Flaunt that luscious mane (and nails too)

If there was one thing that perked me up every single day during my pregnancy, it was the state of my hair and nails. I never had a single bad hair day and my tresses started looking thicker and shinier than ever. Even my usually soft nails which are prone to breaking at regular intervals became stronger and healthier than before. It just seemed like a bonus. Luckily most women can look forward to god hair days when pregnant and get those manicures that they have always envied.

Though the effect wears off 3-6 months after the baby is born, the short period of bliss is worth relishing. (But you will be among the grateful ones if you have been sprouting hair in unwanted places as well.....well that's a drawback but nothing that a session of shaving/waxing/threading cannot handle)

Normally hair growth follows a cycle at the end of which the hair shaft falls off. It is the rush of extra hormones in the body during a pregnancy which leads to a lengthening of the hair cycle. That is hair which would have normally fallen off during this period stays on thanks to the effect of the hormones ( I feel some credit should be given to the supplements as well). This is what makes your mane look dense. And with the extra blood and nutrients circulating in the system, hair looks better nourished too ( at least the roots do ).

But looking after long hair can be difficult during pregnancy and trust me it gets tougher after the baby is born. I had long hair during my pregnancy which kept proliferating and i felt bad about cutting it. But once baby was born, i really rued the decision. I could not wait to get away to a salon and have a cut (but it was three months before I could do so and it was the most trying time I ever had). Washing and drying long hair is tough but with a ever demanding baby it just cant get worse.

Some hair care tips during pregnancy -

1. Get that haircut. Invest in a layered style as it shows off the volume (ahh...a plus) of your hair.

2. Do not bend over or jerk your head suddenly when washing hair. It may lead to getting a bout of dizziness or nausea. Ask your partner for help if required.

3. Switch to fragrance free shampoos if you find your regular one a bit overwhelming.

4. Most OTC dandruff shampoos are OK. But check with your doctor if using a medicated one.

5. Avoid hair coloring unless it is an absolute must but do go for a henna session if you wish. Stay away from hair treatments that call for the use of chemicals.

6. Some doctors ask to stay away from hair spas after the sixth month of pregnancy. It is because the head rest on which the neck is put during a hair wash tends to compress the nerves leading to the brain. In rare cases, it may lead to a clot and seizure.

7. Eat well ( read proteins and vitamins ) and drink sufficient water.

If you happen to be one of the few unfortunate ones to experience hair loss during pregnancy, do consult a doctor. Stick to following a regular hair care routine along with a good diet. last but not the least, keep heart. The hormones that are creating havoc in your life will soon be a thing of the past.

Ultrasounds : How often is Safe ??

Ultrasounds or scans are a normal part of a pregnant woman's medical checkup routine. They use sound waves to map the uterus and the developing baby. Depending upon the doctor's recommendations, it could be either an abdominal one (the probe is placed over the abdomen) or a vaginal one (the probe is inserted into the vagina). The latter one provides a better view of the internal organs, namely the uterus and the ovaries.

Usually doctors in India recommend 3-4 scans for every pregnant women. The first one is during the 8-10th week and used to rule out any ectopic pregnancy or uterine defects.  One is also expected to hear the fetal heartbeats for the first time and measure the due date. Many doctors differ on this one.

The second one is at 20 weeks to rule out any problems with the baby's development. Any deformities can be easily detected at this stage.

The third one is in the 5th month. It is to monitor the baby's development.

The fourth and last one is in the 9th month. This makes a final note of the position of the baby (i.e., if its head had come down, nuchal cord complications, etc).

If you are in the high-risk category (like diabetes or hypertension), then the doctor may recommend a few more. In my case, the doctor had asked for a scan in the 6th week to confirm the pregnancy. This is quite unnecessary and hospitals usually do it for making some extra money.

Some do's and dont's before going for a scan:

1. Tank up on loads of water. The ultrasound gives better results if your abdomen is fully distended. Ideally you should have the urge to pee before going for a scan.

2. Wear clean clothes and underwear.

3. Avoid going for a scan on a full stomach. It is difficult to get a clear view with all that solid stuff floating around.

4. Avoid consuming any food that may cause abdominal gas to build up. 

Working out during pregnancy

Working out during pregnancy helps to keep your weight in check, improves sleep, relieves backache and helps return to normal weight post delivery. It also prepares one's body for childbirth. Do check with your doctor before taking up any exercise. Most doctors readily give the go-ahead if your pregnancy does not fall in the high-risk category.

However there are some do's and dont's that one should keep in mind:

1. Eat a light snack before working out. This keeps sugar levels normal and prevent one from getting dizzy.

2. Drink lots of water throughout to keep yourself hydrated. This prevents the body temperature from rising during a workout.

3. Wear loose fitting clothes and good supportive shoes. Breathable clothes that allow for circulation help keep body temperature in check. A good maternity bra help prevent sagging and muscle strain due to the increased weight.

4. Always start with a warm-up session.

5. Move slowly. Swift movements may cause you to get dizzy and lose balance as the center of gravity also changes during pregnancy. Best exercises during pregnancy are walking, swimming, pre-natal yoga and low impact aerobics. Another excellent workout is Kegels.

6. Do not exercise while lying on your back after the 3rd month. This puts pressure on the vene cava which is a major vein and may result in dizziness.

7. Lunges and sit-ups may cause strain on the ligaments. Hence avoid the former exercises.

8. Stop working out if you feel hot, breathless or just about any kind of discomfort/pain. Take frequent breaks while working out.

9. Do not workout in the sun or if it is too humid. It raises the body temperature which can be harmful for the fetus.

10. Remember to cool down before you stop. This helps to bring down the heart rate gradually and prevents and dizziness.

11. You may need to consume a few extra calories if you are exercising during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if your weight gain is below normal.

Swelling and Joint Pains during Pregnancy

Swelling and joint pains are a part and parcel of pregnancy. Most women experience different degrees of swelling/joint pains during pregnancy. This condition is referred to as 'Edema' in medical terms.

During pregnancy the amount of body fluids increase by almost fifty percent. And most of this fluid is concentrated around the baby which causes swelling mostly in the lower part of the body. The increasing weight of the baby also contributes to building up pressure in the vein, especially in the legs. But quite a few women experience swelling in their fingers too. Water retention only makes the problem worse.

The joints pains are nature way of softening/loosening the joints to allow easy passage of the baby during labor. However the secreted hormones (mainly relaxin) do not discriminate among the different joints present in the human body. They affect all other joints along with the pelvic joints and hence the pains.

But watch out for any sudden swelling (especially in the third trimester) as it could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

One can follow the points mentioned below for some relief ( the symptoms will not go away altogether) :

1. Drink lots of water. It helps to rid the body of excess fluids and toxins.

2. Reduce caffeine intake.

3. Sleep with your feet up. This helps reduce ankles and feet swellings.

4. Run cold water over your fingers if they are swollen and throbbing. This really worked in my case.

5. Increase potassium intake and cut back on the sodium. Avoid packaged stuff that is high on added salt and sugar.

6. Avoid standing for long periods of time. And do not cross your legs while sitting down. If possible, use a foot stool to keep them up.

7. Consume foods that are high on water content and natural diuretics.

Note - Remove any finger rings and bangles before it gets too snug ( usually in the 6th or 7th month). This is especially true for Indian women who love putting on these accessories. Try buying some bracelets/bangles/rings which open from the middle/have screws.

Spa Hopping during Pregnancy: Do's and Dont's

A pampering session at a spa is a dream come true for every pregnant women. With pregnancy taking its toll on most pregnant ladies, the urge to look and feel good only gets stronger. But one should be aware of the pro's and con's of certain procedures before opting for them. Here is a small checklist for your reference:

1. Hair coloring/perming/straightening - Most of these procedures involve a lot of chemicals (especially ammonia). The best time to get any of these done is during the second trimester. And try to go for highlights instead of a global hair color as the former minimizes involves no contact with skin and eliminates any fumes (usually the highlighted hair is encased in a foil). Henna is also a good and natural option for dark haired beauties.

In case you opt for a hair color, ensure proper ventilation so that you are not over-exposed to the chemical fumes.

2. Eyebrows/Upper lips/Chin - Threading is fine and so is waxing if done by expert hands. Stay away from hair removing creams as the skin turns sensitive during pregnancy.

3. Facials - Facials sound really soothing when you have skin that has been behaving like a tyrant. But tread with caution. Avoid aromatherapy facials unless you are aware of the side-effects, if any. Also opt for something that you have already tried earlier and that too in a milder form to prevent irritating the skin. Avoid retinol that is present in most anti-aging facials. Take care to ensure that you are comfortable with adequate pillows an cushions to prop you up.

4. Body waxing/shaving - Waxing hands and legs is ok. Just be careful with varicose veins if any. Also avoid waxing the chest/belly areas. Needless to say, a bikini wax is out of bounds.

Shaving is also fine. Stay way from hair removal creams.

5. Manicures /Pedicures - These are again very soothing and actually relaxes the taut/over-stretched muscles. But stay away from aromatherapy ones unless aware of their side-effects. Avoid nail-paints that have toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. Brands like Zoya and Kaia House have nail paints that are free from these deadly trio (Buy on Junglee / Amazon).

Ensure that you are comfortably propped up during the procedure.

6. Massage - A soothing neck, shoulder and low back massage is sure to drive away most of those pregnancy blues (at least temporarily). While using any essential oil, do check that the masseur is well aware of its effect on pregnant women. Essential oils are very potent and can greatly benefit one when used in a proper manner.

Needless to say, ensure that you are in a comfortable position throughout the massage. Drink sufficient water and walk around after every one hour to keep circulation going.

7. The big No-No's during pregnancy are steam baths, Jacuzzis, hot water tubs and saunas. They raise your body temperature which in turn raises the temperature of the fetus. This can lead to birth defects so stay away from such treatments.

Check the credentials of the spa and ensure they have sufficient training to administer any of the above treatments to pregnant women. Ensure that the place is hygienic and well ventilated.

Skincare during Pregnancy

Mom-to-be are always associated with a glow or a radiance that reflects their inner happiness. And cinema/literature has done its bit to reinforce this myth. While the feeling of nurturing a life within oneself is beautiful indeed, it hardly translates into beautiful skin. At least there is no medical evidence of such a thing. A few women do get lucky but for those who are not, help is at hand.

The hormones that sustain pregnancy are known to wreck havoc on the skin. Quite a few women suffer from pigmentation, dry flakes, redness and itchy skin on the face, belly, chest and in some cases also the legs. One of the most dreaded problems is the 'mask of pregnancy' or 'Chloasma'. This is a condition characterized by dark patches of skin on the forehead, cheeks, chin and cheeks, which gives the illusion of a mask.

Though I was lucky to have sailed through mine without any major problems( apart from some dryness and itching ), I had followed a skincare routine from the early weeks. And remember, no skincare routine helps if not adequately supplemented with a healthy diet. Some tips to take care of skin during pregnancy:

1. Eat foods rich in folic acid as its deficiency is known to cause skin darkening.

2. Avoid the sun and in case you need to step out, do not forget to apply sunscreen ( SPF 35 or more if you are in India ).

3. If you find any changes in your skin, consult a doctor. Early intervention helps in most of the cases.

4. Acne around the mouth is quite common during pregnancy. If you have previously suffered from acne and had been using any medication, refrain from reaching out for the same. Avoid oral medication and rely only on topical applications that are deemed safe during pregnancy.

5. Some ingredients to be avoided are : Salicyclic acid, retinol, pthalates, hydroquinone, soy, oil of bergamot, lethicin, tretinoin. ( Women who use makeup/anti-aging creams need to be extra cautious as these are the active ingredients in quite a few cosmetics. Do have your doctor review the ingredients list. )

6. Some safe ingredients are : AHAs, glycolic acid and erythromycin ( topical application for acne ).

7. Drink lots of fluid to keep your skin hydrated and apply a heavy moisturizer/body butter all over ( especially after a shower when skin is still moist ) twice a day.

DISCLAIMER: The ingredients listed are for general reference. Get a go-ahead from your doctor before trying out any medication.

Pregnancy Amnesia - Myth or Reality ???

Ok....so you woke up to the realization that it has been two days since you missed the deadline for an important project. Or maybe you forgot to take that status call on Friday. How about the time when you left the tap running / keys hanging on the door / or almost burnt down the kitchen when you forgot to switch of the stove ? Sounds unsettling yet familiar. Rest assured you are in august company. Quite a few pregnant women suffer from a mild form of memory loss or short-term amnesia.

While tests have shown that pregnant women perform poorly at tasks that involve short-term memory as compared to their non-pregnant counterparts, their long term memory remains intact ( Another reason to cry wolf when those corporate houses ask women to take a pay cut after a child-rearing break ). The exact reason for such memory loss/forgetfulness in not known. But with a lot of theories being floated, I would love to share a few that sound credible.

Some state that maybe it is Mother Nature's way of ensuring that the women's primary focus remains the baby and hence the brain is designed to cut out clutter ( or noise as say it in Wave theory ). Others blame it on the rush of those baby-making hormones in the bloodstream that have been cooking up the brain and turning it to mush.

Another theory abounds that it is the social conditioning that lead such women to associate any lapses of memory with a baby-brain. Women who have long being hearing about pregnancy amnesia might start co-relating any minor incidents with the condition and trick themselves into thinking that they might be suffering from the same.

But the most plausible one seems to be that the stress, lack of sleep, heartburn and other physical ailments along with the changed priorities affects one's cognitive skills. Now it is well known that stress/sleep disorders can cause a loss in the cognitive abilities of perfectly healthy individuals. So rest assured your little bouts of forgetfulness are perfectly normal.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is the condition in which pregnant women with no previous history of diabetes are diagnosed with very high blood glucose levels. While studies have pointed out that unusually high levels of pregnancy hormones lead to low insulin sensitivity in such women, one can do much to avoid/keep this condition under control. With no outward symptoms, this is usually diagnosed during a routine blood sugar test in the 24-28th week of pregnancy.

Factors which may dispose one towards developing such a condition are :

1. Late pregnancy (after 35 years)
2. Women with a BMI of 30 or more.
3. Gaining too much weight especially in the first trimester
4. Women with a family history of diabetes.
5. Women with a history of PCOD.

In such cases the doctor may prescribe a screening test at the early stage of pregnancy.

While gestational diabetes leads to large babies with birth/labor complications and associated risks like low B.P. and jaundice, left untreated it can even lead to stillbirths. It also increases the risk of pre-eclampsia and caesarean delivery. Most women with untreated gestational diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes at a later stage and also predispose their offspring to the same condition.

Thankfully it is a treatable condition and one needs to modify one's diet along with regular exercise and medication (insulin) to reduce the risks to the fetus. A low GI diet which ensures that blood sugar is maintained at normal levels without any drastic fluctuations is best suited for such women. Increase in fiber intake also helps. Self-monitoring of sugar levels with a DIY sugar test available in the market is also beneficial.

Safe Sleep Positions - A Pregnancy Must-Know

During pregnancy most women experience diminishing sleep or irregular sleep patterns. Factors that contribute to this are :

1. Increasing size of the abdomen
2. Backache
3. Acid reflux
4. Breathlessnes
5. Frequent need for urination
6. Fetal movements (especially the 3rd trimester onwards)

While the last one is beyond one's control, we can regulate the remaining factors by practicing correct sleeping positions. Most doctors agree that the best position for a pregnant women is the Sleep-On-Side position (especially on the left side).This takes off any pressure on the major blood vessels like the aorta and inferior vene cava caused by the increasing weight of the abdomen.To make things more comfortable, one is advised to slightly bend the legs and rest a pillow between them.

If suffering from acid reflux, it is advisable to raise the upper body by placing a few pillows beneath the torso. Ditto for breathing problems. Similarly, to alleviate backache one must place another pillow beneath the abdomen so that it does not exert pressure on the back muscles.

It goes without saying that sleeping on the back or on the stomach is a no-no during pregnancy. While it can get uncomfortable lying down on the stomach especially after a few weeks of pregnancy, lying down on the back can be downright harmful. It reduces blood circulation and diminish the amount of nutrients that reach the baby. This position also reduces the efficiency of the kidneys which results in swelling of the hands, feet and ankles ( due to the accumulation of fluids ). For some expectant women, this position also leads to dizziness or even snoring (Uggh...sounds mortifying but take heart, it disappears after baby is born).

However Mother nature has her own means of taking care of the baby. Which means that it gets up and kicking (Real hard....you have to experience this to believe) before any harm can be done. Though Nature has this defense system in place, the Sleep-On-Side position should be practiced from the early months of pregnancy.

Some simple tips to get better sleep :

1. Take a warm water bath just before getting into bed.
2. Avoid too many fluids as it increases to need to visit the bathroom.
3. Listen to some soothing music and take care to keep those gadgets out of reach.
4. Indulge in some soothing back/feet massage (courtesy your partner).
5. Read a nice book (something soothing like Danielle Steele not those edgy thriller types).

Pop that Pill - Ca & Fe Supplements for a healthy baby

Most doctors prescribe Calcium and Iron supplements from the 2nd trimester onwards. These supplements are required for the well-being of the rapidly developing fetus and the mother. One must regularly take these pills as recommended by the doctor.

The volume of blood increases by almost 50 percent in a pregnant woman as she needs to nourish the baby in her womb. This increases the need for hemoglobin and consequently iron which is essential for the production of the former. Pregnant women are prone to developing anemia as their iron requirements may not be met through food. This is especially true for vegan and vegetarian women. As compared to non-vegetarian sources, iron from vegetarian sources is much more difficult to absorb. Hence doctors prescribe an iron supplement even though one has good eating habits.

As Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron, it is advised to have lime juice/orange juice along with one's iron supplement.

The baby's skeletal development is much rapid during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Nature meets this requirement from the mother's calcium intake, bypassing her own body's need for calcium. Therefore pregnant women are advised to take calcium so that they do not suffer from osteoporosis at a later stage. Also adequate calcium consumption helps prevent women from developing preeclampsia. Most doctors prescribe a Calcium and vitamin D supplement which is vital for the former's assimilation by the body.

Foods rich in calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, kidney beans, dried peas and beans. While sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D, it also occurs in eggs, fish and fortified milk. Along with these, one should take a calcium supplement regularly. Infact the body needs calcium even after the baby is born. Women should continue their calcium supplements for as long as they are breastfeeding.

Take care to avoid taking calcium with you iron supplements as they both interfere with each other's absorption.

Usually doctors recommend a calcium supplement with lunch and an iron supplement post dinner. But they can be reversed if the iron at dinner is causing acid reflux.

Planning a Baby-Moon - Time It Right

With the Duchess of Cambridge being the latest celebrity to endorse/popularize this trend, it is little wonder that every expecting couple wants to take a Baby-moon or that last vacation as a twosome before the baby is born. While the prefect timing for this is somewhere in the second trimester, when Morning Sickness has finally got over (What a relief!!) and the risk of going into labor is practically nil, one needs to get the green signal from a doctor.

Travel by train would be the safest way to travel when one is pregnant. While it can get bumpy in the car or plane ( turbulence when one hits those low-pressure air pockets ) and make one feel like puking, trains are the most comfortable. I have personally traveled both by train and flight when I was 5 months pregnant, I felt the train journey to be more comfortable. Moreover most airlines impose restrictions on flying pregnant women once they are into the 36th week of pregnancy or more.

Following points need to be taken care of when travelling -

1. Remember to wear a seat belt when driving/travelling by a car. Wear the belt low over the hips or over the upper part of the body (between the breasts). Never wear the belt over the belly.

2. Take any vaccines if travelling to a foreign country. (Check the healthy/travel advisory issued)

3. If travelling by flight, wear special socks to be circulation going. Take an aisle seat if possible, drink up sufficient fluids, take a walk whenever possible and go to the washroom whenever nature calls (This is important).

4. Keep away from adventure sports. If taking a vacation meant high adrenalin activities, plan to travel to someplace where you can just sit back and relax.

5. Locate the nearest doctor/hospital from the place you will be putting up at. Also keep your medical records/file on hand.

6. Take any medication you will be needing (especially pills for nausea if you have been prone to it).

Weight Gain - Is Eating for Two the Real Culprit ?

Weight gain during pregnancy is nature's way of providing nourishment for the growing fetus and its future requirement (breast milk). Most healthy women gain around 10-12 kgs or 25-30 pounds throughout the pregnancy. Apart from the baby's weight, this weight is shared by the placenta, amniotic fluid, bodily fluids of the mother, enlarged uterus, breasts and fat storage for breast feeding.

Most important part about the weight gain is that it must be gradual and derived from healthy eating. Weight gained from snacking on sweetened beverages, desserts and oily food will only add to the pregnancy woes and complicate labor. Too much weight gain can lead to pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, both of them being harmful for the baby. Studies have shown that babies born to overweight mothers have a greater chance of growing obese or overweight as adults. Also, this kind of weight will be difficult to shed post delivery. As for me, I had gained a little more than 10 kgs during my pregnancy and it took me one year to shed it in the normal process (light housework and breastfeeding).

On the other hand, too little weight gain may stunt the baby's developement as it would not be receiving the necessary nutrients for its growth. It some cases this may also result in pre-term labor or premature birth (delivery before 36 weeks of gestation) which can be life-threatning as such babies usually have an under-developed respiratory system.

Going by calorie requirements, pregnant women hardly need any extra calories during the first trimester. From the second trimester, an extra 300-350 calories per day is sufficient to gain around 1 pound per week or a more than 1.5 kg per month. This amounts to a extra serving of fruit, or an extra sandwich/cheese slice or even a glass of milk.

As the baby grows bigger by the last trimester, the calories consumed should be increased to around 350-400 per day. Again this can be derived from a extra portion of grilled chicken/cheese slice or even an extra serving of fish ( proteins being the main requirement at this stage ).

When the Going Gets Tough

Constipation is only second to morning sickness as one of the most common ailments that cause distress among pregnant women. The main causes being:

1. Increased progesterone levels relax the intestinal walls that cause food to move slowly.
2. Increasing size/weight of the uterus puts pressure on the stomach/intestine.
3. More fluid gets absorbed from the intestines leading to dry stools.
4. Iron and calcium supplements also lead to constipation. Ask your doctor for a different prescription if none of the remedies work.
5. Reduced physical activity also leads to a sluggish bowel activity.

While it cannot be completely done away with, keeping constipation under control is necessary as it can lead to hemorrhoids (piles). While moderate exercise, increasing fiber(roughage) intake and drinking 8 glasses of water a day definitely helps, some mild laxatives( like pysllium husk or isabgol ) might be prescribed by a doctor for more severe cases.

While I suffered from constipation during pregnancy, it was kept under control with one of the following home remedies:

1. Drinking a glass of warm milk at night. (Tried by me)
2. Drinking a glass of warm water mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice first thing in the morning. (Tried by me)
3. Guava is loaded with minerals and a whole lot of fiber. Chew on some.
4. A nice warm soup with lots of carrots, cabbage and celery is sure to ease your bowels.
5. A handful of oilseeds + nuts is a good way to go. It not only provides useful Omega acids but also a lot of fiber. Try a combo of 1 tsp flaxseed + 7-8 almonds + 4-5 walnuts. (Tried by me)

Uhh....Morning Sickness Kicks In

One of the most dreaded side-effects of pregnancy makes a debut. While it began rather late and lasted only for a few weeks, morning sickness made my life quite miserable. In my case it was the smell of tadka (tempering) and spices which triggered severe bouts of nausea and sent me scurrying to the washroom. Thankfully it spared my morning tea.

Morning sickness is also called 'vomiting of pregnancy' is quite common and most women experience it in some form though in varying degrees in the first trimester. Irrespective of its name, it can strike at any time of the day. In most women, it subsides by the middle of the second semester but may linger on till the last semester in few rare cases. It may be triggered on its own (some studies suggest hormonal changes as a cause while others blame low sugar levels) or on exposure to some kind of smell.

While medication should be avoided unless the vomiting turns severe, many women do manage to find a safe and effective home remedy for it. Ginger tea, mint, fennel seeds, candy, lemonade, flavored toothpaste ( only for brushing, no ingestion ) are known to work wonders. Changing diet habits like avoiding large meals and having frequent snacks is also useful.

Avoid being on empty stomach for a long duration, especially in the mornings. Best to have a few biscuits/fruit with a glass of water immediately after waking up ( This really worked in my case ).

Imported remedies like 'PregEase' are also available to curb morning sickness but one needs to consult a doctor before using such supplements.

The Lull Before The Storm

My second month turned out to be uneventful and quite a breeze. The feeling of being pregnant was still sinking in and with no physical symptoms/discomfort so far I was feeling on top of the world. I was positively glowing with all the extra attention being showered by my dear husband.

Along with the prescribed Folic acid and B12 supplements, I had switched over to a healthy diet which included lots of green leafy vegetables. Now Folic acid is the most important supplement in the first trimester. It is important for the development of the baby's spine and neural cells ( happens in the first trimester ). Folate is important for the mother too as it prevents anemia by helping in the formation of RBCs. This is why most doctors also prescribe folate to couples who are trying to conceive.

While folate naturally occurs in sprouts, beans, green leafy vegetables like spinach, liver, peanuts and soyabean, these should be consumed in addition to the vitamin supplements. Trying to replace the pills with these folate rich vegetables can be dangerous as it is rather difficult to quantify the amount of vitamin in each serving. Also, folate being a water soluble vitamin, improper cooking/preparation methods can lead to considerable loss.

Cutting back on the number of tea cups consumed everyday was second in line. I replaced the afternoon tea(s) with a glass of tender coconut water. Coffee became a strict no-no.

Keeping in line with the 'Eating-for-two' philosophy, an extra sandwich/fruit during the late evenings became an add-on to my regular diet. Now the fetus is really tiny during the first trimester and a mother needs to eat just a little extra during this stage. Too much indulgence will only lead to weight gain and complications during the labor.

While I had stopped going to the gym sometime back and was in no mood to start again, I started taking a walk everyday to improve the blood circulation. It is important to maintain the fitness levels during pregnancy and hence i started doing light floor exercises ( especially for the pelvic muscles ). Kegels followed by squatting is the best kind of exercise. It really helps with all that pushing that one needs to do in the labor room. Following a regular fitness routine only made it easier for me to get back into shape post pregnancy.

It is advisable to go for pre-natal yoga classes if OK-ed by your doctor. And make sure you start early before the side effects of pregnancy have kicked in. Just make sure that the practitioner is a certified one. In my case, I had to skip the idea as it involved a lot of travel.

NOTE: Kegels is a form of exercise which involves alternately tightening and relaxing the vaginal muscles. It also helps in reversing(atleast to some extent) the problem of urine incontinence that is common during pregnancy.