 COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and
disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. (WHO) We know it can be stressful watching the news or checking your social media in these days of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially if you’re pregnant or have delivered a baby recently. Below please find the most updated information that our in-house doctor has collected from reputable global health sources on COVID-19 and pregnancy. We will update regularly as more information comes in. Q: What effect does COVID-19 have on pregnant women? A: As it relates to pregnancy, there are currently no data suggesting an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss in relation to COVID-19. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3320293/) Pregnant women do not appear to be more severely unwell if they develop COVID-19 than the general population.(Published by RCOG - UK - March 26, 2020) Q: What effect will COVID-19 have on my baby if I am diagnosed with the infection? A: It is unlikely that if you have the virus it will cause abnormalities in your baby.(Published by RCOG - UK - March 26, 2020) Q: What can I do to reduce my risk of catching COVID-19? A: The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Q: What should I do if I think I may have COVID-19 or been exposed? A: If you are pregnant and you have either:
(Published by RCOG - UK - March 26, 2020) Q: Could I pass COVID-19 to my baby? A: As this is a new virus, there is limited evidence about managing women with coronavirus infection in women who have just given birth; however, there are no reports of women diagnosed with coronavirus during the third trimester of pregnancy having passed the virus to their babies while in the womb. (Published by RCOG - UK - March 26, 2020) Q: Can COVID-19 be spread through breast milk? A: In limited studies on women with COVID-19 and another coronavirus infection, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), the virus has not been detected in breast milk; however we do not know whether mothers with COVID-19 can transmit the virus via breast milk. (CDC Guidelines) Q: What are the precautions for feeding the baby? A: For women wishing to breastfeed, precautions should be taken to limit viral spread to the baby: • Hand washing before touching the baby, breast pump or bottles • Avoiding coughing or sneezing on the baby while feeding at the breast • Considering wearing a face mask while breastfeeding, if available • Following recommendations for pump cleaning after each use • Considering asking someone who is well to feed expressed milk to the baby (Published by RCOG - UK - March 26, 2020) For more information on COVID-19 & pregnancy, check the links below to our COVID page including videos on guidance for your protection during COVID-19. Stay safe!  Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B that the human body uses to make new cells. Folic acid is also very important because it can help prevent some neural tube defects (serious birth defects of a baby’s brain or spine). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges women ages 15 to 45 years to get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant, to help prevent neural tube defects. Women can get folic acid through three main sources:
3 MamaBix biscuits contain 60mg elemental iron, 500mcg folic acid & 120mg Vitamin C, key nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Click on the links below to read more blogs on pregnancy and also to learn more about MamaBix.  MamaBix are special iron & folic acid fortified biscuits with Vitamin C and protein for moms-to-be and lactating mothers, formulated in collaboration with pregnant women, nutritionists, and doctors.
MamaBix are delicious, gentle, and clinically shown to provide iron and these other essential nutrients that doctors recommend daily for a healthy pregnancy and lactation. More than 70% of pregnant women prefer eating MamaBix over iron pills. If you're pregnant or lactating and need an iron based food supplement, MamaBix could fulfil your daily iron needs during this time. One pouch of MamaBix contains 7 sachets of 3 biscuits each. Each biscuit provides 20mg of elemental iron, plus folic acid, vitamin C, and protein. Please talk to your doctor about dosage depending on your anemia level. Availability: MamaBix is available across Bangalore for now in major maternity hospitals and pharmacies. It is also available at select Apollo & Medplus pharmacies in your neighbourhood. In case you need guidance on what your nearest pharmacy is, refer to the map on 'How to Buy'. You can also write to us at [email protected] or call us at +91 8861420978 and we'd be happy to assist you! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy! 
 Pregnancy cravings are a common phenomenon. While some women crave chocolates & ice-creams, others prefer pickles & savouries.
Here is a list of some healthy options for snacking to prevent unnecessary overeating and hacks to make your favorite foods, more nutritious!
Also read : 10 tips for healthy eating during pregnancy.  According to the World Health Organisation (2016), more than 50 % pregnant women in India are anemic. Karnataka stands with more than 44.8% women who are iron deficient.
Doctors prescribe iron pills to help women meet their iron needs during pregnancy. Iron pills often taste bad, cause discomfort like constipation/nausea or are just forgotten, and are often disapproved by mothers/mothers-in-law as they are seen as medicine. Hence women frequently stop taking their iron pills during pregnancy. Every year over 11 million pregnant women have access to iron pills but do not take them (National Family Health Survey-IV, 2016). Regardless of where pregnant women live, how educated they are & what their wealth status is, only 39% took their iron tablets for 100 days or more. MamaBix was developed in collaboration with pregnant women, nutritionists and doctors to address this key issue of non adherence. It is clinically shown to provide iron and other essential nutrients like folic acid for a healthy pregnancy. MamaBix are tasty and gentle. Pregnant women also report lesser side effects due to our special food formulation! For more information on the composition and dosage, refer to MamaBix. Don't forget to check How to Buy for your nearest locations for MamaBix availability. Also read : Pregnant and anemic? Here is what you can do!  A woman’s body undergoes many changes during the nine months of pregnancy. You can see and feel month on month changes in the shape of your belly as your fetus grows into a baby ready for delivery!
Here are some fun facts regarding the growth of the fetus during pregnancy: In the 1st month of pregnancy, the tiny "heart" tube of your fetus begins to beat almost 65 times a minute by the end of 4th week. At this point, your baby is smaller than a grain of rice. By the 2nd month, your baby’s fingers, toes and eyes begin to form. During the 3rd month, your baby can open and close its fists and mouth. Even the fingernails and toenails begin to develop at this time. As month 4 starts, your baby can suck his or her thumb, yawn, stretch, and make faces as well. By the 5th month, you may begin to feel your baby move, since he or she is developing muscles and exercising them. This first movement is called quickening. During the 6th month, your baby’s eyelids begin to part and the eyes open for the first time. As the 7th month approaches, your baby's hearing is fully developed. He or she changes position frequently and responds to stimuli, including sound & pain. By the 8th month, most of your baby’s internal systems are well developed, but the lungs may still be immature. The 9th month is the last leg of pregnancy with your baby's reflexes being coordinated so he or she can blink, turn the head & also grasp firmly. Your baby is now ready to enter the world! Also read : 10-tips-for-healthy-eating-during-pregnancy  Despite its name, you can have morning sickness any time of day. It doesn't mean your baby is sick, and it doesn't hurt the baby. Pregnancy nausea or vomiting is usually mild and goes away about midway through your pregnancy. Some women never feel nauseous during their pregnancy. (https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/morning-sickness-pregnant)
Nausea and vomiting are common experiences in pregnancy, affecting 70-80% of all pregnant women. Although most women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) have symptoms limited to the first trimester, a small percentage of women have a prolonged course with symptoms extending until delivery. There are various risk factors for this condition including genetic factors, part time employment status, history of motion sickness etc. (Lee,Saha) It is not harmful for the baby and is normal is most cases. Gestational vomiting/vomiting during pregnancy results from various metabolic/endocrine factors like high levels of hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), estrogen & progesterone. So if you suffer from nausea & vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), there's no need to worry. Just carry on taking a nutritious balanced diet and make sure you're healthy. Read : 10 Tips for Healthy Eating during Pregnancy. Pregnancy is a new experience which comes with a lot of responsibility but also unwanted apprehension & anxiety. Added to this are the constant tips and suggestions we keep getting from friends, family and everyone around possible. There are so many myths surrounding pregnancy and here is a small attempt at busting these pregnancy myths!  Pregnancy Myth #1 - Curd should be avoided during pregnancy. Fact - Curd is a rich source of calcium, essential during pregnancy. Besides building teeth and bones, calcium also keeps your blood and muscles moving and helps your nerves send messages from your brain to the rest of your body. (https://www.webmd.com/baby/get-the-calcium-you-need-during-pregnancy#1)  Pregnancy Myth #2 - Chocolate is bad for you during pregnancy Fact - A small amount of dark chocolate during pregnancy (especially during the first & second trimesters) can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. The improved blood flow helps the placenta develop and function normally, leading to good pregnancy outcomes. (https://utswmed.org/medblog/dark-chocolate-pregnancy/)  Pregnancy Myth #3 - Papaya is unsafe for consumption during pregnancy. Fact - Ripe papaya is safe during pregnancy as it is a rich source of fiber, potassium, Vitamin C & folate which are very beneficial during pregnancy. Unripe papaya contains latex which can lead to marked uterine contractions and could be unsafe in pregnancy. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12144723)  Pregnancy Myth #4 - Mangoes are unhealthy for you during pregnancy. Fact - Mango is a power-packed fruit. Mangoes are rich in antioxidants, such as beta carotene and vitamin A, C and D, very important during pregnancy. Mango consumption can definitely cause increase in blood sugar levels. Thus, it is not advisable for obese mothers or those who are diabetic to consume the fruit. (https://indianexpress.com/article/parenting/health-fitness/can-you-eat-mangoes-when-pregnant-5750880/)  Pregnancy Myth #5 - There is no need of supplements during pregnancy. Fact - During pregnancy, the nutritional needs increase 3 times for various minerals and vitamins. Our diet therefore, does not suffice for most cases and hence, external nutritional supplements are always needed. MamaBix biscuits are special iron & folic acid fortified supplements for meeting your increased iron demands during pregnancy.  Pregnancy Myth #6 - Eating saffron & oranges during pregnancy can make your baby fairer. Fact - Complexion of the baby depends on various factors including genetic factors. It does not depend on the foods you eat in any way!  Pregnancy Myth #7 - Exercising during pregnancy is harmful for the baby. Fact - If you had a strict work out regime before getting pregnant, you should not suddenly discontinue. A lighter work out routine under appropriate guidance can actually make you feel more energetic and happier. However, if you never used to work out before, a short light walk in a day is always beneficial since it makes you more active and keeps you energetic!  Pregnancy Myth # 8 - Morning sickness only happens in the morning. Fact - Nausea and vomiting is common during pregnancy due to constant changes in hormones and can happen at any time of the day. In most cases, it happens during the morning hours. For some women, the condition begins to improve after the first trimester but for others, it continues throughout their pregnancy.  Pregnancy Myth #9 - I should be ‘eating for 2’ during pregnancy. Fact - There is no scientific explanation of ‘eating for two’ during pregnancy. Your nutritional needs increase at this time but overeating is bad for both your and your baby’s health. A well balanced diet is what is important for fulfillment of your pregnancy needs.  Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by an insufficient amount of iron in the body.
During pregnancy, your body’s iron needs increase greatly, especially starting in the second trimester. In India, over 50% of all pregnant women have anemia, the majority of which is due to lack of iron. (WHO/NHD/01.3). There are various ways by which we can tackle iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy: 1. Iron rich diet - Make sure your diet comprises of foods which give you enough iron & folic acid. Here’s a list of top iron rich foods you can choose during pregnancy. PROS : It’s always beneficial to have an iron rich diet to keep you energetic during pregnancy. CONS : Your diet alone might not be sufficient for your increased iron demand during pregnancy. (Iron demands increase up to 3 times during this time). 2. Iron Pills - Different combinations of iron and folic acid fortified capsules/tablets serve as common supplements. An additional supplement/tablet of Vitamin C helps in increased absorption of iron. PROS :
CONS :
PROS :
CONS :
PROS : They taste better than other options sometimes and are culturally accepted. CONS :
PROS : They fulfil the iron needs for anemic patients and are clinically tested as well as trusted by doctors. CONS : Injections are a painful experience for some patients and this alternative is sometimes expensive. 6. MamaBix - Special iron and folic acid biscuits which can fulfil pregnant women’s daily iron needs. They also contain added Vitamin C for increased absorption of iron. PROS :
Having a baby is a blessing which comes with happiness and responsibility. Your and your baby's health during pregnancy depends on the foods you eat and their nutrients. Essential during pregnancy is iron - truly a shakti nutrient! If you prefer a nutritious iron supplement like MamaBix, speak with your doctor! |
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