Indian summers have always carried memories that stay with us. Long afternoons at home, outdoor games that stretched till sunset, the sound of ice in a glass, and a chilled sharbat waiting after hours in the heat. These were small moments, but they became a part of growing up. With Summerwala Sharbat, Mother’s Recipe brings back wahi bachpan wali baat through a range of flavours that feel instantly familiar and comforting.

The range includes five flavours: Mango Panna, Rose Syrup, Jeera Masala Syrup, Khus Syrup, and Lemon Ginger Squash. Each one draws from tastes that have been closely associated with Indian summers across homes and generations. Together, they bring alive the kind of refreshment that was once a regular part of the season and still holds emotional recall for families today.

Summerwala Sharbat has been created for today’s consumers, but the emotion behind it comes from an older, more familiar place. Mango Panna brings back the raw mango taste many remember from home kitchens. Rose recalls the sweet and colourful drinks often served during family gatherings. Jeera Masala carries a bold, traditional flavour linked to cooling summer refreshment. Khus brings back one of the season’s most recognisable tastes, while Lemon Ginger offers a lighter and lively option rooted in everyday Indian drinking habits.

The Summerwala Sharbat range comes in a 750 ml PET bottle priced at Rs. 215. Easy to store and convenient for regular use, it is suited for everyday family consumption as well as summer get-togethers. The range is available across leading e-commerce platforms and select retail outlets.

Speaking about the range, Sanjana Desai, Executive Director, Mother’s Recipe, said, “Some summer memories stay with you forever because they are tied to taste, routine, and home. With Summerwala Sharbat, we wanted to bring back flavours that instantly remind people of those familiar moments. The idea was to create a range that feels refreshing in the present while still carrying the warmth of childhood summers.”

With Summerwala Sharbat, Mother’s Recipe continues to celebrate Indian taste memories in ways that feel relevant to today’s consumer. The range brings together flavour, familiarity, and seasonal refreshment in a format that is both easy to enjoy and emotionally resonant.

The post Experience the Essence of Childhood with Mother’s Recipe Summerwala Sharbat Collection appeared first on NRI News.

In India, the very word ‘caregiving’ is largely synonymous with motherhood. Historically and culturally, Indian fathers have been predominantly viewed through the lens of financial providers and disciplinarians – expected to be pillars of strength, but often emotionally distant and functionally removed from day-to-day child-rearing.

This dynamic becomes even more pronounced in families raising neurodivergent children. Conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy come with unique caregiving demands – often intensive, round-the-clock, and emotionally complex. In such homes, mothers are expected to sacrifice their careers and social lives to meet the child’s needs, while fathers are typically expected to “provide”.

But this narrative is changing.

A Quiet Shift in Indian Homes

Across cities and smaller towns, fathers are slowly – and often quietly – stepping into roles they were never groomed for. They are attending therapy sessions, sitting through speech assessments, managing meltdowns, negotiating with schools, and learning the vocabulary of developmental delays and sensory regulation. In some households, fathers have even taken the dramatic step of quitting their jobs to care for their children full-time – a reversal of traditional gender roles that was virtually unheard of a generation ago.

This shift is not always voluntary. Sometimes, it is born out of necessity – such as when the mother is unwell or also working full-time. But often, it is a choice – an act of conscious parenting. It reflects a deeper understanding that their child’s progress depends not only on therapies and medication, but also on consistent emotional presence.

The Emotional Labour of Fatherhood

For many of these men, the journey is a deeply personal one. They must wrestle not just with the complexities of their child’s condition, but also with the expectations placed on them by society, family, and even themselves. There are few role models. Few spaces where they can talk openly. And almost no representation in mainstream media or parenting conversations.

The emotional labour involved is immense – watching your child struggle with basic tasks other children perform with ease, dealing with schools that are ill-equipped or unsympathetic, and enduring the pain of isolation when neighbours, relatives, or peers offer well-meaning but ignorant advice.

And yet, these fathers show up. They adapt. They learn. And in doing so, they redefine masculinity in powerful ways – not through stoicism or success, but through sensitivity, advocacy, and presence.

Battling Stigma, Redefining Roles

In many parts of India, societal norms still discourage men from active parenting. Fathers who exhibit tenderness or take time off for caregiving are often met with disbelief or ridicule. Remarks like “He’s doing the mother’s job” or “Why can’t his wife handle it?” are not uncommon. These responses stem from deeply entrenched patriarchy – the idea that caregiving is incompatible with masculinity.

But the growing tribe of caregiving fathers is challenging these assumptions. They are normalising tears in therapy rooms, sharing parenting tips on online forums, and even starting support groups for other dads. In doing so, they are creating safer, more inclusive spaces for their children – and for themselves.

Healthcare Needs to Catch Up

This shift in caregiving roles also has implications for the healthcare system. Most hospitals, therapy centres, and schools still treat the mother as the default point of contact – often assuming she will understand the technicalities and shoulder the responsibility. It’s time for institutions to recognise and include fathers more actively in care plans, family counselling sessions, and early intervention programmes. Doing so not only supports the father but also improves outcomes for the child.

A Broader Vision for Fatherhood

This Father’s Day, let’s expand our definition of what fatherhood can look like – especially in the context of raising neurodivergent children. Let us honour not just the breadwinners or disciplinarians, but also the bath-time experts, the speech therapy companions, the sleepless-night watchers, and the homework tutors.

These men are not stepping in to “help”. They are parenting – fully and fiercely.

And by celebrating their stories, we are doing more than applauding individual courage. We are nudging society towards a model of shared caregiving. We are showing that care is not a mother’s duty – it is a parent’s instinct.

Let’s move one step closer to a future where the term “primary caregiver” could just as easily refer to the father.

The post The Evolving Role of Fathers appeared first on NRI News.

Pregnancy is usually a time filled with happiness and hope, plans for the new addition to the family, and pampering. But for some expecting moms, that journey can be jolted by an unexpected and infrequent diagnosis — one of a brain tumour.

Pregnancy already brings significant physical changes, emotional ups and downs, and constant monitoring of health. The presence of a brain tumour during this time turns the situation into one of the most complex medical scenarios a person can face. Two lives are at stake in such cases, and every decision must be made with caution, deliberation, and careful consideration.

Diagnosis and Initial Assessment

Identifying a brain tumour diagnosis in a pregnant woman is particularly challenging because many of the symptoms of brain tumours usually share common physiological changes and discomforts associated with pregnancy. Nausea, vomiting, persistent headaches, and dizziness are common during pregnancy, but they are also key warning signals of a brain tumour.

This overlap often leads to misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis, as medical professionals may initially attribute the symptoms to pregnancy-related discomfort. When these symptoms persist or worsen, imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)is the preferred method, as it provides detailed images without radiation and is considered safe during pregnancy. In some cases, additional tests or a biopsy may be required if the type of tumour is unclear.

Computed Tomography (CT) scans are generally avoided during pregnancy as they use ionising radiation, which is a risk to the foetus.

Diagnosis of brain tumours during pregnancy is typically established through a multidisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, neurologists, and radiologists. Once the type of tumour is confirmed, the medical team considers several key questions:

1. Is it a low-grade or a high-grade tumour?
2.  Is it causing pressure on the brain?
3.  How far along is the pregnancy?

Tumours that are slow growing, such as meningiomas, may be monitored closely until it is safe to give treatment (particularly either in the second trimester or after delivery). More aggressive tumours like glioblastomas may require immediate action, even in early pregnancy.

Impact of Pregnancy on Tumours

Pregnancy causes major physiological changes in a woman, including increased levels of hormones like oestrogen and a rise in blood volume. These changes can, in some cases, accelerate the growth of the tumour.

Treatment Considerations

Treatment of brain tumours in pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach that carefully considers the safety and health of both the mother and the foetus. Treatment plans are highly individualised and depend on several factors, including the type and location of the tumour, its rate of growth, the patient’s symptoms, and the stage of pregnancy.

Surgery is often recommended if the tumour is causing increasing intracranial pressure, bleeding, or severe symptoms. The second trimester is considered to be the safest period for a surgery, as the risk to the foetus is lower than in the first trimester and the uterus is not yet large enough to complicate things.

If the patient is in the third trimester, doctors may consider scheduling an early delivery (typically between 32 to 36 weeks) so that surgery or additional treatment can begin promptly afterward.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are typically delayed until after delivery unless the situation is urgent. Some chemotherapy agents may be used during the second or third trimester with caution, but they are usually avoided in the first trimester due to the high risk of birth defects.

Delivery Considerations

Delivery planning in this context involves careful coordination among obstetricians, neurosurgeons, and anaesthesiologists. When and how to schedule the delivery depends on several factors:

Timing

• If the tumour is stable and not causing significant symptoms, delivery may proceed at full term (around 39 to 40 weeks).
• If the tumour is aggressive or the mother’s condition is worsening, an early delivery (32 to 36 weeks) may be recommended to allow prompt treatment.
• In the case of a medical emergency, such as seizures or brain swelling, an emergency delivery may be performed at any gestational age to protect the mother’s life.

Mode of delivery

• If the tumour affects the mother’s ability to safely go through labour—for example, due to increased intracranial pressure—then a C-section is usually recommended to minimise the risk of complications during delivery.
• If the tumour is small and not causing pressure-related symptoms, vaginal delivery may still be an option.

Psychological considerations

A brain tumour diagnosis is inherently a life-changing and traumatic event. When it occurs during pregnancy, it introduces an additional layer of emotional and psychological distress. This can impact the overall well-being of the patient.

Patients commonly experience:

• Heightened anxiety
• Depression
• Guilt or fear about the baby’s future
• Emotional isolation

Recognising and addressing these emotional needs is essential. Mental health support—through counselling, support groups, or psychiatric care—should be an integral part of treatment.

Conclusion

A brain tumour diagnosis during pregnancy presents one of the most complex, rare, and emotionally challenging medical scenarios. It requires highly individualised care, constant re-evaluation, and a coordinated effort across multiple specialities.

With thoughtful planning and compassionate support, it is possible to protect the health of both the mother and the baby. The path may be difficult, but patients do not have to face it alone; with the right care, there is hope for a safe outcome.

The post How to Cope with a Brain Tumour While Expecting a Child appeared first on NRI News.

It is a common misconception that heart disease primarily affects men. In reality, however, it stands as the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Still, a lot of women don’t realise they’re at risk until their symptoms worsen, which can result in lost chances for early detection and treatment.

Unique Heart Health Challenges for Women

Women face distinct challenges when it comes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), due to one of reasons including lifestyle, biological, and hormonal. Unlike men, women may experience different symptoms during a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, jaw or neck discomfort, and unexplained anxiety or sweating. Eventually, these atypical symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis or delayed care.

Additionally, women are more prone to microvascular disease, which affects the small arteries of the heart and is harder to detect and treat. Hormonal changes, especially during menopause when oestrogen levels drop, increase the risk of atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and blood clots.

Key Risk Factors for Women’s Heart Disease

Several risk factors contribute to heart disease in women, some of which are unique or more impactful compared to men:

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol: These are major contributors to heart disease risk in both sexes but may affect women differently, especially after age 60.
• Diabetes: Women with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than men with diabetes.
• Hormonal changes: Menopause and surgical removal of ovaries reduce protective oestrogen, increasing cardiovascular risks.
• Pregnancy complications: Conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes elevate a woman’s lifetime risk of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: Post-menopausal women are more prone to obesity, particularly abdominal fat, which significantly raises heart disease risk. Physical inactivity is also a critical factor, with many women not getting enough exercise to protect their heart health.
• Smoking: Women who smoke have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks than men who smoke.
• Autoimmune diseases: Women disproportionately suffer from autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which increase cardiovascular risk.

Why Prioritising Heart Health Matters

Cardiovascular disease accounts for about 30 per cent of deaths in women globally, surpassing all forms of cancer combined. Yet, awareness remains low, with fewer than one in 10 women perceiving heart disease as their greatest health risk. This gap in awareness, combined with underdiagnosis and suboptimal care, puts women at greater risk of fatal outcomes.

However, heart diseases are largely preventable. Lifestyle changes such as adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and soluble fibre, maintaining regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and moderating alcohol intake can dramatically reduce risk. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar is also essential for early detection as well as management.

A Call to Action for Women

Women of all ages must understand the significance of heart health. When they are aware of their particular risk factors and symptoms, women are more equipped to take preventative action and seek prompt medical care. To address this unique set of cardiovascular needs in women, healthcare practitioners must also raise awareness and customise care.

As mothers and caregivers, women often prioritise the health of their families over their own. Yet, a mother’s heart is the cornerstone of her family’s well-being. Prioritising cardiac health is not just a personal necessity but a vital step in sustaining the strength and vitality of future generations.

By embracing heart-healthy habits and advocating for better awareness and care, women can beat heart disease and continue to nurture their families with the strength of a healthy heart.

The post Key Reasons Women Should Prioritize Their Cardiac Health appeared first on NRI News.

Join in for a heartwarming Sunday affair themed ‘Mother Nature – Celebrating Sustainability’, honoring the two greatest nurturers — our mothers and Mother Earth.

In a world that moves too fast, this celebration invites you to slow down and savor the moment — to cherish the women who raised us and the planet that sustains us. Set in a serene and elegant atmosphere, this Mother’s Day Brunch offers a fusion of gourmet indulgence, mindful experiences, and vibrant community spirit.

Elevating the experience with soulful local flair is a specially curated eco-market by women-led sustainable brands from Pune. Explore handcrafted jewellery, ethically-made fashion, eco-friendly home décor, and soulful art — each piece telling a story of creativity, care, and conscious craftsmanship.

Savor live culinary counters and enjoy a 50% discount for all mothers at our brunch, featuring a plant-based menu with fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients — from artisanal salads to wellness-inspired global cuisine, each dish crafted to delight the senses while paying homage to our nature.

This isn’t just a brunch. It’s a celebration of intentional living, heartfelt connections, and the nurturing spirit that mothers and nature share. A space where mothers can unwind, families can connect, and guests can discover mindful treasures — all while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet!

The post Meaningful Brunch Celebrating Mothers and the Environment at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park appeared first on NRI News.

    Date: Saturday, February 08, 2025

    Time: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM

    Venue: Jewel Ballroom, The Westin Pune, Koregaon Park (Ground Floor)

The carnival promises an array of activities tailored for expecting moms:

• Get Famous – Snap memorable photos with Shilpa Shetty.
• Get Chatty – Participate in interactive sessions with Shilpa, sharing insights and experiences.
• Get Toned – Join in on Zumba sessions led by expert instructors, tailored for pregnancy wellness.
• Get Lucky – Win exciting prizes through various lucky draws.
• Get Energized – Dive into engaging activities designed for couples to enjoy together.

Bonus – Take advantage of special on-the-spot booking offers for Momstory’s luxurious birthing suites and comprehensive maternity care services.

Registration is compulsory due to the limited spots available. To secure your place and specially celebrate Mother’s Day, please call 88888 22222 to register. Hurry, as spots are filling fast!

The Momstory Pregnancy Carnival is your chance to celebrate the joy of motherhood in a festive atmosphere filled with fun, learning, and community building. MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals is excited to host this special event dedicated to expectant mothers and their families.

The post Celebrate an Unforgettable Day with Shilpa Shetty at the ‘Momstory Pregnancy Carnival’ appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) Centre for Family Business & Entrepreneurship (CFBE) invites applications for its Ladies in Family Enterprise (LiFE) program. LiFE is an enriching short-term program that seeks to nurture and empower women from business families with little or no experience in the business currently. They can be related to the owner/s either as wives, daughters-in-law, mothers, or daughters.   

LiFE is a four-month program where sessions are conducted twice a week in a hybrid mode (both offline/online). It aims to build a basic understanding of the business and the family, and the inter-relationship between the two. It also helps women to explore their role in the family business or start a new entrepreneurial venture supported by family and networks. Sessions are led by experienced academicians, industry experts, and alumni. The flexible program structure allows participants to integrate it into their daily routines perfectly.

On successful completion of the program, the participants shall be awarded the ‘Certificate of Participation’ from SPJIMR, recognized by the Financial Times Master in Management Ranking 2023 as India’s number 1 business school.

In a message to aspirants, Prof. Tulsi Jayakumar, Executive Director, CFBE, and Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Family Managed Business (PGPFMB), said, “90 percent of businesses in India are family businesses. Women from business families play a silent role and constitute silent assets. LiFE seeks to realize the hidden gems among business families by providing structured learning about business and its various dimensions. The end goal of the program is to build knowledge and skills needed to run a business and also to build confidence and empower women in business families.” 

Since 1997, SPJIMR’s CFBE has pioneered formal learning for family businesses with its 18-month PGPFMB. The program aims to nurture and develop talent within Indian family businesses and has helped over 4,000 family enterprises with its unique pedagogy focused on next-generation leaders. CFBE provides a platform for networking, learning, and growth, helping family-run businesses to thrive by offering access to best practices and cutting-edge knowledge.

Eligibility

• Women from business families with little or no experience in their family business
• Should be at least an undergraduate degree holder
• Over 30 years of age
• Comfortable with English, as it is the medium of instruction

Important program information

• Batch commencing from September 03, 2024. Know more: https://www.spjimr.org/course/ladies-in-family-enterprise-life/
• Sessions shall be conducted twice a week over four months, followed by a business plan presentation.
• For important dates, please refer to: https://www.spjimr.org/course/ladies-in-family-enterprise-life/admissions/
• For more information about the LiFE program and the application process, please visit https://www.spjimr.org/course/ladies-in-family-enterprise-life/.
• Admissions are in progress. Aspirants should complete the application form via the online admissions portal at https://spjimr-pgpfmb.nopaperforms.com/spjimr-life-application-form

The post SPJIMR Launches LiFE Programme For Women In Business Families appeared first on NRI News.

The new 900g pickles come in two popular variants: Mango and Mix. The Mango Pickle is crafted from handpicked raw mangoes, delivering a perfect blend of tangy and spicy flavors that have long been a favorite in Maharashtrian households. The Mix Pickle, on the other hand, creates a unique and delicious combination of carefully selected fruits and vegetables. Ideal for those who love a bit of everything, this variant offers a burst of flavors with every bite, enhancing the dining experience.

Packaged in durable and convenient PET jars, the new pickles ensure freshness and ease of use. The 900g size is perfect for families, providing ample quantity for regular enjoyment without compromising on quality or taste.

Mother’s Recipe takes pride in using authentic Maharashtrian recipes, passed down through generations. These pickles are made with the highest quality ingredients and traditional methods, ensuring that each jar retains the true essence and flavors of Maharashtra. By staying true to these time-honored recipes, Mother’s Recipe continues to deliver products that stand out for their authenticity and superior taste.

The product range is now available at your neighborhood store and leading supermarkets.

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PUNE: In a heart-warming celebration of MomStory’s 2nd Anniversary, Sahyadri Hospitals successfully hosted the MomStory Pregnancy Carnival, where the hospital not only honored expectant mothers but also highlighted the completion of its impactful community support projects in Pune. The event, graced by celebrity guest Bipasha Basu, drew a large crowd of expecting parents, reflecting the community’s strong engagement with the hospital’s initiatives.

On the occasion of MomStory’s 2nd Anniversary, the focus was placed on emphasizing the dietary needs of pregnant women. These initiative addresses the crucial aspects of nutrition during and after pregnancy, significantly affecting both maternal well-being and the health of their newborn children. The health and nutrition of pregnant women affect the baby’s development in the womb and their growth after birth. Very often, the right nutrition and the required quality are not available to these women in rural/distant areas, causing many deficiencies in health and complications during and post-birth to both the mother and child.

At the carnival, attendees experienced a mix of education, excitement, and community engagement. Bipasha Basu shared her parenting experiences and took part in heart-to-heart conversations with the participants, adding a personal touch to the festivities. Dr. Mahima Bakshi, a Maternal Child Wellness Consultant and Brand Consultant to MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals, reinforced the hospital’s dedication to motherhood wellness, stating, “Our commitment at MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals is to nurture health and happiness right from the beginning of motherhood. Today’s celebration also serves as a platform to further our community support through new CSR initiatives, focusing on the dietary needs of pregnant women along with the post-birth wellness needs of new mothers and children which are crucial for good health in the society and future of the community.”

Navkaran Singh Kang, Assistant Vice President at Sahyadri Hospitals & MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals, detailed these initiatives, “We are thrilled to join hands with local Anganwadi and ASHA workers to provide nutritional advice to expecting mothers and the ASHA workers who would guide them forward along with special ladoos that assist with post-delivery recovery and improve breast milk nutrition at the very least. Our visit to Maher orphanage was particularly fulfilling, where our doctors engaged with the children through games and activities, and distributed snack boxes, sweets, and gifts as a mother would. It was a day of joy and meaningful community interaction. Our initiative aims to benefit 2000 ASHA workers and approximately 3000-4500 expecting and new mothers over the next 6 months of the Indapur & Solapur track of Hadapsar belt in Pune.”

The carnival featured a lively Zumba session, a maternity photo booth with fun props, and zones dedicated to fashion and style, making the day both entertaining and informative for all attendees. The atmosphere was further enlivened with lucky draws and special giveaways.

Bipasha Basu expressed her delight at participating, saying, “It’s a privilege to celebrate such a special day with so many inspiring mothers. The strength and joy of motherhood are evident in each story shared here. I am excited to see how our continued efforts will support and empower mothers across the community.”

Through the Momstory Pregnancy Carnival, Sahyadri Hospitals not only celebrated motherhood but also affirmed its commitment to nurturing the community, ensuring that the journey of motherhood is supported with utmost care and compassion. The hospital looks forward to sustaining these efforts and fostering stronger community connections in the future, with a specific emphasis on the health and nutrition of women in underserved areas.

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HYDERABAD: With the alarming increase in cases of gastroenteritis, loose stools, and jaundice in pregnant women, Fernandez Hospital has issued a guidance note on safe eating habits this World Food Safety Day (June 7). Dr Latha Sashi, Head, Dept of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Fernandez Hospital shared, “As we celebrate World Food Safety Day with this year’s theme, ‘Prepare for the Unexpected’, it is essential to highlight the importance of food safety for pregnant women dining out. Expectant mothers must take extra precautions to avoid health risks such as gastroenteritis, loose stools, and jaundice.”

Here are key safety measures to follow to ensure a healthy dining experience:

Certifications and Inspections

• Choose restaurants with food safety certifications from local health authorities. Look for visible health inspection certificates.

• Select restaurants known for cleanliness and food safety. Check online reviews for reassurance.

Food Selection and Preparation

• Order dishes that are freshly cooked and served hot. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs, as they may contain harmful bacteria and parasites.

• Avoid pre-cut raw fruits and vegetables unless you wash and peel them yourself or the restaurant has trustworthy hygiene standards. Opt for cooked vegetables instead.

• Ensure all dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are pasteurized to avoid harmful bacteria like Listeria.

• Avoid raw seafood such as sushi and sashimi. Ensure all seafood is well-cooked to prevent bacterial contamination. Be cautious with shellfish due to their susceptibility to toxins and bacteria.

• Avoid pre-packaged salads from stores or buffets, as they may have been sitting out for a long time and are more prone to bacterial contamination.

• Avoid salads with unpasteurized cheese (such as feta, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese) and dressings made with raw eggs or unpasteurized milk.

• Avoid salads containing processed meats, such as deli meats, hot dogs, and smoked seafood, which can harbor Listeria.

• Prefer salads made at home where you can control the washing and preparation process. Use pasteurized eggs or avoid raw eggs altogether in dressings. Consider using vinegar or lemon juice-based dressings, which are safer options.

• Keep salads cold until they are ready to be eaten. Use ice packs or a cooler if transporting salads.

Water and Beverages

• Drink only bottled water with intact seals or boiled water.

• Avoid ice in drinks, as it may be made from unfiltered water. Opt for beverages served without ice or ensure the ice is made from safe, filtered water.

• Avoid unpasteurized juices and beverages.

Handling Buffets

• Ensure buffet items are freshly prepared and not left out for extended periods. Hot items should be steaming, and cold items should be properly refrigerated.

• Use serving utensils provided and avoid cross-contamination between different dishes.

General Precautions

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating. Use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

• Consume food while it is still hot. Avoid food that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Street Food

• Street food often lacks proper hygiene standards and poses a higher risk of contamination. Avoid all raw foods or drinks (like pani puri water, jal jeera, sugarcane juice, and sprouts) when eating outside. Prefer to have your favorite snacks made at home.

Leftovers at Home

• Avoid eating leftovers, especially if they have not been stored and reheated properly. Maintain the right food temperature during pregnancy to prevent foodborne illnesses.

When in doubt, ask restaurant staff about how food is prepared and stored. By following these guidelines and being prepared for the unexpected, pregnant women can enjoy dining out safely while minimizing risks to their health and that of their baby.

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