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6th Month of Pregnancy - Symptoms, Baby Development & Precautions to Take
At the second month of your pregnancy, you are just a trimester away from actually holding your little one in your arms. Can you believe it? Well, yes you will because as you approach your third trimester, the initial signs of pregnancy like morning sickness will subside and instead you will start experiencing different symptoms.
Common 6th Month Pregnancy Symptoms
Here are some of the common symptoms at 6 months.
1. Constipation and Indigestion
Most women experience constipation along with heartburn throughout pregnancy. The cause for the same differs at different stages of pregnancy. Constipation experienced at the early stages of pregnancy is due to the changes in hormones, which slows down digestion due to loosening of the muscles around the bowel. As the months pass by, the enlargement of the uterus puts pressure on the bowels, leading to indigestion. Other reasons include taking multivitamin pills, which, again, tighten the stool, causing discomfort and bloating. In order to control the situation, you can exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, juices and other fluids and consume fibre-rich foods. Curd works wonderfully well in reducing constipation and indigestion. If you face extreme discomfort, speak to your doctor for laxatives.
2. Oedema
As you enter your last trimester you will experience swelling in your feet, ankles, and sometimes hands, too! As your body is preparing for the baby, it retains fluid in the tissues to nourish you and the baby, which causes this swelling. A bit of swelling around the eyes and cheeks is also normal, but if the swelling is accompanied with high protein levels, then it might be a sign of preeclampsia – a serious medical condition that causes blood pressure spikes. In order to avoid oedema try to keep your legs up whenever possible and avoid wearing tight clothes. Try not to stand for long periods.
3. Hunger Cravings and Increased Appetite
At this stage, you are not just eating for yourself, but also for your baby. The baby's organs are developing, so your body needs to supply increased nutrients and vitamins. This is the reason why you will feel sudden hunger pangs and increased appetite around this time. So, it’s better to satisfy your urge without feeling guilty, but, at the same time, eat wisely. Choose healthy food options like fruits, salads, and whole-grain foods over junk foods. Drink plenty of water and have six to seven small portions of meals a day instead of three large ones.
4. Snoring
Many ladies experience snoring at this stage of pregnancy. Again, blame it on the pregnancy hormones. The weight gain causes your neck and head tissues to swell, leading to snoring, and additionally, your mucous membrane also swells. It’s better to use nasal strips while sleeping for better breathing. Snoring might also be an indication of gestational diabetes, which can be monitored through blood and urine tests.
5. Backache
Experienced by most of the ladies, backache starts from your initial stages of pregnancy and goes on till delivery; many times continues even after delivery! The weight gain causes a backache, and also, as the uterus grows, it causes your lower back to curve. The relaxin hormone loosens your pelvic muscles to prepare the body for delivery, which again triggers a backache. Try to maintain a good posture while sitting and keep your legs up whenever possible.
Body Changes During the Sixth Month of Pregnancy
As mentioned earlier, now you finally look pregnant. Your six months pregnant belly will start showing. By now your body will also gain weight, and as the uterus pushes the abdomen, your belly button will also protrude and remain this way until a few weeks post-delivery. Due to the weight of the baby and the growing uterus, you might experience dizziness and light-headedness at times.
What Are Some Common Concerns in the Sixth Month of Pregnancy?
The common concerns ladies face during the sixth month of pregnancy are backaches, leg pain, foot cramps, swelling along with indigestion, constipation, and haemorrhoids. You might witness swelling around your feet and ankles and some even go up a shoe size. This swelling should settle within 6 weeks of delivery.
Every pregnancy has its own share of not so pleasant concerns, which include:
1. Itchiness Around the Abdomen
Around the middle of the 6th month of your pregnancy, you will experience itchiness around the abdomen. This happens because your baby is almost developed and your skin starts stretching to accommodate the growing foetus and enlarged uterus. As a result, your skin becomes dry and starts itching. This is the perfect time to apply those creams and ointments for stretch marks to retain the moisture in your skin and reduce itchiness. Also, keep drinking lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.
2. Backache and Body Ache
Along with a backache, body ache will also start bugging you. You will feel more tired with each passing day. As the uterus grows, the ligaments from the pelvic area to the abdomen are stretched and put under extreme pressure, which causes lower tummy pain. The pain might continue for a few hours, but you must consult a doctor if it lasts for long and is followed by contractions.
3. Sleepless Nights
Most of the ladies experience insomnia around this time of the pregnancy, the reasons being hormonal changes, frequent visits to the washroom at night, and heartburn or indigestion. Moreover, when the baby kicks and flutters in the middle of the night, it’s obvious you might not be able to have a good night sleep. Some tips to avoid insomnia are to have your dinner 2-3 hours before bedtime and also be careful about what you eat. Secondly, follow a bedtime ritual like a relaxing breathing yoga, reading, listening to music, a warm water bath, etc. Sleep on a comfortable bed and correct room temperature.
4. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are more or less hereditary and caused because the veins have to push extra blood to your uterus to meet the nutritional requirements of the growing baby. These veins, which look swollen and purple in colour around your thighs and under the knee area, are known as varicose veins. Exercise regularly and try to keep your feet up whenever possible. Also, wear comfortable innerwear and shoes.
Baby Development at the 6th Month of Pregnancy
A 6-month-old baby in the womb is almost fully grown and getting stronger day by day. His organs are still growing and lungs are not completely developed. As the baby’s skin and muscles get matured, you can experience the baby's movements in the form of kicks and squirms. Along with his weight increasing, he also grows in length and is now about a foot long. He starts reacting to sound. You can determine the foetus' position with an ultrasound and see that the face of the baby is developed and the head is in proportion to the body. He can even sense light and darkness by this time, and also starts developing white blood cells to fight against diseases. The face of the baby would be complete by now including his eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. The growth of hair depends upon genetics and some babies are born with a lot of hair while some are totally bald.
6th-Month-Pregnancy Diet
It is better to avoid junk food and stick to cleanly cooked home-made stuff. Ensure that a continuous supply of folic acid, iron and calcium is being taken, as the baby needs nutrients to develop completely. 6th month of pregnancy food includes green leafy vegetables, nuts, fruits, and whole-grain foods in your diet for a steady flow of nutrients and minerals. Fruits like apricot, cherries, guava, grapes, berries, apple, mango, pineapple, etc. have a great amount of antioxidants and minerals. Vegetables like carrot, beetroot, spinach, pumpkins, tomatoes, onions, celery, broccoli, etc. are some highly recommended foods that you can include in your diet.
What to Expect During Your Visit to the Ob/Gyn
Once you enter your 6th month of pregnancy, the doctor visits will be more frequent. You might have to visit the doctor once every 3 months. The doctor will check the baby’s heart rate with a stethoscope. After this point, the doctor will check and measure the growth of the uterus, your limbs for swelling and varicose veins, and your body weight, and also recommend alterations to your diet, if required. If you are anaemic, or likely to be, the doctor may prescribe molybdenum along with other vitamins like iron, folic acid, B12, and copper.
Tests
You will be required to undergo the following tests during the 6th month of your pregnancy:
Blood pressure check-up
Weight measurement
Urine test for measuring protein and sugar
Gestational diabetes test wherein you will be asked to drink a glass of glucose water and blood test will be done after 2 hours.
Measuring the fundal height of the uterus
Examining the foetus position and size of the uterus
Examination of feet and limbs for any signs of varicose veins or swelling
Symptoms to Be Discussed With Your Doctor
An experienced and friendly doctor will always put you at ease, so you need to speak to the doctor in case you experience any of these cases:
Severe bleeding from the anal lining, as this could be a sign of some serious illness.
Bleeding from the vagina
Experiencing pain during the passing of urine
Continuous vomiting
Bursting of the water bag
Extreme discomfort or pressure on the lower pelvic area
Less than 10 foetal movements in an hour.
Extreme pain or prolonged pains in the abdomen area
Severe pain in the lower back
More than five contractions in an hour
To-Do List For Moms-To-Be
First and foremost, take good care of yourself.
Regularly exercising will help you stay fit and active during your pregnancy. Try practising Kegel exercises.
Get at least eight hours of sleep in a day.
Try to sleep on your side in order to promote kidney functions and also to put less pressure on your rectum.
Keep a relaxed body posture and try to keep your feet up whenever possible. It is better to take Vitamin B6 on prescription to reduce the ache on your hands and limbs.
Get all the information and details about childbirth. Read articles on 6th-month-pregnancy precautions and childbirth. Don’t be scared. Try to go with the flow and not take things to heart.
It is very important to keep your mind positive and relaxed. Practice breathing exercises, a warm water bath, listening to music, watching funny videos, and anything that makes you happy and relaxed.
Handy Tips For Dad-To-Be
As everybody focuses on the mommy-to-be once your pregnancy news is out, we must never forget that it’s an overwhelming feeling for the dad-to-be as well. It is very important that you share all the information and details with your hubby, too, as he has no one else to address his concerns to. You can start by explaining how he can be helpful and do things during your labour. It would be great if you two can attend the happy parenting seminars to prepare yourself for parenthood. Always try to visit the doctor together so that you both understand the situation well enough and can openly speak to the doctor. The dad-to-be's active participation in your 6th-month pregnancy care plays a vital role in your journey together.
Indulge in fun topics together like discussing baby names, or planning an adorable nursery for welcoming your little one. Time will fly past sooner than you can imagine, so just enjoy this phase of life without missing on a thing.
As every person is different from another, every pregnancy is different and unique! The tips and observations stated here are based on the experiences of various mothers and as per doctor’s observations. Make a note of all the unique symptoms of your pregnancy and share it with others. Don't think too much and just relax and enjoy the incredible journey of motherhood!
Also read: Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy Read more
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Is Eating Banana at Night Safe?
We all get late-night hunger pangs and to satiate our untimely hunger, we may opt for a quick snack. Sugary or fried food items are detrimental to our health, especially late at night. Does that mean that we can eat fruits; and is banana one such fruit that we can have at night? If you wish to put an end to your curiosity, read this article. In this post, we talk about whether eating a banana is safe at night or not.
Should You Eat a Banana Before Going to Bed?
Banana is one of the most nutritious foods that we can include in our day-to-day diet. However, most of us may have heard people saying that there are many side-effects of eating a banana at night. Are you wondering, is eating a banana at night harmful or what may be the possible disadvantages of eating a banana at night?
Some health experts and nutritionists say that the only reason that one should avoid eating banana close to bedtime is if you are suffering from a bout of cold or a cough, or you have asthma. This is because consuming a banana close to bedtime may increase mucus formation. Also, eating a banana at night may increase weight because it becomes difficult for your body to digest it. Ayurveda also propagates similar thoughts. However, you may consider consuming banana for any of the following benefits:
1. Helps in Inducing Sleep
If you have had a long tiring day and are experiencing trouble getting some sleep, banana is something that you can consider eating at night. A banana or two can be had close to bedtime because it helps your muscles feel calm and relaxed and thus helps you in sleeping better.
2. Helps in Controlling Stomach Acid
If you have had a heavy meal at night, which was loaded with too much oil and spices, there are chances that you may suffer from heartburn or acidity. Consuming one banana may come handy because it helps in neutralising the stomach acids and thus is beneficial in keeping acidity at bay.
3. Helps in Preventing Muscle Cramping
If you have been experiencing the treachery of muscle cramping in your sleep at night, consuming a banana late in the evening may help in providing much-needed relief. Bananas are rich in magnesium and potassium, the two electrolytes that prove beneficial in reducing muscle cramping.
4. Helps in Curbing Your Sweet Craving
Most of us love to end our meals with sweets, but eating sweets may be a good option at night. Also, many of us may get late night cravings for sweets. Eating a banana is a healthier alternative to eating sweets at night and also putting an end to all those late night sweet cravings.
5. Helps in Giving a Fibre Boost
Bananas are loaded with fibre and thus consuming this super-food close to bedtime helps in providing an extra boost of fibre to the body. Extra fibre can help in keeping type-2 diabetes, heart ailments and digestive health on track.
6. Helps in Lowering Blood Pressure
If you are battling with high blood pressure, you should increase your potassium intake and reduce your sodium intake. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is excellent for keeping your blood pressure under check. If you are unable to meet your daily potassium intake during the day, gobbling down a banana at night can give your body an instant dosage of dietary potassium.
Therefore, if you experience any of the issues mentioned above, eating a banana at night may actually prove to be helpful for your health.
Who Should You Avoid Eating Banana at Night?
Where some people may benefit greatly by eating a banana at night, some people should avoid eating a banana at night. You should avoid eating banana under the following circumstances:
If you are suffering from a cold or a cough, you should avoid banana at night as it may lead to more mucus formation.
If you have asthma, eating a banana at night may cause more phlegm and cause trouble in breathing.
If you suffer from stomach issues such as bloating or gas, eating a banana late in the evening may aggravate the problem.
If you plan to study or work at night, avoid eating a banana as it can make you lethargic and sleepy.
If you wish to avoid tooth troubles, avoid eating bananas at night as it may increase your chances of tooth decay.
If you wish to keep your weight under check, avoid eating bananas at night because these calorie-dense fruits are difficult to digest at night.
Banana Sleep-Enhancing Recipes
Bananas offer us immense health benefits. However, bananas are also great for enhancing sleep. The best and easiest way of eating a banana is in its original form; however, if you want some change or you wish to try some variation, you can use a banana to make some sleep-enhancing recipes. Here are some easy recipes that you can try:
1. Banana and Oatmeal Cookies
These yummy cookies are a great way of putting a sweet end to a tiring day.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas
1 cup oats
¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
¼ cup mixed nuts (optional)
Method
Mash the bananas into a smooth pasty consistency.
Add oats and mix well.
Add cinnamon powder and mixed nuts, mix all the ingredients into a smooth dough.
Preheat the oven at 180 degrees.
Grease the baking dish and place the cookie dough in shape of cookies.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 11 minutes or until done.
Serve warm.
2. Banana Tea
This tea is very effective in inducing sleep at night, and a dash of cinnamon adds that extra flavour and aroma to the tea. Many of us are unaware that banana peel is edible and nutritious, too. We will be using banana fruit and banana peel in this recipe.
Ingredients
1 medium sized banana
1 cup water
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
Honey (optional)
Method
Discard both the ends of banana and chop it into big pieces.
Take a heavy-bottomed pan and pour water into it.
Add banana and cinnamon powder into the water and let it boil on low flame for 10 minutes.
Strain the water and add honey for some sweetness.
Serve this tea piping hot.
3. Banana Smoothie
Drink this nutritious and yummy banana smoothie and bid farewell to your sleep troubles.
Ingredients
1 medium-sized banana
½ cup cherries (with seeds removed)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder
½ cup milk
Honey or brown sugar
Method
Put all the ingredients into the blender.
Churn the ingredients for 30 to 40 seconds.
You may add some flax seeds or chopped nuts while garnishing for some added flavour.
Banana is a fruit with versatile benefits. There are many ways in which you can include this nutritious fruit in your diet. You can also safely eat a banana at night, however, if you are dealing with some health issues that require you to keep a check on what you include or remove from your diet, you should check with your doctor before eating bananas at night.
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Eating Fish during Breastfeeding - Is It Safe?
Your pregnancy must have been fraught with dilemmas as to whether you can consume a particular type of food, and you might have been looking forward to delivery just so you can go back to eating whatever you want. Unfortunately, there are some types of food that mothers should not consume even while breastfeeding their baby.
Fishes have been the cause of a lot of confusion among mothers during the time of pregnancy. Similarly, you will need to think long and hard before cooking fish or including it as a part of your meal even when you are breastfeeding. Some types of fish are dangerous, while others are healthy- so choose wisely. In this article, let us take a look at which types of fish are harmless, and other aspects related to including it in your meal plans.
Can You Eat Fish, If You Are Breastfeeding?
Actually, it has been found via extensive research that consuming fishes while breastfeeding is actually necessary for the health of the child. This means that you will have to increase your fish consumption so that your child grows up to be healthier. However, you need to remember that the fish should not contain any harsh chemicals, like mercury.
Fishes have a range of important vitamins and nutrients, like EPA, DHA and vitamin D. Fishes are also rich in iodine, magnesium, iron and copper, all of which play a huge role in the development of your child. Therefore, you must definitely add it to your meal plan in order to make your baby healthier.
It was actually found that the children of mothers who consumed fish during breastfeeding were healthier than the ones whose mothers did not touch it during the course of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, fish is a definite yes during the time of lactation.
Benefits of Consuming Fish While Nursing
There are a lot of benefits to having fish when you are nursing your baby. Some of these are given below.
Fishes have a lot of important nutrients which not only benefit the child but also the mother as she consumes them.
Fishes are the major source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which are a type of fats found in seafood. This plays a huge role in the brain development of your young one and makes him healthier overall. The DHA and EPA in Omega 3 also help in the development of the nervous system of your baby.
Fish contains low saturated fat and large amounts of protein, which are helpful for the development of your baby’s body.
Early child development has been found to be more common in mothers who consumed fish while lactating, than in mothers who did not.
Therefore, it is a good idea for women to consume fish when they are breastfeeding, for the health of their child. However, the fish must be safe to consume.
Side Effects of Eating Fish While Breastfeeding
While consuming fish is important for the benefit of your baby, it also important that you check whether the fish is safe before eating it. There are a lot of side-effects to consuming fish:
Coal fire power plants deposit mercury into the rivers and seas. The bacteria in the water convert this into methyl mercury which the fish consume through water and food. This content remains in the fish even after it has been cooked and hence is very dangerous.
A high level of mercury has been found in some types of fish, like the swordfish, shark and the mackerel and consuming these fishes can affect cognitive development.
Methylmercury can impair brain development in the baby if it enters his body. While only a small amount enters the breastmilk even if the mother consumes mercury, it is enough to affect the child adversely and make him more vulnerable.
Mercury can affect the development of the baby quite badly. The parts of the brain used to read, think, learn, remember and even motor skills can be reduced if mercury enters his body. Also, the human body has a tendency to absorb the chemical quickly- therefore, fish with high mercury levels must be avoided.
There is no doubt that the water bodies are getting increasingly polluted today, and this rubs off on the fish you cook. This means that harmful chemicals or pollutants may enter the body of the child if you consume them.
Large predator fish are more likely to have higher levels of mercury, as they consume the smaller fish around them.
The canned white tuna available in a supermarket has high levels of mercury in them which is not recommended for consumption.
How to Tell If Fish is Fresh or Not?
You can check whether the fish is fresh by simply observing the outer surface of its body. If the scales are shiny and firm, it means that the fish you have is fresh. Else, if it looks dull and unappealing, you should not buy the fish.
Fish That Are Safe to Eat While Breastfeeding
There are a lot of safe fishes for breastfeeding moms, which contribute effectively towards the health of your child. These include:
Char
Capelin
Atlantic mackerel
Herring
Shrimp
Mullet
Clam
Salmon
Lake whitefish
Rainbow trout
Hake
Oysters
Anchovy
Blue crab
Fish to Avoid During Nursing
Similarly, there are some types of fish not recommended to eat while breastfeeding for mothers. These contain harmful chemicals like mercury, which can affect the health of the child adversely. These include:
Shark
Marlin
Swordfish
Salmon, fresh tuna, trout, mackerel and herring- you should not eat more than two portions of these per week.
Non-oily fishes, like rock salmon, sea bass and halibut.
Alternatives to Fish to Get Omega-3s
Some food items like eggs, milk and yoghurt are now fortified with Omega-3s, but they contain only ALA- while it does provide some benefits, you will not get EPA or DHA from these food items. Flaxseed is also another food item with ALA. Therefore, you will have to opt for omega-3s supplements in order to get the required amount of the nutrient.
Even though fish can provide a lot of nutrition and health benefits to your baby, you need to be careful about whether it contains any harmful substances before consuming them if you are nursing. The harmful effects far outweigh the benefits, so check thoroughly before you eat fish- else, opt for supplements.
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Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy – Is It For You?
Pregnancy is a time when extra care and precaution mus be exercised. A woman’s health goes through various changes like hormonal imbalance and weakening of the immune system. During this period, it is vital that you take care of yourself by utilising any tricks or remedies at your disposal. One of the most beneficial tricks available to pregnant women is consumption of apple cider vinegar.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar (AVC) is one of the most common types of vinegar available. It is made from cider, a type of concentrated apple that has been left to ferment over a period of time. The cider first ferments to alcohol before finally transforming into acetic acid. It is safer to consume pasteurised vinegar, as it is free of harmful bacteria that can cause E. coli in pregnancy.
This versatile ingredient can be used in salads, sandwiches, and mixers. However, it is most beneficial to drink a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar every day. Remember that unfiltered, unpasteurised apple cider vinegar is extremely potent and can burn your oesophagus if consumed raw. It is recommended to dilute a teaspoon of vinegar with a quarter glass of water before consumption.
Is Having Apple Cider Vinegar Safe While Pregnant?
Drinking apple cider vinegar while pregnant is safe, as long as it is pasteurised or diluted. Consumption of raw apple cider vinegar during pregnancy is not recommended due to its potency, its potentially harmful bacterial content, and a weakened state of the immune system during pregnancy. The bacteria in unpasteurised ACV are considered healthy for people who are not pregnant because of the overall strength of their immune systems and the requirement for bacteria of this nature. Pregnant women, on the other hand, must be cautious as a foetus has requirements different to that of a fully developed baby. Another consideration is the antibodies that support the immune system are overworked during pregnancy and may fail to combat the adverse effects of this kind of bacteria.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Consuming ACV during pregnancy is highly recommended because of its numerous immunity-boosting and health benefits like:
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections – Apple cider vinegar is known to have enzymes and minerals to help with prevention and treatment of UTIs. It is recommended to dilute the apple cider vinegar; the ideal ratio would be 1 teaspoon of ACV and 1 glass of water. It is recommended to consume that ratio twice a day.
Regulates Heartburn – Pregnant women are commonly afflicted by heartburn around the 12th week of pregnancy . Apple cider vinegar is considered one of the quickest acting natural remedies for heartburn.
Controls Blood Sugar – The enzymes in ACV aid in controlling blood sugar levels. Women who have blood sugar issues during pregnancy often struggle to bring it under control and it could adversely affect their pregnancy.
Moderates Blood Pressure – ACV has minerals that work in cohesion with the enzymes that help control blood sugar to help moderate spikes and drops in blood pressure that are common during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
Helps Combat Cold – Cold and blocked nose are very common during pregnancy. ACV mixed with warm water helps clear the nostrils, prevents sinus infections and combats viruses like the common cold.
Streamlines Blood Circulation – Apple cider vinegar is known to regulate the circulation of blood. This helps keep you active and energized, especially helpful during pregnancy, as the body feels heavier and more lethargic often during the second and third trimester.
Reduces Swelling & Bloating – A common problem with women during the final trimester of pregnancy is bloating. ACV has medicinal properties that help prevent, manage, and relieve bloating. Anti-inflammatory properties of ACV help reduce swellings as well.
Combats Acne – Another common problem during pregnancy is an acne breakout, especially if you had acne before pregnancy. ACV is known to help keep the skin healthy and clear and helps combat acne.
Apple cider vinegar combats a lot of conditions that pregnant women often are challenged with and is also an excellent source of natural immune boosters.
What Quantity of Apple Cider Vinegar Is Good During Pregnancy?
It is recommended that women who are pregnant consume between 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar a day, diluted with a half or a full glass of water. The frequency can be up to 2 times a day, or as per convenience.
Unpasteurised or Pasteurised Vinegar?
A general rule of thumb would be to go with pasteurised consumables during pregnancy, as they eliminate potentially harmful bacteria. Pasteurised ACV is recommended as it has lower risks and higher rewards.
Possible Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar
Risks of consuming apple cider vinegar are minimal.
Drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar can be harmful to various parts of the digestive system, as it contains acetic acid, which can burn through the oesophagus. Apple cider vinegar can also erode teeth if consumed raw, due to the same acidic properties.
ACV can interact badly with drugs like insulin as well as some diuretics. Seek advice from your primary healthcare physician to see if the drugs you are on can react adversely when combined with ACV.
Tips For Pregnant Women
Here are some tips when consuming apple cider vinegar while pregnant.
Take precautions when consuming apple cider vinegar capsules or supplements. Run it by your doctor first.
Moderate the dosage of consumption of ACV based on an in-depth discussion with your physician.
Don’t combine ACV with other vinegar when consuming. It can increase the acidic potency.
Do not use ACV as a substitute for medication unless your physician says otherwise.
Take precautions when trying to consume ACV mocktails.
To maximise the benefits, buy organic ACV.
Do not consume plain apple cider vinegar as it can erode your tooth enamel and oesophagus. Dilute it in water or any other liquid (non-vinegar/ non-acidic) and drink it.
Immediately rinse your mouth with water after consuming apple cider vinegar to protect your enamel from harm.
Do not consume apple cider vinegar if you are suffering from stomach problems, unless advised by your doctor.
Avoid consuming ACV 30 minutes before or after drinking coffee or tea.
When to Consult Your Doctor
Consult your doctor if you notice any of these signs after consuming ACV:
Red, hot, and itchy rashes on your face
Acidity, indigestion or any stomach related problem
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Dilute one spoon of ACV in a glass of filtered water or coconut water and add two spoons of honey. Mix and drink.
Dilute one spoon of ACV in a glass of fruit juice (low-acid) and drink. Add a spoon of honey, if required.
Apple Cider vinegar is beneficial for your body, especially during pregnancy. It has multiple health benefits and is quite safe. Pasteurised apple cider vinegar is recommended for pregnant women. The consumption can be once or twice a day, a tablespoon of vinegar mixed with a glass of water, depending on the dose advised by your doctor.
References & Resources: Healthline Read more
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How to Deal with Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS)
The amniotic sac is a thin but tough membrane that surrounds the baby while it develops inside the mother. It functions as a safe house that allows the embryo to grow undisturbed by external shocks as the sac is filled with amniotic fluid. This fluid acts as a cushion and also provides the foetus with space to move around during its early development.
What is Amniotic Band Syndrome?
While the amniotic sac is relatively safe, there are instances when this sanctuary for the foetus becomes dangerous. This is because there are instances when the fibrous strands present in the sac entangle the foetus and is known as ABS. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cause that has been discovered for ABS. However, there are multiple theories that have been put forward, two of which have gained traction.
Alternative Names of ABS Disease
Some of the other names that the disease is known as include:
Annular band constriction
Intrauterine amputation
Amniotic Deformity, Adhesions and Mutilations
Limb-body wall complex
Streeter’s amputation
Aberrant tissue bands
How Common is It?
The likelihood of ABS is rare with an incidence rate of 1 in 1200 live births to 1 in 15000 live births. As genetics is ruled out, the possibility of a second pregnancy leading to ABS is minimal, making it even rarer.
Causes of ABS
There are several causes of ABS. Here are some you should be aware of
Extrinsic Theory: This is the widely popular theory. The amniotic sac is composed of an outer and inner layer; sometimes, without any damage to the outer layer, the inner wall linings tear and start floating in the amniotic fluid. This presents a dangerous situation for the foetus as the bands of the membrane can get entangled on its fragile and growing body.
Intrinsic Theory: The above theory however does not explain all ABS conditions such as cases where the amniotic sac is intact, but ABS persists. This theory suggests that it is poor blood flow that causes the deformities but fails to explain the reason for the poor blood flow.
Signs and Symptoms
Some of the probable ways of knowing if your child has ABS include:
Crease marks on parts of the body of your child such as the hand, legs or fingers
A gap on the head or torso
The size of the limbs is unequal
Swelling of different parts of the body due to the wrapping of the bands
Complications
The effects of amniotic band syndrome vary from case to case. Below are some of the issues that the baby would have if they have ABS:
Limbs are of different length
The fingers or toes are webbed
The fingers or toes are fused together
Nails are deformed
When the band gets wrapped around the umbilical cord or the head resulting in the death of the foetus.
The band can get entangled around one of the legs and restrict its mobility which can lead to clubbed feet.
The bands can get tightly wrapped around one of the limbs to an extent where the blood flow is constricted. This can lead to possible amputation of the limb.
There are crease marks on the skin due to the entanglement
The baby is born with the bands still attached to their bodies.
Cleft lip and palate
How is the Diagnosis Done?
For diagnosing amniotic band syndrome ultrasound is conducted around the third month of pregnancy. The bands themselves are fine and it may be difficult for the obstetrician to spot them. A deduction is made by looking at any deformities that are associated with ABS.
Treatment
The treatment for ABS depends on a host of factors such as area affected, the extent of damage and the stability of the child.
Clubfeet: This can be corrected with the help of casts
Cleft Lip And Palate: Reconstructive surgery when the child is 3-6 months old. Other factors such as the extent of damage and the infant’s feeding capabilities also need to be taken into consideration.
Webbed Fingers: Amniotic band syndrome hand surgery after birth is the preferred option for those with webbed digits.
Missing Limbs: Prosthetics can be used for those who lose a large part of their legs or hands. 3D printing has also become very popular as models can be made with anyone with a 3D printer and an internet connection.
Management of ABS During Pregnancy
Once it has been established that stray bands of amnions are present, the situation must be monitored closely. If the bands are not touching the foetus, there is no intervention that is required. However, if the bands are life-threatening or can cause deformity, a surgery called foetoscopy is recommended. The surgery involves a small incision in the abdomen through which a tiny camera is inserted to look inside the amniotic sac. A laser is then used to cut the entangled bands to reduce pressure and allow the healthy development of the foetus.
Special Consideration During Childbirth with Amniotic Band Syndrome
Due to the possible complications involved, below are some of the precautions that must be taken if your baby is under the risk of ABS.
A caesarean section is the preferred method of delivery to avoid further entanglement. Have multiple sessions with your doctor in advance to educate yourself on the risks involved for you and the child.
Some hospitals may not be equipped with the requisite facilities to take care of the afterbirth needs of a baby with ABS. For instance, surgeries are conducted on newborns as early as three days after birth to remove the bands.
It would be unwise to request for inducing an early delivery for every case of ABS. This form of delivery is only applicable when the bands get entangled with the foetus towards the end of the pregnancy and pose a health risk.
Knowing that your unborn baby has ABS may be a little frightening at first. However, once the syndrome is understood it becomes apparent that it can be managed through continuous monitoring.
Also Read: Polyhydramnios Read more
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