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Hospital back checklist - essentials to carry in your maternity bag
Packing for travel or packing for delivery we women always want to ensure our bag contains all the essentials that we may need for our survival.
As we near delivery we keep juggling as to what all should we pack for the D-day so much so that we start packing at month six till the probable day of delivery. We prepare our checklist and then keep adding items to it every new day thinking we just might need that one thing.
Here I am listing out few Essentials that you should not leave behind while preparing for your hospital bag
1. Four pair baby clothes including caps, mittens, socks - please ensure you have atleast four pairs in case due to complications you have to stay in hospital beyond the stipulated time plus the baby may soil his/ her clothes
2. Underwear - you will need atleast five or six of them as you may stain these due to heavy bleeding post delivery , dont even think of carrying new ones as these will eventually go into the bin
3. Toiletries - keep your soap, tooth brush, toothpaste, deodrant, towel comb, face cream, hair ties and any other essential that you use on a daily basis
4. Scarf, stole or cap - In India we are told to immediately cover our heads and wear warm clothing as post delivery the body becomes weak and is prone to catch cold and other ailments
5. Medical file and insurance documents - ensure you have all this file at one place and make your husband or parents aware as the adnission formalities will be carried out by them and you might not be in a state to tell what's where. Your I'd proof, insurance papers if any, pregnancy file with latest tests and scans are absolutely vital for the hospital procedure.
6. One pair of clothing for self - this will be needed when you get discharged.
7. Breast pump - there can be early hiccups to breast feed the baby in case the baby doesn't latch you aren't producing enough milk, you can keep a breast pump handy to get the milk supply going
Few more tips
Ensure you cut your nails before you land in the hospital because the hospital staff will anyways chip it.
Keep all your jewellery, rings and earnings that you are adorning at home.
In case you like reading books , carry one to pass time in the labour room as there is no source of entertainment. Mobiles have to be kept with your relatives
Baby blanket, diapers, pads for self are provided by the hospital only. However in case you want to keep pads for self you can buy newmom disposable maternity pads. They are easily available on Amazon
I hope this will help you in getting that hospital bag ready without stuffing it with unnecessary stuff. So get set go! Read more
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Losing Mucus Plug during Pregnancy
An adult woman has mucous discharge at various stages. It is this mucus that provides a safe path for the sperm. A mucus plug in pregnancy plays an important role in the protection of the baby and can also act as an indicator of labour.
What is a Mucus Plug?
During ovulation or the fertile period, the mucus discharge becomes thick due to high oestrogen levels and protects the uterus from bacteria and pathogens. If ovulation does not take place, the accumulated discharge is removed during mensuration. However, when fertilization occurs, the mucus plug (operculum) is formed. It serves as an extra layer of protection for the uterus and foetus during the entire length of the pregnancy.
What Does “Mucus Plug Discharge” Mean during Pregnancy?
Just before giving birth to a baby, the mother goes into the labour. This means that her body prepares for birthing. The cervix dilates, and this causes the accumulated mucous or mucus plug to get dislodged. This is the first sign that you will shortly go into labour. So, you needn’t be worried, as losing the mucus plug is an entirely normal process. In fact, it is a good sign of the progression of pregnancy and an alert for the mother to get prepared for delivery.
What Does it Look Like?
The mucus plug is a thick gelatinous discharge from the vagina. During pregnancy, the colour of mucus plug can be white, red, or brown. Sometimes tiny blood vessels rupture when the plug is dislodged. In this case, the discharge could be a little pinkish. However, most women have a creamy white mucous discharge during pregnancy, which is called leucorrhea. This is due to the increased mucous formed and discharged from the cervix due to higher estrogen levels in pregnancy.
When Does Mucus Plug Come Out?
The accumulated mucus in the cervix gets discharged when the cervix dilates. The gap between losing the mucus plug and labour contractions varies from woman to woman. Most women lose the mucus plug just before labour. Others can lose it even days before the contractions begin. This is a normal process and should not be a cause for alarm.
How Does a Pregnant Woman Lose Mucus Plug?
Before the labour starts, the cervix dilates in preparation for the impending birth. As the dilation increases, the plug gets removed naturally. However, there are instances where the plug can get dislodged ahead of time during an examination or sexual intercourse. It is only the first layer of protection for the uterus and the baby and it means all is well and you will shortly deliver your precious bundle of joy.
Can You Pull Out Your Mucus Plug?
You should never attempt pulling out your mucus plug as it could lead to the damage of the inner walls of the cervix. It can also lead to bacterial infection of the birth canal which can lead to health complications for the newborn baby.
Is It Normal If You Lose Your Mucus Plug Early?
Some women may lose the mucus plug much earlier in their pregnancy (earlier than 37 weeks). But, there is no need to panic. However, if you have a bleeding discharge, instead of the regular transparent discharge, contact your doctor to rule out possibilities of complications.
What to Do If Mucus Plug Comes Out?
Once the plug is dislodged it means the first level of protection is no longer there. If this happens close to your delivery date, it is a good sign of the progression of pregnancy into labour. Treat it as an early warning that you will shortly go into the labour.
However, if you lose the mucus plug in the earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy, there is no need to worry. The amniotic sac will still protect the baby, but inform your doctor about the same. Some women will lose the mucus plug after contractions start and just before the amniotic sac breaks. Some others may not even notice that the plug has been lost.
What Causes Mucus Discharge in Pregnant Women?
All women pump out high doses of oestrogen during the fertile period, during sexual intercourse, and during pregnancy. The production of mucus means that the body is preparing itself for ovulation, pregnancy, or delivery. During pregnancy and just before labour sets in, the mucus production increases. Most women notice a white discharge during pregnancy, which is the excess mucus being discharged. Before labour, the plug is discharged to enable the baby’s delivery.
What is Bloody Show?
Bloody show is a good early sign of the onset of labour. It is a mucous discharge tinged pink or brown with blood. It means the cervix is dilating to prepare for the onset of labour, and the plug at the mouth of the cervix is dislodged because of it. If you are close to your delivery date, it is a good sign.
Even if you lose it in early pregnancy don’t worry, as the amniotic sac will protect the baby.
Is Losing Mucus Plug Same as Passing Bloody Show?
No, the colour of mucus plug should normally be creamy white or creamy in colour. During its discharge, the process of tearing away could have a little blood in it. This pinkish or brownish discharge is termed the bloody show.
If at any time you see a bloody discharge with fresh blood in it, see your doctor immediately to ensure there is nothing wrong.
How to Know if You Have Lost Your Mucus Plug?
You should be very observant during your pregnancy and inspect your underwear or sanitary pad carefully. It differs from woman to woman. All women discharge mucus plug before delivery and this can be noticed as a blob of pinkish or brownish mucous discharge. If accompanied by bleeding or pain, it becomes a severe problem.
How Long After Losing Mucus Plug Labour Starts?
One can expect to go into labour in about the next day or two if you have the bloody show. Contractions may start in a few hours to a few weeks. It is the first indicator of labour and it is time to be prepared. The onset of the contractions will determine the start of labour. Just relax, be calm, and prepare yourself for delivering your baby.
Will You Always Discharge Your Mucus Plug?
Yes. It blocks the passage of the foetus and would inevitably be dislodged at some point of time.
Is There Any Complication of Losing Mucus Plug?
No, the process is entirely normal and you must lose the mucus plug to deliver the baby. If the mucus plug is dislodged in early pregnancy (around the 24th week or earlier than 37 weeks) then it only means the extra layer of protection is gone. This does not mean that your baby is at the risk of an infection. Your body is designed with a second layer of defence in the form of the amniotic sac. It also performs the same function as the mucus plug and prevents the entry of bacteria.
Is It Painful to Lose Mucus Plug?
Yes, there is some pain associated with the loss of mucus plug. It is something similar to what you experience during your period. However, this is not always the case as many may not even feel it coming out.
Does Losing Mucus Plug Indicate Pathology?
Losing a mucus plug is a part of your pregnancy. The loss of the mucus plug does not indicate a pathological problem as it is only making way for the foetus that is inside.
When to Call a Doctor?
If you notice heavy bleeding during your mucus plug discharge, it could indicate complications like placenta previa or placental abruption and you will need to call a doctor right away. Also, if you notice a bad odour or if the discharge is green in colour, it may indicate an infection.
Knowing and understanding the loss of the mucus plug helps you understand the birthing process only better. Be positive, stay calm and relaxed as you bring your baby into this world.
Also Read: Leaking Amniotic Fluid during Pregnancy Read more
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Two little steps for a new born by a Breastfeeding NEW MOM
Hello Mums...
Congratulations and welcome to the world of motherhood!!!
Wether your little bundle of joy has already arrived or you are still waiting for the D' day , I am sure you are already enjoying the roller coaster ride! Let us admit the fact that it's not all about happiness and joy. Yes, Motherhood comes with many new challenges and we need to learn so many things that we never imagined before.
Breastfeeding is one amongst them. Easy as it seems, only a mum who has started living this phase, can relate that it comes with many surprises. Correct latching, baby holding positions, tickling and painful sensations and what not.
The most common thing which news mums are facing these days is lack of breastmilk supply.
Many new moms complaint about less breast milk supply during the first few days after delivery and they eventually end up giving formula feed to their baby. There can be various reasons , your body is not producing enough breastmilk. Most common ones are medical conditions, stress levels and diet patterns.
I would like to share two useful tips related to breast milk supply during those first few days after your little joy of Bundle has arrived.
With little efforts , you can train your mind and body to start producing breastmilk for your newborn. Yes, that's possible!
If you wish to breastfeed your baby and your body is not able to make enough milk, you can do the following
1.Express regularly -
If you regularly express milk, your body will get the signal that more milk is required and it starts producing more milk for your baby. (You can use Breast pumps or you can express milk by hands, both ways are helpful)
It is important to express milk atleast twice daily so that you can even store your breastmilk for further use. Moreover, it stimulates regular breastmilk supply for your little one
2.Baby Contact -
This is the most important step to give signal to your body for producing breast milk. Bring your baby close to your breats and let them suck your nipples even if there is no or little breast milk available for them. When the saliva of your baby touches your breasts, the brain releases milk producing hormones in the body and eventually regular milk supply starts in your body.
You must be knowing already that skin contact between a child and the parent (especially mother's touch) is really soothing for the baby. Yes, it makes them calm and secure.
In some cases, it may take time to work, but these two methods will definitely give results, So keep expressing and let your baby be in contact with your breasts on regular basis for better results.
I hope the above two tips will definitely help the new moms who are struggling to brestfeed their babies in their initail days. It can definitely add if not replace the medications or any other treatment you might be taking to improve your breast milk supply.
A small request ...
Please share this information with maximum new moms and to be moms in strong favour of breastfeeding...
If you were struggling from the breast milk supply issue till now, please start these two little steps and dont forget to share your experience with other mums...
Regards,
Bijal Mayank Read more
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
15 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
44 mins 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
42 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
42 mins ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
16 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
19 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
15 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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