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10 Common Monsoon Diseases in Babies and Children
Going out and enjoying the first showers of the season, gorging on great street food, and playing in puddles of water is how many of us wish to be associated with the monsoons. But all of these come with the risk of exposing ourselves to various germs and viruses, which lead to spending the rest of the season in bed due to sickness. Rainy season illness in babies also begins to ramp up since their bodies are suddenly exposed to a huge fluctuation in the atmosphere and a considerably larger amount of microorganisms that the body has to fight against.
Video: 8 Common Monsoon Diseases in Babies and Children
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12h1pGToA-Q
Most Common Illnesses Children Suffer from During Rainy Season
Here are the common illnesses that you should be wary of in the monsoon.
1. Malaria
This is one of the most common diseases that affect a large number of people during monsoons.
Causes
The incessant rains can lead to puddles of water forming in various areas. These could even be close to the home, which turns into effective breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The female of the Anopheles variant of mosquitoes usually carries the germs and ends up transferring it to a person after biting them.
Symptoms
Malaria makes itself felt with the first sign of fever. This usually occurs at regular intervals or as evening dawns and chills set in. This is further accompanied by uncontrolled shivering, extreme pain in the body and weakness of the muscles. These symptoms get worse with time.
Prevention
Keeping mosquitoes away is the only method to prevent malaria from infecting you. Make sure the surroundings are clean and no pools of water are located in your vicinity. Wear clothes that cover the body fully and make use of mosquito repellents to keep them away. Mosquito nets are useful in this regard, too.
2. Cholera
This is quite a deadly disease and usually infects people that tend to have outside or unhygienic food.
Causes
Cholera is primarily caused by a specific type of bacteria that usually thrives in dirty or contaminated water, as well as food items prepared in them. The absence of hygienic surroundings further assists it in spreading to various sources, such as an unclean lavatory building located close by.
Symptoms
A person can be quickly identified by having cholera once he starts having repeated bouts of diarrhoea. The stools are generally watery and immense dehydration tends to occur. This is further compounded by cramping in muscles and vomiting, which can be quite fatal for a baby.
Prevention
Vaccination is the first line of defence in this regard since one shot can provide protection for half a year. Maintaining personal hygiene is next by using sanitizers and disinfectants. Opt for boiling the water used for drinking to kill the germs in it. Avoid outside food at all costs and purchase any vegetables and fruits carefully. Raw meat items should be avoided in such cases as well.
3. Typhoid
Another disease that is quite common in monsoons, since it is water-borne.
Causes
Contaminated water and food items prepared in unhygienic ways or in unclean surroundings are the major reason for spreading typhoid. The Styptic bacteria is the culprit for typhoid and it easily thrives in such conditions.
Symptoms
Typhoid is quite dangerous compared to other diseases since it tends to make its home in the gallbladder of a person even after treatment is successful. On contracting typhoid, fever, abdominal pain, and severe headaches are strong tell-tale signs of an infection.
Prevention
The disease is quite contagious so it might be necessary to keep the infected person in quarantine. Homoeopathy is known to bring some relief, accompanied with consuming a lot of fluids. Maintaining hygiene at all costs is the only way to stop the disease from affecting you.
4. Viral Fever
Though it can be contracted at any time of the year, the chances get better during monsoons.
Causes
This is a generic way of describing any fever that occurs due to infection of a virus. The strain causing the disease could be amongst many, with most of them having the same method of attack. They usually are airborne and seem to affect people especially when the weather undergoes a lot of fluctuations.
Symptoms
Viral fever is primarily characterized by repeated sneezing, intense fever, weakness and a sore throat.
Prevention
Avoiding the rain is one the best ways to stop viral fever from reaching you. Having turmeric milk regularly helps your body prevent the infection. A sore throat can be relieved by gargling with warm salty water.
5. Gastroenteritis
The stomach bears the worst brunt of them all with this disease that causes a lot of trouble during the rains.
Causes
This is usually caused by multiple virus and bacteria. They can be present in water, food, or even contaminated surfaces. The slightest contact of an unclean hand with the mouth can transfer them to your body and get you infected.
Symptoms
Severe vomiting accompanied by constant diarrhoea is the strongest symptoms of gastroenteritis. These are quite debilitating and bring immense weakness. There are irritation, inflammation and cramping of the intestines, causing quite a lot of pain, too.
Prevention
Hand-hygiene is paramount to be followed at all times. Avoid eating food items that have been kept open for a long duration. Drink clean boiled water constantly throughout the day. Spicy and sugary foods should be avoided as much as possible.
6. Dengue
Malaria is not the only disease that mosquitoes can cause. This is yet another one, and quite fatal, too.
Causes
A variant of the mosquitoes with stripes resembling a tiger on their body are the carriers of this virus. When they bite a person, they transfer the virus directly into the bloodstream.
Symptoms
Extreme pain in the joints and muscles, swelling of the lymph nodes, weakness, headaches, fever, that can even lead to haemorrhagic bleeding which can be fatal.
Prevention
In a room that is not air-conditioned, make use of a mosquito bed. Use repellent aerosols to keep the room free of mosquitoes. Wearing full-sleeved clothes at all times to prevent the chances of mosquitoes biting you.
7. Influenza
Another common condition that affects people in varying degrees in the form of cold and cough.
Causes
Caused by a virus that is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly through the air. It enters the body via the nose and throat, affecting the upper respiratory tract.
Symptoms
Incessantly runny nose, body pain, irritated throat, and fever.
Prevention
Having a strong immunity system is the only way of letting the virus take over your health. Opt for a diet that is nutritious and balanced.
8. Hepatitis A
A serious and dangerous disease that spreads rapidly through water and attacks the liver.
Causes
Unclean water and food that allows the hepatitis A virus to thrive. The stool of an infected person can attract flies on it, which can later sit on exposed foods and transfer the virus in that manner.
Symptoms
Substantial inflammation of the person’s liver, symptoms of jaundice due to yellow eyes and skin, stomach ache, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and exhaustion.
Prevention
Vaccines are essential in building immunity against the virus. Taking care of basic hygiene can reduce the chances, too. Boil water if there are signs of contamination and keep away from outside food that is open and exposed.
9. Leptospirosis
Also known as Weil’s syndrome, this is seen in people who regularly come in contact with polluted water of the monsoons.
Causes
Coming in contact with contaminated water and soil, usually mixed with animal urine, containing the infection. This can enter the body through food or water or even a tiny open wound in the skin, the nose or eyes.
Symptoms
Headaches, body pain, fever, all resembling influenza. Shivering and stiffness in the neck, inflammation of the brain and abdomen.
Prevention
Wear proper footwear that protects the feet from getting wet. Keep your pets clean and get them checked up. Cover any open wounds at all times.
10. Scabies
A skin infection that can infect babies and lead to irritating rashes all over the body.
Causes
Parasitic mites that are small in size find their way onto the skin. These thrive in warm and humid areas such as armpits, skin folds, elbows, genitals, and even in the scalp. It is contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, too.
Symptoms
Red rashes with bumps and water-filled blisters. There are brown or silver lines present in the areas which denote mites entering inside the skin.
Prevention
Keep away from people who seem to have a skin infection. Regularly wash and replace bedsheets, blankets and other household items. Wear full clothes that are completely dry and disinfected.
Monsoon diseases in kids come in all shapes and forms. Prevention is the best cure in this regard instead of spending the entire season in the bed, recovering from an illness. Keeping a healthy diet and regular vaccination shots to boost the immunity can play a vital role in this regard.
Also Read: Foods Kids Should Eat & Avoid In Rainy Season Read more
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How to Determine whether Your Pregnancy is Viable or Nonviable
Although the concept of viable and non-viable pregnancy is easy to grasp, the definitions are clearer in the medical world. A viable pregnancy is where the baby is developing well and has a reasonable chance to make it to the full term. A non-viable pregnancy is where a baby has no chance of being born alive.
What is a Viable Pregnancy?
The viable pregnancy meaning looms around the pregnancy being alive and progressing normally. Before the foetal heartbeat is detected, viable could just mean that the pregnancy hormone hCG is rising normally. When there is one foetus in the uterus and shows up in an ultrasound with a healthy heart rate and normal development, the doctors would call it a single viable intrauterine pregnancy.
How is Viable Pregnancy Determined?
There are markers using which it is possible to determine whether a pregnancy is viable. Here are 5 of them:
1. Human Chorionic Gonadoptrion (HCG) Hormone
The hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during its implantation process in the uterus. During a normal pregnancy, the levels of the HCG hormone steadily increase over the days such that it can be detectable. Home pregnancy test kits measure hCG levels in the urine but a blood test can give an exact reading. Four weeks into pregnancy, the hCG levels would range between 17 to 119 mIU/ml. What’s important to know however is that’s not the number that counts, it is whether the number doubles every two or three days. In over 85% of normal pregnancies the hCG levels double and once it reaches 2000 mIU/ml, some embryonic development becomes apparent on the transvaginal ultrasound.
2. Gestational Sac
The woman is considered to be four weeks pregnant by the time of her first missed period and the embryo would have implanted in the uterus only about a week or so before. This is when the first pregnancy test reads positive and at four weeks there’s still nothing that can be picked up by an ultrasound scan. By the next week, the gestational sac which holds the developing embryo comes into view. By six weeks, a yolk sac can be seen within the gestational sac in an ultrasound. The yolk sac gives nutrition to the embryo before the placenta is developed.
3. Foetal Pole
When the embryo begins developing it looks more like a small bean, a tiny straight pole that is a little curved at the end. The foetal pole appears around five and a half to six and a half weeks and its length is measured from one end to the other. Called the crown-rump length (CRL) it is the length between the head (crown) and the bottom of the buttocks (rump). Once the CRL of the foetus exceeds 7mm, a heartbeat should be detected through a transvaginal ultrasound.
4. Foetal Heartbeat
When the foetal heat beat first becomes detectable. The heart is still a tiny one-chambered tube. The heartbeat appears as a little flicker on the ultrasound scan at around six weeks which is an indicator of the well being of the foetus. The heart rate is initially slower and once the foetus develops a full heart with four chambers, the heartbeat is around 110 beats per minute (BPM) in a viable intrauterine pregnancy. However, a foetal heart rate of less than 90 beats per minute might indicate a non-viable pregnancy. A healthy heart rate is an indicator of a viable pregnancy and once it is seen, the chance of a miscarriage drops significantly and about 95% of the pregnancies from here go on to be full term.
5. Symptoms of pregnancy
Early pregnancy symptoms are normally an indicator that the pregnancy is developing normally. Many women wonder is morning sickness a good sign of a viable pregnancy and the answer is that there is a good chance it could be so when coupled with other signs such as nausea, sore breasts, frequent urination and fatigue. These are the result of varying pregnancy hormones in the body.
What is a Non-Viable Pregnancy?
A non-viable pregnancy is when there is no chance of a live infant being born out of the pregnancy or the foetus does not have a chance to survive even when born alive. Diagnostically, in the early stages nonviable does not mean that the foetus has a little chance of survival; it has no chances of survival. In the early stages of gestation it is possible to experience a non-viable pregnancy but no miscarriage. However, the symptoms of miscarriage show up eventually.
Causes of Non-Viable Pregnancy
A non-viable pregnancy is one where the foetus has no chance of survival and there are many reasons why that might be so. Here are the most common of those:
It could be an ectopic pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes.
Sometimes a fertilized egg which is not capable of surviving implants in the uterus leading to a molar pregnancy.
A chemical pregnancy is one such non-viable condition where the fertilized egg fails to implant in the uterus.
An anembryonic gestation which is also known as a blighted ovum is a condition where the pregnancy stops after the gestational sac forms.
Pregnancies where the foetus no longer has a heartbeat.
Congenital defects which make survival impossible for the foetus.
A premature birth where the baby is unable to survive.
How is Non-Viable Pregnancy Determined?
The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) has a definite set of criteria by which non-viability can be determined and they are as follows:
The CRL is 7mm or more with no heartbeat in the foetus.
The gestational sac has a mean diameter of 25mm or more but has no embryo in it.
Gestational sac not containing a yolk sac is seen in the first scan but two or more weeks later there is no embryo with a heartbeat.
Gestational sac with a yolk sac is seen in the scan but 11 or more days later there is no embryo with a heartbeat.
CRL length less than 7mm without a heartbeat.
Gestational sac diameter between 10 to 24mm and no embryo.
Gestational sac with the absence of a yolk sac is picked up in the scan and 7 to 13 days later there is no embryo with a heartbeat.
Gestational sac along with a yolk sac is observed in the ultrasound and 7-10 days later embryo with a heartbeat is missing.
There is no embryo 6 or more weeks after the last menstrual period.
The amnion (the membrane that surrounds the embryo) is absent.
Enlarged yolk sac that is bigger than 7 millimetres.
Gestational sac size is disproportionately small compared to the embryo.
The definitions of viable and non-viable are designed to prevent the termination of a pregnancy where, in fact, the baby does have a reasonable chance of surviving.
Also Read: Heterotopic Pregnancy Read more
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Here's the Recipe for Homemade Cerelac for Your Baby
I am sharing the recipe for homemade cerelac with you all. This recipe is for all those moms out there who don't like to give their child store-bought cerelac and other foods. Store-bought foods contain preservatives and chemicals which may or may not suit small babies. If your baby is between the ages of 6 and 8 months, i.e., when you introduce solid foods to him, you should prefer giving homemade food to him. The recipe of homemade cerelac that I am sharing with you is healthy and nutritious. You can make cerelac at home in no time and it will also help your baby gain healthy weight.
When you introduce homemade cerelac to your baby, I would suggest that initially, you make it with minimum ingredients (as mentioned below). Later, you can add more ingredients as per your choice.
Here is a Simple Recipe of Homemade Cerelac
Ingredients
1 cup of rice
2 teaspoons of moong dal
2 teaspoons of toor dal
8 almonds
How to Make the Powder
Take all the above ingredients in a bowl and wash them properly.
Drain the water and let the ingredients dry.
Heat a pan and roast all the dry ingredients in it slightly. Make sure that you don’t overcook or burn the ingredients.
Transfer the roasted ingredients on a clean plate or bowl and allow them to cool.
Take all the above ingredients in a blender and blend to make a fine mixture.
Store the cerelac powder in an airtight container.
Your homemade cerelac is ready. You can also add other ingredients like ragi, chana dal, corn, cashew nuts, peanuts, jowar, etc later once your baby starts eating solids.
Please note that while making homemade cerelac, use clean and dry utensils because if you don’t then the powder might get spoiled.
Cerelac Preparation
When making cerelac for your baby, here’s what you will need to do -
Add 1 tablespoon of the prepared powder in a cup of normal water.
Stir it well to avoid lumps.
Add a pinch of salt, and boil the mixture.
Continue stirring it until you get a fine paste. Add more water if required.
Allow it to cool for some time. Check the temperature, then feed it to your baby.
This homemade cerelac mix is quite versatile. You can also add sugar and milk to make sweet homemade cerelac. So, this was the recipe of homemade cerelac. Try it out and feed healthy food to your baby.
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. Read more
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Everything You Need to Know About Postnatal Exercise
Congratulations! After nine months of anticipation and preparation, you're finally a new mom. At this point, you're probably beaming with excitement — but don't push yourself trying to get back into the normal swing of things just yet. Regaining your strength and normal physique is going to take some time and patience, but it does come with a ton of benefits.
Getting regular exercise after giving birth not only gives you a helpful boost of energy and less stress, but it also equips you with better health to perform your new mum duties. However, don't forget to take it easy on your body and keep in mind that there are some precautions to take to ensure you stay safe.
Wait for Your Six-week Postnatal Check-up Before Breaking in a Sweat Again
Generally, you should wait until your six-week postnatal checkup to see if you’re clear to start exercising again. You don’t want complications such as postpartum depression or haemorrhages to get in the way. It might also take longer if you had a caesarean birth, as your body will need more time to recover. It will also depend on your fitness habits and how conditioned your body is prior to the birth of your baby.
Start Slowly
Of course, there’s no pressure to hit the gym again just yet. Getting back into shape could mean something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking to your neighbourhood shop instead of driving your car. When your postnatal bleeding has stopped, you can consider exercises such as swimming, whichBody Soul identifies as one of the safest exercises to do even during pregnancy. Not only is swimming easy on your joints, but it also improves circulation and alleviates swelling as you immerse yourself in water. And, as previously discussed here on First Cry Parenting, don’t ever forget to warm up properly.
Your Core Won't Feel the Same
A study published on Manual Therapy found that majority of women go through diastasis recti, which is the separation of your left and right abdominal muscles at the end of pregnancy. It often comes with feelings of vulnerability and a disconnect from one’s center. Unfortunately, up to 39% of those women still experience its symptoms even after six months postpartum. One of them is R&B singer Ciara, who took to Instagram after her pregnancy to reveal her struggle. In a post, the hopeful artist wrote, “I have diastasis rectifrom both of my pregnancies, so I have to work extra hard to regain my core strength. Determined. Let’s Go Mammas!” This is completely normal, and it is recommended to see a physical therapist or trainer who specializes in postpartum training.
Invest in New Sportswear
I know you’re eager to put on your favorite athleisure wear again, but you might need to buy new sports bras for extra support. This reduces the risk of back pain, bad upper body posture, and stretch marks. Pretty Me also emphasizes the need for the right shoes, especially since your feet have most likely swollen up since pregnancy. Consider the kind of workout for the clothing support you need. This is important so as to avoid injuries.
Be Prepared to Experience New Kinds of Pain
Relaxin is the hormone that helps loosen joints for labour, but it can remain in your system for up to 12 months after your baby’s birth, causing you to be less stable when moving around. As such, you'll need to focus on balancing or stability exercises to get you back on track.
Another newfound pain can take the form of postpartum depression. Even Kate Middleton isn’t exempt from this issue, which affects millions of mothers worldwide. After her pregnancy, the Duchess opened up about her mental health problems where she felt a lack of confidence. Of course, this can make you demotivated to get fit, but exercising can actually be a good way to boost your mood and confidence. Just don’t fall prey to unrealistic expectations, and go at your own pace.
Don’t Forget Proper Nutrition
You know how they say that fitness has more to do with your diet than exercise? The same still holds true for postpartum health. Remember that you just spent the last nine months growing a baby inside of you, so you are going to need all the nutrients you can get. Mind Body Green suggests eating nutrient-dense foods to replenish your body, which is also one of the best things you can do for yourself in the first six months and beyond. Hydrate often, and look to add supplements into your diet.
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. Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
14 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
12 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
14 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
12 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
14 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
13 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
11 hours 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
10 hours 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Best activity toys for 15 month old baby
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Toys which have light and also sounds so that is going to be a good option for you to use apart from the different kids have different interest some kids like to play with cars some like to play with something else so just have to try to figure out what your child likes to eat just check what your child is more inclined towards
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. how to gain weight 32weeks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. You need to have a lot of good proteins and that is what is going to be helpful have a balanced diet and good have good amount of proteins as well which is what is going to be beneficial and good weight gain for your child as well
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