Women's Health

Pregnancy is a journey of about 40 weeks from the last menstrual period to the birth of a baby. Modern antenatal care — which India's public health system provides largely free — has made pregnancy safer than ever before.

Menstruation (periods) is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining in women of reproductive age. A normal cycle lasts 21-35 days; bleeding for 2-7 days; most women lose about 30-80 ml of blood.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age. It involves irregular ovulation, raised androgen (male-type) hormone levels, and often a characteristic ultrasound appearance of the ovaries.

Breastfeeding is the best start for a baby. Breast milk is perfectly adapted to a newborn — it contains the right balance of nutrients, antibodies that protect against infection, and factors that support the baby's growing immune system and gut.

Infertility is usually defined as not becoming pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex (or 6 months if the woman is over 35). It affects both men and women — roughly one-third of cases are male factor, one-third female factor, and the rest combined or unexplained.

Menopause is when a woman's periods have stopped permanently — confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Natural menopause usually happens between 45-55.

Osteoporosis is when bones become thinner and more fragile than normal, so they break easily — often from a minor fall or even bending over. It is largely silent until a fracture happens.

Childbirth (labour and delivery) is the process by which a baby is born. Most deliveries in India now happen in institutions — hospitals, medical colleges, primary health centres — which has substantially reduced maternal and newborn deaths.

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is cramping, aching, or dragging pain in the lower belly or back during periods. Mild to moderate pain that settles with simple measures is common and usually not dangerous.

Birth control (contraception) lets a woman or couple decide whether and when to have children. Many safe, effective, affordable methods are available in India — including several free through the public health system.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes treatments that help a couple conceive when natural conception is difficult. The main ART procedures are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with add-ons like ICSI, donor gametes, and frozen embryo transfer.

Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. It is extremely common — roughly 1 in 4-5 recognised pregnancies end in miscarriage, most in the first trimester.