Pregnancy is one of the most important time in a woman's life. A recent study conducted by leading research agency IMRB reveals that nutritional supplements are essential for expecting mothers over and above their regular diet.
The agency has surveyed over 700 gynaecologists across the country including Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Cochin, Calicut, Kolkata, Patna, Jamshedpur, Mumbai, Indore and Raipur in 2006.
Key findings of the study:
88  per cent of gynaecologists recommend Health Food Drinks (HFDs) designed to meet the need of pregnant women as a nutritional supplement to the pregnant women.
he key perceived benefits of HFDs designed for expecting mothers are that they improve the mother's nutritional status and haemoglobin levels. Besides, improvement in birth weight brain development of the baby is also a key benefit
Undernourishment is the key reason for almost two-thirds of gynaecologists to recommend HFDs to pregnant women.
Less maternal weight gain, weakness, anaemia and health of the mother are the other reasons for recommendation
According to Dr Kamini Rao, Medical Director, Assisted Conception Centre, Bangalore, and Chairperson of the FIGO Women's Sexual & Reproductive Rights Committee, "The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies amongst pregnant women of India is high. An expecting mother's diet should contain adequate nutrients so that maternal stores do not get depleted and produce sufficient milk to nourish her child after birth. If the mother is undernourished, the baby is at an increased risk of being premature with low birth weight and development irregularities. Intrauterine nutrition is highly important for the growth of the central nervous system and kidneys of the fetus, which mature during the later part of pregnancy. To meet the demands of increased dietary requirement during pregnancy, women should be advised and educated for appropriate nutrient intake.”
Courtesy: Mother Horlicks
Intimate hygiene
Most often, pregnancy is accompanied by mood swings, fatigue and in some cases discomfort in the vaginal areas. Hygiene should be a high priority at this time. Cleaning the area at least twice a day is recommended. Wear clean, cotton undergarments during pregnancy to avoid itching and irritation.
Courtesy: Lactacyd
Lactacyd is a perineal wash meant to be used for intimate hygiene