From the time of conceiving to the time of delivery, you might have to face many bitter-sweet challenges, during your pregnancy.

You might also have fears and doubts, based on which, you might ask many questions like, “Will the spinal epidural be painful?” or “How shall I pick up my baby?”  

So, apart from getting advice from the experienced elders in your family and some of your experienced friends, there are Antenatal or Prenatal classes, which might help you in this scenario.

But What Are Antenatal Classes? 

Antenatal or Prenatal Classes, are basically pregnancy-friendly workshops, which are either conducted around your neighbourhood or in the hospital, where you would deliver your baby. These classes are also conducted online, thus aiming to prepare you and your partner to help you pass through a healthy pregnancy, teach you breathing techniques while you’re in labour and show you the ways of childbirth.

What Topics Do Antenatal Classes Cover?

Antenatal Classes cover wide-ranging contents. However, they mostly focus on:

• Taking care of yourself, while you’re pregnant and this might include the nutrient-rich pregnancy-diet
• Learning the breathing techniques, while you’re in labour
• Learning the techniques to relax, during your pregnancy, by including yogasanas, meditation and daily physical activities in your pregnancy routine
• Following natural remedies to deal with some of the pregnancy discomforts like pain, acidity, swelling and so on and so forth
• Listening to music and reading to the baby coiled inside the womb and establishing a bond with the unborn baby
• Learning to nurture the relationship with your partner, during this nine-months’ journey
• Participating in interactive sessions, sharing your problems in the class and getting counselled, thus preparing yourself in every possible way during this phase and till such time that you’ve delivered your baby.
• Learning how to breastfeed your baby, after-birth. Additionally, learn the benefits of breastfeeding 
• Learning the baby massaging techniques
• Knowing how to change the baby’s diaper and swaddle your baby

What Are The Benefits of Antenatal Classes?

So, now that you know the table of contents in the antenatal classes, join the one near you now: 

• You will get trained and experienced nurses, who specialise in pregnancy and childbirth education
• You will get to know “all” about the birthing options and understand their merits and demerits
• You will be able to recognise the signs and stages of labour
• Both you and your partner will gain more confidence knowing what to expect during pregnancy, how to deal with the pregnancy challenges and discomforts as well as the way to manage labour 
• Your partner will also learn to influence you positively, during this juncture
• Also, there are some pre-natal classes where you will be briefed on the idea of including new-born cord blood banking in your birth plan

So, hit the classes as soon as you enter the third trimester, especially, when the baby is 8 to 10 weeks due. 

Or you can also call this toll-free 1800 121 6200  or +91 98301 66200, to sign up for the antenatal classes of Cordlife absolutely free.

You can also mail us at info@cordlifeindia.com

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It has been almost over a year now that, the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has taken the entire world by a storm. In fact, we have come across words like pandemic, lockdown and phrases like social distancing and new normal since 2020, while we have been waiting in baited anticipation for the announcement of the “vaccine” from the scientists.

Although the Covid-19 vaccine has been invented, and every single day we are learning about its safety and efficacy, however, this vaccine is not a proven solution for everyone. As a woman who’s trying for a baby or a pregnant woman or a new-mum is still not sure, whether to get vaccinated or not.

Is Covid -19 Vaccine Safe For Pregnant Women

Throughout the pregnancy journey a pregnant woman’s immune system remains compromised, and she is more prone to falling sick and contracting seasonal flus and viral infections. And due to her weak immunity, she can also be at the high risk of contracting Covid-19. So, she can get the Covid-19 vaccine along with the other vaccines either after observing the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (a crucial period for a baby development) or before she enters the third trimester or the last phase of her pregnancy. However, pregnant women should be extra cautious during third trimester, and maintain all covid-essential precaution, as the pregnancy complications are high, during this time.

Moreover, till now, 2 vaccines – the Pfizer and the AstraZeneca vaccines has received provisional approval from The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Although, these days, Pfizer is chosen over AstraZeneca vaccines, in case of non-pregnant women, yet at this moment it is difficult to say with assurance whether it is effective during pregnancy. 

Overall, since studies are still being conducted about the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy, a pregnant woman should take medical advice before getting vaccinated.  

Is the Covid -19 Vaccine Safe For Lactating Mothers

As far as breastfeeding mothers are concerned, there are no specific study, to prove that the Covid-19 vaccine will provide health to both the mother and the baby. But, she is recommended to get vaccinated, as there are no known risks associated with the vaccine. Once the breastfeeding mother is vaccinated, the vaccine not just acts as a protective shield particularly against the life-threatening Covid-19 for her, but works towards boosting the immunity of the breast-fed new-born, by passing on the immunity-enhancing antibodies from the mother to the baby.

What Should a Would-be-mother and Breastfeeding Mother Know About Covid -19 Vaccine?

If a would-be-mother is at the risk of contracting the virus from family members, being in-home state, she should keep checking the availability of the vaccine with her heath-practitioners and get vaccinated when she’s eligible. But, maintain covid-appropriate behaviour, till such time.

Breastfeeding mothers, on the other hand, might get an mRNA vaccine, as this vaccine doesn’t carry the components of Covid-19 to harm either the mother or the baby. As when the breastfeeding mother gets the vaccine, small particles of the vaccine are used so that it doesn’t reach the breasts. And even if it reaches, it gets absorbed or digested.

To Conclude

Since a tiny life is a matter of huge concern, it’s natural that both pregnant and breastfeeding mothers will have questions about the covid-19 vaccine. Till the perfect answers are ready, it’s necessary to behave appropriately with the deadly virus and continuously; learn about the efficacy, side effects, and potential risks every day.

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The confirmation of pregnancy for women can arouse mixed responses in them as it is the most awaited news for some and a threatening one for others. Both categories of women anxiously wait before the result appears on the pregnancy test kit. Mayo clinic states that results from the home pregnancy kits are 99% accurate. However, the lower percentile of the results is inaccurate and can disappoint or overwhelm the anxious women with happiness with their incorrect results. What makes these kits go wrong when they are claimed to be extremely accurate in ruling out pregnancy?

Early Miscarriage

You may have tested with a positive pregnancy result. However, you get your period following the test. This may be an early miscarriage. According to health experts, the majority of 70% of the conceptions are miscarriages. Most of the women do not even realize that they are pregnant and the period they got is nothing but the debris of a miscarriage. However, for those who await pregnancy, this can be devastating.

Fertility Medications Can Be Blamed

To understand this, one may need to understand the simple concept behind the test kit. The placenta releases a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) once the egg is implanted in the uterus. The amount of this hormone released multiplies within days and results are more accurate once the HCG is found in the urine.

If you are too enthusiastic about taking a pregnancy test quickly after taking the fertility pills containing the pregnancy hormone HCG, it may lead to an incorrect positive. Those who are on fertility drugs are often suggested by medical professionals to wait for a while before checking it on a strip.

Residual HCG Post a Miscarriage or a Delivery

Four to six weeks is normally the threshold before which the HCG still exists in the body after delivery or a miscarriage. Seldom, it happens that a placenta is left in the body to produce the HCG. Till the placenta cells grow in the uterus, the test can lead to a positive result.

Test Sits Too Long

If you follow the instructions of a standard pregnancy test, it will seek your attention in the stipulated time frame. If you make the test sit for a long time before going through the results, the urine on the strip evaporates to appear as two lines instead of one. But it is actually one and the result is negative. In such cases, go for another test immediately and look out for the result in the stipulated time frame.

Expired Kit

There is a possibility that the kit you are using to check pregnancy may be past its expiry date. The chemical that reads the HCG may fade away with time leading to an incorrect result. Check the expiry date of the kit before you purchase it to increase the accuracy level.

It is always suggested by the healthcare experts to visit a doctor as soon as you get a positive result on the home pregnancy kit to doubly confirm the same via a check-up. A blood test will be performed to investigate the HCG in your body and it cannot fool you. It may be an agreeable fact that you wait anxiously to know that you are pregnant, but a little patience can get you accurate results.

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This is reported as one of the most common questions posed by the people who are in the phase of checking the pregnancy results. It is the curiosity or the anxiety for positive or negative results of pregnancy. Similarly, it is the most common myth or misconception that people have in their minds that a pregnancy test is affected by the consumption of drugs or alcohol. To know the facts of it, one has to understand the actual concept behind it.

Pregnant women have a special hormone in their urine called the HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and consumption of alcohol and its content in the blood stream has nothing to do with the pregnancy test. The hormone still produces irrespective of the fact that you may have consumed liquor. However, the consumption surely affects your baby in an adverse way.

Though the alcohol consumption does not affect the results of a pregnancy test, many other factors do influence the investigation which may be misrepresented as a change due to alcohol consumption. Hence, it is necessary to understand the actual time taken to conceive after having intercourse and the time taken for your body to convey it to you when you try to investigate it with the help of a pregnancy test.

As a sperm is live for 5 days once it enters your body, it is difficult to assess your precise conception date. The sperm might have entered and stayed in your body 5 days ago and may try to fertilize an egg today. An egg released today may unite with a sperm after a couple of days of sex as it can be live for 24 hours to 48 hours. However, egg fertilizing or conceiving is not just enough to get positive results in your pregnancy tests. It again takes some time to appear as the HCG is not produced as soon as you get pregnant and it is usually a week after the conception that it releases in the body.

This is still not enough to turn the pregnancy test positive as the amount of HCG produced in the body is not enough to rule out your pregnancy as positive. The hormone usually multiplies its content in not less than 2-3 days and hence it is usually after 10 – 15 days after the conception that a pregnancy test can get you the actual result. The higher the time after an intercourse, more chances of the results being accurate in the test that you conduct for yourself.

Since, the above information explains it all, we can now establish the fact that alcohol and drugs consumption does not affect the pregnancy test in any way but can cause fatal congenital diseases for your baby. A woman consuming alcohol or under drug abuse potentially increases the risk for her fetal baby. The addiction can jeopardize the growth of the baby’s cells. Impairments in brain and spinal cord may occur due to the damage done in pregnancy by consuming alcohol. Also, it is an established fact that a woman who quits the addictions even before she gets pregnant has more chances of having a healthy pregnancy and thereby having a healthy baby. Hence, the healthcare professionals always suggest getting de-addicted before one plans for a pregnancy.

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I have seen many women celebrities from the fashion world who were reigning divas till their forties trying to maintain the same physique even in their fifties and sixties. They cannot even accept gray hair as part of their ageing process and want to be remembered by their adorers in the same frame as they used to be in their twenties. Although they maintain a slim stature, their fingers with more obvious knuckles and nails tell us the real story. We should rather accept what we are and emphasize on looking beautiful at every age with the additions that childbirth and ageing does to your body. I cannot take my eyes off when I look at petite teens below twenties, beautiful pregnant women below forties or women reaching their menopause with half gray hair on their foreheads and the older women with pleasant grays and a shook body.

Body naturally goes on adding weight after childbirth and women start to gradually feel this change. As it is apparent that childbirth transforms a woman, we need to understand the fact that women and men to that matter have to undergo the nature’s ordeal and accept every role. We need not stick ourselves to when we were in ours 20’s and 30’s as if it is the golden age of beauty. Many other women delay pregnancies to look younger for a longer duration of time but their children may be affected with Down’s syndrome and many congenital diseases due to delayed child bearing. Nature has perfection in it and has set every ordeal with extreme perfection. Let us start appreciating nature’s build and flaunt ourselves in every phase.

Many presume pregnancy to be a weight gaining task. It is also a myth that pregnant women need ample rest and should consume loads of food. Women in pregnancy need only an extra 300 to 500 calories towards the third trimester. The tiny soul in your fetus needs very little food but nutritious one. Exercise is recommended throughout the pregnancy. Apart from some heavy tasks not recommended by your caregiver, women are expected to be active as a normal woman does even in pregnancy. Nature has equipped our bodies and birth canal with an amazing elastic property where they go back to normalcy within months post childbirth. Abdominal binders help your belly to get tightened again providing you indulge in sufficient physical activity.

Do not get afraid of gaining in weight in pregnancy as it is very necessary for you and your baby to be safe. Feel that you are entering into another phase of beauty where you look different from what you are now. However, both of the looks are equally adorable as you are with extreme grace mentally. Flaunt every new pound that adds to your body and every new curve that joins your stature to promote you to the life’s crucial role of being a mother. Remember, you may need to continue eating extra calories even after the child birth to accommodate your baby’s feeding needs. Every inch growing on your body would be sure to add that motherly bliss and grace to your personality and you will be loved even more for what you are irrespective of your shape. However, staying healthy and mentally elevated is very essential which is the real beauty to every woman.

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Doctors often recommend cord blood banking to expectant parents. And they have a number of reasons for doing so. First of all, if you have any family history of diseases, cord blood can offer you a safer future. Secondly, umbilical cord blood is the source of newborn stem cells, which are unique in many ways from the other type of stem cells. Apart from being able to differentiate into different types of cells, they have a lower risk of viral contamination and high proliferation ability. Moreover, once you store your child’s umbilical cord blood, the stem cells will be readily available to you in the future, whenever you may need them. There will be no dependency on finding a matched donor for the transplant.

If you are still thinking, here are some facts that will help you make an informed decision:

Cord blood can cure more than 80+ diseases and disorders:

Cord blood has opened a new getaway in personalized medicine. So far, cord blood stem cells have cured 80+ diseases including different types of cancer. And more than 35000 patients have recovered from their diseases with the help of cord blood stem cell transplant. Apart from various types of cancer, these stem cells can cure blood disorders, immune disorders and metabolic disorders.
Cord blood has the ability to regenerate and rebuild: It’s believed that cord blood stem cell therapy is a regenerative medicine, which is relatively new but has tremendous potential to repair damaged tissues and cells. For this reason, doctors and researchers consider this therapy as the next big thing in the future of medical science. Among all the sources of stem cells, umbilical cord blood is the richest source and has all the factors that are needed for a successful transplant.

Cord blood stem cells are ageless and are easily available once you store them:

Once these stem cells are preserved, processed and stored, they permanently retain their agelessness. Unlike other stem cells, umbilical cord blood stem cells are newborn, so they are less likely to attack the immune system of the patients. These stem cells remain in the condition for several years, so if you or any of your family members need them for any transplant, they will be instantly available. And you will not have to wait for an unrelated matching donor.

Several clinical trials are underway to find cure to new diseases:

Apart from those 80 diseases, mentioned earlier, several clinical studies are going on to see how impactful these stem cells are in treating diseases like hearing loss, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, autism, burn injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, lung problems, liver problems, bone injury, spinal cord injuries etc. Several trials have shown successful results already and it’s not a distant dream that scientists will be able to treat these diseases and disorders with umbilical stem cells.

So if you invest in storing your newborn’s umbilical cord blood now, it would not only save your child from future diseases, but also secure your family’s future and ensure your peace of mind. Decide wisely.

Sources:
https://www.babycenter.com/0_cord-blood-banking-what-it-is-why-consider-it_1362261.bc
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/banking-your-babys-cord-blood

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It was almost one and a half month that we found that we were pregnant. Both of us are equally excited about our first-born. But along with the joyride that pregnancy brings in, there are a number of perennial hazards too that an expectant couple face. While the mom actually goes through the pain and all body changes, the dad is the one who deals with all the mood swings and at the same time ensures enough treatment and care for the mom.

Here, I am talking about morning sickness, which is the most common phenomenon during pregnancy.

As we woke up one morning, my wife started complaining about certain restlessness that she was going through. During our last visit to the clinic, our doctor warned us about morning sickness during the initial phase of pregnancy. So, I was a little prepared for the situation. So, I asked her what was wrong. When she ensured me that it was just a little nausea and nothing else, I started planning my day. As soon as I was about the leave the home for work, she told me that she was staying home, as she was really not feeling well.

I tried to understand how she was actually feeling. She said that initially it was only nausea but later she threw up twice during and after bath. As suggested by our doctor, we both agreed that she should stay home and take rest, because morning sickness also occurs due to lack of sleep.  Second thing I did was, I opened all the windows of the home to allow some fresh air to come in. But my wife was still feeling unwell. So, I tried to make her feel better by spraying some of her favorite perfume onto her palm. Well, thank God, I tried that! She started feeling much better.

I made sure to keep enough drinking water close to her, because she needs to be well-hydrated during the stage. My wife does not want to eat a full plate of food since she has gotten pregnant. So I kept sufficient portion of her favorite food items into the refrigerator. And I left for work. When I came back later that day, my wife was completely okay. I thought it was over, but little did I know what were there in store for me in the next couple of mornings.

Next morning, after I came out of the washroom after having a bath, my wife started feeling unwell, just like the previous day. I repeated what I did last day. She again felt sick in the next morning, same time. At that moment, something occurred to me! Our doctor once mentioned that morning sickness is mainly smell-associated and is often random. It’s difficult to draw a pattern. But if you can find a pattern, maybe you can treat it too. Yes, I found out that the main reason for my wife’s morning sickness was the fragrance of my shaving cream, which I used to apply every morning.

As I found out the reason, I immediately got rid of it. Now my wife’s morning sickness is very random, as expected.

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People suffering from week bones could recover with the help of stem cells, derived from pregnant women, according to a new study. The research has shown us the stem cells harvested from the amniotic fluid of the pregnant women is the answer to osteoporosis, even though it was conducted on a mice model. The researchers had come to this conclusion after observing 78% lower bone fractures among animals, who were suffering from fragile bone structures.

This finding has truly evoked hope for the children, who are going through various rare bone conditions since birth as well as adults, who are suffering from osteoporosis. Not only that! This finding may also prove beneficial for the astronauts, who lost bone mass in orbit. Pascale Guillot, the lead of the study, conducted by the University College London, said, “The stem cells we’ve used are excellent at protecting bones. The bones become much stronger and the way the bone is organised internally is of much higher quality.”

Previous studies have proved that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) collected at an early stage are more effective than that collected at a later stage. It has several other advantages as well. Early taken MSCs have the ability to expand into greater numbers when required in clinical therapies. They don’t form tumors. They make sure not to attack the immune system of the receiver. They are small thus can move easily. And last but not the least, these cells are easier to reprogram, so they can grow into different types of cells.

The researchers’ team at the University College London experimented with MSCs that were collected from the amniotic fluid of pregnant women. They injected the MSCs into mice with fragile bone conditions. Another interesting finding of the study was the way the team completed the research. Anyone might think that the stem cells, injected into the mice, must have done the healing effects as well as helped to create new bones primarily. But this is a wrong notion. The study shows that the stem cells released growth factors which stimulated the bone cells to build stronger bones in the mice model.

Guillot confirmed, “The discovery could have a profound effect on the lives of patients who have fragile bones and could stop a large number of their painful fracture.” Following the successful study with mice, Guillot and the team are hopeful to apply the method in treating brittle bone disorders and osteoporosis that affected more than 44 million patients in the US. Guillot said, “The discovery could have a profound effect on the lives of patients who have fragile bones and could stop a large number of their painful fractures.”

The team is hoping to go about with the human trials within the next two years. If the technique proves effective for humans as well, it could help kids, affected in the womb and during birth. This process will truly help them build healthy bones. And what makes it all the more interesting is, the stem cells used in this research can be transplanted from one patient to another without MSCs matching between the donor and the receiver.

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It was middle of the week. I just called it a night after a long and tiring day and went to sleep after tucking in my 7 months pregnant wife. That day I came home a little early because I promised my wife that I would cook for her. All her favorite dishes. After dinner, we went out for strawberry ice cream, as my wife was craving for that. However, we had our ice cream and went back. It was time to go to the bed. As I was about to retire for the day, my wife said that she loved the ice cream and was still craving for some. I promised her that I would stock it up the next day.

At the middle of the night, I woke up at a loud sound at the kitchen. As I opened my eyes, I saw my wife was not there by my side. I rushed to the kitchen and found out that she was frantically looking for something in the refrigerator. When I asked her, she said that she was hungry and also wanted to have some dessert. It was 2.30 am in the morning. I relooked at all the stacks in the refrigerator and there was no dessert in there. I asked her what she was exactly looking for, so I could prepare it or go out and buy it. She said, “I would like to have some pasta and strawberry ice cream”. Yes, that strawberry ice cream! I wish I would have bought some extra in the evening.

I tried to make her understand that it was the wee hour of the night and even if I go out, I might not be able to get her that ice cream. But she was quite I-don’t-care mode. So, first I cooked her pasta and then ventured out to get her that strawberry ice cream. Luckily for me, I found the ice cream at the nearest gas station. Phew! So I bought a whole bar for her. I opened the front door of the house and I found that she was waiting for me in the living room. As she saw me, she literally snatched the ice cream from my hand and started eating it from the packet itself. And when I looked at the table near her, I noticed that she hardly touched the pasta. So, it was only the ice cream, or strawberry ice cream to be precise.

She finished half of the bar alone that night. But I was happy, as she was happy! Next day I started thinking what should I do to cope up with her midnight cravings. Should I buy some strawberry ice cream in bulk? What if she craves for chocolate ice cream the next night? What if she craves for pizzas instead? Should I buy some pizzas as well? Well, the conclusion I drew that day could sound pretty scary to expecting fathers. You can never ever predict what your wife would be craving for at midnight. So, always prepare yourself for the weirdest surprise. But as you will witness the broadest smile of her face, you will realize that it’s worth all your time and effort. Trust me!

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Labour experience differs from pregnancy to pregnancy. For some, it may end in a matter of hours. For others, it may not be that easy and it can absolutely test the mother’s physical and emotional strength.

Whilst it’s difficult to ascertain the sequence of events during labour and childbirth but one can still have an understanding of how things are going to be.

Stage 1: Early and Active Labour

When you start feeling regular contractions, that may be termed as the start of the first stage of labour. During this time, the cervix dilates to open up and in the process becomes thin, soft and shortened. This helps the baby to proceed towards the birth canal. The first stage of labour is actually lasts the longest and in turn can be segregated into two segments – early or the latent labour phase and active labour.

Early Labour

You will feel mild and irregular contractions when your cervix dilates and effaces during the early stage of labour. There might be a clear, pink or somewhat bloody excretion from your vagina which is most likely the mucus plug that acts as a blockade to the cervical opening. The duration of early labour is variable. For the first timers, the length of early labour may fluctuate from hours to days. However, for subsequent pregnancies, the duration is often shorter.

For pregnant women, early labour stage is one of the difficult and uncomfortable. However, you can try and make it comfortable by:

• Walk around the room
• Indulge yourself in a leisurely bath or a shower
• If you love music, that’ll help you to relax
• Try some of the breathing and relaxation technique you’ve been taught in the birthing class
• Change your position frequently

During this time, if your water breaks or there is excessive vaginal bleeding, then contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Active Labour

Now begins the actual labour. Whilst you go through active labour, the cervix dilates from 6cm to 10 cm. You may go through cramps and nausea along with stronger and regular contractions. Your water might break during this time. If not, you will feel extreme pressure on your back. If you’ve not reached the birthing centre yet, head in that direction at once.

At this stage, the pain intensifies. Consult with your healthcare provider regarding the usage of pain medication or anaesthesia. The period of active labour can last up to 8 hours or more. The cervix dilates around 1cm per hour during this time.  To tackle the pain, follow deep breathing and relaxation techniques. To make this stage slightly more bearable, do the following:

• Change positions unless you and the baby are being closely monitored
• If there’s a birthing rubber ball, then have a roll-on
• Walk around but stop and breathe through the contractions
• Indulge in a gentle massage

The transition period of the active stage of labour lasts between 15 to 60 minutes. At this time, the contractions are 60 to 90 seconds apart and you may encounter pressure on your lower back and rectum. If you are not fully dilated, your healthcare provide may ask to hold back from pushing as going for it too soon may cause tiredness and cervix to swell in turn delaying delivery.

You are almost there. In time, this preparation and pain is going to pay off, when you have your baby in your arms.

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As an expectant dad, I sometimes feel left out of the pregnancy experience. My wife, on the other hand, as the mum to be, is getting all the focus and attention. So, I was looking for a way to reconnect with the entire pregnancy journey. I was thrilled when our gynecologist prescribed the first sonogram in the pregnancy.

I’ve heard that fathers who are part of the first sonogram are able to bond with the unborn baby easily. Up until now, I had created an image of my baby in my mind. This would mean that I actually get to see my child for the very first time. Hear the heartbeat.

On the appointed day, I drove my wife to the local diagnostic clinic. We waited for our turn for about 20 odd minutes or so. My wife was made to lie down. I made double sure that she was comfortable. The technician arrived and exchanged a few pleasantries with the both of us. I don’t even know what my replies were. All I could think about was my baby and what he or she was going to look like.

The very first ultrasound image of my unborn child is a powerful moment for expectant fathers and I totally bear witness to that. I was staring at the monitor and there my baby was. Possibly not any bigger than the size of a pea. I cried like a baby when I first heard the heartbeat. I couldn’t believe this was real. I couldn’t believe my wife was carrying around another human life inside of her. I couldn’t believe I was going to be a dad.

This was one of the key moments for me as an expectant father that established the reality of the coming child. It also reassured me that everything in the pregnancy was going well.

One of my friends who’d recently had a baby, had once told me about how he had felt seeing that first ultrasound of his baby. “My heart started beating faster just to hear a life — boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. It just felt like — the feeling’s indescribable, I was just blown away, like my eyes filled up but it’s like I won’t cry, I just was so happy to hear it…. The heartbeat is like letting me know it’s on the way, get ready.”

Being a responsible parent meant that I needed to make sure that I have a steady job because my child’s eating depended on me. If I was going to be out of a job that would mean my child would go hungry and I’d rather my child ate before I did. While some may say that these are just drastic, random thoughts, but I did think of these things. Most dads have plans and dreams that extend beyond the immediate future of the baby and across the child’s lifespan.

As I drove home with my wife, I got some time to reflect on the role that I will be playing in my baby’s life. This was a key step in preparing towards serious parenthood.

After all, for dads, there’s nothing greater than “Seeing is believing!”

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Your due date is a stone’s throw away with just a few more weeks to slog. Nearing the end of your pregnancy journey, you might as well have the baby right now. At 37 weeks, your doctor has probably discussed that it’s close enough to the due date for a safe delivery. You might as well book an elective C-section, consult your partner and parents to check everyone’s availability rather than go through the last couple of weeks of the pregnancy cycle.

When inducing labor was at its peak in the last 3 decades, countless women have been told just that it was ok to deliver post completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy. However, with more scientific research coming forward those last few weeks are just as important and ‘a stone’s throw’ doesn’t always cut it.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have relooked at the definition of ‘term pregnancy.’ The last few decades have seen a tremendous rise in elective C-sections and babies being delivered pre-term and ending up in Neonatal intensive care units. Hence, there is definitely a reason to take those last few weeks extremely seriously. Here’s how American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have categorized ‘Term Pregnancy’:

• Early Term: Between 37 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days
• Full Term: Between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days
• Late Term: Between 41 weeks 0 days and 41 weeks 6 days
• Poster: Between 42 weeks 0 days and beyond[1]

Unnecessary induced labor for the sake of convenience is now slowly taking a back seat for the simple reason that it can be potentially dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Induced labor or C-section should only be a means to tackle if complications arise in the pregnancy. However, if the medical reason is not compelling enough and the healthcare provider in question feels that the mother will be able to carry the baby to term, then that is the best route to take where both the mother and the child will fare better.

‘Overdue’ is also one of the terms that these guidelines have elaborated upon. According to them, going past the assigned due date by a week or two does not qualify the pregnancy as ‘over due’. The doctors are primarily concerned about the baby growing too big for the mother’s pelvis or the placenta growing old to sustain the baby. While these are valid areas of concerns, it happens very rarely.

Prior to the 80’s frenzy for C-sections and induced labor, women delivered babies quiet safely a week or two post their due dates. Agreed that those extra weeks will be uneasy and annoying, but that is no reason for having your baby before it’s ready to make its appearance into this world.

The post Giving Birth Before Your Due Date: Do All 40 Weeks Matter? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Pregnancy brings jubilation but it can also be equally confusing in many ways. Your body goes through tons of changes, some of which are normal and others that may be a cause for concern. Should you be worried about the discharges during pregnancy? “Some women have an increase in their vaginal discharge during pregnancy, and some don’t have an increase at all,” says Karen Nordahl, M.D., co- founder of Vancouver, British Columbia-based (Canada) ‘Fit to Deliver International and a Fit Pregnancy’ advisory board member. “A sudden increase should be investigated to make sure there is no infection.”

Let’s look at some of the common discharges during pregnancy.

Yeast Infection

If you are experiencing an odorless, white, cottage cheese-like discharge inclusive of itching, redness, and soreness in the vaginal area then you may be suffering from a yeast infection which is a common occurrence through the pregnancy period because of hormonal changes in the body. Additional symptoms include discomfort during intercourse and a burning sensation while urinating.

If symptoms get worse then consult your doctor to know which vaginal creams or suppositories you may use to ease the pain. Probiotics can also be helpful in this instance.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Triggered by an inequality in the bacteria generally found in the vagina, bacterial vaginosis initiates in the system as a vaginal infection but may at times scale into the uterus causing premature rupture of the membranes resulting in a premature delivery. Itching, burning, asymptomatic with a fishy smelling discharge especially post sexual intercourse are some of its noticeable symptoms.

To prevent any danger to the fetus and reduce chances of a preterm birth, consult your doctor immediately.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

There are 3 types of STDs that may occur during pregnancy. Producing no discharge at times or sometimes an odorous discharge is called ‘Chlamydia’. A yellowish discharge may be a symptom indicating ‘gonorrhoea’. A foamy yellow-greenish discharge accompanied with itching could indicate ‘trichomoniasis’. Preterm labor is possible if you contract STDs in your pregnancy followed with an uttering infection post birth. Your baby may contract the infection during delivery as it may pass through the placenta affecting the fetus.

It is important that you do not ignore the symptoms and schedule a test with your doctor as most STDs are treatable with antibiotics during your pregnancy.

 Urine

“Other than seeing your doctor, the best way to tell if you’re leaking urine (versus amniotic fluid; see below) is to note how often and when it occurs,” says April Sarvis, M.D., an OB-GYN in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (USA). “If you leak only occasionally, such as when you cough, sneeze or have a good belly laugh, it’s likely urine. The smell and color are helpful indicators, too.”

With growing pressure on the uterus, leaking urine is normal. Try contracting and releasing the muscles around the vagina with Kegel exercises. This may help in controlling your bladder pressure.

Amniotic Fluid

A pregnant woman should only be discharging the amniotic fluid if she goes into labor. The fluid can be clear, brown, green, pink-tinged or yellow in color. If the membranes rupture, the Amniotic fluid will continuously leak. If you are unable to differentiate between urine and amniotic fluid, put on a pad and lie down for about 30 minutes. If you feel a small gush when you stand, it could be amniotic fluid. Call your doctor immediately in that case.

Seeing Red

Spotting, especially after intercourse of a pelvic examination is not unusual during pregnancy. However, check with your doctor, if it persists for more than 24 hours.

Anomalous flow may also indicate a difficulty in your pregnancy. If you are uncertain, it is always better to play it safe and call your doctor.

The post Discharge During Pregnancy: What’s Safe and What’s Not? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

My fortieth birthday started with a bang. I had been feeling a little queasy over the last few days and my gynaecologist had asked me to take a pregnancy test just to rule out the possibility. But, what I found out was exactly the opposite of what I was not expecting. I had never thought about becoming an older mum or getting pregnant at 40. Although I had tied the knot at the politically correct age of 25, neither my husband nor I were maternally inclined. I was more than happy with my share of family life with my husband, a thriving career and travelling the globe. The pregnancy was unplanned but since God had decided otherwise for us, we decided to go ahead with it.

My husband and I had a number of discussions leading up to the arrival of our bundle of joy. However, the fundamental point of disagreement was the type of birth that we wanted. Whilst my husband was really inclined towards a normal vaginal delivery, I wanted the option of an epidural through an elective C-section.

During our visits to the gynaecologist, I was fully made aware of the risks that I could potentially go through during labour and delivery.

Topping the list was the induction of labour in older mothers which is widely practised as an intervention in order to reduce the risk of late stillbirths. A recent survey showed that 37% of obstetricians offer induction of labour at term to women aged 40–44 years of age and 55% to those who are over 45 years old.

Establishing the level of anxiety that will push my gynaecologist to go ahead with a C-section depending on the maturity of my age is difficult. A major concern that always looms over and influences the decision is preventing any harm to the newborn. And I’ve heard that emergency C-sections carry a higher risk factor to both the mother and the baby. I read somewhere that, “Until we learn why older mothers with low-risk pregnancies have a disproportionately high rate of caesarian delivery, the utmost caution is needed in evaluating older mothers as candidates for the procedure,” said Duane Alexander, M.D., Director of the NICHD, the NIH Institute that conducted the study. “Although older mothers share certain risk factors in common, each woman is a unique individual and the potential benefits and risks of Caesarean delivery should be evaluated for her specific case.”

Post 40, a long labour and lower efficiency of the movement of my womb muscles could very well lead to complications during labour and delivery. A greater likelihood that the baby is in an awkward position at birth, particularly because I am over 40 and this is my first baby with an increased risk of foetal distress during labour; are some of the reasons why C-section could be an option for me.

While I am a little on the anxious side my gynaecologist has always tried to build a positive vibe. I know that the possibility of risk exists but I also know that I have still had a very good chance of a worry-free birthing experience as much as younger mums.

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