Planning a safe pregnancy: Expert tips to prevent birth defects in India

Preventing birth defects begins even before conception and continues throughout pregnancy. In India, awareness about prenatal care, proper nutrition, timely vaccinations and regular medical check-ups plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy baby.

Birth defects are seen in many children and impact their quality of life. However, understand that simple care before and during pregnancy can greatly reduce the risk of birth defects and support a healthy baby. Here, the expert gives some vital tips for expectant parents. It is imperative for parents to follow the guidelines given by the doctor to ensure a healthy conception.

According to Dr Ronak Khandelwal, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Motherhood Hospitals, Greater Noida, birth defects are health problems that develop in a baby during pregnancy. Many birth defects develop in the first 4-6 weeks often before a women knows she is pregnant. Preconception health check-ups help identify nutritional deficiencies , chronic illness, infections or genetic risks early reducing the risk of birth defects even before conception. They can affect the baby’s body, brain, or organs and may be present at birth. 

In India, lack of awareness, late prenatal care, poor nutrition, and unmanaged medical conditions can raise the chances of birth defects in children. Common birth defects seen in children are heart defects, neural tube defects (such as spina bifida), cleft lip or palate, Down syndrome, and limb abnormalities. These conditions develop during pregnancy and may affect a child’s growth, appearance, or organ function. 

Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented with timely planning, healthy habits, and regular medical care. Couples with a family history of genetic disorders, repeated miscarriages, consanguineous marriage, or advanced maternal age should consider genetic counselling and screening to reduce the risk of inherited birth defects.

Tips to prevent birth defects

• Take folic acid as early as possible: It is a known fact that folic acid is important for the healthy development of the baby’s brain and spine. Women planning pregnancy should start folic acid supplements at least one month before conception and continue during early pregnancy. 
• Go for regular antenatal check-ups: Early and regular pregnancy check-ups help doctors monitor the baby’s growth and detect problems early. Tests like ultrasound scans and blood tests can help detect any issues so that timely treatment can be initiated. 
• Manage comorbidities: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, and epilepsy should be tackled during pregnancy. Poorly managed health issues can also raise the chances of birth defects.
•  
• Quit alcohol, tobacco, and drugs: Are you aware? Alcohol, smoking, tobacco chewing, and substance use can negatively impact the baby’s health. It is essential to avoid secondhand smoke as well.
• Adhere to a nutritious diet: So, opting for a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, iron, calcium, and vitamins supports the baby’s growth. Avoid raw or undercooked foods, too. Take the help of an expert when it comes to the diet and follow the recommendations right away!
• Get vaccinated: Vaccinations against infections like rubella and hepatitis B help prevent infections that can cause birth defects. It is necessary to consult a doctor about safe vaccines during pregnancy. So, schedule an appointment with the doctor on an immediate basis.
• Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals: Limit exposure to pesticides, strong cleaning agents, and harmful fumes as they can also put the child at risk of birth defects. 

Also, avoid self-medication during pregnancy. Certain painkillers, acne medicines, herbal products, and antibiotics can harm the developing baby. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication.

Prevent infections such as toxoplasmosis, urinary tract infections, and viral fevers by maintaining good hygiene, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoiding contact with contaminated food or water.

It’s time for parents to go for timely check-ups with the expert before and during pregnancy and adhere to the vital tips to prevent birth defects in children.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Only lifestyle change works on diabetes:

A joint study by ICRISAT and NIN highlights the benefits of millets in combating diabetes. Speaking about the study, Dr R Hemalatha, director of NIN, said, “Diabetes contributed to a very high disease burden during the 1990-2016 period in India. Diabetes-related health expenditure was over USD 7 million. There is no easy way to eradicate this disease; it requires a lifestyle change and diet is a very important part of this. This study provides one part of the solution useful for individuals and governments.”

Dr S Anitha, senior nutrition scientist at ICRISAT and the study’s lead author, said, “This systematic review of the studies published in scientific journals has proven that millets keep blood glucose levels in check, reducing the risk of diabetes, and has shown just how well these smart foods do it.” It may be mentioned here that the UN has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

Millets  can be incorporated in various ways in our diets, as flours. These flours can be made into pasta, vermicelli, cooked with lentils and can be eaten like rice ! They're rich in fibers. The beauty of growing millets is, it doesn't need much water, can be grown in wastelands too !

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

 

World Parkinson’s Disease Day on 11th April: Food dos and don’ts for the condition

Affecting dopamine producing nerve cells in the brain, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder. Dopamine is known as a chemical messenger and therefore, its decreased levels in the brain can cause abnormality in your motor movements. Though there is no known cause of this condition, scientists believe genes and environmental toxins play a role in its occurrence. Parkinson’s disease usually affects one side of the body and its symptoms may go unnoticed during early days of disease. This condition is characterized by signs including tremour in hands and feet, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired postures and balance, change in speech, loss of voluntary movement, and difficulty in using your hands for daily functions. There are various factors including old age, heredity, sex (male), and toxins that can increase your risk of getting this condition. If you fall in the high-risk group of Parkinson’s disease, or are already suffering from the condition, you need to follow some food rules. As the World Parkinson's Disease Day approaches, you tell you what to eat and what not to in order to reduce your risk of the condition and manage its symptoms.

Opt for antioxidants-rich foods: Foods like walnuts, blueberries, cranberries, tomatoes, and spinach are jam-packed with antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress known for aggravating Parkinson’s disease.

Go for fava beans: Containing an ingredient known as levodopa (found in medicines used for treating Parkinson’s disease), fava beans can potentially help reduce its symptoms.

Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: Foods including salmon, soybeans, flax-seeds, and kidney beans are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are known to improve cognitive function.

Avoid dairy products: Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt can affect your brain’s oxidation levels and can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s.

Don’t opt foods rich in in saturated fat: Foods like butter, pork, cheese, fatty beef, whipped cream, dried coconut, and whole milk can increase your risk of getting this condition.

Add turmeric in your food: Parkinson’s can cause constipation problem in some patients that can be treated by seasoning food with turmeric.

Add magnesium rich foods in your diet: One of the problems associated with Parkinson’s is muscle cramp, from which you can get relief by adding green leafy vegetables, avocados, banana, broccoli, and salmon in your diet.

Have caffeine rich drinks: According to a study published in the journal Movement Disorders, caffeine may slow down the development of Parkinson’s.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement