IVF, the acronym of In Vitro Fertilisation, is the most widely used practice to curb the problem of infertility that prevails both in men and women. This treatment so far proves to be the best in producing effective results in pregnancy cases.

Choosing a good gynaecologist can be a stressful and a tedious task. You might go through some uncomfortable experiences before you find a perfect one for yourself. 

Experiencing parenthood is one of the most beautiful rewards that couples are blessed with. But, with changing times, people have become so busy and stressful due to hectic careers and the accompanying problems. This has led to change in lifestyle, inappropriate diet consumption, increased stress and delayed family planning, which ends up causing fertility problems in couples.

Pregnancy is a period when women are not only undergoing hormonal changes drastically but are also struck by a tsunami of emotions, questions, and worries. One such primary concern that every expecting mother has is around the delivery process – normal v/s C-section.

Congratulations! You are pregnant and very soon, you are going to meet your baby. 😊 But.. you have a thousand questions crossing your mind. One of those important questions is- where am I going to deliver my baby?

You’ve just met one of the most important people in your life, your baby. It’s an amazing feeling! You giggle thinking about the adventure you have embarked upon and…ouch! The stitches hurt and they hurt bad. Well, this is something that you might need to get used to, for a few weeks at least. But there are things that you can do to manage your pain better and in ways that will make you heal faster. Let’s get to that now.

Right from conceiving, to pregnancy to holding a child in your arms for the first time- a rollercoaster ride filled with anticipation, excitement and happiness. The first step to this wonderful journey is conceiving.

Breastfeeding your baby is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your baby.

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in a mother’s life. With all the advances in the field of medicine, science, and technology, it has become easier to view the entire journey of the baby. There are various tests that are carried out during pregnancy to check the growth of the baby and check for any signs of abnormality that might be present in the baby. One such test that is performed during pregnancy is a double marker test.  In this blog, we will learn more about the double marker pregnancy test. So please keep reading.  What Is a Double Marker Test in Pregnancy? A double marker test is a common test that is prescribed to a pregnant woman and is to be conducted in the first trimester of the pregnancy. This test is otherwise also known as maternal serum screening. A double marker test is a predictive test and not a definitive one. In essence, this test only shows the likelihood of any chromosomal abnormalities. A double marker test checks and measures the levels of both free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A).  Usually, during pregnancy, the female and male fetuses will have 22 chromosomes. Where a female fetus will have 22 pairs of the XX chromosomes, 22 pairs of the XY chromosomes will be found in male fetuses. Trisomy is a chromosomal abnormality where there is an extra pair of chromosomes in the fetus. This extra pair may lead to abnormalities like:  Edward’s syndrome: This chromosomal abnormality occurs due to the presence of an extra chromosome 18 copy. Down syndrome: This chromosomal abnormality occurs due to the presence of an extra chromosome 21 copy. Patau’s syndrome: This chromosomal abnormality occurs due to the presence of an extra chromosome 13 copy. It has been found that in a pregnant woman having a chromosomal abnormality, the hCG and PAPP-A levels may be higher or lower than the normal level. A double marker test alone is not enough to produce definitive results. Hence, along with the test, another test called a nuchal translucency (NT) scan would also be conducted. This NT scan helps in examining the clear tissue found behind the baby’s neck.   Why Is a Double Marker Test Done? A double marker test is usually done in the first trimester to screen for any chromosomal abnormality in the baby. This test is not mandatory and is usually recommended to be done in women who are aged above 35 years or who are at high risk due to any family history or have any other condition. Before undergoing a double marker test, it is important to ascertain the effect the results will have on you. Will it affect your mental health? Will be you be willing to undergo further invasive testing? Or will the results change the way you were to manage the pregnancy?  Since the answers to these doubts are totally dependent on the medical history and the mother’s personal choice, there are no definitive answers to them.   What Is The Procedure For Double Marker Test Screening? During the procedure for a double marker test screening, an ultrasound examination will be conducted first, followed by a blood test to measure the levels of free beta-hCG and PAPP-A.   What Are The Benefits Of The Procedure? The benefits of double marker test screening are,  It helps in screening the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn baby.  It helps the doctor in assessing if there is any risk of mental disorder in the fetus. It is a primary test for detecting Down syndrome.  This test helps in the detection of trisomy 18, which could cause mental issues and birth defects. This test helps in the detection of trisomy 21, which could lead to mental and heart problems in the baby, as well as cause health problems in other important organs.  Time And Cost Of The Double Marker Test Your doctor will prescribe the double marker test anywhere between 11 to 14 weeks of the pregnancy. The cost of a double marker test is around INR 2500 to INR 3500 and will differ from hospital to hospital.   What Are The Risks That Are Associated With a Double Marker Test Screening? Although there are no risks that are associated with a double marker screening test, it is best to contact your healthcare provider regarding any concerns or queries you may have.   How Should a Patient Prepare For The Double Marker Test? Since a double marker test is like any other simple blood test, there is no need for any special preparations to be done. Before a double marker test, it is safe for the patient to eat normally, unless they are advised by the doctor to follow certain instructions.   What To Expect When The Double Marker Test Is Done? Once the test double marker test is done, you are likely to get the results in around 3-7 days   Standard Results For The Double Marker Test You are likely to receive one of the following results for the double marker test,  Low risk  Moderate risk  High risk  If the results show low risk or screen negative, then it is considered normal as the chances of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby are less. However, it is essential to note that low-risk result doesn’t always implicate that there may not be any issue with the baby. This is because a double marker test only screens for markers for trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and trisomy 21 and not other possible health conditions.   Abnormal Results For The Double Marker Test If the results from the double marker test come as moderate risk or high risk, then it means screen positive. To further confirm the results, the doctor may suggest more invasive tests that will produce definitive results. These invasive tests include:  Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) Chorionic villous sampling Amniocentesis Now, although these tests produce definitive results, they may have some risks affecting the pregnancy.   Double Marker Test vs. NT Scan To get test results with more accuracy, the double marker test and the ultrasound NT scan are done together in the first trimester. These tests, when combined together, can help in detecting chromosomal abnormalities with more accuracy. The NT scan also helps in getting a better image of the baby to view and measure the size of the clear portion present at the back of the neck, as well as check the nasal bone development, which can be a sign of trisomy.   Conclusion A double marker test that helps in screening chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn baby. This test helps in preparing the parents in case the baby is born with special needs. You can contact your healthcare provider and raise any concerns you may have regarding the baby and the pregnancy. At Ayu Health Hospitals, the patients get the best possible healthcare at affordable prices. Having an excellent team of doctors and healthcare professionals, it’s undoubtedly the best option for anybody. Are you looking for good gynecologists to consult? Contact us at 636-610-0800 to know more.

Although the name “chocolate cyst” seems intriguing and unique, the health condition is pretty standard. But the sad part is lots of women are suffering from it, without even realizing it. Lack of awareness and frequent misdiagnosis is one of the biggest reasons behind this. Many wonders “how to stop ovarian cysts from growing?” or “how to shrink ovarian cysts naturally?”. This blog clarifies all misconceptions about chocolate cysts and suggests effective tips and a proper chocolate cyst diet to manage them.  What Is a Chocolate Cyst? A benign, blood-filled mass known as a “chocolate cyst” is common in females of reproductive age. This cyst may develop inside the ovary or may enclose the ovary. The cyst might be anywhere from 2 and 20 centimeters in size. The darkish, brown, tar-like material found within the chocolate cyst gave rise to its name. Such materials include remnants of endometrial tissue, thicker and old menstrual blood, and inflammatory enzymes. Women suffering from endometriosis have an increased risk of developing chocolate cysts.  Impact Of Diet On Chocolate Cyst  Diet can bring big changes in someone’s health. A person suffering from chocolate cysts should choose a diet the doctor suggests. Generally, a low-starch and high-fiber chocolate cyst diet is recommended. However, one has to be physically active along with a proper diet.  Foods That Heal Chocolate Cyst (Ovarian Cyst) The items listed below can be included in your chocolate diet to help with the condition’s symptoms. They greatly relieve the symptoms by assisting in hormone regulation.  Consume a lot of healthy fats. Some sources are salmon, tuna, walnuts, chia seeds, canola oil, avocados, etc. Increase the intake of minerals. Food items such as dark chocolate(in small quantities), spinach, black beans, nuts, seeds, etc. provide that. Crabs, chicken, and oysters are rich sources of zinc. Spices and food items such as olive oil, turmeric, kale, black pepper, garlic, etc. must be used in daily cooking.  Foods To Avoid With Chocolate Cyst  Some foods may make the situation worse by increasing estrogen levels or inflammation. Here are some foods to avoid with ovarian cysts:  Alcoholic beverages, for example, beer and wine.  Besides in your meals, you must avoid sugary drinks (such as sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks) since they can deteriorate the condition.  Avoid oily and fried food items.  Diet Chart For Chocolate Cyst As discussed earlier, one should include some food items in the diet and avoid others. Overall, the diet should include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Dairy items such as cheese and milk, and red meat, should be limited since they can trigger inflammation.  Besides that, the diet should be “low-GI” in nature and include foods that heal ovarian cysts. This refers to those food items which are slowly digested in the gastrointestinal tract and do not cause sudden spurs in insulin. The following items can be consumed for the same:  Low carbohydrate and unprocessed foods: legumes, non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and fruits.  Healthy drinks such as green tea, aloe vera juice, fenugreek water, etc.  Fishes that are rich in omega fatty acids, including salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel. The vegetarian alternatives include walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, kidney beans, etc. Do’s and Don’ts  While recovering, it’s vital to follow some do’s and don’ts. Read on:  Do’s:  Always keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and other healthy fluids. Our bodies heal during sleep, thus make sure to get 8-9 hours of sleep daily. Include fresh foods in your chocolate cyst diet, free from toxins or pesticides as much as possible. Make sure to include exercise, yoga, and meditation in your routine to tackle the symptoms. Don’ts: Avoid consuming excess sugar, caffeine, soda, and similar junk food items. No alcohol and smoking, since they tend to disrupt the healing process. There are a few activities to avoid with ovarian cysts, such as strenuous exercises. This is because they might rupture the cysts.  Conclusion  Endometriosis affects approximately 190 million women worldwide; almost half of them suffer from chocolate cysts. Even though there is a growing understanding of this ailment and how it affects women’s health, there remains work to be accomplished. Hence, gaining knowledge on this subject and staying informed is necessary. At Ayu Health Hospitals, the patients get the best possible healthcare at affordable prices. Having an excellent team of doctors and healthcare professionals, it’s undoubtedly the best option for anybody. Are you looking for good gynecologists to consult? OR Seeking a personalized chocolate cyst diet? Contact us at 636-610-0800 to know more.

Dr. Kanika is MBBS, MS in Gynecology. 
Gynecologist at Safdarjung Hospital & VMMC. 2015 – 2018. 
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital. 2012 – 2015.
Medical Officer, UP State Medical Services. 2010 – 2012.
Junior Resident – Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi. 2009 – 2010.

Dr Karnika Tiwari

Ayu Health Multi-speciality hospital - Amrapali Platinum, Sector 119

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Taranjot Singh shares his experience about the treatment done at Ayu Health Hospitals, Chandigarh.

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Amit talks about the experience of his wife Ranjna's delivery done at Ayu Health Multispecialty Hospitals, Chandigarh

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Sujata Das's Husband shares their experience about the Abortion treatment done for his wife at Ayu Health Hospitals, Delhi.

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