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Consuming Fennel Seeds During Pregnancy - Benefits, Side Effects and More
Hello there, new mother-to-be! You may be experiencing the wonderful changes that pregnancy puts your body through - while also going through several discomforts, which are also part of the package. But that's where home remedies and natural ways come to the rescue, right? It's common for us to turn to the many items in our kitchen to find a natural solution to our problems, and one such common herb we tend to turn to is the fennel seed (saunf). But is it safe to consume fennel seeds during pregnancy? Read on to find out!
What Are Fennel Seeds?
Fennel seeds are aromatic and flavoured herbs which look brown or green when fresh and turn dull grey when they age. The seeds are derived from a plant which was originally found in Europe. The plant belongs to the parsley family and has fluffy leaves. This herb is commonly found in our kitchens and is known for its medicinal properties. It is popularly known as 'saunf' and most of us consume it as a mouth freshener, besides using it in cooking. It has been proven to be beneficial for tooth pain and gum issues, apart from having several other health benefits such as aiding digestion.
Is It Healthy to Have Fennel Seeds During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, fennel seeds are only recommended in very small amounts because they are a natural emmenagogue. This basically means that they help trigger or increase menstrual flow. You can add a small amount of these seeds (for instance, a teaspoon or so) to your food. Your doctor can help you understand how much you should be consuming basis your health requirements and conditions.
Benefits of Saunf for Pregnant Women
The following are some of the known benefits and side effects of eating saunf for pregnant women.
Saunf has traditionally been used in fighting nausea and morning sickness. Eating fennel seeds helps in developing appetite especially in the first trimester and helps control morning sickness by reducing gas and heartburn.
The anti-flatulence properties in saunf help in relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract, which stimulates bile flow and helps in checking cramps often linked to digestion. Hence, it is quite effective in providing relief from bloating during pregnancy.
Most pregnant women complain of loss of appetite due to indigestion and gas. Fennel seeds are a natural carminative and help in eliminating gas from the intestinal tract. This ultimately helps in better digestion and issues related to the gut are taken care of, the appetite returns too.
Side Effects of Eating Fennel Seeds While Pregnant
Now that you know about the benefits of fennel seeds, it is time you consider the side effects as well.
Fennel seeds affect the ability of your blood to coagulate, making the process of clotting slow. So, if you suffer from a bleeding disorder, it is better to avoid fennel - especially, if you are susceptible to bruises and bleeding.
Eating fennel seeds can make your skin dry and extremely sensitive. If you have sensitive skin, avoid fennel seeds during pregnancy.
The antispasmodic, phytoestrogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties in fennel are found to stimulate the uterus, leading to premature contractions. However, having it in small quantity throughout the pregnancy won't harm the foetus and it won't lead to premature contractions either.
So, are fennel seeds good for pregnancy? There is not enough evidence to say that fennel seeds are unsafe. Likewise, there is not enough evidence that suggests fennel seeds are completely safe. There's also the aspect to consider that foods react in different ways in different bodies. Hence, it is better to consult your doctor before you consume them and also check on the doses.
How to Consume Fennel Seeds in Pregnancy
If you are allowed to have fennel seeds during pregnancy, there are a few ways you can consume them. Fennel seeds have a nice aroma and are slightly sweet. If they are added to foods while cooking, they work as a flavouring agent and impart a subtle flavour to the dish. You can consume them in the form of tea as well, or chew some raw after a meal. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or dietician before you include fennel seeds in your pregnancy diet.
Fennel Tea for Nausea During Pregnancy
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States has not regulated the use of herbal teas, including fennel tea, during pregnancy. When we say that herbs and herbal tea blends are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, it means that the herbs do not undergo the same level of scrutiny as over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Note that this does not mean that the FDA advises against the consumption of herbal teas.
To be safe, you can have fennel tea once in a while when you are pregnant. However, you may want to check with your gynaecologist before you do so.
Making Fennel Tea for Pregnant Women
If you are looking for a way to incorporate it into your diet, you may consider making a cup of fennel tea. Here is how you can brew yourself a cup of fennel tea:
The chief ingredients for making the tea are water, crushed fennel seeds, jaggery syrup or honey.
Take approximately one teaspoon of fennel seeds and then, crush or powder the seeds with the help of a blender.
Take a pan and heat a cup of water until it boils, and then add the powdered fennel.
Place a lid over the pan and switch off the stove to let it cool for around five minutes. Then, slowly strain the brewed tea and mix honey or jaggery in it, according to your taste.
Does Consuming Fennel Seeds During Pregnancy Lead to a Miscarriage?
Many people have fennel seeds after a meal because it helps with digestion. But it is important to remember that fennel seeds could trigger the menstrual cycle and lead to vaginal bleeding, ultimately causing a miscarriage. It is important to consume it in moderation, and avoid it altogether if your doctor advises against it.
Now that you know both the benefits and side effects of having fennel seeds, check whether they are suitable for consumption while you're pregnant. Proceed according to medical advice only.
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Asthma in Babies
Asthma is one the most common breathing ailments, and it may affect babies and young children too. However, proper care and medical assistance can ensure a healthy lifestyle for your baby. We shall be discussing various causes and symptoms of asthma and different treatment options available for the same.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is the chronic inflammation of the airways due to heightened sensitivity to the inhaled allergens and irritants. In other words, asthma can be characterized as a medical condition in which the airways become swollen and hinder the airflow to the lungs. The body’s immune reaction resulting from various irritants and environmental pollutants (pollens, dust, tobacco smoke etc.) may cause asthma. Therefore, there is a strong link between asthma and allergies. It is often seen that people who suffer from asthma have hypersensitive airways and minor irritants or allergens may cause their respiratory tract to overreact.
Babies or infants have smaller airways in comparison to older children and adults. Small airways get easily blocked by viral infections, mucus, or tight airways, and may lead to breathing difficulties. Therefore, asthma in babies under 12 months of age can be an extremely difficult situation.
How Common Is it in Babies?
Asthma may affect 10 to 12 percent kids, and these figures are on the rise. Usually a child may have his first bout of asthma by around five years of age; however, it may not get diagnosed until later. Asthma has become one of the leading causes of chronic ailments in kids.
What Causes Asthma in Infants?
The exact cause of asthma is not known. However, it may happen due to either of the following:
Allergy-based Asthma
The cause of allergy-based asthma is the sensitive immune system. If a baby has allergy-based asthma, he might be sensitive to certain allergens. The triggers may vary from child to child. Some of the common triggers are pollens, dust mites, pet hair, or saliva.
Non-Allergic Asthma
Asthma may occur due to other reasons that may include the family history (genetic reasons) or respiratory infections.
What are the Symptoms of Infantile Asthma
New parents often wonder how will they come to know if their baby has asthma or not. The answer to this is to look for the symptoms. Following are some of the symptoms of infantile asthma:
Rapid Breathing Pattern
If your baby has asthma, you may find a change in your baby’s breathing pattern. The usual breathing pattern of a three-month-old baby is 30 to 60 breaths per minute. This breathing pattern changes from three months onwards and becomes 20 to 40 breaths per minute. However, a baby with asthma may show 50 percent increase in the breaths per minute.
Tightness in the Chest
A baby with asthma will have a stiff chest because of stretched thoracic muscles.
Strenuous Breathing
You may find your baby struggling to breathe properly, and the rapid belly movements and flared nostrils are the visible signs of the same.
An excessive Cough
You may notice your baby coughing uncontrollably. These coughing bouts may become more prominent during late evenings or at the night time.
Wheezing Sound
An asthmatic baby will make a wheezing sound while breathing. This wheezing sound occurs due to strained breathing.
Difficulty in Eating
A baby with asthma may find it difficult to eat properly. This is due to the difficulty in breathing.
Tiredness and Lethargy
If your baby has asthma, you may find your baby less active than usual.
Faint Crying Sounds
Asthmatic babies make faint crying sounds, or their cries are very feeble in comparison to normal babies.
Blue or Pale Skin and Nails
The lower levels of oxygen in the blood may make your baby’s lips or nail beds appear blue or pale in colour.
These are some signs of asthma in babies that will help you establish if your baby is suffering from this medical condition.
Knowing Asthma Emergencies
The asthma attack can be mild, moderate, or severe. A baby may feel normal and act fine under a mild asthma attack. However, in a moderate or severe asthma attack, your baby may exhibit the following signs:
Increased breathing rate (more than 40 breaths per minute while sleeping).
Chest gets bigger.
Change in skin colour (pale or blue around the lips and fingernails).
Feeding or suckling stops.
Wider nostrils.
Faint and soft crying.
If you register above signs and symptoms in your baby, take care of it right away.
Which Infants are Most at the Risk of Getting Asthma?
Your infant or baby is more likely to have asthma under following circumstances:
If it Runs in the Family
Most cases of asthma are genetic, and if either of the parents has asthma, there is a high possibility that the baby will have it too. Your baby also has chances of having asthma if any of the close blood relatives has asthma.
Allergies
If your baby is allergic to airborne substances (dust mites, pollens, plant fibres, fungal spores and moulds) then there is a high possibility that your baby will have asthma. More than 60 percent of asthma cases are of allergic asthma. When your baby inhales either of these allergens, his immune system acts vigorously. This in turns results in inflamed airways and accelerated mucus that triggers asthma.
Eczema
The correlation between eczema and asthma is being backed by scientific research too. This means that both these ailments are caused because of the same mutated gene. Thus, if your baby suffers from eczema, there are 20 percent chances that he will have asthma too.
High Eosinophil Count
Your baby’s eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell) may become higher if your baby is prone to allergies. More than four percent eosinophil count in your baby’s blood and saliva makes him susceptible to asthma.
Wheezing
If you notice a wheezing sound with every bout of cold, this means your baby has constricted airways. This condition may lead to asthma in babies.
Food Allergies
Asthma resulting from food allergies is not very common. However, there are chances that your baby may develop asthma because of certain food allergies.
How Is Asthma Diagnosed in Babies?
If your doctor suspects that your baby has asthma, he may adopt following measures to ascertain the same:
Enquire About the Symptoms
Your doctor may ask you about various asthmatic symptoms that your baby may be exhibiting.
Study the Family’s Medical History
You may be asked about your family’s medical history. He will enquire if there have been any cases of allergies, eczema, or asthma in the family earlier.
X-Ray of the Chest
Your doctor will suggest performing an x-ray of your baby's chest to examine any blockage in the bronchioles, swelling in the tissues, or accumulation of mucus.
Blood Test
Your baby’s blood may be tested to check the eosinophil count. The increased count is indicative of asthma.
The diagnosis is made after checking the above-mentioned parameters. Once the diagnosis is complete, your doctor will advise you on the best treatment options for your baby.
Treatments for Infant Asthma
There is no cure for asthma. The medication only helps in managing the symptoms of this ailment. There are various ways in which medicine may be administered to your baby, such as:
Nebulizer
Dry-Powder Inhaler (DPI)
Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
Injections
If you are looking for medicines, then you should know that asthma medicines generally fall into three categories which are as follows:
Long-Term Control Medicines
As the name suggests, the infants may be required to take this medicines for a long time to prevent the symptoms of asthma. The severity of your baby’s condition will help your doctor decide how long your baby may be requiring the medicine.
Quick-Relief Medicines
These medicines provide quick relief from breathlessness, wheezing, and tightness in the chest muscles. These medicines can be administered intravenously or through MDI. They provide instant relief from the symptoms of asthma and are not used to provide long-term benefit.
Allergy-Induced Asthma Medicines
If the culprit of the asthma attack is allergens, then your doctor will suggest a separate course of medicines. The allergy induced asthma medicines work in conjunction with quick-relief and long-term asthma medicines.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Asthma Symptoms?
As a parent you may wonder how to prevent asthma in babies or what measures can you adapt to reduce asthma symptoms in babies. Worry not, here are some possible solution to your problem:
Keep your baby away from probable triggers (tobacco smoke, vehicular effluents etc).
Keep your baby’s room clean and dust-free.
Give washable toys to your baby and wash them once a weak.
Keep your baby away from pets.
Use air purifiers and humidifiers when necessary.
Avoid food that may trigger allergies.
All the above-mentioned may help in reducing the symptoms of asthma. However, as soon as you establish any asthmatic symptoms in your baby, seek medical help immediately.
How to Manage Infantile Asthma?
Asthma can be troubling not only for the child but for the parents too. Below are some measures that you can employ to manage infantile asthma:
Understand and look out for the emergency asthma signs in your baby. Knowing your baby’s asthma pattern helps you tackle it better.
It is important that you make a care plan with your doctor to take apt measures during emergencies.
Stick to your baby’s care plan and talk regularly to your doctor about the same.
Help your toddler and pre-schooler to learn to explain to you if they are not feeling too well.
Is Asthma Curable?
Asthma is a chronic condition that may affect your baby for a long time. There is no available cure for asthma; however, in some children, the symptoms of asthma become less severe as they grow. It is seen that 50 percent of kids outgrow their asthma symptoms by the time reach adolescence.
It is very important for parents to understand that asthma may not hamper proper growth and development of the baby if you take proper care. Get proper medical help and guidance to manage this chronic ailment in your baby.
Also Read: Bronchiolitis in Babies – Causes, Signs And Treatment Read more
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Simple Origami Flowers Ideas for Kids
The art of origami is known to have endless possibilities in making multiple shapes out of paper. One of those is folding paper to make different flowers. By knowing the process to make origami flowers for kids step-by-step, you can teach your child how to make them by himself and also join him in the activity.
Origami Flowers for Children
Here are some simple ways to teach your child how to make different origami flowers.
1. Chrysanthemum
These beautifully layered flowers are a delight to the sore eyes.
Material Required
Pink coloured paper
Scissors
Glue
A stem of a plant
How To Make
Cut out petals of the flower from the pink coloured paper.
Create layers of those petals by pairing them together.
Each petal should be slightly larger in size than the previous one. Put together 12 such layers.
Once done, glue all these layers together in the shape of a flower. Use a stem to hook it onto for added effect.
2. Rose
A favourite among many, roses come in various bright colours.
Material Required
Red colored paper
Pencil
Scissors
Glue
How To Make
Draw a circular spiral from the centre of the red paper.
Use scissors to cut along the spiral lines that have been sketched.
Once you have the strip with you, start rolling it from the outer end towards the inner end, arranging the layers as you go.
Once completed rolled, glue the end part to hold it together in one place.
Make many such roses to form a bouquet.
3. Tulip
These long-stemmed flowers come in various colours and can be a great add-on to your centre-table.
Material Required
Coloured paper of your choice
How To Make
Cut the paper into a square shape. This will be the base.
Divide the base into 4 equal squares.
Fold the paper across the diagonals of the squares to let it stand up.
Fold the paper fully over the diagonal. Then hold the sides and fold them towards the centre.
Wrap the other sides in the centre and form small wings by keeping them pressed together.
Then, open the sides present in the bottom so that the paper starts detaching the ends.
As the ends get detached, fold them outwards to form a beautiful origami tulip.
4. Peony
Peonies are beautiful flowers that are found in various shades of pink.
Material Required
The coloured tissue paper of your choice
Scissors
How To Make
Take multiple tissue papers together and fold them lengthwise.
Keep folding them until an accordion-like fold pattern is formed.
Tie all these papers at the centre from the shorter end.
At the longer ends, use a pair of scissors to cut them in diamond shapes. These will resemble the flower petals.
Keep the centre tight, unfurl both ends to reveal a beautiful peony flower.
5. Fairy Ball Flower
A classic origami favourite, this is simple to make and can look delightful.
Material Required
The coloured tissue paper of your choice
Scissors
How To Make
Take multiple layers of tissue paper together.
Fold the papers in a zig-zag fashion along the length.
Once folded, take a pair of scissors and cut both ends of the strip in a round shape.
Now press one finger on the centre and start splitting each layer of the tissue paper gently.
Higher the number of tissues, more magnificent is the flower to look at.
Origami is quite a challenging art but not all shapes are difficult. But knowing how to make origami flowers in the easiest way possible, you and your child can have a gala time putting together a garden of roses, tulips, and tons of other flowers. Don’t refrain from experimenting with different styles or paper patterns to discover more variations.
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Interesting Tiger Facts & Information for Kids
Beautiful, strong and fast, tigers are a force to be reckoned with. Native to Asia and eastern Russia, their scientific name is Panthera tigris and these animals are a part of the feline family, which basically means they are just really big cats! Tigers do share similar characteristics with the common house cat but they are much bigger and therefore much more dangerous. They prefer to live and hunt alone.
Physical Features of Tiger
Tigers can weigh around 300 kilograms and measure to a length of 3.3 meters. They are the biggest cat species in the world. Tigers have a unique coat that is most commonly a reddish or orange shade with black stripes. Females are smaller than the males of the species, and the northern tigers are found to be much larger than the ones in the south. For example, Bengal tigers are much larger in size than Sumatran Tigers, which are native to Indonesia. Every tiger has around 30 sharp teeth and is known to have the biggest canines amongst all the big cats. Their legs are muscular, and they have very sharp claws.
Types of Tigers
While there are some sub-species of tigers that have gone extinct, there are currently six in existence.
1. The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
These tigers are native to India, though they are also found in Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. They have the standard orange and black striped coats, but there have been cases of tigers being born with white and black striped fur and blue eyes. This is a genetic mutation and “White Tigers” are not a separate sub-species.
2. The Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
These tigers are found mainly in certain parts of Russia, which is very cold. In order to survive, these tigers have extremely thick skin and their coat is very dense.
3. The Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti)
These tigers are smaller in size and are more solitary creatures that avoid populated areas as much as they can.
4. The Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni)
Their native home is distributed among the tropical forests of the Malay Peninsula. When it is available, this tiger hunts and preys on livestock, causing there to be much conflict between them and humans.
5. The South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis)
Native to South China, these tigers have not been spotted anywhere in the wild for more than twenty-five years! There are only a few remaining in captivity.
6. The Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)
These tigers are native to Sumatra and are one of the smaller sub-species of tigers.
How Do Tigers Give Birth to Their Cubs?
Here are some interesting facts on how their mother gives birth to and looks after her offspring as well as some baby tiger (called cubs) facts for kids:
Female tigers are pregnant for three and a half months before giving birth to a litter of three or four cubs.
Mama tigers prepare a den that is in a safe and secluded spot to give birth to her cubs. These include caves, hollows of trees or even dense grasses. She will often find a place with a soft ground or dry leaves and grass.
Male tigers do not help in birthing or rearing the cubs. The mother does it all on her own.
The cubs are born blind but their eyes open between six to twelve days after birth.
The mortality rate of tiger cubs is very high. Often only half live to reach maturity.
Tiger cubs breastfeed until they are six to eight weeks old, which is when their mama weans them onto solid food.
Mama tigers teach their cubs to hunt at eight weeks, but they do not go out with her to hunt until they are at least six months old.
Tigers leave their mothers to look for their own territories at the age of two years, at which age they are considered to be proper adult tigers.
A tigress will give birth to a new litter once every two and a half years, but if for some reason her entire litter dies, she is once again ready to mate within five months.
How Do They Form Their Own Territories?
Tigers form their territories in the following way:
Like most animals, tigers urinate or use anal gland secretions to mark their territories.
Tigers, like lions, roar to announce that a certain area belongs to them.
Tigers tend to move around only in their own territories, which is why they choose a habitat that can satisfy all their needs.
Tigers choose territories that are close to bodies of water as they enjoy a good swim and it helps them to cool off.
Food Habits of Tigers
Tigers are carnivorous and therefore prefer to eat meat. Here are some hunting and food habits of tigers:
In the wild, tigers hunt medium to large animals.
In India, tigers prey on chital, domestic buffalo, water buffalo, gaur and wild boar.
Siberian tigers prey on moose and deer.
Sumatran tigers feed on sambar, muntjac and Malayan tapir.
Tigers also eat vegetation.
They hunt alone rather than in groups and rely on their sight rather than their sense of smell. Their coats provide them with a certain amount of camouflage, especially in areas where there is long grass. This helps them to get really close to their prey without being detected.
They are very patient hunters and can wait for their prey for hours, often launching an attack when least expected.
Female tigers only hunt within their territories whereas the males hunt anywhere they choose.
How Long Do Tigers Live?
Though the average lifespan for tigers is around eight to ten years in the wild, they have been known to live for as long as 26 years in captivity. This is because they face many dangers in the wild that prevents most of them reaching maturity. Some of these dangers include starvation due to a shortage of prey, fighting over territory and being unable to defend themselves when they are old and when they are cubs, thereby making them prey for others such as packs of wild dogs and bears. Siberian tigers live for 10 to 15 years in the wild but can live up to 22 years in captivity.
Are Tigers Endangered?
Sadly, human beings are causing tigers to become extinct. They are being hunted mainly for their beautiful fur coats. Another way mankind is responsible is by destroying their natural habitats; without a proper habitat, these animals will not survive in the wild due to a shortage of prey and territories.
Other Must Know Facts of Tigers for Children
Here are some other interesting tiger facts for kids:
Tigers need to eat at least five kilograms of food each and every day but can sometimes even eat up to thirty kilos.
A group of tigers is called a “streak” or an “ambush”.
Being such good swimmers, tigers can swim for up to six kilometres.
Tigers usually hunt during the night.
Tigers can reach speeds up to 65kph (40 mph).
Tigers can jump over five meters high.
A liger is a hybrid between a lion and a tiger. They are also known as tigons.
Tiger stripes are unique, and no two tigers have the same pattern.
Tigers do not eat their entire prey in one day. They eat as much as they need for the day and then bury it under dirt and leaves. When they need to eat next, the uncover it and eat.
The sabre tooth tiger is the oldest tiger sub-species. A few sabre tooth tiger facts for kids include that it went extinct at the end of the ice age, which was around 10,000 years ago; they have extremely long canine teeth which is what they were named for, and the scientific name for the sabertooth tiger is “Smilodon”.
A couple of endangered tiger facts for kids are:
The Caspian, Bali and Javan tiger sub-species became extinct in the last century
The tiger population today is only 7% of what it was less than a hundred years ago
Tigers are a rich part of the Indian culture, not only because they are the most popular and largest of all tiger sub-species originates from the Indian sub-continent, but also because they are the national animal. Around the world, tiger species are becoming extinct as more and more of their habitat is being destroyed to make way for human settlements. As humans, it is our responsibility to do all that we can to help tiger populations to survive around the world; otherwise, we are in danger of losing these magnificent creatures forever.
Also Read: Animals Facts for Kids Read more
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These 6 Things Can Cause Serious Injuries To New Mothers. Please Be Careful!
Being a new mother comes with an abundance of joy and happy experiences. But let's face it - motherhood can also be extremely hard on a mother's body. A slight bend to pick up a toy from the floor can keep you glued to your bed for the next 3 days! What may begin as a minor sprain or an ache can turn into major injuries. Everyday activities of a mom like breastfeeding or picking the baby up can cause sudden jerks and strains to the muscles, joints and tendons. If you are not careful enough, this can result in serious accidents, and may also mean you are unable to look after your baby as well as you'd like.
A mother's body goes through a series of changes, right from the time of conception. Her body just doesn't remain the same anymore. Pregnancy and post-delivery changes can cause an overall impact on your bones and muscles as well, even though you may think these changes are just 'hormonal'. For example, changes in hormones during pregnancy can loosen the tissue around your joints, permitting the pelvis to accommodate the baby before and during delivery. This slackness of the muscles remains for a while even post-delivery and can take a toll on your overall abdominal and pelvic muscle activity too.
Studies suggest that any repetitive pain or strains affect more than just a person's body. In case of mothers,if these pains are untreated, they can even lead to emotional stress and postpartum depression.
Here are 6 activities that you MUST guard against as a new mother, and preventive measures you should take to avoid injury.
1. Carrying/Picking Your Baby in an Awkward Manner
If you do not pay attention to your posture when you pick your baby up, you are potentially risking a back strain.It takes only a single move (repeated over a course of time, of course) to result into a bad posture and weak core muscles.Also, whenever you exert your back, the disk between the vertebrae along with the muscles and the ligament areas can also suffer strain.
What should you do to avoid this?
Whenever you need to lift your baby or pick up a toy from the ground, ensure you bend your knees and not your torso. Hold your baby close to your belly button whenever you are ready to stand up. Bending the torso puts the spinal area at risk for an injury.
The next best thing is to take plenty of rest whenever you experience a slight discomfort in your back. Also, a cold or a hot pack can come to the rescue.
This Is The Correct Way To Pick Up And Hold A Baby
https://youtu.be/Ns_MFqoIdsU
2. Supporting Your Baby with a Bent Wrist
This is something most mothers do without realising the effect it can actually have on them.The wrist is a particularly tender and a sensitive area and actions like rotating and making a fist can actually hurt more than you know!Wrist inflammation isn't a rare occurrence and can be very painful for many women.
What should you do to avoid this?
Always hold your baby in a fashion that you keep your hand and wrist in the same line. This will typically help bend your wrist to hold your baby's head.
Whenever possible, lift your baby with both arms or simply take help of a baby carrier if you need to take them for a walk/strolls.
While pushing a stroller, place your palms on top of the handles. This will help minimize the urge to bend your wrists.
3. Carrying Your Baby with a Bent Hip on One Side
Very rarely do we pay attention to our posture when we carry and hold our baby. Most of the times, mothers carry their baby on one hip and tilt their pelvis.However, doing so for a prolonged period can cause severe discomfort.
What should you do to avoid this?
Hold your baby with both arms as this will enable distribution of body weight equally on both legs.
Also, switch sides regularly instead of holding the baby on just one side.
4. Hunching While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is perhaps one of the most frequently carried out activities as a new mom! Many new mothers complain about a strained shoulder and neck muscles at this time.However, they overlook the root cause of it. When you push your neck forward for hours together, it can strain the neck and shoulder muscles resulting into wear and tear.
What should you do to avoid this?
Whenever you feed your baby, keep looking upwards time to time and also engage in some neck rolling stretches.
Also, use a footstool and a pillow to raise your baby while nursing and keep your arms free to ensure you aren't bearing your baby's weight. This will provide rest to your arms and shoulders.
5. Not Paying Enough Attention to Your Baby's Toys and Nails
This is important not just for hygiene purposes. Paying special attention towards the length of your baby's nails and the toys he/she plays with can also ensure YOUR safety!There have been many instances in which a simple playful act of throwing a toy in the air has ended up hurting the mother's eye.Your baby's nails too can hurt your - or his - eyes, if not clipped in time.
What should you do to avoid this?
Ensure your baby's nails are clipped short all the time. Their scratches can be as painful as paper cuts! Use this guide to cut your baby's nails without causing him any pain
Also, make sure you only buy toys that have soft edges and are devoid of any metal or sharp objects.
6. Baby Tantrums Can Result In Accidents Too!
As bizarre as it may sound, your baby's persistence and mood swings can be quite dangerous for you! And what's worse is that you wouldn't know when to expect it either.When you refuse something, kids tend to throw a full blown tantrum that includes throwing things at you or grabbing you, leaving painful marks and bruises.Mothers in many cases end up getting physically hurt.
What should you do to avoid this?
Distraction is the key. Whenever your baby or toddler throws a tantrum, distract them with something that would catch their attention and fancy instead. Well, this will ensure your safety too!
You can also try some of these real mom solutions to tame the tantrums. Other moms have found success with these tips that include playing soothing music and splashing about in the water.
Yes, being a new mommy is definitely awesome, but it can also be quite painful (literally speaking!). However, there are always ways of getting around.You cannot replace these experiences and activities, but following these precautions will help you minimise risk of injury.
Remember - you must take care of yourself first if you want to be fit and healthy to look after your baby! Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 8 months
12 hours ago
Q. I took a pregnancy test just before my period start date and I found a faint second line in the test... Am I pregnant??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. it is very faint line better you get beta hCG test 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
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. I'm currently 37 weeks 4 days my baby weight is 2.4kg whether it is normal?
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
11 hours ago
A. Hello mam that is fine , and this varies as it depends o various factors as well too , so avoid stress, take rest and and also healthy diet as well
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. what could be the baby weight when we are in 37 week 4 days? what could be average weight before labour?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. there is lot of individual variation it can be around 3 kgs 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
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. hlo plzz tell me gripe water de sakte hai baby ko Mera baby 15 months ka hogya hai ???
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
10 hours ago
A. nahi.
its not nessesary to feed it.
ur baby is 15 month okd, give all family food in roughly mashed form, include seasonal fruits n veggies.
t..c
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Am 25 weeks pregnant with Twins, and cervix of 25mm. got cerclage done at 21 weeks. please suggest precautions so that I can smoothly continue ue my pregnancy and avoid premises.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
11 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please have coconut water on daily basis and also have more green leaves vegetables fruits and dairy products in diet and also home made food. Also go on regular check ups. Also be happy and stress free .
Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. what does this mean
"There is a funneling of internal os with effective cervical length (measures ~2.8 cm on TVS) "
in 29 weeks 5 days pregnancy?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. small cervical length 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
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