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Viral Fever in Children - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Babies are a blessing, but parents go through a lot of stress and pain while raising them. They do everything possible to keep them safe and healthy. Since children do not have a well-developed immune system, several precautionary measures have to be taken to keep away viral infections from them.
As a parent, it is essential to be more attentive towards changing weather conditions since your children could be vulnerable to common infections. However, instead of panicking, you should educate yourself on the various symptoms of diseases, their causes, and how to seek proper treatment from a doctor.
Viral Fever in Babies – Things You Need to Know
Nothing is more upsetting than seeing your child suffer. Viral fever in infants causes them discomfort. Due to the humid climate and wet surroundings during monsoon, children become more susceptible to germs. Therefore, they become prone to viral infections like cold and flu.
Although viral infections are common among people of varied ages, children are more at risk of catching a viral fever. It is a contagious illness. For instance, if a person who has a viral infection sneezes or coughs near a healthy person, the latter may catch the virus as well. This happens because the virus tends to transfer through the air and infect a person.
Kids are most likely to get infected when they are in close contact with each other in places such as schools, playgrounds, or childcare centres. It is a common myth that the body temperature rises only when a person has a fever; the fact is that the temperature of a person’s body keeps varying throughout the day. Fever is a common illness that usually occurs because of seasonal changes. It causes the body temperature to rise above the normal level (i.e. 98.6° F or 37° C). This is not just a symptom but a sign that indicates the natural reaction of the body towards illness.
Although a fever suggests that your child is unwell, symptoms such as body ache, poor appetite, and lethargy might be an indication that a virus has infected your infant.
Parents might also notice that their child falls ill frequently and catches other infections shortly after recovering from the previous one. This is a common phenomenon as children can have 6 to 10 viral infections when they are younger. However, the frequency gradually reduces as they develop a stronger immune system.
What to Do If Your Baby Has a Fever?
If your child is unwell, you should monitor his body temperature at regular intervals. If the temperature keeps rising, your child will need immediate medical care.
Some viral infections such as diarrhoea, sore throat, ear infections, and vomiting usually get better in three days without any intensive medical treatment. Other diseases like heat stroke and measles require immediate medical intervention. These can be diagnosed based on various symptoms. Parents should be vigilant around babies, especially those under six months.
Fever Temperature for Babies
Fever in infants ranges between 100° F and 103° F. Temperature below 100° F is not a fever. For instance, at times, you may notice that your child’s cheeks are turning red, and his body is radiating heat. When you check the temperature using a thermometer, it reads somewhere around 99° F. You might think of rushing him to a doctor or might want to resort to medication. However, children having a rectal temperature lower than 100.4° F are considered normal. Parents need not panic in such a situation.
The body temperature of babies could vary due to various reasons like layered clothing, a warm bath, or physical activity. Sometimes, it is important to observe your child’s behaviour rather than keeping track of his temperature. For example, a baby, with a temperature of 100.3° F, may seem fatigued and fretful. On the other hand, a child with a 103°F temperature may look healthy and would jovially be playing with his toys.
Signs & Symptoms of Viral Fever in Children
Although a fever is the first symptom that indicates that your child is unwell, other signs that indicate whether he needs urgent medical treatment or not are listed below.
Your child has a sore throat and is shivering.
He is suffering from diarrhoea and cough for over two weeks.
He looks fatigued due to frequent vomiting and diarrhoea.
He is facing difficulty in breathing (taking shallow or rapid breaths) due to a blocked or runny nose.
You notice a rash on your child’s skin and redness in his watery eyes. Kids with viral fever usually look pale.
If the fever persists for more than three days, and you are unable to control it with the prescribed medication, and there is a gradual rise in temperature, i.e. above 100.4° F.
He is feeling lethargic and wants to sleep often.
He is complaining of a headache or a pain in the stomach.
What Are the Causes of Fever in Babies?
It is not necessary that your baby has a fever due to a viral infection. There are instances when this could occur due to a heat stroke or a bacterial infection as well. It is important to know the difference.
A baby’s body shows symptoms of viral fever when it reacts to the illness resulting from a virus. Such kinds of viral fevers usually do not require antibiotics, as antibiotics do not have any effect on the virus and recede in three days.
A bacterial fever occurs due to a bacterial infection. Examples of this include an infection in the urinary tract and ears, bacterial pneumonia, or bacterial meningitis. Although bacterial infections do not occur as frequently among children as viral infections, it still becomes a matter of concern if not treated on time and can cause severe illnesses.
Treatment for Fever in Infants
If a baby is below three months of age and has a rectal temperature of any higher than 100.4° F, then he needs medical attention. Also, if your child is two years old or above with a temperature of 104° F or higher, you should immediately consult a doctor. Given below is the infant fever chart that will indicate when you need to take your baby to a doctor.
Normal Temperature
Alarming Fever
Thermometer placed in the mouth (96° F – 100° F)
99.6° F or above
Thermometer placed under the armpit (94.5° F – 99.1° F)
99.2° F or above
Thermometer placed in rectum (97° F – 100.4° F)
101° F or above
Mentioned below are the medical treatment procedures that should be followed if your baby has a high fever.
Firstly, consult a paediatrician. The doctor will likely prescribe vaccinations that should be given to your child at regular intervals as a protection against the flu.
As viral infections are caused mostly due to climate change, especially during monsoon, parents must be cautious during this time.
Do not give aspirin to your infant as it increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome, which is a severe condition and can even prove to be fatal.
Doctors usually recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat viral infection in children.
To treat dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhoea, give your baby enough liquids. This will help replace all the lost fluids.
Giving your child a sponge bath with warm water is also recommended since it will help lower his body temperature.
Home Remedies for Fever in Children
Even though medicines prescribed by doctors will cure your child, other home remedies will help him recover soon. First, let the baby get plenty of rest and allow fresh air in his room. You may give him warm fluids like soup, water, and milk. The warm water will soothe his sore throat and recover the nutrients lost due to diarrhoea, while warm milk will help him sleep better. ORS is the best option to rehydrate your child. Mothers need to continue breastfeeding their infants because breast milk has all the essential nutrients that will help the baby combat infections.
You may use nose drops or a vaporiser to clear your baby’s blocked nose and help ease his breathing.
It is advisable not to send your child to school or childcare centres when he is unwell because this might worsen his condition. Also, he might end up spreading the infection to others. Let him stay at home until he recovers completely.
As a parent, you should teach your child the basics of hygiene, such as using tissues and throwing them into the bin after use and washing his hands, or using a hand-sanitizer after he coughs or sneezes. Also, make sure that your child’s clothes are washed separately, and his utensils are sterilised.
In addition to the measures mentioned above, it is suggested that you keep mosquitoes away by using natural repellants. Also, don’t let any person suffering from flu come in contact with your baby. It will be better to instruct them to maintain some distance even if they wish to go near your child. So, instead of getting anxious, follow these methods with patience. Within three to four days, your child will start showing signs of recovery. If none of this is helping, you should seek advice from your paediatrician at the earliest.
Resources & References:
Medical News Today
WebMD
Also Read:
Home Remedies for Fever in Babies
Fever After Vaccination in Babies
Teething Fever in Babies Read more
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Fast Heartbeat During Pregnancy
Be it physical, mental or emotional, your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. One such change that might worry you is a change or rather increase in your heart rate. Heart palpitations (when you feel that your heart is racing or pounding) are usually harmless and happen because of cardiovascular changes. However, in many instances this seemingly common change can indicate a problem in the heart or other parts of the body, more so if it is sudden. A sudden increase in the heart rate during pregnancy should not be taken lightly. Read on to know more about it.
Is It Normal to Have a High Heart Rate During Pregnancy?
The normal heart rate of a healthy person is between 60 and 80 per minute. However, during pregnancy, it is quite common for this rate to go up to 100. An increased heart rate is called tachycardia and is a common occurrence during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your body constantly works hard to provide nourishment to your growing baby. As your pregnancy progresses, the amount of blood required by your baby increases and to suffice this requirement, your heart also beats faster to pump more blood into the system.
Causes of High Pulse Rate During Pregnancy
There are lot of factors that can lead to heart palpitations during pregnancy. These are as follows:
Anxiety: It is normal for a pregnant woman to worry about her baby’s health. But if you tend to worry a lot or get anxious, it will affect your health. Stress and anxiety during pregnancy can increase your heart rate.
A change in the size of the uterus: As your pregnancy progresses, the uterus will increase in size to accommodate the growing baby. As a result your heart will pump more blood to support the uterus. In fact, towards the end of your pregnancy, about 20% of your blood gets supplied to the uterus. This means extra work for your heart which will only adds pressure on it.
Changes in the breasts: During and after pregnancy, your mammary glands will prepare the body for breastfeeding. When the breast tissues enlarge and breasts increase in size, the blood flow to the mammary glands will increase. This means, your heart will pump more blood than usual, which might make it pound even more.
Changes in the nutrient levels: Complications of the thyroid or a drop in iron levels can also increase the heart rate.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes and weight gain can cause tachycardia in early pregnancy.
Medication: If you take cold or allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine during pregnancy, your heart rate might increase. This increase is a sign of your body reacting negatively to medicines.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or consuming foods or drinks high in caffeine can increase your heart rate too.
Some Other Serious Causes of Heart Palpitations
Coronary heart disease
Preeclampsia
Underlying heart damage
Heart damage from previous pregnancy
Symptoms of Heart Palpitations During Pregnancy
You may experience the following symptoms if you have an increased heart rate during pregnnacy.
Shortness of breath even when you are sitting or lying down
Palpitations and skipped heart beats
Light-headedness with dizzy spells and even fainting spells
A persistent cough
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best that you bring it to your doctor’s notice so that she can check whether these symptoms are normal or not.
Diagnosing Increased Heart Rate During Pregnancy
Your doctor will conduct a series of tests to ensure that both you and your baby are in the prime of health. He will also review your medical history. If you have experienced this problem before, you should inform your doctor about it. The doctor will determine the cause of increased heart rate through an EKG or ECG that measures changes in the blood flow and heart rate.
Basis the results, the doctor will most likely suggest you to follow a healthy diet and perform exercises. This will keep your weight in check and will also prevent additional pressure on the heart.
Elevated Heart Rate Trimester Wise
Cardiovascular functions serve a number of purposes during pregnancy. Apart from aiding the development of the foetus, they also impact on the mother’s physiological and metabolic functions. However, depending on the stage of pregnancy, your heart’s way of functioning also varies.
1. First Trimester
During the first trimester, your heart rate can increase by 15 to 20 beats per minute. The increase in heart rate during this trimester is usually caused by an increase in hormone levels, specifically an increase in progesterone and oestrogen. This is to signal your heart that it must provide more blood for the developing foetus.
2. Second Trimester
In this phase, your body will see a general relaxation of the smooth muscles along with dilation of the arteries to accommodate the increase in blood volume. These changes will ensure that your blood pressure stays normal while increasing your heart rate. During the fourth month, your heart will pump 30% to 50% more blood than usual.
3. Third Trimester
During the last trimester, your heart will not be at its peak of pumping blood. It will pump 40% to 90% more blood than it did in your pre-pregnancy days. This is to ensure that the rapidly growing foetus receives the oxygen and all the nutrients it requires. It also prepares your body for labour during which your heart rate will spike due to the contractions and pain.
Can an Increase in the Heart Rate Affect Your Pregnancy?
Heart palpitations or an increase in heart rate during pregnancy is usually a sign of a healthy pregnancy. This means that your body is working hard to ensure that your baby gets the oxygen and essential nutrients to develop healthily.
If your heart beats faster but it not accompanied with other serious symptoms, there is nothing to worry about. You must remember that this is a normal physiological response of your body.
How to Deal With an Increased Heart Rate While Pregnant
Although increased heart is usually normal, it is suggested that you make certain changes in your lifestyle for your and your baby’s good health. If an increase in your heart rate is because of some serious problem, your doctor will prescribe the course of treatment and suggest you to take precautions.
1. Treatment
While there are many drugs that help with tachycardia, it is best not to use them while pregnant as some of these medicines could hamper with your baby’s development. Before taking any medicines, you should consult a doctor.
2. Remedies You Can Try at Home
Staying calm is one of the best things you can do if you are experiencing heart palpitations during pregnancy. Drinking moderate amounts of chamomile tea or aromatherapy with lavender can also calm you down.
Make sure that you get enough sleep every day and that your sleep patterns remain undisturbed. Practising yoga and meditation can also calm you down but be sure to clarify with your doctor before trying anything.
Warning Signs
If you experience a sudden increase in heart rate during pregnancy which is also accompanied by some other symptoms mentioned above, it could be a sign of a serious problem, perhaps a heart condition that you were unaware of previously. Make sure that you seek immediate medical help if you experience one or more symptoms along with heart palpitations.
An increase in heart rate during pregnancy is common and happens because of the physiological changes your body goes through. Ensure that you get enough rest and do not stress during this time. Also, have an honest and open conversation with your doctor if you have any fear about your pregnancy.
Also Read: Listening to Foetal Heartbeat during Pregnancy Read more
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How Soon Can Babies Start Holding Bottle on Their Own
While most mothers find feeding their babies is a good time to bond, there comes a time in every baby’s life when he will want to learn to start holding his bottle on his own. Most often, this happens once he has reached a certain point of development. You can always help your baby along by encouraging him to start becoming more self-sufficient at feeding time.
When Can a Baby Hold a Bottle?
You may be wondering, “When will my baby hold his bottle?” and the answer is: anywhere from four months up to ten months of age. It all depends on when his fine motor skills begin to develop. However, the average age at which a baby starts holding his bottle is when he is six months of age.
Signs Baby is Ready to Hold the Bottle on His Own
Observing your baby carefully will give you clues as to whether or not he is ready to start holding that bottle. Here are some to look out for:
1. Reaching for It
Not only does reaching out for the bottle show that your baby is able to make the connection between his bottle and food, but also that he is interested in it.
2. Sits Up Longer
If your baby is not yet able to sit up, then he cannot hold his bottle yet as it requires him to use his fine motor skills. All of this requires him to sit straight by himself for a period of time.
3. Sits and Gnaws
Your baby is multitasking when he gnaws on something while sitting down. This is something he needs to be able to do as she holds the bottle and drinks from it at the same time.
How to Teach Your Baby to Hold His Bottle?
It can be very helpful if your baby can hold his own bottle, but even if he can’t, you can always help him along by teaching him how. Here are some ways you can teach him:
1. Don’t Rush
Wait for the right time to start teaching your baby to hold the bottle. Your baby needs to be physically developed enough to hold his own bottle and bring it to his mouth, which requires some coordination.
2. Show Your Baby What to Do
Hold your baby’s hands to the bottle as you feed him to show him how it is done. Hold the bottle with one hand and then with your other, place the baby’s hands on the bottle.
3. Watch Your Baby’s Reaction
Observe your baby’s reaction when you feel that he can handle holding the bottle independently. When you remove your hands, he should be able to hold on to it for at least a little while; if not, he will then notice that he is not getting any milk. Reposition the bottle and watch. Soon your baby will make the connection and understand that holding the bottle a certain way lets him get the milk.
4. Hold Your Baby
Always hold your baby in your arms as you normally would while bottle feeding him when you are teaching him how to do it. This will help him retain the sense of security and comfort that he normally has while feeding.
5. Follow Your Baby’s Progress
Be observant towards your baby while you teach him how to feed himself. Initially, you will need to hold your baby’s elbows up so that the bottle is positioned correctly. Soon enough, your baby is going to be holding that bottle all by himself.
Why Should You Stay Away from Bottle Propping
It is not ideal to simply prop the bottle up to the correct angle to feed your baby and leave it at that. This is extremely dangerous as your baby may choke or overeat. Babies are also at risk of tooth decay or ear infections if they fall asleep with the bottle in their mouth.
If a baby is unable to sit straight by himself and hold the bottle, it is a clear indication that he is not ready to hold his bottle on his own in the first place.
Tips to Help Your Infant Hold His Bottle
Here are a few handy tips to help make teaching your baby to hold his bottle flow smoothly:
1. Have Patience
Be patient with your baby as you teach him. Learning to coordinate bringing the bottle to his mouth is hard.
2. Cuddle Time
Babies and mothers both enjoy the bond between them during feeding time, so keep holding your baby while you teach him. Even if your baby can feed on his own, it is still a good idea to cuddle him as he does.
3. Keep Supporting
Though your baby may be able to hold the bottle, keep supporting him in the beginning.
4. Watch Carefully
While your baby learns, you need to keep a careful eye on him to see how well he is doing and if he is able to feed himself properly.
5. Listen Well
A lot of suckling noises from your baby may mean that he is taking in more air than he should be. Help him out here by repositioning the bottle or holding the baby’s head up a little bit.
6. Do Not Force
If your baby is not able to hold the bottle by the average age, do not worry and do not force it on him. He may not yet have developed the required skills needed. This is perfectly normal for a lot of babies.
Precautions to Take Care while Infant Holds the Bottle
While you may think that your baby being able to hold his bottle on his own means you get to do other things during that time, think again. Your baby is still too young to fully understand how to cope with the situations that may arise during feeding. For example, if his bottle is propped wrong, there might be too much milk coming through.
1. Avoid Leaving Your Baby Alone
Just because your little one is capable of holding his own bottle, you should not leave your baby alone. Babies tend to drop things very easily and if your baby drops his bottle and you are not there to help him, he may end up going hungry. Worse, he may try and get the bottle himself, possibly falling down. If he is somewhere high, like in his chair or on a sofa, this can have disastrous circumstances.
2. Do Not Prop the Bottle
Propping the bottle has many disadvantages, as discussed earlier. It leads to overeating and the possibility of choking.
3. Don’t Feed Your Baby Lying Down :
If you keep your baby lying down during feeding time, your baby will develop ear infections. This is because the milk or the formula can flow into the Eustachian tubes of his ears and may remain there, causing an infection.
4. Bond Deprivation
Holding your baby while he feeds provides him with a sense of security and strengthens the bond. This is why you need to continue to hold your child even if he can hold his bottle by himself.
5. Use Appropriate Feeding Gear :
Using the correctly shaped nipples can help with positioning the tongue properly. However, using a nipple that allows too much to get through may cause your baby to have difficulty coping and may cause him to choke.
Is it a Problem if Baby is Not Holding Bottle
Keep in mind that each baby will develop at his own pace. This developmental pace will also determine at what age babies start holding their own bottles. As long as he reaches his developmental milestones and you know there is nothing physically wrong with your baby, it really is not a problem. If your baby is not holding the bottle yet, you can always try giving him a sippy cup as the handles on those are much easier for your baby to hold.
Teaching your baby how to hold his own bottle will require patience from you, but your baby will get it eventually. Some get it really quickly, while others lag behind. It is imperative for your baby to grow and develop well. Continue to bond with your baby by holding him in your arms, whether or not he has mastered holding his bottle, as this time you and your baby share together will help him gain a sense of warmth and security.
Also Read: Bottle Feeding Problems and Solutions Read more
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Inducing Labour with Membrane (Cervical) Sweep
As your delivery due date is nearing, your anxiousness and excitement are increasing. You can expect your labour pain anytime. Typically, after the completion of 40 weeks, pregnant women experience labour pains. But, in some cases, contractions are not experienced even after the due date. In such scenarios, a manual procedure is done to induce contractions. A membrane sweep is the first and the most basic procedure that is done by doctors, nurses, or midwives to stimulate labour pains.
What Is A Membrane Sweep?
A membrane sweep or cervical sweep is a manual process used to stimulate the cervix. The doctor or midwife will insert a gloved finger, feel the cervix of a full-term pregnant woman, and gently but firmly move the finger around. This sweeping of the thin membranes of the amniotic sac is also called stripping the membrane. Sweeping the membrane separates the sac from the cervix and helps in releasing prostaglandins (hormones which might induce labour pains). Membrane stripping is also referred to as the 'stretch and sweep' process because if sweeping is not required, stretching of the cervix is done to manually stimulate the cervix.
How Is It Done?
The pregnant woman is asked to lie down in a position wherein the feet are together and the knees are on either side (the lithotomy position). When the woman is comfortable, the doctor inserts a finger (which is gloved) into the vagina. By feeling the cervix, the doctor gently sweeps inside the cervical region. As discussed earlier, this sweep and stretch process separates the amniotic sac from the cervix and aids in the release of the prostaglandins hormones. The release of these hormones induces pains and leads to labour and childbirth. Membrane stripping procedure is a basic and commonly used method because it does not include any medication.
Is Membrane Stripping Safe?
Studies indicate that membrane stripping does not have any major risks and is considered safe. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gynecology & Obstetrics:
There were no negative side effects due to membrane stripping.
Women who have membrane stripping done are not likely to experience complications during labour.
Is Membrane Sweeping Effective?
Expert researchers find it difficult to conclude whether membrane sweeping is effective or not. Various studies have been conducted to analyse the effectiveness of membrane sweeping. One such review concluded that the effectiveness depends on the gestational period, when the procedure is done, and also whether the women have used other methods to induce labour.
For pregnant women who have overshot their due date, this procedure can be very effective. It was also found that women who have had the procedure done went on to experience labour pains and delivered soon. However, it is important to note that membrane sweeping might not be as effective as other methods or procedures where medications are used. So, membrane stripping can be considered to be an effective option in scenarios when there is no urgent medical reason to induce labour pains using medications.
When Is It Offered?
Extension of pregnancy might affect the health of the baby and the mother. After forty-two weeks, your placenta might not be in a good position to supply adequate oxygen and food to the baby, thus endangering or affecting the baby's growth. So, your doctor might suggest a membrane stripping in the following cases:
You have crossed the due date and still haven’t experienced labour pangs. Ideally, it would be after completing your 40th week in pregnancy.
Typically, for first-time mothers, if the labour doesn’t start in the 41st week, a membrane sweep becomes necessary.
For women who have already delivered earlier, doctors advise a membrane sweep if the labour pain doesn’t come up even after 42 weeks.
There is an emergency, and the baby must be delivered soon.
When Should You Avoid It?
Doctors avoid doing a membrane sweeping in the following cases:
If the pregnant woman is bleeding.
If women have a B-strep infection, membrane stripping can worsen the existing situation.
If the woman cannot go for a vaginal delivery due to a medical complication.
Membrane Stripping Risks
Membrane stripping has some risks such as rupturing the amniotic sac thereby exposing the baby to possible infections. You might also experience some cramping 24 hours after stripping which can disturb your sleep before going into labour.
Pros
Following are some of the advantages of membrane stripping:
It is a natural procedure and does not involve any medicines.
It reduces the chances of C-section by inducing labour.
The procedure is quite simple and can be done by a midwife too.
Usually, there is not much intervention required after a membrane sweep procedure.
Cons
Following are some of the disadvantages of membrane stripping:
It is not always effective and might require sweeping a couple of times to induce labour.
It should not be done if vaginal birth is not advised by the doctor.
It is uncomfortable as the cervix might be located deep inside and may not be reachable.
There are possibilities that the water bag might break during the procedure, thereby exposing the baby to infections.
Is It Painful?
Membrane sweeping is not painful, but it is definitely uncomfortable. The procedure lasts for only 5 to 10 minutes and can become easier with relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. If you are not fully convinced about the procedure, you can choose other methods to induce labour pain.
What Happens After Cervical Swab?
Cervical sweep or cervical swab is not a pleasant experience and might be uncomfortable. The cervix has a lot of blood vessels, so you might feel sore or experience some bleeding after the procedure. In case of heavy bleeding, do contact you doctor and ensure that you go to the hospital immediately.
Some Important Facts Associated with Membrane Sweep
Following are some important facts regarding membrane stripping:
Restlessness
Stripping of membrane can cause restlessness in some women. It is advised that you take a lot of rest after membrane stripping as you might be anxious about being overdue.
Discomfort
Some discomfort can be felt after membrane stripping as the cervix is difficult to reach in full-term pregnancies. It could also be painful in some cases. You can do some basic breathing exercises to relax yourself during the procedure. Some women experience mild spotting and irregular contractions after the procedure.
Going past your due date
It is quite unusual for women to go past 42 weeks of pregnancy. Normally, 41 weeks is the maximum time limit for a normal delivery, but 3 in every 100 women go past 41 weeks. In this case, the doctor will try membrane stripping to induce labour naturally.
In many cases, labour pains occur on or before the due date. However, in cases where it is delayed and doctors think that labour must be induced, then membrane sweeping is the most common procedure that is done. Although it might sound uncomfortable and can frighten you, you can always talk to your doctor and decide on what's the most suitable option for you and the baby. Remember that extending your pregnancy can be risky, so it's always best to consult an expert medical practitioner and follow his/her advice. Read more
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Fun & Amazing Bird Facts for Kids
Birds! They are found in every nook and corner of the world. You could be watching them at the zoo or the back of your window. There are more than 10,000 species of birds. They can be found on every continent, in a hot desert climate, or even in the frigid Antarctic. They are found in different shapes and sizes - from the Hummingbird being the size of a bee at 5cm to the Ostrich, which spans 2.75 meters.
Birds are warm-blooded creatures that originate from vertebrates (they have backbones) with their taxonomic classification Aves. Interestingly the bones are hollow and make their bones very light and help them to fly quickly. All birds have wings, beautiful and colorful feathers, two legs, a bill or beak, and lay eggs. Birds are social in nature, and they travel in a flock, just like the English proverb says, ‘Birds of a feather, flock together.’ While birds generally fly but not all of them. There are a lot of weird bird facts that you will read below.
Types of Birds
The US is home to more than 1100 diverse varieties of bird species. Here are some of the most popular bird types in North America with their cool bird facts.
1. Ruby Throated Humming Bird
This species of bird is found towards the east of the Mississippi River. The males have a brilliant red throat and hence the name. They eagerly come to the yards and garden with nectar-bearing flowers.
2. Baltimore Oriole
These boldly colored orange and blackbirds are beautiful and commonly found in eastern North America. The Oriole enjoys the fame of being the state bird of Maryland and gets a place as mascots for teams and schools.
3. Downy Woodpecker
It is one of the smallest backyard birds of North America and is even found in Asia. The males are identified by the beautiful red spot on their napes, while the females are black and white. They feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds.
4. Northern Cardinal
These songbirds enjoy the glory of being the state birds of seven states of the US. The females have a pink plumage with softer fawns, while the males have bright red plumage with a perky crest. These songbirds are welcome around the year.
5. American Goldfinch
These are melodic and beautiful songbirds, also known as the wild canary. The male species can be easily identified with their brilliantly bright yellow plumage with black marks, while the females are paler in color.
6. American Robin
This bird enjoys the glory of being the state bird of Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Michigan. They chirp a lot at dawn and are popularly found on the lawns throughout the year feeding on worms. They have gray upper parts and orange-red breasts.
7. Black-capped Chickadee
They can be easily identified by their black cap, buffy flanks, and gray upper parts. They feed on black oil sunflower seeds. The southern regions have their identical twins, known as the Carolina chickadee.
8. Blue Jay
They are delightful to look at with their colorful plumage. Interestingly, they mimic hawk calls and scare other birds to shoo them away from food. They can store nuts for winters.
9. Mourning Dove
It is the softest, gentlest, and most beloved bird type of North America. Their cooing is easily recognizable by the birders. They clean up all the spilled seeds on the ground when they visit their feeders.
10. Eastern Bluebirds
It is the most sought-after garden guest amongst the North American bluebird species. Birders can easily attract them and are backyard favorites due to their rich blue color and social characteristics.
Other Interesting Bird Facts for Children
While these were some interesting birds, now have a look at some interesting and probably unknown facts about birds:
Hummingbirds weigh incredibly less. An average hummingbird weighs about 4 grams, while the smallest bee hummingbird weighs just 1.6 grams. They flap their wings 12000 times in a minute.
Pet birds like doves, lovebirds, and parakeets love companionship and enjoy living in pairs.
Birds communicate with each other by singing, dancing, and feather displays.
The lungs of a bird are more complicated and efficient than that of a human.
Owls turn their heads 360 degrees around to see as they cannot swivel their heads like others.
20% of bird species migrate every year for long distances.
Ducks can sleep with one eye open when they are in groups to protect and guard themselves.
Pigeons, crows, and ravens are the smartest and most intelligent birds that humans can think of.
Pigeons have been used to carry messages for thousands of years and were also used to send and receive messages during the World Wars.
Chickens can make up to 200 distinct sounds when they are communicating.
The longest feathers ever seen on a bird is that of a chicken in Japan. The tail feather measured about 34.7 feet long.
Californian condors are often mistaken as small airplanes due to their wide wingspan of up to 9.5 feet.
An African gray parrot is the most talkative bird globally and can say more than 800 words. Regular parrots can speak about 50 words only.
An Ostrich lays the most giant egg in the world, weighing about 3 pounds.
Flamingos stay with their mates for 50 years or more.
The hammer time of a woodpecker is about 20 times in a second.
Penguins are the fastest birds to swim, with a speed of 22mph, and can stay underwater for upto 18 minutes. They swim four times faster than humans and are the only bird to walk upright.
An American woodcock is the slowest flying bird with a speed of 5mph.
A flamingo can eat with its head upside down only.
While flying, a bird’s heartbeat beats up to 1000 beats per minute and 400 beats per minute when resting.
An albatross can sleep even when it is flying at a speed of 25 mph.
Cassowary bird can kill its enemy with just one kick and is considered the most dangerous bird on the planet.
Budgies are the only bird species that are contagious to catching each other’s yawning.
Kiwis are known as Honorary mammals as their feathers feel like hair, have heavy bones filled with marrows, and have nostrils on the tip of their nose, instead of the beaks like other birds.
A group of owls is known as a ‘parliament,’ while larks in a group called a ‘peep,’ a bunch of geese is known as ‘gaggle,’ and ravens in a group are called a ‘murder.’
Bird species are threatened with extinction in today’s day and age than ever before. Two-thirds of birds, particularly in North America, are at the risk of extinction due to climate change. The birds are an integral part of our nature and ecosystem as they help in pollination. It is increasingly essential to conserve birds and save them from extinction for a better planet and ecosystem. So, explore these tidbits of bird information with your children and raise them into budding nature enthusiasts who preserve nature.
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Miracles Do Happen: My Story of Endometriosis, Pain, and Hope
Hi, my name is Roshni, a 38-year-old pahadi woman from the beautiful lands of Uttarakhand. I had always been fit with no health issues. Things were very good until the age of 30. In 2012, I got married. After three years of trying to conceive, I failed, and things started falling apart. The menstruation cycles and ovulation were on time; I was anxious and confused about what was going wrong. Finally, we decided to visit the gynecologist, who informed me that I had a few cysts in the ovary; however, my health was good, and there was nothing to worry about. She suggested to me to keep trying.
Despite all efforts, nothing changed, and my agony reached its peak. We switched to a different gynecologist who prescribed countless ultrasounds, blood tests, tube tests, etc. Eventually, she came up with some ray of hope. She diagnosed grade 3 endometriosis; all of my internal organs are attached to its tissues. Luckily, there was one open tube, and it was in good condition. This news gave new hope and joy. I once again started with injections and medicines, but nothing happened even after years of treatment. We eventually decided to go for IVF. We did IVF, but it failed because of endometriosis. The doctor suggested opting for a donor egg or laparoscopy to rid the ovary of the cysts. I went for laparoscopic surgery; however, after a few days, one more IVF failed. I was broken and asked my husband to leave me with my fate and not ask me to visit any more doctors.
A few months later, endometriosis played its game again, and this time, it messed up with my menstrual cycle. In January 2018, I had a prolonged period of one month. I reluctantly visited a doctor in my vicinity and narrated to her my medical history. She rekindled in me the hope of motherhood. She stopped my period for three months by giving me Leuprolide injections. In May 2018, she did my third IVF, and on the 29th of May, I did another pregnancy test. After years of waiting, longing for, and praying, I saw what I was so desperately waiting for – the two lines on the test strip. I cried and cried the whole day. I couldn’t speak as tears went rolling down my eyes uncontrollably. I was finally pregnant and happy!
On the 5th of October, at the fifth month of pregnancy, I noticed a pool of blood in the loo early in the morning. My husband rushed me to the doctor, who did an immediate scanning. She informed us that I needed to be immediately shifted to a hospital as my uterus had opened. I lost my baby boy on the 10th of that month. Those five days when I was lying on the hospital bed with feet elevated, I could feel my baby’s movement every hour. I couldn’t stop crying, knowing that we would not be able to save him. Every memory is still etched fresh on my mind.
My husband suggested adoption, and we registered ourselves in CARA. In 2020, when Corona hit and the entire country was in lockdown, I got the positive pregnancy report. Initially, we thought it was a wrong report, some weird mistake. But here I am today, the mother of a 5-month-old baby doll. God is kind; miracles do happen, and it happened to us!
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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Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 3 months
4 hours ago
Q. My wife taking tablets for UTI it caused fever last week she took paracetamol and Pan D in IV and now for the past 5 days taking Nitrofurantoin tablet IP I have two questio
1) Will this tablets and IV affect my baby in any way and it's growth inside
2) She says still feeling some pain groin and abdomen area comparatively lesser than previous days
3) Any diets to avoid this UTI in future
Read moreAnu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
3 hours ago
A. UTI infection is common in pregnecy. Better to consult gyne
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. ma lmp 28.9.2023 edd date 5.7.2024 ma age 25.7.1999 ma beby boy or girl plsss tell me mam
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. be not possible to tell. 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. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
3 hours ago
Q. Hii...., Is it safe to eat jackfruit in 4th month of pregnancy, daily 2 ...
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
3 hours ago
A. dear mam, you can eat jackfruit during the 4th month of pregnancy. there is no problem in having it. you can eat all types of seasonal vegetables and fruits even green leafy vegetables.
shahin has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. is that positive result??? my Due date is tommoro I am having vomitting and nausea and back pain etc please reply asap
shahin
Mom of a 6 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. yes
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Hi I'm in 23weeks pregnancy
my afi is 26 I have no diabetes or any other issues
is that risky ? what to do for making normal delivery possible
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. yes AFI level is very high and yes you need to be very careful to have regular follow up with your doctor take the precautions advised by your doctor and regularly keep a watch on baby movements
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. nasal congestion during 9th week pregnancy is normal or something serious?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. it's ok . take steam twice daily or you can use nasal drops
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.
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