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Guardian of a 1 yr 4 m old girl
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6 Changes in Your Baby’s Health You Should Never Ignore, No Matter What
To a mother, her baby is the world’s most prized possession, the most special gift. Our little ones keep us going with their giggles, innocence, and unadulterated love. But to stay hale and hearty, they need something from us too: caution. Babies are too little to be able to communicate their problems or discomfort in any way other than crying. This is why we, as parents, must watch out for any suspicious changes in their health or behaviour.
We have put together for you 6 changes in your baby that you must never ignore. They can be early warning signs of deeper health problems, and need immediate attention.
1. Your Baby Constantly Refuses to Feed
Feeding babies can be a big challenge for mothers – the little ones often fuss about food, either not eating enough, or refusing healthy food in favour of sweets. It is no reason for concern if your baby also fusses about food now and then. Sometimes, your baby may just be feeling hot and humid (very likely in the summer) and this affects his appetite. A growth spurt, teething or a digestive problem like constipation can also affect your baby’s feeding habits.
However, it is worrisome if your baby constantly refuses to feed and this goes on for over a week. Please check if your baby also shows other signs such as fever, vomiting, rashes or diarrhoea. If yes, this can signal an infection and needs medical treatment. Do not delay in visiting the paediatrician as your baby’s body is getting deprived of essential nutrients.
2. Your Baby’s Skin Suddenly Seems Dry/Scaly, Red, or Breaks into a Rash
Babies are born with sensitive and delicate skin. Their skin is also very thin at this time and easily affected by weather changes. In the summer season, the skin can sometimes develop prickly heat (caused by excessive sweating). It can also occasionally develop acne or spots. While these skin problems are not usually serious, there are some changes you need to guard against.
If your baby’s skin has suddenly turned dry/scaly, red, or has developed rashes, it can indicate an adverse reaction to a skincare product, a skin allergy, or early signs of eczema. As per doctors, it could also be due to application of heavy oils such as mustard oil during summer time.
To avoid this condition, it is best to stick to only natural and dermatologist-tested skincare products for your baby. Avoid massaging your baby with dense oils in the heat, opting instead for a massage cream like Palmer’s Baby Massage Cream. It is made with natural cocoa butter and has Vitamin E content, which is good to keep your baby’s skin soft and supple. This cream gets easily absorbed into the skin and doesn’t leave it feeling oily at all. If you prefer using oil, the Skin Therapy Baby Oil by Palmer's is a light and soothing option. The best part is, since it is a multipurpose baby oil, it also softens cradle cap, and soothes eczema‑prone skin.
3. Your Baby Seems to Have Trouble Breathing Properly
It is natural for babies to “grunt” or catch their breath from time to time. After all, the outside world is new to them and their respiratory tract is still developing. However, please be careful if you notice that your baby’s breathing seems faster (more than 60 breaths per minute) or more stressed-out than usual. If he is making abnormal sounds during breathing, is using his chest muscles more, or his nostrils seem flared, see the doctor at once. It can be a sign of respiratory distress.
This can be caused by several factors, including flu, viral infection and cough. But it can also be due to asthma or pneumonia – serious ailments that need urgent attention.
4. Your Baby Keeps Crying Continuously, in a High-Pitched Tone
All babies cry, and cry a lot – this should be rule #1 in any parenting handbook! Crying is how your baby tells you he needs something, or that something is wrong. Usually, babies cry when they have a wet diaper, are hungry, or need mommy to give them attention. But if your baby suddenly starts crying in an extremely high-pitched tone, and just cannot be soothed, this is cause for alarm.
As per experts, high-pitched cries are usually associated with pain. Be particularly careful if your baby also arches his back while crying. In serious cases, this kind of crying can indicate muscle spasms, jaundice or a nerve problem.
Babies who have had a traumatic childbirth could be at a greater risk. We recommend an immediate visit to your paediatrician.
5. Your Baby’s Pee/Poop Look or Smell Different
No matter how ‘yucky’ they may have seemed to us before, baby pee and poop are something ALL of us obsess over as parents! This is actually a good approach: your baby’s urinary and bowel movements can be sound indicators of his overall health. While all babies will face problems with pooping (and peeing) now and then, there are some changes that can be worrisome.
If your baby’s poop has changed colour to green, it can indicate a gastrointestinal obstruction. Also watch out for red or black poop as they can signal bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Odd coloured poop/pee can also be caused by a diaper rash or a urinary tract infection.
Note: Remember that your baby’s first poop (meconium) will usually be black. This is totally normal.
Paediatricians recommend exercising extra caution to look after your baby’s bum area in the summer time. The chances of your baby developing a diaper rash or a UTI are much higher now, due to the increased heat and humidity. Make sure you change diapers frequently (every couple of hours, even if not soiled) and keep the area hygienic and germ-free. Apply a generous coating of a moisturising nappy cream such as Palmer’s Nappy Butter. The natural cocoa butter helps provide a protective moisture-proof barrier that keeps wetness away from your baby’s sensitive skin. It also helps soothe irritated skin, bringing instant comfort in case your child has developed a diaper rash.
6. Your Baby’s Head or Neck Feel Stiff/Different
Do not delay in taking your baby to the clinic if you suspect any change in his head or neck region. Does his neck area feel stiff, or is he having trouble in turning the head? This could be a sign of meningitis – a serious disease that can lead to brain damage and even be fatal. Other changes that can alert you of this condition are: high fever, a purple-red rash that doesn’t disappear when pressed, and blotchy skin.
Also be careful about any changes in the head, particularly sunken fontanelles (soft spots on your baby’s head). They can signal nutrition problems and dehydration. Also, if your baby has suffered a fall or any head injury, please see the doctor even in the absence of any visible symptoms.
Caution is a mother’s best friend when it comes to her baby. Watch out for these changes, be on your guard, and you’ll be able to keep your baby protected from all harm. Take care. Read more
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Eating Prawns During Pregnancy- Is It Safe?
Craving some delicious prawn dishes? Butter garlic prawns, prawn curry, stir-fried prawns dipped in sauce, prawn biryani, pepper prawns. The list goes on. Prawns belong to the crustacean group of sea creatures and are delicious. However, with many people suffering from allergic reactions to prawns, one wonders if eating prawns is safe during pregnancy.
Is it Safe to Eat Prawns When Pregnant?
While some seafood needs to be avoided during pregnancy, prawns are generally safe when procured from a non-polluted source and cooked thoroughly. However, during pregnancy, moderation is the key for every food you add to your list. Consuming prawns in excess or not adhering to certain precautions while consuming prawns can lead to adverse effects during pregnancy. In case of doubt, always consult your doctor before the consumption of any food item.
Health Benefits of Eating Prawns
Apart from being delicious, prawns are packed with minerals and vitamins essential for mommies-to-be.
Packed With Proteins
Prawns are an excellent source of proteins during pregnancy. Protein-rich foods help in stabilising blood sugar levels and keep gestational diabetes in check. Being low in calories and fat content, prawns will help you gain healthy muscle mass.
Rich in Vitamins
Prawns are a rich source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, choline, iodine, copper, and phosphorus. Essential to improving immunity, thyroid function, and brain development, they are also helpful in the development of bones and teeth.
Rich in Other Nutrients
Prawns contain nutrients that are readily absorbed by our body and essential for our body to protect and heal itself. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps fight cell damage and protects against certain cancers. Amino acids help regenerate new cells and repair damaged cells. Astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. Prawns are rich in all these nutrients.
Low in Calories
During pregnancy, it is essential to gain healthy weight and get adequate nutrition. Prawns are low in calories and, thus, a healthier choice to add nutrition without consuming unnecessary fat.
Rich in Omega 3
This fatty acid is found abundantly in prawns. Studies have shown that it helps in developing the eyes and nerve connections in the foetus.
Should Prawns Be Avoided in Pregnancy?
As we just discussed, consuming prawns during pregnancy has several health benefits. However, it is still recommended that you check for the risks associated with consumption of prawns or any seafood with your doctor. If you are still unsure, start with small amounts and see how your body reacts to it. Your diet can then be changed accordingly. In any case, practice moderation and do not go overboard with any food. If your body accepts it, prawns can be very nutritious and healthy for both you and your baby.
Some pregnant women may face the risk of prawn allergy during pregnancy. Here are some risks associated with prawns during pregnancy and information on whether you need to be on your guard:
Cholesterol: Prawns are a rich source of cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, prawns may not be good for you or for the health of your unborn baby.
Allergy: If you have shown allergic reactions to a similar group of food, it is advisable to keep away from prawns. They can cause reactions that include abdominal pains, itchiness, rashes, and inflammation.
Mercury poisoning: Water pollutants and increased levels of toxic chemicals can create health problems if you consume prawns sourced from polluted waters. Prawns can absorb the pollutants into their body. Seawater prawns may contain a high level of mercury that can adversely affect the development of the baby’s nervous system. Contaminated river or lake waters contain high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and pose a health risk to you and your baby.
Infection: It is always recommended that you consume cooked prawns when pregnant. Raw or undercooked prawns are extremely harmful and associated with multiple health risks like blood poisoning, food poisoning, or other harmful infection to your baby.
Tips While Eating Prawns When Pregnant
Always buy prawns from reliable and trusted sources. Ensure that they are thick and glossy; do not buy discoloured prawns or ones with shrunken eyes.
Avoid raw seafood preparations like sushi during pregnancy. Dried prawns during pregnancy are fine if they are thoroughly cleaned and cooked.
If you don’t have an option of fresh prawn, opt for good quality frozen ones and defrost them before cooking.
Ensure that they are cleaned properly before cooking. You may cook them with or without the shell. Cooking with veins or deveining them is a personal preference.
Clean and cook them thoroughly. Signs of well-cooked prawns include a red shell and pearly white or opaque flesh. You can soak them in a bowl of lukewarm salted water for about 10 minutes and wash them well.
Avoid restaurant served seafood.
Steam or sauté them till they are completely cooked. Make sure that the meat is firm and bouncy.
As long as prawns are eaten in moderation during pregnancy and sourced from reliable sources, there are unlikely to be any complications. If you experience any signs of discomfort or an allergy, immediately consult your doctor.
Also Read: Eating Fish in Pregnancy Read more
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Do Identical Twins Have the Same DNA?
You may have come across identical twins who have similar facial features and who behave in a similar way, but are they exactly alike? Identical twins look alike, they often dress the same (well, when their mothers dress them in similar clothes), and it's hard to tell the difference in them. Identical also twins tend to share the same features and mannerisms. But do identical twins also share the same DNA? Read this article to find out.
Who are Identical Twins?
When the same pregnancy bears two offspring, they are known as twins. In a normal scenario, only one egg gets fertilised by a single sperm. However, when the egg gets fertilised and starts to divide and develops, it can split into two. After the split, as the two zygotes travel to the uterus, each continues to grow. This is how identical twins come about. Identical twins are also known as monozygotic twins as they develop from one egg. Twins that develop from two separate eggs that are fertilised by two different sperms are called fraternal or dizygotic twins.
Do Identical Twins Have an Identical DNA?
Identical twins fertilise from the same egg and are thus known to carry the same genes. They may share the same DNA but they may not be identical and may not be alike always. The moment the single zygote splits into two embryos, immediately the DNA starts to diverge for each of them. The difference in DNA is not detected in ordinary tests but if the entire genome of both the twins is tested, these differences can be seen. Everyone's DNA invariably differs and that stands true even in case of twins. For example, the fingerprints on an identical twin pair differ too.
When Would Identical Twins Have a Different DNA?
A person’s DNA gets modified due to epigenetic mechanisms over a period of time such as DNA methylation. This results in changes in the chemical structure of the DNA and also affects the activeness of certain genes, based on the lifestyle and other differences. The DNA of identical twins can change with the environment they grow up in. Environmental factors can influence a person's physical appearance too.
Identical twins are most often described as clones of each other. They most certainly have the same genotype since they develop and are born from the same fertilised egg but they may not be exactly alike.
Also Read:
Interesting Facts about Twins You Must Know
Amazing Facts of Conjoined Twins (Siamese Twins)
Mirror Twins - All You Need to Know Read more
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Your Two Year Old Toddler on a Tricycle
Have you been wondering at what age can a child pedal a tricycle? If he has touched the two-year mark, it's a safe age for him to pedal. Teaching your toddler to pedal a tricycle will only take a day. Allowing him to practice and become steady is necessary.
You need to have patience with your toddler when teaching him to pedal a tricycle. There are techniques and tricks you can employ to make the learning process easy. Try not to run out of patience.Here are some effective tips on teaching your toddler to pedal a tricycle.
Handy Tips for a Toddler Learning to Ride a Tricycle
1. The Initiation
The first step involves getting your little one a small tricycle. Ensure that the seat is comfortable. A good seat will prop him up to allow him to hold the handlebars. His feet should also be able to touch the pedals. In order for your toddler to really get the tricycle going, ensure that his knees are bent at the full extension point.
2. Safety
Safety is of utmost importance. Before your toddler starts to learn to ride a tricycle, ensure that his head is fitted with a helmet that is strapped on securely. Make it mandatory for him to wear a helmet before he rides a tricycle or a bicycle.
3. Position
In order to ensure your toddler’s safety, ensure that the tricycle is positioned in a safe zone. This will make the pedalling lessons go off without having to worry about your little one falling. A location with lots of grass(hint: the garden) that comes with a slight downward slope is perfect for that initial ‘push’.
4. Balance
Your little one will have to get his balance right to master the tricycle. His rear should be firmly planted on the tricycle seat with his hands firmly on the handlebars and feet on the pedals. These precautions will pave the way for a successful tricycle lesson.
5. The Push
You have to be the one that gives your toddler his first push on the tricycle. Keep reminding him to keep his hands on the bar and feet on the pedal. If his feet come off the pedal, stop the lesson and ask him to reposition them. You can then continue to push your toddler down the slope while urging him to start pedalling. If things go right, he will be smiling with glee for accomplishing the feat.
6. Persistence
Don't stop the pedalling lessons. Continue working with your toddler to ensure he gains experience with pedalling. The process will not be easy. It will probably be a few months before he is motivated to pedal without assistance. So, when can a toddler ride a tricycle? When he is confident.
If you stick to the plan, your little one should soon become adept at putting the pedal to the metal. There will be a few bumps and bruises along the way, but, aren't those a part of every learning process? Remember; when you're teaching a toddler to ride a tricycle don't ever forget to keep a close watch on the child. Read more
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Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. Mera 8 month start hu white distance hora mere ko
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. hello since u are a expecting mom this would require a proper medical attention and it is better to check with your doctor and your doctor will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
6 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
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