Muskan Shinde

Salt tests are completely unscientific and have no medical basis. Our body releases the hCG hormone during pregnancy, which can only be detected by chemical reagents in proper test kits or via a blood test. My doctor said these salt and sugar tests are just random chemical reactions.

There is no scientific way to check pregnancy just by touching your stomach, dear. In the first trimester, the baby is tiny and hidden deep behind the pelvic bone, so you won't feel any bump. Buy a pregnancy test kit from the chemist, that's the only reliable way.

Book your appointment early in the morning to avoid long waiting times at the clinic, especially if you have to head to work. Wear a two-piece outfit like a top and leggings so you don't have to change.

My doctor told me that 'fetal pole' is the term used for the early embryo that appears as a thickening on the edge of the yolk sac. It usually grows about 1mm per day once visible, and seeing it with a heartbeat is a great sign. Just consult your gynac to understand your report.

In my personal experience, my red stretch marks turned into very faint silver lines after about a year of my delivery. I didn't use any expensive creams, just regular olive oil after bathing. They didn't completely vanish, but they are barely noticeable now.