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Your Complete Diwali Puja Vidhi Guide
Diwali is a time for fun and festivities; but it’s such a busy occasion that it’s easy to forget it is also Amavasya (or moonless) night! Many families perform Laxmi puja on this day to seek Goddess Laxmi’s blessings for the year ahead. If you too are planning to perform a Diwali puja, this guide is here to help!
A family that prays together, stays together! Get your husband, kids and the extended family together on this auspicious occasion and join hands in prayer. Follow this step-by-step guide on Laxmi pujan to get an overall idea of how to proceed.
Why Do We Perform Laxmi Pujan on Diwali?
It is believed that Laxmi, who is the goddess of wealth and wife of Lord Vishnu, visits Her devotees and blesses them with wealth and prosperity. This is why there is much emphasis placed on the cleanliness and decoration of houses; it is believed that Laxmi will visit the cleanest house first and bless the family with health and wealth. To invite Her in, devotees place lamps or diyas on their windowsills and open up their doors and windows.
Diwali Puja Preparation
As per tradition, the preparations for the Diwali puja should start off early, and not just on the actual day itself, as there is the cleaning and decoration of the house (using marigold and banana leaves), as well as fasting to be observed. If health conditions permit, you can choose to observe a full-day fast, which will be broken after puja in the evening.
Diwali Puja Samagri
The rituals for the Diwali puja vary across families and regions. Here’s an indicative list of the basic items you will require:
Pot/Kalash
Aam Patta/Mango leaves
Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi
Milk and curd
Honey
Ghee
Puffed rice
Sweets/Mithaai
Coriander seeds
Cumin seeds
Shubh Muhurat for Diwali Laxmi Puja 2019
This puja is performed towards the evening and the muhurat time usually ranges from 6 PM to 8 PM. This year, the auspicious time for perfoming the Laxmi puja is between 6.42 p.m. and 8.12 p.m., on the 27th of October. What you must ensure is that all the paraphernalia for the puja are in order before the muhurat, so that you can have them at the ready while performing the puja.
Laxmi and Ganesh Pujan Vidhi for Diwali
The method of the Diwali puja again varies, depending largely on the region and rituals observed by individual households. You may choose to observe the following basic methodology for your puja. The key part is to keep your faith strong and your prayers sincere!
The first step is to spread out a clean cloth where you wish to perform the puja, and create a bed of rice on it. Now, place the kalash on the bed of rice.
Pour water in the kalash. Place a betel nut, flowers, a coin, and some rice inside, and arrange the aam patta around the opening. Also, place a thaali (plate) on the kalash. This is where Goddess Lakshmi will sit.
You can decorate the thaali by painting a lotus with turmeric powder and placing coins on it.
Lord Ganesha usually sits on the right of the kalash. You can also place the idols of Saraswathi alongside as this completes the three forms of Shakti – Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Durga.
Sprinkle gangajal (or clean water) on all the items. It is important to keep the atmosphere clean and well-lit with lamps.
You can now recite the mantras for invoking Goddess Lakshmi. These are available in puja books or online, and may vary based on your native tongue.
Make offerings of flowers, rice, garlands of marigolds, coconut, fruits, sweets, betel nuts, sandalwood paste, kumkum and incense sticks during the puja.
At the end of the puja, recite the Diwali puja aarti with the entire family and distribute the prasad.
Kuber Puja on Diwali
Apart from Laxmi and Ganesh, Lord Kubera, or the treasurer of Gods, is also worshipped on Diwali. For Kuber puja, worship the locker or safe in which you keep gold and cash at home.
Now that you are all set for the Diwali puja, it is a good idea to start cleaning your home right away. This is a time-consuming process as you might feel the need to renovate and repair as well. Then, go shopping for the items required for the Diwali puja, and don’t forget to get lots of tasty mithaai!
Wish you a happy and prosperous Diwali!
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10 Healthy and Yummy Oil-free Snacks Recipes
Eating healthy has become a challenge with so many processed food options out there. Everywhere you go or every fast food store you turn to, their items are loaded with salt, sugar, and nasty cholesterol-heavy options. Fortunately for you, that doesn't always have to be the case.
Using a combination of simple and easy-to-procure ingredients, we've made a list of tasty snack recipes with minimal to zero oil. You won't pack out the pounds plus you'll enjoy them guilt-free!
Tasty Snack Recipes Without Oil
Here are some of the best evening snacks without oil, designed to be made at home by yours truly.
Mung Dal Chaat
Want a tasty snack that's low in calories, oil-free, and 100% nutritious? Try this and you'll definitely be surprised!
Ingredients
1/2 cup yellow moong dal (split)
1/2 cup carrots (grated)
1/2 cup pomegranate
1/2 cup white and green spring onions (chopped)
1/2 cup raw mangoes (chopped)
Two tablespoons of fresh mint leaves (chopped)
Two tablespoons of coriander leaves (chopped)
Two teaspoons of green chillies (chopped)
One teaspoon of chaat masala
Four teaspoons of lime juice
How To Prepare
Soak the dal in a bowl of water for 30 minutes and drain it. Make sure to wash it well before doing this.
Add 3 cups of water, salt, and the dal in a non-stick tawa and cook on medium flame. Stir occasionally and make sure the grains aren't too close together.
Cool the dal for 10 minutes after draining the water using a strainer.
Blend the rest of the ingredients with the dal and serve fresh.
Time Required
Soaking time takes 30 minutes while the prep and cooking time is another 20 minutes. It'll take you 50 minutes in total.
Pav Bhaji Khakhra
Pav bhaji and khakhra? Now we're talking!
Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
A tablespoon of pav bhaji masala
Half a teaspoon of chilli powder
Salt
How To Prepare
Blend the ingredients in a big bowl, add water, and start kneading into a soft dough.
Add more water if needed. When done, divide the dough equally into 12 portions.
Using a roti-roller or a similar kitchen tool, flatten out the portions into 6" diameter circles. Add a bit of whole wheat flour during the rolling.
Get a non-stick tawa and start up a low flame. Heat the khakhras on it until you see pink spots showing up.
Get a folded muslin cloth and press the khakhra as it cooks. Keep cooking and flip sides until you see golden brown spots show up.
Remove from tawa, cool a bit and serve fresh with chutney or sides.
Time Required
The dough will make about 12 khakhras and the total time for cooking and prepping will be 55 minutes, combined.
Masala Papad
Masala papad is of the best classic Indian snack-based recipes without oil and definitely a family favourite. Here's how you make it.
Ingredients
Six 6" papads
Six tablespoons of green chutney
For the topping
1/2 cup onions (finely chopped)
1/2 cup tomatoes (finely chopped)
1/2 cup dried mango powder
Two tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped)
Salt
How To Prepare
Start up a medium flame and put a non-stick tawa on it.
Cook the papads on it until they're roasted and crispy.
Remove from the tawa and spread green chutney on top of the base.
Mix the remaining ingredients and layer it on top of the chutney on each of them.
Serve fresh.
Time Required
It'll just take you 15 minutes to make these masala papads.
Special Uttapams
Uttapams deliver to you your dose of fibre, calcium, and various nutrients.
Ingredients
2 cups ready made dosa batter
1/2 cup cabbage (finely shredded)
1/4 cup cauliflower (grated)
1/4 cup onions (finely chopped)
1/4 cup capsicum (finely chopped)
1/4 cup beetroot (boiled and chopped)
A pinch of brown sugar
Half a teaspoon of fresh chilli powder
Salt
How To Prepare
Blend the ingredients in a large bowl properly.
Get a non-stick frying pan, pour one and a half cups of the dosa batter and lay it out in a way so that it makes a 3" diameter circle.
Repeat this step for the other five uttapam portions and cook on medium flame until you see the colour go golden brown on each side.
Cook the rest of the uttapams in the same way to make two additional batches.
Serve hot with chutney on the side.
Time Required
The ingredients listed will make about 18 small-sized uttapams and the total time required to prep and cook is 30 minutes.
Classic Bread Rolls
If your kids love bread, give these bread rolls a shot. They complement well with soups and are perfect for making delicious subs too!
Ingredients
610 grams of fresh bread flour
410 grams of spring water
Half a teaspoon of active dry yeast
10 grams of Himalayan pink salt
How To Prepare
Blend 100 grams of flour, water, and the yeast too. Ferment it into a frothy texture.
Stir in the rest of the flour, water, and salt. Use your hands to knead well for about 1 to 2 minutes and take a break for 15 minutes. Let the gluten build by repeating this step a few times.
Get a bowl, grease it, and shape the kneaded blend into balls. Cover it with a lid and keep it inside the refrigerator overnight.
Next day, preheat the oven and remove the dough from the refrigerator. Knead for a minute and divide it into ten equal-sized portions, shaping each carefully into rectangle-shapes.
Use a linen cloth to lay out the rolls and dust using flour.
Wrap up in a damp cloth and bake it in the oven for 15 minutes. You should preheat the oven to 250 degrees before you do this to make sure it comes out well.
Time Required
The good news is that it's easy to make. The bad news is that it'll take you 13 hours to prep, bake, and make. But hey, at least you get to make delicious subs and sandwiches with these once you're done!
Green Peas Idli
Did you know that green peas are a complete source of protein and essential amino acids? And with this green peas idli recipe, your evening meals are set.
Ingredients
2 cups roasted semolina (rava)
3/4 cup green peas (grounded coarsely)
A tablespoon of fresh methi leaves (chopped)
Two teaspoons of curd
Two teaspoons of instant rolled oats
Two teaspoons of bitter gourd peels (turned into a paste)
Three teaspoons of ginger-green chilli paste
Salt
For the chutney
Two cups of hung curd
Salt
A pinch of black pepper powder (freshly ground)
Two teaspoons of fresh mint leaves (chopped)
How To Prepare
Blend the ingredients thoroughly in a large or medium bowl.
Pour a whole spoon of batter into the idli moulds and steam in an idli steamer for roughly 8 minutes until done.
Serve hot with the chutney as the side.
Time Required
It'll take approximately half an hour to prep and cook the idlis.
Crispy Potatoes
You may have heard of crispy potatoes by the name 'potato crisps.' Well, these are some popular potato snacks without oil.
Ingredients
A sliced potato (thin strips)
Half a teaspoon of black pepper(crushed)
Himalayan pink salt
How To Prepare
Blend in the spices with the sliced potatoes and just bake them in a microwave.
Turn them over every 30 seconds until you notice them getting crispy.
Remove, cool, and serve hot.
Time Required
It'll take you 10 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to cook, and a total of 30 minutes to make this recipe.
Veggie and Cottage Cheese Skewers
Like skewers? Try this recipe with the goodness of veggies and paneer. It's one of the best paneer snacks without oil.
Ingredients
1/2 cup onions (cubes)
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese (cubes)
1/2 cup tomatoes (cubed)
1/2 cup blanched baby corn (half-inch pieces)
1/2 cup capsicum (cubed)
For the marinade
3 and 1/4 cups of hung low-fat yoghurt
One teaspoon of chilli powder
Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder
Half a teaspoon of ginger paste
One teaspoon of garlic paste
Half a teaspoon of Bengal gram flour
Half a teaspoon of fenugreek leaves (dried)
3 and 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala
3 and 1/4 teaspoon of chaat masala
Himalayan pink salt (optional, for taste)
How To Prepare
Make the marinade and set it aside in a large bowl.
Get the rest of the ingredients and gently mix them into that.
Take a skewer (or long toothpick) and thread together the onions, paneer, tomato, capsicum, and baby corn pieces. Repeat this step with about 20 to 30 more skewers to make your portions for the crowd.
Set a nonstick frying pan on low flame and cook the skewers slowly, turning them occasionally until they go golden brown on all sides.
Serve hot.
Time Required
It'll take you about an hour to make, 30 mins for the prep and 30 mins for the cooking time. It makes for roughly 25 skewers but you could decrease the portion sizes to fit in more.
Dimsums or Momos
Dimsum is one of our favourites, and they're super easy to make!
Ingredients
1 cup flour
Water
Salt
Half a teaspoon of pepper
One broccoli head (shredded well)
A cup of bean sprouts (chopped)
How To Prepare
Use flour and water to create the dough.
Roll this into small wheat pancakes.
Stuff in the filling by blending the broccoli, bean sprouts, salt, pepper, and fold the edges carefully to create small pouches.
Place these dimsums into a steamer and wait until they're done.
Time Required
It takes 20 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, thus totalling a time of approximately 35 minutes.
Bread Wada Pav
If you're strapped for time and want a tasty snack nonetheless, try out this recipe.
Ingredients
Eight slices of brown bread (cut into rounded shapes)
2 cups whisked yoghurt
Two tablespoons of crushed mixed nuts
Four tablespoons of imli chutney
Salt
A teaspoon of jeera powder
Half a teaspoon of chilli powder
Two tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves
Two teaspoons of green chillies (chopped)
How To Prepare
Soak and squeeze a slice of bread.
Take the other slice and repeat, except this time you add nuts and the coriander leaves to it.
Seal up with the first slice on top and press to close the edges.
Repeat the above steps to make the remaining wada pavs.
Mix in salt to the yoghurt and add that to the bread as a topping or spread.
Add imli chutney, jeera powder and the rest of the ingredients on top with coriander leaves for the garnish.
Serve fresh.
Time Required
It'll take you just 10 minutes to make this recipe.
And there you go. Tasty, healthy, and easy to make evening snacks with minimal to no oil. In fact, the only oil used is like a teaspoon for the sauteing and that really doesn't count. We hope you enjoy and happy snacking!
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Top 15 Easy and Smart Tips to Organise Your Kitchen
Have you ever stood in the middle of your kitchen and wondered how to fit so many things into this limited space? If yes, then don't feel left out because you are not the only one with this thought. Most people clutter their cooking space without any idea of how to implement the concept of space utilization. If you take a good look in your kitchen, you will realise that there is a lot of space in it, it's just you don't know how to make the most of it. In this article, we bring to you a compilation of splendid ideas on how to organize your kitchen drawers and cabinets to up the utility value and declutter. This will give you an idea of exactly how much extra stuff you have that you probably never used in life.
How To Organize Your Kitchen
The first step to organizing your kitchen is to remove the clutter and the unwanted pots, pans, knives, gadgets, and expired food items! Some of the ideas mentioned below will help you to be more organized.
1. Decide a Specific Place for Everything in Your Kitchen
Everything in the kitchen should have a specific place for it. Items that are used most often should be placed to be easy to reach. Every item should have a fixed location, so it is always easy to find. This will certainly reduce your frustration while trying to reach out for things. Reduce the number of items that you use. Throw out all the junk that you have never laid hands on. Reuse anything that can be doubled up on utility. Old mugs can be used to hold ladles, spoons, straws etc. Recycle anything that can be recycled.
2. Use Maximize Space on the Shelves
If you can’t see something on your shelves, it will expire right there. Keep your food products in such a way that everything is visible. Group ingredients by the kind of dishes they are used in, if possible. Using a revolving server for a place that is difficult to reach can be helpful.
3. Store Food Properly in the Refrigerator
Organizing your refrigerator is key to reducing clutter in your kitchen. Every dish and every type of food has a place in the fridge. Following this reduces wastage, lets food keep fresh for longer, and prevents your kitchen counter from untidiness. Always use the First-In-First-Out system to reduce wastage.
4. Store the Necessary Ingredients in Transparent Containers
It makes sense to use uniform containers for storage. It improves maximization of space. Rectangular or square containers stack well and take up less space. They are also microwave safe and reduce the number of containers you may require. Circular containers use a lot more space and space in between two containers cannot be utilized properly.
5. Create Work Space According to Zones
All sensibly designed kitchens have a triangular area that encompasses the sink, oven, and refrigerator. It helps organize your kitchen into similar zones even if it is built differently. A separate zone for food storage, preparation, cooking, and cleaning will certainly make you more organized in your kitchen. If you have more than a single person cooking, make sure that there is extra space available in your preparation area. You could even have designated workstations for baking, roasting, or deep-frying items.
6. Utilize the Back of Your Doors to Hang Things
Your cabinet doors can be used for storage purpose. Small command hooks attached to the back of cabinet doors will allow you to hang small pots, pans, pot covers, or hold all your cutting boards. Small packets of spices, snack, rubber bands, clips, kitchen cloths, cooker weights, or even fruit picks can be stored in small organizers that hang behind the cabinet door.
7. Keep the Rarely Used Appliances on the Top Shelves
Appliances like your blender or other items that are rarely used should be stacked on the top of the shelves. Even crockery that you bring out for special occasions could be kept on the uppermost shelves. However, If it’s kept too high, you'll forget about it. Therefore, never place spices and other perishable ingredients on the top shelves.
8. Stack Your Snacks in Baskets or Boxes
Use storage boxes to keep your snacks, biscuits, and other savouries. This will keep them in sight for you and you certainly won’t have to go digging into drawers when you are hungry and want a snack. You can use tiered holders to store fresh fruits. Storing it there will keep them within sight and you can always have them when you are hungry.
9. Use Shelf Risers Over Door Organizers
Sometimes we forget to use ingredients that are placed at the spots that are not within eyesight. Shelf risers are a little step like tools that allow theatre style placement of your perishables. This way you will never lose an ingredient again! Over-the-door organizer frames will help you use the front or back of a door to nestle some bottles, recipe books, etc. Canned food organizers can also help you hold cans and stack them high. Shoe organizers come in handy to utilize the back of the doors to put stuff away.
10. Hang Your Mugs, Pans, or Ladles
Anything that can be hung, hang it! It saves space and it is easy to access when required. But remember that ceramic mugs and cups are easy to clean and can afford to be hung outside. A kitchen is a place that is prone to collecting grime from all the oils used in cooking. If you decide to use hooks, place them inside cabinets, or away from the actual cooking area.
How to Organize Kitchen Drawers and Cabinets
It is not enough to organize and declutter your kitchen counter and work table. Keeping your drawers and cabinets systematized is also important. Here are some brilliant ideas to organize your kitchen cabinets:
1. Divide Your Shelf Spaces
It doesn’t matter what you want to store in your cabinet - vertical storage is the best. Undershelf baskets can be used to create more space for storage in tall shelves. You could also use hooks on the roof of the cabinet or shelf for hanging small cups or coffee mugs. That will certainly make space for other containers on your shelf. If you have a breakfast bar or a kitchen island, then make sure that the cupboards below are accessible and made to the right sizes. Very tall cabinets serve no purpose at all and you would have to get them modified to make better use of them at some point.
2. Sort Your Plates and Dinnerware
Stackable shelves are the answer to sorting plates correctly. Keep your starter plates apart from the dinner and dessert plates. Mixing bowls should be nested together but sorted by types. Mixing bowls, dips bowls, cereal bowls, and sauce boats should be kept separate from each other.
3. Use Wicker Baskets or Pull-out Baskets
Pull out baskets make awesome additions when you need extra space. Wicker baskets too come in real handy to sort oil cans, spray bottles, or even kitchen towels. Even see-through wire baskets help you grab a quick snack. Pull out drawers can be mounted in just a few minutes but can save you hours in the kitchen by making you more prepared.
4. Store Cookie Sheets/ Baking Tray Upright
All your baking trays, cookie sheets and other flat utensils can be stacked upright or filed by using a free-standing frame that is easily available in the market. A non-tiered file organizing frame too would serve the purpose. If you do not have a free-standing file, use a toe-kick drawer at the bottom to pile up your trays in. You could even squeeze them down in between tension rods in your pantry.
5. Keep Pots in Drawers
Pots look cool when hung. Your kitchen will look modern and chic, but it would be difficult to maintain. The grease, dirt, and grime will pile on. Sort your pots according to their size and then nest it into your larger drawers. It will certainly take a bit of the mess away from your kitchen counters.
The most important step towards a more organized kitchen is to get rid of unwanted stuff. There are things in your kitchen that have not been opened since the day you received them as gifts. Take out everything from the shelves or cupboard in your kitchen and check if you really need them. If you haven’t used it in over six months, it is likely that you will never find a use for it. Throw away all such items from your kitchen and your kitchen will look spacious. Do not hoard on cutlery, baking tools, or any other equipment. Some of us believe that we could never have enough spoons or cookie cutters or chocolate moulds. But trust us, you can have enough and then some more but that’s just called hoarding and it is the least utilitarian way of being organized! Declutter, divide by creating shelves and conquer your kitchen in style!
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Superfetation - Getting Pregnant while Pregnant
For most first-time mothers, pregnancy is an exciting and anxious period, both at the same time. On the one hand, you want everything to go right, on the other hand, impossible things may come to your mind! One such thought that some women may have is - is it possible to get pregnant while you are already pregnant with one baby? Believe it or not, the answer is yes. It is possible.
Can You Get Pregnant While You Are Already Pregnant?
Each pregnancy is unique. The way we get pregnant is also very different with some women getting pregnant very quickly while others needing a lot more help and support.
If you are wondering whether you can or cannot get pregnant while being pregnant already, you might be surprised to know that there have been many cases of women finding themselves pregnant when they were already pregnant. This phenomenon is known as superfoetation.
What is Superfoetation?
Superfoetation is the phenomenon when more than one foetus get conceived in the womb, each of which implant separately in the womb and grow together. This is extremely common in animals but also occurs in human beings in rare cases.
How Uncommon is It?
Superfoetation is extremely rare in humans, and there are only ten known cases of this phenomenon. However, there is also a large possibility that many cases of superfoetation have gone unnoticed and have been misdiagnosed as a case of ordinary twin pregnancy. Even if the second foetus is a lot younger and hence looks smaller, there have been many cases of twin foetus development with the discrepancy in growth.
How Does Superfoetation Happen?
Superfoetation occurs when the pregnant body releases an egg within the first few weeks of the first pregnancy, and this egg is fertilized which causes the second pregnancy. This is very different from the way twin pregnancies happen.
Superfoetation is extremely rare because usually, once the first pregnancy is established, the change in hormones will instruct the body not to release any more eggs for the duration of the pregnancy. While there is no conclusive reason behind the reason for the egg to be released even after pregnancy, several medical scientists and researchers believe that one possibility is that the second egg is released if there is a delay in the implantation of the first embryo.
Is Superfoetation Medically Possible?
There is a lot of scepticism in the medical field about the occurrence of superfoetation. With all the current knowledge about the human reproductive system, there seem to be overwhelming odds stacked against superfoetation.
There are many physiological changes that occur immediately after a pregnancy is established. These changes in the body do not allow for further pregnancies to occur. First, the corpus luteum releases hormones which effectively shut down ovulation. Second, the uterus wall starts to thicken in a way that would make it impossible for a second embryo to attach to the uterine wall. Last, the cervix forms a barrier known as the mucous plug to protect the developing fetus from outside microbes. This barrier is also an effective barrier to sperm.
Is Superfoetation Different From Usual Twins?
Superfoetation is different from an ordinary twin pregnancy. In the latter, multiple ova are released in a single menstrual cycle which are then fertilized. This can happen naturally or when taking fertility drugs. Sometimes, a single egg is fertilized, but when growing, it divides into two and develops two separate foetuses.
Superfoetation happens when two eggs belonging to different menstrual cycles are fertilized and are developing in the uterus. There is a difference in the maturity of these fetuses as they have been fertilized days or even weeks apart.
Risks Associated With Superfoetation
With superfoetation, the difference in the length of gestation between both foetuses can be large. In such a case, there is the risk that the younger foetus could also be delivered along with the older fetus. This means that the younger baby is born premature and the risks of a premature baby are applicable to it. However, all known cases of superfoetation have been of twins that are between 10 days to three weeks apart, and the deliveries of both babies in these cases have been safe.
Note: It is recommended that you see a medical professional to understand the risks associated with this condition more thoroughly. Please do not self-medicate during this time, attempting an abortion could harm the first baby as well. Discuss your options with your medical care experts, speak to them freely about your concerns and understand what your options are thorough.
Superfoetation Cases
1. Two Babies Conceived Two Months Apart
In 1960, two babies were born five minutes apart, and the nurse thought the babies were ordinary twins. However, a doctor present in the delivery room thought that the baby born first might be premature and conducted a few scans of the thigh bones of the babies. It was seen that the first baby had a marked difference in bone age. It was established that the first baby was conceived two months after the initial pregnancy and, in fact, the baby born second was the full term baby.
2. Two Babies Conceived Three Weeks Apart
In the year 2007 in Essex, there was a case of superfoetation where two babies were delivered after being conceived three weeks apart. The mother had gotten pregnant once again three weeks into her first pregnancy.
3. Two Babies Delivered via C-section
In 2009, a woman in Arkansas conceived another baby when she was already 2 and a half weeks pregnant with her first baby. After many tests, the doctors were able to determine that if both babies were to be carried full term, then they would be born a month apart. In this case, the babies were delivered via a cesarean delivery and both were healthy.
4. Twins in Essex
In 2007, a pregnant woman was told that she was expecting twins only to find out later that one of the twins had miscarried and was being reabsorbed into her body which is not uncommon. A blob was noticed in her uterus during one of her routine scans which later grew to be a third fetus in her uterus. She safely delivered two healthy babies.
FAQs
Will The Babies Be Born At The Same Time During Superfoetation?
With previous cases of superfoetation, the difference in age between the two babies was not established until the babies were delivered. Though the babies were born at the same time, one of the babies was technically born prematurely. This used to happen due to the inability to tell if superfoetation had occurred or if it were simply a case of twins with different growth trajectories. The premature baby had to face all the risks associated with being premature.
With the evolution of medical technology, it is now possible to determine whether superfoetation has occurred or not. This gives you and your medical team enough time to plan the deliveries. In such cases, a C-section is planned as the babies reach full term at different times.
Is Superfoetation Just Like Having Twins?
No, even though the mother is carrying two babies, superfoetation is very different from having twins. Twins are the result of multiple eggs released during the same cycle that is fertilized. This is usually the case when there is some fertility treatment being carried out. Sometimes, a single egg might divide into two and develop into two fetuses.
Superfoetation is when a woman is already pregnant, and she then conceives another baby. The second foetus is younger than the first fetus, though the gap is not more than a few weeks.
Does Fertilised Egg Need Implantation?
Yes, for a successful pregnancy, the egg must implant itself into the uterine wall. Before this happens, the uterus must thicken its walls and create an environment suitable for the fertilized egg. This usually occurs 7 to 10 days after fertilization after the embryo signals to the uterus that it is ready to be implanted. For a second embryo to be implanted requires that the uterine condition be exactly right.
Superfoetation is an extremely rare occurrence with only a few known cases of the same. It is different from having twins in that one foetus was conceived from an egg from a different menstrual cycle than the other. The foetus maturity levels are different, and they reach full term at different times. If you think that you might have superfoetation, then it is best that you discuss the same with your OB/GYN as she will be able to conduct tests and determine if it is the case or not. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm. Medical technology has advanced enough to be able to plan for both pregnancies in order to ensure the health of both babies along with your own health.
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Reading in the Rain: 6 Books for a Rainy Afternoon
Sitting by the windowsill and sipping a cup of hot coffee as you hear the rain pouring outside- sounds good? Make it better by reading good books about rain. There are many to choose from with everything from drama to romance and humour.
Monsoon is said to be the best among all the seasons. A lot has even been written about it. The next time you have little to do and want to enjoy quiet time, why not read a good book? Besides enjoying the pouring rain, you can also relish hot, spicy snacks!
6 Good Reads for Monsoon
1. The Blue Umbrella
This book by Ruskin Bond revolves around central characters Biniya and Ram Bharose. Biniya acquires a beautiful blue umbrella and shows it off. Ram loves the umbrella and wants it for himself. The story, which is set in a small village in Himachal Pradesh, is bound to grip you. Director Vishal Bhardwaj adapted it into a film in 2005.
2. Chasing The Monsoon
One of the best books to read this monsoon season, Chasing the Monsoon is a beautifully written story by Alexander Frater. It follows the trail of the season in India, covering different corners of our country and showing how unique each part is and how it becomes even more beautiful during the rains. Frater shares his experiences and also gives glimpses of Indian history.
3. On a Rainy Day
This is another good choice if you’re looking for a book to read on a wet day. Written by Rhonda Noble, it’s a story of a strong-headed woman named Catherine Daniels who’s set high moral standards for herself. She’s led a disciplined life, always doing what she’s expected to. She’s also fought and survived adverse situations. Her story is not only interesting but inspiring.
4. History of The Rain
Written by Niall Williams, History of the Rain is a good book to read over the monsoon, so do include it in your shopping list. The story revolves around Ruth Swain who’s looking for her father. Join her as she tries to unfold the mystery of her ancestors. This book also talks about the amazing healing power of imagination.
5. Monsoon Wedding Fever
You’ll certainly enjoy this monsoon wedding story written by Shoma Narayanan. It’s a light and romantic story about central characters, Riya and Dhruv. While Riya falls for Dhruv initially, the latter doesn’t believe in love and so the two of them go their own ways. However, years later during a monsoon, they meet again.
6. Love Story
There can be nothing better than reading a romantic book on a rainy day. If you haven’t read Love Story by Erich Segal, it’s time to grab a copy this monsoon season. The novel revolves around the lives of two college students who fall in love and eventually marry against the wishes of their parents. This one will keep you hooked till the very end!
Reading books about rain will add to the joy and fun the amazing season brings. Take your pick of books from the ones above and settle down for a relaxing reading session. Let the rain soothe your senses and enjoy reading as it pours outside. Read more
Suggested for you
Ophelia Name Meaning and Origin
Stunning Greek names are the perfect way of choosing a timeless and classic name for your child that will always remain trendy. And the stunning name Ophelia is no different. With its beautiful phonetic sound and meaning, this name is bound to stay trendy and classy for years.
What Does Ophelia Mean?
A Greek name, the meaning of Ophelia can be understood to imply a helper. Popularized by the prominent character in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the name has been considered a classic for decades and centuries. It is still popular among enthusiasts of such names that have an old-school charm. It is derived from the Greek word “ōphéleia,” which refers to “aid” or “benefit.” So, it evokes a personality of a helpful angel or a guardian angel. By naming your child Ophelia, you can expect them to live up to their name and become an angel of help to those around her.
Origin
The name Ophelia is primarily originated from the ancient Greek language. Although it is most famously known as the name of the heroine of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the name had first appeared as “Ofelia” in the poem Arcadia by Jacopo Sannazaro. Since its first usage, the name has been used for females, although Ophelius may be considered a suitable male alternative.
Gender
Female
Pronunciation
Oh-Feel-Ee-Yuh
O-Feel-Ee-Ya
Syllables
4 Syllables
Length/Letter
7 Letters
Name Variations/Spellings
Spelling variations for names, such as other spellings for Ophelia, can indicate the way different cultures interpret and use names and conform them to their own culture. So, some Ophelia name variations that you can consider when naming your child include:
Name
Origin
Ofelia
Greek
Availia
Greek
Ophelya
Greek
Ophilia
Greek
Ovalia
Greek
Phelia
Greek
Ofilia
Greek
Ubelia
Greek
Uvelia
Greek
Ovelia
Greek
How Popular Is the Name Ophelia?
Despite being an incredibly beautiful name, Ophelia has not been famous in the US. It has been gaining momentum as a favored girls’ name only recently. This is evident from the SSA data, which shows that the name entered the top 1000 names only in 2015. However, despite debuting at 979 in 2015, the name climbed up the charts to be ranked 373 in 2018 and 391 in 2020. This means that the Ophelia popularity index has increased since then, allowing it to jump almost 600 ranks within just three years. At this pace, the Ophelia baby name ranking can be presumed to rise over time, and the rise of new babies named Ophelia can be anticipated within the next few years.
Interest in Ophelia - Worldwide
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The global interest trendline shows a bleak level of interest among the people. The graph shows that interest in the name had consistently remained below ten throughout the decade, except in October 2017, when the scale recorded 100.
Interest in Ophelia - US
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While the interest trendline for the US somewhat mimics the global trendline, it can be seen that the average interest over the decade has increased slightly. While the highest interest was recorded in October 2017 at 100, it was followed by a massive drop at 39 in April 2016. Furthermore, the lowest interest was recorded in July 2012 at 8.
Popularity of the name Ophelia
URL: https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi
Where Is the Name Most Searched?
Search trends of Ophelia - Worldwide
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Global search trends show that Ireland leads the pack of countries searching for the name, generating the highest searches in the ten years. While this is followed by Canada, the UK, Ghana, and Hong Kong, the difference between search frequencies of Ireland and Canada is drastic.
Search trends of Ophelia - US
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Among the US sub-regions, Rhode Island has generated the maximum searches in the last ten years. This is followed by Idaho, Colorado, Connecticut, and Vermont, wrapping up the top 5 sub-regions.
Middle Names That Go With Ophelia
Middle names have become a crucial part of Western culture, allowing parents to beautify further and enhance the quality of their child’s name. Some double names with sounds that would suit your child named Ophelia are:
Rose
Jane
Quinn
Rue
Marie
Jo
Christina
Clara
Eloise
Thelma
Luna
Mae
Drew
Noelle
Nova
Ava
Aubrey
Adalia
Olivia
Emma
Famous People Named Ophelia
Famous people called Ophelia have solidified the name's status as a posh and luxurious option for girls. This can also be attributed to the drastic increase in babies named Ophelia in the last six years. Some of the celebrities or famous characters named Ophelia are:
Celebrity Name
Profession/Famous For
Ophelia Benson
American Author
Ophelia Magdalena Dahl
American Social justice and Healthcare Advocate
Ophelia Lucy Lovibond
English Actress
Ophelia DeVore
American Model
Ophelia Marie
Dominican Calypso singer
Ophelia Saint Grohl
Daughter of David Grohl
Ophelia Dagger
YouTube Influencer
Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta
Filipina Poet
Ophelia Ford
American Politician
Ophelia
Heroine in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Similar Names & Last Names
Baby names like Ophelia that have a similar essence and sound make a great alternative to the already beautiful name Ophelia. So, if you do not like the name as much as we do or you do not have suitable family names for Ophelia, you can choose from these other names for your daughter that exude the same feeling:
Similar Baby Names
Suitable Family Names
Persephone
Genevieve
Aurelia
Astrid
Juniper
Florence
Sabrina
Delilah
Cordelia
Seraphina
Beatrice
Penelope
Names That Sound Like Ophelia
Apart from its meaning, the sound of Ophelia is also extremely beautiful. So if you are looking for phonetically similar names, these names that rhyme with Ophelia can be your favorite:
Clementine
Aurora
Iris
Freya
Lilith
Olympia
Elodie
Olive
Evangeline
Octavia
Sibling Names Related to Ophelia
Choosing sibling names that go with Ophelia is another task you will have to go through if you choose this name. So, if you are confused, this list with some sister names for Ophelia, along with some brother names for your girl, can help you:
Sister Names for Ophelia
Brother Names for Ophelia
Annie
Jack
Simone
Jonathan
Selena
Dylan
Blair
Theodore
Blake
Timothy
Jennifer
Tristan
Leah
Liam
Chantel
Chase
Lisa
Spencer
Imelda
David
Nicknames for Ophelia
Nicknames are excellent for moving away from all formalities and using your creativity to call them in the most adorable way possible. If you are wondering which nickname would allow you to pour out your heart every time you call your daughter, these few names can help you:
Oph
Ophie
Sophie
Toffee
Lia
Ola
Lola
Lulu
LuluPie
Oli
Ophelia is one of the most beautiful Greek names for girls. While it has not been used much, you can help make it popular and give it the attention it deserves. So, now that you know more about the background of the name and many variations give this name to your daughter and see her bloom into a little lady!
Sources/References
Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi
Ophelia Name Popularity in the United States: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-09-30%202021-09-30&geo=US&q=Ophelia
Ophelia Name Popularity Across The World: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-09-30%202021-09-30&q=Ophelia
Ophelia Name Interest in the United States: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-09-30%202021-09-30&geo=US&q=Ophelia
Ophelia Name Interest Across The World: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-09-30%202021-09-30&q=Ophelia Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
8 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
7 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 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.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
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.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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