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Skin Care After Delivery
In the process of bringing a new life into the world, a woman goes through a lot of emotional and physical changes. Your hair and skin health, in particular, go through immense changes during and post pregnancy. Getting back to normal only seems like a far-fetched dream, at times. But the good news is that none of these changes are permanent. With little care towards oneself, women can go back to looking and feeling like her pre-pregnancy self in due course of time. This article aims at listing out the physical changes women see in their skin post-pregnancy and how to overcome them with basic care towards oneself.
Video: Effective Skincare Tips After Delivery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWq5aALomH0
Changes You See in Your Skin After Delivery
A woman’s skin goes through numerous changes post-delivery. While for some the skin changes are positive, for others it may not be a very happy sight. While some women are fortunate enough to bask in the delivery glow for a lifetime, others may experience acne, pigmentation, stretch marks, puffy eyes and dark circles. With little or no care, it tends to get aggravated and can lead to depression post childbirth.
Self-care after childbirth usually takes a back seat as all the focus is centred on giving special care to the newborn. However, taking out just 10 minutes for oneself can do wonders and help mothers to gain back their glow and confidence too.
Common Skin Problems After Delivery
Some of the common skin problems post-delivery are:
1. Stretch Marks
Due to the gain and subsequent loss in weight, women see stretch marks in many parts of their bodies after the delivery. These stretch marks will not go away completely, but will become lighter with time. Initially, they will be pink, purple, or reddish brown in colour. Eventually, the pigmentation will go away, making them look lighter.
2. Dark Spots
The stress that comes with motherhood can have adverse effects on your facial skin. The development of brownish spots is just one of them. To stop these dark spots from increasing, it is important to be gentle to the skin and cleanse it twice a day with a mild cleanser.
3. Melasma
Sometimes, during pregnancy, dark patches develop on the face. These are called chloasma or melasma. This change in the pigmentation occurs due to the high level of pregnancy hormones in the body. These hormones gradually decrease after pregnancy. While some brown patches may become less obvious, others may stay for good. Anyone with this condition must avoid constant exposure to the sun.
4. Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes
Dark circles and puffy eyes are the result of hormonal changes, as well as lack of sleep after childbirth. Your eyes express the tiredness that your body experiences post-delivery. Constantly waking up to feed the baby causes lack of proper sleep, leading to dark circles.
5. Acne
Acne breakouts during or post pregnancy are very common. High progesterone levels post pregnancy can cause pimples to break out. If you have had clear skin throughout the pregnancy, then this may come as a surprise to you.
6. Hypersensitivity
Many of you may experience sensitive skin after pregnancy. Anything may cause your skin to react adversely. For example, even a little exposure to the sun may cause the skin to burn. Sometimes, your skin may feel irritated towards things like chlorine and detergent.
As mentioned earlier, some of the above skin issues may fade away with time, while some conditions such as skin allergy after giving birth may stay and require medical attention.
Why Skin Texture Changes After Having a Child
It might become difficult to accept so many changes in the skin right after the birth of a baby, especially if you had a glowing skin during pregnancy. But post-pregnancy brings in stress, fatigue and overall hormonal imbalance that causes the skin texture to change. Acne, stretch marks, pigmentation and skin discoloration after delivery are some of the most common changes in the skin that have been observed post pregnancy. All this can become a thing of the past if you take a little care and follow a proper diet and skin care routine after childbirth.
How to Reduce Skin Problems
Skin problems that occur right after pregnancy can be tackled or reduced by following a few healthy lifestyle tips. But if you have been suffering from skin-related issues for a long time, then it is advisable to consult a doctor. Here are a few quick post pregnancy skin care tips.
Staying away from the sun can prevent the skin from further damage. If you do need to step out in the sun, then use a good sunscreen or cover yourself up with a scarf.
Drinking lots of water will keep the skin hydrated and bring the glow back. If you can drink eight glasses of water in a day, it will also keep the hormones in check.
One of the crucial parts of postpartum skin care is to cleanse, tone and moisturise (CTS). Wash your face a few times a day to get rid of the excess oil. Following a CTS routine twice a day can yield great results.
Exfoliating the skin thrice a week can help to improve the skin texture and remove marks too. Hence, this too is an important step for improving skin conditions after pregnancy.
Irregular hours of sleep can take a toll on the skin. Getting eight hours of proper sleep is important for coping with skin changes after having a baby. Make sure you catch up on sleep whenever you get time.
The iron content of leafy vegetables is very good for the skin and can help reduce post pregnancy skin problems. It aids in bringing back the glow and softness of the skin.
To make the stretch marks fade away, applying oils rich in Vitamin E and cocoa butter can turn out to be very useful. Please remember that stretch marks will not disappear completely, but they will become lighter.
Vitamin deficiency post-delivery is a common phenomenon. Taking multi-vitamin tablets on the doctor’s advice can make a lot of difference to the skin and body.
Eating a healthy and timely diet can also help in bringing a new mother’s skin back to normal after pregnancy.
Consult your doctor and include basic exercises in your daily regime like brisk walking or yoga. This helps the skin to breathe and brings the glow back.
Skin Treatment
Skin treatment post-delivery may only be required if the problems continue to persist. Any treatment must only be started after consulting the doctor. Issues like dry skin accompanied by other symptoms may be an indicator of an underactive thyroid. If the changes in your skin are disturbing you and don’t improve even after following the above tips, then consulting a physician is advisable.
Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Skin
Skin darkening or acne breakouts post-delivery is not an uncommon phenomenon. You can get your baby-glow back by following a few simple steps.
Acne:
Use a cleanser and cleanse your face twice a day
Use an oil-free moisturiser for morning as well as for night skin regime.
Scrub your face with a mild scrub once in a week. Ensure that the scrub you use has small granules.Try to pick skin products that comprise natural ingredients like aloe vera and eucalyptus.
Pigmentation:
To keep the pigmentation on your skin under control, use sunscreen regularly and avoid direct exposure to the sun.
Whether you stay indoors or outdoors, use of sunscreen is necessary. If you stay indoors use a sunscreen with SPF 15. If you step out for a short time then a sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 will help. But if you are stepping out for longer periods of time, then a sunscreen with SPF 50 must be used.
Always use a moisturiser that is meant for pigmented skin.
Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes:
Lots of water and healthy diet is the key to getting rid of dark circles and puffy eyes.
Take short naps along with the baby. That is the only way your body will get the required rest.
Use a good under-eye cream before going to sleep, to combat puffy eyes and dark circles.
Stretch Marks:
Stretch marks after pregnancy appear in a majority of pregnant women. Hence, as soon as you are pregnant, start using oils rich in Vitamin E or anti-stretch mark creams in the stretch marks prone areas. Use it regularly during and post pregnancy to keep the skin around the belly and breast free of stretch marks.
Post birth, consult your doctor and use a good stretch marks cream on the affected areas.
Post-delivery, healthy diet and exercise is the key to reducing the visibility of stretch marks. Consult your doctor and start with mild exercises such as brisk walk or basic yoga.
Skin Care Home Remedies
Accepting skin changes after childbirth can be difficult. However, usage of chemicals may have an adverse effect on your health. Here is a list of home remedies or skin care rescue tips for new moms. These are chemical-free, safe and cheap too.
Applying aloe vera gel every day on the pigmented skin can gradually lighten dark spots. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water. This will do wonders to your skin.
Cucumber and tomato juice, when mixed with milk and applied on dark patches or pigments, can bear great results. It also soothes your skin and makes it soft.
Make a fine paste of almonds and honey and apply it on the skin. Keep it for 15 minutes and then wash it off.
Eating a Vitamin E-rich diet has proven to be very effective. Also, applying Vitamin E oil is highly beneficial for the skin.
Take papaya, honey, and aloe vera pulp in a bowl, and mix it well to make a face pack. Apply it on the pigmented skin and wash it off after 30 minutes. Papaya helps to break down the dead cells and treats pigmentation.
Papaya mixed with yogurt also makes a great face pack. Mash some papaya, honey, yogurt, and lemon juice in a bowl and use it as a face pack. Wash it off after 30 minutes with warm water.
Rubbing a slice of potato or applying its juice on the skin also helps in the reduction of pigmentation.
If you apply a paste of mint leaves on the dark spots twice or thrice a week, you should be able to see positive changes in your skin.
Sandalwood has been used for centuries and by generations for skin care to reduce pigmentation and dark spots. Mix sandalwood powder, turmeric powder and milk together to make a fine paste. Then apply it on the affected area, leave it for 15 minutes and wash it off.
Avocado juice can also help in the lightening of pigmentation if applied once a week.
Crush orange peel into a powder and mix it with raw milk to make a face pack. Apply this on the skin and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off with normal water when done.
If you are not allergic to lemon juice, then you can apply it directly on the pigmented skin for visible results.
Papaya pulp when applied directly on the skin bears great results.
Make sure you drink plenty of water and exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead cells.
Also make sure you eat healthy so that the skin is replenished with the nutrients it needs to recover.
The skin care remedies mentioned above may not give you instant results, but have proven to be effective over a period of time. These remedies, coupled with good diet and plenty of rest, will help you to overcome post-pregnancy skin ailments without any hassle. Enjoy your new role as a mother, but remember to love yourself too. Read more
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White Discharge during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy - Is It Normal?
Pregnancy is a time of excitement and brings a lot of changes in your life. When you are pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes. You may already be expecting and even looking forward to some of these changes. However, some bodily changes are unexpected and may cause trouble at times. All women experience some form of vaginal discharge once in a while and pregnant women may also experience vaginal discharge. However, during pregnancy, vaginal discharge can be more, which may or may not be normal. Abnormal discharge could be due to an infection, or it could be related to labour.
Women often feel embarrassed discussing vaginal discharges but pregnant women should understand that certain abnormal discharges require medical attention. Read on to know about white discharge during pregnancy.
Is White Discharge Common during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy?
White discharge from the vagina or milky discharge in the third trimester is common and you must not worry yourself. As the number of changes takes place in your body during pregnancy, it is very normal to experience white discharge during the third trimester of your pregnancy. But you must consult your doctor if the discharge has an unusual colour, texture, or a foul smell. Close to the date of your delivery, you may also notice blood-stained thick white discharge in the third trimester. This is an indication that you are likely to go into labour.
Normal Discharge during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
There are quite a few changes that will take place in your body to prepare you for labour and delivery. These changes correlate with the changes in your vaginal discharge. Your hormone levels will change as the blood supply to the cervix will increase, causing a higher amount of discharge. You may have to wear panty liners and pads. Here are the signs of a normal discharge:
It is whitish, clear, runny or even slightly yellow.
It is odourless.
Slightly pinkish discharge as your delivery date closes in.
However, if you have the slightest hint of uneasiness or discomfort due to the discharge, you should reach out to your doctor.
Abnormal Discharge in the Third Trimester
Abnormal discharge is yellowish or greenish in colour, and may or may not accompany a foul smell. In a situation like this, you should immediately get in touch with your doctor. It could be because of various reasons, and it should be treated before it can affect the baby.
Below are the common reasons for an abnormal discharge during pregnancy:
Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition caused by the imbalance of the bacteria present in the vagina or cervical canal. It is also a cause of yellowish vaginal discharge. The symptoms of this are a stinging or burning sensation during urination. If not treated, this condition can cause preterm babies or small babies.
Candidiasis is a yeast infection because of which the vaginal discharge may be yellowish or greenish. An increase in changes in the hormonal levels can give rise to infection with the fungus candida. It may make you experience itching and irritation.
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It can cause the vaginal discharge to be thick and yellowish. If you are suffering from this or any other STD, you must inform the doctor immediately and start the treatment as it can cause preterm delivery, or pass the infection to the unborn child.
Leucorrhea is caused by an increase in the levels of estrogen during pregnancy. It can cause a thick yellowish discharge. The discharge is a combination of normal bacterial flora found in the cervix, old vaginal cells, and other secretions of vagina and cervix.
How to Deal with White Discharge in the Third Trimester
The following dos and don’ts will help you deal with vaginal discharge and prevent infection:
What to Do
Ensure that you do the following:
Wash the vaginal area a couple of times in a day with water and a medicated soap that your doctor advises you to use. Pat dry.
When drying or wiping the vaginal area, the hand movement should be from front to back and never back to front.
Wear a clean, cotton underwear and change twice a day, at least.
Wear comfortable cotton clothes at night that allow your skin to breath.
Using pads and panty liners will keep you dry and comfortable.
Use protection while having sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Immediately call and inform your doctor if you experience any symptoms which are not normal.
If your underwear is continually getting wet a lot before your due date, let your doctor know immediately.
What Not to Do
Avoid doing these things for a healthy pregnancy:
Avoid using scented creams and bubble baths.
Tampons can cause infections and introduce bacteria in the vagina, hence, avoid using them.
If you have a foul smell in the vaginal area, do not mask it using scents, sprays, or powders.
Avoid self-medication and consult a doctor for itching, redness, or swelling.
Avoid using public toilets to prevent any infections.
Avoid douching as it may also cause the good bacteria in the vagina to be washed off.
When to Call a Doctor
If you experience watery discharge before the 37th week or notice symptoms which aren’t entirely normal, you should see a doctor. Also, if you notice that your underwear is getting soaked unusually or you notice any discomfort it is best to get it cleared. A watery discharge before 37 weeks should raise a red flag. You must immediately contact your doctor, as this may mean you could have ruptured the amniotic sac and the amniotic fluid might be leaking.
Although white discharge is not a big concern during pregnancy, you must consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual. If you notice a lot of white discharge during the nine months of pregnancy, inform your doctor and do as he says.
Also Read:
Watery Discharge during Pregnancy
Brown Discharge while Pregnancy
Jelly Like Discharge in Pregnancy Read more
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Winter Diarrhoea - A Common Problem during Winter and our Experience
Its January and winter is at its peak. Winters are the most difficult time for babies. Baby care during winters is challenging. It's the time when your baby may catch infections or may just suffer due to temperature extremities. Winter diarrhoea is one common problem babies may face during winters.
Our Experience
A few days ago, we went out early morning with our five-month-old. We came back 5 hours later and the baby started passing greenish loose stools. First, she did it three times. The frequency increased to 10-12 times from next day. The baby was otherwise fine and well fed. We consulted our paediatrician and he diagnosed it to be winter diarrhoea. He suggested a probiotic for 5 days, a zinc solution for 14 days and ORS. He further suggested keeping the baby hydrated. It took her 10 days to get well.
Is It Serious?
Winter diarrhoea is not a life-threatening condition but still very uncomfortable for babies. So, the following conditions should not be ignored:
If the baby is not active enough
If the baby is not passing urine (at least 6 times a day)
If the stool is too smelly or has blood in it
If the baby is not taking feed properly
If you observe any of the above symptoms, do consult your paediatrician as soon as possible.
What We Learnt from the Experience
The most important thing in winters is to keep your baby hydrated.
Keep your baby warm enough and cover their palms with gloves or mittens while going outside, as babies take their fingers in their mouth which can cause infection.
Allow your baby to rest well.
Postpone any scheduled vaccination when your baby is not well.
Do not ignore any symptom which is not normal for your baby as every baby is different.
Happy winters
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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Chicken Patty with Veggies
This recipe shows you a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. The dish is so versatile that it can go in the kid’s lunchbox or can be served with vegetables as a complete meal. Trust us when we say that it will be a sure hit with the whole family, and you’ll also feel satisfied for your ability to recycle food into one more delicious dish. Tag some boiled veggies along and watch your kid devour it like it was his all-time favorite.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
15-20 min
10-15 Minutes
Ingredients
100 g leftover chicken, ground
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garam masala
1 medium onion, diced
1 boiled potato, mashed
½ cup boiled veggies (lettuce, carrot, cauliflower and peas)
Method
Step 1
In a bowl, add ground chicken, salt, garam masala and pepper. Mix lightly as applying too much pressure could make for tough and tight patty.
Step 2
Next, grease your hand a little and split this dough into 4 parts. Roll them into round patties and then flatten them between the palms.
Step 3
Now heat the pan over medium heat, sprinkle a little oil and add the diced onions.
Step 4
After the pan gets heated properly, add the patties on top of the bed of onions.
Step 5
Let them cook for 3-4 minutes on both the sides. Don’t overcrowd the griddle; it will slow down the cooking.
Step 6
Remove the patty from the griddle and keep them on a paper towel for draining of the oil.
Step 7
For the stars, take the mashed potato and flatten it out to about an inch thick.
Step 8
With the help of a mould, cut out shapes from it and arrange it on a plate decorated with lettuce leaves.
Step 9
Next, place the patty and the boiled veggies on the plate as shown in the image.
Step 10
Sprinkle a little salt, and chat masala on the veggies and potatoes for added effect on taste. Place pieces of carrot and peas for the eyes and mouth of the patty.
Nutritional Information
Calories
183 K cal
Proteins
16.8 g
Total Fat
3.9 g
Total Carbohydrates
20.2 g
Cholesterol
45 mg
Sodium
632 mg
Potassium
563 mg
Read more
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Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
14 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
13 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
13 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreSwati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Do consult your doctor as soon as you can. It's important to find the real reason because without that, proper medication is not possible.
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 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
4 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
54 mins ago
Q. size chart is not correct for age of the baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 mins 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
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