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.

8 Myths about Trying to Conceive - Gynecologist in Noida

Couples who are trying and not being able to conceive is one of the greatest challenges they face in their lives. It can lead them into depression if conception myths and common misconception revolve around their minds about conception. Here we try to cut through your confusion about the common myths and realities relating to misconception.

1. Everyday sex makes pregnancy faster

Just because you are having everyday sex does not mean you will carry the pregnancy faster. The best thing your sex should coincide with ovulation-that help sperm travel towards the fallopian tubes which eventually makes your fertilization process successful.

2. You don’t have to worry about age

It is an established fact that fertility decreases with the increase in age. According to studies, the best age for woman trying to conceive is 21-30. For both men and women, age is a critical component of fertility potential. So, get married soon.

3. The positions during intercourse matters when trying to conceive

In order to achieve a goal for positive pregnancy it is important you are having intercourse when you ovulate, the best time for successful conception in your ovulation cycle.

4. Orgasm is important to get pregnant

The female orgasm is biologically unnecessary for conception to occur. But that does not mean it cannot help fertilization process. One of the studies done by British biologists found that women retained more seminal fluid when they had an orgasm anywhere from a minute to 45 minutes after a man’s ejaculation during copulation.

5. Ovulation Happens 14 Days after a Period

It is the most accurate way to predict fertility but it is not always that your ovulation happens on 14^th day. For the most accurate prediction, you need to follow ‘fertile window’ i.e when your period begins and ends.\

6. You will conceive more quickly if you have sex during the day

There is no clinical proof that having sex during the day increases you the chances of getting pregnant. However, some studies suggest sperm levels are somewhat higher in the morning.

7. Adopt a child, you will get pregnant

It is one of the oldest myths between couples about conception and continues to spread like wildfire even to this day. There is nothing as such adopting a child increases the chances of getting pregnant. If you are struggling with fertility, consult a doctor as early as possible.

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/

Mommy brain in pregnancy - Gynaecologist in Noida

If you think delivering that gorgeous baby means an automatic return to your former mental self, think again. “Pregnancy brain” is real, and it can affect your postpartum brain as well. Example: Half of new moms still felt super sleepy 18 weeks after giving birth, according to a recent study published in PLOS One. Here’s what to expect:

What causes it: Many experts attribute the sluggishness to the upheaval of hormones that inevitably occurs after childbirth.

The huge learning curve of taking care of a newborn also contributes. “You’re gathering so much new information, so worried about simply keeping your baby alive and well-fed, that it consumes your brain,” Seip explains.

How long it lasts: While research shows the fogginess can last up to a year after having a baby, many women start to see at least some improvement once they adjust to their new lives. Getting more of that ever-elusive sleep also helps.

What you can do in the meantime: Besides laughing it off, try to find comfort in the small triumphs. You may not be able to remember your husband’s name, “but take pride in the fact that you know your pediatrician’s phone number by memory or that you can operate your breast pump with your eyes closed.”

Also take advantage of a few memory joggers: Leave yourself voicemails; write notes on your palm; keep a pen and paper in several places so you can jot down important reminders. And if you’re concerned about being able to find those reminders, place Post-its in a prominent place. “One mom put them on her baby!” Seip says.

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

Genetic Counseling in Pregnancy - Gynecologist in Noida

There are many different reasons to have genetic counseling done, as well as different ways to have genetic testing done. I am going to deal mainly with genetic testing as it relates to pregnancy.
First a quick look at genetics...

Every human being has genes, these tiny little switches that determine hair color, eye color, and other traits are packed into 46 chromosomes inside our cells. The human sperm and egg cells are different from other cells in that each only has 23 unmatched chromosomes inside. When pregnancy begins and the egg and sperm are joined you start with a brand new cell, with 46 chromosomes.

Dominant Disorders

Each gene's instructions are either dominant or recessive. Examples of dominant disorders would be: high cholesterol, Huntington disease, extra fingers or toes, glaucoma, etc. Problems caused by dominant disorders can be either nonexistent or quite severe. If a parent has a dominant gene for a certain condition there is a 50% chance that each child would have the disorder.

Recessive Disorders

If only one parent has a recessive disorder gene, then the dominant gene from the other parent will prevent the disorder. If both parents were carriers of a recessive gene then there would be a one in four chance that each child would inherit the disorder. Examples of recessive disorders: sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs, phenylketonuria (PKU). Recessively inherited disorders are often more serious.

There are other types of disorders, such as X-linked disorders, and carriers.
Types of Testing

Screening Tests

Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) - This is a blood test done between 15 - 17 weeks of pregnancy. There is no risk to the baby during this screening. The mother's blood is screened for one or more substances (alpha-fetoprotein, hCG, estriadol). Higher than normal levels may indicate a neural tube defect, while lower values may indicate certain chromosomal disorders, usually Down Syndrome. The problems with this screening are that there are many false positives. This can cause more invasive testing, worry, etc. When the reason may simply be that you are further along than anticipated, you might be having twins. However, a normal test should help relieve anxiety.

Ultrasound - This screening can show if the baby has defects such as kidney problems, heart defects, and limb defects. This procedure does not detect all defects and has not been shown to be helpful in determining Down Syndrome in a fetus. A good ultrasound does not indicate that you will not have a baby with a defect, just decreases the likelihood.

MaterniT21PLUS - This test is run on maternal blood and can look for the most common of genetic disorders, including Down Syndrome. It can be done as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy and does not pose a risk of harm to the baby or pregnancy. It will also tell you if you are having a girl or boy.

Diagnostic Testing

Amniocentesis - This test will screen for all known chromosomal defects by sampling fetal cells in the amniotic fluid. It is done with the placement of a needle, guided by ultrasound, into the uterus to collect the fluid. It is usually done between 15 and 18 weeks of gestation, although some practitioners are doing early amniocentesis as early as 9 weeks. It normally takes two weeks to receive the results. The results can be very accurate, however, they cannot tell you the severity of a present defect. There is also risk to the baby from this procedure. About 1 in 200 women will miscarry after the amniocentesis, even if the baby was unaffected, and about 1 in 1,000 will experience infection. (See more about amniocentesis.)

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) - CVS can be done earlier in pregnancy, some centers are doing it as early as 8 weeks, while most are doing them around 10 weeks gestation. A small tube can be placed through the vagina, or it can be done abdominally and a tiny tissue sample is taken from the outside of the sac that contains your baby. CVS results can be done as soon as ten days. This is less accurate than amniocentesis and the rates of complications are higher. Miscarriage is 1 in 100 or 200, small risk of missing digits (fingers and toes) for 1 in 2,000 or 3,000 of babies. These risks are higher the earlier the CVS is done. (See more about CVS.)

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!

Some pregnancy questions you're uncomfortable asking your Gynecologist - Gynecologist in Noida

1. Will I have a bowel movement during my delivery?
Mary Rosser, Gynecologist at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx section of New York City, wants pregnant women to know that birth is not a public performance. So really, you shouldn't worry about pooping during the pushing phase of labor. It can happen if your bowel is full because the rectum is underneath the uterus, and when you push, you put pressure on that area. Still, try to remember that the people in the delivery room are there to support and help you, and that medical professionals are cognizant of people's dignity and privacy. So, focus on your baby, not your bowels.


2. Will I get stretched out "down there?"
The short answer: no. Your vagina is made to stretch to accommodate childbirth and then contract back to its normal size. Indeed, your vagina has muscle memory! Rosser recommends doing Kegel exercises to strengthen those muscles. Basically, you'll clench that area as if you were holding back a stream of urine, then release. Do these exercises in sets of 10, four to five times daily postpartum.


3. Have I gained too much weight?
This can be a touchy subject and one that many pregnant women shy away from asking at a prenatal appointment. But Rosser says you shouldn't be afraid to discuss your pregnancy weight gain with your doctor because this is an important aspect of both your health and the baby's.


4. I've heard I won't be able to control my bladder after pregnancy. Is this true?
"Bladder control tends to decrease after pregnancy and childbirth," Beverly Hills Gynecologist Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz says. And as you near your due date, you may notice bladder control becoming more tenuous. But usually within six weeks to three months, women will see those effects reverse. Guess what? Kegels help here, too. Sometimes there is an ongoing problem, however, and you should talk to your doctor to find out what can be done to help.


5. My husband is afraid to have intercourse while I'm pregnant because he might hurt the baby. What should I tell him?
Rosser acknowledges that this is a real fear for many partners of pregnant women. Many times they just need to be reassured that they won't hurt mom or the baby.


6. Why is intercourse more painful after giving birth?
"You did have a baby, and there's some trauma that needs to heal," Gilberg-Lenz says. For women who are breastfeeding, hormone levels change, too, especially estrogen, which may lead to problems with lubrication. Try using a lubricant during intercourse and giving your body time to adjust to sex after baby. If several months go by and you don't notice an improvement, speak to your doctor.


7. Is it normal to have so much discharge during pregnancy?
Yes. As Gilberg-Lenz points out, a pregnant woman's hormones are going crazy. Plus, you have an increase in the blood flow to the pelvis. You will likely notice a steady increase in discharge as your pregnancy progresses. But be sure to call your doctor if your discharge is painful, burning, itching, has an odor or is very watery. You may have an infection, or your water may have broken.


8. I have bad gas and indigestion while pregnant. Is this normal?
"The hormonal changes in pregnancy decrease the efficiency of your gastrointestinal system," Gilberg-Lenz says. Your discomfort may start with nausea, aka morning sickness, and bloating. As many as 85 percent of women experience these symptoms in early pregnancy. This can graduate into acid reflux and indigestion later, which is completely normal.


9. What can I do to ease my digestion issues?
"For constipation, make sure to eat plenty of fiber, veggies, fruits and drink lots of water. If needed, you can take milk of magnesia or a stool softener," Rosser says. "For heartburn, eating smaller and more frequent meals will help, as will sleeping upright on two pillows. Avoid acidic and spicy foods. If the trouble continues, speak with your physician, who may suggest taking a medication with calcium carbonate."


10. What if I sleep through labor?
"It is possible not to know if you break your water. It can be as small as a little trickle or a huge gush! Many women think they be leaking urine," Rosser says. If you aren't sure, call your doctor. But when it comes to contractions during active labor, there will be no mistaking it! They don't call it labor for nothing!

Early Signs of Pregnancy - Gynecologist in Noida

Shortness of Breath

Do you get winded going up the stairs all of a sudden? It might be because you’re pregnant. The growing fetus needs oxygen, leaving you a little short. Sorry to say, this one may continue throughout your pregnancy, especially as your growing baby starts to put pressure on your lungs and diaphragm.

Sore Breasts

Putting on your bra this morning felt like mild torture. And are you imagining it, or are the girls a little bigger? Tender and heavy-feeling breasts, darkening of the areolas and even more pronounced veins on your chest can be a first sign that you're pregnant. Wear your most supportive bra—to bed if you need it—to help ease discomfort.

Fatigue

You didn't even make it through one page of your book last night before falling asleep. If you're suddenly exhausted, it might be a response to the increasing hormones in your body. For many women, tiredness continues through the first trimester, but then ebbs in the second.

Nausea 

Most pregnant women start to get the queasies when they're about 6 weeks along, but some can experience morning sickness (which unfortunately can occur morning, noon and night) earlier. It will most likely subside as you enter the second trimester. In the mean time, try to eat foods that will settle your stomach, like crackers or ginger ale.

Headaches

More early signs of pregnancy include an aching head, a result of changes in hormones. Just in case you are indeed pregnant, take pg-safe acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen to deal with the pain.

Backaches

Is your lower back a little sore? If you don't normally have back pain, it could mean your ligaments are loosening. Sorry, this one might continue through your pregnancy as your weight gain and shifting center of gravity throw your posture out of whack.

Cramping

Is it PMS or pregnancy? It's hard to tell, but if you're feeling crampy, it might be your uterus stretching to get ready for a baby.

Cravings or Food Aversions

Suddenly, you cannot get enough citrus. Or perhaps fish now turns your stomach. If you notice food issues that weren't there before, it could be your body telling you you're pregnant.

Constipation and Bloating

You swear you fit in your skinny jeans just last week. If you're feeling a little puffy or backed up, it might be extra progesterone due to pregnancy, which slows down your digestive system.

Mood Swings

WWIII erupted over your husband's failure to put his socks in the hamper. Moody much? If you're feeling a little hormonal, it might be because your body is adjusting to well, new hormones. Assure your husband that the roller coaster emotions will pass

Elevated Basal Body Temperature

If you've actively been trying to get pregnant, you may have been charting your basal body temp to pinpoint ovulation. Generally, your BBT is elevated from ovulation until you get your period 2 weeks later. If it stays elevated beyond two weeks, it might be because you're pregnant.

Super Smell

Your garbage can now makes you gag—guess you're off trash duty! If you're repulsed by certain smells, or have an increased sensitivity to odors, it may mean you've got a bun in the oven.

Dizziness or Fainting

This is the go-to symptom they use to signify pregnancy in movies, but it's based in reality. Low blood sugar or blood pressure can cause a woozy episode. Make sure you eat enough and stay well-hydrated.

Late Period

Many of the early signs of pregnancy are also symptoms of PMS. How to tell the difference? The most telling clue yet will be a missed period. If your cycle is fairly regular and you're late, you should head to the drugstore.

Positive Pregnancy Test

You won't know for sure whether you're a mama-to-be until you do the pee-stick test. If you get a negative result and you still don't get your period, it just might just be too early for the test to detect. In the meantime, look a few of these weird pregnancy symptoms that can appear upon conception. Wait a few days and try the test again. And if it's positive—congratulations!

Understanding Ovulation and Fertility: Facts to Help You Get Pregnant - Gynecologist in Noida & IVF Specialist

Understanding Your Monthly Cycle

Knowing your menstrual cycle improves your chances of getting pregnant. The first phase starts with the first day of your period or blood flow. Your body releases hormones that makes the eggs inside your ovaries grow. Between day 2 and 14, those hormones also help thicken the lining of your uterus to get ready for a fertilized egg. This is called the follicular stage.

What Happens During Ovulation

The average menstrual cycle is 28-32 days. Ovulation usually happens between day 11 and 21 of your cycle. A hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) surges, triggering the release of the egg that's most ripe. At the same time, your cervical mucus becomes more slippery to help sperm make their way to the egg.

It's All in the Timing

Women are born with about 1-2 million eggs, but only release 300 to 400 through ovulation. Usually you release just one egg each month. The egg travels down a fallopian tube, one of the two tubes that connect your ovaries to your uterus. If the timing is right, sperm may fertilize it on its way to the uterus. If fertilization doesn't happen within 24 hours of the egg leaving the ovary, the egg dissolves. Sperm can live for about 3 to 5 days, so knowing when you are ovulating can help you and your partner plan sex for when you're most likely to conceive.

Tracking Your Most Fertile Days

Generally, the highest chance of pregnancy is when sex happens1-2 days before ovulation. If you have a regular 28-day cycle, count back 14 days from when you expect your next period to start. Plan on having sex every other day around that time -- say, days 12 and 14.  Keep in mind that having sex every day may lower a man's sperm count. Your cycle may be longer or shorter, so an online ovulation calculator may help you identify the likely day.

Tracking Ovulation by Temperature

After your body releases an egg, the hormone progesterone kicks in to help build and maintain the lining of the uterus. Progesterone causes your body temperature to go up slightly. So taking your temperature with a basal thermometer every morning before getting out of bed can help you figure out if you ovulated. These thermometers are available at the drugstore and are inexpensive, but they aren't as accurate as other methods for tracking ovulation.

Predicting Ovulation by Hormone

A surge in LH triggers your ovaries to release the egg. The surge usually happens 36 hours before the egg is released. Ovulation kits check LH levels in your urine to help you pinpoint the day of ovulation. These kits, which are available at drugstores, are convenient and highly accurate. You may want to test 1-2 days before you expect the surge so you can note the rise in LH.

The Last Phase of Your Monthly Cycle

During the second half of your menstrual cycle, the hormone progesterone kicks in to help prepare the lining of your uterus for a fertilized egg. If the egg isn't fertilized and doesn't implant, it disintegrates, progesterone levels fall, and about 12 to 16 days later, the egg -- along with blood and tissues from the lining of the uterus -- is shed from the body. That process is menstruation. It usually lasts 3 to 7 days. Then the cycle begins again.

Ways to Boost Ovulation

There is growing evidence that links environment to fertility. If you want to boost your chances of getting pregnant, you may want to:

• Eat foods rich in folic acids.
• Buy more organic foods and green products.
• Avoid certain plastics (including plastic wrap).
• Maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Weight Affects Fertility

A study found that women whose body mass index (BMI) was above normal took twice as long to get pregnant as those with a normal BMI. If you're overweight or obese, losing weight can boost your fertility and chances of getting pregnant. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a drop in weight of 5%-10% can dramatically improve ovulation and pregnancy rates. Obesity can also cause infertility and low testosterone in men. Being significantly underweight can also lead to infertility.

Age Affects Your Conception Chances

Fertility goes down with age, especially after the mid-30s. It also lowers the chances that fertility treatments will be successful. Experts say you should talk to your doctor if you're under 35 and have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months, or over 35 and have been trying for more than 6 months.

Fertility Declines in Older Men, Too

Studies show that sperm count and sperm movement decrease as men age, as does sexual function. But there isn't a cut-off age that makes a man too old to father a child. One study found that it took men age 45 or older longer to get a woman pregnant once the couple started trying. If your partner is older, you may want to talk to your doctor about ways to boost your chances.

How Men Can Boost Fertility

• Manage stress.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• Maintain a proper weight.
• Eat a diet high in zinc (found in meat, whole grains, seafood, and eggs), selenium (meat, seafood, mushroom, cereals, and Brazil nuts), and vitamin E. 
• Keep the testicles cool -- no long, hot baths, hot tubs, or saunas, which can reduce the number of sperm.

Treatments for Infertility

A number of things can cause infertility. The first step is for your doctor to check out you and your partner. Infertility treatments can include fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation and in vitro fertilization, which involves removing eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them (shown at left), and then implanting them into the uterus.

How Home Pregnancy Tests Work

Home pregnancy tests check your urine for the "pregnancy hormone," called hCG, that your body makes once a fertilized egg implants in your uterus. Some of these tests may be able to tell if you're pregnant as early as 5 days before your first missed period.

Pregnancy: 5 Early Signs

• You miss a period.
• You need to urinate often.
• You tire easily.
• You’re nauseous in the morning -- or all day.
• Your breasts become tender and enlarged.

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.

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.

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

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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