Dr. Sobha

With an upsurge in the number of women suffering from dysfunctional reproductive systems and a myriad of gynecological problems, resulting in irregular periods, infertility and several other complications, it is of paramount importance to keep a record of the dates and duration of your monthly cycles. This is not only useful for future reference when you visit a gynecologist, but it also helps you to understand if there are delays in period or excess of bleeding in any particular month. 

Why is tracking your menstrual cycles important?

Keeping a track of the menstrual cycles is a mandatory exercise for women who are thinking about pregnancy or those trying to avoid it. It is advisable to abstain from intercourse for a few days before and after the period, which is the prime time for ovulation. Keeping track of your periods gives you a clear indicator of whether you have become pregnant because delay in the menstrual onset implies pregnancy. The reverse is also true; if you are trying to get pregnant, conception is usually fruitful on these days of maximum ovulation, which you can easily calculate based on your well maintained menstrual record.

How should you go about keeping track of your menstruation?

While it not possible to note down every possible aspect of the menstruation in a notebook, the easiest way of maintaining a planner is to mark the first day of each period on the calendar. The difference between two consecutive periods will give you your cycle lengths.

In addition you can choose to make a note of how heavy the bleeding is, or if there are changes in mood and appetite on those days. You will then be well prepared for your next visit to the gynecologist.

Vitamin a, a fat-soluble vitamin, is a potent antioxidant that performs a wide host of functions that are critical for the functioning of the body. In humans, most commonly, it is consumed in two forms:
Animal-based foods rich in active vitamin a or retinol
Plant-based foods rich in pro-vitamin a or carotenoids.
Of the two, animal-based foods (retinol) can be directly assimilated by the body whereas plant based foods (carotenoids) have to be converted to retinol and then taken.
Let us give a quick glance at the critical roles played by vitamin a in the human body, thereby making it an indispensable vitamin in the human body.

1. Promotes eye health
Vitamin a, the key component of rhodopsin, an eye-compound that ensures clear vision prevents night as well as color blindness in humans. Vitamin a also checks macular degeneration which is the common cause of blindness in the elderly.

2. Ensures healthy skin
Retinol deficiency causes the skin cells to dry out prematurely and therefore could be a reason for dry, scaly and flaky skin. Vitamin a nourishes the skin cells and promotes a healthy and glowing skin. Recent studies showcase that a healthy dose of vitamin a also prevents skin cancer by maintaining the production of new skin cells.

3. Boosts immunity
Being a potent anti-oxidant, vitamin a reverses cell damage caused by free radicals and strengthens the immune system. It helps to prevent diseases such as cancer, flu and the common cold. Deficiency of the nutrient may render you susceptible to infections as well.

4. Strengthens bones
Vitamin a helps to strengthen the bones and teeth. A majority of age-related skeletal issues can be prevented if the body has vitamin a in the adequate quantities. It also plays an important role in the healthy growth of the muscular system as well.

How much vitamin a do you actually need?

As per the recommended dietary allowance, an adult (man) must have at least 900 micrograms and an adult (woman) must have 700 micrograms of vitamin a in a day. Pregnant women must consume at least 770 micrograms of vitamin a on a daily basis.

Where do you get vitamin a naturally from?
1. Carrots, a single carrot has over 200% of the daily need of vitamin a.
2. Sweet potatoes are nutrient dense roots and contain double the amount of vitamin a compared to a carrot.
3. Mangoes, the king of fruits is not to be left behind when discussing vitamin a. One whole mango has enough to satiate your need for a day.
 

C-section or Caesarean section is a surgery performed to deliver a baby. The baby is taken out from the abdomen through an incision in the abdominal wall. This surgery is performed when there is some sort of physical difficulty in natural childbirth through the vagina. Other reasons for performing a C-section are when the mother is carrying more than one baby, or the health of the baby is in danger. It could also be because of an undesirable fetal position, or when the mother is physically unable to push the baby out of the uterus.

Procedure followed in C- Section

The procedure is most often done when the mother is in her senses and awake. However, epidural or spinal anaesthesia is provided to numb the body from chest to the feet, before the surgery is performed.

An incision is made on the lower abdomen, above the pubic area. A cut is made through the uterus and amniotic sac. The baby is pulled out from this opening. The umbilical cord is cut and cleaned. The fluids are cleaned from the baby’s mouth and nose. The infant’s breathing rate, heart rate and other vitals are kept under observation.

Recovery from a C-section can take several weeks. The stitch wounds need to heal, including the recovery of pelvic muscles. It is important to walk around and do some very light exercises to boost the healing procedure. Doctors may prescribe painkillers in some cases and advice on effective post-operative care. Though the surgical procedure is quite safe now, with the use of highly advanced technology, there are risks that cannot be entirely ignored.

Risks associated with C-section

1. Infections: Any surgery has some risk of infection associated to it. In the case of a C-section, an infection can occur around the site of incision that may rapidly spread in the uterine wall and other internal pelvic organs.

2. Haemorrhage: Blood refuses to clot and dangerously high quantity of blood is lost in the process. In such a case, it requires immediate transfusion and intensive care.

3. Injuries: The mother or the baby, both have a risk of getting injured during the surgery. Although these are rare, but the infant may suffer nicks and cuts while being manually pulled out from the womb. Other organs of the mother located near the pelvis may suffer minor or major wounds.

After the C-section, the mother and child will be retained in the hospital for 2 to 3 days, under intense care and constant monitoring. It is important to exercise and take the medications as advised by the physician to prevent any complication. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist and ask a free question.