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Neck Pain During Pregnancy - Causes, Remedies, and Prevention
A pregnant woman's body goes through a lot of hormonal changes. The imbalance in hormones, expanding belly, changes in the posture, and a lack of mobility can lead to neck pain which can extend to the back and shoulders as well.
During pregnancy, a woman might feel stiffness in her neck during the first trimester and experience pain as the pregnancy progresses. Neck pain is more of discomfort that starts in the neck and advances to the shoulder and muscles nearby. This causes stiffness, headache, numbness, or even swelling in the neck. Most pregnant women think that there is no way to combat the pain and that they will silently have to bear it. But that’s not true! Some women take painkillers after consulting with their doctors but some even try home remedies. The best way to counter neck pain is with simple home remedies. If you are experiencing neck pain too during pregnancy, here's everything you need to know about it.
Causes of Neck Pain During Pregnancy
Some common causes of neck pain during pregnancy are mentioned below:
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes and bodily changes during pregnancy post conception can trigger neck pain. The overdrive of hormones causes the neck muscles to slacken and this causes pain in that region.
Excessive pressure on muscles: During pregnancy, the ligaments of the neck tend to expand and the muscles of the back and spine experience more pressure as a woman’s abdomen begins to grow to accommodate the growing foetus. This leads to neck pain.
Changes in the posture: As pregnant women are advised to sleep on their left side, the constant pressure on the left part of the body due to this sleeping posture causes stiffness in the neck and leads to pain.
Lack of mobility: Staying in the same position for extended periods of time during pregnancy can make your muscles sore and stiff. If you are pregnant, you need to move around enough to keep your muscles warm. Lack of mobility only leads to stiffness and may result in neck pain during the later stages of pregnancy.
Home Remedies for Neck Pain During Pregnancy
If you experience neck pain during pregnancy, avoid taking pain relievers or any other medication unless specified by your doctor. However, this does not mean, you should live with the pain. There are several home remedies that can help alleviate neck pain if practised correctly. Following are some simple treatments that will help in relieving neck, shoulder and upper back pain during pregnancy:
Try warm compress.
A warm compress can help relieve neck pain to an extent. Get a warm compress and apply it on the neck every day to beat the pain. Use it at regular intervals if needed.
How about a cold compress?
Similar to a warm compress, a cold compress can also help you beat the pain. Simply, take an ice pack and place it on the neck region. It will help provide relief from the pain to a great extent.
Change your pillow.
Using a wrong pillow or too many pillows to provide support to your head can cause neck pain and backache. So invest in a good, comfortable pillow, preferably a maternity pillow. You will slowly get relief from neck pain. You can also use a maternity pillow to support your knees. Place the pillow between your knees to maintain a good sleeping posture.
Stretch it out!
Stretching can also bring about relief from neck and back pain during pregnancy. So if you are pregnant, it is important that you do some pregnancy-safe stretches. Stretching while pregnant can lengthen your muscles, relax your body, and relieve stress too. Apart from doing stretches, you can also practice light yoga and pregnancy-safe workouts.
Try hydrotherapy!
Hydrotherapy can also provide relief from neck pain. When you are in the shower, target the force of the water on the affected area. Let the water run on the neck for 3 to 4 minutes. Switch to cold water for another 60 seconds. Repeat for a few times, you will feel better. The hot water stimulates blood circulation and eases the stiff muscles while the cold water lowers any inflammation that exists. However, hydrotherapy should be done under supervision.
Try swimming!
You can also indulge in some water-based sports like swimming to get rid of neck pain. Swimming is known to ease neck pain, but one must consult with a doctor before taking up swimming or any other water-based sports.
Use a tennis ball.
You could put a tennis ball to use to relieve you of pain. Keep the softball between your back and the wall and move slowly from one side to the other. And use your body weight to get the desired amount of pressure.
Get a neck massage.
Ask your husband or someone in the family to give you a neck massage. A neck massage will relax your muscles. For better results, get a massage after a hot bath. You can also opt for prenatal massages if you can. Try massaging with lavender oil, coconut oil, or olive oil for better results.
Tips to Prevent Neck Pain
As they say, prevention is better than cure. So here are a few ways to prevent neck pain during pregnancy:
Maintain a good posture. As you gain weight, there will be a lot of pressure on your spine and you may feel neck and back pain. So it is essential that you maintain a straight and firm position. Avoid slouching as it will only put pressure on the neck area and result in pain.
You can take up swimming or other water-based exercises after consulting with your doctor - it will help prevent neck pain during pregnancy!
Always maintain an eye level when looking at things and try not to slouch. This is important for women who work in front of a screen. If you slouch or look down, it will put pressure on your neck and it may hurt.
Use the right pillow while sleeping. A pillow that is hard and uncomfortable can stress your neck muscles. So invest in a good pillow!
Simple Exercises to Ease Neck Pain During Pregnancy
You can combat neck pain during pregnancy especially in the first trimester with simple workouts and exercises that are safe to practice at home. Try these exercises after seeking medical consultation. And if the pain persists, make sure you check with your doctor immediately.
Sit straight on the floor and look ahead. Then turn your head to the left side as far as it can stretch and stay in this position for about 15 seconds. Then slowly turn your head to the original position. Then turn your head to the right; hold this position for about 15 seconds then slowly turn your head to the original position.
Slowly push your chin down to the chest and stay in this position for fifteen seconds, then come back to your original pose. This will relax your neck muscles and provide relief from neck pain.
Neck pain is common during pregnancy but it can be treated with home remedies and simple pregnancy-safe exercises. But if the pain is excessive and home remedies fail to work, consulting a doctor before trying out any techniques at home is a must as a doctor will be able to rule out the possibility of any complications.
Also Read: Exercises to Relieve Back Pain During Pregnancy Read more
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How to Boost Immunity during Pregnancy
While pregnant, you need to take extreme care of yourself, because you're not just looking after yourself, but your baby as well. Your immunity is of top concern, as is your child's.
Your immune system is like a shield - it protects you from illness, germs, toxins and infections, by providing a resistance. Your body's own defence system, the immune system is one of the most important systems in your body, without which the functioning of your organs and overall health can be compromised.
Pregnant women are said to be more prone to diseases and infections, as opposed to women who are not pregnant, so it is imperative that an expecting mother does everything it takes to keep her immune system top notch. This is because the body lowers its immunity, so that the mother's body does not reject the baby.
Effects of Weak Immune System in Pregnancy
So what happens if you have a weakened immune system during pregnancy?
What happens to you, happens to your child. So, if your immune system is weak, you're making it easier for infections, toxins, and germs to enter and thrive.
You'll see that you end up having a flu way too many times than usual.
Tiredness and fatigue is common during pregnancy but if your immunity is low, then you'll see a whole new level of tiredness and fatigue.
Morning sickness is common during pregnancy too, but like tiredness and fatigue, you'll see more of this than usual, thanks to a weak immune system.
A strong immune system means a healthy foetus. So if the growth of your baby is not up to the mark and development is slow or stunted, blame it on your weak immune system.
Tips to Boost Immune System When Pregnant
Here are a few tips on how to boost immune system when pregnant
Take probiotics regularly. Probiotics are found naturally in foods like kefir, yoghurt, and sauerkraut, but you can take supplements that are found over the counter in medical stores or the supermarket as well. Probiotics help in increasing your immunity as well as your child's. It can help protect your child from any asthma and allergies in the long run as well.
Make sure you eat a nutritious diet. Pregnancy can cause you to crave a lot of weird food, and while it is okay to indulge once in a while, you need to remember that you're eating for two people - you and your child, and your child needs good, healthy food. Make sure you have enough protein, carbs, fat, vitamins and the whole lot that falls under nutrition - these are foods that help boost immune system during pregnancy.
Make sure you get enough sleep. Your body needs to be well rested during pregnancy and more so if you plan on boosting your immunity. Your body is dealing with a lot right now, physically, emotionally and physiologically. Give it some good rest.
Make sure you have a positive environment around you. Laughing, as a matter of fact can help boost your immunity too, as surprising as it sounds. Wallowing in a negative environment is the last thing you need during your pregnancy.
Stack up on Vitamin D. This helps with your immunity, boosting it and helping with fertility.
Zinc is another element that you need to make sure you consume too.
Keep yourself hydrated. Water really should be the elixir of life, considering how much we depend on it. Make sure you have an intake of 8 to 12 glasses of water a day without fail.
Keep yourself warm, especially during winter. Don't get drenched in the rain, and stay away from too much sunlight too.
Exercise regularly. This is highly beneficial for both you and your baby as the body really needs exercise. It can help keep a tab on your body temperature, regulate blood flow, and help with hormonal balance as well.
Follow the above points and make sure you take pregnancy in your stride with a smile. This can be a trying time for you, but you have the license to go ahead and pamper yourself with all the love and care in the world. Begin by boosting your immunity, so that both you and your child have a healthy life.
Also read: 10 Healthy & Refreshing Drinks During Pregnancy,
What Medicines To Avoid When Pregnant Read more
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Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child! Do I Believe It?
Reading the title again? This is my first article here and you may wonder what kind of topic is this. One of the biggest challenges and questions every parent faces is discipline.When should we start? How should we do it? Who should do it? How often should we do it?The list goes on and on.I believe in disciplining kids and follow the following principles.
1. It's never too early to start.
My husband and I started disciplining our daughter when she was around 6 months old. Too early, some may say. But she knew she was doing something wrong. She was told not to touch the laptop and she did so again and again, so my husband gave her a flick on the hand to let her know that disobeying was not appreciated. If they know what they are doing is wrong, then they are old enough to understand punishment as well. One of my friends told me that I should start disciplining only after my daughter turns 4 because till then the child won't understand anything. I told her that by then the child would have already built convictions and behaviour and character, and changing all that would be difficult. The child would also be surprised as to why there was suddenly a change - what was okay till now is suddenly not okay. That could be confusing, right?
2. It is never too late to start.
I realised the importance of discipline when I became a mother. Only then did I understand why my parents chose to discipline me. I am who I am today because they scolded me and did not spare the rod. So if you haven't started doing it with your child, I guess you should.
3. Discipline shows love.
Disciplining the child shows love. My child will realise that what I do is because I love her and because I want her to learn and do what is right.
4. Do not interfere and do not let anyone interfere either.
My husband and I have an agreement that when I am disciplining our daughter, he will not step in and save her, and when he is correcting our daughter, I won't be taking her side. She tries though, really hard, hoping that the other one will save her but we stay strong. I may have to turn my face away to hide my tears, but it is important that the child knows the parents' convictions are the same. Otherwise, they'll learn to manipulate. After it is all done, pamper them as much as your heart desires.
5. A 'no' is a 'no'
When I say no, my daughter runs to her pappa and asks with all the sweetness in the world, 'Can I?' And he says no because mamma said no. The same goes the other way round.We love our daughter so much that we want her to know right from wrong and also that when something wrong is done, there will be consequences.
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
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Milk for Toddlers - Importance and How to Choose the Right Milk
All parents want that their babies to be healthy and strong. As soon as you have your baby in your arms, you start thinking about different nutritious foods for him. Of course, for the first six months you will be giving him breastmilk, but then what? This is a common question that all new moms ask. Along with other foods, milk should also form a part of their diet. You know giving milk to your baby is important, but do you know why all doctors and elders stress on giving milk to toddlers? Well, if you don't know then read this article to understand why milk is important for toddlers.
Importance of Milk for Toddlers
Your mother and grandmother must have told you how they made you drink milk every morning when you were a child. You must have made faces and refused to drink it, but somehow they got you to empty that big glass of milk every single day for your own good. Milk is important for a baby's development this is why you should be giving milk to your toddler every day. It has other benefits too, find out what they are.
1. Strong Bones
Milk is an essential source of calcium and fats which are important nutrients for a growing toddler. Calcium helps in the growth and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. In addition, calcium molecules are also used to signal muscle contraction and nerve stimulation.
2. Prevents Bone Disorders
In addition to calcium, milk contains trace amounts of Vitamin D too. This nutrient strengthens the bones and prevents bone disorders, such as osteomalacia and rickets.
3. Healthy Weight Maintenance
Milk is a source of high-quality protein. The dairy protein even contains amino acids used in muscle synthesis. The satiating effect of protein even helps prevent over-eating. Consumption of a healthy amount of dairy products can also help in maintaining a healthy weight. Studies have linked continued consumption of dairy to the prevention of obesity in adolescence.
How Much Milk Should Your Toddler Drink
Children should consume formula milk or breastmilk until they turn a year old. After that, you can start off with one cup of milk. This can be increased to two cups once they are two-years-old. Avoid giving them more as they would feel full and not eat other food.
What Kind of Milk Is Right for Your Toddler
With all the new information coming every other day on the internet about food and milk, it is hard to judge which information to trust. However, when choosing milk for your toddler, here is what you should consider.
1. Start whole-fat milk if
Your child is 1 year old and just shifting to milk.
Your child is below healthy weight or of normal weight.
2. Start low-fat milk if
Your child has turned 2.
If your child has put on excessive weight.
If your child is experiencing constipation (it could be a result of whole fat milk or simply, too much milk).
Should You Be Concerned If Your Toddler Hates Drinking Milk
There is no need to stress yourself if your baby is refusing to drink milk. Just like adults, toddlers too have their unique taste. While milk certainly is a great source of calcium, vitamin D and fats, these can be found in other foods too. So introduce other food items but keep trying to give them milk in different ways.
What to Do If Your Toddler Refuses to Drink Milk
If your toddler is refusing to drink milk, here are a few ways you can try to get him to gulp down that glass of nutritious milk.
Slow the Transition
A good way to prevent your child from going off milk is to introduce it in small amounts. If you are transitioning from breastmilk or formula, try mixing the breastmilk or formula with milk for at least first two weeks, but don't mix too much.
Enhance the taste
Take a moment to look back on your own childhood. Were you the greatest fan of plain, warm milk with a bit of sugar in it? May be you were, may be not! Ask your parents, how they got you to drink milk. If your baby is refusing to drink plain milk, consider different options, like chocolate milk or a nice warm cup of cocoa. Chocolate will enhance the taste of milk, and your little one won't refuse to drink it.
Start Small
If your baby is refusing to drink milk, try to cultivate the taste. Try easing him into it by offering only half a glass or even less initially. Start small and then in a few weeks time, increase the amount to a glassful.
Shake it Up
If your baby is stubborn and refrains from drinking milk, then it's time you add flavour to it and make it more interesting. Add fruits to the milk. A colourful milkshake is nothing like boring plain milk and you will see that in a matter of minutes your little one will drink it.
Foods With Dairy
There are lots of other dairy products that can be introduced too. There is butter, paneer, cheese and ghee. These can be introduced too, but you must consult a paediatrician before giving them to your child. However, nothing can replace milk.
Cereal
Giving cereal with milk to a child meets his calcium requirements. And eating cereal in the morning is a great way to start a day. If your fussy child is not drinking milk, mix in with cereal and fruits and he will quickly finish it.
How to Ensure a Child Gets Enough Calcium if He Doesn't Drink Milk
Although milk is a major source of calcium, there are other sources of calcium too. A toddler’s daily calcium needs could be addressed through other types of food as well. However, first, you should know how much calcium a toddler needs. Then, you can consider giving them alternatives to dairy products to meet their calcium requirements.
1. How Much Calcium Does a Toddler Need
The calcium intake of a child between the ages of 1 and 5 should be 800mg per day.
2. Milk and Dairy Products Alternatives
There are several products available that could fulfil your child’s calcium needs. Conditions like lactose intolerance make it imperative to find an alternative to milk for toddlers. Below are some alternatives that in addition to calcium have ingredients that would benefit children.
Orange Juice: It contains Vitamin C which helps boost immunity.
Dark Leafy Greens: It contains iron which helps prevent anaemia in children.
Soy: It contains fibre, which helps in digestion.
Fish: It contains omega 3 fatty acids, which aid in brain development.
Enriched Bread: It contains carbohydrates, which provide kids with the energy they need.
Milk is not a necessity to ensure proper intake of calcium, but it remains that there is no single food with levels of calcium similar to milk. So, make sure you give your toddler a glass of milk every day.
Also Read: Cow Milk vs Buffalo Milk for Toddlers Read more
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Dealing with Kids who aren’t Interested in Sports
Physical activity is essential for a child’s development. Although many kids enjoy playing sports, some may not. Parents need to understand what concerns their child and find out alternative options to keep them physically active.
There is no doubt that sports play a major role in keeping your kids fit. However, what parents need to realise is that they cannot force a choice upon their kids. There are many children who do not like to play sports due to various reasons. This must not make parents lose heart; on the contrary, they should discuss with the kid, what other options of physical activity he can explore.
There are enough other activities and kids can be fit without playing team sports too. Parents need to find out what are those other activities that attract their child. This way, parents may be able to help their child with deeper concerns and encourage him to do what he likes. Following are some reasons why some kids do not enjoy sports and the ways to tackle it:
The Child might Still be Developing Basic Skills
Most children do not develop their physical skills, until they are six to seven years old. Before this, they do not have the skills, the attention span and the ability to get hold of the rules required to play organized sports. Kids who haven’t been exposed to a sport at an early age need some extra time to do well in the activity. Failure might make them frustrated and nervous. Practicing with the child at home can help. The child will try, fail and learn the game without being conscious about failing in front of peers. It also makes parents and children spend quality time together.
The Sport or Coach is too Competitive
A kid who does not enjoy playing sports feels even more nervous when his coach shouts and puts extra pressure on kids for making them win a game. Kids can handle competitive aspects of sports as they grow older. But, most kids are not used to the pressure until they enter teenage. They need a healthy and supportive atmosphere to enjoy the sport.
The Child Might Still be Trying to Find Out which Sport He Likes
Some kids don’t enjoy sports, because they still haven’t found out which sport they like. A child who does not have good hand-eye coordination for playing baseball might enjoy some other activity like swimming, running, or cycling. Some kids might find individual activities more appealing. Parents should be open to the interests of the kid and encourage them to do what they like. Exploring various options can help the child invest time in something he enjoys.
Other Barriers
Every child is different. His rate of maturity might be different from others. Kids of the same age may vary in height, weight and athletic ability. A child may be less coordinated or not as strong as other kids of his age, making him feel uncomfortable to compete with them. Kids might also be scared about getting hurt while playing a sport. Overweight kids might be reluctant to participate in a sport in the fear of not being able to catch up with other kids.
Parents need to take out some time and think about the abilities, strengths and temperament of their child. This way, they can find out an activity that matches their child’s interest. Some kids get afraid from a ball, and hence don’t like playing volleyball or softball, but might enjoy running. A child who doesn’t like running might enjoy swimming. Someone who does not like basketball may like gymnastics. Trying to address your child’s concerns and understanding his problems can help him succeed in whatever activity he chooses. So, ensure that you are a supportive parent and do not criticise his choice and his decision. Read more
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Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
16 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts hi I am at 35 th week 2 days and my baby weight is 1.880 I saw few video in that video they said baby weight would be above 2 kg is that any problem ? my baby weight is okay or not
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
16 hours ago
A. Hello mom every baby is different as every pregenancy as well too , so please avoid stress as it wouldnt be good to take that tension please have a healthy diet , and keep your self hydrated
Dr Bandana Joshi has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 m old child
16 hours ago
Q. can I bring 3 month old baby with me to the office.is there any physical harm with the baby
Dr Bandana Joshi
Ayurvedic Physician
15 hours ago
A. Better to avoid as they are so many people in office and you can’t ask everyone to sanitise the hands but if for particular occasion you are planning to taue the baby to office then you can plan
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. my mother died 9 years ago. Now I am 8 month pregnant(32 week).my due date is June 25.I am planning my delivery in hospital near to my home since this is my first pregnancy.I have only father and unmarried brother in my home.If there is emergency I don't have any female to support. Does hospitals allow male bystander during delivery. what should I do if I don't have any female support. My aunt live far from our home.
Read moreDr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. yes. males can come. 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.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert hi this is Sarika here . my question is how to encourage my baby to latch because he get irritated whenever I try to latch him
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
13 hours ago
A. It’s very important that when you ask a question please provide us the age of the child currently I would say that if your child is unable to latch properly so whenever you’re feeding Press your breast with your hands for the feeding of the milk is better because the milk flow is going to be better and hopefully that you do the trick
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. my baby have gastric problem..
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 2 yr 11 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. use colimex df drops
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts red scretch marks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. You can mix coconut oil and Kapoor together and that is what you can apply regularly want to your stretch marks is one of the best options that you can use currently other than that also I would recommend you that if you feel any kind of a burning sensation or irritation then you can have a word with your gynaecologist
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