Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
8 Activities for Language Development in Babies Up to 6 months
Although each baby develops in a different manner, there are certain milestones that a baby should accomplish in the first few months of life. One of the earliest milestones that your baby will cross is language and speech.
One of the most amazing and fascinating aspects of infant development is communication. The first few months of your baby’s life are a complete joy ride for both you and your baby, if we only take aside the sleepless nights! What you do at this time lays the foundation for your baby's future growth and development. Let's take a look at some doctor-recommended activities to speed up language development in babies and to help them start talking earlier.
8 Activities for Developing Language Skills in Babies
As a parent, it’s important to observe, focus and encourage your little one through her milestones. Language and speech is the first milestone your baby will aim to achieve. So, how to develop language in babies? Here are some activities that you should engage your baby in to encourage her language development.
1. Read From Colourful Books
Books are the best way your baby can connect to the world. He will love to listen to the sound of your voice as you read. Choose bed time stories or books with contrasting and bright pictures for her to get attracted to them and respond. You will notice that she delightfully attempts to communicate back when she hears your voice and sees bright, colourful images. Some of the best books to pick at this time are:
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Toes, Ears and Nose by Marion Dane Bauer
2. Play Simple Word Games
Babies love to communicate and connect through games. Invent games that will involve the usage of words. The game can be very simple – just repeating a syllable, or saying a word over and over with rhythm. Babies attempt to mimic the words their parents use. This will encourage active communication and an engaging conversation with your little one, thus boosting language development in infants.
3. Play Copycat With Your Baby
Babies love to mimic their mothers and other caregivers. This can be a good idea to build their language development too. Simply spend time copying your baby's expressions, babbles, sounds, etc. Also create your own expressions and sounds when playing this game with your baby.
Watch: CUTEST Baby Talk Ever! We bet you won't be able to stop smiling widely while watching this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UfFY6PSVu0
4. Sing Songs For Your Baby
Babies love melodious tunes right from the time they are in the womb. Sing as much as possible to your baby - be it a lullaby, folk song or a nursery rhyme. Singing can comfort your baby. She will recognize your voice every time you sing to her and will try to hum the same. This encourages her to make an effort to use her vocal cords.
5. Name His Body Parts
When you bathe your baby or change his diaper, start naming different parts of his body. For example - baby's nose, eyes, toes, etc. You can also make up small rhymes as you do this. This activity helps develop body part recognition at an early age. This is very useful for developing language skills in babies.
6. Give Names to Your Baby's Favourite People
Babies soon start understanding more about their family members and distinguishing them from people they see only once in a while. A very beneficial activity for language development is to give names to all family members, pets, etc., and repeat them to the baby through the day. This repetition helps the baby slowly retain the information and learn to say it too!
7. Play Peek-a-Boo & Pass-The-Ball
Experts recommend that the games of peek-a-boo and pass-the-ball are excellent for teaching babies the skills of turn-taking, reacting and exchange - skills that are critical for language development in later life. Make sure you play these simple games with your baby often to promote language development from birth.
8. Talk, Talk and Talk!
Although your baby is too young and may not understand what you speak at this point of time, it is important that you actively talk to your baby on a daily basis. Keep a continuous conversation on as you bathe him, feed him, or take him out. Talk to him just like you would do to any other member in your family. He will learn the essence of speech and will attempt to communicate with you in his own way.
For language skills to evolve, parents need to make a conscious effort. It is important to engage your baby in language building activities. The first year of your baby is very important for language, cognitive development and speech. Your infant will be very eager to learn; you only have to support him.
As a parent you don’t need to be trained in helping your baby communicate. Simple ways at home can be used to nurture the perfect environment to listen and communicate. Go ahead and get talking with your baby! Read more
Suggested for you
Feeding Pillow - Benefits And How To Use It
Pregnancy is just half the story and is more of a preparation ground for motherhood. After your delivery, one of the challenging experiences you will go through is breastfeeding. While some mothers are fortunate to have a smooth breastfeeding experience, many others go through difficulties. Breastfeeding can be challenging for you and your baby until you are both in sync with each other. This can take about 4-6 weeks, and a feeding pillow can help ease the journey.
What Is A Feeding Pillow?
A feeding pillow (sometimes referred to as a nursing pillow) is a tool that is ergonomically designed to enhance the breastfeeding process.
How Do You Use A Feeding Pillow?
Step 1: For those who have a feeding pillow with a clasp, insert it sideways so that you can fasten the clasp with ease.
Step 2: Move it up to your breast level so that the baby doesn’t need to struggle to get a good latch on the nipple.
Step 3: You can recline a little to the back if you feel that the baby will find it easier to feed.
Step 4: A feeding pillow would sink down a little due to the weight of the baby. If the sinking is causing difficulty for your baby in latching onto your nipple, you can add regular pillows underneath between the pillow and your legs.
Step 5: Use your free hands to help swaddle the baby or adjust his/her head for a good latch.
The Benefits Of Using A Nursing Pillow
Sitting breastfeeding: There are many women who prefer to sit and breastfeed their children. It provides a good latching support system for the baby where they have easy access to the nipple.
Reduced Body Pain: An aching back and neck are some of the side effects associated with the breastfeeding learning curve. This happens because you must bring your baby up to your chest during feeding time. A feeding pillow eliminates any need for slouching or excessive bending.
Edge Over Conventional Pillows: A baby feeding pillow often comes equipped with latches to help fasten it to your body. There are some that have pockets which can be helpful as breastfeeding reduces your mobility.
Improved Baby Position: Most feeding pillows come with a raised platform for the baby’s head. This not only helps in proper latching but also reduces reflux action.
Multi-Utility: A nursing pillow can also be used for a baby’s tummy time as well as propping up your kid.
Dads Can Use It: Who says men can’t help with raising the kids? For those dads who want to bottle feed their babies, a nursing pillow can be a great support.
Pregnancy Usage: These pillows are versatile enough to be used before the baby is even born as they can also be used as pregnancy pillows.
Are There Any Disadvantages Of A Nursing Pillow?
Double-Edged Sword: Improper use of a nursing pillow can cause poor latching as the baby sinks into the pillow and may find it hard to get access to the nipple.
Bulky: Moms who are always on the go may find it cumbersome to lug along the pillow wherever they go.
No Standardised size: Women of different body types will require nursing pillows of varied sizes. The lack of a standard measure may make it difficult to figure out which might be a good fit for the mother.
Tips For Buying a Nursing Pillow
Size: Just like buying clothes, the nursing pillows are the ones that fit you comfortably. If they are too loose, they may slip and make it difficult for the baby to latch. But if the pillow is too small, it may leave space between your thighs and the pillow and may slide down due to the baby’s weight.
Shape: They come in different shapes and sizes, each with its own benefits. For example, an ‘O’ shaped pillow is good for back support whereas a crescent-shaped pillow is good for baby head support. Firm pillows go well for small babies as they sink less whereas larger babies need soft pillows for more leg-room.
Portability: Mommies on the go may not be comfortable carrying around a big pillow with them. If you’re on the go, it may be beneficial to buy the smaller, portable models.
Stain Resistance: Babies are messy and getting a pillow that doesn’t wash easily is going to leave marks. Consider purchasing only those which are easy to wash.
Fabric Constitution: Infants have sensitive skin so it’s best to avoid synthetic material like polyester as it may cause skin irritation and rashes. Cotton is a healthy alternative that can be used. One must also avoid flame-retardant and wrinkle-free pillows (they contain formaldehyde and may be carcinogenic).
Good Reviews: Talk to your friends, fellow first-time mommies and check online reviews. Sometimes, a product may look great on paper but performs poorly in live conditions.
Clasp: These keep the pillow secure and aid breastfeeding.
Some Safety Measures
A breastfeed pillow requires constant supervision on your part as it comes with the risk of cerebral asphyxia. This means death due to poor supply of oxygen to the brain. This happens when the baby is face down and is unable to recover from this dangerous position. As a precaution, parents can remove nursing pillows from the baby’s crib.
The feeding pillow is designed to enhance the breastfeeding experience by providing structural support as well as freeing the nursing mother’s hand. As there is a feeding pillow for each body type, you can physically try out a pillow before buying one.
Also Read:
Breastfeeding with Small Breasts: Concerns & Tips
Tips for Breastfeeding with Large Breasts
Myths & Facts About Breastfeeding Your Baby Read more
Suggested for you
10 Kid-Friendly Halloween Party Games for a Spooktacular Time
Have plans to organize perfect Halloween party games to give children a spooktacular time; you have to first scour the stores for the right costume and build up a candy stash which would make Willy Wonka proud. The ultimate idea is not to make the party games scary or send the children home, terrified to go to bed. You would definitely prefer a party where the fun will be there, and memories would be cherished. The party games would involve objects that you already have at your house. Halloween games are always spooktacularly fun and are great for people of all age groups. Some Fang-tastic games for all the family members make the occasion all the more special.
Fun Halloween Party Games Ideas for Kids
The Halloween time is the spookiest time of the year when people are filled with ‘Halloween Spirit’. The actual success of a party lies in planning the kid-friendly Halloween games. Here are some ideas to organize such games that will be a huge win and will also make you a coveted party planner. A frighteningly fun Halloween party is what you would wish to throw. A list of easy –to –assemble games is given below:
1. Mummy Wrap
It can be one of the best spooky Halloween games for kids. The hilarious game gets everyone into the festive mood of Halloween. The aim here is to wrap up a person using a roll of toilet paper and to make him appear as a mummy before the other team. The children run away when the creepy, scary mummy thus created, chases them.
What You Will Need
Toilet Paper (loads of it )
Scissors (1 for each pair)
How to Play
Pair the kids off, Allot lots of toilet paper for the game to each pair
The pair that wraps the other as a mummy the quickest wins the game
It has to be done perfectly so that the body appears to be absolutely like a mummy
The team which is fastest is also awarded a prize. The game becomes interesting when the mummy tries to chase and scare the little children
2. Guess the Number
There are hundreds of ideas of Halloween games for preschool kids. This game, in particular, is sure to be a big hit for kids and adults alike. It is a great guessing game which can be played in any party. Some Dracula Teeth are kept in a container, and the children are supposed to guess the number right.
What You Will Need
A bowl or a container
Some Candy corn
How to Play
Take some candy corn (Dracula Teeth) in a container
The participants stand in a line waiting for their turn
Children are to be called one at a time to guess on how many Dracula teeth are in the bowl and the answers are to be recorded
The winner is rewarded with a prize on the basis of the right guess
It sounds like so much fun for the little kids who would play the game
3. Eyeball Toss
Many a time scary Halloween games for kids are organised to create spooktacular time. The game not only refreshes the kids but also improves the reflexes of the child. It is quick to set up and play the game involving little babies. They have to play in pairs, and one will throw the eyeball, and the other is expected to catch the same. It is a game about a good partnership.
What You Will Need
Some Solo cups
Some Green grapes (eyeballs)
Blindfold arrangement (a handkerchief or a long sock)
How to Play
The game requires two kids in each team. One child is to be blindfolded and turned around to face away from his partner
The other partner needs to hold a solo cup. The teammate who is blindfolded has to toss an eyeball over his shoulder which the other child should try to catch
The team which catches the most eyeballs is declared the winner
Very young kids can play without the blindfold. It is such an adorable game for the young kids
4. The Witches’ Limbo
The game is full of zest and vigour which can be a hit in any Halloween party. This brilliant ghostly game is perfect to be played with all family members and friends. All vibrantly attired kids are made to go under the broom. If it happens to touch any part of the body, then the child is made to sit in a cauldron.
What You Will Need
A broom
Some Halloween decorations
Halloween music
A dark cauldron
How to Play
Kids should be dressed up in costumes, and then the Halloween music should be played
A broom should be decorated and all the kids, by turns, should be asked to line up and then they should go under the broom, one at a time
If any part of the body of the participants touches the witches’ broom, they will be asked to sit in a bubbling cauldron
A dark cauldron would be required to fit the children in
The last child who is left to defeat the lowering of the broom is announced as the winner
5. Pirate Jack’s Right Eye
It is an entertaining indoor Halloween game for kids that help to improve balance and gait. Apart from entertainment, the game can infuse enthusiasm and zeal. The child will be expected to balance a cookie on his eyes and has to eat it with his hands at the back. What a challenge it is!
What You Will Need
Round cookies
How to Play
A round cookie is to be placed over each child’s eye
The first to eat the cookie with his hands behind the back is declared the winner
It is quite difficult to eat the cookie in one minute without using hands
The child is to be disqualified if the cookie falls off the face. It is so easy to play and so much fun to see the small kids trying to balance the cookie
6. Frankenstein’s Cafe
A game to guess and eat as well is perfect Halloween food game for kids. Any Halloween party can be so much more engaging with such kinds of games for the little ones. The little ones have to touch, feel and taste the dishes to guess the name of the dish.
What You Will Need
Creative food
A handkerchief or a long sock for blindfolding
How to Play
The kids are to be made to sit around a table where several kinds of Frankenstein’s Halloween Specials are displayed
The Specials can be Dracula Teeth made with candy corn, Toxic Waste made up of Green Macaroni and cheese, Eyeballs made of grapes and Witches finger with hotdogs
A child who is blindfolded will be served some of the Specials
The child must touch and feel and eat each Special and guess the dish
The child who is not blindfolded, i.e. the partner, has to write down all the guesses
The kid with highest right answers wins the game
The partners can be switched, and different food items can be used to continue the game
7. Pumpkin Bowling
It is a spooky Halloween game for kids which can double up the entertainment quotient. It is a perfect outdoor Halloween game for kids. The children have to bowl into the stacked pins to knock them down to keep adding points. It is quite a challenging game, but kids love to take up challenges.
What You Will Need
Some Pumpkins
A Black Marker
6 toilet paper rolls
How to Play
With the help of the white toilet paper rolls bowling pins are to be created
Spooky ghosts can be created by drawing the eyes and a mouth on the pins
Using a pumpkin, the child has to bowl into the stacked pins
The pins knocked down with a scary ghost face drawn on them are awarded 4 points, and the pins knocked down with a happy face are worth 3 points
The child who scores the highest points based on the worth of the pins knocked down is declared the winner
8. Hut Hut Hoop
This game is a lively and creative game to make the party fun memorable. It will keep all the children excitedly entertained. A zombie style football attracts children, and they love to play the game to test if they can score goals for their teams.
What You Will Need
Hula Hoops
A Toilet paper roll
How to Play
Make use of the ghostly toilet paper as a football
It is a game of football in a zombie style
Instead of making a traditional field goal, two children are to be made to stand on each end with the hula hoop
The team which scores a number of goals wins the outdoor Halloween game.
To make the game spooktacular, children can wear their favourite costume and make the game look scarier
9. Pumpkin Stack Relay Race
This game full of agility for young fitness freaks. It is a wonderful idea of a party game challenging yet easy to play. Children have to race up and down and also stack the pumpkins on reaching the table. Though not easy, it is quite a popular game for all kids to play.
What You Will Need
A table
A Table Coordinator
Some mini pumpkins
How to Play
The game requires two teams of four or more kids
A table has to be set up with 5 mini pumpkins
Each child will require to race down to the table and stack the pumpkins and race back to the starting point
If the stacked pumpkins fall, they will have to be re-stacked
The team which gets 3 or more cycles of pumpkin stacking successfully is declared the winner
The table coordinator is responsible for unstacking the pumpkins to keep the table ready for the next participant
It is a great party game idea for the little ones
10. Bobbing for Doughnuts
This is a great fun game for children to eat and enjoy the Halloween party. When both the things children love are packed in one, it becomes the most sought-after game for a Halloween party. The little ones are supposed to eat the hanging doughnuts keeping their hands at the back. Not at all an easy venture for the kids but as you know, kids love to prove their mettle in every game by trying their best.
What You Will Need
Two chairs or trees
A Rope
Some Doughnuts
How to Play
Take two chairs and tie a rope between them for very small kids
For older kids, tie a rope between two trees high enough for children to reach
Tie two doughnuts about 12 inches apart on the rope
The children need to keep their hands at the back and begin only when a signal is given
The one who finishes eating the doughnut in one minute is awarded a prize for winning
The child has to be disqualified if the doughnut falls off the rope before finishing
Halloween Party Games are a big part of great family memories. The best part about these fun games is that they are all kid friendly and can be altered to accommodate and suit any age group. The cute costumes and lots of goodies add zing to the party. The Halloween Party Games can provide loads of joy and crank the fun up a few notches with such amazing and crowd-pleasing games. The most awaited part of a Halloween Party is, no doubt, the bursting of a Piñata and be showered with lots and lots of candies and goodies. The Halloween Party games are a perfect occasion to bring creativity to the fore in terms of dressing up in various costumes, decorating pumpkins with lights, playing different games, thus collecting memories to cherish forever. The ghoulish games, tricks, and treats after playing the brilliant ghostly games, fill the children with satisfaction and pleasant memories.
Also Read: Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids
Read more
Suggested for you
Swimming During Pregnancy
When you are carrying a whole new life inside you while you are pregnant, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. When we enter a pool or any other water body, we only weigh a tenth of our actual weight, and this is something that works in your favour when you swim while pregnant. Imagine becoming weightless in water. Swimming could be the best exercise for a pregnant as it can take care of many aches and pains that are associated with pregnancy.
Is Swimming Safe During Pregnancy?
Mention swimming as an exercise during pregnancy and the first thought that crosses one’s mind is, can pregnant women swim? Fortunately, swimming is a highly recommended exercise for pregnant women, as it helps to maintain their health in a profoundly relaxing manner. However, if there are certain complications or the possibility of a high-risk pregnancy, then certain precautionary measures are necessary. If you have been doing prenatal swimming, there is no reason why you shouldn’t continue during this period, unless medically advised not to. It would be challenging to learn swimming during pregnancy though. You should not exert the body beyond its limits and understand how much your body can give in to this exercise.
What to Wear While Swimming?
As your stomach expands your favourite swimsuit will no longer be able to hold you. A two-piece suit gives a lot of space for the growing baby, so try one. You can opt for a maternity swimsuit f you are not comfortable flaunting your bloated tummy. Check with your regular swimwear brand for one, as maternity swimwear is quite fashionable.
Suggested Swimming Workouts in Pregnancy
There are many pregnancy swimming exercises you could try out in the pool. In fact, you should be prepared with a basic workout before you step into the water. Speak to your instructor and brief him/her about your condition and he could design a suitable regime.
If you have occasionally swum earlier, begin slowly and gradually and increase the duration and number of laps. The key is to remain comfortable during the session and work up a moderate speed that does not make you breathless. Double breast-stroke and frog kicks are ideal for beginners.
If you have been a regular swimmer before pregnancy and your doctor has green-signalled it, you can continue your daily workout. Carry out 5 to 6 sets of 4 laps each using a single style or alternating between different ones to give a complete work out to your body.
Benefits of Swimming
Is swimming good for pregnancy? If this is the question that comes to your mind, then check out the benefits of swimming during pregnancy:
Swimming is the perfect exercise for pregnant women to maintain their weight
It is a low-impact exercise that benefits cardiovascular health
It increases strength, tones muscles and improves blood circulation
It reduces the stress on the spine and surrounding muscles
Swimming helps to strengthen muscles and their functionality around the shoulders and spine
It helps a pregnant woman to relax and lower fatigue levels
Swimming is also known to improve sleep quality
It is better than other exercises since it is easy on ligaments and joints of a pregnant woman
Tips for Swimming When Pregnant
Here are a few tips for pregnant moms to know if they love the swimming pool:
Swimming During Pregnancy: First Trimester
During the first trimester, you should ideally swim for 30 minutes every day, provide your doctor approves and you have the strength. Start your day with a swim and your morning nausea will vanish, while improving your overall strength.
Swimming During Pregnancy: Second Trimester
As the baby size grows and the body becomes heavier, most mothers-to-be abandon their swimming or reduce the frequency. If your back is acting up, do the backstroke since it will help you to lie on your back and won’t affect the blood flow too. Buy a larger and a more accommodating swimsuit if the present one is cramping your swimming style.
Swimming During Pregnancy: Third Trimester
If you want to reduce the stress on your back muscles, the breaststroke is the best style to use. It also works on the chest muscles and helps elongate it. Using a snorkel is also a good idea as it helps to relieve neck pressure. Be careful while walking on wet surfaces and use anti-slip footwear.
Warning Signs to Check for While Swimming During Pregnancy
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek help and leave the pool immediately:
Vaginal Bleeding
Pain in the Abdomen or lower
Fluid loss
Uterine contractions
Dizziness, light-headedness or breathlessness
Irregular heartbeats
Overall, women who have had multiple miscarriages, ruptured membranes or any heart disease should avoid swimming during pregnancy or seek medical advice before starting.
Precautions to Take During Swimming
Swimming is an excellent way to exercise your body and relax at the same time, provided you take the following precautions during swimming:
Make sure you are keeping yourself hydrated enough if you are swimming for 30 minutes or more, by drinking fluids and glucose supplements.
Do not jump or dive into the pool as this could cause harm to your baby and you.
Avoid swimming if you feel unwell or feel a cold coming as this could aggravate it further
Do not swim in the sea or the lake if the weather is bad or cold. It is also best to stay close to the shore and have someone look out for you.
Swimming in unknown waters can be unsafe for you and your baby, especially if the water is contaminated.
Make sure you are not straining yourself too much, keep in mind that you need to be extra careful with your movements. Follow correct posture in pregnancy and do not make jerky movements.
There are many positives one can derive out of swimming when you are pregnant. A relaxing swim in a pleasant environment is much needed to soothe the nerves and calm yourself. Take the right precautions during these sessions to get the most out of it while having fun.
Also Read: Walking During Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
Raped By Uncle, Fighting For Abortion: This 10-Year-Old Girl's Story Will Make You Question Everything About Our Law
Her favourite subject is English, she loves to draw and watch cartoons! But this 10 year old lost her childhood to something terrible - falling pregnant from rape!
10 years. Most children at this age are learning new things every day with an air of innocence that is enviable. But for one 10 year old from Chandigarh, this age is not about learning and playing anymore – it’s about fighting for an abortion!
How Her Mother Discovered She Was Pregnant
This little girl is the daughter of a domestic help and a government employee. The girl is only 10 year old, in the best years of childhood, but she has faced more trauma already than most adults.
She was raped by her uncle over a period of seven to eight months. The little girl didn’t realise that she was pregnant – how could she? Worse yet, she has previously undergone surgery for a hole in her heart and her body is in no way ready for a pregnancy, let alone a delivery!
While her uncle stopped visiting the family in March, it was too late for the little girl - she was already pregnant. But the rape and pregnancy only came to light in July when the little girl started showing. A neighbour noticed her ‘swollen’ stomach and enquired further. She said:
“I asked the girl if she was taking medicines for her heart, thinking the swelling could be a side effect of the medicines. She seemed to have put on weight, but the bulge looked like a pregnancy. When I asked her mother if the girl’s periods were regular, she said she hadn’t had them for some months. I asked her to immediately take the child to the doctor.”
On the same evening, July 13, the little girl took a pregnancy test and her whole life changed. The results came out positive. The sexual abuse came to light when the girl revealed that her uncle had raped her “five or six times”.
Her mother approached the police to file an FIR against her 40 year old brother and the man was arrested soon after.
Why Can’t The Little Girl Get an Abortion?
An abortion comes to mind as the most logical and humane step in this case. The body of a girl only 10 years old is in no way ready to deliver a baby! However, the shocking thing is, her parents could NOT get an abortion yet. This is because, under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 (MTP), an abortion cannot be allowed without court intervention when the pregnancy is in advanced stages at an estimate of 24-26 weeks.
The parents approached the District Court with an appeal for medical termination of the pregnancy. However, the Additional District and Sessions Judge Poonam Joshi turned down the appeal after studying the medical reports. The reports suggested: if the girl underwent abortion, there could be “high chances of physical trauma”, especially due to her age, health and medical history. The case is so complicated that the doctors can’t predict the outcome of the pregnancy and whether the baby will survive, because in addition to her heart ailment, the girl’s pelvic bones too aren’t fully developed to carry and deliver a baby safely.
Another doctor familiar with the case even added, “The case can no longer be considered for abortion. It has to be considered as a premature delivery now.”
The mother was understandably distraught and her eyes brimmed with tears as she said, “What does she know, she is only 10 years old. She doesn’t understand all this, she has no idea about her pregnancy. Our plight has become public news… we didn’t want that. We just want her to be healthy and happy. We don’t need any help, we are okay alone. Her father doesn’t want us to talk or say anything about her. He is a broken man since we found out.”
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court and the case was examined further before the next hearing on July 28. The bench said:
"Before the matter is taken up for hearing on July 28, the Member Secretary, after having followed the procedure and obtained due permission of at least one of the parents of the child, shall have the child examined at the PGI, Chandigarh, from a Board of Doctors on July 26, so as to affirm one way or the other, whether the health of the girl child concerned, who is stated to be of the age of 10 years, and also that of the fetus, would be adversely affected, if the pregnancy is continued for the full term.”
The parents of the lieelt girl has thier hopes pined on this udgement by the Supreme Court. However, The Supreme Court too has turned down the appeal basis the medical report that the abortion is not safe for the girl or the foetus. With this it seems that unfortunately, the girl will have to carry a baby to term and give birth as well.
The MTP and What The Law Says
As per the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, termination of a pregnancy after 20 weeks is not permissible. The act was passed in an effort to crackdown on illegal and unsafe abortions where women would undergo abortion after gender determination tests of the foetus. This led to the killing of many girl babies right in the womb.
However, there have been cases like this where underage rape victims, unaware of the pregnancy till it was past 20 weeks, and women who have found out about significant abnormalities in the foetus after 20 weeks, have moved the court for medical termination of these pregnancies. Keeping in mind these cases, the Centre had put into motion the process of making an amendment to the MTP in 2014 as per which the time period would be extended to 24 weeks for abortion. It was also proposed to do away with any time limit on cases where the foetus has significant deformities.
However, the proposed amendment is yet to be passed by the Cabinet.
Child Sexual Abuse in India
Childhood is a vulnerable time, and children need nurturing and care through this impressionable time as they learn their way around before becoming independent adults. Any sort of negative experience or abuse - physical, sexual or emotional - can have a lasting and scarring impact on the child and hamper his ability to function as a proper adult.
Child Sexual Abuse in specific is where an adult/ older adolescent uses a child for his or her sexual stimulation and this can result in physical and mental trauma for the child. The term includes:
Sexual Grooming: Establishing contact with child or his/her family with the intent of sexual abuse
Sexual Exploitation: Exploitation of child to produce child pornography or involve them in child trafficking
Sexual Assault: Rape, sodomy and penetration, etc.
India is home to 19% of the world’s child population, but it also holds the distinction of having the highest number of sexually abused children. In India:
A child below 16 years is raped every 155th minute
A child below 10 years is raped every 13th hour
As per a study conducted by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), which involved 125000 children, 53% of children faced one or more forms of sexual abuse with about 20% of the children having faced severe forms of abuse.
But perhaps the most shocking fact is this: Child Incestuous Abuse is the most common form of child sexual abuse. Here, the abuser is related to the child – a family member or a close relative. As per one study, 70% of abusers were related to their victims, while another study stated that only 10% of abusers were complete strangers to their victims.
The Dangers of Pregnancy and Delivery at Just 10 Years of Age
Goes without saying, the dangers are many and very severe! At the age of 10 years, a girl is not physically or mentally developed or ready itself to nurture another child. While the mental trauma is obvious with the sexual abuse of the girl and the strain of pregnancy, the physical trauma too can have drastic impact and in certain cases be fatal for either or both - the mother and child.
For nurturing of the foetus, the placenta takes nutrients from the mother’s body. For young girls, the body too is developing itself and thus will not be left with enough nutrients for both, the baby and the mother. This will lead to incomplete/unhealthy development of the baby as well as the mother
The pregnancy itself will put a major strain on the mother’s delicate body as, during an ideal pregnancy, blood flow is up by 50%
For delivery, a young girl’s pelvic bones aren’t developed enough to carry and deliver a child safely. Due to this, normal delivery can be risky. Normal delivery risks include days of labour that can result in death of the mother as the birth canal isn’t wide enough for the baby. The baby doesn't survive either. If the mother does survive, she is likely to develop fistulas - holes in the wall between the vagina and rectum or bladder due to which urine or faeces can leak through the vagina.
Even C-sections can be risky as surgeries during weakened bodily state add to the complications of pregnancy – a pregnancy that is already complicated enough at such an early age and with the onset of puberty
The 10-year-old girl and her family are going through an excruciating situation, and we cannot even fathom their pain. The little one has already faced a heart surgery. She is facing another life threatening condition now. It is saddening to see that the Indian Judicial system has somehow failed to protect its children from sexual abuse, and now, is failing to protect them from the life changing condition that is pregnancy at such a young age. It’s about time that the law and order situation in India is amended to not only protect our children from sexual assault, but also work to provide relief for victims of sexual assault. We wish the little girl speedy recovery from the physical trauma of the pregnancy, as well as from the mental trauma that the incident has left on her. Our prayers are with you, little one. Read more
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
10 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
9 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
4 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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
Check out this new Memory
MAHEEN QAYAM
Mom of a 5 m old boy
New Memory
1st Eid💖
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Arjun
Father of a 1 yr 2 m old boy
New Memory
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Ayush
Guardian of a 1 yr 2 m old boy
1 min ago
#stylishbaby Kiaan
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
seethal madhu
Mom of a 5 m old girl
2 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
suman
Mom of a 2 yr 1 m old boy
2 mins ago
#walloffame
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