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Sex After a Miscarriage
A miscarriage is a physically and emotionally traumatic event for a woman and her partner- healing both physically and emotionally can take a while. Getting back to routine life and trying to have sex with your partner after experiencing a miscarriage can be a challenging task. This article talks about how long to wait to have sex for the first time after a miscarriage,whether it is safe to have sex after a miscarriage, learning to deal with the emotional trauma, and also gives tips for getting pregnant post a miscarriage.
When Is It Safe to Have Sex After a Miscarriage?
The waiting period to resume sex after a miscarriage varies for each couple on the basis of the time required for physical and emotional healing. A couple can resume sex once they feel emotionally ready and after the woman’s body has completely recovered.
Typically, if miscarriage occurrs in the first trimester and there are no complications like pain, vaginal odour, bleeding or continuing symptoms of pregnancy, sex can be resumed after 2 to 3 weeks. However, if miscarriage occurrs in the second or third trimester, it is better to wait at least 6 weeks to resume sexual activity.
Learning to Deal With Your Emotions After a Miscarriage
Apart from dealing with physical changes after a miscarriage, a woman has to deal with strong emotions too. It is quite normal to feel sad, anxious, angry, guilty or irritable after a miscarriage. These conflicting emotions may make it difficult for you to be intimate with your partner again, and that is perfectly normal.
The 5 Stages of Grief After a M iscarriage
The aftermath of a miscarriage is emotionally trying for a couple. Although time and comfort heals wounds, understanding the stages of grief can help you and your partner cope with the emotional upheaval.
1. Denial
Denial is the first stage of mourning. Your mind may deny the tragedy, and that might make it difficult for you to come to terms with what has happened.
2. Anger/Guilt
Once the realisation of having lost your child hits you, anger may take the place of denial. You may replay the events of the fateful day in your head and blame yourself or others for it.
3. Bargain
In this stage, you may ask yourself, “why me?” and turn towards a higher power or God. Some women also tend to strike up a bargain (mannat) with God to return her child.
4. Depression
Strong, negative emotions may spiral into depression. You may start feeling like there’s nothing left to live for.
5. Acceptance
However, there are good things waiting to come. Most couples accept the situation and move on. They also understand that the sooner they stop grieving, the sooner they can try for another pregnancy.
Explain to your partner how you feel and ask for support.
Give yourself ample time to recover from the emotional pain caused by this devastating event. It is also prudent to be open about your feelings with your partner and family. Seek grief counselling or couples counselling if necessary. Discuss with your partner and decide if you are ready to try for a second pregnancy.
When Can You Try for Another Pregnancy?
Most doctors advise couples wanting to get pregnant again to wait till the first menstrual period following a miscarriage. This usually takes up to four weeks. A woman’s body requires this time to ensure that the hormone levels return to normal after a miscarriage. Also, once your regular menstrual cycle resumes, you can calculate your fertile period accurately. So ideally, you should wait at least a month post miscarriage to begin trying to conceive again.
How long you should wait before trying for a second pregnancy also depends on the time required for physical healing. Some women may experience vaginal bleeding for a few weeks after miscarriage. Whether or not it is painful, it is better to abstain from sex until the bleeding has completely stopped, so as to reduce the chances of infection.
Some women may have to undergo surgical removal of the pregnancy tissue which requires a longer healing period. Also, the cervix and uterus remain partly dilated post miscarriage, making them vulnerable to infections. Hence, doctors advise against sex and use of tampons until these organ heals completely. This healing process may take up to two weeks.
In case the cause of miscarriage is identified and found to be treatable or recurring, then the next pregnancy should be planned after addressing the cause.
Tips for Getting Pregnant Post a Miscarriage
Take Prenatal Vitamins: Start taking prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid, at least a month before you start trying to conceive Note that this medication should be prescribed by your doctor.
Wait Until You Have Completely Healed: Make sure you have recovered physically and are emotionally ready for pregnancy Talk to your doctor and do not hesitate to seek trauma counselling or bereavement support if you require help to overcome the emotional pain of miscarriage.
Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise: Eat lots of fruits and vegetables with your meals. A healthy diet will help to lower the risk of further miscarriages significantly. Exercise regularly to remain fit.
Avoid Harmful Substances: Avoid alcohol, nicotine and drugs. Limit or preferably avoid caffeine intake. All these substances can increase the risk of miscarriages and cause other complications in pregnancy.
Relax and De-stress: According to research studies, stress increases the risk of miscarriages significantly. Try to relax and remain stress-free by doing yoga andbreathing exercises, reading a book, going for a walk or indulging in any other activity that makes you feel calm and happy.
Wait to Resume Sex As Per Your Doctor’s Instructions: Follow your doctor’s advice and wait before resuming sexual activity. If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding after the miscarriage, wait until it has completely stopped. Take carewhen you have sex for the first time after miscarriage bleeding. In case the bleeding resumes, stop having sex and consult your doctor.
Healthy Sex Life: Studies show that having sex at least thrice a week increases the chances of getting pregnant considerably. You can use an ovulation kit to determine your fertile period. Having sex at least 3 to 4 days before and on the day you are ovulating can improve your odds of becoming pregnant.
Preconceptional low dose aspirin should be started 3 months prior to trying again.
Going through the event of a miscarriage is an agonising experience for a couple. Healing physically is not enough to resume intimacy and start trying to get pregnant again; you have to give yourself time to overcome the emotional pain. Discuss your worries, fears and other feelings with your partner candidly. When you feel emotionally ready to take on the challenge of motherhood again, consult your doctor. Take prenatal vitamins and resume trying to conceive once your doctor gives you the go ahead.
Also Read:
Types of Miscarriage
How to Plan for Pregnancy After a Miscarriage Read more
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Formula Allergy in Babies - Reasons, Signs and Alternatives
Food allergies are common in babies and children. Some common foods which cause allergies include milk, soy, nuts, gluten, peanuts, etc. It is important to recognise the signs of an allergy in a baby, so that he can be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. Sometimes, cow’s milk (and therefore, baby formula) can also lead to allergic reactions in a baby. This article will help you understand the reasons and symptoms of formula allergy in babies, and what can be given to a baby who has milk allergy.
Is Formula Milk Allergy Common in Babies?
When a baby has a milk allergy, it basically means that his immune system reacts unfavourably to a particular protein or proteins present in the milk. Cow’s milk and its related products can, therefore, trigger allergic reactions. It is possible for a baby to be exposed to the allergens in cow’s milk if the mother consumes the same or dairy products while breastfeeding. Similarly, consuming cow milk protein-based formula can also trigger allergic reactions, thus leading to a formula allergy. Around two to eight per cent of babies below the age of one exhibit symptoms of cow’s milk allergy. Usually, a milk allergy tends to subside by the time babies turn three years old. But in some cases, it may persist until seven to eight years of age.
What Are the Causes of Formula Allergy in Infants?
Can babies be allergic to formula milk? Yes, it is indeed possible for a baby to be allergic to formula milk, as the immune system treats specific components of formula as enemies and starts attacking them. There are a few probable causes of this allergy. One of them is genetics. If anyone in the baby’s immediate family has had a formula allergy in their childhood, the baby has a fifty to eighty per cent chance of inheriting it. Babies who are nursed have a lower chance of developing a milk allergy as compared to babies who are given formula milk. This is mainly because most infant formula is made with cow’s milk. Thus, if you give cow milk protein-based formula to your baby, he may exhibit signs of an allergy, if he is allergic to cow’s milk protein. However, it is still unclear why some babies are allergic to milk while others are not.
Signs and Symptoms of Formula Milk Allergies in Babies
Some newborns may show symptoms of cow’s milk allergy within seconds or minutes of consuming it, while in others, the symptoms might take hours or days to manifest. If your baby is allergic to cow’s milk protein that’s present in the formula he’s fed, he may exhibit the following signs.:
1. Gas
Your baby might have a bloated or tensed abdomen, indicating gassiness. He might even pull his legs up and release gas more often than usual.
2. Reflux
It is common for babies to experience acid reflux, which is basically the food in the stomach returning to the mouth via the oesophagus. This is why babies tend to spit up. In extreme cases, your baby may spit up and vomit. He may even experience difficulty in swallowing and react negatively towards feeding time or seem fussy when being nursed.
3. Diarrhoea
Breastfed babies have runny, chunky stools, whereas formula-fed babies have thicker stools. If your baby has loose or watery stools more than 3-4 times a day for at least a week or if you notice blood in his stools, then he might have diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a symptom of formula mik allergy, wherein the stools are watery, loose, and have a foul smell. Frequent diarrhoea can lead to severe dehydration, so do consult your baby’s paediatrician immediately.
4. Rash
If your baby has rash-like symptoms, such as red bumps on his skin, it might be due to an allergic reaction. Babies allergic to formula tend to have rashes on their face too. The rashes might be itchy, secrete fluids, or resemble crusty scales. Another common symptom of formula milk allergy is the presence of raised welts or hives on the skin.
5. Breathing Problems
While colds and the flu are common in babies, a consistent runny nose, difficulty in breathing, raspy breaths, phlegm in the throat, and a chronic cough might be because of a formula milk allergy.
6. Colic
If a baby cries continuously even when he is not hungry or sleepy, then it might be a sign of colic. The rule of three applies to colic - if your baby cries for three hours or more every day, for at least three days a week for at least three weeks, then he may have colic. Colic tends to get better after the first six months.
7. Constipation
Sometimes, formula milk allergy can even lead to constipation in babies. If your baby has constipation, his faeces may resemble small hardened balls or pellets. He may also have blood in his stools.
How to Diagnose Formula Allergy in Babies
Ideally, you should provide your doctor with enough details about the symptoms you notice in your baby so he can diagnose the condition. You should also inform him about the history of allergies in your immediate family. There are no specific tests to diagnose milk or formula allergy in babies. However, the doctor might suggest certain tests after you inform him about the symptoms. These tests include allergy tests, blood tests, and stool tests.
What to Do If a Baby is Allergic to Formula
If your doctor concludes that your baby is allergic to formula, then the first thing you should do is elimination; that is, the removal of all dairy products from your baby’s diet. This means that you too cannot consume dairy products while nursing, as the proteins from the milk can reach your baby through your breast milk. Milk allergy is complicated because more than half the babies who are allergic to dairy can also be allergic to soy milk, which is the standard alternative. Feeding your child alternative baby formula for cow’s milk allergy should help reduce his symptoms within a few days to a week.
There are some options available for babies who are allergic to milk- and soy-based formula. Hypoallergenic formula, which has been scientifically created to exclude allergens in dairy, are made using enzymes to break down the milk proteins in the milk. They are further classified into two types – hydrolysed formula and amino acid-based formula. The latter is good for babies who are not able to take to hydrolysed forumla. It’s also important to note that the more the formula is hydrolysed, the less tasty it could be for your little one.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a baby. If your baby has formula milk or cow’s milk allergy, you should continue to breastfeed him for as long as you can.
Can Formula Allergies Be Treated?
Currently, there is no proven treatment to get rid of formula allergies completely. The recommended course of treatment is to avoid allergens entirely and to opt for an alternative source of nutrition.
What Complications Can Arise If Your Baby Has a Milk Allergy?
If your baby is allergic to milk, he is likely to also develop health complications like hay fever, which is an allergic response to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. He may also be allergic to other foods such as eggs, peanuts, soy, etc.
What Is the Difference Between Milk Allergy and Milk Intolerance?
Many parents mistake milk intolerance for milk allergy. However, the two are not the same. Milk allergy is when a baby’s immune system reacts negatively against the proteins in cow’s milk or cow milk protein-based formula. But milk intolerance has nothing to do with the immune system. It comes about when the digestive system is unable to tolerate the sugar lactose that is present in milk or dairy products. It is also called lactose intolerance. This problem is somewhat rare in babies and tends to develop in older children and adults.
It is difficult having to care for a baby who cries a lot or behaves in a fussy manner, and even more so if you cannot tell if this behaviour is because of his mood or due to a health complication. The best thing would be to consult your child’s paediatrician if you are worried he might be allergic to something in his diet. However, please remember that babies tend to contract illnesses such as colds and the flu often, as their immune systems are not developed fully yet. These illnesses can have the same symptoms as a milk allergy but should disappear after being treated. If you notice the symptoms described in this article in your baby whenever he is fed formula, it would be best to consult a doctor at the earliest.
Also Read: Baby Allergies & How to Handle Them Read more
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Dark Nipples during Pregnancy - Reasons and Tips to Deal with It
All women know very well that one of the physical changes that accompany pregnancy is the increase in the breast size. They get a bit fuller than usual. But along with that, you might feel your nipples getting dark as well. Some women believe dark areolas are an early sign of pregnancy because of its connection with an increase in breast size. Let’s understand why this phenomenon takes place and how to handle it.
Is Nipple Darkening Normal during Pregnancy?
When any physical change occurs that is not to your liking, it will face the most questions. Many women are used to how their breasts look and tend to have their own liking to them, probably because of their partners like them, too. So any change that occurs might always not be the pleasant one, but it is absolutely normal. Dark areolas during pregnancy is a usual change that accompanies pregnancy in most women. Apart from getting darker, your nipples could get larger, too.
What Causes Nipple Darkening in Pregnancy?
As with all the changes taking place in your body, your first thought might be the right answer in this regard as well. Hormones, the be-all and end-all for anything that occurs in your body when you are pregnant. To understand when do you get dark nipples during pregnancy, it is necessary to know what the hormones affect. The pigment responsible for giving us the skin colour is termed as melanin. This is present in various parts of the body, including our hair and irises. Due to the effect of the hormones and the fluctuation in their levels, the melanin production in the skin begins to increase. This usually is stronger in areas where melanin is already present in higher quantities, which also includes your areolas and your nipples. At times, the melanin production can go off the charts resulting in any scars or freckles that you may have to get dark as well. You might even observe some dark patches forming on different areas of your body. None of these is causes to worry since it is all a result of your body changing itself to accommodate the baby. An evolutionary outlook at areola darkening harkens at making it easier for the newborn baby to spot the nipple with his weak vision and begin breastfeeding.
Is this Darkening of Nipples Permanent?
The number of physical changes that take place in your body might make you want to keep some and get rid of some. We all know what larger areas of the body we want to stay large. But many women wonder if their nipples and areolas will stay as large and dark as they are right now. In most cases, your breasts and nipples will return as close as possible to their earlier state following a few months of your delivery. Certain women might have those nipples as dark as they are for life.
Tips to Deal with Dark Nipples and Areolas during Pregnancy
The darkening of nipples and areolas along with other parts of your body is primarily a result of over-pigmentation of melanin. Therefore, it is necessary that the melanin does not receive any more stimulation to stop the darkening. This means taking care of your skin when you step out into the sun. You might be a fan of skinny dipping or skin bathing in the nude, but it is important to keep your breasts covered if you don’t want them getting darker. Exposure to sun causes melanin to produce even more to protect the skin from UV radiation. Make use of sunscreen as well to keep the skin healthy.
There are certain lotions and topical creams available in the market that take care of the darkened areas and help reduce the concentration of melanin in those regions. These are made up of different chemicals which react with the skin and its inner layers to carry out the lightening. These might be useful on other days but when you’re pregnant it might not be the best bet for you. It is best to get your doctor’s recommendation before using any of these lotions or creams since the presence of a particular element or chemical could cause harm to your baby or react adversely with your over-sensitive breasts.
The darkening of areolas is not just a physical response. It is emotional as well. Yes, it is due to the fluctuating levels of hormones but that fluctuation can also be a result of emotional health. If you have been taking undue stress about your pregnancy, or are being exposed to environments that build on your stress, such as workload at the office, or pressurising environments at home, the darkening can get worse. The key to your health, your baby’s health and your skin’s colour are all the same - enjoying your pregnancy. Revel in the fact that a life is growing inside your body and is going to call you his mother. Complement it with a diet that is properly balanced and nutritious and treat yourself by succumbing to a few cravings occasionally. When your mood is right, your nipple colour will be right as well.
Darkened areolas and dark patches on nipples during pregnancy are usually harmless. It is mostly a matter of mindset that causes most women to look at them as something unpleasant and affects their body image as well as self-worth. But learning to accept the natural body changes is how one should live and believe in the fact that a dark nipple does not change who you essentially are. You will still be loved as a mother and will always be beautiful no matter what.
Also Read:
Breast and Nipple changes during pregnancy
Breast and Nipple Care during Pregnancy Read more
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Infertility Risk Factors: Should You Go for Evaluation
Infertility refers to the inability of a couple to conceive. If a woman is not able to get pregnant even after unprotected intercourse for a year, the couple should consult a specialist and get their fertility evaluated.
According to a recent survey by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than a million couples facing reproduction problems. While there may be a single or a combination of factors that may result in infertility, it is recommended that a couple should get themselves evaluated and begin the treatment at the earliest. There are separate tests for men and women to detect the problem.
Evaluation for Male & Female Infertility
A couple may opt for infertility evaluation in the following cases:
1. Age
It plays an important role in determining fertility. A woman’s body undergoes certain changes after 35 that may reduce the chances of a normal conception. Even for men, age is an important determining factor as their sperm count decreases considerably after 35.
2. Smoking
It significantly reduces fertility in both men and women. If a woman conceives and continues to smoke, she is at a greater risk of miscarriage, and her baby can be born with birth-defects.
3. Irregular Menstrual Cycle
If a woman has irregular or painful mensuration or has a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery, miscarriage or was exposed to DES (Diethylstilboestrol), she is likely to turn infertile sooner.
4. Being Overweight
It is difficult for an overweight male to produce the desired amount of sperms. Similarly, an overweight female is also likely to face infertility as compared to a healthy and fit woman.
5. Sperm Count
Low sperm count, poor mobility or irregular sperm shape may also result in fertility issues in men. They should get an infertility evaluation done.
6. Mental Stress
It affects your body in multiple ways. Mental stress impacts both female ovulation and sperm production in males. If either of the partners is under stress, it may result in infertility.
It is important for you to know the general guidelines on who should get evaluated and what should be expected during the infertility consultation. These tips will help you in this. Read more
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Let the World Say What They Want To...Do What Your Heart Says!
Every day is a challenge for a new mom because it's the most important exam aka challenge nobody wants to fail and in this process of not getting into this failure part we listen to every bullshit told to us from anyone.
I get irritated when people with zero experience come and tell me..do this, don't do this, but as we live in a civilized society we have to take it patiently very patiently.
Believe me, I am a new mom and soon I have learnt the fact that you should do what your heart says.
Every Child is Different and So are Their Moms and So are the Methods
Trust me if you really want to enjoy this phase of your life where you are already suffering from weight issues, health issues, job issues, sleepless nights issues and what not, start believing in yourself and do what your heart says. After all the baby is yours completely, your very own part, how can your heart say anything wrong about it?
Life becomes more difficult when we listen to free unwanted advice. Don't take me wrong, I am not an anti-social but I do believe that there is a way for everything and we should let every mom deal with it in their own way. Do not make things more difficult for yourself by taking unnecessary advice from anyone who is not in your shoes. It's your baby and nobody can ever know anything about her more than you, not even her daddy.
My point is that not all advice that is given to you is rubbish or of no use ...no not at all... sometimes we get such wonderful piece of advice that we feel thankful to that person. My point is very simple, if you don't like what the other person is saying and you don't feel right doing that, then don't do it. Don't go under any pressure or feel that if I will not do that this will be the consequences or something bad might happen.
From the period of pregnancy, we have already listened to so much that it's high time to have two ears for two different ways, one for inlet and the other for the outlet.
We are the moms, we have the right to decide to what my baby should eat, should wear, should play, etc.
Take the baby steps with your baby and make this journey more beautiful, happening, rememberable.
Follow your heart and let me know how it feels as I feel really good!
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
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
15 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
14 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
14 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. 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 Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
8 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
42 mins ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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