Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
10 of the Best Pets to Consider for Your Kids
Children are amused and fascinated by animals - a lot of them even throw tantrums about wanting to take them home! Pets are known to nurture the growth of children in an effective manner. Pet animals for kids can range from the usual ones we know of, to some unique ones, if your child shows affection towards it. Here is some information that can help you make an informed choice.
Top 10 Pets for Children - What's Perfect for your Child
Here are some pets that are perfect for your child.
1. Dogs
The default choice of pet for every household across the world, dogs, are adored by most.
Advantages
The bond between a child and a dog is very strong - it has also been seen widely among pet lovers across the world. Dogs are gentle and loving, and they can make for good companions both inside and outside the house. Having a dog can push your child to go out and play more, as dogs require a fair amount of exercise as well. Dogs are extremely loyal to their owners.
Disadvantages
Dogs can be high-maintenance pets. They require a good amount of care and training. As playful as they might be, dogs may accidentally bite their owners or people they don't like.
2. Cats
Cats are adorable, and can easily blend in well with the rest of the family.
Advantages
Cats may not be as playful as dogs, but they still make for a good companion if your child wants a pet. Cats require little maintenance - they often take care of themselves.
Disadvantages
Cats are independent creatures - unlike dogs, cats are not always loyal to their owners and may run away from time to time. There is also a higher chance of your child contracting allergies from cats as opposed to dogs. Cats are moody and defensive and can retaliate if disturbed.
3. Birds
Birds are not only colourful and nice to look at, but they also bring joy into the household through their melodies.
Advantages
Some kids do not like physically touching animals, but enjoy watching them from afar - birds are the perfect companion for such kids. The musical sounds of birds can be a matter of fascination for children, and most birds are non-threatening and can stay in their cages without any trouble.
Disadvantages
Handling and training a bird takes time and patience, and it is important for your kid to have them both. Birds can make quite a mess in their cages, and cleaning their cages is quite a tedious task.
4. Fish
Quiet and calm, fish can add beauty to your home.
Advantages
Certain kids prefer pets that are calmer, so they can observe them quietly. A fish is one of the best pets for toddlers since all it takes is clean water and food at regular intervals. Some brightly-coloured fish can also intrigue your child and entertain him.
Disadvantages
It is important to make sure that you are feeding the right kind of food to your fish, and feeding it in the right quantity is absolutely necessary. Cleaning the container or tank every once in a while is necessary to prevent a build-up of waste and germs.
5. Hamsters
Tiny and entertaining, hamsters rarely run out of energy.
Advantages
Extremely cute at first sight, a hamster makes for a great pet, provided your kid will look after it constantly. Installing a hamster wheel in the pet's cage is the best way to keep it occupied.
Disadvantages
Hamsters are known to get messy rather quickly, and the smell can be unpleasant to the point of being unbearable. Hamster cages require frequent cleaning and maintenance and skipping out on it usually not an option, owing to the smell.
6. Ants
These are less like pets and more of an interesting entity to be observed.
Advantages
Ants are an unusual pet to have, but they are perfect for kids who like to observe animal behaviour without the hassle of taking care of it. Creating a small ant farm and watching the ants as they gather food and create their homes can be interesting.
Disadvantages
Your child might get bored with ants as they lack the human connect a lot of other animals have. Also, you will have to take extra care at all times to make sure the ants do not find their way into your house.
7. Guinea Pigs
Rather unconventional, but guinea pigs can be found in many households.
Advantages
Guinea pigs can be handled easily since they rarely bite a person. They are smart and respond to a lot of your child's actions.
Disadvantages
Guinea pigs are generally social and almost always require a companion. They hate tiny spaces and require a large area to live. They largely depend on vitamin C, and hence, require healthy food items constantly.
8. Mice
Mice make for good pets as well.
Advantages
Mice do not require a large space to live and can be taken care of easily. Simply put a bunch of female mice together, and watch them lead their happiest lives! Children can easily play with mice as they are easy to train and get entertained easily. A regular rodent diet of food blocks is enough to keep them happy.
Disadvantages
Mice, by their very nature, are agile and skittish, which makes them difficult to get a hold of. It is best to keep them observational pets. Mice are nocturnal creatures, and thus can make sounds and move around through the night.
9. Rabbits
The most adorable pets of them all, after dogs, of course, rabbits are great pets for toddlers.
Advantages
Extremely cute and cuddly, rabbits take their time to get used to human touch. However, once they do, they make great pets. Your kid will have fun carrying the rabbit around the house in his pocket or on his head and the rabbit will mostly stay put, simply observing around.
Disadvantages
Since rabbits are social, they require constant attention. At the same time, they do not like to be constantly held. Their cages also require regular cleaning and unattended rabbits can create quite a mess in the house. Rabbits also multiply terribly quickly, so make sure to get a same-sex pair if you want to get more than one.
10. Turtle
This pet may end up becoming the oldest member of your family, and also the wisest.
Advantages
Turtles are calm, gentle, and peaceful creatures. Children are known to be endlessly fascinated by them, and they often have long conversations with them since turtles can stay in one position for long durations.
Disadvantages
A turtle requires multiple environmental conditions to be appropriately set for its survival. Turtles also have a tremendous lifespan, so there's a chance that your child will be taking care of it even when he's in high school! If your child is less than five years old, avoid getting a turtle as it is known to spread salmonella.
Some tips to remember before getting a pet for your child:
Always adopt. Buying a fancy breed is a bad idea because animals like dogs and cats are bred in inhumane conditions for money. While the thought of having a fancy, luxurious dog breed is exciting, adopting abandoned animals living in shelters and giving them a good life is a noble idea.
Ensure that your child is serious about wanting a pet, because it is a long commitment.
Read extensively about the pet you are about to adopt. Ask around and find people who have first-hand experience with the pet to know what you are in for.
Establish ground rules in the house before the pet comes. Communicate to your little one that taking care of the pet will be a joint responsibility, and that he will also have to do his part and not leave it to someone else.
Keep an eye out on good veterinarians around your home, in case of emergencies. Do the same for pet food supply stores.
Lastly, be patient when taking care of your pet. It may take a while to adjust to this new being in the house, but it will surely be worth it.
Having pets can teach your kid a lot of things about life and about social interaction. Small pets for kids are easier to look after and your child can also learn to handle them the right way. Make an informed choice based on your preference and practicality, and your kid will have a companion they have so looked forward to.
Resources and References: Healthline, Caring for Kids
Also Read: Animal Facts for Children Read more
Check out this new Memory
Neetika Narain
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old girl
2 mins ago
#grandphoto
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
How to Increase Appetite in Kids - Tips & Foods to Eat
Food, clothing, and shelter - that’s pretty much what babies need at the very basic level, along with good sleep and a loving environment. Despite that, you may be upset that your child is not eating properly. He may not be communicating his hunger as frequently as needed, or not eating good enough portions at scheduled meal times. This could affect his weight gain and cause even more worry to you regarding his growth. So if you’re wondering how to increase baby appetite naturally, here are some things you could definitely try out.
Causes of Low Appetite in Children
Some of the common causes of low appetite in infants are,
1. Recovering From an Illness
If your baby usually eats well and has been showing poor eating habits off late, it could be due to the fact that he isn’t feeling well or is just recovering from some illness. When ill, all the bodily processes take a hit, digestion included. This results in a loss of appetite. Even after the illness has disappeared, the medication and after-effects could cause the digestive process to take some more time to return to normal, as well as the food to start tasting better, too.
2. Zinc Deficiency
One of the major constituents that are necessary for the stomach to digest the food is hydrochloric acid. This also helps trigger the feeling of hunger. Zinc is primarily responsible for the production of this acid. So if your child has low appetite, there might be a possibility of him suffering from zinc deficiency. This can be easily set back in balance by tweaking the diet. The inclusion of chicken, cashew nuts, wheat bran, pumpkin seeds, and other items that rich in zinc can help bring the levels back to normal.
3. Improper Digestion
Energy is required to process and digest the food in our stomach. This energy is termed agni (fire) in Ayurveda. This energy undergoes a hit when the stomach suffers from indigestion, gases, flatulence or so. Illnesses, too, can result in an improper digestion environment leading to lowered appetites.
4. Slow Down of Growth
Not every low appetite is a sign of a problem. If your child is an infant, his appetite and feeding might be consistent or on a rise in the initial months. But right after 4-5 months, the growth slows down a bit and the energy required to do so reduces as well. This, inevitably, results in reducing the appetite, which is absolutely fine.
5. Too Much of the Same Thing
All diet needs to be in moderation and of the right type. If your child has been consuming a lot of food items made of whole grains, these could keep him full for a long time. Whole grains contain fibre and require quite some time to be digested fully. At the same time, if your baby is dependent on cow’s milk or even the feeding formula more than required, this could adversely affect appetite, leading him to not feel hungry at all.
How to Increase Your Child's Appetite?
Here are some ways you could try to improve your little one's appetite.
1. Give Him a Nice and Filling Breakfast
The name itself signifies breaking the fast that your body has been on while it was asleep. Therefore, the demand for energy is highest at the start of the day. Having a nutritious and substantial breakfast primes the body into peak metabolic state and kick-starts the day.
2. Change the Meal Structure
We, as adults, might be used to the three-meal structure that gets us through the day without problems. With children, however, since their growth is at a peak, and that uses up quite a lot of energy, their digestive system needs a strong boost. This can be attained by replacing the three-meal structure, and instead, giving them portioned meals every couple of hours or so. This can keep them energised and help them eat the right amount, too.
3. Drinking Water Before a Meal
Be it right after waking up or about half an hour before a meal, water is important in two ways. Firstly, it breaks the fast in the morning and rehydrates the body to replenish the lost water. Secondly, by drinking water, the digestive system prepares itself and expects food to follow it as well. These, together, help in resetting the appetite and make your child hungry again.
4. A Snack Can Be a Meal As Well
The general notion of snacks is random items such as biscuits, chips, and salted mixtures. Instead of snacking on non-nutritious items to kill the hunger, replace them with small sandwiches or nutritional cookies. These take care of the hunger pangs and provide the required nutrition, too.
5. Milk is NOT a Meal
'A glass of milk is the best breakfast,' is actually a myth. It may have good nutrition but simply having milk for breakfast or a meal isn’t enough. Excessive milk consumption reduces the appetite for the following meal, being counterproductive all around. Milk should be kept in moderation and other dairy products can be used as an alternative as well.
6. Peanuts to Increase Appetite
Peanuts are one of those few food items that have properties conducive to supporting the growth of appetite. Fried peanuts are popularly consumed as an appetiser and the same can be useful for your child. If bread and butter snack is one of his favourites, then try replacing the standard butter with peanut butter.
7. Physical Exertion is a Necessity
Nothing can replace a good evening of outside play or a nice exercise session in the morning. Spending energy creates the need for energy in the body, which stimulates the digestive system and makes your stomach ask for more food. You will always notice that children who are heavily engaged in sports and other physical activities rarely have poor eating habits.
8. Cooler Environments Ought to Prevail
The environmental conditions change the appetites of adults as well as children. Generally, the need to eat takes a toll around summers. Compared to that, everyone seems to gorge readily on multiple food items during winter. The surrounding temperature is responsible for our body using up the energy to keep us warm. By maintaining a comparatively cooler surrounding, the metabolic processes will be at a normal pace and lead to the right times to be hungry.
9. Zinc is the Ally We All Need
The presence of zinc is essential to carrying out the very process of digestion itself. Once the hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach are normal, the digestion processes realign themselves. Apart from consuming zinc food items as mentioned earlier, you can get your paediatrician’s approval in using zinc-based supplements as well.
10. The Secret Weapon of Favourite Food
At times, everything is fine and it’s primarily the mood of your child that’s not right. He might be tired of eating food that tastes the same or just be upset with something else. By making something you know he will love no matter what, you can get him started on eating sufficiently.
Foods That Can Help to Increase Appetite in Children
The following foods can help enhance appetite in kids.
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon has tons of properties. One is the ability to cleanse the palate, and the other is to bring back appetite rather quickly. You can make some lemon water or lemon juice for your child, and give him a glass of it. Soon, his digestive system will start getting activated and he’ll want food.
2. Plum
Plums are known to boost appetite. The nutrients present in them, combined with the peculiar taste, makes them a hit with children, and are beneficial to give your child to boost his appetite.
3. Peach
Acquiring this fruit might have been difficult in the earlier times. Nowadays, the chances of finding peaches in the supermarket or a store are comparatively higher, with all the safe packaging. Peaches are tasty and can be given to your kid to increase his appetite.
4. Curd and Methi Seeds
The constitution of curd makes it a good digestive stimulant. Combine that by taking a few methi or fenugreek seeds, crushing them to make a powder, and mixing it with the curd. Give this to your child and you will see his appetite increase in no time.
5. Curd and Pudina
Another possible ingredient instead of methi seeds can be pudina (mint) leaves, too. This is mostly recommended if your child likes milk, but too much consumption leads to killing the appetite. Take a few pudina leaves, blend them, and add to the curd with some salt. This helps amp up the appetite and can be given even to kids above one year old.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
Yes, these seeds are used to cut down cravings, so it might seem strange to include them here. However, the reason for them affecting the digestive process is the presence of zinc in them. A few pumpkin seeds is all that it takes to improve the appetite.
7. Carrot Juice
The benefits of carrot are countless and its tendency to increase the appetite is yet another jewel in its crown. Quite an age-old technique since generations, having a small bowl of carrot juice around 30 minutes before a meal has been known to pretty much restore the hunger needed to have the meal.
8. Peanuts
Zinc. The quintessential ingredient that is needed and is present in peanuts, in good quantities. Do not give peanuts if your child is less than a year old, because peanut allergies are common and your little one could have one, too. Introduce it in a small quantity to check for allergies and make it a part of the diet only if it all seems fine for a week. Peanut in any form, right from butter, to chikki, to a chutney is beneficial.
9. Ajwain Flowers
Also known as thyme, this is pretty good herb to restore appetite in kids. When included in rice or dals, it not only brings out the flavour in it, but further makes they want to have more.
10. Rasam
Popularly had in the south, it is also known to be one of the first solids that a baby has. This soup helps streamline the process of digestion and boost appetite.
11. Oregano
Save those packets you get with your pizza. While adding more flavour, it makes foods appetising as well.
12. Musthaarishtham
A popular tonic among the older generation for both adults and kids, it is quite potent in being able to restore lost appetite in everyone.
13. Ginger
This multi-purpose multi-valued ingredient can be had with some buttermilk to restore the digestive energy, as mentioned in the Ayurveda.
14. Turmeric
Treating everything from infections to indigestion, mixing turmeric with some ghee and giving it to your child before meals can steadily bring back the appetite he had.
15. Chyawanprash
Any popular one from the market can be used regularly to make your kids start having good eating habits again.
16. Daalchini
Also known as cinnamon, the presence of hydroxychalcone in its constitution makes it a powerful ingredient to boost appetite by adding it to various food items.
17. Tulsi
Another remedy that has trickled down generations, having tulsi water or simply the leaves of the basil plant can assist in resetting the hunger of your child.
18. Ashtachoornam
An octa-herbal ayurvedic powder that is quite popular, this can be mixed with rice or ghee and given to young kids to increase their appetite.
19. Hing
Not only does hing get rid of gases and flatulence, but it indirectly affects appetite and reduces the feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Loss of appetite is not a new thing in children. Restoring the appetite takes only a few techniques. Instilling good eating habits from an early age goes a long way in keeping kids healthy.
Also Read: Best Baby Foods Read more
Suggested for you
15 Health Benefits of Jaggery Everyone Should Know
Have you ever wondered why your grandparents or, for that matter, even parents relish a piece of jaggery after lunch or dinner? Well, eating jaggery has numerous health benefits for us because this sweet delicacy is not only yummy to taste, but it is also loaded with many essential nutrients. Jaggery, which is commonly known as gur in India, is basically unrefined sugar that is obtained from the sugarcane plant.
Jaggery can also be obtained from other plant sources such as sap of the coconut tree or even from the date palm. However, jaggery made from sugarcane is the most widely used form of unrefined sugar. This natural source of sweetener has been in use in Indian households for a long time. If you are not well-versed with the health benefits of jaggery and why you should add this wonder food in your diet, we suggest that you read this post for the same.
Nutritional Profile of Jaggery
Jaggery is loaded with various vital nutrients; let us take a look into what all nutrition we can derive by eating a small piece of jaggery:
Nutrient
Value
Carbohydrates
9.6 g
Iron
0.6 mg
Phosphorus
3.9 mg
Potassium
13.9 mg
Calcium
7.9 mg
Magnesium
15.8 mg
Sodium
3.2 mg
Selenium
0.2 mcg
The values mentioned above are approximate values present in 10 grams of jaggery.
*Table Source: https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/custom/3835294/2
Health Benefits of Jaggery
Jaggery is usually available all year along, but it is produced during the winter months. Winter months are the ideal months to relish some freshly made jaggery; however, you can eat jaggery any time of the year to experience its multitude benefits. Here are some health benefits of gur:
1. Helps in Detoxifying the Liver
Our body piles on toxins that enter our body through the diet we consume. These toxins can make us sick and therefore, it is important for our body to get rid of them. The liver helps in removing these harmful toxins from our body. Jaggery also helps in cleansing our body because it is a natural cleanser. By adding it in your diet, you are not only aiding the liver to flush out toxins from the body, but your liver is getting rid of toxins too.
2. Helps in Relieving Constipation
Many people suffer from constipation, and this ailment can take a toll on one’s health. The person suffering from this condition not only faces discomfort in clearing the bowels but also has the problem of hardened stools. Jaggery is beneficial in dealing with digestive issues such as constipation. Consuming gur on a regular basis helps in activating the digestive enzymes and also helps in stimulating bowel movements. Add gur to diet to overcome the problem of digestive ailments.
3. Helps in Purifying Blood
Healthy and clean blood means better health. Adding jaggery in your daily diet in limited amounts helps in purifying your blood and thus improving your overall health. Purified blood in the body means healthier you, and thus a better ability to fight infections and diseases.
4. Helps in Treating Flu Symptoms
A runny, stuffy nose, throat irritation or other such flu-symptoms can make you very uncomfortable and uneasy. Jaggery has therapeutic effects on relieving the symptoms of various ailments such as the flu. You may add a piece of it in some warm water and drink this mixture; alternatively, you can add it to your tea too. The warm and soothing effects of jaggery will help you feel better soon.
5. Helps in Cleansing the Body
If you are staying in an area that is heavily polluted, including gur in your diet may help you a great deal. This is because gur is a natural body cleanser and it is efficient in cleansing various harmful particles that enter the body. It is beneficial in cleaning the lungs, stomach, respiratory tract, food pipe and intestines. Ayurveda also states the benefits of jaggery in removing unwanted and harmful particles from the body, and it is thus highly recommended for people working or staying in polluted places.
6. Helps in Preventing Anaemia
Anaemia is a disease that is characterised by low iron levels in the body. Adding this iron and folate-rich food in your daily diet may help in the prevention of anaemia. Pregnant women often battle with low iron and folate levels, which may decrease their red blood cells and also reduces their energy levels. If a pregnant woman eats jaggery on a regular basis, it will give her an instant boost of energy and also help in increasing the RBC in the blood.
7. Helps in Maintaining Body Temperature
Consuming jaggery helps in increasing the body temperature, thereby helps in keeping the body warmer during winter months. However, consuming jaggery mixed with cold water does the exact opposite and helps in keeping your stomach cool during summer months. This versatile sweet is very beneficial in maintaining the body temperatures in winters as well as summers.
8. Helps in Maintaining Good Intestinal Health
Consuming jaggery is also good for your intestines. Jaggery contains good amounts of magnesium in it, which is excellent for keeping your intestinal health on track. You will get approximately 15 mg of magnesium if you consume 10 grams of jaggery on a regular basis, which can help your body to meet 4 per cent of its daily requirement of magnesium.
9. Helpful in Controlling Blood Pressure
Low or high blood pressure, both are not good for your health. It is essential to maintain regular blood pressure to maintain good health. Sugarcane, from which jaggery is obtained, is loaded with sodium and potassium. Both these minerals are beneficial in regulating the blood pressure in the body. Therefore, by eating gur on a daily basis, you may ensure that your blood pressure levels are under control.
10. Helps in Relieving Joint Pains and Aches
Joint or bone pain can be a very painful situation and hamper your day-to-day functioning. However, it is believed that consuming jaggery on day to day basis proves to be effective in dealing with joint pains and aches. Drinking a glass of milk with jaggery or simply eating a piece of jaggery on a regular basis may help in reducing the joint pain and may also help in strengthening the bones.
11. Helps in Preventing Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma can make breathing very difficult. In Ayurveda, gur or jaggery has been used for time immemorial for curing and preventing respiratory issues. It is believed that when jaggery is eaten, it soothes and nourishes the inflamed airways and thus helps in providing relief and also prevents the condition from further deteriorating. For the added benefits, sesame seeds can be mixed with jaggery to avoid the respiratory difficulties.
12. Helps with Weight Loss
A vast majority of Indian population is fighting with weight loss issues, and it is primarily because of poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. However, if you are on a weight loss plan, adding gur to your diet may help too. Gur not only helps in increasing your metabolism but it also prevents water retention in the body. The presence of potassium in jaggery helps in balancing the electrolytes, which in turn help in building the muscle mass. Shed off some unwanted kilos from your body by eating jaggery!
13. Helps in Boosting Energy Levels
Exhaustion and fatigue can make your lethargic and drain you of your energy. Sometimes even day to day chores may seem like a humungous task. Jaggery can instantly help you feel energised. Gur is a natural sweetener but unlike sugar, it does not increase your blood sugar levels, but slowly gets absorbed in your bloodstream and keeps you feeling energised for a longer duration. Therefore, gur does not only help to pep up your blood sugar levels, but at the same time, it also helps your body fight fatigue.
14. Helps in Relieving Menstrual Pain
Those painful days of the month can give nightmares to most women because menstrual pain is something all women can relate. There are many over-the-counter medicines available that may help in relieving the symptoms of menstrual pain, but they may have adverse effects on your body too. Jaggery is loaded with all the essential nutrients that may prove helpful in reducing period pain and other associated side-effects. Eating jaggery helps in releasing your feel-good hormones or endorphins, which help you to battle PMS. So, prep up for your periods by including this wonder food in your diet.
15. Helps in Boosting Immunity
Low immunity or a compromised immune system may invite many unwanted medical issues. Eating jaggery increases your body’s immunity and thus helps it in fighting against various infections or disease-causing elements. It is also beneficial in reducing free radical damage. Gur is helpful in increasing your total haemoglobin, which also proves to be effective in maintaining a good immune system.
So, the next time you pop a piece of gur, you are not only eating a healthy form of sweet, but your body is also gaining a bundle of health benefits from it.
FAQs
Though jaggery is extremely safe for consumption and has no harmful side-effects, however, you still may have certain questions in mind. Worry no more; we shall be answering some frequently asked questions or FAQs in this section.
1. Is Jaggery Healthier Than Sugar?
White or refined sugar provides our body with only empty calories because it is nothing but a simple form of carbohydrates. On the hand, jaggery or gur is a form of complex carbohydrate, and it contains an abundance of nutrients and some amount of fibre too, for our body. Therefore, if you compare the health benefits of jaggery over sugar, jaggery is better for our health than sugar.
2. Is Jaggery Good for Diabetes?
Though jaggery is a complex carbohydrate and a natural form of sugar, however, it is sugar after all. This means eating jaggery will increase your blood sugar levels, though a bit slower than refined sugar, it will eventually increase it. Even Ayurveda, which propagates several benefits of jaggery, states that jaggery should not be included in a diabetic diet. If you have diabetes, it will be a wise decision to stay away from any form of sugar, including jaggery.
Include the natural goodness of gur by adding it to your daily diet. You may relish it in its raw form or use this versatile natural sweetener to add sweetness to your desserts, puddings, milk or even tea. Make sure you procure good-quality gur from a clean place. However, gur is a form of sugar; therefore, you must keep a check on its intake.
Also Read:
Health Benefits of Ghee You Should Know
Asafoetida (Hing) Benefits to Consider
Amazing Benefits of Turmeric for Health, Hair and Skin Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Allergies During Pregnancy : Causes, Signs & Prevention
Allergies are very common during pregnancy and many women suffer from them. A previous history of allergy may or may not be an influencing factor in deciding the occurrence of various types of allergies during pregnancy. On the other hand, pregnancy can alleviate an expecting mother form her existing allergic problems too. The common types of allergies that expecting mothers experience are skin allergies, allergic rhinitis, eye allergies, etc.
An understanding of the various causes and treatment options for allergies that occur during pregnancies, can greatly help in identifying and treating it effectively.
Are Allergies Common in Pregnancy?
Allergies are very common during pregnancy and about 25% of pregnant women experience seasonal or food allergies during the time. They usually resort to natural home remedies to treat moderate levels of allergy. However, with severe forms, over the counter anti-histamines are used to regulate the body's allergic responses.
Causes
There is no single attributable cause of an allergy during pregnancy. General hypersensitivity towards non-allergic substances like pollen or moulds, that usually do not trigger an allergic reaction, is attributed to the mother's genetic predisposition. Studies have also shown that repeated exposure to allergens early on in their life regulates the sensitivity to particles around them. Surrounding weather conditions also have a major influence in triggering allergies like hay fever and rhinitis during pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms
Running nose, congestion, sneezing, heaviness or a headache, itchy eyes are some signs of allergic hay fever occurring during pregnancy. Some women also suffer from allergic reactions to certain food products and experience red and itchy hives on the skin. This may sometimes lead to a swollen face. General itching of skin around the belly is common during pregnancy and should be well differentiated from the characteristic skin allergy during pregnancy, before concluding on the diagnosis.
Tests for Allergies When Pregnant
Allergy testing is usually done to ascertain the cause of allergy in the body. Potential allergens are selected and pricked on a small patch of skin. A redness or reaction indicates an allergic response to the substance. This helps in identifying the cause of the allergy and the subsequent preventive measures to be taken.
Blood tests to test the level of immune response are also done to identify if the symptoms presented are due to allergic reactions in the body.
Difference Between Allergies and Nasal Congestion as a Pregnancy Symptom
Having a blocked nose is quite common during pregnancy as there is an increase in the mucus secretion due to hormonal changes. However, if it is an allergic reaction, a clogged nose is usually accompanied by having itchy eyes, redness and continuous sneezing.
Safe Allergy Medicines During Pregnancy
When natural home remedies do not provide relief, safe allergy medications can be taken in consultation with the doctor. Here are some of the medications that are effective for allergy during pregnancy.
1. Saline Nose Drops
Saline solutions available as nasal drops give a good relief from blocked noses. It is the safest method to treat the symptoms of respiratory allergies during pregnancy.
2. Anti-Histamines
Oral antihistamines like cetirizine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine and loratadine are safe anti-allergy medications which work by regulating the immune response of the body to substances that trigger the allergy.
3. Nasal Decongestants
Decongestants containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine help in unclogging a blocked nose. Although it helps the mother to breath freely, it has some reported side effects like restricting the blood flow to the foetus. It has to be taken in consultation with the doctor.
Natural Ways to Treat Allergies
Expecting mothers who go through allergic episodes resort to natural remedies for allergies while pregnant due to the side effects of allopathic medications. Here are some tried and tested remedies.
1. Pranayama
The sneezing and running nose can be greatly reduced by practising pranayam on a daily basis. It optimizes the body's allergic response when practised for a continuous period of time.
2. Neeti Pot
An ancient Ayurvedic technique of cleansing called the neeti pot, usually learned from a certified yoga practitioner and is proven to reduce allergic sinusitis. It is done with saline water in a special pot available for this purpose. It acts similar to a saline solution and instantly revives clogged nose.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has special medicinal characteristics to chest and nasal congestion. It can be inhaled as vapours while steaming or simply applied in the sinus areas. It can be sprinkled on the bed sheets and pillow covers to aid better breathing in the night.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and inhaling vapours of turmeric helps in reducing the nasal layer inflammation. When taken regularly in diet, it boosts the immunity of the body.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has numerous benefits on the body and is very safe to consume during pregnancy. A spoon a day maintains the pH balance in the body and controls the over secretion of mucus.
6. Water
Drinking a lot of water during pregnancy not only flushes out the toxins but keeps the body hydrated and nourished. Regular intake of water during the day ensures a steady cleansing of the body from all kinds of allergens and toxins.
Prevention
As the popular saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Here are some ways to prevent allergies in expectant mothers.
Identifying the substances that trigger allergy and avoiding them consciously can greatly help in reducing the incidences of sinusitis. Pollens, dust particles, fur from pet animals that increase allergy are all plausible triggers that can be avoided.
Seasonal changes in weather can be countered by limiting outside exposure and staying indoors. Use of air-conditioners and humidifiers also can be helpful in regulating the air temperature.
Food allergies can be avoided by conducting a detailed analysis and identifying the exact food substance causing the allergy. These food substances can be avoided during the entire period of pregnancy.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about allergies in expecting mothers.
1. Can Allergies Affect My Pregnancy or Can Allergies get Worse During Pregnancy?
Allergies do not affect pregnancy noticeably in a majority of the cases. Many women deliver healthy babies despite having allergic episodes during their pregnancy. Safe medications are available for allergies to be taken during pregnancy to safeguard the health of the baby. Breathing difficulties caused due to allergy may affect the oxygen supply to the foetus in some cases, which can be taken up by the doctor for assistance.
Pregnancy can increase or decrease the symptoms of a pre-existing allergic condition. It is entirely based on specific cases and there are no general patterns observed.
2. Can I continue My Allergy Shots During Pregnancy?
If your case of allergy is severe and is only treatable through shots, it is appropriate to continue it during the pregnancy. However, it can be discontinued if there is any adverse allergic reaction to it. There are no pieces of evidence of any allergy or effect of these shots on the newborn, so far.
While allergies are common across all age groups, it is advisable to be extra cautious about any allergies when pregnant to avoid any adverse effect on the foetus. Read more
Suggested for you
शुरुआत एक नवीन पहल की (अंतिम भाग-5)
क्रमश: ......*****.......... भाग-4 से
जब अनुपमा के पतिदेव अचानक ही देश की खातिर शहीद हुए तो देवर राजीव कॉलेज के अंतिम वर्ष की परीक्षा की तैयारी करते-करते संबंधित जगहों पर नौकरी के लिए आवेदन भी भर रहा था! साथ ही भाभी को पूर्ण रूप से सहयोग भी कर रहा था, पर इन्हीं सब ऊहापोह में न जाने कब उसे अपनी भाभी से ही प्यार हो गया। राजीव दिनबदिन सोचने लगा कि उसकी कहीं तो नई नौकरी लगे तो अनुपमा से विवाह कर उसे यहॉं के प्रताड़ित चंगुल से बचाकर अपने साथ ले जाएगा! ताकि अनुपमा को सहयोग भी हो जाएगा और कंवल की परवरिश भी यथावत हो जाएगी। वह कई बार माता-पिता को समझाने की कोशिश भी करता! कि भैय्या के साथ जो भी हुआ, उसके लिए सिर्फ भाभी को कारणीभूत ठहराया जाना उचित नहीं है! बल्कि उन्हें इस स्थिति से उबरने के लिए हम सबको सहयोग करना होगा और भाभी को वर्तमान जिंदगी जीने के लिए एक नवीन पहल की शुरुआत तो हम सबको घर से ही करना होगी न मॉं?
इन्हीं सब कशमकश में जिंदगी की नाव धीमी गति से ही सही, पर बह तो रही थी! न जाने उस दिन अनुपमा की सास को अचानक क्या हुआ? उसके पूर्व वे बड़े ताऊजी और ताईजी से कुछ चर्चा कर रहीं थीं और अनुपमा को ताने मारकर बोलने लगी कि एक बेटे को खा गई! वह काफी नहीं था, जो राजीव के पीछे पड़ गई हो। मालूम भी है तुम्हें, समाज और बिरादरी वाले तुम दोनों के बारे में क्या-क्या बातें करते हैं? ऐसे बरस पड़ीं मानों भूचाल आ गया हो! और तो और राजीव के मन में क्या चल रहा है, यह जाने बिना ही बोलने लगी कि तू क्या अनुपमा के सहयोग के पीछे पड़ा रहता है हमेशा ही! कंवल को छोड़े वो झुलाघर और नौकरी जाए आटोरिक्शा या कोई दूसरे वाहन से चली जाएगी या नहीं तो नहीं जाएगी। घर ही की गाड़ी से छोड़ना इतना जरूरी है क्या? महारानी हैं घर की, जो रोज बग्गी चाहिए! आखिर जात बिरादरी वाले क्या कहेंगे? तुझे अपनी जिंदगी जीनी नहीं है क्या? और ब्याह नहीं रचाएगा क्या? कब तक यूँ ही कँवारा ही बैठा रहेगा तू? और ससुर जी हैं कि सब सुनते रहे जबकि वे अनुपमा की हालत से वाकिफ थे। इतनी सब उलाहनाएं सुनने के बाद तांव-तांव में अनुपमा कंवल को लेकर मायके चली गई और राजीव हक्का-बक्का होकर अवाक खड़ा रह गया।
कई बार कारण सामने दिखते हुए भी निरपराधी को हमेशा ही दोषी ठहराया जाना कहाँ तक सही है? यही तो हमारे समाज की विडंबना है! वैसे तो सच का साथ देने की कोशिश करने वाले कुछ विरले ही होते हैं और जो सच का साथ देते भी हैं तो उनके ऊपर भी अनावश्यक रूप से इल्जामात की लड़ी सी लग जाती है, जिससे निकलने वाला धुआं पटाखों के धुएं से भी खतरनाक होता हैं।
इसके बाद भी राजी और वत्सला की सलाह पर अनुपमा ने मायके से नौकरी पर जाना जारी रखा ताकि उसकी मानसिक स्थिति मजबूत रहे और वह कंवल की देखरेख कर सके। उसे तो पता भी नहीं था कि देवर राजीव उसके बारे में क्या सोचता है?
अकस्मात ही एक दिन राजीव को मुंबई में उसके मन मुताबिक नौकरी के लिए नियुक्ति-पत्र आखिर मिल ही जाता है और वह अपने मन की बात अनुपमा से कह देता है कि मैं तुमसे प्यार करने लगा हूँ! शादी करना चाहता हूँ तुमसे, कंवल की परवरिश हम दोनों मिलकर अच्छे से करेंगे, ताकि भैय्या और आपने साथ देखा हुआ सपना पूरा हो सके। मैं तुम्हें और ऐसी परेशानी में छोड़कर नहीं जा सकता! अब अंतिम निर्णय तुम्हें लेना है। इतना सुनते ही अनुपमा बोली कि इससे अच्छी बात और हो क्या सकती है? अपने घर की समस्या सुलझाने की कोशिश कर रहे हो! जानते हो, समझते हो, वैसे भी मेरे ऑफीस की सखियॉं मुझे कंवल की परवरिश और आगे की जिंदगी जीने के लिए दूसरी शादी करने की सलाह दे भी रहीं थीं! आखिर इन सामाजिक बेड़ियों की जंजिरों को तोड़ने के लिए हम में से ही किसी को "एक नवीन पहल आरंभ करना तो होगी न?" पर राजीव तुम अपनी जिंदगी क्यों मेरे लिए दॉव पर लगा रहे हो?
सुनते ही राजीव ने कहा.... नहीं अनुपमा जी, मैं सच में दिल से मोहब्बत करने लगा हूँ तुमसे.... अब रजामंदी तुम्हारी है! अब बोलो इस नवीन पहल की मुहिम में कदम से कदम मिलाकर साथ दोगी न मेरा? अनुपमा ने कहा मैं जरूर साथ दूँगी जिंदगी भर तुम्हारा, जैसे कि पहले भी देती ही आई हूँ पर इस समाज और बिरादरी वालों का क्या करें? वे तो मुझे ही भला-बुरा कहेंगे न?
ये कौन से खोखले समाज की बात कर रही हो अनुपमा? सबसे पहली बात ये कि क्या तुम इस रिश्ते के लिए तैयार हो? सबसे महत्वपूर्ण तुम्हारी राय है क्योंकि तुमने पहला जीवनसाथी खोया है और तुम्हारी मानसिक स्थिति भी तुम स्वयं ही जानती हो। इसलिए सबसे पहले तुम्हारा मत समझना बहुत जरूरी है। फिर आती है बारी मेरी सलाह की, तो मैं तुमसे शादी करना चाहता हूँ, भले ही तुम उम्र मे बड़ी भी हो तो भी क्या फर्क पड़ता है और मैं तो तुम्हें समान नजर से ही देखता हूँ।
चूंकि, हिन्दू समाज मे विवाह के समय लड़का और लड़की का गोत्र देखा जाता है पर मैं और तुम इन सब चीजों में विश्वास नहीं करते और एक दूसरे से विवाह के लिए सहमत हैं।
यह सब विचार-विमर्श बहुत देर से अनुपमा के सास-ससुर और मॉं, भाई, सखियाँ राजी, वत्सला और दोस्त रमेश सुनते रहते हैं और शहीद अशोक का जिगरी दोस्त जो नवीन दौर में विश्वास करता है, साथ ही नवीन प्रकाश की उम्मीदों की किरणों से सब बुजुर्गों की ऑंखे खोलता है ताकि उनकी स्वीकृति से ही राजीव और अनुपमा की शादी की एक नवीन पहल की शुरुआत कामियाबी ओर रूखसत हो सके।
दोस्त रमेश राजीव के हाथों में अनुपमा का हाथ देते हुए! कंवल को दोनों की गोद में देता है और वे सभी बुजुर्गों का आशीर्वाद पाते हैं, "शुरुआत एक नवीन पहल की करने के लिए।".... और इतने में अनुपमा की स्थायी नौकरी हेतु नियुक्ति पत्र भी आ जाता है।
जी हां साथियों.... तो ये था अंतिम भाग-5! यह प्रथम प्रयास कहाँ तक सार्थक रहा, यह तो आपकी प्रतिक्रियाओं पर निर्भर करेगा और यह कहानी मेरी आंखों देखी है, जिसको मैने शब्दरूपी मोतियों से पिरोने की कोशिश की है।
अतः आपसे अनुरोध है कि अवश्य ही पढ़िएगा और अपनी प्रतिक्रियाएं व्यक्त करिएगा। आपकी प्रतिक्रियाओं के इंतजार रहेगा।
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
11 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. 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
11 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
10 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
6 hours ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
Santu has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
1) till how many days after delivery baby needs to keep on uterus temperatures/warm temperature?
2) Can baby & mother both take bath after 24 hours of delivery?
Santu
Mom of 2 children
4 hours ago
A. It depends on moms and babys health I feel and suggest It's better to check with your doctor and follow their advise. That would be one of the best and safest option for your baby as of now. Take care.
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. dual marker test is for what purpose??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. The double marker test helps determine whether the unborn baby has any risk of developing neurological abnormalities or mental disorders
Check out this new Memory
Shikha Dwivedi
Mom of a 7 m old girl
New Milestone
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Bittu Kumar
Guardian of a 3 yr 4 m old boy
New Memory
#MamyPokoMilestoneMemories
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
divya
Mom of a 8 m old girl
1 min ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
priya Roy
Father of a 1 m old girl
2 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive