Today we arrived at my parent's place as this is where we intend to have the delivery. So one of the first things on my list was to consult with my new doctor. My new gynaecologist has her own hospital that is about 5 minutes walk from where I live. Being in the same neighbourhood as that of the hospital has its own advantages towards the end - the third trimester when it is difficult to predict anything.
I was quite apprehensive about meeting this doctor despite hearing from a lot of folks that is very reputed out here. The rapport I shared with my doctor at Pune was amazing - our temperaments matched - cool headed, casual without being panicky about every thing. To expect the same out of this doctor would have been unreasonable. But I'm glad it all turned out fine. I was satisfied so was my family. The infrasturcture at the hospital also was quite satisfactory - cleanliness figuring the top on our list.
When you change your gynaecologist midterm, it is important to do the groundwork and enquire from a few people who know the Doctor or have been treated atleast once from her to get a first hand opinion. It is quite common in India for pregnant girls to deliver their first child in their parent's hometown while the first part of the pregnancy - usually the first and second trimester is spent with the husband or the town they live. With increasing number of working women, this trend is fast changing with the girl's folks traveling to where the mother-to-be resides for the delivery.
Week 32 : New Gynaecologist
Antenatal Supplements - Folic Acid, Calcium and Iron
The only supplements presecribed by any doctor during the course of pregnancy are Folic Acid, Calcium and Iron tablets.
The day you get to know you are pregnant and visit a doctor, the first thing he/she will prescribe is a Folic acid tablet such as Folivite. Folic Acid ( a B Vitamin) helps in the formation of a child's brain and is to be had during the first trimester as this is when the child's brain develops.
Iron and calcium supplements are started during the second trimester and is to be continued until the end of the pregnancy. The calcium needs of a pregnant woman is nearly double as that of a normal woman. I was prescribed 2 tables of 250 mg Calcium Sandoz each day and a tablet of autrin (iron) everyday.
There have been days when I have skipped Calcium Sandoz and the results have been imminent. Back pain usually occurs when the intake of calcium is low. Having said that, it is not good to rely just on these supplements for adequate Calcium and Iron requirements by the body. These are only prescribed since it is not possible to get the entire amount through food intake. Diets rich in Calcium such as milk, curd, buttermilk, dark leafy vegetables should be consumed.
