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Using Indian (Squat) Toilet during Pregnancy
While the news of a new member in the family makes everyone happy, it also calls for caution and careful behaviour. An expecting woman’s eating habits are monitored, childproof accessories are installed, and exercise is mandated. However, one simple function to which people do not give much thought is excretion of bodily waste. Nowadays, most of us have western style bathrooms in our house for comfort. And even if there is an Indian-style toilet in your home, a pregnant lady is not allowed to use it. But is it really harmful to use an Indian toilet during pregnancy? Here is everything you need to know about squatting while expecting.
Is It Safe to Use an Indian Toilet While Pregnant?
Contrary to popular belief, using an Indian or squat toilet while one is pregnant is not just safe but also good for the mother and child. There are no known ill-effects of using the Indian toilet when pregnant.
Benefits of Using an Indian-style Toilet During Pregnancy
A pregnant woman can benefit from using an Indian toilet during pregnancy. Following are the benefits one may derive from squatting.
Squatting reduces the chance of pelvic prolapse.
When a pregnant woman squats, it helps her build necessary pressure on the colon to eliminate waste completely.
It avoids any unsanitary contact between the to-be-mothers body and the toilet surface.
It strengthens the woman’s thighs and pelvic area and prepares her for the delivery of the baby.
It is also considered an ideal position in the time of labour as it opens up the birth canal and helps the child descend naturally.
Precautions to Be Taken While Using an Indian Toilet
While using Indian toilets is benign for a pregnant woman, one should be careful of the settings and make sure everything caters to the need of the mother. Here are a few things to keep in mind while using an Indian-style toilet:
Make sure the toilet area is dry and clean to avoid any slipping and falling accidents from occurring.
In order to help a pregnant woman balance while squatting, install handles on each side of the bathroom so that she has better grip and will not fall backwards (In a survey, it was revealed that one out of three women could not squat since they are habituated to a western-style seating).
Make sure water or toilet paper to clean up later is available readily and within arms-length to avoid unnecessary stretching by the mother-to-be.
Consult with an obstetrician about the kind of toilet you should be using, according to the needs of your body. Also, consult your doctor in case you are not used to using an Indian toilet. This will avoid further unwanted complications in the pregnancy.
Make sure the bathroom is well-lit and ventilated. This will prevent the likelihood of claustrophobia and suffocation for the woman and suit her comfort.
Avoid trying to strain yourself while passing motion, this can cause too much pressure on your colon and pelvic area, leading to prolapse.
Keep your back straight while trying to squat (this may be slightly tough in the beginning but will be easier with time). This will help maintain balance and avoid any falls or aches.
Wear a pair of bathroom footwear with tough grip to avoid slipping on the bathroom floor.
Make sure you do not try and squat on a Western-style toilet. Trying to squat on height can increase your chance of a fall.
A person should always be within earshot of the pregnant woman to cater to her needs upon a call. This is necessary in case the woman feels uncomfortable, light-headed, or experiences pain of any kind.
An Indian style or squatting toilet is better for a pregnant woman for various health reasons. It not only helps a woman defecate better, but also prepares her mind and body for labour. However, as beneficial as squatting might be for a pregnant woman, we must take precautionary measures in order to ensure a safe environment for a woman.
Also Read: Frequent Urination During Pregnancy Read more
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Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine for Babies
Despite the worries we have when a baby gets the chickenpox, modern medicine has ensured that this disease will not cause any long-term harm. It is, however, a disease associated with a lot of inconveniences and unpleasant symptoms for the affected. Keep yourself up to date with the disease symptoms and why you should ensure that your child gets the prescribed dose of the Varicella vaccine.
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox or Varicella is a contagious, viral infection. It most commonly afflicts young children and common symptoms include itchy blisters all over the body, fever and loss of appetite. Headaches and fatigue are also symptoms of chickenpox, along with swollen lymph nodes and sore throats.
What Are the Types of Chickenpox Vaccine?
The vaccine is of two types. One is a chickenpox only vaccine, which contains a weak version of the virus. The other one is a combo of vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
Who Should Get Chickenpox Vaccine?
Children should get the chickenpox vaccine, and also adults who involved in healthcare and jobs that require them to be near children. Non-pregnant women of child-bearing age are also recommended to get the vaccine. Older children and adults who are living with younger children can also take the Varicella vaccine.
Benefits of Chickenpox Vaccine for Infants
The chickenpox vaccine is very effective and should be administered to young children. Here are some benefits of the vaccine:
98 percent of recipients do not contract the disease.
The risk of contracting shingles, a disease caused by the ‘reawakening if the dormant virus’ is reduced. If it does occur, the severity is less.
Reduces risk of related ailments like pneumonia and skin ailments
With every generation, the disease is less prevalent because of wise adoption of vaccines. Children are now less likely to be exposed to the disease because of the vaccine’s effectiveness.
How Safe is Chickenpox Vaccine for Babies
There are no major risks for babies from the chickenpox vaccine as it prepares their immune system against severe infection. A consultation with a doctor is recommended to check if the baby has certain allergies that may interfere with the treatment.
There may be a bit of soreness and swelling at the place of injection. Getting the vaccine for chickenpox is recommended because it is safer than getting the disease itself, not to mention the inconvenience caused by the latter scenario.
Recommended Schedule of Chickenpox Vaccination
A lot of concerned parents ask when do babies get chickenpox vaccine - the first shot is given when the child is between 12 to 18 months. The second vaccine shot is given when he or she is between 4 to 6 years.
Older children and adults can also be given the vaccine, for them, the time between the two shots should not be more than 4 to 8 weeks.
How the Vaccine is Given
Each Varicella vaccine dose is administered by subcutaneous injection and is around 0.5 ml. There are two doses.
Who Should Avoid Getting Vaccine Varicella?
Pregnant women should not get the vaccine, as its effect on the child has not been substantiated. There is a gelatin-free version of the vaccine, for those who are allergic to gelatin. Subjects who suffered an allergic reaction from the initial shot should not go ahead with the next one, and those allergic to neomycin also need to avoid the vaccine.
Others who need to avoid getting the vaccine include those who were involved in a blood transfusion process in the previous five months, patients being treated with steroids, and patients undergoing certain cancer treatments.
Is Varicella Vaccine a Live Vaccine?
The Varicella vaccine, named after the virus that causes chickenpox, is a live vaccine. It is derived from an attenuated sample. Attenuated viruses are very weak, but enough to cause the immune system to respond.
Can You Still Get Chickenpox After Vaccination?
The chickenpox vaccine protects children from future severe infections. Small minorities of children do get infected again, but this is a milder form of the disease, characterized by lower fever, fewer blisters and a very fast rate of recovery.
Are There Any Risks of Chickenpox Vaccine?
There are no serious risks to babies when they contract the chickenpox. In severe cases, side effects of chickenpox vaccine in babies can include bacterial skin infection, pneumonia and swelling of the brain (encephalitis).
It is extremely rare for pregnant women to contract the chickenpox and most of the afflicted recover well with no side effects on the baby.
Chickenpox was so common that it was part and parcel of growing up - it was considered a rite of passage. Now with vaccination and high levels of immunity amongst the population, children do not have to face this so often. It is essential to continue the vaccinations and protect your child from the discomfort and symptoms of the disease.
Also Read: A Complete Guide To Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine Read more
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10 Tips to Treat Heat Rash in Children This Summer
Summers can be a very taxing period for your little ones especially, for newborns and toddlers. No doubt, this season brings with itself vacations and mangoes, but it also bring a whole lot of problems like dehydration and skin problems like miliaria rubra, which is commonly know as heat rash. Heat rashes most commonly develop in the skin folds where sweaty skin rubs off against each other resulting in tiny red itchy bumps. However these rashes do not spread to another person on being touched. These rashes are common in the groin area, neck, and armpits. As a doctor, here I am, suggesting some of the ways to help your child from these itchy rashes this summer.
1. Bathe your child with cool water in the morning and evening especially, when he returns home after playing. For an infant, clean the rash area with a towel dipped in cold water if you don't want to bathe him twice to keep the area sweat-free and clean.
2. Always apply a prickly heat baby powder or dusting powder on the rash to keep it dry at all times.
3. If your child develop a rash, apply fresh aloe vera gel 2 to 3 times a day on the affected area.
4. Make your child wear soft cotton clothes with round necks or V necks. And avoid collared clothes, as they might further aggravate the rash.
5. Use ice packs to suppress the heat rash. Then let the affected area dry. Later, apply the powder again. If you don't have an ice pack, you can also take ice cubes in a clean piece of cloth - wrap it then apply on the affected area.
6. Avoid applying oil to the rash as it can further block the sweat ducts.
7. Apply a calamine lotion or a fresh sandalwood paste to cool the affected area.
8. Make sure that your child doesn't get dehydrated. Give him lemon juice, juices, and coconut water.
9. Don't allow your kids exercise in hot and humid weather. Also, refrain from sending your kids outdoors during the day time.
10. If the rashes develop into more red itchy tiny blisters then seek your doctors help immediately.
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 Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
16 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
14 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
12 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Best activity toys for 15 month old baby
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. Toys which have light and also sounds so that is going to be a good option for you to use apart from the different kids have different interest some kids like to play with cars some like to play with something else so just have to try to figure out what your child likes to eat just check what your child is more inclined towards
ZIAULHAQ ABDUL KHADAR has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. how to gain weight 32weeks
ZIAULHAQ ABDUL KHADAR
Father of a 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Have good amount of Proteins food
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
5 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert Reason behind pelvic pain during 6th month of pregnancy?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 mins ago
A. see. cc 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 Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Father of a Newborn child
3 mins ago
Q. How to improve vitamin B12 and D vitamin
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 mins ago
A. Regarding this query, a proper guidance is required for which you can talk to your doctor and he will guide you in a correct manner for this Online Consultation can also be taken here hwhere the expert will advise you in a proper way
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