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Lemon Juice During Pregnancy: Safety, Benefits and Side Effects
Lemon juice is a refreshing drink which instantly soothes our taste buds as well as the stomach. It also provides relief from nausea and morning sickness, which makes it an ideal drink for pregnant women. One lemon without the peel contains high amounts of minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, niacin, calcium, folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and riboflavin. Considering its nutritional benefits, it a must-include in pregnancy diet. It is, however, imperative to be cautious during pregnancy.
Is It safe to Drink Lemon Juice While Pregnant?
Pregnant women can drink lemon juice from time to time. But you should drink it in moderate amount. Consuming lemon juice in high quantities can lead to rapid detoxification. Hence, drinking too much of it is not recommended (neither it is safe) for pregnant women. Consult your gynaecologist before deciding to include it in your daily diet. It is also suggested to avoid drinking canned or packaged lemon juice. If you want to drink lemon juice, drink freshly squeezed juice and avoid adding too much sugar to it.
Benefits of Drinking Lemon Juice During Pregnancy
Drinking lemon juice offers multiple benefits to a pregnant woman, if consumed in limited amount. Some of these benefits have been explained below.
1. Helps Treat Morning Sickness
Lemons can help subside the nauseous sensations experienced by pregnant women that accompany morning sickness, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Drinking lemon juice keeps a check on the excess flow of bile and also helps get rid of the accumulated phlegm present in the digestive tract. This prevents obstructions in the digestive tract. Lemons are also a mouth freshener. However, if lemon juice doesn’t work for you and you experience severe nausea, consult your doctor immediately.
2. Helps Regulate Blood Pressure
Lemons are a good source of vitamins, which help in strengthening the blood vessels. Drinking lemon juice can help maintain the pliability and softness of the blood vessels, which further helps prevent internal haemorrhage and lower high blood pressure levels. Drinking lemon juice can also keep your cholesterol levels in check.
3. Provides Relief From Constipation
Another symptom experienced by many pregnant women is constipation. But worry not because drinking a glass of lemon water daily can keep constipation at bay!Consumption of lemon is also associated with liver health as it may help flush toxins from the liver and help it cleanse, thus improving its functions as well as your health.
4. Helps Cure Indigestion
It is not uncommon to experience indigestion during pregnancy. A useful remedy to soothe the stomach is the intake of lemon water. Drinking lemon water can aid proper digestion and ease any discomfort in the tummy.
5. Strengthens the Immune System
Common infections like flu, common cold, and certain types of fever are said to be prevented by intake of lemon water. Being a rich source of Vitamin C, lemons can improve the natural defense system of the body and help us combat virus as well as bacteria.
6. Improves and Maintains the Bone Strength
The calcium and magnesium content in lemons can improve the bone health of the baby and aid his development. Apart from this, lemon water also supplies other essential minerals to your unborn baby. And here’s more - the potassium in the lemons can also help nourish his brain and nerve cells.
7. Helps Prevent Urogenital Infections
Lemons are said to possess diuretic property which help maintain the health of the kidneys and make them function normally. Thus, the chances of infections in the urinary and genital areas are also reduced.
8. Maintains the pH Levels of the Body
Lemon water aids in maintaining the pH levels in the body by achieving healthy alkalinity. Yes, lemons are acidic, but once they reach into our systems through lemon water or juice, they are alkaline. The alkaline residues left by the lemon aids in easing the acidosis symptoms. The human blood’s pH range is slightly alkaline, between 7.3 and 7.45. When the pH levels turn acidic, the body performs a buffering action by borrowing the alkalinity from bones and teeth to compensate. This can be avoided by drinking lemon water, which preserves the body’s alkaline levels and makes it readily available during the developmental process of the foetus. The pH levels of the blood also indicate the availability of oxygen to the cells. It is essential to have properly oxygenated cells for the development of the foetus.
9. Provides Relief From Swollen Feet
Oedema or having swollen feet is common during pregnancy. But that is not to say that it is not painful. This condition can be very uncomfortable and painful. However, it can be treated by consuming one spoon of lemon juice with lukewarm water. It helps in easing the pain and reduces the swelling of the feet.
10. Prevents Dehydration
Staying hydrated during pregnancy is very important as it prevents various complications such as headaches, nausea, cramps, dizziness, and oedema. While drinking water always helps, drinking lemon water can be refreshing for a change. Lemon water is tasty and consuming it can keep you hydrated.
11. Lowers Stress During Labour
Labour can be a stressful and painful process. Intake of lemon water along with honey will ease out the stress during labour. You need to begin consuming lemon water and honey from the fifth month of pregnancy for this remedy to work. However, it is suggested that you consult a gynaecologist before starting with lemon water.
How to Prepare Lemon Water
Drinking lemon juice during pregnancy can be refreshing, especially if you have a summer pregnancy. But you cannot drink lemon juice available in cans with preservatives and loads of sugar. You should always drink freshly squeezed lemon juice during pregnancy. So here are two recipes -
1. Lemon Juice
Here’s how you can make lemon juice.
Cut a lemon into half. Squeeze one-half of the lemon in a bowl to extract its juice.
Add this lemon extract to a glass of clear water and mix well.
Add natural sweeteners like honey to it and drink.
2. Ginger and Lemon Tea
Ginger and lemon tea can beat nausea and morning sickness. It is one good healthy beverage to have during pregnancy.
Boil a glass of drinking water.
Peel an inch of ginger and grate it.
Cut a lemon into slices. Add two slices and the grated ginger to the boiled water.
Let it steep for ten minutes. Strain the mixture and consume the tea.
Precautions to Take While Having Lemon Juice During Pregnancy
Lemon juice is safe to drink if it is consumed in limited quantity. Too much of it can have adverse affects on your health. Here are some precautions you should keep in mind with regards to the consumption of lemons in pregnancy.
The acidity of the lemon can affect the enamel of your teeth. It is advised to gargle and rinse your mouth after consuming lemon water to prevent any dental issues.
If you want to drink lemon juice, start taking it in small quantities and check whether it is causing any gastrointestinal disorders or heartburn.
Drink only freshly squeezed lemon juice.
The extract of an entire lemon can be too much for some pregnant women, so it is advised to use only half a lemon and avoid consuming lemon juice in concentrated form.
Add lemon extract to lukewarm water as opposed to boiling water. Boiling water is said to reduce the effects of lemon to a great extent.
Start with a quarter of a lemon in 0.4 to 0.5 litres of water daily. This can be increased gradually, reaching two or three glasses a day.
Side Effects of Drinking Lemon Water
Although drinking lemon water is beneficial for a pregnant woman, it has certain side effects. It is advised to consult a gynaecologist before including lime water in your daily diet. Some of the possible side effects are listed below.
1. Gastrointestinal Disorders and Heartburn
Gastrointestinal discomforts and heartburn are likely to be experienced by pregnant women, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. The high levels of citric acid in lemons can sometimes worsen these conditions. It is advised to be cautious and avoid the intake of lime water till such symptoms subside.
2. Dental Problems
Teeth and bones are highly susceptible to decalcification during pregnancy. The high levels of citric acid in lemons might trigger this, thereby damaging the enamel of the teeth and leading to other dental issues. Consult your dentist for any such dental issues and ensure that the texture and colour of your teeth have not changed. It is advised against consuming high quantities of lemon water regularly.
3. Cough and Cold
Consuming cold or chilled lemon juice during pregnancy can can lead to a cough and cold. It is better to consume lemon water which is slightly warm or at room temperature, especially in the cold winter months.
The nine months of pregnancy are full of ups and downs. You’ll have happy and not-so-happy moments. What you eat during pregnancy will decide your health as well as your baby’s health. So it is imperative that you be cautious regarding your eating habits.
It is also suggested that you consult your gynaecologist to check whether it safe for you to consume lemon water or not. For most pregnant women, lemon water is the go-to tonic for the uneasiness during the first trimester. Educate yourself on the possible side effects it can cause to prevent the occurrence of any stressful situation. Lemons do not react negatively with any drugs, so don’t worry. Confirm with your doctor and nutritionist and sip your way to good health!
Also Read:
Food Cravings & Aversions during Pregnancy
Drinking Mosambi (Sweet Lime) Juice during Pregnancy Read more
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How to Hold a Newborn Baby Properly (With Pictures)
New parents are rather nervous about holding the baby as they want to ensure that the baby isn’t hurt in any way. However, this fear and nervousness about holding a baby can be easily overcome with a clear understanding of how babies react to being held in a certain position and zeroing in on some of the best positions that your baby is comfortable in.
Tips to Prepare Yourself to Hold a Newborn Baby?
Before you embark on the task of holding a baby, here are a few steps you will need to follow:
1. Wash Your Hands
Babies don't have a fully developed immune system, and germs and bacteria from an unclean hand may cause infections in the baby. Rinse your hands with some mild soap and water before you pick up the baby. Parents can also keep a sanitizer handy for emergencies.
2. Get Comfortable
Make yourself physically comfortable to leave no room for slips or mistakes. It is also essential that you are confident and calm before you pick the baby up. Also, remove things like watches or pins from clothing that may scratch the baby.
3. Choose your Position
If you are not experienced with holding a baby, the best thing to do is figure out a comfortable position in which the baby is well cradled and supported.
4. Provide Support
Babies have a heavy neck and have little to no control of their neck muscles. Hence, it is vital that you provide adequate support to their head and neck while holding them. Babies should be supported at the neck and the head at least until they turn three months of age when they develop control of their necks.
How Should You Pick Up a Baby?
While picking up a baby, place one hand under their head and the other under their bottom to raise them up to your chest level. Always ensure to provide support to the baby’s head while you are picking up or holding him or her.
Different Baby Holding Positions
Here’s a list of some of the best positions to hold a baby.
1. Shoulder Hold
One of the most common baby holding positions, this allows your baby to listen to your heartbeat.
Lift your baby to your shoulder height with the baby’s body in a parallel position to you and allow your baby to rest his or her head on your shoulder. Support your baby’s head and neck with one hand and bottom with the other.
2. Football Hold
The football hold is a preferred feeding position for many mothers.
Provide support to your baby’s head and neck with one hand and use the forearm of the same hand to support the rest of the back. Curl your baby towards your body and let the legs extend behind you. Draw her close to your chest while feeding in this position and use the other hand to provide extra support to the neck and the head.
3. Lap Hold
This is a comfortable sitting position and can be used while feeding.
With your feet firm on the ground, place the baby on your lap such that the baby’s head is near your knee with face upwards. Place both your hands under the baby’s head for support and your forearms under the baby.
4. Chair Hold
Also called the ‘Hello-World hold’, this is perfect for a baby who is curious and would like to see what’s going on in the front.
Have your baby lean against your chest to provide proper head support. Place on hand on the chest of the baby and the other on the bottom, while providing adequate support.
5. Cradle Hold
One of the most natural positions of holding a baby, this position can be used to put the baby to sleep.
Hold your baby horizontal to the chest level by sliding one arm under the head and the neck and the other under the bottom and the hips. Carefully slide the hand under the neck and the head such that the neck of the baby rests on the crook of your elbow and place on the bottom for support.
6. Hip Hold
This position is recommended only after the baby is over three months of age and can support the head and neck.
Make your baby face forward and place her on your hip bone in a sitting position. Wrap your arm around your baby’s waist and hold the baby firmly.
7. Face-to-Face Hold
This position is perfect for bonding and interacting with your baby.
Provide support to your baby’s head and neck with one hand and support the bottom with the other. Hold the baby a little below your chest such that he or she is facing you.
How to Hold Your Baby After Breastfeeding?
Immediately after you feed the baby, sit the baby in an upright position and pat on the back until he or she burps. Do not bounce or move the baby too much after feeding as it may cause your baby to spit up.
Tips for Holding a Baby In the Right Way
Focus on how your baby reacts while bring held and change the position if your baby seems fussy. Here are a few tips on how to hold the baby right. Here is a complete guide to breastfeeding.
Keep the baby’s head free enough to move and breathe.
Maintain skin to skin contact to keep her warm and bond.
If you’re nervous opt to hold the baby while seated.
Don’t hold the baby while cooking, cleaning or caring dangerous items like knives to prevent harm.
In case you have to carry your baby for too long, try getting an infant support pillow, which is beneficial during breastfeeding as well.
While climbing or descending the stairs, use both arms to hold the baby for added safety.
Don’t hold the baby when you’re arguing and frustrated as you may shake the baby causing severe consequences like brain damage.
You can use baby carriers if you have to hold the baby for long durations.
How to Hold a Crying Baby?
While there is some debate over the crying-to-sleep training method, Dr Robert Hamilton from Pacific Ocean Paediatrics has demonstrated a position that can almost instantly stop the baby from crying. This position is suitable for babies below three months of age as after that they become quite heavy for it.
Cross the baby’s hands across the chest and hold it in place with your hand.
Use the same hand to support the baby’s chin.
Place the fleshy part of your other hand on the baby’s bottom for a comfortable hold.
Now, holding the baby at a 45-degree angle, gently swing your baby to stop him or her from crying.
How to Hold Your Newborn While Bathing?
You can make bath fun for babies by using this position to hold your baby during bath time.
Place one hand on your baby’s back and shoulder and the other on the bottom as you lower your baby into the tub.
Once you have settled the baby in the tub, you can use the hand which was supporting the bottom to wash your baby while the other hand continues to support the head and keeps it above water level.
Remember that it is essential to stay calm and confident before you pick up your baby, to keep the baby relaxed and comfortable throughout.
Also Read: Baby Sleeping Position - What Is Safe? Read more
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Why Does Your Baby Stare at Your Hands?
Does your dear little one stare at your hands? Are you wondering why your baby gazes at your hands and his crib toys? Is this behavior normal? If you are stressing over this habit, then you need not worry any more. Visual development begins very early and staring at hands is only a part of this.
Here we list some reasons and facts that explain why your baby stares at your hands.
1. Baby Has Blurry Vision In His First Week
In the first week after birth, your newborn is only able to view objects that are present at a distance of about 8 to 12 inches from his eyes. This is about the distance from baby’s face to your face and hands. Also, your infant has a blurry view of things in the first week. So, your baby holds his gaze for a few seconds at your hands when they are at 8-12 inches from his face.
2. Baby Experiences Transformation From Black and White To Colourful Vision
Your newborn views objects and surroundings only in black and white colours and some shades of grey soon after his birth. As your baby grows, his vision develops into colour vision. Your baby finds various contrasting colours and different geometric patterns completely new to view so he stares at them. Your baby may develop good colour vision by four months and you can find him staring at your hands and various other colourful objects in his surroundings.
3. Baby Is Widening His Visual Sphere
As your infant grows 2 to 3-months-old and more, his vision and brain develops significantly thus offering him a broader visual sphere. At this stage, your little one develops stronger eye muscles than before. This helps him look for the details of any object that comes in front of him. So, when you bring your hands in front of your infant’s face, your baby will stare at them, taking in the details, such as your hand and finger movements. You will also find your little one gazing at his own hands
4. Baby Is Now Recognising Things
By the time your baby turns 3 to 6 months old, he begins recognizing familiar faces and toys that he sees regularly. Even if your baby cannot call to you at this age, your face, hands, and toys that he sees regularly are familiar to him. So, when you bring your face or hands in front of his face, your baby finds it familiar and stares at it happily with a smiling face.
5. Baby Now Has Improved Depth Perception
When your infant turns 3 to 6 months old, his perception ability improves substantially and he can view objects and people located farther away (about three feet away). Your baby develops depth perception that helps him gaze at objects better. When you bring your face or hands in front of your baby’s face, he enjoys staring at you and your hands till you move away. This is because his gaze can now linger.
There! Now whenever you find your baby staring at your hands or his hands without shifting his gaze, be rest assured that it is absolutely normal! Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. If a diabetic mother is pregnent chance of baby having diabetes?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. No it is a very common thing with women to be seen that they are diabetic or they have thyroid during the time of pregnancy but that does not mean your child is also going to have the same problem as these things are not contagious you are not going to pass it on to your child during pregnancy so don’t worry about it
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. New born baby is not poop more than 1 week? How to recover that
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. Stool pattern of small children changes from time to time.
It can be more than 7 times per day also and sometimes the child will not pass stool for 10 days also.
The most important thing is the consistency of the stool and if it is Semi solid to solid or semi liquid then there is no need to worry about the frequency axs well as colour as well as the smell of the stool
Also straining and crying while passing urine and stool is very normal.
the crying of the child is due to colic pain and not due to constipationx
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
54 mins ago
Q. hi, I'm 4th month pregnant. my last period date was jan 7th. I was asked to take iron and calcium supplements. after started with those supplements, my body's temperature started increasing. how do I get rid of this. can I stop taking these supplements?
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
40 mins ago
A. there is no relation taking calcium and iron and body temperature. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
42 mins ago
Q. 11Weeks on going and the problem is continuously vomiting, body&headache pain.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
40 mins ago
A. please check the temperature can be a viral infection. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
28 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why are my vomitings not stopping even in 5th month of my pregnancy. and constant headaches.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
13 mins ago
A. this is seen in some people which my continue in second trimester also. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
24 mins ago
Q. is it normal to have 2 dominant follicles in Right ovary? Today is my D8 and the size of both the follicles are 20x18mm and 19x18 mm Is it normal.
and left ovary follicles 12x18mm.and ET size 7.89
pls advice
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
13 mins ago
A. if it is induced one then there can be chances. 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
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