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12 Healthy Soups to Try During Pregnancy
With the excitement of a baby along the way, people often begin to buckle their belt for the nine months of caution up ahead. While everything the mother-to-be does is under scrutiny, one of the first things that need attention is the pregnant woman's diet. It is essential to have a diet that not only suits the mother through those nauseous mornings and sleepless nights but is also healthy for the baby. Soups are nutritious and easy to consume. Here are 12 soup recipes that you must try during pregnancy:
12 Delicious and Nutritious Soups for Pregnant Women
1. Tomato Soup
Something tangy yet filling to keep you warm on cold days. Tomato soup is a classic, and this one is so easy to make!
Ingredients
5 tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup of yellow gram
½ onion, chopped
2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Add the tomatoes and gram to 4 cups of water, and boil till the tomatoes are soft.
Turn off the flame and grind the mixture once it has cooled down.
In a pot, add oil and fry the onions slightly till they are light brown.
Add the tomato mix, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot and mix it well.
Keep the flame on medium-high and occasionally stir till the soup boils.
Benefits
Tomatoes are rich sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate. They also contain iron, which helps to keep the mother and the child strong. Tomato soup during pregnancy is also known to reduce hypertension, and the fibres in the fruit can help with the problem of diarrhoea and constipation.
2. Broccoli Soup
A delicious and healthy soup that everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 cup broccoli florets
1 teaspoon oil
½ cup onion
½ cup milk
Salt to taste
Method
Add oil in a pan and saute the onion till it turns translucent.
In a pot, pour in 1 ½ cups of water with the broccoli and cook on medium flame with the lid on. Stir occasionally.
When the broccoli is soft, turn off the flame and let it cool. Blend the softened broccoli.
Pour the blended broccoli in the pan along with milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring the soup to a boil. Serve hot.
Benefits
The broccoli soup may not be the first on anyone’s 'must-try' list, but it's definitely worth it! Broccoli is a potent source of Vitamin A and folic acid. This helps the mother maintain strength during the fragile first and last trimester.
3. Mutton Soup
Something flavoursome for the meat lovers, this soup is super nutritious.
Ingredients
250 grams of mutton (leg piece)
1 onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon pepper
4 grated garlic cloves
½ grated ginger piece
Curry leaves
Coriander leaves
Method
Add all your ingredients to a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water.
Add salt as per your taste.
Cook the broth for 5 whistles.
Wait till the pressure is released, and serve hot.
Benefits
Mutton soup during pregnancy is not only beneficial for a pregnant woman with its protein, iron and, calcium content, but it is also good for her health after the delivery.
4. Greek Lemon Soup with Chicken and Pasta Shells
A fancy soup for the days you feel like having something bright and zesty!
Ingredients
6 cups chicken broth
½ cup pasta (orzo, penne, ribbon)
6 egg yolks
1 ½ cup shredded chicken
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add pasta and boil for around 7 minutes.
Beat the egg yolks in a bowl till they are light in colour. Slowly add one cup portions of the hot broth to the eggs while whisking the mixture. Make sure you whisk the eggs vigorously but do not cook them.
Add the mixture to the saucepan, cook on medium heat and stir occasionally.
Cook for 5-7 minutes till the soup gets a creamy texture. Add the lemon juice.
Add the chicken and cook till the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Add salt and pepper and serve with bread-sticks.
Benefits
This soup contains egg yolks which are known to help improve the cognitive functioning of a baby. The chicken in the soup has high protein content which is beneficial for the pregnant woman.
5. Chicken Shorba
A healthy alternative for those who love chicken.
Ingredients
500 grams chicken bones
100 grams cut boneless chicken
10 cloves chopped garlic
1 teaspoon butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 ½ tablespoon refined flour (maida)
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
In a pot, add chicken bones and 4 ¼ cups of water with garlic. Cook till the broth reduces to 2 ½ cups.
Strain and set aside.
Stir-fry the boneless chicken in butter till it’s tender.
In a saucepan, add oil and cumin seeds. When the cumin seeds start sizzling, add maida and stir for 1 minute.
Add the stock, chicken, and salt and pepper.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes and serve hot.
Benefits
This soup, apart from being high in protein content, is easily digestible.
6. Creamy Spinach Soup
A palak soup recipe for pregnancy - just as good as Popeye would have wanted!
Ingredients
25 grams butter
1 onion, grated
2 teaspoons chopped chives
900 ml vegetable or chicken stock
700 grams fresh spinach
100 grams cream cheese
Nutmeg to taste
Method
Melt some butter in a pan and, fry the garlic and onion until soft.
Add spinach, stock, and chives.
Boil and then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
Blend the mixture and add cream cheese and nutmeg.
Simmer for a few more minutes till you reach the required consistency.
Serve with bread.
Benefits
Filled with vitamins, this is a soup that will fill you up. The vitamins, fibre, and other nutrients present in the soup promote digestive health, is low on calories, and reduces hypertension.
7. Cucumber and Mint Soup
A cold soup for those who battle warm weather every day!
Ingredients
1 chopped cucumber
1 crushed garlic clove
300ml of yoghurt
3 tablespoons fresh cream
2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
1 tablespoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Add everything to a mixer and blend till you reach a creamy consistency.
Serve with chopped cucumber or garnish with mint leaves.
Benefits
This cold soup is excellent for summer days, and it's really easy to make. It is packed with Vitamin B, C, iron, and zinc that are vital to keeping you strong and healthy during pregnancy.
8. Bean Soup
An alternative to your usual rajma curry!
Ingredients
¾ cup soaked kidney beans
½ cup onions, chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon oil
½ teaspoon of chilli powder
Salt to taste
Method
In a pressure cooker, add oil and fry the onions for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes with the garlic, chilli, and salt and saute for 1 minute.
Add the beans and 3 cups of water to the pressure cooker. Cook the beans till they get soft.
Blend the mixture and add lemon juice.
Garnish the soup with some coriander leaves.
Benefits
This soup is high in carbohydrates, fibre, and iron, all of which are integral for the mother and the baby.
9. Leek and Potato Soup with Bacon
Warm and healthy, and topped with bacon. Nothing gets better than this.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
30 grams chopped bacon
1 large or 2 medium leek, chopped
2 chopped potatoes
1 cup milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Heat the oil in a saucepan.
Add the onion, bacon, and leek. Once the bacon is cooked, add the potatoes and continue cooking for a few minutes.
Add the stock and bring to a boil. Simmer the soup and mash the potatoes to thicken the soup. Add milk, salt and pepper, and simmer till the soup seems creamy.
Add a dash of cream and serve hot.
Benefits
This soup is a great alternative to tomato soup in the winters. Leeks provide the body with calcium and Vitamin B6, which are helpful in dealing with morning sickness and also help in developing stronger bones.
10. Moroccan Chickpea Soup
For those who cannot let go of their exotic tastes!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 chopped celery stalks
600 ml. boiled vegetable stock
400 grams soaked chickpeas
400 grams chopped tomatoes
½ lemon
Method
Add oil, onion, celery stalks, and 2 spoons of cumin powder to a pan. Stir till the vegetables get soft.
To that, add the stock, tomatoes and chickpea. Simmer the soup for 8 mins.
Add the lemon, salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle some herbs (optional).
Serve with bread.
Benefits
Chickpeas are a source of potassium and fibre, which help keep the mother’s blood pressure and cholesterol in check.
11. Beetroot Soup
This healthy soup is flavoursome, and the bright pink colour makes the soup difficult to resist.
Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
4 beetroots, cooked and chopped
1 potato, diced
1 carrot, chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped
1 garlic clove crushed
Oil
½ tsp paprika or red chilli powder
2 tbsp yoghurt
1 tbsp oil
2 cups vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
In a pot, heat the oil and add the onion, garlic, and red chilli and fry till the onions become translucent.
Add the potato, carrot, and paprika and saute for a few minutes. Pour the stock and boil the mixture till the potato and carrot get soft.
Add the beetroot, and simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes. Blend the mixture until smooth.
Add the yoghurt, salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with a dash of yoghurt.
Benefits
Beetroot is a rich source of folic acid and iron, making this vegetable beneficial for pregnant women. Folic acid is essential for the development of the baby's nervous system. Also, the nitrates present in beetroot help in lowering blood pressure.
12. Saffron Vegetable Soup
Full of vegetables, this soup is an absolute treat for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Ingredients
1 carrot, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
250 grams green beans, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chickpeas, cooked
1 pinch of saffron
2 tbsp oil
4 cups vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Basil leaves for garnishing
Method
In a pot, heat the oil and add the carrot and celery, cook these till they get softened.
Add onion, garlic and tomato, cook till they get soft. Add the green beans and saute for a few minutes.
Add the saffron and vegetable stock to the pot and boil the mixture. Add the chickpeas and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with a basil leaf.
Benefits
The variety of vegetables in this soup are really nutritious. Additionally, saffron is known to help with mood swings. Hence, having this soup will not only improve your physical health but also help you manage your emotional health.
Health is the biggest concern during the nine months of pregnancy, and a woman needs to be very careful about what goes into her body. It is crucial to opt for healthier food options. Soups are nutritious as well as filling, and you can make these delicious soups that are flavourful and a healthy alternative.
Also Read: Healthy and Refreshing Pregnancy Juices Read more
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Retained Placenta: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
The placenta is an organ which connects the developing foetus to the uterine wall of the mother. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the little one and removes waste products from the baby’s blood. The placenta is expelled from the body after the birth of the child. For most women, this expulsion happens on its own, but in some cases, this process may not happen automatically. This phenomenon is known as a retained placenta.
What is Retained Placenta?`
The delivery process is not complete with the birth of a child. The expulsion of the placenta is the final stage in the delivery process. Labour takes place in 3 steps:
The first step begins when the contractions begin. This is the indication that the uterus is preparing to deliver your baby.
The second step is complete when the baby is delivered.
The third and the final stage of labour is when the placenta is expelled from the womb. This usually happens within 30 minutes of the baby’s birth.
As the name suggests, a retained placenta is a condition where the placenta is not expelled from the body naturally after the birth of the child. In such a scenario, the process must be manipulated in order to remove the postpartum retained placenta from the woman’s womb. If the body has not expelled the placenta within 30 minutes, it is considered as retained placenta because the body has kept the placenta instead of removing it.
If the retained placental tissue is not treated, the mother is susceptible to health hazards like infections and blood loss.
Types of Retained Placenta
Retained placenta can be of three types:
Placenta Adherens: Placenta adherens occurs when the uterus or the womb is unable to completely expel the placenta due to the poor intensity of the contractions. This leaves the placenta loosely attached to the wall of the uterus. Placenta adherens is the most common type of retained placenta.
Trapped Placenta: Trapped placenta takes place when the separation of the placenta is not followed by its evacuation from the body. This happens because the cervix acts as a barrier resulting in the placenta getting trapped behind it.
Placenta Accreta: Placenta accreta is the situation where the placenta attaches to the muscular layer of the womb instead of the lining of the uterine wall. Delivery becomes more complicated as a result of placenta accreta which may cause severe bleeding. Blood transfusions or even a hysterectomy may be required if the bleeding does not stop.
Causes
Following are the common reasons which can cause retained placenta:
Uterine Antony: This occurs when the contractions in the uterus are not strong enough for the placenta to come out. This is the most common cause of retained placenta.
Succenturiate Lobe: Succenturiate lobe is a blood vessel that connects a small chunk of the placenta to the main part. There are instances when the main part of the placenta has been expelled but the lobe remains along with a small part of the uterus.
Placenta Accreta: This is a situation where the placenta becomes deeply embedded in the womb, possibly due to a scarring from previous caesarean section surgery. This can result in a retained placenta.
Placenta Percreta: This is a situation when the placenta grows all the way through the womb wall causing retained placenta.
Closed Cervix: Retained placenta can also be caused by the closing of the cervix before the placenta has been expelled from the uterus.
Signs and Symptoms
The placenta should be discharged completely within 30 minutes after the baby’s delivery. If the placenta fails to be completely removed from the womb within an hour after baby’s delivery, it is a clear sign of retained placenta.
A woman may also experience the following symptoms in case of retained placenta:
An abhorrent odour emanating from the vagina
Heavy bleeding
Continuous pain and tummy cramps
Discharge of large pieces of tissue from the placenta
Fever
Delay in production of milk
You should contact your doctor or midwife if you experience any of the symptoms for a prolonged period after the birth of your child.
Risk Factor for a Retained Placenta
There are certain risk factors which can increase the likelihood of a woman experiencing retained placenta. They are as follows:
Conceiving a child over the age of 30
Having a premature delivery or giving birth before the 34thweek of gestation
Going through an extremely long labour and delivery process
Delivering a stillborn baby
Previous case of retained placenta
Uterine surgery performed previously
It is not necessary that women who are high on these risks will experience retained placenta, but if you have any of the above risk factors, you should inform your doctor about them in advance.
Diagnosis
A careful examination after delivery can help the midwife or the doctor identify if there is a case of retained placenta.
In some cases, there may be partial retention of the placenta. A careful examination of the expelled placenta can help the doctor identify such a case. If the doctor is unable to notice that a small part is missing from the placenta, the woman will soon display symptoms of retained placenta.
The doctor will perform an ultrasound to look at the uterus they suspect that you have a retained placenta. Immediate treatment will be required to avoid complications in case any part of the placenta is missing.
Complications of Retained Placenta
Durin a vaginal birth, the uterus prevents the blood vessels from bleeding excessively through contractions. A placental tissue that has remained will not allow proper contraction causing a haemorrhage.
How Can You Separate the Retained Placenta?
Exercises to stimulate the release of the oxytocin can be done by gently massaging the nipples. This should be done in the event of delayed labour. The hormone will cause contractions which will help to remove the placenta.
You can also try changing your position and turn upside down to expel the placenta.
The doctor can also give you medication to help with the extraction in the form of an injection of oxytocin. Following an injection, the doctor can manually assist in the removal of the placenta. In case the placental is still not expelled, a saline injection will be administered into the umbilical vein, followed by a second oxytocin injection.
Treatment
There are different methods by which the retained placenta can be removed.
The doctor can remove the placenta by hand. Your bladder will be emptied by inserting a catheter and intravenous antibiotics will be given to prevent infection. Local anaesthesia will be administered to do this procedure.
The doctor can use medication to make your uterus contract and remove the placenta.
In case of placenta accreta, a curette is used to remove placental remains from the uterus through scrapping. This method is known as curettage.
Another way of removing the retained placenta is through a hysterectomy. The disadvantage of this treatment is that you cannot carry pregnancies in the future.
Retained Placenta After C-Section
There is a chance that a woman might suffer from retained placenta if the previous birth was by a caesarean section surgery. Placenta Accreta is a situation where the placenta becomes deeply embedded in the womb, possibly due to a scar from a previous caesarean section surgery resulting in retained placenta.
Management During Labour
While preparing for delivery, doctors do everything possible to ensure complete delivery of placenta after the birth of the baby. The following steps can be taken during labour to minimise the chances of retained placenta:
Administration of medication which encourages uterus to contract and release the placenta. Oxytocin is one such medication that can be used.
Controlled cord traction (CCT) is a procedure where the doctor manually removes the umbilical cord enabling the placenta to be removed after delivery.
The uterus can be stabilized by touching while applying CCT.
Some doctors may encourage you to gently run your hands over your abdomen in an attempt to reduce the haemorrhaging which would prevent the uterus from expanding.
Prevention
Here are a few precautions that can be taken in order to minimise the chances of retained placenta.
Inform your doctor if you have experienced retained placenta previously or if you are exposed to any other risk which can result in this situation in advance so that they can take extra care during the third stage.
Close proximity of the mother and the baby reduces the incidence of retained placenta
Limiting usage of synthetic oxytocin has shown to reduce the incidence of caesarean sections. .
Removal of placenta is a critical part of the labour process and its complete expulsion is important for ensuring normal delivery without further complications. Special care should be taken to minimise the risk of having a retained placenta. The doctors should be well informed about any risks or past events which expose you to a greater risk of getting affected by this condition.
In case of retained placenta, it is important to get the necessary treatment done immediately and then follow your doctor’s instructions to recover from the implications of this condition.
Also Read: Placenta During Pregnancy Read more
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Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
you have to meet the doctor if it is watery inconsistency or hard consistency otherwise semi solid to solid stool is normal.
also passing stool after taking food is normal. r
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
2 hours ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
1 hour ago
Q. Hi doctor, I had scan on 33 weeks 2 day, it stated that AC and HC Is <2.3% which is corresponding to 31 weeks. So overall growth of baby avg is 31 week and 2 days.
will there be any issue with the baby.I have attached my report
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
30 mins ago
A. For the query asked needdhs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pain on my right breast while breastfeeding. Latching position is correct. it is a mix of burning sensation and pain. Pain lasts for few minutes after breastfeeding also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
58 mins ago
A. nipcare ointments 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
58 mins ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
31 mins ago
A. 5-6 months 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
34 mins ago
Q. hello dr..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
31 mins ago
A. the levels are on the lower side. 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
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