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Watery Discharge During Pregnancy
White watery discharge, also known as vaginal leucorrhoea, is common among women. It begins at the onset of puberty and lasts until the end of menopause. The amount of discharge varies from woman to woman and usually increases during the menstrual cycle. A watery discharge signifies a healthy vagina as it helps expel bacteria, keeping the vaginal area free from infection. However, sometimes, vaginal discharge can be dangerous during pregnancy. Read on to learn more about watery discharge. Find out what it is and why it happens.
What Is Watery Discharge During Pregnancy?
The fluid that comes out of the vagina is known as vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is usually white or clear. If you are pregnant, you may notice watery discharge, but there is nothing to worry. Watery discharge during pregnancy usually depends on the stage of pregnancy. Based on the stage of your pregnancy, the characteristics and implications of a watery discharge may differ. Here is a categorised list of the same:
1. Watery Discharge in Early Pregnancy
Clear discharge during early pregnancy or first trimester has a slightly pungent smell. It resembles the slimy discharge of menstrual cycle and can stain your underclothes. This watery discharge appears due to the sudden surge in estrogen levels that increases blood flow to the vaginal area leading to an increase in other secretions.
2. Watery Discharge in the Second Trimester
In the second trimester, vaginal discharge is milky egg white in colour and consistency. It is considerably more frequent than the discharge in the first trimester but is perfectly normal as it occurs due to the hormones cascading through a woman's body. However, if you notice bloody discharge or foul-smelling discharge in your second trimester, it can indicate a problem. In such a case, you should consult a doctor immediately.
3. Watery Discharge in the Third Trimester
At this point, the discharge can exhibit itself in many forms, based on colour, odour, frequency, amount, and presence of blood. A heavy flow near your due date might imply preterm labour or even water breaking.
Is it Normal to Have a Watery Discharge During Pregnancy?
It is quite common for a pregnant woman to have a watery discharge from the vagina. The amount of discharge will only increase as the pregnancy progresses. Read on to know about normal and abnormal watery discharge in detail.
1. Normal Watery Discharge
Most instances of watery discharge are perfectly normal. You have nothing to worry about if you experience the following:
Leucorrhoea
As mentioned, this is the standard fluid discharge. It is thin, clear, and watery in consistency. It can be perceived as one of the first symptoms of pregnancy as it shows up at the very beginning after conception.
Bloody Show
In your final week, the discharge might include blood and mucus, which implies that you are ready to go into labour within a few days. The mucus is part of the plug that blocks your cervix, preventing infections. This is known as a bloody show.
Amniotic Leakage
When the watery discharge in the third trimester of your pregnancy resembles urine and has flakes in it, it might be your amniotic fluid leaking. This is a perfectly ordinary occurrence; you need not worry about it. However, if you notice a greenish watery discharge in copious amounts, it may indicate that your water bag has broken and the baby might have passed the meconium. In this case, you should rush to the hospital.
2. Abnormal Watery Discharge
Sometimes, a watery discharge is associated with several other symptoms which can irritate you. In such cases, a watery discharge is abnormal and can be a sign of one of the following:
Premature Labour
Noticing a small amount of blood in the last week of pregnancy is normal but if it is excessive, it might indicate preterm labour. Please contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.
Yeast Infections
A yeast infection can happen any time, but it may cause a lot more discomfort during pregnancy. Besides having greenish-yellow watery discharge or thicker white curdy discharge, you may experience pain while urinating. Yeast infections can also lead to irritation or redness in the vaginal area.
STIs
Watery discharge can even occur if you contract sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy. Any disease can affect your health and immune system. It can also affect your fertility levels. Hence, consulting a doctor would be the best option if you notice watery discharge frequently.
Vaginosis
Caused by bacteria, it is accompanied by discharge, itchiness, and burning sensation while urinating. In addition, the discharge has a foul odour. It needs to be treated immediately as it might lead to premature labour or even miscarriage.
What Causes Clear, Watery, or Jelly-like Discharge in Pregnancy?
The increase in oestrogen hormone and increased flow of blood to the pelvic region causes the mucous glands in the cervix to produce extra mucus. In addition, the cervix and vagina may also shed dead cells, which may lead to white jelly-like discharge.
When Is Watery Discharge a Sign of Concern?
If the watery discharge is accompanied by cramps in pregnancy, it should not be taken lightly. If it is green or yellow in colour and has a strong and foul odour, you should consult a doctor. You might also experience redness, itchiness, or swelling in the vaginal area.
Important Facts About Watery Discharge in Pregnancy
There are several signs and symptoms associated with a watery discharge during pregnancy. Some of them are stated below:
A watery discharge may occur consistently throughout the entire pregnancy period.
Watery discharge can be yellow, green, pink, white, or brown in colour.
It may occur during and after sexual intercourse in pregnancy due to a congested cervix and ectropion.
When Does Watery Vaginal Discharge Indicate an Infection?
As watery discharge is common during pregnancy, most women can’t tell the difference between normal watery discharge and abnormal watery discharge. It can be difficult to say that watery discharge is due to an infection. But if you observe any of the following things mentioned below, it might help to consult your gynaecologist.
Excess watery discharge along with lower body pain, especially after the 27th week of pregnancy.
Sudden changes in the colour or smell of vaginal discharge.
Itchiness, inflammation, redness, or painful sensation in your vaginal area.
Persistent fever.
Difficulty in urinating.
What If the Discharge Is Smelly or Changes Colour?
Watery discharge is usually white in colour and has a mild smell. If these features change drastically, it might be due to underlying problems such as premature labour or infection. Remember to carefully scrutinise your discharge for any changes.
When Is the Discharge Heavy?
The amount of watery discharge increases during periods and as the pregnancy progresses. You can expect a much higher amount of fluid secretion near the end of your third trimester.
Is Watery Discharge During Early Pregnancy a Sign of Miscarriage?
If you are experiencing vaginal watery discharge during your first trimester that is pink in colour, it might indicate a miscarriage. The colour will be due to blood, clots, or pieces of tissue from the placenta, uterus or amniotic sac.
How to Treat Watery Discharge
The treatment for the issue depends greatly on the underlying condition. The problem of watery discharge can easily be treated at home by making a few changes in your lifestyle. But sometimes, it may require medical intervention. Here’s how watery discharge can be taken care of.
1. Medical Treatment
As explained, you should consult your doctor if you observe any changes in your vaginal discharge during pregnancy or if you experience certain associated symptoms. Your healthcare provider might take swabs from your vagina for assessment, and provide you with treatments as well as steps to keep your vagina healthy and clean.
2. Remedies to Try At Home
Maintaining proper hygiene can keep your vagina clean and healthy. Here is what you can do to ensure good vaginal health:
Keep a stock of panty liners and sanitary napkins and use them as required. Avoid using tampons as they might irritate or cause toxic shock.
Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your vaginal walls and to prevent urine leakage.
Maintain hygiene to lower the risk of contracting any infections. Wash your vaginal area with clean water.
Wipe your genital area from front to back after urinating or passing stool.
Steer clear of processed food and opt for fresh fruits and veggies instead. Follow a healthy diet and avoid eating sugary foods as they might lead to yeast infections.
Wear cotton underwear as cotton is a breathable fabric. Your underwear should stay clean and dry.
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from your body regularly.
Include yoghurt in your diet to encourage the growth of good bacteria as it is a probiotic.
Use pH balanced vaginal washes intermittently to prevent abnormal bacterial growth.
Things to Remember
Taking a few precautions will help you avoid complications that can come with watery discharge.
Get Tested Regularly
If your watery discharge is accompanied by symptoms of an infection, you might have to get medical treatment. In addition, consume foods rich in probiotics to avoid the occurrence of yeast infections.
Maintain Hygiene
Keep your vaginal area clean. Avoid using a bar of scented soap or spray to clean your vaginal area. If you have foul-smelling vaginal discharge, using a spray won’t help. Wash your vaginal area with warm water and wear clean and comfortable underwear.
Change Your Underwear Regularly
Protecting your panties with a liner or simply changing underwear every time you experience a discharge will keep your vaginal area fresh and lower the chances of contracting any infection.
Keep Track of Your Vaginal Discharge
Always keep track of your vaginal discharge. Notice the colour, consistency, amount, and odour of the discharge, so you can tell if it changes suddenly. Also, wash your vaginal area properly after sexual intercourse and urinate often.
Trust Your Doctor
Listen carefully to your doctor, as she will be able to guide you the best through your pregnancy journey. If necessary, note down the instructions and tips given by him so you don’t miss out on important things.
Can You Prevent Watery Discharge?
If your discharge is normal, then there is no need for any treatment. However, taking the precautions mentioned above will help treat or prevent any abnormal watery discharge.
When to Consult a Doctor
In some situations, urgent medical care is required to treat any underlying problem. In any case, experiencing excess discharge in the third trimester is a serious matter, especially if you experience pain and discomfort. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor even if you are not entirely sure about the situation.
Any sort of watery discharge is bound to be unpleasant, but it is completely natural most of the time. By now you must have understood the differences between normal and abnormal watery discharge. Pay attention to the changes your body goes through. Furthermore, follow the tips mentioned in this article to ensure that you have a normal watery discharge. However, if you notice abnormal discharge, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
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Vaginal Odour during Pregnancy: Reasons & Treatment
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Sex after Delivery - How Long To Wait?
Pregnancy is a stage where the body undergoes a lot of changes. It takes some time to recover once the baby has been delivered. Until the body has fully recovered from the pregnancy blues, the mother needs to take special care of herself. It should be ensured that any activity that involves stress and takes a lot of energy on the part of the mother should only be performed after consultation with the doctor. One such activity is sex after pregnancy.
When Is It Safe to Resume Sex after Delivery?
It is important to understand that the body is fragile post-delivery and needs extreme care. It is not safe to have intercourse until at least two weeks have passed after delivery as the chances of uterine infection or haemorrhage is very high during this period. Further, it is recommended to wait for at least four weeks before you can have sex. This time frame increases to six months if you have fresh stitches as a result of delivery by C-section or due to any other surgery.
Consult your doctor on when to have sex after baby for the most accurate timeframe.
When Will You Feel Like Having Sex after Baby?
The first four to six weeks after pregnancy is a time period where your body is recovering from the stress and exhaustion of pregnancy and delivery. It is normal to have low libido levels during this period. Moreover, post-delivery your priority is to nurse the baby and take good care of their health. Sex is bound to take a back-seat.
Further, the natural lubrication of vagina is low after delivery due to the decrease in oestrogen levels, and the dryness may continue as long as you are breastfeeding the baby.
The urge to have sex may not return instantly. Most partners start having sex after 2 months of delivery.
Why You Don’t Feel Like Having Sex after Giving Birth?
There can be multiple reasons for this. To start with, you may be too stressed and low on energy to think of having sex.
The responsibility of managing the baby in the first few weeks might leave no room for having sex. The feeling of being less attractive and unsettled in your changing body can reduce your confidence and discourage you from getting intimate with your partner.
Baby blues or postpartum depression can also keep you away from sex after giving birth.
What to Do If Your Partner Wants Sex Before You Do?
It might only be normal for your partner to want sex after childbirth. It might be their way of showing love and affection towards you. However, it is important for you to take stock of your condition and talk to your partner about how you are coping with the post-pregnancy effects. Explain to him why your body is not yet ready for sex.
It is necessary to have clear communication and mutual understanding in order to keep the love in your relationship alive.
What Can You Do to Boost your Sex Drive?
Firstly, it is important to allow your body to recover before resuming your sex life. Partners who look to have sex post childbirth should do it with each other’s consensus.
Try and identify a time in the day where the two of you are least worn out and have the energy to engage each other. The first few sessions should be gentle, and you should opt for a position where the woman is in control of the depth of penetration and its pace.
Having a healthy diet with plenty of fluids and taking good rest along with mild physical exercises will help your body to recover fast.
Postpartum Sex Tips
Following are tips to enhance your sex appetite post-delivery:
Have a talk with your partner on when to restart your sex routine.
Start gently. Make it as comfortable as you can so that your inhibitions about pain from sex evaporate.
Eat healthily. Have plenty of fluids and perform light physical exercises to bring your body back into shape.
It is a good idea to allow your parents to do babysitting so that you get some free time with your partner.
Match the timing of sex with the sleeping time of your baby. This will ensure that you are not disturbed.
Foreplay will help you arouse completely. Use lubricant to ensure that the dryness of vagina does not become a hindrance.
Before having sex, explore your vagina gently with your fingers. This will help you identify the pleasure and pain points beforehand.
Avoid full penetration in the beginning. Explore positions that limit penetration.
Talk to your partner about how you would like to go about the whole thing, especially the first time. Inform him of how you would like to be touched.
Consult your doctor and friends who have gone through this stage. They will be able to give you good advice.
What about Birth Control Methods?
Having unprotected sex immediately after childbirth can increase the chances of getting pregnant multifold. To start off with, do not forget to use condoms every time you have sex.
There are contraceptive pills available that can reduce the risk of pregnancy without affecting your hormones and breastfeeding cycles. It is however recommended to avoid any such contraceptives unless taken after consultation and understanding the possible side effects from the same.
You can also consider going for the medium to long-term birth control measures such as use of intrauterine devices.
There are numerous other birth control measure available. It is best to consult your doctor and opt for the most suitable and least risky method of birth control.
Problems You Need to Look Out For
1. Your Partner Wants Sex, But You Do Not.
Even after a substantial period of time has passed, you might not be keen on having sex, while your partner is eager and waiting.
Try These Tips:
Talk to your partner about your challenges to have sex. Tell him that you will soon be ready for it. You can try cuddling, kissing or playing together with your baby to keep the romance alive.
2. It’s Difficult For You To Wait For Six Weeks And You Want To Go At It Immediately.
In some cases, the craving for post delivery sex might make it impossible for you to wait for four to six weeks, especially if you have had too less of it during pregnancy.
Try These Tips:
Consult with your doctor on when is it safe to have intercourse after pregnancy. It should be ok if the post-partum bleeding has stopped.
3. Breasts Are Leaky And Hurt Due To Being Tender
Breasts at the time of nursing can become sore and heavy and may not assist in orgasms during sex. Moreover, you might want to let them be after having your baby at it all day.
Try These Tips:
Nursing your baby right before sex can make it less full and solve the problem of leaking. You can also try wearing a nursing bra or tank top during sex if you feel comfortable in them.
4. It Is Painful To Have Sex
Soreness due to childbirth and vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes and breastfeeding can make post pregnancy sex painful.
Try These Tips:
Give the soreness some time to heal, especially if it arising from C-section surgery. Having a water-based lubricant handy is a good idea.
5. You Feel Conscious About Your Changed Body
It might take some time before your body can return to its pre-pregnancy shape and the stretch marks may further make you feel conscious about yourself and make you hesitant to have sex with your partner.
Try These Tips:
Your beautiful baby is a result of all that your body has gone through. It is a natural process, and the body will regain its shape in a matter of time. Your partner is as proud of you as you yourself are. There is no need to be ashamed or conscious of your body.
The body needs dedicated attention and nourishment after delivery, and so does the baby. Sex and intimacy may fall out as priorities from the life of couples for various reasons. However, it is important to keep the faith in each other alive and slowly start building up intimacy as things begin to settle.
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Using Nasal Decongestant Spray during Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
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Nasal decongestant sprays are administered to the nasal passages as tiny drops of liquid. The ingredients in each nasal decongestant spray are quite different. Nasal Decongestant sprays are commonly used for sinusitis and allergies. But you should know about the ingredients of the nasal spray to ensure if it is safe to use during pregnancy.
Can You Use Nasal Spray in Pregnancy?
Use of nasal sprays for sinusitis, cold, or allergies for a long time is not recommended for any individual. These nasal decongestant sprays might make you addicted to it. Hence, the suggested time period for usage is about 2-3 days.
The safety of use of nasal spray during pregnancy depends on which type/category of nasal spray is being used. Except for the natural saline nasal spray (that contain saltwater only), every pregnant woman should consult a doctor before using any nasal decongestion spray.
Generally, the nasal decongestion spray works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal lining. There is a very high chance that these medications might cause constriction in blood vessels in the placenta and womb after entering the bloodstream. Hence, choosing the right nasal spray is very important.
Which Nasal Sprays are Safe for Pregnancy?
While a few medicines are unsafe during pregnancy, there are several FDA approved nasal sprays to cure sinus congestion. There are some pregnancy categories assigned by the FDA which is used in the FDA’s Drug Formulary. These categories help expectant women in differentiating between unsafe and safe nasal sprays. Following are the FDA-assigned categories.
Category A –The medications in this category have been adequately studied. The medications do not demonstrate a risk to the unborn baby in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and there is no proof of risk in the later trimesters.
Category B – Researches on animal reproduction do not indicate a risk to the unborn baby and there is inadequate research done on expecting women.
Category C –Animal reproduction research shows that the medicine has a bad effect on the unborn baby and there is inadequate research done for humans. But the potential advantages of the drug may permit the use of the drug in expectant women regardless of the potential risks.
Category D –There is potential evidence of risk on human babies based on adverse reaction data from research and studies conducted in humans. But the potential advantages of the may permit the use of the drug in expectant women regardless of potential risks.
Category X –Foetal abnormalities have been shown by studies conducted on humans and animals. There is potential evidence of risk on human babies based on adverse reaction data from research and studies conducted in humans and the risks involved in the use of the drug in expectant women outweighs the potential advantages which the drug might have.
Before administering any kind of nasal spray medications, you should learn about the various categories of medicines. This will help you to understand which sprays contain saline, steroids, blocks blood flow to the sinuses or are absorbed into the body. Also, do not take any medicines without doctor’s prescription.
Here are some examples of safe nasal sprays during pregnancy approved by the FDA Pregnancy Categories:
Prescription only nasal spray: Rhinocort Aqua (Category B)
Over the counter (OTC) nasal spray: Nasacort (Category C)
Another way to calm your sinuses is to use saline nasal spray during pregnancy. These nasal sprays are made only from salt and water. These saline solutions might not always remove your blockage for a long time but will help in decreasing any mucus build-up and will also moisturize the dry nasal passages instantaneously.
Pregnant women as recommended to use a saline nasal spray to calm your sinuses. If you have to use other nasal decongestant sprays, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor and get a prescription for it.
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Pap Smear Test in Pregnancy - Reasons, Safety and Risks
Pregnancy brings with itself a barrage of tests and checkups that are necessary to keep a track of your health as well as your baby’s. One of the tests that many women hear of and wonder about its necessity is the pap smear test. Before directly opting to take one, it is important to know what the test is really about and whether you need it or not.
What Is Pap Test and Who Needs It?
A Pap test checks the area of the uterine cervix for any anomalies. There are a bunch of cells that cover the outer area of the cervix. These cells meet together at a single location called as the transformation zone. This zone has a higher susceptibility to causing a growth of abnormal cells as well. In the Pap test, a sample is taken from this area and checked under a lab slide for irregularities. If there are any present, these could signify conditions such as dysplasia or even cancer of the cervix.
Most women are advised to undergo a test every 3 years once they are 21 years old. Women over 30 should get it done once in 5 years.
Why Do You Need to Include Pap Smear in Routine Prenatal Care?
The Pap test takes cell samples from an extremely important area of the uterine cervix. If any irregularities or abnormalities are present, these can help in detection of any inflamed cells, infected regions or, in extreme cases, the presence of cervical cancer. Although cancer does not aggravate during pregnancy or affect the child, other infections can definitely do so. These, if detected in prenatal care itself, can help mitigate various risks.
Is Pap Safe in Pregnancy?
Since pap smear tests involve the cervix and may result in bleeding, the question of 'can you have a paper smear while pregnant?' arises in most pregnant women.
The area from where the cell samples are taken, and the area where the baby resides, has a lot of space between them. Therefore, the procedure does not affect the baby at all. The bleeding that might occur is absolutely normal and stops after some time.
When Is The Test Scheduled in The Course of Pregnancy?
Most doctors recommend getting the test done within the first two visits of the pregnancy, which is primarily around the first trimester. In case it is skipped, then the doctor might insist on it during the second trimester if no previous records of the tests exist. If you have conducted a test within the last 5 years or so, the doctor may choose to avoid the test altogether at his discretion. If you’re too late in the pregnancy, then the doctor will do the test post delivery, since the hormones in late pregnancy can cause the result to be a false positive.
How Is Pap Smear Test Done?
The doctor will ask you to undress and lie on the table with your legs on the stirrups. This gives a clear view of the cervix. Then, a medical brush termed as the speculum is lubricated, to take a good look at the cervical region. Next, a tiny brush is used to gather a small sample of cells from the transformation area. Try to remain relaxed so as to experience as little discomfort as possible.
What Does Pap Smear Examination Result Mean?
The pap test primarily checks if the cells in the cervix are as expected or not. So, if the pap test turns out to be negative, this means that the cells are as expected and the cervical region is normal. If the test turns out to be positive, this indicates the presence of some abnormal cells in the region. The test result does not indicate any illness or condition. It simply is an indication of some irregularities which need further investigation. Nearly 10% of pap tests turn out to be positive, with very rare ones being extremely serious.
What if You Are Pregnant and Your Pap Test Is Positive/Abnormal?
An abnormal pap during pregnancy might cause you to get worried that you and your baby are at risk. Once the result is positive, the doctor will talk to you about the plan of action and carry out a diagnosis to understand the anomaly. Any treatment could be started immediately or delayed until the delivery, based on the diagnosis and the stage of pregnancy. To further strengthen the diagnosis, the doctor might require conducting an internal biopsy, which would be done only if deemed necessary.
Can Taking A Pap Smear in Pregnancy Increase The Risk of Miscarriage?
After a pap test is conducted, some light bleeding is observed by most women. That bleeding is not a sign of miscarriage and is primarily due to the cervix being scrapped for cell samples. It does not affect the baby at all since the foetus is located higher in the body as compared to the uterus.
In unfortunate cases, some women might end up in a miscarriage, which inadvertently coincides with the pap smear test. Bleeding in such cases is accompanied by cramping in the abdomen and blots in the vaginal blood as well. But it is important to note that the miscarriage is not caused due to the pap test.
Other Risks Associated with Pap Smear?
Conducting a pap smear test poses no risks to you or your baby in any case at all. On the other hand, not undertaking one could cause an infection to be present in the cervical region, at the very least. This can affect your foetus, causing problems in growth or lead to health conditions like pneumonia or even eyesight related issues later on.
The process of a pap test can seem quite daunting given that it involves a very sensitive area of your body. However, understanding the benefits and the chance of mitigating any risks that might occur should be kept in mind. The test can be comfortable for you as well once you relax your mind and think of ensuring a healthy future for your own child.
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Dating Scan in Pregnancy - What to Expect
There are two types of pregnancies. Those that are planned and those that just happen. The pregnancies that are spontaneous will often make you wonder, when did all this happen? Apart from satiating your curiosity, it has other health-related implications. For instance, there are cases where doctors have unnecessarily induced labour because there is uncertainty about how old the foetus is. This can result in premature birth.
This isn’t to say that those who have had a planned pregnancy can be 100 percent accurate. Barring the incredibly meticulous, tracking the exact time of conception can be, at best, a guessing game.
What Is Dating Scan and Why It Is Done?
A dating scan is a method that is used to reliably assess the age of a foetus with a maximum error of 3 to 5 days. A dating scan is for women who have the following issues:
Not all menstrual cycle happens like clock-work. While some come early, there are others that come a bit later. If the last menstrual cycle was irregular, it would help in removing any margin of error that exists.
Women who have infrequent periods on a regular basis would benefit the most from this test. As the 28-day rule is never followed, the exact age of the foetus would be difficult to assess through conventional methods.
Breastfeeding acts as a natural contraceptive for up to 6 months. However, if you become pregnant during this time, a dating scan becomes useful.
Women who are on oral contraceptives but still become pregnant would not know their ovulation cycle. This would make it difficult to determine the age of the foetus.
When Is The Pregnancy Dating Scan Recommended?
The first dating scan is usually done after 10 weeks, and this is the norm all over the world.
This doesn’t mean that you cant do a dating scan at 8 weeks either. There are many moms who have done the same and have had accurate results.
Women who have a history of complications when it comes to pregnancy can go for it earlier. For instance, those with previous pregnancies who have suffered from a miscarriage or bleeding, a dating scan at 6 weeks is needed.
How Is It Performed?
The dating scan is done with the assistance of an ultrasound machine. You’re required to expose your belly on which a gel will be applied. After this, a device called the transducer is gently navigated across the belly to do the mapping. This procedure can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. You will need to drink water before the scan as a full bladder is one of the preconditions for taking this test. This is so because the bladder thrusts the uterus upwards giving the sonographer good visibility of the womb.
What Does Dating Scan Ultrasound Reveal?
A dating scan at 7 weeks can be performed to reveal:
The heartbeat of the foetus
The presence of fibroids
The developing limbs of the foetus
Movement of the foetus
It can detect umbilical cord issues as well as deformities in the baby’s skull
It can indicate the presence of twins or triplets
Some internal organs like stomach can be also be seen. However, it is not equipped to look at the functioning of internal organs in a detailed manner.
How Accurate Are Dating Scans?
Early dating scan accuracy is reliable to a remarkable degree. However, the system isn’t fool-proof, and there are situations where accuracy can be compromised. Some of these situations include:
The skill of the sonographer is an important part of the equation. If the proper procedure isn’t followed, you may end up with the wrong results! If you have someone who is inexperienced or seems unsure about what they are doing, try going for a second opinion.
A sonographer can only be as good as his equipment. There may be instances where the instruments used have not been maintained properly or developed a problem. This can result in a faulty reading.
The position of the foetus can be a disadvantage during the scan. While sometimes they might be stretched out, other times they could be curled or in an awkward position which makes an estimation difficult.
Genetics may mean that growth could be varied and not be based on the mean measurement. For example, a 10-week foetus may be developing at the rate of an 8-week foetus, only to develop later at a faster rate. This can lead to the sonographer coming up with the wrong reading.
If the dating scan is performed after 12 weeks, the margin of error increases. This is because there is limited movement by the foetus before this.
Can You Perform Screening Test and Dating Scans at The Same Time?
This is technically possible but depends on what type of ultrasound machine is being used. While some have a provision for doing screening tests, others do not.
You can use a screen test to see if your child is likely to have Down's syndrome. This is done with the help of a Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan along with a blood test. Together, both these tests are known as the combined screening test.
For the combined screening test, it is imperative that you do a dating scan first. This is because the hormones in the body change based on what stage you are at your pregnancy.
Are There Any Drawbacks of Having Dating Scan during Pregnancy?
While the benefits of having a dating scan are obvious, there are a few downsides to it as well:
Those taking a combined screening test may end up with a false positive. This means that a woman who has been told that she going to deliver a baby with Down’s syndrome will not do so.
A minor issue that will not have a bearing on the pregnancy can be blown out of proportion in the mind of the mother. This would cause unnecessary worry and stress to the mother who should be in a calm state of mind during pregnancy.
Sometimes, a legitimate issue might be discovered but would get rectified on its own. Again, the mother would be put through unnecessary stress at this point which may pose a health risk.
If you’ve been recording your cycles and have been able to predict the time of conception, you’re safe. However, those of you haven’t, don’t fret as the dating scan can help you with this!
Also Read: Ultrasound Scans during Pregnancy Read more
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How to Deal with Restless Leg Syndrome during Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or have been pregnant before, you are no stranger to the many conditions that come as a part of it. One of these is the restless leg syndrome that proves to be a major hindrance in your quest of getting some much-needed rest.
What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome is the uncontrollable need to move your leg while you are sleeping or resting. You may feel a burning, itching or crawling sensation in your foot, upper leg and calf if you have RLS. It usually subsides once you move your legs, but it ends up waking you up from sleep and can even return once you’ve moved your leg.
Is it Common in Pregnancy?
Yes. Restless legs syndrome is fairly common during pregnancy with about one in every four women experiencing it.
Causes
Scientists haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact cause of RLS, but there are a few factors that many researchers believe to be the cause of the condition.
Imbalance in dopamine, the chemical in the brain that is responsible smooth and even muscle movements.
Lack of iron or folic acid in the body
Increase in the oestrogen level in the body
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of RLS largely show up as uncomfortable sensation in the legs, but they may also be experienced in other parts of the body. However, the most common signs of RLS include,
Crawling or burning sensation in your legs
Itching sensation in the legs
Cramps in your calf muscles
Fidgety feeling in the legs
Jerking of the limbs while sleeping
Sleep disruption due to ache or pain
Diagnosis
There is no test to diagnose RLS in patients. Doctors may conduct a blood test to rule out the possibility of other conditions. Doctors usually diagnose RLS on the basis of the symptoms that your experience. You may be asked to give a medical history and details of any medications that you have been using that may have triggered the condition. You may also be tested for iron deficiency as it is a common cause of RLS.
Treatment
If your symptoms are severe and disrupt with your sleep, your doctor may opt for the following treatment methods
Iron supplements: In case you have a deficiency of iron, you will be prescribed iron supplements.
Opioid medication: Some doctors may prescribe opioid medication if you don’t respond to iron supplements. But this is only given for a short time to prevent the risk of withdrawal symptoms in babies.
Relaxis: This is an FDA-approved device that is only available by prescription.
Usually Mirapex and Requip are prescribed for RLS; however, treating RLS with medication during pregnancy may be a challenge as the drugs normally prescribed for RLS patients haven’t been studied on pregnant women. Since the effects of these drugs on the foetus haven’t been researched on, hence, doctors will refrain from prescribing them to you.
Ways to Prevent Restless Leg Syndrome in Pregnancy
Although there are no ways to completely prevent restless legs syndrome during pregnancy, you can try to lower the risk of getting it by making a few lifestyle changes.
Reduce or avoid caffeine: Pregnant women can have about 200mg of caffeine each day. Ensure that you keep your coffee and tea intake to fit this restriction. Caffeine can make the symptoms of RLS even worse and keep you awake. It is a good idea to completely forgo caffeine including coffee, all kinds of tea, coke, chocolate, etc. If you do consume it, do so within a limit and avoid consuming it in the evening or later afternoon.
Track your food intake: Sometimes, certain foods trigger RLS. Hence it is a good idea to keep track of what you’ve consumed on the day you experience symptoms. Avoiding these food items is recommended to prevent RLS.
Exercise regularly: Exercising every day may help relieve RLS. But only engage in mild exercises that do not exert you too much as it can make it harder for you to sleep.
Sleep well and on time: Establish a sleep routine and get a lot of sleep and rest. Fatigue may also trigger RLS in many women.
Can Restless Legs Syndrome Affect Your Baby?
No, restless legs syndrome will not affect your baby. However, there are certain medications that are prescribed for RLS that may have an adverse effect on the baby. Always discuss with your healthcare practitioner and seek approval before taking any medication.
Home Remedies
Here are a few simple home remedies that can be used to relieve discomfort during RLS.
Massage your legs: If you wake up to RLS or experience the symptoms, you can massage your legs or ask your partner to massage your legs to relieve the pain. Using pain relieving massage oils may also be beneficial.
Temperature changes: When you start having symptoms use a hot compress or an ice pack to relieve the pain. You can also dip your legs in warm water in the bath.
Soak your feet: Soak your feet in warm water that contains Epsom salts in it for 30 minutes. Post this dry your feet and rub a thin layer of Vicks Vaporub on the feet.
Eat bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium which helps send nerve impulses and contract your muscles. Pregnant women are advised to include bananas in their diet.
Take supplements: With proper consultation with your doctor, you can start taking calcium, iron or magnesium supplements to relieve RLS.
Relaxation techniques: Try relaxation techniques like flexing your muscles before sleep. Stretch your legs or flex your ankles immediately if you experience symptoms. You can also practice meditation to calm your mind before you go to sleep.
Does Restless Legs Syndrome Go Away After Childbirth?
If you haven’t had restless legs syndrome before pregnancy, the symptoms begin to subside within four to six weeks after you have given birth.
Restless legs syndrome is surely the raw end of the pregnancy bargain. But the relief for most women is that, unless you have had a pre-existing condition of RLS, most pregnancy-induced RLS is short lived and will subside once you give birth to your little one.
Also Read: Tiredness and Fatigue during Pregnancy Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
10 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
9 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
8 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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