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Pregnancy after Menopause
Menopause refers to a stage which marks the end of menstrual cycles of a woman. It signals a drastic change in the hormones which are responsible for managing fertility in women. Read on for information on how this affects one’s ability to conceive.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause can be explained as the absence of menstrual periods for a year, when a woman’s ovaries stop functioning. The term is used to describe the changes a woman experiences prior to the end of her menstrual cycles. It also marks the end of her capacity to reproduce and conceive a baby. It is a normal condition which every woman experiences at an advanced age.
A woman’s ovaries are a storehouse for a massive amount of eggs. The menstruation and ovulation cycles are controlled by hormones like oestrogen and progesterone which are produced in the ovaries. When the ovaries are unable to release the eggs, menstruation comes to an end and menopause begins.
Difference Between Menopause And Perimenopause
The primary distinguishing factor between menopause and perimenopause is menstruation. Women in perimenopause are capable of producing oestrogen and are having periods regularly while women in menopause haven’t had a period for 12 months at least. Perimenopause is a time period the body needs to prepare for menopause than a physical condition itself while menopause is a medical diagnosis where menses are absent for a minimum of 12 months.
Perimenopause is defined at a transition time when your body produces less of oestrogen and progesterone. Your periods become irregular in terms of frequency and length while your hormone levels will fluctuate, leading to hot flashes and sweating at night. During menopause, however, LH and FSH levels are high and ovulation stop. A common question asked by women is how long does it take for menopause to end. The answer is obvious- Never. This is when postmenopause starts.
Is It Possible To Get Pregnant After Menopause?
A common and natural doubt arising amongst menopausal women is “can a woman get pregnant after menopause?” Once you have received a confirmation from the doctor that menopause has begun, there are no chances of you becoming pregnant. There are no eggs in your ovaries that can be released and hence zero possibility of pregnancy too. You can enjoy your sex life to the fullest at this time, since you and your partner do not have to worry about a surprise.
Although an unplanned pregnancy is not possible, menopause does not guard one against STDs and hence, practicing safe sex is always advised. You are also likely to hear tales about women who got pregnant even during their 60s and 70s but they are more of rumors than the truth. During menopause, pregnancy test will always yield a negative result and is a fruitless effort.
Chances Of A Woman Getting Pregnant After Menopause With IVF
IVF post menopause has been carried out quite successfully in women who wanted to get pregnant after menopause. A woman can get pregnant using IVF in two ways despite non-viability of her eggs. Her own eggs that were frozen earlier can be used or donor eggs can be used too. You would have to undergo hormonal therapy so that your body is ready for implantation and to nourish a baby for the entire term. However, your doctor will be the right person to decide if your health is good enough for IVF after menopause as postmenopausal women can experience certain complications after IVF. It is best to consult with a fertility expert in case you have decided to undergo IVF after menopause.
How To Reverse Menopause And Get Pregnant?
The answer to “can a woman get pregnant after menopause?” is presently no. However, modern science has found answers to many seemingly impossible questions and there is a lot of research work going on. Use of the mother’s platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one line of treatment that has caught the attention of clinical researchers. PRP is rich with cytokines and hormones. Ovarian activity restoration is possible for a temporary period, but clinical trials for the same are going on.
What Are The Risks Of Getting Pregnant Post Menopause?
As age increases, the health risks in pregnancy increases correspondingly. As compared to younger women, you could face risks of certain kinds if you are above 35. The risks associated with pregnancy during menopause are as follows:
Multiple pregnancies, especially if you have chosen IVF-In Vitro Fertilization as your preferred medium. This could lead to low birth weight, pre-term birth and difficult delivery.
Stillbirth or miscarriage
Gestational diabetes, causing health issues for mother and child
Caesarean birth
High blood pressure which needs proper monitoring and medications to prevent future complications
Low birth weight or premature delivery
Placenta praevia (low-lying placenta) which causes severe bleeding and needs medications.
Tips For Conceiving After Menopause
A question that haunts most women keen on conceiving is how to get pregnant after menopause. A woman needs to be careful if she decides to conceive post menopause and should emphasize on minimizing risks to the lowest possible levels. The following tips can help you to boost fertility levels and enhance your chances of getting pregnant:
The first step involves bringing your body to the high level of wellness before becoming pregnant whether menopausal or not. Three months before trying to get pregnant, you should consume prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements. You could also start on vitamin D and calcium to boost your wellness levels, but check with your doctor before doing so.
Ensure that your Body Mass Index or BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 before trying to conceive. Obesity is considered to be a critical risk factor in normal pregnancies, especially so with post-menopause pregnancies. Consider a diet that is high on proteins and low on calories to ensure the right weight and BMI. Avoid foods containing, saturated fats and white sugar. Stay away from processed foods too.
Visit your doctor to carry out tests like mammogram, PAP smear, Haemoglobin, Lipid profile, tests for STD and blood tests for diabetes. These preliminary tests are useful in finding out any issues associated with your pregnancy so that necessary steps can be taken.
It is necessary for menopausal women to take the FSH test to check if they are still ovulating. Check for post menopause pregnancy symptoms to be doubly sure. Women cannot produce their own eggs if the test reports 11.4 and above and medication is rarely of help in such cases. Fertility centres can be approached to help with pregnancy in such cases.
Menopause Myths
Myth 1: Menopause begins at 50
Fact: Although the average age for menopause is 52 years, you could begin in your late 30s or even late 60s. If you haven’t had your periods for a full 12 months, then you are in menopause for sure.
Myth 2: Weight gain is mandatory during menopause
Fact: While unwanted weight gain is common in menopause, it isn’t completely unavoidable. Due to rapidly lowering oestrogen levels, there is a hormonal imbalance in your body and it tries to protect itself by storing fat, thus leading to weight gain. However, through a controlled diet and exercise regime, it is possible to balance your hormones and maintain weight.
Myth 3: Menopause leads to weakened bones
Fact: The weakening of bones in a woman’s body has no direct correlation to menopause. Women lose 10% of their bone mass during menopause, which is a normal process around that age. However when coupled with a family history of weak bones, poor diet and an unchecked lifestyle, the bone loss can be doubled. By reducing stress, undertaking bone strengthening exercises and getting enough nutrients you can make sure that your bones stay strong.
Myth 4: Menopause has a huge impact on your sex life
Fact: Women are blessed to have an active sex life at any age be it 30 or 90. However, due to hormonal imbalance, a gradual decrease in sex life is possible. Also factors like vaginal dryness, tiredness and irritability can lead to infrequent sexual activity. The physical symptoms can be addressed through various channels and sex drive during menopause can be restored to its former glory.
Myth 5: The later you start menstruating, the later will you start with menopause
Fact: As a matter of fact, it is the opposite that’s true. If you have started menstruating at a later-than-average age, you are more likely to start menopause earlier. Check for the following clues if you want to predict your menopause age:
Smoking leads to earlier menopause
Alcohol consumption and more pregnancies can mean delayed menopause
Your mother’s menopause age is one of the best indicators of knowing when you will start.
Myth 6: Hot flashes are the first signs of menopause
Fact: Menopause is usually associated with hot flashes but there are many other symptoms which can signal the beginning of your menopause. These include difficulty in sleeping, weight gain, hair loss, food cravings, irritability and anxiety among many others. Due to this wide variety of signs of menopause, it is difficult for women to pinpoint and therefore understand these are the first signs of menopause or hormonal imbalance.
Now that you understand how menopause can affect your life, you can be better prepared to manage this important phase of your life. It will be easier to face the situation as you can differentiate between myth and reality and understand the role menopause plays in your life. You will also be able to overcome its distressing symptoms confidently and look and feel your best during these trying times.
Also read: Premature Ovarian Failure Read more
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These Products Are EVERYTHING You Need to Tackle Winters With Your Baby Like a Pro
Did you know the lowest temperature ever recorded was -98 degree Celsius? Luckily in India, we do not have this kind of a temperature drop. However, come winter, and every parent is stressed out thinking about ways to make the season comfortable for their babies. Your little one is fragile and may be susceptible to illness because his/her body hasn’t developed fully yet. Babies, therefore, need extra protection and care, especially during the winter season.
Nowadays, a variety of winter essentials are available in the market. Products like humidifiers can help control the temperature indoors to make it a nice, warm and cosy space for your baby. But, with the festival and wedding season still on, you could have to take your munchkin out, say on holiday, for celebrations, family functions etc., which could expose him/her to chills and potentially, viruses. Your little one could then run a risk of catching a cold or could even suffer from influenza.
This does sound worrisome, but we assure you that there are ways to deal with winters with the help of some products that are readily available around you. And, we shall talk about them in this article for you to tackle winters with your baby like a pro!
Six Winter Essentials for Babies
Here are six essential products that can help you take care of your bundle of joy when the mercury levels drop.
1. Winter Wear
One of the most basic products to buy for your baby is some good quality winter wear. You can go for onesies, or sets with or without hoodies to make your baby feel protected and keep him/her warm. Winter wear is available in different colours and fabrics and a choice of patterns and styles for your baby boy or your baby girl. Single jersey woven fabrics are recommended if you are looking for something to keep your little one comfortable and cosy during the season. Put them on over a pair of your baby’s regular clothes, and you are good to go.
2. Thermals
Does your baby get irritable with too much clothing on?? If your answer is yes, this product is for you! Thermal wear can keep your little one warm, and he/she wouldn’t need many layers of clothing. You can dress your baby in his/her usual light, comfortable clothing along with a thermal vest. However, if it gets too cold, add a layer of clothes with a jacket. Don’t forget to add a nice pair of socks and mittens to keep the baby’s extremities warm and to avoid frostbites.
3. Winter Caps
Winter caps are essential for babies since they cannot regulate their body temperature and often, their tiny little heads go cold, making them susceptible to colds or the flu. To reduce their chances of falling sick, you must cover their heads too. Team a nice winter cap with a pair of thermals or winter wear to keep the cold at bay. One of the best parts of dressing your baby in winter caps is that they stay warm but also look so cute!
4. Nasal Aspirators
One of the most recommended winter products is a Nasal Aspirator, especially for the babies suffering from congestion. Blocked airways can lead to sleepless nights and cranky behaviour. This product can help relieve the blockage and allow your baby to breathe easily. At times, you might need a few drops of nasal saline to loosen up the mucus and suck it out with the help of this tool. In case you are unsure about using this product, you must check with your baby’s paediatrician and use it only if he/she recommends it.
5. Vicks
Vicks BabyRub For Babies could be useful in soothing your baby when he/she has a cold. It has extracts of aloe vera and coconut oil, and fragrances of rosemary and lavender in a paraffin base, that could make it a gentle product to use on babies over the age of 3 months. However, do keep your baby’s allergies under consideration before using this product. In some cases, especially if your baby has been diagnosed with asthma, inhaling the vapours could aggravate the condition. Consulting a paediatrician is highly recommended before using this product.
6. Winter Cream
The dropping temperatures can cause your little one’s skin to go dry and flaky, which could lead to skin rashes and add to his/her discomfort. To tackle this issue, you can use a good Winter Cream to keep your baby’s skin moisturised and healthy.
These products can come in handy to take care of your baby when it’s cold outside, and also help to manage winter-related health issues. After you’ve done all that it takes to make the season comfortable for your baby, just put on that CD of “Frozen”, cuddle up, and enjoy watching Elsa and Anna embark on a mysterious journey along with Kristoff and Olaf. Read more
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Postpartum Breast Cancer - the Increased Risk Factor for New Moms
Mothers face several body changes throughout and after pregnancy. Unfortunately, this can mean some unwelcome developments in your body. Recent studies have found that the risk of breast cancer after giving birth is indeed higher for women. This risk remains for the following 24 years and subsides post this time period. The risk is at its highest five years after delivery.
Due to a misconception that breast cancer only affects the elderly, young women neglect taking tests; and by the time they get diagnosed, the disease tends to have progressed and become more serious. Hence, it is a good idea to get a postpartum medical checkup done every month to steer clear of these issues.
Does Late Childbirth Increase the Risk of Developing Breast Cancer?
Studies have concluded that the risk of postpartum breast cancer is greater for women who conceive and deliver late, that is, after the age of 35. There is no evidence of an increased risk of breast cancer in women who were under 25 at the time of delivery. There are no common risk factors of postpartum breast cancer in women. The risk factors differ for women based on age. Another study has stated that breast cancer tends to behave differently and is more aggressive during the postpartum period.
Signs of Postpartum Breast Cancer That Should Not be Ignored
Postpartum breast cancer is best diagnosed ahead of time so that the right treatment options can be looked at. As such, the following postpartum breast cancer symptoms should never be ignored and always checked out by a doctor:
Blocked and swollen milk ducts
Sore and itchy rashes on the nipples
Redness on the breast or a dark patch on the breast
Lumps in the breast
Changes in the size and shape of the breast
Discharge from the nipples
If you have these symptoms, ensure that you visit a doctor immediately to get yourself checked.
Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer
While the risk of getting postpartum breast cancer is negligible, it never hurts to be careful and keep track of certain measures that are capable of preventing breast cancer.
Limit or avoid alcohol completely. Restrict yourself to one drink a day or even better, avoid it completely.
Do not smoke. Smoking affects your overall health and increases your chances of breast cancer.
Maintain your weight. Overweight or obese women are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Exercise regularly. A 30-minute walk every day or a moderate workout session would work; make sure that you add exercise to your routine.
Breastfeed your newborn. Breastfeeding gives you a protective effect against breast cancer. The long you breastfeed, the safer you may be from breast cancer.
Limit or avoid eating processed meat. Try and incorporate an organic diet.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and plan for a balanced diet each day.
Limit hormone therapy. Taking up hormone therapy for over three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. In case you are on a short term hormone therapy, ask your doctor to prescribe low doses that work for you.
Get a postpartum examination every month to rule out any doubts.
Early diagnosis is the key to preventing the development of breast cancer. If you notice any symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.
Also Read:
Postpartum Anemia after Childbirth
Postpartum Hives
Vision Changes after Delivery Read more
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Bonding over Mealtime and Making it Fun for Kids
Make your family meals fun-filled by fixing regular mealtimes, and by helping each other in preparing meals. Going out on a picnic with the whole family can sometimes help with light and fun conversations at the dining table.
When your family has some young picky eaters who rarely make it to the dining table, it can get difficult to share meals as a family. As a family, bonding over meals is an important aspect of sharing and caring for each other. It is also a good time for your child to learn some early table manners, and develop interest in eating by, observing other family members.
So connect with each other, and make your family dinner exciting by following some tips:
1. Set Fixed Timings
Setting up a fixed schedule for eating together is important for spending quality time as a family. Even if you plan to dine together at least three to four times a week, it can be great for bonding with each other. Make sure the television and phone are switched off, so that you can communicate well with your family.
2. Avoid the Rush
Allow enough time for your family to finish their food. Make children try new food items and develop good eating habits. Giving half an hour to your mealtime is the best way to relax, share, chat and enjoy with your family.
3. Involve the Whole Family at Mealtime
Ask family members what they would like to have for dinner, and prepare those dishes. This increases the chances of them eating well together. You can also ask for their help while preparing meals- it is also a great way of bonding sharing together.
4. Add your Creativity while Preparing Meals
Have some fun with the dishes you make. Prepare pancakes for breakfast, or go on a picnic with your family. This is a relaxing way to connect with your children and other members in the family. You can also give add creative themes to your meals, just to make mealtime with your family more interactive and fun.
5. Good Behavior Bonus at Mealtime
When you see your toddler eating properly using the right table manners, reward him with some praise. When they are making an effort to try new foods, appreciate them with all your heart. You can also use a chart to reward their behavior with ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ on the table.
6. Use Mealtime to Engage Kids
Dining with family is a great way to catch up with what everyone’s up to. Ask your children about their day at school and make it a point to share your side of the story too. This interaction should not sound like an interrogation.
7. Ask for Help
Though your toddler does not like to participate in the kitchen chores, he would find mixing ingredients great fun. When he helps you in making a dish, he is more likely to enjoy eating it as well.
8. Give Fun Shapes to Food
Children usually refuse to eat a dish that looks plain and unexciting. Give your food a creative touch by presenting it in different shapes such as triangles, circles and hearts. Prepare your ginger man, aeroplanes and ships creatively to engage the interest of your toddler. Your toddler is definitely going to enjoy eating food presented in different shapes.
9. Food Naming
Giving funny names to food is one way to enjoy a meal with your kids. Names such as ‘bunny the carrot’ or ‘squeaky spinach’ will make your toddler finish eating food while making up stories about the vegetables.
10. Table Games
Take short breaks between meals and involve your toddler in small activities like singing nursery rhymes, or singing his favorite song. A relaxing yet fun environment will help in making mealtimes more interactive.
11. Change the Scene
Create a new setting for your toddler. A new place to eat might change the mealtime experience of your toddler. He will enjoy meals in a small tent in your house, the backyard or even in the kitchen.
12. Provide Small Servings
Serve mini foods such as mini burgers or mini muffins to your toddler so that he enjoys gorging on the small servings. Make it creative, but in small quantities so that he can eat more in small servings. Let him decide how much he wants to eat.
13. Say No to Bribes
Asking your child to finish food quickly and promising him to buy a new crayon box in return is not a good way to deal with your toddler’s eating habits. Avoid categorizing food in ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sections as these give negative messages about food.
14. Talk Time
Share your childhood memories on the dinner table. This is the best way to keep your toddler stay at the table for longer durations, and make him finish food easily. Start telling stories about vegetables and their benefits just to make your toddler aware about the benefits of various food items.
With some of these consistent efforts, your mealtime can become something the whole family will look forward to. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
7 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
7 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
6 hours ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
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