. There are some common requirements to address when adopting a pregnancy diet. For example, folic acid is one of the most important requirements for a pregnant lady. Iron deficiency is a common problem among Indian women and, during pregnancy, one must ensure that this need is addressed. Raisins, beans, spinach, and m...

Blood pressure and pregnancy During pregnancy, your body goes through numerous physical changes to accommodate fetal growth and development. Throughout these nine months, it’s ideal to have a normal blood pressure reading. Your blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, which then carry the blood to the rest of your body. The blood typically moves through the arteries at a certain rate. However, various factors can disrupt the normal rate at which blood flows through the vessels, causing an increase or decrease in pressure. Increased pressure in the arteries can result in an elevated blood pressure reading. Decreased pressure in the arteries can result in a low blood pressure reading. Blood pressure is recorded as two types of numbers. The systolic number is the top number, which indicates the amount of pressure in the arteries when your heartbeats. The diastolic number...

Overview Every pregnancy carries its risks. But good prenatal care and support can help you minimize those risks. Factors like age and overall health status can increase your chances of experiencing complications during pregnancy. Women under age 20 Women under the age of 20 have a significantly higher risk of serious medical complications related to pregnancy than those over 20. Teenage mothers are more likely to: deliver prematurely have a baby with low birth weight experience pregnancy-induced hypertension develop preeclampsia Some risk factors connected to young age include the following. [Production: Please format the following as a long-line list] Underdeveloped pelvis. Young women’s bodies are still growing and changing. An underdeveloped pelvis can lead to difficulties during childbirth. Nutritional deficiencies. Young women are more likely to have poor eating habits. Nutritional deficiency can lead to extra strain on the body that causes more co...

Overview Menopause occurs when a woman hasn’t menstruated in 12 consecutive months and can no longer become pregnant naturally. It usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, but can develop before or after this age range. Menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes and weight gain. For most women, medical treatment isn’t needed for menopause. When does menopause begin and how long does it last? Most women first begin developing menopause symptoms about four years before their last period. Symptoms often continue until about four years after a woman’s last period. A small number of women experience menopause symptoms for up to a decade before menopause actually occurs, and 1 in 10 women experience menopausal symptoms for 12 years following their last period. What are the symptoms of menopause? Every woman’s menopause experience is unique. Symptoms are usually more severe when menopause occurs suddenly or over a shorter period of time. Asi...

Arthritis pain: Do's and don'ts Will physical activity reduce or increase your arthritis pain? Get tips on exercise and other common concerns when coping with arthritis symptoms and arthritis pain. Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. You can find plenty of advice about easing the pain of arthritis and other conditions with exercise, medication and stress reduction. How do you know what will work for you? Here are some do's and don'ts to help you figure it out. Basics Whatever your condition, it will be easier to stay ahead of your pain if you: Learn all you can about your condition, including what type of arthritis you have and whether any of your joints are already damaged Enlist your doctor, friends and family in managing your pain Tell your doctor if your pain changes Everyday routines Pay attention to your joints, whether sitting, standing or engaging in activity. Keep your joints moving. Do daily, gentle st...

Before your little bundle of joy arrives, you’re responsible for helping them grow in a nurturing, healthy environment. This list of do’s and don’ts can shed some light on what you should worry about — and what you really shouldn’t fret over... 1. Do take a multivitamin Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals is the best way to provide your body with all of the healthy nutrients it needs to support a growing baby. A healthy diet alone, however, may not be enough for pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins contain higher levels of certain nutrients that expectant mothers require at higher doses, such as folic acid, calcium, and iron. These vitamins assist with proper development of the fetus and help prevent birth defects. Your doctor can help you find a multivitamin or a series of vitamins that are best for you. A multivitamin will usually include DHA, EPA, or both. These are omega-3 fats that are important for your baby’s proper brain development. Don’t take more tha...

It is common for women to experience genital irritation and itching. At some point of time, every woman is likely to experience some form of vaginal irritation. It is a condition which often causes great distress and embarrassment. Vaginal irritation is commonly caused by a yeast infection. Irritation may also occur due to certain chemicals and sanitary pads, which are used during menstruation. Persistence of such irritation and itching may cause vaginal pain Vaginal irritation can be managed in several ways. Here are some tips on how to manage and control vaginal irritation using simple remedies: 1: Use apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps in removal of irritation completely when caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Take two spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar, add hot water to it and wash your vagina using this water. The vagina is made acidic due to which the bacteria does not last long. 2: Apply cold compr...