Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Everything You Need to Know About the Pneumococcal Vaccine
You take all the care in the world to ensure your little one grows safe in your womb. But then she takes her first breath in the real world, and the game changes. There are so many factors that suddenly come into the picture once your little one is born, that try as you may, you may not be able to keep your precious baby safe from harm. One boon of medical advancement that firmly stands by your side at such times is vaccination.
A vaccine is a preparation that is introduced into the body to teach it to fight with different diseases. Vaccines are routinely employed to prevent disease like rubella, measles, chicken pox, hepatitis, etc. in children. However, one disease that gets side-lined quite often is the pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal Disease: Causes, Types and Symptoms
The pneumococcal disease is a group of illnesses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. An infection of this bacterium can manifest in the form of following types of illnesses:
Meningitis – when the bacteria infects the meninges (the protective tissue that covers the brain and the spinal cord). Symptoms of meningitis in babies include fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and photophobia (fear of light).
Bacteraemia – when the bacteria enter and infect the bloodstream directly. Symptoms include high fever with or without complications such as meningitis, pneumonia, pericarditis (swelling of the pericardium, the protective wall around the heart), peritonitis (swelling of the peritoneum, lining that covers the inner wall of the abdomen) or arthritis from pneumococcal infection.
Bacteraemic Pneumonia – a type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Common symptoms of pneumonia include rapid shallow breathing, shaking chills, cough, fever, chest, congestion, headache and greenish, yellowish or blood-tinged sputum.
Otitis media – infection of the middle ear. Symptoms include an earache, fever and muffled hearing. In young children, frequent tugging at the ear may signal otitis media.
Sinusitis – infection of the sinuses. Symptoms include low-grade fever (less than 100.4 Fahrenheit), running nose, headache, nasal congestion and cough.
Who is at High Risk of Pneumococcal Disease?
Children up to 2 years of age are at highest risk for pneumococcal infection. This is because immunity of young children is very low and it’s very easy for them to catch any kind of infection. Daycare attendance and family child care have been identified as major risk factors – people who are responsible for the care and well-being of your child - this is because Pneumococci are transmitted via air, making it difficult to control and/or avoid infection. A person who has been infected by the bacterium can easily spread it to other people when they cough or sneeze. Infants and young children easily transmit it to other children too, in communal and family settings.
How Does Pneumococcal Disease Spread?
As explained previously, Pneumococci spread from person to person via droplets of respiratory tract secretions: when a person sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets of fluid that contain the bacteria get expelled in the air. Anyone who inhales these droplets is likely to get pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococci are common in the nose and throat of healthy children. In some cases, however, their presence is an indication of oncoming otitis media or an invasive form of pneumococcal disease such as meningitis, bacteraemia and bacteremic pneumonia. In addition, children harbouring this bacterium in their nose and throat can easily infect other children.
Finally, it has been observed that day-care authorities have a higher rate of pneumococcal carriage: this means, these people are more likely to harbour the bacterium in their body, and thereby give rise to pneumococcal disease in children placed in their care. Pneumococcal disease thus contracted can vary in intensity and includes severe, invasive pneumococcal diseases such as bacteraemia and meningitis.
Can Pneumococcal Disease Be Prevented in Children?
Yes.
Vaccination is perhaps the most efficient and cost-effective way of reducing morbidity and mortality caused by the pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease can be prevented in children less than 2 years by using pneumococcal vaccines. However, it is important to get the correct vaccine and to complete the dosage recommended in order to protect your child from pneumococcal disease.
About the Pneumococcal Vaccine
The bacterium that causes pneumococcal disease, Streptococcus pneumoniae, has various forms, known as serotypes. So far, over 90 serotypes have been identified. However, of these, 13 serotypes are responsible for a majority of the disease burden – these 13 are the most common cause for the pneumococcal disease.
A few years ago, a vaccine that provides protection against all these 13 serotypes was developed. This is known as the PCV13. It is better to choose the broad coverage PCV13 vaccine when it comes to protecting your child against pneumococcal disease since it provides protection against a higher number of serotypes.
Recommended Doses and Schedule for Pneumococcal Vaccine
This vaccine is recommended to be administered in a series for young children and infants. The series consists of three doses, each taken at the ages of 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks. A booster dose is given between 12 and 15 months. Even if the baby has missed any of these shots, it is imperative to administer the booster. It is also advised that you consult with a doctor to confirm the dosage interval and number.
Apart from the above schedule, the following points are to be remembered:
For a child who missed any of the doses, it is advisable to consult a paediatrician about when she can be given the next dose, and also how many more doses will she be required to take.
For children between 2 and 4 years of age who did not complete their pneumococcal vaccine schedule, 1 dose of the PCV13 vaccine is recommended.
For children who are below 5 years of age and were vaccinated with some other PCV vaccine, 1 additional dose of PCV13 is recommended.
How is the Vaccine Given
The PCV13 vaccine is administered intramuscularly. The site of injection for babies and young children is in the vastus lateralis muscle, which is located in the thigh.
While the vaccine has a lot of benefits and can indeed be a life-saver, there are a few things you need to follow before you take your baby to the doctor to get the shots.
Ask Your Doctor
Find out if your child needs to get the PCV13 vaccine. The answer will most likely be ‘yes’ for any child who is less than 5 years old. However, depending on how many previous doses of the pneumococcal vaccine your child has had, the dosage and/or schedule may vary.
Tell Your Doctor
Inform your doctor about the following things before giving your baby the vaccine:
If your baby has had a high fever at any time in the recent past
If your baby has ever developed an allergic reaction to any food, medicine or vaccine in the past
if your baby has any blood disorder, especially one that makes your baby bleed excessively
If, for whatever reason, your doctor has ever indicated that your baby has a lower/weaker immunity
What Can Mothers Do for Protecting Their Babies from Pneumococcal Disease?
It is of utmost importance for parents to make a careful, precise and unbiased decision in providing the right care to their child. All mothers should consult their treating paediatrician for PCV13, the broad spectrum pneumococcal vaccine, to protect from this disease. Mothers should spend some time with their paediatricians discussing vaccines against pneumococcal disease and ask the paediatrician which pneumococcal vaccine is right for their child and choose wisely. They should also share this information with friends and relatives and help protect against pneumococcal disease.
Also Read: Meningococcal Vaccination: Types, Schedule and Side-effects Read more
Suggested for you
Best Tips to Grow Bonsai Tree at Home
Bonsai is an art that combines artistic skills with a keen eye for details and balance with a lot of patience. Growing a bonsai tree at home will take years of dedicated care and understanding of the principles involved. If you plan to take up this art, here’s all you need to know about it.
Why Should You Grow Bonsai?
Bonsai brings together the best qualities of both a pet and a houseplant, it is a living entity that needs just enough of your care and attention without being demanding in your life. Here are five reasons for you to create bonsai plants:
1. It Takes Up Very Little Space
There are breeds of bonsai trees that can be cultivated to fit any space. Whether you want them on your desk, living room on outdoors, there are different species that can be grown for the purpose. You can also carry them wherever you go.
2. They are Easy to Care for
Many of the easy-to-grow bonsai trees are surprisingly low-maintenance. They adapt well to your home and thrive well with some sunshine and water every day, an occasional fertilizer and replanting once every few years. With that, they will live healthily and bloom over and over again, adding beauty to your living space.
3. Your Bonsai is your Personal Artistic Statement
Every bonsai is unique and grown as a result of your styling and its own quirks. You can work with them as they grow understanding their nature to bring out the best effect. With careful training and pruning, you can work to bring out its unique qualities, making it a work of art.
4. They Energize your Home
Bonsai trees have long been a part of the ancient art of Feng Shui as they are thought to draw life energy into the house and share it with everyone who passes by. They are often the centre of attention in a living space and spread joy and contentment to everybody who comes to see it.
5. Your Bonsai can Become your Companion for Life
Bonsai trees can live for decades when they are properly cared for and become your companion for life. Some of the bonsai species can live for hundreds of years and thus, outlive you as well. The oldest bonsai trees in the world are over 800 years old and were passed down from generations.
What are the Different Ways of Planting Bonsai?
There are five ways on how to grow bonsai plants:
1. Growing from Seeds
If you wish to start from scratch, growing them from seeds is the way to go. It’s also a great way to grow larger number of trees at a low cost with the added advantage of getting your hands on some really good quality trees. You can either collect the seeds of trees such as conifers, birch and beech of the trees or have them shipped to you by a supplier. The seedlings you grow can have some useful variations perfect for bonsai, and the rest can be discarded.
2. Growing from Seedlings
City dwellers who wish to do most of the growing on their own but lack the space to sow a large number of seeds can start growing their bonsai from saplings. As the seeds of some of the hard coated types such as beech, quince, ginkgo, yew and lime take time to germinate, about two years or more can be saved by starting from seedlings bought from nurseries.
3. Growing from Cuttings
Cutting is a quick way to obtain a young plant if you wish to save more time. For many of the bonsai species, it’s also the ideal way to grow. The advantage of growing a bonsai tree from a cutting is that you know exactly how it will turn out to be as they inherit the same characteristics as their parent tree.
4. Growing by Layering
Flowering shrubs and trees whose shoots can be easily bent to the soil can be propagated by this method. A healthy shoot of a one-year-old plant is given a slit at the tip and bent to touch the soil. It is then pegged, and the sit shoot is covered with a good amount of soil and watered regularly. When they are layered around spring, the new plant will be ready by autumn for harvest and re-potting.
5. Growing from Wild Plants
Growing from wild plants is the way a bonsai enthusiast looks to bring out the naturalness of the trees and preserve the most fundamental philosophy behind the art. By looking among the seedlings of wilt trees and shrubs you may find specimens with interesting qualities that can be used in the art.
How to Grow and Maintain Bonsai Plant?
Whether choose to grow a shrub, a conifer or bonsai fruit trees, these steps are common to all:
1. Preparation of Growing Medium
Bonsai pots are available in different sizes and shapes such as circular, triangular, square or rectangles. You will need the right kind of pot with adequate room for soil and a good drainage to remove excess water. Red soil commonly used in gardening has good aeration and nutrient retention properties which works well with manure when used in a 50-50 ratio. Aggregates also need to be used to ensure proper drainage of excess water.
2. Planting the Bonsai
A nursery is your best bet to find trees or shrubs suited for bonsai. Flowering shrubs such as Jasmine, Azalea or Bougainvillea do well in all weather conditions. If you wish to grow a fruit the exotic way, lime, fig, peach, guava and cherry work well. You could also pick up saplings of Peepal or Banyan trees from parks, botanical gardens or rural areas. Extra caution should be taken while re-potting the bonsai and you need to ensure the soil has adequate moisture in it at all times.
3. Watering the Bonsai
The watering needs of different trees vary according to the type and season. Ensure you water them every day just enough to keep the soil moist but not so much that they cause the roots to rot. The soil needs to hold enough moisture such that you can easily thrust a dowel into it and it doesn’t come out with wet mud stuck to it. Use fresh, clean water only and avoid using recycled water.
4. Pruning the Bonsai
Pruning the branches and roots of the tree is part of the training techniques that are important in shaping it. Trimming encourages new growth so you can define the shape the way you need it. Trimming the roots helps keep it within the pot and eliminate diseased sections at the same time. It improves nutrition and water absorption characteristics of the root and helps in growth. Pruning requires skills, and you need the right tools such as scissors or pruning shears.
5. Using Fertilizers to Aid Growth
Although you’ve added enough manure, bonsai trees need fertilisers to supplement for the elements they lack or draw more when they are flowering or bearing fruit. Different fertilisers are available for specific functions such as flowering, bearing fruit or growing mini bonsai tree faster. Choose the right type of fertiliser needed and use them during the growing season of your tree.
6. Repotting the Bonsai
Re-potting is necessary to replenish the lost nutrients in the soil and also to accommodate the growth of your bonsai tree. Faster growing trees may need to be re-potted once a year while the slower growing ones do well when re-potted once every two or three years. Since it is a delicate operation, it’s best done under an expert’s guidance the first time.
7. Wiring the Bonsai
Wiring is another important aspect of training the bonsai trees to develop into the shapes you envision for them. Aluminium or copper wires found with suppliers will suffice for the process, most bonsai enthusiasts use aluminium as it is softer and easy to work with. Wire training must be done on a tree that’s well adjusted to its life and is flexible. The right time to wire is after re-potting for all trees, however, seasons vary depending on the species of the tree. Deciduous trees are best wired in spring while coniferous trees are best wired later winter or early autumn.
8. Controlling Pests and Diseases
Diseases and pests can turn out to be some of the worse enemies of your bonsai tree. You need to be on the lookout for common fungal and bacterial diseases that tend to destroy trees. Re-potting and organic pesticides are good ways to keep your little tree from getting sick. You also need to ensure that the tree receives a good balance of nutrients and nothing in excess, which can harm it.
FAQs
1. What Does A Bonsai Tree Symbolize?
Bonsai communicates the ideas and emotions of oriental philosophy using the symbolism of its art. It involves the representation of deep metaphysical ideas such as balance, simplicity, harmony and time.
2. Which Bonsai Tree is Best for Indoors?
The Ficus is among the most popular of the trees used in bonsai. Especially Ficus benjamina and Ficus neriifolia are preferred for their ease of growing for beginners.
3. When Should I Wire My Bonsai?
For most tree species, wiring can be done anytime throughout the year. Deciduous trees are best wired during late winter as the absence of leaves makes the process easier. Caution should be exercised during the growth season as branches can thicken quite fast, causing the wires to cut into them leaving behind scars.
4. Does Bonsai Tree Bring Luck?
Some believe that bonsai trees brink positivity and good luck when displayed at home. Trees that are acquired as a gift are believed to bring more luck than those that have been purchased.
5. Can You Revive A Bonsai Tree?
If your bonsai tree has turned brown instead of being green or yellow, you can check for life by giving it a little scratch with your fingernail or a clipper. If there’s still some soft tissue underneath,
With proper care, it is possible to revive the dying bonsai tree. If you apply a little pressure on the branches and they snap off crisply, the tree is dead completely.
The art of bonsai can be taken up by anyone who is willing to apply themselves to the discipline to cultivating these magnificent miniature trees. The result is worth the years and effort that go into it.
Also Read:
Make Your Home More Colorful With Vertical Gardening Ideas
Lucky Plants that Bring Wealth, Health, and Love
Best Bedroom Plants That Will Make You Feel Relax and Sleep Well Read more
Suggested for you
Sponge Bath vs. Tub Bath For Your Baby
Bathing your newborn can be a nail-biting experience! The first baby bath comes as an overwhelming experience for most parents - so no, it's not just you. Many moms have admitted that the dominating emotion they felt at this time was that of nervousness. It is natural to feel uncomfortable handling such a fragile baby. Given this state of mind, and your baby's delicate body, which option is better: sponge bath or tub bath?
Picking between a sponge bath and a tub bath is a major decision when you are a new mom. You may be advised differently by elders at home as compared to the doctor. There may also be some traditions about baby's bath that you are asked to follow. But what is the medically approved verdict?
Well, this is what the doctors think is the safest approach to follow:
Opt for a sponge bath in the early weeks after your baby's birth. Continue to do this until the umbilical cord stump falls off from the baby’s navel and the wound heals completely. This is important to keep your little one's umbilical stump area clean and dry. It can sometimes become infected - a condition called Omphalitis - which leads to swelling and discomfort.
Later, after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off (usually happens in about 7 to 21 days), you should switch to a tub bath for your baby. According to some hospital studies, tub bathed babies retained their temperatures better as compared to the sponge bathed babies, meaning they felt less cold during the bath. Also, they overall were more content and slept better right after the bath. This is yet another reason to eventually switch to a tub bath when your baby is older.
Finally, as your baby grows up, you can take a call on the daily bath based on your baby's daily routine as well as what's convenient to you. There are no apparent reasons at this stage to prefer one method of bathing over another. However, to make bathing a hassle-free experience, no matter which type of bath you choose, you need to be prepared beforehand. Bath time poses several risks for the infant if necessary precautions are missed.
Safest Way To Sponge Bathe Your Newborn
A sponge bath is going to be one of the first bathing experiences for your baby. So go for a warm room and find a clean space which should be covered with a soft towel. Gather all the essentials that you will need before placing your newborn on the surface. They include:
2 good quality baby bath sponges or washcloths
Baby body wash
Towel for drying
Diapers
Clean clothes
Baby powder
A small mug/pot full of warm or lukewarm water
A soft blanket
Then, Follow These Steps:
Use warm to lukewarm water, depending upon the weather you live in. Mix a few drops of baby body wash in the water.
There is no need to shampoo your newborn unless his hair or scalp is unclean.
Undress your little one and keep cradling him with the other hand (it allows him to stay warm after being exposed to the air.). Leave the diaper on and wash the pelvic area in the last.
With the soft sponge or washcloth soaked in the water, clean one area at a time. You can start from behind his ears and proceed to the face, neck, elbows, knees, back and then to the toes.
To make sure that the water does not enter the eyes, tip his head back a bit.
Wipe the area around his eyes with a light hand.
Wipe his belly button stump as well.
At the end, take off the diaper and wash his belly, bottom and the genital area. But don’t wash the circumcised penis until it’s completely healed, if you have a boy. Wash the baby girls from front to back. Use a different sponge or washcloth for cleaning the genital area.
Now soak the sponge in plain water, squeeze out the excess water and wipe off all the soapy water from your baby’s body.
Finally, pat your little one dry very softly and apply some baby powder if you wish. If you find that his skin is dry, apply some baby lotion or baby oil and skip the powder. Then dress him up and swaddle him in a feather soft blanket for ultimate comfort.
Safest Way To Tub Bathe Your Newborn
Once the umbilical cord falls off and the navel heals completely, your newborn can graduate to a tub bath. Some babies resist this transition, but you can keep trying for a couple of weeks and your baby would look forward to bathing in no time. Your essential tub bathing list should include:
A bathtub that is thick and made of plastic. Probably one that comes with a slip-resistant backrest to make it easier for your little one to keep from sliding.
You can also get bathing chairs that you can keep in the tub and place the baby on it. Bathing chair has a mesh net to allow the water to drip away.
Baby soap or body wash
Towel
Diapers
Baby powder, baby lotion
Clothes and blanket
Then, Follow These Steps:
Fill the tub with lukewarm water, up to 2-3 inches.
Use one of your hands to support the head of your baby and then gently lower him down in the tub.
Wash his hair and face with a soft sponge.
Use a mild baby soap and water to wash the rest of his body, paying careful attention to his under arms, insides of the elbows, between the fingers and the genital area.
In order to keep your little one warm, keep pouring some lukewarm water over his chest.
After you are done washing him, pat him dry thoroughly drying the folds and creases on his body.
Apply a good baby lotion or a baby powder.
Dress and swaddle him in a blanket.
Bathing your baby may seem like a regular and simple task at first - but moms know just how challenging it can be! Moreover, some newborns might turn on their crying mode and also start off with the complimentary screeching and cranky behaviour during the whole bathing process. Do not worry, as this ritual will become one of his favourite activities soon enough.And once you are done, it will be a beautiful sight to see your little one bundled in a soft towel. Read more
Check out this new Memory
Shweta Rajput
Mom of a 7 m old girl
New Memory
#cutestbaby
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Congratulations! You are Pregnant and He looked at me and smiled.
I was 23 and my husband was 27yrs old when we got hitched. We both are into IT.We did not wanted baby as we felt we were not settled in life yet and having a baby now is too early for us. We both were into workouts, travelling, cooking,movies,trekking,etc.Life was all good. My husband used to shield me from everyone who asked when are we giving them the "good news".
After 5yrs of our marriage, we started feeling this is the right time for us to have a baby.We suffered a lot with getting pregnant (which I will share in my next writeup). One fine day, I missed my period. I checked it at home with pregnancy testing kit.To our surprise there was a very very faint positive line.I took a pic and sent it to one of my friend who is a doctor. She said she can't say 100% if it's because of pregnancy.Lets wait for 10 more days.consider it as negative for now.
We went to our regular Gynaecologist Dr.Indira. She did the test again with kit. We knew it will be negative as we did it yesterday and my friend told it may not be a pregnancy as well. But, Doc checked the test kit and said, look here there is a very very faint positive line. We have to wait for 7 more days and redo the test on coming Wednesday. If it comes out to be positive (darker line)let's do an ultrasound scan to confirm pregnancy.
But, we came back home and were so excited that,we used to do the test everyday. Sometimes twice a day to check if the darkness of positive line has increased or not. First day again the same, very faint positive line. After 3 days the test positive line was such dark that no-one would say it's a negative.I jumped crazily. And my husband smoothly planted a kiss on my forehead and said with excitement Maanu, don't jump, it may hurt the baby and you must be very cautious from now on.We called our parents and said the test has come out positive. We are going the doctor now.They said they will be waiting for our confirmation lcall.
We literally waited till it was 7pm at which the clinic opens because we wanted to confirm this from our doctor. We were there even before the clinic was open. We went in. I handed her the test panel which had a darker positive lines.She told my husband to wait outside and made me lie down on the bed and did the checkups.I was praying to god. And the doctor called my husband inside. She was all smiles. There it was what we both wanted to hear so badly.Yes, she said Congratulations, you are pregnant!
And began the parenthood.
To know more about pregnancy high lows, read my upcoming blog. Read more
Suggested for you
Going Out with Your Kids - Ideas for a Family Outing
Planning to take your kids to some family outing where they can enjoy to the fullest? Here are some ideas to help you can plan for an outing.
1. A Zoo Trip
Almost all kids will like to see animals. Taking them to the zoo will help them know how the animals they watch on TV and read in books, look in reality.
2. Garden
A garden full of variety of plants and trees. You can show your kids different types of plants. They will get to know from where the flowers and fruits come.
3. Park
Go to a park where your kids can play and run with other kids. And where they can do many other playing activities like sliding, swinging, etc.
4. Mall
You can go to a mall for shopping for you and your kids or to any other store where you can shop for your clothes, footwear, bags and other necessary items.
5. Grocery Shopping
Take your kids with you for grocery shopping, they will get new experiences and learn to shop for themselves. They will also get to know how things work around them.
6. Go out for a Family Dinner
Go for dinner to some family restaurant with good ambience and food.
7. Go for a Walk
If your kids are getting bored at home, go for a walk with them.Enjoy some mornings or evenings with your kids by simply going for a long walk.
8. An Ice-cream Treat
Go to the nearest place where you can give your kids an ice-cream treat. Or if the place is far away go by your vehicle. You can make your kid happy just by taking them out for a treat.
9. Visit a Relative
Cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts will always be happy to see you and your kids at their place and your kids will also enjoy playing with cousins of their age group for a change.
10. Kids' Play Zones
Nowadays, there are a lot of playing zones or playing areas in malls and even separately just for the kids to have fun. There will be a lot of rides. Games to play, painting, drawing, fun etc.
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
Suggested for you
How Practicing Yoga And Pranayam Can Help you cure Hyper Tension
Yoga is estimated to be thousands (8,000 to 10,000) of years old. It is the art of knowing oneself and knowing the eternal truth. Yoga is a philosophy and a way of life where art and science meet. Yoga can be a very beneficial therapy for controlling high BP. The practise of yoga brings a perfect balance in body and mind. A leading cause of high Blood Pressure is hypertension or stress, you can protect your health and the functioning of various organs in the body, especially the central nervous system, with regular practice.
Yoga Asanas and Pranayama for high BP
Yoga Asanas and pranayama should be practiced on a regular basis as it is a natural remedy to remove tension, calm the nerves, relax the heart and refresh the brain. The arteries and capillaries are dilated, made elastic and their functions improved. Forward bends are beneficial in calming the frontal lobe of the brain and must be practiced with a crepe bandage. People with hyper tension should eat foods rich in folic acid, Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, magnesium to protect and keep your heart healthy.
Fruits are a good source of energy and are rich in high potassium and Vitamin C. Consume fruits that are rich in Potassium. Eat a healthy and a balanced diet. Keep your body hydrated and drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water a day. Make sure to eat only home cooked meals and avoid restaurant food.
Eat a low sodium diet. Eating too much of wrong salt can irritate the endothelial cells and increase water retention which will spike up your blood levels. Reduce weight if over weight. Try to incorporate green leafy vegetables, unsalted sunflower and pumpkin seeds, almonds, apricots, raisins, figs, walnuts, milk, yogurt, bananas, apples, avocados, peaches, plums, melons, oranges etc.
Avoid having chocolates, caffeine, alcohol, aerated drinks, cigarettes. Before doing yoga asanas go for half an hour walk. Practice forward bending asanas everyday to calm your mind and body and to feel fresh. Having light and early dinner. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep.
Yoga Asanas to perform regularly to control hyper tension
1. Adho Mukha Virasana- Downward Facing Hero Posture
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana- Downward Facing Dog Posture
3. Prasarita Padottasana- Intense Leg Stretch Posture
4. Supta Padangustasana- Reclining Big Toe Posture
5. Supta Baddha Konasana- Reclining Bound Angle Posture
6. Supta Virasana- Reclining Hero Posture
7. Setu Bandhasana- Bridge Posture
8. Viparita Karni- Inverted Action Posture
9. Adho Mukha Upavistha Konasana- Seated wide angle posture
10. Janu Sirsasana- Head to knee posture
11. Savasana- Supine Relaxation
Pranayama- Breathing
Pranayama is the conscious expansion of inhalation and exhalation in a specific manner. It is a scientific process of internal purification, draws the mind inwards and connects to deeper levels of consciousness. Pranayama refreshes and energizes the brain, calms the mind, removes stress, negativity and makes all the systems function well. They must be learnt from an experienced yoga teacher.
1. Ujjayi Pranayama- This pranayama is also known as breath of victory. It involves deep breathing that controls every movement of the muscles as they expand and contract. It is a process that regulate the movements of the chest and abdomen, refreshes brain, enhances lung capacity. It relieves high and low BP, depression, thyroid problems, migraine, asthma, sleep apnea, insomnia, anxiety, acidity, snoring, bronchitis. The Victorious breath pranayama can be practiced for 10-15 minutes.
2. Kapalabhati Pranayama- Kapalabhati pranayama is a cleansing pranayama that flushes out all the impurities present in the body through the nostrils. It also brings a fresh glow to the face, lightens the skull. It relives low and high BP, cholesterol, triglycerides, heart problems, kidney problems, menstrual and menopause problems, diabetes and helps in weight loss. It builds muscle and bone mass. Practice this for 15-20 minutes daily.
3. Brahmari Pranayama- Brahmari Pranayama is also known as humming bee breath. The sound created resembles the sound of a bee. This breathing exercise instantly calms your mind and soothes the nervous system. This Pranayama can be practiced three to four times a day. This breathing exercise relieves high BP, depression, anger, anxiety, fear, insomnia and mental stress. This practice is also great for building confidence, inner strength and excellent to balance hormones. Practice this for 15 minutes.
4. Anulom Vilom Pranayama or Nadi Shodana Pranayama- Also known as alternate nostril breathing is the one the best breathing practices which immediately calms down your mind. It relieves high BP, anxiety, depression, mental stress, menstrual cycles, purifies the nervous system, balances the right and left hemisphere of the brain. Anulom Vilom pranayama can be practiced for 10-15 minutes. It is better to meditate for about 5-10 minutes post practicing Nadi Shodana pranayama. Also an important factor here, to keep in mind is that your exhalations must be much longer than your inhalations. To get the best results, practice this pranayama every single day.
Yoga during Pregnancy to control High BP
Yoga practice before, during and after pregnancy can be extremely beneficial to improve the blood circulation of the pelvis and the reproductive organs. It will not just strengthen the spine and the uterus but also enhance fertility. In the early stages of pregnancy, morning sickness and weakness may appear. Therefore it is important to practice yoga before you conceive so that you can benefit during pregnancy. Practice of yoga on a regular basis can improve digestion, help in healthy blood circulation. Asanas and pranayama reduce tiredness and helps to remove toxins from the body. Any hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage , abortion and other complications. Therefore to enjoy a safe pregnancy its essential to practice yoga regularly. There are different asanas which can beneficial for all pregnant ladies. During pregnancy a lot of women see fluctuations in their blood pressure levels. Hence I will be listing down some asanas which could be performed in order to control High BP during pregnancy.
1. Virasana- Virasana is also called as Vajrasana or Hero Pose. This posture resembles a warrior in a sitting position. Some women during their Pregnancy complain of severe pain and swelling in the legs. This pose will give you relief from the pain and swelling and will also strengthen your spine, hips, pelvis, knees and legs. This pose can be performed during all three trimesters of your pregnancy. This posture also has a lot of other benefits like relieves low and high bp, diabetics, acidity, indigestion, pain in low back, hips, ankles, heels, leg pain, gout etc.
2. Adho Mukha Virasana- This pose is also known as downward-facing hero pose. This is a very comfortable posture and can be performed right from the first day of your pregnancy until the day your baby is born. This pose eases breathing, rests the heart, helps treat high blood pressure and diabetics, allows your breathing to flow freely into your groin, lower back and spine, sides of the torso, and abdomen, assists during labor. This pose can also be performed for all three trimesters.
3. Ardha Uttanasana- This pose is also called as Half intense forward stretch pose. This posture needs to be practiced with a lot of care to not compress your abdomen during pregnancy. It helps in strengthening the abdominal organs, calming the mind, alleviating depression, relieves from back and stomach pain. Restores normal blood pressure, creates space for the fetus to grow and extend its limbs, lengthens and straightens the back of the cervix and the vagina. This pose also can be practiced for all three trimesters.
4. Salamba Purvottanasana- Also known as Supported eastern intense stretch pose is an amazing posture which lifts the spine and the inner organs., lifts and widens the diaphragm and gives support to the heart as well. Provides space in the chest and allows the breath to be deep and smooth. Relieves nervous tension and helps the mind and body to calm down. This is a pose that should be avoided in the first trimester. It can be done in second and third trimester. This posture should be avoided in case of bleeding and white discharge.
5. Adho Mukha Shvanasana- This pose is also called Downward-facing dog pose. It should be practiced with ropes and a support for the head. During pregnancy standing asanas cause a lot of fatigue thus this asana removes fatigue. This pose helps in lowering blood pressure, relieves lower back pain, headaches, fatigue and palpitations. Lessens swellings in the legs and ankles. It increases blood supply to the brain, restores normal blood pressure and heartbeat, extends the spine and helps to strengthen the spinal muscles, eliminates shortness of breath. This posture can be performed in all three trimesters, as long as your comfortable.
6. Ardha Chandrasana- This pose is also called as the Half moon pose. This asana is great to be performed during pregnancy. It relieves from anxiety, nervous tension, fatigue. Reduces nausea and vomiting, it strengthens the spine and the pelvic muscles, it regulates blood pressure, provides space in the uterus and maintains proper kidney functions also checks bleeding during pregnancy. Pregnant ladies detected with toxemia should avoid practicing this posture. Otherwise it can be practiced in all three trimesters.
7. Parshvottanasana- This posture is also known as Intense chest stretch pose. This asana helps in improving hip, spine and shoulder flexibility, strengthens the abdominal muscles, legs and spine, refreshes brain, removes body stiffness, makes delivery easy, brings down high blood pressure. This asana can be practiced throughout pregnancy.
8. Prasarita Padottanasana- Also known as Intense leg stretch posture. During pregnancy there is a lot of discomfort and pain in the body. Thus this asana is of great during both menstruation and pregnancy. It relieves low and high blood pressure, anxiety, morning sickness during pregnancy, increase blood circulation, strengthens the hips, legs, knees and feet. Stretches and widens the pelvic region, improves digestion. When you feel exhausted or have symptoms of toxemia this pose should be strictly avoided. It can be practiced throughout pregnancy. In first trimester it should be practiced with concave back.
9. Ardha Halasana- This asana is also called as Half plough posture. This asana helps to strengthen and firm the spine, especially during the first trimester. Some women face the problem of vaginal bleeding in the initial stages of pregnancy, this pose is extremely beneficial to prevent the bleeding. Helps treat kidney problems, both as regular precaution and during pregnancy. Also helps in urinary problems. Practicing this pose will help you massage your energize your brain, neck, lungs, heart and abdomen. It can be practiced during all three trimesters.
10. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana- This pose is also called Bridge pose. This is one such pose that a pregnant woman shouldn’t skip practicing during her pregnancy as it helps to build courage. This posture helps in improving heart and kidney functions, removes heaviness, relieves headache, diabetes, back pain, hip pain, thyroid, fatigue, anxiety, depression. Women suffering from high BP during pregnancy must perform this asana both in the mornings and evenings as well. This pose reduces vaginal discharge. Promotes mental stability. This asana can be performed during first and second trimester. If you are comfortable practicing this asana in you third trimester then you can continue, otherwise if you feel a pull in the pelvic region you can avoid this pose.
11. Upavistha Konasana- This posture is also referred as Seated wide angle posture- This asana is great for strengthening the muscles of the pelvic region and lower back. Also great for toning the kidneys. It helps in improving the blood circulation in the abdomen and the pelvis. Enhances flexibility and strength in the hips. This asana is very beneficial to cure urinary problems during pregnancy. Also reduces vaginal discharge. This posture can be practiced throughout pregnancy.
12. Supta Baddha Konasana- This asana is also known as Reclining bound angle pose. This posture is a relaxing and a healing variation of Baddha Konasana. This asana is a boon for pregnant ladies as it tones the urinary system, relieves pain, burning sensation, abdominal-pelvic discomfort. It also ensures an easy delivery. This pose can be practiced throughout pregnancy.
13. Supta Virasana- This pose is also known as Reclining hero pose. This asana helps in correcting high blood pressure. Relieves from flatulence and constipation, uterine fatigue. Promotes good sleep and easy delivery, rejuvenates organs. Helps in relaxing the mind and body. This posture can also be practiced in all three trimesters.
14. Shavasana- This posture is also known as Corpse pose. This pose is done at the end of yoga practice. It is one of the poses which not just helps to calm the mind and body but also leads you to the spiritual path. This asana is great to remove all tensions. It is an excellent pose which can be practiced throughout the pregnancy. Read more
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
Check out this new Memory
Tanu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old boy
New Memory
#risingstar
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Teena Menaria
Mom of a 1 yr 1 m old boy
New Memory
#thephoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Aarti Raman Mehta
Mom of a 1 yr 11 m old boy
New Memory
Vardan
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Payal Rao
Guardian of a 4 m old girl
1 min ago
#lilsuperstar
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