Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Home Pregnancy Tests
Every woman wants to get pregnant and have a baby at some point of time in life. To know that you are pregnant is the most precious moment of one’s life. Pregnancy brings huge contentment and joy.
As soon as a woman misses her period, she gets anxious and starts wondering how to confirm her pregnancy at home only before reaching out to a medical professional. In such cases, home pregnancy tests are the most convenient and easy way to find out if you are pregnant and ready to bring a new life into this world.
What is a Home Pregnancy Test?
Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) also known as the pregnancy hormone in your urine. As soon as you get pregnant, your body starts producing hCG, once the fertilised egg implants in your uterus.
The hCG secreted by the cells gradually form the baby’s placenta.. A Home pregnancy test allows for an early pregnancy test at home and can detect the presence of hCG in the urine in about 6 to 14 days after fertilization.
In the initial few days of implantation, the hCG level in your body rises quickly and home pregnancy tests are sensitive enough to detect the hCG level in your body as soon as your periods are delayed by one day.
If you have a negative result on your first home pregnancy test and your periods are delayed, then you should wait for another few days to test again. It may be because the hCG level in your body is not high enough to get detected on the first day of the missed period.
Some pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others and can even confirm the small presence of hCG in your body.
About Pregnancy Test Kits
Home pregnancy test kits are the most convenient way to confirm your pregnancy at home. They are easy-to-use and most of them provide accurate results. There are many brands of home pregnancy test kits available in the market nowadays but all of them work in a similar manner by detecting the level of hCG in your urine.
Just make sure you keep the following things in mind while buying a home pregnancy test:
Choose a well-known brand
Make sure you check the packaging and check to ensure the pack is intact before buying the test
Also, check the expiry date. The expired test may not give the accurate results;
Try buying those kits that come with two sticks. So, in case you take an early pregnancy test and the results come out as negative,, you can take the test again after certain days to check for a positive result..
Apart from them, there are various other natural home pregnancy tests to confirm your pregnancy at home.
How to Take a Pregnancy Test at Home?
Make sure you read the instructions in the pregnancy kit carefully regarding how to confirm pregnancy at home as it may vary from kit to kit.
Most test kits are very convenient to use. You can simply check by passing urine on the test stick. But, in some tests, you may have to collect the urine in a small cup and then insert the testing strip into that cup to confirm pregnancy. Some of them also provide a dropper for placing the urine sample on the testing stick.
Even, the manner in which results are displayed can vary. Some of them show as pink or blue lines on the test strip and the others might show the plus or minus sign or change the urine colour to determine the results. New digital tests simply display their results in words i.e. “pregnant” or “not pregnant” and even give a rough estimate of the number of weeks you are into your pregnancy.
When to Take a Home Pregnancy Test?
Here are the signs that indicate that you should take a pregnancy test:
If you have missed your period: It is the most reliable sign of pregnancy. Most of the women have 28 days’ menstrual cycle, so consider taking a test if it has been a month since you had your last period. But, sometimes your period might get delayed due to stress, diet, exercise, or other reasons also;
If you are having cramps: Implantation of an egg in your uterus also causes cramps in your stomach similar to what you get during periods, you might feel that your periods are about to come but, they don’t;
If you experience sore breasts: Due to excess production of estrogen and progesterone in your body due to pregnancy, your breasts might become sore, tender, and fuller when you get pregnant;
If you are feeling ‘different’: Nausea, food aversions, exhaustion, and frequent urination is also other sign of pregnancy that you can experience;
In case your contraception failed: Contraceptives like condoms, birth control pills, etc. do not give 100% protection and can fail. So, in case you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms despite having used contraception, then you should take a home pregnancy test.
When should I use the Home Pregnancy Kit?
Nowadays, most tests can detect your pregnancy as soon as the first day of your missed periods. There are even more advanced and sensitive tests available in the market that can even detect the pregnancy with a low level of hCG before the period is due. The results might not be accurate with these early tests.
You can take the test at any time of the day irrespective of the test you are using but try avoiding drinking too much water before taking the test as it may dilute hCG levels in the body.
However, most tests recommend using the first urine in the day for taking the test since ehCG levels will become concentrated in the urine through the night.
In case you have an irregular period, you should wait for the duration of the longest cycle you have experienced to take the test since you might not be sure when your period is due exactly.
Similarly, if you stopped taking the pill recently you might not be sure of your regular cycle. In that case, if the results are negative on your first test then, wait for another three days and take the test again.
How accurate are Home Pregnancy Tests?
The home pregnancy test kit usually provides 99.99% accurate results if the instructions for taking the test are followed correctly. But, sometimes low hCG levels, sensitivity of the test, or days elapsed since implantation of the egg may provide different results.
In some cases, home pregnancy test may be a false negative. It may be because you might not be pregnant or your hCG levels may be so low that they cannot be detected yet. In case you test too early, you might get false negative results since not enough hCG has built up in your system. You should wait for another three days and take the test again if you are experiencing other signs of pregnancy.
The chances of a home pregnancy test showing a false positive are very rare. This is the case where you get a false positive result even if you are not pregnant. This might be due to consumption of medication that contains hCG which may affect the results.
Home Remedies for Pregnancy Test
Missing your period, or any delay in your period can make you anxious and excited Sometimes, this enticement, excitement makes you test before time. So, if you do not have access to a pregnancy test kit or do not want to spend money on buying one at such an early stage, you can easily detect your pregnancy with a homemade pregnancy test.
Instead of spending money on an expensive medical test to confirm your pregnancy, there are many ways to confirm your pregnancy without a kit with the ingredients available in your kitchen.This makes checking your pregnancy at home quite simple, easy and cost effective.
Using natural ingredients such as toothpaste, vinegar, baking soda, etc. are completely safe to use for confirming your pregnancy at home. But, are home pregnancy tests accurate? There is no scientific research that vouches for the accuracy of the results of these homemade tests. They do also check for the hCG level in your urine but there are no proven ways to conduct these tests at home.
Once the initial euphoria and excitement of getting to know that you are pregnant is settled, you should plan your next action. You must choose a gynecologist and schedule an appointment with the doctor at the earliest.
Also Read:
List of DIY Pregnancy Tests
How to Confirm Pregnancy Without Taking a Test? Read more
Suggested for you
Sweet Potato for Baby - Benefits and Recipes
The food that a child eats will have a huge impact on his dietary habits when he grows up. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children are getting proper nutrients required for their age. However, sometimes, it can be very difficult to manage it as children are generally fussy eaters. To deal with fussy eaters, picking the right foods and cooking them in a way that makes the food delicious becomes very important. One such food is sweet potatoes. 'Sweet potatoes' are an amazing food to introduce to your child when you introduce solids to them.
Is Sweet Potato Good for Babies?
Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious, not to mention delicious, making them the perfect first food for your baby. They have a lovely creamy texture which is generally liked by the babies.
When Can You Start Giving Sweet Potato to Your Baby?
You can start giving sweet potatoes to your baby from the age of six months. Introduce it to your baby in the form of a puree, so it is easier for her to eat. By around eight months, she will be able to eat it in the mashed and lumpy form or with rice or oats.
Nutritional Value of Sweet Potato
Nutrient
Amount per 100 grams
Proteins
1.6 grams
Omega 6
.01 grams
Fibre
3 grams
Carbohydrates
20.1 grams
Calories
86
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/sweet-potatoes#section1
Sweet Potato Benefits for Babies
Sweet potatoes have a lot of health benefits. Here are some that your baby will gain:
1. Prevents and Resolves Constipation
Being a good source of fibre, sweet potato can prevent constipation in your baby and will help in maintaining a healthy dietary tract.
2. Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, which improves eyesight. Sweet potatoes also have high amounts of beta-carotene and more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A is present in them.
3. Immunity Booster
Sweet potatoes have a lot of Vitamin C and E, which aid in strengthening your baby’s immunity system, helping her fight common cold or infections that infants can be prone to catching. It is also very good for her skin.
4. Good Calories
It is a healthy food that will help weight gain in children due to its high-calorie levels. Infants need to put on weight, and sweet potatoes are the perfect way for you to help your child’s physical development.
5. Prevents Anaemia
It is loaded with calcium and iron, both of which are vital for growth in babies and children. Iron is also very beneficial in the prevention of anaemia.
Can Sweet Potatoes Cause Allergies in Babies?
Side effects that may happen from eating sweet potatoes are quite low when compared to other vegetables like spinach and carrots. They don't generally cause allergic reactions in babies, and this is why sweet potatoes are highly recommended to wean your baby onto sweet potato puree baby food. However, there are chances that your baby may be allergic to sweet potatoes, so look out for any signs of vomiting, rashes, and diarrhoea. They are also prone to developing gas if it doesn’t agree with them and it may cause them to spit it up.
How to Select and Store Sweet Potatoes?
Here are a few tips on the best ways to select and store sweet potatoes:
1. Selecting Sweet Potatoes
It is always best to buy vegetables that have been grown organically as this means you do not have to worry about pesticides being present on the potatoes. The sweet potatoes should be medium sized and have firm and smooth skin. Avoid picking the ones that have soft or brown spots, holes or any liquid oozing from them as they may be contaminated. Remember, the deeper the colour of the potato, the richer it is in antioxidants.
2. Storing Sweet Potatoes
It is not necessary that sweet potatoes should be kept in the refrigerator; they can be stored at room temperature. If being stored at room temperature, then it should be used within a week. If you store it in a cool, dark place, like a cellar or a dark and cool pantry, then you can keep them for up to a month. It is never advised to keep them for longer than that.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes for Babies?
One of the most important things to do when cooking for your baby is to wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly before peeling or cutting into them. Make sure you remove the skin of the sweet potato to ensure that it has a soft and creamy texture. There are many cooking techniques that can be used to prepare sweet potatoes for your baby. Here is how to make sweet potato baby food:
Baking: Heat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Prick the sweet potatoes and place them on a prepared baking tray. Bake for 45 minutes, cool, and peel the skin.
Boiling: You can peel sweet potatoes, cut them, and then boil.
Pressure Cooked: They can be peeled and chopped and pressure cooked till soft.
Steamed: Peel and cut the potatoes and steam them using a steamer until they are soft.
Microwave: After peeling, cut the potatoes into small pieces and poke holes all over. Then, put them in the microwave in the ‘high’ setting for about 10 minutes.
Quick Sweet Potato Recipes for Babies
Now that we have seen the different techniques used for cooking sweet potatoes, we can look at a few simple recipes to make your baby’s food taste even better:
1. Sweet Potato and Carrot Puree
Mixed with carrots, this dish can help improve eyesight because of the Vitamin A present.
What You Will Need:
Sweet potatoes
Water/Vegetable stock
Carrots
How to Cook:
Grate the carrots and cut the sweet potatoes into small pieces.
Cook them together in a saucepan till they turn soft.
Put this mixture in a blender once cooled and blended.
Add the water or the vegetable stock to thin it as per your preference.
2. Sweet Potato Mash
Mash sweet potatoes to help your baby swallow the food easily.
What You Will Need:
Sweet Potatoes
Water/Vegetable Stock
How to Cook:
Prepare the potatoes by either baking or steaming.
Take a masher and start mashing the potatoes, using water/stock as needed.
Do not thin it out or mash it too much as it should have a few lumps in it. You now have a delicious sweet potato mash for babies.
3. Sweet Potato and Chicken Soup
This dish has a nutritious broth loaded with protein and helps in the development of your baby’s body.
What You Will Need:
100gm minced chicken
Five cups of water
One cup cooked sweet potato
How to Cook:
Cook the chicken in a pot with some water until it is very soft.
Put the cooked potatoes into a blender and add the chicken and broth.
Blend until the desired thickness is achieved. If you want to dilute the soup, add some boiled water to the mixture.
4. Sweet Potato and Milk Rice
This recipe is rich in dietary fibre which helps avoid constipation.
What You Will Need:
One cup rice
Four sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
Three cups water
One cup milk
How to Cook:
Add sweet potatoes and rice to a dish.
Add the milk and water and bring it to a boil then let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Once it is cooked well, feed it your baby.
5. Sweet Potato and Plantain Soup
Plantain has plenty of Vitamin A which helps in building the immune system of your little one.
What You Will Need:
One sweet potato, peeled and sliced
One green plantain, peeled and sliced
Olive Oil
One small onion, fine chopped
One garlic clove, crushed
Two cups chicken/vegetable stock
One bay leaf
Half cup milk
How to Cook:
Sauté the onions and garlic until the onions are golden and tender.
Add the plantain and sauté until brown.
Add the chicken stock and bay leaves.
Add the sweet potatoes and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for at least 20-25 minutes or until everything is cooked very well.
Let cool and then remove the bay leaf, add to a blender and blend well.
Return the mixture to the pan, add the milk and mix well. Simmer for ten minutes and then serve.
As we have seen, sweet potatoes are an amazing first food to give your child. It is a natural multivitamin and antioxidant and provides many benefits to your baby. Sweet potatoes are good to freeze, so these recipes can be prepared and then frozen to be used at a later date. There are many sweet potatoes baby food recipes that you can make, like a sweet potato and apple puree, sweet potatoes and peas, sweet potatoes and butternut squash and many more. So, don't shy away from cooking it for your baby. It is tasty and healthy too!
Also Read: Benefits of Beetroot for Babies Read more
Suggested for you
Sleep - An Underrated Routine That Makes Kids Smarter and Sharper
Kids tend to be active throughout the day. It’s a task to have them sit down quietly for different engagements. Had they been quieter, as we parents so dearly wish at times, we may have saved ourselves the tedious task of clearing up the mess every time these little tornados leave behind.
But, alas! Contrary to what we hope for, their love of physical pursuits never stops short. Their minds are always on the lookout to process new information, and this curiosity makes them examine everything they can lay hands on. It is hard to speculate what their next to-do assignment will be. Mostly, our concern for our child’s safety urges us to stop them from undertaking many physical pursuits.
However, it is believed that the more kids participate in such tasks, the more they acquire knowledge and learn the basics. Physical activities are instrumental in teaching them to assimilate failure and subsequently work toward overcoming shortcomings. Their curiosity compels them to look out for new arenas to gather new experiences. The more their engagements are, the more they challenge their capabilities to broaden their mental abilities and multitasking horizons.
As kids explore areas that nurture their ever-growing mental capacities, their cognitive abilities unfurl. A major portion of a kid’s mental growth happens by the time they reach the age of five. Thus, our responsibility is to nurture them in the best possible ways to facilitate the best outcomes.
Apart from food and nutrition, another daily activity that is instrumental in their all-around growth is sleep. Our heart, lungs, brain, kidneys work continuously throughout the day. Sleep at night gives them the time to re-energise. Our bodies need ample sleep for the growth of sound mental health. Sleep deprivation can lead to inalterable conditions, resulting in mental health issues.
Similarly, our little ones need to get the desired hours of sleep every day. The younger the kid is, the longer he needs to sleep. During sleep, the brain not only rests but also processes all information through memory consolidation. That’s how they develop memories for smell, touch, view, sound, vocabulary, incidences, dangers, good moments, etc. The better their everyday routine is, the healthier they grow up to be. However, it is at times a struggle to put kids to sleep at regular hours.
Every kid responds differently; while some are subtle, others turn out to be quite naughty. Kids seem to hate losing out on playtime that keeps them awake and thus ensues a conflict of interest between the child and the caregiver.
I, too, used to find it hard to persuade my kid to sleep at regular timings. He is now five years old, and reasoning with him is a lot easier. However, as a toddler, it was a perpetual struggle. The ritual of tucking him to bed and getting him to sleep began with cuddling him on my lap and singing a lullaby while taking a stroll in the room. The tactic worked well most of the time, though, on several occasions, I used to fall asleep before him. It was exhausting to see him wide awake, gazing intently at the dim light, smirking, and enjoying his victory on me. With compromised sleep, I, too, felt exhausted and irritated most mornings that lasted throughout the day.
That’s when I started researching techniques to achieve better sleep. A few ways helped me get some good sleep for my child and me.
1. Maintain a sleep routine.
Having a pre-determined time for waking up and bedtime every day helps set our biological clock. Practising the habit every day from an early age proves beneficial in the long run.
Besides, family members too may plan their day accordingly as kids tend to follow habits that they observe around themselves. A disciplined timetable not only comforts them as they internalize the chronology of their daily chores but also ascertains predictability. The schedule is to be maintained even on weekends, family events, etc., to prevent disruption in routine. Moreover, a sleep routine ensures meeting the child’s daily sleep requirement, essential for their overall development. It also facilitates kids to remain active throughout the day.
2. Make sleep a priority.
Parents need to plan food and sleep intake. As soon as a child comes into our lives, delicate planning and scheduling become an indispensable part. It saves parents from overlooking fundamental tasks. It consequently gives us time to rest to keep anxiety and tiredness at bay. It is vital for us as, more often than not, unavoidable work piles up suddenly and needs our urgent attention.
Sticking to a set bedtime helps children feel secure because it offers them predictability. They start reciprocating accordingly as it allows them to get used to their surroundings promptly.
3. Limit socialising.
Unexpected family events, parties, festivals, etc., crop up in our lives, and it’s lucrative to include kids in these ceremonies, but their participation must be limited. Often, we fail to maintain this and let kids’ routines be disrupted at the cost of losing sleep time, compromising on meals, etc.
This leads to a disruption in their Circadian Rhythm (a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours), which often leads to slouching, restlessness, and sickness. Kids tend to get into a sense of discomfort due to such unexpected fluctuations in their routine.
Our parents too limited socializing during our childhood to give quality time to us. They took it upon themselves to let us feel their absolute dedication in giving us the best. This additionally ensured a peaceful atmosphere, which is essential for a good sleep. Kids need to spend quality time with parents or caregivers to grow up healthily.
4. Ensure ample sleep as per age.
It is a well-researched fact that mental development in kids occurs the most from birth until five years of age. As the brain works non-stop, it must be given good rest to perform to its best ability. Also, the brain processes all information gathered during the day while at sleep. Infants need to sleep for around 16 hours, and with the advancement of age, the duration reduces. By the age of five, kids need to have 8 to 10 hours of sleep, including nap time and night sleep. Insufficient sleep makes them feel groggy, and they may get cranky, deterring their daytime activities.
5. No screen time before bed.
This point has been all over the internet given that kids nowadays have access to mobile and the internet. Also, the pandemic has forced us to impart education through the internet. Prolonged exposure to mobile screens is detrimental to their eyes and also limits their creativity. Watching shows on mobile phones takes no mental and physical effort than reading a picture book or colouring. It also makes them lazy, detached from the real world and prevents them from being involved in daily chores. If unaddressed, this can result in childhood obesity as they cannot burn out their natural physical energy. Watching cartoons, etc., before heading to the bed coils up their thoughts, and they find it difficult to settle down on the bed. This can give kids nightmares.
6. Bed and clothing.
A clean bed looks inviting for a good sleep. Keep the bed clutter-free from toys, stuffed animals, extra cushions, etc. Change bed linen weekly to ensure cleanliness and keep it free from odour, dust mites, bed moths, etc. Cotton bedsheets and cotton pillow covers should be used for their quality and comfort.
Besides using pillows, one may also place bolsters on both sides to give kids a sense of security. A clean and pretty blanket can help keep them warm. You can use nappies at night to avoid sleep interruption due to bedwetting. Older toddlers are to be brought into a habit to attend nature’s call before heading to sleep. Parents should also assist kids in relieving themselves at least once during the night sleep time. Likewise, clothing is to be given priority. A change into a set of clean, fresh, and loose-fitting cotton nightwear is necessary to ward off any discomfort during sleep.
7. Pre-bedtime activities.
It is not about the quantity but the quality of time a parent spends with their kids. Gone are the days when we had ample time after work to spend with our extended family. With nuclear families, the responsibilities of each family member increase. Children often feel ignored if we do not spend quality time with them during their growing years, which may impact their personality and development.
It is important to contribute to building moments that shall be etched as beautiful memories during their childhood. Do take out as little as half an hour before sleep to focus on the child. Engage in conversations about the day, their fears, anxieties, happy moments, etc. Be sure to be a good listener.
Storytelling is a good way to engage with kids. It lets them settle down before bedtime, helps them learn vocabulary, and improves their creative thinking. Kids, too, face insecurities; they too have moments of stress. This is also a great way to let them know that they have your support when things aren’t working fine.
8. Calm them down with touch therapy.
As kids are active, helping them calm down is essential before settling them down to bed. Human touch can comfort human beings, which specifically works wonders with kids. A bear hug, a peck on the cheek, soft ruffling of their hair - all have one thing in common, i.e., comfort and love offered through touch. Every child has a different choice, and the caregiver has to anticipate the best way to show their love for them. A gentle kneading massage for the tired little hands and legs can prove to be a boon for many. A warm sponge bath works great to level down the temperament of the kids. Strolling with them in your lap is one activity that never ceases to calm kids. Few like to get caressed on their belly and back. Understanding what they prefer shall assist parents in delivering a beautiful experience to their kids.
We cannot control every aspect of our environment. Loudspeakers, horn honkers, bright light, traffic, loud chats, electricity disruption, and many more are beyond our scope to evade. However, we can change our habits and routines and adjust to the environment around us. A mix and match of the above techniques have been a blessing to me, and today it is a part of my daily routine. A persistent commitment towards maintaining a rhythm ensures good health too. However, in some rare cases, counselling is worthwhile in dealing with sleep difficulties, insomnia due to big changes in life, death, separation, health issues, etc.
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
Suggested for you
Prolonged Standing During Pregnancy - Impact on Mother and Foetus
Pregnancy may require you to make a few changes, and prolonged standing may be one of the things that you may have to avoid too. Are you in a job that requires longer standing hours or are you generally on your toes all day long? Whatever the case may be, standing for longer durations may have an impact on you and your unborn baby.
Is Standing for Long Periods During Pregnancy Safe?
If you're wondering whether it is safe to stand for long periods during pregnancy, the answer is yes; you may stand until or unless you have been advised otherwise by your doctor. Your doctor may restrain your movement or advise you against standing for long durations in case you have a high-risk pregnancy. In a study, it was established that women who stand for long hours during pregnancy are not only at a higher risk of having preterm delivery but it may also hamper with the baby’s optimal growth and development. So if you are wondering how long should a pregnant woman stand on her feet, well, it majorly depends on her health and whether or not she is undergoing a high-risk pregnancy.
How Does Standing for Long Hours During Pregnancy Affect You and the Unborn Baby?
It is important for a pregnant woman to understand that she is pregnant and not sick. The various precautions that she needs to exercise are only because pregnancy tends to make her body more fragile. Therefore, you have to be careful but not scared, and the same applies to standing for long hours. In case you stand for long hours, it may affect your baby is the following ways:
1. It May Lead to High Blood Pressure
Prolonged standing may lead to high blood pressure in pregnancy and together both these conditions may lead to fatal complications during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided.
2. It May Affect Foetal Growth and Development
Standing for longer periods may have an adverse effect on the foetal growth and development. It is observed that women who stand for 25 hours or more in a week, had babies with smaller heads and lesser birth weight in comparison to the woman who did not do so.
3. It Causes Lower Back Pain
If you are spending too much time standing in a day then you may not only feel extreme discomfort, but also experience lower back pain while standing during pregnancy. Apart from lower back pain, you may experience leg pain too.
4. It May Lead to Pain in the Pubic Area
A pregnant woman may suffer from SPD or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, a medical condition that may cause extreme pelvic pain. Standing for longer periods may aggravate this condition.
5. It May Aggravate Oedema
It is very normal for a pregnant woman to feel swelling or pressure while standing during pregnancy; this condition is known as oedema. This condition or swelling in the feet may become more pronounced in case you keep standing for long periods of time.
6. It May Lead to Premature Labour and Birth
It is seen that if a pregnant woman spends most of her time standing, then it may increase her chances of going into preterm labour or delivery. Both these conditions may sometimes lead to fatal medical complications.
7. It May Lead to Low Blood Pressure
Where in some women standing for longer durations may lead to high blood pressure, the others may experience low blood pressure. Well, both of these conditions are not good during pregnancy and may lead to various complications. If you suffer from low blood pressure, it may make you feel light-headed and may even cause fainting, which can be very dangerous.
There are many women who may have to stand because their job demands it, such as being a teacher, cashier in the bank, child care-taker etc. If you have to stand for longer durations, then it is recommended that you adopt various measures to minimize your risks.
What Measures Can Be Taken to Minimise the Risks?
Here are some ways that you may reduce your risks by standing for longer durations:
If you are in a job that required prolonged standing, talk to your employer and request for a desk job instead.
Keep moving instead of standing, to keep the blood moving in your veins and to prevent the blood from clotting and oedema too.
Drink water and other healthy fluids to stay hydrated. However, stay away from caffeinated beverages as they can further dehydrate you.
Wear shoes that provide good arch and heel support for a better and comfortable standing position.
It is recommended that you sit for 15 to 20 minutes after standing for an hour. Refrain from sitting cross-legged.
Manage your stress levels effectively; doing some yoga and meditation may help.
Wearing compression stockings is a great idea as it promotes better blood circulation, and gives better support to the legs.
Taking an occasional walk in between the standing periods really helps.
There is nothing to worry, in regard to standing for long periods during pregnancy, but it is always better to exercise caution. Get in touch with your obstetrician and know how you can effectively manage to stand for longer durations if you have to.
Also Read: How to Sit and Stand Up in Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
कुछ विशेष कहानी-कविताएं - जो आपके दिल के करीब हो सकती हैं
1. खुशियों की सौगात
हमारी सगाई के बाद जैसे-जैसे शादी का समय निकट आ रहा था, वैसे-वैसे पिया-प्रेम के गहरे रंग की सतरंगी छटा अनोखे अंदाज़ में रंग- भरी फुहारों के साथ अनमोल पल का स्वागत करने के लिए आतूर थी ।
कुछ ही माह में शादी के बंधन में बंधी दिल से दिल की डोर, प्रवेश हुआ ज़िंदगी के नवीनतम-युग का चहुंओर। रंग-बिरंगे पलों को संवारते हुए अगले साल होली त्यौहार के दूसरे ही दिन रंगों की बौछार के साथ जन्म हुआ प्यारी बेटी का, लेकर आई अपार प्यार के रंग हज़ार, हमें मिली जीवन में रंगोंभरी खुशियों की सौगात ।
2. सुकून की तलाश (कविता)
ज़िंदगी-भर इंसान इसी उधेड़बुन में लगा रहता है
कहीं से तो सुकून और शांति मिले
जीने के लिए बस सुकून ही मिलता नहीं
संसार में कदम रखते ही तीन बरस का हुआ नहीं
कि पढ़ाई-लिखाई की कोशिश शुरू
शिक्षण पूर्ण होते-होते नौकरी की तलाश में रहता
नौकरी के साथ साथ माता-पिता की सेवा
फिर भी यह बात सुनना कि तुम कुछ करते नहीं
इसी दरम्यान माता-पिता का साथ छूटने का गम
उम्र के बीच पड़ाव पर विवाह बंधन संस्कार
एक नवीन ज़िंदगी की राहों पर नए हमसफ़र के साथ जुड़ना
फिर एक बार ज़िंदगी में बच्चों के जन्म लेने का एक अलग ही मज़ा
बच्चों की परवरिश के साथ साथ नए पथ नए पैगाम
उनकी शिक्षा नौकरी विवाह को पूर्ण करने में सफल-
इंसान सब कुछ निर्वाह करते-करते बस ढूंढता रहता है कुछ देर सुकुन
जीने के लिए बस सुकून ही मिलता नहीं।
3. जो समझे दिल की बात (कविता)
जो दिल की बात इशारों में समझ ले
उस साथी का कोई जवाब नहीं
इतनी शिद्दत से पाया है, प्यार तुम्हारा
इस प्यार को बरकरार रखने की कोशिश में
गुज़ररही है उम्र धीरे-धीरे
मेरे प्यार के इज़हार को स्वीकार किया आपने
दिलों के जज़्बात को खामोश रहते हुए समझना
बहुत बड़ी बात होती है।
वैसे तो ज़िन्दगी की राहों में
सैकड़ों तुफानों ने कोशिश तो
की बहुत डराने की
आपने ही साहिल बनकर
सदा डुबती नैया को किनारे
पर पार कराया है।
4. नारी का अस्तित्व
नारी हूँ, नारायणी हूँ मैं,
ममता-रूपी सागर हूँ मैं ।
काव्य-संगीत और सौरभ-सौंदर्य ,
की अनुपम-प्रतिमा हूँ मैं ।
शक्ति का ही दिया हुआ
शांति का ही एक रूप हूँ मैं,
शीतल छाया की आशा हूँ मैं,
मनोहर-प्रेम की परिभाषा हूँ मैं ।
नारियों के धैर्य की सीमा और,
शुद्ध-आत्मा से उठी पुकार हूँ मैं ।
सत्ताधारियों के लिए दया-धर्म का संदेश हूँ मैं,
दुनिया की पलटकर दशा,
हर मुसीबतों का कर सकती हूँ अंत मैं ।
प्रजा की सोई हुई अभिलाषा को
आशा-रूपी दीपक से जगा सकती हूँ मैं।
इस आबाद विशाल-मंच पर,
कुदरत की अनमोल-सौगात हूँ मैं ।
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
Suggested for you
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. hi
yes
but if it is too thick or clear like water,if there other symptoms like itching, irritation, redness,foul smell from vagina, please visit your gynecologist
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
4 hours ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Typically, your bump becomes noticeable during your second trimester. Between 16-20 weeks, your body will start showing your baby's growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester. The second trimester starts in the fourth month.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am 7 weeks pregnant. Before pregnancy I used to take medicine named Cyra 20 mg for acidity. Now since the day when I got to know that I am pregnant I am not taking any medicine for acidity but daily I am suffering from it. After having breakfast it starts. I am not eating any spicy food , oily food etc. Please help on this
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Start having chilled milk directly from the refrigerator that usually helps a lot in reducing down acidity and anyways when you take so much of medicine in the body gets addicted to it to check with your doctor if you need to do anything or any other medication would be friendly in cases of emergency
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
56 mins ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
56 mins ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Check out this new Memory
Poornima kamath
Mom of a 1 yr old girl
New Memory
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Poornima kamath
Mom of a 1 yr old girl
1 min ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Poornima kamath
Mom of a 1 yr old girl
3 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive