MS, DNB
Dr. Subhashis Samajder, a consultant gynecologist-obstetrician with nine years of experience, is currently practicing at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Howrah. His area of expertise includes abortion, colposcopy surgery, hysterectomy, hysteroscopy, infertility treatment, and menopausal problems. Dr. Samajder believes in sending his patients back home healthy and satisfied with the treatment. He also takes up women’s health awareness through his YT videos.
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The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterine wall when a woman is pregnant. The critical functions of the placenta during pregnancy include the growth and development of the fetus (1). It also aids in maternal-fetal exchange by transporting oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and removing the waste from the fetal blood. A placenta is a life-supporting organ for the growing fetus; however, sometimes, its functions may be hindered due to several factors, such as blood clots, abdominal trauma, and blood pressure. These factors may lead to pregnancy complications. This post informs you about the functions of the placenta, the problems related to it, the symptoms of such complications, and ways to reduce the risk. [mj-toc] Why Is The Placenta Important? The placenta is your unborn baby’s life support system and plays a key role in its development. It connects the mother to the fetus through the umbilical cord during gestation period and carries out the functions...
You must have heard about the symptoms that mark early pregnancy, such as morning sickness, breast changes, and fatigue. However, it is possible to get a positive pregnancy test without any symptoms. If this happens to you, take a second test or consult a doctor. In addition, you may need to undergo blood and urine tests to confirm whether you are pregnant or not. In this post, we explain some of the possible reasons behind a positive pregnancy test with no symptoms and when to see a doctor. We also address some frequently asked questions, such as whether it is possible to be pregnant and not test positive. [mj-toc] Positive Pregnancy Test But No Symptoms: Why Does It Happen? Pregnancy tests check your urine or blood for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone. Your body is likely to produce this hormone about six days after fertilization (1), and the hormone levels may double every two to three days (2). If the...
Postpartum hives or urticaria are itchy, red, or skin-colored rashes on the skin. These occur when the body’s immune system comes in contact with allergens and produces [simple_tooltip text="histamine" tooltip="A chemical produced by the immune system in response to allergic reactions." ] (from small [simple_tooltip text="capillaries" tooltip="Tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins throughout the body." ]) and other chemicals into the blood. The histamine, in turn, bloats the blood vessels, releasing plasma into the skin. This fluid collects in the skin and causes inflammation and itchy rashes on its surface (1). Hives are also called weals, nettle rash, and welts and are commonly seen on arms, back, and feet (2). Read on the causes of hives after pregnancy, their symptoms, treatment options, and possible complications. [mj-toc] What Are The Causes Of Hives After Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_876408" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Hormonal changes and stress could be the common causes of hives after pregnancy. Postpartum hives are caused by...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 29 Weeks? At 29 weeks, you enter the seventh month and the third trimester of pregnancy. Read this post to know how your baby is developing, what prenatal care you should take, what to expect, and tips for a smooth pregnancy. How Big Is Your Baby This Week? This week, your fetus is as big as a butternut squash (1). The baby measures 15.5-16in (38.6-40cm) in length and weighs 2.5-3lb (1.15-1.3kg) (2). Your baby bump will be quite prominent now. Baby Development This Week Here is how the baby develops this week: Body organs Development Eyes (3) Rapid eye movements start. Pupils of eyes respond to light (4) Brain Brainwave activity begins. [simple_tooltip text="Neurons" tooltip="Cells within the nervous system that act as messengers between nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells." ] are forming (5) Mouth Tooth buds begin to appear. Taste buds can differentiate between sweet and sour (6). Your baby may...
Using a condom during intercourse may not be a preferable option for some due to different reasons. However, this can leave them anxious about the chances of pregnancy from pre-cum. Some couples may rely on the old "withdrawal" technique as a birth control measure to prevent pregnancy. However, pre-cum precedes ejaculation. But does it have the potential to cause pregnancy? This post will tell you about pre-cum, including the occurrence of pre-cum-induced pregnancy and ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Is Pre-cum? Pre-cum, also known as pre-ejaculate or Cowper’s fluid, is a viscous and transparent fluid released from the male [simple_tooltip text="urethra" tooltip="The tube that carries urine out of the body for both males and females. In males, it also carries semen during ejaculation" ] (1). Around 4 ml of this fluid, which can be noticed at the tip of the penis, is released during the sexual arousal. A normal ejaculation has a sperm count of about 100 million...
Several holidays and religious practices worldwide, such as Lent and Ramadan, require individuals to fast according to their cultural traditions. So you might wonder about the safety of fasting while pregnant if these occasions coincide with your pregnancy period. Some studies suggest that fasting during pregnancy may potentially affect the baby long-term (1). Although fasting can be good for health, it may not be a good decision during pregnancy as your child requires adequate nourishment. So, continue reading to learn how fasting affects the mother and fetal development. Is Fasting During Pregnancy Safe? There is no clear answer to this since there is no research on how fasting during pregnancy can affect the mother or the baby. However, some studies report that babies born to mothers who fasted during pregnancy may have to deal with health implications in later life (2). Please note that fasting during summer months may lead to headaches, exhaustion, acidity, and dizziness since the days are...
[mj-toc] What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy? Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. If left unmanaged, there is a risk for rupture and life-threatening bleeding. It is rare, affecting one in every 100 pregnancies (1). The fertilized egg most commonly attaches to the fallopian tube in such a pregnancy, leading to a tubal pregnancy. It can also attach to the cervix, ovary, or somewhere in the abdominal cavity. In most cases, the fertilized egg cannot survive outside the womb, and the growing tissue can damage surrounding tissues (2). Read on to know more about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment for ectopic pregnancy. Signs And Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms develop in the early stages of pregnancy and vary from woman to woman. Some women will develop no symptoms until pregnancy ruptures. During early pregnancy, some women will begin to experience symptoms similar to that of a healthy pregnancy. They may include: Missed menstrual...
Umbilical cord prolapse is a condition where the umbilical cord drops through the open cervix to the vagina before the baby during or before birth. This is an obstetric medical emergency, and usually, immediate delivery through C-section is recommended to avoid the risk of brain damage due to poor [simple_tooltip text="oxygenation" tooltip=" Oxygen supplementation of any system, including the human body" ]. The umbilical cord connects the mother and the baby. The three umbilical blood vessels carry blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the babies. So, cutting the cord from the baby before birth can be life-threatening. Read on to know the causes, complications, and other factors related to umbilical cord prolapse. [mj-toc] What Is A Cord Prolapse? Cord prolapse happens when the umbilical cord drops through the cervix and pushes into the birth canal before the baby. It gets trapped against the baby’s body, thereby blocking the blood and oxygen supply. Cord prolapse could be an obstetric emergency that can...
A full-term pregnancy usually means completing 40 weeks. However, some babies may be born past the 41st week of pregnancy. It is not unusual for babies to be born before or after completing the full-term gestation since only around 5% of births occur on the due date (1). [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]About 5 in 100 babies may be born post-term (overdue), that is, between 41 to 42 weeks of gestation (10).[/mj_protip] In this post, we explain the physical changes you may experience and the baby’s development in the 41st week. This post also explains the signs of labor in the 41st week of gestation and some tips for moms and dads-to-be to follow before labor begins. [mj-toc] Stage of Pregnancy At 41 Weeks At 41 weeks, you are nine months and one week pregnant. Size Of The Baby At 41 Weeks The baby is as big as a watermelon this week. Your baby is fully developed by this week...
The placenta is a vital organ that supplies blood and nutrition to the fetus. During the third stage of labor, the body pushes it out as its work is done. However, if it doesn't come out easily, it results in the retained placenta. This can be a serious problem that could cause life-threatening, severe infections and blood loss without prompt medical care. Keep reading as we tell you more about the causes of retained placenta, its risks factors, diagnosis, treatment, and possible complications. [mj-toc] What Is Retained Placenta? [caption id="attachment_893032" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Labor usually proceeds in three stages - The first stage is when you experience the contractions which dilate your [simple_tooltip text="cervix" tooltip="The lowest portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina to form a passage between the two organs." ]to prepare for childbirth (cervical dilatation up to10cm) Second is when your baby delivers. Third is when you deliver placenta and membranes, and goes on for...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Are 21 Weeks Of Pregnancy? At 21 weeks, you are in the fifth month of pregnancy. By now, you would’ve felt your baby move a little, although these movements are infrequent and feel like you have butterflies in the stomach. Here, MomJunction tells you more about how your body changes and your baby grows in the 21st week. How Big Is Your Baby At 21 Weeks? In the 21st week, your baby is about the size of a carrot and measures 10.51in (26.7cm) in length and weighs 12.7oz (360g) (1) (2). What Is The Baby’s Development At 21 Weeks? Here is how your baby’s body is developing in this week: Body parts Developmental stage Ears The baby starts responding to sounds Eyes (3) Eyebrows and eyelashes are developing Digestive system Starts working Skin Covered with a waxy coating called vernix [simple_tooltip text="Placenta" tooltip="A temporary organ that develops during pregnancy and provides the fetus with oxygen and...
When you want to conceive is a personal choice. However, the best age to get pregnant is when you are physically, emotionally, socially, and financially ready to take up the responsibilities of bearing and then rearing a child. Although the ideal age for conception varies for every woman, experts suggest that conceiving anytime between the 20s and early 30s has the best outcomes for you and your baby (1). Typically, fertility declines with age. However, with medical advancement, women of advanced ages can carry and deliver healthy babies. The age at which the mother is pregnant is known as maternal age, and an advanced age would require doctor consultation (2). Keep reading as we tell you more about how your age and pregnancy are linked and what it means to carry a baby at a certain age. [mj-toc] Before Your 20s This might not be the ideal age for most women but is still the most fertile age. Women usually...
If you are diagnosed with [simple_tooltip text="herpes" tooltip="A viral, contagious infection that causes sores and blisters on the genitals or in the mouth." ] simplex or varicella-zoster virus [simple_tooltip text="(chickenpox)" tooltip="A viral infection characterized by fluid-filled blisters, itchy rash, or fever." ]during your prenatal checkups, or if you have a history of recurrent genital herpes, your doctor may recommend antiviral medicines such as Acyclovir during pregnancy. Herpes simplex, sometimes known as herpes, is a common viral infection. The fetus is at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes if the pregnant mother has this illness. While herpes is unlikely to be transferred in the uterus, it can be passed on to the newborn during vaginal delivery. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment are critical. This post discusses whether Acyclovir is safe to take during pregnancy, the risks involved, and some frequently asked concerns. [mj-toc] What Is Acyclovir? [caption id="attachment_893861" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Acyclovir is an antiviral medication useful for treating and preventing...
Many pregnant women may experience headaches and nausea during the course of nine months, especially during the first trimester. While usually, we do not hesitate to consume available over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin to deal with these problems, an expecting mother may want to know if it is safe to use aspirin in pregnancy. Read through this post to learn more about the indications, contraindications, and safer alternatives to aspirin during pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Is Aspirin? [caption id="attachment_892986" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is commonly prescribed to treat minor pains, fever, and inflammation. In some cases, it is used as a blood thinner to treat heart attacks, strokes and chest pain (1). This medication is available under different brand names including Ascriptin, Aspilet, Angettes 75, Disprin, Durlaza, Caprin, Ecpirin, Resprin, Halfprin, Nu-Seals and Micropirin (2). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/serious-causes-chest-pain-infection-pregnancy_0085567/" title="Chest Pain During Pregnancy: Causes And Treatment"] Can You Take...
Breast care during pregnancy helps to avoid many problems during breastfeeding. Breasts undergo many changes during pregnancy and postpartum to prepare for breastfeeding. Increased blood supply, hormonal changes, and colostrum production may cause breast discomfort and soreness (1). Using a warm compress and wearing maternity bras may help reduce these discomforts. In addition, ask your healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding breast changes in pregnancy. Read on to learn more about breast changes in pregnancy, tips for breast care during this time, and some general precautions to take. [mj-toc] Tips For Breast Care During Pregnancy Breasts begin to engorge and turn sensitive during pregnancy. The nipples may also become dry and pigmented and develop cracks. The following measures can help you take care of your breasts during and after pregnancy. 1. Breast massage [caption id="attachment_891146" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Massaging your breasts can help with blocked ducts, stretch marks, and cracked nipples. Take some moisturizer or olive oil...
Now that you're 7 months pregnant, you enter your third and last trimester. This is the time between 25 and 28 weeks of your gestation when your baby's growth in the womb is fastest. Aside from the bodily changes, the increased discomfort caused by the growing pregnancy belly and feelings of excitement and anticipation at the impending delivery may make this a stressful month. This post discusses the physical changes and baby development that occur during the seventh month of gestation and the precautions and advice to keep you safe and comfortable. [mj-toc] What Symptoms Do You Experience In The Seventh Month Of Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_883777" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] The pregnancy bump gets bigger, making you feel extra uncomfortable and resulting in the following symptoms this month (1) (2): You may have difficulty walking, as the protruding baby bump puts pressure on your bladder and legs. You could experience pain in your lower back due to the added pressure...
Most women would agree that there are numerous transformations in one's body after delivering a baby. Vision changes after pregnancy could also be added to this list. Due to a myriad of bodily changes a woman experiences during and after pregnancy, some physical changes occurring in the internal systems could lead to changes in the vision of a new mother. In addition, there may be a little discomfort for women who face vision dizziness, which may impact their usual routines. Keep reading this post as we tell you about some possible reasons, signs, and management of vision abnormalities in women post-delivery (1). [mj-toc] Causes Of Vision Changes After Pregnancy Due to the hormonal changes in the internal system, the mother may experience problems of blurry vision or dizziness. Some of the effective causes of the vision change may include: 1. Blurred vision [caption id="attachment_888312" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] After childbirth, the fluid retention capacity of the eye ducts are extremely...
The umbilical cord is a three-vessel cord (having two arteries and one vein) that connects the fetus to the placenta. However, the umbilical cord undergoes irregularity in some women and becomes a two-vessel cord (having one artery and one vein). The exact cause of the formation of a two-vessel cord is unknown, but a few theories try to explain the condition. The presence of this umbilical cord may lead to certain complications, so doctors monitor such pregnancies closely to ensure the baby grows properly. Read the post to get more information on a two-vessel cord, its causes, risk factors, and effects on the baby. [mj-toc]What Is A Normal Umbilical Cord? The formation of an umbilical cord begins during the fifth week. It measures around 20in (50cm) in length. Normally, an umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein. It is also known as a three-vessel cord, which is covered by a thick gelatinous substance called Wharton’s jelly. Here’s what the...
The 1st-month pregnancy diet is crucial for the development of a healthy baby. However, unfortunately, women often find out they are pregnant only after having missed a period, and by the time they realize this, they have mostly crossed the first month. So, it would help if you start a healthy and pregnancy-safe diet as soon as you begin planning to conceive and have a family. This will help ensure a safe pregnancy. Read on as we tell you about some nutritious, healthy foods you should include in your diet during the first month and the foods you should avoid. [mj-toc] Foods To Include In The First Month Of Pregnancy Foods from the following groups must be a part of your diet in the first month of pregnancy. Include foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, avocado, lentils, fortified bread, orange juice, beans, and cereals that are rich in folic acid (1). Folic acid is an essential nutrient for the...
Molar pregnancy, also known as the hydatidiform mole, is a pregnancy complication where the trophoblasts (cells in the placenta) grow abnormally. Usually, molar pregnancy may end naturally in miscarriage, or if not, the doctors may recommend procedures to remove the abnormal growth. However, a woman can conceive and have a successful pregnancy after removing the molar pregnancy. You may plan the next pregnancy as per your healthcare provider\'s recommendations. Read on to know more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of molar pregnancy. [mj-toc] What is a molar pregnancy? A molar pregnancy occurs when the sperm does not fertilize the egg properly, and the cells that are responsible for the formation of the placenta form a cluster of abnormal cells instead (1). Such a fertilized egg, which cannot survive long, implants in the uterus but does not reach the term. In such a pregnancy, the abnormally grown cluster of fluid-filled cells takes over space inside the womb. Molar pregnancy...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 30 Weeks? At 30 weeks pregnant, you are in the seventh month and third trimester. You are around ten weeks away from your due date. How Big Is Your Baby At 30 Weeks? This week, your baby is as big as a large cabbage (1). The baby measures 15.71in (39.9cm) in length and 2.91lb (1.319kg) in weight (2). Around 1.5l of [simple_tooltip text="amniotic fluid" tooltip="Clear, yellowish liquid surrounding and protecting the developing fetus during pregnancy." ] surrounds the baby, eventually reducing as the baby grows and takes more space inside the uterus (3). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/leaking-amniotic-fluid-during-pregnancy_00330901/" title="How To Recognize Leaking Amniotic Fluid And What To Do?"] Baby Development At 30 Weeks Here is how the baby is developing this week: Body organs Development Skin (4) Looks smoother and starts accumulating fat under the skin. It is the baby's white fat Lanugo The fine hair covering the body starts shedding. Some babies are born...
Most women complain of indigestion during pregnancy, which is a common problem. Dyspepsia or indigestion is caused by the hormonal fluctuations and physical changes occurring in the body during pregnancy. Indigestion is characterized by stomach aches or discomfort in the upper abdomen and most commonly appears at the end of the second trimester. Besides this, indigestion leads to other common pregnancy-related problems such as bloating, nausea, and heartburn. This post will help you understand more about pregnancy-induced indigestion, including its causes, symptoms, treatments, whether it affects the baby, and when to consult a doctor. [mj-toc]What Causes Indigestion During Pregnancy? Indigestion is more prevalent during pregnancy because of: Hormonal fluctuations: The levels of progesterone hormone increase during pregnancy to support the baby’s development. This relaxes the muscles, including the intestines that further slow down the metabolism, leading to indigestion. Growing fetus: Especially in the later pregnancy stages, the growing baby places pressure on your tummy, thus limiting the room to hold...
It is not uncommon for women to experience low blood pressure in pregnancy. Blood pressure fluctuations may occur during any trimester of pregnancy. It usually returns to normal levels after delivery. These changes do not cause any serious issues for most pregnant women but might be bothersome for some. This post shares the causes, symptoms, effects, and treatment of low blood pressure in pregnancy. [mj-toc]What is low blood pressure? When the force of blood flow in the arterial walls reduces, it is called low blood pressure. Low blood pressure has the systolic to diastolic reading of 90/60mmHg (1). If the top value is less than 90 irrespective of the bottom value, or the bottom value is less than 60 regardless of the top value, it is considered as low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is perceived to be better than high blood pressure as it reduces the risk of heart diseases and strokes. However, dangerously low blood pressure can be...