By now, we all must be aware of how a mother's body changes during and even after pregnancy. What comes next is a challenging phase, called postpartum. However, it is not just the mothers, but dads too go through postpartum depression. As per the UT Southwestern Medical Center, 1 in 10 dads struggle with postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety. According to a 2019 study published in Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, a peer reviewed journal providing evidence-based information, titled Postpartum Depression in Men by Jonathan R Scarff defines postpartum depression as an episode of major depressive disorder occurring soon after the birth of a child. While it is frequently reported in mothers, but can also occur in father. However, there is no established criteria for this in men, although it could present over the course of a year, with symptoms of irritability restrict emotions, and depression.

Why Do Dads Experience PPD?

Fathers can also experience postpartum depression (PPD) due to various factors, including a history of depression, relationship conflicts, financial stress, and maternal depression. Sleep deprivation and disrupted circadian rhythms, known to affect maternal mental health, may also contribute to PPD in men. Additionally, hormonal changes during and after pregnancy play a role. Studies suggest that lower testosterone levels in new fathers reduce aggression and enhance responsiveness to a baby’s cries, while increased estrogen levels promote more engaged parenting. However, these hormonal shifts can also increase vulnerability to depression. Low testosterone is directly linked to depressive symptoms, and imbalances in estrogen, prolactin, vasopressin, and cortisol may hinder father-infant bonding, further exacerbating PPD symptoms.

In fact the study also goes on to note that fathers can experience prenatal depression like mothers too. While it depends on the kind of environment they are in, here are some of the common reasons why dads feel this way:

Hormonal Changes: As per a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Human Biology, titled Prenatal hormones in first-time expectant parents: Longitudinal changes and within-couple correlations, showed that fathers experience hormonal changes during and after their partner's pregnancy. The main reason is the decline in testosterone.

Feeling Disconnected: While dads also want to be part of the newborn experience, the baby usually spends most of the time with the mother. It may make them feel like they are on the "outside".

Other reasons include the pressure that a father feels. Parenting is not easy, it adds on to financial pressure, and this thought could also lead to depression. Especially, if depression runs in father's family, he is more likely to feel depressed with these changes around him. Most new parents underestimate the role lack of sleep plays in their lives. Staying up all night trying to get your baby to eat or sleep can leave you feeling sleep deprived, which could be one of the reasons why the father too may feel tired and depressed.

What Can Be Done?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that postpartum depression screenings not be solely the responsibility of obstetrician, and it must be done by pediatricians too to incorporate maternal health. However, fathers too should go for such screenings. In fact, in 2020, an editorial in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics called on pediatricians to assess the mental health of all new parents regardless of gender.

The ray of hope here is that more and more people are talking about it and are able to recognize the depression dads also go through. The change is not just for moms, but also for dads, thus it is important that they also are taken care of.

Thyroid problems are giving a tough time to many women. Are you aware? More women planning pregnancy are now being diagnosed with borderline thyroid levels. Here, the expert sheds light on the importance of early screening and timely care for better fertility outcomes. It is imperative for women to manage their thyroid health by following the vital tips.

Thyroid issues are commonly seen in a large number of women. Currently, a large number of women who are planning pregnancy are being diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism.

This condition is identified when thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are slightly high, while other thyroid hormones remain within the normal range. Although it may not cause obvious symptoms, it can still impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes if left unmanaged.

Understanding The Link Between Thyroid And Fertility

Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating metabolism, menstrual cycles, and ovulation. Even a small amount of imbalance can interfere with the release of eggs, making it harder for women to conceive. Subclinical hypothyroidism can be detected by the expert during routine blood tests, that is, when women undergo pre-pregnancy check-ups or even fertility evaluations. The diagnosis can be surprising for women.

That is the time some women may come to know about their compromised thyroid levels. So, the causes behind the rise in borderline TSH levels are lifestyle-related factors. You will be shocked to know that stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and sedentary habits can affect hormonal balance.

Even conditions such as Autoimmune Thyroiditis and iodine imbalance may also contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Since symptoms are usually mild or absent, many women will end up ignoring the symptoms and suffer in silence.

While subclinical hypothyroidism may not always require aggressive treatment, it becomes important when a woman is trying to conceive. As even mildly elevated TSH levels can increase the risk of irregular ovulation, early pregnancy loss, and complications during pregnancy, prompt monitoring and, in some cases, low-dose thyroid medication can be recommended by the doctor to maintain optimal hormone levels.

Women Must Follow These Tips:

• Women should opt for regular thyroid function tests before planning pregnancy to know the status of their thyroid health.
• It is necessary to consult an expert and follow a balanced diet with an adequate amount of iodine and nutrients.
• Strictly avoid junk, processed, and sugary foods, stay hydrated, quit smoking, and limit alcohol.
• It is also necessary to sleep well, exercise daily, and follow the doctor’s instructions regarding medication and follow-ups.

So, women, stay vigilant and prevent thyroid problems.

(By Dr Swati Rai, Consultant-Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida.)

Eggs are a great source of protein. At the same time, they are one of the most common foods that cause allergies in children.

A new study conducted in Australia showed that introducing eggs to children before the age of one may reduce the risk of allergy by 17 per cent. The findings were published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

Jennifer Koplin, Associate Professor at the Child Health Research Centre at The University of Queensland, said: “Australia has one of the highest rates of food allergy in the world, with one in 10 infants allergic to one or more foods".

To curb the allergy rates, the Australian infant feeding guidelines, issued by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy in 2016, revolutionized allergy prevention by advising parents to introduce well-cooked egg and smooth peanut butter soon after starting solid foods, generally around six months of age.

The research, led by a team from UQ and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, examined 7,200 children in two Australian population-based studies to assess whether egg allergy rates had declined since the introduction of the guidelines. The risk of allergy decreased by 17 per cent among babies who started eating eggs early.

“Most parents followed the guidelines, and these results provide reassurance that this advice will help reduce the chance of their child developing an egg allergy,” Dr Koplin said.

Also read: I Ate Eggs And Toast For Breakfast Every Day—Here’s How My Body Reacted

Lesser Allergy In Infants With Eczema

According to Associate Professor Rachel Peters of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, the reduction in egg allergy was more pronounced in babies with eczema, a known risk factor for food allergies. Among these children, egg allergy rates were reduced from 35 per cent to 22 per cent.

“The introduction of the 2016 guidelines was a major change from most advice given in the 1990s and early 2000s, which recommended parents delay giving eggs and other allergenic foods until 1–3 years of age if there was a strong family history of allergy,” Dr Peters said.

Allergenic Foods Before Age One

Other common allergy-causing foods, such as cow's milk, fish, sesame, wheat, and tree nuts, are also recommended to be included in a child's diet before one year of age. Dr Koplin, however, urged for more research into food allergies.

Read More: Eating Almonds Daily Can Prevent Cognitive Decline In Prediabetic Adults

Common Symptoms of Egg Allergy

According to the Mayo Clinic, egg allergy symptoms usually start a few minutes to a few hours after eating eggs or foods containing eggs. While egg allergies can occur as early as infancy, most children outgrow their egg allergy by age 16.

Egg allergy symptoms can include:

• Skin swelling or itchy bumps called hives — the most common egg allergy reaction.
• Stuffy or runny nose and sneezing, also known as allergic rhinitis.
• Digestive symptoms such as cramps, upset stomach and vomiting.
• Asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.

Repeated miscarriages can cause stress and anxiety in couples who are searching for answers. Hence, understanding the possible causes, getting timely investigations, and following the right treatment roadmap can help improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy in the future.

Experiencing a miscarriage can be heartbreaking, but repeated miscarriages can feel even more overwhelming for couples trying to build a family. Many people believe pregnancy loss is simply due to bad luck or stress, but recurrent miscarriages often need proper medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

Couples tend to avoid seeking help for repeated miscarriages and keep blaming each other. However, with the help of awareness, timely testing, and the right support, many couples can go on to have successful pregnancies.

What Is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?

Repeated miscarriage, also called recurrent pregnancy loss, refers to two or more consecutive pregnancy losses. While not every case has a clear explanation, several medical, genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle-related factors may contribute to repeated pregnancy failure.

Hence, couples will have to consult a fertility expert who will help them understand the causes behind the repeated miscarriages.

Why Medical Evaluation Is Important

The roadmap to finding answers: So, the repeated miscarriage will need a detailed medical evaluation of both partners. The expert will review previous pregnancy history, medical conditions, family history, lifestyle habits, and past test results. This helps identify possible patterns or hidden health concerns.

• Genetic testing may be advised because chromosome-related problems in either partner can increase the risk of miscarriage.

• Hormonal issues such as thyroid disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or hormonal imbalance can also affect pregnancy health.

• In some women, structural problems in the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, scar tissue, or an abnormal uterine shape, may interfere with implantation or fetal growth.

• Blood clotting disorders and immune-related conditions can also increase the risk of pregnancy loss.

Lifestyle Factors Matter Too

Smoking, alcohol, obesity, poor sleep, stress, and unhealthy eating habits may negatively affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Age can also influence egg quality and increase the chances of miscarriage.

Couples must seek timely help for repeated miscarriages, maintain an optimum weight, quit smoking and alcohol, and eat a balanced diet. Stay stress-free by doing yoga and meditation.

Exercise on a daily basis as advised by the expert, go for regular health check-ups and follow-ups with the doctor. Take prescribed supplements such as folic acid regularly. Follow these crucial tips, and it is possible to conceive even after facing repeated miscarriage.