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Baby's Positions in the Womb and How to Discover Them
During pregnancy, you may have seen a number of videos that show the baby inside the womb. You may have seen your own baby inside your womb during a sonography and wondered about the position of the baby during delivery. Throughout the entire duration of pregnancy, babies keep changing their position and toss and turn inside the womb by themselves.
Understanding Different Baby Positions
The position of the baby during labour could be different from what you might have observed during pregnancy. Just prior to your due date, the baby will descend lower into your pelvis and could take one of the four positions mentioned below.
1. Anterior Position
Termed as ideal for delivery, this is where the baby’s head points to the birthing canal and the chin is tucked into the chest, facing the mother’s back. Attained generally around the 32–36 weeks of pregnancy, the baby will stay in the same position until delivery. Sometimes, the chin may be tucked outward instead of towards the chest which the doctor can feel on inspection. In certain cases, the arms could also be along the head pointing to the canal.
2. Occipito-Posterior Position
This position is quite similar to the previous position. The only difference is that the baby is facing the mother’s stomach in this case. This is also called the face-up position, since the baby’s face would be seen first on delivery, instead of the back of its head. Most babies turn to the anterior position prior to delivery, but other babies do not. In such cases, labour could extend for a longer duration, leading to complications or even needing a C-section.
3. Breech
Exactly opposite to the previous two positions, this is where the baby’s buttocks are pointing to the birth canal and head points upwards. 4 out of 100 deliveries have this position. The babies legs could be folded at the knees, could be straight up touching its face, or even straight down right at the birth canal. Each of these positions carries a risk with the umbilical cord, resulting in potential damage to the baby.
4. Transverse Lie
In this position, the baby lies on its side inside the womb. The doctor can observe this by feeling the shoulder of the baby. This position, too, carries the risk of umbilical cord prolapse and might need C-section if the baby fails to attain an optimal position. Certain times, the baby can be rotated manually or use a vacuum to an ideal position and then proceed with natural birth.
Which is the Best Position for Normal Delivery?
The best position for normal delivery relies highly on the baby’s head position during labour. With the head towards the birth canal and the back slightly facing the mother’s stomach, such a position is ideal and results in quick birth. The baby’s head puts pressure on the cervix causing it to widen. As you begin to push, the narrow portion of the baby’s head enters the canal first, pushing it further wide. Towards the end, the entire head makes its way through the pelvis and slips under your pubic bone.
What Are Station and Engagement?
Station and engagement might sound like complex terms, causing you to be more anxious. But they are merely representations of the baby’s position while you’re in labour.
The place in the pelvis where your baby’s head or buttocks are present is termed as a station. It is represented by a number, ranging from -3 to +3. For a baby, that’s still rather high and above the hip bone, it is termed at -3. For a baby whose head has emerged out of the pelvis during delivery, it is termed as +3. At station 0, the baby’s head is termed to be deep inside the pelvis at the level of the ischial spines and is engaged.
Engagement is where there is activity and the baby has begun its progress through the mother’s pelvis. Mothers that are having their first babies often enter engagement a week or two prior to labour. For other mothers, engagement occurs only when labour sets in.
What is Flexion?
Flexion is a term that is rarely heard by anyone unless it is a special case of delivery. Flexion is generally to determine whether your baby has its chin touching its chest or not. Flexion means it is, whereas extension means the baby’s neck is tilted backwards. In case of a breech delivery or if you’re having twins, doctors will assess the flexion and suggest procedures accordingly.
How to Discover Your Baby’s Position?
Mothers can feel the position of their babies by themselves. It is best to avoid using fingertips and use the pad parts of your fingers to do so.
Sense the Baby’s Movements
Observe them for a bunch of days or a week and get an idea if they are strong or small. Smaller movements are mostly a result of the baby’s hands, which are generally closer to their face. Stronger movements, such as kicks and pushes, are due to your baby’s feet.
Look for Hard Areas
Feel around for hardness that resembles a spherical round shape. If you push it gently and only the specific part moves, that’s probably the baby’s head. If instead, the entire baby seems to move inside you, then that’s possibly the baby’s buttocks.
Feel for Your Baby’s Back
Having found either your baby’s head or buttocks, feel around for an area that’s longer and smoother in that direction. Feel comfortable to press gently, as long as it doesn’t get uncomfortable for you.
Listen to the Heart
The baby’s heartbeats can be loudly heard from its back. If you can hear them at a higher position of your stomach, then your baby might be in a breech position. If they seem to emerge from below your belly button, then the baby’s head may be facing downwards.
What is Belly Mapping?
Belly mapping is a technique to envision your baby’s position before delivery. Once you’ve visited your doctor and know where your baby’s head is positioned, you can do the mapping yourself by using a marker and a baby doll. By marking the location of your baby’s head, you can trace your fingers to locate its buttocks and mark that position. Listening to the heartbeat can reveal more information and where you feel the kicks, mark them for legs. This can help you position the doll in a way that resembles your baby inside your womb.
Can You Improve Your Baby’s Position for Labour?
Your baby may not always be in the most optimal position for delivery. However, there are certain methods you can use to gently nudge your baby into the right position.
Ensure your pelvis is tilted forward whenever you sit down
Use exercise balls or birth balls regularly
Your hips should generally be higher than your knees whenever you sit
Get down in a cat position on your hands and knees on the floor a few times in a day. The natural inertia helps the baby swing into the right position
Tips to Position Your Baby During Labour or Birth
Even after it all, your baby may not be in the best position during labour. In these times, the doctor or the helpers assist you in getting the baby in the right position.
Once the cervix is dilated and the doctor can reach the uterus, they will mostly turn the baby into an optimal position internally, and then proceed ahead with natural birth.
If the baby is in a transverse position, the doctor may choose to deliver it via breech by turning the baby’s feet towards the opening.
In any case, if the doctor deems it hazardous for the baby to continue further, he may recommend proceeding directly to a C-section for a healthy safe birth.
The entire process of raising a baby in the womb and delivery comes down to as simple as the baby’s position. By keeping track of it as you move later into your pregnancy, and doing certain exercises and positions to ensure optimal orientation, you can increase your chances to have quick and easy labour, with an extremely healthy baby.
Also Read: Signs of Healthy and Unhealthy Fetus in the Womb Read more
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Tetanus Toxoid (TT) Injection During Pregnancy - When and Why Is It Given?
Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by a common bacterium known as Clostridium Tetani. This bacterium enters the body through an open wound. It can enter through anything from a small scratch or a skin-deep wound. It creates a toxin called tetanospasmin as soon as it enters the blood through the skin. This toxin attacks the nervous system and may result in death if not treated in time. TT vaccination is important and it is all the more important during pregnancy. A tetanus toxoid vaccine during pregnancy can prevent both the mother-to-be and the baby from getting a tetanus infection.
What Is Tetanus Toxoid?
Tetanus toxoid (TT) is a vaccine which helps prevent a person from getting a tetanus infection. A TT vaccine can also prevent a pregnant woman and her baby from getting a tetanus infection. If you are pregnant, your doctor will also recommend this vaccine. After administering this vaccine, antibodies will get formed in your body which will then get passed on to your child and protect him for some time.
What Is Neonatal Tetanus?
Neonatal tetanus is an extremely deadly condition that is harmful to newborns. This condition mostly occurs due to the use of unsterilized cutting instruments and unhealed umbilical cord stumps. Newborns get affected as they have a weak immune system. Therefore, it is essential for a woman to get a Tetanus Toxoid vaccine during pregnancy. This vaccine will keep the baby immune for some time after delivery.
Is it Necessary to Administer Tetanus Toxoid (TT) Vaccine Administered During Pregnancy?
Getting a tetanus injection during pregnancy is mandatory in India. Women who have had a tetanus-prone wound should get a Tetanus Toxoid vaccine to avoid the risk of tetanus disease. It is also recommended to give Tetanus Toxoid vaccines in underdeveloped regions since deliveries happen in unhygienic conditions. Many countries follow a universal standard for Tetanus Toxoid (TT) immunization for pregnant women.
Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination During Pregnancy
There are some procedures that one should follow before administering the vaccine to prevent the side effects that may arise after receiving the tetanus injection during pregnancy. There is also a certain schedule which is to be followed to give tetanus shot during pregnancy.
Things to Note Before the Vaccine is Administered
Make sure that the doctor who administers the vaccine shakes the vial vigorously in which the vaccine is contained. This is done so that the sediments formed in the vial properly mix with the fluid. The shake test is mandatory to make sure that the container was not damaged while being thawed and frozen. Vaccines that were previously frozen must not be used for injections.
TT Vaccination Schedule for Pregnant Women
American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists (ACOG) recommend the following schedule for vaccination to expectant women. The vaccination will be administered only after a complete screening of your reports by your health care provider.
Dose of TT
When to Administer
Expected Period of Protection
1
At first contact or as early as possible in pregnancy
None
2
At least 4 weeks after TT1
One to three years
3
At least 6 months after TT2 or during the next pregnancy
At least five years
4
At least 1 year after TT3 or during next pregnancy
At least ten years
5
At least 1 year after TT4 or during next pregnancy
For all childbearing ages or possibly longer
If the pregnant woman has never been vaccinated before or her immunization results are not known, 2 doses of TT/Td are administered 1 month prior to the birth of her baby and further doses according to the table above.
If the expectant woman had been administered 1 - 4 tetanus toxoid doses earlier, the remaining dose of TT/Td can be administered before the birth of the child. If the expectant woman shows proof of vaccinations of her adolescence, childhood and infancy of TT, DTP, DT or Td vaccines, doses will be given according to the table below.
AGE AT LAST VACCINATION
PREVIOUS IMMUNIZATIONS (BASED ON WRITTEN RECORDS)
RECOMMENDED IMMUNIZATION
AT PRESENT CONTACT/PREGNANCY
LATER (AT INTERVALS OF AT LEAST ONE YEAR)
Infancy
3 DTP
2 doses of TT/Td (min.4 weeks interval between doses)
1 dose of TT/Td
Childhood
4 DTP
1 dose of TT/Td
1 dose of TT/Td
School-age
3 DTP + 1 DT/Td
1 dose of TT/Td
1 dose of TT/Td
School-age
4 DTP + 1 DT/Td
1 dose of TT/Td
None
Adolescence
4 DTP + 1 DT at 4-6 years + 1 TT/Td at 14-16 years
None
None
The final TT injection should be administered 2 weeks before giving birth. The dosages are noted on a personal vaccination card that one must keep safe.
TT Vaccine During First Pregnancy
Your doctor will prescribe you 2 doses of tetanus toxoid in pregnancy in case of your first pregnancy.
The first dosage will be administered in the third trimester, that will be somewhere around the seventh month of pregnancy.
The second dosage will be administered after 4 weeks of the first vaccine.
The World Health Organization recommends a third dosage which is given after 6 months of the second dose. This is provided to offer a shield against the tetanus bacteria for at least 5 years.
Few health care providers also prefer giving 3 doses, then first at 28 weeks of pregnancy. While some prefer in the first trimester when all the other tests are confirmed.
TT Vaccine During Second Pregnancy
Your doctor will check your entire history of vaccination, then he will prescribe the pregnancy TT injection accordingly.
If your second pregnancy is within 2 years of your first pregnancy, and you have been administered 2 doses of vaccine in the first pregnancy, then you will only be given 1 booster vaccine.
If your second pregnancy happens after a long gap, the schedule of vaccination will differ.
Getting vaccinated by the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine during pregnancy is essential to make sure that both the mother and child stay safe. So if you are pregnant, get this vaccine administered and keep yourself and your child safe.
Also Read:
Betnesol Injection During Pregnancy
HCG Injection During Pregnancy
Safe and Unsafe Vaccines for Pregnant Women Read more
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Easy Answers for Awkward Tween Questions
The barrage of questions that come from children can be embarrassing to say the least. Putting them off will only make them get their information from less reliable sources. How to answer your teen’s awkward questions? Give reassuring answers as the honest truth is what they'll appreciate.
When your little babies are learning to crawl, you can't wait for them to utter their first words. But, before you know it, they've grown up into pesky tweens. This is the time when they start to ask questions that can get a tad bit embarrassing. Questions about bodily changes and dreaded sexual queries can be especially awkward. Don't shy away - follow these tips to answer uncomfortable questions.
Answering Your Tween's Awkward Questions Confidently
1. That pubic age!
Your tweens begin to find hair sprouting in places other than on their heads and they turn to you for answers. Remember, they're still children so calmly respond with words that their young minds are able to understand and accept. The simplest answer is to tell them it's all part of growing up. That should keep them satisfied, at least for a while!
2. Your daughter sets sail
Your daughter has reached puberty and begins her first menstrual cycle. You're left with the task of explaining the changes happening in her body. If you don't really want to go into details, you could start with the basics. Tell her its nature's way of cleansing and strengthening the body. Once she becomes older, you can explain to her the mechanics of her menstruation.
3. Using sanitary products
Once you've explained menstruation to your daughter, explaining the use of pads, tampons and menstrual cups should be a piece of cake. However, what you may not anticipate is to have to explain the use of these products to an inquisitive son. An easy enough answer would be to tell him that just like how he requires extra padding when playing sports and games, so does your daughter. That should kill his curiosity for a while!
4. Boy, oh boy!
As your son grows older, the changes in his body are bound to fire up some embarrassing questions that you'd rather not answer, if you had the choice. Your husband can be the one to satisfy your boy's curiosity, but if he isn't around, just remember there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Questions of erections can be answered by telling him that sometimes the genital stands up and it's all a part of growing up. Topics on masturbation, meanwhile, can be answered by telling him that while the act itself is normal, it's private.
5. When boy meets girl and girl meets boy
If your kids are at that age where they begun to notice the other gender, it's time to have a talk. Being overprotective will only make them back away but too much freedom isn't the solution either. Teach your children to behave with dignity, and treat their partners with respect!
Whatever the questions, the key is to listen to your children without judgement. Don't let an awkward tween question turn into an awkward moment. Welcome your tween's concerns with calming assurance. You want him or her to be able to come to you for help, not find it somewhere else. Read more
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My child's Care, Development, and Improvements - How My Husband Supported Me
My due date of delivery was April 17th but my son was born on March 28th. The previous night my water broke and I was taken to the hospital. The next morning my labour was induced. It took many hours to deliver my baby due to sudden water breakage, and his heartbeats were low. He didn't cry after being born. At night he suffered fits and for the next five days, he had been under observation for fits in the NICU and proper medicines were given to him. He kept on sleeping continuously due to high dosage of medicines. I took my milk and fed him.
My paediatrician said observe him keenly for the first 6 months. l could not say that he was perfect nor could I say abnormal. My in-laws started to ask why was he not normal during that time. They asked me "Why was he not laughing like others infants in their 3rd month? Is there any problem?" Those words hurt me, but I didn't lose hope on him. Basically, I am an optimistic person, so regularly I cradled him and said, "you are a very good boy with an active brain. Your heart lungs and all parts of your body are good. You can walk you can talk well. I am eagerly waiting to play with you."
Now he is a very active and good observer. He can understand my words easily. My paediatrician praised him that he was perfectly alright and he is an intelligent boy. He appreciated me for his improvement and he said that my son became normal because of me. A mother has more power to cure a baby than the doctors. Not only mother alone can do everything but a father also, because without my husband's support and encouragement I may not have faced those hurdles alone. He boosted me when I felt low; he made me feel that l can do it. So, dear parents, be positive with your children and don't lose hope. We can mould them well with our positive words and attitude towards them.
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.
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Tips on Becoming a Super-Parent to Your Child
Today, everyone is busy in their own lives, and don’t have time to spend with their kids. This can lead to big problems in children, such as bad behaviour, indiscipline, etc. One thing we can all agree is on is that all we want is to be the the best possible parents to our kids, and here as some tips to do exactly that.
Start spending quality time with your child and creating special occasions for him/her. Talk to your kids to know what problems they face and what brings them happiness.
Always be friendly with your child. If you become friends with your child, he/she will always share their problems with you, so you can work together to find solutions.
Make the perfect routine for sleeping, activities, eating, etc. This helps children stay disciplined.
Don't over react to your child's mistakes, as it may lead to a lack of confidence in the future.
Never ever compare your child with others' children. Every child is unique, and constant comparison will only lead to jealousy and negative emotions towards you and others.
Give respect and get respect. You must respect your children, as it will teach your child to respect others
Behave properly in front of your children, just like you would want them to behave. Children observe and mirror the actions of their parents.
Avoid constantly being on the phone around your child. Give him/her some attention and love.
Always appreciate your child for good behaviour and values. Appreciation keeps the good actions going.
Teach them to take responsibility and apologise for any wrongdoing.
Involve yourself in your child's life by doing activities such as cooking, eating, and playing together.
Don’t constantly advise your child on everything. Let them figure some things out on their own.
Share childhood stories with your children and give them a glimpse of your past.
Involve your child in planting trees, gardening, cleaning their surroundings, and more.
Always encourage your kid to share food with others.
Don’t force your child study throughout the day. Give them some time to watch TV, play a game, or relax.
You are the role model for your child, so make sure you exhibit good behaviour in front of him/her. Wrongdoings are a part of their learning phase, so don't panic, teach them to apologise, and let them enjoy their childhood.
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.
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Things to keep in mind while travelling with a Toddler
The most basic thing when you plan any trip with a toddler is things to do over there, does it interest your child? Because if you select place according to your child then you can oly enjoy.
- Make sure there are enough activities for the kids, a nice play area, maybe a mini theatre.
- Make sure property serves good food because I'm sure you do not want to go there and cook food for your toddler.
- If your child is a water baby then make sure to pick property which has a pool to stay.
- Always select only those places to visit which are for child enjoyment also.
- Keep your trip short so that you are hassle free and you can travel light.
- Pick a weather that is suitable for your child, not too hot nor cold.
- Do not be too rigid in terms of rules when you are on a trip, keep them flexible.
* It is ok if your child sleeps late
* It is ok if your child watches screen
* It is ok if your child wants to eat an ice-cream or a chocolate
Remember they are on a vacation too..
The most important, make sure your child has a company while on a trip because if they do not have a company, you will have to constantly entertain your kids.
Ofcourse that is also a lot of fun but then you will not get any personal space.
So it is completely your call.
Things to carry on flight:-
Entertainment - Colouring books, puzzles, musical toy, board games, etc.
Food - Always keep snacks handy because if the child is hungry and you do not have food, they will create hassle. Keep some biscuits, chips etc whatever they like.
A small handy bag that contains a pair of clothes, wipes, handkerchief, cream, etc as per your requirement. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
9 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. 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.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 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
5 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
9 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
5 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
8 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
8 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
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
5 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
10 mins 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 .
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