Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Mucus in Stool While Pregnant - Should You Be Worried?
When a woman is pregnant her body goes through many changes and it can be a difficult time for a mother-to-be. It is extremely common for a mother-to-be to get anxious if she notices a usual change in her body. Everyone tells a woman about the good changes that a baby will bring in her life, but no one tells her about the unpleasant problems she may face during pregnancy. One such problem that scares most women is the presence of mucus in their stools while pregnant. Find out whether this problem is common or not.
Is It Normal to Have Mucus in Stool during Pregnancy?
The presence of mucus in stool in early pregnancy is considered normal. This is because the presence of mucus in stool can be due to the changes your body goes through during pregnancy. If there's only a little mucus in your poop, you probably don't need to worry. But if you notice blood along with mucus in your stool during pregnancy and notice it often, then you should contact your gynaecologist. Also, if you have lower abdominal pain and you notice a lot of mucus in your stool, don't take the problem lightly. You should consult a doctor.
What are the Possible Causes of Mucus in Stool while Pregnant?
Usually, digestive problems can lead to mucus in your poop. Some of the causes of mucus in poop are mentioned below.
A hormone imbalance in your body can cause mucus in your stool.
Another common cause for the presence of mucus in your body during pregnancy could be the prenatal vitamins you take. If these vitamins have an excess of iron or calcium, you may notice mucus in your poop.
The expansion of your uterus commonly also displaces your intestines and this can also lead to mucus excretion in your body.
If you have food allergies associated with nuts or lactose, it can cause mucus in your stool.
Treatment for Mucus in Stool during Pregnancy
When you notice mucus in your stool during pregnancy, try to find its type as it will help you identify its cause. You will be able to tell if it is because of an infection, dehydration or something else. This problem can be treated with antibiotics, which your doctor can provide. Other than that, here is what you can do to treat this problem at home.
Change your prenatal vitamins.
You can ask your doctor if you can use a stool softener during pregnancy.
In case of an infection, complete the course of antibiotics your doctor has prescribed for you. Do not stop it midway.
Tips to Prevent Mucus in Poop while Pregnant
The best course of action for any condition is prevention. Here are four ways to prevent mucus in your stool during pregnancy.
1. Stay Hydrated
The presence of white mucus in stool during pregnancy could be due to dehydration. Consult your doctor about the amount of water you should drink during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water and, if needed use hydration salts. This will help avoid mucus build up.
2. Exercise
You should try prenatal workout as it can improve your immune strength. A strengthened immune system will be able to combat infections better and keep the infections that cause green mucus in the stool at bay. However, before you try any exercise, talk to your doctor. Perform the exercises that are safe and don't exercise for more than 45 minutes. It is crucial that you listen to your body during this time and take rest if you feel tired. You can resume the workout after a short break.
3. Follow a Balanced Diet
Constipation is a common cause of mucus buildup during pregnancy, this is why your diet should be well-balanced and you should consume plenty of minerals and vitamins. Take supplements if necessary. Make sure your meals are high in fibre. Dietary fibre helps soften the stool and can keep you full throughout the day and combat constipation.
4. Stay Calm
The presence of mucus in your body could be due to numerous different aspects, but you need not stress. In fact, it may make it a lot worse. Stress can also increase the likelihood of further complications that lead to the presence of blood or abdominal pain in your body. Both of which are signs of anything from IBD to premature birth. So, remember to quell the anxiety by exercising. You can try yoga, tai chi or meditation. Use essential oils and diffusers to calm yourself down.
When to Consult a Doctor
You need not worry if you see a little mucus in your stool. But in the following cases, you should consult a doctor -
If you notice blood and mucus in your stool.
If you have lower abdominal pain.
If you have haemorrhoids.
Although the presence of mucus in early pregnancy is not a big problem, it is best to talk to a doctor if that's what is making you anxious. Discuss this problem with your doctor, he will provide the right treatment. Furthermore, don't strain yourself during pregnancy. Make sure that you complete the course of medications you have been prescribed. If you are afraid the medication is the cause, consult your doctor.
Also Read:
Is Green Poop Normal during Pregnancy?
Causes of Dark Stool While Pregnant
Effective Treatments to Cure IBS during Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
Inducing Labour: Best Ways to Bring on Your Labour
As the 40-week mark approaches, every expectant mother prepares herself physically and emotionally to go into labour. That is the perfect-world scenario.
Waiting Eagerly For Your Baby’s Arrival?
There are many instances in which labour does not start on its own, however. For example, if the mother suffers from certain medical problems, natural labour can be delayed. This extended pregnancy can be risky for both the mother and the baby, especially in case of the following complications:
Diabetes
Lack of amniotic fluid
High blood pressure
Uterine infection
Placental separation
When you do not experience contractions, in spite of your amniotic sac breaking, inducing labour might become necessary. The contractions that occur in the uterus indicate that the womb is getting ready for birthing by dilating the cervix while the lack of contractions means that this preparation is incomplete.
How to Induce Labour Naturally
A majority of women go into labour within 24 hours of their water breaking, but if your labour hasn’t started even after this incident, you and your baby may face a risk of infection. In such cases, the doctors may decide to induce labour.
However, if you want to avoid medication, you can also try the following methods. Let us explore these natural ways to induce labour:
Natural Ways to Bring on Labour
Walking
Walking is probably the simplest way of inducing labour and does not take too much effort or preparation. It helps to push the baby lower into the pelvic area as gravity works its effect. The baby applies pressure on the pelvis and this leads to the priming of the cervix for labour. Start walking if your water has broken but labour has not begun. Even if you already have had contractions, walking would also help during the labour.
Sex
Now that seems like an impossible one, doesn’t it? Especially, when you are more than 40 weeks pregnant, sex could be the last thing on your mind and your partner’s too. However, male sperms contain a hormone named prostaglandin which helps to dilate and thin the cervix, thus priming it for delivery.
This natural exercise will also help you to let off some steam and reduce stress. There simply could not be a more pleasurable and zero-cost method of inducing labour. Remember to check with your doctor before you use this method.
Evening Primrose Oil
This multi-purpose herb oil is known to help the cervix to dilate, prepping it for labour. Evening primrose oil is available in capsule form which can be consumed orally or used internally. The oil can be applied to the cervical area during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Of course, before application or oral ingestion, you should consult the good doctor and receive the green light.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a well-known laxative albeit not a very tasty one at that. For generations, midwives and grandmothers have recommended its use when there is a delay in labour. The laxative stimulates the bowels and causes irritation in the uterus, which could cause contractions. Although it is one of the popular and commonly suggested tips for natural labour, check with your doctor about the quantity of castor oil you should consume, as you would want to avoid diarrhoea at this stage.
Spicy Food
Like castor oil, spicy food can irritate the bowels and lead to contractions in the uterus. Be careful with the quantity though as too much can bring on a lot of heartburn, and an upset stomach is the last thing you would want while waiting to deliver.
Acupuncture
This age-old alternative method used to alleviate pain is known to be an effective technique to naturally induce labour. Needles are used for activating specific organs of the body through various points on the hands and feet.
It is known to stimulate uterine activity and help the baby on its way to the world. Many mothers-to-be and practitioners of this method endorse its effectiveness as this has no known side effects.
Acupressure
This is another technique that relies on activating various points of the body, but unlike acupuncture, this method requires to put pressure on the points using fingers instead of needles. Two pressure points, the webbing between the index finger and thumb and the point above the ankle bone on the inside of the leg can induce labour the natural way.
Visualisation Exercises
Visualise yourself getting into labour and delivering a baby. You can record yourself talking about the baby preparing to come out and moving down. Just imagining it in your head might relax you and prepare you for the big day.
Nipple Stimulation
The hormone, oxytocin, brings on contractions and this can be achieved by stimulating the nipples for a few hours of the day. You can massage or twist the nipples and hope that labour is induced. Please check with your doctor if you are doing it the right way. Remember, it could also cause fairly strong uterine contractions that have the potential to bring down the fetal heart rate. Therefore, consult the doctor and use your discretion.
Massage
Studies have shown that a massage can help your body release oxytocin, the hormone that brings on contractions necessary to induce labour. Amongst all other methods to bring on labour naturally, massage is a preferred one.
This is because, amongst other things, it helps you to relax a lot and brings you close to labour. It is all about bringing yourself to a state of relaxation so that the necessary hormones are released and labour is induced naturally.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium and are crucial for muscle contractions. So if you are low on potassium, your labour could be delayed. If you eat bananas during the last few weeks of pregnancy, chances of getting into labour naturally are high. However, moderation is recommended while eating bananas. Consult your doctor or dietitian before you include bananas in your diet. We recommend you take potassium supplements only if your doctor advises.
Exercise Ball
The exercise ball helps speed up the dilation and move the baby towards the birth canal, and is highly recommended by midwives.
These exercises can move the baby lower into the pelvis and get into the right position to announce its entry into the world.
Pineapple
This amazing fruit contains the enzyme bromeliad, which when taken fresh and raw, has the potential to soften the cervix and bring on labour. The contractions can begin as the stomach is stimulated due to the chemicals contained in pineapple.
Membrane Stripping
There is no medical procedure or medications in this procedure which involves stripping of the membranes to bring about labour. The doctor uses a gloved finger to separate the amniotic sac from the cervical area. By doing so, the body releases the prostaglandin hormone which can help you to go into labour. After membrane stripping is done, there is a possibility of water breaking and go into labour immediately.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis or hypnotherapy can help you to relax before getting into labour as stress can prevent our body from producing oxytocin, which is the hormone required start labour. Research about this method is ongoing, and you could also try it out yourself by purchasing a few self-hypnosis CDs to keep your mind off the stresses of labour.
Things to Remember
There are a few things you should consider before inducing labour:
Do not get stressed about being overdue: Up to 80% of first-time pregnancies are likely to get delayed and only if you are beyond 42 weeks that you can call yourself overdue. Even then, it is your decision to induce labour and the doctor cannot do it without your permission.
Natural induction should be used as a support: Induced labour is not recommended before the 39th or 40th week and should be gentle enough not to force your body into labour.
Research a bit and some more: Understand all the risks involved for you and your baby when you are taking various oils and foods to induce labour. Know which exercise suits you better but do not overstrain yourself in any way.
Reach out to your doctor: If you feel any rising complications or risks with any of the labour inducing methods, connect with your doctor without any delay and clarify all your doubts. Your doctor can tell you if your pregnancy is high risk and complicated so you can avoid any methods of inducing labour.
Ways to Check Out With Your Doctor
There are a few more methods that you can use to induce labour. However, you should consult with your doctor before using these methods to make sure that you and your baby are safe.
Herbal Remedies
There are two herbal remedies that are said to bring on labour - blue cohosh and black cohosh. However, these are also linked to strokes and heart problems to the baby. It is necessary to consult with the doctor if you plan to use these.
Raspberry Leaf
This is another herbal treatment that is used to induce labour. This remedy, however, is not recommended during the last few days of pregnancy. Ingesting raspberry leaf for delayed labour could cause intense contractions and harm the baby. You can start drinking raspberry leaf tea from around the 32nd week of your pregnancy as the tea is known to strengthen the muscles around the uterus, thus easing delivery. Check with your doctor about the right time to start this herbal remedy and the right quantity.
If you do not like the taste, you can buy raspberry leaf capsules (speak to your doctor first) and follow the instructions mentioned on the pack.
Homeopathic Treatment
Although there is no evidence that homoeopathic medicines help in bringing on labour, remedies like Pulsatilla and Caulophyllum are often prescribed. Since they are not known to cause any harm to the user and generally do not have any side effects, homoeopathic remedies can be tried. However, we recommend you consult your doctor before taking any medicine, even if it is homeopathic.
Conclusion
It may be necessary to induce labour if your pregnancy extends beyond 42 weeks or if your earlier deliveries have been on time. When your pregnancy extends beyond the stipulated 40 weeks, the placenta may not be able to provide the required nutrients and oxygen for your baby and medically inducing labour may be necessary. Before going for medical methods to induce labour, you can try some natural ways that help you avoid medicines. We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor before trying any method.
Also Read: Exercises to Bring Labour Naturally Read more
Suggested for you
Pickle Recipes - Spice Up Your Meal with Homemade Achaar
We love to eat anything and everything with a pickle, don't we? Pickles come as a boon when any food lack flavour, which is why we bring some amazing pickle recipes for you. There is a variety of Indian pickles to suit every taste, occasion, and season. Here is an article to give you recipes of 10 tasty and mouth-watering pickles which you can easily make at home.
How to Make Pickle at Home – Mouth Watering Homemade Pickle Recipes
1. Sweet and Salty Lemon Pickle
Lemon pickle is a favourite among many. The salt and sour juice of the lemon makes it tangy. It is said to be great for the stomach and also during motion sickness. So how do we make lemon pickle at home without oil? Read on.
Ingredients
30 lemons
1 cup of salt
7 cups of sugar
Prep Time
30 – 45 minutes.
How to Make
Wash the lemons and pat them dry.
Then rub them well against a stone mortar as it will take away the tartness of the lemons.
In case you don’t have a stone mortar, just cut each lemon into four pieces.
If you have rubbed the lemons in the stone, then do not cut it. In case, you have not rubbed it; you can cut each lemon into four pieces.
Then put all the lemons in a dry glass bowl and add salt.
Toss them well every day for 7 days to avoid fungal growth. Refrain from using any spoon or your hands.
After 7 days, put the lemon and salt mix in a non-stick kadhai and add the sugar.
Cook for 20-25 minutes.
After it is done, let it cool down in the kadhai.
Store it in an airtight container.
2. Spicy and Sweet Garlic Pickle
As the name suggests, garlic is the main ingredient in this pickle. The pungency of it mixes with the sweetness of jaggery, the spiciness of the chilli powder and tanginess of the lemon juice to give it a wonderful punch of flavours. Most of us love this pickle but not many know how to make it at home. However, after making it, the pickle has to be kept aside for 7 days before you can take it.
Ingredients
1 cup of peeled garlic cloves
5 – 6 tbsp of mustard oil
½ tsp of turmeric powder
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chilli powder (or as per your taste)
2 tsp jaggery
1 tsp salt
Spices (to be ground)
3 - 4 tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp fenugreek seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp coriander seeds
½ tsp asafoetida
Prep Time
30 - 45 minutes
How to Make
Heat oil and add the garlic cloves and turmeric powder to it.
Stir it continuously on low flame till the garlic becomes soft.
Add the lemon juice and stir it for some time.
The jaggery, salt, and chilli powder should be added after this. Keep on stirring until the jaggery melts and mixes with the garlic and the spices.
Then add the ground masala and mix it well. Cook it for 1 – 2 minutes and switch off the stove.
Once cool, pour the pickle in a dry, air-tight glass container and keep it aside in a cool place for a week.
3. Carrot Pickle
This pickle will make a bowl of khichdi or dal-rice. It can be kept for a week in the refrigerator and should be taken out with a dry spoon. Read the directions below and learn how to make carrot pickle at home.
Ingredients
1 cup carrots (cut in small cubes)
2 green chillies (chopped)
4-5 tbsp of mustard oil
4-5 tbsp ginger (finely chopped)
¼ tsp turmeric powder
¼ tsp fenugreek powder
2 tsp mustard powder
Chilli powder (as per taste)
Lemon juice (as per taste)
Prep Time
20-30 minutes to prepare and cook the pickle.
How to Make
Heat the oil on low flame.
After the oil heats up, add the carrot and ginger.
Toss it well and add the other ingredients except for the lemon juice.
Mix well.
Let it cool down. Then add the lemon juice and mix it.
Store in a container and put it in the refrigerator after each use.
4. Green Chilli Pickle
It is one of the easiest pickles to make. It tastes great with anything and having a bottle of green chilli pickle at home can save you from spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
250 grams of green chilli
¼ cup of mustard seeds (yellow)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp of dry mango powder
1 cup mustard oil
Salt (as per taste)
Prep Time
15-20 minutes
How to Make
Wash the chillies and dry them out completely.
You may either slit the chilli at the centre or cut them in small pieces.
Roast the mustard seeds a bit and grind it coarsely.
In a bowl, add the coarse mustard powder, salt, mango powder, turmeric powder and half of the mustard oil.
Mix the masala mix with the chillies.
In a wok, pour the rest of the oil and heat it until you get the pungent smell of the oil.
In the meanwhile, put the masala mixed chillies in a dry glass bottle.
Once the oil cools down, add it with the chillies in the jar.
The pickle is ready after keeping it in the sunlight for 5 -7 days.
5. Sweet Mango Pickle
Mango pickle is the commonest among all pickles. There are many variations of mango pickle. The sweet mango pickle goes very well with plain parathas and thepla. Learn how to make mango pickle from the directions given below.
Ingredients
½ kilogram or 2 raw mangoes (washed, peeled, and cut in small pieces)
1 cup jaggery (grated or crushed)
½ cup sugar (optional)
Spices (to be ground)
2 tbsp coriander seeds
2 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp mustard seeds
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp red chilli powder (or according to taste)
1 tsp asafoetida
1 tbsp mustard oil
Prep Time
It may take a day to prepare for and cook the pickle completely.
How to Make
After peeling and cutting the mangoes, dry it out in the sun completely.
Add salt and turmeric powder to it then keep it aside for a night.
In a wok, heat a little mustard oil.
Add the marinated mangoes, grated jaggery, and sugar and keep stirring it on low flame.
Let it cool after this.
Dry roast the mustard, cumin and coriander seeds and grind them together.
Add the ground masala, chilli powder and asafoetida powder to the mango, jaggery and sugar mix and stir it well.
Store it in an airtight jar.
6. Ginger, Tree Tomato, and Cherry Chilli Pickle
It is a family favourite and can be eaten with anything from puffed rice, beaten rice, to rice and dal. The cherry chilli or “Dalley khorsani” (Dalley meaning round and khorsani meaning chilli in Nepali) and the ginger makes it very hot and spicy, and the tree tomato adds tanginess.
Ingredients
250 grams of cherry chillies
100 grams ginger
50 grams of green chilli
4-5 tree tomato
2 cups of mustard oil
Salt (as per taste)
Spices (to be ground)
2 tbsp of mustard seeds
4 tbsp of coriander seeds
4 tbsp of cumin seeds
Prep Time
8-12 hours
How to Make
Wash the cherry chillies, green chillies, tree tomatoes, and ginger. Then peel the ginger and chop it in thin strips; cut the cherry chillies and tree tomatoes into four long pieces and slit the green chillies from the centre.
Spread all of it in a big plate and leave it out in the sun until the water dries out.
Roast all the spices together and grind them coarsely.
In a wok, add 1 cup of mustard oil and heat it.
Once the pungent smell leaves the oil, add the chillies, tomatoes, and ginger, and stir.
Add the ground spices and salt to it. Stir it for a minute and switch off the stove.
Once cool, pour it in a dry glass jar and add the remaining oil to it.
Keep the pickle in the sun for 3-4 days.
7. Radish Pickle
The pickle is rich in spices, and the radish adds a tang to the flavour. It is best eaten with rice-dal, puffed rice or beaten rice.
Ingredients
1 kilogram radish
3 cups of mustard oil
4 tbsp of red chilli powder
200 grams of cherry chillies
4 tbsp of turmeric powder
Salt (according to taste)
Spices (to be ground)
100 grams of mustard seeds
100 grams of cumin seeds
100 grams of coriander seeds
4-5 tbsp of fenugreek seeds
Prep Time
It requires about a week’s time to prepare and cook completely before you can try it.
How to Make
Wash the radish and peel it.
Then cut in 2 inch long strips.
Add some salt to the radish pieces. The water from the radish will come out.
After an hour, squeeze out the water from the radish and spread it in a plate in the sun until it dries up and shrinks.
In a pan, roast all the spices and grind them together coarsely.
In a bowl mix the powdered spice, turmeric powder, and salt with some mustard oil.
Mix the spices well with the radish and put the mix in a dry glass jar.
Add the remaining mustard oil in the bottle and tighten the lid.
For the next 4-5 days, keep the bottle out in the sun.
8. Chicken Pickle
It is not a pickle which many people know of. However, for people who have had it once, it is something they love and like taking again and again. It cannot be preserved for more than a month.
Ingredients
500 grams of boneless chicken
1 cup of mustard oil
50 grams of ginger (chopped in thin slices)
50 grams of garlic (chopped)
1 tbsp soya sauce
1 tsp of turmeric powder
2 tbsp of garam masala powder
Salt (as per taste)
1 tbsp aamchur
3-4 tsp of red chilli powder
Spices (to be ground)
2 tbsp of cumin seeds
2 tbsp of coriander seeds
1 tbsp of sichuan pepper
1 tbsp of mustard seeds
Prep Time
About an hour’s time.
How to Make
Wash and cut the chicken in small pieces.
In a kadhai, heat some oil and fry the chicken till it turns brown.
Drain out the excess oil from the fried chicken pieces.
In another pan, dry roast the spices and grind them each separately and coarsely.
Again in a kadhai, put some oil, add chopped garlic and ginger.
Sauté them then add the mustard powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and chilli powder and soya sauce.
Then add the fried chicken pieces, salt, sichuan pepper powder, garam masala powder, and the aamchur, and mix well.
Let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
Allow it to cool and then it in a glass jar with a tight lid.
9. Grape Pickle
This is a very simple pickle which can be made very quickly. It can be eaten along with pulao or parathas. It can be stored in room temperature for 3-4 days and then it needs to be refrigerated.
Ingredients
500 grams of seedless grapes
3-4 tbsp of red chilli powder
¼ tsp of asafoetida
½ tsp of black salt
3 tsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of sugar
Salt (as per taste)
200 ml of mustard oil
8-10 tbsp of coriander, cumin, and mustard powder (roasted and ground coarsely)
Prep Time
About an hour
How to Make
After washing the grapes, dry them well and cut each grape in two halves.
Heat oil in a kadhai, add the asafoetida and put the grapes, spice powder, sugar, white and black salt and lemon juice.
Stir and mix everything together.
Allow it to cool and then put it in a dry glass jar with a tight lid.
10. Gooseberry Pickle
The gooseberry pickle is sweet and tangy. It is a great accompaniment with parathas and rice as well.
Ingredients
500 grams of gooseberry (big and fresh)
200 ml of mustard oil
1 tbsp mustard seeds
2 tbsp of chilli powder
1 tbsp of asafoetida
1 tbsp of turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Prep Time
45 minutes to 1 hour.
How to Make
Cook the gooseberries in water till they turn tender.
Drain the water and let them dry.
In a kadhai pour the oil and add the asafoetida, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, salt and chilli powder.
Then add the cooked gooseberries and coat them with the masala.
After it cools down, put in a dry glass jar and put a tight lid.
Easy Tips to Preserve a Pickle for a Longer Time
Pickles have come down through ages. It is a part of our everyday food. Pickling is basically done to preserve seasonal vegetables and fruits. Some of the easy ways to preserve pickle for a long time is listed below.
The pickle or the jar in which it is kept should be absolutely dry.
Sun-dry the vegetables and fruits before preparing the pickle to dry out the moisture.
Dry roast the salt till it is golden brown to preserve the pickle.
Never touch pickle with wet hands.
A simple dal-rice or khichdi can taste awesome when consumed with a tasty pickle which can be easily made at home. Try making any of the above pickles and experience the burst of flavours it adds to your everyday meal.
Also Read:
Easy and Delicious Recipes for Potluck Party
Health Benefits of Prunes Intake in Your Diet
Protein Vegan Sources to Include in Your Diet Read more
Suggested for you
Luteal Phase - What It Is and It's Relation to Pregnancy
A menstrual cycle consists of 3 phases namely ovulatory, luteal and follicular. Each phase of the menstrual cycle has its own importance in fertilizing the ovum and making you pregnant. If you aren’t pregnant, it also sheds the unused endometrial lining at the termination of the cycle. This article is about the Luteal phase and its relation to pregnancy.
What is Luteal Phase?
The period between ovulation and the beginning of the next menstrual cycle is called Luteal Phase. The follicle gets converted to corpus leteum during this phase. Corpus Leteum is the structure which produces high amounts of luteal phase progesterone and some oestrogen also. These luteal phase hormones play an important role in pregnancy.
If you have a normal menstrual cycle of about 25-28 days, the luteal phase will last for about 12-14 days. But if you have a menstrual cycle lesser than 25 days, the luteal phase can be shorter.
But can you get pregnant during the luteal phase? Yes, you can. Since the luteal phase is after ovulation, you have a very real chance of getting pregnant.
Why is Luteal Phase Important for Pregnancy?
The luteal phase is the period between ovulation and menstruation. Therefore, the health and length of luteal phase will speak a lot regarding your fertility.
1. Impact of the Luteal Phase's Length On Pregnancy?
If your period of luteal phase is less than ten days, then you may find it hard to become pregnant. The reason behind this is that if your corpus leteum weakens and dies in 9 days, ceasing the luteal phase hormones production, then your uterus starts shredding instantaneously, leaving no time for the fertilized ovum to move to the fallopian tube to the ovary and get implanted to the uterus lining.
If your luteal phase is short, you will not get pregnant even if the ovum gets fertilized because you will get your period before the embryo can stick to the uterus lining.
2. Impact of The Luteal Phase's Health On Pregnancy?
Sometimes, even if the duration of the Luteal phase is normal, your body produces less amount of progesterone during this phase. This is also a problem. A sufficient quantity of progesterone is essential to ensure the healthy thickness of the uterus lining. Low amount of progesterone results in a uterus lining that is not healthy enough to sustain a pregnancy.
Therefore, it is important to have a Luteal Phase that is of normal length and is healthy as well.
How to Calculate Luteal Phase of a Menstrual Cycle?
Here are some ways to calculate the length of Luteal Phase:
A hormone-specific blood test can determine the accurate length of your luteal phase of menstrual cycle.
You can also track your menstrual cycle for approximately 6 months. Observe the patterns of your phases of the menstrual cycle to calculate an approximate length of the luteal phase.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting: The BBT of your body increases during ovulation and stays high until the onset of your upcoming period. Track the temperature from the starting of the menstrual cycle and observe the rise in BBT. The rise in body temperature is a solid confirmation that you are ovulating.
Formula to calculate the ovulation time during luteal phase:
Day of Ovulation= Length of the Menstrual cycle – Length of Luteal Phase
For instance, assume that for a menstruation cycle that lasts for 29 days, the luteal phase lasts up to 15 days. Assigning these values in the formula,
Day of Ovulation = 29 (Length of the Menstrual cycle) – 15 (Length of Luteal Phase)
Day of Ovulation=14
It implies that the fourteenth day of the menstrual cycle is the day your ovulation occurs.
A prediction kit or calculator for ovulation can also be used to know the day of ovulation and hence the luteal phase.
Body Changes in Luteal Phase
During the Luteal Phase, the upsurge in progesterone levels can result in the following body changes:
Mood swings
Tiredness
Tenderness of nipples and breasts
Bloating
Anxiety
Fluid retention
These changes are bound to happen and do not lower your likelihood of getting pregnant.
What Causes a Short Luteal Phase?
When your body doesn’t produce sufficient progesterone, your luteal phase might end early. The following reasons might be responsible for not producing enough progesterone:
Thyroid disorders
PCOS
Obesity
Excessive exercise
Anorexia (and milder forms of restrictive eating)
Stress
Ageing
How Do You Know That Your Luteal Phase is Short?
You can know that your luteal phase is short by tracking your menstrual cycle. Count the number of days between ovulation and the onset of your next period this will give you the length of the luteal phase.
If your luteal phase lasts for 12 or more days, it is normal. But if your luteal phase lasts less than 10 days, you have low progesterone level. This means that your luteal phase is short.
How Can You Test Your Progesterone Level?
The luteal phase progesterone levels are generally higher than other phases of menstrual cycle. The progesterone level should be tested when it is highest, i.e. in the middle of the luteal phase. The middle of the luteal phase is on the 21st day of a normal 28-day menstrual cycle.
But it is not necessary that you have a typical 28-day menstrual cycle. If you have a 34-day menstrual cycle, with an ovulation on the 22nd day. then if you can your progesterone level tested on day 21, the results might show a very low level of progesterone. But if you test it on the 28th day, your progesterone level may be normal. Hence, if you want to know when to ovulate and the length of your luteal phase, tell your doctor about the right time to test your progesterone levels.
How Can You Increase the Luteal Phase?
Taking the following supplements might help to lengthen the luteal phase:
Vitamin C- It increases fertility in some case where women have short luteal phases.
Progesterone supplementation or cream- Progesterone cream can increase your progesterone levels but you consult your doctor before doing so.
What is a Luteal Phase Defect?
Luteal Phase defect or Luteal insufficiency can be termed as the deficient release of progesterone all through the luteal phase. The insufficiency of progesterone will avoid the thickening of uterus lining that might result in improper embryo plantation. Hence, it reduces the chances of continuing with the pregnancy. However, it is not yet confirmed if luteal phase defect is a reason for infertility.
The Luteal Phase Defect can lead to the following problems:
Improper working of corpus luteum which results in the lesser production of estradiol and progesterone.
The incapability of the uterus lining to react to the normal levels of estradiol and progesterone.
1. Cause of Luteal Phase Defect
The luteal phase defect could happen due to the following reasons:
Defect in the ovulated egg
Breakdown of corpus luteum
Unruptured follicle
Thyroid disorders
Over-exercise
Anorexia
Endometriosis
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Obesity
Hyperprolactinemia
2. Symptoms of Luteal Phase Defect
The symptoms of luteal phase defect are as follows:
Miscarriages
Spotting in between periods
Menstrual cycles way earlier than normal
3. How is the diagnosis of Luteal Phase Defect done
Luteal Phase defect can be diagnosed by getting the following tests done:
Blood tests
It checks the level of
Progesterone that helps in the thickening of the uterus lining.
Follicle simulating hormone that regulates the ovarian function.
Luteinizing hormone that triggers ovulation.
Ultrasound
It helps to find the thickness of the uterus lining. An ultrasound scan can help detect the functioning of the reproductive organs, i.e. uterus, ovaries, cervix and fallopian tube.
Endometrial Biopsy
Get this done at least one or two days before the start of periods. A small sample of your endometrial lining is procured and examined under a microscope to check the lining thickness.
4. Treatment options for Luteal Phase Defect
The treatment of the luteal phase defect depends on the main underlying causes.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: It releases progesterone and triggers ovulation. During this process, the hCG level is given in a single dosage of 10,000 IU or two dosages of 5,000 IU given once in 2 weeks to extend the luteal phase.
Clomiphene Citrate: These are also called human menopausal gonadotropins. These help in stimulating the ovaries to produce more follicles which releases more eggs.
Suppositories: Crinone, a vaginal gel, is used vaginally three times a day. The gel holds a progesterone dosage of 90 mg.
Pill Treatment: Prometrium oral progesterone medicines are administered at a 200 mg dosage a day.
Injections: Intramuscular progesterone is administered with a dose of 25-50 mg per day. The injection uses crystalline and odourless progesterone powder is dissolved in sesame oil.
The luteal phase that lasts around 14 days is the time when the female body prepares the womb for the fertilized ovum. You should have a luteal phase of both sufficient length and health to sustain a pregnancy. You can consult a doctor for mid luteal phase progesterone test to check if everything is normal.
Also Read: LH Surge Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Post Partum Depression - is it for real and how to deal with it
There are many memes around regarding advice to a new mother etc. Not many understand that minuscule advices or taunts that our near or dear ones give out..affects the already exhausted mind and body of a new mother which might lead to Post Partum Depression. Its very real and it is NOT even funny. It is very easy to drift to depression for a person who is struggling to find her new identity and whose life has changed upside-down. Once the baby is born, people just ignore the mother's health and focus only on baby. But do we realise how insensitive we are towards the healing mother.
We instruct her on everything, taunt her if we feel she is incapable. We just don't need to instruct a new mom how to take care of her baby,unless she asks for it ,don't point out her mistakes ruthlessly and please don't compare the baby. She is trying and she will get it done in her own way. Remember she just came out of a major life changing experience (vaginal or caesarian) ! Next time when a baby is fussing ,don't tell the mother to feed them.
I also received my share of advices and taunts right from birthing , feeding ,cleaning,raising my little one.The advices might come from a good place but this is not the necessity to a mom. Only some support and little encouragement are welcome.
My Gynac helped me to stay strong and to just follow what my motherly instincts and what the paedetrician tells me ; to just ignore any other advice and that ,it's okay to feel not okay!!!! If not for her, I wouldn't be where I am today...
Reach out to the ones who can keep you sane and shut down all negative sources. Just talk it out. Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 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
5 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
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 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
5 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
53 mins 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
5 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
53 mins 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
4 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
52 mins 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
4 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
3 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
Check out this new Memory
Rajalakshmi
Mom of a 1 m old girl
New Memory
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Rashida 0
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old boy
1 min ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
ila
2 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Jyotirmaya Khuntia
Guardian of a 7 m old boy
3 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Archana jha
Guardian of a 1 yr 11 m old boy
3 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive