Author - Dr. Swati's Pulse Clinic

New Guidelines has come up with Covid Vaccination for Pregnant Women

Dr. Swati Gaikwad Pulse superspeciality clinic and prime sonography centre wagholi.

Please go through and take your vaccine as early as possible.

For Pregnant women:

Salient points in the zoom meeting conducted by NHM :

1) All pregnant women should be vaccinated.
2) pregnant women should be vaccinated in all trimesters..even in the first trimester
3) High risk mothers like preeclampsia, GDM, anemia, etc should be given covaxin
4) Prev lscs and Rh -ve need not be taken as high risk.
5) Epileptic mothers and heart disease mothers should be vaccinated in medical college after opinions.
6)Patient on heparin, aspirin, ivf conceptions, DVT mothers need to be vacccinated in tertiary care …if needed we can get expert opinion
7) Low risk mothers should be given covishield.
8) Td and covid vaccine can be given in the same day but at different sites , right and left arm like tat but in case if want to be on more safer side, then 2 weeks interval
9) Anti D and covid vaccines can be given on the same day but at different sites.
10) Covid vaccine can be combined with Blood transfusion and iron sucrose
11) Covid vaccine and sterilisation can go hand in hand.
12) Interval between 2 doses of vaccine is the same as for non pregnant adults.
13) Vaccine to be given for 18 yrs of age onwards only.
14) if mother is covid positive, leave 3 months gap before vaccination.
15) Counsel the mothers and vaccinate the pregnant mothers as soon as possible.
16) Vaccination status of the mother to be written ( preferably by a rubber stamp) in the RCH id card mentioning the date of first dose, what vaccine is given and date of second dose.If an AN mother is not willing for vaccine even after repeated counseling, that is to be highlighted in the RCH card
17) Vaccinated mother should be followed up for 20 days by the vhn.
18) AN mothers referred to tertiary care for vaccination should be accompanied by the VHN.
19) women on long-term contraceptive pills …gwt an opinion and vaccinate.
20) As such no contraindication for covid vaccination in Pregnancy and aim to cover as soon as possible all AN mothers by vaccination..

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All You Need To Know About Colour Doppler Scan

When Neeti Shinde entered her 27th week, she became concerned about her baby’s growth. Her baby bump was barely noticeable and it was difficult to tell she was pregnant. Her 18 weeks level 2 scan was normal so she couldn’t help question what else it may be. During a regular antenatal checkup at 31 weeks, it was suspected that the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby was somewhat less. “We then recommended an ultrasound for evaluating the growth of the baby along with a Doppler scan during the third trimester,” said Dr. Swati Gaikwad. A Doppler scan is an ultrasound that is usually suggested in high-risk pregnancies, if the mother is diabetic or has high blood pressure, or in the situation of slow-growing babies, twins, or a previous history of stillbirth. The Doppler scan is usually done during the third trimester and it evaluates the blood flow going to the baby and inside its cord, heart, and brain.

Preparing for Doppler Scan Through Third Trimester

“How should I prepare for the Colour Doppler scan?” asked Neeti. “You do not require to specifically prepare for a Doppler scan. It is performed like any other ultrasound and is harmless. It only takes a couple of minutes longer than conventional ultrasound.

Results of Doppler Scan During Third Trimester

“What can I expect the scan to confer?” asked Neeti, concerned. “The results enable us to compare the development of your baby with the results from your past scan at about 18-20 weeks. “ If Doppler flows show that there is insufficient blood flow in the umbilical artery and the baby is not properly oxygenated, then the scan may need to be repeated to observe the baby. If the blood flow to the baby drops below the critical level, then an early delivery may need to be done. Comforted by Dr. Swati’s words, Neeti understood she had nothing to be afraid of. She also understood the significance of the Doppler scan during the third trimester.

Neeti’s Doppler Scan Results

When Neeti’s Doppler scan results came, she was comforted to know there was sufficient blood flow to the baby. Repeat ultrasounds demonstrated a steadily growing baby. She went into labor instinctively at 38 weeks and delivered a healthy baby normally.

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Simple Ways to Sooth Your Baby’s Vaccination Visits

By the time your baby gets a year old, they’ll need at least 16 vaccinations. The pain of each needle stick is temporary for them, but the stress of seeing your baby cry can stick with you. Fear of shots shouldn’t drive you away from the prescribed vaccination schedule. Learn about easy ways you can encourage your child before, during, and after shots.

Do your research 

Take a minute to read about how you can prepare before your visit, and analyze any vaccine information provided by your child specialist.

Ask for a sweet reward 

Tasting something sweet can help lessen your sweetie pie’s pain response. Ask your pediatrician to give your child a sweet reward of sucrose or glucose one to two minutes before the vaccine.

If you can, breastfeed

Breastfeeding can be a great way to soothe and relax your baby, as breastmilk has a slight sweetness and can help divert him or her and provide supportive close contact.

Ask for a pain-relieving ointment or spray 

Ask your child specialist for a pain-relieving cream, which blocks pain signals from the skin. Or, request a cooling spray (vapor coolant), which is applied on your baby’s arm or leg right before the shot.

Be honest and calm 

Kids are smart, so take time to tell in simple expressions what to expect. Even if your baby can’t understand your words, your gentle voice will be reassuring.

Bring your child’s favorite things 

Carry anything your child finds comforting, like a favorite toy, blanket, or book, to help them focus on something pleasant. Make sure to check with your pediatrician before bringing items into the room with you.

Big kids need support too 

If your child is older, you can do deep breathing with them to help “blow out” the pain. Have them visualize the pain is leaving their body as they breathe out.

Care after the shot 

Calm young infants by swathing them. Hugs, cuddles, and whispers can help calm older babies after a shot. Your child may have mild responses, such as pain and swelling where the shot was given or a temperature; these are natural and will soon go away. Contact your child specialist if anything concerns you.

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The best gift for a daughter from her mother

The conversations about cervical cancer and its impact are a worldwide issue. The fact that it is a silent killer and is affecting women from all age groups across the countries was alarming. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer after breast cancer, and it is claiming the lives of our near and dear ones forming 16.5% of the total cancer cases. It is estimated that about 160 million women between the ages of 30 and 59 years are at the risk of getting infected with cervical cancer in India, with 96,922 new cases registered in 2018 only. These numbers show a poor state even though cervical cancer is the only cancer that can be prevented through vaccination. Cancer screening is also advisable to avoid the sudden news of cancer.

The vaccine is advised for teenage girls and thus, mothers can play an important role in educating their daughters about why they need to undergo cervical cancer vaccination:

The sexually-transmitted Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes Cervical Cancer. The majority of the women who are sexually engaged will get HPV during their lifetime. While there are HPV viruses that get healed on their own, those that do not can cause some types of cancer including cervical cancer. The cervical cancer vaccine targets the riskiest waves of HPV and thereby prevents it.

The vaccines are most efficient when they are given to pre-teen girls. According to several studies, younger people have a stronger immune response to the vaccine, and hence, it is prudent to give the vaccines before they are exposed to the virus.

Not only cervical cancer, but the HPV vaccine also protects women from vaginal, anal, and vulvar cancer, and can prevent common wart-causing viral types. In short, vaccinating women against types of HPV also decreases the chance of her partner getting infected with diseases associated with HPV. Not only this, but the HPV vaccines can also help control mouth and throat cancer which is linked to certain types of HPV.

HPV Vaccination is safe and efficient and now there are studies available from various parts of the world showing that the vaccines are being used for 14 years.

Given the benefits, it is recommended that young girls should certainly get the HPV vaccination done. Mothers are motivational figures or role models for their daughters and can encourage them to adopt safe and preventive health practices. Awareness needs to be generated among mothers with an aim of deeper involvement in educating their daughters about cervical cancer prevention. Visit your Gynaecologist to know more about this vaccination.

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What Your Gynaecologist Wants You To Know About Pregancy Care?

Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to improve a healthy birth. Going early and regularly for pregnancy care and check-ups can help mommies-to-be — and their babies — stay healthy.

Pregnancy care is an important element of staying healthy during pregnancy. Your gynaecologist will monitor your future baby’s growth and do routine testing to help find and prevent possible problems. These regular visits are also a great way to learn how to ease any discomfort you may have, and ask any questions about your pregnancy and the birth of your future baby.

You should schedule your first checkup in the first 6 to 8 weeks of your pregnancy. If your first check-up results are normal then your Obstetrician will ask you to schedule every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy. Then, every 2 weeks until 36 weeks. And then, once a week until your delivery.

With regular pregnancy care, you can reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications. Following a healthy, safe diet, doing regular exercise as advised by your Obstetrician, and avoiding exposure to potentially harmful substances such as lead and radiation can help reduce the risk for problems during pregnancy and improve your baby’s health and development. Regulating existing conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, is important to prevent serious complexities and their effects.

Ultrasound can be used for a variety of reasons during pregnancy. Your Obstetrician may also order more ultrasounds if they detect a problem in previous ultrasound or blood test. While ultrasound technology is safe for both mother and child, healthcare practitioners try to avoid the use of ultrasounds when there is no medical reason or benefit.

To keep you and your baby healthy and safe, it is important that you don’t smoke or drink liquor. You should eat healthy meals and get sufficient folic acid and practice regular exercise and visit your gynaecologist on regular basis.

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