Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Hygiene during Pregnancy - Why It Is Important and Tips to Maintain
Maintaining personal hygiene during pregnancy is just as important as having a nutritional diet and proper exercise to keep yourself healthy. Most women believe that staying away from dirty areas and washing their hands is equivalent to being hygienic. While those might be good starting points, that isn’t enough to cover all aspects of personal hygiene during pregnancy. The importance of it cannot be stressed enough, and there are numerous aspects related to your body that you should focus on during this phase.
Why is Hygiene Important in Pregnancy?
Be it during pregnancy or after delivery, every decision that you make which affects your body and your mind affects the well-being of your child. Even the most straightforward choices of keeping yourself clean are connected to the baby’s health as well.
Having poor hygiene can put you at risk of being exposed to numerous bacteria and microbes, all of which can get you infected since your immune system is not as strong as before. Certain infections can reach your baby and affect him as well, at his most vulnerable stage of growth, causing the possibility of long-term defects. Apart from bacteria, if any toxic chemicals or substances find their way inside you, the consequences could be catastrophic when all that could prevent it from happening would be simple basic hygiene.
How to Maintain Hygiene when Pregnant?
There are a bunch of areas you ought to focus on when attempting to maintain proper hygiene throughout your pregnancy.
1. Hair & Skin Hygiene
A lot of nutrients are taken from your body to help the child grow, which affect your skin in different ways. Furthermore, the secretion of oil within the glands of the hair gets a kick as well, causing oily hair to be a recurring situation in most pregnant women. Hence, shampooing your hair on a regular basis is essential to rid them of the excess oil and maintain hair texture. Since the skin can react quickly to any extremities, don’t spend extended hours in bathtubs or waters. A shower is a better choice. When choosing soaps and shampoos, treat yourself to the ones made from natural oils and substances since they are safer and gentler on your skin.
2. Clothing
When organising your wardrobe for better clothes or purchasing newer ones, keep a few ideas in mind to help you choose better.
Opt for clothes that you can wash with detergents that have antibacterial qualities. When choosing clothes, go for ones that are a bit lose and can be worn easily. Choose cotton clothes that can absorb sweat and change them as soon as they get sweaty. When purchasing a maternity bra, go for the one with pads that can absorb milk leaks from your nipples.
3. Personal Hygiene
Taking care of your own body, and specifically, your intimate regions is a necessity at this stage. Bathe daily and pay extra attention to the pubic region to keep it clean and free from any infection. Choose soaps that are plain and natural near your vagina so that it doesn’t disturb its natural pH balance. Remember to wash your hands before eating anything and keep a sanitizer handy.
4. Oral Hygiene
Dental hygiene and pregnancy go hand-in-hand since what you eat is what the baby eats as well. Taking care of your teeth and your gums become even more necessary, given the numerous changes within your body. Talk to your doctor about using a gum ointment to soothe the inflammation in them. An elevation in the levels of estrogen can cause them to swell up and be extra sensitive, which can hurt quite a bit. Do remember to brush your teeth two times in a day no matter what. Keeping the buildup of plaque in check is necessary, and flossing can help you with that, too.
5. Breast Care
Breast hygiene during pregnancy is necessary, too. Most women observe colostrum leaks towards the end of the first trimester. This needs to be cleaned regularly, for damp breasts can easily get itchy and unhygienic. Change bra pads regularly after they get wet and use lotions to treat nipple cracks as suggested by your doctor.
Hygiene is one factor that is important in every stage of life. Its importance increases when you are pregnant, and it works to your benefit in focusing on the specifics of it. Pretty soon, you will be holding your child in your own hands and feeding him off your breasts, so it is best you stay clean and healthy to have him the same way.
Also Read: Tips for Breast and Nipple Care during Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
Co-Sleeping Benefits, Risks & Safety Guidelines
With a sudden rush of emotions at the arrival of your new born, you make unsaid promises to yourself to make the world a beautiful and safe place to live in. As a new parent, you do not want to go a second without your baby every day and night. This is when the major decision must be taken of co-sleeping or not.
Video: Co-sleeping - Benefits, Risks & Safety Guidelines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ9YWFWemm4
What is Co-Sleeping and How Common is it?
Co-sleeping is a broad term, which, in simple words, can be defined as sleeping with your baby in close proximity. It does not necessarily mean sleeping with your baby on an adult bed. You can have your baby sleep in a bassinet or a crib placed close to your bed. However, bed sharing-with a new born is common practise as babies are comforted by proximity to the mother.
Co-sleeping is more common than you think. It is one of the most debated practices prevailing across the globe for several years. While this is a common practise in India, experts have opposing views on its advisability is it is believed to raise the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Sleeping in the same room is seen as a viable alternative to sharing a bed.
Japan and Hong Kong are reported to be among the top countries to practice co-sleeping with minimal SIDS, hence proving its advantage.
Benefits
Co-sleeping has many benefits attributed to it. It helps in many ways as the baby is close enough to you, to see, hear, touch and smell. Some of the noted benefits of co-sleeping are:
Breastfeeding made easier
Co-sleeping is a boon to breastfeeding mothers, especially when they are bed-sharing with their new born, as they can tend to their little one’s need as and when required. This ensures continuation in milk supply and also helps in better mother-baby bonding by making the mother more responsive to the baby’s cues.
Peaceful sleep
Some babies get startled in their sleep. Co-sleeping babies can be immediately calmed down as the mother is within reach. This ensures peaceful sleep for both the parents and the baby, as not much time is wasted in putting the crying baby at ease.
Physiological stability
Co-sleeping babies have been reported to have more stable temperatures, regular heart rhythms, and fewer long pauses in breathing in comparison to babies who sleep alone. Therefore, they have a stable physiological growth.
Reduces fatigue
After a tiring day at work or home, the best thing anyone can have is uninterrupted sleep. While co-sleeping, the mother can check on the baby with a mere glance or touch rather than having to move from one room to the other.
Reduces stress
Stress hormones are considerably lower in co-sleeping mothers and babies as co-sleeping maintains the balance in the stress hormone cortisol. Remaining stress-free is important for a baby’s overall healthy growth.
Diminishes possibility of SIDS if done correctly
This might seem contradictory as co-sleeping is often linked with SIDS. However, the fact is that the risk of SIDS is diminished with co-sleeping as the mothers can monitor the sleeping position of the babies. The risk emerges when babies sleep on their tummy or roll over to their tummy from the side. The babies should ideally sleep on their back to eliminate the risk of SIDS. If you are co-sleeping with your baby, ensure to follow the safety guidelines (listed below).
Safety Guidelines for Bed Sharing
While there is no conclusive data to back the claim, bed-sharing has been flagged as one of the possible cause of SIDS. Hence, to be on the safe side, a certain amount of care must be taken to ensure safe bed sharing with a newborn.
A few things that should be given utmost importance are:
Do not co-sleep with your infant if you or your partner have been smoking or have been under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other form of intoxication, lest you pass out unaware of the baby’s presence.
Breastfeeding mothers should not doze off while the little one is still suckling.
Mothers who bottle-feed their infants must place the baby’s head at a 30-degree angle to avoid choking.
Although lots of cushions and pillows look picture-worthy, they must be avoided while co-sharing the bed with a baby to avoid suffocation.
The bed should be large enough to accommodate the number of people sleeping on it to avoid congestion.
The mattress must have a firm surface and soft fabric. Avoid using water beds, couch or recliners to co sleep.
Mothers with long hair should tie their hair up into a bun or any other way to avoid infant entanglement.
Bed-sharing, if shared by two adults and a baby, must be done with mutual consent and understanding, so the adults are aware of the baby’s presence while they are asleep.
Avoid using huge blankets that might cover the baby’s face making it difficult for the baby to breathe.
Keep the speed of the ceiling fan or the temperature of the air conditioner in the room suitable to your baby’s requirement. Too hot or too cold can lead to extreme body temperature and put the baby at risk of SIDS.
Avoid swaddling your baby if co-sleeping. Sleeping together may cause overheating, and a baby who is swaddled will not be able to move around or alert a parent if it occurs.
Premature and low-birth weight babies are at a higher risk of SIDS. While co-sleeping ensures they receive consistent care and feeding throughout the night, it also raises concerns about regulating body temperature and increases the risk of being smothered. Ensure to meet the baby sleep safety guidelines discussed in the above points to lower these risks.
Risks of Co-sleeping
Like everything else in the world, co-sleeping has its own evils. Although it helps in better bonding, it comes with a lot of repercussions. A woman in the U.S. was recently imprisoned for her negligence while co-sleeping which led to her baby’s death, triggering the debate of various risks involved in co-sleeping. Some of the risks are:
A recent study suggests that co-sleeping or bed sharing with your new born up to the age of 0-5 months is the main contributor to SIDS.
Babies might get trapped by the bed-frames, headboard or footboard.
Falling off bed, if left unattended
Getting stuck between the bed and wall
Having an unaware individual sleeping beside the baby with negligence
Being suffocated by pillows, blankets or soft toys placed around the bed
Long Term Effects on the Child Due to Bed Sharing
Co-sleeping effects both the physiological development of the baby and psychological development of children.
Listed below are some of the positive outcomes of co-slept babies as opposed to sleep alone babies:
Happier and less anxious
Higher self-esteem
Not afraid of sleep
Fewer behavioral problems
Comfortable with intimacy
Better attachment with parents
Better adjusted
More independent
While there are several positive effects of the practice, the possible negative aspects cannot be ignored. Some of these include:
Inability to self-soothe
Lack of coping skills
Stunted identity
Please note that the long-term effects will vary across children, and many of the potential negative effects can be averted by following positive parenting practices such as helping the child learn to self-soothe and teaching them to be self-reliant.
Conclusion: Weighing in all the benefits and risks, parents can decide what is best for them and their baby. Safety guidelines must be followed if you want to co-sleep. If you decide against co-sleeping, make sure not to leave your baby alone without any adult supervision. It is a good idea to consider room-sharing so that you can still be close to your baby and ensure they are safe. Read more
Suggested for you
10 Best Horror Movies Your Kids Can Watch Without Getting Afraid
Most of us get scared at the thought of watching horror movies. And the idea of horror or scary movies for kids seems like an oxymoron. As a child, you must have dreaded watching scary movies. And now, your child must be afraid too. But do you know there are certain horror movies that your kids can watch without feeling nervous or afraid thinking about the outcome? We have compiled a list of horror movies that your kids can watch without getting scared. Take a look at our list.
Scary Movies Your Child Can Watch Fearlessly
A sense of adventure and thrill is always welcome. The idea is to ease up your little ones. So let them watch these movies - they will love these movies and would want to watch them again and again.
1. Monsters, Inc.
This is the story of two monsters - James P. 'Sulley' Sullivan and his one-eyed friend Mike Wazowski who are employed at the energy-producing factory Monsters, Inc. Their primary job is to scare kids. They think that children are toxic but their belief changes when a small child enters the factory. This animated movie will be surely loved by children.
2. Hotel Transylvania
This movie is about Count Dracula, who is the owner of a hotel called Hotel Transylvania, which is right in the middle of a forest. He invites some famous monsters to celebrate the 118th birthday of his daughter Mavis. Some famous classic characters such as the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family, Frankenstein’s monster and his wife, the Mummy, etc appear in this movie. For Dracula, all these monsters are not a problem, but the problem starts when an ordinary guy (human) comes as a guest in the hotel.
3. Monster House
The story revolves around a neighbourhood that has a small haunted house. The kids in the neighbourhood try to find the truth behind it, which puts them in dangerous situations. Your kids should not follow these kids though. Some scenes in the movie might be scary for children, so don't let them watch this movie alone.
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas
The movie is a musical animation. This would definitely grab the attention of your kids. The story centres around a character called Jack who is the king of the Halloween Town. When Jack discovers a portal that leads to the Christmas Town, a place with human beings, he decides to send them gifts. The Halloween-styled gifts he offers shows his intentions. The film is both creepy and charming in its colour treatment and fabrication of the story.
5. The Spiderwick Chronicles
This movie is about three kids moving into a house previously owned by Mr Spiderwick. One of the kids come across a chest that has details of how to find fairies and fantastic creatures roaming around the estate. The story poses the kid as a saviour but it is also a tale of a daughter who longs to meet her father. The happy ending of the story and all those magical creatures are bound to get your kids glued to the screen.
6. Goosebumps
The story is all about magical creatures who escaped their fantastic world when a teenage kid accidentally unleashes them from their respective books. These characters appear from the pages of fantasy novels. The onus then falls on a teenage child who tries to save his city from these evil creatures.
7. Casper
Probably the most lovable and friendly ghost in the history of films is Casper. Carrigan Crittenden moves into a mansion where four ghosts live. She asks a ghost therapist to get rid of the ghosts from the mansion. One of the ghosts, Casper (the spirit of the deceased 12-year-old boy) befriends the daughter of the therapist. The three ghosts are mischievous, but Casper is friendly. As the story unfolds, it tells the events that lead to Casper's death. At times, the story seems scary, but the tale of friendship can win your kid’s heart.
8. Labyrinth
The story is about a girl and her adventures. A mythical creature called Goblin king comes to life from the script of her school play and kidnaps her young brother. The Goblin king gives the girl 13 hours to solve a labyrinth upon which she would be able to rescue her brother. At times the film is scary, but it is thoroughly entertaining.
9. Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
Scooby-Doo is already a hit among kids as an animation series where a group of kids play as detectives trying to solve cases. The film is, however, a live action one. The film has its focus on the lovable dog Scooby-Doo and his friends who dig deeper to unearth mysteries and monsters.
10. Coraline
This movie is a story of an 11-year-old girl Coraline. She is adventurous and finds an idealised world behind a secret door in her new home, but it has dark secrets too. Watch this movie with your child to find out the secrets.
Get a tub of popcorn and sit with your kids to relive your childhood by watching these child-friendly horror movies. It would be fun to get scared together.
Also Read:
Best Educational Movies That Kids Will Enjoy
Classic Movies Your Kids Should Watch during Summer
Best Kids Movies On Netflix Your Child Will Love Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Best thing about new born baby that every mother knows
Newborn babies make the best noises. Not only they smell great but the soundtrack of their noise gives you an accompany of love. The newborn babies smell is the greatest pleasure your nose has ever known. Every mother can live that moment with me right now 'when baby is sleeping and making such cute noises'. This calm duration of a baby gives satisfaction to the mother who gives her whole day or a whole time to this little soul. This pure humming sound of a baby bee indicates the baby is enjoying his or her sleep and giving us the signal of happiness. Every activity of a baby depends on his or her sleep. If baby has taken a proper sleep then they can play energetically and also enjoy their meals. If you ever noticed, their noise while they are asleep gives you a hint of their sleep. Sometimes they don't make sounds while sleeping, means they are little awake and they are not getting a proper sleep. When they get up, they start crying. Meanwhile when babies make continues noise in their sleep that will give you a hint of happy baby. Most of the things depends on us, what environment we are giving them when they are sleeping. If there are sounds in the room then how can a little baby take their sleep properly. The very true fact about new borns are they can listen a very low sound also. Like if you attend a call in a medium voice even that unnoticeable sound will definately hit baby's ear. But we mothers give our every possible way to our child so that they can be comfortable in their modes. We fix our schedules according to them so that we can soothe them. Our daily routine is all depend on their daily routine. But at the end of the day, when they sleep in night we still see them sleeping and that happy face while sleeping gives us a relief or seems like a stress buster. Not but the least, this humming noise is everything for a mother. Shout out to a mother for giving an unconditional love to the pure soul and also shout out to a baby for giving satisfaction to their mothers. Read more
Suggested for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. hi,
I have done LFT in which SGOT is 58.80 & SGPT is 96.90,
and Bile test is 8.83.
my gyne is suggesting for pre term delivery in 37 weeks.
and other hospital gyne is saying it's normal.
please suggest what should I do, is it matter of concern?
do I have to do early delivery in as per report?
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
11 hours ago
A. It is not a pre-term degree once you enter into your nine months you can deliver any time and it will be a full-time delivery so see if your gynaecologist is suggesting you something go for that because she’s monitored your pregnancy throughout these nine months so I think she would not suggest you anything wrong of going a sec for a second opinion you go for what your gynaecologist suggesting but try going ahead with a normal delivery
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
10 hours ago
Q. y does my baby spit up so much,is it fault of my breast milk
does eating tamird make baby to spit up
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. nothing to do with mothers diet ok. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. difference between lactogen 2&3
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
10 hours ago
A. dear Mum the difference between lactogen 2 and 3 is related to the age
lactogen 2 is for the age group of after 6 months upto 12 months
lactogen 3 is formulated for the age group of after 12 months upto 18 months
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. Explain me procedure of epidural …how it works
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. most of the times the anaesthesia will be inside dura but in epidural it is above the dura matter oj. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. In august 2023 I diagnosed OHSS with ectopic pregnancy in September we abort that pregnancy after that my period cycle was not proper very irregular or scanty periods now can i plan next pregnancy naturally? How can i plan how to get rid of irregular periods
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. You have to take proper medications to balance your hormones and that is what is going to be helpful in a regular period cycle once your periods are regular you’ll be sure about the time when you’re on dating and that would be the right time for you to conceive so that is how you need to work upon it
Nishath kousar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
2 hours ago
Q. 6 month konse week se start hota hai
Nishath kousar
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
A. 24th week
Check out this new Memory
PUSALA SREENATH
Guardian of a 1 yr 8 m old boy and 8 m old boy
New Memory
#babyonboard
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Deepshikha
Mom of a 9 m old girl
9 mins ago
9 months
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Narayan dayma
Guardian of a 1 m old boy
14 mins ago
#babyonboard
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
DHANASHREE HIRE
Guardian of a Newborn girl
17 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
DHANASHREE HIRE
Guardian of a Newborn girl
22 mins ago
#babyonboard
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive