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Common Positions of the Placenta in Pregnancy
The placenta is an important organ which grows in the uterus of a pregnant woman to supply oxygen and essential nutrients to the baby and to remove waste products from the baby’s blood. The placenta attaches to the wall of a pregnant woman’s uterus and is connected to the baby by the umbilical cord. During pregnancy, the placenta may attach itself at the top, side, front, or back of the uterus. In rare cases, it may even attach itself in the lower uterine region and block the cervix. In this article, we will discuss the common positions of the placenta during pregnancy and how they affect pregnancy.
After the delivery, it is usually expelled from the mother’s body, but it may not happen automatically always. When the placenta remains in the womb, it is called retained placenta.
What Are the Different Placental Locations?
The placenta, a large pancake-shaped organ, develops during pregnancy and attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. But it can attach itself in different positions. The different possible placental locations are mentioned below:
Posterior Placenta: Usually, a fertilized egg implants on the back of the uterine wall. In this case, the placenta also develops or grows on the back wall of the uterus. When the placenta is in this position, it is called the posterior placenta.
Anterior Placenta: When the fertilized egg attaches itself on the front side of the uterus, the placenta develops on the front wall of the womb and the baby grows behind it. When the placenta is at the front side of the uterus, it is known as the anterior placenta.
Fundal Placenta: When the placenta positions itself in the fundus or at top of the uterus, it is known as the fundal placenta. Sometimes, the placenta could be in a fundal-anterior position or fundal-posterior position. A fundal-anterior placenta is located usually at the top of the womb and extends slightly towards the front of the womb. A fundal-posterior placenta is also located at the top of the womb, but it extends towards the back of the womb.
Lateral Placenta: When the placenta implants to the lateral wall of the uterus, either on the right side of the womb or on the left side of the womb, it is called lateral placenta.
Placenta Praevia (Low-Lying Placenta): When the placenta grows towards the lower end of the uterus or towards the cervix, it is known as a low-lying placenta. If the placenta reaches the cervical opening partially or covers it completely, then this condition is known as placenta praevia and it can lead to many complications in pregnancy.
How Is the Location of the Placenta Determined?
The location of the placenta is determined by carrying out an ultrasound test. Getting an ultrasound done is safe and simple. If you are pregnant and want to know whether the position of the placenta is normal, you can get an ultrasound scan done. Most likely, your doctor will suggest it too. To determine the position of the placenta, the nurse will apply a water-based gel on your abdomen and pelvic area. Then she will place an instrument known as transducer on your belly. With the help of high-frequency ultrasound waves, the transducer will display the image of your uterus and the placenta on a screen. By conducting this scan, your doctor will understand if your placenta is placed normally or not.
Does the Position of the Placenta Change During Pregnancy?
The placenta occupies a large surface area in the uterus in the initial stages of pregnancy. The placenta can change its position during pregnancy. In the initial stages of pregnancy, the placenta may appear low lying but as the pregnancy progresses the placenta may migrate to the upper segment. This is called 'placental migration'. In the case of placenta praevia, this placental migration is unlikely to occur.
What Are the Normal Positions of the Placenta During Pregnancy?
In terms of position, the placenta can position itself either on the front side of the uterus or at the backside of the uterus, depending on where the fertilized egg implants itself after going through the fallopian tube. The normal positions of the placenta are fundal, anterior, and posterior.
When Should You Worry?
If the placenta is in posterior, anterior, fundal, or lateral position, then it is not a problem. All these positions are normal for the placenta to attach itself and develop. However, if the placenta grows on the lower end of the uterus or towards the cervix of a woman, it can be a cause for concern. This condition, as explained above, is called placenta praevia, and it can cause bleeding due to premature detachment of the placenta. Placenta praevia may also restrict a normal, vaginal delivery as it blocks the cervix. A periodical ultrasound test is done during pregnancy to determine the position of the placenta so that the doctors know of any possible complications which may arise due to the position of the placenta.
Signs of Placenta Praevia
One of the signs of placenta praevia could be sudden, painless vaginal bleeding. The other signs and symptoms of placenta previa include:
Painless bleeding
Bleeding after intercourse
can occur as early as 20 weeks
If you are pregnant and notice that any of these symptoms, it can be indicative of a low-lying placenta. You should immediately consult your doctor in such a situation.
What Are the Causes of a Low-Lying Placenta?
While the exact reason or cause of a low-lying placenta is not known, this problem is commonly seen in women who are older, have undergone a C-section delivery before, who smoke, or have scars inside the uterus. Women who have suffered from placenta praevia during a previous delivery are also at an increased risk of a low-lying placenta. In case you have had a low-lying placenta during a previous delivery, you should inform the same to your doctor well in advance.
How Low Is Too Low?
Under normal circumstances, the placenta will not be low-lying during birth if the distance between the placenta and the cervix is more than 2 centimetres in the 18-20th week of the pregnancy. If the distance between the two is less than 2 centimetres during the 18-20th week, it may remain low at the time of birth. Your doctor might ask to get the position of placenta re-checked in the third trimester to determine its position before the delivery.
What Happens If the Placenta Is Too Close to the Cervix?
If the placenta is too close to the cervix, the mother-to-be will be diagnosed with placenta praevia. The risks of this condition include premature labour. If the placenta detaches prematurely, it can cause bleeding. Placenta praevia can also make a vaginal delivery difficult.
The position of placenta plays an important role in ensuring the smooth and safe delivery of the baby. A low-lying placenta or placenta praevia is the only situation where it can cause trouble at the time of labour. Since the reason for a low-lying placenta is not known, it is difficult to prevent it from happening. However, with the help of sonography and ultrasound, the doctors can be aware of the placenta position in advance and suggest necessary precautionary steps for safe delivery.
Also Read: Placenta Accreta: Causes, Symptoms Risks & Treatment Read more
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Barley for Babies: How to Choose, Benefits, Recipes & more
Barley is a type of cereal that has been cultivated in various parts of the world over many centuries. There are many varieties of barley available today which are found in countries including Russia, France, Germany, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia among others. It is available in different forms, and its nutritious properties make it a great addition to a baby’s meals.
Nutritional value of Barley
A rich source of Vitamin A, folate, and protein, barley makes for a great baby food. The following nutrients can be obtained from barley:
Nutrition Component
Value per 100 g
Nutrition Component
Value per 100 g
Water
9.44 g
Energy
354 kcal
Protein
12.5 g
Total Lipid
2.3 g
Carbohydrate
73.5 g
Calcium
33 mg
Iron
3.6 g
Magnesium
133 mg
Phosphorus
264 mg
Potassium
453 mg
Zinc
2.77 mg
Copper
0.49 mg
Thiamin
0.646 mg
Riboflavin
0.285 mg
Niacin
4.6 mg
Vitamin B-6
0.318 mg
Folate
19 ug
Vitamin A
22 IU
Vitamin E
0.57 mg
Vitamin K
2.2 mg
Is It Safe to Give Barley to Your Baby?
Barley is considered a good food for babies as it is filling and has plenty of nutritive properties. However, owing to the presence of gluten (a kind of protein), it is not advisable to make barley the first food for your baby. This is because there has been evidence to suggest that it can compromise the baby’s immune system as it increases the risk of Celiac disease (an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten). It is also not recommended for babies who are allergic to wheat as there is a chance of a link between wheat allergy and barley allergy.
When Can Your Baby Start Eating Barley?
It is recommended that babies be started on a barley-based diet only after they are at least seven or eight months old. Follow the three-day rule as you do with all new foods. This means, wait for three days after introducing it to assess if your baby displays any signs of allergy, and do not introduce any other new foods in these three days.
Barley is a versatile food item and you can make it smooth or chunky according to your child’s preferences. But it is best to start off with a little quantity of smooth barley cereal.
Benefits of Barley
Babies have small stomachs and can eat only very little amounts of food at a time. Thus, it is essential that you make every meal of your baby a nutritional one. Barley is one super food that can pack a nutritious punch at meal times. This is one reason why barley water for babies has been a time-tested favourite.
Improve Digestion:
A rich source of dietary fibre, barley can help stimulate digestion and regulate your child’s bowel movements. A healthy gut means a healthy baby.
Strong Bones:
The presence of a good amount of phosphorous in barley can help strengthen your baby’s bones. After calcium, phosphorous is what our bones are made of.
Boost Iron Absorption:
Barley contains a significant amount of copper which promotes absorption of iron in the blood. There is no point in feeding your baby iron-rich food if it is not being absorbed properly.
Strengthen the Liver:
Studies indicate that including barley in the diet on a regular basis has been useful in safeguarding the liver from damage by reducing the excess production of bile acids.
Anti-fungal Properties:
Barley contains a variety of biochemicals which are known for their anti-fungal properties.
How to Choose and Store Barley for Infant Food
Hulled and pearled barley are the best choices for storing and cooking purposes. Hulled barley contains more nutrients but the pearled ones are easier to cook. Both varieties are ideal for use in soups, stews, and broths wherein they fluff up to a much bigger size. Milled or ground barley is another option.
Pearled barley can be stored for many months if placed in a cool and dry place. If the barley is packaged, it will likely have a use by date for reference. Milled barley is best stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Irrespective of the type of barley you use, it is best to buy in small quantities to prevent spoilage and wastage.
How to Cook Barley Cereal?
If you buy pre-packed barley, there are likely to be cooking instructions provided. Around one cup of uncooked barley is likely to turn into three to four cups of cooked barley!
Take about two tablespoons of barley cereal and an adequate amount of water in a bowl and mix the two till all the lumps are gone. Then cook this over a low flame for about 15 to 20 minutes or in a microwave till it is well done. You can then add some formula or breastmilk to make a thin paste before feeding it to baby. You can also add pureed fruit to this cereal for some variety in flavour and natural sweetness.
Delicious Barley Recipes for Infants
Here are some interesting recipes with barley to try out at home. Bringing in some variety at mealtimes will help your baby develop a liking for this superfood more easily.
1) Barley and Sweet Potato Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup soft cooked pearled barley
1 cup cooked sweet potatoes
1/2 cup applesauce or fruit puree
A pinch of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg (for babies above 8 months)
Method: Mix all the items in the ingredients section together in a bowl and roll them into small balls. This makes for some interesting and nutritious finger food for baby.
2) Barley Salad
Ingredients:
¼ cup soft cooked pearled barley
¼ cup soft cooked diced carrots
¼ cup soft cooked and smashed peas
¼ cup soft cooked and cubed sweet potatoes
Method: Toss all these items under the ingredients list together in a bowl. Serve to baby as
finger food or a snack.
3) Barley Water
Ingredients:
1 cup barley
½ cups water
Jaggery for flavouring (if required)
Method: Put the barley and water in a pressure cooker and let it cook for about three whistles. Once the cooker has cooled a bit, open the lid, add jaggery if you want, and blend the mixture till smooth. Strain this mixture and give it to baby when it is lukewarm.
4) Barley Apple Porridge
Ingredients:
¼ cup whole barley
¼ cup peeled and cubed apples
3½ cups of water
Method: Wash the barley well and then cook it in a pressure cooker with three cups of water. Once the barley is cooked, simmer it for a few minutes and then add the apples along with the remaining water. Then cook it on low heat for about 10 minutes before pureeing the mixture. Then cool it and feed to baby.
Things to Remember
Here are a few things to remember when buying and cooking barley:
Babies cannot digest whole barley so avoid buying it
Store pearled barley in an air-tight container. You may even refrigerate it.
Before consumption, check stored barley for freshness
Start by buying small quantities
Barley needs to be cooked well so that the baby does not get an upset tummy. Also, remember to feed only small portions of barley to your baby. Feeding an excessive amount can lead to bloating as barley contains a high amount of fibre.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
Also Read: Calcium Rich Foods for Babies Read more
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How to Cope with Empty Nest Syndrome
These days, single parent families are on the rise. While raising a child on your own can be quite overwhelming, dealing with the loneliness once the child leaves home is all the more difficult. You don't know what to do with all that time in your hands. You feel cut off from your child's life. You feel you are no longer needed. But relax! You will always hold a special place in your child's life. Read this article to know more about coping with empty nest syndrome.
Nothing is more complex and satisfying than parenting. Your child is the source of your joy and pride, but when she flies into the sky in search of her identity, an unbearable anguish fills your heart. Weren’t you always meant to be each other’s constants?
If you are a parent who has been singly caring for your child all along, your feeling would be more mind numbing and intense. Suddenly everything loses meaning. Emptiness fills every pore of your being. The house looks bleak and hostile without those special feet scampering through them.
Tips for Single Parents to Manage Empty Nest Syndrome
The relationship between a single parent and the child is a special one. Both of you always nurtured and nourished each other. Both of you were more like best buddies, partners-in crime, protecting each other and sharing confidences.
So how would you cope with this new found space in your life? Yes, incredible as it sounds, the moment your child leaves home, you have more time at disposal. You can start doing things you always dreamed of. You can climb mountains, lounge in the morning sunshine sipping wine or listen to music. Here are some other things you can do:
Talk with other single parents. Make new friends. Talk about your feelings and your loneliness. It will help you come out of your loneliness.
Go out for long walks, exercise. Develop new interests like hiking, crocheting or even origami to help you bring back the zest in your life.
Join an online or offline forum for single parents. This will help you connect with other single parents and you will realize that you are not the only one being overwhelmed by a feeling of loneliness.
Volunteer to spend some time at the local orphanage or an old age home. It will help you feel grounded and bring you deep satisfaction.
Talk with your child on a regular basis. Show off your pictures from the recent hiking trip. Assure him/her that you are happy on your own. This is very important as children of single parents tend to feel guilty about leaving their parents alone.
Allow yourself the freedom of being happy once again - start dating another single parent like yourself or someone interesting who makes you feel comfortable and makes you laugh more than usual.
Finally, remember, you would never cease being a parent - no one can take that away from you, neither you nor your child! Hence, enjoy this new phase of your life with renewed vigour and take pride in your achievements. You deserve every bit of it. After all, didn’t you raise a wonderful child all on your own? Read more
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Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Father due this month
2 hours ago
Q. I am 36 week pregnant, from last 3-4 weeks my weight is stable not increasing. I went for a regular checkup and doctor said things are fine. Do I need to worry about weight?
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
1 hour ago
A. Hello mom.please do not stress much over it last trimester is the time of rapid weight gain eat healthy , go for walks z be hydrated , take rest as well
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Still having Loose stool once a day but with foul smell but without fever/vomit . 3days passed since she completed her antibiotic dosage.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. you will have to give ors for every episode of loose motion. you you cannot give heavy diet like milk to the child for few days as well as you cannot give sugar based food. you cannot give packet based foods as well as biscuit maida. kindly give curd buttermilk apple banana poha upma daliya. you can also give any recipe made from rice dal as well as sabudanxa khichdi. you cannot give outside juice as well as glucon d to the child. please meet your doctor because if it is viral or bacterial diarrhea will be confirmed only on examination.
give sachet econorm twice daily for 3days.
meet your doctor if it is not improving x
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Birth weight:2.8kgs
At end of 4 months : 5.7kg
At end of 5.5 months : 6.1kg
Is it adequate?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Yes it is because your child is almost having more than double the birth fade by completing the age of 5.5 months like you’re mentioning so it’s going good in total the weight of the child currently as per the age is perfectly good so there is nothing nothing for you to be worried in this
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
will women get stomach ache at 40th day of implantation.
which means after 10 days of her missed period
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
51 mins ago
A. The duration of implantation cramping varies from person to person but doesn't last longer than a few days. Some people experience a few minor twinges over a few hours or the course of a day. On the other end of the spectrum, some experience intermittent cramping that comes and goes over one to three days.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
59 mins ago
Q. If a diabetic mother is pregnent chance of baby having diabetes?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
58 mins ago
A. No it is a very common thing with women to be seen that they are diabetic or they have thyroid during the time of pregnancy but that does not mean your child is also going to have the same problem as these things are not contagious you are not going to pass it on to your child during pregnancy so don’t worry about it
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
50 mins ago
Q. New born baby is not poop more than 1 week? How to recover that
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
49 mins ago
A. Stool pattern of small children changes from time to time.
It can be more than 7 times per day also and sometimes the child will not pass stool for 10 days also.
The most important thing is the consistency of the stool and if it is Semi solid to solid or semi liquid then there is no need to worry about the frequency axs well as colour as well as the smell of the stool
Also straining and crying while passing urine and stool is very normal.
the crying of the child is due to colic pain and not due to constipationx
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