Month: March 2021

Effects of alcohol and smoking on pregnancy

Posted on March 28, 2021 by drshivaadmin - Blog

effect of alcohols and smoking on pregnancy

To have a healthy pregnancy woman must avoid alcohol, smoking or any form of drugs. This is also important for women who are trying to conceive as well as breastfeeding mothers. Even minor use of these can have short-term or long-term effects on the baby. Exposure to these increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome). Whatever the mother eats, drinks or breathes during this period is passed on to the baby.

Effect of Alcohol on pregnancy

Drinking alcohol when pregnant can have a long term side effect on the baby. Alcohol passes through the blood stream to the baby. In the case of breastfeeding mothers, alcohol can pass through the breastmilk and affect the baby. Studies show that children of mothers who drink have decreased level of IQ and difficulty in paying attention along with being aggressive in some cases.
Drinking can result in premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriages and FAS – Fetal alcohol syndrome. FAS is a cause for growth problems, behavior problems, learning disabilities, facial deformities and even heart defects in babies. Children with this issue can have lifelong problems.
If you are trying to conceive alcohol reduces fertility and affects your ability to conceive. Hence if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive it is always best to avoid alcohol. There is no allowed minimum amount for alcohol.

Effect of Smoking on Pregnancy

Smoking too affects both your health and your baby’s. Second hand smoke too is harmful to mother and baby. Nicotine present can damage the fetus brain and lungs. It restricts the blood flow in the vessels and limits the blood flow to the placenta and affects the baby’s growth. It can also increase blood pressure in the mother. Babies may be born with birth defects most of which are lifelong like cerebral palsy. Other issues include asthma, baby being born with very low birth weight, obesity and preterm birth where babies are born early and are not fully developed. Smoking is also one of the reasons for ectopic pregnancy. E-cigarettes are equally dangerous.

Smoking and alcohol will affect the nutrient metabolism and decrease the absorption of micronutrients which are very important for the fetus. Usage of illegal drugs too at this stage can cause miscarriage, preterm birth or birth defects. The baby could also be born with drug addiction which is known as neonatal abstinence syndrome. Babies of mothers who are addicted to any of these will display withdrawal symptoms after birth. There is also an increased risk of placental abruption ie the placenta separating from the uterus.

If you are addicted to any of these make sure to consult your doctor who can help you out. It is best you do it before you start trying for a baby. For more details, kindly contact us.

PMS – Premenstrual Syndrome

Posted on March 24, 2021 by drshivaadmin - Blog

PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome is a condition that affects a woman’s physical and emotional wellbeing during some days of the menstrual cycle. It affects 90% of menstruating women. Mood swings and anxiety are very common in this stage. Serotonin level also affects your mood. It mainly affects women whose moods are sensitive to changing hormone levels.

Causes for PMS

Many believe it occurs due to the change in hormone levels when the menstrual cycle begins. The hormones include estrogen, progesterone. Our lifestyle can also be a significant role in this. Some medications too can increase the effects of PMS.

Symptoms of PMS

The menstrual cycle is usually 28 days and the symptoms can start from the 14^th day of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation) and last up to the last 7 days. The symptoms may be mild to moderate for most. For some the PMS symptoms are severe and it can be premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). After pregnancy, the symptoms of PMS can vary.

Physical symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

Abdominal bloating or pain
Breast tenderness.
Acne
Food Cravings
Constipation or diarrhea
Headaches, back pain.
Fatigue
Lower tolerance to light or sound

Emotional Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

fatigue
irritability
changes in sleep patterns
anxiety, depression, sadness or emotional outbursts
reduced sexual desire.

The symptoms of PMS can vary for different women and it can worsen with increasing age. It stops completely after menopause. You will need to consult your doctor if the symptoms are affecting your daily life.

Diagnosis for PMS

The doctor will be asking a few questions related to the symptoms, the frequency and timing of the symptoms along with a few more personal questions associated with your mood swings, stress, etc. Next, they may ask about any medications you are taking and your medical history. This may be followed by a combination few physical tests and blood tests.

During these tests, the doctor will rule out endometriosis, anemia, thyroid issues, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue issues as they have symptoms similar to PMS. If they are not able to identify any physical issues, then they may ask you to start keeping a record of the symptoms that you experience in the next three months in the period between ovulation and periods and is completely absent during the other days and establish a diagnosis from it.

Treatment for PMS

The treatment for PMS is based on the severity, cause and how much it affects your daily routines.

If they are mild the doctor may suggest changes to improve your current lifestyle like

Drinking plenty of fluids
Eat a balanced diet including lots of fruits and vegetable
Reduce your sugar, caffeine and alcohol intake
Include supplements for folic acid, Vit b6, Vit D , calcium and magnesium.
Exercise, try to sleep at least 8 hours
Cognitive behavior therapy
Pain medications may be taken to reduces muscle aches and cramps.
Hormonal medicines

All medication should be taken only after consulting with your doctor.

Severe PMS – PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder)

The symptoms are

Suicidal thoughts
Depression
Insomnia
Extreme anxiety, severe mood swings with anger bursts, panic attacks
Binge eating

The symptoms occur due to changing hormone levels. Low serotonin level is also an additional factor.

Along with above mentioned steps the doctor may also suggest

Counseling
Stress management
Medication

PMS or PMDD cannot be completely cleared but the severity of the symptoms can be reduced.

For more details kindly contact us.

Cervical Screening for Cancer

Posted on March 16, 2021 by drshivaadmin - Blog

This is used to check for changes in the cells at the cervix (the top part of the vagina) which may result in cancer. Cervical cancer occurs when the cells become abnormal and grow out of control. It may also spread to other organs. It is caused by infection with the HPV that can affect the cells. HPV is very common and transferred via sexual activity. HPV is very common and can affect most people at some point in their life. Most infections clear off soon and they cause only mild changes. But not in some cases. There are two types of HPV low grade/risk which may only cause warts, etc., and high grade/risk which can lead to precancerous cells. The cervical cancer screening test can begin at the age of 25 and can be repeated every 5 years.

Usually, it takes around 3 to 7 years for these cells to become cancerous. Hence cervical screening can also be defined as a test to help prevent cancer as it helps identify the presence of these cells and take the measures to prevent them from becoming cancerous.

The tests and procedure for cervical cancer

There are two types of test-

-Pap test/Pap smear/cervical cytology – this test looks for cells that may become cancerous.

-HPV(human papillomavirus) test– this checks for the presence of the virus that can cause cancer.

For the test, an instrument speculum will be used to widen the vagina with the help of which the doctor will be able to view the cervix and collect cells from the cervix and area around it. The cells will be then tested in the lab. The test is usually not painful but maybe a bit uncomfortable. HPV is the most common reason for cervical cancer but it takes more than 10 years to progress to cancerous cells.

How to prepare for the pap test?

It should not be scheduled when you are having periods. Avoid sex, using tampon, cream, jelly or medicine in the vagina at least two days before the test. This is to prevent false-positive or false-negative results.

At what age should one start for the screening and which test is required?

1)21 – 29 years, you can take a pap test and if it is normal can take the next test after 3 years.

2)30 – 65 years, you can opt from one of these tests

-If you have taken pap test and it is normal next can be taken after 3 years.

-If you have taken HPV test and it is normal next can be taken after 5 years.

-If both combined and it is normal next can be taken after 5 years.

3)Above 65 years – You do not need to undergo screening if you have had normal test results all these years or if you had your cervix removed for any surgery.

The test results may take close to three weeks. The doctor will check your results and update you if any further steps need to be taken. If normal you can wait for another few years before your next screening.

To know more on HPV vaccination for preventing Cervical cancer click here.

For more details, you may contact us.

Assisted vaginal birth – Forceps or Ventouse

Posted on March 8, 2021 by drshivaadmin - Blog

Vaginal delivery performed with the help of (specially designed instruments) forceps or vacuum is known as an assisted vaginal birth. If it is necessary for the baby’s delivery, the doctor will discuss it with you. Babies born using this method do not have any long term side effects. Local anesthesia may be provided if you have not taken an epidural. A cut( episiotomy ) may also be required.

Forceps assisted vaginal birth

The forceps are curved smooth instruments that are inserted via the vagina and placed around the baby’s head. The doctor uses it to deliver the baby’s head through the vagina when you will be pushing during contraction. This may be performed over several contractions.

Vacuum-assisted delivery

Ventouse is a device that has a suction pump along with a handle. The suction pump will be placed firmly on the top of the baby’s head via the vagina. The doctor or health care professional will wait for the next contraction and when the mother starts to push during contraction the doctor will help by pulling the baby gently down the birth canal. This procedure may cause a bruise on the baby’s head but it will be back to normal soon.

When is vaginal assisted delivery performed?

you are tired after a long labor.
there is a change in the baby’s heartbeat or if the baby is in distress.
you are not supposed to push due to some health conditions like blood pressure.

Forceps or Vacuum Cup

The procedure is opted based on the baby’s position, week of delivery or if you have taken an epidural. If the delivery is taking place at less than 36 weeks, then forceps will be preferred as the baby’s head is softer at this stage. In the end, the options may vary based on the mother and baby’s health and the circumstance.

What are the factors considered before finalizing the procedure?

The cervix has to be fully dilated.
Has the baby reached the birth canal?
Based on the baby’s weight and if the size of your pelvis size is adequate.

How does the procedure take place?

You will be asked to sit with your legs supported. A local anesthesia or epidural may be provided. Episiotomy (a cut) may be required to enlarge the vaginal opening followed by which the instrument being used for delivery will be fixed on the baby’s head. During the next contraction as the mother tries to push the baby will be gently pulled down the birth canal. This may be repeated till the baby is successfully delivered. After the delivery, the vaginal tear will be stitched using dissolvable stitches. Antibiotics may be provided to the mother to prevent any chances of infection. You may expect bleeding for a few days but this is common for all deliveries.
For the baby, there may be small marks on the head due to the usage of forceps or ventouse but this will completely clear within 24 to 48 hrs.
For more details, kindly contact us.