Category Archives: Ob&G

OCP- Oral Contraceptive Pill- Types and Benefits

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The introduction of the oral contraceptive more popularly known as the Pill in the 1960’s proved useful in curtailing population growth. The birth control pill has enjoyed immense popularity because it was easy to use, effective and fairly inexpensive.

What is a Contraceptive Pill?

Oral Contraceptive pill is a tablet or capsule containing harmones and is used to prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. High estrogen hormone (found in the oral contraceptive pill) prevents the release of Follicle Stimulating Harmone ( commonly called FSH) from the pituitary, this prevents ovulation. Ovulation is the relaese of egg from the ovary. However, the extra combination of estrogen and progestin in your system also thicken the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperms to reach the egg.  

Oral contraceptive Pill comes in 2 types:

* Combination pill

* Progestin-only pill.

Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin that are further classified as:

* Monophasic pills- that delivers the same amount of estrogen and progestin daily;

* Biphasic pills– delivers the same amount of estrogen and progestin during the first 21 days; and

* Triphasic – delivers a varying amount of estrogen and progestin daily.  

The Progestin Only Pill (also called the Mini Pill) only serves to thicken the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg in the uterus.

What are the benefits of a Contraceptive Pill?

A contraceptive pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancies if used properly. The pill has also been used to regulate irregular menstruation cycles and has been known to ease out of Pre Menopausal symptoms.

Generally OC (oral contraceptive) users have lighter and shorter periods. The pill has also been reported to help in treating acne as well as a protection against certain types of cancers like ovarian and endometrial.  

Folic Acid- When and Why to take it Before & During Pregnancy

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What is Folic Acid?

Folic Acid

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin which is needed by the body to make new cells. Everybody needs folic acid but during pregnancy when new cells are formed in the baby – more folic acid is needed. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before she is pregnant, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby’s brain and spine. These birth defects are neural tube defects. Women need to take folic acid every day, starting before they are pregnant to help prevent NTDs ( Neural Tube Defects).

How much of extra Folic Aid should be taken?

Folic acid occurs naturally in food like green leafy vegetables. But doctors recommend that women should take folic acid tablets once every day to prevent defects of her baby’s brain and spine. Recommended dose in US is 400 mcg of Folic Acid every day.

CDC (Centre for Disease Control, US) recomends every woman of child bearing age to take Folic Acid 400 microgramme (400 mcg) every day to prevent birth defects.

Why should women take Folic Acid before being pregnant?

Women should take folic acid before pregnancy to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine, as these happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman finds out that she is pregnant. All women should get in the habit of taking folic acid daily even when they are not planning to get pregnant. For folic acid to help, a woman needs to take it every day, starting before she becomes pregnant.

Why should you take Folic acid when you take pains to eat a healthy & nutirtious diet?

You might think that you can get all the folic acid and other vitamins you need from the food you eat each day. But it is hard to eat a diet that has all the nutrients you need every day. Even with careful planning, you might not get all the vitamins you need from your diet alone. That’s why it’s important to take a vitamin with folic acid every day.

Today’s woman is busy! You know that you should exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep. You might wonder how you can fit another thing into your day. But it only takes a few seconds to take a vitamin to get all the folic acid you need!

Tips on Travelling Safely when Pregnant

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Pregnant Woman

Pregnant Woman

Tips on Travelling safely when Pregnant

Travelling by most forms of transport is completely safe during pregnancy, but you should take the following precautions:-

Travelling by Air

It is safe for women with uncomplicated pregnancies to travel by air. However, your Gynaecologist may recommend that you should not fly in the first three months of pregnancy if:

  • you have excessive morning sickness
  • there is a threat of miscarriage

During the last two months of the pregnancy you should not fly if you have:

  • raised blood pressure
  • an increased risk of premature labour

Before you Travel by Air

Always check with the airline or holiday company about their rules on pregnant passengers before you book. Some airlines will allow you to fly beyond the recommended period. However, many airlines will need a letter from your Obstetrician ( doctor looking after you when pregnant) detailing when you are due to give birth.

Flying Comfortably

Travelling by plane can be quite cramped, especially since you are big now, it is important to ask the airline about the options available to make your trip more comfortable. These may include:

  • booking an additional seat next to you so that you have more room
  • asking for a seat with additional leg room
  • asking to be upgraded to first/club/business class, some of which will have beds
  • asking to be seated where you can easily get out of your seat and stretch - for example near the rear of the plane or on the aisle
  • Many airlines have the front seats with additional leg room, try to book them
  • Check in On-line and try to get the front seats

It is likely that some of these options will add to the cost of your flight and the price will vary from airline to airline.

During the Flight

There are a number of things you can do to make sure you are comfortable and safe. Pregnant women are at higher risk from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT is potentially fatal blood clots in veins, particularly in the leg area. To minimise the risk, you can try the following:

  • wear special DVT compression socks (also called “Flight Socks”) - these are available to buy in pharmacies and airport shops
  • take a break from your seat every hour or so and walk around/performing some simple stretches
  • avoid wearing tight clothing
  • wear comfortable shoes, or no shoes at all, as your feet may swell up
  • drink plenty of water and fruit juice - avoid food and drink that will dehydrate you (eg tea, coffee)

Travelling by road

Travelling by road in a coach or car is safe during pregnancy. However, if the journey is long and you aren’t moving for long periods of time, then you are at risk from DVT. Follow the same tips as suggested above for flying while pregnant.

Travelling by Train or Rail

There are currently no restrictions on pregnant women travelling abroad by rail, just remember to keep moving and remain well hydrated during the journey.

Travelling by Boat

Many boat or ferry operators have similar guidelines to airlines so make sure you speak to them before you book. Ferries have plenty of room for you to walk around and stretch, and you should be doing just that.

Travel Insurance

Make sure that you are fully covered on your travel insurance policy, not just for the flight but for your whole holiday. Insurance companies will have a similar set of rules and regulations to the travel companies. This is just in case that you might need emergency medical care.