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First Month of Pregnancy - Foods to Eat and Avoid
During pregnancy, nutrition and diet play a vital role in the healthy growth and development of the baby. The diet during the first month of pregnancy plays a significant role in the health of the developing foetus. This article will guide you about which foods to include and which ones to avoid during the first month of pregnancy.
Foods To Eat During the First Month of Pregnancy
By the time you test positive for pregnancy, you are already around 2 ½ weeks pregnant. So, accounting for that, you need to follow a specific diet plan during pregnancy.The first month pregnancy diet chart should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Here are other foods you should include in your first-trimester diet for a healthy pregnancy:
1. Dairy Products
Dairy products (including fortified ones) are a great source of calcium, Vitamin D, protein, healthy fats, and folic acid. Include yoghurt, milk, and hard cheese in your first-month pregnancy diet.
2. Folate-rich Foods
Folate or folic acid is essential for the proper development of the baby’s neural tube, which later develops into the brain and spinal cord. It is important to add folate-rich foods to your diet even if you are taking folic acid supplements. Examples of such foods are spinach, kale, asparagus, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, avocado, Brussels sprouts, and okra.
3. Whole Grains
Wholegrains are a healthy source of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, Vitamin B-complex, and minerals like iron, magnesium and selenium. These are essential for your baby’s healthy growth and development. Examples of whole grains are barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur wheat, millets, and oatmeal.
4. Eggs and Poultry
Eggs are a good source of proteins, Vitamin A, B2, B5, B6, B12, D, E, and K, and minerals like phosphorous, selenium, calcium and zinc. Poultry is also an excellent source of proteins. Eating eggs and poultry meat in the first month of pregnancy will ensure healthy development of the foetus.
5. Fruits
Fruits such as musk melons, avocados, pomegranates, bananas, guavas, oranges, sweet lime, strawberries, and apples contain several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for the growth of the unborn baby.
6. Vegetables
Eating plenty of vegetables will ensure your baby gets the widest range of nutrients Some vegetables you should add to your diet are broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, drumstick, eggplant, cabbage, etc.
7. Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts are excellent sources of healthy fats, vitamins, proteins, minerals, flavonoids, and dietary fibre. Make sure you eat these regularly in the first month and also throughout your pregnancy for a healthy baby.
8. Fish
Fish has low-fat and high-quality protein. It is also a very good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins B2, D, and E, and essential minerals like potassium, calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and phosphorous. However, avoid swordfish, raw shellfish, and limit tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout and herring.
9. Meats
Meats contain Viatmin B, proteins, zinc, and iron.which are good for you and the baby. Include lean meats in your diet in the first month of pregnancy. However, it is better to avoid pork and undercooked meats.
10. Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for brain and eye development of the fetus. Another reason you should consume this is because of the presence of Vitamin D. Low intake of this vitamin can lead to pre-eclampsia, all the more reason pregnant women should include cod liver oil in their first month of pregnancy diet.
11. Dried Fruits
One serving of dried fruits can provide a large amount of vitamins, minerals, iron, potassium and folate to pregnant women. Prunes and dates are good choices now. However, these are also rich in natural sugar, so avoid taking more than one helping at a time.
12. Iodised Salt
Using iodised table salt during pregnancy is very important. That’s because salt infused with iodine can help the baby’s nervous system and brain to develop properly.
Foods To Avoid in the First Month of Pregnancy
There are some foods which should be avoided during early pregnancy as they may cause harm to the growing baby. Here aresome of them:
1. Soft Cheese
Soft cheese is made from unpasteurised milk and may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Hence, it is best to avoid soft cheese during early pregnancy.
2. Packaged and Processed Foods
Packaged and processed foods such as juices, microwave-ready meals, cakes, biscuits, condensed milk, etc. contain additives, preservatives, high levels of sugar and sodium, and empty calories that are neither good for you nor your baby. Some packaged foods may also contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Eat fresh, home-cooked meals made with natural or organic produce instead.
3. Seafood
Seafood contains high levels of mercury, which has been linked to foetal brain damage and delay in development milestones. Hence, avoid seafood during early pregnancy and include freshwater fish in your diet instead.
4. Papayas
Unripe and semi-ripe papayas contain latex, which can trigger uterine contractions and cause preterm labour or even miscarriage. Avoid these during pregnancy. Ripe papayas, however, contain several nutrients and can be consumed in moderation if your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
5. Pineapples
Pineapples contain a substance called bromelain which can soften the cervix. Softening of the cervix in early pregnancy can lead to miscarriages or preterm labour. So, it is better to avoid pineapples during early pregnancy.
6. Raw/ Undercooked Eggs and Meats
Raw or undercooked meats can be contaminated by bacteria, salmonella, listeria, etc. which can affect the development of the unborn child. Even slightly undercooked pork can contain roundworm cysts that can infect the mother and cause serious health damage to both the mother and the baby.
7. Junk Food
Consuming too much junk food during pregnancy has been linked to mental health problems in children such as depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies have shown that consuming these kinds of foods during pregnancy can cause obesity in children.
8. Caffeine
Caffeine intake should be limited in early pregnancy as excess of it affects the nervous system and causes sleeplessness, irritability and nervousness. It has also been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage.
9. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol is very bad for the developing foetus and can cause serious birth defects. Avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy.
10. Sugary Foods
A pregnant woman needs an extra 300 calories every day to support the growth of the unborn child. However, consuming too many sugary foods such as sweets can cause weight gain and gestational diabetes.
11. Unpasteurised Products
During the first month of pregnancy and throughout, unpasteurised juice and milk are a strict no-no as these may contain harmful bacteria like E.coli. Goat and sheep milk should also be avoided.
First Month Pregnancy Diet Tips
Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your diet for the first month of pregnancy:
Take prenatal vitamins, including folic acid.
Talk to your doctor before embarking on a strict diet as reduced food intake can affect the development of the foetus.
Moderation is key – even healthy foods should be had in moderation. Excess of anything is bad for you and your baby.
Include fruits and vegetables in your diet and cut down on junk food.
Drink enough water.
The first month of pregnancy is a time when several changes take place in your body. Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, fatigue and morning sickness. Eating healthy food, having small meals at regular intervals, staying hydrated, doing moderate exercise, and being stress-free can minimise these symptoms. This will also ensure the healthy growth and development of your baby.
Also Read: 2nd Month Pregnancy Diet: What to Eat and Avoid? Read more
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Is Eating Biscuits during Pregnancy Safe?
Craving for snacks and tasty treats is not uncommon during pregnancy and biscuits too often make their way into your grocery list. Generally speaking, biscuits are a favourite when it comes to satisfying hunger pangs. However, not every biscuit type may be safe to snack on while you are pregnant as your baby’s health may be at risk due to its consumption. Since the health of your unborn baby is at stake, it is best to verify facts before snacking on biscuits. You can prepare a mental checklist of which pregnancy biscuits are good or bad for you.
Types of Biscuits You Can Eat when Pregnant
In order to confirm if the quality of biscuits and its ingredients are safe for you to eat, you will have to check and double-check every time you buy them. To make things simpler for you, here are a few types that can be trusted with your baby’s health and yours too:
1. Flavoured Biscuits
Pregnant women love to pop in biscuits with lemon or ginger extracts in them. These flavours help in fighting pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and nausea. When consumed in moderation, these flavoured biscuits prove to be quite helpful.
2. Digestive Biscuits
Biscuits that are made from whole wheat or whole grain can be useful during pregnancy due to their high dietary fibre content. Most pregnant women suffer from constipation. Digestive biscuits can help in addressing issues related to constipation and bowel movement. Once again, they should also be consumed in moderation.
3. Nutritional Biscuits
Biscuits containing supplementary nutrients like calcium, proteins and magnesium are useful in countering dietary insufficiencies if any. Protein biscuits during pregnancy can help in meeting the dietary needs of your growing baby too.
Types of Biscuits to Avoid While Pregnant
There are a few types of biscuits that should be completely avoided during pregnancy as they could give rise to health issues. Read on to know more about them.
1. Sugar and Cream Biscuits
Although sugar and cream biscuits are extremely delicious, they have high quantities of cream or sugar, which should be avoided during pregnancy. These biscuits will not only cause quick and unwanted weight gain, but you will also find it difficult to lose all that weight after delivering your baby. Gestational diabetes is also a possibility if you consume too much sugar during this period. Check the labels for gluten-free biscuits if you are suffering from a gluten allergy. Commercially made biscuits often contain a high amount of gluten which can cause an allergic reaction in your body and affect the baby too.
2. Gram Flour Biscuits
One of the most common causes of gas or flatulence during pregnancy is the consumption chana (gram flour). So, even if they come in the form of biscuits, you should avoid them completely. Gram flour is also known to lead to heartburn in pregnant women, and therefore, you are better off away from these biscuits.
Recommended Biscuit Intake During Pregnancy
Like all other food and snacks, you should ensure that biscuits too are consumed in moderation. Check with your doctor about the number of biscuits that are safe to be eaten during the day. However, under normal circumstances, and if you do not have health complications, you may eat 2 to 3 biscuits (or less) a day if you have a sweet tooth.
Things to Check Before Buying Biscuits During Pregnancy
The first and foremost thing you must do before buying a packet of biscuits is to check the cover for the list of ingredients. If you already are in the habit of checking labels on everything you buy at the grocer, then this should help you in good stead during pregnancy. The quantity-wise list of ingredients mentioned at the back of every packet of biscuits states the percentage of ingredients used to make the biscuits. If items like wheat flour, artificial sugars or hydrogenated oils are mentioned at the top of this list, it should ring alarm bells instantly.
Hydrogenated oils are artificially produced, and coupled with trans fats, are known to cause cardiovascular diseases. Reading labels is a good habit and gives us a clear idea of all the ingredients that have gone in the making of the biscuits.
In case you still crave biscuits, you may want to try this recipe and make a batch just for yourself. Baking your own biscuits is a great way to control which ingredients enter your system and also ensure you use them in the right quantity.
Healthy Biscuit Recipe for Pregnant Women
Ingredients:
5 cups of muesli (untoasted)
1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
1/3rdcup of honey
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp vanilla essence/ extract
1 egg
5 to 7 tbsp melted unsalted butter
A pinch of salt
Method:
Whisk the melted butter and honey together.
Add the whole wheat flour, muesli, spices and vanilla essence. Mix well.
Add the egg and mix well.
Make round balls of the biscuit mixture and flatten them before placing them on a baking tray lined with butter paper.
Bake the biscuits in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees Celcius for 15 minutes.
Remember that pregnancy is a delicate phase and choosing your food wisely is the key to safe and healthy pregnancy. Biscuits can satisfy your hunger pangs if consumed sensibly and also help meet your dietary needs in certain cases.
Also Read: Is Cravings for Sweet Good during Pregnancy? Read more
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Encouraging Your Toddler To Play With Building Blocks
There are many benefits of block play in early childhood. Therefore, introduce toddlers to playing with blocks as early as possible. Building blocks help develop the imagination, creativity, problem-solving ability and social skills of toddlers.
As toddlers grow, the way they play also changes. This is the time to help them get more creative and experimental with new toys and games, such as building blocks. Get, set, go! Your little one will love stacking and reinventing designs.
Block Play for Toddlers- A Closer Look
1. Find Age Appropriate Building Blocks
Have a toddler play with building blocks and soon these playthings will become his favourite. Building blocks are made from durable, kid-safe materials like plastic and wood. They are available in vibrant colours and different sizes. You need to invest in blocks that are age appropriate for your toddler. When little ones are first introduced to blocks, they feel them, hold on to them, and carry them around.
2. Child Development:
Block play and child development go hand in hand! Concepts like different sizes, colour matching, and comparison of objects are all learned while playing with building blocks. Once your toddler learns how to stack blocks, she will develop self-confidence and be proud of her success. This stimulates intellectual and physical growth and is an essential inclusion for most development milestones.
3. Things Children Learn Through Block Play
Blocks enhance a child's problem-solving ability, creativity, self-esteem, and the skills to develop new things. These easy-to-use toys help children cooperate and share their toys with others, thus helping them make new friends in the process. Blocks offer many ways for toddlers to express themselves and increase their attention span. Mathematical concepts like symmetry and balance are also strengthened through block play.
4. Let The Stacking Begin!
You can introduce your toddler to blocks as early as 6months of age. Building block activities for children are best introduced as early as possible. Since blocks are versatile and open-ended, kids can let their imagination run wild and turn them into whatever they like. Block play should be set up in an area that is free from other distractions. It should also be big enough to allow children to build sizeable structures they will boast about later.
5. Have Fun
You may like to have your child sort building blocks by colour, size and shape, or play the matching game. Pick out a block and show your tot how to pick another one of the same colour. You can even help her build tunnels for a toy car to go through or construct a house for those cute dolls in the playpen. An all-time favourite block activity is to build the tallest tower and then see the glee on your toddler’s face when it is knocked down.
As a parent, you wholeheartedly believe in the value of your kid learning through play. So, the next time you are in a fix over what kind of gift to purchase for your toddler, don’t forget that a set of good quality building blocks is totally worth it.
Do share with us the most creative structure that you and your toddler have made with building blocks! Read more
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A Guide to HIV and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often considered essential for the growth and development of a child. This is because, during the initial stages of their lives, children need breast milk as a primary source of nutrition. This, however, can become complicated if you are ill. Because breast milk is a form of bodily fluids, it can spread diseases if the mother is suffering from a chronic health condition like HIV/AIDS. To better understand how to overcome this obstacle, we must first understand the intricacies of HIV and infant feeding.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system within the body and renders it incapable of fighting off diseases. The virus spreads only by an exchange of certain body fluids like blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common way the virus spreads is through intercourse and sharing injection needles.
HIV positive mothers may transfer the virus to the baby through the placenta, during pregnancy (through secretions and blood), and through breast milk. On certain occasions, HIV may be transmitted through blood from cracked and bleeding nipples as well. Without intervention, an HIV positive mother has a 35 to 45 percent chance of transmitting the virus to the baby. However, this percentage can be reduced to almost 1% with the right antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment throughout pregnancy and delivery, and opting for a C-section delivery.
Are you wondering whether HIV can be transmitted through breast milk? Let’s find out how and what you can do to keep your baby safe.
Can You Breastfeed With HIV/AIDS?
The general consensus is that mothers who are HIV positive refrain from breastfeeding their babies, as there is a 10 to 20 percent chance of the virus being transmitted through breast milk. The popular choice, in places where there is access to clean, boiled water, is to formula feed the baby for six months, until solid foods can be given.
However, WHO has suggested a combination of exclusive breastfeeding (baby is fed only breast milk) and antiretroviral drugs to the baby or the mother to enable babies of HIV positive mothers to benefit from breast milk for the first 6 months of their lives. It is best to not mix-feed the baby with solid food and breast milk before six months, to reduce the risk of HIV. This option is suggested only in places where clean boiled water is not available at all times.
How Does AIDS/HIV Affect Breast Milk?
There is very little information on how HIV affects breast milk. It is known that breast milk contains three HIV reservoirs – RNA, proviral DNA, and intracellular RNA. However, their role in HIV transmission through breast milk is not well researched.
Factors That Protect Your Baby From HIV
Here are some factors you need to consider to protect your child from HIV.
Treat Yourself
It is important that you continue treatment on a regular basis, do not miss your ART. Treatment can reduce the risk of spreading the disease through breast milk. By sticking to the treatment, the risk of the disease spreading is reduced greatly.
Treat the Baby
Ensure you treat the baby for HIV with antiretroviral drugs for the period your doctor suggests. This treatment can prevent HIV from affecting your baby. It is mandatory that your child be treated for HIV if you are HIV positive, this is for the safety of both your child and the general public.
Breastfeed Only If Necessary
It is recommended that you feed your baby formula for the first six months. Breastfeed only if you do not have access to formula and clean boiled water. Ensure that you visit your doctor regularly and take antiretroviral drugs throughout the duration for which you are breastfeeding.
Get Your Baby Checked Regularly
If you are breastfeeding, have your baby checked on a regular basis to see if he is HIV positive. This can help treat your baby early enough for them to live a life that is close to normal.
Sanitation
Having HIV can be tough on a mother. Ensure that you are alert and sanitize yourself regularly, especially if you accidentally cut yourself. If your baby accidentally ingests your blood, treat and cover any wounds as soon as they appear. Don't neglect your child's open wounds.
How to Feed Your Baby If You Are HIV Positive
Breast milk, even when treated with drugs to reduce the severity of AIDS or HIV in your body can be passed onto your baby. The safest way to feed your child is by preparing baby formula or bottle feeding your child.
To feed baby formula is considered safe as the formula is usually made with powder and water. This means it is manmade and has no exposure to the disease. To prepare the formula, simply follow the steps mentioned below:
Sterilize the storage container with boiling water.
Prepare the formula by adding warm water to the formula feed powder.
Store the container in the refrigerator and use within a day or two.
If your doctor advises you to breastfeed, then it is recommended that you follow the steps mentioned below:
Breastfeed your child exclusively for 6 months, and ensure you get treated with ART at least once a week.
Use heated breast milk or expressed breast milk to reduce the risk of spread of AIDS/HIV.
Ensure your baby is treated for the entire period you breastfeed.
Check them regularly.
Ensure you feed your baby safely by consulting an MFM specialist. These are doctors who specialise in helping women with diseases like AIDS prepare a baby formula that is both safe and nutritious for their baby. Follow the doctor’s instructions, and take the necessary precautions if your baby is HIV+. Be sure to inform the school and follow up on treatments if your baby does have it. Do not be ashamed of HIV or AIDS. Talk to your doctor about support groups to help you cope and manage with this condition and ensure you consider your psychological health as well. This disease isn’t taboo and having it doesn’t make you or your child dangerous.
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12 Valentine's Day 2019 Gifting Ideas for Your Husband
Here are a few special gifts you can get for your husband this Valentine's Day:
1. A Rose Bouquet and Chocolates
A flower bouquet and some chocolates are loved by everybody on any occasion; gifting a bouquet of red roses along with some chocolates is a great idea.
2. A Ring
After engagement and wedding rings, you can also gift men rings on any occasion.They could be made of silver, gold or even platinum.
3. A Nice Shirt
A nice shirt will be liked by your husband. This can remind him of you every time he wears it. So gifting a shirt to him is another good idea.
4. A Trendy Watch
You can gift your husband a wrist watch. This will also be another addition in your husband’s wrist watch collection.
5. His Favourite Perfume
Gifting a perfume will always work.You can choose your husbands favourite brand perfume or experiment by choosing from your own mind which your husband might like.
6. Photo Frame With Your Family Photo
There will be a lot of lovely moments of you and your husband, or you and your family that you may have captured on a camera. A photo of you together or one with the kids nicely framed can be a great gifting idea.
7. A Matching Couples T-shirt
You can get a couples t-shirt where both you and your husband can have the same colour and design.
8. A Coffee Mug With a Photo
You can gift your husband a coffee mug with a printed photo of both of you, or good wishes and quotes.
9. Sunglasses
You can always gift your husband sunglasses which he can add to his collection, and can help him experiment with different styles and designs.
10. Wallet
A wallet is a useful present that you can give your husband. This is a gift he would definitely like.
11. Surprise Homemade Dinner
You can cook for him his favourite dish or can even experiment with a new dish you have never tried before. Create a romantic atmosphere at the home by lighting candles on the dinner table with some romantic music in the background. Your husband will definitely appreciate the effort.
12. A Good Book
If your husband loves to read, then there is no better gift for him than a book. You can choose the book depending on your husband's favourite authors or genre.
These are a few touching, sweet and practical gift ideas for your husband on Valentine's Day. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
17 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. yes. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the childdo ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
9 hours ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Ashima Malhotra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
8 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Ashima Malhotra
Mom of a 10 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. avoid it
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
7 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
7 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
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