Mother’s day greetings to all! Motherhood is an exciting and exhausting
journey. Along the journey, many mothers tend to ignore A VERY IMPORTANT aspect –Health.
Due to the multitude of tasks and issues a mother faces, health tends to
become the least important. Make health a priority and to make a beginning, let
us look at the important aspects of health that every mother should know.
Pregnancy: You become a mom the moment you conceive.
This antenatal period is crucial for both the mother and the baby. Through this
period, generally mothers are excited and follow the doctor’s advice. Yet, one
can never overemphasize the importance of adhering to medical advice. Remember to take the supplements and other
medications prescribed and be regular to check –up. What is more important at
this stage is to adhere to what the doctor says and not to seek information
from unreliable sources. Prepare yourself for labor, delivery and bonding with
the baby. Register yourself for classes conducted by qualified professionals
and get a head start. If you are lucky your pregnancy will be smooth. But some
are not so lucky. If you are one, this should not put you down; with medical
advances you are most likely to overcome the issues.
Post Natal period:
Baby is born! This post natal period means issues of adjustments. Be assured
that you have what it takes to handle the issues within you! Though you will be in fatigue, make sure you
breastfeed your baby as early as you can after delivery. This means a lot to
both you and your baby. While it is
beneficial to the baby in many ways, it is also helpful to you. It reduces your
risk of developing beast cancer and has many potential benefits. Focusing on
the baby tends to put your health on the sidelines. Make it a point to take the
vitamin supplements and good nutrition. Some women may go through post postpartum issues;
make sure they do not overwhelm you. If needed seek professional help.
As the baby grows, your responsibilities also grow and you
will have to cope up with professional, household issues along with the
pressure of trying to do the best as a mom. This may mean fatigue, depression
etc. Keep realistic goals/ expectations
and work towards them to avoid exhaustion. It is advisable to undergo annual
health check-ups to keep a tab on your health.
Peri menopause:
As you are busy with life, your body starts making changes for the future. The
stage is getting set for menopause. This preparation period is called
perimenopausal phase. You may have irregular periods, heavy to scanty bleeding
etc. You could also face menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, palpitation.
Understand that all this is caused by fluctuating hormone levels in the body.
Discuss the issues with your doctor and take the medicines/supplements if
prescribed. Cruise along this phase as you are about to embark on menopause.
Menopause: Not
having periods continuously for a year marks the end of your menstrual cycle
and you are in menopause. Menopause reduces your hormone levels which in turn reduces
your bone density and puts you at risk for osteoporosis and other health
issues. There will be physical changes in your body and emotional challenges as
well. Mother Nature takes care in most cases. Yet it is recommended to see a
doctor and discuss the issues and the doctor shall guide you with needed
interventions.
Irrespective of which stage of your life you are in, the
following are important health concerns:
- · Anemia
- · Low calcium
- · Breast Cancer
- · Cervical Cancer
- · Hormonal imbalance
- · Hypertension
- · Diabetes
- · Depression
- · Cardio vascular issues
All the above can be taken care of if you are regular to
your annual health check-ups, take right nutrition and are physically active.
It may sound daunting yet if you love to be a mom you should love taking care
of yourself!! So partner with your healthcare practitioner and be in control of
your health. A healthy mom means a healthy and happy home.
Dr.T.S.Sabeeha DNB
