"LABOUR" ...The only blind date where you know YOU await to meet the LOVE of your LIFE!

Labour and childbirth is usually a painful experience and women vary in their response to it.

It is not called labour for nothing. Having a baby is hard work, and part of that work is getting through the pain. But don't panic. There are more ways than ever to manage that pain, and you don't have to choose just one.    

"The trick is to have as many tools in your bag as possible," says Kim Hildebrand Cardoso, a certified nurse-midwife in Berkeley, California, and a mother of two. "You don't know what's going to work until you're in it, and what helps a woman at one point can change five minutes later."

Some women are keen to avoid drugs or other medical interventions while others are happy to consider all available options. For a woman having her first baby, the experience of labour (and her reaction to it) is unpredictable. 

For this reason, it is a good idea to be aware of the options for pain relief that are available and to know something about the different methods. You may have a plan for how you hope to manage your labour, but it is best to be prepared to be flexible.

Non-medical pain relief options

• Prepare for the marathon
• Being in good physical condition is important. Exercise gently and regularly throughout your pregnancy, avoid cigarettes and alcohol, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Knowing what to expect during the various stages of labour can help reduce anxiety.
• Antenatal classes are strongly recommended.

Relaxation Techniques
The most important thing you can relax during labor is your mind. The idea is simple -- when you fear pain, you tense up, which makes the pain worse, which makes you tense up more. You can use different relaxation techniques to ease pain. Some people like music, some like meditation, some like incense. Generally, relaxation techniques help ease pain in labour. Just check that the hospital or birth centre can cope with your plans.

• Breathe through the pains - Breathing techniques may help you to ‘ride the waves’ of each contraction. To stay relaxed, it's crucial to pay attention to your breathing. Let gravity do its work.
• Moving around: Walking, swaying, changing positions, and rolling on a birthing ball can not only ease the pain but can help your labour progress by using the force of gravity to your advantage and encouraging the movement and rotation of the baby down through the pelvic canal.
• Water therapy: Warm water can work wonders for diminishing labour pain. Don't underestimate the power of the shower either - the stream of hot water will not only keep you relaxed but will massage you too.
• Your partner in birth: The constant, close support from your partner (or a trusted friend or loved one) for the duration of labour can reduce anxiety. Having your partner rub your feet or massage your hands or temples can distract you, relax you, and generally make you feel cared for, which is a major morale boost.

MEDICAL PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS
Nitrous Oxide

• Nitrous oxide, known as ‘laughing gas’, is mixed with oxygen and administered to the mother through a face mask or a tube held in the mouth. The gas takes a few seconds to work, so it is important to breathe from the mask as soon as a contraction starts. 
• Nitrous oxide doesn’t stop the pain entirely, but takes the ‘edge’ off the intensity of each contraction. Many women prefer nitrous oxide because it allows them direct control – you can hold the mask yourself and take deep breaths whenever you feel the need. 

• Nitrous oxide doesn’t interfere with contractions and it doesn’t linger in either the woman’s or the baby’s body. 

Possible cons of with using Nitrous Oxide include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and disorientation
• Claustrophobic sensations from the face mask
• Lack of pain relief – in some cases, nitrous oxide doesn’t offer any pain relief at all (this applies to around one-third of women).

Epidural Analgesia

Management of pain is the most crucial thing in the delivery of baby and painless delivery techniques are providing respite from excessive pain, be it in normal deliveries or caesarean (that need operations).

The technique of painless delivery called as Epidural Analgesia or Epidural Anesthesia is a popular technique used by women, if advised by the doctor, during labor. The technique is not only cost-effective, but also gives relief from unbearable labor pain. Such deliveries have registered 6-7% rise in the past two-three years. On an average the cost of epidural (Painless process) ranges within Rs.4000-8000/- (could be little more or less) therefore the difference in charges for normal and painless normal delivery is not too high. But, these charges may vary from hospital to hospital.


How it is done?During the delivery, the labor pain generates from the contraction of uterus walls. Once the Epidural analgesia is administered, it blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain and thus helping the patient for a painless delivery. The same technique can also be used in case of emergency cesarean sections if some complications.

It is estimated that out of every 25 deliveries, there are around 8-10 painless deliveries. In fact most of those going for it are educated and come from well-off families. The threshold to bear labor pain among women has reduced and therefore they prefer to go for epidural anesthesia. Women postponing motherhood till late thirties and conditions like obesity and hypertension, chances for normal delivery become less. This is because as one grows old, capacity to bear pain also reduces but epidural anesthesia increases chances of having normal deliveries, as per a recent study.

Advantages: There are quite a few advantages and few are listed below:

1. Epidural analgesia makes mother and baby comfortable.
2. It brings down the high BP for those who are suffering with this issue.
3. Good for patient who have heart disease for obvious reasons.
4. Delivery is faster.
5. If required, Caesarean can be done with same tube.

Possible Disadvantages: Uncommon minor complications such as persistent positional headache afterwards, shivering, ringing of the ears, backache, soreness where the needle is inserted, nausea, or difficulty urinating.

While doctors are encouraging expectant women to enjoy bringing their baby into the world, naturally and painlessly, the role of a hospital in creating this safe haven is significant. Motherhood is inarguably the most beautiful phase in a woman's life. But, many expectant women fear the process of natural childbirth due to painful labour, hence opt for a Caesarian surgery instead.

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    “Unless there is a risk involving mother and baby, Caesarian section is not recommended. Because, the recovery period is longer, the surgical wounds can get infected and the mother could have health problems later in life. That is why most of the Doctors encourage mothers to opt for natural childbirth which can be almost painless with the current technology.

Choosing the "RIGHT HOSPITAL"

In the world we are living now, due to various reasons we get to see families living separately and those who opt for late parenthood with less or no support from their family or relatives, young couples or to be parents today are looking for vital medical care and comfort for mother and baby from their doctors and hospitals.

Late conception sometimes lead to risky pregnancies which is quite common in the world we are living today. A hospital equipped with a neonatal care and adult ICU unit to handle emergency births should be the primary choice for everyone out there.

Search for a Hospital which has the following facilities:

• Multi-speciality services under one roof
• Clearly defined protocols for clinical and non-clinical care
• Rule for maintaining digital records of mother and baby for future follow ups of the baby.
• Hospital who practices evidence based medicines.
• Health insurance is valid and accepted without any hassles.
• Must have a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in case your newborn is sick
• The Hospital which has a well-equipped adult ICU
• An place which offers postpartum breast feeding advice and support

Take care of yourself and be confident. 


Life is full of surprises
...Enjoy every bit of it.


If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to write us.
All The Best!

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It’s HOT…Summer Arrives!

Summer is here and the SUN is shining HOT and you may find yourself wondering if you would make it out comfortably? But, don’t worry while it’s true that a summer pregnancy isn’t always easy, here are few tips to make yourself comfortably enjoy this phase of the year.

Stay Hydrated

• Drinking lots of water during pregnancy is very important for both the mother and the baby. Just in case if you did not knew!

• Dizziness, Nausea, Dry lips and Mouth, Less urine or yellow colored urine and overheating due to the hot weather all signal that you are dehydrated. You need lots of Water and Juices.

• We recommend you to drink 6-8 glass of water to stay hydrated. Make sure you always carry a bottle of water when you are in or out.

Healthy Food

• Have lots of fresh fruits and juice to beat the heat. This is required for YOU.

• Vegetables like cucumber should be included in diet during summer months.

• Avoid very spicy foods.

Stay cool

• If you are feeling unbearably hot, a cool shower will be helpful.

• Keep yourself around cooler or Ac or Pedestal fan for a cool breeze of relief.

Dress for the weather

• Wear light coloured clothing during summer. Cotton type materials are comfortable during hot summer days.

• Maternity clothes like maxi and gown type dresses that allow air flow and decrease sweating are recommended.
• Avoid wearing tight dresses. This is quite self-explanatory but still thought of adding it here.

Take care of your feet

• Swelling of legs and feet is common during pregnancy. Summer heat can add to the discomfort associated with swollen feet.
• Make sure to keep your feet up while you sit. During sleep hours keep your legs up with the help of pillows.

• Always buy correct fitting shoes while pregnant. Please do not compromise on footwear.
• Special shoes for pregnant ladies are available in maternity shops. This can help to reduce the discomfort.
• If you are walking or doing exercise during your pregnancy, choose the right kind of shoe that are meant for long distance walking or exercise.

Hair care during summer

• If you have long hair tie it into a bun or a high pony tail to provide free air circulation in your neck and back. This can help reduce sweating too.
• You can even go for a haircut to make it short to manage it properly during summers.
• Use a cooling hair oil to apply on your hair and scalp while washing your hair.

Skin care during summer

• Pregnancy can make your skin very sensitive. Use sunscreen lotions to stay good.

• Drinking water and juices also prevents dry skin.

• Wear your sunglasses when you are going out. A hat or a scarf can be used to save yourself from the red hot sun rays and heat.
• During summer lips become dry. You can use a good lip balm.

Exercise at right time

• Walking, swimming, yoga and other pregnancy exercises are good for you and your baby.

• During summer, exercise should be done early in the morning or in the evening when the temperatures is low.
• During exercise if one feels tired it is better to relax and take rest. Don’t try to over-stress yourself while doing physical activities. Do it light and limited to your comfort zone.

Relax

• Being outdoors to get some fresh air is too good during pregnancy. It can actually help you to relax and rejuvenate.
• During summer days restrict your outdoor activities to early morning or evening. Avoid going out during the peak hours like 11 am to 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Proper rest and sleep

• Sleep and rest is very important factor for mothers. Sleeping helps to eliminate stress. Find time if you don’t take time, but do rest.
• Summer heat can make you more tired. Relax by reading a book, listening to music or doing meditation.  Rest is very important during pregnancy.

• Frequent naps during summer days can be helpful for the mother-to-be.

Life is Beautiful and Seasons add different flavors to it making it more FUN to live in. So, enjoy this phase of the year and of course your life of being pregnant.

Take care and be happy, no matter what. Nothing is constant in life, things change, moods change and so does this very moment. Stay calm and live life happily!




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This is Dr. Nabat, signing off.




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