New-age moms ditch early maternity leave, docs approve

“I would continue to do normal things as everybody else because that’s what it is,” actress Kareena Kapoor Khan had said during her pregnancy. Like her, several new-age mothers now continue to work during their last trimester of pregnancy and medical experts are giving it a thumbs-up.

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016, has given pregnant women an opportunity to avail an extended paid maternity leave of 26 weeks, but some would-be mothers are keener to spend that time after the baby arrives.

Richa Gupta, public relations professional says, "Being an independent media professional, I had the liberty to work from my own office. My work includes a lot of travelling to meet clients, events and media rounds, which I did and continue to do so till today. I am ready to deliver in the next 10 to 15 days,”

According to medical experts, there is a definite change in the mindset of expectant mothers. Witty Raina, Medical Director, Gynecologist and Obstetrician of Cloudnine Group of Hospitals said, “Some women choose to continue working because it keeps them calm and helps them balance their day-to-day work. Most women these days take time off after their pregnancy to take care of themselves and their newborn,”

Mumbai-based celebrity Gynecologist Shantala Vadeyar said, “Working during pregnancy has become more common now because of the increase in the flexibility offered at workplaces.”

“Many mothers look forward to stress-free pregnancy and they want to take care of themselves during this phase. This gives them the confidence to balance the needs of their growing families without worrying about work or finances. Therefore, this kind of a balance is helpful,” Vadeyar added.

Is there any risk involved?

“It’s actually good as bed rest is not at all advisable in most cases of healthy pregnancy; it is advisable only in a few cases. So it’s very good for a woman who keeps herself active till the time of delivery,” Manika Khanna, a Gynecologist with Gaudium IVF.

“Pregnancy is a very normal physiological process. One should opt for home or bed rest in only complicated cases like hypertension or threatened pre-term labour,” said Kaberi Banerjee, IVF and Infertility Specialist, Clinical Director at Advance Fertility and Gynecological Centre.

Complications may occur if the mother does not keep herself comfortable, is not careful while travelling or is not having proper diet which may lead to premature labour pain, say experts. So what kind of movements or exercises should one keep in mind while working during the last month of pregnancy? “Light to moderate exercise strengthens the abdominal and back muscles, which help improve posture and decrease aches and pains.

Practising yoga, pilates, walking, swimming and cycling on a stationary bike are safe for pregnant women. It is best to exercise at least 30 minutes each day, drink plenty of water when exercising and rest after,” said Vadeyar.

Nidhi Khera, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology at Apollo Cradle, emphasised on mental and emotional health as well. “The idea is to go through this journey in a happy way, connecting with the little bundle of joy developing within you. It is now known that the babies even inside the womb can feel, hear, have a sense of taste, smell and can learn. How we develop these is up to us,” Khera said.

Eating right is important too. “Increase intake of proteins, includes plenty of fruits and veggies in your diet, and include MUFA rich oils like canola oil, which is good for foetus development. Incorporate healthy snacks like handful of nuts, sprouts, cheela and yogurt smoothie include an iron-rich diet which will make you more energetic and healthy,” said Nutritionist Ritika Samaddar.

Adding a hint of glamour to all mothers

BIBA’s new collection is a blend of elegant outfits in medley of colours varying from soft pastels to vibrant solids available in different sizes giving mothers an array of options to choose from. The collection comprises of SKD (Salwar Kameez Dupatta), ethnic mix and match kurtas, palazzos, leggings, skirts and unstitched pieces. The highlight of the collection includes Indigo, Summer Elegance and Art In Style. The range is available in all BIBA outlets.

A gift of pure love with platinum

Celebrate this day with your mother by gifting her sophisticated and minimalistic platinum jewellery. Choose from a varied range of designs that include pendants, chains, bracelets, necklaces and bangles. They are available at all platinum retailers across the country.

Say ‘Thank you’ with a Forevermark diamond

Show her that your bond is more precious than ever, with a Forevermark diamond that shines with the brilliance of her unconditional love, celebrating the uniqueness of women. Give her a gift that she will treasure forever from Forevermark’s beautiful Millemoi collection of classic diamond jewellery that includes earrings, necklaces, pendants and rings, available in a variety of designs. Find the range at Forevermark Jewellers outlets.

Sling on a high-end look for your mother

Show your gratitude by gifting your mother a Caprese bag from the new glamorous collection. The latest collection is crafted in modern contemporary silhouettes with a bright fresh spring color palette of pleasing pastels like blush pink along with bold favorites like coral and olive.The collection includes Mira Sling, Ivy Tote, Charlotte (Tote large, satchel large and medium), and Tessa satchel and sling. This range is available in all Caprese outlets.

Dress your mother in pastels

This season, Ahujasons brings forth cashmere scarves specially developed for summers. This collection is a testament to the immortal connection between fashion and nature. Immerse your mother in pastel colors with gold zari scarf, which is beautiful and radiant. Cashmere is not just a winter fabric it is a perfect layering piece for spring as well. The collection with total 300 pieces are handmade scarves, made by master weavers taking one day to weave one scarf. The scarves are available for Rupees 11,000 at all Ahujasons outlets.

Mother's love for Banarasi saree

Banarasi sarees are the hallmarks of the today's modern fashion world. It is a must wear attire for women who want to look elegant yet sober and sophisticated. It is popular not only in Bengali weddings but rather these types of sarees are desired by every woman regardless of social status or religion. When we talk about Kadva Jamdani, this form of weave is only done on natural fabrics, thus, making it healthy for skin and eco-friendly. This form of weaving is being made in a saree since the Mughal Era. The range is a mix of georgette, Banarsi net, kora and cotton. The collection starts with `20,000 and available at all Vineet’s Sarees outlets.

By Nivedita