women's care Archives

March 15, 2025 By Dr Manali Rao 5 Comments

Hypertension in Pregnancy: What Every Mother-to-Be Should Know

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Among them, high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most common concerns for expectant mothers. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you’ve experienced complications before, understanding hypertension during pregnancy can help you stay in control and safeguard both your health and your baby’s well-being.

Some women experience pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), which can develop after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If left unchecked, it can lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, or preterm delivery. However, with early detection, lifestyle changes, and medical support, most women can manage their blood pressure effectively and have a healthy pregnancy.

What is Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)?

PIH refers to newly developed hypertension during pregnancy, without the presence of protein in the urine or other symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Hypertension is defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg. It can have serious effects on both mother and baby if not monitored properly.

Causes & Risk Factors of PIH

There is no single cause of PIH, but several factors can increase your risk:

Being overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
Smoking or alcohol consumption
Family history of hypertension or PIH
Previous history of PIH in past pregnancies
Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
Maternal age (below 18 or over 35 years old)
Pre-existing diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure
Living with a single kidney
IVF pregnancies
Placental abnormalities

Types of Hypertension in Pregnancy

Gestational Hypertension:
Develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with high blood pressure but no protein in the urine or organ damage. Some women with gestational hypertension may develop pre-eclampsia later in pregnancy.
Chronic Hypertension:
High blood pressure present before pregnancy or occurring before 20 weeks of gestation. This type may go undiagnosed if regular BP checks were not done before pregnancy.
Chronic Hypertension with Superimposed Pre-Eclampsia:
Women with chronic hypertension who develop worsening blood pressure, protein in the urine, or other complications during pregnancy.
Pre-Eclampsia:
A serious pregnancy complication that includes high blood pressure, proteinuria (protein in the urine), and signs of organ damage. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications for both mother and baby.
Eclampsia:
A severe form of pre-eclampsia that leads to seizures, which can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.

Symptoms of PIH & Pre-Eclampsia

Look out for the following warning signs:

Severe headaches
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Pain in the upper abdomen (under the ribs, right side)
Nausea or vomiting
Sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet
Decreased urine output
Shortness of breath (fluid in the lungs)
Dizziness or fainting spells
Spots or flashes before your eyes
Blood in urine
Decreased levels of platelets in your blood (thrombocytopenia)
Impaired liver function

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, immediately report to your Gynecologist or health care provider.

Complications of PIH

If left unmanaged, hypertension in pregnancy can lead to:

Preterm Labour: Premature birth due to complications.
Placental Abruption: The placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus before birth, depriving the baby of oxygen and nutrients.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): The baby may have restricted growth due to reduced blood supply.
Organ Damage: Liver, kidney, and blood clotting issues.
Stillbirth (IUD – Intrauterine Death): In severe, untreated cases.
Postpartum Hypertension: Some women may continue to experience high blood pressure after delivery, requiring continued medical care.

Managing PIH for a Healthy Pregnancy

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice – Attend all antenatal appointments and take prescribed medications as directed.
Rest as Advised – Your doctor may recommend bed rest depending on your blood pressure.
Manage Stress – Meditation, deep breathing, and engaging in relaxing activities can help.
Reduce Salt Intake – Cut down on processed foods, salty snacks, and added table salt.
Eat a Nutritious Diet – Prioritise whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Stay Active – Engage in light exercises such as walking or prenatal yoga if approved by your doctor.
Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water to maintain proper circulation.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure – Regularly check your BP at home and report any concerns to your doctor.

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout pregnancy is crucial for both maternal and foetal well-being. Early detection, lifestyle modifications, and regular medical check-ups can help prevent complications.

Start healthy habits before pregnancy to reduce your risk of PIH.
Listen to your body and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.
Prioritise a balanced lifestyle with a nutritious diet, regular movement, and stress management.
Remember, a Healthy Mother = a Healthy Baby!

💬 Have you experienced hypertension during pregnancy? Share your experience in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

November 6, 2024 By Trishala Chopra 1 Comment

Vitamins that are essentially important for Women

Everyone has heard about different vitamins and why they are essential for the human body. However, very few people know which vitamins are specifically required by the body. Certain Vitamins are absolutely necessary for women to maintain overall health, and it’s important to obtain these in the daily recommended intake (DRI) amounts. These vitamins can be acquired through good food choices.

Let’s explore the vitamins required by a woman’s body!

Here is the list of vitamins necessary for women to live a healthy life:-

(1) Vitamin A

Obtained in the form of beta-carotene from food, which is then converted into vitamin A in our body.
Helps in maintaining good eyesight and prevents deficiency complications such as night blindness, xeropthalmia etc.
Found in antioxidant-rich foods such as carrots, apricots etc.

(2) Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid
Aids in healing
Helps in the formation of RBC’s (Red Blood Cells)
It is required by anaemic women
Boosts the brain chemical, noradrenaline
Vitamin C levels decreases with age, and since it’s a water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be stored in the body, so regular intake is very important
Found in fruits such as oranges, grapes, kiwi, lemons etc.

(3) Vitamin E

Also known as tocopherol and sometimes, tocotrienols
Slows signs of aging
Helps in maintaining healthy skin
Found in foods such as sunflower oil, safflower oil, hazelnuts etc

(4) Vitamin B6

A water-soluble vitamin
Crucially important
Also known as pyridoxine
Helps in boosting metabolism
Found in bananas, chickpeas, oatmeal etc

(5) Vitamin B12

Also known as cyanocobalamin
Boost metabolism
Aids in Erythropoiesis (the making of RBCs)
Animal sources contain vitamin B12
Red meat is the richest source

(6) Folic acid

Very important during pregnancy
Helps in forming a healthy brain and spinal cord
Prevents birth defects such as Spinal Bifida
Found in spinach, dark green leafy vegetables, asparagus, citrus fruits, fortified cereals, etc
External supplementation is recommended during pregnancy

(7) Vitamin D

Aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous
Extremely important for postmenopausal women
A lack of Vitamin D can lead to osteopenia and eventually osteoporosis
Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D

(8) Vitamin K

Keeps bones strong
Helps in blood clotting, which in turn prevents excessive bleeding
Good sources include green leafy veggies, soyabean oil, fish oil, etc

Get yourself checked for your Vitamin level and make sure to meet the DRI of these essential Vitamins to maintain overall health.

Ensuring adequate intake of essential vitamins can greatly benefit women’s health, enhancing energy levels, immunity, and overall well-being. Remember, a balanced diet is key to achieving these daily vitamin needs. If this article helped you, let us know in the comments below! For more on nutrition and women’s health, check out our Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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July 8, 2024 By Mitali Ambekar 9 Comments

Should Women Workout During Their Menstrual Cycle?

Should women workout during their menstrual cycle? It’s a question asked by most women who have either started working out, have been in sports or trekking, etc. How can a woman or girl stop working out for a span of 4-6 days, especially the ones who are active? There could be varied opinions on the same.

How Does Working Out During A Menstrual Cycle Help?

If we put in a little logic, it does show us that a workout during their menstrual cycle would help women feel better. How is that? In general, when anyone works out, the body tends to release endorphins, the feel-good hormone and makes one feel good and happy. In the case of women, this is especially true, when the other hormones are already making her feel irritated, low on energy and weak during her periods.

Another positive is better circulation and higher metabolism – both of which will make sure that all the processes in the body are working well, thereby also making the woman’s uterine muscles relax, which otherwise are constricted during periods and can be a major cause for cramps. Better circulation can even help in relieving headaches and other small aches, which otherwise happen with iron deficiency during this phase.

Having said this, the intensity of workouts should not be very high, it should be low to moderate. Before starting off, you may not feel like doing so but, as you start with a light warm-up such as a slow walk, followed by some stretching, it will make you feel better and thus, take the workout forward slowly and steadily. In fact, light stretching will even help you get rid of congestion in the pelvic area.

When You Should Avoid Working Out

Women, who suffer severe pain and more bleeding should avoid it, as exercise can make them feel weaker and can make it very painful. Again the question pops up, why and how?

During periods, the woman’s Uterus and the veins inside are a little sensitive. Any pressure on it, be it in the form of exercise or any other activity, can cause more pain. Women who already encounter a lot of pain should avoid taking the risk of working out and should rest for 2-3 days and then get back to their routine. Failing to do so can cause more weakness with loss of blood due to excessive bleeding.

Albeit, you can do some light walks, stretching, or yoga. You can try swimming too as it equally helps in feeling fresh, light and helps easing off the pain. As a precautionary step, always remember to eat something before the workouts to get the dash of energy you need to workout.

We hope this article helps you! For more articles on Women’s Health, check out Healthy Reads. You can also download the GOQii App to keep a track of your menstrual cycle or speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

August 11, 2023 By Monika Raj Leave a Comment

Why Is Folic Acid Necessary During Prenancy?

Having a healthy baby means ensuring you’re healthy too. One of the most important things you can do to prevent birth defects in your baby is to get enough folic acid in a day, especially before conception and during early pregnancy. Most birth defects occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy, usually before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. If you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it’s critically important to have enough folic acid, a synthetic sort of vitamin B9, also referred to as folate.

Why Is Folic Acid So Important?

Folic acid helps prevent ectoderm defects (NTD) – serious birth defects of the medulla spinalis (like spina bifida) and therefore, the brain (anencephaly). The ectoderm is a part of the embryo from which the spine and brain develop. Neural tube defects occur at an early stage of development, before many ladies even know they are pregnant, which is why it is vital to start taking folic before you start trying to conceive.

Your body also needs it to form normal red blood cells and stop a kind of anaemia. It is also essential for the assembly, repair, and functioning of DNA, our arrangement, and a basic building block of cells. It is particularly important for the rapid cell growth of the foetus.

The CDC ( Is this the US body? ) recommends that you simply start taking folic acid tablets a day, for a minimum of a month before you become pregnant, and each day while you’re pregnant. When getting pregnant, women who have already had a pregnancy suffering from an ectoderm defect, should consult their healthcare provider.

How Much Of It Do You Need?

Every woman of reproductive age must get Folic acid per day , whether she is planning pregnancy or not. The recommended dose for all women of childbearing age is 400 mcg of folate every day . If you’re taking a multivitamin a day , check to ascertain if it’s the recommended amount.

While you’re trying to conceive: 400 mcg
For the primary three months of pregnancy: 400 mcg
For months four to nine of pregnancy: 600 mcg
While breastfeeding: 500 mcg

If you’ve already had a baby with an ectoderm defect, getting enough vitamin B9 may reduce your risk of getting another child with a ectoderm defect by as much as 70%. When taken before and through pregnancy, Folic acid also protect your baby against:

Cleft lip and palate
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Miscarriage
Poor growth in the womb

Some rice, pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid. These foods are labelled “enriched.” may be a specific sort of folate that doesn’t generally occur naturally. Foods rich in folic acid include leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, etc. and fruits like oranges, tomatoes, papaya and avocado. In addition to eating foods with folate from a varied diet, women can get the required dosage from:

Supplements that have folic acid
Eating fortified foods
Getting a combination of the two: taking a vitamin that has folic acid in it and eating fortified foods.

If you are taking folic acid every day, take it at the same time each day, either in the morning or in the evening. Take your tablets with a glass of water. You can take them with or without food.

If you forget to take the required dose, take it as soon as possible. Proper and adequate intake of folate rich foods makes a healthy baby and a cheerful family. Eat right and stay healthy.

If this article helped you, let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share it with someone who may need it. You can find more articles on Women’s Health here. You can also use the Women’s Care feature in the GOQii App to track your menstrual cycles, pregnancy and more. Download the app now.

#BeTheForce

Hypertension in Pregnancy: What Every Mother-to-Be Should Know

What is Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)?

Causes & Risk Factors of PIH

Types of Hypertension in Pregnancy

Symptoms of PIH & Pre-Eclampsia

Complications of PIH

Managing PIH for a Healthy Pregnancy

Vitamins that are essentially important for Women

Should Women Workout During Their Menstrual Cycle?

How Does Working Out During A Menstrual Cycle Help?

When You Should Avoid Working Out

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

Mayur Sutar’s Journey to a Healthier Life

Transforming Health and Life: Dhiren Matani’s Inspirational Journey to Wellness

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