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Ectopic Pregnancy - Reasons, Symptoms and treatment
A pregnancy is one of the most beautiful experiences for a woman. The gift of being a mother is overwhelming and much cherished by you and your partner. However, not all pregnancies turn out to be normal, and some must be terminated because they cannot be carried to fruition. One such type of pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy. Almost 2% of the pregnancies in the world are ectopic and health risks to the mother.
An ectopic pregnancy can initially look like a normal one, but as it progresses, it can be painful and will need to be terminated.
Video: Ectopic Pregnancy - Reasons, Symptoms and Treatment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AbFwFjhiWg
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
In a conventional pregnancy, the sperm and egg fertilise in the fallopian tube and are implanted in the spongy endometrial lining in the uterus. This lining provides all the nutrients necessary for the egg.
In an ectopic pregnancy, however, the fertilised egg is implanted outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is more dangerous than it sounds as it could prove to be fatal for the mother. Thus, it is of extreme importance that you keep an eye out for any odd symptoms in the initial phase of your pregnancy and consult your doctor immediately if you feel something is amiss.
How does ectopic pregnancy happen?
As explained earlier, a normal pregnancy happens when the sperm swims up to the fallopian tube for fertilisation, and the fertilised egg is implanted in the inner lining of the uterus. However, if the fallopian tube is damaged or too narrow, it can cause the egg to implant in a different location. The implantation can happen just outside the fallopian tubes, abdominal space, ovary, or even the cervix. In such a case, the egg does not mature as it should, and the baby does not develop.
How common is an ectopic pregnancy?
According to a study in the UK, 1 in every 85 pregnancies is an ectopic pregnancy. This roughly adds up to 12000 ectopic pregnancies in a year.
Another study shows that only 50% of the affected women displayed all the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy hence making it extra difficult to identify it.
Causes of ectopic pregnancy:
The exact reason for an ectopic pregnancy can be unclear on a case to case basis but it can be credited to anything that causes stress or an imbalance to your uterus, such as surgery or pelvic inflammatory diseases. One common reason is a damaged fallopian tube that can prevent the transportation of a fertilised egg to the uterus and cause it to get implanted in the fallopian tube itself.
What are the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy?
There are few risks factors that can lead to an ectopic pregnancy:
Age: All observed cases of ectopic pregnancies were found to be within the age of 35-44
If your previous pregnancy was ectopic, then there is a good chance that your next one could be the same. This is because an ectopic pregnancy can cause tissue damage
In case you've had a pelvic or abdominal surgery, you could have an ectopic pregnancy as a surgery poses the risk of damage to the fallopian tubes and may lead to an ectopic pregnancy
Pelvic inflammatory diseases are a common risk factor as they cause scar tissues to develop on the fallopian tubes
Previously induced abortions can also increase risk as they may have injured the internal organs
If you happen to conceive while an IUD is in place, you can have an ectopic pregnancy
Similarly, a previous tubal ligation can sometimes disrupt conception by altering the fallopian tube
Smokingmoking, it is believed, affects the ability of the fallopian tubes to function normally, and transport the fertilized egg to the uterus, thus causing an ectopic pregnancy
If you are undergoing fertility treatment or medication, you have an increased risk. During treatment, the opening of the fallopian tubes is enlarged to make it simpler for the embryos to be transported. This dilation may become counterproductive and may lead to an ectopic pregnancy
Endometriosis, a condition when the endometrial tissue grows in places other than inside the uterus can also cause an ectopic pregnancy
Signs and Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy
This kind of pregnancy shows symptoms of a normal pregnancy at the beginning such as:
A missed period
Nausea
Fatigue
Tender or tingly breasts
Constant urination
However, as it advances, an ectopic pregnancy, also called a tubal pregnancy, has discomforting symptoms, the most obvious one being excessive vaginal bleeding. This happens when the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured and is classified as a medical emergency. In case of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, symptoms and signs are the following:
Excessive sweating
Severe and sharp pelvic and abdominal pain
Very fast heartbeat (>100 beats/min)
Clammy and pale skin like in anaemia
Light headedness or dizziness
Excessive vaginal bleeding
Shoulder pain in some cases.(As abdominal bleeding can irritate the diaphragm and manifests in your body as shoulder pain)
Signs of shock
Ectopic pregnancy test
There is no specific test that can pin point an ectopic pregnancy. In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed due to excessive display of the above-mentioned symptoms.
Just like a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy shows a positive pregnancy test due to the presence of the hCG hormone that would seem to be harmless. However, if the hCG levels do not increase at the expected rate, then an ectopic pregnancy is suspected.
This is followed by a vaginal ultrasound and a pelvic examination for further confirmation.
How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?
An ectopic pregnancy is hard to diagnose, as symptoms can resemble any other normal pregnancy. In cases where the symptoms are very evident, the following diagnosis methods are used:
Vaginal ultrasound: The most common way for diagnosis that can show the location of the fertilized egg
Blood tests: As explained previously, blood hCG levels are analysed that are usually expressed during pregnancy. This is done when the ectopic pregnancy is not identified during an ultrasound
Keyhole surgery: This is a simple laparoscopic technique that can make the visualisation of the cervix and fallopian tube easier with the help of general anaesthetics. This helps you stay aware of cervix pregnancy if required
Ectopic pregnancy treatment
In an ectopic pregnancy, there is no way that the embryo will survive. And the bigger it gets, the greater the risk for the mother. As the fertilized egg cannot be transplanted to the uterus either, the only option is to terminate the pregnancy.
The treatments usually employed are:
Expectant management:
In some cases, if the symptoms are not profound then you are not given any medication or treatment. This is usually preferred so that you will not have to suffer the medical side-effects. You are however closely monitored, and your pregnancy will mostly dissolve on its own. There is mild discomfort that comes along with this method but will be taken care of
Medication:
A dose of methotrexate is injected into your system and will stop the embryo from growing. This will also be closely monitored by your doctor and a second dose will be provided if deemed necessary. There are certain side-effects to this as well, and you will have to exercise some caution that your doctor will explain to you
After having been treated with methotrexate, doctors will advise you to use contraception for at least three months as the drug is still present in your body and can harm your child in case of conception
You are also asked to refrain from drinking alcohol as it can react with methotrexate and cause serious damage to your liver
Surgery:
Doctors resort to surgery only when internal bleeding is detected. It involves the removal of the fallopian tube where the pregnancy is found. This is done with the help of laparoscopy, and there are two types of keyhole surgeries carried out:
Salpingostomy: A small cut is made in the fallopian tube that is used to remove the ectopic growth. The cut is then left to heal on its own or is stitched
Salpingectomy: The part of the fallopian tube where the ectopic growth is seen is removed, and the remaining length of the tube is reconnected. This is done when the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured and damaged the fallopian tube
In the above-discussed cases, one of the possible side effects is the rupturing of your fallopian tubes. At this point, surgery is performed, and your fallopian tube is either fixed or removed based on the extent of the damage.
Treatment options are always widely discussed before a decision is made, and depends on the level of your condition. Always make sure that you are comfortable with the decision and never hesitate to ask questions.
Chances of getting pregnant after ectopic pregnancy
There is good news for those who have had an ectopic pregnancy. According to statistics, women who have had an ectopic pregnancy have a 65% chance of having a healthy pregnancy within 18 months of experiencing it. The probability is expected to rise to 85% in the next 2 years, thanks to improvements in medical surgery related to this field.
It is important to remember that if your fallopian tubes are healthy and well-treated, a normal pregnancy is bound to happen.
Prevention of ectopic pregnancy
There is no concrete way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, as in most cases, women aren't aware of what's going on in their reproductive organs before taking a test. This makes it hard to predict conclusively if there is an ectopic pregnancy or not.
You can, however, reduce the risks that contribute to an ectopic/cervical pregnancy:
If you are a regular smoker, quit smoking. It was found that women who smoked had a higher probability of having an ectopic pregnancy than women who didn't smoke
It is best to use contraceptives such as condoms that reduce the chances of getting STDs that can cause pelvic inflammatory diseases. These diseases contribute to the development of scar tissues in the fallopian tube and ultimately an ectopic pregnancy
During the first few weeks of your pregnancy, closely monitor your body and hCG levels to detect any discrepancies
Monitor the health of your fallopian tubes with a check-up when you are planning a baby, to prevent tubal pregnancy
Support after ectopic pregnancy
After an ectopic pregnancy, it is only natural the mother’s emotional and physical health is affected.
Post diagnosis and fallopian tube pregnancy treatment, your doctor will need to confirm the termination of the pregnancy, but even after he does, the mother may experience a continuation of the symptoms.
This is mainly due to the presence of pregnancy hormones such as hCG in the body even after the pregnancy. This still conveys the feeling of being pregnant. If there are feelings of anxiousness, fear, anger, or depression, the mother needs to be reminded that the failed pregnancy is not her fault.
The loss of pregnancy is not only depressing for the mother, but for the partner and the family as well. It is prudent to seek the professional help needed or even just have a heart-to-heart with someone close. Finding other women who have gone through the same experience and forming an ectopic pregnancy support group can help too.
How to Deal with An Ectopic Pregnancy
If you have experienced an ectopic pregnancy, remember that if one fallopian tube is removed, you always have the other one to support your future pregnancies. Believe in yourself and your body's ability to heal itself. The body has its own healing mechanism, and all you need is time and a peace of mind.
Ectopic pregnancies are in short, the opposite of every mother's dream. Make constant trips to your gynaecologist to ensure good health and to be prepared for conception well in advance. Do not ignore any symptom or sign that you feel is uneasy. After an ectopic pregnancy, take the time to nurture yourself back to normal.
Ectopic pregnancies are not widely discussed and only come to the fore when they occur. You can do your bit to help educate as many women as you can, so they can take the precautions needed to avoid them, and stay alert if they see a risk. Read more
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Workouts during Pregnancy Second Trimester - Safe Exercises to Try
Week 13 to 28, or months 4 to 6, of your pregnancy comes under the second trimester. This is a period where you can finally start feeling that the pregnancy is real! The second trimester carries along with it new energy that you may not have felt in the beginning. Nausea, exhaustion, and anxiety take a back seat during this period, which makes it a perfect period to undergo some physical exercises.
Precautions to Take While Exercising During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Owing to the delicacy of the pregnancy period, safety and the urge to not take risks should be your priority. For the same reasons, a few precautions should be kept in mind while doing physical exercises in your pregnancy’s second trimester. Some of these precautions are listed below.
One should consider avoiding exercises that may carry along risk of falling.
Stop exercising in case you experience abdominal pain or vaginal discharge.
Maintain a healthy and a supervised diet to keep you all charged up for undergoing physical activity.
Do not exercise too much. Exerting yourself beyond your limits is something that is not at all recommended.
Avoid physical exercises, where jumping, balancing, changing sides or risk of jerks is involved.
Consider doing light exercises, specifically those where your heart rate does not increase rapidly.
On a normal day, exercise for about 30 minutes. Exercising 3 to 5 times a week is quite enough.
Refrain from any kind of physical exercise in case your pregnancy has any complications.
A test termed as 'talk test' assures whether your exercise is normal or intensified. While exercising, if you cannot make normal conversation and you breathe too heavily, exercising is not a good option as it could be quite intense for you. Take this test and make sure that you exercise normally and in a less intense way.
Women who have a history of heart disease, asthma or even diabetes, should consider exercise only after consultation with the doctor, as there could be complications that arise.
Exercises You Can Do in the Second Trimester
Pregnancy workouts in the second trimester that are normal and considered safe include:
1. Walking
Walking is the simplest of exercises that can be done on a daily basis for about 30 to 40 minutes. Walking ensures that your body is not sedentary and also keeps your heart healthy. Keep moving your arms too while walking. Do not walk in a brisk manner as this may lead to more exertion than required.
2. Slow Jogging
Jogging is another good exercising option that will help you keep fit. Jogging should be preferred only on flat surfaces as you easily maintain a pace on it without getting tired. In case you feel tired while jogging, do not continue; sit immediately and relax for a while. You can also prefer running on a treadmill, but with controlled speed.
3. Yoga
Yoga is the safest of all exercises, as it helps you stay fit and also helps to better your mood. In case you are a pro at practising yoga, continue the way you are doing now, but avoid positions that could hurt you in any way. Practice more of breathing exercises and other simpler movements or poses that can be easily carried off.
If you are new to yoga and have not been practising it before, consider getting some guidance through video lessons, or join yoga classes.
4. Stationary Cycling
Exercising on a stationary bike is the best option to improve muscle strength, and move from place to place while exercising too. When you are in your second trimester, your belly starts growing and this is the time you actually shouldn't put a lot of stress on your abdomen. Sitting on an exercise bike and cycling may prove to be the best exercising option for you during this period.
5. Swimming
Swimming is another great option for women in their pregnancy. Swimming in the pool would help you relax and get all the me-time you need. You can also consider practising some swimming exercises in which no exertion on the abdomen is involved. Swimming for about 30 minutes is generally recommended for women in second-trimester pregnancy.
6. Squats
Stretch your feet wide apart while standing. Extend your arms in front of your eyes at your shoulder level. Squat down, i.e. move your bottom in the downward direction, keeping your feet upright in one position. Try to stay in that bent position for about 3-4 seconds and then lift up. Repeat the exercise and remember to not bend completely and keep your knees in place. Also, breathe out when you bend down and breathe in when you lift up.
7. One Arm Row
Place your right knee on a chair and keep your other foot on the floor itself. Bend down towards the chair and keep your right hand on the chair’s seat. Now, with the other hand, pick up weights according to your capacity and start lifting it up and down. Do it for about 15 minutes, then repeat the exercise after changing sides. Remember not to lift extremely heavy weights as this may lead to exerting more than required.
The above mentioned prenatal exercises for second-trimester pregnancy are considered safe. Always remember to check with your doctor and let them know about your exercises, and keep in mind to not exert yourself.
Also Read: Exercises to Avoid During Pregnancy Read more
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Baby Crowning
It says that becoming a mother completes a woman. Giving birth to a child is a divine experience, after all, you have the power to give bring life into this world and that should make you feel special. Your body starts preparing for this many days before you go into labour.
Video: Baby Crowning During Birth - Everything You Need to Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0hkzsU_N3k
What is Baby Crowning?
During labour, along with each contraction, the head of your baby starts appearing through your vaginal opening. One of such contractions tightens and relaxes the uterine muscles that help the baby to come out through the birth canal. This is the time when you need to start pushing. This will make the baby’s head reach the opening faster. However, when the contraction is over, the head will disappear.
Crowning is the moment when your baby’s head is almost fully outside without slipping back inside. The cervix effaces 100% and dilates 10 cm before crowning.
So, if you have wanted to know what does crowning mean in pregnancy, this is exactly what it is.
What is the Duration of Baby Crowning?
The crowning process can last for a couple of hours if this is your first delivery. The duration will go down with subsequent deliveries.
Stages of Labour
Your body starts preparing for the event weeks before the first day of labour. Your baby’s head moves into your pelvis and this is known as engagement.
There are several stages of labour. It starts with contractions and ends with the transition. The most intense stage of labour is the very first stage. However, it is also the shortest.
The ‘active labour’ stage follows next. The contractions are longer and more intense, and your cervix dilates rapidly. Also known as the pushing phase, this stage can coincide with your cervix being completely dilated. This is when crowning in labour starts.
How Is Baby Crowning Performed?
Natural childbirth is a painful process and the only way to get relief from the pain is by delivering your baby. Here are some effective tips that you can keep in mind to manage the pain when giving birth and crowning:
Find your Best Position
The ‘best’ position for one woman might be different from another. Some of the effective ones are:
Side-lying position
is best if you want a controlled and slow childbirth.
Squatting position
is the best when you have a large baby or you have a quick labour.
All Fours Position
is also recommended in the case of a large baby or if your baby is in the posterior position.
Pushing and Breathing
During birth crowning, you will experience an urge to push and this is natural. Your uterus contracts and sends you signals to push the baby out.
It is important to remember that this pushing is not same as pushing your abdominal muscles to relieve yourself. You do not have to bear down while holding your breath, your baby will not get sufficient oxygen if you are doing this. You must push and breathe in a such a way that your baby comes down slowly through the birth canal, in a controlled fashion. This will be comfortable for you and you can conserve your energy as well. The risk of damaging the perineum also reduces.
Keep your mouth open with your neck and jaw relaxed during pushing birth crowning. Learn the art to exhale properly. During labour, put your hands under your breasts, on your abdomen and these muscles should tighten.
Tips for Fighting the Urge to Push
Keep the muscles between your vagina and rectum relaxed by leaning back.
Relax, breathe, and ask your midwife to give you a massage.
Deep breathing exercises will help your body to relax.
Do not fight off the contractions. Use them to make the delivery easy.
How Does it Feel When Your Baby is Crowning?
The feeling is referred to as the ‘ring of fire’. Your vaginal tissues get stretched as your baby’s head becomes visible and this leads to a burning sensation. It stays till the baby’s head slips inside.
Stop pushing the moment you feel this burning sensation. This will prevent your tissues from getting damaged. The first stage of labour comes to an end with the end of the burning sensation.
This burning sensation does not last for a long time but makes you feel numb. The stretching of your baby blocks vaginal tissue, leading to the numbness.
How to Prepare for Natural Birth Crowning
During the ring of fire, the midwife will massage your perineum to reduce the burning and risk of tears. Episiotomy might be recommended for a smooth labour.
A lubricating finger is inserted to massage the perineum for 10 minutes and this can start from the 35th week of pregnancy.
Preventing Tears
Eat healthily and make sure you work out on a regular basis so that your muscles are strong enough to withstand the pressure.
Lubricating the area with oil can help the baby come out easily without stretching your muscles too much.
Lie on your side and push as this will reduce the pressure on your perineum.
Push slowly but firmly and do that while taking long breaths.
Water birth is also effective in preventing tears.
How Can You Relieve the Baby Crowning Pain?
Ask the midwife or your partner to hold a piece of flannel against the muscles present between the rectum and vagina (perineum). This will reduce the chances of any tear and painful birth crowning.
You can also try a warm compress to reduce the pain.
Massaging warm oil on the skin will make it soft and allow for more stretching.
What Happens After Baby Birth Crowning?
During crowning, the doctor will be able to point out if your umbilical cord is wrapped around your baby’s neck or if there is any other kind of obstacle. If your baby gets stuck in the canal, the doctor will manually deliver the baby.
The baby’s complete head emerges after crowning and then the rest of the body.
Conclusion
Crowning is a crucial part of the delivery process known as the pushing phase. It is an indication that the baby is on its way out. Though painful, it is a manageable pain. Apart from the numerous remedies involved, the body has its own internal mechanisms to handle the pain.
Also Read: Stages of Labour and Childbirth Read more
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Try One Of These 5 Homemade Hair Masks For Gorgeous Hair This Weekend
Let's face it – we women do a lot! Balancing work and home and juggling both responsibilities well is the most common concern of every single day of a working woman's life... and if you are a housewife, it's even tougher, because the job is never finished! One thing gets checked off the to-do list, and two more get added. The pressure of keeping up with all our duties and responsibilities is all too real to be ignored, and it only increases manifold as motherhood approaches.
Right from the time you conceive, to the time your baby is delivered, and then onwards till your child becomes a self-sufficient and independent adult – women are constantly stressed about one thing or the other. All this stress takes a toll on your health, and one of the first things to show signs of stress is your hair.
5 Homemade Hair Masks for 5 Common Hair Problems
Hair is very delicate and requires a good amount of care and maintenance to keep healthy. However, not everyone has the time to go for regular parlour visits. Does that mean you leave your hair to God's grace? Of course not!
Here are 5 easy-to-make DIY hair masks that you can whip up in no time, right in the comfort of your own home!
1.Yoghurt-Based Homemade Hair Mask for Dry Damaged Hair
Ingredients
Yoghurt
Honey
Olive Oil
Procedure
In a bowl, whisk all the ingredients together.
Use a die-brush to apply the mask evenly on damp hair.
Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes.
Rinse mask with water.
How It Help
Honey has high water content, which helps to hydrate hair. Yoghurt has good fats and milk proteins to strengthen damaged hair. Olive oil moisturises the scalp and also gets rid of dandruff. Use this hair mask and restore your dry and damaged hair to its original good health.
2. Avocado Homemade Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair
Ingredients
Avocado
Yoghurt
Procedure
Slice the ripe avocado into half. Remove the seed.
In a bowl, mash the ripe avocado.
Add a cup a yoghurt to this. Mix thoroughly.
Use a die-brush to apply the mask evenly on damp hair.
Leave the mask on for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Wash off the hair mask with your usual method (shampoo and conditioner, or just shampoo – whatever you do regularly).
How It Helps
Avocado is a rich source of Vitamin B and Vitamin E – both are excellent to control frizz in hair. Yoghurt allows for deep conditioning, further getting the frizzy hair under control. Use at least twice a week for good results.
3. Simple Egg & Clay Homemade Hair Mask for Oily Hair
Ingredients
Egg yolk
Clay
Procedure
In a bowl, take 3-4 tablespoon of clay (depending on volume of hair).
Add 1 egg yolk to the bowl.
Whisk contents thoroughly for a consistent paste.
Use your hands to apply the mask evenly on your scalp. The clay may clog in a die-brush, so it is better to use your fingers.
Leave the mask on for about 30 minutes.
Wash off the hair mask with your usual method (shampoo and conditioner, or just shampoo – whatever you do regularly).
How It Helps
Clay helps in absorbing the extra oil being produced by your scalp, keeping hair non-greasy. The minerals in the clay are also good for hair growth. Egg yolk acts as a natural conditioner, making your hair silky soft. Apply this mask 2-3 times a week.
4. Rosemary Homemade Hair Mask for Hair Growth/Hair Loss/Hair Fall
Ingredients
Rosemary
Vitamin E Oil
Almond or Coconut oil
Procedure
In a bowl, cut open and squeeze ou content of 1 or 2 Vitamin E capsules (depending on hair length.
Add 1 twig of finely chopped rosemary.
Add at least 5 to 6 tablespoons of a base oil, either almond or coconut. Mix thoroughly.
Use a cotton ball to apply mixture evenly at the root of your hair. The rosemary mag clog in your die-brush, hence it is better to use a cotton ball. Massage gently.
Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
Wash off the hair mask with your usual method (shampoo and conditioner, or just shampoo – whatever you do regularly).
How It Helps
Vitamin E helps to strengthen hair roots and thus improve growth and reduce hair fall. Rosemary is also known to stimulate new hair growth and make hair follicles strong.
5. Coconut Homemade Hair Mask for Extra Volume and Shine
Ingredients
Coconut oil
Vitamin E oil
Castor oil
Procedure
In a bowl, mix 5-6 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 capsule of Vitamin E oil, and 1 tablespoon of castor oil.
Heat the mixture till warm.
Use a cotton ball to apply mixture evenly at the root of your hair. Massage gently.
Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes. You may use steam for better absorption of the hair mask.
Wash off the hair mask with your usual method (shampoo and conditioner, or just shampoo – whatever you do regularly).
How It Helps
Coconut oil is perhaps the only oil that gets absorbed in the hair strand. It acts as a strengthening agent for the hair protein keratin and prevents loss of this valuable protein. Castor oil is a very sticky oil and acts as a great conditioning agent. Vitamin E has several benefits as previously explained.
So these were some simple and easy to make DIY hair masks that require less than 10 minutes to whip up – perfect for the busy Indian woman! Which one are you going to use this weekend? Let us know in the comments below! Read more
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Interesting Facts About South America for Kids
Did you know that South America’s ethnic and cultural outlook developed because of the interaction that the natives of South America had with immigrants and European conquerors? Due to the long history of colonialism, most South Americans speak either Portuguese or Spanish, and the states and societies reflect Western traditions. We have put together some interesting South America facts for preschoolers to intrigue you and get you interested in the continent.
Top Facts About South America for Children
Have you ever wondered who discovered South America? The answer is Christopher Columbus. The fourth-largest continent in the world is South America. This continent stretches from right above the equator and to the Antarctic. South America is connected to North America by land. The great Amazon River, which you must have heard of, runs through this continent and is surrounded by the world’s largest rainforest. South America is considered beautiful and unique because of its features, such as vast deserts and mountains. Deserts such as the Atacama Desert, which is also the world’s driest desert, and mountains such as the Andes, the longest mountain range globally, are located in this continent. Also, there are many glaciers in the south of South America.
South America is divided into twelve countries, and the largest amongst these twelve countries is Brazil. Another very interesting fact about South America is that the potato originated in South America along with pineapple, chocolates, and peanuts. The world's largest rodent and the Andean condor bird with the largest wingspan are in South America. We have collated a lot more such interesting facts about this beautiful continent. Keep reading.
Following are some of the general facts about South America that are very interesting for children:
1. History of South America
There is evidence that human life existed in South America almost by 10,000 BC. Peru is where the earliest South American civilizations have been recorded. The colonization of South America started in the late 15th century. The continent was colonized by foreign conquistadores, mainly from Portugal and Spain, along with the British, Dutch, and French.
2. Countries in South America
One of the interesting facts about South America for kindergarten is that this continent has twelve countries in South America and three dependencies. The population of the entire continent is close to 433 million people.
3. Largest country in South America
Brazil is South America's largest country. The most interesting part about Brazil is that this country covers more than half of the continent’s total landmass. Do you know that the USA is just a little bigger than Brazil?
4. Largest city in South America
Sao Paolo in Brazil is the largest city in South America. The city has close to 22 million individuals based on a recent survey. It is considered one of the largest cities on Earth.
5. Largest island in South America
The largest island in this continent is Tierra del Fuego, which means land of fire in Spanish. The island is located on the southern tip of Chile and Argentina. The most popular sport in this continent is football, which is no wonder considering how Argentina, along with Brazil, is one of the biggest national football teams in the world.
6. Longest river in South America
The Amazon River that flows for 400 miles is the longest in South America. It is the second-longest river on Earth after the River Nile. The Amazon River has more water when compared to all the other 10 largest rivers on Earth!
7. Highest mountain in South America
Aconcagua is South America's highest mountain and is located in Argentina. This mountain is 22,837 feet long and 6,961 meters high and is present in the Andes Mountains. The Aconcagua Mountain is the second-highest of the 7 summits after Mountain Everest, located in Asia.
8. Driest place in South America
The rain forests of South America are considered among the wettest places globally. However, the Atacama Desert, located in Chile, is the driest place on Earth.
9. The two landlocked countries in South America
South America comprises two landlocked countries, Bolivia and Paraguay, present in the inner part of South America. These two landlocked countries have no access to the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Natives in South America
The biggest tribe of indigenous people known as the Incas were in South America when Europeans came. The Empire of the Incas prevailed from around 1438 up until 1533. These indigenous cultures still exist in South America, though they are threatened with extinction. Do note that the Caribs and Arawaks are still present in Venezuela and also in the city of Guarani, which is in Brazil.
11. Languages spoken in South America
The main language spoken in South America is Spanish. However, in the city of Brazil, most people speak in Surinam, previously a Dutch colony and also in Portuguese. The official language in South America, however, is still Dutch. Most people also speak English, which is considered the second language. Quechua is a language spoken by the Inca tribe and is considered one of the most common indigenous languages.
12. Famous places in South America
The most famous places in South America are:
Iguazu Falls in Brazil / Argentina
Macchu Picchu in Peru
Rio de Janeiro and its Carnival in Brazil
Angel Falls in Venezuela
Patagonia in Chile / Argentina
Pantanal in Brazil / Paraguay
Amazon in Ecuador
Torres del Paine National Park in Chile
13. Biggest Cities in South America
Sao Paulo is the most populous city in South America. Close to half of the individuals in South America live in Brazil. The other big cities in South America are:
Bogota in Colombia
Rio de Janeiro in Brazil
Lima in Peru
Buenos Aires in Argentina
Santiago in Chile
14. Highest waterfall
Angel Falls is the highest waterfalls on Earth, located in Venezuela in South America.
15. Largest river basin
The Amazon River Basin is the largest river basin on Earth, occupying the whole eastern and central area of South America. They lie to the east of the Andes Mountain and extend from the Brazilian Plateau in the south to the Guyana Plateau in the north.
16. Longest mountain range
The Andes Mountains are the Earth’s longest mountain range located in the Western part of South America. These mountain ranges spread across the north up to the south of South America and run through seven South American countries, namely Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.
17. Driest place in South America
The Atacama Desert is, in fact, the driest place in South America that covers a 1,600 km land strip on the Pacific coast that is located in the west of the Andes Mountains.
18. Main natural resources in South America
The main natural resources available in South America are minerals such as iron ore (steel), copper, and agricultural products such as coffee, corn, cocoa, soybean, and wheat.
19. The world’s second-largest swimming pool
In Chile, San Alfonso del Mar swimming pool is the size of twenty Olympic swimming pools, and it measures 80,000 square meters or 860,000 square feet. This swimming pool is the second-largest swimming pool on Earth and the biggest in South America. This swimming pool is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and contains 250 million liters, 66 million US gallons of seawater. The maximum depth of this pool is 3.5 meters or 11.5 feet.
20. The Galápagos Islands in South America
When Charles Darwin came to the Galápagos Islands in 1835 as a twenty-six-year-old, he observed resemblances between local plant and animal species and those found on the mainland. He also noticed differences between the island in this region. He later defined the theory of evolution and wrote the book “The Origin of Species."
21. Animals in South America
South America is home to various animals, such as piranhas, tapirs, anaconda, and various other animals. South America also comprises endangered animals, such as the giant otter, jaguar, and the Amazonian manatee.
22. The landscape of South America
Highlands and mountains mainly dominate South America’s landscape. Examples are the Andes, river basins such as the Orinoco and Amazon, and coastal plains where the Atacama Desert is present.
23. Countries in South America that are located in the Northern Hemisphere
The following countries are located in the western hemisphere of South America:
Guyana
Venezuela
French Guiana
Suriname
and (the northern regions of) Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil
South America is one of the best places to be and live, and this country has been an important player through all the crucial stages of humankind’s history. This article will help you learn more about South America as a continent.
Also Read:
Florida Facts for Kids
Mexico Facts for Children
Facts About North America for Children Read more
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