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10 Healthy and Refreshing Drinks during Pregnancy
The journey of pregnancy is no less than a roller coaster ride. All through the nine months, the expecting mother is concerned about the diet that she should consume, in order to ensure a healthy baby. A lot of health drinks are marketed for supplementing the pregnant mother with the essential nutrients. However, there are many natural drinks that give way more health benefits to the developing baby and the mother.
If you have embarked on the precious journey of motherhood, you are bound to pay more attention to your diet. With a number of health drinks available in the market, learn more about the top ten natural health drinks that women can drink during their pregnancy, to get the best nutrients for you and your baby.
Healthy Drinks for Pregnant Women
Consuming some healthy fluids, especially during the summers, serves as an instant source of energy. Although there are a lot of natural healthy drinks for pregnant women, these are the top ten picks.
Tender Coconut
Tender coconut is by far the most nourishing, refreshing and most natural drink that is available directly for consumption. With its excellent sweet and salt balance, it is a drink liked by everyone. The essential mineral salts that are present in tender coconuts like sodium, potassium and calcium, serve as key regulators of growth and development. Besides this, tender coconut also has an abundance of vitamin B and C. Particularly during pregnancy; many women suffer from heartburn, acidity and constipation. Tender coconut is a panacea for all these problems.
Fresh Fruit Juices
Fruit juices that are prepared freshly carry all the goodness of the fruit and provide the required dietary fibre to the pregnant woman. During pregnancy, the expecting mother can consume the juice of all the seasonal fruits to get the best out of nature. All fruits provide a lot of vitamins and minerals, that is essential for the growing baby.
Soup
Consumption of vegetables and fruits are a must during pregnancy. To maximize the consumption, soups made from a combination of vegetables can be taken regularly. Soups carry the nutritional value of all the vegetables and also serve as good appetizers for women who suffer from an aversion to food during pregnancy. Soups made out of vegetables like broccoli, carrot, cabbage, onion, tomato, etc. provide protein and fibre and activate the taste buds.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk or churned curd called lassi are great ways of beating the heat. Many variations in taste can be brought about by adding salt, sugar or Indian spice masala and consumed during the day to restore the loss of fluids and salt, especially in summer. It soothes the digestive system and alleviates the common pregnancy discomfort of heartburn. They also contribute to adding good bacteria to the gut.
Milk
Milk is one of the primary sources of calcium during pregnancy. Regular consumption of milk and its by-products is a must to ensure that the baby receives enough calcium for its bone and teeth development. Many women develop a dislike for the taste and smell of milk during pregnancy. To circumvent this problem, some fruit flavours or health drinks can be added to make it interesting.
Smoothies
Fresh fruit or vegetable smoothies can be consumed to as an alternative to breakfast during pregnancy. Many women who experience morning sickness have a tough time having breakfast. As a workaround to this problem, smoothies can be prepared with seasonal fruits and vegetables. It not only gives a feeling of fullness but also provides a healthy start to the morning.
Herb-infused Tea
Herbal teas are great de-stressing drinks that give a very calming and relaxing effect. Herbal teas are available in different combinations in the market with a variety of herbs like mint, tulsi, ginger, lemongrass, chamomile, etc. Each has a unique effect on the body, and you can choose your favourite herb and have a sip during the day.
Lemon Water
Lemon water is an energizing drink that can be consumed as such or with a teaspoon of honey, first thing in the morning. This citrus fruit is a powerhouse of vitamin C, that helps in digestion. It helps in relieving nausea, morning sickness and bloating that is associated with pregnancy. It instantly energizes the body and can be consumed with sugar and a pinch of salt which helps bring electrolyte balance in the body.
Fresh Vegetable Juice
Just like fruit juices, vegetables also can be blended together or separately to get a juice. These concoctions can be diluted or sweetened with sweeteners and consumed. They make for a great source of fibre, vitamins, proteins and minerals. Vegetables like carrot, beetroot, cucumber and spinach can be used for making vegetable juice, and these can compensate for a day of low vegetable intake.
Water
Last but not the least is water. Consumption of a lot of water throughout the day has innumerable benefits for a pregnant woman. It not only prevents dehydration but also maintains hormonal balance, evens out mood swings and flushes out toxins regularly from the body. To make the consumption of water interesting, you can spice it with some lemon or fresh mint leaves or slices of cucumber.
Consuming all of these healthy drinks while pregnant adds great nutritional value to the diet. During pregnancy, it is best to avoid alcohol, high caffeine drinks, aerated beverages, preserved fruit juices and high energy drinks. They affect not just the mother, but also reach the baby through the placenta and harm them. If you are habituated to such drinks, gradually reduce their consumption and replace them with any of the natural health drinks.
The food that you consume and the drinks that you drink directly or indirectly affect the growing foetus. To avoid any ill effects on the baby, it is very important for mothers to monitor their food consumption and remove all the harmful substances from their diet. Regular consumption of these top ten natural, healthy drinks not only satisfies the hunger pranks but also gives a good dose of essential nutrients to both the mother and the baby.
Also Read: Guide to First Trimester Diet Read more
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10 Hobbies Worth Taking Up during Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, your body is pushed to its limits in more ways than one. While most know about the physical strains of pregnancy, few talk about the mental and emotional strain. Prenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety during pregnancy and even paranoia are very common emotional strains that occur due to the hormonal imbalance. These need as much care as any physical condition. Talking to psychologists about this is important but so are preventive actions like picking up hobbies that are safe, productive and relaxing.
10 Hobbies You Can Take Up When You're Pregnant
The physical strains of pregnancy can limit the kind of activities you can perform during pregnancy. Having a hobby like jogging may not be suitable. When picking hobby ideas during pregnancy, it is essential to keep in mind the kind of result you are looking for. These hobbies could also be useful for your child and have a pragmatic purpose. Here are 10 great hobbies that you can pick up during your pregnancy.
1. Knitting
One of the most common hobbies for pregnant stay-at-home moms, knitting is actually considered a stressbuster. It needs concentration, creativity and hand dexterity. This activity also requires little physical movement, making it relaxing for both the body and the mind. Knitting also can be pragmatic, you could always use the time you have to knit a special beanie or a sweater for your little one. This activity is known to keep depression, paranoia and anxiety at bay.
2. Painting
Creativity is one of the best companions for a healthy mind. Painting requires a lot of creativity. Art therapy is also one of the most popular ways to prevent or manage depression. Colours are aesthetically pleasing and promote calmness and joy. This activity requires very little movement and can help you express yourself in a productive manner. In the long run, this is a great skill to have because it can help you form bonds with your kid, especially when she is old enough to finger paint.
3. Embroidering
One of the best hobbies for pregnant moms, embroidering is stitching creative patterns and designs onto plain cloth. This, like knitting, can be useful in the long run. You can always take a simple onesie and create a dynamic pattern that becomes a lifelong memory for your little one. You can embroider numerous designs onto her clothes as she grows, creating fun and interesting moments for her and you. This hobby combines the focus of knitting does and the creativity of painting. It keeps anxiety and depression at bay.
4. Photography
Photography is an art, one that will never let another moment with your little one fade into memory. Learning photography is a great use of your time when you're pregnant. The art of taking the right photograph is something that needs you to develop an aesthetic sense. Photography isn’t just for creating memories however; it can also be something that forces you to consider perspectives. Understanding alternate perspectives can help in the long run, especially when it is time to teach your child about art or when you’re doing a science project with her.
5. Writing
One of the healthiest and most popular forms of self-expression, writing is a great hobby to pick up when you're pregnant. Be it an emotional journal or a work of fiction, this activity puts thought to paper. The art of writing is cathartic and releases numerous useful brain chemicals to fight anxiety and depression. It is also a healthy manner of self-expression which requires attention and focus. It doesn’t need much physical movement so as such, fatigue isn’t a concern.
6. Gardening
Gardening is a great activity to relax your mind while using your time to tend to something useful for your entire family. Vegetable gardening requires you to work with your hands and that, by itself, is a cathartic experience. It is also advised by psychologists because the feeling of dirt on your hands can help ground you and keep paranoia at bay. Add to it the fact that growing your own vegetables, herbs and fruits can make your family and your life a lot healthier. This hobby requires some physical exertion however, so do it carefully and when your loved ones are at home.
7. Pot Decoration
Pottery is another activity that requires you to use your mind and body. This combines the benefits of gardening, art and knitting. By decorating pots and plates and other trinkets, you are using a part of your mind specifically intended to help you relax. This is essential when you consider the stress caused by pregnancy. The physical demands of decorating a pot aren't high when you are pregnant. Doing it with your partner can be a great way to deepen your bond with him while keeping you safe. Pot decoration is one of the most cathartic and relaxing exercises out there and is a very popular hobby for moms-to-be.
8. Learn an Instrument
Music is one of the most important aspects of life, it is a known fact that music keeps you calm, composed and energetic. Music also develops your child’s acoustic senses and is considered as an essential mood developing tool for your child when she is in your belly. Learning an instrument can be a great way for you to calm yourself down while deepening the bond with your little one. In fact, music is often used during pregnancy to develop your child’s brain activity in productive and healthy ways. Learn instruments that aren’t as demanding on your body. Wind instruments like flutes also promote breathing which by itself is a relaxing activity.
9. Trying Out New Recipes
Few activities are as useful as cooking. This hobby can make your life as a parent so much easier than others. Getting creative in the kitchen and working with food keeps you focused, calm and creative. It keeps depression and anxiety at bay while fighting boredom. It will also be useful as your child grows up and their palates become demanding. Remember to start small with achievable dishes and have loved ones close by in case of fatigue.
10. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooks need an artistic touch, focus and plenty of attention. They keep you calm and grounded and help create platforms of expression. It also saves your child’s important moment in a personal and intimate way. Scrapbooking is one of the best hobbies in the world because it is a personal bond shared with your loved ones.
Hobbies can be a great way to fight boredom, anxiety and stress. It isn’t a cure-all but a supplementary action to improve your mental health. To learn more about how to care for your mind during pregnancy, do consult a pregnancy psychologist.
Also Read:
Swimming during Pregnancy
Performing Zumba While Pregnant
Dancing in Pregnancy Read more
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Soft and Safe on Baby's Skin - The Diaper with a Difference
Babies have extremely fragile skin. The outer layer of their skin isn’t well formed yet and loses moisture more quickly than adult skin. This also means that any external irritants can penetrate their body more easily and cause harm. When you are picking a diaper for your baby, this is a consideration you must keep in mind. You need to find a diaper that’s suited to your baby’s gentle skin – one that is soft and also completely safe. But how can you ensure that the product you have been using meets these considerations?
To help you in this pursuit, we have consolidated the key qualities of a baby diaper. Your baby deserves only the best and it is your responsibility to keep him happy. Make sure to check your next diaper purchase for the following essential qualities.
Qualities of The Perfect Baby Diaper
1. Soft on Your Baby’s Skin
Your baby is so gentle and fragile that even the thought of his skin rubbing against something rough is scary! It is very easy for babies to develop skin rashes and infections as the top layer of their skin or the epidermis is still developing. It is 20-30% thinner than in adults. You should thus pick a diaper that uses ultra-sensitive material only.
2. Keeps The Baby Dry
What good is a diaper that cannot keep your baby dry? Many moms assume that diapers can keep babies from getting wet only for a very limited time. Leakage is the law of nature, right? No! If your baby’s diaper is designed well, they can work a little longer. Check for a diaper that has an extra layer for dryness so the wetness is pulled away instantly and your baby can be dry and happy.
3. Suitable for Your Baby’s Gender
Surprising as it may seem, diapers for boys and girls need to be different. The same thing won’t work for both. This is because while boys tend to wet the front area of their diaper more, girls wet the central region instead. This means that a one-size-fits-all is only going to make your baby uncomfortably wet. We recommend using Huggies Ultra-Soft Pants which are specially designed keeping the different needs of boy and girl babies in mind. You will also buy yourself some sanity!
4. Prevents Leakage
Finally, you also need to consider factors such as a diaper’s size and fit in order to prevent leakage. It is advised to choose diapers according to the baby’s weight and ensure that they fit comfortably. Choose a diaper-pant like Huggies, which is designed to fit like an underwear – snugly around your child’s bottom. Check the pack for picking the right size and have a talk with the paediatrician if you encounter any doubts. Read more
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Breastfeeding Tips I Wish I Knew Before
I am a first-time mother, and I opted for a planned C section delivery instead of Natural Vaginal birth. My baby was born at 36 weeks and 4 days, his birth weight was 2.64 kg. After 2 hours of the surgery, I was sent to my room with my baby. I met several people; doctors, paediatricians, lactation experts, dieticians; all of them congratulated me and asked me to start breastfeeding my baby. The lactation expert checked my breast for milk and confirmed that I am lactating positively. She tried teaching me the technique of holding my baby in the lying position to feed him. Initially, my baby was unable to latch onto my breast. She asked me to keep trying to feed him every 2 hours.
Firstly, I was going through a lot of pain and I was nervous after my surgery. Secondly, I was afraid to hold my baby in the lying position, I kept thinking that I might hurt the baby by mistake. This made it next to impossible for me to feed the baby. Hence, the hospital started giving supplementary formula milk to my baby. I failed multiple times. The paediatricians were concerned and asked me to keep trying to feed my boy every 2 hours. On the day of my discharge from the hospital (early hours of Day 4), I realised that I have failed to give my baby the basic aspect of a mother's love, her breast milk, and nothing could stop me from crying. By this day, my baby was comfortable in drinking formula milk and stopped trying to feed on me.
On Day 4, I was home and kept trying to feed him. I was on Galact and Perinorm for a week which was supposed to help me lactate. The point was I had enough milk for my baby but he couldn't figure out how to get it from me. The struggle went on for days and finally, on Day 8 my baby started feeding of me. After this experience, I want to help new mothers understand certain things about breastfeeding that I wish I knew before:
Breastfeeding is a slow process. You cannot fast forward it. Give your baby time to latch onto you. Do not give up if the baby is crying. Pacify the baby and keep trying to feed the baby.
Check for noise and lights. Too bright and too dim lights impact breastfeeding initially when both your baby and you are learning. Ensure you have a peaceful environment when you are trying to breastfeed your baby.
Have minimal clothing on the baby so they don't fall asleep during breastfeeding. Very warm body temperature would make your baby fall asleep. You can take the mittens and cap off while breastfeeding to prevent the baby from falling asleep. Try tickling ears and feet of the baby to keep him awake. Remember, falling asleep doesn't always mean that they are full.
Remember to stay calm, and patient with yourself and the baby. Stress impacts lactation. Hence, do not worry if your baby is taking time to learn. Talk to your paediatrician. Stay focused and stay happy, mommies!
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
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How Reading Develops in your Preschooler
Just like physical development, cognitive development also plays a key role in your child’s life. One of the biggest indicators of this is the love for reading. This is in turn tied to their understanding of letters, sounds, pictures, stories, colours, etc. and putting them all together to form a sensible mental picture. So, is your child developing normally when it comes to his reading skills?
For 3-4 year old pre-schoolers, this checklist will tell you if your child is developing reading skills appropriately for his age.
At This Age, Your Child Should be Able to
Predict simple plot points in a story when you are reading to him
Turn pages in a book while holding it
Name some of the letters, especially those in his name
Match the letter sounds to the letter – e.g. monkey to the “m” sound
Display interest toward trying to read on his own and asking you to read out to him as well
This is What You Should Do to Encourage Reading
1. Reinforce his Letter and Letter Sounds Training
Starting with his name and then moving on to the rest of the alphabet is a good plan. This needs to be done every day.
2. Match Household Objects to Letter Sounds
There’s so much at home that allows this. Your keys have the “k” sound while his teddy bear starts with the “t” sound.
3. Have a Reading Session Daily
This involves both of you reading out to each other. It is okay to make errors. What is important is learning from them.
4. Expose Your Child to the Huge World of Books
Show your child that the world of books is vast, like in a library or bookstore. Point out different types of books to him and tell him about the stories there are in them.
5. Keep the Letters Practice on Even Outdoors
Signboards of shops, ice-cream flavours and names of animals– letters can be such fun things! Point these out to your child so he knows he is surrounded by letters and wants to unravel them himself.
When to Seek Expert Help
It is possible that your pre-schooler is facing reading challenges due to a deeper problem such as defective vision, a speech delay, etc. If your child keeps confusing letters and numbers and is unable to match them to sounds, even after repeated practise, you should seek expert help. The doctor will be able to suggest the right therapy and exercises to fix this. Rest assured, this is a very common and easily rectified problem.
Very soon, you will have a little reader at home who will books of his own and repeat facts and stories to you with unparalleled enthusiasm. Enjoy this time and keep encouraging the habit. Reading is a glorious habit which will serve your kids tbroughout their life! Read more
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Learning vs Marks - Education Affecting Culture and Behaviour of People
Just a thought came to my mind about why education is so important?
I have even observed that – no matter whatever religion or caste one follows, the real behaviour is a reflection of whether one is educated or not.
Now the question is what is education and how does it affect?
Achieving a degree is what you call education? Then the answer is clear Big NO.
A person needs constant learning for development. That is one should call real education.
In the last few decades, we have seen gradually a shift in the mindset of the society and people. We all consider this change as a result of higher education. Agreed that education indeed helps in providing a foundation for future life, but how it actually plays role is not yet discussed much.
In the past, there was no education and therefore, there were was rigidity in the society and culture and which is now converted in a so-called modern age where we apply more flexibility than the authoritative way.
But is it something that is actually taught in the textbooks, lectures, syllabus and so on? I don’t think so.
The main thing for this change is ‘Exposure’ and ‘Freedom to Explore’
When a child goes to school or for higher education, they get actual exposure to the outside world which is out of one’s own control and that plays an actual role in the development and flexibility.
Earlier people were neither getting education nor meeting various people and they were just staying in their own safe zone, which didn't let them find opportunities to learn and take a chance. And that was the reason of their belief of always being right on the things they are following like a sheep.
If you have noticed, even in past, those who were less educated but had good exposure to the outside world in any manner were more open to change.
So, the point is that focus should be on education in respect of learning more and more and not on just getting good score or degree. As at the end, what matters is your mind and not your degree.
And the key to a successful happy life is the dynamic mind which develops from exposure and freedom of taking a chance of one's own.
When a person goes out of their comfort zone, say for example, for study or for work, apart from the routine expected from him/her, the outer environment adds to the development process and provides a platform to learn new ways to deal in life.
Education is not only available at educational institutes but everywhere in surroundings. One just needs to open wings of mind to explore and get exposure.
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
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert water leak from baby eye....what is that
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. blocked naso lacrimal duct kk. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. loop of cord is seen round the neck in growth scan is it a problem at the time of delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. single Loop okay no problem wait. 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
Puja Kumari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert My baby is 4months old he is having fever after vaccination . how many days would the fever remain? can I give him medicine
Puja Kumari
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
A. vomiting ka kya karan ho sakta
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
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PRIYA MALL
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Today we made it to 3rd trimester!:)
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Thellatholu kada style ga class ga vunnadu anukokandi...allari chesadante massss ..vura massee
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