Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Overweight and Trying to Get Pregnant?
It is a very widely known fact that chances of getting pregnant increase manifold if you are healthy and follow a healthy lifestyle. Being overweight lowers the chances of getting pregnant because of the fluctuating hormone levels. This affects the ovulation cycle of women and also the quality of eggs. Excess weight is known to interfere with the ovulation cycle, causing irregular periods. Though obese people do get pregnant without the need of any medical intervention, the more the weight increases, the less regular is the menstrual cycle.
Does Obesity Affect Female Fertility?
Can being overweight cause infertility? Well, yes it does. The lifestyle we follow and the choices we make are responsible for us being healthy or otherwise. A healthy pregnancy is the key to a healthy newborn. Being overweight undoubtedly affects the chances of having a healthy pregnancy. Let us look at the effect of obesity on fertility when trying to get pregnant:
1. Hormonal Imbalance
There are a lot of hormones that the body produces to ensure the smooth functioning of all the organs. Excess weight causes an imbalance in the hormone levels which in turn affects the way the body functions. Overweight women tend to have higher levels of Leptin - a hormone produce mainly by the fatty tissues of the body and plays a major role in disrupting the hormone balance of the body.
2. Irregular Periods
Due to the hormonal imbalance, the brain is tricked into believing that the periods are not due anytime soon. This results in an irregular cycle of menstruation. This has a cumulative effect. Apart from the mood swings that the hormones cause, the release of eggs also becomes irregular. This makes it extremely difficult to time your intercourse in order to maximise your chances of pregnancy.
3. Quality of Eggs
The quality of eggs that the body produces is largely dependent on the health of the woman. A healthy body would produce a healthy egg, simultaneously, if you are overweight, the quality of your eggs will get compromised. Obesity is also responsible for anovulation, which means the ovary does not release any eggs in the uterus for a successful pregnancy.
4. Insulin Resistance
Overweight is associated with an increased resistance level of insulin, a phenomenon where more insulin is produced by the body to keep the blood sugar at a normal level. Women with a higher concentration of fat in the abdomen are susceptible to this problem. The rise in the insulin level in the body causes a fall in the hormone binding protein, Globulin, which is responsible for regulating the hormones oestrogen and androgen.
5. Affects Fertility
An irregular period coupled with irregular production of eggs reduces the chances of getting pregnant. Being overweight or obese has a significant impact on your fertility, and it can also increase the chances of your IVF being unsuccessful.
Tips to Get Pregnant If You are Overweight
Overweight and want to get pregnant? We are here to help you. It is not a difficult task to get pregnant even if you are on the higher side of the weighing scale. We offer some tips to help you have a successful pregnancy.
1. Healthy Lifestyle
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs. Eat healthy food. It is time for you to start preparing your own meals so that you know what you are eating and you can control the ingredients used.
2. Pre-conception Checkup
Most of the women who are overweight have been found to have small cysts in the ovary, also known as PCOS, that is caused due to hormonal imbalance in the body resulting from being overweight. Losing weight and taking medications have been successful in reducing PCOS.
3. Time it Right
Excess weight causes irregular ovulation cycles. Use the ovulation kits that are available at the medical stores to correctly time your intercourse and increase your chances of pregnancy.
4. Exercise- Lots of it
Women with a BMI of 30 or more are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes or gestational hypertension. Exercise at home or go out to the park more often to increase your chances of being healthy and getting pregnant.
5. Go for Whole Foods
Whole foods keep you satiated for a longer time. They are healthy and bursting with nutrients that enrich your body and immune system. This will help you maintain a healthy weight to support your pregnancy.
Healthy habits go a long way in having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Don’t let your weight ruin your dreams of becoming a mother. If you plan your pregnancy well in advance and work on addressing your weight issues, it is just a matter of time before you have a successful pregnancy.
Also Read: Getting Pregnant Without Ovulation: Is It Possible? Read more
Suggested for you
Increasing Structured Play in Your Toddler
How does your toddler learn best? Is it by exploring on her own or when someone is instructing her? Both ways are equally important. Learning on their own continues, but parents should organize more structured play activities for toddlers for their overall development.
Remember, it is important to choose your playtime with your toddler wisely! Every child is different and will learn to play in different ways.Structured play that works for one may not work for another child. The important thing is that when working with your toddler, she should not think that she is being taught. It should be fun all the way! Let’s see how.
Structured Play Activities Ideas
Getting Started Early
As you are your toddler’s first teacher, you can start a structured play time as early as 12 months. The benefits of structured play in early childhood are many. You would need to start focussing on your toddler’s skills or the skills that she should be learning without her noticing that something is being fed to her. The best strategy for this practice is ‘play based learning’.
Importance of Structured Play
Unstructured and structured play goes hand-in hand.It is through structured activities that you can introduce new ideas to your toddler, be it indoors or outdoors. Your toddler will learn to listen and follow instructions in a more organized way. Some examples could be as simple as playing snakes and ladders, creating something new with the building blocks, or even getting the toddler used to a swimming pool for swimming lessons.
What is Structured Play for Children?
You may like to plan a specific structured play activity keeping in mind her likes and dislikes. The time to play a structured activity is when your toddler is receptive to it. Choose a spot that is ‘special’ and does not have any distracting situations around, not even your phone. Plan your structured play time for only a few minutes in the beginning; you may slowly increase the time.
Never a Dull Moment
When you see your toddler lose interest in a particular planned structured activity, do not push it just move on to something else. There will come a time when you will want to hone and improve your toddler’s skills by enrolling her for structured classes like swimming, badminton, yoga or even dancing. As she grows older, more and more time needs to be allotted for structured play.
Take Stock of their Interest
Allow the skills and interests of your toddler to lead the way in any structured play activity that you are planning for her. Toddlers are little balls of energy, and structured physical activity helps them learn how their body and muscles move and work in unison. Some examples of structured play in toddlers include activities like throwing, catching, kicking or bouncing a ball. These help kids coordinate their movements and they learn to follow instructions too.
There is nothing better than to see a smile on the face of your toddler when it's time for her structured activity. Just remember that such play times should be packed with fun!
Let us know which structured play activities for toddlers did you employ for your child and which one did he love the most? Read more
Suggested for you
Progeria - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and More
Progeria is a condition that is very rare and happens to about 1 in every four to eight million new borns. It is believed that at any given point in time, about 200 to 250 children around the world will be living with Progeria. Children with Progeria, due to rapid ageing, tend to look like they have completely aged even at the age of 10 and also suffer from old-age-related medical conditions.
While there is no cure for the condition, proper medication and care can alleviate the symptoms of the condition and also delay the progression of the condition further.
What is Progeria?
Progeria, also known as the Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome, is a very rare genetic disorder that causes rapid premature ageing in new borns. The onset of HGPS is usually around 18 to 24 months. Children born with this progressive disorder will appear normal at birth and only start to show symptoms around 18 months. It isn’t inherited or passed down from the families.
Types of Progeria Syndrome
The most common type of Progeria is the Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome which presents in kids around the age of one to two years.
There is another type of Progeria Syndrome called the Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome, which presents in babies when there are still in the uterus.
Progeria that has a later onset age, somewhere during the teenage years, is called Werner Syndrome. People with this syndrome may live up to the age of 40 to 50 years.
There is also another kind of Progeria that occurs along with dwarfism or other abnormal growth features and is called Hallerman-Streiff-François syndrome.
Causes of Progeria
Progeria is caused due to a genetic mutation in the LMNA gene of the newborn. The LMNA gene is responsible for making proteins to support the structure of the nucleus. However, due to genetic mutation, the LMNA makes a protein called progerin, which breaks down cells easily and makes them unstable. This sets off rapid aging in children with HGPS.
Progeria Symptoms
Symptoms of Progeria are visible and easily identified. However, they do not appear at birth and only surface during the first or the second year of the baby. Some of the symptoms of Progeria are:
Stunted growth or growth failure in the first year
Loss of eyebrows and eyelashes
Baldness or loss of hair
Wrinkled face
Visible blood vessels on the scalp and face
Macrocephaly or a large head in comparison with the size of the face
Thin skin which is visibly dry and scaly
Small jaw and thin lips
High pitched voice
Prominent, protruding eyes and inability to close eyelids completely
Stiff joints
Loss of body fat and muscle
Ears that stick out
Diagnosis
It is likely that the doctor will identify the disorder by looking at the child. However, a physical examination will be conducted and the vision and hearing are checked, along with measuring the pulse and the blood pressure of the child. The height and weight are also taken to compare with normal height and weight at that age.
If Progeria is suspected, a series of lab tests to confirm the condition are conducted, including tests to measure insulin resistance and cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Blood tests and genetic testing can also detect the mutation in the LMNA gene.
Complications
Complications of Progeria include diseases that usually accompany old age like
Cardiovascular diseases and heart conditions (heart attack)
Cerebrovascular problems like stroke
Scleroderma, a condition where the connective tissue become tight and hard
Loss of hearing to a certain extent
Delayed tooth formation
Extremely fragile bones and an abnormal skeletal structure
Insulin resistance
Hip dislocation
Cataracts
Acute arthritic episodes
Osteoporosis
Atherosclerosis
Progeria Treatment
While there are no Progeria cures or treatments available, children may receive treatments for their symptoms. These may include medications to lower blood cholesterol and prevent the formation of blood clots. A prescription of aspirin may be given for daily intake in low doses in order to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Since growth failure is one of the major symptoms, growth hormones may also be administered to help build the height and weight of the child. If the child suffers from stiffness in the joints, then physical therapy may be suggested to facilitate movement. Also as heart disease is a potential complication, some children may undergo surgeries like coronary bypass or angioplasty to stunt the progression of the disease.
A type of cancer drug called farnesyl transferase inhibitors or FTI may have the potential to fix the damaged cells. Research is being conducted in this light to provide more feasible treatment options for kids with Progeria.
Home Remedies
Progeria is a genetic disorder and there are no effective home remedies to alleviate the condition or the symptoms of the condition. Here are some ways to relieve the symptoms:
It is important to ensure that a kid with Progeria is adequately hydrated as they are very likely to get dehydrated quickly.
Small meals at frequent intervals are the best to provide them with all the nutrition they need to develop.
Provide them with soft, cushioned shoes or inserts to relieve any discomfort.
Outlook For People With Progeria
For kids living with Progeria disease, the life expectancy on an average is about 13 years. However, some may live much longer, up to 20 years. But, since Progeria comes without a cure and is accompanied by a number of medical conditions, it makes the disorder fatal. Many children who are affected with Progeria tend to succumb to heart diseases.
When Should You Call The Doctor?
The symptoms of Progeria disease are quite pronounced. If you happen to notice them in your child, consult a doctor to seek a professional opinion. The doctor, based on physical examination and lab tests, will be able to confirm your suspicion.
Progeria Syndrome is a disorder that has no cure currently. However, with proper care and treatments, the symptoms can be put off to a certain extent helping the kids live a considerably longer life. There are no risk factors for Progeria and it is not something that passes down genetically. If your child suffers from Progeria, the best way to go about his or her care is to ensure that all the treatments are administered on time and regular visits to the doctor are made to rule out any immediate complications.
Also read: Edwards Syndrome In Babies Read more
Suggested for you
My Baby - My World - My Love - My Happiness - My Stress Buster!
Being a mother is a divine thing which cannot be expressed in words but can only be experienced. Taking care of a newborn is something very precious. When it comes to my baby, she is my world. Taking care involves bathing, feeding, burping which ultimately leads to building a strong bondwith the baby.
Bathing
This is a very tough time for me because my baby while doing oil massage she feels very happy and she enjoys doing body massage. But while bathing she cries so much that it makes me feel bad, but it is a common thing among all infants. After taking a bath, she feels very fresh and happily sleeps for at least 2-3 hours after having milk.
Feeding
While feeding my baby, I take so much care so that she feels comfortable while drinking and I make sure that she has enough milk to fill her little stomach. Burping is as essential as feeding in my opinion. I hold her on my shoulders for at least 10mins so that she takes burps so that the milk she had gets digested quickly.
Bonding
Day-by-day bonding between my baby and me is increasing. She has started recognising me and always smiles looking at me. She resembles me. She is entirely a photocopy of me. The more we interact with the kids, the more they grow and become more active.
Sleeping
Sleeping during nights was very difficult during the early weeks of my baby. She used to wake up very often, so we both did not have enough sleep during nights. But gradually as she is growing the time she sleeps during nights is becoming more. She wakes during the night for 3-4 times, but after having milk, she falls asleep.
But sleeping pattern will be different each day for any baby and also it changes weekly they say. For a few days, she used to sleep so much during the night and for some more days she used to be awake the whole night. So the sleeping pattern will be different which cannot be predictable.
Vaccination
This is the toughest thing a mother can face. During vaccination, babies cry a lot, and they get a fever for a couple of days because of vaccines. My suggestion is after giving vaccine make sure the hand and leg for which the vaccine was provided must be taken care of so much so that baby should not feel any pressure on that hand or leg. Make sure to apply ice cube over the injected area so that it avoids swelling. Make sure to check the baby's temperature very often and give oral paracetamol drops once in every 6 hours for 48 hours so that fever gets controlled for the baby. During this time baby will feel uncomfortable while drinking milk and at times may not feel like drinking milk but make sure that the baby drinks milk which helps baby to feel better.
The most important thing that I want to share with you all is that every baby is different from every other baby. So I request all the parents not to compare your baby with other babies.Every baby has its style and own patterns. This is the story of me with my baby. Love you loads my baby!!!
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
Suggested for you
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts advice some parenting hack.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. regarding what ok repeat question. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Nikitha has added a new answer
Father of a Newborn child
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is the best time to keep baby in the sun and for how long?
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. hello in the morning around 7 to 9:00 a.m. for 10 minutes you can get your baby exposed to the sunlight which would be safe on baby so the child will also get the vitamin d naturally which should be good and nothing to worry about
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. currently I'm in 25th week of my pregnancy. I would like to when is my 7th month or red trimester is going to start?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. you had to complete 28 weeks 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
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts I am having vaginal infection from last 2 months my doc have given me antibiotics meds but still I am having it …. 8 months pregnant I am ….is anything I am doing wrong that’s y I am having this infection
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. ok cd. 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
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. Hlo sir / madam
I m 36week 6 days pregnant
My baby’s head doesn’t fix into the pelvis
Lightening or baby dropping not happend
My AFI is 18 (mild polyhydroaminous)
What should I do?? Normal delivery possible?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. your treating doctor will advise accordingly 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
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
27 mins ago
Q. I got a very pinkish line in t from 2 test which I took after 7 days of missing period am I pregnant?????
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
21 mins ago
A. very weak test. 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
Check out this new Memory
Chinky Jain
Guardian of a 7 m old boy
New Memory
#babyno.1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Sanghamitra Guru
Mom of a 11 m old girl
New Memory
#risingstar
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Gayoor Ahmad Shah
Expecting Father due in 7 months
New Memory
#lilsuperstar
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Patel yesha manish
Mom of a 2 yr 11 m old boy
New Memory
#thephoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Prachi
Mom of a 4 m old girl
New Memory
#clicktowin
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive