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Menstruation Cycle - What It Is & How Does It Affect You
Once you enter puberty, your body will mature rapidly and go through a lot of changes. There are physical changes including the development of breasts, pubic hair and more importantly, menstruation. Every girl starts her menstrual cycle during this time; however, the exact time will vary based on various factors.
What is Menstruation?
Every month your body prepares your uterus for pregnancy. This process involves lining the uterus with tissue and blood in preparation for implantation of the egg. Menstruation takes place when this lining sheds and exits your body through the cervix and your vagina. You will bleed out blood and tissue during this time and it will last for an average of 3 to 5 days.
What is Menstruation Cycle?
A menstrual cycle is a monthly occurrence that prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy. Counting from the first day of your period to the day before your next period periods, an average menstrual cycle lasts for 28 to 29 days. It is possible for some women to have shorter cycles that last for 21 days. There are also others which longer cycles that last over 35 days.
What Happens during The Period Cycle?
The menstrual cycle has four phases that take place over the course of the month.
Phase 1: Menstrual Phase
This is when the lining built in the uterus sheds and you begin to bleed. This phase lasts for 3 to 5 days and maybe longer in some women. Many menstruating women experience certain symptoms that include, but are not limited to, cramps in the abdomen, backache, pain in the leg, mood swings, breast tenderness, etc. You may also few very tired and face a general lack of energy during this time.
Phase 2: Follicular Phase
This is the phase when your body is preparing for ovulation. A hormone known as FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), stimulates the ovaries and leads to the production of a matured egg. This process also releases hormones like oestrogen and progesterone which prepare the uterine lining in anticipation of an impending pregnancy. This thick lining is created to provide nutrients and blood to the foetus.
During this time, since there is a rise in your oestrogen level, you may feel energetic and have a brighter mood. You may also notice some white discharge during this time, which is completely normal.
Phase 3: Ovulation
Ovulation happens when the ovaries release the mature egg and it begins to travel through the fallopian tube into the uterus. This egg can only survive for 12 to 24 hours. Within this period, if the egg comes in contact with a sperm, it gets fertilized. These are the days when your fertility is at its peak. You will need to take care to use protection if you are engaging in sexual intercourse during this time.
The high levels of oestrogen produced in your body during this period will give you a boost of energy, mood, and even your sex drive.
Phase 4: Luteal Phase
This phase marks the end of the menstrual cycle. Once the egg moves down the fallopian tube and into the uterus, your body begins to produce progesterone which further builds the uterine lining. However, if the egg isn’t fertilized there will be a drop in the level of oestrogen and progesterone. Also, since the uterus does not need the lining as there is no implantation of an egg, it begins to sheds it. This is when you enter into a new cycle.
How Do Hormones Work?
The menstrual cycle is regulated by various hormones that are produced in different parts of the body.
The Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, known as the GnRH, is produced in the hypothalamus part of the brain. This stimulates the production of other hormones like the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as the luteinizing hormone.
FSH or the follicle stimulating hormone is produced in the brain by the pituitary gland and is responsible for helping your eggs ripen or mature in the ovaries.
Also produced in the pituitary gland, the luteinizing hormone stimulates the ovaries to release the eggs.
Your ovaries produce oestrogen which is responsible for the changes that take place in your body during puberty. It has quite a few roles in your body, especially during the reproductive cycle.
Progesterone hormones, which are also produced by the ovaries, are tasked with regulating your reproductive cycle and maintaining, as well as preparing for pregnancy.
During Ovulation
During ovulation, there is a rise in the level of oestrogen in your body which causes a prompt decrease in the level of FSH hormones. But with the rise in the luteinizing hormones, the FSH also rises. The luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation and the egg is released from the sac and out of the ovary. This egg is then caught by the fallopian tube.
On a normal day, the cervix produces thick mucus that the sperms cannot penetrate. Before ovulation, the oestrogen hormone changes this thick mucus and makes it thin. This allows the sperm to swim through into the uterus to fertilize the egg.
After Ovulation
The follicle in the ovary, after the egg is released, turns into what is called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is a yellow mass of cells which is responsible for the production of the progesterone hormone. Progesterone turns the mucus thicker again and makes it difficult for sperms to penetrate. During this time you may notice that your vaginal discharge is thicker and stickier.
The progesterone also prepares the uterus walls for implantation of the egg by creating a thick lining of blood and tissues. With a rise in the level of progesterone, your breasts may also feel a little stretched and you may experience a tingling sensation in them.
After ovulation, the pituitary gland stops producing the FSH hormone to prevent any more eggs from maturing.
What Happens If Fertilization Takes Place?
If the mature egg released from the ovary is fertilized by a sperm in the fallopian tube, it travels into the uterus and implants itself on the lining. The time taken by the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus may be anywhere in between six to twelve days. During this time, the egg has only 150 cells. You may also begin to feel early symptoms of pregnancy as the progesterone levels continue to rise in your body.
What Happens If Fertilization Does Not Take Place?
In case fertilization does not take place or in the event that the egg does not implant on the walls of the uterus successfully, the egg begins to disintegrate. The corpus luteum also shrinks and the level of oestrogen and progesterone in your body will begin to drop.
Your uterus produces a chemical called prostaglandins, which will change the blood supply to the uterus, break the lining created on the uterine walls and contract your uterus. This is when the lining sheds along with the unfertilized egg and your periods start.
What are Typical Periods Like?
A typical period involves bleeding through your vagina for about 3 to 5 days. Bleeding may last for shorter or longer periods for some women. The menstrual flow or the amount of blood that comes out of the vagina can be classified as a heavy, moderate or light flow. This differs from woman to woman. The bleeding during menstruation may last longer in the first few years and will tend to get regularized with age.
Problems Associated with Periods
There may be several problems that come along with your periods apart from the cramping, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), aches and body pain.
1. Menorrhagia
This is characterized by heavy bleeding that may last from five to seven days. Menorrhagia is caused due to an imbalance in the hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone. Vaginal infections, inflamed cervix, hypothyroidism, uterine fibroids, etc could also cause the condition.
2. Amenorrhoea
Also called absent periods, here, you don’t get your periods for different reasons. Primary amenorrhoea is when you don’t menstruate even if you are 16. This may be due to a delay in puberty, congenital defects in the reproductive system or issues with the pituitary gland. Secondary amenorrhoea may be due to hyperthyroidism, anorexia, ovarian cysts, pregnancy, stopping birth control or sudden gain or loss of weight.
3. Dysmenorrhoea
Dysmenorrhoea can cause you to experience severe pain during your periods. While cramping is normal during PMS as the uterus contracts and expands, women with dysmenorrhoeal experience excruciating pain. This may be due to inflammation of the pelvis, fibroids, or endometriosis (abnormal growth of tissue in the uterus).
When Does A Girl Usually Get Her First Period?
The first period usually starts between the age of 10 to 12. But some girls may get is as early as at 10 years or it may get delayed until they are 15 or 16. The age of the first period may also be dependent on when the mother got her first periods. It is also noticed that periods are likely to start about two years after the breasts and pubic hair develop in the girl.
When Does Menopause Start?
A woman is said to be in menopause if she hasn’t had her periods for over 12 months. The average age for women to hit menopause is between 40 and 50 years. However, some women enter menopause in their 30s and others don’t get menopause until they are well in their 60s.
How Often Should You Change Pad/Tampon?
You need to change your pads every four hours to avoid infection and bacteria build-up. If you are using tampons, it is best not to wear it over eight hours in order to prevent TSS or toxic shock syndrome (a condition caused when tampons are left for longer than eight hours which may cause bacteria to make toxins or poison). Sponges and menstrual cups can be changed once or twice in a day based on the quantity of your flow.
It is important to use products which are appropriate for the amount of your bleeding. You can also use different products on different days, as your menstrual flow changes as your periods progress.
When Should You Consult A Gynaecologist?
You will need to consult a doctor under the following cases:
You have not got your first period by the age of 15.
Your breasts haven’t developed or you haven’t started periods within 3 years of breast development.
Periods stop abruptly for over 90 days.
Irregular periods.
You are bleeding for over seven days.
You have heavy bleeding and are using more than one pad or tampon every two hours.
You bleed between your periods.
You have severe cramps and pain during periods.
You’ve developed a fever after using tampons.
Menstruation is an important milestone in a woman’s life as it prepares her body to be able to conceive and bear children. It is important to understand how your menstrual cycle works in order to stay informed and protected as you begin your journey into womanhood.
Also Read: Pregnancy Chances and Periods Read more
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12 Beautiful Rangoli Designs for Diwali (With Videos)
Diwali is around the corner, and you must be all geared up to celebrate it with your friends and family. By now, you must have completed most of your Diwali-related tasks, if not all! But the festival of lights would be incomplete if you don’t make a beautiful rangoli. Do you know what rangoli you are going to make this year? Yes, we know you have got enough time to think about it but it’s good to have everything planned in advance, don’t you agree? If you want some suggestions in rangoli designs for Diwali, we are here to help! Whether you are a beginner or an expert - we are sure you will love these easy-to-make rangoli designs.
Beautiful Rangoli Designs for Diwali
The term rangoli is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘rangavalli’. Although the purpose of making rangoli is decoration, it is believed to bring good luck. On various occasions and festivals, people make rangoli. And on Diwali, rangoli is made to welcome the Goddess of wealth. If you want to make a beautiful rangoli this year, take our help! We bring to you some of the latest rangoli designs for Diwali - try the one you like and surprise everyone with your creativity.
1. Triple-Layered Flower Rangoli
https://youtu.be/lrDUZfXfCS4
This is a classic design and might we say, it is one of the easiest rangoli designs you will find. If you are a beginner and not so adept at using rangoli colours, this rangoli pattern is for you! All you have to do is arrange three types of flowers in concentric circles. You could pick petals of gendha (marigold flower) and chrysanthemum for the filling and rose petals for the outline. Make the circles using a piece of chalk and fill them with the petals of flowers.
2. Intricate Rangoli
https://youtu.be/8lxpdDs_XF4
If you are adept at drawing intricate patterns, you can try one of these splendid designs: concentric circles with checks in them and a large lamp in the centre, a large diya with glowing flame, or peacock feathers and Ganpati surrounded by flowers. Choose the pattern based on the level of complexity you are willing to dabble with!
3. Diya Rangoli
https://youtu.be/eOlnpl0eZnQ
You light lots of diyas in your house during Diwali, so why not make a diya rangoli? A large diya rangoli will look stunning near your front gate or door. To make a diya rangoli you can use either use bright rangoli colours or flower petals. If you go for flower petals, choose marigold flower,white chrysanthemum,or white roses. This diya design might be basic, but it never goes out of style!
4. Fairy Lights Rangoli
Fairy lights enliven your living space, we agree, but they can also add life to your rangoli. If you have never tried making rangoli with fairy lights, try it this Diwali! Use colourful fairy lights to create a dazzling rangoli on the floor. You will need adapters/multi-plugs and wire clips to keep the layout neat, but trust us, your efforts won’t go waste, because in the end you will have an illuminating rangoli. You can create simple designs such as circles, lamps, or even the face of lord Ganesha!
5. Dot Rangoli or Kolam Rangoli
https://youtu.be/OmOdOxoZJLU
Dotted rangoli designs or kolam rangoli designs are geometrically symmetrical and look beautiful, but it is not easy to make them. Use a piece of chalk to draw the outlines first, and then use rangoli colours. Some kolam rangoli designsthat you try are flower and star pattern, flowers and leaves design, dotted peacock kolam, star kolam rangoli, etc. Choose a design which you like the best and create a masterpiece!
6. White Rangoli
https://youtu.be/AbFviNFkbf4
If you want your rangoli to look simple and classy, keep it plain white. Make a design of your choice using white rangoli colour and place a diya in the centre of the rangoli or around it! Your rangoli will look simply beautiful!
7. Floating Rangoli
https://youtu.be/3no4YJ2QsEE
Floating rangolis are very easy to make! If you have never made a rangoli before, we are sure you will love to make this rangoli pattern. To make this rangoli, you will need a deep vessel (a wok-like vessel), some water, a rangoli stencil and 2-3 tealights. To understand better how you can make this rangoli, watch the video!
8. Lotus Rangoli
https://youtu.be/V9yS4PnsX20
Welcome Lakshmi ji, the Goddess of wealth in your house, by making a beautiful lotus rangoli. Lotus rangoli is very easy to make. Using a piece of chalk, draw a lotus flower on the floor and fill in the petals with soft pink rangoli colour.
9. Square Rangoli
https://youtu.be/3tbjnUCwJVo
Now this is a rangoli design which you can make in no time. Draw two squares - one square should be inside the other square. Fill the inner square with the colours of your choice, then write ‘Happy Diwali’ with white rangoli. Colour the area between the two squares with a dark rangoli colour and your rangoli is ready!
10. Sanskar Bharti Rangoli
https://youtu.be/UJA-kXprkpM
Sankar Bharti rangoli is very popular in Maharashtra. In Sanskar Bharti rangoli, three to four fingers are used to make a design. This rangoli is very intricate, and you should try this rangoli, only if you are expert at making rangoli. If not, then stick to simple designs.
11. Glitter Rangoli
https://youtu.be/sgg8ECvWF-w
Diwali is a festival of lights, so everything you do and decorate should sparkle and have a life to it. Yes, even your rangoli too! To make your rangoli shine, add some glitter powder to your rangoli colour. Draw your favourite design and colour it with glittery rangoli colours.
12. Swastika Rangoli
https://youtu.be/7xDuV-H_DE4
The Swastika symbol is considered very auspicious. When making a Swastika rangoli, you can be creative and experiment with colours. Keep the symbol intact and draw leaves, flowers, and other designs around it.
There you have it – 12 beautiful rangoli designs for Diwali. Try out one or more designs from the above list of Diwali rangoli designs and make a beautiful rangoli on Diwali! Your rangoli is sure to be the talk of the town when guests come over to celebrate! Read more
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Your Baby This Week : 3 Month Week 1 Old
Your child will most likely be able to sit up while propped up by blankets or pillows. If he is able to do so for short periods of time without slumping forward or directly down to the side, by all means, let him enjoy the new scenery that comes with sitting in an upright position on the floor or next to you in the comfort of your couch. A typical newborn sleeps 16 to 18 hours a day. Most babies are physically able to sleep through the night that is sleeping for at least six to eight hours at a stretch any time between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 months of age. Exactly when this magical milestone happens, varies significantly, depending both on the child’s individual development and the healthy sleep habits you have entered. Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Doing things the same way every night around the same time, will help your child get the idea that sleep is expected soon. Set the scene for some more sleep. When you put your baby to bed, turn off the lights and close the curtains. Use a real candle or a night light to give you just enough light to see. Keep your room quiet, or use something like a cooling fan, a white noise machine or a lullaby CD to block out sounds from the rest of the house. Establish a set bedtime and stick to it. Establish a regular bedtime, as it can help to regulate your baby’s sleep patterns. Choose a reasonable bedtime that suits the family’s schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
Read more
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Pick up the Correct Handbag
A handbag can enhance your overall look if matched appropriately with your attire. With so many choices around, it isn't always easy to select one. These quick tips on how to choose a handbag can help you pick pieces that go well with your needs and outfits.
Besides helping you tote anything from your lipsticks to your baby bottles, a handbag is one accessory that polishes your look to a tee. With the market aflood with different styles of handbags, it becomes imperative to know how to pick a bag that is both functional and fashionable. Just in case you aren't able to figure out what handbag suits your requirement and style the best, here is what you need to know.
Picking Up the Perfect Handbag
1. Tote bag
This is the best choice if you are planning to go out shopping or travelling with or without your baby in tow. It's large enough to accommodate your baby's nappies, a bottle of water, and your wallet, besides being extremely stylish. Since the bag is big, we suggest you to complement it with column dresses, fitted pants, and loose blouses. Take this bag for a little overnight trip, evening event, or even a play date. Trust this roomy bag to comfortably hold all your and your baby's essentials.
2. Satchel bag
If you never want to compromise on your style while you zip from a parent teacher meeting to a coffee date, this is the bag for you. These types of handbags are lightweight and are available in all sizes. From your camera and your car keys to a sunscreen lotion, this bag can gobble quite a bit of stuff. If you want to stay hands free, you can wear your satchel bag across the torso while you carry your little munchkin to his school. You can complement this bag with a pair of jeans and funky off-shoulder T-shirt, as well as a midi skirt and a fitted top.
3. Clutch
These cute and small bags look best when teamed with party wear dresses – both ethnic and western. There are numerous patterns and styles available when it comes to clutch bags. Pick one that matches or contrasts your attire. For instance, you may pick a beaded clutch in the same shade as the beads on your dress or an embroidered one to team with your embroidered salwar suit. Similarly, you can add to the appeal of your shimmery saree by complementing it with a glittery clutch. You can even make your little princess carry one, if she insists.
4. Diaper bags
These are a must have for the new moms who need to hold on to a world of things for their little ones. There is no better way to carry your baby’s belongings than in a diaper bag. Diaper bags for moms have separate pockets to keep your baby’s milk bottle, sipper, wet clothes, diapers and other essential items in an organised and neat way. There are several stylish diaper bags available in the market. Pick one not just for its utility, but also to add to your style quotient. Opt for diaper bags with funky prints for a casual day out or leather trimmings for a more luxe vibe at a function.
5. Sling bag
Worn just like the satchel bags, these are smaller and are quite in vogue these days. You can take one such bag for a quick shopping trip to the market when all you need to carry is some cash, your mobile, and your car keys. Pick an embroidered leather one to add to the look of your peplum top and jeggings. Sling bags can be great to carry along when you take your child for a walk around the park or while you're meeting a few friends for dinner. This small bag is light on the shoulders and is perfect for all those days when you don't have to carry much.
So what are you waiting for? Go shop for different types of bags that go well with your outfit and attitude, and flaunt a new look every time you step out of your house. Keep this information handy to pick a bag that sews both your sartorial and functional needs together. Read more
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Review of Babyhug's Suction Bowl With Spoon for kids
Babyhug Suction Bowl is a true blessing for a mom of a baby aged 6 months plus. With the growing and active babies, it is quite a task to feed your child while running and holding the plates, bowls etc. It is thus, extremely important to have a handy, and a safe bowl to feed your child. Babyhug’s suction bowl is that one product which the mommies can rely on. It is convenient to hold, is travel friendly and is made of a safe material too. It is a blessing in disguise for all the mommies struggling to balance everything on their plate and feed their child a healthy and nutritious diet too.
It is a good product and is made considering the difficult time a mom faces while feeding her child. It is safe, convenient to use and can be carried while travelling as well. It is lightweight and can be easily carried and cleaned even while travelling.
I liked the thoughtfulness of the company to have a spoon holder that covers the spoon’s head. It is hygienic and so easy to carry. In addition to this I also liked the suction base which helps in preventing the bowl from spilling. At least, it will prevent the child from playing with the bowl while eating. The quantity of the bowl is good enough as well for a child till the age of 4 years or so. The bowl is big enough to hold an appropriate quantity of food for even slightly older children.
However, I would suggest the company to make a bigger spoon, that is, the head of the spoon. It is quite small to hold any food in it. It holds very little food and toddlers may actually end up spilling the food unintentionally.
Overall, it is a wonderful product to choose. It, not only, holds enough food but also helps the baby to learn how to self feed. I would strongly recommend the mommies to get this wonderful quality product to feed theur little ones. Its quality is great and so is the product overall. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. ninth month mein kab tak delivery ho sakti hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. anytime after full term ok. 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
9 hours ago
Q. my last period date Dec 26 pregnancy test date January 31 check panen apom 37 days ipom enaku evlo weeks and days what ?..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. I don’t understand your language can you please post your question once again in English or Hindi whatever language you are more comfortable with because anybody on this only we can give you response on that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. which good formula milk or baby food for 4 months old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. no complementary foods below 4 months can use any branded formula milk. 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 this month
9 hours ago
Q. Iam 9month pregnant and having very painful condition due to constipation and gastric issues
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. during pregnancy better not to take medicines for constipation take lot of water green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits you can try suppository if the problem is more o k o k
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
7 hours ago
Q. hi Doc,
eating raw mango, chapathi or any heat producing foods cause miscarriage during first trimester?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. no relation ok c. 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 Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
6 hours ago
Q. Hi Doc,
I'm getting cramps on my right side of lower stomach. is this normal or do I have to visit doc?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. without examination it is difficult to tell proper treatment as well as advice so you should visit the doctor5 for health assessment as well as examination.
whether any investigations is required or not will be told by the doctor5
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