December 2020 - Prega News | Pregnancy Test | Pregnancy Test at Home | Pregnancy Test Kit

Month: December 2020

What is Postpartum Care? Tips, Change: Emotional & Physical

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As soon as you use the due date calculator or see the two pink lines on the pregnancy test kit, to check when will you see your little one, your excitement knows no bounds. However, pregnancy, childbirth and all that they entail do not end after you deliver your baby. The next stage after delivery is the postpartum stage.

What is Postpartum Care?

Right after you undergo delivery (whether natural or C-section), you undergo many changes – physical, emotional and mental. This stage, called postpartum, is the time it takes for you to go back to your pre-pregnancy stage, and can often last between 6-8 weeks post childbirth. However, each experience is unique and some may recover sooner or later, depending on many factors like the experience of childbirth, previous conditions etc.

As you navigate through the postpartum, you also get acquainted with many physical and emotional changes. You are healing your body while you and your partner learn to look after the newborn. As you experience all these, it can get overwhelming at times. It is thus, extremely crucial that you identify all the signs and changes and work towards healing them or accepting them. This care for the mother post-delivery, is called postpartum care.

What are some changes one undergoes physically & emotionally, after a normal delivery?

If you have just undergone a normal delivery, you can observe some or all of the changes, listed below:

  • Vaginal Soreness
  • Vaginal Discharge
  • Urine Leakage
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Tender Breasts
  • Hair & Skin Changes
  • Changes in Mood

Vaginal Soreness
If you had a vaginal tear or needed an incision during childbirth, there may be some vaginal soreness post the delivery. Or in layman terms, there is a loss of tightness after birth. This can be alleviated with cold/hot packs, over-the-counter painkillers, warm baths etc.

Vaginal Discharge
Post-delivery, you will start shedding the superficial mucous membrane that lines the uterus during pregnancy. This can cause heavy bleeding and can last up to weeks. However if you experience too much pain or it continues for a long time, you should consult your doctor.

Urine Leakage
Vaginal delivery can loosen your pelvic muscles and this can lead to a few drops of urine leakage involuntarily when you laugh, sneeze etc. You can consult your doctor for any exercises that can help tackle this.

Hemorrhoids
If you experience pain while passing bowels or notice a swelling in the area, you may have hemorrhoids. You can consult your doctor and it can be eased with creams, medication or eating fiber-rich foods.

Tender Breasts

The breast engorgement, usually experienced after childbirth can be eased with frequent breastfeeding on both sides. Benefits of breastfeeding have been noted in both mother and baby and can also help ease the tenderness.

Hair & Skin Changes
When you’re pregnant, your hormonal changes can make your hair grow faster than it sheds and also make you skin glow. But after delivery, you may observe the exact opposite as your hormone levels go back to normal. This can last up to 4-5 months. However, there are some hair and skin tips that you can look into to take care of this.

Changes in Mood
Hormonal changes and the sudden shift of roles, can often lead to mood swings post childbirth. It’s important that you stay conscious of these changes and address them accordingly. If your mood swings are unusually low or if you notice the signs of postpartum depression, it’s best to get in touch with experts.

Tips for Postpartum Care

As you undergo the aforementioned changes, it’s necessary that you look after yourself and here are some postpartum care tips to do just that:

  • Take ample rest
  • Keep a check on your physical and mental signs & developments
  • Eat healthy
  • Do light exercises after consulting your doctor
  • Check-in with your partner and spend some time together
  • Check-in with your doctor at all stages
  • Consult your doctor immediately if you notice anything unusual
  • Practice yoga or meditation for a calm mind
  • Take some time for yourself

Key Takeaway

Postpartum care is an important part of every woman’s healing journey and is unique to her. Paying attention to your signs and always consulting your doctor can make this process easier. Keeping a calm mind and allowing yourself time to heal with the help of loved ones is the key to a healthy recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long should you rest after giving birth?
    Rest for at least 6-8 weeks after giving birth. However, this will depend on how you give birth and the conditions during this time. It’s best to consult your doctor after childbirth.
  2. How should I sleep after delivery?
    Sleeping on the side is generally recommended after delivery but it all depends on your comfort level and your doctor’s recommendation.
  3. How can I make my tummy flat after delivery?
    Immediately after childbirth, breastfeeding helps reduce weight but the tummy/ovary will go back to its original size after 6-8 weeks. Post childbirth, you can consult your doctor and start exercises and a healthy diet to get back into shape.
  4. How do I know if I tore my stitches after birth?
    Tearing your stitches will cause some kind of discomfort – usually pain or bleeding. It’s best to check-in with your doctor to ensure that everything is in order for recovery.
  5. Why do I still look pregnant 3 months postpartum?
    Every pregnancy and delivery is different and it may take longer for some to go back to their pre-pregnancy stage. Consult your doctor, if you notice no change even after a prolonged period.
  6. How long does it take for a woman’s body to go back to normal after pregnancy?
    Normally, it takes 6-8 weeks for your body to go back to your pre-pregnancy stage to a certain extent. However, a complete recovery is a long process and can be achieved with the right diet, guidance and light exercises. You can consult your dietician or doctor for guidance on the same.
  7. How to take care of your vagina after giving birth?
    If you had a vaginal birth, you may experience pain and soreness post-delivery. Hot/cold compresses and warm baths can ease the pain and you can also ask your doctor for prescription painkillers.

 

Disclaimer:This blog solely intended for the educational/informational/awareness purposes and is not a substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional before acting on the information provided on the blog. Reliance on any or all information provided in the blog, is solely at your own risk and responsibility. Mankind Pharma Limited shall not be held liable, in any circumstance whatsoever.

What to Eat During Pregnancy

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Whether you are experiencing ovulation symptoms, planning your pregnancy or already pregnant, eating right and eating healthy is always the best way forward. Having the right diet not only increases your chances of conception, but also ensures a healthy pregnancy after. Moreover, it also helps maintain your hormone levels and the ideal weight, which ensure your overall well-being and later on the well-being of your foetus. And if you eat right, exercise and have a fertility window, it won’t take long before you see those two pink lines on a pregnancy test kit. In fact, if you have been following all the tips, keeping a home pregnancy test kit will be really helpful and you can always find help on how to use a pregnancy test kit, which is very easy.

So if you’re looking for what to eat during pregnancy, this is just the thing for you. Healthy eating during pregnancy not only ensures the proper growth of your baby by providing the right nutrients, but can also help maintain hormone balance and help you tackle things like nausea. The right pregnancy diet should include a bit of everything and all food groups.

A general rule of thumb, would be that food for pregnant women need not be vastly different from what we eat every day, barring foods containing unhealthy fats, salt and sugar. In fact, experts recommend not changing a diet too much just because you’re pregnant. This means, one should not take up a completely different diet during pregnancy like becoming vegan or suddenly eating meat. Food you grew up eating is a good way to start focusing on how to eat right during pregnancy. If you grew up eating more millet and vegetables, you can customize your diet as per the same, so on and so forth.

Food for Pregnant Women

The proper diet for pregnant women includes nutrient-rich foods that help keep the mother and baby healthy. Now, let’s look at the individual groups of foods that constitute a healthy diet. Broadly speaking, one should aim to include the following in their pregnancy diet:

  • Vegetables & legumes
  • Grains, pulses & cereals
  • Dairy products
  • Fresh fruits
  • Protein rich foods
  • Staying hydrated

Vegetables & Legumes

Fresh leafy vegetables and legumes can be consumed in many forms and are really good for expectant mothers. Apart from being extremely delicious, these also provide vitamins and minerals which are essential for baby’s growth. These are also fiber-rich food and help prevent constipation, which is a common occurrence during pregnancy. From salads to curries – there’s a lot you can make with these staples.

Grains, Pulses & Cereals

These provide carbohydrates which keep you full and help prevent binging on junk. Try to consume them in whole-meal form rather than processed. Additionally, they are also good sources of iron, vitamins, zinc, magnesium and more, all of which add to baby’s development in the womb. These starchy foods also have plenty of fiber, which aids digestion, thus preventing heartburn etc.

Dairy Products

Unless you are lactose intolerant, you can include dairy products like yoghurt, milk and cheese in your diet. These are rich in calcium and other nutrients that are needed by your baby. However, make sure to read the nutrition value or ingredients on the label before buying the products. Also, avoid any new kinds of dairy products to prevent indigestion or allergies.v

Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruits are good for almost everybody and pregnant women are no exception. Rich source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, fruits can be consumed in salads or even as a snack.

Protein Rich Foods

Lean meat like poultry and fish are good sources of protein and extremely important for the pregnancy diet. Barring liver and mercury-rich fish, these can be consumed safely during pregnancy. You can also enjoy lightly grilled fish or chicken as a whole meal. For other sources of protein, you can use tofu, pulses, beans and nuts.v

Staying Hydrated

Last but not the least, staying hydrated is extremely important during pregnancy. From water to fruit juices – you can choose the choice of your drink to stay hydrated.

Key Takeaway

Eating healthy is made simple with these tips and is easy with a bit of mindful eating. Consult your doctor if you have any questions on your diet or if any foods affect you adversely. It’s best not to try new diets or food groups, unless specifically suggested by experts. This is to prevent allergies and adverse reactions. In fact, as you get closer to your delivery date, which can easily be calculated with a due date calculator, you can even consult your doctor on foods to eat that can help make the delivery easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the best food to eat during pregnancy?
    Vitamins and mineral rich groups like vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates etc. are good for pregnancy diet – these can include leafy vegetables, watermelons, rice, sweet potato, chicken or tofu etc. Any food which is rich in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients is considered good for a pregnancy diet. It is important to mix food groups to get every nutrient.
  2. Which fruits should be avoided during pregnancy?
    Papaya, pineapple and grapes are usually best avoided during pregnancy as they can cause various things like heating up the body, premature contractions etc.
  3. Is rice good for pregnancy?
    Yes, rice is safe and healthy for pregnancy when taken in moderation and often essential for getting the right nutrients.
  4. Is it OK to eat pizza while pregnant?
    Yes. If you are eating a pizza, choosing the right toppings can prove to be good for you. Also, choosing a whole wheat crust or a veggie crust can provide additional nutrients.
  5. Can I eat spicy food while pregnant?
    Yes. It is safe to consume spicy food during pregnancy but if you’re suffering from indigestion or heartburn, spicier food can aggravate the situation.

Disclaimer:This blog solely intended for the educational/informational/awareness purposes and is not a substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional before acting on the information provided on the blog. Reliance on any or all information provided in the blog, is solely at your own risk and responsibility. Mankind Pharma Limited shall not be held liable, in any circumstance whatsoever.

Ovulation Symptoms: How to test & Why they are important

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Ovulation – a term most women, who are trying to conceive, would be all too familiar with. In this article, we will break it down for every one of you who’s trying to know more about the journey to pregnancy and trying to conceive. After all, understanding and knowing your ovulation cycle is one of the first steps of successful pregnancy planning.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the term used for release of an egg from the ovary to the fallopian tube. It typically occurs 13-15 days before the start date of the period. Much like periods, the cycle of ovulation can vary at times and at some instances, there may be no ovulation at all. This is also the time when a woman is typically most fertile.

The release of an egg in each cycle depends on many factors like stress, your environment, eating habits, conditions like PCOS, hormones etc. In the previous stages before they fully mature, the eggs are called as follicles and in a healthy body, at any given time, there may be many follicles in various stages of development.

What are ovulation symptoms?

There are several symptoms which can be noted and observed to note ovulation cycles. Some of these include:

  • Rise and fall of body basal temperature – this can be tracked with a special basal body thermometer. Broadly it’s the first reading after at least 3-5 hours of sleep at night, before you leave the bed
  • Cervical mucus becomes thinner and clearer with a more slippery consistency
  • The softening and opening of the cervix
  • Mild cramps and twinges of pain in the lower abdomen
  • Increased sex drive
  • Light spotting
  • Slight swelling of vagina or vulva

Irregular ovulation symptoms

The absence or irregularity of ovulation is termed as anovulatory cycle. It can occur in women for many reasons and can also go undetected. Girls who have just attained puberty or women closer to menopause may often experience this, made evident by irregular or no periods. Sometimes, a woman can also have normal periods and not ovulate. So apart from irregular or no periods, there may be some scans/tests that your doctor might do to check if you’re ovulating. These include:

  • Checking your progesterone levels
  • Checking the lining of your uterus
  • Checking your blood for the presence of certain antibodies

Ovulation symptom tests

Apart from the symptoms given above, there are also various ovulation symptom tests that can help you determine your ovulation window. Some of these are:

  • Ovulation calculator: Ovulation calculator apps can be used to a certain extent to track your period date and thus your ovulation date.
  • Ovulation predictor kit: These kits identify the ovulation date 12-24 hours before ovulation. You just need to pee on a stick and it evaluates the levels of luteinizing hormones or LH, the last of the hormones to hit its peak before ovulation.
  • Saliva test: This measures the estrogen levels in your saliva as your ovulation date approaches. This test is reusable and often more affordable.
  • Salt detection tests: There are tests that determine the salts in a woman’s sweat like chloride, sodium and potassium. The levels of these change throughout the month and can give a four day warning before you ovulate.

Key Takeaway

If you’re trying to conceive, keeping a check on your ovulation cycle can prove to be helpful. Reducing stress, improving lifestyle habits, getting proper exercise etc. can help increase your chances of conceiving. These factors are just as important throughout pregnancy and should always be paid attention. In fact, there are multiple guides on what to eat during pregnancy, but the awareness about eating right even before is comparatively low.

However, if you have been unsuccessful in getting pregnant, the best way forward would be to approach your gynaecologist, who can conduct all necessary tests and chart a plan, customized for you.

If you are trying to conceive and have missed your periods, you might want to keep a home pregnancy test kit handy, which is also very easy to use. In case you’re wondering, how to use a pregnancy kit, there are also videos which can help you with the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is headache a sign of ovulation?
    While many women do complain of migraines during ovulation, it’s not a sign that helps determine for sure if you are ovulating.
  2. How long does ovulation symptoms last?
    Ovulation occurs anywhere between 12-24 hours. However, the symptoms (as explained above) can occur any time before ovulation and can last up to several days.
  3. How many days do you ovulate?
    Ovulation occurs once a month and generally lasts for 24 hours. 
  4. Can you get pregnant 2 days after ovulation?
    Getting pregnant after ovulation is possible, but is limited to the 12-24 hours after your egg has been released. Cervical mucus helps sperm live up to 5 days in a woman’s body, and it takes around 6 hours for active sperm to reach the fallopian tubes. If the sperm is there when or shortly after an egg is released, you can quickly become pregnant in the day after ovulation.
  5. Is ovulation a good sign of fertility?
    Yes, ovulation indicates a fertile window for getting pregnant.

Disclaimer:This blog solely intended for the educational/informational/awareness purposes and is not a substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional before acting on the information provided on the blog. Reliance on any or all information provided in the blog, is solely at your own risk and responsibility. Mankind Pharma Limited shall not be held liable, in any circumstance whatsoever.

#PregaNewsMeansGoodNews – Anushka Joins the Prega News Family

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As the Prega News kit gives the good news to millions of women across the country, every day we celebrate and be thankful for the joy we bring to our customers. Those two little pink lines bring such immense happiness to the woman and her family – and before you know it, life changes for the better.

Every pregnancy journey and motherhood is a unique experience, close to one’s heart. But no matter where you are or what you are doing – the moment you see the two pink lines, the joy is unparalleled. And with the Prega News kit, which is a home pregnancy test kit, you can get this good news in just 5 minutes. The Prega News test result is also very accurate and ensures that you get the right result, without having to wait too long. And if you’re wondering how to use prega news, it’s very simple and you can read all about it on the Prega News product page.

When it comes to being pregnant or a new mom, there’s no end to surprises you encounter. Remember all the times, mom said you would find out one day? Well, pregnancy and motherhood, often bring back those sweet memories. Isn’t it wonderful how you reflect on the days gone by and fondly remember all those conversations with your mom, the moment you see those two pink lines?

In our latest video, we proudly welcome none other than the very talented and beautiful Anushka Sharma to the Prega News family. And in this video, she shares her #PregaNewsMeansGoodNews moment with everyone. She also shares a special message about how our moms always got it right. Watch the video below to know her story!

Home Pregnancy Test: What, How to & Types

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Even before you go to the doctor, there are subtle early signs of pregnancy that can give you an idea of what is coming. As soon as you miss your period, have cravings, experience morning sickness or notice any other sign, you can opt for one of the many pregnancy tests at home to find out the good news!

What is a Home Pregnancy Test?

Pregnancy tests at home are generally very easy-to-use and can be highly accurate if you use them correctly. They generally involve urinating on a stick or into a cup and putting a few drops of urine in the designated slot. After waiting for a few minutes, you can find out the result by looking at the result flashing or the number of lines appearing on the display area.

How Do Home Pregnancy Tests Work?

These tests are designed to check for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. Your body only produces this hormone when you are pregnant. HCG is released when the fertilized egg is attached to your uterus lining.

Generally, women are advised to take the pregnancy test after missing a period. For accurate results, one must also conduct the test with the first urine of the day – i.e right after you wake up. Any tests taken before this time, can end up in a false positive or a false negative result.

The accuracy of the test also depends on the quality and the expiration date of the strip. Always ensure to check the expiration date on the pack before buying or using.

Types of Homemade Pregnancy Tests

Apart from the over-the-counter tests available at any pharmacy shop, many also advocate the usage of homemade pregnancy tests. These could involve a wide variety of things.

Dissolving salt or sugar in your urine is one way to find out if you’re pregnant. It is believed that if you’re pregnant the reaction with the urine causes these substances to form clumps instead of dissolving. Mixing urine with baking soda is also supposed to show positive results if you notice bubbles and fizz. The same can also be done with shampoo, soap or even toothpaste.

However, these are simply homemade tests and not medically proposed or sanctioned. For the best results, it’s always safer to use a medically approved pregnancy test kit at home that is easily available and also easy-to-use.

Prega News Kit

Prega News home pregnancy test kit is India’s No.1 pregnancy test card and is easily available online or at your nearest pharmacy. It is extremely accurate and very easy to use. After you have missed your period, or even after 10-15 days of unprotected sex, Prega News can show you accurate results.

Collect the first urine of the day in a clean cup and add 2-3 drops of the same to the slot on the stick.

Wait for 5 minutes and check for results:

  • If the strip shows two pink lines, it indicates that you are pregnant
  • If it shows one line, you are not pregnant
  • If no lines show, it may have expired or the test may be inconclusive in which case you may want to take another test or wait for a few more days before taking the test again
  • If the line on the T is too faint, it may indicate that the amount of hCG may not be enough and you may want to retake the test with the first urine.

Also, if the results are negative but you still haven’t gotten your periods, it is recommended that you see your doctor.

FAQ

  1. How can I check if I am pregnant, at home?
    You can use a Prega News test kit to check for pregnancy at home. Take the test with the first urine of the day and if two pink lines are visible, then you are pregnant.
  2. How early can you detect pregnancy at home?
    While the tests are highly accurate and can detect pregnancy 10-15 days after unprotected sex, it is recommended to take the test after you have missed your period.
  3. How can you tell you are pregnant without a test at home?
    While a missed period and other early signs of pregnancy can be noticed, pregnancy can only be confirmed with a test kit or by visiting your doctor, who will also conduct either a urine or blood test.
  4. What are some unusual signs of early pregnancy?
    Some early signs of pregnancy are sore breasts, frequent urination, heightened sense of smell, fatigue, constipation, heartburn, mood swings and spotting or cramping are some early signs of pregnancy that you can look for in the early days.

Disclaimer:This blog solely intended for the educational/informational/awareness purposes and is not a substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional before acting on the information provided on the blog. Reliance on any or all information provided in the blog, is solely at your own risk and responsibility. Mankind Pharma Limited shall not be held liable, in any circumstance whatsoever.

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