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10 Simple Pregnancy Beauty Tips
Pregnancy can affect each mother’s skin very differently due to hormonal changes during the nine months. These changes can affect your physical appearance, thus its necessary to introduce certain beauty care steps into your daily grooming during pregnancy to deal with these changes to keep you happy in your skin.
Beauty Tips During Pregnancy that You Should Know
Pregnancy can change your life. You become aware of what you put feed your body, and you take extra care of your health. The same attention must also be given to what you put on your skin as well. You need to be careful of the products you use for your skin care during pregnancy as they may contain harmful chemicals.
Follow these ten beauty tips for pregnant women to make this journey more beautiful from inside and out.
1. Eating Right
When you’re pregnant, you need to watch what you eat as your baby will also be affected by the food you put in your body. It is important that you eat right and consume healthy food.
Foods that contain Omega oils such as nuts, eggs, and fish can help keep your skin smooth and plump. Legumes, leafy veggies, berries and even chocolate contain vitamins and A, C, and E that helps fights wrinkles, skin discolouration and keep your skin looking young. Beauty comes from not only external care but internal care.
2. Stay Hydrated
The first advice your doctor will give you during your pregnancy is that you must consume plenty of water. The reasons being that your organs tend to pull water from the skin cells as your blood gets thicker. This, in turn, makes your skin look dry and dull and causes wrinkles that make you age faster.
The secret to youthful looking skin during this time is consuming at least two litres of water every day. This tip is good for both you and your baby, and its benefits are many. Water flushes out all the toxins from your body, keeps your skin hydrated and helps promotes healthy and clear looking skin.
3. Beat Those Stretch Marks
The best way to deal with those worrying stretch marks during your pregnancy is by taking super good care of your skin. You can invest in really good body butter like shea butter or natural body oil, like sweet almond oil or olive oil. Ensure that you gently massage the cream or oil on a daily basis focusing on your belly, breasts, and hips.
4. Get Sleep
Lack of sleep can cause dark circles and even distressed looking skin. Getting ample sleep helps your skin repair the small damages done due to hormonal changes, reduce dark circles and gives your skin that well-rested look. You can use a maternity cushion or a nice and soft eye mask to help you catch those Zzz!
5. Cleansing Right
When pregnant, there is nothing you can do to avoid the hormonal changes your body goes through. However, you can always help your skin deal with these changes. The products you use during the nine months must be gentle and must not contain any harmful chemicals.
Invest in a cleanser that will maintain your skin’s pH levels while removing all the impurities, dirt and makeup. A gentle cleanser used twice a day will help keep your pores clean and your face soft and fresh.
6. Do Not Overdo
Worrying about breaking out, blotchy patches or your skin type changing are common during pregnancy. One thing most expectant mothers do is over exfoliate to avoid a breakout. That is a big No-No!
Mommies, your skin will be more sensitive during your pregnancy. Make sure you invest in a gentle exfoliator. The chances of your skin scaring are high so use a product that will not irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Make a note to fight the urge to pop and pick your face.
7. Safety in the Sun
Your skin gets very sensitive to the sun during pregnancy. You’re in a dilemma of what you should do, you want to go out and not get burnt, but you don’t want to use sunscreen because they contain potentially harmful chemical filters such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate.
Check with your doctor or at your local drugstore for pregnancy friendly sunscreen creams or lotions that contain mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are an inert mineral that blocks your skin against both UVA and UVB rays as it sits on top of the skin causing a barrier against the harsh sun rays.
You could try and avoid the sun by wearing broad-brimmed sun hats. Don’t compromise on your fun in the sun, but remember safety first.
8. Make-Up Guide
Mommies, you will notice how you tend to get blotchy patches, acne, dark circles or pigmentations on your facial skin. This is where makeup steps in and saves the day! To hide those spots and colour differences, you need to make sure you use the right lipstick, mascara, concealer and foundation that does not have any harsh chemicals.
9. Steer Clear of Toxic Ingredients
Most expectant mothers are quite clueless about what is not good for their skin during pregnancy. Chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, toluene, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), aluminium chloride, salicylic and beta-hydroxy acids can have extremely harmful effects on your skin.
Acne creams also contain chemicals can be absorbed through your skin into yours and eventually into your baby’s bloodstream. Before using any creams, ensure you check for the ingredients or check with your doctor before using it.
10. Flaunt the Belly
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but many mommies are always conscious of what they should they wear. Well, there is a solution for that worry! Pregnancy fashion has a new spot in the industry. Mommies, you need to flaunt those cute baby bumps! You can look for outfits that are both comfortable and are trendy. Wear clothes that are comfortable and accentuate your curves and changing body.
Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Blake Lively and Lisa Haydon have made pregnancy fashion into a style statement. While donning comfortable yet stylish outfits, these ladies would be a great source of inspiration for all you mommies.
Mommies, pregnancy can be a challenging time for you. With many things you worry about, you can now stop worrying about 'how to look beautiful during pregnancy’. As they say, a smile is what makes you the most beautiful. Feeling happy and the smile that comes with is what you need to enjoy and love every bit of this journey. Remember, these nine months are meant for you to be pampered.
Also Read: Right Clothes to Wear During Pregnancy Read more
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Medicines in Pregnancy: What's Safe, Alternate Therapies & More
Pregnancy is a time when you take good care of yourself and follow healthy habits. So, if you come down with the cold and flu or some other minor illness during your pregnancy, you are likely to be apprehensive about taking medications. Most medications for common day-to-day ailments are safe to consume even during pregnancy but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.
How to Choose Medicines Safely during Pregnancy?
There are side-effects and reactions associated with all medicines even when you are not pregnant. So, there is no foolproof way of choosing perfectly safe medicines for common ailments during pregnancy. Thus, the best solution is to check with your doctor before you reach for those over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. Try to avoid all types of medication during the first trimester of your pregnancy because at this time, your developing baby is most vulnerable. And if you have been taking any prescription medicines since before your pregnancy, check with your doctor if it is safe to continue with it. Else, your doctor will be able to prescribe you an alternative.
Which Medications are Safe to Consume during Pregnancy?
Prenatal vitamins are safe for consumption during pregnancy and essential too. Some OTCs are considered safe in pregnancy though checking with your doctor is the best thing to do. Here is a generic name list of medications you can take while pregnant for certain common conditions.
Condition
Medicine
Acne
Benzoyl peroxide
Allergy
Loratadine, diphenhydramine, cetirizine
Constipation
Methylcellulose, docusate sodium, sennosides, Calcium polycarbophil, magnesium hydroxide, mineral oil (30 ml) in juice
Cough (alcohol-free syrup)
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin
Diarrhoea
Loperamide
Fever
Acetaminophen
Gas
Simethicone
Heartburn
Calcium carbonate, famotidine, ranitidine
Haemorrhoids
Hydrocortisone, witch hazel
Nausea / vomiting, motion sickness
Dimenhydrinate, vitamin B-6, doxylamine succinate
Pain
Call your clinic if your pain is in your abdomen (stomach).
Acetaminophen
Rash
Call your clinic if you have an allergic reaction, or no relief.
Colloidal oatmeal, hydrocortisone, diphenhydramine
Sinus congestion and cold
Chlorpheniramine, saline (sodium chloride) nasal sprays
Sleep problems
doxylamine succinate
Sore throat
Dyclonine hydrochloride, benzocaine, menthol
Vaginal yeast infection
Butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole
Source: https://www.allinahealth.org/health-conditions-and-treatments/pregnancy-care/over-the-counter-medicines-safe-to-use-during-pregnancy/
If you have any pre-existing conditions that require continuous medication it is important to keep on taking these as per your doctor’s instructions. The risks of your illness may outweigh the effects of the medication on the baby and so your doctor is likely to prescribe the minimum required dosage to keep symptoms under control.
Which alternative Therapies are Considered Safe?
You can get relief from common ailments like a cold, allergies, fever, pains and aches, and digestive issues with the help of some simple home remedies. These are a good option since you can avoid medication altogether in most cases. Complementary and alternative medicine is also growing by leaps and bounds due to the holistic nature of their treatment and therapies. Homeopathy, kinesiology, reflexology, and hypnosis are just some of the branches that are gaining popularity.
Cold and Flu
Plenty of rest and warm fluids can provide immediate relief when you have the cold and flu during pregnancy. If your symptoms get worse, you could also try using saline nose drops for a blocked nose, a humidifier for congestion , and hot or cold packs to ease up the sinus pain. If a sore throat is bothering you, try a warm cup of decaffeinated tea with some honey or lemon added to it.
Aches and pains
Muscles pains and strains are a common occurrence during pregnancy given the various physical changes that your body goes through. Cold compresses and rest can prove useful in easing these discomforts. Prenatal massages are also a safe option when administered by a trained or certified professional.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a frequent complaint that surfaces during pregnancy. Avoiding large meals, fried and spicy food, as well as sleeping soon after a meal can help keep heartburn at bay.
Constipation and haemorrhoids
Two other problems that are common in pregnancy, these can be prevented by eating fibre rich food and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Morning sickness
Use of ginger can be helpful in keeping nausea down and help you handle morning sickness better.
Insomnia and stress
Relaxing aromatherapy oils such as lavender and rose might soothe you quickly.
Which Alternative Therapies should be Avoided?
All alternative therapies are not gentle or non-invasive. Also, there are plenty of natural remedies available in the market but all of these might not be safe when pregnant.
Castor oil is a home remedy for constipation, but it is to be avoided during pregnancy as it can lead to premature labour.
Herbal teas can contain a variety of ingredients and might have side-effects just as other prescription or OTC medicines.
Acupuncture is not guaranteed to be safe for pregnant women, so ideally it should be avoided during this crucial period in your life.
Certain herbs such as ginseng, juniper, liquorice, yarrow, as well as aromatherapy oils like sage, basil, myrrh, and thyme are not suggested for use by pregnant women due to the possibility of birth defects and causing premature labour.
Your doctor or healthcare professional is the best person to offer guidance on what alternative therapies can be safely used during your pregnancy.
There are some precautions you can take to minimize your risk of contracting certain illnesses when pregnant. Your immune system weakens during pregnancy and this is why you need to exercise caution. Be sure to wash your hands often, sleep well, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and avoid stress when pregnant. Getting the flu vaccine might also prove helpful during this time. It is always better to avoid medications during pregnancy but this does not mean that you have to suffer as a result. So, following doctor’s instructions and taking precautions is the best course of action.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional. Read more
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TORCH Test in Pregnancy - Why is it Needed?
Pregnancy is a time when you are vulnerable to pathogens due to poor immunity. While you can recover from most of these issues in a few weeks, the case is different for the foetus. This is because it has its own sets of challenges while dealing with an attack from a pathogen. As the foetus is still developing, it does not possess the same sophisticated bodily response system to fend off any attacks. To detect and treat infections, a TORCH test is conducted during pregnancy.
What is TORCH Test?
The TORCH blood test is a method employed to detect any congenital infections that may be present in the mother. These infections could be passed on to the foetus either during pregnancy or childbirth and can cause developmental issues such as epilepsy.TORCH infections are an umbrella term for various infections that can be passed from mother to child either during pregnancy or childbirth. The term TORCH is an acronym for infections which include:
T- Toxoplasmosis
O- Other diseases such as Epstein-bar virus, hepatitis, human parvovirus, mumps etc
R- Rubella
C- Cytomegalovirus
H- Herpes Simplex
Diseases Detected by a TORCH Screen Test
Toxoplasmosis:
Sometimes, a parasite called ‘Toxoplasma gondii’, which is present cat faecal matter and undercooked meat makes its way to the digestive tract. While a person infected with it may display no symptoms, it can cause miscarriage or brain impairment of the foetus.
Rubella:
Rubella is a viral infection that can cause rashes, fever or swollen lymph nodes in an individual. Women who carry the virus can transfer it to the foetus through their bloodstream. Some of the ways it can affect the foetus include delayed growth and heart defects.
Cytomegalovirus:
A part of the herpes branch, this virus barely disturbs adults who may not even know that they have it. However, the virus can attack the developing foetus leading to brain impairment and epilepsy.
Herpes Simplex:
This type of virus causes visible sores in the mouth and genital areas and can be some inconvenience for adults. However, infants who are exposed to this virus can have significant damage done to their respiratory and nervous systems.
Other Diseases:
The other diseases include HIV, measles, chickenpox, syphilis and other contagious diseases that could be passed on from mother to child.
Risks Associated With TORCH Test During Pregnancy
One big drawback of the test is that it may take a few weeks for the antibodies to develop in the body making early detection difficult. This means that valuable time is lost during which time the foetus could be exposed to the infection. Apart from that, the test itself may cause some bruising in the area where the skin is penetrated. There is also a mild chance of infection at the puncture site.
Preparing for a TORCH Test Panel When Pregnant
Before going for the test, keep your doctor informed about any medication that you may be taking. Other than that, no specialized preparation is required for the test.
How is a TORCH Screening in Pregnancy Performed?
A few millilitres of blood is taken from your body for testing. This blood is taken from the finger or any other part of the body. A sterilized needle or cutting instrument (lancet) is used to puncture the skin to collect the blood. Once this is done, a treated bandage will be immediately applied to prevent any bleeding or infection.
What do the Test Results Mean?
For a TORCH test in pregnancy, symptoms such as pain during urination, rashes and fever are present for the person being tested. Mostly women from high-risk category groups are screened for this test.
The test is done by looking at a strip which can come back positive or negative. A negative reading means that there are no antibodies detected. This is good news and means that there is no infection. The TORCH test positive in pregnancy, on the other hand, is a little tricky as it must deal with two antibodies, namely IgM and IgG.
IgG:
This antibody is the indication that an infection had taken place sometime in the past. To be on the safe side, a follow-up test will be conducted to see if the infection was recent. Avoid doctors that want to start a treatment plan for a positive IgG for toxoplasmosis as the body already contains the antibodies for a repeat infection. IgG is an indication of a past infection and no longer exists in the body.
IgM:
This antibody indicates that the infection is either ongoing or was recent. However, it is not a sure shot assessment and further testing will be needed to verify the results.
IgM and IgG:
This is a rare instance where the mother tests positive for both antibodies and can indicate that the mother has faced this infection sometime in the past.
A treatment plan will be initiated if there is an infection.
The TORCH Screen test looks for antibodies developed by the body in response to the infection. These help in minimising any damage to the foetus. As newer tests which are more specific and sensitive are being developed, the TORCH test is becoming less popular.
Also Read: Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Test During Pregnancy Read more
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Object to Picture Matching Skills in Toddlers
Parents are usually impressed to see the matching skills in their 2-year-old child. However, not many understand what all the brouhaha is about! Well, these skills are an extremely important milestone for your toddler.
You’ve been pointing out different objects to your toddler in pictures as well as real life. You’re also exhilarated when she follows suit and points out a few. But do you know the multiple benefits of these skills?
Advantages of Picture Matching Lesson Plans For Toddlers
Improved Cognitive Skills
What your toddler sees in a picture is just a one-dimensional image of that object. However, when she learns to match a real life object to it, she can actually make out the basic differences between the two. This, in itself, is a sure shot indicator of her cognitive skills. Sometimes, the picture of the object may be a bit different from the real deal. For instance, the cube in a photo may be red whereas the real cube may be multicoloured. But, when your toddler matches the object to the picture, she’s actually learning about categorising objects based on their various physical aspects.
Enhanced Language Skills
While your toddler is matching objects to pictures, you could challenge her to a matching game by showing photos that look different in colour and dimensions from the objects at hand. If he’s able to match them correctly, applaud her and then ask her why she felt that the two were a match. As she tries to explain the logic behind this, she will have to use different words to express herself. This aids in improving her vocabulary and thereby, her language skills.
Pre-mathematical Skills
As the matching skills in your 2-year-old child improve, she’ll start matching different looking objects of the same category to one picture. This is known as sorting, and is an important part of mathematics. The activity also helps her understand that the same category objects can have some variation. Though this might seem inconsequential to an adult, it forms the foundation for mathematical skills that will develop in her later years.
Acts as Pre-cursor to Reading
The game of matching pictures for toddlers helps them get acquainted to the fact that objects differ from each other in a number of ways. It also helps them identify alphabets and numbers in the later stage. Moreover, studying one-dimensional pictures works as a precursor to developing the ability to decipher printed words.
Introducing Objects to Picture-matching Activities
Start off by choosing photos and objects that are identical. As your toddler gets used to the game, introduce a different set with slight variations in the picture from that of the real objects. During the later stage, you can introduce her to pictures and objects that belong to the same category but are otherwise completely different. The image could be of a big, red bowl with fruits whereas the object could be a plastic bowl with a few bits of cereal. Read more
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The Importance of Grandparents in a Child's Life
My daughter and I went on a short vacation to my parent’s house. After spending 2 weeks with her maternal grandparents and coming back to the valley, the very first thing I noticed is that my daughter has developed emotions for her grandparents. Two days after reaching home, we video called them. And when she spoke to them, I realised that she was emotional. I had never seen her emotional side. She started sobbing and was very emotional.
They say history repeats itself, and I realised it in that moment. I could relate to this situation. When I was a child, I was raised wholeheartedly by my grandparents (nana nani) until the age of 3-4. At that time, whenever someone said, let's go home now and I used to realise that I will have to leave my grandparents, I used to be very sad. I am sure that most of you must have shared the same bond with your grandparents and loved them greatly!
Childhood memories are always special and I remember the time spent with my nana nani and dada dadi with great fondness. Those memories are imprinted so well that they seem unforgettable. Honestly, my nani and nana were more important to me than my parents too.
In this time and age, a majority of people live in nuclear families because of their own valid reasons, but the kids who get the chance to live with their grandparents are really fortunate. We live far from our families and that’s why my daughter doesn’t get the chance to grow up under the guidance of her grandparents. But my husband and I make sure that we take her to her grandparents' place and call them to our place whenever it’s possible. We want her to bond with them. We also make sure that our daughter interacts with her grandparents over the video call frequently.
Thanks to the technology that has made it possible for us to connect with our loved ones easily. My daughter will turn 3 this year. As per her age, she has achieved all the milestones and is capable of sharing each and everything with me. But at this stage, whenever I have to leave her at home and go somewhere, the only people, apart from my husband, I trust is her grandparents. I know I can leave her with them with full confidence.
As parents, I feel it is our responsibility to educate our kids about the valuable relationships they have in their life so that they grow up to be good individuals and have a sense of love and respect for their elders.
If you have your grandparents, I request you to make some time for them as one day you will also become grandparents and will crave for spending time with your grandchildren because history repeats itself.
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.
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
10 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
10 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
9 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
7 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
6 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
1 hour ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
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