Author: Kajal mangukiya

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects between 6 and 15 percent of women of childbearing age. If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, it may be more difficult to become pregnant. And if you’re able to become pregnant, you’re at risk for more complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Women with PCOS are three times more likely to have a miscarriage, as compared to women who don’t have PCOS. They are also more likely to develop preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and have a larger baby and premature delivery. This could lead to difficulty during delivery or cesarean delivery.

Risks for moms-to-be with PCOS

Having PCOS might make it harder for you to get pregnant. Hormonal imbalances might be to blame.

Women with PCOS are more likely to be obese and to rely on reproductive technology to get pregnant. One study found that 60%
of women with PCOS are obese. Almost 14 percent required reproductive technology to get pregnant.

Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing several medical complications throughout life, including:

    •    insulin resistance
    •    type 2 diabetes
    •    high cholesterol
    •    high blood pressure
    •    heart disease
    •    stroke
    •    sleep apnea
    •    possibly an increased risk of endometrial cancer

For pregnant women, PCOS brings an increased risk of complications. This includes preeclampsia, a dangerous condition for both mother and baby-to-be. The recommended treatment to resolve symptoms is delivery of the baby and placenta. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits regarding timing of delivery based on the severity of your symptoms and your baby’s gestational age. If you develop preeclampsia during your pregnancy, you will have to be monitored extremely closely. Other concerns include pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure) and gestational diabetes.

Having gestational diabetes could lead to you having a larger-than-average baby. This could lead to problems during delivery. For example, larger babies are more at risk for shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during labor).

Most PCOS symptoms during pregnancy can be treated with careful monitoring. If you develop gestational diabetes, insulin may be required to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Risks for baby

Unfortunately, having PCOS during pregnancy makes things a little more complicated. It will require more monitoring for both you and your baby.

The potential risks with PCOS for the baby include:

    •    premature birth
    •    large for gestational age
    •    imiscarriage
    •    lower Apgar score

If your baby is a girl, some studies have shown that there is up to a 50% chance that she will also have PCOS.

Women with PCOS are also more likely to deliver by cesarean because they tend to have larger-sized babies. Other complications may also come up during labor and delivery.

Getting pregnant with PCOS

Some women may not realize they have PCOS until they try to conceive. PCOS often goes unnoticed. But if you’ve been trying to conceive naturally for over a year, you should speak to your doctor about getting tested.

Your doctor can help you develop a plan for getting pregnant. Some strategies, such as losing weight, healthy eating, and in certain cases, medications, can increase your chances for getting pregnant.

PCOS and breast-feeding

If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, you may need to continue to manage symptoms even after pregnancy. But symptoms and severity can vary. Sometimes the hormonal fluctuations after pregnancy and breast-feeding can change the symptoms, so it may be awhile before you settle into your new “normal.”

It’s safe to breast-feed with PCOS, even if you’re on insulin medication to help control your blood sugar. Women who have gestational diabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life, but breastfeeding can lower that risk.

Breast-feeding has many benefits for both you and your baby, so if it fits your family, be sure to explore the options and available resources so you can have a successful breast-feeding experience.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is typically earmarked by irregular periods or by no menstruation at all.
People with PCOS typically have multiple cysts in their ovaries, caused by an overproduction of hormones called androgens.
According to many studies, between 33 and 83 percent of women living with PCOS also have overweight or obesity. Common symptoms include:
    •    acne
    •    hirsutism (excessive hairiness)
    •    male pattern baldness
People with PCOS, particularly when symptoms are not managed, may also be at greater risk of:
    •    heart disease
    •    endometrial cancer
    •    diabetes
    •    high blood pressure
Many people with PCOS find they’re able to manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of other health concerns with changes to their diet and lifestyle.

How does diet affect PCOS?
People with PCOS are often found to have higher than normal insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that’s produced in the pancreas. It helps the cells in the body turn sugar (glucose) into energy.
If you don’t produce enough insulin, your blood sugar levels can rise. This can also happen if you have insulin resistance, meaning you aren’t able to use the insulin you do produce effectively.
If you have insulin resistance, your body may try to pump out high levels of insulin in an effort to keep your blood sugar levels normal. Too-high levels of insulin can cause your ovaries to produce more androgens, like testosterone.
Insulin resistance may also be caused by having a higher body mass index. Insulin resistance can make it harder to lose weight, which is why people with PCOS often experience this issue.
A diet high in refined carbohydrates, like starchy and sugary foods, can make insulin resistance, and therefore weight loss, more difficult to manage.

What foods should I add to my PCOS diet?
High fiber foods can help combat insulin resistance by slowing down digestion and reducing the effect of sugar on the blood. This may be beneficial for people with PCOS.
Here are some examples of high fiber foods:
    •    cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
    •    greens, including red leaf lettuce and arugula
    •    green and red peppers
    •    beans and lentils
    •    almonds
    •    berries
    •    sweet potatoes
    •    winter squash
    •    pumpkin
Lean protein sources like tofu, chicken, and fish don’t provide fiber but are a very filling and nutritious dietary option for people with PCOS.
Foods that help reduce inflammation may also be beneficial. These foods include:
    •    tomatoes
    •    kale
    •    spinach
    •    almonds and walnuts
    •    olive oil
    •    fruits, like blueberries and strawberries
    •    fatty fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and sardines

Which foods should I limit or avoid with PCOS?
Refined carbohydrates cause inflammation, exacerbate insulin resistance, and should be avoided or limited significantly. These include highly processed foods like:
    •    white bread
    •    muffins
    •    breakfast pastries
    •    sugary desserts
    •    anything made with white flour
Pasta noodles that list semolina, durum flour, or durum wheat flour as their first ingredient are high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. Pasta made from bean or lentil flour instead of wheat flour is a nutritious alternative.
Sugar is a carbohydrate and should be limited on a PCOS diet. When reading food labels, be sure to look for sugar’s various names, including:
    •    sucrose
    •    high fructose corn syrup
    •    dextrose
On a PCOS diet, you may want to reduce consumption of beverages like soda and juice, which can be high in sugar, as well as inflammation-causing foods, like fries, margarine, and red or processed meats.
However, before removing a number of foods from your diet, it’s best to speak with a doctor. They can recommend an eating plan that is right for you and your individual needs.

Other lifestyle changes to consider with PCOS
Some lifestyle changes can help improve PCOS symptoms.
These changes include exercise and daily physical movement. When coupled with a limited intake of refined carbohydrates, both can help reduce insulin resistance. Many experts agree that at least 150 minutes per week of exercise is ideal.
Daily activity, low sugar intake, and a low-inflammation diet may also lead to weight loss. People may experience improved ovulation with weight loss.
The symptoms associated with PCOS can cause stress. Stress reduction techniques, which help calm the mind and let you connect with your body, can help. These include yoga and meditation.
In addition, speaking with a therapist or another healthcare professional may be beneficial.

 Overview 

If you have PCOS, you may feel frustrated at times. Eating a PCOS-friendly diet and making some lifestyle changes may help improve your mood and reduce some of the associated symptoms of PCOS.

Foods to add
    •    high fiber vegetables, like broccoli
    •    lean protein, like fish
    •    anti-inflammatory foods and spices, like turmeric and tomatoes

FOODS TO LIMIT
    •    foods high in refined carbohydrates, like white bread and muffins
    •    sugary snacks and drinks
    •    inflammatory foods, like processed and red meats

Note that on a PCOS diet, there are some foods you may want to limit or avoid. However, in many instances, these foods have nutritious, beneficial counterparts. For example, if you commonly eat margarine and white toast for breakfast, try substituting high fiber whole-grain bread and olive oil or avocado.
If your symptoms persist, speak with a doctor. They can work with you to identify the cause and recommend next steps.

A hormonal disorder is common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes PCOS develops later, for example, in response to substantial weight gain.

Signs and symptoms of PCOS vary. A diagnosis of PCOS is made when you experience at least two of these signs:

    1.    Irregular periods
Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign of PCOS. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods.

    2.    Excess androgen
Elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.

    3.    Polycystic ovaries
Your ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.
PCOS signs and symptoms are typically more severe if you’re obese.

When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have concerns about your menstrual periods, if you’re experiencing infertility or if you have signs of excess androgen such as worsening hirsutism, acne and male-pattern baldness.

Causes
The exact cause of PCOS isn’t known. Factors that might play a role include:

Excess insulin
Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar, your body’s primary energy supply. If your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then your blood sugar levels can rise and your body might produce more insulin. Excess insulin might increase androgen production, causing difficulty with ovulation.

Low-grade inflammation
This term is used to describe white blood cells’ production of substances to fight infection. Research has shown that women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.

Heredity
Research suggests that certain genes might be linked to PCOS.

Excess androgen
The ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen, resulting in hirsutism and acne.

Complications

Complications of PCOS can include:

    •    Infertility
    •    Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
    •    Miscarriage or premature birth
    •    Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — a severe liver inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver
    •    Metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease
    •    Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
    •    Sleep apnea
    •    Depression, anxiety and eating disorders
    •    Abnormal uterine bleeding
    •    Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)

Obesity is associated with PCOS and can worsen complications of the disorder.

Conditions that affect a woman’s reproductive functions cannot always be diagnosed by history and physical examination alone.

Other diagnostic tests including ultrasound, sonohysterogram or hysterosalpingogram (x-rays) may not provide the answer.  In these cases, diagnostic surgeries such as laparoscopy and/or hysteroscopy can be helpful in providing information about infertility and other common gynecological disorders such as endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain.  Diagnostic laparoscopy is used to view the outside of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and internal pelvic area.  Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to view the inside of the uterus.

What are Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy?
Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are two minimally invasive surgical procedures doctors use in the diagnosis and treatment of certain female factor infertility conditions. If you have a suspected diagnosis of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, uterine anomalies, or for those with a history of pelvic infection, your doctor may use laparoscopy and hysteroscopy alone, or simultaneously, to definitively diagnose and treat these conditions.
With hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, reproductive surgeons can remove scar tissue, clear the fallopian tubes, and remove fibroids, cysts, or endometriosis lesions. They can also correct congenital abnormalities such as uterine septum or adhesions which can cause miscarriage or premature labor.
For more complex conditions like large fibroids and tubal ligation reversal, your doctor may use laparotomy (an open abdominal surgery) or robotic laparoscopy.

Helping you with Conception
Some studies have shown that removing endometrial polyps using hysteroscopy improves fertility and increases pregnancy rates, irrespective of the size or number of the polyps. The recommendation of the American Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (AAGL) practice guidelines is that any infertile patient with a polyp should have it surgically removed so that natural conception or assisted reproductive technology has a greater opportunity to be successful.
Similarly, a systematic review of the studies looking at uterine fibroids and fertility showed that fertility outcomes are decreased in women with submucosal fibroids (fibroids that bulge into the uterine cavity), and removal appears to be helpful for conception.
Laparoscopy to remove dilated fallopian tubes (hydrosalpinges) has also been shown to improve IVF outcomes by 50 percent, and is highly recommended.

Uncovering the Causes of Infertility
Recent research has shown that  laparoscopy can uncover a fertility diagnosis, like endometriosis, in women previously diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
Severe endometriosis can cause scar tissue or distorted pelvic anatomy that can impair fertility. Surgical correction in women with severe (Stage III/IV) endometriosis without any other identifiable infertility factors has been shown to have a positive impact on fertility. For mild cases of endometriosis (Stage I/II), there is some evidence that surgical management may improve outcomes, but it has been estimated that forty laparoscopies would need to be performed in order to gain one additional pregnancy. As such, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) committee opinion suggests that the benefit of laparoscopic treatment of minimal or mild endometriosis is insufficient to recommend laparoscopy solely to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are useful tools for the evaluation and treatment of various structural causes of infertility. In some cases, correction of these abnormalities alone will result in spontaneous pregnancy. Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy can also be performed before an in vitro fertilization cycle to improve the chances of success.

Q. What is IUI?
➡️IUI stands for in intrauterine insemination. It’s also sometimes called donor insemination, alternative insemination, or artificial insemination. IUI works by putting sperm cells directly into your uterus around the time you’re ovulating, helping the sperm get closer to your egg. This cuts down on the time and distance sperm has to travel, making it easier to fertilize your egg.

Q. How it’s done?
➡️Before having the insemination procedure, you may take fertility medicines that stimulate ovulation. Semen is collected from your partner or a donor. It goes through a process called “sperm washing” that collects a concentrated amount of healthy sperm from the semen.
Then your doctor puts the sperm right into your uterus. Pregnancy happens if sperm fertilizes your egg, and the fertilized egg implants in the lining of your uterus.

Q. What to expect when you have the procedure?
➡️IUI is a relatively painless and non-invasive procedure. IUI is sometimes done in what is called the “natural cycle,” which means no medications are given. A woman ovulates naturally and has the sperm placed at a doctor’s office around the time of ovulation.
➡️IUI can also be combined with ovarian stimulation. Medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid), hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) may be used to prompt the ovaries to mature and release an egg or multiple eggs. Ovulation with more than one egg usually increases the chance of pregnancy.
➡️Each medical facility and doctor will have their own specific instructions for the IUI procedure. After your initial consultation, when you and your physician have determined that IUI is the best course to pursue, a typical timeline may include the following:
    •    You may have several office visits while on your period for bloodwork, ultrasounds, and medication instructions.
    •    If medications are prescribed, you’ll usually start taking them while on your period.
    •    About a week after starting the medication, you’ll likely have another ultrasound and possibly bloodwork.
    •    Depending on your test results, your doctor will determine when you’re ovulating, and you and your partner will return to the clinic. This is typically 10 to 16 days after starting the medications.
    •    Your male partner will provide a semen sample the day of the procedure, or the donor sperm will be thawed.
    •    The sperm will immediately be taken to a lab where they will be “washed.” This is a process where the seminal fluid and other debris are removed so that the sperm is very concentrated and unlikely to irritate the uterus.

Q. When to consult your doctor ?
➡️ If you’re currently taking fertility medications for IUI and experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately.
    •    dizziness or lightheadedness
    •    sudden weight gain of more than 5 pounds
    •    shortness of breath
    •    nausea and vomiting
    •    severe abdominal or pelvic pain
    •    sudden increase in abdominal size

Benefits / Indications
➡️IUI can be performed using a male partner’s sperm or donor sperm. IUI is most commonly used in these scenarios:
    •    unexplained infertility
    •    mild endometriosis
    •    issues with the cervix or cervical mucus
    •    low sperm count
    •    decreased sperm motility
    •    issues with ejaculation or erection
    •    same-sex couples wishing to conceive
    •    a single woman wishing to conceive
    •    a couple wanting to avoid passing on a genetic defect from the male partner to the child

Success rate
➡️IUI is a simple and low-tech procedure, and it can be less expensive than other types of fertility treatments. It increases your chances of pregnancy, but everyone’s body is different, so there’s no guarantee that IUI will work.

Contraindications 
➡️IUI isn’t effective in the following scenarios:
    •    women with moderate to severe endometriosis
    •    women who have had both fallopian tubes removed or have both fallopian tubes blocked
    •    women with severe fallopian tube disease
    •    women who have had multiple pelvic infections
    •    men who produce no sperm (unless the couple wishes to use donor sperm)
In situations where IUI isn’t recommended, another treatment such as IVF may be helpful. If you wish to discuss options for conceiving, your doctor can help determine the best course for you.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in any part of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
If you’re a woman, your chance of getting a urinary tract infection is high. Some experts rank your lifetime risk of getting one as high as 1 in 2, with many women having repeat infections, sometimes for years. About 1 in 10 men will get a UTI in their lifetime.
Here’s how to handle UTIs and how to make it less likely you’ll get one in the first place.

Symptoms of UTIs

The symptoms of a UTI can include:
    •    A burning feeling when you pee
    •    A frequent or intense urge to pee, even though little comes out when you do
    •    Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling pee
    •    Feeling tired or shaky
    •    Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have reached your kidneys)
    •    Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen

Types of UTIs

An infection can happen in different parts of your urinary tract. Each type has a different name, based on where it is.
    •    Cystitis(bladder): You might feel like you need to pee a lot, or it might hurt when you pee. You might also have lower belly pain and cloudy or bloody urine.
    •    Pyelonephritis(kidneys): This can cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in your upper back or side.
    •    Urethritis(urethra): This can cause a discharge and burning when you pee.

Causes of UTIs

UTIs are a key reason why doctors tell women to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. The urethra — the tube that takes pee from the bladder to the outside of the body — is close to the anus. Bacteria from the large intestine, such as E. coli, can sometimes get out of your anus and into your urethra. From there, they can travel up to your bladder and, if the infection isn’t treated, can continue on to infect your kidneys. Women have shorter urethras than men. That makes it easier for bacteria to get to their bladders. Having sex can introduce bacteria into your urinary tract, too.

Some women are more likely to get UTIs because of their genes. The shape of their urinary tracts makes others more likely to be infected. Women with diabetes may be at higher risk because their weakened immune systems make them less able to fight off infections. Other conditions that can boost your risk include hormone changes, multiple sclerosis, and anything that affects urine flow, such as kidney stones, a stroke, and a spinal cord injury.

UTI Tests and Diagnosis

If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection, go to the doctor. You’ll give a urine sample to test for UTI-causing bacteria.
If you get frequent UTIs and your doctor suspects a problem in your urinary tract, they might take a closer look with an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI scan. They might also use a long, flexible tube called a cystoscope to look inside your urethra and bladder.

Treatments for UTIs

If your physician thinks you need them, antibiotics are the most common treatment for urinary tract infections. As always, be sure to take all of your prescribed medicine, even after you start to feel better. Drink lots of water to help flush the bacteria from your body. Your doctor may also give you medication to soothe the pain. You might find a heating pad helpful.

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During a period, the uterus sheds the lining that has built up in case of pregnancy. While a woman can experience uterine bleeding during pregnancy, it will not be due to a period.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at menstruation and pregnancy and discuss other potential causes of bleeding during pregnancy.

Q. Can you get your period while pregnant?
➡️A period will not be the cause of any bleeding during pregnancy.
When a woman is pregnant, she does not continue to ovulate and will not have a period. Menstruation only occurs when a person is not pregnant.
Although it is possible for women to experience some bleeding during pregnancy, this will not be due to their menstrual cycle.
Some women also do not have any periods while breast-feeding. However, they may still begin to ovulate again soon after giving birth. Therefore, doctors may recommend some form of birth control while a woman is breast-feeding if she does not wish to get pregnant.
The menstrual cycle occurs to facilitate pregnancy. The cycle begins on the first day of a person’s period and ends on the first day of the following period.
Ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg, occurs midway through the cycle.
An egg is only viable for about 12–24 hours

Trusted Source
after a woman ovulates. If sperm cells are present and able to fertilize the egg, the egg will implant itself in the uterus, resulting in pregnancy.
If there is no fertilization, menstruation will occur, and the body will shed the uterine lining so that it can begin making a new one for the next cycle.

Other causes of bleeding during pregnancy
Although a woman will not have a period when she is pregnant, she may still experience some bleeding.
While bleeding is not necessarily a sign of an underlying problem, it is essential to understand the potential causes and know when to speak to a doctor.

First trimester

Bleeding tends to be more common during the first trimester. Some mild spotting can occur as the placenta implants in the uterus.
A woman can also experience changes in the cervical cells during pregnancy, which may cause some light bleeding, especially after having sex.
Other causes of bleeding in the first trimester include:
    •    ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency
    •    an infection
    •    miscarriage, or pregnancy loss
    •    subchorionic hemorrhage, also called subchorionic hematoma, when bleeding occurs between the uterine wall and the placenta
    •    gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), a very rare condition that can simulate pregnancy by causing a tumor that may contain abnormal fetal tissue

After 20 weeks

Causes of bleeding later in pregnancy may include:
    •    Cervical examination: A doctor may inspect the cervix to check for any abnormalities. This procedure can result in some minor bleeding.
    •    Placenta previa: This is a condition that occurs when a woman’s placenta implants close to or on the cervical opening.
    •    Preterm labor or labor: During labor, the cervix will dilate, and the uterus will contract to help move the fetus down. This can result in some bleeding.
    •    Sexual intercourse: While most women can continue to have sex while pregnant, unless a doctor advises otherwise, they may experience some spotting and bleeding due to increased sensitivity of the vaginal and cervical tissues.
    •    Uterine rupture: This is when the uterus tears during labor, which is a medical emergency. This condition is rare but is more likely to occur if a woman has previously had a cesarean delivery or surgery on the uterus.
    •    Placental abruption: This is a condition in which the placenta begins to separate from the uterus before the baby is born. It is also a medical emergency.
If a woman does experience bleeding at any stage of pregnancy and is concerned, she should note the color, amount, and consistency of the bleeding and speak to a doctor.

When to see a doctor
Women should seek emergency medical attention for bleeding during pregnancy if they have additional symptoms that include:
    •    pain and cramping
    •    dizziness or fainting
    •    heavy bleeding or passing clots
    •    severe pain in the stomach and pelvis
A woman should also see a doctor about bleeding that is bright red and soaks a pad.
Vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain early in pregnancy may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, especially if these symptoms occur before an initial ultrasound. Any woman who suspects an ectopic pregnancy should see a doctor as soon as possible.
If a woman is bleeding and has symptoms of preterm labor, which is labor before 37 weeks of gestation, she should seek medical attention. These symptoms may include a constant ache in the lower back, abdominal cramping, and regular contractions.

Outlook
Bleeding during pregnancy does not indicate that a woman is having her period.
Sometimes the bleeding can be the result of regular changes in the body during pregnancy.
Heavy bleeding may indicate a health issue that requires treatment. If a woman experiences bleeding during pregnancy, she should speak to a healthcare professional for guidance.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune system. As the immune system weakens, the person is at risk of getting life-threatening infections and cancers. When that happens, the illness is called AIDS.

CAUSES 
Most children with HIV get the virus when it passes from an HIV-positive mother to the child. This can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or when breastfeeding.

Only blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk have been shown to transmit the infection to others.

The virus is NOT spread to infants by:

Casual contact, such as hugging or touching
Touching items that were touched by a person infected with the virus, such as towels or washcloths
Saliva, sweat, or tears that is NOT mixed with the blood of an infected person

Q. When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have HIV or are at risk for HIV, AND you become pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant.

PREVENTION 
HIV-positive women who might become pregnant should talk to their provider about the risk to their unborn child. They should also discuss methods to prevent their baby from becoming infected, such as taking ARV during pregnancy. The earlier the woman starts medicines, the lower the chance of infection in the child.

Women with HIV should not breastfeed their babies. This will help prevent passing HIV to the infant through breast milk.

TESTS TO DIAGNOSE HIV IN PREGNANT WOMEN
All pregnant women should have a screening test for HIV along with other prenatal tests. Women at high risk should be screened a second time during the third trimester.

Mothers who have not been tested can receive a rapid HIV test during labor.

The woman known to be HIV positive during pregnancy will have regular blood tests, including:

CD4 counts
Viral load test, to check how much HIV is in the blood
A test to see if the virus will respond to the medicines used to treat HIV (called a resistance test)

Treatment
HIV/AIDS is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). These medicines stop the virus from multiplying.

TREATING PREGNANT WOMEN

Treating pregnant women with HIV prevents children from becoming infected.

If a woman tests positive during pregnancy, she will receive ART while pregnant. Most often she will receive a three-drug regimen.
The risk of these ART drugs for the baby in the womb is low. The mother may have another ultrasound at the second trimester.
HIV may be found in a woman when she goes into labor, particularly if she has not previously received prenatal care. If so, she will be treated with antiretroviral drugs right away. Sometimes these drugs will be given through a vein (IV).
If the first positive test is during labor, receiving ART right away during labor can reduce the rate of infection in children to about 10%.

AFTER DELIVERY 

Symptoms
Infants who are infected with HIV often have no symptoms for the first 2 to 3 months. Once symptoms develop, they can vary. Early symptoms may include:

    ⁃    Yeast (candida) infections in the mouth
    ⁃    Failure to gain weight and grow
    ⁃    Swollen lymph glands
    ⁃    Swollen salivary glands
    ⁃    Enlarged spleen or liver
    ⁃    Ear and sinus infections
    ⁃    Upper respiratory tract infections
    ⁃    Being slow to walk, crawl or speak compared to healthy babies
    ⁃    Diarrhea
    ⁃    Early treatment often prevents the HIV infection from progressing.

Without treatment, a child’s immune system weakens over time, and infections that are uncommon in healthy children develop. These are severe infections in the body. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa. At this point, the illness has become full-blown AIDS.

TREATING BABIES AND INFANTS

Infants born to infected mothers start receiving ART within 6 to 12 hours after birth. One or more antiretroviral drugs should be continued for at least 6 weeks after birth.

BREASTFEEDING

HIV-positive women should not breastfeed. This holds true even for women who are taking HIV medicines. Doing so may pass HIV to the baby through breast milk.

What is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term that covers several vaginal corrective procedures. These procedures are meant to correct problems that can occur after giving birth or during the aging process. Conditions can include:

    •    Laxity (lack of tightness) of the vagina

    •    Stress urinary incontinence

    •    Lack of lubrication

Who gets this treatment?

The two main groups of women who get this treatment are:

    •    Postmenopausal women

    •    Postpartum women

    •    You have redundant vaginal tissue that adversely affects your day to day life

    •    You have decreased sexual function due to excess vaginal tissue

What are other treatments for vaginal rejuvenation?

Other treatment options for vaginal rejuvenation can include:

    •    Kegel and pelvic floor exercises: These exercises are meant to strengthen the muscles in and around the vagina.

    •    Vaginoplasty: This surgical procedure tightens the vagina.

Non-surgical option

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be incorporated into the rejuvenation involves the management of extrinsic (traumatic) and intrinsic (aging) changes of the vagina. Lipofilling-with the additional injection of PRP (with or without hyaluronic acid)-has been used to successfully treat vaginal atrophy and vaginal laxity; Additional evaluation of the potential efficacy of PRP for vaginal rejuvenation is warranted.

Surgical options

Vaginal rejuvenation surgery entails several surgeries to improve the shape, size, and function of your vaginal area. These procedures help to restore the soft tissue structures that have succumbed to the aging process. Vaginal rejuvenation is also beneficial for those women who suffer with discomfort and embarrassment due to excess vaginal tissue.

Vaginal rejuvenation includes clitoral hood reduction, labiaplasty, labia majoraplasty, monsplasty, and vaginoplasty.

Recovery

    •    Mild to moderate pain is expected, but this is well controlled with cold compresses, prescription and over the counter pain killers

    •    Swelling is most pronounced 2-3 days after your surgery. This resolves significantly 2-3 weeks after surgery.

    •    Itching is a common complaint during the first week, but this typically subsides by week 2.

    •    Avoid strenuous physical activity and sexual intercourse for 3-4 weeks.

    •    Most women return to work (desk job) 1.5-2 weeks after surgery.

    •    Typically, all of the sutures are dissolvable and are gone by week 4.

    •    Scarring from vaginoplasty, labiaplasty, majoraplasty, and clitoral hood reductions are usually undetectable by your gynecologist.

Moms-to-be hear all the time what they should and shouldn’t be eating. So, you might ask yourself, “Is mango safe during pregnancy?” Yes! According to the FDA, mangos and fruits are safe to eat while you’re pregnant. Of course, you should always consult your doctor about which foods you should and shouldn’t eat throughout your pregnancy.

There are plenty of foods to avoid, while you’re pregnant though. According to Foodsafety.gov, you might want to reconsider eating raw cookie dough, raw fish, and other foods that are especially susceptible to bacteria, but fruits and veggies are safe to eat throughout your pregnancy.

Mango Pregnancy – Cleaning a Mango

It’s important to ensure your kitchen tools and countertops are cleaned thoroughly to help prevent the spread of bacteria. Prior to cutting into a mango, be sure to clean it by rinsing it under water and gently rubbing the skin with your hands to remove any residue. Then, dry the mango with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any leftover bacteria.

Not only are mangos safe to eat while you’re pregnant, but they contain a host of nutrients that are beneficial to you. One ¾ cup serving of mango is a good source of folate, which is a key pre-natal vitamin. Women who don’t get enough folate are at risk of having babies with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Folate deficiency can also increase the likelihood of having a premature or low birth weight baby.

In addition to containing 15% of your daily folate, 3/4 cup of mango covers 50% of your daily vitamin C, 8% of your daily vitamin A, 7% of your daily fiber, 8% of your daily vitamin B6, and 15% of your daily copper. With all these vitamins and nutrients, it’s hard to say no to a mango.