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9 Ways to Avoid Stress During Pregnancy
Excess levels of stress at any point in your life isn’t a very healthy thing - more so when you’re pregnant! But being a somewhat turbulent experience, it’s not easy to always avoid stress during your pregnancy. With a number of things to take care of, right from your unborn baby’s health to unexpected expenses to possible health complications, it’s possible that you’ll find your stress levels peaking at some point or the other. And these little bursts of stress can cause you and your baby more harm than you can think of!
How Does Excess Stress Affect a Pregnancy?
Stress can rear its head during pregnancy in many forms, from headaches to overeating to having trouble sleeping. But that’s just the beginning – excessive levels of stress can lead to serious complications, such as increased risks for preterm delivery, miscarriage, and/or low birth weight of the baby. And while the matter is still debatable, some studies have also found a link between behavioural problems in children to chronic stress experienced by their mothers while pregnant. There’s no dearth of triggers that can set you off - anxiety about the birth, about your body and health, about your baby, about the rising expenses (some of which may take you by surprise), and tons of other stuff! Of course, short bouts of stress that result from these triggers, as well as arguments or severe mood swings, won’t have you rushing to the hospital all the time. But if left unchecked, these little bouts can cause bigger problems in the future.
How to Ensure a Stress-Free Pregnancy
Now that you know the few main things that can keep you from having a restful pregnancy, here are a couple of measures you can try to tackle them head-on!
1. Eat and sleep well
There’s nothing like the benefits of good food and sound sleep, is there? Make sure that you follow a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a healthy amount of water daily (2 – 2.5 litres of water a day is recommended during pregnancy, as you’ll be drinking for two). Having your meals at regular times can help prevent your blood sugar levels from dropping, which in turn will keep you from feeling moody and tired all day long. As for sleep, we’re sure you know that feeling tired and sleep-deprived doesn’t put you in your best mood, and it certainly does it bit in increasing stress levels too. So catch those forty winks and 8 hours of sleep every night without fail!
2. Talk to someone you trust
Feeling as though you’re on edge the whole time? Or worried about yours or your baby’s health? If you feel like there’s a problem that needs to be addressed, speak to someone who you know you can rely on. This can be anyone, from your spouse to your parents to your best friends – anyone you think can help you out. Even if they aren’t able to do so directly, they may be able to direct you to someone who can. But keeping mum about something that’s troubling you is never the solution!
3. Get financial concerns out of the way
Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, no doubt, but it can be super challenging physically, emotionally, and let’s not forget, financially! From diagnostic tests to examinations to ultrasound scans to hospitalisation to tons of other expenses (most of which aren’t usually covered under health insurance plans), you’ll find yourself shelling out a considerable amount of money constantly, and that can definitely add to your stress. Instead of working up a major hole in your savings, opt for Lifecare Finance from Bajaj Finserv to avail the best of maternity care on easy EMIs. Available in 400+ cities, this payment system offers a loan of up to Rs. 4 lakhs, which can be conveniently repaid over a period spanning up to 18 months. You can avail on-spot financing simply by submitting certain basic documents or with your Health EMI Network Card. Right from conception through IVF treatment to consultations with a nutritionist to regular health check-ups and for the process of delivery, Lifecare Finance can easily be your one-stop solution to financing your maternity care needs. This way, you can concentrate more on yourself and your baby without constantly stressing over money matters!
4. Exercise regularly
We don’t mean strenuous workouts, of course – gentle exercise should do the trick just fine. There are several types of exercises that are perfectly safe to do during pregnancy, be it swimming, walking, stationary cycling, low-impact aerobics and so on. Not only will exercising regularly help you stay fit, but it also lowers the level of cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) in your body, thereby reducing stress levels too.
5. Don’t skip appointments with your doctor
Make sure you regularly visit your doctor, so that you’re well aware of how you’re progressing in your pregnancy, and if there are any problems you need to be aware of, regarding you or your baby. Regular appointments can help screen any complications right from the beginning, so that appropriate measures can be taken.
6. Meditate
From promoting better sleep to relieving stress and anxiety (especially if you start practising meditation or yoga in early pregnancy) to reducing the possibility of postpartum depression, practising meditation has numerous benefits that can help you during pregnancy. You can try guided meditation or follow videos online to understand the right techniques.
7. Prepare for the birth
A lot of times, stress can stem from the very thought of having to go through the birthing procedure - after all, you would have heard plenty of stories that can make you anxious for what’s ahead. But you can always be prepared by asking the right people about your doubts, be it your doctor or someone you trust. Making a flexible birth plan, treating any suspicious symptoms early on, or even going for therapy (if you’re extremely anxious) can be helpful in combating stress levels.
8. Prioritise ‘me time’!
If not now, then when! Carving out a few minutes of your day to do something you like is super important. Whether it’s simply to listen to soothing music, journal your thoughts, meditate, watch TV or to do nothing at all, make sure that you prioritise your comfort and your time. Try it for yourself; taking a break can do major wonders for your mental health!
9. Don’t forget the post-delivery part!
You may be well aware that stress is not something you need to take care of only during pregnancy - after all, what comes after those trying 9 months is the actual difficult part. From expenses shooting up post the baby’s arrival, any possible health complications you face after the delivery, or even arranging funds for post-natal treatments, there could be plenty of triggers to crank up your stress levels. The same measures mentioned above apply still - prioritise your well-being and take care of your health; after all, you can only care for your little one if you’re feeling your best! Also, opt for a safe financial measure that will help keep your reserve funds and the money saved away for your baby intact, such as the Lifecare Finance,which can cover all your maternity care needs - sessions with nutritionists, health check-ups, IVF treatment, delivery, and even stem cell preservation once the baby is born. Identify triggers that make you anxious, be prepared for the things you know are headed your way and ask for help whenever you need it. You can know more about Lifecare Finance by watching our video. You can also check your pre-approved offer by filling in the form below. Remember, it’s not the little bouts of stress that can harm you or your unborn baby but chronic stress that goes unchecked. While these measures may seem small now, your mind, body, and your baby will thank you for taking them in the future!
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How to Tell If your Baby is Hungry - Signs & Cues
Each baby has a unique way of communicating their needs to their mother. When they’re hungry, most babies have a general way of communicating it. Here’s how you can figure out certain infant hunger cues and address them.
Signs of Hunger In Babies
Babies themselves are the best judge at knowing if they’re hungry or not. They can understand their internal body signs and respond to them accordingly. Being able to recognise the baby feeding cues then makes it simple to satisfy them as soon as possible.
Early Hunger Cues
Licking or smacking lips – This is a clear sign to understand that the baby is trying to taste and check if there is food nearby.
Moving the mouth – Babies try to see if food is already present in their mouth by carrying out chewing motions.
Sucking on fingers or toys – Although done as a playful activity, a repetition of this activity could signal a hungry baby.
Active Hunger Cues
Rubbing against the person carrying him – This is where the baby attempts to look for a breast on the person holding them.
Responds by touching their head – If a baby is expecting to be fed, they will turn their head in the direction where you touch them.
Fidgeting and hitting the arm – Babies try to get our attention by showing discomfort or hitting the person to communicate to look at them.
Late Hunger Cues
Rapid movement of the head – This is when babies have run out of patience and are desperately looking for a sign of food anywhere around them
Crying out loud – The tell-tale sign of a baby’s discomfort, it’s their last resort in grabbing someone’s attention and letting them know they need food.
Baby Hunger Cues Age Wise
As babies grow, their signs of communicating their need to be fed or hunger change as well. By knowing these well in advance, you can prepare yourself to notice them beforehand and adapt to their newer ways of communicating with you.
Approximate Age
Hunger Cues
0 to 5 months
· Sucking fingers
· Waking up and tossing around
· Crying and fussing incessantly
· Opening and closing of the mouth
5 to 8 months
· Looks at the person holding them
· Makes cooing sounds or smiles when they see food
· Points to the food or moves/leans towards a spoon
· Uses their hand to wave in the direction of food
8 to 12 months
· Starts reaching out for food when seen
· When food is offered, they get excited and happy
· Starts using specific words or sounds to indicate hunger
How Frequently Should You Feed Your Baby?
Babies can seem demanding at times, where you’ve just finished feeding them, and within no time, they are hungry again. Their small stomachs and high metabolism lead them to eat small quantities that get digested quickly. This results in frequent feeding and is normal.
In the early stages, as much as 12 feeding cycles can take place within a single day. Babies are still getting used to the world, and the presence of their mother holding them close to their body is extremely important. It makes them feel safe and comforted to know that they will have food whenever they need.
Every baby communicates differently so a set pattern cannot be determined. However, if they cry more often and feed longer on your breast, it’s a good sign to know that they’re hungry and need to be frequently fed. On the other hand, if they wet their nappies routinely, are gaining weight steadily and have a happy demeanour, then they’re fed well, and you have no reason to worry.
Certain ages of the baby such as ten days, 3-6 weeks, 4-6 months, are widely known markers for growth spurts. In these stages, babies feed more than usual for a few days or so. Rest assured your body understand this as well and compensates by producing more breast milk to support your baby.
What are the Benefits of Following the Hunger Cues?
You begin to understand your baby and respond in time to them.
Breastfeeding takes place smoothly without forcing the baby or extended feeding times.
The baby begins to trust you and grows closer to you since you understand it better.
It builds your confidence, which fosters love and betters your relationship with them.
Your body gets enough time and energy to produce milk and maintain a good supply.
How to Know Your Baby's Stomach is Full?
Babies instantly know when they’re full, and they will let you know that as well. Babies close their lips and turn their head away from the breast or the bottle when they don’t want more food. A popular cue is the baby slowing down and falling asleep while breastfeeding, reflexively pushing the nipple out of their mouth. Older babies push away the food and start looking around since their need for food has been satisfied.
Knowing their hunger cues is just as important for us, as it is for them. Erratic routines end up confusing the baby, leading them not to eat enough, or eat more than needed. With the build of trust, babies start understanding that you know it best when they need food and when they don’t.
What if You are Still Unsure That Your Baby Is Hungry?
It’s best to err on the side of caution if you are unsure that your baby is hungry. The best way to check that is by trying to feed them, either via a bottle or your breast. Breastfeeding is highly preferred because it doesn’t just comfort the baby and allows it to feed if it is hungry, but it also kicks in your breast milk production and maintains a healthy supply.
By checking if your baby is hungry, you won’t be creating any bad habits or upsetting their schedule. At the same time, trying to breastfeed won’t make them dependent on your presence or cause difficulty in weaning them away. Checking their hunger using your breast is best!
FAQ’s
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about recognising hunger cues in babies
Is Baby Sucking Hand a Sign of Hunger?
When your baby is a newborn, the sucking action is a sign for want of breast and food, since they tend to be perennially hungry. From the age of 6 to 8 weeks, babies start exploring parts of their own body using their hands or their mouth. They may tend to suck on their fingers or fists, but that wouldn’t automatically mean that they’re hungry.
If your baby is teething, these tendencies are more common since they would tend to suck and chew on nearly any object in their vicinity.
Is It ok to Wake Your Newborn for Nursing?
Newborn babies are extremely sleepy in the early days following their birth. An infant might move its mouth in its sleep and then continue sleeping. Before four weeks since birth, it’s best to wake them up every 4 hours in the night for a feeding cycle, and every 2 hours in the day for the same. Good signs to observe that this is working well, including a steady gain of weight and normal poop and pee in the nappies.
What If Your Infant Shows Hunger Cues Even After Feeding?
Certain baby hunger cues while sleeping can be a good sign to know if the previous feed wasn’t enough. If the baby seems restless and fussy in its sleep, you can check if they’re hungry by trying to breastfeed them. If they move away from your breast and are still uncomfortable, they might be suffering from gasses or stomach-ache, and you may try to check for those.
Babies feed in clusters of feeding cycles that occur within short time gaps. This frequently happens around afternoons or late evenings. Furthermore, if your infant’s age is in the growth spurt stage, it is likely for them to show more hunger cues than usual.
Getting to know your baby well will help you recognise their hunger cues in no time. There might be incidents where you end up missing your baby’s cues, and they start wailing. There’s no need to beat yourself up about it. Spending more time with your baby, and encouraging physical proximity with them, helps you both to be in sync with each other.
Also Read: A Guide to Giving Coconut Water to Babies Read more
Nikitha has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 9 months
26 mins ago
Q. i missed my periods on 5 but when I checked in the morning urine that is not showing positive but when I check now I can see faint line ... why this is happening
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
25 mins ago
A. hello the result it will not accurate and it may be better if you can check after a week or you can also contact your gynecologist and she will be able to guide you accordingly which will be better and also safe usually you can get an accurate result after 15 days from missed lmp date
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Ideas to Plan Your Child's 1st Birthday Party on Budget
Parents are always on the hunt for budget-friendly birthday party ideas for their one-year-old. No matter how hard they look, they rarely come across ideas that don’t make them look average. Understanding that the budget can be kept in control by making some out of the box decisions can help frame a low-cost birthday party as a unique and interesting one, for everybody that joins in to wish your child.
Budget-Friendly First Birthday Party Ideas
When organising a budget-friendly birthday party for your child’s first birthday, there are numerous areas that you can make adjustments in to keep the costs low, and the element of fun just as high as before.
Party Themes
When starting off on a series of less expensive 1-year-old birthday party ideas, the theme of the party itself can be quite a big saver. If your set up a cartoon themed party where everyone dresses up to match the theme, you will end up setting up a party that is heavy on your wallet. Instead, choose a simple theme like “colours” or “all blues” without a specific context, so that you need not set up numerous activities to back up a complex theme.
Decoration Ideas
One of the major ways to save up on costs is to choose the theme of the party carefully. This is because the cost of decorations will majorly depend on it. Avoid investing in items that can be used just once. Opt for generic items for birthdays that don’t mention any particular year or date as such. You can always customise them at home. Balloons and ribbons are classic items that never go out of style. If you have any decorative material from your previous festivities, now is the time to get them out. Any lights you use for Diwali or other items can be used for a birthday as well. If you do need to purchase any decorative items, choose them such that they can be used for any other occasion, too. Borrow some from your friends, too.
Invitation Ideas
Party invitations can easily creep up on your list of expenses without realisation. With digital communication being prevalent, make the best of it and forge some cute digital invitation cards for your guests. You could email these or even use chats to send them personally to each of those. If you are keeping a highly intimate party, invest in normal quality paper cards and get some cute ideas off the Internet to decorate them. Use your child’s palm as the welcome print and scribble a nice invitation over it. You could post these cards, give them to people in person, or simply use them as a memoir when your guests come to the party.
Venue Ideas
Putting together your child’s first birthday on a budget comes across a major obstacle in the form of a venue choice. Every parent wants to make the first birthday a massive celebration of every kind. The size of the venue depends heavily on the number of guests that would be coming over, as well as any activities that might have been planned for the kids to keep them engaged throughout the party. Knowing this, make sure your guest list is restricted only to the near and dear ones and keep track of how many kids might show up to the party. If you have a large home, you can demarcate areas of the terrace or the backyard for dining and games. Check if your friends can rent their guesthouses or other locations for a low price.
Cake Ideas
The cake is the centrepiece of the birthday party; apart from your child, of course. Having a special cake is where the fun is at, but getting a nice customised cake for your child is not feasible, especially if you plan on distributing the same cake to all the guests coming to the party as well. Thankfully, there are nice alternatives to this. You can opt for a small cake that is specially made for your child. Let the cake be cut during the celebrations and reserve it purely for your little one and for the kids. Get another large cake for the guests that need not be customised or expensive. You can also invest in simple, delicious cupcakes. A better option is to go to the market and purchase the ingredients required to bake the cake. Get an oven or a pan from your friend and make a large cake that can satisfy guests easily. Not only will it be cheap on your wallet but your relatives and friends will have words of praise for your cooking skills as well.
Food Menu On a Budget
Putting together the menu for 1st birthday party food is where all the thinking seems to meet a dead end. Every guest is going to eat food and there cannot be any disregard when it comes to that. Going for an all-out buffet can burn a big hole in your pocket because the billing is usually per plate and kids don’t end up eating as much food as adults. There are multiple ways to control the cost out here. Firstly, you can try and keep the birthday party at a time that doesn’t clash with lunch or dinner. A late afternoon can help you organise a party that includes some beverages and snacks. If at all you do choose to organise a late night one, focus on starters or snack items that are reasonable and can be prepared quickly. These will be devoured immediately by kids and guests. The main course can be kept light, with options like biryani or Chinese food, both of which are tasty and easy on your wallet.
Party Games
Organizing party games and pocket-friendly 1st birthday party ideas may not always go hand in hand for most parents. However, this is the best way to ensure a budget party. Most parents opt for organising party-related shows for adults and children, which may include magic tricks, karaoke night, or card games. These require a host to be present, various props to be purchased and a lot of time to be invested, all of which add to astronomical costs. At the same time, children rarely like to sit in one place for extended durations. Before long, they will be running around and playing games of their own with each other. Let adults mingle around with each other or play antakshari and other games with each other. For kids, it is best to get some mini props on rent or jumping beds that can spread around the venue and have a great time all by themselves.
Party Favours
A party might be temporary but it becomes a permanent fixture in the memory when your guests have party favours to take back home and remember it by. These return gifts are the most challenging of all since these can immediately be looked down as cheap and useless if you don't pay attention to them. Putting these together for all guests and kids can take up a major portion of your party budget and leave barely anything for the things that matter. Come up with creative ideas that can be used in multiple ways to add to the shine of the party. Rent a small Polaroid camera and take photos of guests with the babies. These photos can then be used as a party favour and can be taken home. Put together a tiny bag of items such as crayons, play dough or interesting keychains that can double up like a toy and can be used by kids.
Coming up with affordable first birthday party ideas is not difficult, but it is challenging to choose the ones that can still keep the party special and cherished by everyone. Creativity is your friend here and some great ideas can emerge from a restricted budget.
Also Read: Stunning Return Gifts for 1st Birthday of Your Baby Read more
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Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts can i go for long trips with my 7 months old baby
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 3 yr old boy
5 hours ago
A. if you are comfortable then go
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts plz suggest me medicine for toothache
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. A proper assessment is required here so regarding this it is vmore favourable to contact your local doctor and accordingly he will guide in a proper manner.
If any more queries you can tgake online consultation on the platform for a detailed discussion .
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 yr 5 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. 3.5 saal ki bacchi ko vomitab syrap kitni or kab den khane se phle ya khane ke bad??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. hello dear u can give it before but if child is vomiting regularly then don't keep on giving medication like this u need to know the reason it might be infection so please consult with the doctor for that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 9 months
3 hours ago
Q. i missed my periods 3 days ago today I checked then this result come. but when I checked yesterday afternoon the result is the second attachment . why this is happening I am confused 😕
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. you had to wait few days this can be delayed periods. 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
Expecting Mom due in 9 months
3 hours ago
Q. i missed my periods on 5 my result is attached but when I checked in the yesterday afternoon it was little bit dark why this is happening and what to do
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. at present it is negative please wait few more days. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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