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3rd Month of Pregnancy - Symptoms, Bodily Changes & Diet
The first three months are the most exciting part of the pregnancy period. You know you are pregnant but are not visibly pregnant to the world around you. You keep looking at the calendar to count the days, you take a careful look at your diet, and you find yourself growing and expanding, and also begin to feel the life growing inside you. Also, it's quite reassuring that you have made it to this point in your pregnancy! As for the foetus, the body parts begin to develop around this time and the sex organs are also in place by this time.
Three Months Pregnant - Symptoms
You will notice the following changes and symptoms in your body during the third month of pregnancy:
1. Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting could peak by the third month. Most pregnant women are relieved of these symptoms by the end of the first trimester.
2. Fatigue
Pregnancy hormones make you feel tired and drowsy. The body needs extra blood to supply essential nutrients to the foetus, thereby affecting blood sugar and pressure levels.
3. Loss of Bladder Control
Increased formation of urine, as well as the pressure exerted on the bladder by the growing uterus, can cause a greater urge to urinate often.
4. Constipation
Higher progesterone levels slow down the digestion process.
5. Vaginal Discharge
High oestrogen levels and the dilation of the cervix and vaginal walls result in an off-white or translucent mucous discharge from the vagina, which prevents any infection from passing into the uterus.
6. Leg Cramps
Severe leg cramps and pain may be common during the night. You may need to include potassium and iron in your diet, and some gentle exercises could also help to reduce discomfort.
7. Back Pain and Abdominal Pain
Changes in hormone levels and the growing uterus stretch the ligaments and tendons, leading to back pain and pain in the lower abdomen. Try doing some low-impact exercises and stretching but only after prior consultation with your doctor.
8. Mood Swings
Hormonal changes can definitely affect your emotions. You may find yourself experiencing an array of emotions, from being sad and low-spirited to happy and joyous.
9. Bleeding Gums
Changes in the hormone levels of your body also lead to inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
10. Heartburn
The growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach and your expanding body slows down the digestion process. The pressure on the stomach causes the acids to move upwards, causing heartburn. Eat at regular times and try eating small meals.
11. Varicose Veins
As the uterus expands, it compresses the blood vessels and slows down the circulation of blood. This causes the swelling of the veins in your legs. Your increasing weight could also add to the load on the circulatory system leading to the appearance of varicose veins.
12. Nasal Congestion
Increased blood volume leads to the swelling and inflammation of the nasal passages. This, in turn, leads to a stuffy or blocked nose.
13. Food Cravings
It is very common for expectant mothers to develop a craving for some types of food. Alternatively, you could even develop a dislike of the smell or taste of certain foods and other substances too.
If you notice any of these symptoms during the third month of pregnancy, don’t get too worried about them as they’re all a natural part of this phenomenon.
Physical and Emotional Changes in the Third Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy belly will slowly start to show during the third month of pregnancy, as your uterus will now be about the size of a grapefruit. The uterus is lifted up into the abdomen area and covers the entire pelvic region. You will definitely experience physical and emotional changes in this phase. Some of these changes might occur in the second or third trimester, if not the first itself.
1. Tender Breasts
Your breasts become tender as your body prepares for breastfeeding. The size of the breasts increase and the areola becomes darker and larger.
2. Visible Stretch Marks
You will notice stretch marks on your belly and breasts, as a result of your skin stretching during pregnancy.
3. Dark Line on the Abdomen
The melanocyte-stimulating hormone that is produced by the placenta causes the darkening of the nipples. It also leads to the darkening of the line running down from the middle of your abdomen to your pubic bone.
4. Mood Swings and Depression
It is quite common to experience mood swings and depression during this trimester. Your body gets bigger and you may become increasingly conscious of your bigger appearance.
5. Sleep Disturbance
You may find variations in your sleep pattern and could find yourself waking up in the middle of the night. Blame it on the change in your hormone levels.
6. Lack of Libido
Most women feel a sense of excitement and romance during the first trimester; however, they tend to lose interest in sex by the end of this time. It could be because of the fluctuation in hormone levels and also due to changes in physical appearance that lead to self-consciousness.
Foetal Development During the Third Month of Pregnancy
What is your baby like when you’re three months pregnant? It would be too early to feel any particular movements but you will feel and experience the baby’s presence in the womb. You are sure to be curious to know what is happening inside! By the third month, your baby will be about 3.5 inches long weighing approximately 0.04 kilos - the size of a ripe plum or lemon. The embryo gets settled inside the uterus and the organs start their growth too.
BODY PARTS
DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE
Head
Due to the development of the brain, the head will be slightly bigger than the body.
Skin
The skin is transparent with the veins visible through it. The baby’s fingerprints are formed.
Eyelids
The eyelids, on formation, protect the baby’s eyes by covering them entirely.
Mouth
The baby’s tongue and larynx begin to develop; the jaws and the upper lip are formed during this time as well.
Thumb
The baby begins to suck the thumb and also starts getting hiccups.
Heart
The heart develops, complete with a heartbeat, which can be heard using electronic monitoring devices.
Musculoskeletal system
The muscle and bone structure of the baby is formed.
Movements
Your baby will begin to kick, stretch, twist, and turn. However, since the uterus still lies over the pelvis, you may not feel all these movements.
Bone marrow
The bone marrow begins the production of white blood cells to keep the baby healthy
Intestine
This organ begins to contract and relax to aid digestion.
Pancreas
The pancreases start to function and secrete insulin.
Kidneys
The kidneys start the excretion of urine into the bladder.
Other parts
Distinct fingers and toes along with fingernails and toenails are formed. The little hands can now open and close. The nose and the ears of the baby will be seen on the scan. The neck will be formed during this time, along with the hair follicles and nipples.
If you are pregnant with twins, the growth in the 3rd month of pregnancy for the twin foetuses will be the same as above.
To-Do List for the Third Month of Pregnancy
A to-do list for the third month of your pregnancy will help you focus on your health and remain fit until the delivery.
1. Eat Healthily
You will have cravings, for sure! However, your pregnancy diet during the third month must consist of a wholesome, healthy, and balanced combination of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, nuts, grains, rice, etc. Your diet should comprise of the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required not just for your good health but also for the health of your baby.
2. Get Adequate Rest
Fatigue is very common and you must take rest when you do not feel alright. Invest in some maternity pillows to rest comfortably.
3. Administer Supplements
Take folic acid supplements to avoid any birth defects and other vitamin supplements as advised by the doctor.
4. Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene
You will be very prone to contracting infections at this stage, so make sure you follow proper hygiene and cleanliness standards for everything, from cooking to cleaning to gardening. Keep your vaginal area clean and dry as well. Ditch synthetic fabrics during this period and get your hands on cotton undies that will be comfortable and breathable.
5. Pay Attention to Your Dental Health
Schedule an appointment with the dentist as you may be prone to bleeding gums and aching teeth, due to the changes in your hormone levels. It’s important to take great care of your gums during this period, as developing gum diseases can also affect the health of your developing baby.
6. Gain Knowledge About the Birthing Process
Enrol in childbirth education classes to cope with anxiety, stress, and other issues.
7. Communicate
A very crucial aspect, make sure you communicate enough with your partner, close friends or relatives about any issues or apprehensions that you have. It is important to take your loved ones into confidence to get some reassurance regarding your problems, and to avoid falling into depression.
8. Quit Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol are strictly not recommended as it could prove detrimental to your baby’s health and could also lead to a miscarriage.
9. Limit Your Intake of Caffeine
Cut down your intake of hot beverages like coffee and tea, as it increases the risk of suffering a miscarriage and can result in the low birth weight of the baby.
10. Exercise
Indulge in simple exercises like walking and swimming. Avoid sports which carry a risk of a fall or pressure on joints.
11. Stay Active
Try to keep yourself engaged in activities that will keep your mind engaged. Knit, paint or sketch to stay stress-free.
Exercises You Can Do During the Third Month of Pregnancy
A few exercises to stay fit during the third month of pregnancy:
Morning Walk: It helps to beat fatigue and morning sickness. It refreshes you and increases blood flow in the body.
Swimming: This activity is highly recommended for pregnant women as a great form of exercise. It tones your muscles, stretches your ligaments, and increases blood circulation.
Pilates: This activity helps build strength and increases your flexibility.
Low-impact aerobics: This activity strengthens your heart, tones your muscles and relieves you of body pain.
Yoga: Performed under professional guidance, it could do wonders for you and your baby.
Precautions to Follow During the Third Month of Pregnancy
Here is a list of precautions you should consider:
Avoid lifting heavy objects and doing stressful activities that will apply pressure on the womb.
Stay away from spicy, oily and fatty food to keep away from digestion troubles.
Wear loose-fitting clothes and a comfortable bra.
Wear comfortable footwear which is flat and does not put any pressure on your feet, and consequently, your back.
Quit smoking, alcohol and drugs entirely to ensure your baby’s good health.
What to Expect During Your Visit to the Ob/Gyn
Your doctor will check the following:
Your health history and that of your parents
Any previous medical conditions you’ve had
Your weight and blood pressure
The baby’s heartbeat, which would only be audible on the hand doppler after 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy
The size of your abdomen to approximate the size and fundal height of the uterus (which only starts to become palpable post the third month of pregnancy)
Lab Tests
Some of the tests performed in the 3rd month of pregnancy are as follows:
1. Urine Test - To determine the levels of sugar and protein in the body and to check for any infection
2. Blood Test - To detect your blood group and Rh factor to check for anaemia
3. Fluid Retention Test - To check if you have any swelling in the arms and legs
4. First-trimester Screening Tests - An ultrasound is conducted to determine any risk to the foetus, to screen for birth and genetic defects, and to detect markers of chromosomal disorders.
5. Maternal Serum Screening Tests - A series of tests are conducted to assess whether you face the risk of giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome, Edward Syndrome, or any neural tube defects.
6. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) - This is a diagnostic test carried out on those pregnant women who are at high risk for the conditions mentioned above. It is carried out during the 11-13 week of pregnancy to check whether the unborn child will be having any congenital defects.
Ultrasound Scan
The Nuchal translucency (NT) scan is a 3-month pregnancy scan done to examine the amniotic fluid parameters, the position of the placenta in the uterus, and to assess any risk of abnormality in the foetus.
FAQs
1. Is Detecting a Neural Tube Defect Possible During the 3rd Month of Pregnancy?
Spina bifida or neural tube defect is a congenital malformation that can be detected during the first trimester. It can be detected more accurately during the second trimester through an ultrasound scan.
2. How Much Weight Will I Gain by the Third Month of Pregnancy?
Since the baby is still small, you will gain about 1 or 2 kilos by the end of the first trimester. However, some women tend to lose weight due to aversions towards certain foods and morning sickness.
3. Can an Ultrasound Detect the Gender of the Baby by the Third Month?
The reproductive system of the baby is still developing at this point, so it will be difficult to determine the sex of the baby. The results will be about 75% accurate when done between 11-14 weeks of the gestation period.
5 Tips for the Dad-to-Be
Mommies, it's not you alone who has to follow a bunch of tips and precautions during this period. Dads-to-be, you need to take up some responsibility as well. Here are some helpful tips that will help you become a great partner and dad-to-be!
1. Help your partner with household chores to reduce her fatigue.
2. Support her by being there all the time as she might have no time left for social interactions.
3. Be supportive and understanding when she experiences her mood swings.
4. Talk to the baby to establish a bond.
5. Accompany her for all her doctor visits to know what is happening.
By the 12th week of your wife’s pregnancy, there is a good chance that even you’ll experience pregnancy symptoms - yes, it’s true! Known as the couvade syndrome or sympathetic pregnancy, it’s a condition in which the partner experiences certain pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, minor weight gain, and disturbed sleep. Now, don’t worry if you notice these symptoms. Indulge in the same home remedies your wife tries out to gain relief from these symptoms.
Moms-to-be, the third month is a crucial period for your pregnancy. You will no longer experience nausea and vomiting but you will have more medical visits. It is definitely an exciting phase and the changes in your body will certainly make you conscious of the fact that you have a little one growing inside you. Get ready to make the announcement officially!
Also Read: Third Month Pregnancy Diet Read more
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Baby Sleeping Position - What is Safe?
Wrong sleeping positions in Infants or newborn can sometimes lead to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). SIDS in children is caused due to suffocation or strangulation. If you have an infant at home, it is essential that you know all about the ideal sleeping positions for babies and how certain sleeping positions can cause sudden deaths in newborn babies.
Which Sleeping Practices Increase the Risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI)?
You may have observed infants sleeping in various positions. Some of these sleeping positions increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). SUDI is a broad term that encompasses all sudden deaths in infants including SIDS which is generally caused due to suffocation in a newborn.
Safe and Unsafe Infant Sleeping Positions
Here are few safe and un-safe infant sleeping positions that all parents and baby care-takers must know about.
1. Sleep On Stomach Position
Risk Involved
The Sleep-on-stomach position for babies is highly unsafe for the following reasons:
This position may put some pressure on baby’s jaws and block airways making it difficult for the baby to breathe.
Sleeping on the stomach makes the baby lie with his face very close to the sheet, making him breathe the same air. This may result in the breathing in recycled air which is low in oxygen
Sleeping on the stomach on a very soft mattress may cause suffocation in babies. The risk of rebreathing the exhaled air is higher while lying on a soft mattress because the baby’s face slacks deeper into the soft fabric of the mattress. This might block the baby’s airways from all sides.
Also, because of the nose placed very close to the mattress in this position, the baby ends up breathing in the microbes present in the sheet covering the mattress, and this may lead to allergies
However, sometimes, in case of certain medical conditions, doctors may advise parents to put the baby to sleep in the stomach position. Usually, children with gastroesophageal reflux or certain upper-airway malformations like Pierre Robin Syndrome are advised to sleep in this position, but recent studies do not support this reasoning. Hence, it is advisable to consult the physician properly before putting the baby to sleep on his/her stomach.
2. Sleep On Back Position
Sleep on back position is the safest and the best sleeping position for the baby. It is the most suggested sleeping position for babies as it keeps the airways open. The US NICHD (National Institute of child health and human development) recommends the sleep-on-back position for short naps as well as for sound sleep throughout the night in babies.
Risks Involved
Children lying on the same back position for a long time may suffer from ‘positional plagiocephaly’, a case of flattened head, or the baby may also suffer from ‘brachycephaly’, a case of flattened back. But these are temporary conditions and the shape of both the skull and the back becomes normal as soon as the baby turns one and hardly needs any treatment. Some techniques can help to avoid these conditions altogether.
More tummy time when the baby is awake
Turning the baby on the sides while he/she is not asleep
Reducing the time spent in carriers or car-seaters
3. Sleep On The Side Position
Sleeping on the side is not a recommended infant sleeping position, as an infant tends to eventually roll-on to their tummy while asleep and this increases the risk of SIDS.
Tips for Safe Baby Sleep
Here are some tips to ensure that your baby has a sound and good night’s sleep.
1. Use a Firm Mattress for the Baby’s Bed
Many parents make the mistake of choosing soft mattresses for babies. This must be avoided. Babies must be put to sleep in firm beds. Also, use of bumper pads, pillows, or soft-toys inside the baby’s crib must be avoided as it may accidentally cover the baby’s head.
2. Avoid Quilts and Comforters
Usage of materials like quilts and comforters on top of the mattress to make the bedding soft must be avoided. It may make the baby sink under the bedding which can be risky in case of an infant. Just place a clean, fitting mattress inside the crib and cover it with a clean bed sheet, and that is enough for your baby to have a comfortable sleep.
3. Tug the Blanket Properly
Blankets should only cover the babies up to the chest. The arms must be kept outside the blanket to ensure that the blanket does not get rolled up to the head, suffocating the baby. Sleeping bags with fitted neck and armholes are available in the market and are highly recommended. They are safe and keep the baby warm too.
4. Night Clothes Should be Light Clothes
It’s important to dress the baby up in light clothes for a good night’s sleep.
5. Keep the Room Cool at Night
It is also suggested that children should be put to sleep in a cool environment, preferably 20 degrees centigrade.
6. Use Pacifiers If Necessary
The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) suggests that infants can be given pacifiers just before sleep-time. However, forcing new-borns to use pacifiers is not advisable. Wait till they are about 4 weeks old before you even try it.
7. Avoid Co-Sleeping With the Baby
Infants sharing beds with parents, siblings or even with his/her twin is not advisable. Co-sleeping with baby can increase the chances of SIDS. When in sleep, your arms or breast or your clothes may accidentally cover your baby’s face and end up suffocating the baby. In India, co-sleeping with the baby is a common norm as it is easy to feed the baby at night. But now you know why it must be avoided!
8. Share the Same Room
It is important that the baby’s crib is installed in the same room as the parents. It makes breastfeeding convenient, and it is easy for the parents to keep a close watch on the baby’s sleeping positions. Room-sharing and not bed-sharing is recommended by the AAP as a baby sleep safety guideline.
FAQs
1. Can Babies Sleep on Their Stomach?
As discussed earlier, it is not recommended for babies or infants to sleep on their stomachs. But as babies become 4 to 5 months old, they learn to roll from their back to their stomach, which is absolutely normal. By this time, the risk of SIDS lowers in children, and hence it is okay to allow the baby to find his/her own comfortable position. A 5-month-old baby will be able to turn his/her head to the side and keep the mouth and nose free for breathing. However, it is advisable to keep a watch while the baby is asleep and place the baby on the back while putting him/her to sleep.
Please note that babies sleeping on their tummy are at a high risk of SIDS only till they are about 4-month-old but it remains a considerable threat till they are about 12 months of age.
2. Can Babies Sleep on Their Side?
The side sleeping position for babies is not particularly alarming. But recent research shows that babies who sleep on the side eventually turn on their tummy, and this increases the risk of SIDS. Babies tend to learn to roll over by the age of six months, and may roll over from the back to a side position. If this is the case, you can let the baby continue to sleep on his side as the rolling over indicates strong internal organs and low risk of choking. However, if the baby rolls over to the side before six months of age, ensure you put them back in the back position.
3. Why Does Baby Sleep in Fencing Reflex in the Back Sleep Position?
Fencing reflex is also known as the Tonic Neck reflex. It is one of the many involuntary movements exhibited by infants while sleeping. In this case, when a baby is put to sleep on his/her back, the baby’s head turns to one side with the arms and legs extended to the same side. This prevents the baby from rolling from their back position to stomach. It must be noted that this self-precautionary movement will disappear anytime between 3 to 6 months of age.
4. What If My Baby is Finding It Difficult to Sleep on the Back?
In many cases, infants may not be comfortable sleeping on their backs and may lack sound sleep. But it is important for parents to get the babies used to sleeping on the back to avoid SIDS. Gradually, they will adjust and fall asleep.
Also, babies suffering from a congested nose may not feel comfortable sleeping on their backs. In these cases, place a humidifier in baby’s room. This will moisten the air and loosen congestion.
5. What If My Baby Chokes While Sleeping on the Back?
Healthy babies don’t usually choke while sleeping on the back. It has been established that even babies with gastroesophageal reflux disease do not choke when put to sleep on the back. One must only take care not to put babies to sleep with a feeding bottle in their mouths. This can cause choking as well as an ear infection.
6. Which are the Best Sleeping Positions for Preterm Babies?
Pre-term infants are at a very high risk of SIDS. It is advisable that pre-term infants too should be put to sleep on the back. But in very rare cases, if the infant is suffering from acute respiratory disease, then he/she can be put to sleep on the stomach under very strict observation. In fact, this is only advisable in a highly monitored inpatient setting.
7. Can Sleep Positioners Help My Baby to Sleep on Back and Reduce the Risk of SIDS?
FDA (Food and Drug Administration), a federal agency of United States Department of Health and Human Services, does not approve of sleep positioners to put infants to sleep. Using a baby sleep positioner to help a baby sleep on his/her back is dangerous and must be avoided.
New-born babies can be prone SIDS and SUDI on account of incorrect sleeping positions. It is therefore essential to know about various sleeping positions and the risks they pose to new-born babies. Taking time out to learn this necessary information will go a long way in keeping your new-born safe and healthy. Read more
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10 Surprising Benefits of Chewing Gum for Your Mind & Body
Everybody enjoys chewing gums; they would pop one while driving, relaxing, after a meal or simply to enjoy their oral fixation with something sweet. While you might already know that chewing gum is good for the teeth and keeping the mouth fresh, they also have a number of other surprising health benefits. Continue reading for all the pros of chewing gum that you need to be aware of.
What Are The Advantages of Chewing Gum?
Like all things, when done excessively, chewing gum can have negative effects such as jaw strain or migraines in some people. However, positive effects of chewing gum can be reaped with moderate use every day. Here are some of the advantages of chewing gum:
1. Prevents Cavities and Improves Oral Health
This is probably the one fact about chewing gum that most people know; it’s good for your teeth. Sugar-free gum is known in particular to be effective in preventing tooth decay with its effects being similar to mouthwash and toothpaste that contain fluoride. Chewing on a sugarless gum just for 20 minutes after a meal can keep teeth decay and gingivitis at bay. Basically, it works by increasing secretion of saliva in the mouth and removing food particles and acids on the teeth, which would otherwise lead to tooth decay. Saliva further helps keep the enamel strong by supplying it with calcium and phosphate to strength it. This means the teeth have greater resistance to decay and cavities. To give an extra boost to prevent teeth decay, choose gums with xylitol that come with extra minerals to strengthen the teeth. (1)
2. Eases Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a complicated problem where the stomach acids move up the oesophagus (food pipe) and chest congestion while damaging it simultaneously, which gives rise to the familiar burning sensation in the throat or chest. Surprisingly, chewing gum is a good way to ease acid reflux by clearing up the food pipe and neutralising the acids to give some relief. One study shows that chewing gum clears up the oesophagus by increasing the swallowing reflex and neutralising the acids as the gum makes the saliva more alkaline. This means the acid reflux is reduced to give you a soothing relief while reducing inflammation.
3. Improves Digestion
While chewing gum has no direct influence on the digestive process, chewing gum before a meal actually improves digestion. This happens because the chewing action stimulates the mouth to produce saliva and the stomach to produce digestive acids effectively preparing the system for a meal. Therefore not only will it ease in swallowing food but also improves digestion by getting the stomach ready. Chewing gum after a meal not only helps keep the mouth healthy but also helps in avoiding indigestion by further stimulating the digestive process.
4. Fights Nausea
People who are prone to morning or motion sickness can get great relief by chewing on a piece of gum, especially the herbal types that have ginger in them to aid in salivary production and digestion. Surprisingly, a recent study even shows that chewing gum can be just as effective as prescription drugs for nausea. It’s also worthwhile to note that chewing gums are frequently prescribed after a major bowel surgery by surgeons to help stimulate the digestive system. More studies back up this practice as an effective intervention thanks to its lack of side effects and low cost.
5. Helps manage weight by improving eating habits
Chewing gum is a good way to keep your cravings at bay when you are trying to lose weight. Popping a sugar-free gum when you feel cravings for a sugary snack is a good way to immediately reward yourself without all the additional calories and tricking your brain according to studies. This is also an excellent way for you to stop yourself from mindless nibbles of high-calorie snacks while watching TV or relaxing. Therefore if you’re looking to ward off your food cravings, grab a stick of gum instead of a sugary treat to cut out all the unnecessary calories.
6. Improves Memory and Cognitive Performance
If you’re engaged in a brain-intensive task, you could do better by chewing gum for brain. One study shows that chomping on gum while the subjects were involved in a range of tests improved memory and cognitive function, helping them do better than the control group who didn’t chew gum. It is believed that the increased heart rate and blood flow to the brain is responsible for the boost observed. Medical tests showed increased brain activity in the hippocampus, which is an area responsible for concentration and reaction times due to increased oxygen supply to the brain.
7. Lowers Stress and Anxiety
If you’ve ever been nervous or anxious, you will notice that you shake your legs or bite your nails for comfort, chewing gum in stressful situations works more or less the same. Chewing on a piece of gum is just as good a way to release your nervous energy and a better substitute for your instinctive nervousness habits. One study from 2011 showed that participants found that those who chewed gum twice a day for two weeks reported significantly lowered anxiety levels than non-chewers. They also found lower fatigue levels and higher moods in gun-chewers. It is thought that chewing gum has a calming effect because of the reduction in stress hormone cortisol it brings to the people.
8. Increases Alertness
Many people cannot function at their best unless they have six to eight hours of sleep, and it’s often the case that they miss that all-important sleep. Instead of chugging coffee and popping caffeine pills, you can get plenty of alertness by chewing a stick of gum. Studies show that chewing gum and the associated jaw movement combats sleepiness during the day by increasing brain activity. The constant stimulation of the nerves linked to the arousal increases blood flow to the brain, making you more alert. Mint flavoured gums are extra effective in helping you keep fresh and alert throughout.
9. Eases Ear Blockages
Many people find it uncomfortable to fly in as the pressurised cabin can block the ears or cause irritation and pain. A good way to relieve this is with a pack of gum. Instead of pinching your nose and trying to blow your ears clear, chewing a stick of gum will naturally help the air pressure in the ear equalize with the outside pressure. It is also an effective remedy to drain water that gets clogged in the ears after a shower or a swim. Chewing motion helps clear the sinus cavities and push the liquids further out, clearing the ear.
10. Prevents Dry Mouth and Freshens Breath
One of the reasons your mouth stinks is due to the lack of salivary flow and the growth of excess bacteria that follows. Chewing gum stimulates your salivary glands and keeps your mouth fresh all day while killing the nasty bacteria. A sugar-free mint flavours gum is all you need is a fresh feel in your mouth throughout the day.
FAQs
Here we answer some FAQs about chewing gum:
1. How Long should I Chew Gum to Get Chiseled Jawline?
Although there are no studies to show conclusively that chewing gum improves your jawline, the basic principle behind chewing gum benefits for face is similar to how exercising improves the shape of the body to make it look appealing. Chewing gum regularly exercises the jaw muscle Masseter that controls chewing motion. One or two hours a day of chewing gum is on the acceptable side; if you over do it, it can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
2. How Many Pieces of Gum Should I Chew in a Day to Get the Maximum Benefits?
You can chew a minimum of three pieces of gum a day, one after every meal for the best results for your teeth. Another gum or two during the day should be fine for the rest of the health benefits. If you reach number such as fifteen of twenty chewing gums a day, that’s the danger zone.
This brings us to the question is chewing gum good for health? The answer is mostly yes; when you chew gum in moderation. When you begin to notice the positive effects, it’s best to stick to that and not try to over-do it.
Also Read: Best Ways to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes Read more
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Karan Johar's Response to This Woman Saying His Twins 'Lack a Mother's Love' is Spot-on!
The concept of parenthood was never really limited to the ideal scenario of ‘dad, mom, and child’, although it has conventionally been so in India. Today, however, a large number of people are choosing to become parents through methods like IVF, adoption, or surrogacy. While these avenues aren’t completely free of stigma, it’s safe to say that people are opening up to such options when it comes to embracing parenthood.
However, not everyone is openly accepting of these ‘unconventional’ methods, as seen by a recent tweet by Twitter user, Chand Sultana Dora. She claimed that producer-director Karan Johar’s twins, Roohi and Yash, are being deprived of a mother’s love, probably seeing as how Karan is raising them as a single father. While the original tweet has been deleted, Karan’s response to the comment speaks volumes about his anger at this accusation! He replied:
‘Ma’m!! With all due respect! Get a life! There are larger issues the country is combatting at the moment and it can very well do without your narrow mindedness! My babies are being LOVED and that’s all that matters...and FYI they have a mother!! My mother! Get it! ???’
Source: https://twitter.com/dora_chand/status/1096126248894423040
In fact, his sincere (and quite frank!) tweet was met with a response from Chand, who seems to have repented her words. She wrote:
“Sir i truely believe that they r being loved & getting much more facilities from many children of this world.”
Source: https://twitter.com/dora_chand/status/1096126248894423040
While her original comment may have been hurtful and unwarranted, Chand’s second statement seems to display a change of mind about her earlier stance.
Many celebrities have welcomed their babies through surrogacy - there’s Sunny Leone, Shah Rukh Khan, Tusshar Kapoor, his sister Ekta Kapoor, who recently joined the parenting bandwagon, and so many others. Karan Johar is also part of that list - the producer-director became a father to twins Roohi and Yash in the month of February, in 2017.
He is a devoted parent (his Instagram bio reads - A father and then a filmmaker - aawww!) to his little ones, so it’s obvious why a statement about his children not being loved enough would elicit such a response from him. In a recent interview, he did mention that being a single parent can be daunting sometimes. He tries his best to make sure that they do not feel incomplete in any sense, since they don’t have the presence of their mother in their lives. However, Karan’s mother, Hiroo, is a big part of their family and they’re actually co-parenting the twins - in fact, his kids call her ‘mama’ and not ‘dadi’! Seems like things are as Karan expressed in his tweet - Roohi and Yash are very much receiving all the maternal affection they need!
[caption id="attachment_222741" align="alignnone" width="533"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsayBSrDCmW/[/caption]
Whether you’re a conventional family of two-parents-and-kids, or are single-handedly parenting your child (whether by choice or circumstance), or have chosen to welcome kids into your life through methods like IVF, adoption, or surrogacy, what truly matters is how you treat your child. If your little one is loved to the moon and back, by you and the different people in his or her life, then that’s all that truly matters! Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
16 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
16 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
12 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
12 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreSwati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Do consult your doctor as soon as you can. It's important to find the real reason because without that, proper medication is not possible.
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. it's my 5 month n I still didn't went for check up yet not even once is it okay if I go now or?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. You should have started going from the very beginning itself once you get to know you’re pregnant but since you haven’t reached that now if you’re pregnancy has been healthy last five months please get it checked with your doctor also if you need to start with any supplements or diet the doctor would advise you after a ultrasound so please visit your gynaecologist
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