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Important Precautions to Take During the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting phase of a woman’s life, especially if it is her first pregnancy. If you are pregnant, the thought of nurturing a life can overwhelm you. But pregnancy can also turn you into a worrywart, especially when you start thinking about everything you put in your mouth and wonder whether or not it’s safe for your baby. A little ignorance on your part such as drinking alcohol or indulging in unhealthy lifestyle habits can lead to massive repercussions. And you’d want to avoid them at all cost.
The first trimester of pregnancy is an important phase. This is the time when the foetus develops rapidly and is at its most vulnerable, which is why care must be taken to ensure its proper growth and development. Here are a few precautions that a pregnant woman must take in the early stages of her pregnancy to avoid miscarriage and lower the chances of birth defects in the first trimester.
Precautions to Take During the First Three Months of Pregnancy
Here are some things you need to keep in mind and follow in the first three months of pregnancy. Trust us, these precautions will help you have a healthy pregnancy.
1. Avoid Smoking
If you are pregnant and smoke, it’s time to quit. Smoking during pregnancy can increase the chances of miscarriage, premature labour, and ectopic pregnancy. The smoke inhaled can hamper the development of the foetus and ruin your chances of a healthy delivery. So say 'no' to cigars and embrace tobacco-free living if you want a healthy pregnancy.
2. Say ‘No’ to Alcohol
There is no study to prove that a specific quantity of alcohol is safe during pregnancy, hence it is best avoided. Alcohol is linked to learning disorders and can interfere with the brain development of the foetus. Furthermore, drinking alcohol in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy can also cause miscarriage, so it is best not included in the first trimester of pregnancy diet and perhaps, even later. So steer clear of alcohol while pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy.
3. Limit Your Caffeine Intake
If you are a coffee person, the thought of giving it up completely can make you sick, but here’s a piece of good news for you: you don’t have to give it up cold turkey or at all - you can still enjoy a cup of coffee while pregnant, but make sure that you stick to just 1 cup. Taking too much caffeine can also lead to premature births and may cause birth defects. Stick to 1 cup, i.e.,less than 200 mg of caffeine a day, and you and your baby should be fine. The best option would be consulting a doctor regarding the amount of caffeine that safe for consumption during pregnancy and playing it safe!
4. Avoid Sauna and Hot Baths
High temperatures are not good for foetal development. So avoid taking hot showers at all costs. If you have back pain and joint pain, consider using heating pads wrapped in a towel. But do remember that the temperature of the heating pad should not exceed 100°F or 37°C.
5. Take Herbal Supplements and Painkillers With Caution
Painkillers and herbal supplements must be taken with caution. Your doctor will prescribe you certain medicines, and if you’re taking supplements or are on medication, you must consult her since these may interact with your existing medicines. Furthermore, overuse of painkillers can be harmful for the health of the foetus as certain chemicals may pass through the placenta into the bloodstream.
6. Avoid Seafood
Although seafood is a healthy source of protein and fats, some fish such as shark, swordfish, and marlin have been known to contain toxic substances and high levels of mercury. Eating these fish during pregnancy can be harmful for the health of the baby. Hence, it is suggested that you avoid seafood during the first trimester of your pregnancy or better yet throughout your pregnancy. However, if you still wish to incorporate fish in your diet, consult a doctor.
7. Stop Eating Unhealthy Foods
If you are already within the healthy weight range, you will probably need to up your calorie intake by at least 300 during the first trimester of your pregnancy and be expected to pack on 1 pound (0.4 kg) a week during each week of your first trimester. However, make sure you have a balanced diet and avoid unhealthy foods.
8. Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods contain food additives and substances that are harmful to the development of the foetus. Food additives contain sodium nitrate traces and cancer-causing substances which can be harmful to your health as well as your baby’s health. Additionally, pesticides may creep in with such foods, which is why we recommend that you stick to organic sources of foods and avoid processed or packaged food items. And make sure to wash your fruits and vegetables and peel them before eating them.
9. Take Folic Acid Supplements
Your doctor must have prescribed you folic acid supplements - take them regularly. Add nuts to your food groups and increase your intake of Omega-3s as your baby will need these for the proper development of eyes, brains, and nerves. Vitamin D intake is also important. You can get this from egg yolks, fortified milk, and by exposing yourself to sunlight every morning.
Some More Tips to Take Care of Yourself During the First Trimester of Your Pregnancy
Here’s what you can do to ensure a healthy transition into the second and third trimesters and to ensure that you have no complications during delivery:
Load Up on Veggies – Veggies are always healthy, and more so during pregnancy. So while pregnant, increase your intake of vegetables and delicious organic goodies, and make way for a healthy pregnancy.
Exercise – Practising yoga and light exercises will keep you healthy during pregnancy. You can start practising yoga and pranayama just to be safe since certain exercises can lead to preterm labour in expecting women. You can also take up some light exercises - these will keep you active and your metabolism working. However, do consult your doctor or healthcare provider before you decide to take up any exercises. And avoid strenuous exercises at all cost!
Take Prenatal Vitamins – Follow up with your doctor regarding the intake of prenatal vitamins. Take the vitamins prescribed by your doctor regularly as they will provide you with necessary nutrients required during the first trimester and also help your baby grow.
Talk to Your Doctor If You Are Not Well – If you experience pain or do not feel good after taking certain medications, foods, or supplements, consult with your healthcare provider and stop taking those immediately until you find out what’s wrong and how it’s affecting your well-being. You may be allergic to certain foods or medications, or maybe those medicines might be interacting with your existing medical conditions, so check with your doctor at the earliest.
Watch Your Weight – A woman should lead an active lifestyle and have a healthy BMI if she is planning to get pregnant. Obesity poses a risk towards a healthy pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, you can take up light exercises and eat healthily to have a healthy pregnancy. If you gain too much weight during the first trimester and upcoming weeks, you may have complications in pregnancy. So watch your calorie intake; eat calorie-dense foods in less proportion, and consult with your dietitian or nutritionist if needed.
Try Natural Remedies – Avoid taking painkillers if the pain is not severe. Try relaxation exercises, meditation, mindfulness, and breathing techniques to feel better. Ask your partner to give you a massage, and sleep in an inclined position, if needed, to relieve back pain, if you have it. Whatever the case, try natural ways or remedies of pain relief rather than taking drugs or artificial substances.
During pregnancy, taking the necessary precautions can increase your chances of having a healthy and normal delivery. So eat healthily, avoid stress, be happy, and take care of yourself and your baby.
Also Read: 20 Health Tips for Pregnant Women Read more
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Meena sharma
Mom of a 7 m old girl
2 mins ago
#babyofsummer24
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5 Tips to Have a Clean and Happy Period!
If you've been thinking how to have a clean period, you need some practical tips to give you a stress-free menstruation experience with no odour, infection or stain. What more? You can feel fresh throughout!
Oh! It’s that time of the month again! Have you been dreading the itchiness, moist feelings, and cramps that come with periods? If yes, then you're probably not taking proper care of yourself or aren’t maintaining proper hygiene. At the time of menstruation, the mucus in the cervix opens up to facilitate blood passage, which may lead to sore infections if germs get to enter your cervix. That is why, it's essential to follow a clean routine always and especially so when you're ‘down’.
Handy Menstrual Hygiene Tips You Can't Ignore
1. Menstrual Cups, Pads, or Tampons?
Different women have different ways of maintaining hygiene during menstrual period. Some prefer menstrual cups, while others opt for tampons. If you use sanitary napkins, make sure that you place them right. Improper placing might lead to irritation and rashes. Buy pads and tampons with high absorbency quotients. If you have a heavy flow, your pads should have enough capacity to absorb all the emissions. Keep enough of these supplies in your bag, so that you can change when it’s time. Using panty liners is one of the most advised menstrual hygiene practices when you have low bleeding. Use them along with your tampon to prevent stains on your underwear too.
2. Wash and Pat Dry
It's important to change your sanitary napkins every 4 hours and tampons every 8 hours when menstruating. Overuse of the same napkin or tampon may be harmful, cause severe discomfort, and emit foul smell too. One of the best hygiene tips during menstruation is to wash your private parts after every change and also pat the area dry, preferably with powder. This will help in keeping the germs away, and you—totally odour-free.
3. Importance of Period Panties
It’s not always easy to get rid of those blood stains. That's why, it's better that you buy separate period panties for yourself. The extra lining present in these panties prevents leakage and stains on bed sheets or trousers too. Additionally, it’s easy to wash off the blood stains from such special panties. Just clean them with warm water and use a disinfectant.
4. Remember Your Dates
Keeping a record of your dates is one of the important menstrual hygiene management tips to follow. If you remember your dates, you'll be prepared for the approaching cycle, without any unpleasantly timed surprises. In case of irregular periods or multiple periods in a month, consult your doctor and if required, get necessary tests done.
5. Avoid Fitting Pants
Wear loose cotton pants, long skirts or harem pants during your periods. Wearing tight jeans or leggings can lead to boils or rashes in your privates. With loose clothes, there will be enough air flow to leave you feeling comfy and fit throughout the day.
If you've been wondering how to keep hygienic during menstruation, you’ve got your answers above. Here’s to clean and stress-free periods without much fuss! Wish you happy '5 days' of the month now! Read more
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Introducing your Baby to Swimming
Swimming for babies is one of the hottest topics of discussion in almost all mothers’ groups. If you are interested too in learning about the subject, read our guide on when to introduce your baby to swimming.
Baby Swimming
Swimming for babies is one of the hottest topics of discussion in almost all mothers’ groups. What is the age at which the baby should be introduced to swimming, is it safe for him to swim or will my baby enjoy swimming – these are some common questions that play on every mother’s mind.
If you have been racking your brains with these questions, keep on reading as we try to answer them here.
When to Start Swimming Lessons for Babies
Did you know that a newborn baby, if placed in water tummy-side, will move his arms and legs in a swimming motion? Newborns up to 6 months have a pair of reflexes that can make them appear to be naturally good swimmers. Well, it certainly doesn’t mean you leave an infant in a tub of water or pool unattended, but you can be sure that there are high chances your child will take to water quite easily if introduced to swimming from an early age.
However, most swimming classes and clubs do not encourage kids before 3 years, reasoning that most children before 3 years are too young to understand the instructions given to them. This puts them at the risk of drowning or developing a fear of water. Having said that, there are a few swimming clubs which promote toddler swimming. And there are some which allow babies as young as 6 months. However, it’s advisable to consult your paediatrician before starting swimming classes for your infant.
Baby Swimming Safety Tips
The following are some precautions to keep your child safe during swimming:
Always check the temperature of the water before introducing your baby into the swimming pool. Lower him into the water only after making sure that the water is room temperature, warm or comfortable.
Always make sure your baby is wearing floating devices like inflatable arms bands and rings in the pool.
Always keep a towel/bathrobe handy. If you notice that your baby is shivering or his fingers are getting too wrinkly, immediately get him out of the pool and wrap him in the towel.
Do not keep your child longer in the water than necessary. Start with short sessions of 10-15 minutes and go up to 20-30 minutes once his stamina builds up. For an infant, 30 minutes of swimming session is more than enough.
If your baby is suffering from cold, fever or conjunctivitis, avoid swimming till he is fully recovered.
If your baby has a skin-related problem, better check with your doctor, in case the condition worsens due to chlorinated water.
Make your child (if he is not potty-trained) wear swimming diapers. This keeps the pool clean and hygienic.
Ideas to Help Your Baby Enjoy Swimming
Instead of directly starting with the public pool, let your baby enjoy in a tub at home. Let him splash water all over and play around in the tub. This way, he will learn to enjoy the feel of water on his skin, and be comfortable with the idea of getting the water splashed on in a public pool.
Take your baby to a public pool at a time when there are fewer people around. With too many people and splashing of water all over, your child might get frightened.
Take him to the kiddie pool. When the baby or toddler realizes that his feet are touching the ground, he will feel more secure and comfortable.
You can enroll for parent-baby or parent-toddler swimming classes, where you get to enjoy the pool with your baby. With you around, your baby will feel more secured.
Take some pool toys like ball, ring and ducks, and throw them in the water. Now, walk your child through the water to retrieve them one by one.
Show your baby how to blow bubbles under water. You can’t inhale water if you are blowing. This is a very important lesson for your child to learn.
Now that you are armed with all the information and precautions, all that remains is to introduce your baby to the water and enjoy watching him splash around. Read more
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Busting Blues: Dealing with your Depressed Spouse
Watching your beloved suffer bouts of depression can take a toll on your marriage and how you view your partner. How to deal with a spouse with depression then? Quit feeling helpless watching from the sidelines, as there are things that you can do to help!
Dealing with your partner who's feeling low can put a dark cloud over your happy married life. While you hate having to watch your depressed partner suffer silently, you know that living this way is bound to have its affect on you too. Experts have suggested several ways in which you can help your partner get out of this phase. But before you reach out to help him, you need to put on your oxygen mask first! Here’s what you can do to make life better for the benefit of both of you.
Handy 'Living with a Depressed Spouse' Tips You Ought to Remember
1. Understanding The Problem
You have a happy married life that is financially secure. You love your job and your kids are a source of joy for the two of you. Yet you find yourself coping with a depressed spouse. For the life of you, you can’t understand what went wrong? Doctors suggest that depression is caused by a change in the secretion level of the "happy-hormone" serotonin. So don’t blame yourself for your partner's condition, it could be genetic for all we know!
2. Arms Wide Open
if you find yourself wondering how to support a depressed spouse, the first step would be to show receptivity. Encourage them to talk about things especially what they are thinking or feeling. It could happen that they say things to you that can freak you out and make you question your marriage and life with him. But this is the time to exercise patience and not pass any judgement yet! You're walking on eggshells remember!
3. Choose Your Side
After listening to the emotional outburst of your partner you might have difficulty thinking of it as an illness. But helping a spouse with depression also means that you have to continuously remind yourself that it’s not your partner, but the illness talking! Depression is your enemy. Work together through the treatment rather than letting the changes any illness begets drift you apart.
4. Quit Being Hard on Yourself
There will be many instances when you will not understand what to do when your spouse is depressed. You're bound to fear that you're someway triggering their outbursts and not being of any help at all. That isn't the case and you must believe that well enough. Your depressed spouse is already going through enough emotional turmoil for the two of you to tackle, so don't be hard on yourself. Don’t start blaming or criticising yourself and add to the mayhem. Save yourself from such an attitude if you want to save the marriage!
5. Working as a Team
Remember that dealing with depression requires working as a team. It’s your job to ensure that your partner undergoes proper treatment. Don't chastise or nag him for not taking his medications timely or skipping appointments. In such times, remind yourself that hopelessness is a big side effect of depression. You have to spread light and not cast dark shadows of negativity, while your partner struggles to smile.
The only thing really depressing about depression is when you let it tear your marriage apart. But when you learn how to deal with a spouse with depression you will find that the hardships and trials have only managed to bring you closer. Your marriage is much stronger having weathered through this rough patch. As a partner standing by him and holding his hand to show him the right way will only sweeten the bond you share. Read more
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Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
20 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
8 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
19 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
19 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. 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 Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
13 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
11 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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