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6 Mistakes To Avoid To Ensure Peaceful Nap-Time For Your Baby!
Sleep is very important for your baby as it is during nap-time that he rests, rejuvenates and grows. However, putting babies to sleep - whether during the day or at night - can be a huge challenge for moms. While some of these sleep problems are natural and pass with age, there are a few mistakes that can add to your baby's bed-time distress.
lEvery child is different when it comes to napping patterns. Babies need to have the required amount of sleep for their growth, and also, for parents to have some time for themselves or to finish the daily chores. However, there is no way to figure out how well and till when the little one will have his nap. The division of nap-times during the day depends largely on the baby’s age and developmental stage.
To try and ensure a peaceful nap-time for our little ones, we must understand their sleep habits. We must also avoid making nap-time mistakes that can rob babies of sleep.
Important Facts about Baby’s Naps
Researchers have suggested that proper mental and physical growth of a baby takes place when he sleeps properly during the day as well as night.
Kids who have longer nap times feel refreshed, tend to have longer attention span and are less fussy and irritable.
It is beneficial if the baby plays actively in the day and has a long and peaceful sleep in the night to wake up fresh and jolly again the next morning.
Baby Napping Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Signs of Sleepiness in the Baby
The rule of thumb for keeping a check on the baby’s sign for napping is - yawning. Two yawns and the baby should be headed for bed. Other signs of sleepiness include decreased activity, shutting or drooping of eyes, fussy behavior and rubbing of eyes. If these signs are ignored, the baby can become overtired or too sleepy - situations that can promote crankiness in little ones. If your baby does get cranky, consider a pre-bed-time sponge bath or some light lullabies to relax them.
2. Counting Short Naps as Sleep Time
A short nap does not provide the baby with any benefits. Also, he may wake up with a fussy and cranky mood. A full nap means nothing less than a 45-minutes of deep sleep, anything less than that is considered inadequate for the baby and should not be counted toward his daily sleep requirement.
3. Putting the Baby to Bed With a Bottle
Many parents observe that putting their baby to bed with a bottle can help soothe them and put them to sleep. However, experts warn that this is a baby nap-time mistake! The baby may start relying on the bottle to fall asleep and it will become harder to wean them. The child could even be at risk of choking, ear infections or tooth decay. It is recommended to bottle-feed only at meal time and not use it at nap-time.
4. Waking Up the Baby in Day-Time To Ensure Night-Time Sleep
Many babies who sleep for long hours during the day tend to sleep peacefully at night too, without much trouble. So, if the parents find the baby sleeping for long during the day, there is no need to wake the baby up and cause more trouble to yourself and the baby. It is best to wake the baby up only when you perceive it is feeding time or their diaper needs to be changed.
5. Not Maintaining a Consistent Sleep Schedule
It is only natural for babies to take time to settle down into a schedule. However, babies' nap timings are generally fixed according to their internal clock which takes its cues from the consistent routine set by the parents. Babies grow and refresh themselves during these naps. So, it is necessary to be consistent about nap routine for their better development, as far as possible. Try and keep any disturbance/changes to their schedule at a minimum, especially when travelling, or when there are guests at home.
6. Leaving the Baby’s Naps Incomplete
If the baby wakes up in his sleep midway, it may be because he needs a diaper change or is hungry or is just disturbed. If he shows the signs of sleepiness again after his needs are fulfilled, try to make him sleep by patting, singing, cuddling or swaddling him with a light, breathable wrap. It is important to understand that a baby’s nap time is as important as his play time and must not be left incomplete.
Babies need undisturbed sleep during the day as well as night. Try to set a routine to keep them active as well as relaxed, and you will find they sleep better. Happy nap-time! Read more
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Weight Lifting While Being Pregnant
Can we lift weight during pregnancy? Well, your body goes through a lot of physical changes during pregnancy. Your uterus expands to make room for the baby and your side and hip joints loosen up to prepare for the delivery. At this point, introducing any new exercise regime that will change your body further or put it under stress, is not advisable. But if you have been following a workout regime for a long time before pregnancy, then it will not have any impact on your pregnancy. This article will tell you all about the benefits of weight-lifting and other exercises during normal pregnancy.
Lifting Weight While Pregnant: Is It Safe?
If exercising in the gym and weightlifting is a part of your daily routine, then there is no problem in continuing it during pregnancy too. But if you have never done any heavy exercise in the past, then pregnancy is definitely not the time to introduce any new form of exercise in your life.
Even if you are an athlete, you must consult your doctor about whether or not you can continue exercising the way you have been. If you have a normal pregnancy, your doctor may give you a green signal, but if there are any complications in your pregnancy, then your doctor may forbid you to exercise. Weight lifting for pregnant ladies may especially be forbidden for women who are at the risk of premature labour may be asked to stop lifting weights after the first trimester.
Weight Training Exercises For Pregnant Women
Athletes or sporting women can benefit from all kinds of pregnancy weights workout. Some of the good options are free weights, resistance training using resistance training machine and resistance bands, and simple weight training using your body weight. All these exercises strengthen your muscles and keep you fit throughout the pregnancy.
Techniques For Weight-Lifting During Pregnancy
Healthy weight lifting practices during pregnancy are crucial during pregnancy because your skeletal and support system is changing, and you are more prone to problems.
Whenever you lift a weight from the ground, bend at your knees and not at your waist. Also, keep your back as straight as possible while pushing up with your legs to get on your feet. Avoid any jerking or sudden movements while lifting weight during pregnancy. Also, as you progress in the pregnancy, use lighter weights than you did before, cut down on the number of repetition, use proper breathing techniques (ask your trainer about it) and take breaks in between the exercises.
Tips For Weight Training In Pregnancy
Irrespective of what regime you pick, it is important to remember that you need to keep decreasing the intensity of your workout as the pregnancy progresses. Here are a few tips for weight training during the three trimesters.
First Trimester
The first trimester is all about exhaustion, unpredictable nausea, and mood swings. To keep your mind relaxed and diverted you can continue with mild workout and weight lifting regime.
It is advisable to carry on with your regular weight training in early pregnancy but review your techniques. Use slow and controlled movements while lifting weights. Don’t get carried away in the momentum as sudden movements and jerks and could the developing foetus. Also, it is important that you continue to breathe throughout the weightlifting exercise and keep the pelvic floor firm.
Second Trimester
The preferred position for weightlifting during the second trimester should be a seated position. Standing for too long without moving around can make blood pool in your legs. Lying on your back after the 16th week is not recommended as it may put pressure on one of your veins called the vena cava. Standing or lying on your back after the 16th week can make you dizzy and weak. There are also chances that you may develop varicose veins during this phase. If you notice the development of varicose veins, then be sure to wear support stockings under your workout pants.
If you have any weightlifting exercise in standing position, then arch or flatten your back so that you don’t lose your balance due to the growing bump. Also, you can move around and vary your positions while weight lifting to avoid aches and pains. Remember the thumb rule: tighten your pelvic floor muscles and breathe normally.
Third Trimester
As you progress in the pregnancy, you will have to cut down on repetitions and reduce the weights. You will also have to change your exercise routine as your bump will come in the way of many types of equipment. You can try free weights.
The use of resistant bands is advisable during the third trimester. Be careful while lifting and replacing weights as there is an elevated risk of you dropping it on your bump.
Lifting weights over the head, and with arms outstretched is a no during the last few months of gestation. It may strain your back and that can be super risky. Also, avoid lifting weights from the floor.
It’s is going to get harder during the last trimester to carry on with weightlifting exercises due to the growing bump and the risk of losing balance and falling over. So, take extra care and stick to light weights and very simple exercises. Ensure that you always have a prenatal trainer around you while you indulge in your exercise routine.
Dangers Of Lifting Heavy Weights
The most common question that is on every pregnant ladies mind is 'what happens if we lift weight during pregnancy?'
Lifting heavy weights during pregnancy can be dangerous. Here is why you should avoid lifting heavy weights during pregnancy. We will also tell you how much weight can a pregnant women lift.
Injuries and Pain: Your muscles, joints and ligaments are weaker during pregnancy. Hence, you may get hurt easily if you don’t take care. Your lower back has higher chances of getting injured when lifting heavy weights.
Falls: As your belly gets bigger, your center of gravity will shift making you more vulnerable to falls. When you bend forward to lift heavy weights, there are high chances of you losing balance and falling. Falling can be very dangerous especially during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Reduce the weights: Experts suggest that you must cut down on your weights by 25 percent. Dr Judith Reichman, in an article for NBC News online, suggests that if you were lifting 50 lbs before pregnancy, then during pregnancy you should bring it down to 37.5 lbs. That is how you will decide safe weight to lift during gestation.
Benefits Of Weight Training In Pregnancy
Weightlifting for pregnant ladies has some amazing benefits for them and can help through childbirth.
There are many benefits of weight training in early pregnancy. If you exercise by taking all necessary precautions you will have a shorter labor, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, lower risk of pre-term birth and less pain during labor.
Your baby too will benefit from your weight lifting. Your baby will have stronger blood vessels, will be at minimal risk of suffering from cardiovascular problems, their brain matures faster and they can handle the stress from labour better.
If you lift weights or exercise under the guidance of a prenatal trainer, you will benefit more from the workouts. The pelvic tilts can help reduce the back pain, seated leg curls will prevent any knee pain in future, and plank exercise will curb back pain during pregnancy.
Childbirth is a period of great stress for both you and the baby. Weight lifting and other forms of exercise under the supervision of a trainer conditions both of you for the final event. These exercises will season your body, build your confidence and prepare your body to handle stress better.
Labour is the most strenuous process of pregnancy. It is important that you are prepared for it mentally and physically. Weightlifting, as a part of prenatal exercise, has numerous benefits during labour. It will allow you to focus on your natural movement to make labour easy, it will also help you to align your body for childbirth, and the overall mobility of your muscles will increase.
Types Of Weight Lifting You Can Choose
There are quite a few weight-lifting exercises to choose from during pregnancy. Just ensure that you choose weights that are lighter and will comfortably allow you to perform repetitions. And after the first trimester avoid any exercise while lying on your stomach or on your back.
Here is a list of few weight-lifting exercises you can do at home or at the gym, and their benefits.
Seated Cable Row and Lat Pull Down For upper and middle back: As your breasts become bigger, your shoulders will tend to slouch forward. This exercise will help you to strengthen the muscles between your shoulder blades that will counter the slump.
Seated Chest-Press For Chest: This exercise will create muscle balance in the upper body.
Biceps and triceps for arms and shoulders: This will help in strengthening your arms and keep them toned.
Leg Extension and Seated Leg Curl For Lower Body: As your belly grows your quadriceps and hamstrings bear the weight of your pregnancy. This exercise will strengthen both.
Plank For Core Exercise: This exercise will keep your abs strong and prevent pregnancy-induced back pain.
Strength Training At Home: For weightlifting exercises and strength training at home, two dumbbells weighing between 3 to 8 pounds are safe weights to lift, a sturdy chair and a resistance band. You can do 1 or 2 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions of each of the exercises mentioned below.
Triceps overhead extensions
Biceps curls
Lateral raises
Squats
Please consult your doctor before starting any pregnancy weight workouts at home to ensure that it is safe for you. Remember, all women are different, and all pregnancies are different too!
With an extensive list of benefits, safe weight training during pregnant is more of a boon than a curse. But this is only applicable to women who are already into weight training way before pregnancy. Starting weight training or any other new form of exercise during pregnancy is not recommended. All you need to do is take it easy, consult your doctor, workout under the supervision of a prenatal trainer, vary your exercise routine, focus on different muscle groups, use lighter weights, keep your breathing steady and listen to your body. As long as you take care, weight training will help you to tone up, improve your posture, strengthen your muscles and make labour easier.
Also read: Exercises You Should Avoid When Pregnant
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How to Wean your Preschooler from Breastfeeding?
It is a great thing if your child is still breastfeeding even as he reaches his 3rd year. However, s/he will soon start school, or you will resume your work, so it might be a good time to initiate weaning. Weaning older children might be difficult than weaning smaller ones, since older children are more emotionally attached to the process. Read more on how to wean your preschooler from breastfeeding.
Weaning is a natural developmental stage for every child, and you need to wean a child once he starts feeding on other food items as well. Sometimes, it can be a bit frustrating when you have been trying to wean a child for a long time. Every child is different. You must try to understand your child’s needs and behavior as he grows for he will keep changing his preferences.
You need to also understand that there are no rules, and there is nothing right or wrong about it. You have to use the 'hit and trial' method. Weaning should be a gradual process where your child is not feeling left out. Weaning older children can be quite stressful. Here are few tips to help you
How to Wean Your Preschooler?
Weaning your preschooler needs some planning because it is not a one-day process, and you might have to do it repeatedly so that your child is convinced about it. Sometimes, you might have to explain it repeatedly to your child. You have to let a child understand, and come to terms with it. Many kids can understand that they are growing up, and they need to wean breastfeeding, but for those who don’t here is what you can do:
1. Scheduling
You might get to hear a lot of tantrums, fights and regressive behavior; this means that you need to schedule carefully and keep weaning slowly.
2. When to stop
Do not initiate breastfeeding, do it only when he asks for it and stop immediately. Avoid prolonged feeding.
3. Changing roles
Let your partner or some other member of the family takeover during the time to sleep so that the idea of breastfeeding takes a back seat.
4. Shifting routine
Change routines, instead of making yourself available for nursing throughout the day. Offer distractions and substitutes; let your child pick up something he likes.
Weaning off Morning and Night Feeds
Your child is most used to breastfeeding at these times of the day, and getting him out of the habit is toughest. In the morning, you can get ready before your child wakes up, and serve him milk in a cup with some breakfast. To drop the night feeds, get the child’s father to read to him and cuddle him more. You need to break the association between feeding and sleeping, so don’t feed just before the bed. You can also try feeding in another room. Start with reading stories and putting your child to sleep with happy dreams.
Your weaning schedule and experience totally depends on how both of you choose to do it. Once your child has weaned he might ask for breastfeeds occasionally, but keep avoiding with some distraction. Most parents feel anxious about the whole process of weaning, and they fear the emotional drain they may face. Remember, you have given a great healthy life to your child, and she is moving to another level of growing up. Read more
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The Story of My High-risk Pregnancy
After my wedding, I came to know that I had a kidney problem. My right kidney was not working properly. Doctors had prescribed me blood pressure tablets as I also had a high blood pressure problem.
After some time, I found out that I was pregnant. But I had a miscarriage in the second month of my pregnancy. I thought it was because of the kidney problem. After 3 months of the miscarriage, my family and I went to a resort. It was summertime and everyone in the family was having a lot of fun at the resort. Suddenly, there I felt weak and had trouble even walking. My periods too didn't come. I wanted to know whether I was pregnant or not. I checked once - it showed positive. I checked again - twice and thrice - it showed positive. My husband and I rushed to the doctor. It was a high-risk pregnancy. Almost two to three doctors said that I might have a pre-term baby and that I would have to undergo a C-section.
I was scared and I decided to consult my urologist. He was aware of my kidney problem completely. His wife was one of the best gynaecologists in the city. She was practising in a multi-speciality hospital which was great for patients like me who had a high-risk pregnancy. They both helped me a lot. They prescribed me different medicines. And my progestin medicines and high blood pressure medicines were changed. I used to have 6 tablets per day for my blood pressure. But every time, I went for checkups, I would get to hear my baby's heartbeat. On hearing that, I used to forget my fear, blood pressure, and every other problem. My baby was growing normally and doctors would tell me that my baby was doing fine. When I was 9 months pregnant, doctors gave me the date for my C-section. My baby will soon turn four months.
When she was born, her birth weight was 2.5 kg. I suffered a lot, but now it doesn't matter. I believe that nothing is impossible. We should trust God and be patient. Also, trust your doctors and appreciate them.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, take care of yourself and follow your doctor's suggestions.
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.
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Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
13 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. yes. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the childdo 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.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
6 hours ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Ashima Malhotra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
5 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Ashima Malhotra
Mom of a 10 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. avoid it
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
4 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. 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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