| FAQ'S DURING PREGNANCY
1. What type of diet do you advise in Pregnancy?
The Pregnancy diet ideally should be light, nutritious,
easily digestible and rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. The diet
should consist in addition to the principal food at least one litre of
milk, plenty of green leafy vegetables, fruits and cereals. It is recommended
to take small and frequent meals. Diet should be supplemented with 1gm
of calcium and one tablet of ferrous sulphate to avoid Anaemia during
pregnancy.
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2. When should I take Tetanus Immunization?
Immunisation against Tetanus not only protects the mother
but also the neonates. In unprotected women two doses of Tetanus Toxoid
are given at an interval of 4 to 8weeks, the first are to be given between
16-24weeks. Women who are already immunised in the past, a Booster dose
is given in the last trimester.
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3. Is Vomiting common during
pregnancy?
Nausea & Vomiting specially in the morning, soon after
getting out of the bed are usually common. They usually appears following
the missed period and subsides by end of 3 months of pregnancy. Emotional
support is very essential for this one should move the limbs for few minutes
before getting out of bed and take a dry toast or biscuit before rising
from bed. Avoid fatty foods and liquids in empty stomach. One should not
force pregnant women to eating because that will precipitate more vomiting.
If Vomiting is severe enough to affect the health of the pregnant women,
then she must consult the obstetrician. Anti-emetic drugs and plenty of
glucose drinks usually cure this condition.
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4. Can I continue my routine
activities during pregnancy?
How may hours of sleep do you advise? You can continue
your usual activities throughout pregnancy. If you feel tired, you should
limit your work. However hard and strenous work should be avoided. Women
in employment, can continue their activities in uncomplicated cases. Pregnant
women should sleep for at least 8 hours at night and 2 hours at noon.
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5. Can we have intercourse
during pregnancy?
Coitus should be avoided during the first 3 moths and
during last 6 weeks of pregnancy.
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6. Is it safe to travel
during pregnancy?
Travel by vehicles having jerks is better avoided specially
in first 3 months and last 6 weeks of pregnancy. Train route is preferable
to bus route. Travel in pressurised aircraft offers no risk.
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7. Can I smoke or drink
during pregnancy?
One should avoid smoking and drinking as it increases
the chance of abortion and low birth weight babies.
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8. What exercise can I
take during pregnancy?
Walking is good for health even during pregnancy - one
should also do pelvic floor exercises which help during labour. It is
advisable to exercise to a point short of tiredness.
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9. How can I avoid backache?
Improvement of posture & rest in hard bed often
relieves backache.
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10. How do I avoid constipation?
Constipation is a quite common problem during pregnancy.
Normal bowel habit may be restored with advice to take plenty of fluids
( at least 2 liters daily) and plenty of green leafy Vegetables and fresh
fruits in diet. A mild laxative like Isabgol husk 1-2 tablespoons at bed
time is best.
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11. What can I do for
heartburn?
Regular bowel action & restriction of fatty and spicy
foods often relieves the symptoms. Antacid preparations (either chewable
tablets or gel) can be taken to relieve this problem.
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12. What medicines can
be safely taken during pregnancy?
In first 3 months of pregnancy one should avoid taking
any medicine except few anti-emetics for vomiting and paracetamol for
fever & headache.
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13. How can I prevent stretch marks on my abdomen?
You can use any lubricant such as olive oil from the 5th month of
pregnancy onwards. It helps in smooth stretching of abdominal skin and prevents stretch marks.
One should also avoid scratching abdomen.
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14. What is the normal weight gain during pregnancy?
Usual weight gain during pregnancy is 8 to 12kgs but it also depends on the pre-pregnancy weight of the women.
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15. What are the Symptoms of onset of labour ?
A. Painful uterine contractions at interval of about 10 minutes or earlier.
B. Sudden gush of watery fluid per vaginum.
C. Vaginal bleeding, however slight may be.
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