MD, FACOG
Dr. Anita Gondy is an Ob/Gyn at The Ob-Gyn Center in Las Vegas. In practice since 1998, Dr. Gondy began her medical training at Rangaraya Medical College in Kakinada, India and completed studies at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, where she also did an obstetrics and gynecology residency.She is also a Fellow member of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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[mj-toc] How To Calculate Pregnancy Weeks And Months Accurately? If you have conceived recently and are pondering how to calculate your due date, you may need a baby development tracker or week-by-week pregnancy calculator. You may be already doing the calculations to figure out the due date. By using different calculation methods, you may end up with different dates. However, doctors have standard methods of calculating these dates. Moreover, the due date is determined differently for women who have irregular periods or have conceived through in vitro fertilization. This post will tell you in detail about how to calculate weeks and months during pregnancy. How Is Pregnancy Due Date Calculated? [caption id="attachment_885326" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Your pregnancy due date is calculated by adding 40 weeks (i.e., 280 days) to the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). This is done with an assumption that you have a 28-day menstrual cycle. The time between your menstrual period and ovulation...
A change in urine color in pregnancy is among the many physical, emotional, and hormonal changes the body undergoes. Many factors may lead to a change in the urine color during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should observe the changes in their urine color and report it to their healthcare provider if they notice anything unusual. Read this post to know about the normal color of urine, the color of urine during pregnancy, possible causes of a change in urine color during pregnancy, and the signs you need to see a doctor. [mj-toc] What Color Is Normal Urine? While the color of urine differs for every person, it usually falls under the yellow spectrum (light, transparent yellow to slightly darker yellow). The hydration levels, food, drugs, and also the presence of [simple_tooltip text="hemoglobin" tooltip="Protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide" ] may influence the color of urine. Abnormally colored urine may be cloudy, dark, or...
Teenage pregnancies have long-term effects on a teen's physical, social, and mental well-being. Teenage abortions are not uncommon. However, with the recent changes in laws, abortions are no longer considered a constitutional right in the US, and each state has its own policy to regulate them. Read this post to know more about the causes of teenage abortions, the importance of adult involvement, and other legal aspects of abortion in the US. [mj-toc] Can A Teenager Get An Abortion? Earlier, the US government permitted each person to decide if they wanted to end the pregnancy before around 24 weeks, when the pregnancy becomes viable. However, with the decision that the US supreme court released in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case in 2022, abortion is no longer considered a constitutional right (1). However, it is not a federal ban on abortions, and each state in the country can decide the specific abortion rules. Currently, some states have put...
The additional weight gained during pregnancy could be a concern to some. However, a few natural home remedies for weight loss after delivery could relieve it. Women retain about 6.6lb weight a year after delivery. Sometimes, this weight may get carried forward to the next pregnancy. Also, a report by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that nearly 65% of women of reproductive age are either overweight or obese. It puts them at risk of developing chronic obesity during pregnancy or postpartum weight retention (1) (2). Read on to know more about the importance of losing weight after pregnancy, the ideal time to start weight loss procedures, and a few tips to lose weight. [mj-toc] Importance Of Losing Excess Weight After Delivery Losing weight after pregnancy is essential due to the following reasons (3) (4) (5). Postpartum weight retention might be a major contributor to obesity. Obesity, in the long run, can increase the risk of other illnesses such...
Ovulation bleeding is characterized by light bleeding or spotting during or around ovulation. While some women experience ovulation bleeding, not all women experience it. According to a study, about 4.8% of women experience light spotting or bleeding right in the middle of their menstrual cycles (1). In this post, we tell you what is ovulation bleeding, its possible causes, and some other signs and symptoms of ovulation. [mj-toc] Is Bleeding Or Spotting During Ovulation Normal? Yes, spotting or bleeding during ovulation can be quite normal for some women. It can happen at different times during the cycle and due to varying reasons. There is no sure way to know if what you are experiencing is menstrual spotting or implantation bleeding. Possible Causes Of Bleeding During Ovulation Although there could be many probable causes for ovulation bleeding, there are two known reasons that certainly result in bleeding or spotting during ovulation (2): A drop in the [simple_tooltip text="estrogen" tooltip="A sex hormone...
During pregnancy, your body is likely to undergo several changes. While some can make you happy, others can cause pain and discomfort. One such pain is pelvic girdle pain which affects about 80% of pregnant women. The pain might impact your daily activities, and in some women might lead to a chronic condition later (1). MomJunction gives you insights into the causes and symptoms of pain, along with precautionary measures to manage it effectively. [mj-toc] What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain? The pelvis, which is the largest bone of the skeleton, is where the hip bones are situated. The [simple_tooltip text="pubic symphysis" tooltip="A joint situated between the left and right pelvic bones that supports the body during labor." ] joins them at the front, and two [simple_tooltip text="sacroiliac joints" tooltip="A joint that forms a connection between the lower region of the spine with the pelvis." ] link it at the back. A strong network of ligaments surrounds these joints, keeping the bones...
[mj-toc] Is It Normal To Have A High Heart Rate When You Are Pregnant? Experiencing fast heartbeats during pregnancy is not uncommon. A heart rate reaching up to 100 bpm (beats per minute) or above may be normal for most people. However, during pregnancy, the heart rate may increase by about 25%. This increase in heart rate may cause episodic heart palpitations in pregnant women (1) (2). It is referred to as [simple_tooltip text="tachycardia" tooltip="Heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute" ]. One may report the symptoms of tachycardia as the feeling of pounding, racing, or fluttering. The heart has to pump more blood to compensate for doing the additional work of nurturing the baby and also providing the newborn with nutrients and oxygen. Other underlying medical conditions may also lead to fast heartbeats in pregnancy. Dr. Kimberly Langdon, a US-based obstetrician/gynecologist, says, “Palpitations are considered normal if they are not accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath,...
Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for symptomatic relief from sinus congestion and pressure and nasal congestion arising from upper airway allergies, hay fever, or the common cold sinus congestion. You should consult a doctor before taking pseudoephedrine in pregnancy. It is sold under the brand name Sudafed and is available in pharmacies without a prescription, and may also be included as one of the ingredients of OTC nasal decongestants. Read on as we tell you whether or not pseudoephedrine is safe during pregnancy, its possible risks, and side effects (1) (2). [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Take Pseudoephedrine During Pregnancy? Pseudoephedrine is classified as a pregnancy category B drug by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). It means animal studies showed no risk to the fetus but there are no well-controlled studies on pregnant women. A cover article titled “Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy,” says that the use of pseudoephedrine during the first trimester may be associated with gastroschisis,...
You may have had your share of cramps and pains during pregnancy, but why are you experiencing them even after birth? After delivery, your body takes some time to return to its pre-pregnancy state, where you will experience postpartum cramping. Postpartum cramps are uncomfortable pains that signal the body is returning to its non-pregnant state. They remain for a few days after childbirth and vary in frequency (1). The most common cause of these cramps is the uterus returning to its original size; however, there may be other causes of afterbirth pains, such as hormonal changes, stress during labor, and poor digestion. Read on to understand postpartum cramping, its causes, and ways to overcome it. [mj-toc] Common Postpartum Pain and Cramps Owing to the several bodily changes during pregnancy and the labor pains that one experiences during childbirth, it is not uncommon to experience postpartum discomfort in various body parts: 1. Back pain [caption id="attachment_885547" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] You...
If you’re thinking, ‘Can you take Tamiflu while pregnant?’ the answer is yes. Tamiflu in pregnancy may be prescribed as a treatment for the flu. Women go through alterations in their cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems during pregnancy. Hence they are more prone to viruses such as the influenza virus, the causative agent of the flu (1). Although adopting various preventive measures, such as administering vaccines, is considered the first line of defense, medications may be suggested for treatment. Scroll through to know about Tamiflu and its safety for pregnant women, including its side effects and some tips to help you avoid contracting the flu while pregnant. [mj-toc] What Is Tamiflu? Tamiflu is the brand name for oseltamivir, a drug used for treatment and prophylaxis of flu caused by the influenza virus (2). It belongs to the class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors, which block the enzyme that the virus spreads (3). It is available in two major forms, capsule...
“Am I Having A Boy Or A Girl?” The day you find out about your pregnancy, you may keep thinking of ways to determine the gender of the baby. With various old wives' tales and scientific ways to predict baby gender, many expectant parents would want to try these methods to find out if they are going to welcome a little prince or princess. However, you must note that these tests may not be authentic and medically reliable. Also, if you plan to go for scientific methods, you must know if finding out a baby’s gender is legal in your country. Browse through this post to discover some scientific, not-so-scientific, and fun ways to detect the gender of your unborn baby. [mj-toc] Scientific Ways To Predict The Sex Of A Baby Gateway Genomics conducted an online survey to evaluate the benefits of early fetal sex determination. According to the survey results, the mothers identified shopping for the newborn (80.8%) and...
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are a common pregnancy complication that several mothers experience during pregnancy. In several cases, hemorrhoids eventually subside after delivery. However, it continues beyond pregnancy sometimes and is called postpartum hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids affect the anal region and make passing motions painful for many. Although they can cause severe discomfort, hemorrhoids are generally not harmful and can be treated with prompt home care and medical support. Read this post to learn about hemorrhoids after pregnancy, including the types, symptoms, causes, treatment, and management strategies. [mj-toc] What Are Hemorrhoids (Piles)? Hemorrhoids are swollen and engorged veins (varicose veins) in the anal region (1). They feel like a soft mass that sticks out of the anus. The size of hemorrhoids can be as small as a raisin to as big as a grape. You are more likely to develop hemorrhoids after pregnancy if you have had them during pregnancy, and also experienced constipation. Hemorrhoids could be painful, you may even...
If you have been waiting for 40 weeks and are nearing the due date of your pregnancy, but still there are no signs of contractions or pain, your doctor may suggest inducing labor through alternative methods. They may suggest medications, exercises, or even foods to induce labor. Certain foods may assist you in going into labor if it does not occur naturally. The therapeutic effectiveness of such techniques, however, is unknown. Read on to learn about all of the foods you can try that may help you naturally induce labor. [mj-toc] Nine Foods To Induce Labor Spicy and zesty foods: Spicy dishes, be it Indian curries, Mexican or Thai dishes, are believed to induce labor. When digested, spicy foods stimulate the [simple_tooltip text="prostaglandins" tooltip="Group of lipids that control processes such as inflammation, blood flow, formation of blood clots, and induction of labor" ] that are known to induce contractions of the uterine walls (1). Also, peppers contain an active component...
Couples struggling to conceive will know how frustrating it gets after several unsuccessful attempts. Women often start pondering, “Why am I not getting pregnant?” There can be different reasons for not getting pregnant. And if you know them, you may be able to achieve a successful conception by fixing the issue. So, in this post, we talk about all the possible factors behind your inability to conceive and suggest some effective solutions and treatment options. Read on. [mj-toc] How Long Does It Take For A Woman To Get Pregnant? If you are healthy and your reproductive parts are functioning at their best, you have a 25% probability of becoming pregnant during every menstrual cycle (1). According to the American Pregnancy Association, “ with frequent unprotected sex, most healthy couples conceive within one year.” Of all couples trying to get pregnant (2): 30 percent get pregnant within the first month (first cycle). 60 percent get pregnant within three months (three cycles)....
Vaginal pain during pregnancy is common. Expansion of the uterus causes vaginal pain in the early weeks of pregnancy. In later trimesters, cervical dilation, the baby\'s weight, and increased blood flow to the vagina may cause pain. Most women may feel sharp or shooting pain when the vaginal ligaments are stretched during pregnancy. It is not a sign of any medical problems in most cases. Prenatal massages and pelvic floor exercises help many mothers relieve vaginal pain in pregnancy. Read on to know the causes and remedies for vaginal pain during pregnancy. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/vaginal-itching-during-pregnancy-causes-treatment_00787164/" title="Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy: Signs, Causes & Treatment"] [mj-toc] What Causes Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy? Vaginal or pelvic pain during pregnancy could be due to several reasons as your body adapts to the new changes. The following are the reasons that are likely to cause pain in the vaginal region. Blood flow: During pregnancy, there is usually an increased flow of blood within the uterus (1),...
Nipple stimulation to induce labor is a natural induction technique often recommended to stimulate [simple_tooltip text="uterine contractions" tooltip="Periodic and timed tightening of the uterine muscles during labor, facilitating the childbirth process." ] during the labor process. Most mothers may look for natural ways to induce labor after crossing the expected due date and may consider nipple stimulation as an option. Stimulating the nipples releases oxytocin hormone that also aids in uterine contractions. However, there is no accurate way to measure the effectiveness of this technique. Read on to know more about the safety and effectiveness of nipple stimulation to induce labor. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Induce Labor At Home? [caption id="attachment_888551" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] It is safe to induce labor at home as long as you don’t try it until you are due. Since the effectiveness of these techniques is known only through anecdotal evidence, check with your doctor before trying it. The results also depend on your...
Menopause marks the end of menstruation since ovaries stop producing eggs every month. Yet, several women might wonder if they can still get pregnant during menopause. Also, are there any health risks involved if a woman conceives during menopause? Some women may also wonder if they should try to conceive during the perimenopausal stage instead of menopause. Perimenopause means “around menopause,” which refers to when a woman is transitioning from a reproductive phase to menopause. Read this post as we tell you all about menopause, the chances for a woman to conceive during perimenopause and menopause, and the risks involved. [mj-toc]How Does Menopause Occur? Menopause is the physical change that marks the end of menstruation. The process of menopause is slow and begins months or years before the menstruation phase ends. The process has three stages (1): Perimenopause: It is characterized by an irregular menstrual cycle and could begin around eight to ten years before menopause. It can start in...
Pregnant women have low immunity and are prone to several infections. TORCH infections during pregnancy are congenital infections that pass from the mother to the baby. They may give rise to different symptoms in the baby. If your doctor suspects you have this infection, they may advise you to get some diagnostic tests. Then, they may suggest treatment options based on the severity of the problem and the pregnancy stage. Regular checkups and timely treatment are necessary to deal with TORCH infection. Read this post to know what TORCH infection is, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. [mj-toc]What Is TORCH Infection? TORCH is an acronym for a cluster of congenital infections that the baby acquires from the mother. The infections pass from the mother to the baby, while the baby is still in the uterus or during the childbirth process. Although the condition is rare, TORCH poses more risk to the fetus than to the mother. The risk is higher...
In vitro fertilization or IVF is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps several couples conceive when natural conception is not possible. This technique causes conception medically, and its success rates are increasing globally. According to the US Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), approximately one million babies were born through IVF between 1987 and 2015 in the US alone (1). Globally, over eight million babies have been born via this technology since 1978 (2). Read on to know more about IVF, when it is used, how it is done, risks involved, side effects, success rates, and the treatment costs. [mj-toc]What Is In Vitro Fertilization? IVF is a fertility method wherein the egg is fertilized outside the woman’s body and then placed into the uterus. The fertilized egg is then carefully monitored to see if it is developing healthily (2). Although the procedure is becoming common due to the increasing success rates, it is a complex technique. IVF treatment includes...
Forceps delivery is an assisted delivery method in which the doctor uses forceps to hold the baby’s head and aid the baby to come out of the birth canal. This method is used during vaginal deliveries when the baby is in the head-first position in the birth canal but the mother finds it difficult to push the baby out. Although this method is extremely useful to ease difficult labor, it has certain risks that need careful assessment. Read this post to know more about forceps delivery, including when its use becomes necessary, its advantages and disadvantages, and tips to prevent a forceps delivery. [mj-toc]What Is Forceps Delivery? Forceps delivery is an instrumental vaginal delivery used when the labor progresses slowly. A forceps is a medical tool resembling the stainless steel salad tongs. It holds the head of the baby gently and aids in smooth passage out of the birthing canal. Doctors choose this assisted delivery method when the baby needs...
[mj-toc] In the initial months of pregnancy, there is a fear of miscarriage. That’s the reason, our elders suggest that we do not break our pregnancy news at least until we complete 10-12 weeks. But sometimes, the miscarriage happens even without our knowledge. It is called a missed miscarriage or a silent miscarriage. Sounds confusing? Momjunction helps you learn more about a missed miscarriage, how you can identify it, and what is done in such cases. What Is A Missed Miscarriage? A missed miscarriage or missed abortion is defined as “an irregular pregnancy sac in which the disintegrating embryo has not developed beyond few weeks on two consecutive ultrasound examinations at an interval of one week.” (1) A missed miscarriage (MM) occurs when there is a fetal loss before 20 weeks of gestation, without showing any signs of it. A missed abortion is of two types -- embryonic (preclinical) and fetal abortion. Embryonic miscarriage occurs when the embryo’s crown rump...
[mj-toc] Bupropion, sold under the brand name Wellbutrin, belongs to the antidepressant class of medications and is used to treat major depressive disorders (1). This drug is also sold under the brand name Zyban for smoking cessation treatment in males and non-pregnant women (2). In some instances, doctors may prescribe this drug even for pregnant women who are dealing with depression. However, this class of drugs can be potent and have significant side-effects. So is it safe to take Wellbutrin during pregnancy? In this post, MomJunction gives you the safety profile of Wellbutrin during pregnancy, the possible side effects, and the precautions to follow before taking this medicine. Is Wellbutrin Safe During Pregnancy? The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) categorizes Wellbutrin as a Pregnancy Category C drug. Animal studies did not find any notable adverse effects. One study on 7,005 infants, who were exposed to Wellbutrin during the first trimester, showed no increased risk of birth defects or cardiovascular...
[mj-toc] Miscarriage is a real risk during pregnancy, but you should not get anxious about it. Instead, know about the chances of having it, the reasons for it, its warning signs and ways to avoid it. This MomJunction post provides you with all that information. What Is A Miscarriage? A miscarriage is an unexpected loss of pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy. About 10 to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriages during the first trimester (1). Miscarriage is said to be early if it is before 13 weeks and late if it happens in the second trimester between the 13th and the 24th week. Also known as spontaneous abortion, miscarriage is a naturally occurring event that could happen due to several medical factors. Some miscarriages occur even before a woman misses her period. What Are The Types Of Miscarriage? There are different types of miscarriage based on the way it happens (2) (1). Threatened miscarriage: There is mild spotting...