The First Kick - Gynecologist in Noida

Wondering what your baby’s first noticeable movement in utero is going to feel like, and when you might expect it?

Most women experience that first kick between 17 and 22 week

Routine anatomic ultrasounds at 19 to 20 weeks gestation help us confirm viability of the pregnancy and determine the placenta’s location. If it is positioned in such a way that it’s cushioning the movement, the first kick will be harder to feel.

Here’s how some moms describe that miraculous moment:

• “It felt like I was being poked from the inside.”
• “It was like having a really strong butterfly trapped in my tummy.”
• “It felt as though a very light bubble appeared, rose up and popped. I kept thinking, was that it? It wasn’t anything like I’d expected.”
• “I wasn’t sure if it was gas or indigestion, or if maybe there was an alien in there. But the nudge was reassuring, kind of like a, ‘Hi, Mom!’ ”

Kick Counts

Encourages women to monitor or chart their babies’ kicks beginning in the 28th week of pregnancy.

If you are tall and slim, you maybe unable to Conceive - Gynecologist in Noida

Many couples from across the globe face a common problem of not being able to enjoy parenthood even after unprotected sex for more than a year. Data suggests that about 10% of couples in their reproductive age face this problem and out of them about 30% of the problem is due to female infertility cases. Many of the cases are also left unexplained and involve problems with both the partners. It is always advisable for such couples to refer and consult a genetic counselor which can counsel both for problems related to female fertility and also the possibilities of the baby acquiring any such condition. In rarest of the cases, a couple may have multiple fertility problems.

One of the major causes of female infertility is endometriosis. It is an abnormal growth of the cells and tissues lining the endometrial wall of the uterus to which the embryo attaches and which is shed during menstruation. The cells of the endometrium attach to a location other than the uterus which may be ovaries, fallopian tubes or the abdominal-pelvic region. A number of studies have been done on this but the exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown. The possible symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Very painful menses along with menstrual cramps
• Painful intercourse, and the pain may not recede
• Pain in the bowel movements and during urination
• Some women may also experience blood in urine

It is also a major reason for infertility in majority of infertile females. The depositions of the endometrial cells on the regions outside the uterus are known as endometrial implants. The exact cause of these implants is unknown but many theories have been suggested for the same. One theory states that during menstruation, there is a back flow of the blood in the uterus. This condition is known as retrograde menstruation, but, however not all females with retrograde menstruation develop endometriosis. Another theory says that the organs in the abdominal pelvic region have some form of primitive cells which outgrow in a different manner and result in endometrial implants. Approximately, 20-50% of women who are treated for infertility have this problem.

Endometriosis is most common in women who are tall, slim and have a very low body mass index (BMI). But this kind of problem is uncommon in post menopausal women. The pain associated with endometriosis varies from time to time and also from one female to another. Not all, but in some females the pain may resolve automatically even without a prescribed treatment. The endometrial implants may inhibit the entry or passage of egg in the fallopian tube and also releases hormones which have a negative impact on ovulation of the egg, fertilization of the sperm and implantation of the embryo.

With improved IVF procedures and state of the art techniques, we are capable to cope up with this infertility problem and help such females to become pregnant and enjoy motherhood with a success rate of about 45-50%.

All pregnant women is worry about - Gynaecologist in Noida

What Pregnant Women Worry About You may have noticed now that you’re pregnant, the pregnancy and baby seem to dominate your thoughts. You probably find yourself daydreaming through meetings, trying to imagine what your baby will look like or how it will feel to hold him for the first time. As your bump grows, the kicks and nudges are a constant reminder that life is about to change, and you may find yourself constantly somewhere between nervous and excited, or both. With all of the reading you’re doing, you’re probably finding at least three new things to worry about each day. In many ways, worrying is unavoidable during pregnancy. After all, you’re carrying some very precious cargo! Worrying about and during your pregnancy is completely normal. Keep talking with your partner to let him in so he knows that you’re worried and help ease your fears and concerns. Chances are, he’s worried, just like you! Here are just some of the things you’ve probably found yourself fretting over while you’re pregnant:

#1: That You’re Not Really Pregnant.
Until you have seen that ultrasound scan with your own two eyes, you can be excused for worrying that the entire pregnancy may be nothing more than a figment of your imagination. It’s hard to trust something that you have to wee on to make it work, and so you will probably spend the first trimester at least slightly terrified that you misread the test, and then began a phantom pregnancy with morning sickness but no baby.

#2: That The Scan Will Bring Bad News
Scans are a double edged sword. While you are beside yourself with excitement at the prospect of seeing your baby, you may also find yourself feeling worried that something will show up on the scan. Everybody wants their baby to be healthy and happy, and most pregnant women worry that their baby may face problems or have health issues even before the birth.

#3: That You Will Miss Working
 No matter how long you’re planning to take off on maternity leave, you can be forgiven for worrying that you will miss your job. After all, you’ve worked all these years to get where you are today, and the thought of not working is probably a scary one. You may be worried that you’ll miss the job, but also that you’ll forget how to do it after a long break and will return to the workforce a little fuzzier and less capable than you are today. Or on the other hand, maybe you’re more worried that you wont want to go back!

#4: That You Have Become A Baby Bore 
Baby, baby, baby. It’s all you can think about, so it’s probably all you’re talking about too. You might feel worried that you’re hogging the conversation, yapping on about morning sickness, birth choices and the limitless wonders of YOUR baby. You might find yourself worried that all of your friends secretly meet up without you so they can talk about normal things like t.v. and what’s happening in the big wide world out there.

#5: That Your Partner No Longer Desires You
As your body changes during pregnancy, you may have noticed your confidence taking a bit of a bashing. As your bump begins to grow and stretch marks descend on your belly, you may worry that your partner no longer finds you sexy. You probably don’t feel much like yourself at the moment and may worry that your partner sees you as a different person – a mother, perhaps, instead of the gorgeous woman he fell in love with.

#6: That You Won’t Know When You’re In Labour 
All through your pregnancy you are preparing for a marathon. But it’s a weird marathon and no-one will tell you what it’s like. It’s pretty much the best kept secret, and though you keep thinking it might be about to start, you are reassured by friends and medical professionals alike that ‘You’ll know when it’s labour’. But what if you don’t? What if you give birth on the bus to work, or in the supermarket, because you didn’t know it was labour, and you thought it was just another twinge?! Oh, and here is BellyBelly’s article on 7 signs of early labour.

#7: The Birth 
What is birth like? But what does it feel like? How much worse than period pains are contractions? How long will it last? Will it hurt? These are all great questions. Good luck finding answers for them. The best you can hope for are vague non-committal statements about birth in general, but there will be nothing specific to your impending birth. For that, you’ll have to wait and see.

#8: That You Will Suck At Motherhood 
It’s too late to back out now, that bun is well and truly cooking in the oven. And yet, on some days you find yourself filled with fear that you may not be cut out for motherhood. What if you don’t have enough patience to be the perfect mother? What if you forget your baby and accidentally leave him abandoned on a park bench one day? What if you can’t stop swearing and your toddler ends up with a potty mouth?

#9: That You Won’t Love The Baby
When you hear people talk about the love they have for their children, the way that it smacks you right in the chest the first time you see them, you wonder if you will be able to feel a love like that. What if you don’t feel it? What if you look down at your baby and you feel nothing? What if you are indifferent and cold? What if you do not have that loving maternal instinct that all mothers seem to have?

#10: That You Worry Too Much 
If you’ve said yes to all the above, then most likely, you do! If there’s a chance that your worry is more than just pregnancy nerves, be it anxiety or depression, sharing with your worries with your care provider is a good first step to getting help. Your baby will thank you for being courageous and getting support when you need it. Always.

What Else Did You Worry About?
Can you add anything to this list? Or do you feel that this list is pretty accurate for you? Come you your clinic and we can discuss more!

Baby Sleep Mistakes - Things To Avoid - Gynecologist in Noida

Sleep. You used to take it for granted, didn’t you?
All those late nights and lie-ins… you thought life would be like that forever. And then you had a baby. Tiredness is the new norm, as you spend your days battling against extreme brain fog. It’s been so long since you had as many as four hours of glorious uninterrupted sleep. You fantasise about a hotel room with a do not disturb sign on the door where you can catch up on all those missed hours between the sheets — of sleep, obviously, because you don’t have the energy for anything else. Your morning cup of coffee doesn’t even scratch the surface of how tired you feel. As you sip the last cold drop, you’re still struggling to keep your eyes open. As if that wasn’t bad enough, all the entire world seems to want to talk about is how much sleep you’re not getting. Every person you pass during the day offers unwanted advice about how to get

your newborn baby to sleep through the night. Some even offer critiques of your parenting style, to help you understand exactly where you’re going wrong (thanks, strangers!). As irritating as this is, you can’t help but admire the bravery of the people willing to say these things to a person suffering from extreme sleep deprivation.

As you lie awake at night, you can’t help but wonder if there’s any truth in what the people say. Are you getting it all wrong? Are you making big mistakes that are affecting your baby’s sleeping patterns? The simple answer is ‘yes’, you’re probably making at least a couple of the following sleep mistakes, because y

Enter, The 5 Baby Sleep Mistakes
 Here are 5 baby sleep mistakes you could be making: Baby Sleep Mistakes

#1: Comparing Your Baby To Other Babies 
It is almost impossible not to… especially when you’re sitting beside a fresh-faced mother of three who is telling you about how her newborn baby slept through the night again last night. But you should avoid comparing your baby to other babies or you’ll drive yourself mad. All babies are different, and you have enough to worry about without also obsessing over the fact that your baby hasn’t rolled over in the same month as other babies. Another problem with baby comparisons is that you are basing the comparison on information from the mothers, and not scientifically collected, unbiased, factual information. Of course mothers are going to gloatingly talk up their babies! That’s new motherhood. Fact is, sleeping through for a baby is a grand average of five hours. So while most babies will be somewhere around this average, there will be some babies who sleep more and less than this, because that’s what happens to calculate an average figure.

Baby Sleep Mistakes #2: Having Unrealistic Expectations 
One of the major problems when it comes to sleep stress is that parents simply don’t know what is normal. All we know about normal is that it’s a setting on the clothes dryer. If you have a baby who doesn’t sleep for very long, you can quite easily end up terrified that you will never ever sleep again. When in reality, your baby’s sleeping behaviour is age-appropriate. Yet, unrealistic expectations can put you on a freeway to low self esteem, anxiety, depression and more.

It may help you to know the following:

• at one week old, your baby will spend around 16 hours asleep during a 24-hour period. Only eight of these will be at night and they won’t be consecutive. 
• young babies go through growth spurts and will rely on frequent feeds (also known as ‘cluster feeding’). The more they feed, the more signals they send your breasts to make more milk to satisfy his hunger. Cluster feeds are a normal part of your baby’s development. Many new mothers panic about milk supply at this point and some may end up using formula. Make sure you speak to an IBCLC (International Board Lactation Consultant) or breastfeeding association for support and advice before you panic or accidentally wean your baby. 
• at one month old, your baby still has a tiny tummy, and will still need to wake to feed at least every four or five hours during the night. Some mothers believe formula or other additives in a bottle will make their baby sleep longer. Find out the truth here. 
• sleeping through the night is defined as five consecutive hours. 
• almost half of all babies still wake during the night by three months of age.
• it is normal for babies to continue waking in the night at six months. 
• by their first birthday, most children sleep through the night (remember, this does not mean for 12 hours long), but not all. 

Baby Sleep Mistakes #3: Listening To Outdated Advice 
No offense to your mother-in-law or that old woman you met crossing the street the other day, but times have changed. It is no longer acceptable to dip your baby’s dummy in brandy in the hope of getting a decent night’s sleep, thank goodness! We now know that controlled crying doesn’t teach babies to self soothe, and instead simply teaches them that no-one will respond to their cries. One study found that the babies still had high levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) even though they had stopped crying. For this reason, many modern parents are choosing not to follow controlled crying, much to the horror of the grandparents. Though previous generations may have believed babies could be ‘spoilt’ for attention, we now know this is not the case. Responding immediately to your baby’s cries doesn’t spoil your baby, instead it encourages him to trust his communication skills and teaches him how to manage his emotions.

Baby Sleep Mistakes #4: Not Trusting Your Instincts 
There are plenty of baby experts out there with conflicting advice on how to help your baby sleep through the night, but the only person who really understands your baby is you. You are the expert when it comes to your baby. You are the one who feeds him, changes his nappies and soothes him when he cries. Start listening to your gut and trust your instincts. You know what you’re doing, you have this covered, all you need to do is trust that and you’ll see. If you’d like to know which parenting authors and educators are worth following, check out BellyBelly’s list here.

Baby Sleep Mistakes #5: Ignoring Your Baby’s Cues
 Everyone has an opinion over how and when you should put your baby to sleep, and what you should do if he cries. These range from caring to downright cold. One thing that very rarely gets mentioned is your baby’s cues. Your baby may not be much in the way of a chatterbox, but he is trying to tell you things. He is using facial expressions, movements and even noises to try and tell you when he’s ready for bed. Missing these cues could leave you with an overtired baby (aka demon baby who will not sleep), so it’s worth looking out for and responding to these cues early. Look out for yawning, becoming quiet, losing interest in people and toys, a knotted brow, frowning and rubbing his eyes. If you notice any of these cues, your baby might be trying to tell you he’s ready for a sleep. Read more about how to interpret your baby’s cues here. 

Baby Sleep Mistakes #2: Having Unrealistic Expectations One of the major problems when it comes to sleep stress is that parents simply don’t know what is normal. All we know about normal is that it’s a setting on the clothes dryer. If you have a baby who doesn’t sleep for very long, you can quite easily end up terrified that you will never ever sleep again. When in reality, your baby’s sleeping behaviour is age-appropriate. Yet, unrealistic expectations can put you on a freeway to low self esteem, anxiety, depression and more. It may help you to know the following: at one week old, your baby will spend around 16 hours asleep during a 24-hour period. Only eight of these will be at night and they won’t be consecutive. young babies go through growth spurts and will rely on frequent feeds (also known as ‘cluster feeding’). The more they feed, the more signals they send your breasts to make more milk to satisfy his hunger. Cluster feeds are a normal part of your baby’s development. Many new mothers panic about milk supply at this point and some may end up using formula. Make sure you speak to an IBCLC (International Board Lactation Consultant) or breastfeeding association for support and advice before you panic or accidentally wean your baby. at one month old, your baby still has a tiny tummy, and will still need to wake to feed at least every four or five hours during the night. Some mothers believe formula or other additives in a bottle will make their baby sleep longer. Find out the truth here. sleeping through the night is defined as five consecutive hours. almost half of all babies still wake during the night by three months of age. it is normal for babies to continue waking in the night at six months. by their first birthday, most children sleep through the night (remember, this does not mean for 12 hours long), but not all. - See more at: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby-sleep/5-baby-sleep-mistakes/

Sleep. You used to take it for granted, didn’t you? All those late nights and lie-ins… you thought life would be like that forever. And then you had a baby. Tiredness is the new norm, as you spend your days battling against extreme brain fog. It’s been so long since you had as many as four hours of glorious uninterrupted sleep. You fantasise about a hotel room with a do not disturb sign on the door where you can catch up on all those missed hours between the sheets — of sleep, obviously, because you don’t have the energy for anything else. Your morning cup of coffee doesn’t even scratch the surface of how tired you feel. As you sip the last cold drop, you’re still struggling to keep your eyes open. As if that wasn’t bad enough, all the entire world seems to want to talk about is how much sleep you’re not getting. Every person you pass during the day offers unwanted advice about how to get your newborn baby to sleep through the night. Some even offer critiques of your parenting style, to help you understand exactly where you’re going wrong (thanks, strangers!). As irritating as this is, you can’t help but admire the bravery of the people willing to say these things to a person suffering from extreme sleep deprivation. - See more at: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby-sleep/5-baby-sleep-mistakes/

How to Gain Weight in Pregnancy - Gynecologist in Noida

There is so much focus on ensuring that you don't gain too much weight in pregnancy. But the truth is that there are some women who actually need to gain more weight than they have been gaining. Here are some tips to gain weight while you are pregnant:

Eat more frequently.
Sometimes you don't gain weight in pregnancy because your stomach is so squished that you can't add extra calories to your meals. By eating smaller, but more frequent meals, you have the ability to add extra calories throughout the day. This can also help with some pregnancy complaints like nausea and heartburn.

Carry food with you.
To help you snack throughout the day, I think it's important to carry some food with you. Carry easy foods - no preparation required. I like to carry nuts, like almonds. Sometimes I add dried fruit like a trail mix. If you have a place to keep food cold, I would suggest that you try cheese with fruit. I love cheddar on apples or pears. And fresh fruit is always handy. Pop a banana or orange in your purse and you're ready to roll.

Drink your calories.
Try drinking some of your calories. It may be easier for you to take a smoothie with you and sip it throughout the day. You can even add protein powder to your shakes for a bit of a caloric punch. It doesn't really taste any different, but it can add calories from protein.

Eat snacks that pack a punch.
When you're snacking try to make your calories count. A hard boiled egg, yogurt or a wedge of cheese can be nutrient dense and good for you. They don't cause you to stuff a lot of food into your stomach, however.

Add supplements if needed.
Protein powders added to foods for extra calories. They can also be added to shakes. If powdered supplements aren't your thing, then you can also do bars. When I was pregnant with the twins I ate Tiger's Milk Bars and Luna Bars. There are also a whole slew of bars designed

Pregnancy Brain – Fact or Fiction? - Gynecologist in Noida

It’s not just your imagination, pregnancy brain exists. Whether it’s walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there, taking twice as long to complete an email than usual, or stumbling over how to spell your son’s name, you simply just don’t feel like yourself.

A number of studies have been completed by both psychologists and neuroscientists to try to get to the bottom of pregnancy brain. Unfortunately, no clear picture has been established as to WHY women feel so foggy, only that they do. Some hypotheses include hormones, sleep deprivation, and the fact that pregnant minds and body are doing double or triple duty as the baby grows. Some studies have shown that the changes and symptoms women have correlate to the sex of the baby and last for the duration that the mother breastfeeds. There’s a lot of fascinating research on-going, but the bottom line is that you need to survive until you can think like normal again!

The good news is that the feeling and realities of pregnancy brain are temporary. Most women feel mostly back to normal once their babies are on some sort of schedule. Coincidence? I think not! Maybe there is something to that sleep deprivation theory….

There are a few great ways to survive through your “momnesia” that will help you cut down on the time you have to search for your cell phone or keys. Here’s what we came up with:

1. Have a routine. This will help you know what and where to be.
2. Write everything down! Google Calendar, Evernote, and other apps are great for this. Or just a plain old pen and paper.
3. Have a place for everything. Keys on the hook, purse in the closet, etc. Less time looking if everything is in the right place!
4. Eat good food. You’re going to feel worse if your brain has junk fuel.
5. Give yourself a break! Making a baby is hard work. Give yourself a Mulligan and take a nap. You earned it!

Check top pregnancy food cravings - Gynaecologist in Noida

Pickles will give you the perfect combination of sour, tart and crunch you're searching for. The vinegar often provides a refreshing taste, and thankfully they're low in calories, so you won't really have to watch how many you eat.

A common pregnancy craving for women is spicy foods. Hot wings, curry and red peppers are popular among moms-to-be. The hotness of the foods will cause you to sweat and cool off your body temperature. If you've noticed you're getting some heartburn, however, watch out for these cravings because they can leave you feeling uncomfortable for hours on end.

Now, about that ice cream. The cool, creamy texture is a preferred craving and the variety of flavors such as chocolate, mint and cookie dough as well as toppings including dried fruit, gummy bears and nuts will shoot this tasty treat to the top of your pregnancy must-haves.

You may not have thought of ice as a possible craving, but you'll be amazed when you learn how much you love chewing on it. Since it isn't a food, it may seem like you can't crave it, but it'll cool you off and even relieve inflammation in the mouth and tongue, a common symptom suffered by those with anemia, a common side effect of pregnancy. However, it's important not to chew ice too often, as it may cause tooth issues later.
Junk food won't be the only thing you're craving during your nine months of baby growing. Fruit and even vegetables are a favorite among pregnant women and are not only good for you but good for baby too.
Two cravings you'll want to watch out for while you're pregnant are soda and coffee. Although the sizzle of a carbonated beverage can provide the ultimate satisfaction, any sodas that are caffeinated are not good for you or your bundle of joy. Stick to non-caffeinated drinks. As for coffee, many doctors put it on the "do not consume" list due to the caffeine. Although it can help to decrease headaches, depression and make you more alert, opt of decaffeinated.

If you think you're craving something that might not be good for you or your bun in the oven, call your Gynaecologist office and speak with a nurse or your physician, they'll be able able to tell you if what you want to eat is safe

Keeping fit throughout pregnancy - Gynaecologist in Noida

What keeps your heart healthy, your spirits high and your weight in-check? Exercise. Now with a baby on the way, physical activity is more important than ever. Here's what you need to know before you hit the gym:

Why it matters

As long as you have a healthy pregnancy and get your doctor's permission, a regular and gentle exercise routine can help ease a host of uncomfortable symptoms. When you get moving, you can expect the following:

• A good night's sleep
• A boost to your self esteem
• Slower weight gain
• Smoother labor
• An easier recovery post birth
• Help with pregnancy aches and pains

What to do

Pregnancy isn't the time to take up a rigorous exercise routine. If you were very active before becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor or midwife about continuing your workouts. However, if you're new to the gym, start slow. Consider taking a prenatal fitness class where you can rest assured that each of the exercises is safe for you and baby. Walking, prenatal yoga and Pilates and swimming are all generally safe for moms to be. Picking up a fitness DVD may be a good option for expectant moms on a budget. Focus on building an exercise routine gradually, starting at 10 minutes and working gently up to 30. If you can't exercise lightly every day, aim for a few days each week.

When to slow down

While it's widely accepted that exercise is beneficial to mom and baby, there are situations when it's wise to slow down. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop your exercise program and get in touch with your doctor:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Contractions
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Vomiting or nausea
• Pain

When exercising during pregnancy, it's important to remember you should never push yourself. Don't overheat your body, keep well hydrated and stop immediately at the first sign of discomfort.

4 Myths About Babies - Gynecologist in Noida, Gynecologist in Delhi

Myth 1: Babies need to poop at least once a day.
Parents often think a baby is constipated when he’s not. Newborns often have several bowel movements a day, but they may poop as little as every three to four days at about 2 months to 3 months of age, he says.If bowel movements are very hard and infrequent, or you see blood in the diaper, however, call your pediatrician.

Myth 2: Babies should be bathed daily.
The truth is, bathing removes moisture from your baby’s delicate skin, which can make it dry and irritated. Plus, sitting in soapy bathwater can irritate a girl’s urethra and potentially lead to urinary tract infections. As long as you keep your baby’s diaper area, neck and other skin creases debris-free, you can do full baths just two to three times a week.

Myth 3: Babies who achieve milestones early are gifted.
When a child first walks or talks has little or no bearing on his later successes, research shows. “Many parents support the idea of giftedness at birth, but this is not supported by the evidence,” In fact, in some cases, early “achievements” may indicate a potential problem—for example,showing an inclination to be left- or right-handed before 18 months of age (children should use both hands equally until this age).

Myth 4: Touching your baby’s soft spot can hurt his brain.
The fontanel, or soft spot, at the front of your baby’s head is a skin-covered opening in the skull that pulsates, frightening some parents. “There’s a presumption of vulnerability, but the brain is actually quite well protected,” The front fontanel typically closes at about 1 year of age, while the smaller soft spot in the back of the head usually closes at 2 months to 3 months.

Things Mothers Really Do When Baby Sleeps - Gynecologist in Noida

What Mothers Do When Baby Sleeps

#1: Have A Shower

New mothers don’t love the fact that sometimes it can be days before they actually get the chance to step foot in a shower. If you’re a non-parent, you may wonder how this is even possible – how could a decent human let this happen?! They must have their priorities all messed up, right? But especially in the early days , baby is adjusting to life outside of the womb. Imagine what it would be like to be in the womb: a warm, dark, snug, comfortable and cosy place, with the ambient sound of a mother’s heartbeat. Being in mums arms (or in a baby carrier) is the closest place baby can be to replicate that feeling while going through such a massive adjustment. Therefore, by responding to her baby’s needs, holding her baby and getting very little sleep, it can lead to a lengthy amount of time without a shower. Unfortunately, a new mother’s showers don’t tend to be very relaxing, as a mother often worries about not hearing her baby if he or she wakes, so she rushes to get it done. Or, baby does wake up… usually as she’s just stepped into the shower and gotten all wet.

#2: Feed Themselves

It can be really hard to eat a decent meal when you have a baby in your arms all the time – especially a good, healthy meal. With a belly growling louder than a passenger aeroplane taking off, as soon as baby is down and asleep, a mother’s human instinct for food kicks in. What also kicks in is a baby’s inbuilt ‘mum is eating!’ wailing alarm, which is guaranteed to go off, just as mum takes that first bite of food.

 #3: Have A Poo

Getting out the big guns here – and I don’t mean to be crass, but we all HAVE to poo at some point. When the baby is in our arms isn’t a good time. And you can’t schedule having a poo, so sometimes you just gotta hang onto it until the baby sleeps. Urgh. Having a quiet, undisturbed poo, opposed to a rushed one while the baby is screaming, can feel like heaven to a new mother.

#4: Pay Bills And Return Phonecalls

With a long list of phone calls to return, which are usually from companies wondering when you’re going to pay their bill, this is one of the more important things mothers feel they need to sort out when their baby sleeps. Because mammas are so busy looking after baby, many things tend to slip, even the bills. There are appointments to be made, changes to policies to be made, and all sorts of administrative tasks that need to be done during business hours.

#5: Doing The Dishes

You get to the point where you get desperate after running out of clean coffee (or tea if you prefer) cups. And spoons. And plates. And bowls. And well, you get the picture.

 #6: Hanging Out The Washing

You know you’re in trouble when you start wearing a wrap around the house because all of your maternity bras, tops and pants are covered in baby spew, leaked nappy contents and your last attempt at lunch (where more landed on the baby’s head and your top than in your mouth.

#7: Prepare Dinner

A mother knows that if she can sneak in dinner preparation while baby sleeps, it will make it so much easier at night time, especially when you have to contend with the witching hour (aka arsenic hour). While full dinner preparation may not happen often, she may attempt to get vegetables peeled and cut or meat defrosted before the baby wakes again.

#8: Having A Mouthful Of Tea

Baby is asleep in bed, yay! Mum excitedly does a silent fist pump, runs straight into the kitchen and switches on the kettle. Finally, a nice, hot cup of tea. The minute her cup of tea hits her lips, baby is somehow awake. Babies just seem to know when mum is having some ‘me’ time. And mum well knows she’s going to have a stone cold cuppa… again.

#9: Getting On With Business

Some mothers have businesses to run or are on maternity leave, but have agreed to work from home. Sure, they could just say no to work, but saying no may cause a dire financial situation or stop a business from running. A mamma who is still working tends to spend every spare minute working, which can be very demanding and draining. Sleep sounds awesome, but no income does not.

 #10: Adoring Her Baby

When a baby is asleep in our arms, it can be the most beautiful thing to just stare at our babies and enjoy them, especially while they are not being so demanding of us. Staring at and adoring our babies produces oxytocin, which is great for breastfeeding and great for bonding. While some believe that a mother will create a rod for her own back by holding her baby, its actually some VERY important work. A strong, loving bond between mother and child can only mean good things for future generations – all we need is love! We should all support new mothers to hold and adore their babies as much as possible. Also, teaching babies the importance and joy of comfort teaches them how to be comforting in return. My own children are an example of this! The empathy and comfort they give friends and family is beautiful to see.

- Inputs from Dr Priyamvada Senior InfertilitySpecialist, Genesis IVF

5 tips to make traveling easier during pregnancy

As your bump grows bigger and bigger, chances are your dreams of foreign adventures or sojourns to other parts of the country will diminish considerably. It's not that a vacation isn't needed – in fact, at many points during pregnancy, it may feel much-deserved – the fact is, most mothers-to-be have bigger things on their minds than a trip, like getting ready for baby.

But during pregnancy, some trips are non-negotiable, like a planned stay at a relative's house. This can be a pleasant experience for some, but other women struggle to feel comfortable while traveling. With these five tips, going from place to place during pregnancy can be easier than ever before.

1. Talk to a healthcare provider
Before you take any kind of extended trip, reach out to your doctor to ensure that it's OK for you to do so. This may be just a quick check-up, but it can be important for you and your partner to gain peace of mind before you embark on an adventure together.

2. Prepare for the unexpected
Even the best-laid plans can become a mess due to unexpected hiccups or delays, but when you're pregnant, this can take on a whole new dimension. When you're pregnant, you may be fighting the urge all day long not to put your feet up or sprawl out on your favorite sofa to relax after a tense day, but while you're traveling, you may not feel this is so easy to do.
While you may not be within the comfort of your own domain, by planning for potential issues – including health troubles, discomfort or sudden feelings of tiredness – you may be able to feel calm.

3. Plan for comfort
Whether you travel by bus, plane or car, comfort is key during pregnancy for making sure you get to your destination without delay. If you're traveling in a vehicle, you may want to pack along a neck pillow, ear plugs and a blanket so that you can relax throughout the ride, while having bottled water, snacks and spare bags in case you get motion sickness can help you feel at ease during the journey.

4. Pack your healthcare documents
You never know what kind of potential hazards you could encounter while you're away from home, which is why it's so essential that you do your best to manage your health while you can. One of the best ways to reduce the potential for pregnancy complications is to bring all of your relevant healthcare documents with you, as this can make you prepared to manage any potential challenges.

5. Know your limits
When it comes to traveling during pregnancy, women should be especially careful during their third trimesters, as this can be a dangerous period for being on an airplane.
Although this can be different for each airline provider, most recommend that women who are in the final weeks of their pregnancies avoid this mode of travel, as it could lead to potential health risks. Additionally, most healthcare providers urge women not to travel after 36 weeks of pregnancy unless in the event of an emergency.

- Inputs from Dr Priyamvada Senior Infertility Specialist,Genesis IVF

6 Baby Games to Boost Your Child's Brain Power

Newborn to 3 Months

PLAY A GAME: Where's Mommy?
Newborns have an innate fascination with voices, but they're not able to locate the source of a sound. To help your little one fine-tune this sense and also learn that his family provides laughter and smiles, place him in the middle of a bed or in an infant seat or hold him in your arms; get close to his face and talk or sing to him. Walk back and forth in front of him as you continue to talk and sing.

Developmental skills: Listening; visual and social development

3 to 6 Months

PLAY A GAME: Airplane Baby
Help comfort your cranky baby—or simply have fun together—with this classic game. To start, hold him under his chest and belly, tummy down. (Be sure to support his neck if he doesn't yet have head control.) Swing him gently back and forth.

Developmental skills: Upper-body strength; tactile stimulation; trust.

6 to 9 Months

PLAY A GAME: Knee Rides
Once your baby has good head control, prop her up on your knees and gently bounce her as you babble or sing. Babbling supports her early efforts to communicate with sounds other than crying. When she says, "aahh," say, "aahh" in return; when she says, "goo," nod and say, "goo" back. Then try stretching out the words and adding to them ("ooh" becomes "ooooh-wah!").

Developmental skills: Listening; language and social development.

9 to 12 Months

PLAY A GAME: Peekaboo!
Peekaboo is a classic favorite with babies: First Mommy's there, then Mommy's gone, and then she's back again. Sometime around 6 or 7 months, babies start to understand that objects continue to exist even if they can't see them. Use your hands or hold a blanket or towel infront of your face, whisk it away and call, "Peekaboo!"

Developmental skills: Object permanence; social development.

12 to 18 Months

PLAY A GAME: Bubbles for Baby
Watching bubbles float through the air helps your baby practice her visual skills. Trying to swat at them is excellent practice for budding eye-hand coordination. Aiming large bubbles at a blanket or carpet gives older babies a chance to catch them. Bubbles billowing outside are especially enchanting.

Developmental skills: Cause-and-effect; eye-hand coordination; visual development.

18 to 24 Months

PLAY A GAME: I'm Gonna Get You!
Babies love to be chased and surprised. Start crawling or running after your baby, saying, "I'm gonna get you!" Then gently grab him and say, "Igot you!" Lift him up in the air, kiss his neck and tickle his ribs, but keep it gentle. A good game of chase will keep him on his toes as a toddler and evolve into classic big-kids games such as hide-and-seek and tag.

Developmental skills: Gross-motor skills; social development; balance; trust.

Things Every Pregnant Mamma Must Do Before Giving Birth

So take some time out before then to be selfish and indulge yourself.

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #1: Have A Girly Night

Whether you head out for an evening of mocktails, or hide indoors in front of a good film, invite all of your besties over for some quality time. A few hours of laughing with friends could be all you need to feel revitalised. The great thing about best friends is that they always know exactly what you need – whether you need hilarious date disaster stories, or a shoulder to cry on, they’ll know just how to help.

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #2: Paint Your Toe Nails

Or, more likely, ask someone to paint them for you. You may not even be sure you have toes anymore, since it’s been so long since you last saw them. Rest assured though, they are still there – and very much in need of painting. Treat yourself to a pedicure at your favourite salon, or ask a friend to paint your nails for you.

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #3: Have A Massage

Pregnancy isn’t easy on the body, and you may find yourself suffering from aches and pains as you enter the final trimester. A prenatal massage can help – a qualified masseuse will be able to ease your aches and pains, relieve tension in your muscles, and help you to feel relaxed. If budget is an issue, organise a do-it-yourself massage at home. Invest in some massage oil (coconut oil is a great option) and a massage ball, and ask your designated masseuse to spend a few minutes watching how to videos online. Turn out the lights, play some calming music and enjoy a lengthy massage in the comfort of your own home.

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #4: Get Away

Pack a bag, grab your partner and whisk him off into the sunset to grab some much-needed couple time before the baby arrives. Once you become a family of three, your time alone with your partner will be limited. Nights away will need months of forward planning, dedicated babysitters, and plenty of location restrictions based on distance away from the baby. Make the most of your last months of freedom (just kidding, you’ll still have freedom – you get a second chance at it in about 18 years) and disappear to wherever takes your fancy. If you already have children, you might like to take them with you, or try and arrange friends or family to help out for a quick holiday away before the next family member arrives. Tight for cash? Give housesitting a try.

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #5: Take Some Bump Shots

You may not love your bump now, but one day in the not too distant future, you won’t quite be able to believe just how big you got. Make sure you have some photographs of you and your bump before it disappears. You can take the photos yourself, ask a friend to do it, or even hire a professional photographer to capture some frame-worthy shots. A belly cast is another great alternative to remembering your bump, which you can have professionally painted if you wish!

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #6: Go To The Cinema

This may not sound overly exciting, but there will come a time when you yearn for a simple trip to your local cinema. One day, as you sit in front of the television showing nothing but repeats, covered in baby sick, baby snot and the everyday grime that accompanies motherhood, you will wish you could waltz out of the door to the cinema. Lash out and have a Gold Class (upgraded) session if you can afford it – you can put your feet up and enjoy the movie in total comfort!

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #7: Visit Your Favourite Restaurant

Go on, you deserve it. Pregnancy is tough – even the most plain sailing pregnancy has its fair shares of grumbles, so give yourself a much needed treat. Make the most of your last few weeks as a family of two (or more!), and head out of the door without having to organise a babysitter or changing bag, and enjoy a delicious feast at your favourite eatery.

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #8: Read A Book

Run yourself a nice, warm bubble bath, choose a book off your to-read pile, and let your fingers and toes get wrinkly. You may imagine yourself having plenty of time to read whilst on maternity leave, but while you may manage the odd book, you probably won’t be spending many hours leafing through novels under shady trees. You may even find that the only books you manage to read during maternity leave, are baby books. So make the most of these final few months of pregnancy by reading some good books cover to cover.

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #9: Catch Up With Friends

Pregnancy is the perfect time to catch up with old friends. Make plans to meet up with old friends, and spend time on the phone chatting to long distance friends. It can be that little bit harder to keep in touch when the baby arrives, simply because you’ll be so busy, so spend time catching up with everyone during pregnancy.

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #10: Write About It

Pregnancy is such a wonderful time, as you approach the unknowns of motherhood, you may find yourself spending time reflecting on your feelings. Take this opportunity to write down your thoughts and feelings as the birth approaches. If you are planning to keep a baby book detailing the first year of your baby’s life, this would make a great first entry.

Pregnant Mamma Bucket List Item #11: Have A Blessingway

You may or may not have had a baby shower, but a blessingway is all about getting your favourite women together and making it all about the mother-to-be. There’s no gift giving (although you could definitely class everyone’s presence and support as a gift) but instead, its all about preparing you emotionally and spiritually for birth. They are absolutely amazing and leave you overflowing with love and laughter.

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