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How to Take Bath When Pregnant? - Dos and Don'ts
Bathing is one of the most effective ways of maintaining full body hygiene. However, if you like soaking in long bathing sessions or you enjoy occasional hot water baths, pregnancy may evoke certain concerns, and you may want to know whether your usual bathing practices are safe for your baby or you need to make some changes? Well, this post talks about baths during pregnancy and also discusses various other aspects that you should keep in mind while bathing.
Can You Take Bath while Pregnant?
Bathing is not only calming and relaxing during pregnancy, but it is also a great way of soothing the tired muscles. Therefore, there is no harm in taking regular baths during pregnancy until and unless you take a bath with hot water. Soaking in hot water or taking hot water baths tend to increase your body temperature which can lead to several complications for you and your baby. In the same way, steam baths, sauna baths, hot tub baths etc. should be strictly avoided during pregnancy.
How to Take Bath Safely in Different Stages of Pregnancy?
It is indeed safe to take a bath during pregnancy, however, make sure the temperature of the water is not too high as high water temperature may drop the blood pressure, cause weakness or dizziness and even cause congenital disabilities in babies. Lower blood pressure may lead to abortions and miscarriages during the first trimester. Here are some safe ways of how to take a bath during pregnancy or precautions to be taken during different stages of pregnancy.
1. First Trimester
The first trimester is a very crucial time for your baby because at this stage your baby’s organs start developing and overheating of the body may lead to severe complications or congenital disabilities. Following are safe ways of bathing during the first trimester
Take tepid or warm water bath in early pregnancy.
Make sure you do not soak in the bathtub for longer durations.
Use organic or chemical free bathing products.
The temperature of the water should not be more than 102 degrees.
2. Second Trimester
Your pregnancy is more settled during this stage, and your growing baby bump can take a toll on your balance. Bathing can be very soothing and relaxing, however, make sure you follow these rules.
You can take regular baths until or unless your doctor advises against it.
Make sure you test the temperature of the water before soaking in it.
Limit your shower time and do not soak in water for the longer duration. Taking longer showers may increase the risk of vaginal infections.
To relieve any leg pain, you may soak your legs in hot water instead of soaking the entire body.
3. Third Trimester
By this trimester, you get closer to labour and delivery. Your body may be aching or experiencing pain at this juncture. Bathing is a great of rejuvenating and relaxing. Take following points into consideration while bathing during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Relax and indulge in a warm water bath.
At any given point if you feel uncomfortable or your body temperature rises while take baths, get out of the bath immediately.
Getting in and out of bath may get tricky towards the end of pregnancy, you may ask for assistance to avoid accidents.
It may get difficult to manage your weight towards the end of pregnancy; extra caution should be exercised while entering washroom or bath during third pregnancy trimester because of the slippery surface.
Things to Avoid While Bathing in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a delicate phase of life and requires the mommy-to-be to exercise caution in everything she does, and bathing is one such practice. Certain things are a complete no-no during pregnancy. Here we have listed down the things that you should avoid while bathing during pregnancy
Soaking is hot tub baths or standing under hot water showers for longer durations is a big no! If any doubt occurs regarding the water temperature, get a thermometer and check the water temperature.
Most women love bubble baths. However, during pregnancy skip the bath products that may contain any harsh chemicals in them such as phthalates, BPA liners and other harmful chemicals.
Ensure you have somebody to help you in getting into the tub and out of it. As you get bigger, handling your pregnancy weight may become challenging. Assistance from your partner may prove to be helpful and also be safe for you.
Do not skip the bath mats. A bathroom is a place where you are at the maximum risk of slipping and falling because of a slippery surface. Place bath mats at various places in your washroom.
Do not soak in baths for prolonged durations as it may put you at the risk of infections, such as vaginal infections. Limit your bath time to 15 to 20 minutes.
Refrain from using bath bombs. These bombs may not only make the tub area more slippery, but it may be loaded with chemicals that you be harmful to your growing baby.
If possible avoid aroma oils. This is because sometimes aroma oils can cause allergic reactions and may even induce labour or cause miscarriage. Until or unless you are sure of the efficacy of the oil, refrain from using it.
Do not get into the tub without keeping an anti-slip mat. As you move ahead with your pregnancy and gain weight, your centre of gravity changes and may make you prone to falls. Placing an anti-slip plastic mat in the tub may help you in maintaining your balance.
Refrain from using body scrubs. Pregnancy makes your body sensitive, and most body scrubs may contain Epsom salt in it. This can make your body very dry and deprive your body of its natural moisture. If you wish to use scrubs, you may use homemade scrubs with sugar or get organic body scrubs.
Do not use a harsh loofah sponge to get rid of the dead skin cells. Pregnancy makes changes in your skin texture, and harsh bath products may take a toll on your skin. Use softer loofah while bathing to protect your skin and to enjoy your bathing experience during pregnancy.
Do not use unfiltered bathing water especially if you live in areas that have contaminated water supply. Make sure you install water filters in your washroom to minimise your interaction with contaminated water during pregnancy. Bathroom water filters are readily available and can be conveniently installed too.
Avoid tub baths if possible and opt for shower baths. Tub baths can be relaxing, but they can get too cumbersome and risky towards the end of pregnancy. As much as possible opt for shower bath in comparison to soaking in a tub bath.
Like everything else, baths need special consideration too during pregnancy. Make sure you follow the suggestions mentioned above while talking bath during pregnancy and make it a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. Any doubt, worry or query in context to your bath must be directed towards your OB/GYN for more comprehensive and appropriate consultation.
Also Read: Taking Bath in Epsom Salt in Pregnancy Read more
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12 Pictures You Must Take On Baby's First Day In The World
When your little baby finally comes into the world, after the stressful and anxiety-prone period of pregnancy, the moment is overwhelming. In fact, it is almost unbelievable! This is where some newborn photography can help you make the moment not just tangible but also stored safely for years and years to come.
The camera is a beautiful thing. It lets you capture time and memories forever. While your little baby is tiny now, she will soon be all grown up. The day will come when she will have little babies of her own! It is then that the photos of newborn baby you clicked on her very first day will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart.
So, when it comes to babies' first photos, which are the ones you absolutely must click? You can be very tempted to click away randomly; your baby is just irresistibly cute! But make sure you tell your enthusiastic photographer – the Dad, the grandparents, or the elder sibling? - to imperatively go through the following list of clicks.
Must Have Newborn Photos For Eternal Memories
1. With Gushing Mom and Dad
Watch out as your husband fidgets and grows hyper-sensitive around your baby. After all, your family is suddenly bigger and there's a whole new person who will soon call him Dad!
2. Of Those Tiny, Perfect Feet
You know they are perfect. You can't help staring at them for hours as your baby sleeps soundly. Just wait until he becomes a toddler and those same cute feet run all over the place!
3. With The Excited Grandparents
This lot is probably even more excited than you are! They already have dozens of baby names ideas, stackful of toys, and you can see your mum knitting a new sweater for the newborn already.
4. That Funny, I-am-so-Cool Expression
Seriously, what's behind that know-it-all expression? Your newborn has the entire hospital on their toes and has been wailing every now and then, but still manages to look so very nonchalant!
5. Of The Wail That Can Stop The World
Like we said, remember to capture your newborn's crying. It will be a lot of fun showing your child this picture when he is throwing a tantrum later in life.
6. With Big Brother or Sister
Aside from you and your husband, your firstborn is another immensely excited, though slightly awed, party. Let him steal a few moments with his new sibling, much before they start fighting over who's getting the bigger slice of pizza!
7. That Delighted Giggle Only Mom Is Privy To
Even on his first day, your newborn will have a special place in his heart for you. Keep a lookout for peals of laughter and gestures of affection that are intended just for Mamma!
8. In The Big Cradle
Talk about perspective! You thought the cradle was small but hey, your baby seems to disappear right into it.
9. With The Giggling Cousins Of All Ages
The young, younger and youngest cousins are all streaming in to meet their new playmate. When cousins get together with your little one, make sure you capture the unparalleled, unadulterated delight!
10. Those Little Hands That Hold Onto Mamma
It's impossibly sweet how your baby can actually pull at your fingers even when he's so little. Those gentle hands find yours just fine, right from the beginning.
11. Of The Kind of Sleep We All Dream Of Getting
None of us are getting this kind of sleep ever again. Well, not most of us at any rate. Which is why it makes sense to capture this real world perfection.
12. And Finally, With Darling, Dearer Than Life Mom
...because the two you must have a solo picture. Here's your little world holding you tightly, and at this moment, there's nothing else you need.
So, are you now all set to capture the beauty of your baby's first day in the world? Make sure your camera is in top-notch shape! Read more
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My preemie..Deetya Mridula survival story! The pain of a mother seeing her preemie...
I was 34 weeks pregnant, my baby stopped breathing since 3 days, I noticed it on the very first day but doctor asked me to lie on my left and make a count on baby kicks... That was a diwali season. As there was a shortage of staffs during festive season, They ignored the importance. I felt helpless. I was so afraid about my baby's survival as I got pregnant only after 2.5 years after my marriage. Suddenly a male doctor came for rounds, I told him everything. He realised it's already too late. He urged the emergency team to take me on an emergency cesarean section. They took my Deetya Mridula out of my womb who weighed just 1.18 kgs, and kept her in NICU...She was looking so blue, i heard that from my mother. They didn't show my baby to me as she was shifted to NICU on an emergency basis. She was not breathing, was on ventilator... I felt more hopeless. On day 3, they allowed me to see my daughter. I stood next to her ventilator, leaned more closer to her face. Seeing her very little nostrils holding very big ventilator tubings, I started crying but not so loud as that was an ICU. Later I talked to her more positively, asked her to survive for her dad n me, and told her how much we love her. Day to day I saw improvement in her health, she started breathing by herself. She was there in NICU for 21 days. I used to give kangaroo mother care, at that time since she was a very feeble preemie, her body and ear lobes used to firmly stick on mine. I feel very unusual and pity for her. Days ran away... She slowly struggled and fought all her battles of life and survived by god's grace. Now she's 3 years and 2 months old. She's my Deetya Mridula that means, a tender woman came as an answer for my prayers. She means the world to me... I love you deetya! This is the survival story of my sweetheart preemie deetya.
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20 Ways Successful People Use to Increase Their Productivity at Work
There never is enough time in a day to finish everything we need to do; at least that is what it seems like. The truth is, if more people put in the effort to work smarter, it is possible to become more productive at work. If you are not sure how to improve productivity at work by working smarter, we have you covered.
20 Effective Strategies to Increase Your Productivity at Work
Here are some effective tips to boost your productivity at workplace:
1. Stop Multitasking
Though it may seem like taking on more than one thing at a time makes you more productive, it is quite the opposite. When you work on more than one thing at a time, you are not able to give it your full concentration. This often leads to poor quality work and sometimes, missed deadlines. By focusing on one thing at a time, you will be putting all your concentration into it, meaning you will finish it faster too. You can then move on to different projects.
2. De-clutter and Organize Your Workspace
When your environment is cluttered, it tends to impact your mind. By clearing out your work space and keeping everything organised, you can not only think more clearly, but can also save time by not having to constantly look for the things you need.
3. Eat Healthy Food
Eating is not just about satiating hunger, but is also about fulfilling your nutrition needs to be able to function at your best. Eating fast food will help your hunger, but it will not give you what your brain needs to be able to stay sharp. Eat a balanced diet so that you will be setting yourself up for success not just physically, but mentally too.
4. Exercise Daily
Exercise is important not only to stay fit, but also to keep the mind healthy. A healthy mind will be able to focus better, and completing tasks at work will seem much easier than before. Those who do not exercise are prone to becoming sluggish and bored with their tasks, making the time taken to complete them longer.
5. Put Your Phone on Silent
It is very easy to get lured into wasting a lot of unnecessary time checking your phone every time you get a notification. Time flies when you open your social media and messenger apps, so make sure to put your phone on silent and focus on the tasks that you have on hand at work. Without the constant distractions, you may find that it takes much less time to complete a task than you had previously thought.
6. Finish the Important Tasks First
Get the important tasks out of the way, and you will definitely save a lot of time and stress when you are nearing the deadlines. Some of these tasks may seem daunting, which is why many people tend to put them off until the last minute. Instead, force yourself to get started with it and just take it slowly, one step at a time.
7. Proactive, Not Reactive
Instead of simply reacting to your emails and phone calls and letting them set the pace of your day, be proactive and get those things done yourself. Make a plan of attack for yourself to implement each day and do your best to stick to it. With this method, you will be increasing your productivity a lot.
8. Plan Your Week
You should always give yourself at least two hours every week to think ahead about the week to come, and plan your tasks accordingly. It is important that you get into the habit of checking your progress and making sure that you complete the tasks on your schedule. By ensuring to make a plan for the week, you will be able to tackle the week with dedication and focus, rather than uncertainty and apprehension.
9. Wake Up Early
Waking up early is great because it gives you the time to wake up properly and ease into your day. Take that extra time in the morning to exercise, read something that will broaden your mind and eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast so that you will get enough energy to last you the day. When you wake up and rush out the door, you are not doing what you need to do to ensure a proper mindset to take on the day.
10. Stand More
You may start to feel restless or sleepy after a few hours of working hard, you may notice that your posture is starting to slouch and that you are not able to focus on your work. If so, you should stand up. This simple technique is really effective at helping with a lot of things like back and shoulder pain, and it will help to improve productivity.
11. It’s Okay to Say 'No'
There are many times when your own work gets pushed back when you take on work for someone else, or when you put your work on pause to help others. While those are nice things to do, you need to also ensure that your own work is getting done. So asking them to wait a few minutes until you have completed your task will not be a direct refusal. However, more often than not, the person would have figured out the problem in the time it took them waiting for you.
12. Have “crush” Time
Set aside some time every morning to sit and just focus on completing your tasks. Do not bother anyone with questions and get all your dreaded tasks out of the way. Once you get into the flow, the work becomes much easier.
13. Delegate Tasks
There may be times when you have too much on your plate. If possible, do not hold onto the attitude that you need to do it yourself. Make a list of tasks that you can delegate to others and get it done.
14. Wear Headphones
When you work in a fast paced office environment, it can be pretty noisy, and there are bound to be those who want to ask questions and sometimes have a little chat. By using the simple trick of wearing headphones, you discourage people from interrupting your work, and you get to cancel out the noise from the office. You do not necessarily have to be listening to anything, but seeing you with headphones on will make others think twice about coming over to talk to you.
15. Listen to Calming Sounds
If you choose to listen to something on your headphones, listen to sounds that are calming and peaceful so that you will be able to have a clear mind to think while completing your tasks. Listening to music without any lyrics can help you concentrate better.
16. The 'Five Second Rule'
You won’t always feel like diving right into your work, and one way to push yourself to do it is to give yourself the five second rule. If you have anything that you are trying to avoid starting, take a few deep breaths and countdown from five before diving into your task.
17. Track and Limit Your Time
Be more aware of how you use your time. Without realising it, you may spend half an hour on social media, wasting valuable working time. If you attempt to track how much time you are spending on each task - work or break related - you will be able to set reasonable limits for yourself so that you can make sure you are spending your time wisely.
18. Set Deadlines for Yourself
Stress is always seen as a bad thing, and while most of it does have negative effects on us, some people seem to work better under pressure. Good stress is good as it helps push you further, so set some deadlines for yourself so that you can complete all your tasks with some time to spare.
19. Take Regular Breaks
Working for more than 90 minutes at a stretch can cause your productivity to start declining. Ensure to plan out your breaks at the start of every day and make some time to take a walk outside the office and just get some fresh air. Just by doing something so simple, you will have re-energized yourself and given yourself the time you need to focus again.
20. Stop Trying to Be Perfect
Some people take a very long time on their tasks because they want them to be perfect, but the truth is that as human beings, we cannot always be perfect. Do what you need to do to the best of your abilities and move on. This is the best way you can be productive instead of wasting time.
With some will power and discipline, it should not be difficult to implement these small strategies to help bring up your productivity at work. So try them out, remain consistent, and you will be successful.
Also Read:
Why Job Satisfaction is Important and How to Achieve It
Annoying Work Habits Every Boss Don’t Like
Why It Is Important to Show Gratitude at Workplace Read more
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Do You Choose Other Work or People Over Your Own Child?
When you're a parent, your life rotates around your kids, their needs, their health, and their proper upbringing. But what happens when you have to share that time with someone else in the home?
Be it a sick family member or an elderly person, when you live with someone other than your husband and kids, there will be a time when you have to purposely neglect your child.
I recently faced such a situation when my mother-in-law had an attack and my husband had me move into her home to stay with her and to take care of her. After marriage, I lived with my husband in UAE, so to shift back to India temporarily with an infant was a huge change for me. You get to realize that differences in opinion can happen regarding the most basic of things.
From a nuclear to joint family, the way you were used to doing things at your own pace and time can't be applicable.
In a nuclear family, you work according to your kids' schedule, following their meal timings, naps and playtime till their bedtime. But with a joint family, everything needs to be rescheduled and adjusted according to all the members of the family.
There are lots of times when you are serving food and your kid wants attention because he bumped into something and got hurt. Or you are massaging someone's legs/head and your kid wants food. These are some scenarios where you have to choose between your kids' needs and the work you're doing.
You will also face a situation where your frustration is taken out on your kid or you just need some 'me time' so that you can recharge and reboot.
If you have a small kid whose schedule you can change, it would be better for you to readjust him to flow with the schedule of other family members.
Speak to your husband, not just for complaining, but to keep him updated of your kids' upbringing, your in-laws' health, etc.
Avoid taking out your frustration on your kids.
Neglect small differences in opinion but defend your stand when they are wrong.
These are a few things I've learned after staying with my in-laws.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
18 hours ago
Q. How to/ calculate/check baby weight in the womb is it possible?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
18 hours ago
A. not possible by yourself it can be possible by ultrasound examination 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
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. Can I put my breastmilk in my babies nose to treat his cold in 5 months old baby.he has cold cough by birth due to which he is unable to sleep nd he gets up every 30 min feed and sleep again wht can be done
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
14 hours ago
A. no it's not recommended further you can contact with your doctor and you can get the the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concerned person withgk the geniune advice ...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
38 week delivery is Safe?
Baby weight is 2.800 kg
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. yes safe for the delivery. 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
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Is it normal to feel hiccups in stomach like heart beating at 36 weeks?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. ye sits common
take rest
this will require examination and check up as well as history evaluation with the gynecologist.
please meet the doctor at your convenience for proper treatment as well as investigations if required.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Hi,
I delivered my baby through c section on 12th March 2024. My bleeding stopped post that after 15 days. But I observed light spotting yesterday. Is that something serious and what could be the reason?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. ok upto six weeks. 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
Nikitha has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. Hello..
I am 9 month pregnant.. I want to know I have to pack in hospital bag ?
please answer
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. hello you can carry the basic things like baby clothes and skin care product like babyhug and also you should carry diaper for the baby to use initially which all would be of help and you can also carry quick dry which also would be of help too
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