Does Character Count: Moral Self-fashioning in the Swadhyaya and Chinmaya Mission Movements

Swadhyaya and the Chinmaya Mission are two rapidly growing modern Indian religious movements that have developed a contemporary discourse on the moral self--a theory and practice centered on the cultivation of an ideal human being--deeply grounded in the religious traditions of India. This discourse stands in stark contrast to conceptions of modern secular self-identity that lie at the heart of theories of modernization. Yet, it is nevertheless the case that religion is indeed only one among many competing sources of morality and authority in modernity, as modernization theorists predicted. This project asks the critical question of what makes a religious discourse on self-fashioning so remarkably appealing to the millions of Swadhyaya and Chinmaya Mission participants in modern Indian society. Based on one year of ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Mumbai, India from February 2012--May 2013, this dissertation draws attention to the everyday lived practice and lived experiences of religion and ethics among followers. I demonstrate that the particular teachings of the two movements, rooted in the Hindu scriptures, provide new ways of understanding and perceiving the self, the other, and human existence that act both as a source for ethical being as well as a guide for practical living. I show that the appeal of the two movements lies in the specific ways in which their particular discourse and praxis facilitate the transformation of the self and argue that the appeal of theistic sources in modernity cannot simply be understood in terms of a religious impulse inherent to humanity or as a matter of belief or non-belief. In contrast to abstract theoretical accounts of a modern secular self-identity, this dissertation demonstrates how the modern self understood, fashioned and experienced in relation to the teachings and practices of Swadhyaya and the Chinmaya Mission challenges some of the key markers associated with modern self-identity, including self-sufficient humanism and individualism

Feto-maternal outcome of pregnancy with thrombocytopenia

Background: Thrombocytopenia is the second most haematological abnormality in pregnancy where the platelets count below 1,50,000/µl. Gestational thrombocytopenia is most common cause of thrombocytopenia, accounts for 70% of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Methods: It is retrospective study with 30 antenatal women at any gestational age having thrombocytopenia, platelet count less than 1,50,000/µl at SVP Hospital, Ahmedabad during duration of May 2023-November 2023.  All the pregnant women who attend OPD and admitted in SVP Hospital, Ahmedabad were included in the study. Results: The present study found that gestational thrombocytopenia (53.34%) accounted for most common cause of thrombocytopenia, followed by hypertensive disorders (10.0%), HELLP syndrome (6.67%), dengue and malaria (6.67%), DIC (6.67%) and ITP (3.34%) in which 53.34%  women has mild,  36.67%  has moderate and 10% has severe thrombocytopenia. In this study vaginal delivery accounts for 33.34% and caesarean delivery accounts for 66.67%. In present study 50.0% patient of gestational thrombocytopenia didn’t required any treatment.  About 6.67% patients required transfusion of PRC and 33.34% of neonates needed NICU admission. Neonatal mortality due to complications like prematurity, septicemia was seen in 10.0% of the cases. Conclusions: Outcome of pregnancy with moderate to severe thrombocytopenia depends mainly on the etiology of thrombocytopenia. Early interdisciplinary evaluation of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy can help in optimizing care as fetal outcomes and management depend on the etiology

A retrospective analysis of ectopic pregnancies in tertiary care hospital of Western India: two year study

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester and major cause of reduced reproductive potential. Early detection of EP by improved ultrasonography modalities has decreased the rate of rupture and consequent maternal morbidity. Aim was to study the predisposing risk factors in modern scenario and choose the appropriate management available.Methods: A retrospective study on clinical diagnosis and management of EP of patients was carried out between January 2018 to February 2020. Investigations included CBC, UPT, serum β-hCG and TVS. Management was decided after thorough evaluation.Results: Out of 7,780 deliveries, 70 were EP (0.9%). Women with age 21-30 year had highest incidence (85.7%). Common symptoms were abdominal pain (94%), amenorrhea (87%), bleeding per vagina (48%). Most common risk factor associated with EP was PID (28.5%). Tubal EP was most common (84.2%) involving ampulla (66%), isthmus (15%), fimbria (12%), interstitial (7%). Scar ectopic was reported in 10% of cases and ovarian, rudimentary horn and abdominal pregnancy in 1.4% each. About 52.8% of ectopic was ruptured and salpingectomy was done in 74.3% and salpingo-oophorectomy in 2.8%. Five cases of scar EP required hysterotomy and 1 case was managed by methotrexate (MTX).Conclusions: EP remains a major challenge to the obstetrician worldwide. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and timely intervention in the form of medical or surgical treatment will definitely help in reducing the morbidity and mortality

Role of uterine artery doppler in prediction of pre-eclampsia

Background: Approximately 5-10 % of pregnancies are complicated by pre- eclampsia and it is a prime cause for maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly in developing countries. In pre-eclampsia insufficient invasion of maternal spiral arteries by the trophoblast early in gestation due to abnormal implantation or maternal vascular disease results in impaired placental perfusion. Aspirin is a potent anti-inflammatory drug, has been shown to inhibit the biosynthesis and release of prostaglandins, even in low dosage. Ingestion of low dose aspirin may result in a decrease in the incidence of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction and the precise mechanism by which it prevents preeclampsia in some women is also uncertain. Methods: The present prospective observational study was carried out in females between 18-20 weeks of gestation with raised uterine artery PI attending antenatal clinic in obstetrics and gynaecology department in SVP Hospital Ahmedabad from May 2023 to December 2023 using Microsoft excel and SPSS version 23. Results: In this study all the females were with raised uterine artery PI in 18-20 weeks ultrasound among them 51.85% were normotensive in later pregnancy. 48.14% developed pre-eclampsia in later pregnancy. In our study the middle cerebral artery indices in doppler ultrasound showed increased diastolic flow (including brain sparing effect) among 37% of the patients. The umbilical artery doppler showed that 62.9% of subjects were having normal umbilical artery indices, 18.5% of the patients were having decreased diastolic flow, 11.1% of the patients were having reversal of diastolic flow and 7.4% of the patients were having absent end diastolic flow Conclusions: Doppler study for fetal surveillance in pre-eclampsia is a very useful and non-invasive method and abnormal uterine artery velocimetry lead to the worse pregnancy outcomes in the present study. The knowledge of uterine and umbilical artery doppler is very helpful to improve pregnancy management and to identify and assess hypertensive disorder of the pregnancy at early gestational age compared to other antepartum test modalities

A clinical study on fetomaternal outcome in jaundice with pregnancy

Background: Jaundice in pregnancy and pregnancy in women with preexisting liver disease is not very uncommon. However it takes a major toll on health of both mother and fetus, due to increased morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus, categorizing pregnancy as a high risk one. The distribution of jaundice in pregnancy varies throughout the world, but is seen more in developing countries. The course and outcome of liver disorder in pregnancy is altered due to various hemodynamic, hormonal and immunological changes unique to pregnancy. The hepatic functions during pregnancy are affected by increase in serum estrogen and progesterone levels.Methods: This was a prospective study of 70 cases of pregnancy with jaundice admitted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Sheth V.S. General Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The duration of study was from June 2015 to December 2018. During this period 70 patients were admitted with jaundice in pregnancy. Patients were analyzed with regards to socio demographic profile, investigations, maternal and perinatal outcome.Results: The incidence of pregnancy with jaundice in present study was 0.32%. Most common cause identified was viral hepatitis in 27 cases (38.57%) out of which 23(32.85%) cases being hepatitis E. Followed by HELLP syndrome, pre eclempsia, eclempsia in 24(34.28%) cases. 13(18.57%) cases were belonged to cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy. Rest 6(8.56%) cases belonged to malaria, portal hypertension due to liver disease etc. Out of total 70 patients 53(75.71%) women from rural area, 54(77.13%) patients were from age group of 20-29years.Maximum patients were multigravida i.e. 28 (40%) and 66(94.28%) women coming from lower middle and lower socio economic class. There were 9 maternal deaths, 5 due to DIC. Total vaginal deliveries were 40, 24 patients underwent LSCS, 4 patients had abortion, and 2 expired undelivered. Most common complication was DIC in 16(22.85%) cases and thrombocytopenia in 14(31.67%) cases. 30(42.85%) babies were LBW and 18(25.7%) babies were IUGR.Conclusions: Prompt diagnosis and accurate evaluation and multidisciplinary approach of management in pregnancy with jaundice at a tertiary care center with good NICU is helpful in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity

Study on fetomaternal outcome in antepartum haemorrhage

Background: Any bleeding from or into the genital tract after the period of viability, but before the birth of the baby is termed as antepartum haemorrhage (APH).Methods: 110 cases of bleeding per vaginal (pv) after 28 weeks of gestation were studied retrospectively from August 2018 to June 2019 and were grouped as placenta previa, placental abruption and indeterminate.Results: 35.45% cases were of placenta previa, 53.63% cases were of placental abruption and 10.90% cases were of indeterminate. Majority were delivered by lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) and most of the cases required blood transfusion.Conclusions: APH cannot reliably be predicted .It is major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Multidisciplinary approach and senior input is necessary in making decision about timing and mode of delivery. Presently increase in use of ultrasonography (USG) for placental localisation and to diagnose abruption, improved obstetrical and anesthetic facilities, increase in use in blood products to correct anemia and advanced neonatal care facilities, all of these have played important role in decreasing perinatal as well as maternal mortality and morbidit

A study on diagnosis and management of arteriovenous malformation of uterus

Background: Arteriovenous malformation is abnormal connection between an organ’s arterial and venous circulation. In acquired AVM, history of uterine procedure seems inevitable. Their clinical feature is usually vaginal bleeding. It is diagnosed by 2-D ultrasonography combined with colour doppler. Most of the time they resolve spontaneously; however, if left untreated, uterine artery embolization or hysterectomy comes in hand. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of TVUS and colour doppler in the diagnosis and follow-up of treated cases of uterine AVM. This study also aims to evaluate different modalities to manage uterine AVM.Methods: This was a retrospective study done at tertiary care centre from January 2018 to December 2019 to assess the presentation, treatment, and clinical pictures of patients with uterine AVM that were diagnosed with TVUS. Authors reviewed both (1) clinical data (2) ultrasound data of patients. The diagnostic criteria were “subjective” with a rich vascular network in the myometrium with the use of colour Doppler images and “objective” with a high PSV of 20 cm/sec in the vascular web.Results: Thirteen patients met the diagnostic criteria mentioned above. Out of that 100% presented with on and off bleeding per vaginum. Recent and remote history of uterine procedures were in found in 84.6% (n=11) of cases. UAE was done in 53.8% (n=7) cases. Thirty-three (33%) (n=5) cases spontaneously resolved when closely monitored with serial imaging and serum beta- HCG levels. Hysterectomy was needed in 7.4% (n=1) of patients of AVM.Conclusions: Uterine AVM occurred after unsuccessful pregnancies or uterine procedures. Triage of patients for expectant treatment, hormonal treatment vs intervention with uterine artery embolization based on their clinical status, which was supplemented by objective measurements of blood velocity measurement in the AVM, appears to be a good predictor of outcome

Maternal and fetal outcome in cases of eclampsia

Background: Eclampsia refers to occurrence of generalized tonic clonic convulsions (GTCS) followed by confusion or coma during pregnancy or puerperium in patients with preeclampsia excluding other neurological conditions. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors, management protocols and determine maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in patients of eclampsia.Methods: This is retrospective study of 180 cases of eclampsia carried out from June 2017 to December 2019 including all the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum cases at tertiary care centre. Immediate management was focused to control the convulsion and lower the blood pressure followed by NST and USG foetus with Doppler study.Results: In this study, 72.2% cases reported antepartum eclampsia while 27.8% cases were postpartum and overall incidence was 0.91% of total deliveries conducted during the study period. Incidence was higher in primigravida (74.4%) and below 25 years age (68.8%). Magnesium sulphate was effective in 94.4% cases. Study reports 63 normal vaginal delivery, 5 assisted vaginal delivery, 110 caesarean section and 2 women expired undelivered. There were 10 maternal deaths.Conclusions: Time interval between eclamptic seizures and initiation of therapy is an important prognostic factor affecting maternal and perinatal outcome. Public awareness regarding the importance of regular antenatal visits can help in reducing chances of development of eclampsia. Even though various drugs and methods have been tried for the treatment of eclampsia, the definitive management is the delivery of foetus after control of convulsion, hypertension and should be managed at tertiary care hospital

Fetomaternal outcome in pregnancy with diabetes mellitus

Background: South Asian population has more prevalence of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy which can impact both mother and foetus and can also increase the risk of future diabetes. Methods: Seventy pregnant women hospitalised at SVP from August 2021 to May 2024 for diabetes mellitus during pregnancy were the subjects of the current ambisprective cohort research. Results: There were 45 women (64.28%) with gestational diabetes mellitus and 25 women (35.72%) with overt diabetes among the 70 women who were reported. The following complications were seen in the pregnant women in this study: 24 cases of polyhydramnios (34.28% of the total), 18 cases of macrosomia in the foetus (25.7%), 1 case of foetal cardiac abnormality (1.4%), and 40 cases of caesarean section (57.15% of the total). Conclusions: In order to attain positive fetomaternal outcomes, preventive medicine should prioritise the early screening and diagnosis of diabetes during pregnancy, as this condition has negative consequences on the mother and the unborn child

Fetomaternal outcome in patients with diabetes mellitus in pregnancy

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as increased blood glucose level due to defect in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Undiagnosed or inadequately treated diabetes mellitus during pregnancy can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications. The study was conducted to review feto-maternal outcome in pregnancy with diabetes and to plan management of pregnancy with diabetes and to study the modalities for treatment of DM in pregnancy.Methods: A prospective case study was conducted from July 2015 to December 2018 at a tertiary care center. Study group used single step 75gm oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) test recommended by WHO for GDM diagnosis.Results: GDM (85%) was more common than overt diabetes (15%) and in younger age group (53.75%) and Multiparous patients (18.2%). Most of patients required insulin (81.2%) for treatment of DM during pregnancy along with medical nutrition therapy and exercise. Most common association in this patient was hypertension (41%). Rate of caesarean section (60%) was more common. Average birth weight was of >3.5 kg, intrauterine death (4.2%), preterm delivery (14.2%) and admission to NICU were also common.Conclusions: There was significant fetomaternal morbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus. Early diagnosis and treatment reduces the fetomaternal outcome