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Preeclampsia in Pregnancy
Preeclampsia is a disease that affects pregnant women and has been known to cause issues such as poor liver function and fluid in the lungs. Apart from affecting the mother, it also has the potential to cause debilitating complications for the child such as cerebral palsy, blindness and deafness.
What is Preeclampsia?
Formerly called Toxemia Pregnancy, preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that appears during the last trimester and can lead to issues such as kidney damage and high blood pressure. Mothers-to-be may not display any symptoms if they are afflicted by preeclampsia which is why most doctors insist on checking on your blood pressure during every visit to the clinic. If the blood pressure is high, they will suggest a urine test to check the protein levels in it.
It can also happen during the second half of the pregnancy or anytime up to six weeks post-delivery. Once detected, it needs immediate treatment as it could lead to other health problems like eclampsia and HELLP syndrome (where HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count).
Causes of Preeclampsia
A reduced blood flow towards the placenta is one of the primary causes of preeclampsia and there are no visible symptoms. This happens when the placenta does not place itself properly in the uterus lining and the dilation of the arteries in that area is not enough. Diabetes and chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy could also be reasons for less blood flow to the placenta.
It has also been found that when there is a variation in the blood flow to the placenta, certain placental proteins are released into the bloodstream in large volumes. Because of this, the following reactions are triggered off in your body:
The blood vessel walls are damaged which leads to swelling of the body and an increase in the level of protein in the urine.
Blood vessels constrict, thus leading to high blood pressure
Preeclampsia can be also be caused due to other factors such as auto-immune disorders, genetic factors, diet and blood vessel related issues. Your immune system and its reaction to the pregnancy is also thought to be one of the causes of preeclampsia.
Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia may or may not display any noticeable symptoms and even when it does, the symptoms may differ from one woman to another. People often get confused as preeclampsia has symptoms similar to the normal symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, weight gain, and swelling. The early stages of preeclampsia may not be typically noticeable and thus need careful monitoring during visits to the doctor.
Speak to your doctor if you notice any unusual swelling in any part of your body as it could be related to preeclampsia swelling. Watch out for the following:
Swelling of hands and fingers
Excessive swelling of feet and ankles
Swelling of the face and neck or puffiness around the eyes
Rapid increase of weight in a short period of a week or a fortnight
It is to be noted that every pregnant woman who gains rapid weight or has swelling may not be affected by preeclampsia, and the causes for her condition could be different.
Many pregnant women who are affected by preeclampsia have also experienced symptoms like headaches that do not seem to subside and altered vision. Your doctor may also advise urine and blood tests to check the protein level in urine, platelet level and any abnormality of liver enzymes.
Abdominal pain, slower reflexes, less or no urine, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness are also common symptoms associated with preeclampsia. You should ensure that your blood pressure remains in the range of 140/90 and any increase or decrease of these levels warrants a quick visit to the doctor. Regular checks of blood and urine should keep you updated on this.
The following signs are warning signs that could signal preeclampsia:
Difficulty in breathing
Vomiting or nausea (especially when it happens in the 2nd or 3rd trimester)
Temporary vision loss, extreme light sensitivity, double vision or blurriness
Pain in upper abdomen
Who is at the Risk of Getting Preeclampsia?
Those who have had preeclampsia during their first pregnancy are more likely to develop it during subsequent pregnancies. The risk of developing preeclampsia is higher depending on the severity of the condition and when it appears during pregnancy. This could mean that if you have contracted preeclampsia prior to 29 weeks of your pregnancy, then there is a 40% higher chance of contracting it in a later pregnancy.
Though scientific evidence is lacking, Preeclampsia has a high incidence rate among pregnant teens. One study suggests that lack of prenatal care from unwanted pregnancies leaves pregnant teens vulnerable.
Preeclampsia is high among pregnant women above 40 as it puts excess strain on their bodies and may kickstart underlying medical conditions.
Generally, obese women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30 have an increased risk of preeclampsia as obesity aggravates blood pressure.
Diagnosis
During your scheduled appointments with the doctor, your blood pressure and urine will be under immense scrutiny. Elevated levels of blood pressure and protein in urine are likely to show the presence of preeclampsia. To diagnose preeclampsia, either of the following complications should be present post the 20th week of pregnancy:
Low platelet count
Proteinuria (Protein traces in urea)
Pulmonary oedema (Fluids in lungs)
Weakened liver function
Headaches that have recently begun
During earlier times, it was considered that preeclampsia could happen only if the patient was diagnosed with high blood pressure and if the protein was detected in urine. However, modern doctors are now aware that preeclampsia could occur even if none of its common symptoms are detected.
If your doctor suspects preeclampsia, the following tests may be required:
Protein in Urine:
Your doctor will ask for a urine test that can detect the presence of protein in your urine sample. If this initial test is positive, you will be advised to collect urine after 24 hours so that it can be sent for testing. Known as the most dependable and accurate test for preeclampsia, the presence of 300 mg and above of protein in the urine is a sure sign of preeclampsia.
Monitoring of Blood Pressure:
If your systolic reading is higher than 140 or the diastolic reading is lower than 90, your blood pressure is higher than normal. Since blood pressure fluctuates as per time of the day, your doctor will ask you to check it at different times to confirm that it is high. This is also a reliable pointer towards the diagnosis of preeclampsia for a pregnant woman.
Protein-Creatinine Ratio:
Creatinine is a waste product of the body that is filtered out by the kidney along with other wastes. The Protein-Creatinine ratio is a urine test that checks the presence of this waste product and hence the doctor can understand if the kidney functioning is normal. This test needs one random sample which is better than collecting the 24-hour urine for the urine test. If your test shows the presence of 0.3 mg/dl, it can be concluded that you have been afflicted by preeclampsia.
Foetal Ultrasound:
This test is generally recommended to monitor your baby’s growth closely using the ultrasound method. In this manner, the doctor can estimate the foetal weight and gauge the level of amniotic fluid in the uterus.
Non-stress Test:
This test involves a simple procedure that helps to check the baby’s heart rate and its reaction to movement.
Biophysical Profile:
In this test, an ultrasound is conducted to measure the foetal breathing, movement, muscle tone and the amniotic fluid volume in the mother’s uterus.
Complications
Complications of preeclampsia are rare but they can quickly develop into life-threatening problems such as a low platelet count and a breakdown of red blood cells. Regular monitoring and quick diagnosis can ensure the complications do not grow and the condition is arrested in time.
Complications for the mother:
The following problems can affect the mother if she has been diagnosed with preeclampsia:
Eclampsia: This involves an involuntary contraction of the muscles and can be described as a fit or a convulsion that pregnant women can have. It can occur after the 20th week or immediately after delivery. During the fit which last for less than a minute, the mother can experience repetitive movements of the arms, legs or neck and she could also lose consciousness.
Stroke: When blood supply to the brain is reduced due to high blood pressure, it can cause cerebral haemorrhage, commonly known as stroke. In this case, the brain does not receive the necessary oxygen from the blood causing the cells to die and thus leading to brain damage or in certain cases, death.
Blood clotting: Medically known as Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. In this condition, the mother’s blood clotting capacity is severely affected. Here, there is heavy bleeding since the protein level in the blood has drastically fallen or there are a number of blood clots as the proteins have become highly active.
Complications for the baby:
If the mother is diagnosed with preeclampsia, the baby can face the following health issues:
Since there is a low supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby during preeclampsia, such babies will be smaller in size. This is especially true if preeclampsia occurs prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. In case the preeclampsia is diagnosed as severe, the doctor may take the decision to deliver the baby earlier. This can lead to breathing difficulties in the baby since the lungs are not fully developed. In some cases, the baby could be stillborn due to early delivery.
What is HELLP Syndrome and Pregnancy Eclampsia?
The HELLP syndrome is a rare blood clotting and liver disorder that is a severe version of pregnancy eclampsia. It is most likely to strike post-delivery, but cases have also been seen after 20 weeks and sometimes before 20 weeks too. The acronym HELLP stands for each of the conditions:
H is for Haemolysis during which time the red blood cells in the bloodstream break down.
EL stands for Elevated Liver enzymes which is a sign of damage to the liver.
LP is for Low Platelet count which is responsible for clotting of blood.
Treatment for Preeclampsia when Pregnant
If you are 37 weeks pregnant or more, labour will be induced especially when the cervix has dilated well. The doctor may also opt for a C-section if they feel that you or your baby will be unable to withstand the pressures of a normal delivery.
Treatment of Severe Preeclampsia
You could be asked to remain at the hospital for regular monitoring if you are diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. A preeclampsia specialist could be assigned to you to give you special care and help in the management of preeclampsia. Medication will be administered to lower blood pressure along with an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulphate to help prevent seizures.
What if Preeclampsia Develops During Labour or After Labour?
If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia during or after labour, monitoring your condition will be of high priority. You will have to stay back at the hospital for a few more days to avoid any further complications that could develop if your blood pressure rises or you get seizures. You will be given magnesium sulphate for up to 24 hours after the delivery to avoid seizures. If you go home, you will have to report back with blood pressure checks conducted for at least a week.
Effects of Preeclampsia on Future Pregnancy
Preeclampsia or toxaemia in pregnancy is a serious condition. However, the mother continues to live with its effects and the risk remains. The effects of preeclampsia on your organs may take at least six weeks to get resolved after delivery. Studies have also shown that there is also an increased risk of hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, stroke and heart disease. The toxaemia in pregnancy affects the baby by limiting the supply of nutrients to the baby which can change their structure and metabolism. This could lead to coronary heart disease and related disorders including diabetes, stroke and hypertension.
How to Prevent Preeclampsia
Getting prenatal care and not missing on any of your appointments is the key to prevention of preeclampsia. You will have to keep a close watch on your blood pressure and the protein content in your urine to keep toxaemia health-related issues away. As soon as the first signs of preeclampsia are visible, alert your doctor so treatment can be started without any delay. Depending on the severity of the condition, the number of weeks and the baby’s condition, your doctor will decide the line of treatment. This will include numerous urine tests and blood pressure monitoring.
Preeclampsia is one of the foremost causes of maternal mortality and causes foetal mortality as well. However, close monitoring of health conditions of women with a history of high blood pressure and hypertension can be helpful in managing preeclampsia.
Also Read: Cramping During Pregnancy Read more
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Fenugreek (Methi) and Breast Milk Supply - Does It Really Help?
Doctors recommend that newborns should be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first six months of their lives. Breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients your baby needs for proper growth and development. It also contains antibodies from the mother which help build the baby’s immunity and resistance to infections. Unfortunately, not all lactating moms are able to produce sufficient quantities of breast milk to feed their babies. Breast milk supply can be increased by taking natural foods that help the mother’s body produce greater quantities of breast milk. Fenugreek is one such food that helps increase breast milk production.
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a herb native to South and Western Asia. The scientific name of fenugreek is Trigonella foenum-graecum and India is the largest producer of fenugreek in the world. The seeds and leaves of fenugreek are commonly used ingredients in South Asian dishes. Fenugreek has several health benefits and contains several nutrients that are beneficial for lactating mothers. The leaves contain phosphorous, potassium, calcium, dietary fibre and iron. The seeds contain vitamins A, C, and B-complex vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, niacin, and pyridoxine.
Is Fenugreek Safe For A Breastfeeding Mother and Her Baby?
Fenugreek is completely safe for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. However, diabetic women, pregnant women, women who are allergic to peanuts and chickpeas, and women with hypothyroidism should check with their doctor before adding fenugreek to their diet.
Does Fenugreek Increase Breast Milk Supply?
Fenugreek is a well-known galactagogue, which means this herb increases breast milk production in lactating mothers. Seeds and leaves of fenugreek have been used by lactating mothers to boost breast milk supply for hundreds of years.
How does Fenugreek work for Increased Breast Milk Production?
Fenugreek contains several flavonoids and vitamins which are beneficial for lactating mothers. It also contains phytoestrogen which is similar to the female hormone oestrogen which stimulates the breast milk ducts to grow. Fenugreek contains a compound called diosgenin which increases milk flow in lactating women.
Consuming Fenugreek To Increase Breast Milk
Consuming fenugreek is a natural and safe way to boost breast milk production in breastfeeding moms. Here are various ways in which you can add fenugreek to your diet:
1. Chewing Seeds
You can chew or swallow a teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds daily.
2. Fenugreek Sprouts
Soak fenugreek seeds in water until they soften. Drain the water and keep in a cool, dark place until they sprout. Use the sprouts in salads.
3. Fenugreek Tea
Drinking fenugreek tea for breast milk production helps increase the milk flow in lactating women. To make the tea, add hot water to a teaspoon of seeds and allow it to steep. Drink this with honey.
4. Powder
Having fenugreek powder for breast milk production is another way of consuming fenugreek to boost lactation. Dry roast a handful of seeds and grind it to make a powder. Use this powder to flavour dals and curries.
5. Capsules
Fenugreek capsules for breastfeeding moms are sold in most pharmacies. You can buy the fenugreek capsules. However, make sure you consult your doctor to determine the correct dosage.
6. Fenugreek Rice Porridge
Pressure cook 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds with a cup of rice with water and salt until it turns soft. Consume this porridge to boost breast milk production.
7. Stir Fried Leaves
Thoroughly wash and de-stem fresh fenugreek leaves. Use this in a stir fry along with other vegetables or stir fry the leaves on their own and use it as a side dish.
8. Rotis
Fenugreek leaves are mixed with chappati dough to make rotis or parathas. This is a tasty way to consume fenugreek leaves.
9. Dosas
Fenugreek seeds are ground along with rice and lentils to make dosa batter. The dosas made from this batter contain fenugreek which boosts lactation.
10. Curries
Add fenugreek leaves to sambhar, curries, and dals to make them flavourful and to boost breast milk flow.
How Soon Does Fenugreek Increase Breast Milk Supply?
Breastfeeding moms find that their breast milk flow increases within one to three days of starting to consume fenugreek. It has been found that it could take up to 2 weeks to see an increase in breast milk production in some women.
How Long Do You Need To Take Fenugreek?
The fenugreek can be stopped once the breast milk flow has increased to the required level. The flow will be maintained if the baby is fed regularly. It can also be used long-term to increase breast milk supply for mothers who want to pump and store breast milk.
Suggested Fenugreek Dosage
Fenugreek should be consumed in the correct dosage to increase lactation. Make sure you ask your doctor to determine the correct dosage for you. Here are the appropriate dosages:
Item
Dosage
With Water
3-4 grams of fenugreek in warm water
Powdered Form
½ to 1 teaspoon or powder or seeds 3 times a day
Tea
One cup of tea twice or thrice a day
Capsules
6 capsules amounting to 3500mg
Other Health Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds
Apart from the fenugreek's benefits of breastfeeding, this herb has several other health benefits. Some of them are:
1. Reduces Menstrual Cramps
Fenugreek seeds help in reducing menstrual cramps. Consuming soaked seeds during painful periods can help reduce the pain.
2. Anti-ageing Properties
Fenugreek contains antioxidants that fight signs of ageing in the body.
3. Controls Diabetes
Fenugreek can lower blood sugar in the body and thus helps control diabetes.
4. Lowers Fevers
Fenugreek cools the body and can bring down a high temperature. It is used as a natural medicine to reduce fever.
5. For Sinus Problems
Fenugreek can treat sinus congestions and also soothe sore throats. Gargling with fenugreek tea can soothe the throat pain.
6. Increases Libido
Fenugreek seeds have been known to increase libido, especially in men.
7. Lowers Cholesterol
Consuming fenugreek extract can increase good cholesterols HDL and lower levels of bad cholesterols or LDL in the body.
8. Stimulates Appetite
Fenugreek has been found to increase appetite. It has been recommended as a natural appetite stimulant for people with eating disorders like Anorexia nervosa.
9. For Weight Loss
Fenugreek is good for people trying to lose weight. The cholesterol-reducing properties of fenugreek can also reduce abnormal levels of lipids in the body and thus fight obesity.
10. Helps in Digestion and Reduces Inflammation
Fenugreek can help in digestion and in combating gastrointestinal issues. Fenugreek is a herbal diuretic and is also used to treat dysentery, stomach ulcers and gastritis. Fenugreek also reduces inflammation in the body. It is therefore helpful to reduce inflammation in people suffering from mouth ulcers, boils, cough, tuberculosis, tissue infections, kidney problems, and even cancer.
Side Effects of Fenugreek
Though fenugreek has a great number of health benefits, excessive consumption can cause problems in both the mother and the baby.
1. For Breastfeeding Mother
The mother’s breast milk and urine may smell like maple syrup. People who are allergic to chickpeas and peanuts may be allergic to fenugreek also. It can cause allergic reactions like hives, swollen tongue and throat, and breathing problems. Diabetics should use it with caution as it can cause blood sugar levels to drop drastically. It could cause runny stools in some people. It is not safe for pregnant women as it can trigger uterine contractions and cause a miscarriage or preterm delivery. Eating more than 100 g of fenugreek seeds in a day can give you stomach cramps.
2. For Breastfed Baby
Some babies may have runny stools. It can cause some babies to be fussy because of the upset stomach and gas.
Precautions To Be Taken While Using Fenugreek To Increase Breast Milk Production
Here are the precautions to take while using fenugreek to boost breast milk production:
Avoid excessive consumption as it can cause stomach pain.
Women allergic to peanuts and chickpeas could also be allergic to fenugreek. So, check with your doctor before adding it to your diet.
Avoid fenugreek if you suffer from hypothyroidism.
Diabetic mothers should use it with caution as it can rapidly lower blood sugar levels and cause hypoglycaemia.
Does Fenugreek Work For Every Breastfeeding Woman?
Fenugreek has been found to increase breast milk production in most women and doctors regularly recommend fenugreek capsules for lactating moms. However, fenugreek may not work for every woman. There are some women who reported that they did not see a change in breast milk production levels after taking fenugreek capsules. However, low breast milk production in mom could be due to various reasons such as low nutrition, stress, hormonal imbalance, and improper latching of breastfeeding baby. If these problems are addressed, the breast milk supply could increase after taking fenugreek supplements.
Fenugreek has been used in Asian cultures for ages to improve breast milk production in lactating mothers. Fenugreek can cause the mother’s milk, sweat and urine to smell like maple syrup. It also passes through the breast milk into the baby and can make the baby’s sweat and urine also smell like maple syrup. However, fenugreek has a great number of health benefits apart from increasing lactation. It has been used both as a flavouring agent and as the main ingredient in many South-Asian cuisines. It is beneficial for lactating mothers to include fenugreek in their diet after checking with their doctor.
Also Read: Caffeine during Breastfeeding Read more
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Children Can Drown Even AFTER They’re Out of Water! Check 6 Signs Once Your Baby Leaves the Tub/Pool
While growing up, children absolutely love their pool and bath time. Playing in the water and splashing it all around can be a lot of fun. But what if after that 'fun time' your child seems completely fine, and the next minute they are battling for life? Scary, isn't it?
As parents, we are always extremely particular about the health and safety of our children. You can take all the precautionary measures and be alert all the time, but the scariest thing is that some situations may just not be under your control. After all, it is difficult to control something that you cannot see, or even imagine in your wildest dreams!
Water safety is one such area where parents are always cautious. However, very few of us realize that certain factors can turn out to be fatal for kids even long after their bath time/ pool time is over. A recent nightmarish incident where a 4-year-old child fell prey to 'dry drowning' is a wake-up call for every parent.
What Exactly Happened?
Just like any other kid of his age, Frankie Delgado was having a day at the pool under his parents' supervision. Every safety precaution was taken care of, and the boy was completely safe and sound while playing with water. However, shortly after coming out of the pool, he started vomiting and suffered from diarrhoea. Later, Frankie also complained of shoulder ache and lay down for a nap.
A few hours later, he jolted and woke up and cried in pain. The poor child took his last breath!
Although Frankie was immediately rushed to the hospital, there was nothing the doctors could do. His parents were helpless, clueless, and completely shaken up by the whole incident, unable to decipher what went wrong with their little boy. They watched as the doctors unsuccessfully tried to save their child. The mother kept screaming -"Let me just touch my baby! Maybe he needs his mama’s touch!"
But it was all in vain. Nothing could save the little boy.
What is Dry Drowning?
When the doctors checked Frankie's autopsy reports, it was confirmed that he had fallen prey to 'Dry Drowning'. This is a condition in which a person may lose his/her life because of liquid trapped in their respiratory system, after he/she gets out of water. The fluid trapped in Frankie's lungs and around his heart had caused this fatal injury out of which Frankie could not recover.
When a child accidently breathes in water, a small amount of that fluid can enter through his/her nose or mouth (or both) and can cause a spasm in the airway which results in its closing up. The water that enters the lungs gets retained and causes inflammation. This makes it difficult or impossible for the body to carry out its function of transferring oxygen to carbon dioxide and back.
This incident is indeed a nightmare and we cannot even fathom the angst that Frankie's parents must be going through. It is also a grave warning for parents everywhere, especially in summer time when our children spend so much time in water. It is estimated that drowning is the second largest cause of 'injury death' amongst children between the ages of 1-14. While dry drowning is a relatively rare phenomenon, it is something we MUST guard against especially for this reason. It can occur hours or even days after the child has been out of water!
6 Things to Check after Baby is Out of Tub/Pool
Any activity that involves staying put in water for a brief period of time can cause this submersion injury. Activities like swimming or bathing in a bath tub can therefore be considered risky activities when dry drowning is concerned. Pool time is something a family may indulge in together, especially during summers however many times, certain symptoms can go overlooked.
Any activity that involves staying put in water for a brief period of time can cause this submersion injury. This means, activities like swimming, bathing in a bath tub, or even waddling in an air-boat can all be risky. Pool time is something the family may indulge in together, especially during summers. So, how to protect kids from dry drowning?
As per experts, dry drowning always comes with warning signs. These signs can help parents to spot potential danger. We urge you to please watch out for these signals in your child after he/she is out of water. If you notice any of these dry drowning symptoms, you should seek medical intervention as soon as possible.
Persistent coughing inside the water and/or after coming outside
Increased breathing rate
Drowsiness/sleepiness right after coming out of water
Vomiting
Erratic change in behaviour
Chest pain
If you notice your child exhibiting any of these signals, call for immediate medical help. Remember that the symptoms of dry drowning can start right after the child gets out of the pool or perhaps a few hours later. You may need to take your child to the hospital's emergency room in case they struggle to breathe.
The doctor will monitor your child's vital organs along with oxygen levels and breathing rate. Patients who show mild symptoms are mostly kept under strict observation. In serious cases, a full chest X-ray is done and oxygen is supplied to facilitate breathing. If the child goes under respiratory failure and is unable to breathe on his/her own, intubation and ventilators are used to provide support. However, this stage is a rare occurrence. If medical help is sought in time, the doctors will be able to increase the blood flow in the lungs and restart your child's optimum breathing cycle.
How Can You Prevent Dry Drowning?
Prevention is always better than cure, and the same logic applies here too. Keep these water safety tips for kids in mind when taking kids for a bath/swim in the tub/pool.
Always Accompany Your Child
This is an absolute must and can reduce the occurrence of mishaps drastically. When you hit the pool during summers, make it a family activity which allows you to be with your child all the time. Never leave your child unsupervised in the bath tub for even a moment.
Practice Supervision
In case your child is slightly older and wants to swim independently, always keep an eye and supervise at all times. Monitor them when they are in or around water and ensure they follow all safety guidelines.
Swimming Lessons
If your toddler is of the age 4 and above and loves water, enrolling them for swimming lessons is a great idea. They will acquire the skill of moving around in water and will get comfortable with the process.
Water Safety Guidelines
Ensure your child is always harnessed with floating devices and life jackets when going for a boat ride or even in a swimming pool. Opt for the toddler pools where the water level is not dangerous for them and is surrounded by four-sided fencing.
Always Know Your First Aid
Before any medical help can reach you, you should be equipped enough to help your child. Therefore, a sound knowledge of CPR is always a must. Discuss this with your doctor or health expert.
It is scary to know that an everyday activity like bathing or a recreational activity like swimming can result in something this serious. One may not be able to see it happen in the moment, but it is essential to pick up cues and act upon them - in time. Read more
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Quit Bothering About Fitness and Weight Loss Cynics
Losing weight and getting back into shape is a struggle in itself. What do you do if you encounter weight loss critics? Now that you've achieved your goal or are working toward it, there will be folks who could be a little envious. Beware!
After saying ‘no’ to all the delicious, high-calorie food and following a fitness challenge religiously, you’ve finally got the figure you’d been craving for. But what about the new breed of critics around you? Keep an eye out for these unintentional naysayers!
5 People Jealous of Your Weight Loss
1. Your Family
Over the years, you and your family may have set up a few traditions like having a tandoori night every month or dessert at a favourite restaurant. When they realise that you’ve lost weight and are keeping away from your favourite dishes, they may feel unsettled. Don't be tempted to go back to your old ways just to keep them happy! Instead, whip out something healthy at home or opt for low-fat soups and salads.
2. Your Spouse
Have you noticed your man appraising you as you get ready to go out? Have you spotted a tinge of jealousy in his tone? No need to worry! He’s been too used to seeing you carrying around extra weight. Now that you’ve shed the kilos and have that million-dollar look, he could be a tad insecure. Reassure him, spend more time with him and encourage him to join you in your workouts.
3. Your Bestie
If your idea of fun with your best friend was to tuck in delicious chaats and wolf down ice creams, then she’s definitely in for a shocker. When she realises that you’re no longer eager to accompany her on these feel-good trips, you may just see her become a weight loss critic. However, this is a good opportunity for you to encourage her to keep fit too. Spend time with her by opting for healthier foods like fruit chaat, salads and fresh juice.
4. Your Weight Loss Friend
Did you start out on your weight loss programme with another friend in tow? If your friend hasn't managed to shed weight quite so well, there could be some critique coming your way. Rather than taking offence or letting it discourage you, motivate her to work harder. Share a few recipes and exchange ideas on how you can balance eating a healthy diet with indulging yourselves in tasty treats.
5. Your Slim Pals
If you had been carrying around weight for quite some time before losing it, you could have been considered the ‘less attractive’ one in your friend circle. With the new you, your slim friends now have new competition! They’re happy for you, but they could also be a little envious. Understand where they’re coming from and continue to be your charming, loving self.
Losing weight is tough, but maintaining your newly acquired figure can be tougher. No matter how tempted you are to cheat, make sure you stick to a healthy diet and proper workout sessions. More than looking good, it’s your health that benefits. Let the envy and admiration in the eyes of the people around you be a driving force for you to stay fit and healthy! Read more
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How to Deal With Stress Over Providing Your Child With Better Education
Being a parent can be so stressful, not only because of the visceral and very deep care that you have for your children but also because you constantly worry about their future. How will they turn out? Am I doing everything right? What if something goes wrong? Will it all be my fault? As you probably know, you’re not the only parent with these concerns, but you should also be aware that there are ways you can feel less stressed. One of the biggest reasons for stress is your child’s education. Every parent wants their child to thrive and be successful, and education plays a big role in determining your child’s future prospects in life. So, if you’re looking for the right school or trying to find the financial means to pay for your child’s tuition fees, here are some ways that can help you cope and be less anxious:
1. First of all, think about your child.
No matter how much you’re trying to keep your cool in front of your child, it’s inevitable for your child to feel stressed in return, especially if you’re constantly pushing your child to get better grades and achieve more. It’s fairly reasonable why you’re doing - after all, some of the most prestigious schools have very high requirements for their future students, but if your child is really struggling to get that top math grade, your pushing will just make him feel more anxious and less receptive to the actual knowledge. Children should be focused on learning and passing their exams, instead of fulfilling their parents’ dreams. So, if you’re really looking to send your child to a better learning institution, you should talk to your child beforehand and make him understand that his part of the job is to study and focus on getting good grades. No child will respond well to threats, blackmails and pressure.
2. Have an honest conversation with yourself.
This may be the most difficult step, but if you really want to feel less stressed, you need to sit down and have a sincere conversation with yourself (or a therapist, if you like). Why do you want to send your child to the best school out there? Is it really about his future or are you trying to fulfil your own dreams and ambition? The truth is, there’s nothing sadder than a parent that tries to push their child into a certain direction solely because they’re hoping a child would fulfil their own dreams that somehow didn’t come true. Now, it’s perfectly logical that you want your child to have opportunities that you didn’t have, but it’s also important to let your child make his own mistakes and learn from them. Motivating your child to do better is fine, but forcing him to do things he's not interested in, isn’t going to make him smarter or more successful. In case you’re struggling to calm down, you can try meditation for clearing your mind so you’ll be able to find the right answer and help your child and yourself.
3. Plan your finances.
Sending your kid to an exclusive private school costs a lot, and if you’re not earning huge amounts, trying to find financial means can be a source of a lot of stress. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and set some money aside that will be used as an initial payment, so your child can be ready to enrol immediately, in case he gets accepted. In case you’re in big financial destitution, you should know that there are places that offer excellent scholarships but your child also needs to meet certain criteria in order to qualify. Therefore, if you’re planning to focus on getting some help, you should motivate your child to do better at school in order to increase the chances of getting awarded with a scholarship.
4. Focus on after-school activities.
Your kid can only do so much in order to get good grades, and even if he does his best and studies all day, every day, there will always be a child that’s more dedicated, smarter and more well-adjusted. It’s a fact of life, and unless you have a little Elon Musk in the making, you need to accept that there are other kids that are also smart and deserving of a good education. But that’s not the reason to get stressed and depressed, because there are ways to make your child stand out. The key is to focus on after-school activities such as playing sports and nurturing his talents that aren’t directly related to school and studying. Every child has talent; the key is to find it and teach your child to be confident and proud of his achievements. You’ll also be less stressed knowing that your child is learning other things that can help him be a successful and well-rounded individual.
5. Talk to other parents.
Many ambitious parents see other parents (and their kids) as direct competition and obstacle to their own child’s success. Even though that can be the case to a degree, it’s crucial to know that networking with others can significantly help you feel less anxious. After all, everything’s better when you have others to lean on. You can talk to other parents and learn some new useful information, while your child can make new friends and learn to be more sociable.
Conclusion
Trying to provide your kid with better education can be very nerve-racking for the whole family, but you should also be aware that your child won’t be happier or more hard-working if you constantly push him to succeed without considering his abilities and desires. Always remember to keep the balance and focus on making your child a responsible, self-confident and self-reliant person.
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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. it's my 5 month n I still didn't went for check up yet not even once is it okay if I go now or?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. You should have started going from the very beginning itself once you get to know you’re pregnant but since you haven’t reached that now if you’re pregnancy has been healthy last five months please get it checked with your doctor also if you need to start with any supplements or diet the doctor would advise you after a ultrasound so please visit your gynaecologist
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. size chart is not correct for age of the baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. generally it is available from Indian academy growth chart download from Google. 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
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Mera 8 month start hu white distance hora mere ko
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
4 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
3 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
2 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
59 mins ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
8 mins ago
A. hi
ideally it can be taken or done as one's expected period date has passed.
you can get accurate result as oppose to relying on early pre period testing method that can lead to faulty results in such cases.
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
53 mins ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
49 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. You can take pregnancy test after 1 month of missing your period. If the test comes negative then please try again after one week. Also it is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a gynaecologist and follow doctors advise properly.
Thanks and take care
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