Sleeping Position In Pregnancy – Which Side Is Safer? - Gynaecologist in noida

One of the hardest things about pregnancy, is trying to get a good night’s sleep. You’re hot and sweaty, uncomfortable, your hips are aching, and your heartburn gets worse when you lie down.You end up wedged in with no fewer than fifteen pillows holding you in place, only to realise you need a wee as soon as you’ve turned the light off. On the rare occasions you are tired enough to overcome all of these sleep hurdles, the baby starts doing acrobatics and using your bladder as a trampoline. So, with all of that in mind, I’m now going to (hesitantly and politely) tell you about the best way to sleep during pregnancy. Please don’t throw anything at the screen in anger, I’m just trying to help.

Sleeping On Your Tummy During Pregnancy
During the early stages of pregnancy, it’s fine to sleep on your tummy. By the time it becomes dangerous to your baby, you will be too uncomfortable doing it anyway! Trying to sleep on your belly at eight months pregnant would be a sight fit for any touring circus

Sleeping On Your Back During Pregnancy 
You don’t really need to worry about your sleeping position at all during your first trimester. Once you’re into the second trimester though, you’ll need to avoid sleeping on your back. When you lie on your back, your uterus puts pressure on the vein that returns blood to your heart. If you lie in this position for long periods, this could restrict the amount of blood and nutrients that reach your placenta and baby. It could also leave you feeling dizzy and nauseous.

Sleeping On Your Right Hand Side During Pregnancy
 Lying on your right hand side is much better than sleeping on your front or back during the later stages of pregnancy, but is still not as good as sleeping on your left. This is because, sleeping on your right hand side can puts pressure on your liver which most Doctors would prefer you to avoid.

Sleeping On Your Left Hand Side During Pregnancy 
Doctors and midwives recommend sleeping on your left hand side. This position prevents the heavy uterus putting pressure on your liver, and continues to allow the baby to receive the right amount of nutrients and oxygen through the placenta. In fact, not only does this position not restrict blood flow, it actually improves circulation which means your body won’t have to work as hard to ensure you have optimal blood flow for you and your baby.

Sleeping on the left hand side on the last night of pregnancy, halved the risk of stillbirth. Since you don’t usually know when your last night of pregnancy will be, it’s best to sleep on your left hand side during the later stages of pregnancy, just in case. Don’t worry if you do as you’re told, and make sure you fall asleep on your left hand side, only to wake up on your right. There’s nothing you can do to stop yourself turning over in your sleep (although for lots of you, the giant bump might help out with that!) so don’t get upset or worry about it. As long as you spend most of the night on your left, you should be ok, so each time you wake up on your right, simply (or with the help of your partner and some kind of pulley system) turn back onto your left before you go back to sleep.

Having A Good Nights Sleep During Pregnancy 
For the toss and turners amongst you, pregnancy can be very restrictive. When you’re over tired and uncomfortable, it can be frustrating to know you need to stay in one position all night, and this can make it harder to get to sleep. To prevent that from happening, and to ensure you get a good night’s sleep, there are some things you can do. Try having a relaxing bath before bed, this will calm you down and help you to feel rested. Drinking a hot drink, like a fruit tea, will also help you to feel relaxed. If you’re suffering from pelvic girdle pain, or general aches and pains, ask your partner to give you a massage just before you go to sleep. Hopefully this should rid you of the discomfort long enough for you to fall asleep.

Prenatal Bonding: 5 Ways to Boost Baby's Health

“We’re discovering more and more that the health of the mother—including her mental health—affects her growing baby,” adds Wilson. Indeed, several studies have concluded that stress and depression during pregnancy can harm babies’ development. The flip-side of that? “When the mother is feeling happy and relaxed, her baby benefits, too,”

1. Talk to your baby

Take time out to get quiet and send positive thoughts to him or her. “Knowing that you’re contributing to the good health and well-being of your baby helps relax you,” says Wilson.

2. Take lots of naps

“It might sound silly to say that sleep could aid bonding, but short naps make moms-to-be more present and reduce pregnancy stress, which can have a negative impact on your baby,” says Wilson.

3. Connect

Connect with other women in your community or online and share your experiences being pregnant (both wonderful and challenging). Feeling supported and positive will keep the good vibes flowing to your growing bub.

4. Sing a song to your baby

This not only helps relax you, but because hearing develops 18 weeks into your pregnancy, it’s possible that your baby will be able to hear your tune, too, and get to know your voice and learn to be soothed by it.

5. Get creative

Take a prenatal yoga or art class, write in a journal, paint or draw, or cook a new dish. Enriching yourself and taking time to do things you enjoy will allow you to tune into the “mothering” part of your brain and help you become a better mom.

How to choose your gynaecologist - Gynecologist in Noida

Visiting a gynecologist should be a part of every woman's medical routine. Finding the right gynecologist may take some time, but it's worth doing your research and choosing someone you feel comfortable with. After all, your gynecologist will be the one helping you through your pregnancy and delivery so it is important to feel that you can speak to him or her freely. Here are a few tips to help you make your choice:

Does the gynecologist have a good reputation?
There is nothing wrong in being particular about your standards when it comes to your gynaecologist. After all, your gynaecologist is privy to some of the most intimate facets of your sexuality, body and overall health. Start with the website of the hospital he or she is affiliated to. This should tell you about the doctor's medical credentials and for how long they have been practising. It may highlight their particular areas of interest or experience as well. See if the gynaecologist is also an obstetrician. If she isn't you will need to see a different doctor at the time of your delivery because only obstetricians are qualified to deliver babies.

You can also ask around among your friends, family, colleagues or your own general physician. You are bound to find someone who goes to that particular gynaecologist and if not, you will probably hear of a good gynaecologist you might want to consider.

What should I ask the gynecologist?
When you go for your first "introductory" appointment, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

•     Does the gynaecologist answer your questions willingly and accurately?
•     Is she friendly and responsive?
•     Do you feel comfortable asking her personal medical questions?
•     Does she seem up to date?
•     Is she listening to your concerns and answering accordingly?
•     Is she gentle during her check-up?
•     Does she seem to care about your comfort?

If you don't feel a rapport building with this doctor, try another one.

How easy is it to meet the gynecologist?
Good doctors are always busy, but you don't want a doctor who always seems too busy to take her time with you or to speak to you. Most doctors are willing to give you their cell phone number or email addresses. Find out how this gynecologist deals with emergency calls. Ask how quickly she aims to get back to people with non emergency queries. Check out how long you would usually have to wait for routine appointments, and how quickly you could be seen if you were unwell.

How far is the gynecologist from your home?
Think about the distance you need to travel for your appointments with your gynecologist. Do you want one close to home or would it be easier to visit someone close to your work? Think about how you will get there. If you need to use public transport check out how easy it will be. If you are pregnant or thinking of starting a family, you might find it easier to have a doctor closer to home since you will be going for more frequent check-ups.

Do you prefer a female gynecologist?
Many women prefer female gynecologists. But keep an open mind: you may also find a male gynecologist who is understanding and helpful. Make your decision after you have had a chance to speak with several doctors.

Will your insurance cover the cost of your doctor's visits?
Check your finances. There are some insurance schemes that do not cover visits to the gynecologist. In this case you may need to compare visiting costs. Delivery charges also vary a lot between gynecologists and often insurance schemes have a limit on the extent to which they cover you. If you have a baby planned or on the way, it may be worth comparing the delivery charges of the gynecologists on your list.

How do you feel about the gynecologist?
There is a reason that a women's intuition is so revered, it is often right! So do your researches, check background information, schedule an appointment and meet the gynecologist, but in the end trust your gut.

How long should women try to get pregnant before calling their doctors? - Gynecologist in Noida & IVF Specialist

Most experts suggest at least one year. Women 35 or older should see their doctors after six months of trying. A woman's chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after the age of 30.
Some health problems also increase the risk of infertility. So, women should talk to their doctors if they have:

• Irregular periods or no menstrual periods
• Very painful periods
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• More than one miscarriage

It is a good idea for any woman to talk to a doctor before trying to get pregnant. Doctors can help you get your body ready for a healthy baby. They can also answer questions on fertility and give tips on conceiving.

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)? - Gynecologist in Delhi & Infertility Specialist

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an infertility treatment that is often called artificial insemination. In this procedure, the woman is injected with specially prepared sperm. Sometimes the woman is also treated with medicines that stimulate ovulation before IUI.

IUI is often used to treat:

•     Mild male factor infertility
•     Women who have problems with their cervical mucus
•     Couples with unexplained infertility

What is assisted reproductive technology (ART)?

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a group of different methods used to help infertile couples. ART works by removing eggs from a woman's body. The eggs are then mixed with sperm to make embryos. The embryos are then put back in the woman's body.

How often is assisted reproductive technology (ART) successful?

Success rates vary and depend on many factors. Some things that affect the success rate of ART include:

•     Age of the partners
•     Reason for infertility
•     Clinic
•     Type of ART
•     If the egg is fresh or frozen
•     If the embryo is fresh or frozen

The U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention (CDC) collects success rates on ART for some fertility clinics. According to the 2006 CDC report on ART, the average percentage of ART cycles that led to a live birth were:

•     39% in women under the age of 35
•     30% in women aged 35-37
•     21% in women aged 37-40
•     11% in women aged 41-42

ART can be expensive and time-consuming. But it has allowed many couples to have children that otherwise would not have been conceived. The most common complication of ART is multiple fetuses. But this is a problem that can be prevented or minimized in several different ways

How does age affect a woman's ability to have children? - Gynecologist in Noida, Gynecologist in Delhi

Many women are waiting until their 30s and 40s to have children. In fact, about 20 percent of women in the United States now have their first child after age 35. So age is a growing cause of fertility problems. About one-third of couples in which the woman is over 35 have fertility problems.

Aging decreases a woman's chances of having a baby in the following ways:

•     Her ovaries become less able to release eggs.
•     She has a smaller number of eggs left.
•     Her eggs are not as healthy.
•     She is more likely to have health conditions that can cause fertility problems.
•     She is more likely to have a miscarriage.

How long should women try to get pregnant before calling their doctors?

Most experts suggest at least one year. Women 35 or older should see their doctors after six months of trying. A woman's chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after the age of 30.

Some health problems also increase the risk of infertility. So, women should talk to their doctors if they have:

•     Irregular periods or no menstrual periods
•     Very painful periods
•     Endometriosis
•     Pelvic inflammatory disease
•     More than one miscarriage

It is a good idea for any woman to talk to a doctor before trying to get pregnant. Doctors can help you get your body ready for a healthy baby. They can also answer questions on fertility and give tips on conceiving.

What causes infertility in women? - Infertility Specialist

Most cases of female infertility are caused by problems with ovulation. Without ovulation, there are no eggs to be fertilized. Some signs that a woman is not ovulating normally include irregular or absent menstrual periods.

Ovulation problems are often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormone imbalance problem which can interfere with normal ovulation. PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is another cause of ovulation problems. POI occurs when a woman's ovaries stop working normally before she is 40. POI is not the same as early menopause.

Less common causes of fertility problems in women include:

• Blocked Fallopian tubes due to pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or surgery for an ectopic pregnancy
• Physical problems with the uterus
• Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous clumps of tissue and muscle on the walls of the uterus.

What things increase a woman's risk of infertility?

Many things can change a woman's ability to have a baby. These include:

•     Age
•     Stress
•     Poor diet
•     Athletic training
•     Being overweight or underweight
•     Smoking
•     Excess alcohol use
•     Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
•     Health problems that cause hormonal changes, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and primary  ovarian insufficiency

- Inputs from Dr Priyamvada Senior InfertilitySpecialist, Genesis IVF

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

What are the most common reasons for infertility in women?

If your doctor suspects a problem with you, she will look at certain common problem areas:
Is there any hostility to the sperm in the vagina or the cervix?
Is there any obstruction to the passage of sperm in the vagina or the cervix?
Is the uterus in the right position?

Your doctor will also check whether your reproductive organs are functioning well. She will look for any blockages in the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes carry the sperm to the egg, and also carry the fertilised embryo to the uterus for successful implantation.

A blockage in the fallopian tubes can cause irreversible infertility. In our country, genital tuberculosis causes permanent blockage of the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can also block the fallopian tubes and can cause adhesions between the pelvic organs.

Another common cause of infertility in women is problems linked to ovulation. Such problems mean that either a woman does not ovulate or she may have dysfunctional ovulation. Many women do not ovulate due to polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS).

Polycystic ovaries syndrome is becoming more common, particularly in young girls. In the case of irregular ovulation, getting pregnant can take longer but it usually does happen eventually. Many causes of infertility are treatable today or at least something can be done to improve your chances of conceiving. So if you suspect a problem, do consult a fertility specialist.

What is Infertility?

What is infertility?

Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying. Or, six months, if a woman is 35 or older. Women who can get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant may also be infertile.

Pregnancy is the result of a process that has many steps. To get pregnant:

A woman must release an egg from one of her ovaries (ovulation).
The egg must go through a Fallopian tube toward the uterus (womb).
A man's sperm must join with (fertilize) the egg along the way.
The fertilized egg must attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation).

Infertility can happen if there are problems with any of these steps.

Infertility facts

• Infertility means not being able to become pregnant, within certain parameters.
• Infertility is a common problem of about 10% of women aged 15 to 44.
• Infertility can be due to the woman (33%), the man (33%) and by both sexes or due to unknown problems (33%), approximately.
• Infertility in men can be due to varicocele, low or absent sperm count, sperm damage or certain diseases.
• Risk factors for men's infertility include alcohol and drug use, toxins, smoking, age, health problems, medicines, radiation, and chemotherapy.
• Risk factors for women's infertility include ovulation problems, blocked Fallopian tubes, uterine problems, uterine fibroids, age, stress, poor diet, athletic training, and those risk factors listed for men.
• Aging decreases a woman's fertility; after age 35 about 33% of couples have fertility problems; older women's eggs are reduced in number, not as healthy and less likely to be released by the ovary – the woman is also more likely to have a miscarriage and other health problems.
• Women under 35 should try for a year or 6 months if 35 or older to become pregnant before contacting their doctor if they have no health problems.
• Doctors use the histories of both partners and may run tests such as sperm studies, ovulation tests, ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, or laparoscopy.
• Infertility may be treated with medicine, surgery, artificial insemination, or assisted reproductive technology, based on the couples test results and other factors.
• There are multiple medicines that may be used to treat infertility in women.
• Intrauterine insemination is artificial insemination where a woman is injected with sperm into the uterus.
• ART (assisted reproductive technology) is when a woman's eggs are removed, mixed with sperm to make embryos that are placed back in the woman's body; it's successful about 11% to 39%, depending on the woman's age.
• There are several types of ART; in vitro fertilization, Zygote transfer, Gamete transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
• Surrogacy (the woman's male partner sperm is used to fertilize another woman egg and that other woman carries the fetus to term and the infant is then adopted ) is a way for some couples to obtain a baby.
• A gestational carrier is a woman who has an embryo placed in her uterus, carries the fetus to term and gives the baby to the couple (or responsible persons) that produced the embryo.

Dr Priyamvada SeniorInfertility Specialist, Genesis IVF