MBBS, DGO, DNB
Dr. Meenu Vashisht Ahuja owns her private practice in New Delhi and works as a visiting consultant at Fortis Hospital. She has 12 years of experience and her special interests lie in infertility cases and procedures such as IUI, IVF, and ICSI. Having completed her Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology (DGO) in 2004, she did her Diplomate of the National Board (DNB) in Ob/Gyn in 2009. She did a Postgraduate Diploma in IVF and Reproductive Medicine from the University of Keil, Germany, in 2020. Dr. Ahuja also holds Physician Observership from California, Fellowship in minimally invasive surgery, and a certificate in Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine from Delhi.
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Colon cleansing is a procedure to cleanse the colon from toxic substances and relieve problems such as constipation and indigestion. However, colon cleansing during pregnancy may not be recommended for common pregnancy digestive health problems. If you are pregnant and experiencing such gastrointestinal problems, then scroll through. This post will tell you about pregnancy colon cleansing, including its safety and measures to maintain a healthy and clean colon. [mj-toc] What Is Colon Cleansing? Colon cleansing, as the name suggests, is a medical procedure to cleanse the colon using water. At times, the water may be mixed with substances such as herbs or clay. The procedure involves pushing water through the rectum (enema) and then removing it from the body. This process is called colon irrigation or colonic irrigation. It eliminates toxins from the large intestines and provides relief from constipation and other digestive problems. Colon cleansing is also possible through the use of oral laxatives. Oral laxatives help clear out...
Onions are widely used in most recipes around the world. However, using onions during pregnancy could be tricky since most pregnant women find their strong scent unpleasant. However, onions add to the flavor of dishes, and some women develop cravings for them when pregnant. If you want to know more about the side effects, advisable quantities for consumption, and ways to include onion in your pregnancy diet, then read on as we discuss these aspects and more regarding onion consumption during pregnancy. [mj-toc] Can You Eat Onions When Pregnant? [caption id="attachment_890729" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Yes, You can go right ahead and eat onions safely during your pregnancy and tantalize your taste buds. However, remember to do so in moderation, as an excess of anything may harm you and your baby's growth during this delicate phase. Moreover, some women feel that onions make them nauseous during pregnancy. Jesse Feder, CPT, CSCS, a Florida-based personal trainer and registered dietitian, says, “During...
[mj-toc] If you have been trying to conceive, you may have heard of ovulation. Your fertile period, or ovulatory days, is crucial in planning your baby. These are the days your ovary releases an egg. However, can you ovulate twice in a month? It is universally proven that women ovulate only once a month or cycle. You ovulate around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle, and your most fertile days are days 12, 13, and 14. However, recent research shows that this may not be the case (1). According to a recent study conducted in the United States, women tend to ovulate more than once a month. This could provide a better window of opportunity to conceive, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. Read on to know more about multiple ovulations, including their causes, factors, ways to track double ovulation, and some useful basic ovulation metrics. How Ovulation Works ? [caption id="attachment_891408" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Ovulation is...
The start of the third trimester marks the last phase of your pregnancy, where your body and baby undergo the final set of changes. Therefore, it is important to include the right food in your 7th month of pregnancy diet to ensure you meet the nutritional requirements of your growing baby. Though the hunger pangs may increase by this time, you should try to keep away from junk food. Instead, choosing the right foods for a balanced intake of carbs, proteins, good fats, vitamins, and minerals is the best way to ensure the proper development of your baby and keep you strong and healthy as you get ready for childbirth. Keep reading this post to know which food to take during the 7th month of pregnancy and which ones to avoid. [mj-toc] 7th Month of Pregnancy Diet [caption id="attachment_889258" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Sufficient prenatal nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby....
The 3rd month of pregnancy is the last one of the first trimester. In this month, you will need to follow a third-month pregnancy diet as you may not be able to have certain food items due to the heightened symptoms. Common pregnancy side effects such as vomiting and nausea are at their peak during this period; hence, the food you eat should ease that discomfort. Besides, it should provide you with all the necessary nutrients for you and your baby. Read on as we give you all the pieces of information about what you should and should not eat in your third month of pregnancy. [mj-toc] The 3rd Month of Pregnancy Diet: Foods To Eat By the third month, your nausea, sleepiness and hunger will have elevated immensely. Luckily, this is the last month when you will feel nausea, so you can look forward to relishing food in the forthcoming month. Your nipples will no longer be sore and...
If you are expecting, you should be mindful of the foods and beverages you consume since your diet directly influences your baby’s growth. Therefore, if you enjoy carbonated beverages, here are some effects of cold drinks during pregnancy you should be aware of. Certain foods and beverages may negatively impact fetal development. Aerated soft drinks contain a lot of caffeine, which can be harmful to your baby since it may lead to preterm births and other perinatal complications. Moreover, consuming soft drinks in large quantities is even harmful to the general population. Therefore, many doctors believe that restricting soda consumption during pregnancy is beneficial to fetal and maternal health. Your doctor may allow you to drink a certain amount of carbonated or cold drinks. However, since each pregnancy is unique, you should obtain medical counsel to determine the optimal daily limit for soft drinks. So, if you are wondering whether it is okay to drink cold beverages during pregnancy, we...
Many women are unsure of getting a haircut during pregnancy because of the several beliefs surrounding them. However, most superstitions don’t have a scientific explanation. Your hair indeed undergoes several changes in length and texture during pregnancy, but getting a haircut while taking care of certain things, such as avoiding styling products or staying away from crowded salons, might help (1). Read the post to know about the scientific facts behind the beliefs related to haircuts during pregnancy and some useful tips you should follow. [mj-toc] Don’t Cut Your Hair While You Are Pregnant: Myth Or Truth? You must have heard it from an elder in the family, or even a well-meaning friend, that cutting your hair while pregnant is a strict no-no. It is one of the most common and oldest superstitions related to pregnancy. Dr. Stephanie Langsam, FACOG, a board-certified physician specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, says, “Hair represents strength across many cultures. Cutting hair can be seen...
Lime juice may have several health benefits when consumed regularly. However, many women may be curious about the safety of consuming lime juice during pregnancy. It is often considered good for health and does not risk pregnant women. However, since every woman is different, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming it. Moreover, excess consumption of lime juice may have adverse health effects such as causing oral health issues, acidity, or heartburn. Read the post to get complete information on the nutritional value of lime juice, its benefits, and its side effects during pregnancy. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Drink Lime Juice During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_889856" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Most medical experts will say that drinking lemon juice during pregnancy is safe (1). However, every pregnancy is unique, and your body may respond differently to the change. Therefore, it is always important to check with your doctor before you add anything to your maternal nutrition. [mj_protip type="Quick fact"...
Most couples consider testing for pregnancy after a missed period, which is usually the first sign. Pregnancy can be confirmed using a home urine pregnancy test within a few days of the missed period. It is recommended to test in the morning hours since the hCG levels in urine may be higher due to less urination and water consumption during the sleeping hours. There are also various causes for missed periods; hence, if the pregnancy test is negative, you may consult a doctor to know the exact cause. Read on to learn more about the chances of pregnancy after a missed period and early pregnancy symptoms. [mj-toc] 18 Early Pregnancy Symptoms After Missed Periods The early symptoms of pregnancy may vary from one woman to another. Early Symptoms And Their Timeline During Pregnancy (1) Symptoms Timeline (when it starts) Mild cramping, light spotting Week 4 Nausea Week 5 Fatigue, morning sickness, tender breasts, frequent urination Week 6 Weight gain Week...
The placenta is a specialized organ that develops in pregnant women. It plays a critical role in protecting and nourishing the growing fetus. The presence of blood clots in the placenta during pregnancy may indicate some underlying health issues. For example, people with obesity are at a greater risk of clots. A clot forms when blood coagulates to form a mass or lump. Clotting is a natural mechanism to stop bleeding and aids the healing process. The placenta carries oxygen and nutrients to the fetus via blood and removes waste from it. Therefore, clots can interrupt its proper functioning. Keep reading this post as we discuss the causes of clot formation in the placenta and the various treatment options. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/bleeding-pregnancy-causes-treatment_00815633/" title="Bleeding During Pregnancy: Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment"] [mj-toc] Causes Behind Blood Clots In Placenta During Pregnancy Any problems in the placenta can become a cause of concern for your baby, and may also lead to fetal death. Blood clots...
Caffeine is a compound commonly associated with coffee. However, it is also present in tea. It is one of the reasons why you may find tea refreshing. However, if you are a tea drinker, you may consider switching to decaf tea during pregnancy. Decaf tea has the same pleasant flavor and aroma as standard tea but without caffeine. Decaf tea could be an option during pregnancy due to the potential side effects of caffeine on the mother and the baby in the womb. You need not completely avoid caffeine, and moderate quantities are usually safe to consume during pregnancy. However, if you are an avid tea drinker and need several cups a day, decaf tea could be an ideal choice since it can help you stay clear from excess caffeine consumption. Read on to learn about decaf tea, its safety, and how much decaf tea is safe to consume during pregnancy. [mj-toc] What is Decaf Tea? [caption id="attachment_888492" align="alignnone" width="720"]...