We feature Dr Chitra, Gynecologist and Obstetrician. She completed her MBBS in Kakathi Medical College, Warangal and her MS in Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad.

What are the risk factors during pregnancy?

Hypertension and Diabetes are common risks during Gestation. If the blood pressure is not controlled the expectant mother can develop fits. This also retards the growth of the baby.

The gestational diabetes can lead to big babies, intrauterine death, diabetic ketoacidosis (PH imbalance) and also maternal complication in form of infections. Hence, a close monitoring by an obstetrician is necessary to prevent these complications.

Of late there is a decline in the percentage of women going into natural labor process and delivering ? Is it true?

Yes, it is true. This is mainly due to lack of physical activity in expectant mothers. Impatience to wait for natural contractions to set in, once the term is complete is another reason, a two weeks wait post term is safe, though it warrants close monitoring of the mother and the baby .The uterine contractions can be safely induced .

Is a natural delivery better than a C-Section?

Yes, in a natural delivery the morbidity as well as risk of anesthesia are not present. Also the baby is healthy if delivered normally as the breathing in the baby is natural and not sudden or abrupt as in the case of a C Section.

The pain may not be reason for option for a C Section as the mother can have painless labor with the use of Epidural.

Does obesity also pose a risk factor in pregnant women?

Yes, it increases the chances of gestational diabetes and labor dysfunction (difficulty in developing labor contraction).

What is the maximum weight gain considered normal during pregnancy?

A maximum of 10-12 kg is considered normal, 5-6 kg in the case of obese person.

How long would it take a woman to get back to her old shape?

Usually it should take 3-6 months to get back to pre pregnancy state.

What should be done to hasten or to attain it?

The post natal exercises should be started as early as possible after consultation with the obstertrician.

Breast feeding is not only good for the baby, it helps the mother burn 500kcal per day without any additional effort.

A Healthy balanced diet with plenty of fluids is helpful. Fattening food and special meals prepared traditionally should be avoided.

What is the special post natal care required in your consideration?

Usually after delivery the visits are frequent to the pediatrician, but nevertheless a visit to an obstetrician is a must, as I observe many women assume that they have a natural contraception when they breast feed and with their menstrual cycle missing. As these are no protection against pregnancy, they get pregnant again within 5 months after the previous delivery and opt for abortion .This can be avoided if they consult and take proper contraception either by taking pills or insertion of an IUD.

There is a usual discontent that the abdominal muscle gets lax and the skin is stretched after delivery and they never regain the original structure in spite of best effort?

Though the postnatal exercises are helpful, the excessive stretching of the skin during pregnancy can leave the skin permanently stretched and unsightly.

The concept of Mummies Makeover is gaining popularity wherein the mother after the family is complete undergoes an abdominoplasty for a flat tummy and also gets sterilized. Many a times this is combined with their C section.