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Period After Abortion - Symptoms, Changes and Self-care Tips
Some women may feel a little anxious thinking about their next period after an abortion. The recovery process may be different for every woman as it depends on factors like how their bodies cope with the abortion, how well they look after their health after the abortion, and how far their pregnancy had progressed before the abortion.
But it is important to understand the difference between post-abortion bleeding and the start of regular periods after the procedure. In case of surgical abortion, bleeding after the procedure is normal, but it should not be mistaken for menstruation.
Moreover, abortions that occur in the second trimester of pregnancy may pose health issues both physically and mentally. On the whole, most women usually experience irregular or delayed periods after an abortion.
Medical Abortion vs Surgical Abortion
What is the difference between surgical and medical abortion? We have the answers for you.
Surgical Abortion
Medical Abortion
· A procedure where the doctor uses a suction to empty the uterus
· A procedure involving a combination of medications that help shed the lining of the uterus
· Can be done till up to 14 weeks since the start of your last period
· Can be done till up to 9 weeks since the start of your last period
· Usually requires one visit for the procedure
· Usually requires more than one visit for the procedure
· 98% affective
· 95-97% affective
· You may experience mild cramps
· You may experience strong cramping and nausea
Surgical abortions are generally safer and more effective than medical abortions. Medical abortions also aren’t for the faint of heart; they can cause heavy bleeding and unpleasant side-effects that might last a while. Your doctor should be able to give you the right advice on which way to go.
When Do Periods Start After an Abortion?
After the abortion, some bleeding for 2 to 6 weeks is considered normal. Post-abortion bleeding is normally heavier in the beginning but becomes lighter eventually. After the recovery bleeding has reduced, the body starts preparing for the first period after the abortion which can take several weeks.
Women who have an abortion during the first trimester of their pregnancy are likely to get their first period after the abortion within 4 to 8 weeks. However, in case the recovery bleeding has extended beyond 8 weeks and your period has not started, contact your doctor.
It is also important to keep in mind that even after the abortion the pregnancy hormone levels in the body may be high, which can cause changes in the menstrual cycle. Also, having an abortion does not affect fertility. So in case of unprotected sex after an abortion, you can get pregnant again.
Things to Remember About Bleeding After Surgical/Medical Abortion
Here are some important things to remember about bleeding after getting an abortion:
After a surgical abortion procedure, it is normal to experience heavy bleeding, no bleeding or erratic bleeding for several weeks.
After getting an abortion via a medical procedure, heavier bleeding than a surgical abortion is considered normal.
You may pass some tissues while bleeding, and this usually lasts for a couple of days.
It may take some time for your regular period to start. Your body may be taking more time to heal from the abortion process or to expel the pregnancy hormones from your body. You may also have a delayed period if you are suffering from stress and depression.
Changes in the Menstrual Cycle After an Abortion
There may be certain changes in your menstrual cycle after an abortion, and they are:
1. Change in the Flow
If you have gotten an abortion through a surgical process, your first period may have a ligher flow. It also may last only for a few days, unlike your normal period. But in case you experience heavy bleeding that continues unusually for days together, contact your doctor. If your abortion was done through medical means, you may experience a heavy period.
2. Some New Symptoms
You may find that your periods after the abortion are unlike your regular periods. You may now experience painful cramping, large blood clots or some pregnancy symptoms like a lower backache, swollen breasts, and fatigue. These changes are likely to last for a few menstruation cycles.
3. Irregular Periods
After an abortion, you will most likely experience irregularities while menstruating. For example, you may notice light bleeding 2 weeks after your period. The abnormalities can occur due to the presence of pregnancy hormones in the body.
What If You Have an Abnormal Period?
The sudden termination of the pregnancy can confuse your body, and it may take some time to get rid of the pregnancy hormones and come back to its regular cycle. The presence of pregnancy hormones in the body can bring about certain changes or delays in the menstruation cycle or cause irregular periods after abortion.
During the first period after your abortion, heavy or light bleeding may occur depending on the type of abortion you have had, accompanied by blood clots and cramping. It is the body’s way of ejecting all the remaining tissues and products of pregnancy. You may experience this for the next few menstruation cycles.
Medication for Menstrual Cramping
Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen for mild menstrual cramping. Taking these medicines as soon as cramping or bleeding starts may prove to be useful. Putting a hot bottle wrapped in a towel or a heating pad on your lower back or stomach may bring relief from the pain. You can also try propping up your feet or consider taking birth control pills, but do so only after consulting the doctor.
Tips for Self-care Post Abortion
Abortion can take a toll on a woman, both physically and mentally. Therefore, it is vital to take care of one’s health after an abortion for complete recovery. Some helpful tips are listed below:
Take adequate rest and maintain a healthy diet.
Turn to your family and friends for emotional support o to deal with the situation.
Avoid unprotected intercourse with your partner.
Ensure regular check-ups and follow-up care with your doctor.
Avoid lifting of heavy objects.
Do not indulge in heavy exercise for a while.
When to Call Your Doctor?
It is advisable to contact your doctor if you happen to experience excessive bleeding - soaking up to two pads or more in an hour - or large blood clots along with painful cramping. In case you pass tissues with painful cramping, experience foul-smelling vaginal discharge or run high temperatures, you might require medical intervention. Some women may experience late periods after having an abortion. However, if there is no sign of periods post abortion, it may be a cause for concern. Also, recovery bleeding post yourabortion that goes up to 8 weeks or more will need medical attention. It can also happen that some women may get their first period but skip their second period after the abortion. In that case, they may want to get a pregnancy test done or consult a doctor.
It is normal to experience some deviations while menstruating after an abortion. Nevertheless, in case of any doubt, it is always advisable to consult a doctor for necessary guidance and timely treatment. Not worrying unnecessarily and remaining stress-free along with taking good rest and eating healthy will go a long way in helping your body to recover from the trauma of abortion.
Also Read:
Physical and Emotional Side Effects after Abortion
Taking Care of Yourself Post Abortion
How To Terminate Pregnancy After 1 Month Read more
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The Complete Guide to Your Baby's Skin Care
Your baby is finally home, and together the two of you are figuring this new life out one step at a time. Your instinct is working overtime, doing everything to protect your little one’s little fingers, toes, hair and skin. However, you have noticed that your baby’s skin gets dry too easily and it is causing you some stress.
Baby skin loses moisture a lot faster than adult skin, which is why you need to take little extra care to preserve it and help it develop. This article will tell you everything you need to know about caring for your baby’s delicate skin and what you can, should and cannot use on it.
Something to Consider before Caring for your Baby’s Skin
It isn’t just baby skin that is delicate it is their entire immune system. Harsh chemicals, dyes and fragrances in baby products and clothing can lead to skin rashes, irritation, and even eczema in babies. The good news is that with a little research, you can prevent all of these problems beforehand.
Natural Baby Skin Care - Everything You Need To Know
Did you notice how your baby’s skin is wrinkly? This is because it is now adjusting to life outside the womb where moisture is fast depleting.
It also would have had a protective covering called ‘vernix’ in the first few days after birth. Vernix usually falls off without any need to rub it. Once it is off, your quest for skin care begins. One important thing to remember with baby skin care is that “less is more” stands true.
That “less” is what we’re going to touch upon in the below points. These will help you protect your baby’s skin, nourish it and prevent dryness that causes irritation to your little angel.
1. Bathe Your Baby Less
Bathing your baby more than three times per week during the first year can remove some of the natural oils that are protecting his skin. This could leave skin drier and more vulnerable to rashes.
Think about it, babies don’t really get dirty, do they? Diaper accidents and spit-up can easily be cleaned without a bath.
Give your baby a quick sponge bath on most days. However, on the days you DO bathe your baby make sure you use products that contain zero toxins because you don’t want those nasties penetrating into your baby’s skin. The Moms Co.Natural Baby Wash is perfect for baby bath time because it contains coconut based mild cleansers that don’t aggravate dryness. In fact, it can be used in the first 3 years when your baby’s skin is extra-sensitive. It is a soothing, tear-free formula that is great for all that splish-splashing in the tub, without any burning or crying!
2. Steer Clear of Scented Products
Products with fragrance are a big no-no for your baby. They can not only irritate your little one’s soft skin but also cause problems with your baby’s internal organs. Artificial fragrances are concocted using chemicals that your little one’s developing body cannot handle. Using only USDA-certified organic products takes a lot of stress out of your life by providing your baby with only what will nourish and care for his skin.
3. Wash Your Baby’s Clothing Before He Wears It
Use only mild, chemical-free detergents specially designed for baby’s skin to wash your baby’s blankets, clothes, bedding and napkins used. Dyes and chemicals in clothing can also irritate your baby’s skin.
4. Moisturize Baby Skin
While babies have dry skin, their bodies also do produce natural oils. However, for some babies, these oil glands take longer to develop. Using a good lotion formulated with only natural, organic ingredients that help keep your baby’s skin supple while also forming a protective barrier to keep out environmental irritants.
The Moms Co. Natural Baby Lotion contains only non-toxic ingredients like Apricot oil and Avocado oil, that give your baby’s skin the moisture it needs, especially after a bath. Organic Rice Bran oil gives your baby’s skin additional hydration and also keeps it protected through the day/night. Give your baby a good rub-down as skin-to-skin contact is a great bonding tool. In addition, it promotes healthy growth and development too by nourishing your baby’s skin without any hidden chemicals or toxins; just the goodness of nature!
Common Baby Skin Ailments- How to Prevent and Cure
1. Eczema
Eczema is a dry, red and itchy rash that usually develops on the scalp, face, elbows and behind the baby’s knees. Preventing eczema is simple.
Make sure your baby is always dressed only in natural fibres like cotton.
Use an organic baby wash and baby lotion during and post bath time respectively.
Do not neglect your baby’s hair. Use a hair wash like The Moms Co. Natural Baby Shampoo which gently cleanses your baby’s scalp and is tear-free as well! Formulated with coconut-based cleansers and enriched by a blend of Organic Argan Oil, Organic Moringa Oil and Pro-Vitamin B, you can expect your baby’s scalp and hair to be clean and healthy. The formula is also hypo-allergenic, which means you do not have to worry about it reacting with your baby’s sensitive skin.
2. Diaper Rash
On an average, a single baby uses 10-12 diapers a day in the first year! While every mother leaves no stone unturned to ensure that her baby gets the utmost care, sometimes little things can go unnoticed.
Sitting in a soaked or soiled diaper for long can lead to diaper rash. Diaper rash can also occur if your baby isn’t dried properly after a bath. This leaves moisture trapped between your baby’s little skin folds near the genital area. Bacteria and yeast love an environment that’s moist and soon small red rashes appear, causing your little one immense discomfort.
To prevent and/or cure diaper rash here’s what you can do-
Check your baby’s diaper often
Change diapers when they are soiled
Wash the diaper area with a fragrance-free cleanser and do not rub the area.
Use a soft and clean cloth to wipe the area dry.
An effective diaper rash cream goes a long way in healing existing diaper rash. In fact, it is always good practice to use a diaper rash cream after your clean your baby’s soiled diaper. A diaper-rash cream must have for every diaper-bag as baby skin is prone to rashes and you don’t want your little one to suffer!
Remember that babies on antibiotics can also easily develop diaper-rash so take extra care during this time to prevent it.
Baby Skin Is Best When Mumma’s Touch is Around
Your baby loves you so much that everything that comes from you is his comfort, security and stability. His body too reacts well to your gentle touch and scent.
Your touch releases endorphins that help your little one stay happy and comfortable and this, in turn, speeds up the formation of new and healthy cells. See how this works?
A good massage with a baby-safe massage oil before bedtime can do wonders for your baby’s skin. It not only helps you and baby bond but also replenishes and any lost oils during the day.
Use The Moms Co. Natural Baby Massage Oil to soak your baby’s skin in a rich concoction of 10 nourishing natural oils. Among these are traditional baby care oils like Sesame oil and Almond oil which are high in omega fatty acids and calcium, Organic Wheat Germ oil to moisturise baby skin and Jojoba oil and Chamomile to soothe your baby skin.
A massage with this oil will help strengthen your little ones growing bones and help him sleep much better at night. This means you get some much-needed shut-eye too!
There is no special technique to massage your baby. Here’s how you can go about massaging your baby before bed-time-
Warm the oil only slightly or even rub it between your fingers for a little extra warmth.
Then using a gentle yet firm motion rub the oil onto your baby’s chest, tummy, arms and legs while talking softly to him. You’ll notice how he instantly reacts to your touch with glee.
Use circular motions on your baby’s larger areas like tummy and back and more linear strokes on his limbs.
Maintain eye-contact throughout, engaging your little one.
You can also sing and talk to your little one during this time. Your voice is familiar to him from when he was inside the womb so it will only add to his relaxed state of mind.
There you have it! Your baby’s skin is well-taken care of with just these simple tips and precautions. Keep your baby products toxin-free and keep your baby’s skin and hair well-cared for with your gentle touch and you’ll be stress-free! The best part is that your baby will be happier, healthier and definitely softer and more cuddly! Read more
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Pros and Cons of Having Only One Child
The recent educational drives have made many people aware of the one-child policy benefits in today’s times. The current generation and the previous one have majorly grown up with multiple siblings. In such a scenario, raising a single child can be a decision that needs some proper thought.
Benefits of Having Only One Child
Parents often wonder why having one child is better than having two. While there are the usual benefits of ease of handling finances and children better, there are some more reasons that make a strong case for opting to have a single child. Here are some qualities that only children develop, that tilt the scales in favour of having only one child.
1. Focused and Ambitious
Since parents have a single child to look after, they make sure he gets all the attention and support in life. This helps him get better at different prospects of life, and have a support system that stays with him through the ages. Such children also have higher self-confidence and belief in their own abilities.
2. Strong Bond with Parents
Having a single child allows parents to spend enough time with him, which goes beyond the simple aspects of parenting and helps develop a sense of camaraderie in the child as he grows up. This helps in creating a strong bond between the child and the parents, instilling within him a sense of care and responsibility for you when he grows up.
3. Independent Compared to Other Children
Our current lifestyles leave a major chunk of time where your child will be by himself. This provides him with the impetus to start figuring out things by himself and develop the skill of independence that helps cultivate a nature of being self-motivated.
4. Preference to Pursuing Sole Activities
A single child has the added advantage of letting loose his complete self in a singular activity with full zest. Things such as painting, reading, singing, or playing an instrument require some solitude and single children are more comfortable with it.
5. Substantially More Mature Than Their Peers
Right from doing their own chores to helping around the house, from engaging in conversations with parents to being a part of other discussions, single children are exposed to the worlds adults live in pretty early in life, which also makes them more mature than other kids.
6. A Better Ability and Outlook for Making Friends
Humans are social animals at the end of the day. Single children are more open to stepping out of their comfort zone and interacting with other kids in an attempt to befriend them.
Drawbacks of Having Single Child
There are certain disadvantages to having only one child in the family as well, which not only affect the kid but also the parents and the later life of them both.
1. A Tendency to Be Spoilt or Entitled
Too much attention can turn out to be a problem as well. Since single children get all the love and affection from their parents, they might develop an attitude where they feel the world revolves around them. Such kids tend to take everything for granted and feel entitled in every aspect of life.
2. A Development of Arrogance and Hollow Self-Esteem
If the parents of a single child are too loving and fulfil every wish that he has, the child could also develop a false sense of importance and self-esteem. Such kids end up being arrogant and have trouble empathizing with other people, instead maintaining a constant focus on their own attitude and emotions.
3. Fearful of Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone
Parenting is at fault here, for many parents tend to treasure their only child beyond their wildest dreams. If a child is not allowed to fail and falter early in life, he resorts to staying within his comfort zone forever. This can make him cowardly in attempting newer things as he grows up, clinging to his parents at the slightest problems.
4. Carrying the Load of Parental Expectations
Experienced by many talented children out there, the pressure of parental expectations is quite real and stronger than many others on single children. Such kids feel that they need to earn their parents love, and can put themselves under immense stress. This is further accentuated by the absence of a sibling they can confide their fears in.
5. A Chance of Being Rebellious Early On
While single children can tend to show love and care towards their parents, there is a strong chance they can rebel as well. As parenting is a two-way street, if you are extremely controlling and restrictive of your child’s behaviour, he might burst out and assert his independence later in life.
6. The Sole Responsibility of Looking After Old Parents
A single child’s life and dreams have a high chance of being sacrificed in the necessity of looking after his parents once they are old. While the presence of siblings can provide the chance of sharing that responsibility, a single child begins to look at his ailing parents as a burden.
Figuring out whether one child or two is better in India is a task that parents need to undertake for themselves. While population control is a real problem, the focus instead needs to be on the right kind of parenting to ensure your child grows up to be a proper adult.
Also Read: Signs of Helicopter Parents & Its Effects on Children Read more
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Do you Really Need a Gluten-free Diet
A gluten-free diet in India is not easy to follow. This protein - found in wheat, rye and barley - is an essential component. But the advantages of removing it from your diet will help you lead a healthier lifestyle. While it will be tough, it will be worth it.
Why a gluten-free diet when there’s so much you’ll miss out on? Because not everyone has the ability to stomach gluten. If you’re one, you should definitely consider making this important diet switch.
So Who Needs a Gluten-free Diet?
Some people who suffer from coeliac disease (an inability to digest gluten) are more likely to switch to a gluten-free diet. However, jumping on the bandwagon may be beneficial to you too. If you want to lead a healthy lifestyle, a gluten-free diet can be a step in the right direction.
A Few Gluten-Free Diet Benefits
Not suffering from celiac disease doesn’t mean you can’t avail the benefits of a gluten-free diet plan. Adding more low or non-starchy vegetables and fruits to your meals can benefit you in more ways than one. You get vitamins, minerals and fibre to boot.
By adopting this healthy eating plan, sufferers of gluten intolerance will be removing unhealthy oils from their diet. You’ll also say goodbye to bad carbohydrates found in pastries and doughnuts.
A Quick Look at What to Avoid on a Gluten-Free Diet
Staying away from barley, wheat and rye is the goal when on a gluten-free diet. That also means taking a break from bread, pizza, pasta and other baked goods. However, there are substitutes that can help you out. You can have chicken, fish, fruits and non-starchy vegetables. You can also incorporate the diet when you cook for your family if they’re also gluten-intolerant. If your children are slowly made to eat such foods, they’ll soon grow accustomed to it. This, dear moms, is how you can have a gluten-free diet!
If you don’t eat western food a lot or want to start eating Indian food, the Indian gluten-free diet plan will include a lot of pulses, meat, fruits and vegetables. Rotis will have to be avoided and it can be frustrating especially in the beginning. But think of it as a welcome change from the starchy chapattis, parathas and masala-induced curries that you usually eat.
Weight Loss without Gluten
A gluten-free diet and weight loss isn’t really a plan that will succeed, not if you end up eating a lot of fat and sugary foods. You may, however, see your weight drop over time if you concentrate on eating healthy unprocessed foods like fruits and veggies. Unless you have celiac disease, following this diet isn’t recommended. In fact, whole grains should be included in your food plan.
Let’s recap: what is a gluten-free diet? It’s abstaining from wheat, barley and rye. Adopting it if you’re intolerant to gluten can help you lead a healthy lifestyle. If you aren’t intolerant, there’s no real reason you should go on a gluten-free diet whether using Indian recipes or otherwise. Just eat healthy, exercise and take care of yourself to see results. Read more
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Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert ozone face wash toner and hydrant use kar liya mera face khurdura ho gya kya kare bahut itching hoti hai jalan bhi
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken abfccnd the expert will give you the proper answer .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. my baby is not latching the left side Brest milk . She is always crying and straching her leg , stomach. I am not able to understand why she is crying. but she is latching when she is in a sleepy mood
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
55 mins ago
A. Could be due to stomach pain and sometimes kids have an aversion to a particular breast and they do not like to take direct breastfeeding also since you haven’t mentioned the current age of your child I would recommend you to kindly consult a specialist one time
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. At end of 4months baby weighed 5.7kg; suffered from loose stools and stomach infection and recurred again ; then at the end of 5.5 months baby weighed 6.1 kg
Baby is active but looks so lean and thin
Is this weight adequate since birth weight was 2.8kgs
Read moreDr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. Loose motion are most of the time infective where it is associatedgn with fever and vomiting and its known as gastroenteritis where symptomatic treatment along with management for dehydration is required if loose motions are associated with foul smell mucous high grade fever than it could be bacterial infection which needs antibiotics treatment
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Father due this month
1 hour ago
Q. I am 36 week pregnant, from last 3-4 weeks my weight is stable not increasing. I went for a regular checkup and doctor said things are fine. Do I need to worry about weight?
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
4 mins ago
A. Hello mom.please do not stress much over it last trimester is the time of rapid weight gain eat healthy , go for walks z be hydrated , take rest as well
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Still having Loose stool once a day but with foul smell but without fever/vomit . 3days passed since she completed her antibiotic dosage.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. you will have to give ors for every episode of loose motion. you you cannot give heavy diet like milk to the child for few days as well as you cannot give sugar based food. you cannot give packet based foods as well as biscuit maida. kindly give curd buttermilk apple banana poha upma daliya. you can also give any recipe made from rice dal as well as sabudanxa khichdi. you cannot give outside juice as well as glucon d to the child. please meet your doctor because if it is viral or bacterial diarrhea will be confirmed only on examination.
give sachet econorm twice daily for 3days.
meet your doctor if it is not improving x
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
28 mins ago
Q. Birth weight:2.8kgs
At end of 4 months : 5.7kg
At end of 5.5 months : 6.1kg
Is it adequate?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
26 mins ago
A. Yes it is because your child is almost having more than double the birth fade by completing the age of 5.5 months like you’re mentioning so it’s going good in total the weight of the child currently as per the age is perfectly good so there is nothing nothing for you to be worried in this
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