World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is more than just a phrase; it’s a global initiative that affects you and your ability to fight infections. Every November, this special week sheds light on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), teaching us how important our actions are in facing this global health challenge. It is a reminder for you to make smart choices that make the world safer and healthier. Let’s explore more why this week matters, what antimicrobial resistance is, and how we can all work together for a healthier future.

Why World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Matters to You

Antimicrobial resistance is like a silent enemy that’s getting stronger against the medicines we use to fight infections. This includes antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and more. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is an annual reminder that what you do today affects how well these medicines work in the future. 

In fact, it becomes more important to make expectant mothers aware of the judicious use of antibiotics, ensuring effective treatment while safeguarding the health of both themselves and their unborn child. That’s what we, the best gynaecologists in Mohali and Chandigarh, take the help of antibiotics only when needed to make pregnancies healthy and safe in all ways.

So, this awareness week is a call to action for you, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to stand together against the growing threat of AMR.

The ABCs of Antimicrobial Resistance: What You Need to Know

A. Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance

AMR happens when tiny living things—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—change and become able to survive the drugs meant to kill them. This makes regular treatments not work well, leading to longer illnesses, higher healthcare costs, and, in severe cases, loss of life.

B. Factors Fueling Resistance

Overuse and Misuse: Using antimicrobial drugs in the wrong way is a big reason for AMR. Taking antibiotics without a prescription, not finishing the full course, or using leftover medications all make the problem worse.

Inadequate Hygiene: Not keeping things clean leads to more infections, which means more demand for antibiotics.

Use in Agriculture: Giving antibiotics to animals we use for food can leave traces in the food we eat, adding to the resistance problem.

The Role of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week in Your Life

A. Global Collaboration

This week brings the whole world together. Countries, organisations, and communities share knowledge and best practices to fight antimicrobial resistance.

B. Education and Awareness

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is a time to learn and spread awareness. It teaches you about using antibiotics the right way, the consequences of resistance, and why keeping things clean helps prevent infections.

C. Policy Advocacy

Leaders use this week to talk about policies that support using antibiotics responsibly, controlling antibiotic use in farming, and investing in new medicines.

What Can You Do? Your Action Plan

A. Use Antibiotics Wisely

Prescription Power: Only take antibiotics if a qualified healthcare professional prescribes them to you.

Finish the Course: Even if you feel better, finish all the medicine. This makes sure all the harmful things are gone.

B. Practice Good Hygiene

Handwashing Habits: Wash your hands regularly to stop infections.

Sanitation Standards: Keep your surroundings clean to lower the risk of infections.

C. Spread the Word

Social Media Advocacy: Use your social media to tell others about using antibiotics wisely. Share helpful posts and stories.

Community Engagement: Chat with your friends, family, and neighbours about why it’s crucial to use antibiotics the right way. Share what you know so everyone can be aware and use medicine responsibly. Your conversations can help everyone in the community stay healthy.

Global Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance on You

A. Healthcare Ramifications

AMR affects more than just individual health. It makes hospital stays longer, healthcare is more expensive, and medical procedures riskier.

B. Economic Implications

AMR doesn’t just impact health; it affects economies too. Treating resistant infections costs a lot, and sick people can’t work as well, straining healthcare systems and national economies.

Looking Ahead: The Future Landscape for You

The future is a mix of challenges and hope. Researchers are working hard to find new medicines and treatments. But it’s also up to you to use the medicines we have now in the right way.

Empowering Your Future: Education and Research

A. School Programs: Learning from the Start

Making It a Part of Curriculum: Imagine learning about antimicrobial resistance from a young age. Schools can teach you about it in biology, health, or general science classes.

Creating Lifelong Habits: When you understand how important it is to use antibiotics right, it becomes a habit for life. You become someone who knows and shares this knowledge.

Interactive Learning: Learning about AMR can be fun. Schools can use examples and activities to make it interesting and easy to understand.

Involving Communities: Schools can bring parents and communities into the learning. Workshops and sessions can help everyone understand why using antibiotics wisely matters.

B. Research and Innovation: Building the Future Together

Crucial Need for Investment: Research needs support. Governments, organizations, and private companies must invest in finding new ways to stay ahead of harmful microbes.

Collaboration as the Catalyst: AMR is complex, so everyone must work together. Governments, researchers, and companies can join forces to share ideas and speed up discoveries.

Nurturing Emerging Talent: New ideas come from new minds. Supporting young scientists and researchers with scholarships and mentorship helps them explore solutions.

Holistic Approach to Innovation: Innovation is not just about new medicines. It’s also about better tools to identify infections and smarter strategies to treat them. We need a holistic approach for a strong response to AMR.

Seeking Help For Anti-Microbial Resistance During Pregnancy: The Best IVF Centre in Chandigarh and Mohali

Antimicrobial resistance during pregnancy raises concerns as infections become harder to treat. It emphasizes the need for cautious antibiotic use to safeguard both maternal health and the well-being of the developing fetus. We are one of the best pregnancy and IVF centres in Mohali and Chandigarh, helping countless mothers handle all such challenges for healthy motherhood. Book your appointment today!

A thorough study of reproductive wellness reveals the many factors crucial for successful conception. Among these factors, the often-neglected health of the fallopian tubes takes on a significant role as guiding passageways for fertilisation to occur. But did you know that the power of yoga can do wonders for the reproductive system? In this blog, we’ll explore the amazing effects of yoga on nurturing the health of these fallopian tubes and improving overall reproductive well-being. But first, let’s dive into more details about them. 

Understanding the Crucial Role of Fallopian Tubes

Conception is a complex process, the fallopian tubes play a central role, guiding the egg from the ovaries to the uterus. Visualise this journey as a step-by-step process, where these delicate tubes gently transport the egg to its destination—the uterus. However, disruptions can occur in this otherwise smooth journey. Blockages, inflammation, or scarring in these fragile tubes can create challenges, affecting fertility. Think of it as facing hurdles on a once straightforward path. These challenges become crucial factors that significantly influence the likelihood of successful conception.

Yoga as a Holistic Lifestyle Practice

Yoga, originating from ancient India, transcends the boundaries of a mere physical exercise routine. It evolves into a holistic lifestyle practice, seamlessly integrating the realms of the mind, body, and spirit. Beyond the confines of the yoga mat, it becomes a way of life that encourages overall well-being, mindfulness, and balance. The inclusion of yoga into daily routines holds great potential to positively influence reproductive health, creating a conducive environment for fertility.

1. Hormonal Balance

 Yoga practices, including specific asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), can help regulate hormonal balance. This balance is crucial for regular menstrual cycles and optimal reproductive health.

2. Improved Blood Circulation to Reproductive Organs

The physical postures in yoga promote increased blood flow to the pelvic region, including the ovaries and uterus. This enhanced circulation can create a more conducive environment for conception.

3. Stress Reduction

Yoga is known for its stress-relieving effects. Chronic stress can impact reproductive health by disrupting hormonal balance. Yoga’s emphasis on relaxation and mindfulness helps reduce stress, fostering a positive environment for fertility.

4. Pelvic Floor Strengthening

Certain yoga poses target the pelvic floor muscles, promoting strength and flexibility. A strong pelvic floor is essential for reproductive health, supporting the uterus, bladder, and other pelvic organs.

5. Support for Menstrual Health

Yoga practices can contribute to regular menstrual cycles. Certain poses and breathing techniques help address issues like irregular periods and menstrual discomfort, creating a foundation for reproductive well-being.

6. Boosted Immune Function

A strong immune system is crucial for reproductive health. Yoga’s stress-reducing effects and promotion of overall wellness contribute to a robust immune system, creating a favourable environment for conception.

7. Enhanced Digestive Health

Certain yoga poses and practices promote digestive health, which is linked to reproductive well-being. A healthy digestive system ensures efficient nutrient absorption, benefiting overall body function.

8. Balanced Energy Flow (Prana)

In yogic philosophy, the concept of prana refers to vital life force energy. Yoga practices aim to balance and harmonise prana, promoting overall vitality and well-being, including reproductive vitality.

9. Improved Sleep Quality

Adequate and restful sleep is essential for reproductive health. Yoga’s relaxation techniques can contribute to improved sleep quality, supporting the body’s natural rhythms and hormonal balance.

10. Enhanced Emotional Well-being

The mind-body connection in yoga emphasises emotional well-being. Managing emotions and reducing anxiety through yoga may positively impact fertility by creating a supportive mental state.

Tip: Mindfulness techniques, combined with visualisation practices, can help women develop a positive mindset toward fertility. This mental preparation can contribute to a more relaxed and receptive state for conception. In addition to this, you can go for regular consultations at a good maternity care hospital. You can book a consultation with the best gynaecologists in Mohali and Chandigarh at our IVF centre. 

Exploring Yoga Poses for Enhanced Tubal Health

Specific poses in yoga are dedicated to enhancing tubal health. These poses delicately blend gentle stretches and movements, stimulating blood circulation, alleviating inflammation, and fostering an environment conducive to a healthy reproductive system. Key poses include:

Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose):

• Enhances blood flow to the pelvic area.
• Induces relaxation in the abdomen, alleviating tension.

Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose):

• Strengthens pelvic muscles, fortifying the reproductive framework.
• Promotes flexibility in the spine, a crucial element for reproductive vitality.

Bharadvajasana (Seated Twist):

• Augments spinal flexibility, promoting overall reproductive health.
• Stimulates abdominal organs, including the ovaries, contributing to tubal health.

Addressing Stress Reduction and Hormonal Harmony Through Yoga

Stress and hormonal imbalances are intricately interwoven in the tapestry of reproductive health, impacting the intricate functionality of fallopian tubes. Yoga provides a sanctuary for stress reduction, employing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. As stress levels diminish, a restoration of hormonal harmony unfolds, creating an environment conducive to optimal tubal function and fertility.

Unveiling Scientific Perspectives on Yoga and Reproductive Health

The marriage of ancient wisdom and modern science is evident in scientific studies exploring the correlation between yoga and reproductive health. Robust research suggests that yoga significantly contributes to stress reduction, improves blood flow to reproductive organs, and regulates hormonal balance—elements intricately linked to optimal tubal health. This scientific underpinning enriches the profound ancient wisdom of yoga with empirical evidence.

Harmonizing Yoga into a Complete Fertility Plan

Yoga seamlessly extends into the broader canvas of reproductive wellness, harmonising with medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments. This approach, fusing the ancient principles of yoga with contemporary fertility treatments and a health-conscious lifestyle, empowers individuals on their journey toward optimal reproductive health. The comprehensive strategy unfolds as a transformative guide, exploring the complicated path toward parenthood.

Complete Maternity and Gynae Care – The Best IVF Centre in Mohali and Chandigarh

Your well-being is our priority, and at our centre, we’re committed to supporting you on your journey to health. Through a combination of yoga practices and counselling sessions, we aim to provide comprehensive care for your mind and body. Apart from being a trusted maternity hospital, we’re recognised as the top IVF centre in Chandigarh. Our skilled fertility specialists use safe techniques and modern equipment. With a solid reputation in the fertility and maternity care community, we have the highest success rates in the Tricity area. With over 25+ years of experience, we’ve helped many couples overcome fertility challenges. Book your appointment now!

When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through many changes, and she needs to make special changes to her diet and lifestyle to help her baby grow properly. 

If you’re pregnant, you might have already started eating healthier foods like whole grains, green vegetables, and fruits to ensure both you and your baby get the right pregnancy diet nutrients. 

While most veggies are good for your baby, some, like bitter gourd (karela), may not be the best choice during pregnancy. Let’s find out if it’s safe to eat bitter gourd (karela) during pregnancy.

Is it Okay to Eat Bitter Gourd When You’re Pregnant? 

Bitter gourds have lots of good nutrients for pregnant women and their babies, but some people aren’t sure if it’s safe. So, it’s your choice: you can eat them if you want, or you can skip them.

Some studies have looked at how eating bitter gourd during pregnancy can affect moms and their babies. The results are a bit mixed. Some parts of the bitter gourd, like the fruit and leaves, seem to be safe when turned into extracts. They even have vitamin C that helps moms fight off bad germs and stay healthy during pregnancy.

But it’s not all good news. Some parts of bitter gourd, like the seeds and roots, can make the mommy’s stomach move a little too much, like a gentle shake. That’s not good for the baby. 

Now, there’s no clear proof that eating bitter gourd is like a superhero power for pregnant moms. It doesn’t seem to directly fix problems during pregnancy or help with staying the right weight.

So, if you’re pregnant and you want to eat some bitter gourd, it’s probably okay every once in a while, and not too much at once. But it’s really important to talk to a doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you and your baby. Always be careful and ask for help from Pregnancy & Maternity Clinic in Mohali or other areas when you’re not sure!

Benefits of Eating Bitter Gourd (Karela) During Pregnancy

The benefits of eating bitter gourd during pregnancy are as follows:

1. Super Folate Booster: Best fertility specialist in Chandigarh said that bitter gourd has a lot of folates, which is like a superhero for babies. It helps the babies’ bodies develop properly and stay away from any problems.
2. Feeling Full and Healthy: Bitter gourd is like a magic vegetable that makes pregnant women feel full and happy. It stops them from wanting to eat too much junk food so they can stay healthy even when they’re having a baby.
3. Stomach Problems No More: Sometimes, pregnant women have stomach problems like being stuck on the toilet for a long time. Bitter gourd helps with these problems and makes them feel better.
4. Sugar Control Helper: Bitter gourd is helpful for those pregnant ladies who have too much sugar in their blood. It has special things that can bring the sugar back to normal and keep both mother and baby safe.

Possible Side Effects of Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy

Eating bitter gourd while pregnant can be harmful to the baby. Here are some reasons why:

1. Anaemia: Some pregnant women might get sick from bitter gourd because it has something called vicine that can destroy their red blood cells. This could make them very weak and hurt their pregnancy. So, it’s better not to eat bitter gourd during pregnancy. But if you really want to, talk to your best fertility specialist in Chandigarh first and eat just a little bit.
2. Toxicity: Bitter gourds have things like Momordica, quinine, and glycosides that can be like poison to your body. They can make your stomach hurt, mess up your eyesight, make you throw up, feel really tired, have sore muscles, feel sick, and even make your mouth make too much spit. 
3. Stomach Problems: Eating bitter gourd can give you a stomach ache, make it hard to digest food, give you diarrhea, make your belly hurt, and more. Even the seeds of bitter gourd can cause these problems.
4. Bleeding: Some experts from trusted pregnancy care in Mohali, Chandigarh say that having bitter gourd juice when you’re pregnant might make your belly squeeze too much and even make you bleed, which could lead to baby death.

FAQ

Is it safe to eat cooked bitter gourd during pregnancy’s first trimester?

Ans: Consuming cooked bitter gourd (karela) while first trimester of pregnancy, particularly in the early stages, requires careful consideration. Bitter gourd has specific nutrients that may impact pregnancy, so it’s crucial to be aware of possible concerns. 

Is it safe to eat bitter gourd during pregnancy in the second trimester?

Ans: Eating bitter gourd during the second trimester of pregnancy requires some careful thinking. It’s really important to talk to your doctors at the best maternity hospital in Chandigarh before you start eating bitter gourd. They can give you advice according to your health and pregnancy. If you decide to have a bitter gourd, just don’t eat too much, and pay attention to how your body feels. 

Does bitter gourd contain folic acid?

Ans: Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or Momordica Charania, does have a bit of folic acid. Folic acid, also called folate or vitamin B9, is super important for pregnant ladies because it helps keep the baby’s brain and spinal cord healthy and prevents problems with the neural tube.

Does bitter gourd cause miscarriage?

Ans: It is essential to remember that you should eat bitter gourd in small amounts when you’re pregnant. Eating too much can cause digestive problems and might even cause miscarriage. It is a good idea to talk to a doctor of pregnancy hospitals in Mohali before you start eating bitter gourd while pregnant.

Conclusion

In summary, bitter gourd (karela) can provide certain benefits, such as folate for fetal development and potential sugar control, but it also carries risks, including anemia and digestive issues. Pregnant women should consult with healthcare providers like the best maternity hospital in Mohali for personalized guidance, exercise moderation, and prioritizing their well-being and their baby’s health when considering bitter gourd in their diet.

Since ages, debates on eating fruits like papaya during pregnancy have been doing the rounds. Now, questions on the potential health benefits and risks related to vegetables such as brinjal (eggplant or aubergine) are being raised by both experts and laymen. Without a doubt, these medical concerns are certainly important to ensure a safe maternity experience. 

Being one the best pregnancy hospitals in Mohali, we decided to break down everything around eggplant and pregnancy into titbits.

Is It Safe To Eat Brinjal During Pregnancy?

Till now, there’s not been a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to this question. This is because brinjal can provide rich nutrition as well as be a big threat to the well-being of an expectant woman and the fetus. The effects it can have vary from one person to another. In other words, your healthcare provider would need to consider all your past and present medical records along with your dietary requirements, to give you the right advice. 

Nutrition For Pregnant Women – Brinjal Benefits Vs Risks 

While it’s not easy to say exactly how eggplant affects pregnancy, here are some things to keep in mind, when including it in your diet. 

Note: The following recommendations regarding brinjal are general information recognized by almost every pregnancy and gynecology clinic. However, we do not advise you to consider these as replacements for personal medical consultation and treatment. 

Health Advantages:

Rich Fiber – Brinjal can be a valuable dietary resource, effectively helping with common pregnancy problems such as constipation. Moreover, it has vitamin K to avoid problems of blood clotting and vitamin C, for boosting the immune system. 

Balances High BP – You are more likely to have high blood pressure during pregnancy because of the hormonal changes in your body. Eggplant contains potassium, thiamin, bioflavonoids, and riboflavin, which can help control high blood pressure, ensuring an optimal heart rate. 

Boosts The Number of RBCs –

Red blood cells (RBCs) help grow a fetus’s nerves, brain, and muscles. They also make sure both you and your baby have enough iron. Eggplant contains folate, which turns into folic acid, increasing the RBC count. 

Keeps Cholesterol In Check –

Eggplants are believed to reduce the “bad” cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increase the “good” cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This cholesterol control not only helps with your baby’s heart health but also improves your cardiovascular well-being. 

If you live in Mohali or nearby, you can easily find the best fertility specialist in Chandigarh to better understand the benefits of eggplant in your case. 

Side Effects: 

Allergies – Some people can be allergic to brinjal and experience skin rashes, itching, swelling, or digestive issues like stomach pain. Allergies, if not managed properly, can cause risks during pregnancy. If you know you have allergies or if you feel unwell after eating eggplant, seek advice from your doctor. 

Indigestion – While expecting a baby, you may go through heartburn or acid reflux. If you already have a weak digestive system, eating eggplant can make you feel more uncomfortable. In this case, you must completely avoid including it in your diet. 

Premature Birth – When you’re pregnant and come into contact with toxoplasmosis (the soil in which brinjal grows), it can raise the chances of your baby being born too early. This can cause several problems because your baby’s organs and body systems might not be fully developed yet to survive outside the womb. Always wash eggplants thoroughly and handle them with complete hygiene. 

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus – If you have GDM or are at risk, watch how many carbs you eat, including those in eggplant. The glycemic index in it can lead to high levels of sugar in the blood. If you’re struggling with diabetic problems in pregnancy, consult only the certified and the best maternity hospital in Chandigarh and around to receive appropriate treatment. 

The Right Way to Have Brinjal During Pregnancy

Now that we know both the upsides and downsides of eggplant let’s dive into the possibilities of making it a part of your diet in a safe and fun way. 

Mind These Precautions:

1. Eat in a moderate amount and not so frequently. 

2. Buy ones that are small, smooth, and firm with no marks or holes. 

3. Wash eggplants under running water and peel off the skins. 

4. Soak them in warm salt water before cooking. This can help get rid of any bacteria and pesticides. 

5. Cook or roast eggplants properly; don’t eat them raw or overcooked. 

Make It Tasty

1. Prepare A Delicious Aloo Sabzi/Bharta – You can make a yummy Aloo Sabzi (potato curry) or Bharta (mashed eggplant) during your pregnancy. These dishes provide you with energy (from potatoes) and vital vitamins (from eggplants).

2. Add It Into Your Sandwich Filling – When you make sandwiches, try adding slices of grilled eggplant. It’s a great way to eat more veggies and make your sandwich more delicious.

3. Top It Over Your Favorite Pasta – You can put grilled or roasted eggplant on your pasta. It adds a different flavor and goes well with tomato or creamy sauces. Plus, it gives you fiber and vitamins.

4. Make A Delightful Mix Veg Soup – Prepare a soup with different veggies, including eggplant. Mixing them will completely level up your overall health.

5. Enjoy It The Barbeque Style – Grilled eggplant gives you vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Try grilling eggplant on a barbecue. It’s not only tasty but also healthy. You can use your favorite spices for extra flavor.

The Takeaway 

Brinjal is a good source of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, there are also a few health concerns to it. The points mentioned above can help you easily compare its good and bad effects. To sum up, brinjal can be a nutritious addition to your pregnancy diet when consumed sensibly, offering both flavor and essential nutrients. But as mentioned before, you must seek advice from doctors and experts at any best maternity hospital in Mohali (or surrounding cities) to always be sure and safe. 

Carrying your bundle of joy in your womb is a wonderful and life-changing experience, filled with many physical and hormonal shifts. Yet, it’s a crucial time with its own set of challenges that can affect your health and your baby’s. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is one such issue that pregnant women may unexpectedly experience. 

What is Gestational Diabetes?

It is a type of diabetes that can happen when a woman is pregnant. It occurs because the body can’t make enough insulin, which is needed to control sugar levels in the blood during pregnancy. This can be risky for both the mom and the baby.

You can get one-on-one information on this by consulting the medical experts at Dr. Sodhi’s Health Care Multispecialty Hospital & IVF Centre, the best fertility and maternity hospital in Mohali. 

What are the Effects of Gestational Diabetes on The Mother And The Baby?

When gestational diabetes isn’t taken care of properly, it can cause serious complications and issues. 

For the Mom:

1. She might develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

2. She could require a cesarean section for delivery.

3. There’s a higher risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

For the Baby:

1. The baby might be born larger than usual, which can lead to birth injuries.

2. After birth, the baby might experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

3. The baby could have a greater chance of becoming overweight or developing type 2 diabetes as they grow up.

You must get the right medical advice and support during your pregnancy to ensure your and your baby’s safety along with a smooth and healthy delivery. 

The Possible Causes of GDM

The exact cause of gestational diabetes is still unknown yet a few factors can be responsible, like:

1. Age: If you’re older than 25, you have a higher chance of getting gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This is because your body changes as you get older, affecting how it handles blood sugar. So, if you’re in this age group, it’s important to pay close attention to your doctor’s advice on keeping your blood sugar levels in check for your and your baby’s well-being.

2. Hormones: When you’re pregnant, your body changes and the placenta (connected by the umbilical cord) starts making hormones. These hormones can affect your insulin levels and can cause something called ‘insulin resistance,’ where your body doesn’t use insulin as well as it should. This might make it harder to keep your blood sugar balanced. 

3. Genetics: If diabetes runs in your family, it means there’s a higher chance you could get gestational diabetes when you’re pregnant. This is because some things related to diabetes can be passed down in your family’s genes. So, when you’re expecting a baby, it’s important to tell your doctor if anyone in your family has had diabetes. Your healthcare provider can then watch your blood sugar more closely and help you take care of yourself and your baby.

4. Previous Pregnancy with GDM: If you had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant before, there’s a higher chance it might reappear if you get pregnant again. It’s like a pattern. So, if this has happened to you before, your doctor will be extra careful during your next pregnancy. 

5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS and gestational diabetes are connected because both involve a problem with insulin. In PCOS, your body often doesn’t use insulin properly, so your blood sugar levels can go up. During pregnancy, all women become a bit more resistant to insulin to make sure the baby gets enough nutrients. But if you already have PCOS, this insulin resistance can be even worse.

6. Obesity: If you’re overweight before getting pregnant it can make it more likely for you to have gestational diabetes while you’re pregnant. This is because having too much body weight can affect how your body handles sugar. So, if this is the case for you, you must tell your physician. 

Major Symptoms of GDM

Gestational Diabetes may not always give clear symptoms of its presence. A few noticeable signs in your body can help you identify the development of this condition:

1. Feeling more thirsty and needing to pee a lot more than usual.
2. Feeling tired, more than the usual pregnancy fatigue.
3. Getting infections more often than you used to.
4. Having trouble seeing clearly, like things getting blurry

Do you suspect you have gestational diabetes? We at Dr. Sodhi’s Health Care Multispecialty Hospital & IVF Centre, the best maternity center in Chandigarh, can help you manage it to keep both you and your baby healthy. 

Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes 

Doctors usually check for this diabetes between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy using a test where you don’t eat overnight, and then drink a sweet drink. They then check the blood sugar levels at certain intervals.

But this may not be the same for all patients and other tests during other phases of your pregnancy can be recommended.

Glucose Challenge Test: You’ll be asked to have a sweet drink. After one hour, your blood sugar is tested. If it’s 190 mg/dL or higher, it means you have gestational diabetes.

Usually, a blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL is considered okay in this test. But if it’s higher, you’ll need the longer test (the glucose challenge one) to be sure if you have gestational diabetes.

Follow-up Glucose Tolerance Test: This test is like the first one, but the sugary drink is even sweeter, and they check your blood sugar every hour for three hours. If at least two of those checks show your blood sugar is too high, you have gestational diabetes.

Visit the best pregnancy care hospital in Mohali to find the diagnostic test right for your condition. 

Effectively Managing Gestational Diabetes 

When you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it’s important to do certain things to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery:

1. Keep a Proper Diet: A dietitian can make a special eating plan for you. It’s about watching how many carbs you eat and having balanced meals. 

2. Exercise Daily: Doing regular exercises can help your body use insulin better. Ask your doctor what exercises are safe when you’re pregnant.

3. Take the Right Medication: Sometimes, your doctor might give you insulin or pills to help control your blood sugar if diet and exercise alone aren’t enough. 

4. Regular Check: You need to keep track of your blood sugar levels often. You can do this with a little finger stick test or by using a device that keeps an eye on your sugar levels all the time.

Besides these measures, keeping a close eye on your baby is an important part of your care plan. Your doctor may use ultrasounds and tests to monitor your baby’s overall health. If you haven’t gone into labor by your due date, or sometimes even earlier, your healthcare provider may help start labor. Going beyond your due date can increase the risks for both you and your baby.

After giving birth, your physician will check your blood sugar level. They will do this again in 2-3 months to ensure it’s back to a normal range. If your levels are normal, you’ll need to have your diabetes checked every two to three years. 

Finding the Best Maternity and Fertility Hospital in Chandigarh 

The doctors at Dr. Sodhi’s Health Care Multispecialty Hospital & IVF Centre hold a valuable experience of 15 years+ in treating every complication related to pregnancy. Our dedicated practice can help you easily get through the difficulties of gestational diabetes. 

At our maternity clinic, we have a team of experienced pediatricians. They are here for regular baby check-ups and vaccinations in the clinic. In case of emergencies, they are available 24/7. When a baby is born, there is a dedicated pediatrician present to provide comprehensive care for both the mother and the baby.

Our medical services also extend to:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) & IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
• Egg & Sperm Donation
• 24-HOUR Pediatric Emergency
• Level II NICU
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
• Blastocyst Transfer
• Embryo Hatching
• Surrogacy & more.

Book an appointment with us today to always experience happy and healthy parenthood. 

Hey there, moms-to-be! Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, but it also comes with a list of dos and don’ts. One common question that often pops up in your mind: is it safe to eat papaya during 9 months of pregnancy?

Well, eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy is very important. Adding a variety of fruits and vegetables into your meals not only fosters the baby’s growth but also contributes to your overall well-being. Papaya is also a very nutritious food, but there are a lot of myths floating here and there about eating papaya during pregnancy.

In this article, we will explore all the facts and guide you about eating papaya during pregnancy.

Nutritional Facts of Papaya

Papaya, often referred to as the “fruit of the angels,” boasts not only a delightful taste but also a wealth of nutritional benefits.

Medium-sized papaya is rich in vitamin C that helps reduce the risk of heart disease and boost the immune system. It’s also a good source of:

• Folate
• Vitamin A
• Fiber
• Copper
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Pantothenic Acid

One small papaya of 152 grams contains:

• Calories: 59
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Vitamin C: 157% of the RDI
• Vitamin A: 33% of the RDI
• Folate (vitamin B9): 14% of the RDI
• Potassium: 11% of the RDI

Here’s a rundown of the nutritional facts that make papaya a standout addition to your diet:

• Papaya is a powerhouse of vitamins. It’s also a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for vision, cell growth, and immune system maintenance.
• It is rich in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
• Papaya is loaded with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall well-being.
• If you’re watching your calorie intake, papaya is a guilt-free choice. With its natural sweetness, it satisfies cravings without adding excessive calories to your daily total.

Incorporating papaya into your diet can contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious diet. You can enjoy it fresh, blend into smoothies, add to fruit salads, or use it in various culinary creations.

But, the question is still the same, if eating papaya is safe in 9 months of pregnancy?

Let’s find out!

Eating Papaya in Pregnancy

When periods delay, most women eat papaya to induce them. But, during pregnancy no one wants to take a chance as it is a beautiful phase and you want a healthy as well as safe pregnancy. You can eat ripe papaya during pregnancy in limited quantities. Yes, ripe papaya is good during pregnancy!

But, unripe or semi-ripe papaya is not good in pregnancy. Why?

It is because the unripe papaya contains elements called papain and latex. According to various studies, the presence of latex in unripe papaya may trigger uterine contractions. Also, the component papain in unripe papaya can cause early labor and is not good for the fetus.

Consult Dr.Lavleen Sodhi to know more about Pregnancy, Nutrition during pregnancy, IVF pregnancy, Miscarriages, and more.

If you want to eat papaya during pregnancy, then keep the following things in mind:

• Avoid eating unripe papayas, especially during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
• Do not consume papayas that have brown or green spots or have mould on them.
• Always remove the seeds and carefully cut the fleshy part away from the skin.
• Do not consume the fruit if it is seeping latex.
• Eat in limited quantities only.

Conclusion

While papaya is undoubtedly a nutritional powerhouse, its association with the enzyme papain and the potential to trigger contractions has led to mixed opinions among experts.

As an expectant mother, your top priority is the health and safety of both you and your developing baby. While some healthcare professionals might advise against consuming papaya, especially during the early stages of pregnancy, others may give the go-ahead for ripe papayas in moderation during later trimesters.

Ultimately, the decision rests on your personal preferences, your individual health circumstances, and the guidance of your healthcare provider. If you’re uncertain about including papaya in your diet, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your healthcare professional. They can offer tailored advice that aligns with your unique pregnancy journey.