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Diarrhoea During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Have you just discovered that you are pregnant? There are chances that you are still not aware of the many symptoms of pregnancy that show up as months go by. One such problem is diarrhoea, which may be accompanied by other symptoms in pregnancy. You would be surprised at how it can affect you in this critical period. Let us explore the problem associated with your gut, and how it can be prevented and treated.
Diarrhoea and Pregnancy
Digestive problems are not uncommon during pregnancy. Is diarrhoea a symptom of pregnancy? Yes, diarrhoea can sometimes be the first symptom of pregnancy. It is normal to experience constipation or diarrhoea at some point of your journey to motherhood.
Diarrhoea is a condition where you pass three or more loose bowel movements over a period of 24 hours. If you experience diarrhoea, it is a good idea to thoroughly hydrate your body, as it loses a significant amount of fluids, every time you defecate during pregnancy. The frequent bowel movements can cause dehydration, which can be serious, but seldom life-threatening for mother and the unborn baby. Do not take symptoms like these lightly, especially if you are experiencing dysentery in pregnancy.
Why is Diarrhoea Common in Pregnancy?
Most problems in pregnancy are a result of hormonal changes. Hormones play a spoiler for mothers-to-be, but they also play a crucial role in the development of your child. Most women who go through the early symptoms of pregnancy, including morning sickness, nausea, or vomiting, may even experience diarrhoea. You could even experience green diarrhoea because of pregnancy-related changes or general conditions. Hormones, such as oestrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (Hcg), usually have an impact on the gastrointestinal system. Though most women experience hormonal changes, only a few suffer from diarrhoea in their early months of pregnancy.
What Causes Diarrhoea During Pregnancy?
There are a number of reasons that can cause diarrhoea during pregnancy. Some of these are listed below:
1. Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, the hormones produced by the body slow down the digestive function. This aids your developing embryo by extracting nutrients more efficiently from your food. However, this slowdown leads to problems like constipation. On the other hand, if the hormones speed up the digestion process, it can cause diarrhoea.
2. Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are important for the growing baby’s health. These supplements sometimes cause an upset stomach and diarrhoea. If these prenatal vitamins don’t agree with your stomach, then it is a good idea to check with your doctor and skip them for a few days to monitor the effects.
3. Variation in Diet
As soon as you get pregnant, you are sure to become more conscious about your eating habits, to incorporate more nutritious food. A sudden change in your diet could have impact your gut and lead to diarrhoea.
4. Food Sensitivities
If you are sensitive to certain types of food, eating them during pregnancy can impact your digestive system. You may discover a certain diet causing an upset stomach or bloating
5. Lactose Intolerance
It is common knowledge that most doctors advise against giving milk to kids with an upset stomach because it is a natural laxative. The same may apply to you, as well. The addition of milk to your diet is yet another significant dietary change that could cause diarrhoea during pregnancy.
Most women increase their milk consumption as soon as they discover that they are pregnant. Milk intake, however, can lead to diarrhoea if you suffer from lactose intolerance. Cutting milk for a few days can reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, do make sure that you include dairy products like cheese and yoghurt in your diet to meet your calcium requirements.
6. Bacterial and other reasons
If you are suffering from diarrhoea, it may not always be due to pregnancy related issues. You might suffer from loose motions because of bacteria, virus, intestinal parasites, stomach flu, or food poisoning. If you have Crohn’s disease or complain of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease, diarrhoea may be a persistent issue.
Treatment of Diarrhoea while Pregnant
If you are suffering from diarrhoea, try following some of the below mentioned dietary changes to get rid of the problem.
1. Avoid Some Food Groups
You may get some relief by making changes in your diet because some foods can worsen diarrhoea. You should avoid spicy, fried, high-fat, and high-fibre foods, as well as dairy and milk products.
If you are lactose intolerant, make sure to make up for your low calcium intake by including other calcium-rich foods, like fruits and leafy greens, in your diet.
2. Be Careful What You Drink
It is advisable to avoid consuming coffee, tea, and grape juices, as they may aggravate the condition. It is also best to avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks, dried fruits, red meat, spices, and sugary treats like candies and chocolates.
3. Follow the BRAT Diet
Most times, doctors suggest a BRAT diet to soothe the digestive system. This diet includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Since these foods may not provide enough nutrients for you and the growing baby, doctors suggest adding the following items to your diet, as well:
vegetables like cooked carrots
starchy foods like unsweetened cereals
crackers and potatoes
lean meats
soups with rice noodles or vegetable
Adding yoghurt, which contains lactobacillus acidophilus, to your diet is also a good idea because it helps keep infections away.
4. Try the CRAM Diet
The CRAM diet is an alternative diet you can try, which includes cereal, rice, applesauce, and milk. These foods are comparatively better than the BRAT diet, since they provide a significant amount of protein, which is good for the growing baby.
5. Keep Yourself Hydrated
If you are suffering from diarrhoea, you should consume a lot of water, juices, and broths to substitute the lost electrolytes. Water helps in replenishing the lost fluids, while juices and broth help in replacing the potassium and sodium levels in your body. You are advised to take oral rehydration therapy because it is one of the most tested methods of controlling diarrhoea. This is an all-time therapy where you drink water with a good amount of sugar and salt, as well as supplemental zinc, for two weeks. It helps in absorbing water from the gastrointestinal tract, as you tend to lose a lot of fluids through diarrhoea.
6. Keep a Check on Medications
Medications can be one of the reasons of diarrhoea, but your body usually adjusts to them after some time. If your prenatal vitamins are causing diarrhoea, the doctor may change the supplements prescribed or help you by treating diarrhoea in other ways. Remember not to take any over-the-counter anti-diarrhoea medications without your doctor’s consultation during pregnancy, as it could have an adverse effect on the child.
Home Remedies for Loose Motion During Pregnancy
It is best to turn to home remedies for any discomfort you face during your pregnancy. Over the counter drugs are not advisable when you are carrying, and thus, in case of diarrhoea, you can try some of these home remedies:
Drink plenty of water to supplement the lost fluid in your body. Try to drink at least one litre every two hours.
Drink ginger tea because it has antispasmodic properties that may help relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea by reducing stomach spasms and the gases from the fermented material that cause frequent, watery stools. For this, you just need to boil some ginger and tea in water and allow it to stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and then consume with sugar or honey.
You can also try drinking three to four tablespoons of honey in a glass of lukewarm water. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties found in honey’s enzymes and amino acids help boost the immune system.
Lemon is a liver stimulant that helps in controlling irritable bowel movement and provides relief from diarrhoea. You can consume a mixture of lemon juice, one-fourth teaspoon of crushed black pepper, and half a teaspoon of ginger powder two times a day
You can also add peppermint extract to half a cup of water and drink it twice or thrice a day. The volatile oils in peppermint have been known to sooth irritable bowel syndrome, with their calming and numbing effects.
Psyllium husk is said to be effective, as it reduces the frequency and severity of diarrhoea. It is an anti-diarrhoeal, which means it absorbs the water content from intestines and helps in managing diarrhoea.
How to Prevent Diarrhoea in Pregnant Women
You can prevent your gut from getting infected by cultivating a few simple habits:
Avoid tap water because it could contain bacteria and pathogens.
Make sure you don’t brush teeth with impure water or use ice cubes made from tap water because of the reason stated above.
Stay away from street vendors and avoid fruits that can’t be peeled because they could contain germs. Make sure you eat fruits that you can peel, yourself, like bananas and oranges.
Don’t venture into areas with inadequate sanitation because there are more chances of getting exposed to virus and bacteria from faeces.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or seafood because they may contain viruses and bacteria.
Above all, maintain basic hygiene, and use a hand sanitiser when you can’t use water.
When to Consult a Doctor
Though diarrhoea is common during pregnancy, and not a cause for panic, it is a good idea to ensure that you keep a watch on your symptoms, so anything out of the ordinary can be observed and tackled on time. Here is when you should consult a doctor, if you suffer from diarrhoea during pregnancy.
1. Chronic Diarrhoea
If diarrhoea lasts for more than 3-4 days, with no sign of sufficient healing, make sure to consult a doctor. The main reason for this is your body could be at risk for dehydration due to the diarrhoea lasting for a prolonged period, and it is best to consult a doctor who can treat you adequately.
2. Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration can pose a serious threat to pregnancy, so if you begin to notice any signs of dehydration, such as dark yellow urine, constant thirst, decreased urine output, lightheadedness, fatigue and headache, or dry mouth, make sure to consult a doctor.
3. Accompanying Symptoms
If you notice any other symptoms that could point at a more serious issue, make sure to get yourself checked, as soon as possible. This way, any complex conditions can be treated on time for easier healing.
Green Diarrhoea in Pregnancy
If you are consuming vegetables rich in chlorophyll, then it may alter the colour of your stool to green. Food rich in iron could also be the cause of green coloured poop while pregnant. It is generally caused by an excessive consumption of a chlorophyll rich diet. It is worth noting that bile secreted in the main area of your small intestine is green, and when the digested food, along with the water, passes through the large intestine, the colour changes. There are chances that the waste matter passed through your large intestine quickly, and as a result, the stool was unable to change colour. This process is known as rapid transit, which reduces the transit time of the bowels and causes green stools. Your iron supplements could even cause black stool during pregnancy.
It is worth noting that green diarrhoea could also be caused due to intestinal disorders, intestinal infections, and giardia or salmonella poisoning. If you think that your diet is not responsible for green stool during pregnancy, then it is advisable to consult your gynaecologist, as this could be the symptom of a more serious health issue.
Travellers’ Diarrhoea and Pregnancy
You may suffer from diarrhoea while travelling or it may happen within a week of travelling. The reason could be water or food that is contaminated with faecal deposits. In order to avoid travellers’ diarrhoea during pregnancy, avoid buying food from street vendors, as they could contain germs. Maintain basic hygiene and follow the tips mentioned above.
FAQs
1. Is Diarrhoea a Normal Sign of Early Pregnancy?
Diarrhoea could be one of the initial symptoms of pregnancy that one suffers from, along with vomiting and nausea, aversions and food cravings. It could occur due to changes in hormone levels or other reasons discussed above.
2. Can Diarrhoea Cause Harm to the Baby?
No, diarrhoea doesn’t harm your unborn baby unless the condition is severe. If it’s severe, then it will cause dehydration in the mother’s body and impede blood flow to the foetus. However, diarrhoea caused by complications like uterine and abdominal infections during the second or third trimesters can be risky to the foetus.
3. Can Diarrhoea Occur in the Second Trimester?
It is less common in the second trimester, but if diarrhoea is followed by any other symptoms like fever or body aches, make sure you consult a doctor for precautionary measures.
4. When Should One Seek a Doctors Help?
If the symptoms persist for more than two days, then it is wise to see a doctor. Besides loose stools in pregnancy, keep a watch on symptoms like cramping, stomach pain, mucus or blood in the stool, severe headache, or vomiting. Additionally, watch out for fever, reduced urine, and rapid heartbeat, as well. If any other symptoms like cramps show up when you’re pregnant, consult your doctor to avoid any complications.
Diarrhoea During Late Pregnancy
It is believed that as you near the due date, the frequency of diarrhoea increases, since your body is preparing for labour. This doesn’t mean that labour is just a few days away. Like every other pregnancy symptom, this differs from woman to woman, too. Some may experience frequent diarrhoea in the last trimester, while some may not experience any of these symptoms. Mild diarrhoea in pregnancy is often short lived andunlikely to harm your baby.
Now that you know the causes, symptoms, and prevention of diarrhoea, you can avoid this gut condition at any stage during pregnancy. You may consider the above-suggested home remedies to get quick relief, as well. So, eat healthy and stay healthy to steer clear of any tummy problems during pregnancy. Read more
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Are Too Many Toys Harming Your Child's Development?
Holidays are not far and you must be thinking of ways to keep your kids busy, right? If you are again planning to buy toys for your kids, then think again! Don't your kids have too many toys, already? What parents must know is that excessive toys do not enhance creativity in children. According to child behaviour experts, too many toys distract kids and reduce their focused. Many studies have suggested that playing with too many toys could affect the concentration level of kids and even hamper creativity, life skills, social interactions, imagination, mental health, and team spirit. Now, you must be wondering “should I stop giving my kids toys? If not, how many should I give them?” Read on to know more.
How Many Toys Are "Too Many"?
In today's times, children do not have one or two toys, they have unlimited toys which is the problem. Parents are also sometimes responsible for this problem of 'too many' toys. Giving too many toys to your child does not help him much and makes him demand for more. According to some conservative avenues of thought, kids should not be given any toys at all. This made certain daycare centres around the world implement a ‘no-toys’ policy in the year 1992. As per a study by the researchers at the University of Toledo, Ohio in the US, playing with too many toys curb the creativity of children, whereas playing with fewer toys can help in their overall development.
As a thumb rule, you could get your child a few select toys that will act as an aid to his various developmental needs. They could be toys that encourage reading habits (puzzles), music skills (classroom instruments), pretend-play (like playing house), sharpen their imagination and creativity (art sets), problem-solving skills (scrabble), stimulate physical activities (building blocks), etc.
Why Are Parents Tempted to Buy More Toys for Their Children?
Kids can’t buy toys for themselves. So, obviously, parents are the ones who are encouraging the habit and getting dozens of toys for their kids whenever they demand. There are a few reasons why parents of this age keep buying toys after toys for their kids:
Some parents feel that their kid would lose out if they don’t buy the latest toys. With the aim of giving the best to their child, they buy every new thing available in the market.
Some parents are themselves tempted by commercials that show new toys that they want those toys for their kids and think that those toys would make their kids happy.
Some parents are too busy and use toys to appease the kids and fill in for the time that they cannot give to the child.
Other parents give in to the demands of kids for more toys. And one of the worst things to do is when parents repeatedly bribe their kids with toys to get something done.
Others may like the sense of luxury, opulence and status by getting more toys and expensive toys.
Why Shouldn't Children Be Given Too Many Toys?
As a parent, you must know that too many toys harm a child more than they good. Too many toys can affect the development of a child whereas fewer toys can benefit him. Here are a few reasons why you must not give too many toys to your little kid:
Toys are like an addiction and can become the root of other addiction when your kid grows up.
If you give in to your kid's demand for too many toys, he will take you for granted and keep asking for things.
If you give in to the demands of your kid and give him toys whenever he asks, he will not value the things he receives. Kids do not value things if they get it whenever they ask.
If your child has too many toys, there is a chance that he might waste things and not appreciate them.
If they have too many toys, they will go from one toy to another. This might lessen their attention and concentration. Playing with too many toys can also cause a high level of distraction as a child grows.
Kids have a better appetite at home with fewer toys. Bribing them with a toy that comes with a burger can only lessen their love for home food.
Getting too many toys for kids can curb their creativity and imagination skills as they will not experiment with household stuff to create their own playthings.
Playing with too many toys can also result in frequent boredom in children. Playing with one toy for a long time can irritate a child and he may look for new things to get over the boredom and even any kind of stress. Boredom comes easily because kids know they will get something new when they ask for it. Toys may turn into an addiction to fight boredom and stress. They may grow up and show the same traits.
Kids with fewer toys have better social capabilities as they grow up because they have more time to converse and communicate with friends and family.
Kids with fewer toys take care of things better because they have less and so they realise the value of those toys and hence keep them safe.
Kids with lesser toys have more interest in reading, writing, art and other constructive activities. These activities help them value beautiful things, human emotions, interactions, conversations, sense of bonding and various other beneficial life skills.
With lesser toys, kids become more resourceful in doing things with whatever is at hand. They learn to do more with less.
If you thought more toys would keep your kids from fighting, then you are wrong. The more the toys, the more the possessiveness, selfishness, and territorial attitude. This causes more quarrels and inability to share, give and work as a team.
Kids with fewer toys have neat and clean rooms and keep this habit later in life.
Kids with fewer toys spend more time outdoors and engage in physical activities that are vital to their healthy mental and physical development.
What Can Parents Do
As wise parents, you can do a few things to resist the temptation of buying toys for your kids and to stop your kids from demanding more and more toys.
1. Space Management
Don’t create a huge toy storage space in your kid's bedroom. Keep it small so that the toy space looks full and the desire for more is restricted due to lack of space. Teach your kid to give away to less privileged when the storage area overflows with too many toys.
2. Commercial Break
Keep your kid away from advertisements on TV and malls that might encourage him to buy more toys. Television commercials can make your child demand new item every other day, so stop your child from watching too much of television every day and let him play outdoors.
3. Select Wisely
When you are selecting a toy, understand how it can help your child develop. Don’t buy for the sake of buying. Buy toys like puzzles or blocks as these can help in the brain development of your child. So, find out the benefits of the toys and then pick it up for your kiddo.
4. Break the Trend
Sometimes parents buy toys because of pressure. On seeing that other parents are buying expensive toys for their kids, you might be tempted to buy the same for your kid to make him happy, but you must realise that toys won't make your child happy in the end. Break the trend, don't follow what other parents are doing. Break the pattern and be a trendsetter in propagating the ‘less is more’ ideology. Make your kid realise the importance of what he has.
5. Reduce, Recycle, Reuse
Give your kid sturdy, long-lasting toys that become unforgettable. For instance, a jigsaw when complete, that looks like your pet dog. Also, teach him to fix and re-use the toys.
6. Family Activities
When your child gets bored playing with one toy, don't give him another. Try to shift his focus on family activities, sports, picnics, theatre, music, art, and all things that help in his overall development.
7. Create from Scrap
Help your kid create his own play stuff with scrap at home like a costume for a school fest or fancy-dress party, a birthday ‘origami’ gift with a card for a friend, a get-well-soon picture frame for an unwell cousin, etc. This will improve your child's imagination skills and unleash his creative side.
Try these ways to help in the overall development of your child. Instead of buying new toys for your kid, indulge him in new and creative activities. Allow children to be a part of activities that promote togetherness, family time, social interactions, team spirit, and bonding. These activities will improve the mental health of your child, boost imagination and creativity and build positive life skills in him.
Also Read: Role of Play in Child Development Read more
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LH Surge - Why Is It Important for Getting Pregnant?
The Luteinizing Hormone or LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland of menstruating females. The LH plays a vital role in making the woman fertile and plays a huge part in the conception of a child. LH surge is a phenomenon which occurs around mid-cycle in a menstruating female, around 12-48 hours before ovulation - releasing of the unfertilized egg from the ovary - occurs.
LH is extremely important, especially for those couples who are trying to get pregnant. The phenomenon of LH surge is used as a benchmark to find out when the female is ovulating so that couples can time their efforts to conceive more accurately. The conception of the child occurs from intercourse within the time frame of three days prior to or one day after the ovulation occurs.
What is Luteinizing Hormone?
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland in females, Luteinizing Hormone plays a huge role in the process of fertilization. Checking the levels of Luteinizing Hormone in pregnancy can be ideal for couples trying to conceive. LH works to mature the follicles for ovulation, and the triggers the process by surging in levels.
Luteinizing hormone normal range during pregnancy is less than 1.5 IU/L.
Importance of LH Surge
Timing the efforts to conceive a baby, based on the LH surge, has been found to be a better alternative to trying blindly, in most couples. The LH surge itself occurs so as to trigger the release of the egg or facilitate the process of ovulation in fertile females. By measuring the levels of LH in the female, couples can time their efforts better in order to have a higher chance of conceiving a child.
When Does LH Surge Occur?
The surge of LH in females is an indication that ovulation is going to occur. The surge of the hormone levels in the female body occurs around 12 to 48 hours prior to ovulation, which is the release of the unfertilized egg from the ovary. On an average, LH surges have been found to occur around 36 hours before the egg gets released into the uterus.
Does It Occur in All Women?
The surge of LH levels does not occur in all women, but this is often an indication of an underlying condition that causes lower-than-normal levels of the hormone in the female body. Common conditions that contribute to and cause the low levels of LH in females include: the Kallmann Syndrome, eating disorders, and hypothalamic suppression. However, higher than normal LH levels in females can also cause problems with fertility and LH surge, and this might be caused due to conditions like premature menopause, Swyer syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome.
How is the LH Surge Detected?
Luteinizing Hormone tests are available in the market and can be used to measure the levels of LH in the body of a female. These require you to urinate on a stick, and the indicator of a positive result is when you have a certain level of LH in your urine. A positive test means that you are in the midst of your LH surge, so you can try to conceive in a more planned manner.
How Frequently Should You Test for LH Surge?
Ovulation usually occurs around two weeks before your periods, so you can start testing for the LH surge around two or three days before you start ovulating, which equates to around 16 days before your period occurs. The LH surge is supposed to occur at that time, and you will see a marked spike in your LH levels.
How Long Does Surge in Luteinizing Hormone Last?
The surge itself may last around 12-24 hours, right before ovulation occurs. There may be an increase of at least up to 5 times of the normal levels of LH in the female body.
Things to Remember
To increase your chances of conception, start on the day you get a positive result, and continue for the next three days.
LH is usually produced in the morning, so test your levels during the afternoon or the evening.
You should remember to hold your urine for around 4 hours before testing for the surge.
Test twice a day, since the surge is short and sudden in some women.
What are the Causes of No LH Surge?
Ovulation does not take place if no LH surge occurs, and this might occur due to several causes.
1. No Follicular Development
Sometimes, the LH surge is caused by rising levels of estradiol, which in turn are due to developing follicles. If there is a lack of follicular development, it can result in low levels of estradiol, which in turn prevents the occurrence of an LH surge.
2. Poor Follicular Growth
The growth of the follicle may sometimes stop abruptly, but the follicle may still continue to produce oestrogen for the body. However, this might not be enough for an LH surge to occur, so the egg remains unreleased.
3. LH Suppression with Medication
Assistive reproduction technology, like In Vitro Fertilization techniques use many medications which can prematurely release follicles before the egg retrieval. This results in the LH surge not occurring for the female.
FAQs
1. Can I Ovulate Even If I Get Negative LH Test Result?
The LH surge is often short and sudden in women, so it may be possible that you missed the surge entirely. This means that you will still ovulate, regardless of the test results at times. To ensure the reliability of the test, you can ensure that you test only in the afternoons or evenings.
2. Is It Possible to Get a Positive Test Result and Not Ovulate?
This is rare, but it is still possible to not ovulate after a positive result. You can use ultrasonography or fertility chart methods to predict ovulation if you are doubtful as to whether ovulation is occurring.
3. How Accurate is the Kit Used for Detecting the LH Surge?
Although the tests are highly accurate, the kits are still not foolproof - ovulation can still occur with or without the egg being released. Therefore, they must never be used as a planning method for contraception.
LH surge plays a huge role in triggering the release of the unfertilized egg, and therefore, can help families increase their chances of conceiving a child. Kits are available to detect LH surge in the female body, but make sure to follow the instructions and understand the drawbacks of using them.
Also Read: How to Use Ovulation Kits Read more
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This Maharashtra Newborn Baby Had a Twin Brother Growing INSIDE Him! Here's What All Mothers Should Know About the Incident
Imagine being told that the baby in your womb is in fact carrying another baby in his stomach! As bizarre as it may sound, this is exactly what a mom from Mumbra, Maharashtra had to face. The doctors were shocked at the incident, and you too will be super surprised with how and why this happened!
Remember your sonography appointments during pregnancy? The anticipation of watching your baby, listening to his/her heartbeat, and seeing them grow is a joy that perhaps cannot be described in words. But that lingering fear of their wellbeing always remains during every sonography- 'hope my baby is alright', 'hope he is healthy', 'hope there are no complications'! Imagine an instance where the answer to this is not only negative, but extremely astonishing and beyond your control whatsoever – scary, right?
In a shocking incident, a 19 year old mom from Mumbai, Maharashtra was appalled to discover that she was in fact carrying twins and that one of her baby was residing INSIDE the other! Yes, to put it in simple words, her newborn baby was pregnant! Not only was this ‘twin’ baby residing inside her newborn, but was slowly feeding off his body too, akin to a parasite!
How a Regular Ultrasound Saved a Baby's Life!
The mother of this baby had visited the Bilal hospital in Mumbra in early July for her routine ultrasound scan. Her doctor, Dr. Bhavna Thorat, observed something abnormal with the baby. She observed a sac in the baby's stomach that resembled another foetus. However, she admitted that she had never seen anything like that before and was slightly perplexed! The scans could not provide a clear picture of the mass and therefore she advised the family to get another ultrasound performed on the baby immediately after birth.
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Nine days later on July 20th, the baby was delivered. Another round of scans on the newborn's abdomen followed. What the doctors observed left the entire medical staff in a state of shock! The mother was in fact suffering from one of the rarest cases of the medical condition known as 'foetus-in-foetu' - a baby growing inside another!
Foetus-in-foetu is a rare and extremely risky medical condition. In this case, the partially formed foetus was consuming the newborn's nutrition, feeding on his blood supply, and at the same time, supressing his organ, thus making him battle for his life. The newborn was developing respiratory problems too and had to be shifted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the hospital.
“In post-natal scans, we spotted another half-formed baby with a brain, arm and legs in a foetal sac in the baby’s abdomen. I could see bones of the upper and lower limbs of the foetus. The unique thing about it was I could see a tiny head with the brain inside. However, this parasitic twin didn't have a skull bone.” said Dr. Thorat.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="430"] Source: https://www.mid-day.com/articles/medical-miracle-rarest-of-rare-case-baby-born-inside-baby-mumbra-mumbai-news-foetus/18458194[/caption]
In a case like this, the foetus draws nutrition from the host's (in this case the newborn's) body and therefore the survival of both is extremely difficult. It was hence extremely crucial to remove the unborn twin from the newborn's abdomen as it posed a risk to the baby’s life.
One day after he was born, the baby was shifted to Thane's Titan hospital where a team of specialists operated on him. In a critical surgery, they removed a 7cm parasitic twin from the boy's abdomen. Gynaecologist Neena Nichlani, who was a part of this team, said:
“It is a case of monozygotic twin pregnancy sharing single placenta, where one foetus is wrapped around the other and feeds off its host’s body. It is a very rare condition and this is for the first time I have encountered such a case in my entire medical career.”
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4746576/Baby-born-pregnant-twin-brother.html[/caption]
There are only about 200 such cases reported worldwide as of now and this was certainly one of the rarest of the rare ones. Fortunately, the surgery was successful and mom and baby are both stable, healthy and doing fine.
What Causes Foetus-in-Foetu?
This rare medical condition can be defined as the presence of one of twins in the body of the other. It is a rare congenital anomaly and was first observed in early 19th century. Despite its prevalence amongst infants, there were instances of it being void of any symptoms until later stages. This particular anomaly has been discussed over time; however, there are no concrete causes or preventive measures for the same. There are broadly two theories that explain this condition.
1. Twin Absorption
Nobody has a definitive answer to how a parasitic twin may develop, however, one of the most common and popular theories suggests that the entire phenomenon begins during the early stages of gestation where one twin absorbs the other in the womb. Since the entire process occurs very early in gestation, experts suggest that it can potentially lead to a miscarriage really early in the pregnancy. However, they also agree with the fact that in such a case perhaps the stronger twin is able to survive and thrive. It is also quite possible that the condition may go unnoticed for decades!
2. Presence of a Tumour
Another theory suggests that this medical condition has been named incorrectly and that the tissue found inside the baby is not actually a twin but a tumour! A teratoma, which is also known as a dermoid cyst, is a highly advanced tumour that can develop human skin, sweat glands, pores and hair. Owing to these unique characteristics, these tumours can also contain cartilage, eye tissue, organ cells and teeth!A senior paediatric surgeon at Sion Hospital in Mumbai, Dr Paras Kothari, said that the foetus-in-foetu anomaly seen in Mumbra was an extremely rare example of deformed conjoined twins. It is estimated that this medical condition affects one in 5 lakh live births. The reason for it, however, is still unknown. What is important to know is that in certain cases this condition can be fatal for the surviving twin.
Watch: A 36 year old man from Nagpur discovered his twin living inside him!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKDx1Sxn2Oc
Preventive Measures for a Safe Pregnancy
As the cause of this particular condition is still unknown, there is no specific preventive measure a mother may take to avert this situation. However, there are certain do's and don'ts that all pregnant moms must follow to ensure they have a healthy 9 month start to a beautiful journey. These tips will also reduce your chances of suffering any foetal deformities.
1. Include Folic Acid in Your Diet
It is recommended by experts that every woman considering conception should consume folic acid supplements for at least 3 times a month before getting pregnant. Lack of requisite amount of folic acid in the diet is one of the reasons for some congenital malformations in foetus. Folic acid should also be an important part of your diet during pregnancy as it helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) and serious birth defects of the spinal cord and the brain. Include lentils, citrus fruits and juices, avocado and nuts in your diet as they are a rich source of folic acid.
2. Maintain Proper Diet
Your diet plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Consult your doctor about your nutritional requirements and follow a healthy eating pattern. Limit consumption of industrial processed food and ensure your food is protein and vitamin rich.
Caution: There are a few foods that should not be eaten during pregnancy and therefore it is strictly advised that you refrain from consuming them. Also substances like MSG and artificial sweeteners should be kept at bay.
3. Get a Genetic Assessment Done
In most instances of a birth defect, the reason or the cause remains unknown or difficult to conclude. However, if your or your husband's family has a history of birth defects, a proper genetic assessment can help in understanding any risk of birth defects that your baby too might be facing. Through these test results, your doctor will be able to diagnose the risk of defects you and your spouse may have so that you could make a well informed decision about the pregnancy. See this guide on prenatal genetic testing to understand more about the tests you need to take to be safe.
4. Don't Consume Medicines on Your Own
This general practice perhaps becomes 10 times more critical when you are pregnant! Every chemical that enters your body with every pill you pop can have an adverse effect on not just you but your baby too. Even if you have a normal headache, ensure you ask your doctor before taking any medicine.
Watch: Month by month development of a baby in your womb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtDknjng8TA
5. Get an Early HPV Detection Test
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that causes warts in various parts of the human body. Although this virus does not cause any birth defect, it can however cause premature births. Premature babies have underdeveloped lungs and brains that can lead to severe brain or lung impairment. Therefore, it is always safe to be sure and get yourself checked well in advance.
6. Refrain from Smoking or Consumption of Alcohol
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is one serious congenital defect that can absolutely be prevented! The ill effects of this syndrome range from intellectual and behavioural changes to stillbirth. A woman lacks alcohol absorption ability during pregnancy and therefore anything containing alcohol should be strictly avoided. Also, smoking or passive smoking can cause serious defects in the baby. According to a study, if women are isolated from areas containing tobacco, the miscarriage risk would go down by 5%, low birth rate by 8% and stillbirth by 11%.
Foetus-in-foetu is one of the rarest examples of how certain things can be beyond medical realms. However, as mothers, it is important to ensure we do our best for ourselves and our babies – being cautious is the best thing we can do to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Read more
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My Journey of Pregnancy: A Bliss!
'Sharing is Caring' - A line from infant rhymes is not just a line but more of a fact. Mindfully, the journey from the first to the last day before delivery is full of challenges and different from others.
In my first trimester, I felt fragile but didn't have any prominent signs as I have heard that you vomit and feel nauseous. But the same was not with me.
In the second trimester, it was pretty challenging. I used to vomit after every meal. Mostly, when I had brinjal or bottle gourd. I never felt like eating sour and savory. I liked to eat potatoes and milk. I took some pepsin syrup to digest food and to avoid the feeling of vomiting. I took a folic acid tablet, Curlon, fatty acid, and Omega 3 tablets every day. My gynecologist had also prescribed me an amino acid sachet to maintain fluid in the uterus, which I think was below a certain level. I was also given hormone injections weekly for upto 24 weeks.
In my third trimester, I was very chilled; all my aversions were gone away. I enjoyed it and started preparing my bag for the hospital and surfing online, watching needful videos, always thinking positive and passing positive vibes. My tummy was growing, and I loved it. I ate everything I liked and wanted to. Luckily my weight didn't increase, and I kept enjoying family time.
My doctor had given me calcium and iron tablets. She also recommended a women's energy drink as my leg used to pain a lot.
I started getting kicks and turns at higher rates than usual. At night, the kicks were so hard that I couldn't sleep. However, internally I was happy. If you are pregnant or have gone through the journey of pregnancy, I'm sure this story is highly relatable to you!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. 29.9.24. 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
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
5 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
5 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy ok. 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
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. hi,
pls advice , after hcg tigger injection can we do intercourse to conceive and till when we can do ...trying to conceive
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Hello dear! We understand your eagerness and concern. It is advisable to check with your consulting doctor regarding this matter. Clarify your concerns and follow your doctor’s advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
48 mins ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old by mistake he swallowed a earpod but he is normal is eat drink plz suggest??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
45 mins ago
A. It’s fine it should come out into the poop of your child within 24 to 48 hours a lot of mishaps happened with kids these days but these things since they are not edible they do not get digested which is why they come out into the motion
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