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Preparing for Labour & Delivery - Smart Ways to Prepare for Childbirth
As the delivery date nears, many pregnant women are filled with dread because of the fear of the unknown. Arming yourself with knowledge helps as it not only lets you prepare for contingencies but also helps to keep you calm.
Video: Preparing for Labour & Delivery – Smart Ways to Prepare for Childbirth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYwRKKYYHw8
Top 11 Tips to Help You Prepare for Labour and Delivery
Giving birth to a baby is a tremendous job. However strong a woman may be, at this stage of life, she needs complete support, a hand to hold all through the pain, and complete pre-operational support for delivery.
The following are the most useful tips on how to prepare your body for labour.
1. Attend Labour and Childbirth Classes
These classes are conducted by birthing health professionals who specialise in various labour-coping techniques and preparation for normal delivery. The classes offer well-planned basic information about childbirth for to-be moms. The training doesn’t just involve lectures but also includes videos of childbirth as well as real stories of couples to help mothers understand pregnancy with a better perspective.
Pregnancy books and notes are also provided which explain various concepts such as positions preferred during childbirth, breathing patterns as well as techniques to focus on contractions.
2. Have Patience and Wait
Even before a pregnant woman goes to the hospital on the day of delivery, she will experience labour pain. Most hospitals ask the patient to come to the hospital only when the contractions are coming regularly for a period of 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the woman will be in constant pain and may feel anxious as she faces an uncertain situation.
The only way is to have patience and wait for the contractions to become regular and continuous. In these situations, try to remain calm and divert your mind from the pain by watching TV or by speaking over the phone with your dear ones.
3. Know More About Labour Pain and Childbirth
Preparing for normal delivery will have to start when you decide to get pregnant as it will help you to take up the challenge of delivery with confidence. You must understand the entire process of delivering a baby so that there are no unforeseen complications and you are prepared with contingency plans.
You can gather a lot of information online by visiting various related websites and medical portals. For those who want a visual experience, you can even watch videos related to labour and childbirth.
4. Have a Complete Understanding of the Childbirth Process
You can discuss various possibilities of childbirth with your doctor, such as what to do in case of a macrosomia baby, epidural, premature birth or C-section. One can also get involved in various initiatives regarding labouring with the help of labour coach and the other experienced people.
Remember that not all labour strategies work effectively for every woman in pain, so it is best to know your options and be prepared.
5. Be Free and Openly Share Your Opinion
For the woman suffering from pain, it will be a difficult time, and she needs the complete support from the people around. The labour coach, nurses and the doctors understand the situation that the mother is in as they deal with these situations on an everyday basis.
You should feel free to express yourself to the medical staff as they would be more than willing to help to lay to rest any fears that you may have. No hospital staff will resent you if you become irritated as they are trained to handle all pregnancy-related issues.
6. Pack Your Bag and Keep It Ready
For pregnant women, time will be ticking, and uncertainty looms over them all the time. At any point of time, pregnant women may have to leave for the hospital. One smart way to get ready for the occasion is to pack the bag beforehand and keep it ready.
You can have all the essentials ready for you such as a pair of clothes, comfortable footwear, medicines and other necessities.
7. Ask Questions Without Any Hesitation
The doctors and the nurses start the procedures immediately after you enter the hospital. Most of the medical professionals never explain the procedures or the tests which they carry out. But you can ask questions regarding the work they are doing.
Always find out about the tests or procedures that they carry out. The medical personnel will happily answer your questions related to how to be prepared for labour on the delivery day.
8. Always Have a Person Around You
When you are pregnant, you have a responsibility of a child inside you. Never be on your own even when you sleep or relax. Always have a person around you, someone who is close to you like your mother, sister, spouse or a friend.
You can even have an experienced nurse with you working as your labour-trainer. This person can accompany you into the labour room on the day of delivery. You need someone who can understand your pain and give you emotional support whenever required.
9. Control Your Emotions Completely
If you can control your emotions, then it will help you to face the situation effectively. It becomes a part of the preparation for labour and normal delivery. There is a strong connection between the emotions and your body. Whenever you are under stress or feeling pressurized, your body gets rigid and stops responding to the labouring process.
You must remain free, confident and keep control over your emotions. Take your time and have your own pace while you deal with the pain. Do not be hesitant to ask for help if required but be focused.
10. Effective Breathing Technique
While in the delivery room, you must lie down comfortably and concentrate on your breathing. The inhaled breath slowly fills your body with air. Your belly supported by the ribcage slowly start filling with air. Thus, it expands the tissues on either side of vagina called perineum which helps ease the process of childbirth.
You can apply force while exhaling and make an audible sound as it can help you keep count of the number of exhalations.
11. Learn To Push The Right Way
In order to face the labour process, breathe slowly and generate strength into the pelvic muscles of the body. Start pushing the baby by breathing deep and longer. You can have 10 seconds of countdown when you push hard with all your strength.
Keep your full body relaxed, including your head and neck. Keep your hands under your breasts and slowly push your baby down while you breathe. The labour pain will slowly subside as the woman starts pushing the baby slowly. For pushing during labour, women can try different positions such as squat, lie on one side, sit on hands and knees, or lean forward. These positions help in reducing the pain and effectively pushing the baby.
Delivering a child is the most difficult part of being pregnant as a woman has to endure large amounts of pain. Little things like trying to be calm and having a loved one around you go a long way in helping you overcome this hurdle. Once the ordeal is over, you can take joy in the fact that you helped bring new life into the world. Read more
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Pregnancy Testing: Rh Factor And Antibody Screen
There are a few factors that you must be aware of when you are pregnant, especially the ones you are passing on to your baby. Not just your blood group, your baby also inherits a property known as Rhesus factor (or Rh factor) that is closely linked to their health. To determine if your child is Rh positive or negative, you need to know a few basics first.
What is Rh Factor in blood?
An inherited protein that is found on the surface of RBC (Red Blood Cells) is called Rh or Rhesus factor. Commonly speaking, you are Rh positive if this protein is present in your blood and Rh negative if it isn’t. It is necessary to know one’s Rh factor in case of medical emergencies for blood transfusion and to avoid complications during childbirth.
To understand Rh factor better you need to also know about antigens. Basically, antigens are substances that when enter your body, stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies that helps fight against infections. The difference between Rh blood group and Rh factor is also worth remembering as the two are often confused as being the same. Rh blood group refers to a set of 50 antigens while the Rh factor is related to the D antigen only, and is responsible for determining whether you are Rh positive or negative.
Rh Positive
If your blood has the Rh factor then you are referred to as Rh positive. 85% of the world’s population is Rh positive, and you can consider yourself to be amongst the majority.
Rh Negative
Having a Rh negative blood group in pregnancy does not affect your health in any way nor does it indicate any kind of illness. The inherited protein Rh is missing from the surface of your red blood corpuscles when you are tested Rh negative.
Rh Status and Pregnancy Complications
Every pregnant woman needs to have her Rh factor tested during the first prenatal visit, and this is usually done by drawing blood samples from a vein in the arm. Rh incompatibility between you and your baby isn’t too much of a concern if you are Rh positive, but if you are a Rh negative mother, there are certain precautions your doctor will recommend during your pregnancy and labour period.
If you are Rh negative and your husband is Rh positive, there is a huge possibility of your baby being Rh positive and your blood type will be incompatible with that of your baby’s. This will not be known till your baby arrives into the world, but it is better to assume so and take precautionary measures accordingly.
Rh-Incompatible
Your body has the tendency to fight against any foreign body that enters your system and to do so they produce antibodies, which are like your little soldiers. If you are a Rh negative mother and are carrying a Rh positive baby, your body is likely to produce proteins known as Rh antibodies when it comes in contact with baby’s blood. This incompatibility does not cause any known concerns during the present Rh negative pregnancy (assuming it is your first) but your next pregnancy could be a concern. Try to take as many positive antibodies pregnancy allows for you to consume. Your doctor will be able to guide you on the same basis of your condition.
Rh Chart of Parent and Baby
To understand the different possibilities of your baby being Rh postive or negative, it is important to analyse your partner's and your blood and it's Rh factor type.
Blood compatibility during pregnancy
Mother's Rh factor
Father's Rh factor
Baby's Rh factor
Precautions
Rh positive
Rh positive
If parents are homozygotes- 100% positive If parents are heterozygotes 50% positive If one parent is a homozygote and the other is a heterozygote- 75% positive
None
Rh negative
Rh negative
The blood of the child in 100% of cases will be RH-negative.
None
Rh positive
Rh negative
If RH positive partner or partner of homozygotes for RH – 50% positive;
None
Rh negative
Rh positive
Equal possibility of being Rh positive or Rh negative
Rh immune globulin injections
Source:
Rh Sensitization
Being Rh incompatible may not harm your baby during your current pregnancy (if it is your first one). However, if and when the baby’s blood mixes with yours (a possibility during pregnancy and childbirth), your immune system begins producing antibodies to protect itself against this Rh +ve blood. This is known as Rh sensitization, and if you get pregnant with a Rh positive baby in your subsequent pregnancy, these positive antibodies in pregnancy will attack the baby’s blood.
What if I am Rhesus Negative?
During your first visit to the doctor for your prenatal check up, your Rh factor pregnancy test will be carried out and if you turn out to be Rhesus negative, the baby’s father will be tested to check for results. . If your partner is Rh negative too, your child will be Rh negative (since two negatives cannot create a positive), allowing your body to treat it as its own.
There is a huge possibility that your foetus will carry the Rh positive factor if the baby’s biological father is Rh positive himself. Your baby ( in case of first pregnancy) will face no harm since antibodies to the baby’s Rh factor have not been created by your body yet, but your second pregnancy could turn out to be a high-risk one. A mother’s body creates these antibodies agianst this positive Rhesus factor during the first pregnancy and they remain in her system for a lifetime. If you are Rh negative and are expecting a Rh postive baby during your second pregnancy, these antibodies created by your body will further attack the baby's RBCs. As a result of this, your baby can become highly anaemic which can also be fatal. The baby can suffer from jaundice, which happens due to the liver’s failure to process the large amount of bilirubin that is produced when the RBCs break down.
How does the Baby’s Blood Mix with the Mother’s Blood?
The mother’s blood does not mix with her baby’s during the course of pregnancy unless a procedure like amniocentesis has been carried out. Other factors like vaginal bleeding, or traumatic events like a car accident , fall or a difficult birth could also cause the baby’s blood to mix with its mother’s. Also, during delivery, there is a possibility of the baby’s blood cells mixing with that of the mother’s.
Blood Test for Rh Status and Antibody Screen
Tests for antibody screening during pregnancy are carried out to determine the presence of certain antibodies in your body. This test is particularly important as these antibodies can attack red blood cells leading to the latter's deficiency. Following are some blood tests that are recommended by doctors to
Coombs Test (Direct and Indirect)
The Coombs Test (Direct and Indirect) is an effective antibody screening test that can be performed during pregnancy to identify antibodies that attack the red blood cells in the mother's body.
Direct Coombs Test
This test is effective in identifying the red blood cells that have antibodies attached to them. It is carried out by obtaining a sample of red blood cells from the mother’s body . This test is also done on a new born to find out if the antibodies made by the mother’s body have travelled through the placenta to the baby.
Indirect Coombs Test
This test is carried out by taking a sample of the serum (the liquid part of the blood) and detecting the blood group antibodies in pregnancy that are already present in the blood stream. These are likely to bind with certain blood cells, creating health complications if the blood of the mother and child mixes. This test is also carried out before blood transfusion to gauge the antibodies in a donor/recipient’s blood.
What if my Baby and I Develop Antibodies?
Babies can produce antibodies too, but it is a slow process as their immune systems are not mature and functional till they are about 6-8 months old. They remain susceptible to diseases and illnesses. The immune response, however, is not a sustained one, and the virus or bacteria is not recognised till they are a month old.
Preventing the Development of Antibodies
As mentioned earlier, antibodies are blood proteins that are developed by human body to fight any antigen. These antibodies react chemically with any foreign substances like bacteria and viruses in the blood to fight their presence. They are also known as immunoglobulin.
Rh incompatibility is preventable through the use of special immune globulins, also known as RhoGAM. If the infant’s father is Rh positive or of unconfirmed blood type, the mother is injected with RhoGAM in her second trimester. A second injection is given within a few days of the delivery if the baby is Rh positive.
RhoGAM injections are useful in the prevention of antibody development against Rh-positive blood. Women with Rh negative blood group while pregnant should be injected with RhoGAM after every pregnancy, or a miscarriage or abortion or if the mother has been subjected to amniocentesis.
Rh Incompatibility Treatment
Rh Incompatibility treatment is focused on inhibiting the impact of the incompatibility. The new born is treated in the following ways:
Blood transfusions
Hydrating fluids
Electrolytes to regulate the metabolism
Phototherapy (Keeping the baby in proximity of fluorescent lights to prevent excess creation of bilirubin in its blood)
Knowing the Rh factors of the parents helps in foreseeing risks to the health of both the mother and the child. Make sure you are tested as a part of the routine pregnancy tests and let your doctor know if there is such a medical incompatibility between you and your partner.
Also Read:
CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test in Pregnancy
Common Trimester Wise Tests during Pregnancy
Blood Tests in Pregnancy Read more
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What is self reliance... Most important virtue for today's kids
Self-reliance an important quality to be nurtured in children
Self-reliance is almost a trending word in these tough trying times of pandemics. Is it the need of the hour or a virtue to be proud of? What exactly does the word self-reliance mean? In simple terms reliance on one’s own power and resources rather than others is called self-reliance. It is a habit that gradually develops and expands rather than a skill which needs to be instructed or informed about. Young minds are often instilled with a lot of values and teachings. Of this self-reliance is one quality which has to be nurtured in kids from early childhood.
In today’s time, self-reliance is one such attribute which is fundamental in raising kids. It is indeed a superpower which would help curb anxiety and make kids more self-dependent and self-sustained. They can take good care of themselves with much confidence and be responsible for their actions. This would pave a way for them to become mature individuals with great life skills. As parents, it is really important to initiate self-dependency in kids right from the age of 2. Let’s throw light on a few junctures as how self-reliance can be achieved in kids at a young age.
Start with the daily routine
Right from brushing your child’s teeth to sipping on hot cuppa milk let your kids do it on their own. Yes, you heard it right! On their own.
Initially, it would be a bit difficult for your kid to get used to the changed circumstances, but eventually, they would love doing their own chores and even be overwhelmed about the same. Though you might need to supervise at the start slowly and gradually you would be happy to see your kids carrying out their daily routine activities on their own full of confidence. All this can be attained while your kid turns 2. By the age of 3-4 introduce them to dressing their hair, eating meals and washing hands thereafter, even changing clothes. Early childhood habits dwell in the child’s mind perpetually and they would be able to carry out these simple routine tasks on their own without anyone’s help or dependence. From herein their journey of becoming self-reliant individuals start in the actual sense.
Teach your child patience
Patience is the key. Teach your child to endure and tolerate. You need to toil to get the sweet fruits of labour. Inculcate this in your child. There’s always a next time so make your child realize that patience and hard work together can move mountains. Make them realize that for a favourable result they need to wait and accept till the time is right. It is important to reward children rather than just fulfil their every need. A patient child realizes the importance of a reward, understands the value of a gift he has received. Learn to say no to your kid’s requests and let them realize that they can’t get everything they demand. Patience is indeed the stepping stone for self-reliant individuals.
Teach your kid to be organized
When a child is organized his routine follows a set of rules. Children realize the value of discipline through organizing skills. A simple task like asking your child to make his own bed and putting the sheets back in the cupboard after he wakes up engages him in a routine of doing his own chores. Start by simple chores like folding and placing the laundry in the basket, picking up his own plate after meals, trying to put on his clothes and so on. Such simple tasks need not be done by you all the time. Initially, you can always instruct your kid as to how to go about it. In the long run, they would be able to do things on their own and you would surely beam with pride. Such practices forbid dependency on other individuals to perform simple tasks. This is certainly one step closer towards adopting the policy of self-reliance.
Let your child explore and learn
The fear of the unknown always resides in the minds of our children. Little do we know that if we do not allow them to explore new facets they will never conquer over their fears. Letting your child explore new arenas brings in new opportunities. They understand that there is a world outside which they have to face in the long run. As parents, we always try to keep our kids safe and secure and guide them throughout but sometimes try to just sit back and watch how your kid deals with an unknown circumstance or a situation. If you feel you are pushing your kid too hard wait and do not rush. Sometimes it is possible that your child might end up in a fix but no matter what always encourage and support your kid and let them know you are always around. Do not restrict your kids from achieving new horizons on their own but at the same time supervise them.
It is important to talk to your kids
Talk, talk and talk. Nowadays due to social media and internet access, it’s just impossible to sit and talk to each other. People are getting too busy in their lives, and are totally entangled in this world of web. Wait! As the adage goes time and tide wait for none! Stick to this! When you have time and your kids are able to listen to you talk to them. Respect their emotions, ask about their well being always. Make them feel important and accept them as a part of your family while making decisions. “You are too small to decide upon this” or “ I was not even allowed to talk in front of elders while I was your age” do not make such statements, it would hurt your kids and make them feel less important. There’s always a way to put forth your thoughts. “ So what colour would you prefer your bedroom in?” this statement asks your kid his views on painting his own bedroom. This makes them a part of the decision making pertaining to their own bedroom and playroom. They feel they are old enough to decide about their own choices and even we as parents respect that. Such small efforts from parents in early childhood help build-up great minds in the future.
Takeaway
· All in all, self-reliance is a quality which helps an individual explore his own abilities and powers without depending on others.
· Kids are like clay pots which can be moulded into the desired form. Remember, this and start teaching your kids self- reliance at an early age.
· Do not hesitate to pass on simple chores to your kids in the ages 3-5 like wiping washed plates, putting used clothes in the laundry bag or brushing their teeth and washing their face.
· Always be the guiding source of inspiration for your kids. Allow them to decide for themselves and shoulder responsibilities while also be accountable for their own actions at the same time.
· Self-reliant kids are less prone to anxiety or panic attacks and episodes of depression.
So in the better interest of the society and overall welfare of our children, let’s pledge to make our kids self-reliant from now.
Dr. Archana Prabhu Yeolekar Read more
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Moong Dal Payasam
Sweet & creamy moong dal Payasam is a popular dish of Tamilnadu & Kerala. Be it summer or winter, Payasam is a delightful option for dessert & is also preferred as a sweet course dish in the main meal. This weekend, make this healthy and delicious Payasam and give your family a sweet treat to end the day with
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10 - 15 Minutes
30 - 45 Minutes
Ingredients
250 gm moong dal (split moong)
5-6 tbsp ghee
4 tbsp sugar
1 cup thick coconut milk
1 cup milk
4-5 sticks of cinnamon (or 1 tsp cinnamon powder)
5-6 pods of green cardamom (or 1-2 tsp cardamom powder)
Other dry fruits of choice (optional)
Water
Method
Step 1
Soak moong dal in water for 2-3 hrs. Then, drain & keep aside.
Step 2
In a pan, heat a tbsp of ghee, add green cardamom pods & cinnamon sticks. OR add above mentioned amount of green cardamom powder & cinnamon powder. Saute well, but not more than a minute. Overheating cardamom & cinnamon will make it lose its unique taste & smell.
Step 3
Next, add dal to the mixture, add a glass of water, cook well. Check periodically, add more water if required until dal is cooked properly.
Step 4
Remove from heat, cool & blend the dal with the help of hand blender to make a thick uniform puree.
Step 5
Heat plain milk & keep aside. Extract milk from coconut.
Step 6
In another pan, heat a tbsp of ghee, add mashed dal, sugar (consider sweetness according to choice), plain milk & coconut milk. Cook until all the ingredients blend well.
Step 7
Add cashew nuts (& other dry fruits of choice). Garnish with whole cashew nut & a few drops of ghee to make it look tempting. Serve hot in winters, serve chilled in summer.
Nutritional Information
Calories
636 K cal
Proteins
17.0 g
Fats
42.4 g
Carbohydrates
50.0 g
Cholesterol
24 mg
Sodium
354 mg
Potassium
193 mg
Tip :You can also add khoya (khawa/mawa) to the mixture, it enhances the taste of Payasam. Read more
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
11 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
5 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
34 mins ago
Q. Bread feeding mother can have green tea
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 mins ago
A. absolutely no problem to have green tea 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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