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Signs of a Healthy and Unhealthy Baby in the Womb
To eliminate any threat to your baby, it is important to be able to differentiate the signs of a healthy foetus from an unhealthy one. If left unattended, it might lead to a miscarriage. Miscarriage is one of the common consequences of an unhealthy baby, resulting in loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. We cover some of the warning signs in this article.
What are the Symptoms of a Healthy Baby During Pregnancy?
Every parent wants to have a healthy baby and goes to great lengths for the same. But, lack of information may, sometimes,lead to an unexpected outcome. Therefore, understanding the signs of a healthy foetus becomes crucial. Below are the signs of a healthy baby during the early stages of pregnancy:
1. Movement
A baby starts moving after 5 months of conception. Medically, the first foetal movement is termed as quickening. A 6-month foetus responds to sound through movement. Around the seventh month, the foetus reacts to stimuli such light, sound or pain. By the eighth month, a baby starts changing her position and kicks more frequently. Studies have shown that by the ninth month, movement becomes less due to less space. All these are signs that your unborn baby is healthy.
2. Normal Growth
There are several ways to measure the growth and development of a foetus. Your doctor will perform an ultrasound to keep track of your baby’s health and development. Generally, a foetus grows by 2 inches every month. So, by the seventh month, your baby should be 14 inches long. In the third trimester, a healthy foetus grows heavier by 700 grams every week. Generally, by the ninth month, a foetus weighs about 3 kilograms and is 18-20 inches long. All these are signs of a healthy foetus in the womb.
3. Heartbeat
A baby’s heart starts to beat at around the fifth week of pregnancy. However, its detection is a lot easier towards the end of the first trimester through electronic foetal monitoring. To confirm your baby’s heart health, your doctor may conduct a non-stress test. This test monitors the heart rate of a foetus and provides insight about potential threats, if any. Alternatively, some doctors may even count the heartbeat by just touching your stomach. A healthy heartbeat ranges between 110 to 160 beats per minute.
4. Position At the Time of Pre-Labour
During the ninth month, the movement of a baby comes to an end or becomes minimal. A healthy baby adopts a head-first position and starts moving towards the birth canal.
5. Weight Gain and Belly of Expecting Mom
Weight gain during pregnancy is a surefire sign of a healthy pregnancy. Expecting moms gain around 12-15 weeks when they’re pregnant. You can ask your doctor to check your weight regularly and give you an update on whether your pregnancy is progressing normally or not. Your belly should also grow in size as the months go by.
Signs of an Unhealthy Foetus
During the fifth month, a foetus becomes more reactive towards sound, light, and pain. This is a period when they are also exposed to various threats that may affect growth and development, directly or indirectly.
If problems are visible externally, corrective measures can be taken to deal with them. But how do you recognize an unhealthy foetus inside your womb? The answer is simple, you just need to watch out for these warning signs.
1. Abnormal Fundal Height
Fundal height helps the doctor evaluate whether a woman’s uterus is growing or not. To measure fundal height, you will be asked to lie down and using a tape measure, the length from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone is measured. Usually, after the 16-week mark, fundal height matches the progress of the pregnancy.
If the height of your uterus is not what it should be, it indicates a problem with your pregnancy. The reason may be too much or too less of amniotic fluid or a breech baby. In the worst-case scenario. It could also mean that the foetus is not developing in a proper manner.
2. Lack of or No Heartbeat
Although a baby’s heart starts beating after the fifth week, it’s only around the tenth week that detection becomes easy. A foetal heartbeat can be detected through electronic foetal monitoring or in some cases, by just touching your stomach and counting the number of beats per minute (bpm).
At times, detecting the heartbeat may not be possible due to a change in the baby’s position or placental issues. In such a case, your doctor might ask you to try again during your next visit. However, if she still can’t detect the foetal heartbeat, then an ultrasound test might be recommended to dig out the reason behind the undetectable heartbeat. In some cases, lack of heartbeat signals a hindrance in foetal development or in worst cases, a lifeless foetus.
3. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Intrauterine growth restriction interferes with the growth of the foetus. If you test positive for IUGR, it implies that your foetus measures 10% smaller than its gestational age. If you’re suffering from IUGR, complications such as difficulty in breathing, high blood sugar, and high body temperature can arise and continue even after delivery. Therefore, there is need to closely observe this condition. This could happen in case of multiples as well, where one of the babies suffers from IUGR, but the other one remains unaffected.
This problem happens due to abnormal functioning of the placenta, which in normal conditions ensures the baby gets all the necessary nutrients. Other reasons include kidney issues, anaemia and diabetes.
4. Low hCG Level
hCG is a type of hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. hCG levels tends to fluctuate throughout pregnancy depending on the trimester. Generally, hCG levels are extremely high during week 9 - 16 of pregnancy. The normal levels vary from individual to individual, so a low hCG level is not a reason for you to panic. However, miscarriage, a blighted ovum, or ectopic pregnancy may induce a low level of hCG and raise a red flag for your pregnancy.
5. Excess Cramping During Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with its share of pain and aches. However, extreme pain which feels like menstrual cramps is another warning sign. In early pregnancy, it may be caused due to poor blood flow but if it persists, you might need to consult your doctor.
6. Bleeding During Pregnancy
Women tend to experience spotting during pregnancy, which is quite normal. However, bleeding is still a matter of concern without a doubt and needs to be evaluated by a doctor. It might be sign of miscarriage, hormonal bleeding or implantation bleeding.
7. Extreme Back Pain
Experiencing back pain is common during pregnancy as the growing baby puts a lot of strain on the spine and lower back. This feeling worsens when you’re expecting multiples. Well, look out for back pain which becomes severe as opposed to a dull ache in the back. Also, if it starts from the front of your body and make its way to the back, it’s not a good sign. You should visit your doctor immediately.
8. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Vaginal discharge is a common condition experienced by women when they’re pregnant, and it increases as the pregnancy progresses. Usually, the vaginal discharge of a pregnant woman is clear, transparent, whitish odourless. However, if you notice yellowish or greenish discharge with a strong smell, then it’s time to consult your doctor without any further delay. Unusual discharge might be caused by cervical inflammation, indicating a sign of miscarriage.
9. Sudden Discontinuation of Morning Sickness
Morning sickness and pregnancy are correlated. Usually, morning sickness resolves itself by the end of the first trimester or even earlier, without affecting foetus. However, for some pregnant women, sudden discontinuation of morning sickness might be because of low hCG levels, pointing to a miscarriage. It’s advised to seek an expert’s opinion and make sure there’s no threat to your baby.
10. Fever During Pregnancy
Fever during pregnancy should not be ignored. A fever might pose the threat of a bacterial or viral infection to the foetus.
11. Contraction Of Breast Size
During pregnancy, the body of a woman goes through a multitude of hormonal changes. Breasts go through a transformation and become more sensitive. They also feel heavier and fuller as the pregnancy progresses. However, a sudden decrease in the size of breasts may signal a miscarriage.
12. No Foetal Movement
Foetal movement can be felt around the 18-week mark as the foetus starts reacting to sound, light and pain. Experts say that a pregnant woman should experience around 10 kicks every two hours during this period. If the foetus is in distress, the count declines. It’s a clear sign to consult your doctor for proper treatment. Any delay in seeking medical help might cause an unfortunate event.
13. Sudden Spike in Blood Sugar Levels
It’s normal for blood sugar and blood pressure levels to rise during pregnancy. In fact, you should keep these levels throughout the three trimesters. However, a sudden and high spike in blood sugar levels can lead to preeclampsia and may induce preterm labour.
14. Changes in Placental Position
A change in the placental position is also one of the signs of an unhealthy pregnancy. When the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus, the pregnancy gets terminated. So, always get your placental position checked.
Pay attention to what the signs say. Consult your doctor even if you have a minor doubt or feel something is off. Your concern might be futile but it’s always good to be safe than sorry. Read more
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Tips to Keep in Mind While Climbing Stairs After C Section
A major abdominal surgery, a C-section requires several weeks to heal. Your doctor will definitely advise against climbing stairs for a week or more. You should not delay your healing by injuring yourself, so you are advised to follow simple tips so that your recovery happens faster.
Can You Climb Stairs Post a C-Section?
Doctors advise against climbing stairs for a few weeks after the surgery, as the body requires time to heal completely. If at all you need to climb stairs, it should be done with great care and caution. It is best to limit trips up the stairs. It is also essential that you do not carry anything heavy while going up and down. Doctors have, traditionally, advised women to avoid stairs after a C-section.
How Many Days After a C-Section Can You Climb Stairs?
Any major surgery requires time to heal completely. After spending four to five days or longer in the hospital post-delivery, it is obvious that your body needs time to recover. Doctors advise rest of at least six weeks for mothers who have given birth via C-section, as there remains a risk of the incision opening up, and causing a painful infection. When to use stairs after a C-section, then, is obvious - after a few weeks post-delivery.
Cautionary Tips While Using Stairs after a C-Section
The postpartum period is a crucial phase, and special attention has to be paid to the new mother. Every new mother needs time and care to heal and recover from the delivery process, more so in the cases of C-sections. Here are some important tips healthcare providers give new mothers for climbing stairs:
1. Seek Help
You must not hesitate to ask for help while climbing up and down the stairs if it is absolutely necessary when you are still recovering from major surgery.
2. Hire a Postpartum Doula
You must have your family members nearby when you have to take up the regular day-to-day chores while you are still healing. In case this is not possible, do not hesitate to hire a postpartum doula who can help you with all kinds of tasks.
3. Do Not Be in a Hurry
Be slow, and take your time - you must never be in a hurry to start climbing stairs or lifting heavy objects too soon after major surgery as it can cause injuries and slow down the ability of your body to heal quickly.
4. Take Support of a Handrail
While climbing up or down the stairs, you must hold the handrail, as dizziness can prove to be dangerous for recovering moms.
5. Avoid Poorly-Lit Staircases
You must ensure that the staircase area is properly lit so that there are no chances of tripping and falling.
6. Seek Expert Advice If You Trip
You must not ignore minor incidents like tripping or slipping off the stairs. The doctor should be consulted to rule out any internal injury after the C-section.
There are ways to tell if your C-section incisions have caused an infection, which would warrant you to visit a doctor immediately:
You see redness or swelling on the site of the incision
You experience bad-smelling discharge from the vagina
You have a fever of more than 104 degrees F
You experience heavy vaginal bleeding
Your incision area is hurting more than usual
You experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or unusual pain in the breasts
Climbing stairs after a C-section is safe as long as you are careful and comfortable. If your body is too frail to take the exertion of climbing stairs, you must not force your body to do it. Some cautionary steps can easily help you recover faster to revert to normal life after a C-section.
Resources and References: Healthline
Also Read: How to Sleep after C-Section? Read more
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Valentine Heart Hair-Clip
Does your little princess fancy snap-clips? If Yes, do not miss to design these lovely heart-shaped clips for her this Valentine’s Day. Follow a few simple steps and make numerous clips for all her favourite outfits.
Things Required
2-3 small (3/4-inch long) girls snap-clips. (Ensure that they are plane and have nothing glued on them)
A Fuchsia Felt Bundle
Cotton Embroidery Thread
Method
Cut out one large heart from any colour Felt.
Cut another heart of smaller size from a different colour Felt.
Trace the outline of the smaller heart on the larger heart cut-out.
Now cut around the outside of this traced marking with the help of pinking shears. Ensure the zig-zags appear neat. This makes the back felt.
Now snip a tiny hole on one side of the back felt piece, as shown in the image.
Slide the smaller arm of the clip through this little opening such that the bigger arm appears on the front side of the back piece
Snap the hair clip shut.
Now place the smaller heart over the outline drawn on the bigger heart such that the pinked edges frame the smaller heart neatly.
Stitch the two hearts together using the embroidery thread, as shown in the image.
Your beautiful handmade snap-clip is ready! Make many such heart shaped snap-clips, using different colour felt and see your daughter flaunt them this Valentine’s Day. Read more
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Babyhug Hard Spout Non Spill Sipper Cup With Handle Review
when baby is 18 months, I have started giving fruit juices, butter milk in feeding bottle and water(Mostly in glass). I was looking for Sipper bottles, where I got this Baby hug hard sprout one. So, baby is learning to Sip using the sipper bottle. Because of the heavy flow it is becoming difficult for the baby to control the flow. There is controllable flow option given by some plastic material but that is not of much use to control the flow. And cup size also I feel little small by look but the capacity wide it can help for the baby till 2 yrs. Easy to handle for the baby and easy to clean for me. Good quality material. The cup is portable and easy to carry. As I said inside CAP is not so efficient I fixed it tightly but I have seen it came out when I tried to use. I felt that didn’t server the purpose.
Also, some times I feel fxing the handle and cap with proper alignment takes some time when hurry. Other wise, once set it is leak proof.On the whole I am using this on and off because baby is not able to control the flow of water/milk. Juices which are not too much liquid for that I am using it.
If I put inside CAP the flow is very slow and baby is not able to wait that long to drink. If I remove that, baby is not able to control the flow. and also baby has to put head too up like shown in pic at the end of juice/drink because of the design of the Cap.
Hard spout and the tiny design for that capacity. Baby likes to chew the spout and enjoys while doing it.
Flow control need to be checked. May be some more colors in the product.
Yes for thick juices or 1.5 yrs above. With inside valve set for less than 1.5 yrs to avoid the flow.
 Read more
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
8 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
55 mins ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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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