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Numbness During Pregnancy - Causes and Remedies
Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes in a woman's body and some of these changes can cause numbness in the arms, legs, belly, or other parts of the body. Numbness is also one of the unexpected symptoms of pregnancy, and it is mostly experienced in the last trimester of the pregnancy. If you are pregnant and notice numbness in your legs, arms, or hands, you don't need to worry. But if it is accompanied by other symptoms of pregnancy, you should check with a doctor.
What Is Numbness During Pregnancy?
Numbness or tingling sensation during pregnancy is basically a loss of sensation or 'pins and needles' sensation in the hands, arms, legs, feet, and other parts of the body. It is a common symptom of pregnancy and is usually experienced by women because of the hormonal and bodily changes during pregnancy. When a woman enters the second and third trimester of her pregnancy, she may have swelling in her hands and feet because of water retention. This swelling can contribute to the feeling of numbness in pregnancy. Experiencing numbness in the first trimester of pregnancy is often considered as a symptom of pregnancy by many. And when it is experienced during the second trimester, it is mainly because of the improper sleeping posture. The symptoms may get stronger during the third trimester as during this time the blood vessels or nerves get compressed because of the growing uterus and the changes in sleeping postures.
When and Where Do Pregnant Women Experience Numbness?
During pregnancy, numbness can be felt in many parts of the body (including the tongue and the face). Some other parts of the body where you may feel numb during pregnancy are given below -
Pregnant women often experience numbness in their legs soon after waking up. If you are pregnant, you may also feel numbness in your legs if you sit for long periods of time. The symptoms range from loss of sensation to tingling and pain which usually subsides by switching sides or changing posture.
While pregnant, your arms and hands may also feel numb after you wake up from sleep or lift heavy objects.
Some pregnant women also experience numbness on the tongue after intake of a certain food, strain in the neck or sudden movements.
What Causes Numbness During Pregnancy?
Here are some of the causes of numbness or tingling sensation during pregnancy:
Hormonal changes in the body can cause tingling and numbness. The hormone relaxin which is released late in the pregnancy has the effect of softening the pelvic opening and other joints. This can cause the body’s weight to pinch nerves in the joints and subsequently numb a related area.
Early pregnancy hormones cause the body to retain water which leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition which affects the hands and the arm. Women gain as much as 50% more blood during pregnancy to support the baby. This increased fluid can put pressure on the median nerve that runs in the arm causing pain. The symptoms include a numb tingling pain in the middle, index and ring fingers and pain that radiates up to the arm. The condition is fairly common and pregnancy increases the odds of developing it. An increase in weight during pregnancy can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Anaemia caused by factors such as low red blood cell count, iron deficiency or genetic factors can also cause numbness, dizziness, and pain.
A woman may also feel pain and numbness due to sciatica during pregnancy. It is a shooting pain that runs all the way from the lower back down to the whole length of the leg. It is much more common during the second and third trimester as the growing baby exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve in the lower back.
How to Prevent Numbness of the Tongue
Numbness in the tongue may be experienced because of nerve compression, spinal compression, Bell’s palsy or allergic reactions. Figuring out the exact cause of your numbness can help treat it and here are a few suggestions on how to do so.
Maintain a diary to list down the foods that cause numbness when you consume them. Also, maintain notes of other activities and times of the day when episodes of numbness are experienced.
Do not strain your back by lifting weights or poor postures, especially in the third trimester.
Avoid eating foods that are high in sodium. Foods rich in sodium can increase your blood pressure and lead to water retention in your body, which may cause numbness.
Low blood sugar levels can also cause numbness in the tongue, therefore eat at regular intervals.
How to Treat Numbness in the Stomach or Belly
Numbness in the belly is experienced when the heavy uterus presses against the nerves and blood vessels. Here are ways to prevent it:
Maintain proper posture while sitting and standing to avoid putting pressure on your lower abdomen.
While lying down change positions now and then to relieve pressure on only one side of the abdomen and to not hamper the blood flow.
How to Treat Numbness in the Legs and Feet
Feeling a tingling sensation in feet during pregnancy is very common. And if you stand or sit for long periods of time, your feet may feel numb. This can often restrict blood flow in the arteries and cause tingling. Here are some remedies for numbness during pregnancy:
Lie down on your left side every time you rest or go to sleep.
When you feel like taking a break or resting, sit down in a comfortable position rather than lying down as lying down may put pressure on your lower abdomen and make your legs feel numb.
If you are working out during pregnancy, watch for movements that make you feel tingly or numb afterwards. Make a note of them and avoid doing those.
Can You Prevent Numbness?
Although preventing numbness in the body is not possible during pregnancy, by making certain changes in your routine, you can feel better. Sleeping with the hands in an elevated position or using a wrist brace can prevent tingling sensation in your fingers and prevent swelling in the wrists. Maintaining the right posture when you sit, stand, or lie down can reduce the effect to a great deal. Also, wear comfortable shoes with a soft sole that is flat-heeled. It can relieve pressure on the legs and ward off numbness.
When to Consult a Doctor
Although experiencing numbness in the hands and legs is normal during pregnancy, a sudden onset of severe numbness or tingling can be an indicator of something serious. Sudden onsets are symptoms of an injury or a blockage and warrant an immediate medical examination. Consult your doctor if you decide to use any alternative medicine or creams to relieve numbness in your belly or legs. Such creams often contain unregulated herbal preparations and can be dangerous during pregnancy. Also, consult your doctor if you notice any unusual symptom.
Numbness and tingling sensation during pregnancy are normal and most often not a cause of concern. Take the necessary precautions and consult your doctor if you don't feel better. Have a healthy pregnancy!
Also Read: Swelling During Pregnancy Read more
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Should You Mix Breast Milk & Formula? Please Check What Paediatricians Recommend!
The debate between formula feeding and breastfeeding is one that will never rest. While there is no doubt that breastfeeding is best for your baby, and recommended exclusively for the first six months after birth, there still are many doubts surrounding a baby’s feeding ritual. As new moms, we are often told to “supplement with formula” or “give a top feed”, especially if our milk production seems to be low, or if the baby’s weight is low. This makes us think that – it is a good idea to go with mixing breastmilk and formula together, so that the baby can get best of both the worlds. But is this really advisable?
We spoke to some fellow moms about the feeding routine they follow for their babies. As mothers, all of us aim to nurse our baby for as long as possible. However, sometimes, this may be difficult. Breastfeeding is rife with challenges for many women, ranging from low milk production to sore nipples to problems with latching. In many Indian households, if the mother is experiencing such problems, the advice is this – mix breastmilk with some formula milk to ensure that the baby gets enough nutrition.
This advice is very popular and widespread, and also given to moms whose babies are underweight. However, when it comes to feeding your baby, you cannot be too careful. This is why many of us moms battle with the questions - Can I mix breast milk and formula? Is it safe to do? In what proportion should it be done?
Well, the simple, straight answer is 'no' – you should NOT mix formula milk with breast milk. Not only is this going to seriously mess up the composition of your baby’s feed, it may also lead to problems in digestion.
Why You Should NOT Mix Formula and Breast Milk
To understand why it is a bad idea to mix the two, it is important to take into account two very different reasons.
1. The Composition of Breastmilk and Formula Milk is Very Different
The breastmilk that you naturally produce post-delivery is such that it aptly provides for all the baby's nutritional requirements. It also boosts the baby's immunity. Natural breast milk contains: fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals, all in the right amount, as required by the baby for his proper growth and development. Not only that, the breast milk produced by each mother will be slightly different in composition depending on the health and requirement of her baby.
In fact, studies have shown that if the baby is unwell, the mother's body has a way of 'sensing' that during a breastfeeding session, and the composition of the breast milk then changes accordingly, to ensure the baby gets proper nutrition to keep strength and fight the disease. Breast milk, hence, is highly customised!
Formula milk, on the other hand, is a man-made solution especially targeted at mothers who have premature babies, struggle with low breast milk supply, women who stop lactating prematurely, etc. The composition of formula milk mimics that of natural breast milk, but remains static.
When you mix the two, the composition of the resulting mixture is going to be greatly altered. The composition will neither be like breastmilk, nor like formula milk. The amount and proportion of nutrients will change. This altered composition may lead to certain nutrients being provided in excess to the baby (especially micronutrients and minerals). As per paediatricians, this can make the milk difficult to digest for the baby's delicate digestive system that is still in its developing stage.
2. The Shelf Life of Breastmilk and Formula Milk is Also Entirely Different
Shelf-life of a product is defined as the amount of time for which a product can remain fit for consumption, without spoiling and while retaining its nutritional value and content.
Breast milk can be stored at 4oC for up to 8 days. If frozen, it can go for 6 to 8 months at -18 to -20oC. So, you can express your breast milk and store it in feeding bottles in the fridge, and use it throughout the day. If your baby does not finish his feed, expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature (up to 26oC) for a maximum of 6 hours.
Formula milk, however, should NOT be stored, no matter how 'freshly prepared' it is. It has to be consumed immediately. This means, if your baby does not finish the entire feed, you just have to discard whatever is left.
This means, if you mix the two, the mixture will not keep if stored for longer durations, since shelf-life of the two milks – formula milk and breast milk – is not the same. If your baby does not finish the entire feed, you will have to discard the remaining milk – while this is common for un-used formula milk, you will be wasting precious breast milk along with it (which can otherwise be stored for longer period).
What You Can Do Instead
So, now that you know the medical advice about mixing breastmilk and formula, what is the solution? Ideally, a baby should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of his life. But for whatever medical or personal reasons, if you are considering breastfeeding and formula feeding at the same time, here is what you can do:
Alternate your baby's meals – one formula milk feed, one breast milk feed
If you are struggling with lowered breast milk supply, use breastfeeding as a small 'between the meals' feed rather than as a major feed of the day
If you must use both, doctors recommend that you always breastfeed first, and only then top up your feed with formula milk. The reason to do this is because breast milk contains antibodies, which formula milk lacks. Another reason to do this is – feeding with a bottle is easier and requires less effort on the baby's part. It is also more pleasurable. This is why babies may tend to overfeed if bottle-fed exclusively.
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Facts and Information About the Planet Venus for Kids
Venus is the second planet from the sun is an absolutely fascinating celestial object. Deriving its name from the Roman goddess of love and beauty, Venus is a rocky planet that is roughly the same size as the Earth. Continue reading to know about some interesting facts about the planet Venus.
Facts About the Planet Venus for Children
Here are some interesting fun facts about the planet Venus that you can read to your kids.
1. Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system.
The average surface temperature of Venus is 477°C. Since the planet does not tilt on its axis, there are no seasonal changes on it. It has a dense atmosphere, composed of 96.5% carbon dioxide which traps all the heat, making the planet really hot. No wonder it is the hottest planet in the solar system.
2. Venus is the second brightest object in the night sky.
Venus is the second brightest object in the sky after the moon, with an apparent magnitude ranging between -3.8 to -4.6. It is so bright it that can be seen during the day. Since it is most often seen after sunrise or sunset, it is also called the morning or evening star.
3. At one point, people thought that Venus could be a tropical paradise.
The surface of Venus cannot be observed through optical telescopes from the Earth as the dense clouds of sulphuric acid covered the planet. Hence people thought that Venus was a warm tropical paradise. However, in the 1960s when scientists looked at Venus via radio mapping, it was discovered that the planet is hostile to all life forms and although it may have had oceans at some point, they would have evaporated.
4. A solar day on Venus lasts nearly 4 Earth-months.
Since Venus rotates slowly around its own axis, it takes 243 days to make a full rotation which is roughly equivalent to 8 earth-months. A solar day on Venus lasts 117 Earth days.
5. The atmospheric pressure on Venus is strong.
The atmospheric pressure on Venus is 92 times greater than the pressure on Earth. It is strong enough to crush many of the things we are familiar with.
6. Venus rotates in the opposite direction of the Earth.
Most planets spin around their axis in the counter-clockwise direction, Venus rotates in the clockwise direction. This means on Venus, the sun rises in the west and sets in the east.
7. Venus is also known as Earth’s sister planet.
Since Venus and the Earth have almost the same size, Venus is often called Earth’s sister. The difference in diameter is only about 638 km.
8. Venus doesn't have rings.
Just like the planet Mercury, Venus does not have rings. It also does not have moons.
9. The Russians sent the first mission to Venus.
Venera 1 space probe was launched in 1961, but it lost contact with the base. In 1966, the Venera 3 was the first craft to land on Venus.
10. Venus is the closest planet to the Earth.
Venus is the closest planet to the Earth when it is in line with the Earth and the sun.
Venus is a fascinating and strange neighbouring planet to ours. Although it is lifeless, it is an exciting planet to learn about.
Also Read:
Amazing and Incredible Facts About Space for Kids
Fascinating Sun Facts for Children
Interesting Facts About Earth for Children Read more
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Keeping Your Toddler's Room Clean (Yes You Can!)
Keeping the kid’s room clean is one the toughest job on a mother's plate! A "good tidy-up" never seems to last more than a day or two. Thankfully, there are ways to organize kids' clothes and toys which can help solve half the mess.
When you have a toddler, all efforts in keeping a home neat and clean go out of the window. Your toddler’s room bears the brunt of it all, as nowhere is the scene of clutter and chaos more apparent and intense. Unfortunately, you can’t scream after your toddler to keep their room clean. So when the task of maintaining cleanliness and order rests solely in your hands, these tips will help you keep your sanity intact.
4 Helpful Tips on Keeping Your Toddler's Room Clean
1. Sort out the Mess
When there are clothes, shoes, toys and other items lying about the room, all of it cannot be attributed to a day’s work. The problem arises when you keep waiting for tomorrow to clean up the mess and that tomorrow never seems to come. The first thing to do is to sort out the mess as and when. Cupboards and storage containers are of great help when it comes to sorting out clothes. It’s easier to know where things have to go, instead of cramming them into any available space.
2. Organising Kids' Clothes
Organise your toddler's clothes into daily wear and occasional wear and store them accordingly in the cupboard or chest of drawers in their room. You could keep their daily wear clothes at hand for easy access. Store away their winter clothes separately, so that they don’t get in the way. If you have a chest of drawers, you could use shoe boxes as dividers in the drawers.
3. Get Rid of Old
Many moms don’t like getting rid of their old baby’s stuff and that is one of the greatest causes for crammed cupboards and overflowing drawers. If your child has outgrown his or her clothes and shoes, get rid of it. There’s no use hanging onto them, unless you’re planning on having another baby or passing the stuff on to someone. The same goes for old toys, which can well be done away with. It’s only when you get rid of the old stuff that can you make place for the new.
4. Decluttering Children’s Activities Cupboard
Cupboards that hold your toddler’s games and activities should be clear of clutter as they add to the mess in a room. If there’s anything that is damaged or beyond repair the only place in the room they should find is the bin. Christmas and birthdays are the best time to declutter your toddler’s activity cupboard, so that you can make room for all the new stuff that comes in during this time.
Clutter is the worst thing when you’re trying to keep your toddler’s room clean. Once you get rid of unnecessary stuff, it becomes easier to organise and maintain your kid’s room. Abiding by these tips will no longer have you wondering how to keep a kids room clean and that's a promise! Read more
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Which Toys to Invest for Your Little One Today to Save Money
Purchasing toys for your little one is exciting. It's waste to get toys for the newborns as they are unable to see clearly for the first 3 months. However after 3 months they are attracted to sounds.
Invest in fisher price rattles which are funky and colourful. Play gyms are also good option for your baby in 3-6 months age group. I used to use playgym for my little one when she was around 3 months of age. I could be hands free for around 20 minutes as the little one used to keep observing toys around the gym and babble to them. Later on she tried to hold them and feel the toys. It's a good way of exploration for your little one at this age. They get to learn about colours sounds and helps in building their motor skills. This is must have for your little one. I got my play gym from first cry Babyhug product for around 1200 Rs and it's worth the price.
After 6 months they try to roll over and don't enjoy the gyms more. Use a heavy carpet with bedsheet so that the baby has enough room to rollover and plus you are not worried about him hurting his self. Enjoy watching them at this stage. You can even keep little attractive toys like fisher price giraffe and soft toys so that the baby tries to hold them and moves forward in that way.
Purchase fisher price stack toys which are of colourful colours and attractive for your little ones. It's even mess free as you can stack them at a place and keep aside when not in use. My baby is around 7 months and has been using them since 3 months. I think they can use it till 2 years. It's available for around 180 Rs fisher price from first cry. it's of premium quality and is safe for your little one. I even purchased it to gift someone. It's worth the price.
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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5 Fashion Tucks You Can Try to Make Your Tummy Look Thinner!
These fashion hacks to reduce tummy flab faster will make you look trimmer than you actually are. Say “yes” to smarter ways of dressing up to hide your bulge. Apart from keeping all roving eyes from traveling there, you can also make your belly give an impressive visual focus.
Have you had enough of hoping that people would not notice your mid-section that hasn't been looking 'flattering' lately? These sneaky tips will help you hide your tummy bulge in a variety of swell sartorial ways. So, whether you're a busy working woman with no time for the gym, or someone with a new mummy-tummy, don’t give up yet. These smart hacks will camouflage your pesky flab and keep all unwanted attention at bay. Go ahead and prepare to look fitter and fab.
Top Fashion Hacks to Reduce Tummy Flab Faster
1. It Is All About Layering
One of best style tricks to hide belly flab is to master the art of layering. Just slip into your high-low lace top and layer it with a trendy fringe jacket or a well-fitted blazer that nips at the waist. Yes, layers make you appear slimmer and draw the attention away from all areas that require under-toning.
2. Hello Cardigans, Goodbye Pullovers
Undoubtedly, pullovers are smart and attractive. But for ladies desirous of mid section camouflage, the additional layer granted by a front open cardigan works wonders. Wear it unbuttoned over a tank top, a collared T-shirt or even a tunic, and you're done. The vertical opening of the cardigan imparts a leaner appearance to your torso.
3. Go for Shrugs
Giving off similar results as a cardigan, a shrug that reaches your upper hip will hide your love handles. Don't pick the shorter versions, such as a bolero that ends just above the belly-button. The idea is to wear something that goes below the stomach area and conceals it smartly. So, choose your shrug wisely!
4. Where’s Your Neckline Going
Highlight different assets till you get your tummy back in shape. You may like to attract attention to your long neck with a v-neck top, or emphasise your chiseled neckline with a boat neck or sweetheart neckline. In case a bit of cleavage show is okay with you, then don't hesitate to wear A-line dresses with plunge necklines.
5. Take Note of the Hemline
In order to hide the stomach, be sure to pick tops with asymmetrical hemlines. Abstain from picking crop tops or T-shirts that fall just on the waist to avoid making your waist the focal point. So make sure you buy tops that end at your hip at least, but not at your tummy’s level or higher.
Ruffles, stoles, embroidery, heels, and more, there is absolutely no dearth of fashionable alternatives that will make you appear slimmer than what you are around your belly. Just go for them, you won’t be disappointed.
Do tell us how you managed your own fight with the stomach bulge and still managed to look stellar! Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why are my vomitings not stopping even in 5th month of my pregnancy. and constant headaches.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. this is seen in some people which my continue in second trimester also. 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. is it normal to have 2 dominant follicles in Right ovary? Today is my D8 and the size of both the follicles are 20x18mm and 19x18 mm Is it normal.
and left ovary follicles 12x18mm.and ET size 7.89
pls advice
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. if it is induced one then there can be chances. 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
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. what should I eat for a healthy baby in my 3rd month of pregnancy.kindly suggest a healthy diet routine
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Whole grains — like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread. Proteins — like lean meats and chicken, eggs, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu. Low-fat or fat-free dairy — like milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy, and fortified soy beverages (soy milk) or soy yogurt.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. in which month of pregnancy we should start excercising for normal delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. no exercises vigorously only moderate walking 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
I am 28 weeks pregnant and feeling breathlessness and Always tired ... is this normal ?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. this cannot be normal always better to see the doctor once. 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
47 mins ago
Q. My 4 year baby have always complaint of abdomen pain.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
45 mins ago
A. if the child is having abdominal pain give syrup colicaid or syrup cyclopam 5 ml to the child for now
then you have to meet the doctor to find the cause of abdominal pain because it can be either due to gas or due to worms or some other abdominal pathology or gastroenteritis, constipation, digestive issues.
in the meantime it is advisable to give only easily digestible food to the child and water andx buttermilk curd rice and dal.
can give poha upma daliya and fruits.
avoid milk products , packet foods and fried items and heavy diet.
you can continue anti-colicx medicines and your doctor may add antacids for the child for few days it will help in decreasing the gas as well as bloating.
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