1. Tell us briefly about your professional journey.

As a paediatrician specialising in neonatology from Sydney, Australia, my journey in healthcare has been driven by a deep-seated commitment to improving neonatal and pediatric healthcare in India. Returning to my homeland, I was determined to address the gaps in medical services, particularly for women and children.

Recognizing the critical need for accessible, high-quality healthcare, I founded Ankura Hospital for Women and Children with the belief that specialised and advanced medical care should reach more women and children. Though we started as a neighbourhood hospital, today Ankura has grown into a leading healthcare centre, renowned for its excellence in serving women and children. We’ve expanded across four states, with 15 centres and counting. But for me, this is just the beginning. I envision a future where every woman and child, regardless of their location, can access top-notch medical care right in their neighbourhood.

2. What made you set up Ankura Hospital? Any specific reason or event that led you to set up Ankura?
I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable advancements in healthcare—super specializations, cutting-edge technology, and increasingly sensitive diagnostic tests have revolutionized medical treatment. What was once considered incurable is now within our grasp, and conditions, once deemed fatal, can now be managed with promising prognoses.

I firmly believe that it’s our responsibility to ensure these advancements reach every corner of our nation, especially our women and children. This belief was the driving force behind the inception of Ankura Hospital. Regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, every woman and child deserves access to the highest quality of care available.

3. With so much competition in the same space (Women and Childcare) how do you differentiate your services vis a vis other players?

In a competitive landscape like women and childcare services, setting oneself apart requires a unique approach that prioritizes quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of the needs of our patients and their families. At Ankura Hospital, we differentiate our services in several key ways:

Comprehensive Care: We provide holistic care that addresses not only physical health but also the emotional and psychological well-being of women and children. Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in various specialties, ensuring that all aspects of our patient’s health are covered under one roof.

Patient-Centred Approach: We prioritize the needs and preferences of our patients and their families, ensuring that they feel heard, respected, and involved in their care decisions. Our personalized approach to healthcare fosters trust and long-term relationships with our patients.

Advanced Technology and Expertise: We continuously invest in the latest medical technologies and ensure that our staff receives ongoing training to stay abreast of advancements in healthcare.

Community Engagement: We actively engage with the communities we serve, organizing health camps, awareness programs, and outreach initiatives to promote preventive healthcare and education. By building strong ties with our communities, we establish ourselves as trusted partners in their health journey.

Focus on Accessibility: We strive to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location. Through initiatives like telemedicine and our presence in lower-tier cities, we extend our reach to underserved areas, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Strong Team Stability: Our low attrition rate among doctors and staff fosters a committed team, ensuring consistency and quality care. As a certified Great Place to Work organization, we prioritize employee satisfaction, creating a positive workplace culture that enhances patient experience and sets us apart.

4. What are the core competencies of Ankura both in the Paediatric and Gynaecology divisions?

Ankura Hospital for Women and Children provides holistic and in toto healthcare services for women and children. We are proud to have all pediatric and gynaecology super specialities under a single roof. Some of our services in the paediatric division include advanced neonatal intensive care, pediatric surgery, child development, and behavioural health, and all other pediatric super specialities including pediatric neurology, paediatric rheumatology, paediatric gastroenterology, paediatric haematology, paediatric orthopaedics, etc.

In the Gynaecology division too, we are equipped to provide the highest level of care in all spheres. Some of our services include obstetric care, gynaecological surgeries, reproductive health services, gynaecological oncology, gynaecological cosmetology, laparoscopic surgeries and, vNOTES. We have also established specialised 9M fertility centres that focus on providing predictable and advanced cures for infertility.
Overall, Ankura Hospital excels in delivering comprehensive care for both children and women, utilizing advanced techniques and a patient-centred approach to ensure optimal outcomes.

5. You specialize in handling critical and high-risk patients. How do you equip your team to handle these cases? Any notable case studies.

At Ankura Hospital, we recognize the importance of specialized training and advanced equipment to handle critical and high-risk patients effectively.

Specialized Training: Our medical staff undergo rigorous training in their respective specialties, including pediatric and neonatal intensive care, obstetrics, gynaecological oncology, and surgical procedures. Continuous education and skill development programs ensure that our team stays abreast of the latest advancements in their fields.

Multidisciplinary Approach: We adopt a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, with teams comprising specialists from various disciplines working together to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This collaborative approach ensures that critical and high-risk patients receive personalized care that addresses all aspects of their condition.

Advanced Technology: We invest in state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology to support our team in diagnosing and treating complex cases effectively. From advanced imaging techniques to minimally invasive surgical tools, our cutting-edge technology enables us to deliver precise, targeted care with minimal risk to patients.

Protocols and Guidelines: We adhere to strict protocols and clinical guidelines established by international medical associations and regulatory bodies to ensure the highest standards of patient safety and quality of care. These protocols help streamline our clinical processes and ensure consistency in our approach to managing critical and high-risk cases.

With our expert care and multidisciplinary approach, we recently witnessed a miraculous recovery of a six-year-old battling dengue-multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and perforation peritonitis. Through immediate and intensive care and a series of crucial medical interventions, the little girl triumphed over all her medical complications and was discharged successfully.

6. What are your plans for expansion? How do you plan to fund this growth?

Ankura Hospital for Women and Children is strategically planning a rapid expansion over the next 30 months, with a keen focus on enhancing healthcare accessibility for specialised care. We recently stepped into Orrisa, by opening our 15th world-class centre in Bhubaneswar and we now look forward to establishing ourselves in Bengaluru, Nagpur, Vishakhapatnam, and more cities in the coming years.

We have devised a comprehensive fundraising strategy for its expansion, primarily focusing on exploring opportunities in debt financing and private equity. By leveraging these avenues, we aim to secure the necessary funds to support the expansion of services and infrastructure. This approach ensures financial sustainability, allowing Ankura to enhance its healthcare offerings and reach a wider demographic.

7. What is the state of women and child health care in India as compared to the global standards? How can the gap be bridged? What is being done by Ankura Hospital in this direction?

The state of women and child healthcare in India, while improving, still lags behind global standards in several areas. Despite significant progress in recent years, challenges such as inadequate access to quality healthcare services, high maternal and infant mortality rates, malnutrition, and disparities in healthcare delivery persist. By enhancing access to healthcare, promoting preventive care, conducting patient education programs, and providing high-quality and advanced healthcare services Ankura has been striving to bridge this gap.

8. What is your opinion about AI being accepted in all walks of life gradually which also includes the medical sector? How will it disrupt Women and Child care space? Would you adapt to this technology?

The gradual integration of artificial intelligence into various sectors, including healthcare, offers transformative potential for women and child care. AI technologies can enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment plans, and streamline administrative tasks, leading to improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

In the women and childcare space, AI-powered algorithms can aid in the early detection of conditions through imaging analysis and predictive analytics. This enables proactive intervention and risk mitigation for high-risk pregnancies and pediatric conditions. Additionally, AI can optimize administrative processes, such as appointment scheduling and medical record management, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.

At Ankura Hospital, we recognize the value of AI in advancing healthcare delivery. While prioritizing patient safety and ethical considerations, we are committed to integrating AI technologies into our practice to complement the expertise of our healthcare professionals and enhance the quality and accessibility of care for women and children. By embracing AI responsibly, we can harness its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for patients.

Dr Krishna Prasad Vunnam
Founder & MD
Ankura Hospital for Women & Children
www.ankurahospitals.com

The post Ankura Hospital – A Beacon of Excellence in Paediatric & Gynaecology appeared first on Health Vision.

The Common Causes

• Small mass developed in the lining of womb or neck of womb (polyp)
  • Infection on neck of the womb
  • Harmless tumor known fibroid in the womb
  • Use of OC pill, a pill to prevent pregnancy
  • In 1-2 % it is usually seen in the centre of the cycle when egg is released
  • Women with copper T in the womb
  • Some medication which amplify bleeding
  • Cancer at the neck or mouth of womb.

Patient with underlined complaints need to have a diagnosis is made based on the history regarding her menses and associated complaints, current medication and any medical disorders. A comprehensive examination is necessary including pelvic examination to diagnose causes for the bleeding like polyp and infection. Pap smear sample is also taken by surface scarping of mouth of the womb with a wooden or plastic spatula and sent for microscopy. It is primarily a screening test which aids to identify suspicious changes in the womb neck. Additional tests are essential for verification if the Pap test is irregular. In western countries females undertake this test at regular intervals. In India it is suggested for female above 35 years of age even with no signs and in younger age with underlined symptoms or when there is a doubt on local pelvic examination.

Further investigation may be:

Ultrasound: Transvaginal ultrasound done through the vaginal which is the best for analysing the abnormalities in and around the womb. Like polyp and fibroid.

Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscope is a telescope like instrument which helps for direct visualization of inside womb and biopsy is also possible from suspicious parts. Polyp or fibroid can also be removed with hysteroscopy without any major operations. In several centers, it is made as a clinic procedure.

Colposcopy is made with a tool to enlarge the surface of the womb magnification of 15 40 times & colpomicroscope 100 150 times. It is for female with irregular smears & H/0 contact bleeding regardless of existence of negative smears lesion is not clinically identified colposcopic absorbed biopsy offers maximum dependability.

Management:

Management  depending on the cause :

• Hysteroscopic removal for Fibroid and polyp in the womb
• In case of bleeding due to OC pill or copper T – OC pill is stopped or copper T is removed.
• In case of infection of the mouth of the womb – Antibiotics based on orgasm. Trace and treat sexual partners.

Can be treated conservatively

If associated with white discharge and trouble symptoms persistent inspite of treatment then the lesion can be burnt with electrocautery or with a globe of ice

If coupled with white discharge and trouble, and also persistent symptoms in spite of treatment then the lesion can be burnt with electrocautery or with a globe of ice

When gynecological cancer is suspected, further investigation to be done urgently.

This is a new vaccine called GARDASIL, which has been introduced to prevent the development of cancer due to certain types of virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This is recommended between ages of 13 – 36 yrs. preferably it should be taken before the episode of 1st intercourse.

Dr B Ramesh
Altius Hospital
No. 6/63, 59th Cross, 4th Block, Rajajinagar,
Entrance (Opp.)to,  MEI Polytechnic, Bangalore -10.
Ph : 080 23151873. Mobile : 9844291777 email : endoram2006@yahoo.in
www.laparoscopicsurgeries.com

The post Women Health : Inter Menstrual and Post coital Bleeding appeared first on Health Vision.

Gestational diabetes in mother increases the risk of pre-diabetes and obesity in kids. In case you suffer from gestational diabetes during the course of your pregnancy, do not panic. The condition is quite common and can be managed easily, without causing any harm to the baby

What is Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the development of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after birth of the child. Although gestational diabetes may occur at any time during the pregnancy, it is more common in the second half of pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes increases the chances of post-partum depression, stillbirth, caesarean section, pre-eclampsia as well as the child’s health and development post birth. The woman herself also has a greater chance of developing GDM in subsequent pregnancies and overt diabetes later in life. There is emerging evidence for the use of moderate exercise, probiotics and vitamin D in the prevention of GDM.

How  gestational diabetes affects child?

Studies have established that 10 to 14 year old children born by women who suffered from untreated gestational diabetes are at higher risks of developing pre-diabetes as well as obesity, compared to children whose mothers did not suffer from the high blood sugar.

“Our study shows that independent of a mother’s weight or genetic predisposition to diabetes, a mother’s blood sugar level during pregnancy independently adds to the risk of both obesity and glucose intolerance in her child,” says lead researcher Boyd Metzger, professor emeritus of medicine at Northwestern university Feinberg school of Medicine.

Another study conducted at The Northwestern university Feinberg school of Medicine also concluded that irrespective of the mother’s genetic disposition to diabetes or weight, the blood sugar level of the mother during pregnancy can independently have an impact on the obesity and glucose tolerance that the baby develops after birth.

The mother’s blood sugar levels and the efficiency of metabolism affect the child’s metabolism and glucose tolerance. In order to lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes and to lower the ill effects on the child, effective management of gestational diabetes is necessary. Gestational diabetes can be managed effectively by adopting a healthy diet and eating pattern, continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels and by undertaking regular physical activity.

Insulin injections may also be required by some women in order to keep the condition of gestational diabetes in control for the rest of their pregnancy. Once the baby is born, however, the need for insulin injections ceases. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the baby.

The following are some tips to manage gestational diabetes:

• Exercise more: Medical professionals advise and recommend exercises that might be good for both pregnant and baby. Try to fit in about 15 minutes of physical activity in daily routine and increase this duration to about 30 minutes gradually over a period of time.
• Test and monitor blood sugar levels: Test your blood sugar levels regularly, in order to ensure that the added exercises and the dietary changes have actual effect on blood sugar levels.
• Work on diet: To control blood sugar levels, gynaecologist may suggest to consult a registered dietitian so as to help diet plan and make sure to stick to it. Diet plan has to ensure that gestational diabetes is under control, while baby receives enough nutrients and calories that it required for proper growth and development. The diet should contain high fiber and low glycemic index foods.
• Take regular medication: In case blood sugar levels remain high despite making the above mentioned changes in lifestyle, medical professional may prescribe some medications to keep blood sugar in check and ensure the protection of baby. In case these medications do not work as well, insulin injections may be recommended as the next logical step for the management of gestational diabetes.

Dr. Radha S. Rao
Bengaluru 

The post How to lower the risk of Gestational diabetes? appeared first on Health Vision.

Birth of a child is one of the most beautiful moments in the life of a couple.  However, there are often unnoticed cases of depression which occurs in parents (mostly mothers) post the birth.  This condition is known as Postpartum Depression.  The condition is often confused with baby blues.  Baby blues occurs in mother’s post-delivery due to the hormonal imbalance in their bodies.  Postpartum depression on the other hand is more long term and serious condition.

Postpartum Depression is characterized by a number of symptoms which includes irritability, extreme sadness or frustration, irregular eating habits, low energy, feeling moody or restless, physical aches including frequent headaches, trouble over bonding with the baby and also doubts about the ability to take care of the baby. The onset of postpartum depression usually takes place between two to three weeks after pregnancy although there are cases where it starts right after birth and certain case where it starts month before or after the birth. If untreated, it can last for months or years which can endanger the lives of both the mother and the child.

Not all of the symptoms are exhibited by the parents who are under postpartum depression.  The symptoms can vary from person to person and it is important to visit the doctor in order to properly assess and diagnose the condition.  In mothers, hormonal changes during and after pregnancy is one of the main cause which leads to Postpartum Depression.  The levels of oestrogen and progesterone are higher in women during the time of pregnancy and the sudden drop of these hormones after giving birth causes this condition.

While usually mothers can develop PPD, fathers can also develop similar mood changes due to the emotional turmoil. Half of the men whose wife is under postpartum depression are depressed themselves. And if untreated in men, studies claim dads turn out to be violent towards their kids. Couples who are unprepared for child can experience more stress and are more vulnerable to the chances of developing the condition. PPD can have a negative effect on children and babies too as mothers may become hostile towards them. This might disrupt the proper development of the children which might lead them to be anxious, fearful and unresponsive towards people. Studies reveal that babies who are breastfed by mothers who suffer from PPD gain weight at a slower rate than the babies whose mothers don’t suffer from PPD.

Although antidepressants can be prescribed if necessary after detailed evaluation by a professional. It is highly recommended that parents seek help from a professional psychologist or psychiatrists. Apart from these couples can attend counselling sessions. Spending time with family members and loved ones are also considered to be effective to tackle feelings of isolation. Maintaining a healthy diet and proper sleep are equally important during PPD.

Dr. Naveen Jayaram
Psychiatry – Bengaluru

The post Postpartum Depression – An Overlooked Challenge appeared first on Health Vision.

Body temperature is regulated by hypothalamus, which tells the body how to warm-up and cool-down. As per research hot flashes happens when estrogen level drops and makes hypothalamus become more sensitive to changes in body temperature. Hypothalamus is the master gland in the centre of the brain that controls body temperature. It regulates through autonomic nerve system which is out of our conscious control.

When the body is overheated hypothalamus passes message to autonomic numerous system to reduce blood flow to internal organ but increase it to skin. Now hypothalamus makes sweat glands to cool down by removing fluid from bloodstream and make you sweat. This sweat release pressure of the heat and when air flows on the sweaty skin the body cools down. Hypothalamus maintain a body balance.

When hypothalamus is out of its balance it may cause hot flashes and night sweats. Hot flush experienced during night times are termed as night sweats. A person swiftly senses warm and starts sweating and flushing typically; on face, neck, and chest. If body heat drops too much, you may experience chill. Generally, it is common during menopausal transition (periods become irregular and sooner or later stops) and may extend for 1 to 5 minutes. However, the frequency and intensity varies for each person. Thyroid, side effect of cancers and medicines may also be the reasons for hot flushes.

Though severe symptoms need medical support, hot flash can be controlled with a simple life style modification and healthy living. Here are some of the tips to reduce body temperature and control hot flashes:

• Control stress, if not may trigger hot flushes.
• Drink a glass of water or juice during the hot flash to control.
• Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, caffeine and hot tea that may prompts hot flashes.
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Regular meditation helps to relive the problems
• Try deep breathing for 15 minutes when hot flash starts
• Cold compress or ice pack during the hot flash may give relief.
• It is good for a person suffering from hot flashes to use cotton fabrics.

Home remedies

• Ginger tea: It has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties helps to heal hot flashes naturally. Put some ginger into water and bring it to boil. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain it. Let this drink to cool, drink this tea for 2 to 3 times in a day.
• Mint tea: It is great to relieve the symptoms of hot flashes during menopause.
• Cooling fruits: Some of the cooling fruits like pineapple watermelon and muskmelon are a great help. Because these fruits lower the body temperature and cool hot flashes. They are also helpful in removing toxins from the body.
• Vitamin B and C: Fruit banana is full of vitamin B and helps to produce estrogen in the body. Vitamin C is plenty in citrus fruits lemon, orange etc. Apart from this leafy vegetable are also of great help for hot flushes.
• Flax seeds: It helps to reduce the intensity of hot flashes. Try to consume flax seeds every day, by adding it to your favourite dish.

Dr Ramesh
Altius Hospital
No. 6/63, 59th Cross, 4th Block, Rajajinagar,
Entrance (Opp.)to, MEI Polytechnic, Bangalore -10.
Ph : 080 23151873 Mobile : Phone: +91 8882799799
Email : info@altiushospital.com
http://www.altiushospital.com

The post Do you have hot flashes & night sweats? appeared first on Health Vision.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, which are the parts of urinary system. It effects especially bladder and the urethra (lower urinary tract). Infection is just painful and annoying until it is limited to bladder, but if it spreads to kidney then it may be chronic.

Normally, urine is free of germs or bacteria. After filtering, kidney removes waste products and excess water from the blood in the form of urine, which passes through urinary system. UTI and inflammations occurs if bacteria enter urinary system from outside the body. UTIs are the 2nd most common type of infection. Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterium causes most UTIs.

UTI may have some symptoms like strong urge to urinate, painful urination, frequent need to urinate, urine leakage, abnormal urine colour (urine looks cloudy), pressure in the lower pelvis (pelvic pain), foul-smell while urinating, pain in the side (flank) and /or fever (above 100 degrees F).

Urinary tract infections are classified based on effected area –

• Pyelonephritis (infection is in kidney) – patients may have back or side pain, high fever, nausea and vomiting
• Cystitis (infection is in bladder) – patients may feel pressure in pelvic, lower abdominal pain, frequent or painful urination and even can notice blood in urine.
• Urethritis (infection is in urethra) – patients may feel inflammations while urinating and may have urine leakage.

UTIs are common in women than men. UTIs are very common, happening in 1 out of 5 females, it may also occur to males, older adults and kids. Usually, female have a shorter urethra, so this less distance to bladder helps bacteria to reach easily and cause infection. Having sex for the first time or with new sexual partner increases the risk of infection. Using birth control measures like diaphragms and spermicidal agents increase the risk of UTIs. Menopause, diabetes, kidney stones, urinary tract problems also contribute to the risk factors.

Urinalysis is done to analyse a urine sample for testing white and red blood cells or bacteria. Urine culture is done to determine the type of bacteria in urine. If you have recurrent UTIs, the other tests required to diagnose infections are ultrasound, cystoscopy and CT scan or MRI.

Customarily antibiotics, depending on type of infecting bacteria, are the primary treatment for urinary tract infections. Usually, UTI symptoms fade off within a few days of treatment, but do not fail to continue modification as prescribed. Pain relievers also may be prescribed depending on infection.

If not treated on time UTIs can lead to severe complications like permanent kidney damage, repeated infections and sepsis (a life-threatening complication).

Prevention
• Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water to flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Drinking more water dilutes the urine and reduces the risk of recurring cystitis.
• After having sex immediately empty your bladder which aid in flushing out bacteria and drink lots of water.
• As per study increased intake of vitamin C reduces the risk of UTIs. It makes urine acidic, which help to kill bacteria that may cause infection.
• Do not hold urine for too long.
• Avoid hypothetically irritating feminine products like deodorant sprays, douches and powders, especially in the genital area.
• If you are prone to UTIs then avoid diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, spermicide.

Dr Ramesh
Altius Hospital
No. 6/63, 59th Cross, 4th Block, Rajajinagar,
Entrance (Opp.)to, MEI Polytechnic, Bangalore -10.
Ph : 080 23151873 Mobile : Phone: +91 8882799799
Email : info@altiushospital.com
http://www.altiushospital.com

The post Urinary Tract Infection – A Common infection with Serious Implications appeared first on Health Vision.

Pregnancy is a special period for any woman. It is a dream of many women to give birth to a child, and is the time when a woman can nourish their baby to provide them good health. But for women suffering from Epilepsy, it could be a challenging task.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a medical condition in which the electric signals sent by brain become scrambled, which may even lead to a sudden burst of electrical activity. Epilepsy causes seizures in the human body. In the majority of cases, it’s hard to find the exact reason that causes Epilepsy.

Epilepsy in pregnant women:

Epilepsy in women is kind of a social stigma. In India epilepsy affects around 55 lakh people out of which 25 lakhs are women and among them 13 lakh women come under the reproductive age group. So, pregnant women may experience mild changes because of epilepsy. In pregnancy, there is a 20 to 30% increased risk of getting a seizure as compared to non-pregnant individuals.

Anti-Epileptic drugs during pregnancy:

Certain drugs are deleterious in pregnancy, as they can cause major congenital malformations. Drugs like Phenobarbitone, Phenytoin, Sodium Valproate, which are used as anti-epileptics can cause congenital malformation in the fetus. Such anti-epileptic drugs are needed to be avoided.

Anti-epileptics like Levetiracetam, Lamotrigine, and Oxcarbazepine are preferred in pregnancy. There are certain changes that happen in women’s metabolism because of these drugs during pregnancy. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, there is an increase in hem dilution, that is, increase in water content in the blood. If the absolute concentration of these antiepileptics reduces, then there is a tendency for increased seizure during pregnancy. The reasons for these changes are sleep depression and anxiety during pregnancy in the second trimester and third trimester. There is increased hem dilution causing reduced levels of drugs.

There is an increase in elimination of these on the body of women who have remained seizure free one year prior to pregnancy. The chances of them getting a seizure during pregnancy is less. So it is advisable to plan pregnancy if there is a seizure free interval of at least one year. It is suggested to consume Folic acid supplementation in women who are planning pregnancy. This is because this is this will prevent neural tube defects, which can happen due to certain anti epileptics neural tube, which is formed within the first 24 to 28 days of gestation. So, by the time you know that you’re pregnant, the neural tube is already almost formed. So it is advisable to start taking folic acid supplementation when you’re planning pregnancy.

It is also advisable to avoid sleep deprivation during pregnancy. Any episodes of hyperemesis where either excessive vomiting needs to be treated immediately because when you get excessive vomiting, your chances of medicine getting absorbed into the body is less.

If, women are on polypharmacy under consultation of neurologists and if seizures are under good control, it is advisable to reduce the number of drugs less or the number of drugs lesser rather than some side effects. It’s also advisable to lower the dosage of drugs of the anti-epileptic, on which the patient is. So, lowered dose of drugs can lessen the chance of side effects, but this has to be done under neurologist’s advice

Men with epilepsy also have little higher chance of infertility compared to non-epileptics. It is advisable to change the medicines like sodium valproate which can cause congenital malformation or can cause infertility, safer drugs as prescribed should be taken on time as we advise for any epileptic patients, so drug compliance, avoiding sleep deprivation, using correct dose of medicines and taking it on correct time is important.

Smoking and alcohol should be avoided. There are certain drugs which are enzyme inducers. It is also advisable to give vitamin K to the new-born after delivery to prevent bleeding tendency.

Dr. Rohit Pai
Consultant Neurologist
KMC Hospital, Mangalore

The post Navigating Pregnancy with Epilepsy: Do’s and Don’ts for a Safe Journey appeared first on Health Vision.

1) Balanced diet:
Focus on diet rich in proteins, nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support reproductive health.
Consume foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium. Incorporate foods rich in omega – 3 fatty acids like fish, flaxseed, and walnuts. These helps protect sperms and eggs from oxidative damage.
Consume Zinc rich foods like lean meats, nuts and whole grains, and folate rich foods like green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals, which help to improve sperm and egg quality.
Avoid consumption of processed foods, red meat, sugary foods, aerated drinks, and excessive caffeine.
Keep yourself well hydrated, and aim to consume about 3-3.5 litres of water per day.
2) Regular exercise:
Engage in moderate intensity exercise like brisk walking, cycling, and swimming, to maintain a healthy weight and support hormonal balance. Avoid excessive high intensity workouts, as they may disrupt your menstrual cycle.
Incorporate yoga and stretching exercises into your routine. These can help reduce stress and improve blood flow to the reproductive organs.
Regular physical activity can help improve sperm quality and count
3) Quit smoking and limit alcohol:
Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can positively impact fertility. In men, it improves sperm quality and motility. In women, it improves egg quality and blood circulation to the uterus. Thus, it will help to get better quality embryos and have a healthy pregnancy.
4) Stress management:
Regular physical activity helps reduce stress hormones and promotes over-all wellbeing.
Practice stress reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation, to promote hormonal balance.
Along with these, adequate sleep and time management will help reduce stress.
Talk to a therapist or counsellor if you are struggling to manage stress on your own.

5) Adequate sleep:
Ensure you are getting enough restful sleep each night to support hormonal regulation. Avoid screen time, such as mobiles, television, at least 1-2 hours before bedtime. Avoid intense workout after dinner, as it impacts quality of sleep. Also, avoid heavy meals at night, and try to have dinner before 8pm, such that the time interval between your meal and bedtime is at least 2 hours. All these help in improving quality of sleep, which indirectly has a positive impact on your reproductive health.
6) Avoid environmental toxins:
Minimize exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants that could negatively affect fertility. Few daily use products like plastics, food containers, and canned goods contain Bisphenol A, which causes hormonal imbalance and reduces fertility in men and women. Phthalates used in cosmetics and personal care products also cause decreased sperm production and poor-quality eggs. When choosing daily use products, try to obtain items which have the least amount of endocrine disrupting chemicals, or preferably products that are free of EDCs.
If you live in a polluted surrounding, consider using air purifiers to improve air quality.
Men planning pregnancy should avoid hot saunas, tight underwear, and working with laptops directly placed on the lap.
7) Timing and Tracking:
Understand your menstrual cycle and track ovulation to optimize chances of conception. You can track your ovulation using applications that help to track, or using ovulation kits. It is always better to consult a doctor to understand how to track ovulation better. If you have irregular cycles, or any other medical condition, seek help from a fertility consultant.

Conclusion:
Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in determining an individual’s fertility. A balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and avoiding harmful substances are all key components of a fertility supportive lifestyle. By making informed choices and adopting healthier habits, individuals can optimize their chances of successful conception and pave the way for a healthier reproductive journey.

Dr. Vandana Ramanathan
Consultant – Reproductive Medicine
Milann Fertility Centre

The post Optimizing Your Lifestyle – A Path to Enhance Fertility appeared first on Health Vision.

Infertility, the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse, is a growing concern worldwide. Lifestyle factors can significantly impact fertility, affecting both men and women. The choices we make regarding diet, exercise, stress management, and more, can play a pivotal role in our reproductive health.

Lifestyle factors that can affect fertility include-
1) Weight: Both being underweight and overweight can impact fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise can help improve fertility.
2) Diet and Nutrition: Diet plays a vital role in fertility. Obesity, often resulting from poor dietary choices, can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation and sperm production. Foods high in sugar, refined carbohydrates may lead to insulin resistance, which can affect fertility. Also, packaged food and beverages with preservatives, alcohol, aerated drinks can affect fertility in both men and women.
3) Smoking, Alcohol, and substance abuse: Smoking has been linked to reduced fertility in both men and women, causing DNA damage to eggs and sperms.
In men smoking can cause decreased sperm count and motility, and is also a risk factor for erectile dysfunction.
In women, smoking can lead to decreased ovarian reserve and poor egg quality. It also increases the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy (implantation of the embryo outside the uterus- can be in the fallopian tubes or ovary).
Excessive alcohol consumption can lower testosterone levels, affect sperm production, and impair sexual function. In women, excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt menstrual cycle and interfere with ovulation.
Drug use can impair reproductive function and decrease the chances of successful conception.
4) Stress and Mental health: High levels of stress may lead to irregular menstrual cycles and anovulation- that is- hormonal imbalance leading to inability of the ovary to grow and release an egg every month.
Stress also impacts the sperm production and quality of sperms in males.
In general, stress can disrupt hormonal balance in both men and women, leading to reduced sexual desire, issues with sperm production and ovulatory dysfunction.

5) Physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles can negatively impact fertility. At the same time, excessive intense exercise might negatively impact fertility by disrupting menstrual cycles in women, and lowering sperm quality in men. Intense exercise can lead to elevated scrotal temperatures, potentially harming sperm production. In women, intense exercise with low body fat levels can lead to amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation). Therefore, moderation is the key.
6) Sleep Patterns: Poor sleep quality and inadequate sleep can affect hormone production and menstrual cycle regularity.
7) Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and pollutants can affect fertility.
Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can harm fertility.
Exposure to excessive heat, such as from saunas, hot tubs, or tight underwear, can raise scrotal temperature, which can negatively affect sperm production. Exposure to ionising radiation like X rays impact fertility.
Age, though not an environmental factor, requires special mention, as it has been researched extensively. Female age impacts egg quality, and studies have shown that after about 33-35 years of age, egg numbers and egg quality drops significantly. Hence, women should plan pregnancy earlier, or at least freeze their eggs, which can be used later to achieve a pregnancy.
Living in areas with high pollution levels may impact fertility. Try to minimize exposure by using air purifiers.

Dr. Vandana Ramanathan
Consultant – Reproductive Medicine
Milann Fertility Centre

The post Lifestyle and Infertility appeared first on Health Vision.

PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a condition that affects around 10% of women of reproductive age. The condition is typically challenging as it interferes with a woman’s ability to get pregnant. Even if you overcome that hurdle and get pregnant, your condition increases your risk for complications while you are pregnant and even during labor and delivery.

In comparison to women without PCOS, the risk of miscarriage is three times higher in women having PCOS. Not just that, these women are also at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes because of insulin resistance, preeclampsia, premature delivery, and having a larger baby. This can cause difficulties during cesarean delivery or normal delivery.

Risks for pregnant women

If you have PCOS, you will likely find it harder to get pregnant because of dysovulation. This might be because of the hormonal imbalances caused by the condition. Obesity is more common among women having PCOS and they are likely to need reproductive technology for getting pregnant. Among women with PCOS, around 60% are obese and around 14% need reproductive technology for conceiving. A woman having PCOS has an increased risk of developing numerous health complications throughout their life, such as:
• type 2 diabetes
• insulin resistance
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• heart disease
• sleep apnea
• stroke
• Higher risk of endometrial cancer

When it comes to pregnancy, the risk of complications is higher in the case of PCOS. One such risk is preeclampsia, which is a dangerous condition for the mother as well as the fetus. For resolving the symptoms, the recommended treatment is the delivery of the placenta and baby. Your doctor will have a discussion with you regarding the timing of delivery and the benefits and risks depending on how severe the symptoms are and the gestational age of your baby. If you end up developing preeclampsia when you are pregnant, you will have to be closely monitored.

Other challenges for pregnant women with PCOS are gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (hypertension). If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be larger, which can cause issues during delivery. For instance, with larger babies, there is a higher risk of the shoulder of the baby getting stuck during labor, a condition known as shoulder dystocia.

Careful monitoring can help treat most PCOS-related symptoms during pregnancy. If you end up developing gestational diabetes, you may need to keep the levels of your blood sugar stable through the use of insulin.

Risks for your baby

Having PCOS when you are pregnant makes things more complicated, even for your baby-to-be. Both you and your baby need to be closely monitored. Some of the potential risks for the baby if you have PCOS include:
• Miscarriage
• Larger than normal for gestational age and still birth.
• Low Apgar score.
• Premature birth

If you have a baby girl, there is as much as a 50% chance that she will also end up developing PCOS. Since babies tend to be larger if the mother has PCOS during pregnancy, delivery via cesarean is more likely. Complications may also arise during delivery and labor.

Dr. Neera Kripala
Senior Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital.

The post PCOS and Pregnancy – Risks and challenges involved appeared first on Health Vision.