WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU COME TO THE HOSPITAL?

When you go into labour:

* Avoid consuming heavy stuff like milk, ghee or dry fruits before coming to the hospital and take clear liquids or nothing till the doctor examines you. Thereafter, the doctor will advise you about your diet
* You should carry your reports to the admission desk
* You will be taken to the labour delivery complex and the nurse will guide you to your room and help you change into a hospital gown or a nightdress. Also, she will check your vitals and baby's heartbeat
* The doctor will examine you regularly to see how far you have progressed. Also, the baby's heartbeat will be checked at regular intervals or continuously with an electronic foetal monitor in case of any concern
* Some blood test might be done when you get admitted
* You can have clear liquids but your doctor may instruct you not to consume anything by mouth in case there are chances of a caesarean section
* An IV line may be essential for women requiring extra fluids, in case of certain types of pain relief, and if the labour is induced or augmented
* After discussing with your doctor, you can take the pain relief, if required


HOW TO COPE WITH THE LABOUR PAIN?

Fear makes pain worse. Everyone feels frightened of what they do not understand or cannot control. Therefore, it is essential to understand and learn about the labour.
You can follow these steps to cope with the stress of labour:

* Learn to relax as it will help you to stay calm
* Your position can also make a difference. Some women like to kneel, walk around or rock backwards and forwards
* Back massage can also help. You may ask your partner to do it for you
* Feeling in control of what is happening to you is important. So do not hesitate to ask questions or to ask for anything you want at any time
* Having a partner, friend or relative you can lean on and who can support you during labour, certainly helps. It has been shown to reduce the need for pain relief. But even if you do not have anyone, don't worry; our nurses will give you the support you need
* Finally, no one can tell you what your labour can feel like in

advance. Even if you think you would prefer not to have pain relief, keep an open mind. In some instances it can help to make your labour more enjoyable and fulfilling

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE DELIVERY BY CAESAREAN SECTION?

During caesarean delivery, the doctor makes an incision in the pregnant women's abdomen to get the delivery done. In this case, the women will be under anaesthesia.

Normally, 15% - 25% of deliveries are caesarean deliveries; amongst them some are planned while others may be due to emergency.

Most common reasons for caesarean delivery are:

• Baby needs quick delivery
• Baby is not in head down position
• Baby's head does not fit in the birth passage
• Labour does not progress as expected
• Mother's or baby's health is at risk

You should carry loose fitted and easy to wear clothes for yourself and for the baby, you must carry a cap, some nappies and a shawl or blanket.
In case of normal delivery, you can go home within 2-3 days while in case of a caesarean delivery; you can go home within 3-4 days, only on doctors' advice.
If you have any concerns about yourself and your baby and how to take care of the newborn, you can discuss them with your obstetrician and paediatrician.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE NORMAL DELIVERY?

During the normal delivery, the labour contractions open the cervix in a slow manner. Once the cervix is open entirely, the contractions help in pushing the baby through the birth canal (vagina). In most of the cases, baby's head comes first which is followed by shoulders and the rest of the body, while in other cases where some women find it difficult,the doctors may use forceps or suction cup only after your permission. Also, several women choose different birthing positions like bending, or semi reclining.
You may get small tear in the region of vaginal opening during the delivery and if your vaginal opening is very close, the doctor may make a small cut around it, to increase the tear (episiotomy). Mostly, these tears need stitches but they dissolve during the healing process. These tears may make you uneasy for a few days.
Generally, the placenta comes out easily after delivery, while in few cases, the doctor removes it manually under anaesthesia when it does not come out on its own. Also, some women lose small amount of blood during the delivery, but if the amount of blood loss is greater, blood transfusion may be required.

Diet regulations for Pregnancy Care

Diet regulation will be suggested for pregnant women. Ayurveda diet provides adequate nutrition as well as rest for the needed organs. The food consumed will have high concentration of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

The embryo is nourished directly through the umbilical cord. The food the pregnant woman consumes has to be highly nutritious as the physical and mental growth of the child is determined by the type and quantity of food consumed. Consumption of liquid diets and fruits that are easily digested are recommended at this time. Consumption of medicated ghee is encouraged. Pregnant women should take care to avoid constipation at all costs and incase she is affected, mild laxatives can be taken.

In the first month, milk and a light diet is recommended; in the second and third months, milk medicated with life-building herbs such as Vidari, Shatavari (Asparagus), Yashtimadhu (Licorice) and Brahmi are prescribed along with honey and ghee. Brahmi helps in calming the nerves and is also a good prajasthapan (sustainer of pregnancy).

Ayurveda considers consumption of milk to be of utmost importance as it is a source of calcium, protein, lactose and butter fat. Milk is a complete food and can be consumed at any time. From the seventh month onwards, consumption of fat and salts should be reduced. However, rice kanji with ghee is beneficial. Also herbs such as gokshura and sariba that are mild diuretics and urinary antiseptics can be taken during this period. Medicated ghee preparations (Griha) like phala sarpis, kalyaanaka gritham and sukha prasava gritham can be consumed.

One should consume large amounts of water through out the day as this will help to flush out the waste matter through the urine. The intake of fruits should be increased. However, it is the ayurveda doctor who will prescribe the most suitable diet for the pregnant woman. You can find out your type of Prakruthi and decide a diet for yourself Yoga, meditation and Life Style.

Yoga and life style for Pregnancy Care

form a vital constituent of all ayurveda treatments and is especially beneficial for pregnant mothers. Mountain pose, Triangle pose, Warrior pose, Standing side stretch, Forward bend pose, Corpse pose, Cat pose and Fish pose are recommended during pregnancy.

Yoga and meditation are proven and effective ways to develop and maintain perfect harmony and balance in body systems. It improves emotional health of the pregnant women, reduces pregnancy side effects like headaches, fatigue and constipation, provides immunity against all diseases and alters brain wave activities reflecting in an increased relaxation and a better focused mind.

Life style: The pregnant mother should always remain calm, cool and mentally happy. She should avoid mental stress, heated arguments, tension and worry as the mental health of the offspring will relate to that of the mother. A regular massage is recommended as also steam baths. She should also maintain personal hygiene and take utmost care to maintain good bowel movements. She should be careful in her movements and should avoid falling to the ground or meeting with accidents.

Light exercises such as walking and swimming are recommended as these can reduce the length of labor, reduce recovery time and provide stamina needed for delivery. Studies have revealed that exercises can reduce the risk of pre mature birth by about 50 %. The pregnant mother should avoid strenuous exercise, late nights, too much television and other stimulating experiences.