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What Is The Best Age To Start Preschool for Kids
Determining the best age for the pearl of your eye is quite crucial and hence, needs lots of thought and consideration on parent’s part. While most preschools start the enrolment for the children in the age group from 3 years to 4 years old, there is no predefined best age as there are other factors apart from children’s age which determines the appropriate age to start preschool for your kid.
At What Age Should The Child be Sent to Preschool?
Every parent faces the confusion of deciding the right age for preschool for their children. It is absolutely normal since as a parent you always want to give the best to your child. Majority of preschools will allow children of at least 2 and half years of age to attend but this practice ipso facto, does not indicate that every child can attend preschool as soon as they reach this age. We all want a quick answer to this universal issue faced by every parent at some point in their life. However, there’s a need to understand that age is not the only factor which determines the right age for preschool. Every child grows differently not only physically but also socially and emotionally. Hence, all factors should be considered carefully.
Is Your Kid Ready for Preschool?
Commuting to preschool will translate to spending a couple of hours away from you. In other words, certain basic self-care is required on your kid’s part since you won’t be there to help your kid with his/her usual routine, such as washing hands after playing, drinking water, sleeping alone.
You will have to check whether your kid is ready for preschool on all the fronts discussed above. He or she might be physically and emotionally ready but might not have developed social skills yet. Commuting to preschool would mean interacting with other kids as well. Below are few points which will help you decide whether your kid is ready for preschool.
Basic Self-Reliant Skills: A little self-reliance is expected from your kid when once they start attending preschool. For example, you have to observe whether your kid can carry out basic skills on their own such as eating, drinking, using the toilet, sleeping alone, etc.
Comfortable With Other People Alone: Often kids, at a young age, do not feel comfortable in the absence of their parents, partially because you had always been there with them. For example, if you have a babysitter who looks after your kid then it will likely not be a problem for your kid to fit in preschool for a couple of hours in your absence.
Group Activities: Preschool has a lot of group activities, wherein all kids are required to participate together. Interaction with other kids, will, of course, be a good step to learn new things. However, such group activities might be little difficult for kids under 3 years of age who are mostly in high spirits and adventurous. You can start introducing them to group activities if they aren’t used to it yet.
Physical Stamina For Preschool: A preschool is an active place, involving activities such as art and painting, field trips, playground to enjoy, etc., which means moving around a lot actively. If he or she is still not at that level yet or does not like to move from one thing to other or still loves to take frequent naps then maybe it’s not time for preschool yet.
Keeping A Standard Schedule: Kids tend to be more comfortable with a routine and that’s why usually, preschools follow a standardized timetable: circle time, play time, snack, playground and finally lunch. If your kid does not keep the same routine then probably there is a need for you to work on before they can start their preschool.
Solo Player: Apart from group activities, preschool also has numerous individual tasks involving arts and crafts, which require a good focus and concentration power. If your kid likes to enjoy working on his own on puzzles or drawing at home, then it’s a good sign that he or she won’t have any difficulty at preschool either.
Health Condition: Another factor which should be considered is your child’s health condition. Before you decide to send them to preschool, take a moment and think whether he or she is sensitive to infection or prone to get sick easily. If you kid is vulnerable to infections such as ear infections or bronchitis, then it is better not to start their preschool just yet.
Is Preschool Really Necessary for Children?
Even if your kid is ready for preschool, you should first give a long thought whether he or she really needs a preschool. What’s your motivation behind sending him or her to a preschool? Is it because you just want time for yourself? It might seem to be a viable option where both parents are working and a day care becomes necessary. However, if you just need time for yourself or preparing him or her for kindergarten, then there are alternatives available such as hiring a babysitter.
Benefits of Preschool For Kids
Preschool serves as a starting point to develop academic and social skills which will later be useful for your kids. Given below are few benefits of preschool.
Helps In Social And Emotional Development: To learn a child seeks good and warm care from their teacher. Building trust with people other than parents is a big step for a kid under 3 years old. A warm and cared environment created by the teacher will strengthen social skills in kids.
Learn To Make A Choice: At preschool kids get the choice to choose from a number of activities they are interested in. It develops a sense of self-reliance and also enables them to make their own choice which is a useful skill to have.
Learn To Be Independent: There are a number of basic activities you do for them at home but at preschool they do those things (eating, sleeping, washing hands, etc.) on their own which makes them independent and it’s again a very good habit to develop.
Helps To Acquire Language Skills: Preschool helps in the development of language skills. They are surrounded by an environment rich in language, singing songs, reading books, story-telling, etc., all these activities helps them improve their communication and language skills.
Prepares Them For Kindergarten: A preschool is a fun place which balances play time and academic learning to an extent. Kindergarten gets more academic, and needs a child to concentrate. Preschool helps your kid learn to focus through activities like circle time, story-telling, book reading, etc.
There are several benefits to preschool, and it does add some fun to your child’s development. But it is recommended that you consider all the factors mentioned to determine whether your kid is really ready for preschool or not, as age alone is not the key to decide the right age for preschool.
Also read: Growth Spurts In Toddlers & Children Read more
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How to Give Corn to Babies - A Definitive Guide
Corn, which is also called maize in many countries, is a delicious food known for its sweet taste, bright yellow colour and protein value. Because of this, you might think that it might be a perfect food to introduce to your little one early.
However, it is best to know all the health benefits as well as side effects of corn before proceeding to introduce it into your baby’s diet. Below we will discuss all that along with how to feed corn to your baby and what are the precautions to take while doing so.
Is Corn Safe for Babies?
First and foremost, corn is safe for your baby, but it is best not to make it a part of the first solid food. Corn contains a good amount of proteins and carbohydrates, making it a great energy food, but is lacking in many other nutrients. Also, due to reasons like the risk of allergies, indigestion etc., it is believed that corn should be withheld from the baby’s diet until he or she is at least one year of age. If your family has a history of corn allergies, avoid giving corn to your baby until he or she can sustain it. Also if your baby has eczema, stay away from corn unless the doctor says so.
Nutritional Value of Corn
Corn is high in B-vitamins: thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid (B5) and folate. It contains dietary fibre, minerals, magnesium and phosphorus in moderate levels. The table below shows its nutritional values:
Nutritional value per 100g (3.5oz)
Energy
360kJ (86kcal)
Carbohydrates
18.7g
Protein
3.27g
Fat
1.35g
Vitamins
Vitamin A
9 μg
lutein zeaxanthin
644 μg
Thiamine (B1)
0.155 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
0.055 mg
Niacin (B3)
1.77 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
0.717 mg
Vitamin B6
0.093 mg
Folate (B9)
42 μg
Vitamin C
6.8 mg
Minerals
Iron
0.52 mg
Magnesium
37 mg
Manganese
0.163mg
Phosphorus
89 mg
Potassium
270 mg
Zinc
0.46 mg
Types of Corn
There are five different types of corn: dent, sweet, flint, popcorn and flour
Dent: Also known as field corn, dent is yellow or white. It is used in livestock feeds, processed foods and industrial products.
Sweet: Sweet corn is so named as it has a higher natural sugar content than the other types of corn. Dent has 4% sugar while sweet corn has 10%. It is consumed directly rather than being added to food. Hardly used as livestock feed, sweet corn should be eaten immediately after being picked, as 50% of the sugar turns to starch after 24 sugars.
Flint: Flint corn has a hard outer shell and is grown in Central and South America. It is either yellow or red.
Flour: Flour corn is the oldest type and is used in baked food items. It is usually white, and its kernels are soft and filled with starch.
Popcorn: This type is soft and starchy on the inside and pops up when heated. The moisture inside the kernel acts as steam that causes it to explode. Other types of corn can also pop but not to the same extent as popcorn, due to the high levels of starch and moisture in them.
Keep in mind that corn is not as healthy as other vegetables, fruits and cereals.
How and When to Introduce Corn in your Baby's Diet
Corn can be given to the baby after six months of age when he or she begins eating solid food. To reduce the risk of allergies, you can wait till the baby turns one year old. It is also better to wait until the baby’s digestive system is improved as corn is fairly difficult to digest. Here are several ways you can introduce corn into your baby’s diet:
Make corn puree and feed the mixture to an infant. It will be soft and easy to swallow.
When your baby becomes a toddler of 18-24 months, you can start giving him creamed corn.
Once your baby is two years or more and develops teeth to chew, you can give him corn kernels to eat but make sure to check that he chews them.
If you have to choose between giving corn or nutritional food to babies, always choose the latter. Never substitute with corn as it is considered to be less in nutritional value. You can always introduce it as finger food in later months. Some tips for introducing corn in your baby’s diet are –
Don’t give your baby corn as a first food. Wait till he is enjoying a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and is comfortable with digesting them.
Choose corn ears that are tight and green. Avoid ones that are dry. Ensure that the corn kernels are bright in colour and plump, and not indented.
Both yellow and white corn is equally tasty. There are some new varieties in the market which stay sweet for longer, as the sugar in them takes more time to convert to starch.
Kernels may pose a major choking hazard, so until your baby is at least one year of age, avoid giving him solid corn.
Canned corn is less nutritious that fresh corn, which contains more protein. Make sure you check the ingredients of canned corn carefully and avoid buying those with added sugar and salt.
Prepare and eat the corn as soon as you buy it to prevent it spoiling. Until the time of consumption, keep it refrigerated as this slows down the conversion of sugar to starch.
Try starting off your baby with creamed corn as it is easier to digest. You can make creamed corn by pureeing the kernels in a food processor and using the right amount of water depending on the consistency you want to achieve.
Benefits of Corn for your Infant
Corn, when introduced in limited to moderate amounts, can be beneficial for your baby. Here are a few ways it is beneficial -
Weight Gain: 100gms of corn has about 350 calories – a great energy food. If your baby is underweight, a corn diet can help him gain a few kilograms. Even a baby with normal weight can be given corn to help maintain his body weight right after you stop breastfeeding.
Body Growth and Development: Corn is rich in a variety of minerals and vitamins which help in body development. For example, the kernels are rich in B complex. Thiamin which supports nerve and brain development. Niacin improves metabolism of sugars, proteins and fatty acids; and folate helps new cell development.
Protects Blood Cells: Anti-oxidants in corn (which is in the form of Vitamin E) help protect cells from damage. Anti-oxidants also help prevent tissue and DNA damage in the body. Corn contains the phenolic compound ferulic acid which is anti-carcinogenic.
Good Eyes and Skin: Yellow corn is rich in Vitamin A, a source of beta-carotene which is important for good eyesight. Beta-carotene is also an anti-oxidant which is good for the baby’s skin.
Muscle and Nerve Function: Corn contains phosphorous (which supports bone health), potassium, magnesium (which are necessary for muscle and nerve function) and iron (which improves brain development).
Improves Digestion: Corn is rich in fibre which acts as a laxative. If your baby has a digestion or constipation problem, corn seeds and corn flour can help relieve the problem.
Side Effects of Corn in Babies
Natural sugars in corn can turn to starch very quickly and hence are not considered very healthy for babies. The side effects of eating corn can include -
Allergies
Allergies manifest due to the proteins present in corn kernels. Lipid transfer protein (LPD) is responsible for the allergies and stays on in the corn even after processing or heating it or post-digestion. The storage proteins and corn pollen present in the kernels are also potential allergens. Corn and corn-based products can both trigger allergic reactions like eczema and allergic rhinitis. Below is a list of some major corn-based products in the market –
cornstarch
baking powder
corn oil
cornflakes
corn tortillas
popcorn
vanilla extract
confectioners’ sugar
corn meal
mannitol
margarine
colour hominy
lactic acid
invert sugar
corn syrup
caramel
dextrin
dextrose
fructose
maltodextrin
sorbitol
Here are the corn allergy symptoms to watch out for in babies –
Skin rash
Asthma or anaphylaxis
Stuffy or runny nose
Sneezing
Headaches
Nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea
Hives
If your baby exhibits symptoms of a corn allergy, do not panic. The first and most obvious step is to restrict corn and corn-based products from the baby’s diet. Store-bought food may contain traces of corn so make sure you give your baby only home-cooked food. If the symptoms are severe, take him to a doctor who can administer medication.
Intolerance
Intolerance is derived from digestive problems and is different from allergies. If your baby has the following symptoms, it may mean he is intolerant to corn –
Stomach pain
Bloating
Diarrhoea
Gas
Intolerance can be easily cured as compared to allergies. Just stop including corn in your baby’s diet and feed him with lighter, healthier fruits and vegetables with plenty of water.
How to Select and Store Corn?
Once you know for sure that your baby is fine with corn and doesn’t have any allergies or intolerance with its consumption, you can go ahead and buy it from the market. Here are some tips to select the best corn in the market –
Select fresh corn and not canned ones, as eating fresh corn is the best way to consume it.
Corn kernels need to be plump and shiny
Husks protect corn from heat so buy corn with husks still attached
If the supermarket or store allows it, peel back the husk from the corn and check the quality of the kernels and the tip.
The tassels (the brown threads near the top) need to be sticky and glossy.
Purchase organic corn which is non-GMO
You can also buy frozen corn
Ensure that the husks are tightly closed and green. Dried husks indicate that the corn may be stale.
Press the corn with both hands to feel its firmness. Firm corn is fresh and has healthy kernels.
Corn needs to be away from sunlight and heat as the sugars in it can convert to starch easily.
Consume corn within the first three days
If you are buying canned corn, check the ingredients very carefully to see that there is no added sugar. Canned corn is less nutritional than fresh corn.
Store corn in an air-tight container and place them in the fridge.
Delicious Corn Recipes for your Baby
Corn is a versatile ingredient which can be served in various ways. From sweet corn soup to corn porridge for your baby, here are a few ways to prepare it so that your little one slurps it up!
1. Corn Puree Recipe
Ingredients: One cob of sweet corn, a teaspoon of water, breast milk or formula
Recipe
Run a knife across the kernels and get them off the cob
Put the kernels in boiling water and let them boil till they are soft
Add water or breast milk and make a puree. Add more water for a runnier consistency
2. Sweet Corn Soup Recipe
Ingredients: Fresh sweet corn, salt to taste, a tablespoon each of finely chopped carrots, beans, broccoli and spring onions
Recipe
Cook the corn cob and take off the kernels after they cool down
Keep a few kernels away for later use and puree the rest
Cook the other vegetables in a heavy bottom pan with a pinch of butter
After cooking for two minutes, add the corn puree, a bit of salt and boil
Add water for the desired consistency
Add the rest of the kernels and simmer
3. Pumpkin and Cornmeal Porridge Recipe
Ingredients: 1 cup water,1 cup milk, 1 cup pureed pumpkin, water as needed, yellow cornmeal as needed, one tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional), a pinch of salt.
Recipe
Add water, milk and pumpkin in a pan
In another bowl, mix cornmeal with water. Make sure there are no lumps.
Add cornmeal paste and sugar to the mixture in the pan, heat it and stir till it thickens
Add ginger and salt
Let it cook for 3-5 minutes
Serve the warm, corn porridge
4. Carrot, Potato and Sweet Corn Puree Recipe
Ingredients: 1 carrot, 1 potato, 1 tablespoon peas, 2 tablespoons sweet corn kernels, 4 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon olive oil
Recipe
Oil a pan and sauté finely chopped carrot till it softens
Add potato, peas, sweet corn and water
Let the mixture come to boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes to make a corn puree
5. Corn and Cauliflower Puree Recipe
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped cauliflower, 1 cup yoghurt, 2 cups corn kernels, pepper as needed
Recipe
Cook the corn and steam the cauliflower
Puree both in a blender or food processor
Mix in yoghurt and pepper for taste
6. Corn Fritters (for a baby above 1 year of age) Recipe
Ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons of milk, 2-3 teaspoons of sauce, 1 cup of sweetcorn kernels, 1 cup of multipurpose flour, vegetable oil
Recipe
Mix the flour and milk to make a smooth batter
Add sauce and corn kernels
Add a thin layer of vegetable oil to the frying pan and spread small portions of the batter on it
Press them lightly while cooking and toss the fritters a few times
7. Maize, Apple and Sweet Potato Puree Recipe
Ingredients: 1 peeled apple, 1 sweet potato, 2 cups corn kernels
Recipe:
Cook the corn and steam the apple and sweet potato
Puree the three
Add some formula or breast milk to thin the consistency
8. Corn flour Cutlets (for a baby above 1 year of age) Recipe
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon corn flour, 1 boiled potato, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt to taste, pepper to taste, oil to fry
Recipe
Mash the boiled potato
Mix corn flour, salt, lemon juice and add a bit of pepper to it
Make the mix into small flat rounds using your fingers
Fry the rounds in a pan, tossing them now and then
Cornmeal usually mixes well with carrots, apples, peas, brown rice or rice meal which are all easily digestible
FAQs
1. Can your baby drink corn (Karo) syrup to cure constipation?
Karo corn syrup does not cure constipation. It does not contain the necessary chemical structure that allows liquid into the intestine and loosens stool. It used to be a common home remedy but is not an effective one.
2. Is corn syrup present in formula good for infants?
Corn syrup is an artificial sweetener and makes formula high in fructose content. It is only used to sweeten the product and hence should be avoided for infants. Not only will high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) cause the baby to be over-weight, but also accustom him to over-sweetened foods. This could make him eat only such foods when he grows up. What you can do, is check the ingredients in the formula before buying it and select the one that has low levels of corn syrup.
3. Is it safe to give cornflakes to a one-year-old baby?
Babies who are one year old and above can safely eat cornflakes, but it is important to choose one which has less salt. Rice flakes, oatmeal and wheat flakes have better nutritional value than cornflakes.
4. Can you give cornstarch to your baby?
Babies who are yet to develop teeth should not be given starchy foods like cornstarch. It is usually given as it can be easily swallowed. However, swallowing poses the risk of the food not being properly salivated, which may interfere with the baby’s digestion.
5. Is guinea corn good for babies?
Guinea corn, also known as sorghum, is rich in unsaturated fats, proteins, fibre and minerals like phosphorous, potassium, calcium and iron. It is high in starch, so if you are giving it to your baby, make sure to balance his diet with other less starchy foods.
6. Is corn puffs an ideal finger food for my baby?
Fruits and vegetable snacks are much more nutritious than corn puffs.
7. Is corn flour used for a baby rash?
First determine the kind of rash the baby has. Corn flour can soothe a non-fungal rash but helps the fungus grow if applied to a fungal rash.
8. Can you use cornstarch to treat a diaper rash?
Cornstarch supports bacterial growth so avoid using it to treat diaper rash. Instead you can use a baby powder.
Corn has various health benefits but it is also important to introduce it at the right time, right form and also in the right quantities to your baby’s diet so that you don’t have to worry about any adverse effects. Read more
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Eating Strawberries During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
Fruit salads are the best solution when you crave something sweet during pregnancy. The tangy and sweet flavour of strawberries makes them quite popular, but it is essential to keep some safety tips in mind.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Strawberries?
When it comes to deciding whether strawberries should be included in the diet of a pregnant woman, you should know that eating strawberries has numerous advantages. The benefits that strawberries bring to the table are tremendous, and eating them should not be avoided at all.
Nutritional Value of Strawberries
The nutrients that are present in a single cup of strawberries are distributed in quite an effective manner, to provide an all rounded nutrition choice for a pregnant woman.
Description
Quantity
Folate
30 mcg
Selenium
1.2 mg
Phosphorous
32 mg
Fibre
4 g
Calcium
25 mg
Magnesium
16.5 mg
Iron
0.7 mg
Vitamin C
95 mg
Vitamin A
0.0135 mg
Potassium
45 mg
Carbohydrates
11.7 g
Proteins
1.2 g
Health Benefits Of Eating Strawberries During Pregnancy
Strawberries are a seasonal fruit, and it is essential that you eat them during the season they are widely available, or buy and freeze them for later use.
1. Taking Care Of The Heart
Various studies have shown that strawberries contain certain substances that reduce bad cholesterol within the body, and reduce plaque in the arteries. Thus, consuming strawberries reduces your chances of suffering any heart-related problems and help your stay in good cardiological health.
2. Anti-Carcinogenic Properties
The presence of antioxidants in the strawberries plays a vital role, especially in countering the free radicals in the body and neutralising them to protect internal organs and DNA modules from damage. This also prevents the risk of cancer.
3. Improving Eyesight
Vitamin A is present in high quantities within strawberries. It works on the cornea and retina of the eyes, strengthening them, and consequently protecting the eyesight, while reducing the chances of age-related blindness or even cataract from occurring.
4. Boosting Immunity
The levels of Vitamin C in strawberries are substantial as well. These work towards strengthening the immunity system of the body, preventing numerous infections.
5. Reducing Effects Of Ageing
The toxins in the body result in internal damage and speed up ageing. The various nutrients of strawberries help repair damage, thus keep ageing in check.
Delicious Strawberry Recipes For Pregnant Women
The best way to consume strawberries quickly and deliciously is by making smoothies with them. Here are a couple of ways you can get to it right away.
1. Banana strawberry smoothie
This one is a great choice to pair with your breakfast and start the day on an energetic note.
Ingredients
Vanilla yoghurt- 1/2 cup
Oats- 1/2 cup
Almond milk- 1/2 cup
Banana- 1
Strawberries- 1 cup
Method
Blend all the ingredients together until you get a smooth consistency.
Add some more milk and mix if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Top up with a few strawberry slices or ice cubes, if you like it chilled.
2. Kiwi strawberry smoothie
If you like a tangy flavour, along with nutrition, this one should be your choice.
Ingredients
Lemon juice- 1 tsp
Milk- 1 cup
Kiwi chunks- 1/2 cup
Strawberry chunks- 1 cup
Method
Blend all the ingredients together until you get a smooth consistency.
You can adjust the thickness by adding milk.
Top with a few kiwi and strawberry slices, and ice cubes if you like it chilled.
3. Healthy Strawberry Preserve
This strawberry puree can be made during the strawberry season, and preserved for use in the coming months. This is healthy, and allows you to enjoy your favourite fruit, no matter the month.
Ingredients
Strawberries- your preferred quantity
Method
Blend the strawberries together until you get a smooth puree. You can do this in small batches if you wish to make a large amount of the preserve.
Freeze the puree in an air-tight ziploc bag, and use when required. Rather than a large bag, you can also divide the puree and store it in smaller bags, which allows you to only defrost the amount you require, without running the risk of the rest of the mixture spoiling.
Defrost and use this strawberry preserve in smoothies, milkshakes, or strawberry smoothie bowls.
Tip- Ensure that you use only ripe strawberries when making the strawberry preserve, as adding slightly raw ones may make the preserve sour.
Risks Associated With Consuming Strawberries While Pregnant
Although strawberries are usually safe, there are a few scenarios where their consumption might be risky for a pregnant woman.
If your family has a history of allergy towards strawberry, chances are you might have them, too. Any allergy during pregnancy could affect the child as well.
Eating raw strawberries exposes your body to a variety of bacteria, including E.coli and a bunch of other parasites. These infections could reach the baby via the placenta and harm him.
Choosing commercial strawberry juices that are not pasteurised can increase your chances of contracting an illness due to the microbes present in it.
Tips To Eat Strawberries
Consuming strawberries is not rocket science. Keeping a few simple tips in mind can help you stay safe and enjoy the taste together.
Balance strawberries with other fruits and vegetables for proper nutrition.
Choose to make strawberry smoothies at home with fresh and washed strawberries.
Avoid strawberry jams or other treats that make use of preserved strawberries.
Check if you have an allergy to strawberry before you start eating the fruit every day.
Consuming strawberry during early pregnancy can bring in a lot of benefits, but could expose you to specific risks if the right care is not undertaken before consumption. All it takes is adhering to basic hygiene before eating them, getting a medical checkup in place, and you can gorge on your favourite fruit without worry.
Also Read: Consuming Muskmelon during Pregnancy Read more
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Torch Infection during Pregnancy: Things You Must Know & Watch For
Being pregnant is one of the most challenging yet heart-warming times of a woman’s life. The happiness of carrying a new life within you is quite overwhelming yet the fear of infections harming you and the baby hovers around too. TORCH infection can infect a pregnant woman at any age and reach the growing foetus.
What is TORCH Infection?
TORCH infection can be a misleading term as it sounds like a single illness. However, the term is an acronym of five infections caused due to pathogens. These can cause some serious problems for the unborn foetus and the mother if it is not diagnosed at the right moment. These pathogens are transferred from the expectant mother to her foetus during pregnancy or at childbirth. TORCH consists of the following five infections:
1. Toxoplasma Gondii or Toxoplasmosis
This is often caused by parasites that can travel from your mouth to the baby through the placenta. Raw and undercooked meat and food can cause this infection.
2. Other Infections
Other infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox, Syphilis and Chlamydia: Syphilis is caused by bacteria and can prevent a baby’s normal development. Such babies can have nerve-related issues which could cause deafness or blindness.
3. Rubella
This infection is known as German measles and is contagious. Body rash, sore throat and mild fever are some symptoms of rubella.
4. Cytomegalovirus
CMV can pass on to your unborn child and is an infection from the herpes virus group. Congenital CMV causes jaundice, hearing loss, lung issues and muscle weakness.
5. Herpes Simplex Virus 2
This is a form of genital herpes and is identified by open sores or blisters around the anus or the genitals.
Depending upon the foetus’ development stage at the time of exposure, the effects of the pathogens will vary. The above-mentioned diseases are capable of causing developmental issues since they are transmitted to the foetus through the placenta.
What Causes Torch Infection in Pregnancy?
Your baby can contract a TORCH infection through you if you are infected by it during pregnancy as it passes through the bloodstream. Since the baby’s immune system isn’t completely developed, it is vulnerable to illness and is unable to fight the infection yet.
TORCH infection is transferred from the mother to the baby and here are a few causes:
1. At Childbirth
While the baby is being delivered or even after a few minutes of being born, the torch infections acquired during pregnancy can infect it via blood or body fluids. Fortunately, it is possible to control its spread through modern medical treatment.
2. Through the Placenta
The baby is yet to develop a powerful immune system of its own and hence is dependent upon you to fight infection. The placenta provides a passage for the pathogens to fight and the baby is unable to resist. Though the mother is rarely at risk here, the TORCH infection can lead to a spontaneous abortion.
Signs and Symptoms of TORCH Infections when Pregnant
While each of the different diseases that form TORCH infections have their individual symptoms, the general signs of this infection are as follows:
Jaundice
Fever and loss of appetite
Enlargement of the spleen and liver
Flu in a mild form, may not be noticeable during pregnancy but can have drastic effect on the baby
Petechial rash (tiny purple or red spots on the skin). This is caused due to bleeding of the subcutaneous capillaries
Effects of Torch on Pregnancy
The following are the effects of TORCH infection:
Birth defects like bad eyesight, loss of hearing, diabetes at a young age, heart defects, cataract and mental retardation are noticed in babies where their mothers were detected with rubella in the first trimester.
A direct result of TORCH infection during pregnancy is a miscarriage.
If the mother is infected with TORCH during 11 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, there is a huge risk of congenital rubella syndrome affecting the baby.
The baby may also get meningitis, anaemia and pneumonia.
The infection leads to many severe complications like premature delivery, stillbirth, spontaneous abortions, congenital anomalies and intrauterine foetal death.
Diagnosis
During your prenatal visits to the doctor, if you are suspected of infections, you may get screened for TORCH infections. It is important to diagnose this infection at the earliest possible stage and continue monitoring of the baby’s growth post-diagnosis. Even if the maternal treatment is carried out, the foetal health is not benefited in any way. A blood test is done to check the pregnant woman for Toxoplasmosis, syphilis, parvovirus, varicella zoster, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes. Monitoring of foetal growth after a positive result is an important part of this diagnosis.
Treatment for Pregnancy TORCH Infections
The treatment and management of torch infections consist of different components as per the diagnosis made and they include the following:
1. Toxoplasmosis
For early stages of infection, you could be treated with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine to ensure the pathogens do not impact your baby
2. Hepatitis B
Newborn babies and their mothers who are exposed to Hepatitis B are administered with vaccines and given HBIG.
3. Herpes Simplex Virus
If the doctor notices active lesions, he may suggest you to have a caesarean delivery. The infection period can be shortened through antiviral drugs which also help in relieving its symptoms.
4. Rubella
While different symptoms of neonates are treated separately, patients infected with Rubella are prescribed with mild analgesics and asked to rest.
5. Cytomegalovirus
When a pregnant woman is infected with this virus, treatment for individual symptoms like hepatomegaly, fatigue and fever is carried out.
Precautions to Prevent Torch Infection
In order to prevent contracting TORCH viruses in pregnancy, you can take the following precautions:
Stay away from raw meat. Cook your meat till it is no longer pink.
Make sure you wash your hands meticulously after handling raw meat
Maintain cleanliness and hygiene around you at all times.
If you are fond of cats and dogs, do not handle strays as this could cause toxoplasmosis. If you have pets of your own, keep them indoors and prevent them from wandering.
Wash your hands with soap after you come home, especially before you eat.
Do not share personal items like razors, toothbrushes etc. with others, especially those items that can have blood on them.
Avoid getting tattoos on your body or piercings to keep torch diseases
Chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter, fever and stress act as triggers for genital herpes. Avoid them if you have a history of it in the past.
Although pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, it can give you more than a few sleepless nights. The key, however, is not to panic and keep you from enjoying these unforgettable moments. If you know what this infection is all about, its treatment and the methods to keep it away, you should win the battle for sure. Do not miss your doctor’s appointments and check-ups and you will do fine.\
Also Read: Cholestasis of Pregnancy Read more
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