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Drinks & Beverages you should Avoid during Pregnancy
Your entire dietary lifestyle undergoes a 180 degree turn when you understand that you are pregnant. Your favourite food items might have to be shunned away and a few unwanted ones might have to be welcomed. Although all of this is for your benefit, there are some items that can be your guilty pleasure. A few drinks must be avoided during pregnancy. And while some women might know the most obvious ones to avoid, there are a few which might seem to be fine to be consumed, but have adverse effects on the mother and child.
What not to Drink when you're Pregnant?
In order to get some good clarity on what beverages are not beneficial, we have put together a list of things not to drink during pregnancy.
1. Milk or Juices that are not Pasteurised
Drinking good amounts of milk and having fruit juices is how most people begin their day on a good note, and for pregnant mothers, it is even more important. But milk and juices come in variants, too, especially the non-pasteurised one. Pasteurisation is a process that takes care of various bacteria and microbes present in the substance. If the milk that you buy or the juice box you purchased is not pasteurised, the bacteria present in it could be harmful to you. And since they enter your body, they could easily find their way to the baby via the placenta and cause irreversible damage.
2. Juice made from Wheatgrass
The benefits of wheatgrass are tremendous to such a high degree that most women believe that a healthy pregnancy without consuming wheatgrass is a rarity. However, very few people know about the presence of various microbes and moulds present in wheatgrass. The conditions in which wheatgrass is harvested are usually damp and moist, making it a paradise for various microbes to thrive. Since wheatgrass juice is made from raw wheatgrass, these germs find their way into the juice which, when consumed, causes a massive imbalance in the nutrients present in your body.
3. Diet Soda
Yes, the packaging might say that this is healthy to consume and is good for the diet but one of the key ingredients present in diet drinks is caffeine. That, too, is accompanied by artificial sweeteners, primary of which is saccharine. Saccharine is the most potent chemical to find its way through the placenta, reaching the baby with absolute ease. When consumed in excess, it can start affecting the baby’s growth and causing defects.
4. Coffee
Most women will groan at being reminded about this since drinking coffee is usually a pretty integral part of the morning routine for many. Complete abstinence from caffeine, while you are pregnant, is the most ideal practice. However, since it can be hard for many, you can start by restricting your consumption to no more than two cups in a day. Try to keep the consumption as minimum as possible, especially in the first trimester, since the risk of caffeine causing a miscarriage is pretty high around that time.
5. Iced Tea
For women who are usually pregnant in the summers, having refreshing and cool drinks might become a craving of sorts, too. Iced teas seem harmless since they don’t contain artificial sweeteners and are cold as well. But what many fail to observe is the tea part of it. The concentrated tea used in the drink contains a large amount of caffeine, which can cause real harm.
6. Aerated Beverages
The modern lifestyle followed by people today have made the consumption of various soft drinks a regular activity. Be it cola flavoured or fruit flavoured, accompanying them on any occasions goes with the flow. Those act as quite a refreshment as well, which is why pregnant women would tend to choose that instead of having any other drinks. But not only these beverages have caffeine in them, some of those tend to contain a chemical that goes by the name of quinine. The combination of caffeine and quinine can be hazardous for a pregnant woman.
7. Alcohol
This might be a no-brainer but there are still some who believe that a little consumption will not harm the child. What might be little for you, might be quite a lot for the developing baby. Alcohol causes severe defects in the child, right from bodily deformations, hindered brain development, and tons of others. And if you think that a single drink is fine, you’re dead wrong. Consuming one drink a day can still bring about a number of abnormalities in the baby.
8. Green Tea
This one’s quite a surprise, isn’t it? Deemed as a healthy drink through and through, knowing that it is harmful to pregnant women is news for many people. To add to the confusion, multiple websites and even nutritionist recommend green tea to pregnant women for its benefits and its advantages over having coffee or usual tea. But green tea does have some amount of caffeine as well. Furthermore, it elevates your metabolism which is already at its peak during pregnancy. That, combined with reduced folic acid absorption, can spell a bevvy of problems for the foetus.
While creating a diet for your pregnancy, moderation is always the key for items of guilty pleasure. However, keeping away from certain items is the best bet for your health as well as the baby’s development. Looking for healthy alternatives and developing a taste for them can ensure you have a trouble-free relaxed pregnancy throughout.
Also Read:
Indian Foods to Avoid during Pregnancy
Activities to Avoid during Pregnancy
Healthy Indian Diet during Pregnancy Read more
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Yeast Infection Diaper Rash in Babies
The appearance of diaper rash or diaper dermatitis in babies is a common occurrence. But sometimes a diaper rash tends to persist for long even after trying every possible cure. Such a diaper rash may develop due to yeast. Yeast diaper rash can emerge on the abdomen, thighs, genitals and genital creases.
What is a Yeast Infection Diaper Rash?
An infection on the skin caused by the growth of fungus or yeast called 'Candida albicans' may lead to a diaper rash in babies. Such diaper rashes start with the softening and disintegration of the skin tissue around the anus. The infected area can then become inflamed. Some fluid formation may also be noticeable underneath the skin. Small red bumps called satellite pustules can be seen establishing at the fringes of the rash.
What Causes Yeast Diaper Rash in a Child?
Diaper rash in a child is not restricted to only one cause; there are many possible reasons for why a baby may get a diaper rash:
Nonabsorbent diapers, cloth diapers, or very tight diapers can keep the baby’s bottoms moist and warm thereby providing a conducive environment for the yeast to thrive, which ultimately causes a yeast diaper rash.
In some cases, if the breastfeeding mom is on a course of antibiotics or the baby is taking medicines, it may increase the chances of a yeast diaper rash because antibiotics can destroy the good bacteria that holds yeast growth in check.
A yeast diaper rash may also occur due to thrush (Candida infection in the infant’s mouth). Yeast can travel through a baby’s digestive system to reach his stool from where it may ultimately enter his diaper area.
Reaction to certain soaps or detergents used to wash cloth diapers can also make the baby prone to yeast diaper rash.
Signs & Symptoms of Yeast Diaper Rash in Infants
As a new parent, you won't be aware if your child has a yeast diaper infection. So, know these signs and symptoms of a yeast diaper rash and take action if your child has it:
The red rash has a somewhat elevated border.
The rash continues to persist despite the usual diaper rash treatments.
The infected area becomes scaly.
Blisters and pimples fill with pus.
Slight red patches or satellite lesions may appear.
Characteristically the rash remains under the diaper area.
Medical Treatment for Yeast Diaper Rash
In case the yeast diaper rash shows no signs of disappearing, it is wise to contact your doctor. Your doctor after examining the rash may suggest mild antifungal creams like Lotrimin (clotrimazole), Mycostatin (nystatin), Monistat-Derma (miconazole). He may also prescribe a 1% hydrocortisone cream if it is a severe rash. Applying the medication a couple of times in a day or as suggested by the doctor may help in curing the yeast diaper rash.
Home Remedies
If you are wondering how to get rid of yeast diaper rash the following home remedies can be helpful:
1. Coconut Oil
Applying coconut oil on a yeast diaper rash can be a useful remedy. Coconut oil has antifungal properties which can help to keep the yeast growth in check.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics encourage the development of healthy gut bacteria which can aid in the destruction of yeast infection in our body. Consuming foods like yoghurt that contain active cultures can lower the risk of yeast infection. Spreading some live bacteria yoghurt on the rash can also be beneficial.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar also possesses antifungal properties. Using apple cider vinegar mixed with water in a ratio of 1:3 to wipe baby’s bottom while changing his diaper can prove helpful in curing Candida infection.
4. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract may be effective against yeast infection as it is fungicide and antimicrobial. Mix 10 drops of grape seed extract to 1 ounce of purified water and use the solution to clean the infected area.
5. Fresh Air
Keeping your baby's bottom free of a diaper for a few hours may stop yeast infection from increasing but will also help in drying out the rash.
6. Breast Milk
If you are a breastfeeding mom, you can smear some of the breast milk on the rash. Breast milk contains antibodies that may prove beneficial in killing the yeast.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an antifungal which makes it a popular treatment for skin issues. You can make a diaper cream at home by adding a drop of tea tree oil to some coconut oil and using it after a diaper change.
8. Hot Water Wash
In case your baby wears cloth diapers make sure you properly wash them in a solution of hot water and vinegar to efficiently eradicate the yeast.
9. Garlic
Garlic can help in abolishing the yeast infection by strengthening the immune system. If your baby is consuming solids, you can even mix some fresh powdered garlic into his food.
10. Change in Diet
If your baby is vulnerable to repeated diaper rashes, certain changes in the diet like reducing sugars may help.
How to Prevent Baby from Getting Yeast Infection Diaper Rash?
Here is a list of things that you may like to keep in mind to prevent yeast infection diaper rash:
Keeping the diaper area dry and clean can help prevent the occurrence of yeast diaper rash.
Frequently change the diapers especially after your baby soils it.
Properly clean your baby’s bottoms with water and gently pat them dry between diaper changes.
Be careful not to put the diaper too tightly lest it prevents proper air circulation.
Choose absorbent diapers for your baby that keeps your baby’s skin moisture free.
Avoid using scented baby wipes or harsh detergents to wash the diapers made of cloth.
In case you use cloth diapers, resist using rubber over the diaper.
When to Consult a Doctor?
You may want to consult a doctor in the following cases:
If the rash persists for long.
If the rash appears to be spreading to other parts of the body.
If your baby has a fever.
If you notice sores or blisters.
If the rash begins to ooze pus.
The incidence of yeast diaper rash in babies is usually not a dangerous situation. Maintain good hygiene and take appropriate steps to prevent the yeast from increasing. The advent of yeast diaper rashes normally reduces in babies with age and may end when babies stop wearing diapers.
Also Read: Home Remedies for Diaper Rash in Babies Read more
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Breastfeeding After a Breast Surgery
If you have had a breast surgery, you will wonder if breastfeeding is possible after breast implants or even after a mastectomy. The phenomenon of breastfeeding may seem straightforward, but there’s a lot required to breastfeed a baby. Each surgery has its risks and benefits and understanding those is extremely important.
Can a Woman Breastfeed After a Breast Surgery?
Yes, a woman can breastfeed her child even if she had a breast surgery, but depending on the type of surgery. Breastfeeding occurs as a combination of milk production, the milk ducts, and the nipple as well as areola all working together in tandem. Therefore, these need to be functioning properly to achieve it.
Effects of Different Breast Surgeries on Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding after reduction surgery or a breast surgery of any kind can be challenging for new moms. But not all surgeries are harmful. As long as a surgery doesn't interfere with the areola or the milk ducts, you will not face difficulty in breastfeeding. In most cases, the breastfeeding ability of a woman remains unaffected. However, a few ones might require taking medicines or substances that can boost milk production. A final option might be to balance the breastmilk supply with milk supplements.
1. Breastfeeding with Breast Augmentation
Whether augmentation of the breasts has been undertaken to enhance their appearance or to return to the previous appearance after a surgery, both cases make use of breast implants to make the enhancement. The usage of implants does not interfere with milk production and breastfeeding, as long as breast tissue and areolas are unharmed. However, the chances of milk production are minimal if augmentation is done to enhance severely underdeveloped breasts or as a measure after mastectomy.
2. Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction
Just like breast augmentation, few women opt for a breast reduction as well if they have extremely large breasts that create physical pain and discomfort. The surgery involves removing the excess breast tissue and repositioning the nipple by surgically shifting the areola, which runs the risk of harming the milk ducts. This can hamper milk production or cause difficulty in pumping the breasts even if there is milk since the nerves cannot transmit the necessary signals as required.
3. Breastfeeding After Mastectomy
Women often wonder if they can breastfeed after mastectomy since the procedure involves removing their breasts altogether. This is done either to remove cancerous tissue or prevent one from growing later on. The aspect that plays a key role is the amount of breast tissue that has been removed. A lot of tissue removal combined with exposure to radiation for killing cancerous tissues can further impact the milk production capabilities. While dual mastectomies may not have any other option apart from bottle feeding, a single mastectomy could leave your other breast for breastfeeding purposes.
4. Breastfeeding After Lumpectomy
Some women may encounter a lump in their breast, which would need to be removed by surgery. This may or may not be cancerous tissue, but the lump could also be present closer to the nipple, putting the milk ducts at risk. If the lump is cancerous, then radiation therapy is usually suggested, which would reduce your chances of breastfeeding. In the absence of either case, this surgery leaves your ability to breastfeed unaffected.
5. Breastfeeding After Breast Biopsy
While nursing with breast implants may have its own challenges, breastfeeding after undergoing a biopsy doesn’t pose such problems in most cases. The biopsy involves extracting a specific region of breast tissue due to an infection or other illness. This, again, is usually fine as long as the surgery is not close to the areola. In recent times, surgical biopsy has been replaced with needle biopsy, which is a comparatively less invasive method to remove breast lumps or cysts.
6. Breastfeeding After Inverted Nipple Surgery
Inverted nipples are a condition where nipples don’t naturally point outwards but seem to be inverted within the breast region. Mild cases of inverted nipples are harmless since those nipples pop out when stimulated. Other cases require manually pulling them out or getting them surgically corrected. Since the surgical process involves cutting through the milk ducts to separate them and pull the nipple out, the ability to breastfeed may get severely affected. In a few cases, the skin can be stretched to pull the nipple out, which can keep your milk ducts unaffected.
7. Breastfeeding After Nipple Piercing
A nipple piercing makes use of a piece of jewellery that is attached using just the nipple and not any part of the breast tissue or the areola. In this case, the breastfeeding ability will not be affected. However, it is recommended to remove the piercing once you are pregnant, preferably by the second trimester of pregnancy. Also, it is extremely important to not have a nipple piercing when breastfeeding your child, since it can cause your baby to choke on your breast. Furthermore, the piercing should be removed well ahead in time, to let the area heal and not be infected in any way.
How to Increase Breast Milk Supply After Breast Surgery
Any kind of nursing care after mastectomy is difficult since the surgical process itself carries a large risk of hampering the ability to breastfeed. But, in a few cases and in most of the other breast surgeries, there are some effective ways of increasing your breastmilk supply.
Before wondering about boosting your milk supply, it is important to remember that you should continue breastfeeding irrespective of the amount of milk being produced. Breastmilk doesn’t just satiate hunger but also provides your baby with the necessary antibodies and elements that are essential in laying a strong foundation for his health.
There do exist a few herbal remedies which have shown a good result in boosting the milk supply in a woman. Before opting for any of those, it is necessary to get a go-ahead from your doctor and talk about any risks.
If your milk supply is insufficient, you can use formula milk. Some women prefer sticking to breastmilk throughout and may even opt for choosing breastmilk from a donor.
Breastmilk production can increase once the body knows that the demand is high. Carrying out breastfeeding frequently and using a pump to stimulate your breasts following a feeding can turn out to be useful, too.
Tips for Breastfeeding Moms Who Have Had Breast Implants or Breast Surgery
Breastfeeding your child after undergoing a breast surgery of any kind may not feel the same and might require a few changes. Making use of the following tips can make things easier for you as well as ensure that your baby stays healthy and safe at all times.
Whether breastfeeding or using supplements, let your focus be on the baby and his behaviour. As long as his bowel movements are on track and urine amount is proper, you have no reason to worry.
After giving birth to a baby, most doctors recommend that the mother should breastfeed the baby as soon as possible. Let your baby attempt to suck at it, allowing it to be stimulated. Follow up with a breast pump as well.
Your doctors and nurses need to be aware of the breast surgery you have undergone, which will help them track the progress and health of your child in the right manner. This needs to be followed even after you return back home.
Your obstetrician, as well as the child’s paediatrician, can give you the right advice and help you find a way to continue breastfeeding even with a surgery.
Your surgeon can help you understand in detail how your surgery was performed and if there will be any effect on breastfeeding or not.
Breastfeeding after nipple surgery does pose some problem since it exposes the milk ducts to damage, causing the entire milk production process to be disturbed. However, most of the other breast surgeries tend to keep breastfeeding ability unaffected. Knowing this in advance can help you take the right surgical decisions as well.
Also Read: Essential Tips on How to Breastfeed a Newborn Baby Read more
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The Importance of Staying Hydrated During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the best phases of a woman's life. As soon as she finds out that a little life is growing inside her body, she starts nurturing and loving it unconditionally. She starts taking care of herself even more.
Staying hydrated during pregnancy is as important as eating. Instead of eating for two, eating right and staying hydrated is crucial. Many women tend to eat more and drink less during this time. And I was one of them. I realised this only when I was diagnosed with oligohydramnios. Oligohydramnios is a condition of low amniotic fluid. A number of injections, glucose bottles, and medicines are what saved my baby girl who still was born prematurely due to my low amniotic fluid. So to avoid complications during pregnancy and to ensure that the baby grows properly, one should have plenty of fluids during pregnancy.
Here's How You Can Stay Hydrated during Pregnancy
Try to drink at least 2 litres of water every day.
Include juices, soups, coconut water, buttermilk, and milk in your routine diet.
Try to avoid strenuous exercises which can cause overheating of your body which in turn results in loss of water.
Eat fruits like watermelon, banana, apples and oranges as it can hydrate your body.
Avoid stress because it indirectly affects your hydration.
Benefits of Staying Hydrated during Pregnancy
Water and fluids help in formation of amniotic fluid which act as a growth medium and safety barrier between the baby and external environment.
Staying hydrated helps eliminate toxins from your body.
Drinking adequate water can also help in relieving heartburn and acidity, which is a common problem during pregnancy.
It can keep urinary tract infections at bay and protect you and your baby.
Staying hydrated also decreases the chances of preterm labour.
Although staying hydrated is important during all the three trimesters but it is most important to stay hydrated during the third trimester to prevent the chances of preterm labor. So all the pregnant ladies, sit back, relax and stay hydrated and enjoy your beautiful journey towards motherhood!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. is sesame seeds healthy in 37th week of pregnancy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. yes you can have but limited .
During pregnancy it is always advisable to have your normal routine foods and include more of sprouted grains along with green leafy vegetables and adequate water intake which helps maintain good health
Do have regular daily walking
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. ninth month mein kab tak delivery ho sakti hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. anytime after full term 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. my last period date Dec 26 pregnancy test date January 31 check panen apom 37 days ipom enaku evlo weeks and days what ?..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I don’t understand your language can you please post your question once again in English or Hindi whatever language you are more comfortable with because anybody on this only we can give you response on that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. which good formula milk or baby food for 4 months old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. no complementary foods below 4 months can use any branded formula milk. 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
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. Iam 9month pregnant and having very painful condition due to constipation and gastric issues
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. during pregnancy better not to take medicines for constipation take lot of water green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits you can try suppository if the problem is more o k o k
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
20 mins ago
Q. hi Doc,
eating raw mango, chapathi or any heat producing foods cause miscarriage during first trimester?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 mins ago
A. no relation ok c. 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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