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Accuracy of Pregnancy Ultrasound to Predict the Due Date
All pregnant women look forward to knowing the due date of delivery of the baby. The 40-week countdown is a long period of waiting. A pregnancy ultrasound is a great option to determine the baby’s due date. Ultrasound has become very helpful for obstetricians in predicting due dates and also diagnosing twins. A marginal difference is found when cases of foetal ultrasound and menstrual history of the patients are compared. Ultrasound has proven to be a useful test when the menstrual history is unknown, and one can safely calculate the expected date of delivery (EDD) by an ultrasound. But the accuracy of the prediction by ultrasound keeps decreasing as the pregnancy progresses. Hence the earlier the ultrasound is done, the more accurate is the predicted due date of delivery.
Can Your Pregnancy Ultrasound Determine Your Due Date?
Pregnancy ultrasound does give an idea to the expectant mother about the approximate date of delivery. A due date which is calculated from the last menstrual cycle often does not match the due date calculated by ultrasound. The accuracy of any ultrasound test depends on several factors such as the current stage of pregnancy, the quality of the machine, and the position of the baby in the mother’s womb. Hence ultrasounds cannot be 100 percent correct and reliable. The accuracy of the ultrasound decreases as the pregnancy progresses.
When Should You Have an Ultrasound Scan for Due Date?
An ultrasound can easily determine how far you’ve reached in your pregnancy. After the first six weeks of the confirmation of pregnancy, the due date can be known by an ultrasound scan. Ladies, who want to be sure of their date of delivery, cannot rely entirely on the manual cervical check - a manual checking done by the doctor to feel the softness and length of the cervix with the finger to determine the date of the delivery. Pregnant ladies and doctors find it more suitable to conduct ultrasound scans to assess the cervix, the passageway which opens up and reveals if labour is possible within a week. Estimating due date more closely helps the doctor take medical decisions. Also, the changes that start happening in the cervix are internal and not external. As such, transvaginal ultrasounds reveal the shape of the cervix which indicates whether the process of confinement has started.
How Accurate Are Ultrasound Scan Due Dates?
Pregnant ladies, these days get frequent ultrasound scans done as it is a safe way to know the measurement of the cervix, the passage that makes way for the baby to be delivered, and whether the patient is ready for labour pain within the following week. Ultrasound is painless and risk-free, and seeing the baby on the screen is also an enjoyable experience. Though pregnant women are given a due date by the doctors, it is just a rough estimate as very few women deliver the baby on the due date. Hence accuracy of the due date by ultrasound is not always absolutely correct. The estimated due dates calculated by pregnancy scans are sometimes found incorrect despite the fact that the sonographers are experts in their field. Scans are rather a more accurate way of determining the due date.
Can Your Due Date Change During Pregnancy?
Early ultrasound has a negligible margin of error while determining the due date. Generally, the physicians have no way to know the exact time of conception. Therefore, pregnancy is calculated from the very first date of the last menstrual period. The doctor may change the due date based on the result of the first ultrasound measurement which is fairly reliable. It mostly occurs in the first trimester in most cases where the dates differ by more than a week. If the repeat ultrasounds show the consistent progress of the foetus with no indication of any problems, then there is no reason to feel concerned if, for some reason, the doctor changes the due date.
Do Scans in Early Pregnancy Predict the Due Date More Accurately Than the Scans in Later Pregnancy?
It has commonly been observed that throughout pregnancy, each ultrasound shows a different due date. Early pregnancy scans are more accurate than the latter ones for predicting the due date. Therefore, for reference, doctors refer to the dates and measurements predicted by the first ultrasound due date as more accurate and correct. After attaining 18 to 28 weeks of gestation, the margin of error can increase to one to two weeks minus or plus. So, in the later stages of pregnancy, ultrasound measurements are invaluable in evaluating the baby’s growth over a period of time. A better estimate of due dates can ensure a safer delivery. As the baby keeps getting bigger in size, differentials start happening thus making it much harder to be accurate.
Which Due Date Is More Accurate – LMP or Ultrasound Scan?
Ultrasound scans are done for multiple reasons. They are used to document and reassure appropriate and adequate growth of the foetus as well as foetal health. The ultrasound report includes measurements of the abdomen, head, and thighs, and amniotic fluid. The accuracy of determining the due date using LMP depends on regular cycles. LMP only works if the body is like clockwork. The embryonic stage of development shown by scans is pretty uniform, and so it is more accurate to see each stage of the pregnancy through a scan. Since LMP is completely an internal process, the body mechanism differs as the body is under stress, fever or flu. The scans between six to ten weeks are the most accurate. Ultrasound due date is different from LMP, and the ultrasound assessment is correct and accurate for most cases.
The method adopted by ‘pregnancy wheels’ to calculate the estimated due date is done by adding 280 days to the first day of the last menstrual period. Using LMP to establish the date can overestimate the duration of pregnancy and can be subject to error. Decisions which are based on third-trimester sonography are problematic. The entire clinical picture would require closer monitoring to determine appropriate growth.
Ultrasound, also called sonogram, is a prenatal test, offered by most healthcare providers to the pregnant ladies to check on the baby’s health and development. A healthy pregnancy is generally 40 weeks from the date of the last menstrual period, but it is observed that babies are delivered between 37 to 42 weeks of gestation. Actually, there isn’t any reliable method to tell exactly when a baby will be delivered. The calculation of the date of conception is just an estimated date. The world of pregnancy and childbirth has revolutionized with many scientific advances in the field. In assisted reproductive procedures, the calculations cannot be done accurately. The optimal way to determine the gestational age is by using the ultrasound during the first trimester. Thus ultrasound is a key tool for determining the due date along with the health of the foetus for the expectant parents.
Also Read: Ultrasound Scan: Is It Safe for You and Your Baby? Read more
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Preschooler Month 49-54 — Growth and Development
Your preschooler is now quite grown up and has started doing things that amaze and surprise you! As he learns new skills every day, make it a point to track these changes so you can be sure his development is as per expectations.
We bring you the major developmental milestones your child will hit this month. Observe his behaviour carefully and in case you perceive any major lags or diversions, make sure to check with his paediatrician.
Physical Development
Look who’s so much more confident and agile now! Your pre-schooler has become an expert at catching a bounced ball and does this with amazing efficiency. Not just that, he is also able to pump a swing on his own. Trips to the park are even more joyful now!
As his fine motor skills develop further, so does his ability to grasp. He can now grasp a marker between the thumb and the index finger while the rest of the fingers are secured against the palm. You should ensure he gets good practise of this grasp as it will help him when he begins school.
Your child will also display interest in pegs and peg-boards and enjoy playing with lego-like blocks. This is a great way to improve his fine motor skills further along with fuelling his creativity.
Social and Emotional Development
Your pre-schooler now understands the power of communication and interaction. He no longer resorts to hitting or pushing another child when he wants something. Instead, he uses words to express a need such as wanting a drink of water or wanting to play with a toy another child has in his hands.
He is fast becoming a responsible member of the society! For now, his society outside home is a crèche, daycare, preschool, etc. In this setup, he starts contributing to classroom responsibility such as picking up trash, watering plants, etc. It is a pleasure to see him all responsible and dedicated! ||
Cognitive Development
The developmental changes that happen now are significant and play a major role in your child’s future brain power. One of these changes is that he now starts to understand common categories of things. For example, birds are of different kinds but all of them can be referred to as birds.
Further, he is also able to solve an 8 - 10 piece puzzle using his new skills of categorisation and figuring out what fits where. Here’s how you can use these puzzles to boost your child’s brain development.
The sense of symmetry and order is also evident in how he now colours mostly within the lines in a colouring book. While doing this, or when reading, he also holds the book right side up and begins at the front. He is learning quite a lot of things, isn’t he?
Your child’s memory is also improving now. He is able to count from memory fairly confidently.
Linguistic Development
Gone are the days when your child would want attention or jump into any conversation randomly! He is now able to take turns in a conversation and this makes conversing with him a joy!
Yet another development that happens at this time is that your child will be able to track vocal changes in inflection. For example, when someone else is reading to him, he will be able to understand ups and downs in the voice and expression as the story proceeds.
Contact your Paediatrician If/When you Notice:
At this time, you need to be careful about the following conditions in your child. Aside from periodic check-ups, these situations warrant an immediate consultation with the paediatrician:
By this age, kids understand how to interact with other kids and express what they want. But if your child continues to resort to hitting and biting, it could signal a deeper behavioural problem that should be discussed with the doctor.
You should also keep a track of his memory development and discuss with the doctor if he is having trouble counting a few objects from memory, remembering things you just told him or showed him in a picture book, etc. Memory retention issues can be fixed if detected at an early age.
Your pre-schooler has many more things in store for him in the next timeframe of development. Take a sneak peek at all the developmental changes you can expect to see then.
Previous Month: Preschooler Month 43-48 — Growth and Development
Next Month: Preschooler Month 55-60— Growth and Development Read more
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Eating Dark Chocolate for Weight Loss - Benefits and Recipes
Are you on a weight loss diet? If yes, then most of your friends and well-wishers must have told you to stay away from sweets, especially chocolates. There is no doubt that chocolates are loaded with calories, but they can help one lose weight too. This may come like a gentle breather for all weight watchers. If you are trying to lose weight, read this article because dark chocolate can help you lose weight.
Can Dark Chocolate Help With Losing Weight?
If you are thinking that there is a simple and magical recipe that can help you shed those extra kilos, well, we hate to burst the bubble for you but that is not the case. You really have to work hard and make genuine efforts if you wish to lose weight. But yes, certain foods can help! Dark chocolate is one of them. Dark chocolate is very beneficial for the health which helps one lose extra weight. Eating dark chocolate can improve your cortisol levels, reduce insulin sensitivity, make you feel full, and thus help you knock off a few extra kilos.
How Does Dark Chocolate Help in Weight Loss?
Eating dark chocolate has many health benefits. Although not directly, it can help you lose weight in the following ways:
1. It helps curb cravings.
Being not able to manage the food carvings is one of the reasons why we keep on putting weight. Whether we are happy, sad, hungry or not, we reach for food and find solace. The next time you crave for something, reach out for dark chocolate as it is a healthier choice. Dark chocolate contains more than 70% cocoa. Smelling and eating the dark chocolate can reduce the ghrelin levels (a hormone which stimulates the appetite and sends signals to your brain when you are hungry.) in your body which thus can suppress your cravings and ultimately help you lose weight. Consuming dark chocolate on a regular basis can increase your satiety levels and help you control your cravings.
2. It helps improve metabolism.
A slower metabolism can affect your weight loss goals. But consuming dark chocolate can help. Eating dark chocolate can speed up your sluggish metabolism as it is loaded with MUFAs or monounsaturated fatty acids which help burn calories at a faster pace. And the end result will be that you will lose weight.
3. It helps prevent insulin levels from spiking.
The way your body absorbs sugar also has an impact on your weight. If the sugar from the food you eat digests quickly, it will get transported to fat cells. However, consuming dark chocolate is a great way of preventing insulin levels to spike suddenly. Eating dark chocolates ensures that the sugar gets slowly absorbed in the bloodstream without increasing the blood sugar levels.
4. It makes one feel happy.
Happiness is a state of mind but it can help you lose weight and eating dark chocolate can improve your happiness levels. When you are in a happy state, your blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels will be in control, which may help lower stress and help you lose weight. And when you will be happy, you will be less prone to eating more or making unhealthy food choices.
5. It helps one exercise better.
Dark chocolate is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and also contains substantial amounts of magnesium, both of which help the body to feel less pain. If you experience no pain or discomfort, obviously, you'd be able to exercise better. Eating dark chocolate may make that extra mile or jog or run easier and help you lose more weight too.
Dark Chocolate Recipes for Weight Loss
If you are wondering how to include dark chocolate in your diet, here are some recipes that you can try!
1. Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cups
Dark chocolate and peanut butter cups taste delicious and you will enjoy them even more if you are on a weight loss diet - because sweets seem like a forbidden fruit when we are on a diet. Try the recipe mentioned below. If you like you can use almond butter too or give it your own twist!
Ingredients
Dark chocolate - 100 grams
Peanut butter - 50 grams
Cupcake moulds and cupcake liners (or butter paper) - 7-8
How to Make
Chop the dark chocolate into smaller pieces.
Put the pieces of dark chocolate in a double boiler and let them melt.
Place cupcake liners in the cupcake moulds.
Scoop the chocolate and fill the moulds up to ¼ level.
Gently place a small scoop of peanut butter in the centre and fill the rest of the cup with the dark chocolate.
Keep them in the fridge for about half an hour.
Take out chocolate cups from the moulds and serve cold.
2. Nutty Chocolate Bite
This recipe is a combination of nuts and dark chocolate. Yes, it will melt in your mouth and be crunchy too!
Ingredients
Dark chocolate slab - 100 grams
Almonds (chopped) - 3 tsbp
Pistachio (chopped) - 3 tbsp
Walnuts - 2 tbsp
Raisins - 1 tbsp
A big sheet of butter paper
How to Make
Chop the chocolate slab into smaller pieces.
Place the pieces in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until the chocolate melts.
Add in all the nuts and mix well. If the mixture appears too sticky and liquid, you can add in more nuts.
Spread the butter paper on a tray and scoop out the mixture in small quantities and place on the sheet.
Refrigerate for half an hour. Serve chilled.
3. Chocolate Mousse
This super easy recipe is one of the best ways to relish dark chocolate.
Ingredients
Canned coconut milk - ¾ cup
Cashew nuts (soaked in warm water for a few hours) - ½ cup
Edible coconut oil (soft) - ½ cup
Berries of your choice - ½ cup
Raw cocoa powder -6 tbsp
or dark melted chocolate - 1 cup
A few drops of vanilla extract
Honey - 3 tbsp
Strawberries (chopped) - 3
How to Make
In a blender, take all the above-mentioned ingredients.
Blend the ingredients for a few seconds.
Pour the mixture in small glass bowls and place them in the refrigerator allowing them to cool.
Serve chilled with chopped strawberries on top.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about dark chocolate. Get all your queries answered -
1. Can Dark Chocolate Help in Reducing Belly Fat?
Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants and can help one feel fuller. It may also help in burning fat, improving the metabolism, reducing inflammation and stress. All these factors can help one lose belly fat.
2. Can I Eat Dark Chocolate on a Keto Diet?
Keto is a low-carb and high-fat diet and if you are planning to include dark chocolate in your keto diet, then, yes you can. However, you should choose dark chocolate which contains a minimum of 70 per cent cocoa solids.
Chocolate is considered the food of the gods and it is one of the most relished food items across the world. If dark chocolate is something that can help you lose weight, well, there is certainly no harm in trying. Include this super yummy food in your diet to achieve some weight loss benefits.
Also Read:
Most Effective Fat-Burning Foods for Weight Loss
Eating Paneer to Lose Weight: Benefits & Recipes
Green Coffee for Weight Loss Read more
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How to Raise a Child in this Consumerist Generation
Today’s child gets everything very easily- right from sophisticated play stations to melting pizzas, he knows anything can be bought with the swipe of a card. Such an easy, consumerist life is fraught with its own pitfalls. A child becomes lazy, selfish and self-centered. Read this article to know, how you can inculcate the right values in your child.
Consumerism is the opposite of philanthropy or charity. In a consumerist society, people equate happiness with acquisition and hoarding of material possessions. Finer values like sharing, giving and simplicity are shoved into the background and people compete with each other to own more and more of mostly everything. To raise a child in such a culture is quite a challenge, but not an impossible dream.
Ways to Inculcate Good Values in Children
1. Teach your child about spending time in wholesome ways
Teach your child that inner happiness does not come from acquiring a certain toy, video game or car. It comes from being compassionate and kind. Encourage your child to spend time with old, needy people in your community. Enrich his life with experiences. Take him to an orphanage to donate old clothes. Spend a day in the company of less fortunate children. Ask him if he would like to make a donation from his pocket money. Ignite the compassionate streak in him.
2. Make an early beginning
Teach your child about the joys of giving and sharing. Encourage him to divide his earnings between spending, investing and charity in whatever proportion he deems fit. Educate him about the NGOs which might find his small donation useful.
3. Tell your child about the harsh realities of life
This requires a lot of tact and sensitivity on the part of a parent. Tell your child that there are some children out there on streets who cannot even afford one square meal a day and have no roof over their heads. Also, tell your child that orphanages and libraries are run by good souls who find joy and happiness in such sharing.
4. Appeal to his Rational, Creative Self
Many parents like to believe that their children are spoiled little creatures who do not see a reason. But the fact is children appreciate logic when used gently and with a smile.
If your child is demanding that you buy her a certain expensive toy, ask him in a friendly tone whether he really needs it.
Remind him of all the toys in his closet space which lie untouched.
Tell him that the money can be spent in better ways like buying a meal or clothes for a hungry child.
Always appreciate your child when he goes beyond the call of his age and does something kind and compassionate.
5. Set an Example
Online shopping portals, more disposable income and the saturating advertisements are all responsible for the thriving of a consumerist culture. In such a scenario, as a parent you need to set an example and step back from mindless purchasing and splurging. To initiate, you can involve yourself in a noble cause like rescuing stray animals, planting trees or even making your community a cleaner, healthier space to live in.
Finally, remember no journey is an easy one. When choosing the path of philanthropy and charity, learn to appreciate your child’s point of view although it might not always agree with yours. Make a connection with your child as you teach her about the deeper aspects of living away from the glitter of a consumerist society. Read more
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Is Motherhood Really Challenging?
I was very excited when I saw 2 pink lines on the home pregnancy kit I had. On the day I found out that I was pregnant, we were supposed to attend a family function. I didn’t get my periods and after taking the test I was sure that I was pregnant. My husband and I were very happy with this news. Later, we told about it to our family.The whole nine months of my pregnancy were absolutely beautiful. The journey of pregnancy is really a journey of happiness, pampering, food cravings, scans, medicines, and doctor visits. One good thing was that my husband was with me all the time, caring for me. I was curious to find out if it was a girl or a boy. The days passed, and the and the basic rituals like the baby shower were performed.The day came when my water broke, and I was taken to the hospital. I experienced severe pain during labour. Then I experienced pain due to C-section delivery.Finally, I saw my little angel with shining eyes and pink lips. Her eyes were wide open and I think she was looking at us. It was a heavenly feeling, especially when I realised that I had the power to bring a new life into this world. The next challenging task was breastfeeding. After a long practise with nipple shields and breast pumps, my little one got used to drinking milk.My image in the mirror was completely different from what I looked before pregnancy. As a new mother, whatever task I start has no full-stop. If I doing something, and my baby needs me, I leave that thing in the middle and attend my baby. My conversations with my hubby and friends have decreased from hours to minutes. My priorities have changed, and every day, I am coming across new challenges. But one thing is for sure that kids bring out the best in parents. Kids also bring discipline in the lives of parents.Even though I get a few hours of sleep at night, I am happy when I look at my little one’s face in the morning. I am so thankful that diapers exist because when I put a diaper on my baby, she sleeps comfortably.Now I understand how my mother must have taken care of me. The mother in me says, "Yes, motherhood is really challenging". I have realised that it is hard to be a mother but at the same time, it is an enriching experience.
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
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
16 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
11 hours 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 .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
9 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
8 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
7 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
7 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
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
6 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
4 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
2 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
3 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
3 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
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