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Taking Labetalol in Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
Pregnancy is a time when you need to stay in good health to keep all the complications at bay. It is a well-known fact that labetalol is considered effective in lowering high blood pressure during pregnancy, but one must remain very careful about its probable side-effects as well. It slows the heart rate and improves blood flow, thus decreasing blood pressure. However, it does not cure it. The drug is only a part of the complete treatment for high blood pressure, which includes exercise, diet, and overall weight control. Hence, as a precautionary measure, one must know all about the medicine.
What is Labetalol?
Labetalol is a drug used for treating high blood pressure. This medication is termed ‘beta-blocker’ – a group of drugs that can be given orally for long-term hypertension management and intravenously in severe hypertensive situations. Lowering blood pressure helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. It relaxes the blood vessels and slows the heart rate, which results in improved blood flow, thus decreasing blood pressure.
Is It Safe to Take Labetalol During Pregnancy?
High blood pressure or hypertension is a serious concern for women during pregnancy. It can sometimes cause severe health complications for the mother and the developing baby.
Labetalol for high blood pressure during pregnancy is prescribed to women who have high blood pressure during pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension or gestational hypertension). High blood pressure can lead to damaged kidneys, brain, heart and blood vessels, if not treated promptly. If these organs are affected, it may lead to heart disease, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, loss of vision, or stroke.
Sometimes, women who are being treated for high blood pressure before pregnancy are made to switch to labetalol from their previous medicine. It also depends on how many weeks pregnant the patient is. It is, therefore, important to weigh how necessary labetalol is to your health against any possible risk that you or your baby might be in. Ultimately, the decision to start, stop, continue or change any medicine should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.
Why Is Labetalol Used During Pregnancy?
To control high blood pressure for the health of the unborn baby and the mother.
It can be used as an acceptable oral antihypertensive agent.
Labetalol for high blood pressure during pregnancy is instrumental in causing a smooth and sustained fall in blood pressure and is free of any grievous side-effects.
Labetalol supersedes all other medicines as a first-line drug and can be safely taken in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Side-Effects and Risks of Taking Labetalol During Pregnancy
It has been generally observed that older adults are more sensitive to the side-effects of the drug. It is not necessary that a side-effect will definitely occur, but if it occurs, it may need medical attention. Though labetalol is often prescribed to expectant ladies, some common side-effects are as follows:
Taking medicine daily causes fatigue
A regular dosage of the medicine can also cause an upset stomach
You might find that it sometimes results in a stuffy nose
The medicine, when used regularly, makes one feel excessively tired
Sometimes, it might cause tingling in the scalp or skin
Some patients have also reported dizziness and drowsiness after consuming the medicine daily.
Some side-effects of the medication do not need any medical attention. As the body gradually gets accustomed to the medicine, the side-effects disappear. Even the healthcare provider gives useful guidance to prevent or reduce the side-effects of the medicine. If any side-effect happens to be bothersome, the health care provider must soon be consulted.
Things You Need to Be Careful About
Labetalol is safe as a medicine for hypertension. Nevertheless, one should be careful before taking the medicine and follow the instructions given by the doctor.
Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly.
If it is discontinued suddenly, it may cause chest pain or a heart attack.
Avoid taking the medicine if you are allergic to it.
Discontinue taking it if you have a second or third-degree heart block or very slow heartbeat.
Do not take the medicine if you have any kidney or liver disease, diabetes or allergies.
FAQs
As high blood pressure during pregnancy is a common symptom, there are bound to be many questions that need to be answered to understand it well. In order to alleviate some of the anxieties related to it, you might feel delighted to know about the frequently asked questions related to the use of labetalol during pregnancy.
Is labetalol available as a generic drug?
Do I need a prescription for labetalol?
Are there drugs and supplements that interact with labetalol?
What else should be known about labetalol?
What special dietary instructions should one follow?
Here are some more:
1. What If I Already Consumed Labetalol When Pregnant?
Consult a doctor if you have taken any medicine when already pregnant. The doctor will then decide whether the medicine is still required or you should discontinue it. The doctor will also determine the lowest labetalol dose in pregnancy that will work so that it is safe for you as well as the unborn baby.
2. Can Consuming Labetalol Cause the Baby to Be Born With Birth Defects?
Since most of the baby’s internal organs develop within the first 3 months (12 weeks) of pregnancy, any risk of birth defects will be higher at this time. Only a few studies have been conducted to identify if conditions like hypospadias or heart defects are linked to consumption of labetalol during pregnancy. The studies do not show any such link between labetalol and these defects at present.
3. Can Consuming Labetalol When Pregnant Cause Miscarriage?
One of the most common pregnancy-related issues is miscarriage. It is the spontaneous loss of the baby in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Miscarriage due to the use of a particular drug is very rare.
There are no assessments on miscarriage after consuming labetalol. Very little evidence of miscarriages proves that it is one’s personal health status which is equally responsible for any such unfortunate eventuality.
4. Does Labetalol Cause Stillbirth?
Losing a baby is a terrible emotional blow. A baby who is born without any signs of life after 24 weeks of pregnancy is called a stillborn child. The mother ‘s health, age, lifestyle, and certain genetic factors are some of the reasons for it.
It is very difficult to say whether labetalol causes stillbirth. There is a higher risk of stillbirth when the blood pressure of the pregnant mother is poorly controlled. Though there are cases where women taking labetalol experienced stillbirth, there are others who had a completely safe delivery. It is the high blood pressure that causes the risk of stillbirth and not labetalol, which actually alters the risk.
5. Does Labetalol Cause Preterm Birth (Before 37 Week), If Taken in Pregnancy?
Labetalol and pregnancy are absolutely common. Preterm delivery is sometimes medically induced by the doctor due to concerns about the baby’s health in the womb or because of the severity of the expectant mother’s high blood pressure. Therefore, it cannot definitely be concluded that the medicines that are used to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy are actually responsible for preterm delivery. Some studies of preterm birth rate were conducted, in which it was found that taking labetalol during pregnancy is not linked to an increased risk of preterm birth.
6. Can Consuming Labetalol in Pregnancy Cause Low Birth Weight?
It is quite complicated a question to affirm. Many of the studies that were conducted on expectant mothers found no evidence that taking labetalol during pregnancy increased the risk of low birth weight in the baby. More studies are required to absolutely confirm that the use of labetalol during pregnancy does not cause low birth weight in the baby.
7. Can Taking Labetalol Cause other Health Problems in the Newborn Child?
It is absolutely uncertain whether a labetalol dose in pregnancy can affect the baby after birth. There are some known side-effects of a labetalol dose in pregnancy, like low heart rate, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar. Sometimes, these effects are found in babies who were exposed to labetalol in their mother’s womb. However, a number of studies have suggested that the likelihood of any complication with the baby after birth is not due to the exposure of the baby to labetalol in the mother’s womb. Therefore, mothers who have been taking labetalol during pregnancy should arrange for the baby to be born in a unit where the baby can be well-monitored and treated for a few hours or days after birth, if required.
8. Is There a Need for Extra Monitoring for Me and Baby During Pregnancy or After Delivery?
When women with high blood pressure deliver their baby, they are usually offered special care and are closely monitored to ensure that their blood pressure is in the correct range and their baby is developing and growing at a normal pace. Most expectant mothers, as part of their antenatal care, are offered a scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to determine any birth defects in the foetus. Women who used labetalol in the later stages of pregnancy should ensure appropriate medical intervention and support if the baby shows any signs of adverse effects of ‘beta-blocker’ exposure.
Labetalol and pregnancy are not at all uncommon. One must also know that every pregnancy is unique. It is suggested to all expectant mothers to keep a record of all the medication undertaken during pregnancy in a handheld maternity record so that the doctor can see the medical history of the patient at a glance.
Resources and References: MedicineNet
Also Read: Fast Heart Beat during Pregnancy Read more
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10 Types of Footwear That All Women Should Own!
Women love nothing more than their shoes. We bet you have so many pairs of shoes, that you need a separate wardrobe for them. You can probably hear your mother admonishing you about how you would need a new house for your shoes alone, and you chuckle every time you order a new pair. But there are certain types of footwear that every lady must own. This will help her match her outfits to her shoes, and avoid some otherwise inevitable fashion faux pas. There are several in varying sizes, shapes, and colours to choose from. Materials differ too - leather, suede, or rubber, you name it! We bring you our guide of the top ten types of footwear that are a lady’s best friend. We attempt to reduce your confusion and anguish every time you want to pick up a new pair of footwear for your collection.
10 Kinds of Trendy Footwear Every Woman Must Own
Here is a list of the 10 essentials that should be a part of your footwear wardrobe.
1. Stilettos
These elegant shoes mean ‘needle heels’ in French. They can add elegance to your outfit in a split second. It is not an easy task walking in these pencil thin heels, but nothing compares to the glamour of being able to carry off a stiletto. Stilettos are perfect to wear with evening gowns, slim fit jeans, and even desi kurtas. It is wise to avoid wearing stilettos during pregnancy and for a couple of months after delivery.
2. Spool Heels
These shoes have heels that are a tad more forgiving than stilettos. They are broader at the top and narrow at the bottom, and are more practical to walk in. These heels for women are more forgiving than stilettos. A wide range of peep-toes and pumps come with spool heels. These comfortable pumps suit all occasions and can be paired with dressy outfits as well as casual wear.
3. Wedges
Wedges are the comforters of the feet world. You can bare your pretty feet in these gorgeous beauties. The wedged heel gives you a lot more area to balance while walking. Wedges pair perfectly with summer dresses and maxi dresses. You can pull off wedges with jeans as well.
4. Loafers
If comfort is your only goal, then you must own as many loafers as you can. They are amazing for a casual day whether paired with jeans, long skirts or even formal trousers. Done right, loafers can complete a formal look in a fantastic way. They are snug and comfortable, and you can sail through a whole day on your feet wearing a pair of loafers.
5. Kitten Heels
These appropriately named shoes have smaller heel lengths and do not put too much pressure on your foot. Kittens can be worn with anything as long as your ankles are visible and the heels make their statement. You can pair them with your Indian outfits like kurtas and leggings as well.
6. Mary Janes or Doll Shoes
These shoes are characterised by low-cut, closed, and strapped styling. The strap is usually located over the instep. They can have heels or can be modelled flat as well. Depending oh whether yours are heeled or flat, you can pair them with jeans, and maxis.
7. Ballerinas
Ballet shoes are comfortable, fashionable, and casual all at the same time. You can get dressy ballerinas, the plain ones or even sparkling ones. Depending on what type of ballerinas you pick, you can pair them with dresses, jumpsuits, gowns, and even jeans.
8. Brogues
What a formal name for shoes, right? These tie up shoes are the quintessential formal shoes of every girl's dream. The shoes get their name from the manufacturing method ‘broguing’ which creates perforated patterns on the material. They were originally one of the types of formal shoes for ladies. Depending on the colour, you can pair them with dresses, shorts, and formal pants.
9. Sandals
Sandals are an umbrella term for all open footwear. They can be strappy, heeled, flip-flop type, or even sliders. Depending on the type of sandal you have bought, you can pair them with jeans and Indian clothing. Sandals for women that have a bit of heel can be worn with sarees and lehengas, while the flat ones are ideal with kurtas.
10. Sneakers
Sneakers refer to the sporty type of shoes for women. They suit outdoor activities such as trekking, running, sports activities, and all-day errands. Sneakers for women have come a long way, and they are available in awesome colours and patterns. Choose your sneakers wisely because they are highly specialised and specific to the utility that they were manufactured for. Sneakers can be worn with track pants, shorts, and casual dresses.
FAQs
Here we answer some doubts about what footwear is suitable for certain specific requirements:
1. Which Type of Shoes Are Most Comfortable for Working Women?
It depends on your comfort level. Some people love wearing heels to work and can sustain an entire day of standing in them. Others are better off wearing brogues, loafers or flat sandals to work. Choose the style according to your outfit.
2. Which Footwear Goes Well With Sarees?
Open footwear like sandals goes best with sarees. Dressy, strappy sandals with a bit of heel can make the wearer feel graceful and stylish in no time.
3. Which Shoes Should I Wear With A Dress?
If your dress is long, then wear it with stilettos, pumps or wedges. If the dress is short, you can pair it with ballerinas, kitten heels, or even sandals.
4. Which Shoes Pair Well With Any Outfit?
There are no shoes that fit the category of ‘one-shoe-fits-all-occasions’, but a sandal might come the closest. You can wear sandals with dresses, shorts, skirts, sarees, kurtas, and formal clothes too. Just make sure that you pick the right kind of sandals for each outfit.
One can never have too many shoes. The sheer variety of colours, textures, and styles make us want to buy a new pair every few days. It is important to remember that colours matter when trying to match an outfit with shoes. The material is important too, depending on the occasion and the weather conditions. Styles matter depending on whether you can carry strappy gladiators, or are better off with closed pumps and ballerinas. Choose your footwear wisely and pick comfort over style any day.
Also Read:
Embellished Juttis – Your Wedding Season Staple
Simple Steps to Soothe Heel Pain
How to Store Shoes in a Small Space Read more
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Can Pregnant Women Consume Flounder - Benefits and Safety Tips
Fishes with high levels of mercury are not safe for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. Eating fish with excess mercury, a toxin known to harm the cognitive development of the fetus. Whereas eating too little fish may deprive your unborn baby of the most important omega 3 fatty acids, known to enhance brain development and fetal growth in general. As there are several varieties of Flounder fish, it is important to check their health benefits, mercury levels, portions sizes, and ways to make the different delectable recipes that would help you enjoy them in the right way.
What Is Flounder?
Also known as fluke, the Flounder is a flat-demersal fish found mostly at the bottom of seas and oceans worldwide. Some species of Flounders can also enter estuaries that transform from normal fish to flatfish in adulthood. There are many species of the Flounder, like sole or halibut, which have their distinct flavors. They have an oval, flattened body with largemouth, and Flounder has a delicate texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. According to the FDA, Flatfish or flounder fish is a low-fat, nutrient-rich mild tasting fish that is a safe choice for pregnant women.
Types of Flounder Considered As Low Mercury Level
The Environmental Defense Fund has broken down the mercury content of different types of Flounder with a “low mercury” rating. Here are some of the flounders with low levels of mercury that make Flounder safe in pregnancy:
Starry Flounder
Windowpane Flounder
Blackbuck Flounder
Summer / Winter Flounder
Yellowtail Flounder
Arrow tooth Flounder
Witch Flounder
Is It Safe to Eat Flounder When Pregnant?
Most pregnant women worry, “can I eat flounder while pregnant?” due to the conflicting reports they receive about Flounder fish. Flounder is generally safe to eat when pregnant if it’s fully cooked. Low in mercury, flounder is an excellent lean source of protein and contains minimal amounts of vitamins. As there’s more than one type of Flounder, one needs to look at the mercury levels, portions sizes, and ways to make their favorite flounders super healthy during pregnancy.
Health Benefits of Eating Flounder During Pregnancy
Flounder is a good choice of fish to consume in pregnancy as it has a host of healthy advantages. Here are some of them:
Flounder is a rich source of dietary protein that is essential for your baby’s growth and development. It also repairs your skin, organ, and muscle tissues.
The omega-3 fatty acid in Flounder reduces the triglyceride levels that help reduce the chances of heart disease.
It is an excellent source of vitamin B and vitamin D.
How Much Flounder Should Pregnant Women Eat?
As Flounder has a low mercury level, you can safely eat it several times a week during pregnancy. As per the FDA recommendations, pregnant women can eat around 8 – 12oz a week of Flounder containing low mercury content. In general, a portion of fish is about 3 to 4 oz., depending on the size. Hence, a pregnant woman can eat Flounder up to three times a week.
Healthy Recipes of Flounder While Pregnant
Here are some healthy recipes of Flounder that you can relish preparing and eating while pregnant.
1. Baked Flounder Fillet & Sautéed Veggies
This go-to nutritious fish dinner containing a rainbow of veggies, Flounder, and thyme adds just the right sweet, lemony and peppery taste is sure to get you hooked.
Ingredients
Flounder fillet - 1lb
Cherry tomatoes halved - 1/2lb
Broccoli chopped into small pieces - 1/2lb
Medium red bell pepper chopped - 1
Small sweet onion thinly sliced in rings - 1
Garlic cloves finely chopped - 2
Olive oil 2 tsp - 1Tbsp
Kosher salt - 1tsp
Lemon pepper - 1tsp
Dried thyme - 1/2tsp
Ground black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Total Cooking Time: 25 Minutes
Servings: 4
Method
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Heat one tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until translucent. Add bell pepper; sauté until soft. Add broccoli and tomatoes to cook until tender for about three minutes. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Arrange Flounder and drizzle with the remaining 2 tsp olive oil in a baking dish. Season with thyme, salt, and lemon pepper. Bake 8-10 minutes until the fish turns golden on top.
Serve with sautéed veggies and garnish with thyme sprigs.
2. Baked Flounder With Parmesan Crumbs
Try this easy, healthy, quick, and family-friendly recipe to put together a dish complete with grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and the wonderful aroma of fresh basil.
Ingredients
Flounder fillets - 4 (2 Pounds)
Salt and newly ground pepper
Newly Grated Parmesan Cheese - 3/4th Cup
Coarse Fresh Bread Crumbs - 1/2 Cup
Melted unsalted butter - 4 Tbsp.
Extra-virgin Olive Oil - 2 Tbsp.
Total Cooking Time: 15 Minutes
Servings: 4
Method
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper in a large baking meal.
Mix the Parmesan with bread crumbs, melted butter, and olive oil to drizzle over the fillets.
Bake for around 15 minutes until the fish turns golden brown.
A well-cooked fish leaves a firm, easily flaked flesh that is just right to be consumed. In case of any doubt, check with your doctor about the right quantity, how often you can eat Flounder fish, and any specific side effects during pregnancy.
Also Read:
Eating Sausage in Pregnancy
Consuming Meat while Pregnant
Consuming Liver during Pregnancy Read more
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தவமாய் தவமிருந்து Vishwanathan- You are boon to us from God
Dear Baby
Your arrival is my first lock down. Pregnancy news got confirmed in abroad with 30 day lock down and I came for first time in wheel chair in airport. After 24 hours of flight journey, take off and landing finally we safely landed in India from U. S. Next day of arrival I saw you for the first time in scan.
Five months went with vomiting, hospital admission due to jet lag. After five months I stepped into my home town and it's the baby shower function went amazing with blessings of relations and songs sung by my music teachers.
After three months of enjoyment it's a turning point with scan data discrepancies and doctor changing. Till eight months the doctor whom I met made me feel bad at every time appointment and used to tell c section is going to happen.
But by God's grace and with my continued prayers and pooja you arrived to me at end of nine months with normal delivery and episitomy. I was not given enema to your surprise and had both breakfast and dinner on the day you are born. Your arrival was in evening time.
Ten days before your delivery I went to a baby moon to a resort for a day with your dad in two wheeler. It's the most happiest moment in the pregnancy journey.
Your dad and grandma was with me during the delivery supporting and encouraging me throughout the day. Your birthday is on the same month as mine and eleven days after mine. Your arrival gave me confidence in life. Still the delivery is a goosebumps moment for me and I wonder how I managed. Credit goes to the doctor who gave me the confidence within a month.
You are God's blessings after seven years of marriage life. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. baby weight 3.5 kg normal delivery possible???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. there are many factors for normal delivery definitely baby weight is one. 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 Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
6 hours ago
Q. Is it normal to have a one leg swelling in 7 th month
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. not normal
in your case a medical examination is required for proper diagnosis and treatment.
difficult to tell without examination whether it is normal or not.
advisable to remain in contact with your doctor for proper guidance and treatment
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. Early pregnancy symptoms
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. nausea, better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Sindhu has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. I am 13 weeks pregnant and I have a low lying placenta. Is it a risk ?
Sindhu
Mom of a Newborn boy
3 hours ago
A. We can't say now in 8th months scan only we can say surely.anyway consultation is important
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. my quadruple test shows trisomy 21 and my Dr. insist for amniocentesis but my family is not agree for that they are saying it's a god gift and he will care for baby.
so what should I do?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. you had to take a decision along with your family members and the treating doctor 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Father of a 4 yr old child
48 mins ago
Q. my 2 years boy using left hand for picking any thing.how can I avoid this
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
47 mins ago
A. Kids mostly prefer using the left hand only as a very comfortable and that’s a very natural thing for them to use so if you want to change this habit you just have to constantly remind or tell your child to use the right hand that is what you can do as in India we believe that only right hand should be used for everything but actually if you see the kids using the left hand is very comfortable and there is no problem in that
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