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 ]
Tag: 'prenatal' ยป
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 ]
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 ]
Ultrasound Scans During Pregnancy
An ultrasound scan is done with the help of a sonar device that reveals objects in fluid (amniotic fluid in pregnancy) by using high frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear. An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive, painless procedure and usually lasts for about 15 minutes. You will probably be asked to drink few… [ Continue Reading ]
Changes in the Internal Organs during pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones bring about changes to almost every part of your body, both externally and internally. Uterus An average uterus measures seven centimetres in length, five centimetres in width and is over two centimetres thick. At full term, it can measure as much as 38 centimetres in length, 25 centimetres in width and 20 centimetres… [ Continue Reading ]
Rhesus Factor
Prema does not believe in going to a doctor during pregnancy. She feels pregnancy is a natural process and doctors don’t need to interfere with it. Her grandmother delivered eight children at home and lived happily till she was 80. So why can’t she have one child without going to a doctor? Her belief became… [ Continue Reading ]
Amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis
Reema got married very late. And by the time she was ready for a child, she was 35 years old. Since she was aware of problems that could arise from a late pregnancy, she consulted her gynaecologist about tests she could go through that would assure her that her baby is normal and healthy. One… [ Continue Reading ]
Calorie and Nutrient Requirements during Pregnancy
When you are pregnant it is very important to eat regular, well-balanced meals as the food you eat provides nutrition to your baby. While tablets can make up for some deficiencies in a pregnant woman’s diet, the best way to get adequate protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and vitamin C for… [ Continue Reading ]
The Period of Pregnancy
The normal period of pregnancy is 280 days (40 weeks) from the first day of the last menstrual period. Throughout pregnancy, the growing fetus is entirely dependent on its mother. The mother’s diet, her general state of health and the amount of physical work she does — all have their effect on the child. Therefore,… [ Continue Reading ]
Care of the Breasts during pregnancy
Soap should not be used on nipples as it removes natural oils. Wear a bra with a good support, usually one size bigger than the usual size. If the nipples are small or retracted, pull them out gently from side to side and from above and below during the second trimester. Small and retracted nipples… [ Continue Reading ]