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15 Months Old Baby Food - Ideas, Chart and Recipes
It is quite natural to completely run out of ideas for meals or even snacks for a 15-month-old child when you are used to a very typical meal schedule for yourself. The nutritional requirements for adults and kids are quite different and figuring out what food items can suffice them both can be quite tricky. This is where a proper meal plan and a simple schedule can be quite handy.
Video: Food Ideas for 15 Month Old Baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d7Noe6d95o
Nutrient Requirements for a 15 Months Old Child
The nutritional requirements for a 15-month-old child are all-encompassing. There is a necessity for all the major nutrients to be present in the appropriate quantities, even with reduced food intake.
1. Supporting nutrients
With reduced food intake, the chances of minor nutrients such as probiotics, omega-3 acids and others falling short in their required proportion are quite high. Therefore, a special focus is needed to ensure these are included in the diet.
2. Water
Including water, especially in the diet is highly recommended since most kids won’t remember to have as much water as they should. Roughly a litre of water is the least your child should drink in a single day.
3. Iron
The requirement of iron from other food items increases strongly as your child grows up, since his dependency on breastmilk, the primary source of iron, will begin to reduce. Make sure that he gets 7mg of iron daily from his food intake.
4. Sodium
The major food item that provides us with sodium is salt. While that might usually take care of the general requirement of a child amongst other food items, households that sparingly use salt should take extra care of this.
5. Fibre
Bowel movement and proper digestion are how your children can truly get the benefits that all the nutrients provide. Including fibre in the diet not only ensures this but also keeps the rest of the body functioning optimally.
6. Carbohydrates
The powerhouse of all energy, these form the core of any meal that your kid would have. There should be no compromise in the number of carbohydrates since there is a vast dependency of various bodily processes on it.
7. Proteins
Vegetarian families might worry about providing their kids with the necessary amount of protein they need. While meat does provide a substantial amount of protein, there are vegetarian alternatives providing good nutrition, too.
8. Calories
The growth rate of your kid might not be as rapid as it was during his early baby days. This results in a calorie requirement of around a kilocalorie or so, on a daily basis, which increases gradually over the years.
How Much Food Does Toddler Need at 15th Month?
Depending on your child’s physical activities and metabolism, a toddler’s food requirements stay within the range of 1000 to 1400 calories within the first few years. Hence, breakfast ideas and meal options need to strike a balance together to ensure proper nutrition for the child.
Best Foods for Fifteen-Month-Old Baby
Some specific food items make for great choices in giving your little one a wholesome meal that provides the necessary nutrition he needs.
1. Meat
It is important to know that little kids cannot have large pieces of meat such as steaks or hams like adults. The protein requirement for their age can be substantially satisfied by opting for lean meat alternatives, such as minced pork, soft fish, crumbled chicken or ham, and so on. Precautions need to be taken when including seafood in their diet.
2. Legumes and Nuts
While eggs also make for a great meal choice to provide your kids with proteins and fats, vegetarians can rejoice with a better alternative in legumes and nuts. Giving nuts directly to your kid is not advised since it can be a choking hazard. However, using food items that contain nuts as an element shouldn’t be a problem.
3. Vegetables
Most kids will start eating their veggies around this age. Certain items might still be a bit difficult to chew, and those can be either boiled or steamed to soften them up. Avoid fried vegetables and opt for a variety that gives your kid a wider taste spectrum to enjoy.
4. Grains
Parents are suggested to go for whole grain varieties when choosing food items, as an easy way to keep up with the nutrient requirement of your child. These can exist in variants of roti, rice and pasta as well. On the other hand, any fortified cereals free from artificial additions make for a great choice, too.
5. Fruits
Not only do fruits provide your kid with a different range of tastes as compared to other food items, but the presence of natural fibre in them also helps in stimulation of the digestive system as well as help in procuring different vitamins.
6. Snacks
While your little one might munch of tiny pieces of cookie or toast, it is best to avoid giving any sugar-heavy products early in life. Make use of cheese based items or steamed veggies to satiate the random cravings.
7. Oil
Even a 15-month-old baby requires fat, much more than anybody else. Those are the energy reserves that keep them going. Opt for oils that have no trans fats or go for alternatives like butter.
8. Dairy
A combination of protein and calcium is highly necessary for kids at this age since their bones and muscles need to be strong. Make sure you include whole milk and some yoghurt in your kid’s diet.
9. Juices
Although it is best your kids have fruits instead of juices, these still can be a great addition to his diet, but only when pressed fresh and absent of any additions. Don’t replace water intake with juices.
10. Multivitamins
The body constitution or family lifestyle might make a nutrient deficiency possible in a child. Such a scenario needs to be combated with a multivitamin that can supplement any dietary shortfalls.
Video: Diet Plan for 15 Month Old Baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W49-O7v62VI
15 Month Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan
Putting together a baby diet chart for 15-month-old kids isn’t an easy task. Referring to the one below, you can create your own that suits your child the best.
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 1
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) puff milkshake with chopped anjeer(fig)
Mid-morning
Chopped pear / apple
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Seviyan(semolina) porridge
Dinner
Paratha + paneer(cottage cheese) bhurji
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 2
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer(cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Chopped melon
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Chikoo(sapota) milkshake
Dinner
Vegetable soup + fried rice + a few slices of carrot
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 3
Breakfast
Besan(gram flour)-jowar(sorghum)-coriander chilla made with curd
Mid-morning
Orange juice
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot
Evening
Palak(spinach) dhokla
Dinner
Mixed vegetable khichdi with kadhi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 4
Breakfast
Besan(gram flour) chilla with grated carrots
Mid-morning
Chikoo(sapota) milkshake
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Sweet potato + poha(flatenned rice) powder
Dinner
Whole wheat pasta in homemade tomato puree
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 5
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Date and skimmed milk powder ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Evening
Carrot-beetroot soup with mashed murmura(puffed rice)
Dinner
Dal khichdi with vegetable soup
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 6
Breakfast
Omelette with bread or paneer(cottage cheese) sandwich
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach) + grapes-apple smoothie
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
2-3 paneer(cottage cheese)-anjeer(fig) ladoo
Dinner
Stuffed parathas with curd or lassi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 7
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth)- wheat sheera with mashed raisins
Mid-morning
Date ladoo mixed with chana(chickpeas) powder + milk
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Papaya and pear cubes
Dinner
Roti + sabzi + dal fry
Ensure the child has at least half a cup of milk every day.
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 1
Breakfast
1 egg or paneer(cottage cheese) paratha with green chutney
Mid-morning
1 glass of apple milkshake
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Seviyan(semolina) porridge
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) cutlets with broccoli soup and toast
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs + multigrain toast + 1 glass of fresh orange juice
Mid-morning
1 glass of chocolate milkshake
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Whole wheat crackers with dahi(curd)-palak(spinach) dip
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) or egg pulao with vegetable raita
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 3
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) puff porridge with almond and walnut powder
Mid-morning
Papaya
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot
Evening
Boiled sweet potato with chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Chole(chickpeas) paratha and pumpkin soup
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 4
Breakfast
1 cup of poha + 1 small glass of fresh orange juice
Mid-morning
1 glass of milk
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese) cubes with honey or chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Ragi(finger millet)-wheat roti with any sabzi and dal
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 5
Breakfast
French toast + 1 glass of fresh apple juice
Mid-morning
1 glass of chikoo(sapota) milkshake
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Evening
Rajgira(amaranth) ladoo dipped in milk
Dinner
Spinach-quinoa khichdi with curd
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 6
Breakfast
Dhokla + green chutney
Mid-morning
Strawberry yoghurt or banana raita
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Ragi(finger millet) satva
Dinner
Baingan(brinjal) bharta with bajra(pearl millet) roti and kadhi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 7
Breakfast
1 egg or besan(gram flour) omelette
Mid-morning
Custard apple milkshake
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Potato-cheese lollipop
Dinner
Drumstick soup with moringa leaves+ paneer(cottage cheese) paratha
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 1
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Date and skimmed milk powder ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Potato and dahi(curd) chaat
Dinner
Vegetable khichdi with dahi or kadhi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 2
Breakfast
Whole wheat pancakes with honey or sugar and milk
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach) + grapes- apple smoothie
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Wheat and soy flour cookies with milk
Dinner
1-2 small star-shaped jowar(sorghum)-paneer(cottage cheese)-palak(spinach) paratha
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 3
Breakfast
Jowar(sorghum) puff porridge
Mid-morning
Date ladoo mixed with chana(chickpeas) powder + milk
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese) cubes with honey or chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Peas and potato sabzi with paratha
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 4
Breakfast
Murmura(puffed rice) porridge with almond powder
Mid-morning
Mango/strawberry yoghurt with oats
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Apple kheer + carrot paratha
Dinner
Dal khichdi with grated carrot
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 5
Breakfast
1 cup of poha + 1 small glass of fresh orange juice
Mid-morning
Oats-apple smoothie
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Evening
Dalia(broken wheat)
Dinner
Shahi paneer with paratha and tomato- mushroom soup
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 6
Breakfast
French toast + 1 glass of fresh apple juice
Mid-morning
Peanut ladoo
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Methi(fenugreek leaves) thepla + lauki(bottle gourd) kofta
Dinner
Idli with non-spicy sambar
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 7
Breakfast
Multigrain chilla + milk
Mid-morning
Mashed potato with cheese
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Fruit milkshake
Dinner
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
Fruit custard
Mid-morning
Sattu(barley) ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Grilled carrot coins with cheese
Dinner
Methi(fenugreek leaves) paratha with lauki(bottle gourd) kofta
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Grated cucumber and oats pancake
Mid-morning
Methi(fenugreek leaves) puri
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Seviyan(semolina) porridge
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) cutlets with palak(spinach) soup and toast
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Mashed and eseeded custard apple
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot
Evening
Whole wheat crackers with dahi(curd)-palak(spinach) dip
Dinner
Kadhi chawal and tomato slices
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
Omelette with bread or paneer(cottage cheese) sandwich
Mid-morning
Melon juice
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Homemade French fries or aloo(potato) chips
Dinner
1 small cup chole(chickpeas) + 2 small puri + 1 small glass lassi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) wheat sheera with mashed raisins
Mid-morning
Scrambled eggs or paneer(cottage cheese) ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Evening
Makhana(fox nut) + chocolate milkshake
Dinner
Fish curry or paneer(cottage cheese) curry with rice
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Mini Kanchipuram idlis with chutney
Mid-morning
Murmura sev
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Sliced apple or banana
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) paratha with capsicum sabzi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Scrambled egg + multigrain toast + 1 glass of chocolate milkshake
Mid-morning
Boiled chana(chickpeas) chaat
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Mango milkshake
Dinner
Peas and potato sabzi with paratha
Video: 15 Month Old Baby Food Recipes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNuRGkQao1I
Food Recipes for a 15 Months Old Baby
For parents struggling with unique meals or lunch ideas for their 15-month-old kid, these recipes can provide a quick escape as well as stoke their imagination to make some more.
1. Curd Rice
The quintessential food preparation that works wonders no matter when and where you have it.
Ingredients
Black gram
Ginger
Curry leaves
Green chilli
Red Chilli
Oil
Mustard seeds
Salt
Cream
Curd
Milk
Cooked rice
How To Prepare
Take the cooked rice and mash it well. Add milk to it and stir it all together. Follow it up with the curd and cream and stir it again.
Take a pan and put some oil in it. Put all the seasoning elements together and heat them well. Add some oil and pour in the rice into this.
2. Khichdi
What might be comfort food for adults in their illness, is a perfect lunch item for young kids, providing great nutrition.
Ingredients
Pepper powder
Turmeric
Ghee
Salt
Vegetables
Red gram
Rice
How To Prepare
Take the rice and dal together and wash them well. Keep them soaked underwater for about 30 minutes.
Until then, take the vegetables and chop them properly. Add these to the rice and dal bowl. Place this inside a cooker and let it sit on medium heat until two whistles.
Release the pressure and check if the rice is cooked.
Take it out in a bowl and mash it with ghee. Add salt, pepper and turmeric for added taste and mix properly.
3. Pasta Kheer
Caught you by surprise, didn’t it? Let your child revel in delight as well when he comes across this weirdly beautiful recipe.
Ingredients
Milk
Rice flour
Green cardamoms
Jaggery syrup
Pasta
Water
How To Prepare
Take a pan and add water to it. Bring it to a boil, add the pasta to it, cook it, and drain it well.
In another pan, add ghee and butter with some cashews and roast them well. Follow up with milk and let it boil. Add the pasta to it and cook it all together.
In a cup, add milk, water and the rice flour. Mix it all properly till it is smooth. Pour it into the pan and stir continuously.
Once the kheer is thick, add cardamom seeds with jaggery syrup, and serve.
4. Roasted Green Beans
Do away with the usual boring snacks and add a great flavour to this healthy option that will make your child fall in love with greens.
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt
Green beans
How To Prepare
Start by heating the oven to a temperature of 425 degrees. Keep a pan inside it for 8-10 minutes.
Add the beans in a bowl and pour a little oil while sprinkling some salt. Toss them all together to mix it well.
Spread these beans on a sheet laid on the tray, without letting them cover each other.
Place them in the oven for around 10 minutes to make them crispy and soft.
5. Purple Veggie Puree
For kids that are bored with the same old purees, this vividly coloured version will have their eyes light up instantly.
Ingredients
Water
Lemon juice
Frozen spinach
Blueberries
How To Prepare
Take a pan and add water and spinach to it together. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 8 minutes.
Drain the water and mash together lemon juice, water, blueberries and spinach to form a nice thick puree.
Feeding Tips
With some simple tips, while feeding your kid, you can make the experience easier for you and better for the little ones.
Let your kid eat from the food prepared for your family as well, as long as it isn’t spicy
Start teaching your kid to eat certain items with his own hands
Don’t force your kid to finish up his food quickly
It is fine for your kid to eat intermittently than sit quietly for a full meal
Don’t fuss if your kid suddenly changes his eating habits
Make the entire experience of enjoying food items a fun-filled one
With numerous dinner ideas for your little kid at your disposal, your meals will take a new life of their own in the coming weeks. Observe your child and try to see what he likes and what he doesn’t, to balance out his meal schedule accordingly.
Disclaimer:
Each child is different and so use these meal plans as a trusted guide as per your discretion. You can modify the meals according to your child’s preferences / requirements.
Never force-feed a child.
While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
While introducing solid food to a baby, initially, one needs to prepare watery gruels/soups. As a child gets older, the caretaker/ mother has to increase the thickness of the liquids slowly according to the child’s capacity to swallow. Foods that are too thick can cause stomach upset/ unnecessary load; while excessively watery food might cause the child to remain hungry.
Some kids may eat less on some days and that is absolutely alright. However, if a child eats less for more than 3-4 consecutive days, please visit a doctor to guide further.
A child may eat less during the teething phase or if he/she may not be feeling well. You could increase breast milk /formula feeds on those days. Re-introduce the foods once the child is back to normal.
Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
You can alter the taste of the food by adding some natural flavours like cinnamon, jeera powder, lemon juice, curry leaves etc. if the child doesn’t accept the food initially.
If your child suffers from an allergy to nuts, gluten or eggs, please consult your doctor before feeding him/her any foods that may contain them.
Also Read: List of 12 Healthy Weight Gain Foods for Babies & Kids Read more
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16 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound
Pregnancy is an indescribable journey that is an important moment in a parent’s life. When a woman reaches different stages in pregnancy, it is imperative she gets an ultrasound done to check on the baby and assess the baby's growth and development. One such week, when an ultrasound is advised, is week 16.
Why Should Pregnant Women Have an Ultrasound at 16 Week?
Things start to get a bit exciting once you hit the 16-week mark and ultrasound is important to understand your baby’s progress. Prenatal care is an integral part of every mother’s journey and here are a few reasons as to why ultrasound is necessary at this stage.
It can help you understand your baby’s growth and the sonographer can help measure certain parts of your baby’s body to ascertain it for any concerns.
Ultrasound will become an integral part of your journey into motherhood. It helps determine the size, structure and any pathological lesions on the foetus.
It can present a visual representation of your baby and help prepare for routine and emergency prenatal care.
It can help understand if your baby is healthy and safe and if there are any abnormalities.
Genetic issues can also be determined like Down Syndrome or any other chromosomal defects or have any other neural tube defect.
The 16-week foetus ultrasound can determine the heartbeat and health of the heart and other organs. It can help determine if there is any heart defect as well.
What Preparation is Needed for 16-week Scan?
Your baby at 16 weeks’ ultrasound is the largest it has been in your pregnancy till date, and few things need to be done before you go for a 16-week scan. Your baby which measures around four and a half inches during the 16th week will grow double in size very quickly, here onwards, month on month. There will definitely be a weight gain during this time but morning sickness will completely disappear.
Your body will start producing milk, which will lead to breast augmentation. In addition, the belly will be bigger; the skin colour will change to a certain extent as well.
Before a scan, it is important to carry documents about your and your partner’s medical history to your gynaecologist and ask questions regarding any symptoms or issues you may be experiencing. You should also get a full physical examination including thyroid, breasts, lungs and heart. You should get a lab test done to check signs of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or any other urinary tract infections through urine tests.
Familiarizing oneself with terms which are associated with pregnancy and medical procedures such as ultrasound will also help in understanding your baby better.
How Long Does Sixteen Week Pregnancy Ultrasound Take to Complete?
An ultrasound can last anywhere between 15 and 45 minutes. Before an ultrasound, a patient is asked to drink lots of water or fluids and stay away from solid food. You cannot access the toilet when you wait for the scan but can go relieve yourself once the procedure is complete.
Before you begin the test, make sure to prepare yourself mentally to wait and to understand that they take time, to image the sonography. Imaging reports also take a day to be produced but both the parents will be shown the image of their baby on the screen.
How is Sixteen Week Scan Done?
A 16-week foetus ultrasound is done by using a device that emits high-frequency sound waves into the body. The waves hit and bounce off the various organs of the body as they travel. A probe picks up these echoes created by the bouncing sound waves and starts converting them into a moving image. These images can be accessed through a graphics display monitor. These tests are usually conducted in clinics, diagnostic centres or radiology section of a hospital. A specially trained expert will be the only one who will be able to conduct a scan.
What Can Be Seen in the Scan?
When you get an ultrasound done at 16 weeks, your belly will look like a small cantaloupe. On the inside, however, your baby is around 4-5 inches in size and will continue to grow. Hair, fingernails, are starting to develop although they will be more noticeable once your progress in your pregnancy. You will be able to make out the head, the eyes, ears and torso of your baby. All the muscles and bones are in place, and the central nervous system is starting to exert control so you may even see your baby move during an ultrasound
What if Any Abnormalities Are Seen in the Ultrasound?
When you go for an ultrasound, the sonographer will also conduct a variety of other tests to determine any abnormalities in your baby’s growth such as measuring the length of the baby’s nasal bone to determine any abnormalities in growth is one. There are several blood tests which are offered to determine any risks or abnormalities that can arise at this stage of the pregnancy.
The Triple screen is a prenatal blood test that will help assess any issues with the baby. The test primarily helps test looks at levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein produced by the foetus's liver and two hormones: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estriol to determine any birth defects such as Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida.
It is important to discuss any concerns or anything that comes up during an ultrasound with your doctor in order to determine the next course of action for you and your baby. It is also important to take any medication or tests that are required to keep you and your baby healthy.
At 16 weeks every mother will have the pregnancy glow and move into the second trimester which is an enjoyable phase. As your baby continues to grow, more movement from the foetus will show, the belly will grow bigger, and the body prepares for the next phase of motherhood.
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Drinking Wine While Pregnant - Safety, Benefits & Risks
Food restrictions during pregnancy require women to give up some foods and beverages that are deemed unsafe. While unwinding with a glass of wine may have been your usual way of drawing an end to the day, the same practice is largely not recommended for pregnant women. However, there may be some women who claim that they have had a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby even after enjoying an occasional glass of wine during pregnancy. This puts many pregnant women in a dilemma and gives rise to the constant question of can pregnant women drink wine without facing any complications?
Is Drinking Wine during Pregnancy Safe?
Pregnancy complications caused due to alcohol consumption is usually associated with excess consumption of alcohol. These complications may not affect as strongly with occasional drinking. However, with not enough information to back the consumption of wine during pregnancy, no amount of wine is considered to be safe during pregnancy. Hence, pregnant women are advised to avoid it completely.
Risks of Having Wine When Expecting
Drinking white or red wine in pregnancy can put your baby at risk for mental and physical disabilities. This is the reason why most healthcare professionals ask pregnant women to steer clear of all kinds of alcohol during pregnancy.
Some of the risks of drinking wine during pregnancy include:
Your developing baby in the uterus will have a liver that is not equipped to process the alcohol that reaches it through the placenta and the umbilical cord. This can hamper the fetal development and cause physical and mental abnormalities in the baby.
Excess concentration of blood alcohol in the baby can hamper the process of oxygen delivery to the organs and the tissues of the fetus.
Excess consumption of alcohol in pregnant women also puts the baby at risk of developing foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This causes the baby to have smaller skulls and lower birth weight. Babies born with FAS may also have facial abnormalities, developmental delays before and after birth, defects in the brain and spine, and in some cases may even display signs of mental retardation. These babies have a higher likelihood to have learning disabilities later in their lives. Lack of coordination, poor memory, low IQ, vision and hearing problems, speech delays, and heart and kidney problems are some of the other complications that FAS may cause.
Benefits of Wine during Pregnancy
Although drinking any amount of wine during pregnancy is advised against, there may be a few benefits that can result from drinking wine.
Drinking Red Wine during pregnancy can
Prevent heart diseases. The antioxidants in red wine can raise the level of the good cholesterol or HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
Prevent damage to the arteries and obesity.
According to a study, children of mothers who consumed red wine in moderate amounts were found to speak better, recognize more letters of the alphabet, identify more flowers, in comparison to the children of mothers who completely avoided alcohol during pregnancy.
Drinking White Wine in pregnancy can
Prevent anaemia
Improve lung function
Help maintain the muscles of the heart
Despite the benefits, it is always recommended that pregnant women stay cautious and
Myths Related to Wine and Pregnancy
Due to a lot of uncertainty that surrounds the topic of drinking wine during pregnancy, there are many half-truths that have been doing the rounds. Some of the common myths associated with wine and pregnancy are,
Myth: A few celebratory sips on a special occasion or while on vacation is harmless.
Fact: Since the body doesn’t discriminate between normal days and special occasions, no amount of alcohol on any day throughout pregnancy should be entertained.
2. Myth: One glass of wine does not expose the fetus to alcohol in the womb
Fact: Any amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy reaches the fetus through the placenta and the umbilical cord easily. This may put your baby at a higher risk of FAS. Hence, it is wise to avoid even a negligible amount of wine during pregnancy.
3. Myth: Drinking wine is during pregnancy is better than taking cocaine or heroin
Fact: While all substances of abuse including cocaine, heroin, marijuana, alcohol, etc., have harmful effects on the baby, it is found that in comparison alcohol causes the worst neurobehavioral effects on the fetus. Hence, all of these substances, including alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy.
4. Myth: Real damage due to drinking can only be caused by excess consumption.
Fact: Alcoholic women have a higher chance of giving birth to babies with fetal alcohol syndrome. However, this does not mean that mothers who drink moderately have nothing to worry about. There is no definitive understanding of how alcohol affects individual women and their developing babies. The reaction of every fetus and the mother to alcohol differs and may even be dependent on their genetic make-up. Hence, even if you are not an alcoholic, you may stand the risk of giving birth to a baby with FAS.
5. Myth: Alcohol exposure causes only physical deformities in a baby. A normal looking baby has not been affected by alcohol.
Fact: Physical deformities are found in babies who have been exposed in the womb within a specific period of time. In most other babies, the effects of alcohol exposure present themselves as cognitive and behavioural problems. It is also possible that the symptoms of alcohol exposure in children are very subtle and common with other disabilities. Diagnosis of FAS is also challenging as its features are known to change as the children grow older. As a consequence, only one in ten children with FAS are ever diagnosed.
6. Myth: A doctor or healthcare professional has no say on the lifestyle choices of any woman during pregnancy.
Fact: As they are aware of the risks that drinking wine during pregnancy causes, doctors and healthcare professionals have the moral and ethical responsibility of advising their patients against it. These suggestions are made in order to protect the health and the well-being of the baby.
Wine and Pregnancy Studies
Collaborative Initiative on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, a research consortium has published several studies that have analyzed the moderate level of prenatal exposure to alcohol. A recent British study has also shown that small amounts of wine during pregnancy do not cause any measurable risk. However, this study has not performed comprehensive testing of the children or taken into account any maternal factors.
A study published by the University of Queensland in 2013 stated that pregnant women who drink even two glasses of wine during each of the drinking sessions could impact their child’s performance at school adversely.
The Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research in 2012 indicated that the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol are dose-related and found no evidence of a safe threshold. Mothers who consume alcohol during specific periods of their pregnancy stand the risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight and reduced length, a smooth philtrum ( the vertical space between the nose and the upper lip), thin vermillion border (demarcation of the lip and the adjacent skin) and microcephaly.
A study by the International Journal of Epidemiology in 2012 concluded that consumption of even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy could increase the risk of spontaneous abortions.
An Alcohol, Research, and Health study in 2011 found that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, preterm delivery, stillbirth and even increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Other studies like the Alcohol, Health and Research World in 1997, also found that even small amount of alcohol during pregnancy can cause development problems in the child. Hence, it is advised that wine or any form of alcohol during pregnancy is completely avoided.
With contradictory information available about the risks of consuming wine for pregnant ladies, it is globally agreed upon by most healthcare professionals that it is best if you abstain from drinking wine throughout the pregnancy. This will prevent your baby from coming under harm’s way in the womb and later in life. Read more
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How Can You Deal with Labour Pain?
It is said that when a child is born, a mother is also born. From day one of pregnancy, a mother-to-be goes through various physical and mental changes. She may also experience stress. One of the main reasons for stress is the thought of labour pain. To embrace motherhood, all women have to go through the phase of labour.
Every expecting mother should be aware of the different signs of labour, at least during the start of her third trimester. If you have no idea about the different signs of labour, your doctor, midwife, and elders can help you understand. Here, I would like to share a few tips on how to deal with labour pain.
1. Try Breathing Exercises
To ease labour pain, you can try breathing exercises. Do breathing exercises when you have a strong urge to go to the toilet. Slowly and gently, breathe in and breathe out - it will help you calm down and alleviate some pain. You can consult your doctor for breathing exercises as he will be able to guide you better on how to do breathing exercises.
2. Walk Around
A woman can be in labour for 12 to 16 hours - it might take a lot of time for the contractions to get severe and consistent. Staying in bed or in the same position for long can increase your pain. To ease that pain to an extent, you can try walking, if you can. If you are able to move, try to walk around your bed.
3. Consider Epidural
Epidural injections can provide relief from labour pain, but they work differently for different women. An epidural injection is given to women in the lower back. For some women, epidural might work, but for some, it may not work. When you are in labour, you will be asked if you need an epidural injection. Here's how you can decide whether to take it or not.Usually, a woman's cervix should be fully dilated to 10 cm for the delivery. If your cervix has expanded more than 5 cms within a few hours then it's fine because you will be able to deal with the rest. You won't need an epidural in this case. However, if your cervix is expanding slowly and you find it difficult to bear the pain, then you can go ahead with it. After all, it's your choice to take it or not.
4. Push Harder
Once you are asked to push the baby out by your doctor, do it with your whole strength. It helps the cervix to expand faster and deliver the baby. Place your palms on the bed on either side and push harder.
5. Pray
A baby is a gift from God, so pray to Him for a happy and painless delivery. Also, remember that this time shall pass. Once you deliver your baby, you will completely forget the pain and will be ecstatic on seeing your little wonder. So pray, before you enter the labour and throughout the labour.
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
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Don't Forget To Do These Things For Yourself While Nursing
Breastfeeding mothers are among the most careful of people. They have friends and family to recommend them good care for the baby. They are wary about applying anything topically or eating something that trigger an allergic reaction. Every now and then, they check on their moppet to ensure he is just fine. But mom, are you sure your caution extends to yourself too? Are you taking care of your nursing body properly?
To make sure you don’t forget yourself in the rush of things to do, we have created a to-do list. Every item here needs your time and attention while you are breastfeeding. And yes, this is as important as making sure your baby is growing normally!
1. Consume a Nutritious and Wholesome Diet
Throughout your pregnancy, you were told to eat fresh, nutritious food as there was a little baby growing inside you. After the delivery, your responsibility toward healthy eating does not stop! For now is when your baby will turn to you for breastfeeding – something that may continue for several months to come. To regain your strength and ensure that your bundle of joy also grows by leaps and bounds, your diet must be balanced. While there’s no stopping you from consuming a certain food group, make sure you get sufficient proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats and dietary fibre, aside from plenty of water.
2. Keep Your Breast Skin Clean, Healthy and Fresh
Your breasts are going to be your baby’s favourite thing about you for quite some time! For his feeding pleasure as well as for your comfort and hygiene, make sure you wash your breasts well while showering. If your breast skin is sweaty, salty or smells weird, your little picky eater may be turned off. Worse, in your nursing days, your breast area is warm and sugary and this puts you at risk for bacterial growth and infection! Just remember to be gentle and not use any harsh, chemical-based products. After showering, rehydrate your body with a herbal body butter by Himalaya FOR MOMS. It has the healing powers of aromatherapy which work wonders for the skin.
3. Get Back to Exercise – Slowly but Steadily
Exercise during nursing? Before you get alarmed, check this out: exercise releases serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical, into your body which lifts your spirits and energizes you. Now isn’t that how you need to feel during the difficult, early postpartum period? Doctors advise that a few months after birth, you should slowly get back to exercise. This helps the body start toning itself to its pre-pregnancy status. Of course we don’t recommend weightlifting or strenuous running as you’ll still be way too exhausted for that. But walking, gardening, etc. are good both for your body and soul. An important tip: breastfeed before exercising to empty your breasts and feel more comfortable.
4. Devote Extra Attention to Your Nipples
Can you imagine how difficult it would be to feed your infant if your nipples were sore or cracked? Sometimes, improper latching, the wrong positioning and dryness of skin can lead to soreness of nipples. This is not only uncomfortable but can be severe enough to make feeding and pumping quite painful. The solution is simple – extra nipple care. Himalaya FOR MOMS has created a nipple care butter using potent herbs and the principles of Ayurveda. This means you can apply it topically without exposing yourself or your baby to any harmful chemicals.
5. Take Time Out for a Gentle Massage
The very prospect of a massage makes you instantly happier, right? Pregnant women are often advised to massage their abdominal area to prevent the formation of stretch marks. In the postpartum stage too, a massage has multiple benefits. It has been proven to improve blood circulation, trigger lactation, speed up healing, and also make you feel emotionally reassured. What’s more, you have earned yourself a massage, Mom! The only thing to be careful about is the massage oil you use. You cannot risk a product that’s harsh on the skin. Try Himalaya FOR MOMS’ toning massage oil and warm it a little before application. Read more
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Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
8 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
6 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
55 mins ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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
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