Choosing to start a family involves careful consideration of various factors. It’s crucial to assess potential risks, understand possible complications, and develop a suitable birth plan. Our team of specialized medical professionals offers the guidance, care, and support you need during this important time, making us the perfect starting point for your journey.

While some may find conception easy, others may face challenges along the way. We provide detailed support from preconception planning to delivery. Our expertise ensures not only a smooth delivery but also support throughout the entire pregnancy journey. Consulting with any of our Obstetrics and Gynecology experts Dr. kartik Savalia guarantees you receive the right advice and assistance tailored to your needs.

Prioritizing preconception consultations is essential! These consultations help prepare you physically and mentally for pregnancy and parenthood. Discussing with your Ob-Gyn beforehand allows you to understand the pregnancy process, anticipate challenges, and grasp the responsibilities of parenthood.

Many couples face difficulties conceiving, but various options, from medications to intrauterine insemination, are available to assist in conception. Preconception counseling addresses fertility issues and aids in family planning. It involves thorough investigations, diagnostics, and discussions to provide a comprehensive understanding of parenthood.

Preconception check-ups typically include assessing medical and surgical history, Ob/Gyn history, physical examinations, blood tests, cardiovascular checks, semen analysis, and gynecological examinations. Pregnancy and parenthood involve both physical and psychological aspects. Our team helps you navigate these challenges and opportunities, ensuring a fulfilling and joyous experience every step of the way.

A standard pregnancy spans 40 weeks, commencing from the initial day of the last menstrual period (LMP) until childbirth. It’s segmented into three phases, known as trimesters: The initial, middle, and final trimesters, with distinct fetal advancements during each stage. An infant is deemed full-term at the 40-week mark; babies born prior to the completion of week 37 are generally classified as premature.

First Trimester (0 to 14 Weeks)

The initial trimester holds paramount importance in the baby’s development. This phase, marking the onset of pregnancy, witnesses substantial hormonal fluctuations and is also associated with the highest incidence of miscarriages and birth defects. Following successful fetal implantation in the uterus, the womb begins to facilitate the growth of the placenta and fetus, while the body increases its blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, accompanied by an elevated heart rate.

Despite the absence of visible signs of pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous changes to accommodate the growing baby, often manifesting as symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, and increased urination frequency.

By the end of the third month, the growing baby has developed all its organs, making this period particularly significant. It’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet during this time, ensuring an adequate intake of vitamins to prevent neural tube defects. Furthermore, it’s imperative to abstain from smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug usage, as these habits can lead to severe pregnancy complications and birth abnormalities.

Second Trimester (14 to 28 Weeks)

During this trimester, as the uterus rapidly expands to accommodate the growing baby, your abdomen will increase in size, resulting in the emergence of a noticeable baby bump!

While experiencing decreased nausea, improved sleep patterns, and higher energy levels, you may also encounter a new set of symptoms including back pain, abdominal discomfort, leg cramps, constipation, and heartburn.

Around weeks 26 to 28 of pregnancy, doctors typically conduct tests for gestational diabetes. This involves reporting to the hospital after fasting overnight for a blood sample examination. Upon arrival, you’ll be instructed to consume a high-glucose substance, followed by a one-hour wait before having your blood drawn again to test glucose levels. This test ensures proper sugar metabolism during pregnancy.

Between 16 to 20 weeks, you’ll also begin to notice the baby’s movements, marking an exciting milestone in this trimester.

Third Trimester (28 to 40 Weeks)

In the final phase of pregnancy, various physical symptoms may arise including breathlessness, hemorrhoids, urinary leakage, varicose veins, and difficulty sleeping.

During this time, your doctor will conduct routine checks including urine tests for protein, monitoring blood pressure, listening to the fetal heart rate, measuring fundal length, and assessing swelling in hands and legs. Additionally, the doctor will determine the baby’s position and examine the cervix to monitor your body’s readiness for childbirth.

Regular visits to a healthcare provider are crucial for ensuring optimal outcomes. Prenatal care is essential throughout each trimester, as it allows the doctor to monitor the baby’s development and ensure the mother’s well-being. Babies born to individuals receiving regular prenatal care typically experience better outcomes.

By adhering to prenatal vitamin intake, attending scheduled appointments, and undergoing recommended tests, you’re taking proactive steps to provide your baby with a healthy start in life.

Although it typically takes about 6 weeks for a fetal heartbeat to form, egular ultrasounds and fetal care monitoring can help you assess your baby’s growth and development during these crucial stages. 

The Mother & the Fetus are a physically connected as a single unit, they are both two different entities & individuals, having their own physiological and developmental challenges and require specialized care independent of each other.

Advancements in Obstetrics have now given shape to a new field of medicine known as – fetal medicine, which focuses on the specific requirements of the fetus.

Pregnancy spans approximately 40 weeks, during which both mother and baby reach significant milestones each week. It’s crucial to undergo regular check-ups to monitor progress and address any potential challenges. Consultations and scans with fetal medicine specialists at Urbanheal ensure comprehensive monitoring throughout this journey.

How Fetal care will benefit you?

  • Identify early indications of birth defects and implement appropriate measures or opt for termination of the pregnancy if the fetus is affected.
  • Assess the level of care necessary for both you and your baby, and consider transferring to tertiary care if necessary.
  • Predict and prevent any fetal growth restriction or preterm birth. 

Many a time, various complications that arise during pregnancy, while the child is still inside the womb, can lead to health issues in later stages like infancy or adult life. This can be prevented by ensuring that quality fetal care is provided at the right time.

Ultrasound scanning plays a significant role in fetal medicine by offering diagnostic and interventional capabilities to detect any potential issues with the developing fetus. Commonly conducted scans include:

  • An anatomy scan
  • A Nuchal Scan
  • A standard ultrasound examination in each of the trimesters.

Undergoing an ultrasound during the first trimester of pregnancy enables the identification of the embryo, evaluation of fetal length, assessment of fetal cardiac activity, and examination of the maternal uterus to determine any potential risks to the baby.

Undergoing ultrasounds during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy allows for the evaluation of fetal position, placenta location, estimated fetal weight, fetal anatomy survey, and assessment of amniotic fluid volume.

Effective monitoring of fetal growth and vital signs throughout gestation is crucial for ensuring appropriate progression and detecting any anomalies promptly, thereby enhancing the pregnancy experience. Advanced technology and innovative medical procedures enable the delivery of top-notch fetal care at Urbanheal.

 Regardless of whether it’s a natural birth, Cesarean section, or premature delivery, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care, comfort, and support throughout the delivery process.

Delivery marks the culmination of the pregnancy journey and the arrival of your baby. Achieving a smooth birthing experience requires careful adherence to your doctor’s guidance and the creation of a suitable birth plan with your Obstetrician-Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn).

Labor, a pivotal stage in pregnancy, typically involves four stages:

Effacement and Dilation: During this stage, the cervix begins to dilate, reaching approximately 10 centimeters within 12-13 hours of active labor. This phase progresses from early labor to active labor and transition to the second stage, characterized by intensified contractions, and eventually, pushing.

The Second Stage: Involves pushing the fully dilated cervix to facilitate the baby’s passage through the birthing canal, often requiring medical assistance.

The Third Stage: Following the baby’s delivery, the uterus continues to contract to expel the placenta, typically occurring 10 to 15 minutes post-delivery.

The Fourth Stage: Focuses on extensive nursing care for both the mother and baby, including breastfeeding support and post-delivery vaginal care.

Childbirth classes offer valuable insights into the labor process, pain management techniques, and addressing parental concerns about childbirth. Parents-to-be receive guidance on epidurals, pain relief options, and the delivery process, ensuring they feel informed and empowered.

In cases where natural birth is not feasible or poses risks, Cesarean section surgeries provide a viable alternative. This procedure, involving an incision in the abdomen and uterus, offers a less painful birthing experience and reduces certain complications.

Among pain management options, epidurals are highly recommended, providing pain relief and promoting a positive childbirth experience by allowing relaxation and active participation in the birthing process.

At Urbanheal Hospital, our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing you and your family with exceptional care and support, ensuring a memorable and comfortable birthing experience using the latest medical procedures.

 

Although c-sections are common for many mothers, some still prefer vaginal delivery. After having a cesarean section for their first delivery, some may choose natural childbirth for subsequent ones, known as vaginal birth after cesarean or VBAC. At Urbanheal Hospital, if there are no additional risk factors to the mother or baby, we support expectant mothers in considering and opting for VBAC if they wish.

Effective communication with your gynecologist and consistent electronic fetal monitoring are crucial factors for a successful VBAC. Maintaining an open-minded approach and entrusting the gynecologist to make well-informed decisions are essential.

 

During childbirth, mothers often endure intense pain as the baby descends through the birth canal. Fortunately, there are techniques and medications available to alleviate this pain during labor and delivery.

Epidurals, safe pain-relieving injections administered in the lower back, offer significant pain relief during labor, enabling mothers to have a more comfortable delivery experience.

At Urbanheal Hospitals, our skilled team specializes in facilitating painless deliveries for expectant mothers, ensuring they can undergo childbirth comfortably and with ease.

 

While pregnancies are often natural and routine, complications can arise. At Urbanheal Hospital, we recognize the potential complications and provide appropriate guidance to expectant mothers. Several factors can contribute to high-risk pregnancies, including age, lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, and drug use, previous medical history, specific genetic conditions, and multiple pregnancies. With advanced infrastructure and a team of specialized professionals dedicated to managing high-risk pregnancies, we are fully committed to delivering the highest level of care. Our goal is to minimize and effectively manage all risks associated with your pregnancy journey.

Even after the nine-month journey and delivery, the maternal journey continues as you embark on caring for your newborn. Welcoming your baby into the world involves significant preparation to ensure they receive the necessary care and attention. For first-time parents, this transition can feel overwhelming, but at Urbanheal, we strive to make it as smooth as possible.

Our team of healthcare professionals conducts postnatal checks to promptly address any needs your baby may have as they adjust to their new environment, fight infections, and achieve their expected growth milestones. As your baby transitions from the womb to the outside world, there are potential risks to consider, making learning and adjustment essential.

Newborn care encompasses supporting both the child and parents through physiological, emotional, and health changes. This includes adhering to immunization schedules, scheduling regular health check-ups, identifying and addressing any postpartum health complications, recognizing signs and symptoms in the child, managing routine conditions, and administering medications if necessary.

As parents, it’s crucial to eliminate habits that could harm your child’s health and create a safe home environment. With these precautions in place, we aim to create a memorable birthing experience for you and ensure the well-being of both you and your newborn.

all risks associated with your pregnancy journey.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring the health of both mother and child, with breast milk being the optimal source of nutrients for newborns. Breast milk provides a comprehensive mix of essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. For premature babies, breastfeeding is particularly important as it helps bolster their weakened immune systems, offering protection against infections.

In addition to essential nutrients, breast milk contains antibodies, hormones, and other vital components necessary for the growth and development of the newborn.

Although breastfeeding may seem straightforward, some women encounter challenges due to lack of knowledge or other issues. We provide extensive breastfeeding support to assist mothers in providing their babies with the best possible nutrition.

Common breastfeeding issues may include cracked nipples, uncertainty about milk supply, engorgement, thrush infections, and mastitis. Seeking guidance from nurses or breastfeeding specialists is essential in addressing these concerns effectively.

Comprehensive breastfeeding support is crucial due to the potential health conditions that may arise. Beyond nutrition, breastfeeding fosters a strong bond between mother and child, promoting emotional well-being for both parties. It serves as an essential avenue for nurturing a loving relationship and enhancing mental health.

Mommy makeover

The post-pregnancy effects can be overwhelming for some women. Mommy makeover addresses issues like breast sagging, abdominal skin laxity, and stretch marks, aiming to restore self-confidence. Procedures include tummy tucks, breast surgeriesbody contouring, facial rejuvenation, and injectables like Botox, fillers, and laser peels. For women finding traditional methods exhausting, Mommy Makeover offers a combined approach for body reshaping. Dr. Kartik Savalia specialized Mommy Makeover doctors employ advanced techniques for optimal outcomes, ensuring outstanding clinical care.

At Urbanheal, we understand that a woman’s nutritional needs are greater than ever during pregnancy. It’s crucial to make healthy dietary choices daily to support the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Our prenatal nutritionists provide tailored advice and support to help expectant mothers achieve appropriate weight gain and ensure the fetus develops healthily.

Common pregnancy symptoms such as constipation, nausea, reflux, and nutrient shortages are addressed by our nutrition experts, who design dietary plans to alleviate these issues and promote a nutritious diet.

We at Urbanheal are dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of mothers during their pregnancy journey.

Lactation is the secretion of milk from a mother’s mammary glands following childbirth, providing essential nutrition and immunity to the newborn. The stage of galactopoiesis maintains milk production, relying on the hormones prolactin and oxytocin.

Unlike most body organs, the breasts continue to grow post-delivery. While mammary development begins during pregnancy due to ovarian and placental hormones and some milk production occurs, substantial milk secretion typically starts only after the baby is born. The process of lactation can commence even after a premature birth, suggesting that during pregnancy, milk production is suppressed. This suppression is due to the circulating combination of hormones that inhibits milk secretion by preventing the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland and by rendering the mammary gland cells unresponsive to this hormone. At the end of pregnancy, the removal of the placenta and the decrease in hormone production by the ovaries lift this inhibition, while the presence of sufficient estrogen encourages the pituitary gland to secrete prolactin, thereby supporting lactation.

What a Lactation Consultant Does 

Numerous studies recommend that a mother should exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of an infant’s life, then continue breastfeeding while introducing solid foods until the child is about a year old. Lactation consultants provide personalized guidance to mothers, helping them find the most effective breastfeeding strategies for themselves and their babies to enhance the likelihood of successful breastfeeding.

Research also shows that 60% of breastfeeding individuals cease earlier than planned. Lactation consultants are skilled professionals who assist new parents and their infants in overcoming challenges associated with breastfeeding.

What Happens During a Lactation Consultation

During your first appointment, our lactation consultant will gather essential details about the health of both the mother and baby, the pregnancy, and the birth. They’ll inquire about the baby’s birth weight, any subsequent weight changes, and your family’s health history.

They will also ask about the baby’s feeding patterns, daily diaper count, the nature of the baby’s bowel movements, and any particular concerns you might have.

At Urbanheal, our lactation consultants will:

  • Assess your baby’s appearance and behavior.
  • Check your breasts and nipples.
  • Observe your baby breastfeeding to potentially adjust your position.
  • Evaluate the baby’s latch, suck, swallow, and breathing to ensure everything is correct.
  • Address any breastfeeding issues.
  • Provide written guidelines or protocols to follow.
  • Explain how to contact them for further assistance or queries.
  • Inform you about local breastfeeding support groups.

Visits can take place in a hospital, clinic, office, or your home, and it’s important that you feel comfortable during these sessions.

Our lactation consultant will:

  • Offer private consultations.
  • Foster a positive environment.
  • Display empathy.
  • Clearly explain each step of the examination.

Contact our consultants today for more support!

Regular exercise has numerous health benefits, all of which apply equally to the new mother as at any other stage of life. These benefits include assistance with weight loss, increased aerobic fitness, social interaction and psychological wellbeing. Exercise after giving birth can also hasten recovery, and assist with muscle strength and toning.

Always consult with your doctor or midwife before starting any postnatal exercise program. It is recommended that you wait until the 6-week postnatal check with your doctor before commencing a group exercise program, returning to the gym or personal training. Whether or not you are ready to exercise depends on individual factors, along with any postnatal complications.

Benefits of exercise after pregnancy

Exercising after you have your baby can improve your physical and mental wellbeing. It can:

  • help restore muscle strength and firm up your body
  • make you less tired because it raises your energy level and improves your sense of wellbeing
  • promote weight loss
  • improve your cardiovascular fitness 
  • restore muscle strength
  • condition your abdominal muscles
  • improve your mood
  • Relieve stress
  • Promote better sleep
  • Reduce symptoms of postpartum depression

Exercise and breastfeeding

Moderate exercise isn’t thought to affect breast milk quantity or quality, or your baby’s growth. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s important to stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle handy during your workout, and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Some research suggests that high-intensity exercise might cause lactic acid to accumulate in breast milk and produce a sour taste a baby might not like, but this is likely rare.

If vigorous exercise is a priority during the first few months of breastfeeding, consider feeding your baby before your workout or pumping before your workout and feeding your baby the pumped breast milk afterward. Alternatively, exercise first and then take a shower, express a few milliliters of breast milk and, after a half-hour or an hour, offer the breast.

When to start postnatal exercises

If you had an uncomplicated pregnancy and vaginal delivery, it’s generally safe to begin exercising a few days after giving birth or as soon as you feel ready. If you had a C-section, extensive vaginal repair or a complicated birth, talk to your health care provider about when to start an exercise program.

Types of postnatal exercises

Recommended postnatal exercises include:

  • first few weeks postnatal walking
  • pelvic floor exercises
  • deep abdominal/core training.

Post 6-week doctor or midwife check-up

  • gym programs – ensuring to maintain posture, light weights, no breath holding
  • swimming – once bleeding has stopped
  • aqua aerobics – once bleeding has stopped
  • yoga
  • pilates
  • low impact aerobic workouts.

12-16 weeks postnatal

Can progress to higher impact exercise such as running and sport, as well as increase load and volume if pelvic floor is considered optimised. This should be assessed by a women’s or pelvic health physiotherapist.

After 16 weeks postnatal

Gradually increase exercise intensity at a rate that considers pelvic floor and abdominal levels, and any ongoing postnatal complications.

Talk to your doctor or midwife for further recommendations and cautions.

Physical activity goals

For most healthy women, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity — preferably spread throughout the week — after pregnancy. Consider these guidelines:

  • Take time to warm up and cool down.
  • Begin slowly and increase your pace gradually.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Wear a supportive bra, and wear nursing pads if you’re breastfeeding in case your breasts leak.
  • Stop exercising if you feel pain.

Activities to try

Pelvic tilt exercise

Happy baby yoga pose

Start with something low impact and simple — such as a daily walk. If you’re looking for camaraderie, see if you can find a postpartum exercise class at a local gym or community center.

With your health care provider’s OK, also consider these specific exercises:

  • Pelvic tilt. Try the pelvic tilt a few times a day to strengthen your abdominal muscles. Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent. Flatten your back against the floor by tightening your abdominal muscles and bending your pelvis up slightly. Hold for up to 10 seconds. Repeat five times and work up to 10 to 20 repetitions.
  • Kegel exercise. Use this exercise to tone your pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum. When practiced regularly, Kegel exercises can help reduce urinary and anal incontinence. Contract your pelvic floor muscles, as if you’re attempting to stop urinating midstream. Hold for up to 10 seconds and release, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions. Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions a day. Avoid Kegel exercises when urinating.
  • Happy baby yoga pose. Your pelvic muscles can tighten and become painful after childbirth. This yoga pose can help relax and gently stretch your muscles to relieve pain. Lie on your back and bring your knees toward your chest. Open your knees slightly wider than your hips. Keeping your arms on the inside of your knees, use your hands to hold onto the outside of your feet or ankles. Bend your knees so that the bottoms of your feet face upward and gently pull your feet downward to lower your knees toward the surface. Focus on relaxing your pelvic muscles as you work toward holding this pose for about 90 seconds.

Overcoming barriers

When you’re caring for a newborn, finding time for exercise can be challenging. Hormonal changes can make you emotional and some days you might feel too tired for a full workout. But don’t give up. Seek the support of your partner, family and friends. Schedule time for physical activity. Exercise with a friend to stay motivated. Include your baby, either in a stroller while you walk or lying next to you on the floor while you do abdominal exercises.

Exercise after pregnancy might not be easy — but it can do wonders for your well-being, and give you the energy you need to care for your newborn.

FAQS

  1. When can I start exercising after pregnancy?

If you had a healthy pregnancy and a normal vaginal delivery, you should be able to start exercising again soon after the baby is born. Usually, it is safe to begin exercising a few days after giving birth—or as soon as you feel ready. If you had a cesarean birth or complications, ask your ob-gyn when it is safe to begin exercising again.

  1. What are some guidelines I can Follow when I begin exercising after pregnancy?

Aim to stay active for 20 to 30 minutes a day. When you first start exercising after childbirth, try simple postpartum exercises that help strengthen major muscle groups, including abdominal and back muscles.

Gradually add moderate-intensity exercise. If you exercised vigorously before pregnancy or you are a competitive athlete, you can work up to vigorous-intensity activity.

Remember, even 10 minutes of exercise benefits your body. Stop exercising if you feel pain.

  1. How can I stay motivated once I start exercising?

You may already have a great exercise tool in your pocket. Smart phone apps for exercise and fitness can help you stay motivated, keep track of your progress, and connect you with others with the same exercise goals. Many apps are free or cost very little.

  1. How should I prepare for my workout?

As you get ready for your workout, follow these steps:

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing that will help keep you cool.

     

  • If you are breastfeeding, feed your baby or express your milk before your workout to avoid any discomfort that may come from engorged breasts.

     

  • Wear a bra that fits well and gives plenty of support to protect your breasts.

     

Have a bottle of water handy and take several sips during your workout.

What is Garbhsanskar?

Garbhsankar means education in the womb. In other words, we can say that Garbhsanskar is a pregnant mother’s a positive, joyful, and ritualistic lifestyle during her pregnancy.” In Sanskrit, “garbh” means womb, while “sanskar” refers to imbuing positive impressions or values on the child in the womb. It is said that mental development of the baby starts from the time of conceive. According to the Grabhsanskar, every child is able to respond to the outside influence like sound, music, thoughts, feeling and mood of mother. That is why every pregnant women should stay positive in her pregnancy. It is said that mental development of the baby starts from the time of conceive.

Benefits of Garbh Sanskar

Garbh Sanskar is essential for both the pregnant mother and the unborn child’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. A mother’s thoughts, emotions, and actions significantly impact the child in the womb’s growth and development. Garbh Sanskar helps to:

  • Develop a strong bond between the mother and the unborn child.
  • Improve the mother’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health during pregnancy.
  • Enhance the unborn child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioural development.
  • Create a positive environment in the womb, ensuring a healthy and happy baby.
  • Prepare the parents for their future roles as caregivers and guides.