Pregnant? Here’s your checklist

When in Mumbai, got to travel

Like everyone else, pregnant women living in metropolitans also spend a good deal of time traveling, and that too for almost five to six days a week. Women often wonder if the long commute can be dangerous during pregnancy. Generally, most of them successfully manage an active lifestyle during pregnancy with no difficulty. It all depends on the degree of stress, her health status, other risk factors, her personality and attitudes and lastly the support she gets. The commute can be made pleasant with a good company, music and maybe a ready dinner waiting at home. The woman can also do isometric exercises in the car when travelling. The closer you are to delivery, the harder it is to sit for long periods. Avoid travelling long distances in the rickshaw or public buses. The jumps may be uncomfortable and at times may induce an early labour.

Is air travel safe?

Clinically speaking, travelling can't cause a miscarriage but any associated stress, dehydration or ignoring possible warning signs can pose a problem. Airlines have rules with regards to travelling for pregnant women and would not allow you to travel if you are pregnant beyond 28 weeks.

Whether you should take the journey or not depends on various factors.

• How important is the trip to you?

• How stressful would the travelling be?

• Would you be allowed frequent rest breaks?

• Will you be able to drink plenty of fluids and eat well?

Keep the above factors in mind, take adequate precautions and travelling by air should be safe. However, it is best to check with your doctor first.

Taking it easy with sex

Sex is a wonderful way for couples to remain intimate during pregnancy. It is usually safe, provided some guidelines are followed. 

• Avoid intercourse if advised to do so by the doctor.

• Understanding your partner, empathy, creativity and good humour will be of great value when making love during pregnancy.

• If a woman is at high risk for pre-term labour, intercourse should be avoided till your doctor advises.

• Nipple stimulation should also be avoided. 

• As the delivery date approaches, discuss postpartum (post pregnancy) contraception.

Pregnancy post 40

Most healthy women in the age bracket of 35 to 40s have healthy pregnancies. Good pre-natal care and healthy habits can help reduce risks. Even if problems do arise for women who are over 35, in most cases, they can be successfully dealt with.

However, no matter what your age, it's important to see your obstetrician before trying for pregnancy especially if you:

• Have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, a seizure disorder, high blood pressure or cardiac disease

• Are on long-term medication

If not taken due care, some medical conditions can be risky for you and your new borne. There are also higher risks of having a baby with a genetic disorder like Down Syndrome (a combination of mental retardation and physical defects).

If you are older than 35 and fail to get pregnant after trying for six months, see your gynaecologist. Older women may find it harder to get pregnant vis--vis younger women since fertility declines with age. However, in most cases, infertility can be cured.

Complications

Although the pregnancy rate among women above 35 has nearly doubled, the risks associated with pregnancy also increases with age. Women above 35 have a slightly higher risk of the following complications during pregnancy:

• For 40-year-old women, the miscarriage risk is about 25 percent. One out of four women could have a miscarriage

• Placenta Previa, where the placenta is in the wrong position and covers the cervix. It may cause excessive bleeding during delivery. Often, a caesarean section is needed.

• A baby with low birth weight (less than 2.5 kgs) or a pre-term birth (less than 37 weeks of pregnancy)

• Women over 35 have a greater chance of having a caesarean delivery than other women.

• The incidence of Down Syndrome increases from one in 10,000 for 20-year-old mothers to about three in 1,000 for 35-year-old mothers and one in 100 for 40-year-old mothers. This may be due to the fact that an older woman's eggs have been exposed to more X-rays, drugs and infections than a younger woman's eggs. Down Syndrome is not preventable, but it can be identified before birth during a pre-natal exam.

• An older woman has higher chances of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease during pregnancy. All these conditions can be avoided with medical advise.

Tips for the older mother

The number of successful pregnancies for mothers over 35 years of age has increased, not only due to scientific advances but also because of women who take great strides in improving their odds.

• Be sure to get a proper amount of exercise before, during and after your pregnancy.

• Make sure you follow a healthy diet.

• Ensure that you are receiving optimal prenatal care.