Dr. Pk Kesar

Being overweight can be as problematic as being underweight. Both the situations can have an effect on the infertility of a woman. Usually the body stores the sex hormones in the fat layers. That is why, if a person is underweight, she can have infertility issues, as there is not enough storage space for the hormones. In the same way if a person is overweight, then there is an excess of fat tissues and the amount of the hormone estrogen released is usually more than that the body can handle. This leads to a disruption of the chemicals and proteins, leading to adverse reactions and infertility.

Common Weight Related Infertility Reasons
Being overweight is somewhat linked with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and an increase in estrogen hormone. Also, there is a greater chance of a luteal phase defect. Let us see how these can affect a woman:

1. Estrogen: This hormone is produced by the fat cells, and if there is too much of estrogen production, then the body reacts to it in a similar manner when birth control pills are taken. Ovulation may or may not occur, and if it does, it might be inadequate. And the inadequate ovulation leads to luteal phase defect.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is basically an endocrine disorder with a combination of many symptoms. Symptoms are pain, irregular cycles, ovulatory pain, ovarian cysts, excessive body hair and heavy menstrual bleeding. Diagnosis for PCOS helps in determining the treatment for weight loss.
3. Luteal Phase Defect: The luteal phase refers to the phase between the ovulation and the menses. The ideal time period for this phase is 14 days. LPD is generally caused by improper ovulation, and thus improving the quality of the follicles is necessary to correct the situation.

How Does Being Overweight Affect Conception Rate
As per a study which was published in the British Medical Journal, if women are too lean or too obese, they can have difficulty in conceiving and that fat distribution has an effect on the body. Women who have a large waist hip ratio have difficulty in conceiving, and apple shaped women also face the same trouble. Usually women who have PCOS have an apple shaped body.

Risk of Miscarriage Due To Being Overweight
Women suffering from PCOS and obesity have more chances of miscarriage as compared to others. The reason is that women with PCOS have increased LH, which tends to affect the pregnancy. However, it is noticed that even if excess fat does not play any role in pregnancy, women with PCOS have excess weight which creates high risk as compared to the others.

Finding Help for Overweight Issues is a Good Idea
Seeking help if you are overweight is always advisable. Consulting a good gynecologist can help along with weight management and fertility treatment. You shouldn't have any hesitations, and all the questions should be asked freely so as to get a holistic idea of the treatment. The doctor might suggest some tests and also conduct a physical examination of the lymph nodes and the abdomen, to feel the ovaries and the uterus. Post physical examination, an internal examination of the cervix to check for infections is done, and if need be, a pap smear might be collected and sent to the lab for culture. At times, a trans-vaginal or an abdominal ultrasound might also be done to rule out the possibilities of abnormalities or others cysts. Tests to check the levels of hormones are also done.

It is always a wise decision to know how being overweight can impact the chances of becoming pregnant. Working towards losing weight and getting it under healthy BMI levels, can lead to the restoration of the hormones and in turn make you healthier.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Health Benefits of Pineapples

1.     Pineapples can help protect the hair and skin.

Sufficient vitamin C intake can help your body create and maintain collagen, an essential protein found in hair and skin. Also, a high vitamin C content helps heal wounds and injuries to the body rapidly. One cup of pineapples has 131 percent of the vitamin C daily requirements.

2.     Pineapples can help individuals fight infections.

Vitamin C is a powerful natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates cancer-causing free radicals in the body. This is done by stimulating the activity of white blood cells and acting as an antioxidant to defend against the harmful effects of free radicals.

3.     Pineapples can help fight coughs and colds.

Aside from the fighting infections with vitamin C, pineapples contain a special enzyme called bromelain that is associated with reducing phlegm and mucus build up in the respiratory tracts and sinus cavities.

4.     Pineapples will improve digestive health.

Pineapples are formidable sources of fiber. Fiber can help prevent constipation, making one’s bowel movement easier to manage. The daily recommended dietary fiber intake for men and women are 38 grams and 25 grams, respectively.

5.     Pineapples can help maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Pineapples have great potassium to sodium ratio. A potassium-rich diet helps the blood vessels relax and maintains a healthy blood pressure. One cup of pineapples contains 180 milligrams of potassium, compared to 1.7 milligrams of sodium.

6.     Pineapples can help improve the heart’s health.

Fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium have been known to improve the heart’s health. One study suggested that individuals who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium, about 1000 mg per day.

7.     Pineapples may improve brain health.

Several components of pineapple, such as potassium, folate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits. Folate has been known to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Potassium has been linked to increased blood flow to the brain and enhances cognition, concentration, and neural activity.

Also, pineapples contain a considerable amount of vitamin B6. A deficiency has shown depression and nausea. Be sure not to consume too much. The vitamin B6 upper limit is set to 100 milligrams for adults over the age of 18, but adults do not need that much unless directed by the doctor.

Oral Health Complications During Pregnancy

Recent findings have reported that oral bacteria and their by-products can possibly pass the placental barrier keeping oral health at prime importance during pregnancy. An awareness related to oral health during pregnancy cannot be neglected or avoided in order to minimize the complications.

This article focuses on few points related to the necessity of oral health during pregnancy. 

Pregnancy comes with many responsibilities making expecting mothers more concerned about their health. However, many pregnant women may not be aware of oral health and its effect on the developing child. Negligence of oral health is quite common during pregnancy due to lack of alertness of oral hygiene and its effect on systemic health.

Moreover, pregnancy discomforts like frequent bouts of nausea, increased physical demands, weight gain or certain dental problems like pregnancy gingivitis or inflammation of gums may be dangerous to developing fetus.  

Risk of oral problems during pregnancy:-

Few common oral problems associated with pregnancy are as follows. 

Pregnancy Gingivitis: 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy leads to pregnancy gingivitis. It is a condition of bleeding gums, redness. Moreover inflammation, swelling and tenderness are also observed. Ignorance of such problems may lead to serious gum disease.  Frequent cleaning can avoid such dental issues. Progesterone levels are elevated during pregnancy which stimulates the production of prostaglandins and leads to inflammation of blood vessels in gums.

Tooth Decay:

Diet during pregnancy is of high importance. It is designed to nourish both mother and unborn baby. Diet rich in carbohydrates actually increases the risk of tooth decay. The morning sickness increases acid secretion in the mouth which is harmful to enamel. 

Pregnancy tumors: 

Overgrowth of tissue on gums in pregnant women are called as pregnancy tumors. They are noncancerous and generally observed in the second trimester of the gestation period. It is nothing but swollen gums between teeth. The bleeding and reddening of gums observed in such conditions.  

Periodontal disease and preterm birth:

Untreated gum disease or periodontal problems can development periodontitis characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. 

This ultimately leads to loss of supporting material and finally the teeth themselves. 

A study result has revealed that there is a relation between preterm birth and presence of gum diseases in the pregnant women. The reason is not yet known. 

However, research study findings have evidence that oral bacteria or their byproducts can pass placental barrier. This initiate inflammatory response leading to preterm birth. 

Another correlation exists between the gum disease and the increased rate of pre-eclampsia, a condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy. The positive correlation suggests that gum disease may cause stress to the blood vessels of the mother, placenta and the fetus.

The basic periodontal therapies like oral hygiene instructions, scaling, root planing and prophylaxis can substantially decrease the level of prostaglandin responsible for inflammatory response. 

The regular treatment and follow-up in pregnant women can maintain good oral health and minimize the risk of preterm birth. 

Dental treatment during pregnancy: 

The dental procedures mostly include the use of X-rays and use of anesthesia. In the case of pregnancy, these procedures can be used with precaution. 

Therefore, before sitting on dental chair patient should declare her pregnancy to the physician. Untreated dental infections can harm fetus as well as the mother. 

The emergency situations request use of dental radiographs which can’t wait. The radiation of dental x-ray is generally very low and precaution is always taken for lowest radiation exposure. A leaded apron including collar, shields can be used to prevent abdominal exposure to the x-ray radiation. 

Use of dental X-ray is not at all contraindicated in pregnancy when used with precaution. 

The use of local anesthesia is also not contraindicated in the pregnancy. 

A clinical trial result showed that there is no harm in the use of local anesthetics during pregnancy. It is not linked with increased risk for major medical problems like cerebral palsy, cleft lip and heart defect in newborns. 

The medication prescribed during dental treatment mainly includes local anesthetics, analgesics, and antibiotics. Most of them can be used with safety precautions. Each drug has its own pregnancy category which should be considered during its use. 

The antibiotic like tetracycline can permanently cause discoloration of developing teeth.  

Prevention: 

Dentists can educate patients with following points to avoid problems associated with oral hygiene. 

• The patient should declare the pregnancy to  the Dentist 
• Follow routine oral checkup. 
• Undergo all elective and emergency procedures. 
• Follow good oral hygiene practice ask for a better toothpaste.
• In the case of morning sickness avoid sweets and snacks which increase the risk of tooth decay. 
• Have healthy and balanced diet. 

Awareness of oral health during pregnancy is a must to avoid complications.