Pregnancy & Baby Care: A Practical Guide

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The book is a complete guide to pregnancy and baby care. It provides answers to questions that would-be-parents wish to ask their obstetrician -how babies are born, what are different stages of pregnancy, what essential care needs to be taken during pregnancy like diet, exercises, antenatal tests, check-ups, what are the common problems and complications, childbirth, aftercare, among others. Written by a renowned physician and co-authored by a well-known biologist, the book in a lucid and easy manner provides in depth information about conception, pregnancy, childbirth and baby care. A friendly user's guide, it is a must read for all the expectant parents as well as their families.

Dr. Yatish Agarwal is Dean of School of Medical and Paramedical Health Sciences, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi. A WHO fellow and a JICA fellow, he has been associated with Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, Delhi; Rajan Babu Tuberculosis Hospital, Delhi; National Cancer Centre Hospital, Tokyo; and University of Mahidol, Thailand. He is recipient of several national awards, including the Vigyan Bhushan (2014), Indira Gandhi Award (2006), Rajiv Gandhi Award (2005), Indian Council of Medical Research Award (2004), Littérateur Award (2003), Dr. Meghnad Saha Award (2002), Shiksha Award (2001), National Science Award (2000) and Atmaram Award (1999). He has written several research papers, columns, articles which feature regularly in various journals, periodicals, magazines and newspapers. He has edited numerous journals and magazines like Astrocyte, Elsevier Science and The Green Journal, and has authored around 50 books on health and medical science, which have been translated into various Indian languages.

Dr. Rekha Agarwal is a well-known littérateur, children's writer and columnist. Her short stories, sociological essays and columns have appeared in national dailies and prominent literary journals since 1978. Some of her stories have been translated into Asamiya, Bangla, Gujarati, Odia and Punjabi. She has authored a number of children's books including The Story of Blood, The Magic Needles, The Strange Thermometer and Bulbulon ki Ginti, published by National Book Trust, India. She is a recipient of several national awards, including the National Science Award (2007), Atmaram Award (2006), Littérateur Award (2005) and Dr. Meghnad Saha Award (2002).

The birth of a baby is one of the most joyful moments in one's life. It is a sacred and fulfilling experience, which changes one's whole outlook on life. A baby is a symbol of all that's beautiful, precious, and most wonderful in life. The birth of a baby in a happy, healthy family means that the bond between husband and wife has come of age. Together you create a new human being who embodies a part of each of you your bodies, minds, and spirits, and is in a true sense, your own vision of yourselves carrying on your love and work and life into the future.

The groundwork for good parenting must begin the moment you decide upon having a baby. That is the time to take stock and make a few preparations. To set the ball rolling, you must know the rules and nuances of human plan of reproduction for your baby's safety and good health.

The moment conception occurs, the mother takes the responsibility of nurturing the seed of life. Bit by bit, cell-by-cell, perfused by her arteries the tiny fertilised egg ows into a complete baby! A single cell grows and matures into billions of cells; still grows each baby is unique. Only a mother can feel the tug of this special bond, only she can feel the pride of her creation. By giving birth, she ensures life's continuation.

The 40 weeks or so of toil is crossed by some remarkable changes. Most women are lucky and have a fairly smooth pregnancy. However, 15 per cent pregnancies do not do well and terminate in an abortion. Again, there are times when a pregnancy gets mired in complications and requires deft handling for a satisfactory outcome.

Finally, the big day arrives. You take up a new role. Bringing up that helpless bundle of life has both its rewards and punishment.