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Pica In Pregnancy - Causes, Complications & Remedies
Commonly, pregnancy has a lot of challenges that you need to overcome. One of the most common ones is the fight against cravings. As your body changes, so do your hormones, and this can lead to extreme cravings which are not always healthy. Overeating can be a challenge but so can a condition where unusual cravings bother you, this condition is called Pica.
What Is Pica?
Pica is a prevalent condition during pregnancy where you feel like eating non-food items. These include dirt, clay, coal, wood chips and steel.
These cravings can be hard to fight against but are known to be indicators of a deficiency of vitamins or minerals in your body. It is more commonly known to manifest in young children between the ages of 6 months to 11 years old. These cravings affect up to 30% of children; it is considered normal for pregnant women to have such cravings as well.
Causes of Pica During Pregnancy
While the exact causes of pica in women who are pregnant are unknown, it is assumed by doctors that this is a natural way of your body telling you that you need vitamins, minerals or other nutrients. Doctors also assume that unnatural cravings in pregnant women could be an indicator of an underlying physical condition or a form of mental illness that is triggered due to hormones.
Most Common Pregnancy and Pica Cravings
Pica can lead to numerous cravings, some of the most common ones are:
Dirt
Soap
Sand
Clay
Faeces
Paper
Hair
Toothpaste
Plastic
Wood Chips
Nails
Porcelain
Coal
Plaster of Paris
Kids Plaster
Pica can cause cravings that are specific to you when you get the uncontrollable urge to eat something that isn’t purely edible, talk to your primary care physician.
Will It Affect Your Baby?
Pica can affect your baby if you give into your cravings. Eating anything non-edible is considered harmful as this can lead to malnutrition because of issues with nutrition-absorption in your body. The urges can also be for items like plastic or paint which have toxic properties. It can be extremely harmful to both your baby and you.
Complications in Pica
Pica can lead to food absorption disabilities that eventually lead to malnutrition; it also can lead to infections due to the consumption of non-edible items that are hard to digest, in the case of glass or wood chips it could cut you throughout your digestive tract and lead to internal bleeding. The complications are specific to the cravings you have. It is essential that you understand what the cravings you have are and what risks are associated with them.
Dealing With Pica Cravings
It is most important not to panic, as pica is considered a typical craving. It can be managed and usually goes away after a short spell. Here are a few important things to note while dealing with it:
Have an open and honest conversation with your doctor. Tell them about your cravings no matter how unnatural or embarrassing they seem to you.
Inform your caregivers, and ensure they are aware of the risks and ramifications of giving into your urges. Having loved ones help you will make fighting the urge easier.
Ask your doctor if there is a need to review your prenatal records, and perform the required tests.
Monitor your nutritional levels, and keep an eye on your vitamin and mineral counts.
Monitor your iron and zinc intake, and keep an eye on your body’s magnesium. Take supplements regularly if they are low.
Distract yourself, watch TV or do something productive to keep your mind off the urges.
Try using substitutes like chewing gum or sugarless candy.
Pica is a very common condition which can have dire consequences; it is highly recommended that you talk to your doctors and begin managing it till the urges go away. Seek out a counsellor to ensure the condition isn’t due to an underlying psychological condition. Always remember to keep your loved ones informed of the status of your condition, and keep communicating as talking about it can help. Remember, the most important thing is not to panic and to follow your doctor’s advice.
Also Read: 25 Surprising & Interesting Pregnancy Facts Read more
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Happy Mother Means a Happy Child
When you bring a life into this world, it gives you an amazing feeling which is very difficult to describe. When you see the face of your child for the first time, you forget all the pain and worries you had. We all try to give the best to our child but to the moms who are doing all these things, do not forget about yourself as a lot of things change after childbirth.
Firstly, there is no personal or me time. We all need to be on our toes. Raising children is not an easy task, so mothers need to be happy. Do things which make you happy even if it's something like reading a beauty blog, article, or book.
When my child was born, for the first few months, I was struggling to keep up with my physical, mental and emotional health. My family is very supportive but still, I was missing something. Everyone just said, it's just a phase, it will pass, and I thought why should I wait for this to pass; it's a part of life, cherish it to the fullest. I used to travel a lot, meet different people from all around the world as part of my job. Like any other new mother, I felt tired mentally, physically and emotionally; so I decided to join the class. I didn't have much time, so I joined the dance class near my house. There were some family members and relatives who were not happy as they thought that I am wasting my time and strength and also losing weight (I don't have to lose any extra weight).
My husband was very supportive of this. He encouraged me to join the class and I did which I think is a good decision. I feel tired physically but I am happy as my child sees my happy face every day. It is not about dance it's about something I do which makes me happy at the end of the day. Mothers, do whatever you can do to make you happy. If you cannot go out alone, take your child to the park, maybe you will find another new mom you can share all experience of motherhood with. And if not the park, go for a manicure or facial, something which makes you feel good. So mothers be proud to be happy and do whatever makes you happy.
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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International Literacy Day 2021 - Date, History, and Significance of the Day
Did you know that four countries reported a 100% literacy rate in 2021? That’s quite an achievement, isn’t it? We also had over thirty nations reporting over 99% literacy rates; however, several developing and underdeveloped countries continue to struggle in this arena. The world literacy rate is a constant reminder that the education system across the world needs attention. To re-emphasise this and highlight the current factors that affect world literacy, UNESCO established the International Literacy Day in the 1960s. Read on to know more!
When Is International Literacy Day Celebrated?
International Literacy Day is celebrated on the 8th of September every year.
History of International Literacy Day
Literacy is a fundamental human right, and as strange as it may seem, everyone doesn’t know this. To remind people of this and the importance of literacy, UNESCO established the International Literacy Day in 1966. The day has been observed every year since the 8th of September, 1967, to promote the literacy agenda towards a literate and sustainable society.
Why Is International Literacy Day Celebrated?
Education is a fundamental human right, yet many are not given the opportunity to study, and some have to drop out of school. Most developing and underdeveloped countries face substantial challenges when it comes to literacy, despite there being improvements in basic education.
Other factors, such as population, socioeconomic status, gender inequality, poverty, corruption, emigration, etc., also affect school enrolment and/or dropout rates. Thus, a large number of the adult and youth population struggle through reading, writing, and comprehending the current events that are shaping the world today.
Literacy is essential for human and social development. It helps us develop the ability to learn new concepts and gain different skills, which are extremely useful in improving standards of living. Literacy has a direct impact on health and income, helps create jobs, improves the economy of the country, and promotes equality, democracy, and peace. It also helps individuals gain confidence, develop self-esteem, and work towards enhancing their quality of life. These are some of the primary reasons why Literacy Day is important, and why it is celebrated every year.
What Is the Scale of Literacy in the World?
According to UNESCO, over 770 million adults, most of whom are women, cannot read and write, even though the world’s literacy rate has improved over the past 50 years. According to worldpopulationreview, the world literacy rate for the global population over 15 years of age is a little over 86%.
What is the Theme of International Literacy Day?
This year, the theme of International Literacy Day is “Literacy for a human-centred recovery: Narrowing the digital divide”.
The theme aims to bring people’s focus to the shift that learning and education had to take during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the digital divide that persists in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, and technology. This year, the spotlight is on the interaction between literacy and digital skills, and making technology-enabled learning meaningful and inclusive for all.
Activities to Do on International Literacy Day
You can celebrate International Literacy Day in so many creative ways! Here are some of them:
1. Attending Fun Reading and Writing Workshops
These can be highly beneficial to encourage the youth as well as non-literate adults to read and write. You may choose to have a theme, or let the participants explore anything under the sun as their subject and share their knowledge through poetry, essays, stories, etc.
2. Playing Games and Puzzles
Games can add a fun element to learning! For small kids, educational toys are well-recommended as they are engaging, and kids may not even realise that they’re learning something in the process. For older kids and adults, games such as Scrabble, hangman, Sudoku, crosswords, Pictionary, brainteasers, chess, cryptic and logic puzzles, trivia, riddles, etc., can make them rattle their brains and revisit their books.
3. Journaling
This activity is perfect for people from any age group who can write and read. It is a great way to vent your feelings and thoughts to relieve stress and anxiety. It’s also a fabulous tool for self-reflection, keeping thoughts organised, and meeting goals. It comes in handy when making notes or setting reminders; thus, it can help you lead an organised life.
4. Joining a Book Club
Joining a reading club can help you connect with other people who share your interests. Book clubs facilitate continual learning through discussions, and a deeper understanding of the topics.
5. Enrolling at the Nearest Library
You can get yourself a membership at your local library and get unlimited access to the wealth of knowledge hidden in all the books they have! Nowadays, some libraries even provide access to the internet. It’s the number-one place to form study groups as well.
There are many more ways to celebrate International Literacy Day. These ideas are great for beginners, and when you’re ready to explore further, you can try taking weekend classes, volunteering as a teacher, tutoring adults, etc. Encourage everyone to read and write, as it provides the foundation of life.
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Sussanne Khan's Reply to a Media Report Is The Perfect Example of a Mother's Wrath
Mothers are the strongest people we know. They can go to any lengths to safeguard their kids' interests and shield them from danger – nosey reporters included! This is what happened when a media publication used Sussane Khan's kids to incite her to comment on the Hrithik-Kangana spat. It warms our heart to see that no matter how trying the circumstances, a mother will always defend her kids without buckling down to fear or pressure!
The ongoing war of words between Bollywood actors Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut is showing no signs of receding soon. Hrithik, who got divorced from his wife Sussanne in 2014, has two sons with her – Hrehaan and Hridhaan. While their parents may have split up, the children are still very much loved and cared for, by both Mom and Dad. As for the ongoing legal dispute around her ex-husband's alleged affair, Sussanne and her children have stayed far away. Recently, however, a story by DNA attempted to shatter this to pieces.
The media report in question claimed they had a “source” who had overheard Sussanne and her brother Zayed having a conversation about Hrithik and Kangana. As per the source, the conversation was so “engrossing” that the kids – both Zayed and Sussanne's – were completely ignored.
“I heard them talking about Hrithik and Kangana’s case. They continued walking so couldn’t hear what they were exactly talking about. However I must add that they were so engrossed in their talk that they weren’t looking at their children at it was their maid who had to look after all four of them.”
Before you lose your cool about how this amounts to spying, on children no less, here's what Sussanne said in response to the report:
Bravo Sussanne! Thank you for not tolerating such nonsense in the name of sensational reporting. Nothing gives anyone the right to comment on our kids and our parenting style – no, not even the false assumption that celebrities don't have the right to privacy.
As moms, we have the duty as well as the right to keep our kids protected and removed from any ugliness that goes on in the world around. Hats off to you for maintaining your stance, protecting your kids, and showing sneaky reportage its rightful place! Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. which soap is better tedibar or sebamed?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. no problem u can use anyone. 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
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. Hi, are matte sunscreens suitable for oily skin? I am a new mother and I have to join office after my maternity leave, please suggest me a good one.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Cetaphil SPF 50 sunscreen lotion is going to be a very good choice for you to use for your skin it’s one of the best things that you can currently use and I’m very certain it is going to be good for your skin options also otherwise if you want you can try consulting a dermatologist for that
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. can i use pain relief spray at time of pregancy
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
27 mins ago
A. yes
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. hi iam 13th week pregnant my mind is completely in pressure stress and I cried alott does this affect my baby or baby growth
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
27 mins ago
A. yes. mood swings are normal
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts 300 vochure
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. If you have any question concerning the parenting platform then please feel free to post your question once I know what are you willing to ask with all the necessary details associated it will be easier for me to give you appropriate help and response onto your question
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
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