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12 Important Pregnancy Questions to Ask Your Ob-Gyn
Pregnancy brings up a variety of emotions in a woman, as well as tons of questions that we indeed have no answers to. You will have tons of pregnancy-related questions for the doctor on your first visit to the obstetrician. That is usually done around 8-9 weeks of being pregnant. It’s best to list down the questions you have on a notepad or your phone so that you will have a ready list of questions to ask the obstetrician during your visit. Here’s a list of a few common ones.
Questions that you must ask Doctor during Pregnancy
Answers to some questions can put you at ease during pregnancy. Here are some questions that you can ask your doctor:
1. Are Over The Counter Medications Safe for Me?
Any medications that you have, ongoing and new ones, should always be confirmed with your doctor. These could be as simple as vitamin and mineral supplements to as complex as thyroid tablets. Your doctor may recommend you to stop them or switch to a better pregnancy-safe alternative.
2. How much Weight Gain during Pregnancy is Normal for Me?
Putting on weight is especially a touchy issue for most women. Using your BMI index prior to pregnancy will allow the doctor to track your weight again for each trimester. On a general level, 11-15 kilograms of weight gain is considered healthy for a person with a normal BMI. For underweight or overweight women, the healthy weight gain varies around it.
3. Can I keep Working during the course of my Pregnancy?
This is always on the list of questions to ask the doctor when pregnant in the third trimester. Most women can continue working right until their delivery. In case your job requires physical exertion, your doctor might advise certain precautions or restrictions that you would need to undertake to keep your baby safe. Beyond that, undue emotional stress and work pressure can also affect your baby, so it’s best to have a discussion with your employer regarding your workload as well.
4. Is it Necessary to have a C-Section?
It has been observed that out of 3 women, 1 woman undergoes a caesarean delivery. Many women wish to have a normal delivery and your doctor is the best judge to ensure if that is a possibility for you. Certain factors such as having a larger baby than most, obesity, gestational diabetes, older age, or previous deliveries could necessitate a C-section delivery as the safest option for both the mother and the child.
5. Can I Continue having Sex while being Pregnant?
Many women ask these pregnancy questions in the first trimester of their pregnancy. Many partners fear that sexual intercourse will harm the baby or even the mother. However, most doctors will tell you to not worry about sex as long as there aren’t any medical complications and you do whatever is most comfortable. As your pregnancy progresses, you may have to try out different positions to figure out which one works the best for you.
6. What Exercises Should I Undertake during Pregnancy?
Most pregnant mothers are advised to have a walk every hour or two since they are more susceptible to forming blood clots. Any exercises that you would regularly undertake prior to pregnancy should be reviewed by your doctor. Any strenuous exercises for your abs or extreme yoga poses are a strict no-no. Relaxing workouts such as wading in the swimming pool or simple stretches are good for your joints. Avoid any exercises that push your pulse rate beyond 140.
7. Any Dietary Restrictions Needed while being Pregnant?
The follow-up question to this is always primarily about coffee. A certain amount of caffeine, about 200mg, is considered fine. However, caffeine can also be a constituent of many other food items ranging from beverages, chocolates, and tea. Generally, fruits, dairy products, and grains are great foods to focus on. Do stay away from raw meat or even packaged meat, and greasy fried foods.
8. Should I use Supplements for Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding comes with tons of benefits for the baby as well as the mother. Skin-to-skin contacts and keeping away any pacifiers further stimulates the same. In case you are facing lactation problems or the baby’s demands are erratic, the doctor will primarily recommend using a breast pump and storing the milk to be fed later via a feeding bottle. Any additional supplements or formulas should be given strictly after consulting with the doctor.
9. Is Indigestion and Acidity Normal during Pregnancy?
In the list of questions to ask the doctor when pregnant in the second trimester, most women start feeling these symptoms. A variety of changes in your body’s hormones can result in your digestive system feeling out of place. This can cause acid reflux or indigestion, and it is completely normal. Consume enough fibrous food items in your diet and avoid acidic foods. Try sleeping upright with extra pillows as well.
10. What if I Feel Like Pooping during Delivery?
Delivery of a baby is a private activity and done under the supervision of expert doctors and nurses. You don’t have to feel ashamed or awkward if you feel like pooping during delivery. The uterus is located right above the rectum and full bowels might further make you feel like that. It’s best you focus on delivery the baby and let the medical professionals worry about the poop.
11. What if I Fall Asleep during Delivery?
As weird as this question may sound, it is a legit fear most women have. You may think you might not notice your water breaking. However, if you can sense that you might have accidentally peed your pants, you can most definitely know when you break your water. As for the actual delivery and contractions, the entire process is termed as “labour” for a very specific reason. It is laborious and taxing and you will be tired, but will not fall asleep for sure until it’s done.
12. Should I Run Certain Genetic Tests for My Baby?
Certain doctors recommend running tests on the baby while it’s in the womb, to check for any abnormalities. However, that’s usually done only if you or your family members have a history of such defects or susceptible to them at a higher risk. Generally, only 3-5% babies have birth defects so unless the doctor really feels like it, you don’t need any tests.
As beautiful as pregnancy might be, it’s natural to feel anxious and worry about a safe and healthy delivery. It’s best to clear your doubts and fears by having frank conversations with your doctor and take their advice to continue having a great experience and a healthy baby. Read more
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Birth of a Baby is Rebirth of a Mother
At the of 30, when I became pregnant for my first baby, I definitely had ego and thought I knew everything about pregnancy and baby care. But I learnt the reality in a hard manner. Due to unforeseen reasons I ended up in C-section. That was the first incident, my ego shattered. But I accepted it as it was necessary to save my baby who went into hypoglycemic coma soon after birth.No breastfeeding and only IV fluids, the next heartbreaking news. Many relatives were passing sarcastic comments and for the first time I remained silent, the only thing my mouth did was to pray for my baby. My prayers were answered.
Thanks to the almighty and few well wishers. Everyday I had doubts on parenting. " You have Inadequate breast milk because of elder age, gestational diabetes, C-section." When baby cries"you ate legumes. Your milk is not digestible for baby. Give kashayam" there were so many negative comments and suggestions around me,I felt like am unworthy of living with so many mistakes and I can never be a perfect mom. But God is great. I had huge support from my parents and spouse. I visited a lactation consultant and changed my feeding position, my baby started gaining weight, stopped all top up feeds.
My mom told me about parenting app and I chose first cry, that was actually my last cry with doubts and threatening suggestions. Whenever I get a doubt I see it in firstcry, so many mothers give their valuable experience and health experts give scientific explanation and better practical ways to tackle everything. I am a proud and confident mother now. Whatever suggestion others give, I don't mind, because she is mine. I may not be a perfect mother but I am my daughter's world and she is mine. Thank you firstcry and all parents.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Why You Should Try Activated Charcoal for Your Skin Problems This Summer
The term ‘activated charcoal’ has been buzzing around for quite some time now. The black powder (that you might have seen in face washes and face masks) has become a trend not just in the beauty world, but also in the culinary world! But what is activated charcoal, and why is it popular? Read on!
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal (also known as activated carbon or animal charcoal) is a powdered mineral that is made of bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits or sawdust. This charcoal is ‘activated’ when put under severe pressure and processing it under high temperatures. This processing changes its internal structure and makes it porous.
How Does Activated Charcoal Work?
Because activated charcoal is super porous, it gets a ‘negative’ charge which makes it attract ‘positive’ charged molecules like gases and chemicals. So, applying it on your body can make it trap harmful toxins and eliminate them from your body.
This is why activated charcoal is a new trend – it has a lot of benefits attached to it! Activated charcoal powders are available both online and in pharmacies, so take your pick!
A word of caution: Activated charcoal is different from charcoal that we use in our tandoors and barbeque parties. Even though they are both made of similar components, charcoal is not processed under high heat – thus, it is toxic for humans. Remember this before you consider reaping the benefits of activated charcoal!
Skin Benefits of Activated Charcoal
Putting activated charcoal on your skin has several benefits. Here they are:
1. Reduces pores
Our daily grind shows its effects on the skin. The skin’s exposure to pollution and dirt and the body’s sweat tends to accumulate on the skin, making the pores larger. Activated charcoal is a great remedy for this problem – it simply traps these harmful chemicals and takes them with it. This brings the pores back to their normal size and makes your skin look tighter.
2. Godsend for oily skin
Activated charcoal works miraculously on oily skin! Oily skin is the result of excess sebum produced by the body, and not taking care of its production can cause pimples on the skin. Activated charcoal absorbs the oil and leaves skin feeling fresh and light.
3. Works as a great exfoliator
Activated charcoal when used with naturally exfoliating materials takes the dead skin and dirt off, making way for soft and glowing skin.
4. Fights blackheads
The ability of activated charcoal to soak itself into the skin makes it an excellent mineral to naturally remove black and whiteheads. It allows the pores to breathe and go back to their normal size too.
5. Naturally brightens skin
Pollution can wreak havoc on your skin. The dirt and grime can not only make your pores large, but can also make your skin look dull. Activated charcoal does its magic by sucking out all the dirt and impurities, leaving your skin bright and beautiful.
6. Helps with acne
Oily skin is also acne-prone skin, which means there needs to be a remedy to get rid of the excess oil. Fear not, because activated charcoal does exactly that! It cleans out oily pores and the toxins that accompany them, thus restricting acne build-up.
7. Soothes cuts, bites, and irritation
Did you know that activated charcoal is popularly used among medics in cases where someone is poisoned? The adsorbing properties of activated charcoal are used to reverse the effects of poison in one’s body. So, applying this on cuts and bites helps immensely in reducing redness, bumps, and even helps suck out venom (produced by poisonous animals). Applying some activated charcoal in paste form is the best way to get rid of skin irritation and cuts.
8. Helps with scalp irritation
Dandruff and an itchy scalp are annoying and painful, and activated charcoal is a great mineral to remedy that. The mineral makes its way into the hair follicles and cleans them out, just as it does with the skin. Using activated charcoal with a hair mask or with shampoo can help achieve great results.
4 Activated Charcoal Recipes for Beautiful Skin
1. Activated Charcoal Face Mask
This face mask is extremely beneficial for getting rid of oily skin and stubborn blackheads.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp multani mitti
1/2 tbsp activated charcoal powder
Rose water as required
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix the activated charcoal and multani mitti.
Add rose water to the mixture, making a thick paste.
Apply this paste on the face and neck and allow it to sit till the mask dries.
Wash it off with cool water.
Best time to use this mask is after steaming your face, once a week.
2. Activated Charcoal Natural Exfoliator
You can use this easy-to-make exfoliator on your face as well as your body – just adjust the ingredients according to how much you need! This mask will help get rid of dead skin cells and dirt on your face, and give your face a natural glow, and tighter pores.
Ingredients:
1/2 tbsp activated charcoal
1/2 tbsp coarse sea salt
1/2 tbsp rose water
Directions:
In a bowl, mix the activated charcoal and sea salt.
Add the rose water to create a mixture.
Apply this mixture to your face/body and scrub thoroughly.
Wash it off with warm water.
Use this mixture on your face once a week.
3. Activated Charcoal Hair Mask
You can use this hair mask before you wash your hair – it will help eliminate dirt from the scalp and keep it fresh and clean!
Ingredients:
2 tbsp activated charcoal
Coconut oil as needed
Directions:
In a bowl, take the activated charcoal and mix in coconut oil as much as your hair length requires.
Apply this mix to your hair, starting from the scalp to the tip.
Massage in the oil and charcoal mix thoroughly. Keep it for at least 2 hours.
Wash with regular water, till the water runs clear.
4. Activated Charcoal Mix for Cuts and Bites
Mosquito bites, cuts, and bee stings can be quite painful. For temporary relief, apply this activated charcoal mix on the affected area and watch the magic happen.
Ingredients:
1 part activated charcoal
1 part pure water or rose water
A medium-sized band-aid
Directions:
In a bowl, mix the activated charcoal and rose water/pure water to form a paste.
Take a band-aid and open it to expose the soft gauze. Take a small amount of the charcoal mix and apply it on the gauze.
Take this band-aid and stick it on the affected area. Keep it for a few hours.
Things to Note Before Using Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has become a new trend in the world of beauty. Its detoxifying properties have made it a hit among skin and hair care experts, and for good reason. However, there are a few important things one must note before using activated charcoal. Here they are:
Activated charcoal is also being used in the culinary world for its ability to pull away toxins from the body. Studies have shown positive links between activated charcoal and decreased cholesterol levels, better kidney function, lowered gas problems and fewer hangovers. However, more studies are needed to prove them accurately. So, remember these before consuming health drinks/foods that contain activated charcoal. We have not talked about consuming activated carbon in this article; we have only discussed the skin benefits.
Always go for activated charcoal made of coconut shells, as they are the safest.
Go for trusted brands before buying activated charcoal.
Always remember the difference between activated charcoal and regular charcoal; they are not the same.
Activated carbon can interfere with the medication you are taking. Thus, talk to your doctor to understand if you can consume activated charcoal if you’re on medication such as oral contraceptives.
Activated charcoal can be a great remedy for your skin and hair woes. Use it wisely and regularly, and you’ll be able to notice the difference very soon!
Also Read:
Summer Skin Care Tips
How to Treat Sunburn Naturally
Natural Ways to Remove Sun Tan Instantly Read more
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Babyhug Safe Journey Forward facing car seat which is very good .
We have been complaining about the pandemic since the month of March from working from home to taking ultimate precautions in our daily routine. We have been just saying that we have not gone out, we should not go out and travelling is not safe. But we
can’t resist since the time the government has announced the unlock in many cities. So i have something to share with you about my unlock journey with Firstcry.com
I was planning for a road trip with my 8months baby as we were just bored and irritated with our daily routine. After hearing about the cases of corona and we being as new parent I was more concerned about my baby’s safety. I have been purchasing all
baby items from FirstCry since the time my baby was born and now in my free time I was just browsing through the website I came across this Luxury BabyHug forward seated car seat. I had a carry cot earlier but my baby is a growing I required a car
seat. My baby would require assistance with him in the carry cot but now I have to say this my baby is of cheer happy as he has his own seat like a big boy and does not require much of assistance. I only need to fasten his seat belt and he is all
free to sit, relax and enjoy his journey.
The material of the car seat is soft and comfortable. Additionally, the car seat is cloth material and not plastic or rexine so my baby does not feel tough and rough at the base, it gives a feeling that he is on his parents lap.
This is not the only good thing about the car seat it is best for children from 2 years to 6 years. I have got this early because my baby is tall. There are various colors available I have chosen white and blue as I wanted it to match my car color which
is white. I would surely recommend and suggest this car seat to all the new parents. You need to have a car seat if you are travelling with your baby. It is the best product for long term use.
Thank you BabyHug for this product. We are happy parents. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. A lot of times normal delivery is actually seen in these cases also if the doctor is quick and the child cooperate then yes normal delivery is very much possible but some doctors don’t take a chance with the health of your child and so they normally suggest C-section so let’s see what’s your situation by the end when you are into your labour
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. 29.9.24. 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
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
2 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. 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
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy 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
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
11 mins ago
Q. hi,
pls advice , after hcg tigger injection can we do intercourse to conceive and till when we can do ...trying to conceive
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
9 mins ago
A. Hello dear! We understand your eagerness and concern. It is advisable to check with your consulting doctor regarding this matter. Clarify your concerns and follow your doctor’s advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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