Health

Vaccines on Pregnant Women

Dr Prabha Ramakrishna, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sakra World Hospital Bengaluru airs away misconceptions and busts myths about vaccines on pregnant moms.

The journey to motherhood or pregnancy is undoubtedly the most eventful and delightful phase of a woman’s life. However, the global pandemic has put pregnant mothers at risk, making it a point of grave concern among would-be mums. The Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) has stated pregnant and post-partum women are at an increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19 virus, compared to those who aren’t pregnant, although the overall risk of severe illness from the virus is low at present. The virus puts the would-be mums at a greater risk of preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to pregnant women without Covid-19.

Keeping these in mind, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has approved vaccination of pregnant women against Covid-19 with the condition that a pregnant woman has the choice to take an informed decision of getting vaccinated or not during pregnancy. However, several myths around the harmful impact of Covid-19 vaccination on pregnant women have given birth to misconceptions among would-be mums that need to be busted.

The myths and the facts around Covid-19 vaccination among pregnant women

Myth: A woman planning for a baby must not get Covid-19 vaccination

Fact: As the vaccines aren’t made of live viruses, it is unlikely to risk the foetus if a pregnant mother takes her jab. While there’s a floating misconception that a woman planning for pregnancy should not plan one till two to three months following the vaccination course, waiting for that duration does give the women the time needed to develop antibodies.

Myth: Vaccination impacts the menstrual cycle, period flow and causes pain.

Fact: There is no evidence to establish an association of Covid-19 vaccine with menstruation, such as increase in bleeding or pain.

Myth: Breastfeeding moms should stay away from Covid-19 vaccines.

Fact: It is a false alarm. In fact, a vaccinated lactating mother can help to protect her new-born from the virus through breastfeeding. When lactating mothers get vaccinated, it produces an antibody response protecting the mothers from new Covid-19 infection. These antibodies can get transferred to the new-born while breastfeeding, safeguarding the infants with passive immunity from the virus.

Myth: Covid-19 vaccines are not safe for pregnant women

Fact: Available data suggest that the risk of complications in pregnancy is way higher in terms of contracting the virus during pregnancy than any possible risk associated with the vaccination.

Myth: Covid-19 vaccine passes through the placenta and can damage the baby

Fact: After a vaccine is administered in the muscle, the body recognises the vaccine and generates a response in the form of antibodies. These antibodies cross the placenta through the bloodstream or may reach the baby through breast milk while breastfeeding. Notably, these antibodies in the mother generated post-vaccination provide protection to both the mother and the baby during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding.

Myth: Covid-19 vaccination makes pregnant women all sick

Fact: No additional side effects of Covid-19 vaccines are reported among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant ones. Post-vaccination, a pregnant woman faces similar sickness as any other non-pregnant woman which should go away within a few days.

Pregnant women are more vulnerable to Covid-19 infection and hence, it is essential to clear off the misconceptions and bust the myths around the effects of vaccination on pregnant women. This will help the would-be mums or lactating mums to make informed decisions about vaccination and provide the best protection to the foetus and the newborns.

November 12, 2021

Pregnant Women, Vaccines on Pregnant Women

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.

Health

Best in-clinic treatments for summer

Dr Shilpa Patil, MD Dermatologist and Director of Ethoski Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., shares expert insights on the best in-clinic treatments for summer, the dos and don’ts of exfoliation, and how to safely achieve a radiant glow. What in-clinic skin treatments should people opt for in summer, and which ones should they avoid? Opt for hydrating treatments like HydraFacial, chemical peels, Fire & Ice facial, and IV therapies for inner hydration. Avoid excessive exfoliation, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. Do laser and chemical peel treatments have different effects on the skin during summer? Yes, they work differently, Chemical Peels exfoliate the outer skin layer and help with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and age spots. They range from light to deep intensity and require some downtime. Laser Treatments use focused light beams to break down pigmented cells and treat hyperpigmentation. Q-switch lasers – Nd YAG is used for pigmentation. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) lasers are for reducing sun damage. Fractional lasers (538 nm to 1064 nm) target deeper pigmentation. Pigmentation may darken initially before fading gradually, and lasers are safe for all skin types. How do you recommend treating pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure? To treat pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ daily and wear sun-protective clothing to minimize direct exposure. Topical treatments such as retinoids, hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and kojic acid can help lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone. For more persistent cases, in-clinic procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, and Q-switch laser treatments can effectively reduce pigmentation and improve skin clarity. What role does Vitamin C play in skin brightening, and should it be used more in summer? Vitamin C helps prevent heat rash by reducing sweat gland

Health

Exploring Indian Rice Varieties and Their Health Benefits

India is not just a land of spices and festivals but also a rich treasury of rice varieties. From the snow-fed Himalayan valleys to the sun-soaked southern deltas, rice has been a staple grain in Indian households for centuries. What sets India apart is the sheer diversity of rice grown—over 40,000 varieties! Each variety comes with its own taste, texture, aroma, and health benefits. Hashtag magazine delves into some of the most popular Indian rice varieties and understands how they contribute to your well-being. 1. Basmati Rice Region: North India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand)Features: Long-grain, aromatic, fluffy when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Biryani, pulao, jeera rice, festive meals 2. Sona Masoori Region: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, KarnatakaFeatures: Medium-grain, lightweight, less polished than basmati Health Benefits: Best Used For: Daily meals, lemon rice, pongal, plain rice 3. Indrayani Rice Region: MaharashtraFeatures: Aromatic, sticky texture when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Khichdi, dal rice, curd rice 4. Gobindobhog Rice Region: West BengalFeatures: Short-grain, aromatic, sticky Health Benefits: Best Used For: Bengali desserts, khichuri, payesh 5. Matta Rice (Rosematta/Red Parboiled Rice) Region: KeralaFeatures: Red-tinted rice, coarse, earthy flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Kerala meals, kanji (rice porridge) 6. Black Rice (Chak Hao) Region: Manipur and Northeast IndiaFeatures: Dark purple-black color, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pudding, salads, stir-fries, special occasions 7. Brown Rice Region: Grown all over IndiaFeatures: Whole grain, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Health-conscious meals, grain bowls, pilafs 8. Red Rice Region: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil NaduFeatures: Reddish hue from anthocyanins, nutty flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Traditional South Indian meals, power-packed lunches 9. Bamboo Rice Region: Tribal regions of Kerala, Tamil NaduFeatures: Collected from mature bamboo flowers, seasonal and rare Health Benefits: Best Used For: Unique rice dishes, porridge, desserts 10. Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati) Region: Odisha and West BengalFeatures: Small-grain, mildly aromatic Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pulao, prasad, daily meals Health Tips While Choosing Rice: Conclusion Rice is more than just a