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3rd Month of Pregnancy - Symptoms, Bodily Changes & Diet
The first three months are the most exciting part of the pregnancy period. You know you are pregnant but are not visibly pregnant to the world around you. You keep looking at the calendar to count the days, you take a careful look at your diet, and you find yourself growing and expanding, and also begin to feel the life growing inside you. Also, it's quite reassuring that you have made it to this point in your pregnancy! As for the foetus, the body parts begin to develop around this time and the sex organs are also in place by this time.
Three Months Pregnant - Symptoms
You will notice the following changes and symptoms in your body during the third month of pregnancy:
1. Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting could peak by the third month. Most pregnant women are relieved of these symptoms by the end of the first trimester.
2. Fatigue
Pregnancy hormones make you feel tired and drowsy. The body needs extra blood to supply essential nutrients to the foetus, thereby affecting blood sugar and pressure levels.
3. Loss of Bladder Control
Increased formation of urine, as well as the pressure exerted on the bladder by the growing uterus, can cause a greater urge to urinate often.
4. Constipation
Higher progesterone levels slow down the digestion process.
5. Vaginal Discharge
High oestrogen levels and the dilation of the cervix and vaginal walls result in an off-white or translucent mucous discharge from the vagina, which prevents any infection from passing into the uterus.
6. Leg Cramps
Severe leg cramps and pain may be common during the night. You may need to include potassium and iron in your diet, and some gentle exercises could also help to reduce discomfort.
7. Back Pain and Abdominal Pain
Changes in hormone levels and the growing uterus stretch the ligaments and tendons, leading to back pain and pain in the lower abdomen. Try doing some low-impact exercises and stretching but only after prior consultation with your doctor.
8. Mood Swings
Hormonal changes can definitely affect your emotions. You may find yourself experiencing an array of emotions, from being sad and low-spirited to happy and joyous.
9. Bleeding Gums
Changes in the hormone levels of your body also lead to inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
10. Heartburn
The growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach and your expanding body slows down the digestion process. The pressure on the stomach causes the acids to move upwards, causing heartburn. Eat at regular times and try eating small meals.
11. Varicose Veins
As the uterus expands, it compresses the blood vessels and slows down the circulation of blood. This causes the swelling of the veins in your legs. Your increasing weight could also add to the load on the circulatory system leading to the appearance of varicose veins.
12. Nasal Congestion
Increased blood volume leads to the swelling and inflammation of the nasal passages. This, in turn, leads to a stuffy or blocked nose.
13. Food Cravings
It is very common for expectant mothers to develop a craving for some types of food. Alternatively, you could even develop a dislike of the smell or taste of certain foods and other substances too.
If you notice any of these symptoms during the third month of pregnancy, don’t get too worried about them as they’re all a natural part of this phenomenon.
Physical and Emotional Changes in the Third Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy belly will slowly start to show during the third month of pregnancy, as your uterus will now be about the size of a grapefruit. The uterus is lifted up into the abdomen area and covers the entire pelvic region. You will definitely experience physical and emotional changes in this phase. Some of these changes might occur in the second or third trimester, if not the first itself.
1. Tender Breasts
Your breasts become tender as your body prepares for breastfeeding. The size of the breasts increase and the areola becomes darker and larger.
2. Visible Stretch Marks
You will notice stretch marks on your belly and breasts, as a result of your skin stretching during pregnancy.
3. Dark Line on the Abdomen
The melanocyte-stimulating hormone that is produced by the placenta causes the darkening of the nipples. It also leads to the darkening of the line running down from the middle of your abdomen to your pubic bone.
4. Mood Swings and Depression
It is quite common to experience mood swings and depression during this trimester. Your body gets bigger and you may become increasingly conscious of your bigger appearance.
5. Sleep Disturbance
You may find variations in your sleep pattern and could find yourself waking up in the middle of the night. Blame it on the change in your hormone levels.
6. Lack of Libido
Most women feel a sense of excitement and romance during the first trimester; however, they tend to lose interest in sex by the end of this time. It could be because of the fluctuation in hormone levels and also due to changes in physical appearance that lead to self-consciousness.
Foetal Development During the Third Month of Pregnancy
What is your baby like when you’re three months pregnant? It would be too early to feel any particular movements but you will feel and experience the baby’s presence in the womb. You are sure to be curious to know what is happening inside! By the third month, your baby will be about 3.5 inches long weighing approximately 0.04 kilos - the size of a ripe plum or lemon. The embryo gets settled inside the uterus and the organs start their growth too.
BODY PARTS
DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE
Head
Due to the development of the brain, the head will be slightly bigger than the body.
Skin
The skin is transparent with the veins visible through it. The baby’s fingerprints are formed.
Eyelids
The eyelids, on formation, protect the baby’s eyes by covering them entirely.
Mouth
The baby’s tongue and larynx begin to develop; the jaws and the upper lip are formed during this time as well.
Thumb
The baby begins to suck the thumb and also starts getting hiccups.
Heart
The heart develops, complete with a heartbeat, which can be heard using electronic monitoring devices.
Musculoskeletal system
The muscle and bone structure of the baby is formed.
Movements
Your baby will begin to kick, stretch, twist, and turn. However, since the uterus still lies over the pelvis, you may not feel all these movements.
Bone marrow
The bone marrow begins the production of white blood cells to keep the baby healthy
Intestine
This organ begins to contract and relax to aid digestion.
Pancreas
The pancreases start to function and secrete insulin.
Kidneys
The kidneys start the excretion of urine into the bladder.
Other parts
Distinct fingers and toes along with fingernails and toenails are formed. The little hands can now open and close. The nose and the ears of the baby will be seen on the scan. The neck will be formed during this time, along with the hair follicles and nipples.
If you are pregnant with twins, the growth in the 3rd month of pregnancy for the twin foetuses will be the same as above.
To-Do List for the Third Month of Pregnancy
A to-do list for the third month of your pregnancy will help you focus on your health and remain fit until the delivery.
1. Eat Healthily
You will have cravings, for sure! However, your pregnancy diet during the third month must consist of a wholesome, healthy, and balanced combination of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, nuts, grains, rice, etc. Your diet should comprise of the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required not just for your good health but also for the health of your baby.
2. Get Adequate Rest
Fatigue is very common and you must take rest when you do not feel alright. Invest in some maternity pillows to rest comfortably.
3. Administer Supplements
Take folic acid supplements to avoid any birth defects and other vitamin supplements as advised by the doctor.
4. Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene
You will be very prone to contracting infections at this stage, so make sure you follow proper hygiene and cleanliness standards for everything, from cooking to cleaning to gardening. Keep your vaginal area clean and dry as well. Ditch synthetic fabrics during this period and get your hands on cotton undies that will be comfortable and breathable.
5. Pay Attention to Your Dental Health
Schedule an appointment with the dentist as you may be prone to bleeding gums and aching teeth, due to the changes in your hormone levels. It’s important to take great care of your gums during this period, as developing gum diseases can also affect the health of your developing baby.
6. Gain Knowledge About the Birthing Process
Enrol in childbirth education classes to cope with anxiety, stress, and other issues.
7. Communicate
A very crucial aspect, make sure you communicate enough with your partner, close friends or relatives about any issues or apprehensions that you have. It is important to take your loved ones into confidence to get some reassurance regarding your problems, and to avoid falling into depression.
8. Quit Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol are strictly not recommended as it could prove detrimental to your baby’s health and could also lead to a miscarriage.
9. Limit Your Intake of Caffeine
Cut down your intake of hot beverages like coffee and tea, as it increases the risk of suffering a miscarriage and can result in the low birth weight of the baby.
10. Exercise
Indulge in simple exercises like walking and swimming. Avoid sports which carry a risk of a fall or pressure on joints.
11. Stay Active
Try to keep yourself engaged in activities that will keep your mind engaged. Knit, paint or sketch to stay stress-free.
Exercises You Can Do During the Third Month of Pregnancy
A few exercises to stay fit during the third month of pregnancy:
Morning Walk: It helps to beat fatigue and morning sickness. It refreshes you and increases blood flow in the body.
Swimming: This activity is highly recommended for pregnant women as a great form of exercise. It tones your muscles, stretches your ligaments, and increases blood circulation.
Pilates: This activity helps build strength and increases your flexibility.
Low-impact aerobics: This activity strengthens your heart, tones your muscles and relieves you of body pain.
Yoga: Performed under professional guidance, it could do wonders for you and your baby.
Precautions to Follow During the Third Month of Pregnancy
Here is a list of precautions you should consider:
Avoid lifting heavy objects and doing stressful activities that will apply pressure on the womb.
Stay away from spicy, oily and fatty food to keep away from digestion troubles.
Wear loose-fitting clothes and a comfortable bra.
Wear comfortable footwear which is flat and does not put any pressure on your feet, and consequently, your back.
Quit smoking, alcohol and drugs entirely to ensure your baby’s good health.
What to Expect During Your Visit to the Ob/Gyn
Your doctor will check the following:
Your health history and that of your parents
Any previous medical conditions you’ve had
Your weight and blood pressure
The baby’s heartbeat, which would only be audible on the hand doppler after 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy
The size of your abdomen to approximate the size and fundal height of the uterus (which only starts to become palpable post the third month of pregnancy)
Lab Tests
Some of the tests performed in the 3rd month of pregnancy are as follows:
1. Urine Test - To determine the levels of sugar and protein in the body and to check for any infection
2. Blood Test - To detect your blood group and Rh factor to check for anaemia
3. Fluid Retention Test - To check if you have any swelling in the arms and legs
4. First-trimester Screening Tests - An ultrasound is conducted to determine any risk to the foetus, to screen for birth and genetic defects, and to detect markers of chromosomal disorders.
5. Maternal Serum Screening Tests - A series of tests are conducted to assess whether you face the risk of giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome, Edward Syndrome, or any neural tube defects.
6. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) - This is a diagnostic test carried out on those pregnant women who are at high risk for the conditions mentioned above. It is carried out during the 11-13 week of pregnancy to check whether the unborn child will be having any congenital defects.
Ultrasound Scan
The Nuchal translucency (NT) scan is a 3-month pregnancy scan done to examine the amniotic fluid parameters, the position of the placenta in the uterus, and to assess any risk of abnormality in the foetus.
FAQs
1. Is Detecting a Neural Tube Defect Possible During the 3rd Month of Pregnancy?
Spina bifida or neural tube defect is a congenital malformation that can be detected during the first trimester. It can be detected more accurately during the second trimester through an ultrasound scan.
2. How Much Weight Will I Gain by the Third Month of Pregnancy?
Since the baby is still small, you will gain about 1 or 2 kilos by the end of the first trimester. However, some women tend to lose weight due to aversions towards certain foods and morning sickness.
3. Can an Ultrasound Detect the Gender of the Baby by the Third Month?
The reproductive system of the baby is still developing at this point, so it will be difficult to determine the sex of the baby. The results will be about 75% accurate when done between 11-14 weeks of the gestation period.
5 Tips for the Dad-to-Be
Mommies, it's not you alone who has to follow a bunch of tips and precautions during this period. Dads-to-be, you need to take up some responsibility as well. Here are some helpful tips that will help you become a great partner and dad-to-be!
1. Help your partner with household chores to reduce her fatigue.
2. Support her by being there all the time as she might have no time left for social interactions.
3. Be supportive and understanding when she experiences her mood swings.
4. Talk to the baby to establish a bond.
5. Accompany her for all her doctor visits to know what is happening.
By the 12th week of your wife’s pregnancy, there is a good chance that even you’ll experience pregnancy symptoms - yes, it’s true! Known as the couvade syndrome or sympathetic pregnancy, it’s a condition in which the partner experiences certain pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, minor weight gain, and disturbed sleep. Now, don’t worry if you notice these symptoms. Indulge in the same home remedies your wife tries out to gain relief from these symptoms.
Moms-to-be, the third month is a crucial period for your pregnancy. You will no longer experience nausea and vomiting but you will have more medical visits. It is definitely an exciting phase and the changes in your body will certainly make you conscious of the fact that you have a little one growing inside you. Get ready to make the announcement officially!
Also Read: Third Month Pregnancy Diet Read more
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Supplementing Breastfeeding with Formula - Mixed Feeding
Biologically, breast milk is the healthiest food for a newborn as it provides the child with exactly everything she will need in order for her to develop physically, mentally and emotionally. Parents do not usually opt to use supplement formulas, nor do doctors advise to use them unless it is absolutely necessary to do so as in the case of mothers who are unable to produce milk. Working mothers often choose to give their babies formula while they are at work and will nurse from the breast when at home. Women who are uncomfortable breastfeeding their babies in public places can opt for the formula when in a pinch.
What is Formula Feeding?
Essential nutrients can be added to your baby’s diet through manufactured formulae available in the market. These can be fed through a feeding bottle as they are usually a fine powder that can be diluted with water. Though these are made in order to aid in feeding your child, it is best not to start weaning your baby onto anything, even these supplements, until your baby is at least one month old as breastfeeding boosts your baby’s immunity.
Why Do Nursing Moms Consider Formula Feeding?
Babies who are prone to malnutrition may need to be fed the supplement in addition to breastfeeding to ensure they get their essential nutrients.
Some mothers are unable to produce milk after delivery, and some have low milk production. For these mothers, the formula is important as they are what will provide their babies with nutrients. Other women who are suffering from some sort of illness, like HIV or tuberculosis, will be too weak to feed their babies.
Can You Supplement Breastfeeding with Formula?
It is perfectly all right to supplement breastfeeding with formula. However, one should keep in mind that since breastfeeding helps in boosting your baby’s immunity, it is best to include it daily, even if it is only once a day. While the formula does provide all the essentials for your baby’s growth, it does not provide your baby with immunity.
Basics You Need to Know for Supplementing Breastfeeding with Formula
For whatever reason you may be thinking about including formula into your baby’s diet, there are a few things you need to know before you start.
1. Market Research
Do some market research and consult with your doctor about what the best brand of formula is to feed your baby. Most of the brands, whether store or name, will have a different formulation that they use while preparing the formula. Your healthcare provider will be able to help you decide on which one is the best for your baby’s requirements based on the reason you are beginning to use a supplement in the first place.
2. Introduce Formula
Formula is made with a base of soy, goat or cow’s milk. It comes in either the ready to feed liquid version or the more common powdered version that you will need to add water to prepare the formula.
The ready to feed version is best for babies who are born early or whose immunity is low and who are unable to be breastfed. The ready to feed version will also be properly formulated with less risk of contamination due to the water used while preparing the powdered version.
3. Simple Steps to Feed Your Baby
When feeding your baby, place her in an upright position so that the bottle is parallel to the floor. Place the bottle on her top lip and wait for her to accept it. Once she does, tilt the bottle only slightly so that the tip is filled with milk. Do not force-feed the formula to your baby.
Will Supplementing with Formula Affect Your Milk Supply?
Since your production of milk depends on your baby’s demand for it, if you begin to use supplements on a daily basis, your production of milk will decrease. If you only give your baby supplements once a week, then there should not be any significant change.
If you do not want your milk supply to diminish, but you still need to give your baby supplements, then you may want to try pumping your breast milk when you have to feed your baby supplements. This way you can freeze your breast milk and use it at a later date.
How Can You Tell When Your Baby is Getting Enough Breastmilk?
Most women produce plenty of milk and are able to give their babies enough. However, if you want to make sure that your baby is getting enough milk, then here are a few things to look out for:
Loads of dirty diapers are an indication that your baby is getting plenty of milk. Babies who are nursing well will have a mustard yellow stool. They will wet their diapers many times a day, and some babies even go potty after every feeding.
During the first three months, your baby should be gaining an average of half an ounce to an ounce on a daily basis. Babies between three and six months, gain about half an ounce a day if they are getting enough nourishment. Weighing your baby several times a week may be helpful to you if you want to keep track.
During the first few months of life, babies need to be fed a lot so you may find yourself nursing your little one even up to twelve times a day.
Signs That Indicate Baby Needs Supplemental Formula for Growth
During the first five days, a baby loses ten percent of their birth weight. If your baby loses more than this or is taking longer than two weeks to put it back on, then you will want to give your doctor a call.
If your baby isn’t consuming enough milk, you will be able to make it out because your breasts will not feel soft or empty once the nursing session is over.
If your baby is producing less than six wet diapers a day, it could be because she isn’t drinking enough milk.
Your baby will be lethargic all the time and will fuss a lot if she isn’t getting enough nutrition.
When Can You Start Offering Formula to Your Breastfed Baby?
Unless it is a clear emergency, most lactation consultants will recommend that you wait until your baby is at least one month old before you start to give her supplements. This is to allow your breastfeeding and milk supply to become better established before it is interrupted with the occasional bottle of formula. Once your baby crosses the one-month milestone, you can introduce formula at any time.
How to Get Your Baby to Drink Formula from A Bottle?
Switching baby from breast milk to formula can be tricky since breast milk is sweeter than the supplement formula and so most babies are hesitant to drink it at first, especially if you are the one who tries to give it to her. But do not give up. Babies will generally accept what is offered to them if they are hungry enough.
If your baby is fussing, you may want to try to have your partner or family member offer the first few bottles. You can try offering her the formula when she is hungry and not when she is in the mood to nurse more for comfort than nourishment.
Can You Mix Breast Milk and Formula in One Bottle?
Most consultants would suggest you try a combination feeding breast milk and formula by first feeding your baby your pumped breast milk, and if she is still hungry, to follow up with a new bottle of formula.
Can Supplementing with Formula Affect Your Child?
Since babies cannot digest the formula as fast as milk, they are likely to get hungry less often. You will also notice that your baby’s stool becomes more solid and darker than before. They will probably smell a lot more and will be less frequent than when she was only on breast milk.
If your baby is enthusiastic about her feeding, then she may begin to reject the breast if she is fed supplements regularly. This is because milk takes a longer time to come out from the breast as compared to the almost immediate response from the bottle.
If you notice blood in your baby’s stool or vomit after you begin feeding her supplements, you will want to call your doctor as this is most likely a case of intolerance towards the milk.
There is nothing in the world that can truly substitute the milk that a human mother produces for her child. Sometimes, as we have seen, a mother has no choice but to feed a supplement formula to her baby. Feeding baby breast milk and formula is better than only feeding formula, and most doctors will advise alternating breast milk and formula during feeding in order to ensure your baby still gets the immunity only your breast milk can provide, while at the same time getting the extra nutrition from the supplement formula.
Also Read: Breastfeeding Myths and Facts Read more
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9 Foods to Avoid If You Want Clear and Glowing Skin
Our skin is the reflection of our soul. When we are happy and healthy from within, our skin radiates that warmth. However, when we are feeling low and ill, our skin is among the first to be affected and show warning signs! Eating the right foods and staying away from harmful foods is one effective way to ensure your skin always looks clear and glowing.
There are some common foods many of us consume on a day-to-basis without understanding how harmful they can be. While their consequences may not be visible immediately, they do persistent and continuous damage in the long run.
What Not to Eat for Glowing Skin
Please avoid eating these skin-unfriendly foods, as far as possible, and incorporate the alternatives to keep your skin beautiful and youthful.
1. Juice
Not the first thing that strikes you when it comes to foods that are bad for the skin, right? Juice seems healthy and wholesome as a food. However, this is true only when you are consuming freshly made juice from whole fruits. Packaged juice can be infused with too much sugar and also lacks the natural fibres found in whole fruits. Consuming too much sugar directly increases your acne risk!
Drink this instead: Banana, Oatmeal & Flaxseed Smoothie
2. Cow’s Milk Cheese
Cheese adds its own unique, yummy flavour to regular foods, which is why many of us have a weakness for cheesy sandwiches and spreads. However, cheese made of cow’s milk can also be a trigger for skin problems such as acne! This is because cow’s milk cheese is naturally infused with hormones from lactating cows, which can lead to hormone-induced acne. This is particularly so if you already have acne-prone skin or a history of lactose allergy in the family.
Eat this instead: Cashew cheese – it has no lactose and hence no risk of triggering skin problems. Plus, it can be used exactly like your regular cheese.
3. Canned Soup
Packaged soup – in powdered form or in cans – has made things so much easier for busy moms. Just heat them up and you have a warm, calming meal at hand. However, please be warned: canned soup is full of sodium and bisphenol – things that make your skin retain water and look bloated and dry. Canned soup can also cause problems with hormones which is the top cause of skin-related issues.
4. Coffee
We know this is going to be difficult, but it might be best to limit coffee whenever possible. Caffeine is a diuretic and this causes your body to lose water. The final result is that your skin seems dehydrated. In the long run, and with increasing amount of consumption, the overall texture and health of your skin gets affected.
Drink this instead: Green Tea (or one of these other 5 types of tea)
5. High-Carbs Chips
This one is not really a surprise – that bag of carb-rich, greasy chips many of us love indulging in as a snack is not really healthy. But we don’t mean just physical health or cholesterol-related problems but also skin health. Chips made of processed carbohydrates turn to sugar in the body, and this causes a spike in your insulin levels. As per experts, more insulin means you have a greater acne risk!
Not just that, such chips are usually made with pro-inflammatory oils such as canola oil or vegetable oils. These oils have a direct relation to triggering acne.
Eat this instead: Baked Sweet Potato Fries
6. Grilled Meat
If you are a non-vegetarian, you probably love grilled meat. It tastes amazing and makes for a good change from regularly prepared meat in the kadhai or cooker. However, please keep this in mind: when meat is grilled for too long, it can creates AGE’s (Advanced Glycation End). These products can be harmful for the skin and make it appear older. You know a piece of meat could have AGE’s if it has a blackened finish.
Eat this instead: Italian Meat Balls
7. Cold Drinks / Soda
Come summer and our intake of refreshing soft drinks goes through the roof! But if you have noticed more skin problems lately, even though you are eating healthy, it could be these sodas and cold drinks that are the culprits. Soda is full of sugar and artificial chemicals – things that produce inflammation inside the body. Plus, it also interferes with the healthy bacteria found in your gut. In fact, experts say that if you are fighting with skin issues such like acne, it is a direct evidence of imbalance in your gut bacteria.
Eat this instead: Gut-friendly foods such as Saffron Yoghurt Fruit Trifle
8. Shellfish
While the Omega 3 present in most fish can do wonders for your skin, shellfish tend to have an opposite effect. Prawns, lobsters and crabs contain high levels of iodine which can lead to clogged pores causing acne.
Have this instead: Honey Mustard Sesame Sole Fish
9. Alcohol
Finally, if you enjoy having a hard drink from time to time, understand that alcohol is actually one of the worst foods for your skin. This is because alcohol dehydrates the body, eventually drying out your skin and making it look dull and worn out. While a glass of wine from time to time won’t have a severe negative consequence on the skin, drinking in excess will affect your skin quality.
Drink this instead: Mango and Passion Fruit Mocktail
Did You Know: These Foods are Considered ‘Healthy’ But are Secretly Damaging Your Skin
Everyone is in the race to hit the gym, eat diet food and get ‘healthy’. However, these foods that you think are super healthy for you, can actually be causing some underlying damage to your skin.
1. Low-Fat Foods
Not all fat is bad for you or your skin! When fat is removed from any food, manufacturers tend to add some ‘flavour’ to up the taste or the appeal of the product, and most times that involves sodium or sugar. In a nutshell, low-fat can potentially mean ‘high-sugar’! Sugar is known to negatively impact collagen fibres and leaves them incapable of repairing themselves. Always opt for good fat like avocados or nuts. They are tasty too!
2. Skim Milk
In a study conducted on over 70 thousand nurses in the USA, it was found that those women who drank skim milk as teenagers had higher rates of acne breakouts than those who didn’t. Effects of skim milk are no different. Not only does skim milk contain lactose, but also hormones and bioactive molecules that tend to adverse skin conditions. Switch skim milk with almond milk instead.
3. Healthy Breakfast Cereal
While whole grains are overall slightly lower on the glycemic index (a measure of how a food affects the overall blood sugar level), many breakfast cereals that claim to be healthy are highly refined and full of added sugar. This leads to wrinkle-inducing glucose spikes. Choose eggs or homemade oatmeal as they are relatively healthy.
Always remember what is healthy – and what is not – for your skin’s quality and we assure you will have glowing skin throughout your life! Read more
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Is Gardening Safe during Pregnancy?
When you know you are pregnant, you are filled with an ocean of emotions, which include anxiety, excitement, and fear. You have tons of questions about what’s good and what’s unsafe during your pregnancy. In such a time, if you have a strong love for gardening, you are sure to wonder if you can continue showering your love and care to mother nature. The good news is that yes, you can follow your hobby of gardening even during your pregnancy. Besides, it helps you to relax and keep your mind calm. Play safe and remember to avoid contact with harmful chemicals in the soil.
Can You do Gardening when Pregnant?
Hobbies can help you keep the mind calm and even lift your spirit, which will certainly benefit you during pregnancy. Gardening is one of them and is also a form of exercise to keep you healthy. You should also be aware that it does involve certain risks like exposure to deadly chemicals. While you indulge in gardening, you must take appropriate measures to safeguard yourself and your baby during pregnancy.
Risks of Gardening while Pregnant
Before you pull up your sleeves and get busy with your gardening, it is essential that you learn what risks it may involve. The soil used for planting might often have parasites and some potent chemical pesticides. Consider the below-described hazards and take the necessary precautions while gardening.
The major thing you should be aware of is a condition called toxoplasmosis, which occurs due to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. You are at high risk of contracting it when you touch the soil, contaminated by the faeces of an infected cat. It can cause flu-like symptoms in mothers and contributes to blindness or mental disabilities in the unborn baby.
Besides, chemicals like herbicides and insecticides are also considered unsafe for pregnant women. Exposure to these may impact the baby’s development about the brain and nervous system.
Things to Keep in Mind while Gardening during Pregnancy
You need to take utmost care of your routine activities and hobbies, during your pregnancy, and take precautionary measures if it involves anything that may be harmful to you and your baby. There are possibilities of Toxoplasma parasite entering your body through contaminated soil. It is unsafe for you and your foetus and is known to cause stillbirth and miscarriage. You are vulnerable to injecting the infection unknowingly when you touch your face or mouth after handling the contaminated soil. To avoid such instances and ensure a safe pregnancy, remember the below tips while gardening.
1. Stay Away from Chemicals
Let your family or friends help you in chemical treatment of your garden. Stay indoors for when the chemicals are being sprayed. Sprays often stay afloat in the breeze for a while, so to avoid inhaling them wait for the chemicals to dry, before you return to the garden.
2. Integrated Pest Management
It is best to opt for an integrated pest management system during your pregnancy. It encourages the use of harmless chemicals and treatment methods to protect your garden from insects and pests.
3. Dress Appropriately
Refrain from gardening at noon and if you cannot avoid, apply good sunscreen and wear a hat to be protected from heat. Wear loose clothing to optimise your comfort. Plus, opt for long sleeves and long pants to avoid contact with the contaminated soil and chemicals.
4. Be Hydrated
When you are working under the direct sun, it often causes dehydration. Hence, it's important that you keep yourself hydrated throughout the day by drinking water at frequent intervals.
5. Use Gardening Tools
Avoid exerting pressure on your wrists as you are more prone to tennis elbow or carpal tunnel during your pregnancy. You should use appropriate gardening tools for specific tasks.
6. Maintain Proper Posture
Always work in kneeling position instead of bending for long hours. This will prevent you from putting a lot of pressure on your back and spine. You should keep off from lifting or moving heavy objects during pregnancy and leave it to someone else.
7. Frequent Breaks
Instead of sitting for long periods, you must stand up once a while or walk around the plants to prevent exhaustion. Also, while you pull out weeds, take some support of a bench or short stool to be seated.
8. Keep Cats Away
The parasite that causes infection contaminates the soil through the faeces of the cat. If you don’t own one, it is possible that cats from the neighbourhood who may be infected use your area for littering. See to it that you do not allow cats to linger around in your garden.
9. Use Gloves
Wear gloves so that you don’t come in direct contact with the soil. Besides, you shouldn’t touch your eyes, mouth or face with the soiled hands or gloves unless you have washed your hands and finished with your gardening for the day.
10. Wash Before Eating
Don’t be tempted to pick the fruit or vegetable from your garden and eat it raw. Ensure that it is thoroughly washed before you eat it.
You can keep your love for gardening alive during your pregnancy, but with extra care and precautions. Ensure that you steer clear of any toxins or soil-borne infections in gardening. These if ingested by you, can prove hazardous to you and impact the development of your growing baby. So be responsible and make use of appropriate gloves and gardening tools while out in the garden. Also, maintain proper posture as you work to avoid undue physical strain on your body.
Also Read: Household Work To Do and Avoid During Pregnancy Read more
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Milk Blister during Breastfeeding - Causes and Treatment
Do you have pain or discomfort while feeding your baby? Do you spot a white/yellowish blister on your nipple? If yes, there are good chances that you may be experiencing one of the most common breastfeeding issues known as milk blister. Let us update you regarding the various aspects related to this ailment in this article.
What are Milk Blisters?
If you are new to this ailment, then let us take you through this step-by-step. Milk or nipple blister occurs when there is extra skin growth on the nipple or around the areola. This extra growth obstructs the flow of milk by causing a bleb or blocking the pores. Wondering what does a milk blister look like, well, it appears like a dot or blister on your nipple or areola. Also, if you press your breast, it may bulge outwards. These blisters can cause immense pain to the feeding mommy. They may remain for a few days or up to a few weeks. In most cases, these blisters may become okay after the skin of the blister peels off.
What Causes a Milk Blister?
The painful milk blisters can appear due to various reasons and some of the common causes of nipple blister from breastfeeding are as follows:
Incorrect latching or feeding position
Clogged milk ducts
Any kind of nipple injury
Clogged nipple pores
Ill-fitted bras or clothes
Any kind of yeast infection
Thick or fatty composition
Not drinking ample amounts of water
Not cleaning the nipples while bathing
Symptoms of Milk Blebs
If you are for looking for ways to establish milk blister symptoms, well, they are like blisters that may appear on any part of the body. Mostly, these fluid-filled and raised blebs may have irregular shapes, and if pressure is applied, they may bulge out of the skin. Most women may experience intense milk blister pain while feeding their babies. Milk blisters often have a clear, white or yellow appearance.
How Can You Treat Milk Blisters
You can either opt for medical treatment or go in for home remedial measures for treating milk blisters. Following are some recommended measures for getting rid of milk blister:
1. Medical Treatment
You can visit your doctor with this condition. Your doctor may use a sterilised surgical needle to get rid of extra skin growth on the milk duct. Once the extra skin gets removed from the duct, the milk will start flowing.
Alternatively, your doctor can prescribe you topical antibiotics to get rid of the blister. You might have to take these for a period of 5 to 7 days. Also, you should bring to your doctor’s notice that you are a nursing mother and you wish to keep nursing your baby.
You can also apply your breast milk to keep the nipples moist as breast milk too, is loaded with antibiotic properties.
2. Home Remedies to Cure Milk Blebs
Ensure that you breastfeed your baby as often as possible to get your milk supply flowing. This is because your baby’s sucking movement may help stimulate your milk flow which can help you get rid of the blister.
You can rub the blister gently after taking a bath to release it. However, if it does not go, you should not force it.
Try changing your feeding position. Make your baby lie down and lean over with the support from your elbows and knees. This way the milk flow increases that can help release the blister.
Massage and gently apply pressure to the area behind your nipple.
Ensure that your nipples remain moist throughout the day. You can soak a cotton ball in some olive oil and place it on your nipple before wearing your bra.
You can mix some Epsom salt in warm water and soak your breasts in it for three to four times a day.
It is best to stop wearing an underwire bra, and if the problem gets worse, you should stop wearing a bra.
How to Prevent Milk Blisters in Future
Once you experience this painful condition, you would want to know about the various ways to prevent any future occurrence. Well, here is a list of suggestions that you can incorporate:
Ensure that your baby’s latching position is proper. Improper latching position is one of the main reasons for milk blisters. If one position does not suit you, try various other options and choose the one best-suited for you and your baby.
In case you experience any kind of nipple injury, do not overlook it. Act promptly and remove the triggers of the injury.
If you develop any kind of yeast infection on your breasts, make sure you treat it fast.
Keep yourself hydrated and drink at least eight to ten glasses of water every day.
Wipe your nipples clean with a moist washcloth or a cotton ball to get rid of any extra milk on the nipples.
Make sure you wear comfortable bars. Choose the cotton ones over synthetic ones and also ensure that they fit you properly. Ill-fitted and synthetic bras can put pressure on your nipples and cause irritation.
If you feel that your baby is unable to latch properly, you should seek help from a lactation consultant. Learning the proper technique of latching may help solve the issue.
When to Call a Doctor?
Sometimes milk blisters can make it extremely difficult to breastfeed your baby, or they do not subside after following home remedies. On other occasions, you may experience fever, inflation, chills or pus oozing out of your milk blister. If you experience either of these situations, you should call your doctor right away. Your doctor may either remove the blister by doing a minor surgery or prescribe you some antibiotic medicine. Sometimes a lanolin ointment may be prescribed too. This ointment will help keep your nipples moist and also from developing any kind of milk blister. However, if your doctor suspects some underlying cause, you may be required to go for further screening as per your symptoms.
FAQs
Most women may become a storehouse of worries after the birth of their baby, especially when anything concerns their babies. Apart from the above-shared knowledge, here are some frequently asked questions regarding milk blisters, and we have made endeavours to answer them.
1. What is The Difference Between A Milk Blister and Thrush?
Usually, milk blisters do not appear in bunches, and you may only see a single blister on your nipple. Whereas in the case of thrush, there may be a number of blisters on your nipples. Thrush is a painful yeast infection that is accompanied with burning sensation. In case you fear that you have thrush, you should see your doctor without any delay.
2. Can Milk Blisters Lead to Mastitis?
Milk blisters may cause inflammation and pain, but it does not mean that they may cause mastitis. However, there has been conclusive evidence, which states that untreated milk blisters may sometimes lead to the symptoms of mastitis.
In most cases, milk blisters heal on their own. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms that seem alarming, you should rush to your doctor for further investigation.
Also Read:
Reasons for Breast Pain during Breastfeeding
Causes of Blood in Breast Milk
How to Deal With Cracked or Bleeding Nipples Read more
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
19 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
7 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
18 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
18 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
12 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
10 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
6 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
6 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
6 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
6 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
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Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
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4 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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