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Drinking Water in Copper Vessel during Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
According to Ancient Indian Ayurveda, drinking water kept in copper vessels has many health benefits. Ayurveda claims that copper purifies the water by freeing it of all harmful bacteria. We cannot say with absolute certainty that drinking water saved in the copper vessel is safe during pregnancy. A good diet during pregnancy can easily provide the required measure of copper needed by the body. Therefore, to include drinking water stowed in copper vessels while pregnant demands serious consideration.
Can Pregnant Women Drink Water Stored in Copper Vessel?
Yes, pregnant women can drink water accumulated in copper vessels. But it is difficult to be entirely sure because of limited research and lack of conclusive evidence. Not much is known as to how metals percolate into the water kept in a container made from them. Equally insufficient is the information regarding how much amount of metal in the stored water is safe while pregnant.
It is also vital to consider that many copper vessels may have a plating to protect it from tarnish and corrosion. But this protective shield can also prevent the amassed water from coming in touch with the metal. In such a scenario the water is in contact with the protective lining instead, which can influence the quality of accumulated water. In the absence of any standardisation, the material used during production of these vessels remains doubtful.
Thus, it is wise to exercise some caution when pregnant. In any case, it is always sensible to take your doctor’s advice to avoid any probable pregnancy-related complications later on.
Benefits of Drinking Water in Copper Vessel When Pregnant
Some of the benefits of using a copper vessel to drink water are:
1. Improves Digestive Health
Copper consists of anti-inflammatory properties which can help in effectively dealing with digestive issues during pregnancy like indigestion, gas and acidity during pregnancy.
2. Faster Healing of Wounds
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of copper can facilitate the healing of minor bodily wounds.
3. Increases Immunity
Copper can benefit the strengthening of the immune system thereby safeguarding pregnant women from falling prey to possible common cold and other diseases.
4. Supports the Thyroid Hormone
Consuming water stored in copper vessels can aid in the normal functioning of the thyroid hormone.
5. Assists in Iron Absorption
Drinking water collected in copper vessels can help the body to absorb iron better thus averting situations like anaemia during pregnancy.
6. Fights Water Borne Diseases
Copper is believed to disinfect the water. Therefore, drinking water stored in copper pots can prove beneficial in protecting pregnant women against water-borne viruses like cholera, Shigella, Salmonella, Hepatitis A.
7. Prevents Anaemia
Copper-infused water can encourage the production of red blood cells thereby improving the haemoglobin levels of a pregnant woman and reducing her chances of becoming anaemic.
8. Lessens Joint Pains
Pregnant women may experience relief from pregnancy induced aches and pains by drinking copper charged water during pregnancy as copper possesses anti-inflammatory qualities.
9. Promotes Baby’s Development
Drinking copper-rich water can help in fostering the healthy growth of the baby’s nervous system, skeletal system and heart.
10. Regulates Blood Pressure
Consuming copper loaded water during pregnancy can help in maintaining normal blood pressure levels. Copper plays a vital role in dilating the blood vessels which can enhance the blood flow and sustain regular heart rate.
How to Choose and Use Copper Vessels While Pregnant?
Some key points that pregnant women may like to keep in mind while choosing and using copper vessels can be:
Regularly inspect the copper vessels for any wear and tear particularly of the inner plating.
Store clean drinking water in copper vessels for a short duration of time.
Properly clean the copper vessels to destroy any possible build-up of microbes and dirt. You can use tamarind and salt to do so. Avoid using abrasive materials for cleaning as it can scrape the protecting copper lining.
Ensure that you buy copper vessels of an established and reputed brand who can offer quality to safeguard health.
Take note of the materials or ingredients used to make the copper vessel you intend to buy. Pure copper is usually hard to mould into intricate designs and shapes.
Keep the copper vessel covered to prevent any insects or dirt from entering it.
Why Copper is Essential for Pregnant Women?
During pregnancy, the blood supply tends to double to cater to the demands of the growing baby. Copper can help in the growth of red blood cells and generating energy in cells. The nutrient also plays a vital part in the proper development of tissues and organs of the unborn baby. It aids in the development of the baby’s skin, hair and tendons. Deficiency of copper during pregnancy can weaken collagen production which can lead to a precarious pregnancy. Studies suggest that insufficient levels of copper during pregnancy can negatively impact a baby’s brain development.
How Much Copper Does a Pregnant Woman Need?
Pregnant women may require around 1 mg of copper every day.
What are the Signs of Copper Deficiency in Pregnant Ladies?
It is relatively uncommon for a pregnant woman to suffer from copper deficiency. However specific symptoms like diarrhoea, hair loss, oedema, paleness, general fatigue during pregnancy may indicate a lack of adequate copper levels in the body. But then again it is best to refer to a doctor before arriving at any definite conclusion.
Copper Rich Food Sources
Some of the copper-rich food sources are:
Shiitake mushrooms
Whole grains
Potatoes
Organ meats (liver, kidneys)
Dark leafy greens
Oysters
Cashews
Sunflower seeds
Lentils (boiled)
Hazelnuts
Almonds
Unsalted peanut butter
Should You Take Copper Supplements When Pregnant?
It is not advisable to take copper supplements when pregnant unless specifically recommended by your doctor. A pregnant woman can get the requisite copper that her body needs from a well-balanced diet.
Is It Good to Cook Food in Copper Vessel?
No, it may not be suitable to cook food in a copper vessel particularly if the vessel is not plated from inside. Eating food which has been in direct contact with copper can increase the copper levels in the body to a toxic point causing considerable harm. Drinking copper jug water during pregnancy should be done after due consultation and approval of a medical practitioner. Too much copper during pregnancy can trigger preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and neurological problems.
During pregnancy, it is better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you use good quality pure copper vessels. Safeguard against adulterated products. Always seek your doctor's approval before using copper vessels while pregnant.
Also Read: Alfalfa while Pregnant Read more
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Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy is not uncommon. If you are pregnant, this is something you must know about. PGP can begin as early as the first trimester or as late as just a few days before delivery.
PGP in early pregnancy can be due to the fact that your baby’s head is moving down the pelvis, a term known as ‘engaging’. PGP starts in pregnancy, but you might feel the pain even after giving birth, and if you are lucky, you will not experience the pain at all. However, if you do, then knowing about the causes, symptoms and treatment will surely be helpful. Read on to know more.
What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?
The pelvis is the area in your body where both your hip bones are located. On the front, the hip bones are joined by the pubis symphysis which is a very stiff joint. At the back, they are attached to the sacrum bone. A network of strong ligaments keeps these bones in place.
Pelvic girdle pain is an umbrella term that is used to describe pain in the joints of the pelvis, and this includes:
Joints connecting to the sacrum, or triangular bone that is present at the back, between the hip bones of your pelvis.
Symphysis pubis joint, which is the joint connecting the two halves of your pelvis in the front. This is known as symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD.
What Happens To Your Pelvis During Pregnancy?
During delivery, your baby needs to pass through the birth canal which is located in the pelvis. A hormone named relaxin is secreted when you are pregnant and helps make the pelvic ligaments soft. The ligaments are thus able to stretch so that the baby can move out comfortably. This is why your pelvic joint moves more when you are pregnant and after you have given birth. While relaxin is secreted in both pregnant and non-pregnant women, the secretion increases during pregnancy and it continues to rise throughout the first trimester. After a steady increase in the initial stage of pregnancy, the secretion of relaxin rises again during the final weeks.
Hormonal influence sometimes relaxes the connecting bones and ligaments leading to a gap of as much as 9 mm between the pelvic bones- a condition known as diastasis symphysis pubis (DSP). However, DSP in pregnancy is not necessarily the cause of PGP. Your muscles and nerves are able to cope and adapt to the greater flexibility of your pelvic girdle. As a result, your body copes well with the changes that your posture undergoes as the baby grows inside the womb.
Causes Of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
A combination of factors is responsible for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Some of them are:
Changes in the way your muscles work in order to support your girdle
Uneven movements of the joints in your pelvis
One of the joints not working smoothly, and causing stress to the other joints of your pelvic girdle
Generally, when you are walking, sitting, standing up, or lying down, your pelvis is in a stable or locked position. When you are pregnant, there are times when you have to do these activities with an unlocked or less stable pelvis and this is what causes the pain.
This results in swelling of the joints, which is the primary cause of PGP.
More than half of all pregnant women suffer from pelvic girdle pain or pain in the back.
Though pelvic girdle pain is common during pregnancy, it is not something which should be accepted as normal. It is important that you do not ignore this pain and it is best if you consult a doctor. The pain can get worse if you leave it untreated.
Signs & Symptoms Of PGP/SPD
The location and the intensity of pain usually differs from one woman to another. You may experience the pain on just one side or the pain may jump from one side to another. The pain may also shoot to the back of your legs or buttocks. PGP can easily be confused with sciatica as many of the symptoms are the same.
The symptoms of PGP and SPD include pain in:
The symphysis pubis joint
The lower back
The sacroiliac joints at the back
At the back and front of the thigh
The groin area
Around the hips
The pelvic floor and around your anal and vaginal openings
The pain usually gets worse if you do not take proper measures. Certain activities which you might consider restful can also make the pain worse. Lying down and turning over on your bed, and even some sex positions can become painful because of PGP. Standing or sitting for a long time can also elevate the pain. The symptoms are usually worse during the night.
Pelvic girdle pain can lead to other issues which may make your pregnancy a difficult journey. The constant pain may sometimes make you resent the cause, and you may experience emotional symptoms like depression, sadness, isolation, frustration, guilt, and anger.
Types Of Pain You Can Feel With Pelvic Girdle Pain
PGP is a wide term which covers various categories of pain. These include:
Diastasis of the Symphysis Pubis (DSP): This is pain caused when the pubic bones, which are normally joined, are separated causing an abnormally large gap
Pelvic Joint Syndrome: This is caused by the pain caused by the abnormal movement of the pelvic joint
Posterior Pelvic Pain: This pain is similar to the pelvic joint pain. It radiates to the back of the thigh from the buttocks
Here are some of the detailed explanations of the different pains that could occur:
Pelvic Arthropathy: This joint disease causes pain and can limit your mobility.
Symphysiolysis: This involves the slipping or the separation of the symphysis (cartilaginous joint between two bones).
Inferior Pubic Shear / Superior Pubic Shear / Symphyseal Shear: This involves the dysfunction of one of your pubic bones.
Osteitis pubis (usually postpartum): This happens when the pubis symphysis and the surrounding muscles get inflamed.
Hypermobility: You will be able to move your joints easily beyond the normal range.
Sacroiliitis: This involves the inflammation and pain in the sacroiliitis joint (where the pelvis and lower spine connect)
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD): Involves excessive movement of the pubis along with pain.
Physiological Pelvic Girdle Relaxation: Ligament relaxation that causes too much pain during pregnancy.
Why Is The Pelvic Position Important In Pregnancy?
A strong pelvis will always aid in your pregnancy and make the delivery less painful for you. Pregnancy puts a lot of stress on your pelvic floor and it tends to become weaker before the baby is born. It also becomes stretched. Doctors recommend pelvic floor exercises so that it doesn’t become weak. Strong muscles will support your baby’s weight and help in healing the muscle between your anus and vagina, after delivery.
The pelvis is one of the most crucial body parts that will be stressed during child birth. It is crucial that it is taken care of and not stressed too much as any complications could cause severe pain later on.
Who is Most at Risk?
Women in the later stages of pregnancy are at a higher risk for PGP. The risk of PGP increase in the following cases:
You have a history of lower back pain.
You have experienced PGP in a previous pregnancy.
Diagnosis Of PGP
If you are experiencing any pain in and around your pelvic region, it is advisable to visit a doctor. Do also talk to your doctor if you experience acute lower back pain. The doctor will examine you and ask questions to know where exactly the pain is originating. Make sure you know what kind of movements or activities are inducing the pain so that you are able to provide all information that your doctor needs for an accurate diagnosis.
PGP is often thought to be sciatica, even by the doctors. You can get yourself checked by physiotherapists as well, just to be sure. However, the physiotherapist should be someone who has experience with pregnant women.
Treatment Of Pelvic Pain In Pregnancy
Treatment for pelvic pain in pregnancy is not difficult. There are many things that you can do yourself to reduce the pain. Certain lifestyle changes and regular exercise can go a long way in treating PGP and making your pregnancy better.
Here are some ways to get relief from pelvic pain during pregnancy:
Ask your doctor to show you how to lock your pelvis while walking, standing up, or other performing other activities which are painful for you. By being a little careful while doing your daily activities, you can ease the pain.
If the intensity of the pain is too high, your doctor will give you a pelvic support belt.
Specific exercises meant for the pelvic floor and tummy can be helpful too.
Aquanatal classes are also recommended, and involve exercising in water. This can provide relief to some extent. However, make sure that the class you join is conducted for pregnant women.
Acupuncture is also known to offer great relief. However, before you book an appointment, do make sure that the acupuncturist is experienced in treating PGP in pregnant women.If nothing of this helps, your doctor will most likely give painkillers like paracetamol.
Does PGP Affect My Labour?
Ideally, PGP should not affect your labour in any way. If you are apprehensive, here a few positions you can try:
Try sitting upright or try the kneeling position during delivery
Avoid lying down on your bed with your back at the time of your delivery
Enlist your doctor’s help to identify the correct positions to ensure that the delivery is less painful and easier for you.
Giving Birth With Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pelvic girdle pain can make it difficult for you to open your legs, and if you are facing this issue, talk to your doctor to know which will be the best position for you. You might even need an assisted birth if the pain is severe. If most of the positions are painful for you, your doctor will opt for epidural to make the entire process as comfortable as possible.
Your doctor will offer a caesarean section if you are in severe pain and movement is a problem for you. This is, however, the last option available. The Caesarean section does not really help with PGP symptoms. In fact, it can make it more difficult for you to recover from PGP after giving birth.
Help & Support
It is important that you have people around you when you are pregnant, and more so when you are experiencing pelvic girdle pain. You will need to rest more and you will also need to do less of the household chores. Having people to help you will make your journey easier.
If you are experiencing PGP, here are some of the things that you can do to ease the delivery process:
Avoid Painful Activities
Avoid all kinds of activities that increase the pain as it will usually take a very long time for the pain to settle down. Do not sit on the floor and avoid sitting cross-legged as well. Ask people around to help with the household chores.
While you may not feel the pain initially, it may start much later during the day or when you go to bed.
Ample Rest
Taking rest at regular intervals is important. Sight upright and make sure your back is arched and well-supported. Lying down on one side will help as well.
Proper Turns
Turning on the bed may become difficult with time. Try and sit up directly from lying down on your back. This will ease the pain to some extent. However, as the bump grows, this will become difficult to do. Before moving, tighten your lower tummy muscles, pelvic floor, and arch your back.
Walk With An Arched Back
Arch your back while walking and swing your arms. This helps in locking the pelvis in a stable position and makes the pelvic joints stiff.
Maintain A Correct Posture
Whether you are sitting or standing, make sure to maintain the right posture. Do not sit slumped or lie on your back with your legs at the same level. Whenever you have to lie down on your back, make sure that you have a rolled towel to support your back. You can also place a side pillow in between your legs and sleep sideways. In fact, this is something that you will find comfortable. This helps to keep your hips aligned.
Sleep On A Soft Mattress
Sleeping on a soft surface can offer temporary SPD pain relief. Just place a soft quilt or duvet below the bed sheet.
Some of the other things that you need to keep in mind are:
Do not lift heavy weights and objects
While wearing a pair of bottoms do not try and put your legs inside while standing. Sit down and then pull the clothing towards you
Do pelvic floor and lower abdominal exercises to strengthen your back
If you have experienced PGP in one pregnancy, chances are that you will experience it when you get pregnant again. However, it will not be as bad as the first time, as you already know what needs to done to reduce the symptoms. If you have suffered from PGP in one pregnancy, it is advisable to wait for a few years before the second one. If you are overweight, consider losing weight as excess weight puts pressure on your pelvis. Exercise regularly to increase your flexibility and to stay fit.
All these measures will help manage PGP efficiently and are sure to reduce your discomfort during delivery. Read more
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How to Handle Breastfeeding Bullies
While you try your best to breastfeed your baby, certain situations can affect how much and for how long you can breastfeed. If you are facing difficulties in breastfeeding, this could be for various underlying reasons. Remember, you are certainly not up for criticism.
Breast milk has numerous health and nutritional benefits for your baby including reduced risk of diseases like obesity, respiratory problems and ear infection. However, medical conditions such as low breast milk production or returning to work after delivery may force you to choose formula feed for your baby instead – perfectly understandable!
Who Is a Breastfeeding Bully?
Many mothers who don’t breastfeed are constantly bombarded with indirect (and often in the face!) criticism from some sections of society. They belong to the self-righteous moral police of breastfeeding bullies who simply fail to understand why women do not breastfeed. With them around, it will be impossible for you to get over the “guilt” of not breastfeeding.
The truth is, breastfeeding has been given so much importance since ancient times that society often becomes judgmental when some mommies choose a different path. The continual social pressure can eventually make it extremely difficult for you to focus on your baby’s well-being.
5 Facts to Help Deal With Breastfeeding Bullies
If you are not breastfeeding your baby on account of circumstances, this is completely alright. These 5 facts will help you deal with the bullies and also will help you cope up with the guilty feeling for not breastfeeding your little munchkin.
Yes, formula milk isn’t as perfect as breast milk but people need to understand that it does not have any ill effects on the baby either. Formula manufactured for babies is made with safe ingredients proven to aid their growth and development.
Breast-feeding, if continued for a very long time can actually harm the baby! The little one can get too accustomed to it and may not want to try formula milk or solids even when it is high time.
Breast milk is low in amounts of fat. While this is ideal for newborns, your baby needs more fat to gain adequate weight as he grows up. This is true especially for the preemies or premature infants.
For those who think bottle-feeding or giving solid food is easy, you know better! You need to sterilise the equipment and make your baby accustomed to bottle-feeding – both time consuming and difficult! Tell the bullies that mothers who do not breastfeed are not lazy or unenthusiastic but just in different circumstances.
If mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, it might lead to deficiency of iron in some cases. This affects the baby’s optimal growth, and puts the baby off certain flavors. They find it very difficult to switch to a new diet.
Given that formula-feed is also nutritious and nourishing for the baby, you can put your mind at rest. The most important thing to remember amidst this hullabaloo is that you must stay guilt-free and not compel yourself to do as the breastfeeding bullies say! Read more
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Maalpua
Maalpua is a traditional north Indian sweet made on special occasions. There are many methods of making it, of which we present to you the simplest and traditional way. These Indian pancakes, made of condensed milk, refined flour and cardamom, are soaked in sugar syrup and garnished with pistachios. Serve it as it is or with rabdi and feel your heart gratified with its taste.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
3 people
3 - 4 Hours
20 - 25 Minutes
Ingredients
2 cups milk
1/3 cup refined flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
3 tbsp ghee
2 tbsp pistachio
1/2 tsp saffron
Method
Step 1
Boil milk in a heavy-bottom pan over medium flame until it reduces to half.
Step 2
Prepare sugar syrup with a consistency of 1/2 or 1 string with 3/4th amount of the sugar mentioned in the ingredients. Add cardamom powder to the syrup.
Step 3
Dissolve saffron in two tsp of hot milk and pour it into the sugar syrup.
Step 4
Cool milk and add refined flour, remaining cardamom and sugar into it. Mix well and prepare a batter of pouring consistency. If required, add water.
Step 5
Keep the batter aside for 3 hours.
Step 6
Heat ghee in a flat pan. Pour the batter to form small pancakes. Pour ghee over it and turn over. Cook until it turns golden brown on both the sides.
Step 7
Once done, remove the pancakes from the pan and immerse in the sugar syrup.
Step 8
Set these maalpuas on a serving plate and garnish it with pistachios.
Nutritional Information
Calories
358 K cal
Proteins
7.9 g
Fats
18.6 g
Carbohydrates
42.6 g
Cholesterol
46 mg
Sodium
78 mg
Potassium
170 mg
Tip: To make it healthier, you can use wheat flour instead of maida.
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
14 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
13 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
11 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. Its been 7 days my 8 month old hasn’t pooped. He looks good not at all cranky. Eating normally. What to do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
8 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Sometimes baby does not poop for 7-10 days. Please massage baby stomach clockwise and anti-clockwise. You can also apply hing water on baby stomach. Also do some cycling leg exercises of the baby to relieve from constipation and gas. Please make the baby burp after every feed. Mother should chew saunf and ajwain after every meal.
Thanks and take care
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. how do i claim the vochure
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 3 yr old boy
3 hours ago
A. proper question plzz
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
3 hours ago
Q. I m 18 weeks pregnant this is my 2nd pregnancy i had first miscarriage at 35 weeks my question is when do i feel my baby’s movement
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. The baby movements are sent after completing the time of 20 weeks somewhere between the time of 20 weeks to 25 weeks you can start feeling movements of your child any time if you feel that there is a problem or you’re not feeling sufficient movements then please feel free to consult your gynaecologist regarding that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what should I listen to in 5 weeks
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. five weeks only first trimester ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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