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Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy: Benefits and Side Effects
Pregnancy will bring so many changes that you will barely be able to keep up. One significant consideration for you is to change your diet, as what you eat is closely linked with the health and development of your baby. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated is compulsory. But what constitutes a balanced diet? Read through to find out the benefits and risks of consuming the popular Indian vegetable, the bitter gourd.
Is Eating Bitter Gourd Safe While Pregnant?
Bitter gourds are rich in nutrients that promote both your baby’s and your health. However, there have been a few controversies due to the risks associated with consuming bitter gourd during your pregnancy. The jury is still out on this matter, so it is up to you to add bitter gourds to your diet or avoid them entirely.
Benefits
Bitter gourd, or Karela, is a dark green vegetable brimming with vitamins, minerals, fibre; everything you and your growing foetus need. Here are some benefits of eating bitter gourd during your pregnancy:
Rich in Folate
Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is one of the most crucial dietary requirements during pregnancy. It safeguards the foetus from defects relating to neural tube development that can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths and neurological impairment. A couple of bitter gourds in your daily diet will supplement you with more than a quarter of your daily requirement of folate.
Rich In Vitamins
Aside from folate, bitter gourds contain several other vitamins. Dietary vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, thiamine and riboflavin are essential for foetal development.
Rich in Minerals
Potassium, manganese, zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium are some of the minerals present in bitter gourds. Of these, iron is crucial to deter pregnancy anaemia, while calcium helps build foetal bones and teeth.
Immunity Booster
Antioxidants are essential for everyone, but more so if you’re pregnant. They strengthen the immune system, preventing many illnesses. For example, Bitter gourds are rich in Vitamin C, which help prevent bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Vitamin C also helps promote wound healing.
Prevents Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is fraught with complications that threaten the health of your developing baby. However, bitter gourds are known to contain several antidiabetic molecules, for example, Charantin and polypeptide-P, which help you avoid diabetes during your pregnancy. These nutrients can also treat concurrent diabetes by fixing the imbalances in your blood sugar levels.
Controls Digestive Problems
Pregnant women face several digestive issues such as constipation and haemorrhoids. Many reasons such as oversecretion of pregnancy hormones, uterus increasing in size, and such, play a role in this. Bitter gourds can ease the discomfort caused by these disorders, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, due to their high fibre content. The fibre forms the roughage in the digestive tract, which keeps bowel movements running smoothly.
Controls Weight Gain
The dietary fibre in bitter gourds can also fill you up with each meal, preventing you from overeating. It is especially important in women who are obese, or prone to putting on weight easily. Staying full between meals will also reduce your pregnancy food cravings, making it less likely you will resort to unhealthy snacks and junk food.
Side Effects of Eating Bitter Gourd
The amazing benefits offered by bitter gourds are countered by the dangers posed by their consumption. Some of the risks of eating bitter gourds during pregnancy are:
Sensitivity
If you are new to bitter gourds, it is safest to avoid them entirely as it is unclear how you might react. For example, some women experience favism, that is the destruction of red blood cells, due to a molecule found in bitter gourds known as Vicine. This could lead to anaemia and have disastrous repercussions on your pregnancy.
Toxicity
Bitter gourds are known to contain molecules such as quinine, morodicine and glycosides. These substances can poison the body, leading to intestinal pain, problems with vision, vomiting, tiredness, muscle fatigue, nauseous feeling, and overproduction of saliva.
Premature Labour
Overeating bitter gourd has been known to stimulate the uterus into triggering preterm labour. This could result in painful contractions, blood loss, miscarriage, stillbirth or premature babies. It is recommended to shun bitter gourds at least during the first few weeks of your pregnancy.
Stomach Problems
Bitter gourd consumption can result in stomach aches, indigestion, diarrhoea, pain in the abdomen, and so on. These effects can also come from eating bitter gourd seeds.
How to have Bitter Gourd during Pregnancy
Here are some bitter gourd recipes you can try instead of having plain bitter karela juice.
Bitter Gourd Curry
Make the usual curry but try adding coconut milk, tamarind and a little jaggery for flavour.
Stuffed Karela
Put karela in a cooker, add water and salt. Cook them until on whistle. Add oil to the pan and add jeera, let it splutter. Then add roasted peanut powder, besan and masalas and fry a little. Add sugar and lemon juice and remove it off the flame. Take this masala and stuff it in the karela. Stir fry these karelas.
Bitter Gourd Fry
Heat the oil and deep fry bite-size bitter gourd pieces. Sprinkle salt, chat masala and red chilli powder to these fried pieces.
Not everything that is organic and natural should be consumed, especially when it could put your baby at risk. If you think consuming bitter gourds will improve your health, ask your doctor if bitter gourds are alright to eat, as well as how much and how often to have them. Read more
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Contribution – Gifting ideas for kids 2022New year ,new beginning and some of the best gifting ideas….
Gifting ideas for kids 2022
Who doesn’t love gifts ……we all love to get gifts on our birthdays and special occasions…big kids ..are called big but they after all kids ,who always love to play ….some of the best gifting ideas to make them happy.
1.Board Games
Board games are fun for everyone ….even we parents love to play them with our kids…the best games to play just by sitting at one place some of them are
Carom board
Ludo
Chess
Uno Card games
Scrabbles
Business , Monopoly etc
2.Sports
If you want the kids to get some physical activity let them play some sports ,you can also join them to make it more fun.
Some the best items are
Cricket set
Badminton set
Table tennis set
Basket ball
Volley ball
Foot ball etc.
3.Art and hobby kits
If your kids love to do art and craft this is the best option for them.
Give them variety of colours and brushes.
They can try drawing and sketching aswell.
4.Musical instruments
All of us love music….some of us love listening to music and some of us love to create the music.
You can gift musical instruments to the music lovers.
Guitar
Piano
Drum set
Flute etc.
5.Books
“Books are our best friends”
Kids who love to read….gifting them books is the best idea.You can gift books with fun facts or you can choose from classic stories.
6.Bicycle
Gifting a bicycle or a scooter is also a good idea .Kids love to ride bicycles …which can be a good activity for them.
Cycling with friend and family is one of the best memories of a kid’s childhood.
7.Favorite character or action figures
If the kid is a big fan of a particular cartoon character or action figures you can gift them aswell.
Read more
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Postpartum Breast Cancer - the Increased Risk Factor for New Moms
Mothers face several body changes throughout and after pregnancy. Unfortunately, this can mean some unwelcome developments in your body. Recent studies have found that the risk of breast cancer after giving birth is indeed higher for women. This risk remains for the following 24 years and subsides post this time period. The risk is at its highest five years after delivery.
Due to a misconception that breast cancer only affects the elderly, young women neglect taking tests; and by the time they get diagnosed, the disease tends to have progressed and become more serious. Hence, it is a good idea to get a postpartum medical checkup done every month to steer clear of these issues.
Does Late Childbirth Increase the Risk of Developing Breast Cancer?
Studies have concluded that the risk of postpartum breast cancer is greater for women who conceive and deliver late, that is, after the age of 35. There is no evidence of an increased risk of breast cancer in women who were under 25 at the time of delivery. There are no common risk factors of postpartum breast cancer in women. The risk factors differ for women based on age. Another study has stated that breast cancer tends to behave differently and is more aggressive during the postpartum period.
Signs of Postpartum Breast Cancer That Should Not be Ignored
Postpartum breast cancer is best diagnosed ahead of time so that the right treatment options can be looked at. As such, the following postpartum breast cancer symptoms should never be ignored and always checked out by a doctor:
Blocked and swollen milk ducts
Sore and itchy rashes on the nipples
Redness on the breast or a dark patch on the breast
Lumps in the breast
Changes in the size and shape of the breast
Discharge from the nipples
If you have these symptoms, ensure that you visit a doctor immediately to get yourself checked.
Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer
While the risk of getting postpartum breast cancer is negligible, it never hurts to be careful and keep track of certain measures that are capable of preventing breast cancer.
Limit or avoid alcohol completely. Restrict yourself to one drink a day or even better, avoid it completely.
Do not smoke. Smoking affects your overall health and increases your chances of breast cancer.
Maintain your weight. Overweight or obese women are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Exercise regularly. A 30-minute walk every day or a moderate workout session would work; make sure that you add exercise to your routine.
Breastfeed your newborn. Breastfeeding gives you a protective effect against breast cancer. The long you breastfeed, the safer you may be from breast cancer.
Limit or avoid eating processed meat. Try and incorporate an organic diet.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and plan for a balanced diet each day.
Limit hormone therapy. Taking up hormone therapy for over three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. In case you are on a short term hormone therapy, ask your doctor to prescribe low doses that work for you.
Get a postpartum examination every month to rule out any doubts.
Early diagnosis is the key to preventing the development of breast cancer. If you notice any symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.
Also Read:
Postpartum Anemia after Childbirth
Postpartum Hives
Vision Changes after Delivery Read more
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When to Schedule Your Child's First Dental Visit
You love your baby's smile, don't you? Every time he smiles at you and shows his tiny teeth, you are overjoyed. But if you don't want any harm to come to him and his cute teeth, you need to ensure that his gums and teeth remain healthy! For that, you will have to probably build a proper oral care routine for him early on which will last a lifetime. So, make it a point to schedule an appointment at a paediatric dentist for your baby as soon as you see a tooth sprout, or when he turns one.
When Should a Baby Have His First Dental Visit?
As a new parent, you are less likely to be concerned about your baby’s dental health during his early years of life, but it is something you should not ignore. It is highly important for you to know the age when your baby will be ready for his first dental visit. As per the guidelines from the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recommended age for the first dental visit of a baby is within the 6 months after his first tooth sprouts or when he turns one year old.
What Happens at a Child’s First Dental Visit?
You don’t need to worry about your little one's first visit to a dentist because the majority of the first visits to the pediatric dentist are short, straightforward, and quick. The dentist shall ask one of the parents to sit on the dental chair holding the baby while he examines him. In the first visit, the dentist will look for the following things.
He will count your baby’s teeth.
He will examine the existing teeth for any decay.
He will check how your child bites.
He will look for any potential problems in gums, jaws, or the oral tissues.
He may even cleanse your baby’s teeth if required.
He will provide you with information on feeding practices, baby bottle tooth decay, teething, pacifier or finger-sucking habits and mouth cleaning.
He will also tell you about oral hygiene habits for your child and may suggest when to schedule the next appointment.
What to Do If Your Baby's Tooth Breaks or Cracks?
If your baby happens to crack or break his tooth, a visit to the dentist is recommended. Meanwhile, you should clean his mouth with warm water and pat it dry with a clean cloth. You can also apply a cold compress on your little one's face at the sore spot. When you meet the dentist, he will then check for any remnants or sharp edges of a tooth. He will also check for any swollen gums or possible cracks in the teeth which may cause problems like fractures affecting nerves or teeth infection.
When Should a Baby Get His First Dental X-Ray?
Usually, a dental x-ray for babies is not recommended because their teeth fall out with time. However, most children's first dental x-ray is taken when they are 5 or 6 years of age. It is during this period when a child's adult teeth start appearing. Hence, an x-ray taken at this time helps a dentist examine if the root of a jammed baby tooth is affecting the growth of an adult tooth or not. But for some babies who have dental problems such as tooth decay or cleft lip/palate and similar, shall require taking their dental x-rays much earlier than others.
How to Make a Baby Ready for His First Dental Visit
It is common that babies do not welcome strangers to carry them or touch them. Parents often face a challenge when taking their child to a doctor. It is best to schedule an appointment in the morning hours when your child is alert and fresh. To help ease your baby’s anxiety and to make him aware of the possible activities at a dentist’s office, you can do the following:
Make your baby look at picture books with dentists in them.
Ask your child to open his mouth. Once he does, pretend to count and examine his teeth. Practise this with your little one often, and he will be ready for his dental visit.
Pretend to be a dentist. Hold a toothbrush and a stuffed animal toy and show your dentistry skills to him.
When going to a dentist, do carry some distractions for him like colour pencils or comfort toys.
Give him lots of reassuring hugs.
Tips for First Dental Visit for Your Child
You need to be proactive about your child’s oral health today so that you can keep his smile healthy for life. Make your child familiar about the dentist, start talking to him positively about what shall happen at the dentist’s clinic. To have a smooth and hassle-free visit, consider the following tips.
Prepare a list of concerned questions to ask the dentist.
Carry a list of your child’s current medications if any.
Be prepared to fill out forms regarding health history.
Ask for the forms prior to your visit if you may fill them up at home instead.
Pick a time for the appointment when your baby is usually at ease and cooperative. Do not disturb him at his nap time.
Ensure that your child has had a light meal before the appointment so that he is not hungry. You may carry some snacks for after the visit.
Difference Between a Paediatric Dentist and a Regular Dentist
A child’s first visit to the dentist should be a memorable one because children often tend to remember their experiences with places and individuals. In general terms, either of the dentists can examine and respond to the oral health care your child needs. However, the major difference is that the paediatric dentist holds 2 years of additional training beyond the regular dentistry course. The extra training provides him with the expertise in child’s behaviour, management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, his physical growth & development and any specific needs in the child’s dentistry. Therefore, when you visit a paediatric dentist, you shall observe that your child is taken greater care of and put at ease in a better way when compared to the regular dentist.
Closely observe the oral health of your child from an early age. By keeping a positive working rapport with a paediatric dentist, you can ensure that your child receives proper dental care early on. It will eventually help your child to get accustomed to a healthy oral care routine.
Also Read: How to Take Care of Baby Teeth Read more
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How to Teach Your Child to Predict During Story Time
Introducing children to the world of books and involving them in story-time at an earlier age is a big advantage in their skill development. Read on to find out how can you involve your child in predicting a story!
We all know reading books to babies is beneficial in different ways. The benefits are not limited to books being a source of entertainment but also in developing linguistic or language skills by introducing the concepts of reading, listening and comprehension.
Another benefit that we can gain from books is the development of cognitive skills, which can be done by encouraging them to take part in the process of storytelling and teaching kids to predict the story. Let’s look at ways through which we can teach our children to predict during story time sessions:
Start with basics and teach them to read from left side to right side of the book. While doing this move your finger through each word. This will help your child to follow and practically understand the process of reading
Introduce new small words when reading a story from a story book. Look at how your child reacts when you are reading the story. There might be some words which interest him and hold on your child’s attention. Identify those words and point out those words in the book to your child and while doing so, explain the meaning of that word.
Hold the book right up, so that your child can see the cover page and the illustration. Read out the name of the book aloud and let your child observe the images and words on the cover page.
Once you have set up a story time and your child is used to listening to stories, start asking your child what he thinks will be the story in this book. Let him guess by looking at the characters, various images
After a few days of the above activity, you need to ask your child to predict the story half way. So, read one-fourth of the story to your child and then ask your child – “What do you think is going to happen next?” This improves the thinking, creative and imaginative skills of your child.
What to do if your child isn't interested in predicting the story?
At times due to the short attention span of children, your child might be unwilling to predict and only want to listen the story from you. In that case, you can lead by example. Stop in the middle of the story or towards the end of the story and voice your predictions in front of your child. Say sentences like ‘Let me try to predict the story' or 'I think it would be fun if this happened.’ Give a couple of options and ask him what he thinks, before continue reading to find out.
With the above tips, you are stimulating your child to think and come up with creative options on his own and thus facilitating the development of his cognitive skills at an earlier age. Following these tips is sure to make your cild smarter than his age! Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
14 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
14 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
12 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. Its been 7 days my 8 month old hasn’t pooped. He looks good not at all cranky. Eating normally. What to do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
8 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Sometimes baby does not poop for 7-10 days. Please massage baby stomach clockwise and anti-clockwise. You can also apply hing water on baby stomach. Also do some cycling leg exercises of the baby to relieve from constipation and gas. Please make the baby burp after every feed. Mother should chew saunf and ajwain after every meal.
Thanks and take care
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. how do i claim the vochure
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 3 yr old boy
4 hours ago
A. proper question plzz
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
4 hours ago
Q. I m 18 weeks pregnant this is my 2nd pregnancy i had first miscarriage at 35 weeks my question is when do i feel my baby’s movement
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. The baby movements are sent after completing the time of 20 weeks somewhere between the time of 20 weeks to 25 weeks you can start feeling movements of your child any time if you feel that there is a problem or you’re not feeling sufficient movements then please feel free to consult your gynaecologist regarding that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what should I listen to in 5 weeks
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. five weeks only first trimester ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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