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How to Survive the Two-Week Wait (2WW) Phase
The two-week wait is a time of anxiety, nervousness, and frustration for a couple who want to hear the good news that they are expecting a baby. The two-week wait phase is simply the time between your attempts at pregnancy and the day you get your results. The term can seem alien to those who are not trying to conceive yet. But women who are trying to get pregnant might be aware of it well enough. Whether you try for pregnancy naturally or through fertility treatments, you’ll have to wait for 14 days to get to know the results. Read on if you want to know more about the two-week wait phase.
What Is the Two-Week Wait?
The two-week wait refers to the luteal phase of pregnancy. It is a phase of the menstrual cycle which starts after ovulation and lasts until the start of pregnancy or breakdown of the corpus luteum. In other words, it is the duration between ovulation and the next expected period. Most women who tend to have a 28-day cycle, their luteal phase of pregnancy is for about 14 days, which can be quite frustrating for those trying to conceive.
Symptoms and Emotions You May Have During the Two- Week Wait Phase
Whether you’ve tried for pregnancy with or without fertility treatments, the two-week stretch can seem too long. To better cope with it, you should learn about the symptoms of this phase. Here are some symptoms that you can expect during this two-week phase. These are some common symptoms of pregnancy. If you experience these, it could be a sign of pregnancy.
Bloating: During your 2WW phase, one of the first symptoms you will experience is bloating. Bloating is common during PMS and in the early stages of pregnancy, and it can be a bit tricky to distinguish. Triggered by the hormone progesterone, it is definitely something many women experience during this phase.
Nausea: Hormonal changes are one of the reasons for pregnancy-related nausea. However, what causes morning sickness isn’t exactly known. For some, morning sickness won’t hit until they are 6 weeks into their pregnancy. But if you are trying for a baby and feel nauseated during the two-week wait phase, then it could be a good sign of pregnancy.
Spotting: As soon as the egg is fertilized it begins to develop and move along to implant itself in the uterus. It takes about 6 to 12 days to get to the uterus, all the while signalling a woman’s body to prepare for pregnancy. Implantation bleeding, also known as spotting, can occur even before you can see blue signs on your pregnancy test. About 30% of pregnant women notice light spotting during implantation before their expected period.
Sensitivity to smell: Most pregnant women experience a change in their sense of smell during pregnancy and it can begin as early as two-week wait phase. Estrogen sensitizes the nostrils to even the faintest odour. It also aggravates morning sickness.
Mood swings: This is something all pregnant women experience. Driven by hormonal changes, one moment you may giggle and in the other moment, you may cry for no apparent reason. Irritability is also quite normal and no amount of discussions with anybody can help. Mood swings are common during pregnancy and PMS, but many women consider them as one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.
Increased basal body temperature (BBT): BBT is the temperature of the body when you are fully at rest and relaxed. It can be roughly measured with a basal thermometer soon after waking up from sleep or just before performing any physical activity. After conception, a woman’s BBT goes up by one degree and stays elevated throughout the pregnancy. So if you’ve been tracking your BBT for a while, you can tell if you have conceived during your 2WW period.
Back pain: Conception can immediately put your body into pregnancy mode and you can begin to feel the differences. Your body will prepare itself for some major physical changes that will happen in your uterus to accommodate the baby. If you experience back pain out of the blue during your 2WW, it could be a sign that you are pregnant.
Vivid dreams: When a woman is pregnant, she may tend to sleep more and much of her underlying thoughts and feelings manifest themselves as strange but vivid dreams.
Constipation: Constipation is common among pregnant women and you can expect it in your two weeks wait period. If you are waiting to hear the good news, even being constipated may feel wonderful, as it is one of the symptoms of pregnancy. However, it may trouble you throughout your pregnancy. To combat this problem, drink plenty of water and eat fibre-rich foods.
Food aversions: Some foods can make you nauseous while you may desperately crave for others. Although you may not have food aversions until you are five weeks pregnant, if you crave or have aversions for certain foods during your two-week wait, it could be a sign of pregnancy.
Frequent urination: Frequent urination is a good sign of pregnancy as it starts just days after conception. This new urge can begin within 10-14 days due to the pregnancy hormone hCG. The hormone triggers an increase in the blood supply to the uterine wall to nourish the developing embryo. It also increases blood flow to the kidneys to flush out waste from both the mother and baby.
Fatigue: If you’ve had unprotected sex in the last two weeks and you’re feeling tired and fatigued, there’s a good chance you’re pregnant. Fatigue is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and within 12-14 days of conception, you may feel fatigued.
Tenderness in the breasts: Breasts too undergo changes during pregnancy. If you have tender breasts, it could be a sign of pregnancy. Yes, if you have tender breasts, you might be pregnant. It’s also common for women to experience a change in the size of the breasts early on in the first few weeks.
Headaches: The hormonal changes that happen in pregnancy can alter blood volume during the first trimester. This means you can experience headaches and even lightheadedness during your wait period. Headaches can also be triggered by stress, fatigue, poor posture, and dehydration.
Cramps: Mild cramping is normal during the early stages of pregnancy as the body prepares for the foetus. Cramping can also be felt just a few days after conception. Many women report twinges on both sides of the body. There is also a concern however that cramping can be a sign of a miscarriage.
The Two-Week Wait After IVF
The two-week wait after an IVF is an emotional time. To some women, it might be one of their most challenging treatments. There are ways to cope and survive your 2WW after IVF and improve your chances of pregnancy. Here are some tips:
Your two-week wait begins right after your embryo transfer is done. From this time onwards, avoid any strenuous physical activities such as lifting heavy weights, extensive workouts, hot baths etc. Get your partner to take care of such things and take it easy.
If you are working, take the whole two weeks off from work, if you can. The embryo takes three or four days to implant after the transfer. This is a critical time and stress and anxiety won’t help, so take time off to relax at home. If you can’t get two weeks, take the first seven days off.
Taking your medication on time is a must. Medications can help keep your embryo alive and the environment in your uterus optimal for implantation. Make a chart for the daily doses of medication and don’t skip a single dose. Set reminders on your phone to take your medicines on time.
A little bit of spotting or bleeding is fine in your two-week wait. In some women, it is also a sign of implantation. It's more likely a good sign, so try not to worry.
Blood thinners are known to protect the pregnancy. Get advice from your clinic if you should take it from the day of transfer or before. They can avoid miscarriage caused by small clots in the blood.
Eat well and get plenty of rest. Avoid stimulants and alcohol for two weeks. Now is a good time to start on a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbs.
Try not to test too early or look for pregnancy symptoms, as it will only lead to anxiety. Also, you can get a false positive or negative after an IVF cycle using your own eggs. Hence, waiting for 14 days is recommended.
Avoid sex during your two-week wait period. Your uterus can do with less commotion and avoid any infections.
Don’t panic if you feel cramps or twinges. They are common during the 2WW as your womb is in overdrive. Chances are those feelings mean successful implantation.
Have realistic expectations out of the treatment, know what your odds are and accept them. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best.
Tips to Survive the Two-Week Wait
The two-week wait will obviously be hard for you if you are desperate to get pregnant. But, here are some tips that will help you get through this period.
Take good care of yourself and stay positive. Take a stroll in the park or your garden and just relax. Continue with your exercises, i.e., if you exercise but don't tire yourself out. Get plenty of rest and eat wholesome food.
Allow your feelings to flow. Don’t try to stop that bout of sadness if it passes over you. You need to allow yourself to feel sad now and then so you can clear up the clogged feelings. Trying to suppress them will only make them stronger and worse to deal with later.
Learn relaxation techniques. Yoga, meditation and gentle breathing exercises can help your mind stay calm and clear on a daily basis. More so practising these relaxation techniques can stop you from going into a nervous breakdown while you wait for your test results.
Defensive pessimism is a great psychological technique which you can try. Approaching stressful situations with little to no expectations about the desired outcome can help lower anxiety and enhance your well-being. Try keeping your expectations to a minimum and you’ll cut through a lot of negativity.
Some women tend to think that if they do certain things, be it religious or not or use good luck charms, it can help them. But it won’t. You can’t will yourself into pregnancy so don’t try anything that might interfere with the process. Don’t become superstitious. Be patient and practical - if it is meant to happen, it will. Just keep hoping for the best.
Although it is tempting to only talk about conception to friends and family, try not to do it all the time. It’s also not realistic to stop talking about it altogether. Try to be calm and patient. We know it is better said than done, but give it a try!
Keep yourself busy and by that we mean keep your mind occupied as when your mind will be busy, you won't think about pregnancy. Take some time out to relax - get a manicure or go shopping or hang out with your friends.
Remember that you are not alone in this. Your partner is just as much invested in this as you are. So share your emotional load with him to lighten things up.
Do not spend a lot of time using your computer and the internet. It can become an obsession to continuously read up on all the things that can go wrong. So it's better to not use the internet. Do not worry yourself for no reason!
Signs and Symptoms of Early Pregnancy
Many women feel signs of pregnancy soon after conception, even before a pregnancy test confirms it. If you are anxious, look for these signs during your two-week wait phase and hope for the best.
Tender and swollen breasts. If you do conceive, your bra might feel tighter and the breasts may feel heavier and fuller.
Sensitivity and tingling feeling in your nipples. Every time you lie down on your tummy, you might feel aware of your breasts and some clothing might even feel irritating.
Frequent urination.
Dysgeusia, which is described as having a metallic taste in the mouth.
Feeling a bit off, unsettling, and queasy in the stomach.
Enhanced sense of smell.
Feeling tired all the time, especially after lunch and dinner.
Mood swings and unpredictable emotions.
Some women experience the signs of pregnancy in their two-week wait phase, but others may not. If you don't experience the common symptoms of pregnancy in the two weeks' time, wait and don’t get anxious. If you have waited for too long, these 14 days will pass too, don’t you stress yourself out. Wait for it and you’ll soon get the good news!
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How do Babies Breathe in Womb
We breathe by taking air into our lungs directly from the atmosphere. But the foetus in the womb floats in a pool of amniotic fluid. How do you think they get the oxygen they need? This article will help you understand how babies breathe when in the uterus, their breathing patterns during delivery as well as the important FAQs about this topic.
Does a Baby Breathe inside the Womb?
The short answer is no, your baby cannot breathe inside the womb. However, this answer is only technically correct, as breathing by definition requires the action of pulling in gaseous oxygen into our lungs. In the foetus’ case, the lungs will only be developed in the last two weeks of pregnancy. Around this time, the foetus will begin to practice breathing, by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid through their noses and into their developing lungs. However, if the baby is premature, doctors may prescribe steroid treatments in order to speed up lung maturation and allow them to breathe like the rest of us.
How do Babies get Oxygen in the Womb?
Babies follow a different process of breathing until birth and during delivery as explained below.
Breathing Process in the Womb
All of the foetus’ requirements are delivered by the placenta, the conduit between the mother and the baby. It receives oxygen, water, nutrients, antibodies and so on, from the mother’s bloodstream and transports it to the baby through the umbilical cord attached to the baby’s abdomen. This is why it is crucial that the mother maintains a balanced diet, and avoids toxins like cigarette smoke, pollution and alcohol. Every breath of air taken by the mother is delivered to the baby. Similarly, wastes produced by the foetus like carbon dioxide returns through the placenta into the mother’s bloodstream, from where it is exhaled through the lungs.
Fetal Breathing during Delivery
Ever wondered how do babies breathe during labor? Here’s how. When the baby is being delivered, it still has amniotic fluid in its lungs. Luckily, most of the fluid is going to be squeezed out of its lungs as it moves through the birth canal. They might even start taking their practice breaths at this point, but as long as they are attached to the umbilical cord, they are receiving enough life support. During the birth, babies produce a dark-green excretory substance known as meconium. It is important that they don’t accidentally inhale meconium as it could lead to severe respiratory problems.
Baby’s First Breath after Birth
A few seconds after birth, the baby will automatically inhale sharply and begin breathing for the first time by itself. As the lungs inflate with oxygen, the amniotic fluid drains away, and the circulatory system begins to function. Around thirty seconds after birth, the doctor will clamp the umbilical cord, physically separating the baby from the mother for the first time. The baby’s lungs are ready now to take care of all their oxygen needs, but their respiratory systems will continue to develop for another eight to ten years.
FAQ's
1. Does Water Birth Affect the Baby’s Breathing?
A water birth is one in which the woman gives birth in a large sterile pool or tub of water. It is not going to hamper the breathing ability of your newborn in any way. This is because the baby is still going to be receiving oxygen through the umbilical cord even after being born. In fact, water births are often recommended as newborns experience less shock than during regular childbirth. This is because they emerge from the warm pool of amniotic fluid into a warm pool of water. Furthermore, water births have been shown to be comforting and soothing for the mother, alleviating the pain and stress of pregnancy.
2. What if the Baby Does Not Get Enough Oxygen?
If ultrasound scans show that the baby is not breathing in the womb it need not mean there is a problem. However, if the baby does not receive enough oxygen during or immediately after birth, it causes a condition known as perinatal asphyxia. This condition is extremely dangerous as it prevents the body of the newborn from functioning efficiently, leading to damaged organ systems, such as the heart, lungs, intestines and kidneys. Perinatal asphyxia is also known to cause brain damage, resulting in intellectual and physical disabilities, cerebral palsy or even death. The causes of this condition include:
Damaged umbilical cord unable to supply oxygen to the baby.
Babies born in breech or upside down presentation usually suffer from lack of oxygen.
Shoulder dystocia, wherein the shoulders of the infant cannot pass through the birth canal, putting pressure on the cord.
The umbilical cord can sometimes wrap around the neck during delivery, cutting off the oxygen supply.
If there is too much bleeding during the pregnancy or labour.
Babies definitely need food, water, air, and all the basic necessities required to keep a human being alive. The only difference is that they obtain these requirements in a different way than we do. Pregnancy can be difficult in many ways, but this aspect is certainly not something you should be overly concerned about.
Also Read: Signs of Healthy and Unhealthy Baby in Womb Read more
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Interesting Facts About Trains for Kids
Trains have been a popular mode of transportation for people and freight for many centuries now. They are usually the best mass-transit system and also assist in trade. Thus, this series of connected vehicles running along a railway track continues to improve and surprise us with its never-ending capabilities. Irrespective of gender, children often gravitate towards a colorful and clunky train from early childhood. It doesn’t take much time for this favorite toy to become a genuine fixation for your kid too. So, all parents need to enlighten their children about some delightful facts about trains for preschoolers that would direct that interest in trains into a lesson on engineering and a head start in science. The information on the invention of the first train, how a train works, their different varieties, and the usages given below can help children discover more about its revolutionary transportation system.
Different Types of Trains
There are two broad categories of trains that have been invented so far-passenger and freight. Freight trains carry goods while passenger trains carry people.
1. Freight Trains
Freight trains consist of freight carriages that deliver cargo from one place to another. Some are boxcars, while others are special cargoes. Open hopper cars carry coal, covered hopper cars carry grains, tank cars carry liquids, car carriers carry automobiles, and special flatcars carry trailers or freight containers. Facts about freight trains as a more cost-effective and energy-efficient mode of transportation can help kids understand how they carry a lot of weight over long distances faster than any road transportation system.
2. Passenger Trains
Passenger trains have cars with seats to carry people over short, long–distances or within cities. They may have a self-powered unit or a group of locomotives. These trains run at a speed of about 100 miles per hour. Passenger trains have electrical outlets and Wi-Fi hotspots, dining cars, baggage cars, and even sleeping cars with beds. Passengers can board or depart from these trains at several depots or stations. They usually run on a set timetable.
Fascinating History of Trains
The word train originates from the Old French trahiner, derived from the Latin ‘there,’ which means ‘to pull, draw.’ Long before railways, “train” referred to a group of vehicles or pack animals traveling in a line, like a wagon train or camel train. In olden times, trains used horsepower and ran on wooden or iron tracks. With the development of the plateway in the late Middle Ages, a new means was invented to make steam-powered land transport possible. Englishmen Richard Trevithick and Andrew Vivian received a patent for the invention of the world’s first steam locomotive in 1802. In the 1820s British inventor, George Stephenson designed and built the first steam train that carried goods and passengers. Hence, rail lines started being constructed throughout Europe. The first railroads connected cities on the East Coast of the United States. Facts about steam trains that were used to propel boats, wagons, and carriages on tracks built across the United States by 1860 can aid in understanding more about the evolution of trains to more modern Diesel engines as the primary power source of locomotives in the mid-1900s. Facts about Modern Trains have drawn attention to the technological emphasis on faster operations, better amenities, more specialized and larger freight cars, more sophisticated signaling and traffic-control systems for upholding safety, and innovative types of motive power. Undoubtedly, trains today have changed the way people live and operate worldwide.
Other Fun Facts and Information About Trains for Children
Here are some fun facts and information about trains for children to pique their interest and make them more knowledgeable.
Richard Trevithick built the first-ever steam train in 1804.
George Stephenson’s most famous steam engine was called the Rocket, which was both fast and reliable.
Der Adler was the first steam locomotive that ran in Germany.
Freight trains carry cattle, food, coal, lumber, and other goods all across the country.
The Fairy Queen is India’s oldest working steam locomotive built in Britain in 1855.
Steam locomotives have three types of wheel. The largest wheels, or ‘driving wheels,’ are turned by pistons and move the locomotive. The small wheels or ‘leading wheels’ help guide the engine forward. Small wheels at the back are called trailing wheels that support the weight of the firebox and driver’s cab.
A freight train is used to transport cargo to and from different locations.
A freight train has one or more locomotives and many freight cars.
Diesel-powered engines were introduced in Britain in the 1960s. The early designs of British diesel were called Deltics.
Modern TGV trains started in France linked Paris and Lyon by a line. The average speed of electric trains has reached 186 mph from 168 mph.
High-speed electric trains began to be used in the 1950s for long-distance passenger voyages.
The earliest high-speed electric trains were designed in Europe that could reach speeds of 80 mph.
In 1964, a purpose-built high-speed electric train line opened in Japan between Osaka and Tokyo.
A locomotive engine can be powered by steam, diesel, or electricity.
Before the locomotive engines, trains were powered by humans, horses, or gravity.
The first commercially successful steam-powered locomotive was the Salamanca, built by Matthew Murray in 1812.
The first electric locomotive was invented and built by Scottish inventor Robert Davidson in 1837.
The first diesel-powered locomotive operated on the Winterthur-Romanshorn railway in 1912.
First came the steam-powered trains, followed by the diesel and electric trains.
Modern trains use diesel or electricity, but steam engine trains are only used for recreational purposes.
Trains are one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel.
The heaviest train was a freight train from Australia that weighed 95,000 tonnes and ran 7.3 kilometers long.
The four-time zones were used in the US only after trains made fast travel possible across the continent.
From over 254 thousand in 1916, the US currently has less than 170,000 miles of railways.
Maglev trains can run at a speed of over 550 km/h but are expected to come close to 800 km/h by 2020.
The longest route for one train runs between Moscow and Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Express railway line.
Grand Central Station in New York has 44 passenger platforms and 67 tracks.
The first-ever underground railway was made in London.
By 1900, underground railways were built in Boston, Paris, and Budapest. The Moscow Metro was built in 1930.
Some of the highest railways in the world are in the Andes mountain range in South America.
There can be more than one reason for parents to invest in a train set for their child. Playing with this toy is hugely beneficial for developing fine motor skills at a young age that helps in writing, drawing, or any other daily activity. Putting the track together, pulling the trains around, operating bridges, turntables and adding extra elements such as people, buildings and animals can increase their imaginative power. Above all, your child not just learns about the evolution and notable bullet train facts but may share a good amount of quality time with parents and friends during pretend play that would improve their social and communication skills and makes happy memories together.
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Dysgraphia in Children - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
While there are some children more gifted at writing, most are average and able to write their thoughts in a coherent manner. But then there are those who seem to have a lot of difficulty in doing even that. These children may be suffering from something known as Dysgraphia.
What is Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia can be described as a learning disability in which children have difficulty in writing and sometimes with other fine motor skills. Dysgraphia and ADHD often go together, but it can also be a standalone disability. Dysgraphia is also called “Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Writing.”
Types of Dysgraphia in Children
There are different types of dysgraphia, and most children have more than one type of it. Here are five types of dysgraphia:
1. Motor Dysgraphia
In this type of dysgraphia, handwriting is often illegible as the child is unable to hold a pencil correctly.
2. Dyslexic Dysgraphia
Children with dysgraphia dyslexia are often able to copy decently, but their spontaneous writing is quite illegible, and their spellings are not good.
3. Lexical Dysgraphia
This type is quite rare in children and is seen when the child can spell, but they are more reliant on the standard sound-to-letter patterns.
4. Spatial Dysgraphia
If a child does not understand the concept of space and has trouble writing on lines and spacing between words, then he or she is said to have spatial dysgraphia. Their spontaneous written work and copied work is illegible, but their spelling is usually normal.
5. Phonological Dyslexia
Phonological Dysgraphia is said to be the inability to spell unfamiliar words and phonetically irregular words. Children with this type of dysgraphia are unable to remember phonemes and use them correctly in writing.
Causes of Childhood Dysgraphia
It is important to understand what causes dysgraphia in children so that it is possible to work with them and help them. Here are some causes for childhood dysgraphia:
Underdeveloped fine motor skills
Inability to properly visually process letters and words
Brain damage
Multiple mental images
Inadequate instruction
Signs of Dysgraphia in Children
Look out for these signs if you suspect your child may have dysgraphia. Here are the most important dysgraphia symptoms:
Inability to get their thoughts down on paper
Messy or illegible handwriting
An awkward and tight grip on the pencil and awkward body position
Has trouble spacing between words and forming the shapes of the letters
Unable to pay proper attention
Has some trouble when trying to organize the words from left to right
Has difficulty staying within the margins
Has trouble with other fine motor skills such as holding a fork, tying shoelaces or fastening buttons
Inability to spell correctly and sometimes mixes upper case and lower case letters
Unable to hold the pencil properly or use scissors the correct way
Avoids writing
Writes incomplete sentences
When Does Dysgraphia Start Showing Its Symptoms?
As dysgraphia is related to the inability to write properly, most parents and teachers may notice the signs first beginning to appear when the child in question has to start writing assignments in school. While all children begin with inconsistency in their writing skills, they soon get the hang of it. If your child remains unable to get used to writing and shows the above symptoms for longer than the normal learning curve most children require, your child may be showing signs of dysgraphia.
How is Dysgraphia Diagnosed?
If you believe that your child is displaying symptoms of dysgraphia, consider seeking the advice of a psychologist or a neurologist as they are qualified to diagnose dysgraphia. The doctor will require some background information on the child's family history, developmental milestones, and some academic history that involves writing samples of your child. Your child will also have to go through a dysgraphia test which will include some activities in which the evaluator can assess his fine motor skills, intelligence and academic achievement. Letter formation and other types of motor-related dysgraphia can be diagnosed at the age of six, but most wait until the child has reached about nine years of age before giving a proper diagnosis, as the 'Test of Written Language' can only be done by children who are more used to complex forms of writing.
Treatment of Dysgraphia In Kids
Dysgraphia has no cure, and so, the treatment will vary from child to child. It will also vary if the child has any other type of learning disability or any kind of health problems. Here are some ways in which dysgraphia in kids can be treated:
There are no specific dysgraphia writing exercises, but there are certain teaching techniques that can help. Since many children with dysgraphia also have dyslexia, they may need to work on basic reading skills, like decoding, to be able to write better. It is especially important in helping children with their spelling. For this, syllable patterns, letter-sound relationships, and relations between meanings and letter groupings will need to be explained to them well.
Those who struggle with their motor skills required to write can undergo occupational therapy. Here, therapists work on the strength of the hand and the fine motor coordination a child will need to be able to write. They also help children learn how to position their arm correctly and how to hold their bodies.
In order to help kids with other problems related to writing, educational therapy will work wonders. Here, they will learn how to work around their weaknesses with writing and be able to help children with setting reasonable and achievable goals for writing, and will also be able to teach them how to track their progress with visual tools. This helps children tackle writing assignments with as little frustration as possible.
What Can Parents Do to Improve Their Child’s Writing and Alleviate Their Pain?
Writing can be so emotionally stressful for children with dysgraphia, which is why they try to avoid it as much as they can. If you make the time to practice a few things with your child though, you can help him remove a lot of unnecessary pain from his attempts at writing. Here we have a few tips that will help:
1. Change the Paper
Try replacing the lined paper with graph paper so that each letter gets its own block or space and teach him to leave one empty block between the words.
2. Change the Tool
Children with dysgraphia are not naturally able to hold a pen or pencil lightly so if you give them something delicate to work with, it will encourage them to use a light grip. You can get your child a feathered quill and ink to make things more fun, or if that is not available, you can always encourage him to write with chalk on a chalkboard or slate. There are even some dysgraphia pencil grips that are made to help your child get a better grip on his pencil.
3. Teach Typing
Typing is so much easier for children with dysgraphia than writing is, so teaching him to type will remove a lot of stress and allow him to express his thoughts in written form much better.
4. Build Muscle Memory
For children with dysgraphia, fine motor skills can be a problem, so have your child use the three fingers used for writing to walk a chopstick up and down. Make it fun for him by turning this into a game and rewarding him for a job well done.
5. Multisensory Exercises
Have your child play around in either sand or paint and ask him to form words using his fingers. Tactile learners will be able to form memories of the letters by feeling them.
6. Speak and Write
Encourage your child to say the word out loud first and then write it down. This will help him focus and keep track of his efforts as it engages different parts of the brain.
7. Dictation
Children with good oral skills can be given a voice recorder and encouraged to record their thoughts first and then write it down while listening to it. This will make things easier for them as they will not need to focus on forming sentences or their grammar, and will be able to focus solely on their word formation.
8. Letter Formation Drills
A common problem that children with dysgraphia have is starting words from bottom up. Teach them to form letters from the top rather than the bottom consistently. The letters do not need to be perfect, but they should be consistent.
When to Worry
If your little one tries his best but still does not seem able to get the hang of writing and is becoming anxious at the thought of any kind of writing activity, you may want to look into asking for an assessment and see if your child has dysgraphia. Some children may need a bit more help than what you can give them at home. A professional will be able to take therapy further than you can and will be able to identify the exact underlying cause of the problem.
Though it can be frustrating for both child and parent, it is important not to allow your child to lose confidence in himself. Do not be afraid to ask for help if your attempts to help your child improve at home do not work, because your child’s future depends on him being able to have enough confidence in his abilities. Together, you can overcome this issue.
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8 Sugar Free Sweet Recipes For a Healthy Holi
While there's no denying the exciting fragrance of Holi desserts that's already in the air, there's also a point of concern. Calories! But how can you possibly indulge in Holi desserts without piling on the calories and putting on weight?
There's no need to keep yourself from the glorious taste of Holi foods only because you're watching your weight. The good news is that it's entirely possible to cut down on the sugar in Holi sweet dishes – all without affecting the taste! All you need is a few natural sugar replacements and the desire to treat your family to a healthy Holi.
Check out our collection of Holi dessert recipes that are high on taste, not calories. Whether you're following a strict diet plan, your husband is watching his sugar levels, or the kids have been eating too much sugar lately, we have just the right festive recipes for you. Talk about tradition just tasting so much healthier!
Sugar-Free Recipes for a Lean and Mean Holi
1. Kesariya Thandai
A Holi will not be Holi without the thandai. It is a must-have in every household on the occasion. Try out this saffron-flavoured thandai where the healthy, nutrient-rich honey replaces sugar like a pro.
Kesariya Thandai Recipe
2. Puranpoli
Puranpoli is one of the mandatory Holi special sweets in Maharashtrian households. You can make the filling using a 50-50 combination of sugar and jaggery. Or better still. You can replace sugar completely with jaggery. Jaggery is rich in iron and gives you the required strength to handle all the pichkaris and gulaal!
Puranpoli Recipe
3. Fruity Rice Kheer
Guess what replaces sugar in this recipe? Dates puree! This makes the rice kheer one of the healthiest sweet dishes for Holi for all weight-watchers. Plus, the added fresh fruits enhance the taste and health quotient of this recipe.
4. Oats And Groundnut Laddoo
This is another recipe which uses the benefits of jaggery over sugar. Jaggery, apart from being nutritious, also acts as a good binding agent when it comes to making a laddoo. Your laddoos will now be ready quickly enough for you to have a gala time with the kids!
Oats And Groundnut Laddoo Recipe
5. Sugar-Free Kaju Katli
Can you really make a kaju katli without any added sugar? The answer is hidden in this recipe. This is a mildly sweet tasting kaju katli, which gets its sweetness from lactose or milk sugar. Rose water and rose petals also add to its sweet fragrance.
Sugar-Free Kaju Katli Recipe
6. Mixed Fruit Gujiyas
If you have been worrying about putting on weight during festivals, it's time to stop worrying for good! Resort to this low-calorie gujiya recipe and have a guilt-free celebration with these lean Holi festival sweets.
Mixed Fruit Gujiyas Recipe
7. Kesari Malai Peda
Pedas are a popular dessert during Holi and are often shared with family and friends to celebrate togetherness. Make these kesari malai pedas with an artificial sweetener and ward off the guilt you feel when you literally cannot have just one!
Kesari Malai Peda Recipe
8. Diet Cake
This dessert uses raisins as the sweetening agent and completely replaces sugars. Now you have a delicious cake you can gobble down without feeling bloated.
Diet Cake Recipe
All set to go sugar-free and healthy this Holi? We promise you these Holi sweets recipes will be the perfect marriage of taste and fitness! Also remember to try out our Holi special recipes for kids that include snacks, starters and party-favourites!
Also Read:
Best Dance Songs For Your Holi Party
Effective Tips for Making Natural Holi Colours at Home
Ways for Removing Holi Colours from Your Face, Hair, and Nails Read more
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Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
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15 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
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13 hours ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
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13 hours ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
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13 hours ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. 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
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12 hours ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
12 hours ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
12 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
28 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
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A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. 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 Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
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