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Home Pregnancy Tests
Every woman wants to get pregnant and have a baby at some point of time in life. To know that you are pregnant is the most precious moment of one’s life. Pregnancy brings huge contentment and joy.
As soon as a woman misses her period, she gets anxious and starts wondering how to confirm her pregnancy at home only before reaching out to a medical professional. In such cases, home pregnancy tests are the most convenient and easy way to find out if you are pregnant and ready to bring a new life into this world.
What is a Home Pregnancy Test?
Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) also known as the pregnancy hormone in your urine. As soon as you get pregnant, your body starts producing hCG, once the fertilised egg implants in your uterus.
The hCG secreted by the cells gradually form the baby’s placenta.. A Home pregnancy test allows for an early pregnancy test at home and can detect the presence of hCG in the urine in about 6 to 14 days after fertilization.
In the initial few days of implantation, the hCG level in your body rises quickly and home pregnancy tests are sensitive enough to detect the hCG level in your body as soon as your periods are delayed by one day.
If you have a negative result on your first home pregnancy test and your periods are delayed, then you should wait for another few days to test again. It may be because the hCG level in your body is not high enough to get detected on the first day of the missed period.
Some pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others and can even confirm the small presence of hCG in your body.
About Pregnancy Test Kits
Home pregnancy test kits are the most convenient way to confirm your pregnancy at home. They are easy-to-use and most of them provide accurate results. There are many brands of home pregnancy test kits available in the market nowadays but all of them work in a similar manner by detecting the level of hCG in your urine.
Just make sure you keep the following things in mind while buying a home pregnancy test:
Choose a well-known brand
Make sure you check the packaging and check to ensure the pack is intact before buying the test
Also, check the expiry date. The expired test may not give the accurate results;
Try buying those kits that come with two sticks. So, in case you take an early pregnancy test and the results come out as negative,, you can take the test again after certain days to check for a positive result..
Apart from them, there are various other natural home pregnancy tests to confirm your pregnancy at home.
How to Take a Pregnancy Test at Home?
Make sure you read the instructions in the pregnancy kit carefully regarding how to confirm pregnancy at home as it may vary from kit to kit.
Most test kits are very convenient to use. You can simply check by passing urine on the test stick. But, in some tests, you may have to collect the urine in a small cup and then insert the testing strip into that cup to confirm pregnancy. Some of them also provide a dropper for placing the urine sample on the testing stick.
Even, the manner in which results are displayed can vary. Some of them show as pink or blue lines on the test strip and the others might show the plus or minus sign or change the urine colour to determine the results. New digital tests simply display their results in words i.e. “pregnant” or “not pregnant” and even give a rough estimate of the number of weeks you are into your pregnancy.
When to Take a Home Pregnancy Test?
Here are the signs that indicate that you should take a pregnancy test:
If you have missed your period: It is the most reliable sign of pregnancy. Most of the women have 28 days’ menstrual cycle, so consider taking a test if it has been a month since you had your last period. But, sometimes your period might get delayed due to stress, diet, exercise, or other reasons also;
If you are having cramps: Implantation of an egg in your uterus also causes cramps in your stomach similar to what you get during periods, you might feel that your periods are about to come but, they don’t;
If you experience sore breasts: Due to excess production of estrogen and progesterone in your body due to pregnancy, your breasts might become sore, tender, and fuller when you get pregnant;
If you are feeling ‘different’: Nausea, food aversions, exhaustion, and frequent urination is also other sign of pregnancy that you can experience;
In case your contraception failed: Contraceptives like condoms, birth control pills, etc. do not give 100% protection and can fail. So, in case you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms despite having used contraception, then you should take a home pregnancy test.
When should I use the Home Pregnancy Kit?
Nowadays, most tests can detect your pregnancy as soon as the first day of your missed periods. There are even more advanced and sensitive tests available in the market that can even detect the pregnancy with a low level of hCG before the period is due. The results might not be accurate with these early tests.
You can take the test at any time of the day irrespective of the test you are using but try avoiding drinking too much water before taking the test as it may dilute hCG levels in the body.
However, most tests recommend using the first urine in the day for taking the test since ehCG levels will become concentrated in the urine through the night.
In case you have an irregular period, you should wait for the duration of the longest cycle you have experienced to take the test since you might not be sure when your period is due exactly.
Similarly, if you stopped taking the pill recently you might not be sure of your regular cycle. In that case, if the results are negative on your first test then, wait for another three days and take the test again.
How accurate are Home Pregnancy Tests?
The home pregnancy test kit usually provides 99.99% accurate results if the instructions for taking the test are followed correctly. But, sometimes low hCG levels, sensitivity of the test, or days elapsed since implantation of the egg may provide different results.
In some cases, home pregnancy test may be a false negative. It may be because you might not be pregnant or your hCG levels may be so low that they cannot be detected yet. In case you test too early, you might get false negative results since not enough hCG has built up in your system. You should wait for another three days and take the test again if you are experiencing other signs of pregnancy.
The chances of a home pregnancy test showing a false positive are very rare. This is the case where you get a false positive result even if you are not pregnant. This might be due to consumption of medication that contains hCG which may affect the results.
Home Remedies for Pregnancy Test
Missing your period, or any delay in your period can make you anxious and excited Sometimes, this enticement, excitement makes you test before time. So, if you do not have access to a pregnancy test kit or do not want to spend money on buying one at such an early stage, you can easily detect your pregnancy with a homemade pregnancy test.
Instead of spending money on an expensive medical test to confirm your pregnancy, there are many ways to confirm your pregnancy without a kit with the ingredients available in your kitchen.This makes checking your pregnancy at home quite simple, easy and cost effective.
Using natural ingredients such as toothpaste, vinegar, baking soda, etc. are completely safe to use for confirming your pregnancy at home. But, are home pregnancy tests accurate? There is no scientific research that vouches for the accuracy of the results of these homemade tests. They do also check for the hCG level in your urine but there are no proven ways to conduct these tests at home.
Once the initial euphoria and excitement of getting to know that you are pregnant is settled, you should plan your next action. You must choose a gynecologist and schedule an appointment with the doctor at the earliest.
Also Read:
List of DIY Pregnancy Tests
How to Confirm Pregnancy Without Taking a Test? Read more
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How to Wash Your Baby's Hair
As your little one comes into the world, you have many questions about how to raise him properly. Most new moms wonder about the right time to bath their baby. They are even concerned about how to wash newborn baby hair in a manner that is safe and does not trouble the baby? Well, here are a few tips to keep in mind and a few points to observe while doing so.
How Often Should you Wash Baby's Hair?
Similar to giving a bath to your baby, washing his hair should not adhere to any specific routine. Washing it too frequently can remove the necessary oils that the scalp needs to remain healthy. At times, simply using a sponge dipped in water to clean it up should suffice. If the weather is icky or you have travelled around quite a bit with your child, then washing the hair might be a good idea.
Tips to Wash Baby's Hair
One of the major things mothers worry about is how to wash baby's hair without letting water to enter his eyes. For that, here’s how you can give your baby a bath and wash his hair in the right manner.
Firstly, ensure that the bathroom is clean and comfortable. The temperature should be warm and everything that you need should be next to you. At no point should you leave the baby by himself.
Once he is little wet and good, take some shampoo on your palm and apply it on his head, making sure it reaches the scalp. If your kid starts to push your hand around, give him his favourite bath toy or start singing a song along and make it seem like a friendly activity.
To prevent the water from entering the eyes, a simple way is to let gravity do the job. Use your arms to slightly lean your baby back so that water will drip from the back and won't reach his face.
Be gentle while you wash his hair as the scalp is quite soft at this point. Using a simple sponge can do the trick. Wet his hair first, then run a soapy sponge gently on his head in a rhythm that goes with the song you are humming. It will clean his hair and scalp and will keep your little one smiling as well.
There would be soft spots on the top of the head and care needs to be taken to not press on them too hard.
Do not keep the baby wet for too long. Once it has been cleaned, quickly rinse and then dry using a towel. This will avoid him from catching a cold as well as the sound.
What about Babies with Fussy Hair?
Washing a baby's hair can be a difficult business. However, sometimes the hair has its own mind and comes with a whole new challenge making washing even more difficult.
1. Sparse Hair
Washing your child’s hair when there is barely any could make you worry about him. However, it is totally fine since many kids have good hair growth at a later stage in life.
For such kids, washing their hair once a week is more than enough. Less hair does not mean that you need not wash it. The scalp requires attention and should be kept clean.
At the same time, the oil that’s secreted on the scalp is necessary for its healthy well-being. Therefore, washing it frequently is a strict no-no.
2. Thick Tangled Hair
If you are happy that your child has thick hair, then don't be too happy, as it can be a problem if his hair keeps getting entangled with each other.
For babies with curly hair, washing also entails the use of a hair conditioner that can prevent his hair from getting tangled up.
In such cases, use of a shampoo is not necessary for every single wash. Water followed by some conditioner is good enough to do the job. Applying a little more conditioner that stays in the hair, ensures that his hair stays soft.
While using a conditioner that is sprayed, make sure it reaches the ends and especially at the areas where knotting is higher.
What If the Baby Hates Washing Hair?
This usually happens if they have had a scary incident associated with bathing. Or if the shampoo has entered their eyes and cause a burning sensation. Making the entire process exciting and fun-filled by distracting him is the only way to subside the tension.
What Products Should you use to Wash Baby's Hair?
Make use of a shampoo that is baby friendly and helps with moisturizing the scalp too. Never use a shampoo meant for adults. Opt for a shampoo that has a pH value ranging from 4.5 to 6.
Tips to Make the Process of Washing Baby Hair Tolerating
Many babies don't like it when someone washes their hair. Yes, babies are extremely fussy, but that does not mean you should listen to his cries all the times. His well-being should be your major concern. So, if your baby cries while you try to wash his hair, there are a few tips you can try that will make the entire process of washing your baby's hair easier:
Keep the bath short and quick.
Go for a no-tears shampoo that smells good.
If pouring of water scares your child, use a sponge to clean the hair.
Do not make the baby lean without support.
Gently massage the head when you wash. This could calm the child at times.
FAQs
1. When Should I Start Using Shampoo for Baby Hair Wash?
Newborn babies do not require shampoos for washing their hair. Introduce shampoos only after your baby is around 2 months old or so.
2. What if my Baby is Bald?
Hormones or hereditary conditions can cause your baby to be bald. Nevertheless, the scalp still needs to be cared for. Wash it once a week with less water since there’s no hair to hold the water. Make sure his eyes are protected at all times.
Bathing a newborn baby becomes an activity that gets challenging over time. When washing a newborn baby's hair for the first time, it is necessary to note that shampoos should not be used up until 6-8 weeks after the baby’s delivery. A clean scalp and healthy hair are not difficult to attain and you, too, will learn to adjust to your baby’s tendencies.
Also Read: Baby Hair Growth Tips Read more
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Using Cough Drops During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
If you are not pregnant, you may not take your cough and cold too seriously. However, pregnancy changes the scenario completely. This is because what may seem to be a small health issue pre-pregnancy may require deliberate thought during pregnancy. So, if you are sceptical about popping some cough drops to soothe your throat, you should read the following article. We shall be discussing whether or not it is safe to use cough drops during pregnancy.
What Are Cough Drops?
Cough drops are small, candy-like medicines that provide temporary relief from the symptoms of a cough and cold. They are available as over-the-counter medicines and usually do not require a doctor’s prescription.
Why Do You Need Cough Drops?
Cough drops, also known as throat lozenges are very effective in providing relief from a cough. However, it is not only the cough that is taken care of; these sweet discs are also beneficial in providing relief from a runny nose, dry mouth, sore throat, and persistent cough. Cough drops also help reduce the duration of your cold.
Are Cough Drops Safe to Take During Pregnancy?
You may find these sweet flavoured medicated candies very palatable, but you may wonder whether they are safe to be used during pregnancy or not. Well, these sugary pills are usually considered safe as they are consumed only to provide temporary and short-term relief from the symptoms. It is very unlikely that these drops will harm your unborn child in any way. However, you should refrain from overconsumption, and read the labels for the active and inactive ingredients in order to avoid taking any harmful ingredients unknowingly.
Ingredients Used in Cough Drops
Cough drops can contain any of the following ingredients:
1. Active Ingredients
Some of the active ingredients that may be used are as follows:
Eucalyptus oil
Benzocaine
Dextromethorphan
Pectin
Zinc gluconate glycine
Honey
Spearmint
Peppermint
Menthol
2. Inactive Ingredients
Some of the inactive ingredients in cough drops may include:
Wild thyme
Sage
Thyme
Hyssop
Horehound
Elder
Mallow
Linden flowers
Lemon balm
Which Ingredients Are Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
So, which cough drops are safe during pregnancy? Well, here are some of our recommendations:
You can use cough drops that contain an expectorant known as guaifenesin.
You can safely take cough drops with dextromethorphan in them.
Cough drops with Cepacol and Chloraseptic are also safe to consume during pregnancy.
You can also take menthol cough drops while pregnant; however, there is no study available to prove the safety or danger of this ingredient during pregnancy.
Which Ingredients Are Unsafe for Pregnant Women?
While some ingredients may be safe during pregnancy, others may lead to complications.
Do not take cough drops with herbal ingredients because they are often not tested for safety.
Do not take cough drops that have alcohol in them. Always look for alcohol-free options.
Side-Effects and Risks of Taking Cough Drops During Pregnancy
With only limited access to allopathic medicines, it is natural to be tempted to pop a lozenge when you are pregnant and have a cold. Here are some side-effects to consider before doing so:
1. Suppression of Mucus
Mucus is required to get rid of germs from your body. However, sometimes, taking cough drops may suppress mucus formation and trap the germs inside the body, which may later resurface.
2. Too Much Sugar
Most cough drops have high sugar content, so if you are suffering from diabetes or gestational diabetes, consuming them may increase your blood sugar levels.
3. Dubious Ingredients
Some cough drops may contain herbal ingredients which may not be safe for consumption during pregnancy because of the lack of studies on them.
Therefore, before you take any kind of cough drops, make sure you read the label carefully. In case of any doubts, you should seek your doctor’s assistance.
Precautions to Take While Using Cough Drops
Here are some precautions that you should exercise before taking cough drops during pregnancy:
If you are suffering from gestational diabetes, choose sugar-free cough drops.
Read the label for ingredients that can act as possible allergens.
Make sure you check the expiry date of the drops as they may not only lose their efficacy but may taste bad too.
If there is a lot of mucus formation, consult your doctor before taking any drops as they may suppress the mucus formation.
If you are consulting with your doctor regarding consuming cough drops during pregnancy, ask them the following questions:
How long do I have to take the cough drops for?
Is my condition mild enough to be solved by cough drops alone?
Do I have a lot of mucus in my cough?
These questions will help you understand the severity of your condition better.
Natural Alternatives to Cough Drops
Apart from cough drops, you may try various natural remedies to treat a cough. Following are some of the effective natural alternatives to cough drops:
Consume chamomile tea with honey to soothe your throat.
If you are a non-vegetarian, consuming homemade chicken soup can do wonders in providing relief from cough.
Honey lemon tea is also a good home remedy for cough and cold.
Gargling can help soothe an irritated throat.
Make use of humidifiers.
Adding ginger to your regular tea works too.
When to Call a Doctor
We recommend that you stop using home remedial measures and seek your doctor’s help right away under the following situations:
If you have a fever that 101 degrees or higher
If you have any kind of rash on your skin
If your cough persists for more than two days
If home remedies are not proving to be effective in improving your symptoms
If you have a severe headache
If you have nausea or vomiting
Any of the above-mentioned symptoms will require immediate medical assistance, so as soon as you register any of these symptoms, get in touch with your doctor.
A cough is not a very serious medical condition during pregnancy and can be easily managed. If you wish to take cough drops to soothe your throat, we recommend that you ask your doctor’s permission for the same. Every pregnancy is different and unique, and thus you and your doctor may know what may be best for you.
Resources and References: Healthline
Also Read: Loperamide In Pregnancy Read more
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Acupuncture to Induce Labour - Is It Right for You?
Acupuncture, an ancient, natural pain relief technique involves the insertion of thin needles into various pressure points to release pain and pressure. Lately, it has started gaining popularity as a means to initiate labour. Studies suggest that women who had performed acupuncture during pregnancy had an increased likelihood of getting into labour naturally, thereby reducing their chance of needing a cesarean for delivery. Applying acupressure is usually easy, and it can be quite effective in inducing labour when done by a professional. Acupressure can be a great way to kick-start labour without relying on a medical 'push'.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the earliest known healthcare systems in the world. Originated in China, it is an alternative medical practice that works on the belief that life energy flows through the body and any blockage which interrupts this energy flow can result in pain or disease. According to traditional Chinese medicine, health is a harmonious equilibrium of complementary life force extremes, “yin” and “yang”. Any imbalance of these life forces can cause illness. Practitioners inject very thin needles to different depths at specific body points to relieve pressure, clear blockages and facilitate the flow of energy. The resultant balancing of energy helps boost one's well-being and brings relief from pain and health issues like headaches, whooping cough, and blood pressure problems.
Is Acupuncture Safe to Induce Labour?
The acupuncture points can be helpful during childbirth. It may be a subtle and harmless way to induce labour without side effects. The limited studies conducted till date reveal that the use of acupuncture is safe in order to induce labour, and no known harmful effects to the expectant mother and her unborn child have been recorded. However, more research is required to study in detail its efficiency to prompt labour and ascertain all the likely risks. Insufficient evidence makes it tough to guarantee its safety.
It is advisable to use acupuncture to induce labour only if the expectant mother is 40 weeks pregnant - it may be inherently dangerous to apply it earlier as it might encourage labour too early. Also, it is important to allow a trained and skilled acupuncturist to perform it instead of trying it on one's own. The use of disposable, pre-sterilised needles and maintaining strict hygiene is essential to avoid any probable infections later on.
How Does Acupuncture Work During Labour?
Acupuncture and labour may have a strong connection. Acupuncture can stimulate a pregnant woman’s body once she has completed the gestation period to get ready for labour. Needling can trigger her body to release prostaglandins which ripen the cervix, and Oxycontin, which generates contractions. The production of hormones naturally develops a gradual start of labour rather than a traumatic one, and the expectant mom is more likely to have a smooth and easy delivery. Some doctors like to call acupuncture “labour preparation” as it preps the mother and baby for the childbirth process by relaxing the body and activating hormone release, followed by uterine contractions. In any case, the therapy helps the pregnant women relax and feel good.
Can Acupuncture Relieve Labour Pain?
There are two primary theories about how acupuncture can help relieve labour pain. One is built on neuroscience, which believes that needling stimulates nerves, connective tissues and muscles which enhances blood flow and signals the brain to release the body’s natural painkillers - endorphins. Endorphins are believed to be more potent than the popular narcotic, morphine, in diminishing even severe pain. Another theory states that an acupuncture birth may help in decreasing the body’s inflammatory proteins causing reduction in pain and inflammation.
Most mainstream doctors are accepting of the therapy’s technique for pain relief particularly when conventional medicine isn’t useful. However, acupuncture continues to be controversial in Western medical science. It is hard to establish investigations using scientific controls owing to the invasive nature of the technique; therefore, it remains unclear how acupuncture may work scientifically to benefit with pain relief during labour.
How Many Acupuncture Treatments Are Required to Induce Labour?
Acupuncture is simply a means to spark the progression of natural labour. It may work differently for different people and in different situations. In instances where pregnant women have completed full gestation, they may require between one and three acupuncture treatments before labour commences. Several studies indicate that labour normally starts 6 to 48 hours after an acupuncture session. In case a pregnant woman is overdue, she may like to receive treatment every alternate day to provoke labour. On an average, things may progress for most pregnant women after 2 to 3 treatments. However, it is advisable to speak to a doctor before seeking acupuncture treatments while pregnant.
How Quickly and Effectively Will Acupuncture Work To Induce Labour?
An acupuncturist may not be able to use all the pressure points when dealing with pregnant women because of their stimulating impact on the body. Some points, like the lower back or upper shoulders may already be sore due to pregnancy. Thus, the treatment can comfort and soothe some of the aches and pains which in turn may provide an additional boost of energy that is much needed at the time of labour and delivery.
Further studies show that pregnant women who received 2 to 3 acupuncture sessions advanced into labour naturally compared to women who received only standard care. But needling may not cause labour if the body is not ready for it. Research reports that in cases where mothers are overdue, the success rate of acupuncture to bring on labour is almost 88 %.
Therefore, the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in bringing relief from pain at various stages of labour may be promising, but its effect or usefulness in causing labour is not definitive.
Benefits of Acupuncture to Induce Labour
Some of the possible benefits of acupuncture to induce labour can be:
Pregnant women are less likely to experience extreme pain and ask for epidurals for pain relief because of acupuncture therapy
It may induce adequate relaxation and calmness which can help pregnant women during labour. Relaxed muscles can translate into a feeling of less pain in labour
Being calm can result in the release of Oxycontin, which is responsible for producing contractions, thereby averting unnecessary intervention
At times, the childbirth process may take a lot of time, causing much distress. In such scenarios, acupuncture can be most helpful to incite labour
FAQs
Some of the frequently asked questions about acupuncture are:
1. Should I Consult an Acupuncturist Who Specialises in Pregnancy?
Every individual may have a different requirement of acupuncture. Also, most maternity hospitals do not support this practice. Therefore, pregnant women who want to opt for acupuncture may have to look for private acupuncturists who are experts in managing such cases. It is important to consider one's finances as it can be expensive.
2. Should I Get Acupuncture Before 35 Weeks of Pregnancy?
No, you should not attempt to start labour before 35 weeks of pregnancy. The topic of early induction has generated much discussion. Almost all doctors agree that the delivery process should not be hastened by acupuncture except if it is medically compulsory.
Acupuncture treatments may have many advantages for expectant moms. Some women may prefer to explore alternative medicine to incite labour to avoid the use of drugs and their side effects. But more conclusive research is required for acupuncture to be accepted in mainstream medical practices. Someday, it can benefit more women to give birth naturally (vaginally).
Also Read: Best Ways to Induce Labour Naturally Read more
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Does Progesterone Help To Prevent Preterm Labour?
Pre-term labour could lead to many complications during childbirth and after, where the baby will have to be incubated. While this is an undesirable situation, there are times when it is necessary as the baby is ready to pop out.
Preterm labour is when the baby arrives anywhere between the 28th and the 33rd week of pregnancy. They are at increased risk of infant mortality. Studies have shown that using progesterone can, however, reduce this risk by up to 40%. Progesterone injections for preterm labour are a common occurrence for many women before giving birth.
What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone that is released in females and it plays a major role in controlling menstruation after ovulation. In pregnant women, it can help prevent preterm birth by nullifying the contractions that lead to the same.
It is important that babies make it as close to their due date as possible because it could lead to a lot of complications in terms of health.
Role of Progesterone Hormone in Pregnancy
Progesterone supply during pregnancy is vital as it helps the endometrium strong to nurture the fetus in the body. It provides a supportive environment in different stages of the pregnancy to ensure that the fetus stays healthy throughout the entire time period.
As the pregnancy progresses, progesterone plays a role in helping the breasts get ready to produce milk for the baby. Also, the lungs are strengthened with the help of this hormone to provide more amounts of oxygen.
Post 8 to 10 weeks of the pregnancy period, the placenta takes over from the ovaries to increase the amount of progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth.
When do Doctors Recommend Progesterone Therapy to Pregnant Women?
Generally, women who are more likely to have miscarriages or preterm births are provided additional progesterone therapy. Here are a few situations where progesterone might be prescribed:
1. Past Preterm Births
When a mother has gone through the experience of a preterm birth in the past, doctors generally advise progesterone therapy. This therapy is generally started somewhere around the 16th to the 20th week of pregnancy and continues well into the 36th week.
The 17 hydroxyprogesterone for pre-term labour is injected into the mother, with a typical dosage anywhere around 250 mg.
2. Short Cervix
A short cervix can be insufficient to hold the fetus in for longer periods of time and this can lead to preterm birth. This can pose many risks for mothers and it is recommended that pregnant women get their cervix measured between the 19th and 24th week of pregnancy.
Physicians carefully monitor the cervical length, in cases of previous preterm births with ultrasounds done every two weeks - right from week 15 till week 24-26. There are also many risk factors for short cervix including:
C and D procedures (surgeries that can scrape the lining of the uterus)
Cervical incompetence in previous pregnancies
Any situations of PPROM - Previous Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Any biopsy of the cervix used to remove pre-cancerous tumours or diagnostic purposes
Previous childbirth trauma when the cervix got torn
Later-term or even repeated abortion
Abnormalities in the uterine and anomalies
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure
For those who have a shorter cervix, the progesterone is generally given at the 18th week of pregnancy and is continued right till the 36th week. This type of therapy sessions involve the administration of the body’s natural progesterone in the following forms:
Gels
Vaginal suppository
Tablets
3. Past PPROM
The Premature Rupture of Membranes occurs when the chorionic membranes and amniotic sac rupture even before the process of labour. When this happens before the 37th week of pregnancy, the condition is called PPROM (Preterm PROM). In such cases, providing progesterone is not as effective for those having the PPROM in their first pregnancy, but they will benefit in subsequent pregnancies.
4. Other conditions
Progression in the field of medicine can lead to additional uses for progesterone for the prevention of preterm delivery. Some have suggested progesterone therapy can help those women who have experienced premature labour in their current pregnancy though the validity of this is still not fully clear.
Progesterone Treatment during Pregnancy
There are different ways to administer progesterone treatments during pregnancy, depending on the doctor’s advice. If you’re someone who’s in line for progesterone treatment, then you could be prescribed shots, suppositories and tablets based on what’s best for you.
1. Progesterone Shots
Progesterone shots for preterm labour is a common way of getting the hormone into pregnant women. It involves an oil-based solution being injected into the body and this is also the most established way of providing progesterone to pregnant women.
The injection is inserted into the buttocks once a day and it uses thick or larger needles to penetrate thick skin and fat. This method cannot be done by patients on their own and they will require medical intervention as the process can sometimes be painful to endure.
The Progesterone shots to prevent preterm labour side effects include skin reactions and rashes but these are common and should be expected.
2. Vaginal Progesterone
The vaginal progesterone delivery method includes vaginal gels, vaginal inserts. An FDA approved vaginal gel is used once a day for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. A majority of women who have used this gel have approved its convenience and the comfort that it provides.
There are also progesterone oral tablets that are used vaginally in addition to inserts that are effective for women under 35 years.
Progesterone Suppositories
These suppositories are generally compounded at pharmacists and are wax-based. These can be used two to three times a day though they can cause a messy leakage in the process.
What Are Its Side Effects?
Progesterone shots and oral medicines can give rise to various side effects in women, which are minor. However, if a pregnant woman has liver disease or arterial disease, then the progesterone is contradicted.
Some of the side effects include:
Vaginal discharge after shots
Irritation or reactions at the site of injection
Fatigue
A headache
Sleepiness
Nausea
The last four side effects are consistent with oral medications.
Natural Ways To Avoid Preterm Birth
There are a few natural ways to prevent preterm birth. These include:
Following a healthy diet
Visiting the doctor regularly
Take care of any health problems - like diabetes, high BP and depression
Have a diet that incorporates different food and stay healthy.
Thus, progesterone is known to help improve the health of the cervix and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Consult a doctor before proceeding and using the same, to avoid any side effects
Also Read: Taking Progesterone to Prevent Miscarriage Read more
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Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
15 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
10 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
9 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
3 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
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