THE MOM IN ME - 9

Your next trimester sets in with more changes and more eagerness for you to want to see your baby.

At the end of the seventh month of pregnancy fat begins to be deposited on your baby. Your baby is about 36 cm (14 inches) long and weighs from about 900 - 1800g (two to four pounds). Your baby's hearing is fully developed and he or she changes position frequently and responds to stimuli, including sound, pain, and light.If born prematurely, your baby would probably survive after the seventh month of pregnancy.

Eighth month of pregnancy is when...Your baby, who is now about 46cm (18 inches) long and weighs as much as about 2.27 kg (five pounds), will continue to mature and develop body fat reserves. You may notice that your baby is kicking more. Baby's brain is developing rapidly at this time, and he or she can see and hear. Most internal systems are well developed, but the lungs may still be immature.

The ninth Month of Pregnancy is all about walking towards the end of the third trimester ...your baby continues to grow and mature. His or her lungs are nearly fully developed. Your baby's reflexes are coordinated so he or she can blink, close the eyes turn the head, grasp firmly, and respond to sounds, light, and touch.Your baby's position changes to prepare itself for labor and delivery. The baby drops down in your pelvis, and usually his or her head is facing down toward the birth canal.By the end of this pregnancy month, your baby is about 46- 51cm (18 to 20 inches) long and weighs about 3.2kg (seven pounds).

On a more serious note .. i did mention in my previous blog about the more sever complications associated with pregnancy. This is a more important part coz this is something I PERSONALLY WENT THROUGH. Although i must insist and request that do not get scared or disheartened with pregnancy.. no matter the problems it still is the most beautiful journey coz the destination will be your reward.

So im going to tell you about a syndrome called as H-E-L-L-P.
 HELLP Syndrome is a series of symptoms that make up a syndrome that can affect pregnant women. HELLP syndrome is thought to be a variant of preeclampsia but it may be an entity all on its own. There are still many questions about the serious condition of HELLP syndrome. The cause is still unclear to many doctors and often HELLP syndrome is misdiagnosed. It is believed that HELLP syndrome affects about 0.2 to 0.6 percent of all pregnancies.
The name HELLP stands for:

• H- hemolysis ( breakdown of red blood cells)
• EL- elevated liver enzymes (liver function)
• LP- low platelets counts (platelets help the blood clot)

It is often assumed that HELLP Syndrome will always occur in connection with preeclampsia, but there are times when the symptoms of HELLP will occur without a diagnosis of preeclampsia being made. About 4-12% of women with diagnosed preeclampsia will develop HELLP syndrome. Unfortunately since the symptoms of HELLP syndrome may be the first sign of preeclampsia, this is what can often lead to a misdiagnoses. The symptoms of HELLP may cause misdiagnoses of other conditions such as hepatitis, gallbladder disease, or idiopathic/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP, which is a bleeding disorder.)

THIS IN PATICULAR IS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. I WAS NOT DIAGNOSED EARLY AND ALSO I WAS A PIH PATIENT.. SO THROMBOCYTOPENIA IS WHAT HIT ME IN THIS CONDITION.

The most common symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting that continue to get worse (this may also feel like a serious case of the flu.)
• Upper right abdominal pain or tenderness
• Fatigue or malaise

A woman with HELLP may experience other symptoms that often can be attributed to other things such as normal pregnancy concerns or other pregnancy conditions. These symptoms may include:

• Visual disturbances
• High blood pressure
• Protein in urine
• Edema (swelling)
• Severe headaches
• Bleeding

TREATMENT IN HELLP:
Because the symptoms of HELP can mimic many other conditions or complications, you'll be made run a series of blood tests, including liver function, on any woman experiencing symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy. HELLP syndrome may occur before the third trimester but it is rare. It also may occur within 48 hours of delivery, although symptoms may take up to 7 days to be evident.
Blood pressure measurements and urine tests to check for protein are often monitored when diagnosing HELLP syndrome.
Low PLATELET count is what is the most significant... thus the body has no or less immunity to fight the disease.
On a more personal front i must mention that MY PLATELET count on diagnosis was only 9000.. so ..
The treatment of HELLP Syndrome is primarily based on the gestation of the pregnancy, but delivery of the baby is the best way to stop this condition from causing any serious complications for mom and baby. Most symptoms and side effects of HELLP will subside within 2-3 days of delivery.
If the pregnancy is less than 34 weeks gestation, doctors usually try to evaluate lung function of baby to see how well delivery would be handled.
Treatment’s that may be used to manage HELLP until baby is delivered include:

• Bed rest and admission into a medical facility to be monitored closely
• Corticosteroid ( to help babies lungs develop more rapidly)
• Magnesium Sulfate ( to help prevent seizures)
• Blood transfusion if platelet count gets too low
• Blood pressure medication
• Fetal monitoring and tests including biophysical tests, sonograms, non stress tests and fetal movement evaluation

If pregnancy is over 34 weeks gestation or the symptoms of HELLP begin to worsen, delivery is the recommended course of treatment.

CAUSE OF HELLP:
 It is still unclear what exactly causes HELLP syndrome. Although it is more common in women who have preeclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension, there are still a number of women who get it without previously showing signs of preeclampsia.
The following is a list of factors that are believed to increase the risk of a woman developing HELLP syndrome:

• Previous pregnancy with HELLP Syndrome (19-27% chance of recurrence in each pregnancy)
• Preeclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension
• Women over the age of 25
• Caucasian
• Multiparous (given birth two or more times)

If HELLP syndrome is undiagnosed or untreated, it can result in life threatening complications for both mother and baby.
Due to this syndrome I went through a lot of other complications like

Pulmonary Edema ( fluid buildup in the lung)

Adult Respiratory distress syndrome (lung failure)

Acute renal failure

The maternal mortality rate is about 1.1% with HELLP syndrome. The infant morbidity and mortality rate is anywhere from 10-60% depending on many factors such as gestation of pregnancy, severity of symptoms and the promptness of treatment.
Because there is not a known cause for HELLP syndrome, there is also no identified way to prevent it. Early identification and treatment is the best way to keep HELLP syndrome from getting serious.
Since HELLP syndrome is believed to be related to preeclampsia, staying vigilant about diet, exercise and a healthy blood pressure can only help things!

Why i write about this syndrome in so much detail is because i went through it and i know how much i fought to survive ... and only because i survived this i am being able to exprience the bliss of motherhood.

THE MOM IN ME - 8

With your second trimester in flow more new aspects will b a part of this phase.

Like I have mentioned before..now comes the time where your curvature starts showing its little bump. So increase in clothes size is in order.

During these two months i.e. the sixth and seventh .. your body is going to start getting adjusted to the increase in the foetus size. So don't forget the tips I have given in my previous blogs. This is also the time when your look will be the obvious  'pregnant'. So girl enjoy growing all the way.

This phase is also the time of extreme care. This I say not to scare you but to educate you. Most problems that tag along with pregnancy start showing their ugly heads on your reports! The most common problems are high sugar levels and high blood pressure. Both of these being or rather sounding minor ..are still a point of extra care.

Diabetes during pregnancy can cause deformities in the foetus. So having your meds is very important. Although its a common thing in the new world of today .. with the kind of lifestyle we lead, yet being careless with it is not a good attitude. The drawback of this condition is that food intake and the form of food intake will have to be kept on check.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is termed as PIH -Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. If the range is not too high it does not cause too much damage but in many cases it has many risks. Few being .. in PIH moms the thought of normal delivery is jeopardized. This is because of the risk of heavy bleeding or any vessel rupture. Also the foetus is at risk  of having pressure on the kidneys and so does the mom. The common signs of PIH are swelling of feet. So if you are a PIH mom try not to be standing for long an sit with your legs stretched straight on a table. Also while sleeping keep a pillow under your feet to help reduce the swelling. Reduction in sodium intake in your food is a compulsion!

Also there are lot more complications that arise with PIH that is severe in many moms. In my next blog I will give a detailed understanding of few such complications which if treated on time can help in many ways.

More to come in my next blog.

About me- My name is Ruhi and am a mom of a lil toddler. These are my expriences of being a mom and the expriences that have been shared by my near and dear ones. Hope it helps mothers in some way to enjoy their motherhood.

Scans of a six-month foetus below.

THE MOM IN ME - 7

Your fourth and fifth months will be where a lot of changes will be visible. The moms who had been going through nausea for these months will find a decrease in the discomfort and by the fifth month the nausea will disappear completely in 90% women.

Also I forgot to mention that folic acid tablets will be discontinued by the end of the fourth month and you will begin your regular dosage of calcium and iron tabs. Like I've mentioned before please do not miss out on your tabs. They are very important. Also I've mentioned In my blogs before that forgetfulness is gonna be a part of pregnancy so.. if you tend to forget your tabs or other important chores you can use post it paper and write on it and stick it on your dresser or your refrigerator so that you can remember.

During your fifth month a visible increase in your stomach curvature will be there. This is because of the increase in the size of your uterus which now has a bigger and a well developed foetus. The size of the placenta will also be bigger and the amniotic fluid will have a reasonable amount of quantity in ratio to the size of your foetus. Around the mid to the end of your fifth month you will have your next ultra sound. Do not miss or delay this ultra sound. As this is the most important ultra sound in your maternity period. In this ultra sound there will be a detailed study of your baby .. it's vitals, it's growth, it's approximate weight, amount of amniotic fluid, check on any physical or metabolic abnormalities... so make sure you too get a detailed explanation from your gynac about your baby's stats. In India we tend not to study or learn about our medical needs and just trust blindly. There is no shyness or shamefulness in asking your doc about the life your incubating.. its your baby after all!!!!

Now on a more lighter front.. exercises can start in the right manner from this month. Pregnancy yoga will take a different level with the new trimester setting in. Also the new age moms are very used to wearing jeans as they are comfortable.. but with your size changes in order regular denims and jeans should be avoided ..actually stopped. The reality being that you will start feeling uncomfortable and suffocating in them. So buy maternity wear where you'll find the right type of jeans for your curvature to fit in. And don't try to fit or rather adjust yourself in oversized clothes.. your pregnant so there is no shame in flaunting that natural incubator your holding!!! So flaunt that new curvature... coz this the only time you'll  be called  'ROUND AND BEAUTIFUL'.. !!

More to come in my next blog.

About me- My name is Ruhi and am a mom of a lil toddler. These are my expriences of being a mom and the expriences that have been shared by my near and dear ones. Hope it helps mothers in some way to enjoy their motherhood.

Few pictures of fifth month ultra sounds.

THE MOM IN ME - 6

We have now understood what fathers will do to make pregnancy memorable for you. With your ultra sounds the preparations on future plans many a things will be on your mind.

Right now during your third month things will be more observable and more well analysed by you as you start getting used to the new life in you with a conscious mind. This is generally a good time to ask your doc about your vaccinations. Keeping a tap on it is very important. Also if you keep a check on it, it helps to make it a habit when you have to know your baby's vacation chart in future.

When it comes to ultra sounds the most memorable part of it will be the sound of your baby's first heart beats. Its a magical moment. A magic of nature that makes us women lucky to nurture a life in us. The beats you hear will be like hearing a horse run a race! And as you hear it the feeling of the existence of your baby inside you will be more conscious.

Every moment that you experience .. you must engulf it as it will never return. This is - I believe One of those times in a woman's life when she won't mind growing in size. Rather this is dat time of her life where the want to look beautiful and round comes into play. It won't b surprising to see yourself looking in the mirror and try to imagine your tummy protruding out.

Also as we have come to the matter of size .. well that is gonna be of great concern with months to come. Growing of breast size is very normal .. so it's good to be prepared by buying a size bigger and keeping it before you go through days of pain from your bra straps digging into your skin. A good tap on your weight is also very important. Generally during pregnancy it is safe to say that you put a minimal of 7-8kgs and a maximum of 17kgs. Not putting on weight is not a happy picture either. And too much weight causes many other medical problem's too.

More to come in my next blog.

About me- My name is Ruhi and am a mom of a lil toddler. These are my expriences of being a mom and the expriences that have been shared by my near and dear ones. Hope it helps mothers in some way to enjoy their motherhood.

THE MOM IN ME - 5

So all my gals who are blooming moms .. so far things are ok I mean, moderately exciting. But after your First Ultra Sound... it'll be something you never anticipated!!!

The first picture of your baby, is not comparable to anything!!! The little wonder so tiny, so delicate... don't be surprised if u find yourself wiping a  tear drop from your cheek.. or finding it difficult to let your eyes blink. Believe it, feel it and let it sink in. These are the few moments when it feels great to be born as a woman.. not that its not great otherwise.. but yes it's that feeling you know, no man can ever know or experience because he was not designed to have a womb.

But that is no excuse for not being excited on being a father!!! We as women experience our babies since we conceive, men on the other hand start a clock in their life.. a clock that is ticking towards their new life which they are getting ready to embrace as Fathers. They too will have their own unique way of care and concern. Some will be over careful ('most'will be more appropriate word, hope you girls agree). And some clueless and confused. Yet,  all this apart, they will have their own way to show the baby that they are there. It thus can't be a coincidence that, as fathers symbolise to be the strong shoulders that protect, this journey of protection starts as the care, concern, understanding and learning of the clock of pregnancy. Their support makes you content. It completes the woman nature in you that feels happiness in seeing others happy around her.

From all that I have seen and read fatherhood is a bigger wait. They wait longer than us. The fact being that their real experience will only begin after the baby's birth. Till then it is their longing that makes them go through this long wait to touch the miracle of life. It's about making themselves into a father is what counts. Listening to their thoughts of how they would want their child to be,  what they would want to do and go through for them is all a part of their genetic arrangement. Many a times  it will be noticed that they build more dreams than women.. because those dreams will make their fatherhood come alive and learning at every step will only make them more confident.

More to come in my next blog.

About me- My name is Ruhi and am a mom of a lil toddler. These are my expriences of being a mom and the expriences that have been shared by my near and dear ones. Hope it helps mothers in some way to enjoy their motherhood.

THE MOM IN ME - 4

We have spoken about hormones running wild in your "new life dwelling state "and about the stages of the growing foetus.

The first three months generally and most commonly are filled with many common adjustments like don't bend suddenly or take it slow etc. Also around 60% women go through nausea or more commonly known as "morning sicknesses". This trimester will be learning period of the do's & dont's of pregnancy. Thus this will be the time for you to gather as much information as u can , of what you must or must not do.

Appetite increase won't be a part of this trimester if you are in the 60% slot. But if you are not, then yes appetite increase will  be a visible part of your metabolic change. It will not be voracious but with time will increase more.

If by any chance you have performed the dont's and produce spotting after the 6th week, don't be alarmed and also don't panic. Just visit your gynecologist asap. Why do you think I told you not to panic??? Because spotting is assumed to be a miscarriage very easily. Well, that is not the case every time. In most cases it is the reduction of the flow of an important hormone called 'PROGESTERONE'. This hormone helps keep the pregnancy in continuation. Thus you will be prescribed hormone tablets consisting progesterone. Which will have to be taken by you till the 4th month when you will have a look at your baby's world inside you... your First Ultra Sound.

The general thought process is.. Oh no! ! Hormonal tabs!! .. But it isn't so. These supplements are important for carrying on your pregnancy, so take them without fail according to the dosage prescribed to you.

Also around this time you will be going in for your first ultra sound. No matter if its your first or second .. the first ultra sound is always very precious. Ultra sound or sonography , I believe has been a big boon to field of medicine & to that of the birth of babies it's a different gift in all. Why I say gift is because this one of the only times when you enter a doctor's clinic with a smile and exit with an even bigger smile.. One time where your not scared of an examination and where when you have butterflies in your stomach and the want to see your child and experience the miracle of life being born out of a single cell. The thought of its very existence makes you do all you can for it. All the world stands aside when your born is to be protected. That is only when you become a mother you'll know how to be the tallest mountain that will stand in the way of the harsh winds.. when you will be the softest pillow to take over the bad dreams ... and when your hug will take away all the pains in the world. So girl don't underestimate motherhood so easily!!

More to come in my next blog.

About me- My name is Ruhi and am a mom of a lil toddler. These are my expriences of being a mom and the expriences that have been shared by my near and dear ones. Hope it helps mothers in some way to enjoy their motherhood.

THE MOM IN ME-1

Motherhood comes in only one form and i call it CARE. It has its many ways of showing and being showered upon. For many years I only knew the ways of recieving it,enjoying it and knowing that it exists. On the other hand knowing it had made a home in me was a different discovery in all... thats when i knew I am a MOM!!!
We see babies everyday in every other place that we go & little do we know we will be mothers one day.
My journey began when that little white stick showed me 2 red lines ,saying its positive!!!! Seeing it I already felt i was ready for this new chapter in my life. With time it made me think how many changes can two red lines bring in your life.
Motherhood starts making you aware of the new life inside you so quickly as though you were born for it... but then it is the truth isnt it?? We as women were designed for it .
The feeling of something living inside you is amazing... like you are not you and still you are!! And thus begins the journey of knowing and the need to know it all. A thought that tells you and makes you promise yourself never to make a mistake.... but then.. we are humans even if we ought to be moms!!! Dont think you wont make mistakes .. first time moms or not.. each pregnancy is different and each child born is unique.

The first time moms-dont think that nausea and vomitting are a part of every womans pregnancy!! (A myth our filmy world has created). You could be as normal as you are in everyday life or as ill as you could have ever imagined. Like I ,for instance never vomited while on the other hand my mom said she vomited even 10min before she gave me birth!!! Everything she ate during her time was out in minutes!!! I on the other hand enjoyed every kind of food and more so i cooked the cravings i had the way i wanted.. like more salted or bitter etc. So girls your expriences too will differ at your time!

What is more important is to try and eat healthy,do your check ups regularly,take your vaccinations on time and the most important is to exercise n be happy!! A happy mom is a stress free and a complication free mom. Also it is important to read about pregnancy and its stages because becoming a mom is always filled with surprises &new things to learn. A book that is most compulsorily recomended is "WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING" - A book that will answer all your questions!

More to come in my next blog.

About me- My name is Ruhi and am a mom of a lil toddler. These are my expriences of being a mom and the expriences that have been shared by my near and dear ones. Hope it helps mothers in some way to enjoy their motherhood.

THE MOM IN ME-2

Mom's &the to be moms.. as we have started our journey im sure you have already tried to find yourself in it in many ways. Well its so natural to think" hey u know what.. she is right.. i did go througth this!" or "hmmm i dont know what I might go through my journey!"

So ladies.. when your" pregometer" shows you the 2 red lines well it is what we say "Good News!!". And after all the spread of news to the to be relatives and the unforgetfull surprise on your huby's face.. the first thing to be done is to schedule a doctor's appointment.

When that is fixed you must try and put down the queries or questions that you and your partner would like to ask so that your doubts are cleared. Dont feel hasitant to ask for the simplest of doubts to be cleared. Why i say this is because many people think how foolish they might sound if they ask such a question, the fact being that no question is foolish when it comes to health , rather not asking them is foolishness.

After your first examination you will be given your ANC, i.e. Antinatal Card. If not given then you must ask for it. This is because it gives you the dates required for your tests and checkup's and also your ultrasounds. In it your doctor can write your general stats and ensure the next appointment. At this point your doctor will ask u to have your blood test in the following week to confirm pregnancy and your hemoglobin count.

As you by now are already into your 4th or 5th week advices are going to flow in from every where. Many necessary and many unnecessary. Its then on you to use the required ones(although its generally tough). Food habits have to be changed and sorted not because it is said so but because its necessary. Healthy eating and a good nutritious diet are of utmost importance. And many things are to be avoided to help keep the foetus from harm. For eg. You will be told not to consume papayas or have much of chick pea flour or food items that provide too much heat to the body.

Comming back to finding the mom in yourself.. well you are at the begining of the first few steps.. a path full of questions, confusions and hesitations. That extra care coming from everyone around you comes only at this stage,so gals enjoy every bit of it. Also like i said in the last chapter some of you might remain normal and some of you will exprience nausea and vomiting. So please dont worry about it , but there is a catch in it, you still have to eat whether you vomit or not! Its important for the food to atleast reach your stomach because you are eating for the life growing inside you.. I know what your thinking at this point "how can i do that??" Well thats why they say "Motherhood aint easy!!!".

Pregnancy goes through three trimesters.. each consisting of three months. So in these first three, girl go easy.. &be carefull. Go for easy simple walks. If you are a trainer then u can do what u regularly do  just at a slow pace. Like I for example used to take dance classes and aerobics. So i did not do many sever movements and switched my aerobics batch towards the senior citizens where the pace was slow. Also pregnancy yoga helps with good blood flow to the growing foetus. Also a good start to get used to the pregnancy is to make a concious effort not to bend down and pick things from the floor. Rather start from the begining so that you get used to it.. so u must squat down and then pick things .. this helps when your stomach grows beyond 5months & thus it wont be difficult or new then!!

While reading this so many things must be a part of your thought. Its ok.. it will still be the same as time grows!! Another thought is "how will I go through all this?? There is so much to take care of and so much to remember!" But then it never has been easy being a woman right?? Also with time you will learn that there's so much more to know and learn. Every day will be a new chapter of new experiences and new lessons. From now on your time isn't going to be just yours, it's going to be all that you want to do for your child and how your time will revolve around this new treasure that you will hold in your arms by the end of it's journey inside you and the new journey that both of you will begin and the world calls it BIRTH.

More to come in my next blog.

About me- My name is Ruhi and am a mom of a lil toddler. These are my expriences of being a mom and the expriences that have been shared by my near and dear ones. Hope it helps mothers in some way to enjoy their motherhood.

THE MOM IN ME - 3

It has been observed by me and rather by many more that in this new era of women empowerment and as the woman in us takes a new stand in the outside world, the thought of becoming a mother is not just a picture of being the 'feminine form'.. its about making womanhood one with motherhood..!!

By stating this I don't say this just about those with jobs.. it's the same with those who choose to be home maker's!!!
The feeling of you never to be ready is always a part of it, so don't be disheartened by it... you will over come it as soon as you hold your baby for the first time. Although at this stage you are being filled with a lot of hormones in your body.... so over thinking and over reactions are all a part of the game!!

This is where mostly all the husband's are the ones to take lessons of extreme understanding...(the poor punching bags). Your going to be running into a spree of emotions... depending on what kind of hormones are affecting you the most!!! So don't be surprised if you find yourself screaming for the silliest reasons or crying for no reason.... that is all what we say 'hubby dear deal with it...!!!'

Being forgetful is also a common behavioral change that you will observe. For e.g. you would open the refrigerator to get something and might just scan it and shut it back again, and you could end up doing it a couple more times!! Or may be you would enter a room to fetch something and move out by doing something else like  - just look at yourself in the mirror, this too might happen a couple of times.. with the people around you wondering 'what's wrong with you?'. At such times husband's generally say' my love you seem to be stressed, why don't you relax!'. So girls enjoy the attention!!!

Coming to the health part.. High Heels are a big NO! Also from the start keep your posture right. This is extremely important as with time your body structure is going to change so we  or rather our bodies tend to take a more easier way to carry the extra weight! So as your curvature increases you tend to make a hunch in your back and protrude your tummy outward. And this tends to happen unknowingly... which in the later stages comes out as severe lower back aches, or disc swelling or spine stiffness!! So girls with a conscious effort and a conscious mind practice and make sure when you walk or stand your back is straight. Also tell your husband and people around you to correct you if they see you slouching your back. This is also a form of yoga, so will help you feel energized as much as possible.

More to come in my next blog.

About me- My name is Ruhi and am a mom of a lil toddler. These are my expriences of being a mom and the expriences that have been shared by my near and dear ones. Hope it helps mothers in some way to enjoy their motherhood.