Pregnancy »

From conception to pregnancy to delivery, the entire process is just as exciting as it is challenging. Being prepared for the change can help. A guide to being pregnant, delivering & managing change.

Being pregnant for the first time

Last year, while holidaying in Europe, I conceived my first baby. I was not overjoyed, perhaps because both my husband and I, married for only six months, were not yet prepared to be mom and dad. The baby probably heard our thought, and in the eighth week of the pregnancy, I suffered a missed abortion…. [ Continue Reading → ]

Ovulation and the Safe Period

Ovulation refers to the rupture of the ripened follicle in the ovary to discharge the egg ready for fertilisation at middle of the menstrual cycle. For example in a 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs on the 14th day. Variations in the timing are not uncommon and it can range from the ninth day to the 16th… [ Continue Reading → ]

Symptoms of Pregnancy

You are feeling giddy and nauseus. Your menstrual cycle has been delayed. Things don’t seem quite right. You might be pregnant. Your gynaecologist will, of course, give an official confirmation, but in the meanwhile you could try a home pregnancy test too. Early symptoms Absence of menstrual periods: Although this is one of the first… [ Continue Reading → ]

What to expect on ‘your’ labour Day

The overnight bag is by the door. The labour and childbirth book you are reading is open to “Labour.” Your contractions are five minutes apart, and as you climb into the car, you know exactly what awaits you… and pigs can fly. No matter how many books you’ve read or how many hours you’ve spent… [ Continue Reading → ]

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

Rini had an arranged marriage just two months ago. Even before she could get to know her husband, she realised she was pregnant. And everyone she met had a little bit of advice for her. One of her friends told her intercourse could cause abortion in early pregnancy. So, every time her husband came close… [ Continue Reading → ]

What will your baby need in the hospital?

  Three lightweight tops and bottoms. Do not buy yellow coloured clothes for the newborn since they are constantly observed for neonatal jaundice. Yellow coloured clothes will deter detection. Two dozens of cotton diapers and three small diaper covers Two washable bibs Diaper pins Disposable diapers Swaddle clothes If you are having a winter baby… [ Continue Reading → ]

Swollen Ankles and Feet During Pregnancy

Swelling of the ankles and feet is normal up to a certain limit unless it is accompanied by high blood pressure and excessive weight gain. The average weight gain in pregnancy is about 10 to 12 kilograms. Part of the natural weight gain during pregnancy is due to water retention in the body. The water… [ Continue Reading → ]

Exhaustion During Pregnancy

If you are expecting a child, you are bound to feel exhausted much sooner than you did earlier. This is a natural phenomenon, do not fight it. Weakness, lethargy and tiredness are normal symptoms in early pregnancy and are nature’s way of slowing down the pregnant woman to help in preserving the fetus. In other… [ Continue Reading → ]

Nausea Attacks in the First Trimester

The heroine runs out of the room with her hand on her mouth. Her parents look thunderstruck. And then it hits them. Their daughter is pregnant. Thanks to Hindi movies, few aspects of pregnancy are as well known as morning sickness. The term morning sickness is actually a misnomer since it can strike at any… [ Continue Reading → ]