Taking necessary supplements during pregnancy is as important as eating healthy when you're pregnant!Your body is working hard to grow your baby, so you need more nutrients than usual for your baby to develop strong bones, a healthy brain, and everything else they need.What necessary supplements are required during pregnancy?Adequate nutrients, such as protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid, are important for the proper growth of a baby's brain, bones, and organs.5 most important nutrients during pregnancy:Folic Acid: Folic Acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby, which can further lead to serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Amount of folic acid you need during this period:Before pregnancy: 400 mcg (micrograms) per day.During pregnancy and when breastfeeding, 600 mcg (micrograms) per day.Consuming this much folic acid is not possible only with food, and so folic acid is prescribed by the doctors. 2. Iron: Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to both you and your baby. It is recommended that a pregnant woman should consume atleast 27 mg (milligrams) of iron a day.Reaching this amount alone with food is not possible and hence supplements are prescribed by the doctors. 3. Calcium: Calcium is a crucial nutrient during pregnancy as it can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, a serious medical condition that causes a sudden increase in the blood pressure. Calcium also helps in building up the baby's bones and teeth. Requirement of calcium are as follows: a. Pregnant adults: 1,000 mg (milligrams) of calcium in a day b. Pregnant teenagers (ages 14-18): 1,300 mg of calcium in a day.Consuming this much calcium is not possible only with food intake, and so calcium tablets are prescribed by the doctors. 4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin is essential, as it helps absorb calcium in your body which further enhances building of the baby's bones and teeth. All pregnant women should get 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day. 5. Water: Getting enough fluids is also one special nutritional concern during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body needs much more water to stay hydrated and support the life inside you. So it becomes really important to drink enough fluids every day.Just remember, taking too many supplements can sometimes have negative impact. It is important to consult your doctor to discuss your specific nutritional needs so that they can recommend any supplements as per your personalized needs.Source:-1. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/whats-food 2. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/whats-food/proteins

Pregnancy is usually imagined as a natural process where labor begins on its own when the baby is ready. While this happens for many women, there are times when waiting is not the safest option. In such situations, doctors recommendInduced Labor to protect the health of the mother, the baby, or both. Knowing why this decision is made and what actually happens during the process can reduce fear and confusion, especially for first time mothers.This blog explainsInduced Labor in a clear and realistic way, without medical jargon or exaggeration. It covers why labor is induced, how it is done, what to expect, and what risks should be considered, so that women and families can feel more informed and confident.What Does Induced Labor Really MeanInduced Labor refers to the use of medical techniques to start labor artificially rather than waiting for contractions to begin on their own. Doctors may use medicines or physical methods to trigger uterine contractions and help the cervix open so the baby can be born.Induction is not done casually. It is recommended only when continuing the pregnancy could pose greater risks than delivering the baby. While the idea of intervention can feel overwhelming, in many cases it is the safest and most responsible choice.Why Doctors Recommend Induced LaborEvery pregnancy is different. Some progress smoothly until delivery, while others develop challenges that require closer attention. Doctors considerInduced Labor when waiting longer may increase complications.One common reason is a pregnancy that goes beyond the due date. When pregnancy extends too long, the placenta may not function as efficiently, which can affect how much oxygen and nutrition the baby receives.Another situation is when the water bag breaks but contractions do not start on their own. Once the protective sac around the baby is open, the risk of infection gradually increases. Inducing labor helps reduce that risk.Medical conditions in the mother can also make induction necessary. High blood pressure during pregnancy,gestational diabetes, or worsening health conditions may require delivery sooner rather than later.Doctors may also suggestInduced Labor if monitoring shows that the baby is under stress, not growing well, or if ultrasound results raise concerns about fetal wellbeing. A history of stillbirth in a previous pregnancy may also influence the decision to induce labor earlier.How the Body Is Prepared for Induced LaborLabor is not just about contractions. The cervix must soften, thin out, and open before the baby can pass through. Sometimes the body begins this process naturally, but if it has not started, doctors need to prepare the cervix before inducing strong contractions.This preparation phase is often called cervical ripening. It plays a crucial role in how successful and smooth the induction process will be.Common Methods Used to Induce LaborThere is no single method that works for everyone. Doctors choose the technique based on how ready the cervix is, the health of the mother and baby, and how far along the pregnancy is.Breaking the Water BagOne commonly used method is rupturing the membranes, often called breaking the water bag. The amniotic fluid surrounds the baby and helps protect it inside the womb.When the cervix is partially open and the baby’s head is positioned low, the doctor can create a small opening in the amniotic sac. This releases the fluid and can trigger contractions naturally.The procedure does not hurt the baby. However, if labor does not start within a few hours, medications may be given through a vein to stimulate contractions. Doctors do this because prolonged time after the water breaks can increase the risk of infection.Prostaglandins for Cervical RipeningIf the cervix is still firm and closed, doctors may use a medication called prostaglandins. These medicines help soften and thin the cervix, making it more responsive to contractions.Prostaglandins are placed in the vagina near the cervix. After administration, the baby’s heart rate is monitored for several hours to ensure the baby is tolerating the process well.This step is often essential before moving on to stronger induction methods. Without proper cervical ripening, labor can be longer and more difficult.Oxytocin to Start or Strengthen ContractionsOxytocin is a hormone naturally produced by the body during labor. When used medically, it is given through a vein to start contractions or make existing ones stronger and more regular.During this stage ofInduced Labor, doctors closely monitor both the baby’s heart rate and the intensity of contractions. The goal is to create effective contractions without putting too much stress on the baby.Oxytocin injection is not used if tests show that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen or nutrients through the placenta, as strong contractions could worsen the situation.What Induced Labor Feels LikeEvery woman experiences labor differently, whether it starts naturally or is induced. However,Induced Labor can sometimes feel more intense because contractions may come on stronger and closer together.Some women describe induced contractions as more painful, especially when medications like oxytocin are used. This does not mean something is wrong. It simply reflects how the body responds to artificial stimulation.Pain relief options such as breathing techniques, movement, warm compresses, or medical pain management can still be used during induced labor, just as they are during natural labor.Risks and Important ConsiderationsWhileInduced Labor is generally safe when medically indicated, it is not completely without risks.Stronger contractions can sometimes put stress on the baby, which is why continuous monitoring is important. Some women may experience side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, or rarely a skin rash due to medications used during induction.Induction may increase the likelihood of further interventions, such as assisted delivery or cesarean section, especially if the cervix does not respond well.It is also important to understand that induction is a process. It can take hours or even days, depending on how the body responds. Patience and proper medical support are essential.Emotional Impact of Induced LaborBeyond the physical aspects,Induced Labor can affect emotions. Some women feel disappointed that labor did not start naturally. Others may feel anxious about medical interventions.These feelings are valid. What matters most is the outcome, a healthy mother and a healthy baby. Open communication with healthcare providers and emotional support from family can make a significant difference.ConclusionInduced Labor is not about forcing birth unnecessarily. It is a carefully considered medical decision made to protect life and reduce serious risks. While the process may feel intimidating, understanding why it is recommended and how it works can help mothers feel more prepared and less fearful.With proper monitoring, professional care, and informed decision making, induced labor can be a safe and effective way to welcome a baby into the world when waiting is no longer the best option. FollowMedwikifor more!Frequently Asked Questions1. Is induced labor always planned in advance?No. Sometimes it is planned due to known medical reasons, while in other cases it is needed suddenly because of complications.2. Does induced labor increase the chance of cesarean delivery?Sometimes, especially if the cervix is not ready. However, many women still have a normal vaginal delivery.3. Can I refuse induced labor?Yes. A patient has the right to ask questions and understand the options. Doctors usually suggest induction when waiting is riskier.4. How long does induced labor take?It depends on how the body responds. It may take a few hours or more than a day.5. Is induced labor more painful than natural labor?For some women, contractions can feel stronger, but pain relief options are available.6. Is induced labor safe for the baby?When done for medical reasons with proper monitoring, induced labor is generally safe.7. Can induced labor fail?Yes. If labor does not progress, further medical intervention or a cesarean delivery may be needed.

Pregnancy is a time when whatever a mother eats directly affects her baby. So, if you are eating too much junk food, what kind of problems can this cause for your baby?5 Reasons To Avoid Eating Junk Food During Pregnancy:Increased risk of Asthma and Allergies for the baby: Junk food contains a lot of saturated fat and sugar, which causes inflammation in the body, weakening the immune system. If a pregnant woman eats too much junk food, it can weaken the baby's immunity, increasing the risk of allergies or asthma for the baby.Risk of Genetic Abnormalities in the baby: Junk food has many additives, preservatives, and chemicals that mix into your blood. When a pregnant woman eats junk food, these chemicals reach the baby through the blood and can damage the baby’s DNA, increasing the risk of genetic abnormalities.Baby’s weight may increase: This condition is called "Macrosomia." Junk food is very high in calories, which can lead to weight gain for both the pregnant mother and the baby. The baby might grow larger than normal, which can cause complications during delivery.Effects on Baby’s Brain Development: Junk food is high in calories but low in essential nutrients. This means the baby does not get the necessary nutrients, which can affect brain development. Later in life, the baby may show aggressive behavior and, just like the mother, prefer high-fat and sugary junk foods.Increased risk of Diabetes for the baby in the future: The high sugar and calorie content in junk food reduces the body’s ability to metabolize glucose and fat in the baby. This increases the chances of the baby developing insulin resistance and diabetes in the future.Still have questions about eating junk food ? Gettrustworthy answers from verified sources onAsk Medwiki.As you can see, eating junk food during pregnancy is not only harmful to you but also to your baby. If you want to give your baby a healthy and happy life, include healthy food in your diet and stay away from junk food. Talk to your doctor about your diet and make the best choices for your baby.Source:-1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24635424/ 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17384661/

Birth control pills are used to prevent pregnancy, and they are also used for PCOD and irregular periods.But when women start taking birth control pills, they sometimes notice weight gain or feel like their weight is increasing. So, do birth control pills really cause weight gain?There are two types of birth control pills:Combination Pill (Estrogen and Progesterone)Progesterone Only PillEstrogen and Progesterone are female hormones that help maintain the reproductive system. When you take birth control pills, your body might hold onto more water, which can make you feel like you've gained weight. However, this weight gain is usually temporary. It means that while birth control pills might make you gain weight at first, it often returns to normal after some time.How do birth control pills affect weight?If you take only Progesterone pills, you generally won't gain weight because these pills don’t cause your body to hold onto water.However, if you take Combination Pills with Estrogen and Progesterone, you might notice some weight gain temporarily. This is because Estrogen can increase a hormone called Vasopressin, which makes you feel more thirsty and helps your body hold onto water. This temporary weight gain usually goes away after a while as your body adjusts.So, birth control pills don’t actually cause long-term weight gain, just temporary changes that usually return to normal.Source:- 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441582/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880912/

Many people believe these myths, which creates a lot of confusion. Today, we'll bust these myths one by one so you can understand your fertility journey with the right information. So, let's get started!Myth: You should have sex everyday when trying to get pregnant.Truth: It is not necessary to have sex everyday. Having sex after every 2-4 days is enough to get pregnant. But if a man ejaculates more frequently, the sperm quality and count can be reduced, which can affect conception.Myth: It's only women’s fertility that decreases with time.Truth: Both men’s and women’s fertility gets affected by age. Women's fertility starts to decline after the age of 35, while men's fertility or sperm quality starts to decrease after the age of 40.Myth: You need to lie flat after sex to conceive.Truth: You don't need to lie flat after sexual intercourse to get pregnant. There is no study that claims lying flat after sex can increase chances of pregnancy. Instead, having sex during your ovulation period is more important to get pregnant.Myth: You can get pregnant any time during your menstrual cycle.Truth: You can only get pregnant if you have sex during ovulation or a few days before it. The chances of pregnancy are higher if you have sex just before ovulation.Myth: Sperm quality is best when you don't have sex for at least 10 days.Truth: No, the best quality sperm is produced when you ejaculate every 2-3 days. Not ejaculating for a longer time can lead to damaged or dead sperm.Source:-1.https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/

Have you heard that taking contraceptive pills can lead to infertility?This is a common myth that many women encounter. But is there any truth to it?No, contraceptive pills do not cause infertility. This is just a myth that has been around for a long time.Here’s what science says:Contraceptive pills work by regulating hormones in your body, which helps keep your menstruation regular. While you’re taking these pills, they prevent eggs from being released, so there’s no egg for sperm to fertilize, which means you won’t get pregnant.In other words, contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy but do not cause infertility. Once you stop taking the pills, your hormone levels usually return to normal within 1-2 weeks or up to 2 months, and you can conceive within 6 months to a year if you wish to.There is no study that proves that contraceptive pills lead to infertility. In fact, they help regulate hormones, reduce period cramps, and lower the risk of endometriosis, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. If you’re experiencing infertility or delays in pregnancy, factors like age, lifestyle, or health conditions might be the reasons.So, don’t believe in these myths. Talk to your doctor and choose the best contraceptives based on your body’s needs.Source:- 1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590151623000151 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6055351/

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck.Thyroid hormones are crucial for the proper development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. Because, for the first 3 months of pregnancy, the thyroid hormones produced by your body are supplied to your baby through the placenta. When your pregnancy reaches the second trimester, your baby’s thyroid glands start producing thyroid hormones, but in insufficient quantities. Therefore, the thyroid hormones produced in your body remain essential until your pregnancy reaches 18-20 weeks.This is why, if a woman experiences hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, it can be hard to diagnose.Generally, the primary cause of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is Graves' Disease. Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your body produces Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI). TSI is a type of antibody that increases the production of thyroid hormones.In some cases, severe nausea and vomiting leading to weight loss and dehydration, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can also cause hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.During hyperemesis gravidarum, the level of HCG hormones increases, which in turn raises thyroid hormone levels.This problem usually resolves within 6 months of pregnancy.Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy include:Increased heart rateFeeling excessively hotExtreme fatigueTrembling handsWeight lossOr lack of weight gain during pregnancy.If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor.Source:- 1.https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/pregnancy-thyroid-disease 2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/hypothyroidism-and-pregnancy

Gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, can be quite challenging. Especially when it comes to food, it becomes even more tricky. During pregnancy, you have to be very careful about what you eat because your diet directly affects your baby.Foods you should avoid during pregnancy to keep your diabetes under control.High-sugar items like chocolates, candies, cakes, cookies, pastries, and ice cream should be completely avoided because when you consume these foods, your blood sugar levels spike rapidly. Your body then needs to produce more insulin, which makes it difficult to keep your blood sugar stable, and this can affect your baby's development.High-sugar drinks like soda, fruit juices, tea, coffee, and energy drinks should also be avoided.These drinks get absorbed into your blood much faster than normal or solid foods, leading to a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.Foods made from refined flour like white bread, white pasta, and refined carbs like white rice and potatoes should be avoided as well.These foods are low in fiber, so they digest quickly, causing your blood sugar levels to rise just as fast.Processed foods like fast food, packaged chips, snacks, and frozen food items should be kept at a distance.These foods not only raise your blood sugar levels but can also lead to rapid weight gain.Alcohol should be strictly avoided during pregnancy as it is very harmful, and it can also cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.So, make sure to eat with your health in mind, and if necessary, get a diet plan tailored to your needs.source: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/437036/sdcn-healthyeating.pdf https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/dietary-recommendations-for-gestational-diabetes