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How Many Times to Have Sex in a Day to Get Pregnant
If you are planning on having a baby, it is likely that you have started preparing for it physically and mentally. The first step would be to have sex at the right times to ensure that you have the best chances of conceiving. Statistics indicate that the average couple needs to have sex at least 78 times before they can get pregnant. This comes to about roughly six months!
Is It Necessary to Have Sex Every Day to Get Pregnant?
In the enthusiasm to conceive quickly, you might be inclined to have sex on a daily basis, and this can be fun and enjoyable for the initial one or two months. But, if you do not get pregnant by then, sex every day can become a monotonous chore. The frequency with which you need to have sex will depend on factors such as the method you choose and any fertility problems that might exist. In instances of low sperm count or poor quality of sperm, having sex every day can prove counterproductive. Getting the opinion of a qualified medical professional can help you decide on what is best for you and your partner.
How Often to Have Sex to Conceive
You will definitely need to have sex more often to optimise your chances of conceiving quickly. If there are no fertility issues with either you or your partner, having sex every day is also a good idea. But after a while, this can become a tedious task as opposed to the fun activity it once was. So, try to retain the romance and ignite feelings by doing something special for each other every now and then.
Have Sex Often During Fertile Periods
During every woman's cycle, there are a few days when she is most fertile. Identifying this period and having sex every day during it maximises the chances of pregnancy. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and marking out possible days of ovulation can be useful in increasing the odds. Usually, the five days just before ovulation are considered extremely fertile with a 25% chance of conception during the window every month. There are plenty of ways in which you can determine when you are at your most fertile. Charting your basal body temperature, monitoring your cervical mucus, and using ovulation prediction kits can help you identify your fertile days every month. Fertility monitors and calendars are some other things you might want to use.
Doctors typically recommend sex every other day starting the week before ovulation, or the beginning of the end of menstruation. While the body does not work the same way every time, it's important to remember when you had your last period, and how you should go from there.
Sex During Least Fertile Periods
While it is true that having sex during your fertile days increases your chances of pregnancy, it does not mean that you must simply stop having sex during the less fertile days. Though it might not directly affect conception, research indicates that having sex can modify the immune system of women in many ways, which can enhance the chances of conception.
When to Limit Sex to Get Pregnant
If the man or the woman is facing fertility issues and is undergoing or being evaluated for treatment, the doctor might suggest refraining from sexual activity until the tests are done. Usually, if the couple is facing issues with fertility, they are advised to have sex every day during the fertile period. According to a recent study, if ovulation is estimated to be close, having sex even twice in the same day can produce positive results, especially in the case of male infertility.
What may start off as a fun and exciting project - making a baby - can lead to stress and have an adverse effect on your relationship with your partner if it has been more than a month or two. Having sex during your fertile period does boost your chances of pregnancy significantly. At the same time, it is also true that having sex often during each month will also eventually lead to pregnancy if there are no underlying issues. So, do what you think works best for the two of you, and if you find it difficult to get pregnant even after one year of regularly trying, seek a medical opinion without hesitation.
Resources and References: WebMD
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Sex Positions to Get Pregnant
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Tonsillitis in Babies
When your baby cries and refuses to eat what you offer her, it breaks your heart. It is difficult for parents to comprehend the cause of relentless crying in a baby, but if she is refusing to eat, then you know that there is something wrong in their mouth. Your baby may have trouble eating due to the inflamed tonsils at the back of her throat, which we clinically refer to as 'tonsillitis,' a condition that affects adults too. Here is everything you need to know about tonsillitis in babies and what you can do about it.
What is Baby Tonsillitis?
Our lymphatic system has a set of tonsils which is considered a body's front row of defences. Present on the upper and right dorsal sides of the throat, these two pink oval-shaped pads of tissue are responsible for filtering out any pathogens or bacteria that come their way when eating foods. The problem is that they're susceptible to infections too and when harmful bacteria hit the jackpot, they get inflamed which results in what we call as tonsillitis.
How Common Is it in Babies?
If you are wondering if babies get tonsillitis, you'll be surprised to know that tonsillitis is very common in babies and almost all children experience several bouts of it from infanthood to childhood. And of course, adults get it too.
Causes of Tonsillitis in a Baby
There are many conditions which can lead to tonsillitis in babies. Here are the following causes of tonsillitis in babies in detail:
1. Common Cold
Common cold is the primary cause of tonsillitis involving a combination of viruses like influenza virus, adenovirus, corona virus, and rhinovirus.
2. Group A Streptococci Bacteria
Group A Streptococci bacteria is the most common kind of bacterial infection that results in tonsillitis in babies. The bacteria spread by coming into contact with people who are already infected with this virus and is acquired by coming in contact with mucus or by touching infected areas of their skin.
3. Different Bacteria
There are other different bacteria which contribute to tonsillitis in babies which are, chlamydia pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and mycoplasma pneumonia, Fusobacterium, pertussis, syphilis, and gonorrhoea bacteria.
How Long will Your Baby Suffer?
The duration of tonsillitis in babies is based on various health and environmental factors. Firstly, it depends on your baby's health, age, time of diagnosis, type of pathogen, and the intensity of the infection. The general consensus is that mild tonsillitis lasts for a mere 2 to 4 days since the time of infection while in severe cases it may persist up to 2 weeks.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Babies
Symptoms of viral tonsillitis in babies are very similar to that found in adults and we've listed them below.
1. Difficulty in swallowing
As tonsils rub against the throat, it causes excruciating pain. Your baby may not be able to tolerate the pain and may refuse to swallow or eat food.
2. Bad Breath
Bacterial infections in the throat cause bad odour through compounds resulting from developing activity in the body, leading to bad breath in your baby.
3. Fever
Fever is your body's way of signalling that something is wrong with it by raising the body temperature. When a pathogen invades the lymphatic system, the body starts up a fever which is a clear indicator of a bacterial infection or tonsillitis.
4. Too much drooling
A good way to spot tonsillitis in babies who haven't yet started babbling is by noticing how much and how often they drool. Your baby's refusal to swallow will lead to accumulation of excess saliva in the mouth, thus leading to excessive drooling - a classic sign of tonsillitis.
5. Tonsillitis rash
Commonly referred to as Scarlet Fever, when Streptococcus Group A Bacteria invades the body, the infection forms red rashes on the neck, back, abdomen, and face. Small sores are found on the tongue which mimic a strawberry-like appearance and it may later resemble a dark-red colour accompanied by white patches.
6. Coughing
Repeated coughing due to excruciating pain in the throat is a sign of tonsillitis.
7. Pain in the Ear
The pain from the tonsils may transfer to the ears and cause excruciating pain, which makes them tug at it. If your baby tugs her ears while swallowing and cries, you can be sure that it's tonsillitis in the works.
8. Swelling of the Lymph Nodes
If areas around the neck and below the jaw look swollen, it is a sign of tonsillitis in babies and these nodes come with lumps of different sizes.
What are the Complications of Tonsillitis in Infants?
Following are the complications an infant may come across if tonsils are left untreated or ignored for too long:
1. Sleep Apnea
Severe tonsillitis disrupts sleep patterns in babies which results in sleepiness during the day. The swollen tonsils obstruct airway passages which interfere with regular breathing patterns. Sleep apnea occurs when breathing becomes shallow during sleep and the common indicator is noticing anywhere between 5 to 30 pauses in breathing during sleep.
2. Abscess
Infected tonsils secret a viscous fluid consisting of white blood cells, cell debris, and dead cells which we refer to as 'pus.' An abscess occurs when the pus gets trapped in the space between the soft tonsil tissues and this may leak into the bloodstream and lead to more complications. Draining the abscess is possible but physically difficult as the areas are hard to reach.
3. Acute Glomerulonephritis
When tonsillitis is caused by Streptococcus Group A Bacteria, the bacteria strains may result in inflammation of the kidneys which is known as acute glomerulonephritis. Glomeruli are small filtering screens found in the kidneys which filter out waste and toxic substances from the blood. Scar tissue formation results when the kidneys get inflamed due to infections spreading to the glomeruli, thus interfering with its ability to reduce blood toxicity, a condition known as AGN.
4. Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is noted by signs of inflammation in the joints, rash, stomach pain, weight loss, and fatigue. It occurs when the immune system's response against the infection is delayed in cases when the Streptococcus Group A bacteria cause tonsillitis. Severe cases may lead to medical emergencies since the inflammation may happen to the heart valves in babies and a blend of anti-inflammatory medications with antibiotics are required for effective and immediate treatment.
How Is it Diagnosed?
Doctors conduct the following tests and medical examinations for diagnosing tonsillitis in babies:
1. Visual medical examination of the throat
Tonsillitis can be spotted by just looking at the throat. Doctors have a feel for this and easily make out when a child gets tonsillitis.
2. Feeling swollen tissues
Tonsillitis causes inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck area. The doctor may touch and feel the skin in the neck and below jaw to diagnose any signs of swelling and conclusive indicators of tonsillitis.
3. Checking ENT (Ears, Nose, And Throat)
The ears and nose are affected area when tonsillitis occurs in the throat as the infection is known to spread. The vice versa is true as well since bacterial infections from the ears and nose may branch down to the throat and result in tonsillitis. Checking for secondary infections like these through medical examination is what doctors do to assess tonsillitis.
4. Swabbing of the throat
Collecting fluid samples from the tonsils by means of a cotton swab and sending those to the lab for testing is another way to diagnose tonsillitis. Lab testing also confirms whether it is truly tonsillitis or simply a strep throat. Throat swabs pinpoint the exact cause of tonsillitis in babies.
5. Blood test
Your baby's doctor may recommend a series of blood tests to find out the number of lymphocytes in the blood. A high number of lymphocytes in blood samples is a major indicator of tonsillitis.
After a diagnosis of the condition, your doctor may prescribe your little one some medications or simply ask you to take care of your little one at home, depending on how severe the infection is.
Treatment of Tonsillitis in Babies
Mild cases of tonsillitis do not require treatment and gradually go away with proper nutrition and plenty of rest at home, especially viral tonsillitis. For cases of bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotics are required for treatment. Severe tonsillitis cases may warrant a tonsillectomy which is a surgical procedure designed for the removal of tonsils at the back of the throat. Intravenous fluids may be administered to babies who get dehydrated as a result of tonsillitis.
Tonsillectomy is usually recommended if there are frequent severe episodes of tonsillitis which don't go away naturally and result in sleep apnea or bleeding of the tonsils. Your doctor may recommend your child to go for a tonsillectomy if she has:
Recurrent episodes of tonsillitis which occur throughout the year.
Tumour in her throat or nasal passages.
Difficulty in breathing and swallowing due to swollen tonsils and adenoids (a type of lymph tissue located behind the nose).
Swelling of the lymph nodes below the lower jaw which persists for more than six months, despite taking antibiotics.
Repeated ear and sinus infections which do not involve chronic tonsillitis may warrant a surgical procedure which involves removing the adenoids in children. Sleep apnea develops when swollen tonsils accompany swollen adenoids which makes breathing during sleep start and stop way too often, thus disrupting sleep cycles and proper breathing patterns.
How to Take Care of Your Infant during the Infection?
There are several ways that will help you fight a tonsillitis infection, be it bacterial or viral. Try these remedies to help your infant suffering from a tonsillitis infection:
1. Drinking Plenty of Fluid
Tonsillitis results in dehydration as babies find it difficult to swallow and thus refuse to eat. Make sure your young one drinks plenty of water and stays hydrated throughout the day. You can give her cold drinks or ice props to soothe the throat and even mix water and honey to make a throat tonic. Don't give honey to your infant if she is less than 1 year.
2. Warm Compress
Warm compress around the neck or throat soothes the pain and provides relief to an extent. You can use a warm water-bottle for the same.
3. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen
If your child is between 3-6 months old, you may give her acetaminophen and ibuprofen to prevent the development of tonsillitis. For babies under 3 months, it is recommended to consult a doctor before putting them on any medications. Aspirin is not recommended because it is associated with 'Reye's Syndrome,' a severe medical illness that's rare.
4. Say 'No' to Smoking and Tobacco
Don't smoke around your child or let anyone consume tobacco at home since air pollutants are known to irritate the throat and cause difficulty in breathing and result in excruciating pain.
5. Use a Humidifier
Installing a humidifier at home to moisten the air makes it easier for kids to fall asleep at night. Change the water in the units every day and clean regularly as per the instructions to prevent bacteria from accumulating and spreading.
6. Encourage Gargling
If your child is old enough to understand what you say, teach her to gargle using warm salt water. Take 1/2 teaspoon of pink salt and mix it with 8 ounces of warm water until it gets dissolved. Show her how to gargle and make sure she spits out the water once she's done.
7. Throat Lozenge and Hard Candy
If your child understands instructions and does not swallow when she is told, you may consider giving her some hard candy or throat lozenge. These promote saliva production which cleans different areas of the throat.
If your child has undergone tonsillectomy, she will require clear fluids like warm broth, water, apple juice, ice pops, and gelatin. Carbonated beverages and juices with high-acid content are not recommended since they sting and cause pain in the throat. Where nutrition comes to play, a light diet that's easy on the throat is recommended. Some food recommended after the surgical procedure include wheat cream, mashed potatoes, pasta with butter, puddings, warm soups, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, fruit custards, and gelatin. Avoid foods that scratch the throat like chips and raw vegetables during the first two weeks after the surgery because this is the period when the risk of bleeding is high in babies. Don't skip meals and make sure your child eats frequently, even if it is less. If your child does not want to eat because of a difficulty in swallowing, give her pain relievers for the throat like hard candy and coax into sipping fluids and juices to prevent dehydration.
Prevention
If your child's immune system is weak, then she may be more susceptible to tonsillitis infections at home or outside. The best way to prevent a tonsillitis case is by preventing the sharing of drinking and eating utensils at home. Encourage frequent hand washing and practice good hygiene. Boosting immunity naturally through proper nutrition, getting plenty of fresh air and exposure to sunlight are some of many good strategies for preventing tonsillitis. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and boost the immune system, so make sure your young one gets her daily dose of fruits and veggies during mealtimes. Make smoothies and juices if she doesn't like eating too much and prefers to drink.
Home Care for Infants
Where home care is concerned, make sure you dust the rooms frequently and sponge out harmful bacteria in the living rooms and around the house by practicing proper hygiene. Make sure to change the filters and clean them frequently, especially if you're using air humidifiers. Don't let your child come in contact with sick people or anyone who is infected with tonsillitis as a rule of thumb. That's easier said than done but you have to dust and broom the rooms regularly since your child's immune system is developing at this age, which makes her more susceptible, especially if she's going to daycare or kindergarten.
Scrub her toys too and anything she plays with since bacteria may land on those too. Get her started on her antibiotics if you suspect she has a mild case of bacterial tonsillitis and makes sure your child drinks plenty of water and fresh fruit and vegetable juices throughout the day to stay hydrated and boost immunity.
Although mild tonsillitis isn't that harmful, bacterial tonsillitis may reach a league of its own if left untreated. If you notice any signs of muscle stiffness, fever as high as 39.5 degrees Celsius, neck stiffness and sore throat which doesn't go away after two to three days, consult a doctor immediately since it may develop into a severe complication.
Also Read: Rheumatic Fever in Children Read more
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20 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect
You’ve made it halfway through your pregnancy. This week you will finally notice that your little one is big enough to move or push. However, there is enough space in the uterus to spare for your baby to dance around, allowing you to feel the movements. Here is a list of suggestions and answers to any questions you might be having about your 20th week.
Your Baby's Growth during Pregnancy - Week 20
At this point, you will be around 4 kg heavier, with an extra kilogram or so added every two weeks. If your foetus is a girl, her uterus has fully formed by now with millions of eggs already in production. If it is a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend out of his abdomen, with the process finishing in a couple of weeks. Your baby has begun to swallow more, allowing the digestive system get some much-needed experience. This is the time when babies begin to produce stool, a black gooey substance known as meconium, which will collect in their bowels. The milk teeth are present at this point, and the permanent teeth are beginning to form as well. As the baby is perennially suspended in amniotic fluid, it tends to be covered with an oily substance called vernix, which protects its skin from cracking.
What is the Baby’s Size
At 20 weeks pregnant the baby’s size is around 16-17 centimeters from top to bottom, weighing approximately 300 grams. Until this point, foetuses are measured from crown to rump, as their legs are tightly wound against their upper bodies. However, at the 20th week, it becomes easier to find out its size from head to toe.
Common Body Changes
At the 20th week, you will notice a few more body changes during pregnancy than usual:
Oedema: Your feet will now begin to swell due to water retention.
Snoring: The increase in oestrogen causes the inner membrane of the nose to swell up, leading to snoring.
Noticeable pregnancy bump: At the 20th week, people are going to start noticing that you are pregnant.
Faster hair and nail growth: The hormones coursing through your veins also promote the growth of hair and nails.
Vaginal secretions: Your vagina will start producing larger and larger amounts of discharge as a means to keep the groin area protected against harmful bacteria.
Symptoms of Pregnancy at Week 20
Reaching this point in pregnancy is a wonderful accomplishment, except for the challenging problems that may accompany it. In addition to the changes happening in your body, there are a few more symptoms you will experience:
Extreme energy: The hormones in your body will give you a jump in your energy levels as well as your sex drive.
Difficulty breathing: As the foetus grows, the uterus exerts pressure on the lungs, forcing you to expend more effort to take breaths.
Limbs start cramping: Your legs and arms find it more difficult to stay limber and flexible.
Indigestion and heartburn: These problems occur as the foetus pushes around the digestive system making it difficult to have a good night’s sleep.
While mild to moderate headaches are consistent with hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, if you find yourself having severe headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, vision problems or swelling of the extremities it is advisable to call your doctor as soon as possible, as this might indicate preeclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Belly at 20 Weeks of Pregnancy
At the 20th week mark, your uterus is parallel to your navel and is around 18-24 cm in diameter. It will continue to push outwards by about 1-2 cm every week. As this causes stress on the joints and ligaments, the doctor might prescribe you a hormone called relaxin which alleviates this stress. If you experience pains in the pelvic or pubic region, notify your doctor as it could be symptomatic of larger problems.
20 Weeks Ultrasound
This is the right time to have your mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan. The level of detail you will see in this scan is unbelievable, which include the heart, brain, lungs, and kidneys. You will also be able to see fingers, toes, nails, hair, ears, eyes, and nose. This is also when the sex of the baby can be determined, although it has to be noted that the procedure is illegal in India. The ultrasound this week will also be able to locate the position of the placenta in order to check if it is blocking the cervix. If it is, there is no reason to worry as uterine growth generally tends to pull the placenta back toward itself.
What to Eat?
There a few things you might want to make note of regarding the
With your uterus, placenta, and foetus rapidly growing in size, iron is one of the prime requirements of your body. Iron is essential in making blood, so consuming enough of it is very important. The best sources are red and white meats, but for vegetarians options such as beans peas, soybeans, and spinach will suffice.
As your baby’s bones are getting stronger and thicker, make sure you consume enough calcium as well. Dairy foods like milk, cheese, yogurt and veggies like leafy greens, spinach and beans are rich in calcium.
If necessary, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a vitamin or mineral tablet to supplement your nutrition. To stave off indigestion and heartburn, try eating smaller meals multiple times a day rather than a few large ones.
Tips & Care
There are a few things to do, and a few to avoid during your 20th week of pregnancy:
Dos
Regularly tilt your pelvis back and forth to alleviate any pain. If the pain is extreme, try holding your pelvis forward for a few seconds and repeat the process several times a day.
Make sure your already swollen feet don’t have to suffer by wearing flat-soled comfortable shoes. Avoid high heels or any shoes that are too tight.
Regularly visit a physiotherapist. They suggest exercises as well as help you manage severe back, rib or pelvic pain that comes with pregnancy.
Don'ts
Under no circumstances must you lift heavy weights, but if you must do so lift while bending your knees.
Don’t stand on one leg more than the other. Use your abdominal muscles to support your back and stand up straight.
Try not to sit down without supporting your back with a cushion or pad.
What You Need to Shop
At this point, it is time for you to shop for baby carriers which you can carry your little one in. It is also a good idea to start looking for some stylish maternity dresses for your changing body. Sign up for antenatal classes to help learn how to care for your child right now, as the good ones tend to have a long waiting list.
With the right precautions and preparations, pregnancy can be more about enjoying the impending birth of the baby and less about the pains that come with it.
Previous Week: 19 Weeks Pregnant
Next Week: 21 Weeks Pregnant Read more
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Eating Liver During Pregnancy - is it Safe?
Pregnancy opens you up to eating a variety of food preparations that can give you all the nutrition you need. Meat preparations can come in different forms with different components of it, which might raise a question on their safety for a pregnant woman. Eating chicken liver during pregnancy or any other liver might not be best, even though you might have gorged on it prior in your life without any issues. Being in the know about what is the best practice while eating liver and sticking to it, while being aware of the risks, can help you make an informed choice.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Liver?
On a general note, consumption of liver is generally not forbidden for pregnant women. The liver is known to contain a variety of substances that can be quite beneficial for the mother as well as the growing child. However, there are a few risks that might present themselves and it is necessary to mitigate them in the best way possible.
Different Forms of Liver
In meat preparations, the liver can be consumed by various animals and is generally presented in more than one style, in order to suit different palates. As much as the source might govern its edibility, the style of generally doesn’t.
Preparation of sausages from livers is a rather popular way of eating liver based food items in numerous parts of the world.
Another quick side-dish or a snack of sorts to go along with other preparations is the chopped liver, making it quite a delicious preparation.
Liver pate is generally a small loaf-like portion of meat that contains liver along with many other meat items and foods mixed together in it.
Benefits of Consuming Liver in Pregnancy
The liver contains some vital elements that are considered essential for a mother and her baby in pregnancy, which makes consumption of liver quite a beneficial choice.
Folic acid is known to be present in the liver that plays a key role in the protection of the child within the womb as well as boosts his neurological development.
Proteins are the core source of energy that a woman requires in good amounts throughout pregnancy, and she can get enough of them from the liver.
Vitamin A not only provides an all-around nutrition but also directly impacts the development of eyesight and immunity in the nascent child.
Presence of iron in the liver is one of the main reasons why pregnant women are recommended liver consumption since it reduces risks of anaemia and keeps the blood healthy.
What is the Amount of Liver That is Safe to Consume while Pregnant?
There is no benchmark at how much proportion of liver is considered safe in which form for a pregnant woman. The proportions of vitamins in it are quite substantial so it is quite easy to overdo them by regular consumption of liver. Hence, it is generally in your best interest to keep its consumption restricted to once a week or twice a month.
Risks of Eating Liver When Pregnant
Meat is generally beneficial for a mother. But the constituents in the liver are in quite a good proportion, making certain risks of overconsumption rather apparent in this case.
The nutrient proportions are different in the chicken liver as compared to the beef liver or mutton liver. That needs to be taken into account when planning the diet.
Vitamin A is present in large proportions in the liver. As beneficial as it might be, consuming a lot of it can be harmful to the baby.
The vitamin A is present in the liver in the form of retinol. This is a precursor to the actual vitamin, which is why it is risky to consume it in high quantities. Overconsumption has been linked with developmental defects in the child and creation of cancer in the mother.
Along with retinol, a higher proportion of cholesterol makes liver a bad choice for a pregnant woman who has problems related to hypertension.
Liver Products to Avoid During Pregnancy
You might be abstaining from consuming any liver directly but there are certain products that ought to be avoided as well, which contain liver constituents in their preparation, or derivatives of the same. These usually are:
Certain skin care products which make use of retinol in their manufacturing.
Nutrition supplements that contain retinol as a way to deliver Vitamin A.
Cod liver oil or shark oil along with certain spreads or dips that can contain liver traces within them.
Alternative Sources of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is absolutely essential for the baby without a doubt. You don’t need to depend purely on the liver for it since it can be easily obtained from numerous other sources. Vegetables are a much safer choice in this regard, since vitamin A is present in the form of beta-carotene, instead of retinol. Some of these are:
Turnip greens
Spinach
Pumpkin
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
Eating mutton liver during pregnancy when you have cravings for it isn’t harmful to you. Preparing it the right way and restricting its consumption to the occasional luxury can help you enjoy the taste of it while keeping you safe from its possible harmful consequences.
Also Read: Eating Burgers During Pregnancy - is it Safe? Read more
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Cold Soup with Cucumbers, Yogurt and Fresh Herbs
The fresh herbs and garlic in this soup gives it a very Greek flavour. It's creamy, dreamy, and divine. If using whole milk yogurt, it will be richer, so serve smaller portions. This can also make a nice lunch or light dinner when paired with a slice of whole grain toast and some smoked fish. Try it for yourself this summer!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
6 People
10 Minutes
00 Minutes
Ingredients
3 cups whole or lowfat 2% Greek yogurt
2 tbsps (tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
1-2 cups lowfat milk
4-5 cucumbers
1/3 cup fresh chopped dill
1 tsp (teaspoon) crushed garlic (or more to taste)
1/2 tsp salt or as per taste
White pepper to taste
Fresh mint sprigs or roughly chopped mint for garnish
Optional Ingredients
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Chopped walnuts
Method
Step 1
In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil and milk.
Step 2
Start with 1 cup of milk then gradually continue adding more, whisking after each addition, till the yogurt takes on a soupy consistency. You can adjust the consistency according to your preference.
Step 3
Grate the cucumbers into a separate bowl.
Step 4
Wrap the cucumbers in cheesecloth or a clean tea towel and squeeze to remove excess moisture.
Step 5
Stir the cucumbers into the yogurt along with the dill, garlic, salt and white pepper.
Step 6
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 7
Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
Step 8
Whisk the soup once more before serving, adding milk to loosen the texture if required and adjusting seasoning as needed.
Step 9
Ladle chilled soup into bowls.
Step 10
Top each serving with chopped mint or a mint sprig.
Step 11
Optionally, you can stir in a bit of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor, or top with chopped walnuts for a sweet and nutty crunch.
Step 12
Serve chilled.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size 224.9 g
Calories
65
Calories from Fat
12
Total Fat
1.3g 2%
Saturated Fat
0.7g 4%
Cholesterol
3mg 1%
Sodium
25mg 1%
Potassium
124mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates
7.1g 2%
Dietary Fiber
0.8g 3%
Sugars
6.0g
Protein
6.2g
Vitamin A
2%
Vitamin C
5%
Calcium
8%
Iron
1%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutritional details are an estimate and should only be used as a guide for approximation.
Tip :You can replace Greek yogurt with locally available or home-made low-fat yogurt. Read more
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Wonderful Life With My Son and Loving Every Moment of Life Spent With Him
I have a 2-year-old son and I raise him alone. I'm a single mom but I give him so much love and care that he doesn't need anything else in life. This pandemic life is a little hard but I'm trying my best to be the hero and the she-man for my son. Need help but I'm just trying on my part to fulfil my son's dream. I will raise him so well that he will value things more than the price. My husband got into an extramarital relationship when my baby was just a month, but now that I'm a single mom, I'm raising my only prince so well. We do not need to worry about anything, placing all our trust in God. This lockdown life is really hard at the same time I get more time to play with my baby and have fun playing with him. I pray that we get a better life one day and with a head held high and I hope I will be able to give the best education to my son and he will make me proud someday and he will help me to grow old with lots of love and care. I'm jobless at the moment, so life is hard but yes I have faith in God that he will show me his miracle. Life is beautiful when we smile and live only in the present. We must avoid living in the past or the future because today is very precious. My every second is so precious because every moment I breathe with my son, he always makes me feel good and better. Life is so pleasant when I spend time with my son and he loves being with me. He is so cute and funny that always makes me happy.
If there is any single mom please don't be sad but be the hero for your child and try everything in life to be happy. Don't worry about anything and give all your faith in God.
I need financial support from someone who could help me fulfil my dream and my son's. But I will keep this problem with God because I know he will be there for us and help us get what we want in life. I will never make my son feel lonely or depressed but will make him laugh and play.
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert hello mam I m 6 month pregnant nd I m having dry cough what medi should I take
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. during pregnancy medicines to be taken strictly under supervision of the treating doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Nikitha has added a new answer
Mom of a 4 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
my baby boy is 4months old now. his night sleep has been reduced..before he used to sleep 3hrs in one stretch but he wakes up every one hour sharp in the night by crying and taking 5min feed and sleeping back then.. likewise from 9pm to morning 9am every one hour he wakes up . I'm completely exhausted and lost my sleep. how to overcome this. he is also teething and going poop in green colour.. help me from this struggle.
Read moreNikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
49 mins ago
A. hello the sleep cycle of the babies can vary especially firts few months and just try to avoid the baby sleeping late in the evening and then you can slowly try to set a routine and this can help your baby have a good sleep and absolutely nothing to worry
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
33 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
mam what is the schedule of scan during the pregnancy?
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
32 mins ago
A. hello first scanning is done around 2.5 to 3. months vary depending on the individual conditions so it would be better to check with your doctor and she will be able to guide you accordingly and absolutely nothing to worry about and not a problem
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
28 mins ago
Q. my baby girl is crying because of gas. can please tell how to relieve gas?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
27 mins ago
A. from your history it appears that your child is having colic pain due to gas in abdomen
in colic pain you can give anti colic medicines like colicaid 0.5 ml to the child and this medicine can be given maximum three or four times per day but to prevent this problem kindly do regular burping for 15 to 20 minutes.d
do not kee ep the child back on the bed after one burping (all gas is not removed with one burping)
during the cdolic episode you can do stomach massage and limb cycling movements and if the child is more than 2 months of age you can give tummy time also.
advisable to learn more about it from your doctor.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
28 mins ago
Q. my baby girl is not sleeping at night.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
27 mins ago
A. the sleeping pattern of the child changes from time to time and will improve with increasing age of the child. if the growth and weight gain of the child is proper along with proper urine stool then there is no need to worry regarding the sleeping pattern.
you have to just see that the child is not having any disturbance during the sleep because it can occur due to gas as well as due to digestion problem. aldso see for the comfort of the child and see the bedding on which the child is sleeping.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child that is from hot to cold and cold to hot weather because that also can cause disturbance in the sleep. d
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert ozone face wash toner and hydrant use kar liya mera face khurdura ho gya kya kare bahut itching hoti hai jalan bhi
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 mins ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken abfccnd the expert will give you the proper answer .
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