Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Hearing the Foetal Heartbeat During Pregnancy
Hearing the baby's heartbeat during pregnancy can be an exciting experience for parents-to-be. It is one of those moments an expectant couple wait for eagerly. If you are pregnant, no doubt, you will be eager to hear your baby's heartbeat too. A healthy foetal heartbeat means that a baby is developing just as he should. Read this article to know when will you get to hear your baby's heartbeat.
When Can You Hear Your Baby’s Heartbeat for the First Time?
While pregnant, you will get to hear your baby's heartbeat at 6 weeks, during your first scan. Your baby's heart can be detected by conducting a transvaginal scan (TVS). Your doctor can also suggest a Doppler scan to detect the baby's heartbeat. But sometimes, you may not hear it around 6 weeks and you might have to wait until 10 or 12 weeks before you hear a proper healthy heartbeat.
How Is Baby's Heart Rate Calculated?
The method to calculate a baby’s heartbeat is simple. You will need to count the number of heartbeats in 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4. This will give you the number of heartbeats in one minute or 60 seconds. You can also count the heartbeats for 10 or 20 seconds and multiply it by 6 or 3 respectively to get the total count for 60 seconds.
What Is the Normal Rate of Foetal Heartbeat?
A normal foetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute (BPM). But this may vary in accordance with the movement of the foetus. Your baby’s heartbeat may fluctuate throughout the day and even rise up to 180 or 190. This is normal for babies. However, in case you have any concerns about your baby’s heart rate, you can always reach out to your doctor for clarification.
What Does a Baby's Heartbeat Sound Like?
Most women say that foetal heartbeat sounds like the thunder of galloping horses. The foetal heartbeat is very fast and can be a little difficult to locate if one is using their own monitor. If you are trying to monitor at home, you may also hear a swishing sound. However, this is the sound of the blood flowing through the uterine vessels.
What Is a Healthy Heartbeat?
If you hear your baby's heartbeat properly and the heart rate is normal, it means that he has a healthy heartbeat and it is a sign that he is developing properly. If you hear the foetal heartbeat at 7 weeks or 8 weeks, it also indicates that he is growing as per the schedule and that he is in good health. A healthy foetal heartbeat also lowers the chances of a miscarriage.
Different Ways to Hear Baby's Heartbeat During Pregnancy
A baby's heartbeat can be heard with the help of various instruments and apps. Some of the common ones are listed below.
1. A Stethoscope
One of the simplest ways to listen to your baby’s heartbeat is by using a stethoscope. A good quality stethoscope will be able to help you hear the foetal heartbeat around 18 to 20 weeks. Around this time your baby’s heartbeat will be strong enough for you to hear with a stethoscope.
All you need to do is place the stethoscope on your belly and move it gently until you hear a strong heartbeat. You will need to be patient while trying out this method. It may not prove to be accurate if your baby’s heartbeat isn’t strong enough.
2. Apps
Technology has made it easier to for expecting parents to listen to their baby’s heartbeat. There are now hundreds of apps available that you can download on your smartphone that will enable you to hear your baby's heartbeat. Some apps also provide the option of recording the heartbeat. You can record your baby's heartbeat and play it back for your family or friends. Apps are more reliable in the later stages of pregnancy when the baby’s heartbeat is stronger. However, this technique is best avoided as cell phone radiation can prove to be harmful to your baby's health.
3. A Foetal Monitor
You can even purchase a foetal heart rate monitor to listen to your baby’s heartbeat at home. You can choose an inexpensive one so that you have the choice to listen to the heartbeat in between your doctor’s appointments. You will, however, not be able to pick up a heartbeat until your fifth month of pregnancy as these monitors are not as strong as the ones used by the doctors. You can consult your doctor before you purchase a foetal heart rate monitor to use at home. Once you buy one, ensure that you follow the instructions carefully for accurate results.
4. A Foetal Doppler
Your doctor may use a foetal doppler to detect the heartbeat during your regular checkups. This device has a small probe that the doctor will move around on your belly and once the heartbeat is detected, he will amplify the heartbeat using sound waves. This process is entirely painless. The doppler can detect the heartbeat of the baby in the womb as early as nine or ten weeks. However, it may even take as long as 12 weeks in some cases.
5. An Ultrasound
Your doctor may also schedule an early ultrasound scan which can help you hear your baby’s heart rate around the eighth week of pregnancy. This is usually done if you have a high-risk pregnancy to detect complications early and treat them accordingly.
Can Stress Affect Foetal Heart Rate?
Studies have indicated that stress and anxiety can lead to changes in a woman’s heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn can affect the heart rate of the foetus. There have also been studies which link stress with the low birth weight of the baby and premature birth in babies. Stress during pregnancy may also have a lasting effect on the functioning and cognitive development of a baby later in life.
Many pregnant women get stressed during pregnancy. They are constantly afraid of the progress and the outcome of the pregnancy which accumulates as anxiety and stress. Often, these mothers are able to overcome this stress by monitoring their baby’s heart rate and health using foetal dopplers.
Can You Rent or Buy a Foetal Doppler?
Yes, you can buy or rent foetal dopplers for use at home. There are several models available with different features. Some of them even have the option of recording the baby’s heartbeat. However, ensure that the foetal doppler that you are buying or renting is approved by the FDA. You may also want to check with your doctor about the best device to purchase or rent.
Hearing your baby's heartbeat for the first time can be an exhilarating experience for you. A healthy heartbeat is an indication that a baby is developing well. Ensure that you keep your appointments with your doctor and monitor your baby's heartbeat from time to time. This can help you catch any anomalies well ahead of time. You can also keep a foetal heart rate monitor with you and record it in between your appointments and reach out to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Also Read:
Doppler Scan In Pregnancy
Fast Heartbeat During Pregnancy Read more
Check out this new Memory
Shweta
Mom of a 2 m old boy
1 min ago
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Safety First - Simple Tips on How to Childproof Your Home
Waiting for and finally watching your baby crawl are proud moments for every parent. But we need to make sure our home is child - friendly.
Simple Tips on How to Childproof of Your Home
Crawl through your house to get a baby’s eye view. Remove anything that seems dangerous or is precious to you.
Secure cupboard, drawer with childproof locks.
Cover all electrical sockets with childproof plugs.
Avoid furniture with rough or sharp edges. If you cannot avoid such, buy corner guards and install it in the furniture.
Mount the TV on the wall properly.
Keep dangling cords out of reach of children.
Secure heavy items like appliances, pots, mirrors and frames.
Do not give a toy that is small enough to fit through a 1-1/4-inch circle or is smaller than 2-1/4 inches long for children under 4 years old.
Parents should always be mindful of age recommendations on toy packages. Never allow your child to play with a toy intended for an older child.
Install safety gates to block stairways at the bottom and top.
Use doorknob covers for keeping little ones out of the areas you don’t want them wandering into.
Use doorstops to protect your baby’s fingers.
Keep hot food and beverages away from the edge of the table.
Don’t use tablecloths because if the baby pulls, then everything on top of it will come crashing down.
Use stove knob covers on each of your stove knobs.
Make sure that sharp objects like knives, scissors and grinder blades are out of reach.
Install a toilet seat lock.
Regularly sweep to pick up small objects that your baby may pick up and put in the mouth.
Empty the tub after use. Don’t leave children unattended in tub.
Store plastic bags out of reach.
Lock up the medicine.
Go for eco-friendly cleaning liquids that don’t have harmful chemicals.
Be sure all rugs and mats have non-skid bottoms to avoid slipping.
Never let the child play on stairs unattended.
Common household choke hazards should never be left within the reach of your child like coins, marbles, round watch batteries, pen or marker caps, small rubber toy car wheels, foam balls, buttons and plastic bottle caps or other items that compress small enough to fit in your child’s mouth,
Hope this helps.
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
Suggested for you
Acne (Pimples) During Pregnancy
Many women report excessive pimples on the face during pregnancy. It is common in the initial months of pregnancy. Acne in early pregnancy is usually a result of increased androgen levels (male sex hormones). This causes the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) to produce excess sebum – an oily, waxy substance. This oily sebum can block the skin pores and lead to infection, inflammation, and scarring.
Is It Common To Have Acne During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is fairly common to have acne during pregnancy. Most cases are mild, not requiring treatment. Severe cases are rare and might need medical management.
What Are The Different Causes Of Acne?
1. Increased androgen levels
Androgen makes your skin more prone to acne. It increases the number of sebaceous glands leading to increased oily sebum. With worn off dead cells, it blocks the skin pores to cause bacterial proliferation, resulting in inflammation and ultimately acne.
2. Change in diet
One should choose healthy, non-oily foods during pregnancy. Oily and junk foods badly affect the skin and can trigger acne. Include plenty of natural foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Genetic pattern
Acne might be hereditary. You are more likely to have it if your parents had it too. Pre-existing acne might exacerbate during pregnancy.
4. Medication
Your doctor will only advise necessary medications during pregnancy. However, some may have unwanted side effects including acne. You can get your medications changed by your doctor.
5. Stress
Pregnancy can induce a lot of stress, especially for first-time mothers. Stress can aggravate your acne. Simple yoga or meditation exercises can help beat the stress.
How To Get Rid Of Pimples When Pregnant?
Acne during pregnancy is a natural condition that usually resolves after childbirth. So, the safest course of action is good skin care. There are several home remedies which one may adopt to address the issue. You could even choose some over-the-counter creams to apply topically, but do this only upon consultation with the doctor.
Treatments Safe For Acne
Frequent hand and face wash, healthy eating, avoiding excess use of chemicals or makeup on your face, and trying various safe home remedies like turmeric and aloe-vera can help significantly.
Some experts recommend prescription medicines containing erythromycin or azelaic acid. Other options include over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid. These medications are believed to be safe during pregnancy and not pose an increased risk of birth defects. Also note that oHowever, make sure never to self-medicate without first discussing with your doctor.
Natural Home Remedies
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
You need 4 parts of vinegar and 1 part distilled water. This produces a cleanser high in alpha hydroxyl acids. This combination also has natural enzymes. Use a cotton ball to apply apple cider vinegar. This remedy makes the skin oil-free, thus helping in the treatment of acne.
2. Baking Soda
This absorbs extra oil and helps the skin to heal. Mix 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and water to form a quick fix for pimple-affected regions. Wash off after letting it dry for a while.
3. Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruits like lemons are rich in hydroxyl acids. Lemon extract juice applied to the skin can help open blocked skin pores and get rid of the dead cells. It works as an exfoliant due to its antibacterial properties. Use a cotton ball to apply directly obtained juice from a lemon. Allow it to dry for some time, and then rinse off with water.
4. Honey
Honey is an antiseptic and an antibacterial substance. It is also skin-soothing. Before you apply honey, wash your face with lukewarm water. Honey may be applied to the affected regions for 20 to 30 minutes before you gently wash it off with water.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has properties which prevent bacterial and fungal infections. It is easy to absorb by the skin and is also soothing. You may replace your moisturizer with coconut oil for bedtime use.
6. Oatmeal and Cucumber
Oatmeal and cucumbers are cool and soothing products for the skin.
7. Lemon juice
Rich in vitamin C and antiseptic properties, lemon juice can be applied to the affected areas of the face. You may dilute it with water.
8. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera has many medicinal properties and is frequently used in cosmetic products. Aloe acts as a coolant for itchy skin which is also soothing and provides hydration to the skin.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is the simplest, oldest and most trusted among remedies for pimples during pregnancy at home. Take a pinch of turmeric, add rose water drops, and apply on your pimples. Let this dry before washing your face.
Treatments Unsafe For Pregnancy Acne
1. Hormonal therapy
Pregnancy pimples are usually due to hormonal changes - excess male hormone (androgen) or low levels of the female hormone (oestrogen). Thus, the hormonal treatment of acne includes supplementing the "female" hormone oestrogen and the anti-androgens flutamide and spironolactone. However, these treatments may be unsafe for the developing foetus and are best avoided during pregnancy.
2. Oral tetracyclines
This treatment includes antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline. However, they can inhibit bone growth and discolor permanent teeth.
Tetracycline and oral isotretinoin, both of which are contraindicated (i.e., not advisable for treatment), can cause birth defects. It is advisable to avoid most systemic medications during pregnancy.
Note: Erythromycin is considered safe for pregnancy acne treatment.
3. Topical retinoids
Topical retinoids like Retin-A, tretinoin, isotretinoin and tazarotene are all unsafe during pregnancy, as skin absorption and secretion into the breast milk have been reported.
The safety of topical beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and salicylic acid has not been clearly shown in pregnant women. All of these are better avoided.
How To Treat Pregnancy Acne Without Using Drugs?
To treat pregnancy acne safely and successfully, start with self-care:
Use a gentle cleanser: Use your hands to wash your face with a mild soap and warm water twice a day. Avoid using chemical products which may irritate the skin, and subsequently worsen your acne. Excessive washing and scrubbing of the face may further your irritation.
Shampoo your hair: You can consider doing this more frequently if you have a problematic scalp.
Do not prick or pull acne: Doing this may cause inflammation.
Avoid skin irritants: Oily cosmetics and sunscreens can also trigger acne. Prefer natural alternatives that are less likely to cause acne.
Prevent frequent touching of your face: Avoid resting your hands on your face. Tight and uncomfortable clothing, especially if you sweat a lot, can also be an acne trigger.
Preventive Steps
Here are some simple tips to help you get a clean and clear face during pregnancy:
Do not touch or squeeze any acne. It causes local inflammation and scarring.
Ensure adequate hydration. Keep away from caffeine and bottled beverages.
Eat loads of vegetables and fresh fruits, protein foods, avocado and nuts. Avoid packaged foods.
Take adequate rest. Stress may be a reason for acne.
Change your bedding and linen often.
Avoid repeated touching of the face.
Practice regular hand washing.
Prefer using oil-free make-up which is less likely to trigger acne. Do wash your face before you go to bed.
Do not self-medicate. Ingredients like salicylic acid and Vitamin A could be unsafe during pregnancy.
Conclusion:
Pregnancy pimples, though disturbing, are a common and normal occurrence. General hygiene with healthy eating habits can help prevent them from occurring. Overtreatment with drugs is best avoided at this time as it may pose a risk for your baby.
Also Read: Skin Changes during Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
5 qualities you learn as a parent while taking care of your kids
5 qualities you gain when you become a parent:
1. Understanding other person's emotions:
When you become a mom Or dad you learn to understand your baby's emotions and needs without him saying it to you. You try to feel what she feels, you count the hours of her feeding, sleeping, play and even the number of wet diapers your baby had. You keep a record of everything related to her like how many times she fell I'll, what she likes or dislikes, what suits her what not, what makes her happy or sad, people,places, food she loves or hates. You know everything about your baby because you try to, the same you should learn to do with all other people whom you list in your loved ones. May be your husband, parents, siblings, friends or family. People around you care about you and expect love and care in return. Caring is a way of showing love, and I have experienced that if we are giving love and care to other people, our kids are learning the same behavior from us and it will come back to us sooner or later.
2. Patience:
The thing every parent needs the most is patience. Whether it is the long journey of pregnancy or a never ending cycle of feeding, sleeping and diaper changing, patience is the key. Your babies teach you to be patient by giving you different challenges like teething, sleep training, potty training and so on. You can't handle any of these without patience, you have to wait for the time your baby learns to pee n poo by herself or finishes her full meal with you. This patience we need in our daily life with people in public places, in queues, in hospital s, grocery store or at neighborhood. We need to have some tolerance for all other humans living around us.
3.Planning:
Before I was a Mom I didn't know that Handling a toddler and a newborn at a grocery shopping may need a planning and preparation to be done without any mess, and now after facing that twice in public I realized that when you have kids you need to be a more responsible. These little creatures teach us how to plan and prepare before every single step. Doesn't matter if you are going to do your daily chores Or a lunch with friends it takes the same amount of Planning.
4. Value small things:
As sooner as we come to know about a baby coming to our lives we already start to find those little moments of joy and those small packs of happiness.. From that little good news strip and first ultrasound to each and every sound our baby makes, we enjoy so many tiny bunches of smile and love. This is a quality which can change our lives if we learn to find these little moments of happiness in all other matters and relationships our lives can be more more happy and content.
5 Accept the change:
They say "change is death" and it's true for it's so difficult to accept the change in life, whether it is to add someone or something or to lose something. It takes so much effort to carry on the same way with changed conditions and situations. But babies when enter our lives turn everything upside down and make us learn and adjust in that changed environment custom designed by them..
Parents help their kids to know the world and the ways to live better but somehow these little angels also help their parents to become mature enough to be called PARENTS...
 Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
How Should You Parent Your Child?
Each parent adopts different styles to bring up their children, be it in academics, discipline, health, etc. No parenting style is wrong. It depends on the way issues are tackled in the best interests of the child.
Something that actually affects the betterment of the child is when the parent wants their child to learn multiple skills at the same time. A lot of parents never ask the child if he or she is interested to enrol themselves for those classes. Discussion of the child's interest is a must. Else, it can affect the psychological or the emotional well-being of the child. Parents must spend valuable time with the child to know their likes, dislikes and what they are passionate about. We shouldn't force our desires on them. It is our utmost duty to provide our child with the best for their future but we do not have the right to force our desires on the child.
The next aspect I would like to cover under parenting styles is about pampering the child. Pampering the child is not wrong. But there is a limit to everything. Girl babies are pampered in a different way. So when it comes to girl babies or parents who have daughters, you can give them the freedom to be the way they want to be, but certain things like asking them to dress modestly should be told firmly and sternly for the safety of the child. Pampering should accompany authority. Many a time, parents do not allow the child to go out and play. Letting the child go out run and play is good for the health. Especially working parents must have a watch on their child. Just like how they force the children to study, they should force them to go out and play. Parents must refrain their child from using electronic gadgets like television, mobile phones, iPads, and video games.
Gone are those days where children used to run, play and sweat and then sit for studies. Now it's rare to find children running and playing. It's an exercise for the body. If sufficient exercise is not given to the children it leads to obesity. Obesity, in turn, leads to a lot of issues, affecting both the physical and emotional well-being of the child and the parent. A time frame should be fixed for the various activities that take place in the child's life. For example, if the child wants to play a video game, parents need to fix a definite time and make sure they adhere to it. Liberty accompanied by authority is a good parenting style and helps the child to become good citizens in the future.
Last but not least, parenting is not just about the mother. The father also plays a pivotal role in the development of the child. Fathers tend to blame their spouses if the child isn't progressing well in academics or sports. Parenting involves the mother and the father. If the father of the child doesn't spend quality time with the child it can hinder the development of the child. The father should know what the child is studying. I have noticed fathers asking their spouses which class their child is studying in. Both the mother and the father should take part in the good and the bad aspects of the child's life. Parenting is just not about giving birth; feeding the child with nutritious food but also feeding the child with good moral values, discipline, educating the child about the good and the bad, how a person should be and how a person shouldn't be. We as parents have the basic responsibility of raising the child the right way so that we are good examples of parents when they become a parent themselves.
No parenting style is wrong, we all learn out of mistakes. Trials and errors keep happening but parenting is an art wherein errors aren't repeated. Make sure you and your child stay connected in all matters.
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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. hi
yes
but if it is too thick or clear like water,if there other symptoms like itching, irritation, redness,foul smell from vagina, please visit your gynecologist
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
45 mins ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
1 hour ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Typically, your bump becomes noticeable during your second trimester. Between 16-20 weeks, your body will start showing your baby's growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester. The second trimester starts in the fourth month.
Check out this new Memory
Ranjitha ranju
Mom of a 3 m old girl
New Milestone
1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Puja Kumari
Mom of a 2 yr 1 m old boy
1 min ago
My little Krishna
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Richa Singh
Guardian of a 4 m old boy
2 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
vivek kashyap
Father of a 1 yr old girl
2 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive