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Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy, Fertility Services

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20 November, 2021

5 easy ways to reduce stress during pregnancy

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No matter how happy you are about your pregnancy, stress during the pregnancy phase is unavoidable. Most of the time, it is because of the hormones that play around. But there are a lot of other factors that account to stress. Managing stress during pregnancy is an efficient way to enjoy your pregnancy period.  Knowing the changes and accepting them happening to your body will help you best during this phase. However, know more efficient ways to reduce stress during pregnancy.  Here are the 5 easy ways to reduce stress during pregnancy.  Eat well and sleep well must be a routine  Nothing can replace the best benefits of proper food and sound sleep. Ensure that you follow a balanced diet with all the necessary supplements that your body needs and take enough rest. A night of proper sleep will make your day brighter and keep you comparatively in a cheerful mood. Rest when you are tired. Do not overdo during pregnancy. A perfect routine for food and sleep will ease up your hormones.  Surround yourself with positive energy. Talk to your friends and family. Pregnancy can put you through a lot of thoughts. It will make you think about the least possible negativity. Well, these are the instincts of the mother to safeguard her child. So it is no wonder that you get all such thoughts. However, do not put them all to yourself. Talk them out with your best buddies and family. Let them know your concerns and allow them to soothe you down.  Exercise must be your normal  We are not talking about heavy workouts and impulsive training. It is all about simple meditation and gentle exercise. Mild exercise during pregnancy will lower cortisol levels; the stress hormone is partly responsible for your stress. Thus, regular exercise will help you stay fit and help you check your stress levels during pregnancy.  You can choose simple exercises like walking, swimming, low paced stationary bike etc. Learn more about safe cardio exercises that you can consider during pregnancy here.  Take time out for yourself You might feel upset over small things. It is normal to be so during pregnancy. Do not feel wrong about such instances. Instead, when you feel low or feeling upset over something, take some time out for yourself to calm you down. Pick your favourite activity that you love to do and spend enough time with it. Try it for yourself! Taking a break can do significant wonders for your mental health, especially during pregnancy! Do not skip your doctor appointments  Visiting your doctor regularly for prenatal appointments will make you feel at ease. Knowing your condition and baby’s condition will help you better understand the situation. At times, a simple talk with your doctor can help you calm down. Regular appointments will also help you check for the complications of pregnancy. An excellent way to check your mental health and ease you as well!  Remember, it is perfectly alright to worry about your unborn baby. Whether the baby is healthy or growing out well inside. But, do not let these thoughts overcome the joy of your pregnancy. Follow the above-mentioned suggestions to reduce your stress during pregnancy and enjoy the blissful moments of your life!!  *Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision. 

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20 June, 2020

Relationship between infertility and stress

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Learning about infertility profoundly affects the couples who go through it. The amounts of anxiety and stress that build around their lifestyle creates much more hassle to overcome infertility. We know the stress levels that surround up with infertility, yet there is an interconnection between them. Stress is considered one of the significant factors for the infertility issue to surface. And once the problem is known, high amounts of stress recoup, increasing the root cause of infertility. In avoiding this, a complete understanding of their relationship is to be understood. Stress accounts as one of the significant factors for infertility It was first revealed in the 1990s that stress plays an essential role in the infertility process equally in both men and women. However, it took a couple of years to present the statistical data and accurate experimental results to show the results. The emotional balance therapy and stress minimizing treatments have shown positive effects on fertility chances. To understand this simple, let’s say your brain is smart enough. It does not favor the fertility condition while your body is in stress to avoid extra pressure. The only way to soothe your body function is typically to set your brain free from stress. Post-stress levels impact on treatments outcome Infertility is often fought by the patients alone and is considered as a silent struggle. Soon after, one learns about the problem of infertility, and there is an immediate spike in the stress levels. This only worsens the situation instead of doing any better. Now the already accounting levels of stress are increased, causing further damage. These mounting levels of stress also have a direct impact on infertility treatments as well. They reduce the efficiency of the outcome as well. Tips for tackling both pre & post-stress scenarios Tackling stress is not so tough, all you need is appropriate care. Check these simple tips which can help you in reducing both pre and post-stress infertility acknowledgment. Acknowledge the problem – Identifying the root cause eases you up a lot. Hence focus on the reason first and accept the procedure. It is okay to feel sad or overwhelmed, but eventually taking the problem helps you find a cure. Find Support – It is long believed that sorrows, when shared, will lighten up. Find constant support who can stay by your side during this struggle. Your support can be your other couples with infertility, some friends, or a family member. Communicate with your partner – Never let the stress of this course affect your relationship. It might not be easy coping up with the situation, but you can talk out of this. Always share your feelings and uncertainties with your partner. Educate yourself too –  Finding out the issue and gaining knowledge about it would help you to overcome it as well. Hence, educate in the right amounts that are required. Knowing the situations prevailing even in the treatment might help you take further steps and decisions medically. Try to reduce stress – For effective results in your treatment, subsidizing the levels of stress plays a major role. Hence, try different meditational and hobby seeking ways to maintain the diminish the levels of stress. You can even rely on support groups to help you swim through this situation. Set a limit on how long you’re willing to try – The foremost decision you need to make before opting for the treatment is to set the end you want to try. There is always an improved focus if you set a target on how long you are willing to try for the baby. This will also enable you to feel control over the procedures you are opting for. The diagnosis of infertility adds a tremendous burden to lifestyle. However, now you understand the interrelationship between stress and infertility. Thus, it is highly recommended to stay clear with stress, and it also helps you in every aspect of your life. We hope you found out some interesting facts, their importance, and tips regarding infertility and stress.You can check out the in-detail tips and measures to cope with infertility stress here.   *Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

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22 May, 2020

What Is Polyhydramnios And How To Deal With It

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Your baby swims in the amniotic fluid for the 9 months that she’s in your womb. This fluid plays an important role in the baby’s health. She needs just the right amount of fluid to protect and help her grow. Normal amniotic fluid levels in later stages of pregnancy are between 5 and 25 cm, or about 800-1000 ml. If the measurement is over 25, it is called polyhydramnios. So what exactly is polyhydramnios and does it pose any risks for mom and Baby? Read on to know more. What is Polyhydramnios? Polyhydramnios is the excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid – the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus during pregnancy. This condition occurs in about 1 to 2 percent of pregnancies. Most cases of polyhydramnios are mild and result from a gradual buildup of amniotic fluid, during the second half of pregnancy. Severe polyhydramnios may cause shortness of breath, preterm labor, or other signs and symptoms. When a pregnant woman is diagnosed with polyhydramnios, the doctor will carefully monitor your pregnancy to help prevent complications. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild polyhydramnios may go away on its own. Severe polyhydramnios may require closer monitoring. These are rare and are sometimes seen with babies who have blockage along gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of Polyhydramnios Polyhydramnios symptoms result from pressure being exerted within the uterus and on nearby organs. Mild cases show little or no signs or symptoms. However, severe polyhydramnios may cause the following: Shortness of breath or the inability to breathe Swelling in the lower extremities and abdominal wall Uterine discomfort or contractions Foetal malposition, such as breech presentation Your doctor may also suspect polyhydramnios if your uterus is excessively enlarged and he or she has any trouble feeling the baby. Causes of Polyhydramnios About 50-65% of the time, nobody knows what causes a woman to develop polyhydramnios. However, the rest of the time, doctors can pinpoint it to certain conditions. These are some of the factors that may lead to an increased risk of polyhydramnios: Diabetes – Certain moms with diabetes might have increased levels of amniotic fluid. Birth defects – Certain birth defects involving baby’s ability to swallow or kidney function can also cause increased amniotic fluid. It is your baby’s ability to swallow and process fluid through the kidneys that regulates this fluid level in the uterus. Rh Incompatibility – A mismatch between mom’s blood and baby’s blood group. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) – When one identical twin gets too much blood flow than the others, it may lead to more amniotic fluid. Problems with baby’s heart rate – These usually show up on ultrasound or monitoring. An infection in the baby. Complications of Polyhydramnios These are some of the complications that can occur with polyhydramnios. Too much amniotic fluid is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Polyhydramnios increases the risk of premature rupture of membranes and/or preterm labor. Some babies with high amniotic fluid levels can wiggle their way into a weird birthing position, instead of the normal late-pregnancy, head down, ready-to-be-born position. Polyhydramnios increases risks for breech or transverse positions, which increases chances for C-section. During labor, the umbilical cord could get pinched or pushed out before the baby, which can be very dangerous. Amniotic fluid could lead to placental abruption, which means the placenta could separate before the baby is born, and increased risk for postpartum haemorrhage. Although this situation sounds scary, polyhydramnios and its complications are fairly rare. As long as your baby is close to term, your amniotic fluid is still near normal range, and you’re being taken care of by an excellent team such as the one at KIMS Cuddles, high amniotic fluid levels may not pose a big problem. Diagnosis and Treatment If your doctor suspects polyhydramnios, they will do a fetal ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your baby on a monitor. If the initial ultrasound shows evidence of polyhydramnios, your doctor may ask to do a more detailed ultrasound. They will estimate the amniotic fluid volume (AFV) by measuring the single largest, deepest pocket of fluid around your baby. An AFV value of 8 cms or more suggests polyhydramnios. Your doctor may even ask to do additional testing if you have a diagnosis of polyhydramnios. Mild cases of polyhydramnios generally don’t require any special treatment and may go away on their own. Even cases that cause discomfort can usually be managed without intervention. In other cases, treatment for an underlying condition – such as diabetes – may help resolve polyhydramnios. If you experience preterm labor, shortness of breath or abdominal pain, you may need treatment in the hospital. This includes: Drainage of excess amniotic fluid: Your doctor may use amniocentesis to drain excess amniotic fluid from your uterus. This procedure contains a small risk of complications such as preterm labor, placental abruption and premature rupture of the membranes. Your doctor will inform you about the same. Medication: Your doctor may prescribe an oral medication to help reduce foetal urine production and amniotic fluid volume. Due to the risk of foetal heart problems, your baby’s heart may also need to be monitored with a foetal echocardiogram and Doppler ultrasound. Some side effects may include nausea, vomiting, acid reflux and inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Even after treatment, your doctor will want to monitor your amniotic fluid level once every one to three weeks. Most women with mild to moderate polyhydramnios will be able to carry their baby to term, delivering at 39 to 40 weeks. Those who have severe polyhydramnios will be advised by their doctor about the appropriate timing of delivery to avoid complications for you and your baby. Polyhydramnios can be a worrisome condition during pregnancy. Work with your gynaecologist to ensure that you and your baby receive the best care possible. Our doctors at KIMS Cuddles can help you experience a healthy, comfortable pregnancy. *Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

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08 February, 2020

Health issues that can affect fertility

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During any given cycle, a healthy woman having regular intercourse has only 20 to 40 percent chance of conceiving. Certain health conditions like endometriosis or being severely over- or underweight can decrease the odds. Here are the top health issues that affect fertility and what women can do to boost their chances: Hormonal Imbalance Several diseases can cause hormonal imbalance and put your fertility at risk. For example, thyroid and adrenal disease can cause the body to release too much estrogen, testosterone, and stress hormone cortisol which can all interfere with ovulation. The polycystic ovarian disease is yet another condition that affects fertility. Depending on your problem, doctors will suggest treatment that includes fertility drugs that can boost ovulation or block the release of hormones that reduce fertility. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Gonorrhea and chlamydia are some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can put your fertility at risk. Gonorrhea can block the fallopian tube and prevent the passage of an egg. Chlamydia rapidly causes pelvic scars that interfere with the ability of fallopian tubes to sweep across the ovary and pick up an egg. If you have been diagnosed with an STD, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat an active infection. Depending on the severity of scarring, your doctor may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove adhesions or IVF in case of irreparable damage. Fibroids Fibroids are a collection of uterine cell tissues that form for unknown reasons. They are most likely to interfere with fertility when they grow inside the uterine cavity, distorting its shape and size. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of women will have at least one of these benign masses in their lifetime. Surgery can often increase fertility by 70 percent once the fibroids are removed. Endometriosis Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, creating scar tissues that make fallopian tubes to pick up and propel an egg to the uterus. It causes painful periods and infertility. Endometriosis can also cause pelvic inflammation, making the uterine cavity a less than hospitable place for the fertilized egg to implant. Doctors may recommend surgery to remove scar tissue or IVF as a last resort. Being severely under- or over-weight Studies show that women who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 are considered obese and have decreased fertility, even if their cycles are regular. On the other hand, women with a low BMI of 20 or less don’t ovulate regularly, thus reducing their chances of conceiving. If obese women lose even 10 percent of their body weight, it can help boost their fertility. However, with underweight women, things are not that easy. Even with weight gain, some women may not be able to resume a regular menstrual cycle. These are some of the more common health issues that can impact fertility. If you are having trouble conceiving, meet our experts at KIMS Cuddles to find the right treatment for you. *Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

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08 January, 2020

7 ways to improve fertility naturally

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Many couples, who have been trying to conceive for months together and are unsuccessful, dread going to the doctor to seek treatment. Sometimes that’s the only option left but often, there are things that they can do increase their chances of conceiving. Here are some ways to improve fertility naturally: Eat a nourishing, balanced diet Staying well-nourished and eating a healthy, balanced diet increases your odds of conceiving. Deficiencies in nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D can cause delay in menstrual cycles and affect ovulation. Make sure your diet is rich in these nutrients. Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, low-fat dairy products, eggs and beans should be a part of your regular diet. Ask your doctor if you need to take any nutritional supplements on a daily basis. Make lifestyle changes According to several researches, alcohol consumption has been linked to decreased ability to get pregnant. Alcohol has been found to alter estrogen levels, which may interfere with egg implantation. An occasional drink or two doesn’t really cause too much harm as regular consumption does. Also, if you’re trying to get pregnant, cutting down on caffeine is also a good idea. Limit your daily intake to 200 mg of caffeine per day – that’s about one or two cups of coffee. Watch your weight Excess body fat can lead to overproduction of certain hormones that can affect ovulation. It may cause changes in your ovulation cycle, causing you to ovulate less frequently and decreasing your chances to get pregnant. Even too little body fat can adversely affect your ovulation. Maintain the right weight by exercising regularly – but don’t overdo it. Talk to our team of experts at KIMS Cuddles to know more about steps to increase fertility naturally. Reduce stress Increased levels of stress may also affect reproductive hormones and fertility in both men and women. If you experience high levels of stress in your work life or at home, take steps to ensure that you are able to relax and take time out for yourself. Try meditation; indulge in your favourite hobby, or anything that helps you manage your stress levels effectively. Take advantage of the fertile window The fertile window is the six-days that end on the day of ovulation. Taking advantage of the fertile window can boost your chances of pregnancy. Pregnancy is most likely to occur with intercourse within the three days before ovulation. Try to eat organic Exposure to pesticide, especially agricultural pesticides can have a negative impact on both the male and female fertility. Wash your food thoroughly before you eat or better still; try to eat pesticide-free organic foods as far as possible. Reduce your screen time According to a study in the journal Fertility and Sterility, watching too much TV or using iPad can affect your fertility. Artificial light can affect your circadian rhythm and in turn, your fertility. Therefore, turn off the screens one or two hours before going to bed and do something relaxing, which will help you sleep more soundly. Remember: Quality of sleep is as important as quantity of sleep. To know more about how to improve fertility naturally, get in touch with our team at KIMS Cuddles. Hope this blog on ways to improve fertility naturally was helpful to you.   *The opinions expressed in this article are not to be substituted for medical advice under any circumstance

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