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6 Common Complications of Getting Pregnant in Your 30s and Precautions to Take
The 30s are usually a great time - you’re more likely to be well-settled, with your family and financial matters in order, and with a clearer plan for what’s ahead in your life. It may also seem like the right time to either have your first baby or add a new member to your happy family.
But having a baby in your 30s can understandably also present certain complications, ranging from minor to major. While there isn’t too much reason for you to panic, it always helps to be prepared so that you can stay ahead of whatever can come your way.
Common Pregnancy Complications You May Face in Your 30s
Getting pregnant in your 30s is not an impossible feat, although you may face a little more difficulty than your peers in their 20s. Similarly, becoming pregnant in your 30s does make you prone to certain complications, such as the following:
1. Premature Labour or Delivery
Pre-term labour is when labour begins before 37 weeks of gestation. This is obviously a serious complication, because giving birth to your baby too early can result in health complications and developmental delays. However, if identified right in the beginning, premature labour is something that can be thwarted. Look out for signs such as cramps (more than five or so in an hour), watery fluid discharge or bright red blood from your vagina, or a dull backache; even if your due date isn’t close.
Precautions to Take
The very first thing you need to do is to take care of your diet; in terms of quantity and quality. Eat healthy food, stocking up on polyunsaturated fats, Vitamin D, and DHA in your diet. Make sure you don’t skip any of your prenatal care appointments and quit any unhealthy habits you may have, drinking and smoking being at the top of the list. If you have a history of premature labour and birth, your doctor may even recommend preventive medication.
2. Gestational Diabetes
Women who become pregnant in their 30s have higher chances of developing gestational diabetes; in fact, it can occur in almost 3 to 5% of all pregnancies. This means that they could have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, even though they were normal before. Now, the symptoms aren’t going to be very noticeable for this condition and it’s usually discovered during routine screening tests. But if you notice that you feel exceptionally thirsty or hungry, or find yourself making one too many trips to the bathroom, it’s best to get yourself screened. In case this condition goes unchecked, it may result in excessive birth weight of the baby, preterm birth, or put the child at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. If you have gestational diabetes, it can also put you at risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia, or developing diabetes in the future.
Precautions to Take
To lower your risk of developing gestational diabetes, it’s important to prepare your body for pregnancy. For one, consider losing weight (if needed) as being overweight can increase your risk of developing this condition. However, make sure you have your doctor’s approval or supervision for the same. Apart from that, eat small healthy meals frequently throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
The various tests and medical expenses for treating gestational diabetes can put a strain on your wallet. You can consider tackling these expenses, from hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, medication and more, with the Pregnancy Complications Cover from Bajaj Finserv. With a coverage of up to Rs. 50,000 at just Rs. 499, and an easy application process, this would be an ideal financial precaution to take for a possible complication during your pregnancy.
3. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous complication of pregnancy, usually characterised by high blood pressure and possible damage to other organ systems. Other signs include swelling of the hands and feet, water retention (decreased urine output), nausea and headaches, changes in vision, and shortness of breath as well. Being obese, carrying multiples or going through your first pregnancy can also put you at risk for this condition. There are severe complications both you and your baby could be prone to if you have preeclampsia, including placental abruption, organ damage, HELLP syndrome, foetal growth restriction and so on.
Precautions to Take
While complete prevention isn’t possible, there are certain things you can do to lower your risk of developing this condition. For one, keeping your weight under control can go a long way. Keep a track of your weight gain and blood pressure throughout your pregnancy and follow your doctor’s recommendation to keep them under control. Stay well-hydrated and also keep your feet elevated several times during the day.
4. Low Birth Weight Baby
The term ‘low birth weight baby’ is used for babies born weighing less than 2500 grams, often a common situation in the case of premature births. Other causes for your baby to be born with low birth weight can also be complications you face during pregnancy, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), birth defects, or problems with the mother’s placenta.
Precautions to Take
There are a few things you can do with regards to your lifestyle and health to avoid (as much as possible) the possibilities of a low birth weight baby. For one, cut out any harmful habit you have (the earlier the better) that can cause you and your unborn baby trouble. Pay close attention to your diet and exercise as well. Also, attending every scheduled prenatal visit helps your doctor keep a proper track of how your pregnancy is progressing as well.
5. Caesarean Delivery
It’s a well-known fact that the older the mother-to-be, the more her chances of delivering her baby through a C-section increase. In fact, the chances of you having to undergo a C-section is almost 20% higher in your 30s, than in your 20s. Issues like increased foetal distress or prolonged second-stage labour can be causes to deliver via C-section.
Precautions to Take
It’s not always possible to avoid a C-section delivery, but you can try these tips to reduce the possibility. For starters, you can attend prenatal classes which will keep you healthy and active, reducing your risk of developing complications later on. And as with anything else, your diet and exercise levels will also play a major role in your pregnancy. When you’re in labour, it’s best to wait as much as possible before getting an epidural or being induced even, as these are linked to higher C-section rates.
6. Ectopic Pregnancy
This is mainly applicable to women who are in the ages of 35 to 44, whereby the fertilised egg attaches itself in a place other than the uterus. By doing so, the egg cannot develop properly, and therefore, must be treated. Apart from the age factor, other causes for ectopic pregnancy include having had an ectopic pregnancy previously, or abdominal/pelvic surgery, induced abortions, endometriosis, or using fertility medications. If you experience dizziness or weakness, a sharp stabbing pain that comes and goes (especially on one side of the body), or heavy or light vaginal bleeding, you might want to get yourself checked to rule out any problems.
Precautions to Take
The problem with an ectopic pregnancy is that the chances of having a successful delivery are extremely rare; treatment usually involves terminating the pregnancy itself. Hence, while there’s no way to reduce the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, it’s important to get medical help as soon as you see symptoms. These include pelvic pain, bleeding through the vagina, shoulder pain; and in some severe cases, heavy bleeding, lightheadedness, abdominal pain, and even shock. While the loss of a pregnancy can be shattering, please remember that your health and well-being is also at stake in case of an ectopic pregnancy.
You can take care of the related medical expenses with the Pregnancy Complications Cover introduced by Bajaj Finserv under its Pocket Insurance & Subscriptions category. The plan offers coverage for pre-hospitalisation, hospitalisation, medication, and the doctor’s fee, simply on confirmation of the diagnosis through an ultrasound scan.
Getting pregnant in your 30s can be a great thing, and is, most often, a smooth-sailing process. However, there are chances that you may run into certain complications, such as the above. Take the necessary precautions, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and try and stay stress-free as much as possible to ensure a smooth journey to motherhood.
Also Read:
Pregnancy Complications during First Trimester
Pregnancy Complications during Second Trimester
Pregnancy Complications during Third Trimester Read more
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Diet Plan for 7 Month 4 Week Old Baby
Introduction
So, how has the journey been so far? We hope your little one is having a great time trying foods with new textures and tastes. Now that you are in week 4 of the 7th month, it is time to introduce your baby to healthy, and slightly complex combinations of foods in different consistencies that are appropriate for his age. Having said that, you need to ensure that breastmilk is still an essential component of your baby’s meals that must not be substituted. By this time of the month, your baby would also have improved hand and eye coordination, so, you may include a variety of well-cooked foods that he can easily pick with his own hands. This new diet might cause constipation in some babies, so do not skip the breastfeeding sessions. You also need to ensure that your baby drinks enough water and consumes fibre-rich meals.
7 Month 4 Week Old Baby Food Menu & Schedule
Diet for a 7 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Spinach-pumpkin puree
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Diet for a 7 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Rice- carrot porridge
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Diet for a 7 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Carrot- spinach puree
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Bajra (pearl millet) – moong dal (green gram split) khichdi
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Diet for a 7 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Lauki (bottle gourd) – rice porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Tomato- masoor dal (red lentil) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Diet for a 7 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Sooji (semolina) upma (soft, strained, with tadka) + boiled and grated broccoli
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Egg yolk (boiled) or moong dal (green gram split) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Diet for a 7 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Egg yolk (boiled) or moong dal (green gram split) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Diet for a 7 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Jowar (sorghum) puffs + apple puree
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Wheat sheera (soft)
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Conclusion
By the end of week 4 of the 7th month, you will be able to include enough recipes in your baby’s diet plan and swap them according to your requirement or the availability of ingredients. Your baby must be comfortable with the tastes of the ingredients; however, it is always adviced that you keep a close eye on his health. Read more
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Is Alkaline Water Suitable for Your Baby?
Water supports life and babies need it in pretty much all forms. As parents, we are always eager to provide the best for our babies. A baby's ability to process the food he eats is high, which means that you should be able to provide him with more nutrition and mineral-dense, clean water. Alkaline water suits this requirement the best.
What is Alkaline Water?
When we talk of alkaline water, we talk about the pH balance in the water - the higher the balance, the higher its alkalinity component. Thus, any water that has a pH balance of 8 or more is considered to be alkaline water.
How is Alkaline Water Better than Tap Water for Your Baby?
The pH balance of our body depends on our diet. The benefits of alkaline water for babies are yet to be proven, but they have usually been found to help toddlers consume more minerals, thus satisfying their growing needs. Compared to tap water, alkaline water stands out as the first choice for babies. Unlike tap water, alkaline water is cleaner, rich in minerals and is a satiating thirst quencher. Unfiltered tap water can be a hazard - is seen to contain harmful bacteria, fluoride, micro-plastics, heavy metals and a other particulates that gives it a bad taste and odour, and no parent would risk giving this to their child. Alkaline water, on the other hand, fulfils your child’s need for water that is clean and full of minerals. Various isolated research projects prove that alkaline water consists of properties that help in reducing the occurrence of acid reflux in toddlers. Regular consumption of alkaline water in moderation has been seen to reduce free radicals in the body, provide better hydration, strengthen the immune system, and most importantly, balance the pH levels of the body. Several minerals get filtered out from tap water as it undergoes cleaning and filtering processes. Alkaline water retains all those minerals, providing clean water that is full of health benefits.
Is Alkaline Water Safe for Infants?
Although alkaline water has a lot of benefits for toddlers, it has not been substantially proven. It is better to stick to the age-old tradition of feeding breast milk to your baby than any other water. If the baby is on formula, you can use simple boiled water to make the milk. Babies do not have an acidic pH balance in their bodies as they are only on milk for the first 6 months, and breast milk is best for them to consume.
Can You Boil Alkaline Water?
Yes. Like any other water, alkaline water can also be boiled. This will not reduce its benefits because the water molecules in them will still be micro-clustered. Boiling alkaline water will not have any effect on its alkalinity. The only downside - the reduction of the positive ions due to the process of oxidation.
How Much Alkaline Water You Should Give to Your Baby?
Specific guidelines need to be followed when giving alkaline water to your child. You should avoid giving your child alkaline water 30-45 minutes before meals. Aside from this, you should not mix alkaline water in your baby's food, and avoid giving it to him when he is on medication of any kind. Keeping these things in mind, alkaline water is a safe substitute to regular tap water.The quantity of alkaline water your baby should drink depends on his age. A child between the ages of 1 and 5 years can consume 2 litres of alkaline water daily, and a child between the ages of 5 and 12 years can consume up to 5 litres. Alkaline water can also help energize your child during sports and activities. Pre-teens and teens ranging between 12 and 18 years can safely drink at least 6 litres of alkaline water. This will keep their immune system steady, and help them handle stress effectively.
Where your baby is concerned, it is important to exercise caution and not go overboard with anything. Everything in moderation, including alkaline water, is beneficial to your baby, both in the short and long run. It is essential to remember a few things though, like avoiding the use of alkaline water to make formula milk for your baby or giving him the water when they are on medication. It is wise to consult your doctor before starting anything new with your baby. It is important to develop healthy habits in your baby, and it begins at home. Encourage your baby to stay hydrated at all times, as a pH balance of 9 is optimal for a healthy body. Alkaline water is beneficial; it will help him stay focused at school and perform better, both in academics and on the playground.
Also Read: How Safe is Gripe Water for Babies? Read more
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What To Expect At Week 28
This week, your baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of a large eggplant) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of your head to your heels. The baby is able to open and close their eyes, which now sport lashes. This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing, but it won’t be long before the baby is batting those beauties for you. At this point, it is more likely that you’re going to pay a visit to your doctor or midwife every two weeks. Then, at 36 weeks, you’ll switch to weekly visits. Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may recommend repeating blood tests for HIV and syphilis now, as well as doing cultures for chlamydia and gonorrhea, in order to be sure of your status before delivery. In addition, if your glucose screening test result was high and you haven’t yet had a follow-up test, you will receive a free 3-hour glucose tolerance test. And if the blood work done at your first prenatal visit showed that you’re Rh negative, you will receive an injection of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent your body from developing antibodies that could attack your baby’s blood. Around this time, some women feel an unpleasant burning or tingling sensation in their lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them at the same time, as you are trying to relax or go to sleep. This could be because of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). No one knows for sure what causes RLS, but it’s relatively common among expectant mothers.
Read more
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Natural Ingredients That Are Wonderful For Your Baby's Skin
Everyone knows that babies are like delicate little flowers that need extra love, care and attention to bloom. We love their soft, gentle skin that’s almost too exquisite to touch and realise that it needs to be looked after really well. But did you also know that your baby’s skin is five times thinner than yours? This means that it easily absorbs just about anything, making it all the more important to carefully oversee what comes in contact with your little one. And yes, this includes what you apply topically on his skin.
Your little one's soft skin is extremely sensitive, and applying chemical-laden or harsh products on it can cause rashes and allergies. It is your responsibility as a mom to choose skincare options that take care of your baby's skin gently and naturally. Himalaya BabyCare’s belief system ties in with this beautifully – it trusts only natural, herbal care for your baby’s soft skin. They have a soothing and mild range of baby products that contain pure herbal actives.
1. Almond Oil in baby soap and powder
Your baby is blessed with naturally soft and smooth skin. However, you have to take care of it to ensure it stays that way. And even if your baby has dry skin, almond oil is what it needs. For almond oil is rich in Vitamins A, B2, B6, and Vitamin E, which keep your baby's skin soft, moisturized and healthy.
2. Aloe Vera in diaper rash cream
Safe and wonderfully effective cure for common baby skin problems like eczema, diaper rash, and dry and irritated skin, aloe vera is one ingredient that must certainly be used in your baby's daily skincare regimen. It also acts as an antibacterial agent and an astringent, both of which accelerate the healing of baby's skin.
3. Castor Oil in baby soap
Castor oil helps reduce common baby skin problems like itching, rashes and skin inflammation. It is therefore a good idea to use a baby soap that is infused with the goodness of castor oil. Himalaya's Nourishing Baby Soap contains honey, sunflower and milk together with castor oil. These are natural emollients that moisturize baby’s skin while also reducing itching and inflammation. The best part is that it is completely natural and therefore safe to use on your baby’s skin during every bath!
4. Chickpea in baby body wash
Rich in antioxidants, chickpea helps treat skin diseases and effectively fights dandruff. It also gently cleans, soothes and nourishes your little one's skin. Little wonder then that it has long been used in Ayurveda for skincare.
5. Five-Leaved Chaste Tree in baby wipes and diaper rash cream
The five-leaved chaste tree helps prevent and reduce redness, inflammation and diaper rash. Since it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it helps treat skin infections. It also helps relieve aches and pains.
6. Olive Oil in baby cream and lotion
Rich in Vitamin E, olive oil smoothens, softens and nourishes baby's delicate skin. It also prevents chafing and protects baby's skin from infection. All in all, it helps ensure that baby's skin stays supple and healthy.
7. Natural Zinc in diaper rash cream and prickly heat powder
When you’re looking for a sure-shot way to keep baby's skin dry and also heal diaper rash, natural Zinc is the cure you need. With antiseptic and astringent properties, it provides immediate relief and is traditionally used to help heal wounds fast. Pick up Himalaya's Diaper Rash Cream to utilise the goodness of natural zinc and easily soothe your baby’s red and irritated skin. This also forms a protective layer on baby's skin so he is protected even in the future.
Now that you know which natural ingredients to look for in your baby’s products, you can finally get some peace. Trusting in natural formulations is the safest option to ensure your baby enjoys healthy, problem-free skin that radiates happiness! Read more
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Egg Omlette with Besan
Moms know how difficult it is to make kids eat eggs. So, to make things easier, we present this cinch egg besan dosa recipe. Give it a shot this weekend, and you’ll have your kids down the dish within minutes. This dish can go in your kid’s tiffin with their favourite tomato ketchup or green chutney. Sprinkle some cheese and you’ll double up the protein content as well as the taste appeal of the dish.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
40-45 Minutes
25-30 Minutes
Ingredients
1 egg
1 onion, chopped finely
1 and 1/2 tsp gram flour
1/4 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 tsp milk
Salt to taste
Coriander few sprigs, chopped finely
Grated cheese (optional)
Method
Step 1
Take a bowl and add chopped onions, coriander, ginger garlic paste, salt, gram flour, milk and mix everything well.
Step 2
Next, add eggs and mix it till fluffy.
Step 3
Heat a non stick pan and drizzle some oil. Pour the mixture of egg on to the pan and spread it across the width of the pan. Let it sit for 2 – 3 min on medium flame.
Step 4
Once cooked, turn it on to the other side and cook it properly.
Step 5
Garnish with grated cheese and serve it hot with bread or chapati.
Nutritional Information
Calories
76 K cal
Proteins
4.8 g
Fats
2.6 g
Carbohydrates
8.7 g
Cholesterol
82 mg
Sodium
48 mg
Potassium
111 mg
Tip: To get rid of the egg smell in eggs, add a tsp of milk. Not only does it help in getting rid of smell but also gives moist omelettes. Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
12 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
10 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
8 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
2 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. yes
whenever you give any new food to the child you have to take care of two things.
you should give in small quantity. if the child doesn't develop any digestion problem in next 24 hours to 48 hours and the child is able to digest that food then that food can be given again.
but if the child is not able to digestc or there is some problem with vomiting or loose motion or colic pain then kindly avoid that food.
we wait for 2 to 3 days to confirm whether the child is having any problem to that particular food or not
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