MD
Dr. Kaundal has 10 years of experience as an obstetrician and gynecologist and is currently working as a consultant IVF at Matritava Advanced IVF and Training Centre, New Delhi.She has previously worked at Lady Hardinge Medical College, MKW and IMB IVF centre, Apollo Cradle Royale and AIIMS, New Delhi. She was a research officer at WHO Collabrating center at AIIMS New Delhi for the development of STPs for essential high-risk obstetrics conditions. Also worked as a Scientist–I at AIIMS New Delhi.Dr. Kaundal contributed chapters for the postgraduate and graduate obstetrics and gynecology books and has national and international publications in her name.
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Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition in which the baby does not develop to its optimum growth and weight during pregnancy. The common reasons for this condition include high blood pressure of the mother, multiple pregnancies, infections, and consumption of alcohol or smoking during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor the growth and development of the baby during this period to avoid any complications. Read on to know about FGR, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures. [mj-toc] What Is Fetal Growth Restriction? [simple_tooltip text="Intrauterine growth" tooltip="Development of the fetus within the uterus" ] restriction (IUGR), is a condition which is applied for neonates born with clinical signs of retarded or abnormal fetal development and fetal malnutrition. In this condition, the size of the baby is smaller than the average size at that age. Different types of IUGRs during pregnancy There are two main types of intrauterine growth restrictions occurring during pregnancy: Symmetrical or primary IUGR: The...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 26 Weeks? In the 26th week of pregnancy, you are six months and three weeks pregnant. You are just two weeks away from entering the third trimester with your estrogen levels at its peak. By now, your baby develops a human form, and things start to move a bit faster than usual. Here, Momjunction explains the baby’s development, changes in your body, precautions to take and the tips to follow when you enter the 26th week. How Big Is Your Baby At 26 Weeks? At 26 weeks, the baby is as big as a scallion (1). The baby measures about 14.01in (35.6cm) and weighs around 1.5 to 1.7lb (600-800g) (2). [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]This week, your baby weighs about six large carrots (7).[/mj_protip] Here is a look at how your baby is developing inside the womb during the 26th week. Baby Development In The 26th Week [caption id="attachment_1091651" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image:...
If you are trying to conceive and have missed your period, you may wonder when to take a pregnancy test. This post will tell you more in this context. When you are trying for a baby, missing your period might increase your hopes. But checking for it immediately using a home pregnancy test might not give accurate results, especially if you have irregular menstruation. Read on to know when is the right time to take a pregnancy test if you are trying to conceive. [mj-toc] What Is A Pregnancy Test? Pregnancy tests are designed to show if your urine contains a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This hormone is released right after the fertilized egg implants on the uterine lining and keeps doubling every two to three days (1). You can take the pregnancy test at home or visit an OB-GYN. Home pregnancy test kits are sold in drug stores. If you take the test at home, make sure...
NIPT test or noninvasive prenatal testing is a blood test to check the health condition of the unborn baby. The blood samples collected from the mother's arm contain small fragments of the baby's DNA. Analysis of that DNA from the maternal blood may help identify the risk of chromosomal anomalies. Doctors may order specific tests based on these blood test results. Read on to know its importance, how it is done, its benefits, and the NIPT test results. [mj-toc] What is NIPT? NIPT is a prenatal blood test to screen for fetal [simple_tooltip text="aneuploidy disorders" tooltip="Genetic disorders diagnosed with either an extra or missing chromosome." ] such as [simple_tooltip text="Down syndrome" tooltip="Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an [simple_tooltip text="extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in intellectual impairment and short stature." ] (trisomy 21), [simple_tooltip text="Edwards Syndrome" tooltip="”A chromosomal condition characterized by abnormalities in several body parts and delayed growth, also called Trisomy 18.” ]...
When is the best time to get pregnant? There is no definite answer to this question. It solely depends on you and your partner. If you plan to have a family, understanding your ovulation time is the key since it will indicate the right time to achieve a successful conception. In terms of sex, you can follow these tips to improve your chances, as per research: Have sex every day, given your partner has a strong sperm count. Have sex often when you are most fertile, typically for a period of four days. Have sex on and two days prior to ovulation. If you are curious to know more, read on! We will tell you all about getting pregnant, including factors affecting the chances of conceiving, tips to enhance fertility, and timing of intercourse. [mj-toc] When Is The Best Time To Get Pregnant? [caption id="attachment_892400" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Having sex during the six-day fertile window -- the five days...
An amniocentesis test helps assess fetal health and detects any potential problems in a high-risk pregnancy. In addition, it offers high accuracy of up to 99% compared to the other invasive prenatal tests (1). If you come under the high-risk category, your doctor may suggest this diagnostic test. Keep reading as we bring you the information you need to know about the amniocentesis test in this post. [mj-toc] What Is Amniocentesis? [caption id="attachment_893879" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test to check the [simple_tooltip text="amniotic fluid" tooltip="Clear, yellowish liquid surrounding and protecting the developing fetus during pregnancy." ] that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. This fluid contains cells and substances that indicate the status of the baby’s health. For this test, the gynecologist inserts a long, thin needle (of gauge size 0.9mm) into the uterus to collect a small amount of amniotic fluid. Usually, the procedure is done under ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then tested...
[mj-toc] Cryptic pregnancy, sometimes called stealth pregnancy or concealed gestation, is when a woman is unaware of her pregnancy; it goes undetected until the end of gestation. A woman who has this type of pregnancy may not have positive results on standard pregnancy tests, and she may not develop any noticeable signs and symptoms of pregnancy. A cryptic pregnancy may occur due to low hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone levels. Some studies suggest that about 1 in 475 women could be unaware of their pregnancy until the 20th week of gestation (1). Curious to know more about this peculiar pregnancy phenomenon? Read on as we explain the vital details about cryptic pregnancy, including its indications and how to prevent it. Understanding Cryptic Pregnancy Cryptic pregnancies or masked conception usually occur in women who have been on birth control methods, reached perimenopause, or have hormonal imbalances. These women come under the ‘least expected pregnancy category’ and experience common pregnancy symptoms such...
Tubal ligation is a medical sterilization (birth control) procedure for women. However, pregnancy after tubal ligation may occur under extremely rare circumstances. If you are curious to know more about it, keep reading. Tubal ligation is a permanent contraceptive technique for women. It is a combination of two words where 'tubal' means the 'fallopian tubes' consisting of the eggs and 'ligation' refers to 'binding up.' Thus, this procedure involves tying up the fallopian tubes so that the eggs cannot enter the uterus for fertilization (1). This post will tell you about tubal ligation, including the risk factors and chances of pregnancy post-procedure. [mj-toc] What Are The Chances Of Pregnancy After Tubal Ligation? During the surgical procedure, the fallopian tube is cut and then tied off, which leaves very little chance for a future pregnancy. However, like any other birth control method, tubal ligation is not 100% effective. Pregnancy after tubal ligation is possible if (2): The tubes regrow together, making...
Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that helps prevent pregnancy. Although the chances are extremely low, women can get pregnant after vasectomy if the surgery fails. During a vasectomy, the ends of the vas deferens (sperm duct) are cut and sealed to block the sperm from reaching the semen. This surgical procedure is considered a permanent male sterilization or contraception method. If a couple wants to get pregnant after vasectomy, the reverse can be one option. Keep reading to know more about how vasectomy is done and your chances of getting pregnant after vasectomy. [mj-toc] How Is Vasectomy Done In Men? There are three ways to get a vasectomy done (1). Conventional vasectomy: In this method, a scalpel is used to make an incision in the scrotal skin, which is sutured after the vasectomy is done. No-scalpel vasectomy: It is a quick and painless procedure done in the hospital by giving general anesthesia to the patient. The no-scalpel vasectomy is...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 22 Weeks? At 22 weeks, you are in the fifth month of pregnancy. How Big Is Your Baby At 22 Weeks? This week, your baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash (1). It will measure 10.94in (27.8cm) in length and weigh 1-1.5lb (500 -700g) (2). [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]At 22 weeks, your baby can be as big as the size of papaya fruit (12).[/mj_protip] Baby Development At 22 weeks Here is how your baby develops during this week: Body organs Development Hair (3) Head and body are covered with lanugo Limbs Lower limbs are fully developed. The baby’s slight movements can be felt, but the kicks are not strong Nails Toenails are developing Genitals (4) In boys, the testicles are descending into the scrotum. In girls, the vagina is fully developed Intestine (5) Meconium (the baby’s first poop) begins to form Eyes Eyebrows and eyelashes start to appear. The...
The contraction stress test or CST blood test is a method of predicting the baby’s behavior during labor. This test uses artificial contractions to understand how a baby would respond to natural labor contractions by studying their heart rate. This test is mostly performed on high-risk pregnancies. If your doctor has suggested a CST, then here is all you need to know about it. Read on to know more about CST, its method, the risks, and the contradictions in this post. [mj-toc] What Is A Contraction Stress Test (CST)? CST measures the fetal heart rate during late pregnancy or labor. The purpose of this test is to induce contractions and ensure that the baby is getting sufficient supply of oxygen from the placenta during uterine contractions. This test is also known as the Stress test or the Oxytocin challenge test. Women with pregnancy complications are generally subjected to this test at around 34 weeks or later (1). Moreover, the number...
Women can increase progesterone to get pregnant since this hormone enhances fertility and helps to sustain the pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances such as lower hormone levels can be a reason for infertility in many women. Progesterone is a pregnancy hormone, and increasing its level can increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a successful pregnancy. Some doctors also prescribe progesterone in infertility treatments. Read on to know the natural ways to increase progesterone to get pregnant and the importance of enhancing fertility. [mj-toc] Why Is Progesterone So Important For Fertility? [caption id="attachment_893214" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Progesterone is a female sex hormone that controls menstruation and fertility. It plays a vital role in initiating and maintaining pregnancy too. The corpus luteum, a temporary hormone-secreting gland in ovaries, produces this hormone post ovulation and prepares the uterus lining (thickens it) for implantation of the fertilized egg (1). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/pregnancy-implantation_00386827/" title="8 Early Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy Implantation"] If you conceive, the...
Preterm labor occurs when your regular contractions start before the scheduled 37th week of pregnancy. These contractions also cause the cervix to dilate and prepare the birth canal for the baby's delivery. Studies have suggested that one of the principal reasons for infant mortality is preterm labor, leading to premature birth (1). But it is also true that 15 million babies are born preterm every year. You may continue reading to know more about preterm labor, its causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. [mj-toc]What Is Preterm Labor? Preterm labor occurs when regular contractions start before 37 weeks of pregnancy followed by cervical dilation. It can be categorized based on when it happens (1) : Less than 28 weeks -- extremely preterm 28 to 32 weeks -- very preterm 32 to 37 weeks -- late preterm If the baby’s birth happens between the 20th and 37th week, then it is termed preterm birth. Needless to say, the earlier the labor, the...
You're happily married and want to plan your family, but don't give up if having a child seems to you a long way off. Identifying and resolving the reasons for difficulty in conceiving can significantly improve the chances of pregnancy. There are various reasons you could have trouble conceiving, including infertility or a medical problem. This post provides you with advice on how to increase your chances of becoming pregnant with some lifestyle and dietary modifications that you may adopt. [mj-toc]Factors That Can Affect Conception A couple’s chances of conception could be hindered or delayed due to several reasons, including infertility in the man or the woman. Here are a few factors that could affect your chances of conception (1): In women: Increased maternal age (over 30 years) as the fertility rate starts declining Uterine fibroid (2) Ectopic pregnancies Endometriosis Pelvic inflammatory disease Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) History of STD (sexually transmitted diseases) Wrongly calculated fertile period Blocked fallopian tube...
False-negative pregnancy tests are common. If you missed your period this month, you might anticipate pregnancy. You decide to do a pregnancy test, but the result turns out to be negative. Even after two to three weeks of that, your periods have not started. So you visit your gynecologist, and she tells you that you are pregnant, indicating that your home pregnancy test result was false-negative. At-home pregnancy tests might sometimes give false-negative results. Thus, relying on your home pregnancy test results is not always safe. Consult your doctor if you suspect anything. Read on to know why at-home pregnancy tests might give false-negative results and more information about it. [mj-toc]What Is A False Negative Pregnancy Test? If you take a home pregnancy test and get a negative result even when you are pregnant, then it is called a false negative pregnancy test. The kit detects your pregnancy by tracing the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine. The home...