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Preconceptional Counselling

Pre Pregnancy counselling is like a preventive medicine in obstetrics. As how we prepare before any big celebration like wedding, we also need to prepare before pregnancy to ensure a smooth pregnancy and a safe delivery.

What is the Goal of Pre Pregnancy Care?

Goal is to optimise health of the couple, address modifiable risk factors and educate about a healthy pregnancy.

For example –

The two leading causes of death in the 1st year of Baby’s life -

1. Birth Defects.

2. Consequences of preterm birth.

Both of which can be significantly reduced / eliminated by initiating certain preventive strategies. Here, we proactively prepare the body for smooth Pregnancy.

Why couples do not approach for Pre Pregnancy Care?

1. Lack of Public Awareness.

2. Many pregnancies are unplanned.

Strategies of Pre Pregnancy Counselling -

We need to modify diet, nutritional status, lifestyle and address the risk factors:

1. Body Mass Index – Ideal BMI is 19-24.

  • Women with low Body Mass Index can have – Low Birth Weight Babies, Preterm Deliveries.
  • Obesity – Leads to Diabetes / Hypertension in Pregnancy.

Hence, we council to achieve an ideal BMI.

2. Prenatal Vitamins

  • Folic Acid - Vitamin B9 is very vital to prevent major congenital malformations in babies. By the time most women realise they are pregnant 1 to 2 weeks after the first missed periods, the foetal neural tube has already closed which forms the brain and spinal cord. So, taking folic acid 400micrograms for 3 months prior goes a long way in preventing neural tube defects.
  • Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D3 – Important for musculoskeletal development of baby.
  • Iodine, Iron – Deficiencies are corrected.

3. Infections Screened – Hepatitis, Sexually transmitted diseases. Immunity to Rubella and Hepatitis are assessed and immunization offered.

4. Screening for medical disorders - like diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy and effects of disease on pregnancy and pregnancy on disease counselled. For example, uncontrolled sugars can lead to major congenital malformations, abortions – so medication started / Medication changed because certain medications would be toxic to the baby.

5. Detect and Counsel regarding genetic diseases – Thalassemia, sickle cell anemia.

6. Life Style Modification – Recreational Drugs and smoking would be addressed. Alcohol – related mental retardation is currently the only mental retardation syndrome amenable to primary prevention. The first step is the honest assessment of her usage. Pre Pregnancy program to reduce or eliminate usage would be provided.

7. Environmental Exposures – Industrial Workers – Exposed to Chemicals such as Heavy Metals, Organic Solvents, women in rural areas exposed to pesticides would be counselled. Pet’s excreta should be meticulously managed to avoid infections. So Health during pregnancy depends on health before pregnancy. Hence, Preconception Care is very important to ensure a safe pregnancy and beautiful motherhood.

Book an Appointment with Dr. Rijaphin R for all Gynecology related concerns.

Must Read - What should be read during pregnancy?

Couvade Syndrome During Pregnancy     

Couvade syndrome, also known as sympathetic pregnancy, describes a situation where the partner of the pregnant person experiences pregnancy-related symptoms. The name COUVADE comes from the French word COUVEE which means “ TO HATCH” or “TO BROOD” This condition is rooted in empathy experienced by the otherwise healthy partner of their pregnant counterpart leading them to believe they also have similar symptoms usually experienced during pregnancy.

Studies have shown that symptoms associated with Couvade syndrome often occur during the first and last trimesters of the pregnancy. Research have shown instances of syndrome vary depending on geographical location, with prevalence in Australia ( 31 percent ).

 

Symptoms Associated With Couvade Syndrome

It is important to note that although a person suffering from couvade syndrome will experience symptoms, they are aware of the fact that they are not pregnant. Some of the symptoms associated with couvade syndrome include:

• Vomiting or nausea

• Changes in appetite

• Bloating of the abdomen

• Back pain

• Leg cramps

• Toothache

• Heartburn

• Weight gain or weight loss

• Stomach distention

• Urinary irritation

• Depressions

• Anxiety

• Trouble sleeping

• Less desire for sex

• Restlessness

 

In most cases, symptoms associated with sympathetic pregnancy or couvade syndrome often surface during the first trimester. These symptoms then subside in the second trimester only to appear again in the last trimester. In some cases, couvade syndrome during delivery is also apparent. The patient may experience pain that can be described as “sympathy” pain.

 There is no specific treatment for Couvade Syndrome as the symptoms are usually temporary. The only way to cope with the symptoms is to try calming approaches like yoga, meditation. This will also help resolve physical symptoms that have cropped as a result of couvade syndrome. Rather than ignoring symptoms brought forth by Sympathetic pregnancy, it is a good idea to ensure that you get plenty of rest, stick to a healthy diet and avoid alcohol. Fortunately, Couvade syndrome has been deemed temporary and will soon pass once the pregnancy and delivery of the partner are over.

Must Read - Must have Vegetables during Pregnancy

Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore
  2. Top Gynecologists in Chennai
  3. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai
  4. Top Gynecologists near me in Pune
  5. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh
  6. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon
  7. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida
  8. Top Gynecologist near me in Panchkula

 

Want to book the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Maternity Packages in Bangalore
  2. Top Maternity Packages in Chennai
  3. Best Maternity Packages with Cost in Mumbai
  4. Best Maternity/ Delivery Packages with Charges in Pune
  5. Top Maternity Packages with Cost in Chandigarh
  6. Top Maternity/ Delivery packages with Charges in Gurgaon
  7. Best Pregnancy Packages in Noida
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