MS
Dr. Richa Hatila is a practicing gynecologist in Varanasi, with 14 years of experience. She did her MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB, and a Fellowship in Laparoscopic surgeries (FMAS). She is currently associated with Shubham Hospital and Sah Speciality Clinic in Varanasi.
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The 5th-week ultrasound can help detect any irregularities in the pregnancy. It gives the parents the first glimpse of their developing baby. An ultrasound may be prescribed around this stage to identify any possible complications. It is better to wait for at least 12 weeks of pregnancy for an otherwise healthy mother. Read this post to understand the importance of undergoing an ultrasound during week 5 of pregnancy care. [mj-toc] When To Go For The First Ultrasound Scan? [caption id="attachment_892814" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a pregnant woman can go for an ultrasound scan between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy (1). However, each pregnancy is different, and the doctor will decide the first and subsequent ultrasound visit. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/22nd-week-pregnancy-symptoms-baby-development-tips-body-changes_0079418/" title="22nd Week Pregnancy: Symptoms, Baby Development And Tips"] Why Is 5-Week Ultrasound Important? The week five ultrasound scan is a part of regular pregnancy care. In the case of a healthy pregnancy,...
Plantains, the raw green bananas, are cooked and consumed as a staple food in many parts of the world. However, many women might be unsure of the safety of plantain during pregnancy. Plantains are nutrient-dense foods containing good amounts of starch, fiber, minerals, and other nutrients. Eating them during pregnancy does not harm you or your baby. You will receive the essential nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy. However, you should avoid consuming excess plantain. Moreover, you should be cautious of the varieties of plantains as some may be [simple_tooltip text="neurotoxic" tooltip="A property of a substance that is capable of harming the brain or the nervous system" ]. Read the post to know how safe it is to eat plantains in pregnancy, which varieties you should avoid, and the health benefits of this vegetable. [mj-toc] What Is Plantain? [caption id="attachment_890847" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Plantains, also popular as vegetable banana, are green counterparts of nutritious ripe yellow bananas. Even though...
Pink eye in pregnancy is a common eye-related infection, which gives the eyes a red or pinkish-red appearance. Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (clear membrane covering the white of the eye) and the inner lining of the eyelid. The incidence is also high in children and adults and is contagious (1). The infection usually resolves within a week and is harmless. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and ways to treat pink eye naturally. [mj-toc] What Are The Causes Of Conjunctivitis During Pregnancy? The causes of conjunctivitis or pink eye in pregnancy are similar to the causes in other people. The most common ones include (1): Bacteria: Bacteria are one of the most common causes of pink eye. If you notice red eyes with yellow or green discharge or crusting throughout the day, you will likely have bacterial conjunctivitis. This may affect one or both eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis may be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus...
[mj-toc] If you are two months pregnant, you are through 5-8 weeks of pregnancy. It is a pregnancy phase when you will feel almost the same as you did the month before. However, your first prenatal check-up and normal medical check-up should occur during the second month of pregnancy. During the second month, many changes occur inside the body, with cells joining together to form an embryo to your body and mind undergoing several changes. As a result, you will start to feel pregnant in every way. This post covers the body changes, the baby's growth, and the precautions you should keep in mind throughout the second month of pregnancy. What Symptoms Do You Experience In The Second Month Of Pregnancy? You will experience almost all the symptoms of the first month, plus a few more that make the pregnancy more pronounced. Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is common in the first trimester. You may feel nauseated...
Every year, about 20% of pregnant women are recommended ‘activity restriction’ or bed rest during pregnancy by the doctors (1). The exercise may involve a normal rest or complete inactivity under hospital supervision based on the progress of the pregnancy. The main aim of bed rest is to prevent any unfortunate event. Read this post to learn more about it, including its benefits and side effects and ways to cope with movement restriction. [mj-toc] What Does ‘Bed Rest’ Mean? [caption id="attachment_887370" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Bed rest refers to limiting your activities to just a few basic ones, for a specific period. Sometimes all that you are allowed to do is move around the house a little to use a shower or toilet. You should avoid lifting heavy objects or doing extremely difficult or tiring household chores. Sometimes (particularly in high-risk pregnancies), when complete bed rest is necessary, the doctor may advise hospitalization (2). Moreover, in some cases, being on...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 13 weeks? At 13 weeks, you are three months pregnant and in the last week of the first trimester. How Big Is Your Baby At 13 Weeks? In the 13th week, the baby is about the size of a peach (1).. Babies usually measure around 2.91in (7.4cm) in length, and weigh around 0.81oz (23g) Baby Development At 13 Weeks Here is how the baby develops in this week of pregnancy: Body organs Developments Face (2) Lips and nose fully formed. Fetus makes facial expressions Eyelids (3) Formed and closed to protect eyes, which are still developing Arms Growing; are long and thin Hands Can make a fist Hair follicles (4) Developing Intestine Growing into the abdomen, as an internal organ Tooth buds Developing Genitals (5) In boys, testes are formed inside the body and genitals are developing outside. In girls, ovaries are fully formed, and the clitoris is forming outside the body...
If you are 6 months pregnant, you are in the final month of your second trimester and only three months away from giving birth to your baby. Your baby bump has enlarged by this month, and you have a clear pregnancy radiance on your face. Your baby is growing quickly, and so your body is changing dramatically in preparation for childbirth. This post informs you about the various changes in your body at six months of [simple_tooltip text="gestation" tooltip="The period between conceiving and giving birth" ], the baby's development, and potential pregnancy complications, as well as the precautions you should take during this month. [mj-toc] What Are The Symptoms Of Pregnancy In The Sixth Month? Dr. Alan Lindemann, MD, a former clinical associate professor at the University of North Dakota, says, “At six months of gestation, you would be approximately two-thirds through your pregnancy. Your baby has a reasonable chance of surviving in good condition. Twenty-five years ago, I delivered...
Abortion is a difficult and painful decision to take, irrespective of the reasons. And as your body has already started to prepare itself for the baby, abortion might give rise to a few complications, and lactating after abortion is one of them. Such unwanted lactation might put you at risk of contracting infections, such as mastitis. Thus, it is important to consult with your doctor and seek proper care and treatment. Read on to know more about lactation after abortion and tips to take care of yourself. [mj-toc] Is It Normal To Express Milk After An Abortion? [caption id="attachment_889323" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Yes, it is completely normal for you to experience milk supply and production even after you have aborted your baby as your body has already begun preparation for breastfeeding. Typically, you will notice that milk production begins within three days of pregnancy termination, and the condition is completely natural and acceptable. While some of you may not...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 18 Weeks? At 18 weeks, you are in the second trimester and four-and-a-half months pregnant. Your energy levels can be slightly higher now, and you may start to feel your baby’s first moves. Here, MomJunction explains more about fetal development and the changes that you experience in this week. How Big Is The Baby At 18 Weeks? At 18 weeks, babies are as big as a bell pepper and usually measure around 5.6in (14.2cm) in length and weigh around 6.7oz (190g) (1). Your baby’s growth continues with the development of different parts of the body. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/facts-about-babys-kicks-during-pregnancy_00356759/" title="18 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms And Baby Development"] Baby’s Development At 18 Weeks Here is how the baby’s body is developing in this week: Body parts Developmental stage Skin Is wrinkled and coated with a waxy substance called vernix. Fine hair called lanugo is also visible. Ear Bones of the middle ear and nerve endings from...
Dandruff is a common scalp condition, resulting in the [simple_tooltip text="scaling" tooltip="Formation of a thin, dry layer of flaky dead skin cells in the epidermis of the scalp" ] of the skin from the scalp and forming a new skin layer. Although natural, dandruff during pregnancy could be aggravated by fungal infections and hormonal changes. It could also result from certain hair products, and following some precautions could help prevent dandruff (1) (2). The condition is treatable and manageable when you follow the right measures Learn about the causes, treatment management, and preventive measures of dandruff in pregnancy. [mj-toc] How Common Is Dandruff During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_888344" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Dandruff is a hair and scalp issue, which occurs in response to the changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy (2) (3). The condition is common among pregnant women, and statistics show its prevalence is around 50% of the general population (1). But, there is limited information regarding the prevalence...
The initial three months of pregnancy are the most sensitive for the baby and the mother. This post on the first trimester of pregnancy precautions will give you more information in this context. The first trimester starts from the first day of conception and lasts till the 12th week. During this period, the common symptoms that you will experience are tiredness, weight gain, morning sickness, mood swings, etc. This is also when the vital organs of the fetus develop and grow rapidly. To maintain the proper development of the fetus, and you need to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet. Read on to know more about the precautions you should take during the first trimester. [mj-toc] Best Precautions To Take During The First Trimester Of Pregnancy Follow these precautions in the first trimester to avoid several pregnancy complications. 1. Stay hydrated [caption id="attachment_883875" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] You will need more fluids during pregnancy as the blood volume increases to...
Corpus luteum [simple_tooltip text="cysts" tooltip="Fluid-filled, benign growths that form on or under the skin" ] during pregnancy are common ovarian cysts formed when the corpus luteum (cluster of cells in which the egg seals itself) fails to shrink after about 12 weeks of pregnancy, causing it to fill with fluid. The corpus luteum produces [simple_tooltip text="progesterone" tooltip="A female reproductive hormone that plays an important role in menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding" ] that helps prepare the endometrial lining for implantation. These cysts are common during pregnancy and not usually troublesome. But, if these are not treated immediately, they might continue to grow, rupture and twist, giving rise to complications in the pregnancy (1) (2) (3). Read on to know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for corpus luteum cyst in pregnancy. [mj-toc] Are Corpus Luteum Cysts Normal In Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_891989" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Corpus luteal cysts are among the most common functional ovarian cysts in pregnancy. When the corpus...
Omeprazole is a medication grouped under the class of drugs named proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and is indicated for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) in adults and children. It is also used for duodenal ulcers in combination with clarithromycin and amoxicillin in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Other conditions include gastric, [simple_tooltip text="erosive esophagitis" tooltip="A severe form of GERD where the reflux of stomach acids damages the esophageal lining." ], and disorders of stomach acid hypersecretion such as [simple_tooltip text="Zollinger Ellison syndrome" tooltip="A serious condition characterized by increased production of gastrin hormone due to small tumors in the pancreas or small intestine." ] and multiple endocrine tumors (1). This post discusses the use of omeprazole during pregnancy and whether it is safe for pregnant women and the growing fetus. Therapeutic doses of omeprazole in pregnancy are unlikely to increase [simple_tooltip text="teratogenic" tooltip="Toxic substances, a fetal exposure to which may cause congenital abnormalities...
A positive pregnancy test brings loads of unexpected events for a pregnant woman. Along with impending nausea and fatigue, there is a metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy that is common (1). The general change in the taste is called dysgeusia and is commonly seen along with the symptoms of fatigue and nausea (1). This change usually occurs during the first trimester and feels similar to having coins in the mouth or a taste that is hard to describe. Metallic taste in the mouth is a harmless condition and is rarely a cause for concern (2). Read through the post to learn the onset, causes, and management of metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy. [mj-toc]Is It Normal To Have A Metallic Taste In Your Mouth During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_893071" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Dysgeusia is normal and frequently seen in most pregnant women, with most of them reporting at least some changes in taste during pregnancy (1). It...
Some pregnant women may report experiencing dry mouth during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy are usually responsible for dryness of the mouth. But some other underlying factors may also lead to the condition. For instance, gestational diabetes is one of the common causes of dry mouth in pregnancy. Read this post to learn about the causes, symptoms, and tips on managing dry mouth during pregnancy. [mj-toc]What Is Dry Mouth? Dry mouth or Xerostomia is a condition that arises due to the reduced flow of saliva from the salivary glands. Saliva is necessary for lubricating the oral tissues and protecting the mucosa. A drop in its production can make chewing, swallowing, and tasting difficult, and also lead to tooth decay and various oral infections (1). Here are the symptoms associated with dry mouth: Dry and pale white tongue Mouth sores (2) Sore throat A sticky feeling inside the mouth Bad breath Chapped lips Parched throat Excessive thirst Change in the sense...
Several hormonal and physical changes can cause crying in pregnancy. These changes bring a lot of stress to women, and some women may find it more difficult to cope with stress than others. Pregnancy can be overwhelming and lead to mood swings and make you cry. While crying does not have significant side effects for most pregnant women, excessive and persistent crying during pregnancy may indicate other underlying mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Read on the post as we discuss the causes, side effects, and management of crying during pregnancy. [mj-toc]What Are The Causes Of Increased Crying In Pregnancy? The following causes could lead to crying in pregnancy: 1. Hormonal changes Increasing levels of estrogen and progesterone can make a pregnant woman experience strong emotions and make them tearful often. Once the body adapts to the fluctuating hormonal levels, the emotions may settle down. However, some women may continue to undergo emotional ups and downs throughout the...