Are you planning your baby..?

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Thousands of babies have been born through IVF since 1978 when the first IVF was born. So here are certain tips that one has to follow if you are planning your baby through IVF as it is the most special moment in one’s life. 

1. Avoid making major life changes such as moving to a new house or starting a new job the same time you’re going through the IVF process.
2. For Men - Check your semen before beginning an IVF cycle, to determine its quality and whether there is an infection present, among other potential issues.
3. Maintain proper communication with your IVF consultant/doctor as then your IVF treatment will be much easier.
4. A few months before your IVF, begin eating a fertility diet. Getting nutritious foods is vital for producing healthy eggs and promoting implantation of the embryo.
5. Intake of CoQ10 helps to keep the eggs integrity by protecting them from free radicals. It is best taken for two to three months before having IVF.

Watch your Blood Pressure if you are pregnant

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder characterized by the presence of high-blood pressure and high protein levels in the urine (proteinuria) during pregnancy. 

According to data collected by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) shows that pregnancy-induced high blood which is responsible for 12% of maternal deaths in India, is the leading cause of maternal mortality

The first symptoms of Pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure and a high level of protein in the urine. Pre-eclamptic women also often have swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. This condition is said to appear during the second half of pregnancy, often in the latter part of the second or early third trimesters. However, it can occur earlier too.

If this condition goes unnoticed, pre-eclampsia can lead to a more complicated condition called eclampsia that can put the mother and baby’s life at risk. In rare cases, pre-eclampsia can cause death. Women with pre-eclampsia who have seizures are considered to have pre-eclampsia.

About 10% pregnant women are detected to be suffering from pre-eclampsia. Headache, overall swelling and dizziness are other symptoms. However, not all pregnant women with these symptoms are pre-eclamptic. There is no way to treat the illness per say. Delivering the baby is usually the only cure. Usually this condition automatically