Health

Covid-19 anxieties for parents to be

The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown has increased the risk of prenatal anxiety and depression. In times that have already left all and sundry stressed, new parents, or parents-to-be have been suffering from extreme unease and uncertainty over the future and health of their kids and overall health. Dr. Shobha Gupta, Medical Director at Mother’s Lap IVF Centre discusses the discomforts and solutions couples can work towards with Hashtag India

With the burden of insecurities and anxieties that the Covid-19 pandemic has unleashed on young parents, it is important to strengthen the support for women and to reduce their fear and anxiety. The current, hopeful assessments of the new coronavirus are based in large part on a study published online in June in The Lancet of nine pregnant women in their third trimester in Wuhan, China, who had pneumonia caused by COVID-19. None of the women developed severe illness, and all of their babies were born healthy. The risk of passing the infection to the fetus appears to be significantly low, and there is no evidence of any fetal malformations or effects due to maternal infection with COVID-19.

Pregnant women are more vulnerable to infection with COVID-19 compared to the general population, based on the incidences of corona-affected patients in China and knowledge of viruses that cause severe respiratory illness. But the anxiety that has built up around the pandemic is getting worse day by day. Smriti Arora (name changed) a 33-year-old who is full-term pregnant via IVF and due any day now said, “I am too worried about my baby catching the virus. I am being extra cautious and not only following my doctor’s advice, but also ensuring social distancing in my house as well. Despite all that, I have to admit, the anxiety does get to me.”

Pregnant women are being advised to avoid routine antenatal checkups, if they are not in the high-risk category or in the last trimester of pregnancy. Sumit Sharma said that his wife Ritika(32), is six-months pregnant and currently managing without routine check-ups, while staying indoors to be safe. “The current scenario of the pandemic is very stressful for our family. There’s no cure yet, and no one knows how long it will last. The enormity of its effect on us makes us more fearful,” he said.

Increased demand for cesarean section births

Amid all the chaos surrounding the pandemic, medical experts say that there has been an increased demand for elective cesarean sections. “A lot of pregnant women have been requesting us for early C-sections, because they are scared of involuntarily contracting the coronavirus and passing it on to their unborn kids. For some reason, they think they can protect their children better once born. My advice has been to wait till they are full term, 39-40 weeks, as a baby is any day safer in the womb than outside.

No nanny or house help available

It’s standard practice in most households to hire external help for postnatal care, including herbal oil baths for mom and child. “We had found a nanny to help me after the delivery, including the oil massages for both me and baby and other needs of the child, but with the ongoing virus, I am not sure if we are comfortable in calling her home or maybe she also won’t be able to come anytime soon,” said Smriti Arora.

Limited post-delivery care

The fact is that new mothers are being sent home as soon as possible after delivery. In fact, new mothers are being sent home within 24 hours of delivery to avoid infections. Many are still processing these sudden changes. Normally, we would have kept them for a few days, depending on the type of delivery, which also allowed us enough time to help them understand the needs of the newborn. But these are extraordinary times, and we cannot afford those luxuries. Even routine scans and consultations have been halted for women in earlier stages of pregnancy.

Take necessary precautions

The precautions for pregnant women are more or less the same, such as washing hands regularly and effectively with soap, avoiding large gatherings, and social distancing. Adequate rest and a balanced diet are also important in maintaining the health of the immune system. Fetal kick count should be checked daily and online routine checkups should be considered as much as possible.

Be very aware of the potential symptoms of COVID and the regular flu symptoms so that pregnant women can call their health provider if they have any which include fever, respiratory symptoms or possibly even diarrhea. Additionally, if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should monitor your own temperature and be especially aware of any respiratory symptoms. Your doctor can advise best steps for care and testing.

A study of nine pregnant women in their third trimester in Wuhan, China, who were infected with COVID-19, showed that none of their babies were affected by the virus. The virus was not present in amniotic fluid, the baby’s throat, or in the breast milk. The risk of passing the infection to the fetus appears to be probable but very low and there is no evidence of any fetal malformations or effects due to maternal infection with COVID-19.

Remedies to boost a pregnant mother’s immunity.

Follow these remedies only after taking your doctor’s advice.

· Stock up on C

Vitamin C is by far the most powerful and important vitamin when it comes to immune system support. As with any vitamin, your body is more easily able to absorb vitamin C when the source of the vitamin is the food you eat rather than taken from a capsule. Therefore, it is ideal to add foods rich in vitamin C to your diet. These include citrus fruits, broccoli, kale, and strawberries, just to name a few.

· Include probiotics in your diet

Yogurt is the best source for probiotics to add to your pregnancy diet. Probiotics aid your body in digestion and colon detoxification, both of which have an impact on keeping your immune system healthy. Yogurt has other pregnancy health benefits, too, like a high serving of calcium and vitamin D

· Spice drink

Take three to four cups of water in a saucepan and add a teaspoon each of cumin seeds, coriander seeds and crushed pepper. To this, add some turmeric and three cubes of ginger chunks. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let cool. Strain and drink.

· Neem flower drink

Boil neem flowers in a pan with three cups of water. Turn off the flame and let it cool. Add lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey and drink.

June 23, 2021

Covid-19 pandemic

Wedding Wellness with Luke Coutinho: Starting the Journey

Luke Coutinho, India’s leading Integrative Lifestyle Expert, believes that true wedding prep goes far beyond fitting into an outfit or chasing picture-perfect looks. For him, it’s about building strength, balance, and inner calm that lasts well beyond the wedding day. Here, he shares his holistic wellness guide for brides and grooms stepping into this new chapter. From a holistic health perspective, how early should brides and grooms start preparing their bodies for the wedding? I’ve always believed that wedding prep should start with the inside. If we’re talking about sustainable energy, balanced hormones, strong immunity, or calm emotional states it’s not a 15-day crash course. It’s a rhythm you build. Ideally, I encourage couples to begin six to 12 months in advance. That gives us space to work on the deeper layers like gut repair, sleep cycles, metabolic health, and emotional resilience. Even three months can make a real difference if done right. But more than timelines, I believe in intention. Whether you start 12 months or six weeks before, ask yourself: Am I just trying to look good for a day, or do I want to feel well through all the days that follow? How can couples set wellness goals that go beyond just looking good in wedding photos?It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics wanting to fit into a certain outfit or chase a number on the scale. But real wellness is about how you feel your energy, your digestion, your mood, your ability to stay calm amidst the chaos. I always tell couples: Don’t make the goal about shrinking your body. Make it about strengthening your health, supporting your hormones, and building the emotional resilience to actually enjoy your wedding. When you feel good inside, it shows up outside on your skin, in your eyes, and

Health

Eating Right, Feeling Bright: How to Stay Healthy and Happy This Festive Season

As the festive season arrives, it’s easy to get swept up in the celebration and sometimes, overdo it. Between rich sweets, back-to-back parties, and emotional highs (and lows), maintaining your health both physical and emotional can become challenging. SINDURI VUPPALA speaks to two experts Dietician Vidhi Chawla, Founder of FISICO Diet & Aesthetic Clinic, and Rajvir Kohar, a seasoned Mental Health Clinician to bring you a guide on how to eat mindfully and feel emotionally balanced this season. “It’s okay not to feel festive. Honour your emotions.” – Mental Health Clinician Rajvir Kohar While cultural celebrations and holidays offer opportunities for connections and joy, they also come with increased expectations and responsibilities. Research indicates that mental health symptoms such as stress, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and emotional eating often rise during the festive season. Many individuals experience heightened stress around the holidays, primarily due to factors such as financial strain, time pressures, and family dynamics. Financial challenges can be particularly overwhelming, as people feel the burden of purchasing gifts, hosting gatherings, and keeping up with social expectations. For individuals already managing financial constraints, these demands can deepen feelings of inadequacy or guilt. Additionally, the festive season can bring emotional pain for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Others may experience a profound sense of loneliness, especially if they lack close family or social networks, making the celebratory atmosphere feel isolating rather than inclusive. Common mental health symptoms during this period include disturbed sleep, changes in appetite (either overeating or under-eating), increased irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal. While these feelings are common, they often go unnoticed amidst societal expectations to “stay cheerful.” Despite these challenges, it is possible to approach the festive season with mindfulness and care. By adopting practical strategies, you can protect your mental health and still engage

Health

Managing Psychological Stress in Marriage in India

Marriage, while often seen as a sacred bond in India, is also a complex partnership that involves emotional investment, societal expectations, and continuous adaptation. In the Indian context, marriage isn’t just a union between two individuals it’s often a confluence of families, traditions, and social norms. While love and companionship are central, psychological stress can quietly build over time due to unmet expectations, communication gaps, external pressures, and the lack of personal space. Managing this stress effectively is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling marital life. Understanding the Sources of Stress Recognizing the Signs of Stress Psychological stress in marriage often doesn’t manifest dramatically. Instead, it appears in small, persistent ways: If left unaddressed, this stress can escalate into anxiety disorders, depression, or even marital breakdown. Strategies to Manage Marital Stress 1. Open, Non-Judgmental Communication The cornerstone of any successful marriage is healthy communication. Couples must learn to express themselves openly, without fear of being judged. Schedule “talk time” to share your thoughts, concerns, or even simple day-to-day feelings. Use “I feel” statements rather than blame-focused language to prevent defensiveness. 2. Set Realistic Expectations Bollywood and societal portrayals of “perfect marriages” create unrealistic standards. Accept that no marriage is without flaws. Understand each other’s limitations and strengths, and be willing to compromise without losing your core identity. 3. Establish Boundaries with Extended Family While respecting elders and family traditions is important, couples must create healthy boundaries. This includes making joint decisions independently, especially on matters like finances, parenting, or living arrangements. A united front reduces external interference and strengthens the couple’s bond. 4. Seek Professional Help Therapy is still stigmatized in parts of India, but counseling individuals or couples can be transformative. A trained therapist helps you identify patterns, improve communication, and resolve conflicts constructively. Many Indian metro cities and

Health

Why Soaking Rice Reduces Glucose: Science, Steps, and Stats

Rice is a staple food for millions across the globe, but it’s also often blamed for raising blood sugar levels—especially white rice due to its high glycemic index (GI). However, a simple, age-old practice can help: soaking rice before cooking. This traditional method doesn’t just make rice softer and faster to cook—it also offers a science-backed way to reduce its glucose content and make it healthier. Hashtag Magazines gives you a lowdown… The Science Behind Soaking Rice When you soak rice, several things happen: Supporting Research and Statistics A study published in Food Chemistry (2015) found: Another study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted: A 2022 clinical trial in India showed: How to Soak Rice to Lower Glucose Step-by-Step Method: Glycemic Index Reduction – Before & After Soaking Type of Rice GI (Unsoaked) GI (After Soaking) White rice 72 60–65 Brown rice 68 55–60 Basmati rice 58 45–50 Red rice 55 40–48 Additional Tips to Reduce Sugar Spike from Rice Why This Matters for Diabetics and Health-Conscious Eaters Blood sugar spikes can lead to fatigue, weight gain, insulin resistance, and long-term complications like diabetes or heart disease. Making simple changes like soaking rice helps: Conclusion Soaking rice is a simple, no-cost step with massive health benefits. Whether you’re managing diabetes, watching your weight, or just aiming for better gut health, soaking rice before cooking can significantly lower its glucose impact. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Indian kitchens, now backed by science.