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When Do Babies Start Sitting
As a parent, you will want to know if your baby's development is on right track or not. You tend to meticulously keep track of each milestone of your baby. Once your baby becomes an expert in rolling over and holding his head up, the next milestone is sitting. But when does a baby start sitting up?
At What Age Babies Start Sitting Up
Babies learn to sit between the ages of four and seven months. This stage gives the baby a new perspective of the world. By the time they turn 8 months old, they will be able to sit without support for a short span of time. When your baby starts sitting up, you should provide support to his back. There are chances that he may lose his balance and hit his head on the floor.
Ideally, babies should start sitting up by 3-5 months with additional support. By around six months, the baby should be able to sit unassisted as he would have developed enough muscular strength of the back and neck muscles to be able to do so. But there are cases where the baby will not be able to sit without help until the age of 9 months. This generally happens when the baby spends too much time lying down in the crib.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Sit
By around 4 months, your baby should be able to hold the head steady, while propped up with support. This is because his neck muscles will be strong enough to do so. A good way to help him improve his neck and head control is by making a game of helping him to sit upright when he is in reclining position. This can be done by holding his hands firmly and slowly helping him up. More fun can be added to this by making funny sounds or faces!
How Does a Baby Learn to Sit and Maintain Balance?
As soon as your baby learns to hold the head steady, it is a good idea to encourage him to sit up. When it comes to sitting, the development of head control is vital. Head control means holding the head centred when lying on the back. This can be developed only by giving more floor time to your baby. Keeping your little one in the baby gear for too long will hamper his ability to gain head control. This is mainly because of the semi-reclined position of most baby gears.
Unlike adults, babies use their hands, feet, and bottom for sitting. Such a body awareness can be developed by giving more tummy time. Early tummy time will train your baby to use his hands as weight-bearing surfaces.
During this period you may notice that your baby will wobble. When a baby wobbles, new sensory information is sent to your baby's brain from his different senses. It may be hard to let your child fall. But wobbling encourages a baby to make tiny adjustments using his hands, head positions, etc. In order to prevent your baby from falling and hurting himself, place him in padded mats or create a safe zone using pillows and blankets.
How Can You Help Your Baby to Sit Up Independently?
As a parent to a six-month-old baby, you will think of many ways to teach your child to sit up. To teach him to sit up, help your baby develop the precursor skills for sitting upright. This involves strengthening some specific muscles.
When your baby is capable of holding his head well, you can encourage by propping him up in a sitting position in a stroller, an infant seat, or your lap. Using a stroller is also very good as it will create an interest in your baby for sitting.
What Are the Required Precursor Skills to Make Your Baby-Sit?
Here is how you can help your baby to sit up:
Holding the baby upright with support - When you hold a two-month-old baby upright at your shoulder, the baby tries to control the head position by making use of neck muscles. When holding the baby on the lap, first try to support the upper body, and then gradually move towards the hips.
Tummy Time Play - Tummy time play is an excellent way of developing the back and neck muscles which are key in helping to sit up straight. Pushing forward to prop up on arms is also a great exercise to develop muscular strength.
On-the-back play time: Lying on the back and playing, kicking, etc. helps to tone up the flexor muscles.
Rolling - This is a great way to develop his muscles of the trunk.
Another common question asked by parents is 'how to encourage a baby to sit up?' By developing games out of the above-mentioned activities, your baby could well be on the way to sitting up on his own.
Positions to Help Your Baby Sit Up
Once you baby demonstrates adequate ability to hold his head upright and shows the precursor skills, you could use the following positions to help him sit up independently:
Sitting on your lap - This is acquired ideally at the age of 3-6 months. Move your hand's grip on the baby's torso when he sits on your lap. Start from the upper part and slowly progress towards the hips.
By 4 and 5 months, you can make your baby sit on the floor between your legs. This is an easy way to let the baby explore sitting while feeling reassured that he is safely sandwiched between your legs.
In the above age group, a bumbo chair can prove quite helpful. By placing toys on the tray table, he may lean to grab and play with the toys, so sitting up becomes a necessary skill for them. It is important to create the need for babies to develop skills like these.
The tip of a laundry basket or box can serve as an alternative to the bumbo chair. But care should be taken to provide adequate support and attention when doing this.
Surround your baby with pillows - Pillows provide a freely available padded surrounding to practice sitting. Care should be taken that the pillows do not slide away easily. A boppy pillow is a commercially available alternative to using head pillows.
Tripod sitting position - This is the babysitting position when the baby sits using his arms vertically on either side as support. A cushion or pillow may be used in front to keep toys on his eye level to encourage him to sit up.
What Can You Do If Your Baby Doesn't Sit Up?
If your baby is unable to sit upright with support by the end of nine months, please consult your doctor. Keep in mind that babies develop differently. Learning to hold the head steady and sitting up straight is key to achieving more complex future milestones like standing and walking.
What Next After Your Baby Starts Sitting Up?
Once your baby starts sitting confidently, he may begin to lunge his body forward and balance on hands and knees. The baby can also start crawling between the age of 7 and10 months. Remember that your child will be extremely curious at this stage so childproofing your home is very important.
Also Read: When do Babies Start Standing? Read more
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Palak Maini
Mom of a 4 yr 5 m old girl
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Mom of a 11 m old girl
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Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
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20 Memorable Beach Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
There is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than a beautiful day on the beach. If you love the beach, beach-themed pregnancy announcements are the way to go. Enjoy a day with the sun, sand, and surf as you take photos to let your loved ones know that you welcome a new little member to your family.
20 Amazing Beach Pregnancy Announcements
Now that you have decided on what theme you are going with, planning comes next. There are so many wonderful ideas that you can take inspiration from for your beach pregnancy reveal. Here are some of them:
1. Message in a Bottle
Let people know your big secret with a “message in a bottle” beach theme. Just place a sonogram of your little one in a clear glass jar or bottle and pose in the background. People will definitely get the message.
2. Glam Beach Day
Who says you can’t get dressed up for the beach? Get dressed up in the perfect outfits and hold up a sign or two to point out what you are expecting while posing for pictures you are going to love to revisit again and again.
3. Baby on Board Beach Hat
Get mom-to-be a pretty hat with the message “Baby on Board” and pose for a few pictures at the beach. This is a simple way to get your message across while getting the chance to truly enjoy your beach day and be as natural as possible.
4. Sunrise Beach Pregnancy Announcement
Use the dawning of a new day to symbolize the dawning of a new era in your life. Becoming a parent is a big deal, and a sunrise photoshoot to help announce the arrival of your newest family member will be well received. You can hold up your sonogram to share your baby’s first picture as well.
5. Beachy Gender Reveal
Combine your gender reveal and your pregnancy announcements into one, and have a blast while you are doing it.
6. Sibling Announcement
Siblings can announce the arrival of their new bestie better than anyone. There are many fun ways to have your child make the announcement, and writing it in the sand near a couple of sandcastles is a great one!
7. Family Beach Announcement
If you already have a child, you can have a playful family picture at the beach with a sonogram of your little one included.
8. Beach Time Frolicking
Spending frolicking on the beach can be plenty of fun, so why not include a notice board that announces your latest miracle while holding up your baby’s sonogram to show off to your friends and family.
9. Baby Diver
If you love diving, adding an extra pair of little diving flippers between mum and dads will send a clear message that you are expecting a new family member.
10. Beach Baby Letterboard Announcement
You don’t even need to be in the picture for this one or have a fancy photoshoot day. Instead, enjoy some time on the beach with a letterboard making the announcement for you against a beautiful beach background.
11. Pet Pregnancy Announcement
Dogs and cats are family members, too, so you can always include them if you have a furry family member in your pregnancy announcement.
12. Writing in the Sand
When it comes to making beachy announcements, writing directly on the sand is a great idea. You can pose in the same picture, or you can take a picture of your message, along with some cute baby shoes.
13. Bikini or Trunks
If you are not ready to make a gender reveal, or you don’t want to know yourself, you can always make everyone even more curious with a “Bikini or trunks?” board. Hang up a girl’s bathing suit and boys swimming trunks on a make-shift clothesline on the beach with a message, and you are all set!
14. Footprints in the Sand
Plant the “dad plus mom equals baby” image for a beachy and simple pregnancy announcement on the sand. Dad’s footprint plus mom’s footprint equals a baby footprint.
15. Baby on Board
If you and your partner are surfers, this is the pregnancy announcement for you. You can pose with pictures of surfboards representing mum and dad, as well as one for the newest family member.
16. Arggh, Baby Matey
You cannot think of the sea and not think of pirates. This announcement will work even better with a big brother happy to get a first mate finally.
17. Boat Baby
Boating is another favorite for those who love the beach, so if you enjoy some time on the water, you can always use that to help make the announcement a bit more fun.
18. Sunset Announcement
Brighten up your pregnancy announcement at the beach by going for some lovely sunset shots. With the beautiful setting sun reflecting on the surface of the water and peeking through the clouds in a colorful array, your picture will shine just as brightly as the new life you made.
19. Flip Flop Fun
Any beach outfit is incomplete without a pair of flip flops, so post a pic of mum and dad’s feet wearing flip flops and place a pair of baby flip flops in between.
20. Baby Boots
Baby boots are popular for making pregnancy announcements, and there are many ways to use them. If you want simplicity with meaning, a picture of mum and dad holding baby boots with joined hands is a great way to make a subtle yet meaningful pregnancy announcement.
With so many ideas for a pregnancy announcement at the beach, you are practically spoilt for choice. Use any of these ideas as inspiration for your big pregnancy announcement day.
Also Read:
Easter Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
Rainbow Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
Thanksgiving Pregnancy Announcement Ideas Read more
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Epidural Anaesthesia During Labour- Risks and Benefits
As D- day approaches, every mom finds herself wondering 'how painfulis labour?'. Labour is surely painful , however thanks to modern medical science, we now have several medication and techniques that can reduce (if not stop) pain during labour and delivery.
Epidural anaesthesia is a popular and safe method of pain relief during labour. Opting for an epidural indicates having a small amount of medicine injected in the body to produce desirable pain relief. However, like all medicines, it is important that you understand the benefits and risks involved in epidural, so that you can make an informed choice well before getting into labour.
What is an Epidural?
An epidural is a local anaesthetic that aims to provide pain relief or an analgesic effect, rather than a total lack of feeling (anaesthesia). It blocks the nerve signals from both motor and sensory nerves to reach your brain. It shields you from pain while immobilising your lower body while allowing you to stay conscious during labour. Epidural can be used for both vaginal (normal) and a caesarean delivery.
Epidural anaesthesia during labour is administered on your lower back into a small space (also called epidural space) outside the spinal cord through a hollow needle or a catheter. A catheter allows for repeat or continuous delivery of the anaesthetic medication, when needed. An epidural injection for pregnancy is designed to provide partial pain relief for women, however, the decision to opt for it is entirely up to you.
Types of Epidurals
While hospitals and anaesthesiologists differ on the dosage and combinations of medication, there are broadly three type of epidurals that are used during labour.
Traditional/ Standard Epidurals
Apart from the regular use of a cathedar, traditional epidural uses regular anaesthesia medications such as bupivacaine or lidocaine that eliminates pain to a great extent. It is injected around the spine creates a heavy feeling and numbs the lower body. Therefore, mothers find it difficult to move during labour. However, you will still be able to move with some help in walking or moving.
Spinal Epidurals/ Spinal Block
Unlike a traditional epidural, spinal epidural involves the anaesthesia being injected into the spinal cord fluid directly. This gives faster relief from the labour pain but the effect of the drug wears off after a few hours. Spinal blocks are generally used late in labour. Spinal epidural once administered also makes body movements limited.
Walking Epidural or Combined Spinal Epidural (CSE)
This is a combination of drugs, local anaesthetic medication and epinephrine. Unlike other epidurals, CSE allows you to have slight sensation in your lower body. Hence, mobility is not much of an issue in this case. The advantage of maintaining some mobility in spite of the motor block, potentially helps in getting the baby into a better position for faster delivery.
How is an Epidural Injection Administered?
An epidural injection is usually given during the 'active' stage of labour by an anaesthesiologist or gynaecologist. You will be asked to sit at the edge of the bed, bend your back and remain steady. This position is important for preventing any complications and thereby increasing the effectiveness of your epidural medications. Another favourable position to do so is to lie on one side, bend and curl your knees to as high as you can possibly bring them. Both of these allow a good spinal curve to assess the exact location where the injection must be administered.
An antiseptic solution is applied on your skin to eradicate any chances of infection. A small area on your back is made numb by local anaesthesia administered through an injection. A needle is then directed into the area surrounding the spinal cord in your back followed by a catheter through the needle into the epidural space. The anaesthesiologist then carefully removes the needle, leaving the catheter in its place, in order to give medication as per requirement. The catheter is then safely taped on to the back to maintain its position.
Once you are through with the above procedure, there are a few ways to administer an epidural that can be adopted. All these methods are crucial to determine the amount of medicine that needs to be administered for an effective pain relief depending on your threshold and condition:
1. Epidural using a catheter: A catheter (a bendable thin and hollow tube) is put in carefully into the epidural space created by using a hollow needle. This allows the continuous or intermittent administration of medication just outside the membrane surrounding your spinal cord and spinal fluid. Your anaesthetist will first give you a "test dose" to check the placement of the catheter tube and check for any adverse drug reactions. If you do not develop any reactions, the test dose is followed by a full dose.
2. Intermittent Epidural: In this case, the medicine is given on a need basis. Based on your tolerance level for the labour pain and desired level of movement your anaesthesiologist will decide the dose .
3. Mix and Match: The anaesthesiologist mixes medicines (anaesthetics and analgesics) to match the degree of sensation and movement you want.
4. Patient-Controlled Epidural Anaesthesia: With the help of this epidural, you can regulate the amount of medication injected into the epidural tubing.
5. New Epidural Births: Also called as “walking epidurals,” this particular analgesia gives the mother freedom to stand, kneel, squat, or even walk with some help.
6. Spinal Analgesia: The newest pain reliever is known as spinal analgesia or a “walking spinal.” Only a tiny dosage of medicine is injected into the spinal fluid to reduce the agony of labour but still allows movement.
7. Low-Dose Epidurals: This is a type of combination (narco-anaesthetic) epidurals. They are designed to relieve some of the pain of labour so that an exhausted mother can relax a little and get some energy back for pushing.
How Does an Epidural Anaesthesia Work?
An epidural temporarily blocks the nerves in your cervix and uterus that carry pain signals to your brain and thereby decrease the sensation.
Epidural medications include drugs called local anaesthetics, such as bupivacaine, chloroprocaine or lidocaine. They are usually given with opioids or narcotics so that local anaesthetics can be used less.
This produces pain relief with less side effects. Such medicines may also be used to prolong the epidural’s effect or to stabilize the mother’s blood pressure.
What is the Right Time to Have an Epidural?
There is no right or wrong time to have an epidural analgesia during labour. However, it is usually given during the active stage of labour, when you feel more frequent contractions and your cervix has dilated.
You may also be offered an epidural if your labour has to be sped up. This is done with a hormone called Syntocinon, administered in a drip which make your contractions more intense and painful.
The epidural has to remain in its place until after your baby is born . It can also provide pain relief after delivery if you need stitches from an episiotomy.
Advantages of Having an Epidural
Epidurals are a great choice to relieve labour pain better than any other medication. Women who have been administered epidural feel very less or no pain durimng labour. Other advantages are:
It does not significantly increase duration of labour.
You can stay awake and alert but you will still feel the pressure and some stretching during delivery.
Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) gives better results than does a standard epidural. It has lower doses of anaesthetic medications that give you more muscle strength.
It‘s strength can be enhanced with a local anaesthetic if needed. Though having an epidural does not increase your chances of needing a caesarean.
Possible Disadvantages of Taking an Epidural
An epidural can be used to deliver different types of local anaesthetics, which also differ in the side effects that they cause. Common epidural side effects include
Itching : If that happens, changing the drug may help in solving the problem.
Drop in blood pressure and fever : Even a small dose of epidural may cause a drop in blood pressure or induce fever. However, this is normal.
Numbness or tingling sensation in the legs : This can create difficulties in urinating. A urinary catheter is normally used in such cases to help you urinate.
Risk of spinal fluid leak: If the injection goes too deep, it can make a hole in the protective layers (dura) around the spinal cord, and spinal fluid might leak out. This may result in headaches that can last up to days. This can happen due to fluid loss.
Longer duration of childbirth: Delivery may take a bit longer on an average amongst women who have epidurals.
Assited delivery: Some women may feel the desire to push in spite of having an epidural. Due to the epidural they cannot feel when it is time to push, they may need assisted delivery (vacuum suction/forceps)
Does Epidural Have Any Side Effects on Baby?
In general, epidurals are safe for the baby as it is injected into the spine and not through veins. Any medication that is given to a woman during her labour surely reaches the baby’s bloodstream through the umbilical cord. This includes pain-relieving anaesthetics delivered through epidurals. But anaesthetics use drugs that are as safe as any other painkillers that are given to expectant mothers and hence do not affect the baby strongly. There aren’t any long term side effects of using epidurals.
However, since the babies’ immune system is weak, it takes more time for them to remove epidural drugs. Similarly a drop in the blood pressure of the mother due to epidural, may cause discomfort to the baby as it may affect his oxygen supply.
Is Epidural Birth Painless?
Parents have fear and anxieties involving labour pain and childbirth. Having an epidural does reduce pain, however doesn't eliminate it completely.
On an average epidural takes about 40 minutes to work after it is injected. The process of administrating it is painful and can be quite uncomfortable. If the same medicine is used in lower concentration, it will cause analgesia which means it will only relieve the pain without causing any muscle weakness. However, if the epidural does not work, your doctor may have to administer it again.
Taking an epidural will provide some pain relief however, a 'painless delivery' is not entirely possible.
Can the Use of an Epidural Injection Cause Back Pain in the future?
Even after going thorugh childbirth with the help of an epidural, some women may experience mild soreness at the catheter site where the medication was injected. Using an epidural pain relief during delivery does not cause long-term back pain. While many women believe that epidural analgesia causes severe or long-term back pain, they are not related. Back pain post-delivery happens due to the pre-existing prenatal backaches or are a result of normal physiological changes during pregnancy.
Epidural and Multiple (twin) Pregnancy
It is not necessary to have a caesarean delivery with twins. Just like a single child delivery, many twins are born vaginally too. Epidurals are often recommended by doctors for pain relief in labour and also in preparation to get the second child in position for delivery.
If there are any problems, it's practically easier for your antenatal team to deliver your babies quickly if you've already had an epidural.
What Happens After Delivery?
It's important to focus on your baby's birth during pregnancy. But it's a good idea to also know what to expect after labour.
The umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and your baby is dried and covered up to prevent catching cold.
Mucus is cleared out of your baby’s face. Some babies need assistance to get their breathing normal.
Bonding starts with skin-to-skin contact. Hold your baby close to you.
Your baby will be examined by a paediatrician, weighed and measured, and given a band with your name on.
Once your precious bundle of joy is born, the toughest journey of your pregnancy may be over, but the process of care bringing him up will always continue. Your body starts to recover and you learn to adjust to the new role of motherhood. Read more
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Micro Preemie - What You Should Know If You Have One
A baby, born before completing 27 weeks of gestation period or a baby whose weight is very less due to preterm birth is considered to be a micro preemie. As the expectant mother knows that preterm labour has a lot of risks, she should consult a foetal medicine specialist to delay the process of delivery and prolong the pregnancy period. The medicines prescribed orally or vaginally help to delay the labour of the expectant mom.
What is a Micro Preemie?
A premature baby born before completing 26 weeks gestation period or weighs under 1.12 lb is called a micro preemie. For the micro preemie to thrive, you must know in advance that these babies are very different from full-term babies and their emotional and physical needs have to be catered to with great care and caution.
What Are the Causes of Giving Birth to a Micro Preemie Baby?
When a pregnancy ends early, it is difficult to assess the reasons, but one can say for sure that many factors combine to cause preterm birth. There are two categories of preterm labour – spontaneous preterm birth and medically compelled delivery. Some of the causes are given below:
Any systemic inflammation or infection in the kidney, vagina, uterus, or mouth can cause spontaneous preterm delivery.
Nicotine or any kind of tobacco prevents nutrients and oxygen from reaching the baby, thereby forcing preterm delivery.
If the pregnancies are less than six months apart, it presents a high risk of delivering a preterm baby.
It can also happen due to a genetic history in the family.
If the cervix is insufficient or there are any other cervical problems, this can be the reason too.
Survival Rates of Micro Preemies
Micro preemies are very weak and fragile and so need a lot of monitoring and care. Utmost care is required to help the baby survive. The table given below indicates the survival rate depending on the week the baby was born:
26 weeks
More than 90%
25 weeks
75% to 80%
24 weeks
66% to 80%
23 weeks
50% to 66 %
22 weeks or less
Only 10%
How Does a Micro Preemie Look?
A micro preemie baby looks very tiny and weak. Their veins may be visible on their body, and their skin looks very thin and appears sticky or gelatinous.
In the NICU, they are also connected to various pieces of equipment, tubes and wires to help them sustain. You'll see wired stickers on the baby's legs, arms, feet, wrist or chest. There will also be a monitor attached to the umbilical artery IV line to measure blood pressure. Some may also have tubes in their mouth connected to a ventilator to help them breathe or are put on the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). OG/NG tubes will be attached to the baby's mouth (OG) and nose (NG) to help with the feed.
Immediate and Short–term Health Concerns for Micro Preemies
Micro preemies are treated in NICU as they need a lot of external support. Some of the immediate and short-term concerns are given below:
1. Infections
Premature babies have an immature immune system. Infants get infections from the intravenous lines that are inserted in their weak bodies. Sometimes they catch a cold from a person who is suffering from cold. Good hygiene should be ensured to avoid it.
2. Support for Breathing
Premature babies do not have strong lungs to breathe on their own. They either help them breathe by intubating them or use a CPAP device which is non- invasive and less injurious to the lungs.
3. Issues with Feeding
The baby’s feeding and growth are one of the most important things to be monitored in the NICU. They are prone to vomiting, and so they are fed a very small amount of food to help the gut mature. After their gut attains maturity, they are introduced to formula feed.
4. Injury in the Brain
Micro preemies are always at high risk of brain bleeding. Brain ultrasounds are done to check whether the bleeding is mild or severe. The risk of severe brain bleeding can be neurodevelopmental disorders or cerebral palsy.
5. Problems in the Eye
When babies are born before the gestation period is complete, they may develop a condition that affects the retina’s blood vessels. As they are put on the high amount of oxygen for a prolonged period of time, their eyesight gets affected, and some require glasses as an aid to see clearly.
How Long Are Micro Preemies Kept in the NICU?
Babies who are born before 27 weeks are made to stay in NICU until they complete the full tenure of development or sometimes even more. They often require respiratory support with a ventilator, a CPAP or a nasal cannula. They also try to keep the baby nourished to gain weight and growth of the organs. This support is impossible to provide at home, and so their stay in NICU is a must during this time.
Long-term Health Issues in Micro Preemie
Micro preemies may develop some long-term health issues which are given below:
1. Learning Disabilities
Babies tend to develop physical, mental and emotional handicaps. They end up with cognitive problems, learning or behavioural problems.
2. Problems in Digestion
Some babies end up with food refusal, poor feeding, and many other digestive problems.
3. Hearing or Vision Problems
As complications of premature birth can be severe at times, they may ultimately have permanent hearing or vision loss, or related problems.
4. Lung Disease
Preemies require artificial respiratory support which sometimes leads to asthma or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic lung disease.
5. Cerebral Palsy
Some preemies may severe or moderate cerebral palsy.
How Parents Can Help in Improving Their Baby’s Outcome?
Parents can play a positive and significant role in their micro preemie's development and to give their babies the best possible start.
1. Early Intervention
Parents should try to minimize the cognitive impact of prematurity by seeking early intervention.
2. Know the Signs of Preterm Labour
Expectant mothers should seek medical care the minute they get an inkling that they might have a preterm delivery.
3. Deliver in a Hospital With NICU
You must identify a good hospital with a level 3 NICU along with 24x7 neonatology coverage, so that the child can avail of the best postnatal care.
4. Early Prenatal Care
You must try to minimize the risk of premature birth by taking prenatal care. Micro preemies are babies born long before the due date and hence, need neonatal intensive care.
Also Read: Your Premature Baby- Developmental Milestones Till Age 5
Health Problems in Premature Baby Read more
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11 Totally Beautiful Sarees We Want To OWN From Shilpa Shetty's Wardrobe!
A saree is perhaps one of the most stunning of Indian garments for women. It looks ravishing on every woman, no matter what the body type, build, or complexion. As women, not all of us love wearing sarees in day to day life, especially as they do require maintenance. However, who can deny the charm of sporting a saree (with accessories and makeup) for those special occasions like a wedding, a romantic date, or a family gathering? It is for these special moments that we have brought you a collection of gorgeous sarees right from Bollywood mom Shilpa Shetty’s wardrobe!
Shilpa Shetty has always been known for her focus on health and fitness. And indeed, she manages to look smoking hot even at 41! As Shilpa says herself, the saree is one of her favourite outfits, which is why she is often seen sporting one in public appearances and at functions. In fact, she has also launched a saree collection of her own!
Check out these 11 totally gorgeous sarees from Shilpa Shetty's saree collection in different styles and colours, and we are sure you will get some amazing inspiration for the next time you plan to get decked up in Indian wear!
1. Orange Elegance
This light orange saree with gold work on the pallu and the body is perfect for traditional occasions when you want to look smart, yet ethnic. Shilpa has paired it with a small bindi, simple bangles and a necklace.
2. Gown Sari
What do you get when you cross a saree and an evening gown? A gown saree! This blue wonder is a wonderful choice for parties and formal occasions; it will let you stand out from the crowd and make everyone want to imitate your fashion statement! We love how Shilpa wears dangling earrings with this and no other accessories, so as to not take away focus from the outfit.
3. Light Bridal
We all love our bridal saree/lehanga but it is almost impossible to ever wear it again! But this light bridal saree is a great option for weddings or pujas, when you want to shine like a new bride but without going over the top. These sarees are usually available in chiffon and georgette. Jhumkas, a bindi and a gajra elevate the look wonderfully.
4. Elaborate Blouse-Work
Sometimes, the real star of the look is the blouse! This elaborate blouse with a high neck and detailed work in white and maroon can really elevate even an ordinary saree to excellence! These blouses usually pair best with light, monochrome sarees.
5. Lace Work/Fishnet Blouse
This is one more beautiful blouse design you can use to jazz up your otherwise simple sarees. It is a good idea to pair it with sarees that have design work at the bottom, just like here in Shilpa’s cream-coloured saree.
6. Dori/Choli Blouse
Ah, the charm of clicking those pictures that show off our blouse design (the one we spent hours explaining to the tailor)! But jokes aside, this dori blouse is a true winner, especially with this light, very summery saree. The broad pallu design also works well to accentuate the overall effect.
7. Innovative Pallu
Just like an elaborate blouse can make for a winning look, wearing a saree with an innovative pallu design is also a great idea. Check out this simple saree in light blue and pink where the double-edged gold/bronze pallu is the real highlight.
8. Dark and Silver
When it comes to sarees, silver really embellishes the garment beautifully without making it look gaudy. It looks especially beautiful on sarees of dark colours, such as a purple and bottle green. Shilpa has kept the look simple and subtle by using minimal accessories and a light band around the waist.
9. Floral Spring
What better way to celebrate spring/summer than by wearing bright sarees in floral designs? This light, colourful saree with floral motifs is ideal for day-time wear. We adore the neckpiece she has paired with this one!
10. White and Gold
This is one of the all-time great combinations when it comes to stunning sarees – white and gold! It is a simple, no-fuss look that still makes you look the picture of grace! Try this look for formal and semi-formal occasions.
11. Black and White
And finally, the counterpart of the above – a saree that combines black and white in a beautifully traditional way! It looks best in crisp cotton and minimal makeup/accessories. Also check out the hairstyle Shilpa has used – so chic!
It is not enough to have good sarees in your wardrobe if you can't drape them in style and with elegance. So do not forget to do your research on different saree draping styles, and especially different pallu styles.
Which of these sarees did you love the best? Do let us know in the comments. Read more
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Vaginal Ring - A Birth Control Option
Fertility control medications or devices have been on the market for many years. With time, they have evolved to incorporate new advances in medical science to provide effective and safe birth control. One of the recently developed contraceptive devices for women is the vaginal ring, which has attracted a lot of attention. It is a device that delivers the contraceptive hormones into the vagina and offers effective protection against unplanned pregnancy. This article talks about the various aspects of using a vaginal ring in detail.
What is Vaginal Ring
Vaginal ring, as the name suggests is a ring-shaped structure that is meant for insertion into the vagina. It is made of soft plastic material and is coated with hormones that prevent women from conceiving. This simple contraceptive device is marketed under various brand names and is easily available in any family planning centre.
How Does it Work
The vaginal ring works by preventing the process of fertilization. The ring that gets inserted into the vagina, is coated with a combination of the hormones, estrogen and progestin. Both these hormones are absorbed into the reproductive system through the lining of the vagina and act in a threefold way to prevent conception.
Similar to contraceptive pills, these hormones prevent ovulation or the process of formation of the egg.
It increases the thickness of the mucous layer in the cervix, thereby obstructing the path of the sperm to enter the uterus.
It thins down the endometrial layer inside the uterus. A thick uterine wall is imperative for a fertilized egg to attach and grow. By preventing the thickening, the vaginal ring also ensures that the fertilized zygote does not implant itself for further differentiation.
Usage Guidelines
The vaginal ring is used throughout the month except for the time when menstruation occurs. This effectively means three weeks of wearing the ring and one week of the ring-free period for allowing menstruation. Once the menstrual cycle gets over, a new ring is inserted back to provide protection from unintended pregnancy.
1. How to Insert
Inserting and using the vaginal ring is very simple. Some precautions to be taken before inserting the ring are to sanitize the hands before opening the ring and also to check if the ring is within its validity period for usage. To insert the vaginal ring, open the sterile packet and squeeze the ring in such a way that the opposite sides touch each other. In this position, tease the ring inside the vagina and release it to take up its circular position.
2. How to Remove
For removal of the ring, insert your sanitized hands inside the vagina and gently tug the ring to dislodge it. Pull it out gently and pack it in the original packing material to dispose of it in the sanitary waste. Flushing the ring down the toilet is not recommended.
3. How to Use the Ring if You Want to Get Periods
The vaginal ring can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, just like a contraceptive pill. To get your periods, insert your ring for a period of three weeks and remove it on the exact same day of the week you inserted the ring. You will get your periods soon after you remove it. Typically after the period gets over, you can insert a new ring. After insertion of the new ring, if there is mild bleeding, it is ok to retain the ring while using a sanitary pad or tampon. Care must be taken to not use a menstrual cup as they interfere with the placement of the ring.
4. How to Use the Ring to Skip Your Periods
The vaginal ring gives you the privilege of altering and restructuring your menstrual cycle. The technique is very simple and you can discuss the details with your doctor. If you wish to avoid periods for a particular month, you can continue to wear the ring for four weeks instead of just three weeks. At the end of the fourth week, on the same day of the week on which you inserted the ring, you can replace it with a new one. Mild spotting or bleeding is usually found when the ring is used to skip the periods and there is no proven harmful effect with this method.
How Effective is the Birth Control Ring
By far, it is one of the most effective contraceptive methods available in the market with a working effectiveness percentage of about 91%. The crucial aspect of using a ring is the prompt maintenance of the time of insertion and removal.
How to Make the Ring Work Best for You
To make the best of this birth control device, the following aspects need to be kept in mind while using it.
You should follow the three-week insertion and one-week removal rule diligently to increase the efficiency of the ring as a birth control method.
Insert and remove the ring on the same day of the week. For example, if you inserted it on a Monday, make sure to remove it on Monday that falls after the completion of three weeks. This way, the cycle is maintained properly.
Inserting it with sterile hands is important in order to prevent any form of vaginal infection.
Although there is no perfect position for inserting the ring, a proper insertion deep inside the vagina can prevent accidental slipping of the ring.
Who Can Use the Contraception Ring
The contraception ring is suitable for use by women of all ethnicities and ages. Unless there are any medical conditions which hinder the use of the ring, everyone can use it without any problem. Women who have given birth to a baby can start using it after the 21st day of delivery. However, the ring can reduce the flow of breast milk in feeding mothers and hence should be avoided during the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding. It can also be used right after an episode of abortion or miscarriage without any extra contraception.
Who Should Avoid Using Birth Control Ring
Although suitable for most women, the use of the vaginal ring should be avoided by women who have
A cardiac problem
A clot in the veins or arteries
A habit of smoking and have crossed the age of 35
Breast cancer
Diabetes
Obesity issues
A vagina that is either too big or small for the ring to fit
Advantages of Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring, apart from providing effective contraception, also has some other benefits, like,
Helping in reducing menstrual cramps and pre-menstrual syndromes
Lighter menstrual bleeding
No serious side effects
Reduced risk of some cancers
It is very easy to insert and does not require any day to day follow up. It also does not interfere with the sexual pleasure, making it a very convenient device for birth control.
Risks and Side Effects of Vaginal Ring
As the ring is a hormone-based birth control method, it also entails some side effects just like the oral contraceptives. Some reported side effects are,
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Mood swings
Vaginal discharge
A headache
Fatigue and weight gain
Some risk factors associated with the ring are rare instances of a blood clot in the arteries or vein and a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer.
What if You Forget to Remove the Ring
Sometimes when you forget to remove the ring, you may expose yourself to the risk of being unprotected, as the hormones would have outlived its active time period. If you forgot the ring anytime, remove it immediately as soon as you remember. If you kept the ring inside for less than seven days after the third week, remove the ring and give a break of 7 days for your menstrual cycle and then reinsert a new ring. In the case where the ring remains for more than a week after the third week, remove it immediately and put a new ring right away. During the period where you forgot to remove the ring if you have had any intercourse, immediately take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid unintended pregnancy. Also, remember to take additional precaution while having sex for the next one week.
What if the Ring Comes Out on its Own
Sometimes, there are chances for the ring to detach and come away during intercourse or otherwise when it is not fitted properly. Depending on the time elapsed after it was inserted and the number of hours it was exposed outside, anyone of the following steps can be adopted.
If the ring is exposed out for less than a time frame of 3 hours, then wash it with cold or slightly warm water and reinsert it carefully.
If the ring is exposed for more than three hours, especially in the first or second week after insertion, then wash it with cold or lukewarm water and reinsert it. Additionally, as a precaution take contraceptive tablets for seven days. If your ring accidentally detaches soon after an intercourse, then immediately take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid pregnancy.
If the ring gets exposed for more than three hours during the third week after insertion, you can remain ring-free to complete your menstrual cycle or insert a new ring if you wish to avoid it.
Does Vaginal Ring Provide Protection Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Vaginal ring does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The use of a condom is compulsory if there is any scope for the transmission of such infections.
Vaginal Ring with Other Medicines
Some of the following medicines slightly seem to interfere with the functioning of the ring and bring down its efficiency. You can speak to your doctor before taking these medications if you are using the vaginal ring.
Medications like antibiotics (rifampicin, rifamate, rifampin)
Medications given for HIV
Antifungal griseofulvin
Some anti-epileptic medications
John’s Wort
FAQs
1. When does the vaginal start working?
The vaginal ring offers effective protection seven days after insertion. If you insert it during the first day of your menstrual cycle, it offers protection from the day you insert it. When inserted on any other days, it has to be backed by an additional contraceptive for the first 7 days.
2. When can I use the vaginal ring after childbirth?
You can use the ring 21 days after your delivery. However, if you wish to breastfeed your baby, then it is advisable to start using the ring after at least 6 months postpartum, as the hormones in the ring reduce the milk flow.
3. When can I use the ring after an abortion or miscarriage?
You can use the vaginal ring immediately after a miscarriage or abortion.
4. Can I use the ring when breastfeeding?
Although it’s not harmful to use it while breastfeeding, the ring is known to cause a reduction in the breast milk supply. Therefore, it is advisable to not use it until at least six months after delivery.
The vaginal ring is undoubtedly an effective contraceptive tool if used with diligence and proper care. You can talk to your gynaecologist to find out more about the ring and how you can start using it for preventing unintended pregnancy.
Also Read: Natural Birth Control Methods Read more
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
2 hours ago
Q. hello, on my first visit doctor suggested me duphaston twice a day..so m taking it morning n bedtime.now on my second visit doctor added susten sr 200 one tablet daily at night ,as m already taking duphaston at night , kindly guide me when should I take the susten tablet,also m having dizziness after taking susten .
Read moreDr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. Regarding the mentioned concern your local doctor will guide you in a proper way and the doubts can be cleared accorjodingly .so you can discuss and get the solution for query.
Also online consultation can be taken on the platform and it will also be helpful in getting the proper guidance as there could be a detailed discussion which would be benifecial helpful in the correct manner .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. can I take gevocet m during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Please check with your doctor they will be able to confirm whether you can take this medicine or or not as a Dr who have a fair idea and they will know for what thing you are willing to take this medicine so whatever doubt you have associated there be able able able to clear it up for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. can I take zanocin 200 during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. I’m not aware about what medicine it is for I can only tell you that these basic medicines you can take throughout your lactation it’s not a problem the medicines that you could take before your pregnancy can always be taken during the time of lactation
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mam iam 33 weeks now when can I expect delivery date
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. The basic delivery date is normally 39 to 3 40 weeks of your pregnancy whenever you are ready for your delivery and whenever you hit your labour that’s going to be the right time for you further move your Dr is going to tell you when are you going to deliver with the help of an ultrasound
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. What is your question associated with your pregnancy that you haven’t mentioned clearly can you please repost your question providing all the necessary details so at least I know and understand what are you willing to ask and accordingly I can give you help and assistance on that
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