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Paracetamol Intake During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most challenging phases of a woman’s life, where the body undergoes numerous physical and hormonal changes. It is important for a mother-to-be to exercise caution over what she consumes, as everything that is consumed is passed on to the developing foetus. Extra precaution needs to be taken when it comes to the intake of medicines and its effects on the baby should be known before taking any of it.
Is Taking Paracetamol Safe During Pregnancy?
Also known as acetaminophen or APAP, paracetamol is a common medication used in the treatment of pain and fever. It is usually sold over the counter and does not require a prescription in most countries, including India.
Paracetamol is the most popular choice of drug for pregnant women to get relief from pain and fever. Not only is it the world’s most popular painkiller, but it is also among the only painkillers which are known to have no direct side effect on the baby. While currently there is no scientific evidence to prove any side effect of the medication, recent studies on the co-relation of paracetamol and pregnancy have highlighted the increased risk of behavioral problems in children where the mother has consumed the painkiller during pregnancy.
How Much Paracetamol is Safe When Pregnant
The underlying principle of consuming medicines during pregnancy is that they should be avoided as much as possible. In case the mother needs to take paracetamol to reduce pain or bring down body temperature, the lowest possible dose should be taken and the medication should be restricted to the shortest time period possible. The general dosage varies from around 500mg to 1000mg every four to six hours based on the severity of pain and fever. However, the paracetamol in pregnancy dosage should be kept to a minimum as possible and the dosage should be decided by the doctor.
Possible Complications of Taking Paracetamol
Paracetamol is by and large a safe drug and does not cause pregnancy problems such as premature birth, stillbirth or miscarriage. Recent research on this topic has shown the possibility of certain complications arising as a result of intake of paracetamol during pregnancy:
1. Birth Defect
Consuming paracetamol in excess quantities during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause birth defects in the child. The child develops vital organs during the first trimester and paracetamol, which lowers testosterone levels, can affect the fetus.
2. Behavioral Problems and Slow Learning
Any medication consumed during pregnancy can harm the developing brain of the foetus. This may lead to problems related to learning, motor skills, reduced attention span, communication and general behaviour of the child in the future. Studies have also shown the possibility of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) arising as a result of the foetus getting exposed to paracetamol.
3. Respiratory problems
The child may also develop asthma and have wheezing episodes due to exposure to medication in the womb.
While these are some of the possible complications which may be linked to the intake of paracetamol during pregnancy, there is no concrete evidence yet to prove whether the drug has any evident side effects or not. It is, however, important to consult your doctor before taking paracetamol or any other medicine during pregnancy.
Try These Home Remedies Instead of Paracetamol
Even though there is no concrete evidence of paracetamol causing harm to the baby, it is always a good idea to try some natural home remedies to provide relief from pain and fever and avoid medication. This will not only help you heal naturally but will also mitigate any risk which may arise due to the intake of paracetamol.
Home Remedies for Fever Are as Follows
Take a bath with lukewarm water in order to lower your body temperature (do this only if you do not have a cold and cough accompanying the fever).
Wet a washcloth with cold water and place it on your forehead. Repeat this exercise to bring down the temperature.
Consume hot soups frequently and increase your water intake. You can also add juices to your diet.
Avoid unnecessary stress to the body and ensure sufficient rest. Pregnancy can be tiring at times. It is important to give adequate rest to the body and regain strength.
Taking prenatal vitamins will help to improve your immunity system and keep you healthy.
Avoid excessive clothing. Wear clothes made of light fabric to ensure good circulation.
Home Remedies to Deal With Pain During Pregnancy
Body massage is one of the best ways to get relief from body pains, especially back pain and hip discomfort.
Practice prenatal yoga to strengthen your muscles and increase your stamina (should be done under professional supervision).
Acupuncture can also help in alleviating pain.
Massage your forehead slowly or apply a warm compress to alleviate a headache caused by sinus.
Application of natural oils and massage gels will help to reduce body pains, joint pains, and sore joints.
Practice meditation to reduce stress-related irritations and pains.
Apply cold compression to your lower neck region to get relief from stress pains and headaches.
Medication should be the last resort to help you with fever and body pains during pregnancy. Paracetamol should be taken only if the fever or the pain is unbearable or the aforementioned home remedies have failed to help.
FAQ’s
Below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding paracetamol consumption during pregnancy.
1. Can Taking Paracetamol Need Extra Monitoring Of My Baby?
Since there is no known side effect of paracetamol on the developing foetus, there is no need for extra monitoring of the baby even if the medication is taken.
As part of the usual antenatal care, most pregnant women undergo routine tests and scans throughout the duration of pregnancy to look for birth defects and to monitor the baby’s growth. Any disorder or issue can be identified via these tests and scans.
Intake of paracetamol during pregnancy third trimester should be avoided, as that is a stage when there is active brain development in the baby and the brain at this stage might be more sensitive to paracetamol.
2. Can There Be Any Risk to the Baby if the Father Has Taken Paracetamol?
There is no increased risk to the baby if the father has taken paracetamol any time before or around the time of conceiving the baby. There is no direct correlation between the two events.
Pregnancy is a period which mandates taking extreme care of the mother-to-be. Her well being is directly related to the well being of the baby. Anything that the mother consumes will reach the foetus and have a direct effect on its growth and development. Therefore, medication should be taken only after discussing with your doctor and understanding the possible side-effects of the same on the baby. Every pregnancy is unique and what works for one woman might not work in the same way for the other.
Also Read: Medicines to Avoid during Pregnancy Read more
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Epidural Side Effects on Mother and Baby
Epidural anaesthesia helps in blocking the pain in a particular part of the body. Unlike general anaesthesia which when administered leads to total lack of feeling, epidural anaesthesia provides relief from pain by decreasing the sensation in the lower half of the body. Although many women opt for it during labour, epidural anaesthesia comes with its share of side effects on the mother and the baby.
Side Effects of Epidural on the Mother
Following are the side effects of epidural anaesthesia on the mother:
1. Drop in Blood Pressure
Administering epidural anaesthesia can result in a sudden drop in the blood pressure level. It can result in nausea or dizziness. This is the reason why blood pressure is continuously monitored after an epidural anaesthesia to make sure that the blood flow to the baby is sufficient. In case of a drop in the blood pressure level, IV drips, medications, and oxygen are immediately given to the mother.
2. Headaches
About 1% of women may experience a severe headache if in case there is leakage of the spinal fluid. If a headache is continuous and persistent, a “blood patch” which is a procedure to inject the woman’s own blood into the epidural space is carried out. This provides relief from a headache.
3. Urination Problem
Epidural anaesthesia may cause a problem in urination. A urinary catheter may be required to help in urination after an epidural anaesthesia is administered. However, this is a rare condition.
4. Back Pain
One of the most common epidural side effects is back pain. Back pain is caused due to the soreness where the needle is inserted. It may also be caused due to spinal fluid leak or allergic reaction to any of the substances that are injected or present in the needle.
5. Normal Delivery Becomes Difficult
Epidural may often make it difficult to push out the baby during childbirth. Therefore, other medical interventions may be required like a c-section or forceps to give birth.
6. Numbness after Childbirth
Women who are administered an epidural anaesthesia during childbirth may experience numbness in the lower portion of their body. This may happen for quite some time even after giving birth, so much so that they may even require assistance in walking for a short distance.
7. Nerve Damage
Administering an epidural anaesthesia may sometimes cause a permanent damage in the area where the catheter was inserted. This may require several weeks or months to heal, and some women don’t even recover completely.
8. Other Side Effects
Some women after being administered an epidural anaesthesia may experience shivering, ear problems like ringing ears, tingling sensation in the legs, itching, or even fever.
Epidural Side Effects on a Baby
Epidural anaesthesia may even affect the baby:
The immune system of a newborn may get affected by local anaesthetics used in epidurals.
A newborn of a mother who has been administered epidural during childbirth may have many deficiencies.
Epidurals may even cause a drop in foetal blood and oxygen supply. This may happen if and when the mother’s blood pressure level becomes lower than normal.
After being administered epidural anaesthesia, the mother-to-be may even have a fever. This, in turn, may affect the baby’s APGAR score. It may cause the newborn to suffer from seizures which may at times prove to be fatal.
It may also cause foetal bradycardia which is a condition in which there is a decrease in the foetal heart rate.
Babies born to mothers who took epidural during childbirth may have a significant neuro-behavioural problem.
The newborn may take more time to latch and suck since the epidural anaesthesia dulls the sensation of the baby’s soft palate which is required in doing so.
The newborn may take more time progressing after birth. He may have to spend more time in the NICU away from his mother.
What are the Side Effects of Epidural Postpartum
Epidurals are not only administered during labour. They are also given in case of operations in the lower body parts and in some cases used in postoperative pain care relief. However, people experience epidural side effects years later, and in case of babies who are born of mothers who took epidurals during labour, epidural side effects after birth can be seen. Listed below are some postpartum side effects of epidural:
1. Epidural Haematomas
This is caused when an epidural needle or catheter punctures a blood vessel. Bacteria may enter while being injected or when the catheter is inserted and cause an epidural abscess.
2. Minor Problems
In some cases, a person may experience minor neurological problems such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the particular area of the body even hours after an epidural. This may be caused due to nerve damage while a needle or epidural catheter was inserted.
3. Paralysis
Paralysis, weakness, or loss of sensation over a large part of the body is caused due to rare complications. This may be due to the pressure from the accumulation of blood (epidural haematoma) or pus (abscess) which damages the spinal cord and the nerves that surround it.
4. Back Pain
Pain in the back may occur in the area where the epidural needle has been inserted. This is caused due to tissue irritation. However, this pain usually ceases in a few days time.
5. Itchy Skin
This is caused due to the side effects of the pain-relieving drugs in the epidural. It can be treated by changing the medication.
Epidural anaesthesia is considered to be a highly effective form of pain relief during childbirth. With so many side effects, it cannot be considered to be absolutely safe for the mother and the baby. Having said that it is beneficial in more ways than one during childbirth, it is best to avoid using it frequently, for every child delivery that you may have.
Also Read: How to Achieve Painless Normal Delivery Read more
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Beetroot puree
This root vegetable can be introduced in your baby's diet around 8-10 months of age. Initially, you may need to feed your baby by making a simple puree like the one shown in this recipe and then later, provide beet as finger foods, or include in recipes with other ingredients like rice, khichdi etc. Your child is bound to get attracted by the lovely red color of beetroot.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
5 Minutes
15 Minutes
Ingredients
1 fresh medium beet
Method
Step 1
Wash and then peel the beet.
Step 2
Cut off the tops and then cut the beets into small chunks.
Step 3
Place chunks into a steamer pan with just enough water visible through the steamer basket. You can even pressure cook them till 2-3 whistles.
Step 4
Steam until tender.
Step 5
Discard any left over water as nitrates may seep into the cooking water.
Step 6
Place into a blender or a food processor and begin pureeing.
Step 7
Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size 1/2 cup slices (85 g)
Calories
37
Calories from Fat
1
Total Fat
0.2 g 0%
Saturated Fat
0 g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat
0 g
Cholesterol
0 mg 0%
Sodium
242 mg 10%
Potassium
259.25 mg 7%
Carbohydrates
8.5 g 3%
Dietary Fiber
1.7 g 7%
Sugars
6.8 g
Protein
1.4 g
Vitamin A
1%
Vitamin C
5%
Calcium
1%
Iron
4%
*Based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Read more
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DIY Paper Bowl Jelly Fish
The ocean is a vast and mysterious place, filled with colours, creatures and phenomena that are quite different to us on land. This fun activity will give your child a glimpse into this world and also give you an opportunity to teach him some more about it! Did we mention it also sharpens his fine motor skills?
Jelly fish are among the most fascinating of sea creatures, with their beautiful colours, slimy tentacles, and mysterious habits. This summer, why not bring some jellyfish into your little one’s world, and also teach him some important fine motor skills in the process?
What you need
Paper bowls
Tissue paper/ crepe paper streamers
Poster paint or water-colours
Paint brush
Kid-friendly scissors
Glue
Thin string
Cellotape or paper clips
Wiggley eyes
Step-by-step instructions
Layout all the supplied you'll need to create this Jellyfish.
2. Take a paper bowl and punch a small hole at the center using a pencil. Make sure the edge of the pencil is not too sharp and points away from your child’s eyes.
3. Use poster paint or water-colours to paint the outside of the paper bowl. Let your child’s imagination fly; jellyfish come in beautiful and varied colors like blue, pink, purple, red…we picked red!
4. Once done, wait for the painted bowl to dry completely.
5. Now, cut some string to about a length of 6 inches and insert it through the hole you made in your paper bowl in Step 1.
6. Hold the lower end of the string and tape it to the inside your paper bowl. You can also fix it to the inside of the bowl using a paper clip.
7. Now, it is time to get the tentacles ready. Cut 5-6 tissue paper strips to make the jellyfish tentacles. Alternately, you can use crepe party streamers like we did, to save on the cutting.
8. Use glue to stick the end of a tissue paper strip to the center of your paper bowl. Do this till all the tissue paper tentacles are stuck, and then wait for the glue to completely dry.
9.It is now time to unveil your jellyfish! Very gently, turn your paper bowl upside down and hold your jellyfish by the string.
10. Finally, give your jellyfish a cute face using sketchpens. If you have some wiggly eyes, you can use those instead. Now onto the next jellyfish – after all, we all need friends, don’t we?
Messiness score
4
Level of difficulty
High
Parental involvement
High
Skills enhanced
Fine motor skills, increased knowledge about the aquatic world, sense of colours and patterns
You will observe your child doing...
Trying to insert the thread through the hole and working on fine finger movements, asking questions about how jellyfish live and thrive under water, trying to think of new colours and patterns for the artwork
All the Fun That Was Had
These cute jellyfish will keep your child enthralled for hours and busy thinking about the mysterious creatures that live under water. Use this opportunity to tell your child more about the world around him and watch his curiosity take flight.
Your child will be delighted to see his creation come alive and dance before his eyes!
Fun Tip: Once the activity is completed, you can put up the jellyfish as decorations in your child’s room or in the balcony area, so the wind moves the tentacles.While painting, you could also paint some spots on the jellyfish if you'd like. They will make the fish really stand out. Read more
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Breaking the Glass Ceiling for Women at Work
In the corporate world, women may constantly have to face discrimination and restrictive situations. Men may fill the most important managerial positions, while women are relegated to secretarial and administrative work. Sounds unfair? It sure is!
Over time, women have come a long way in establishing themselves as significant members of both the society and the corporate world. However, in many workplaces, deserving women continue to play secondary roles in comparison to their male counterparts. This glass ceiling effect, or the hindrances to a woman's struggle to climb up the corporate ladder, can be difficult to break. Figuring out the main obstacles you may face in the workplace can help you tackle the situation better.
Kinds of Glass Ceiling for Women
1. The Stereotypes
Women are often subject to crude stereotypes at the workplace. She is the stylish receptionist or the efficient administrator, for instance. Men may occupy top positions in corporate workplaces because they are perceived to be ruthless or those who can get the job done.
2. Unequal Pay
Pay inequity between male and female workers has been the norm for quite some time now. The higher a woman climbs up the ladder, the more she has to settle for a pay package that's less than that of her male colleagues.
3. Childbirth
When women go on a maternity leave or are busy starting a family, they are often relegated to the sidelines upon their return. It becomes difficult for a woman to return to her previous employment level because of the leave of absence. This prevents her from climbing up the corporate ladder.
4. Power and Sex
Women at the workplace are often seen as sexual objects who aren't capable of doing much. If you reach a top position, there will always be some tongues wagging about! Women can also face the hard situation of being propositioned by their male bosses – sex for a chance to be powerful. It becomes difficult to make their way through the ranks in light of the glaring disparity. This is one of the main barriers for women at the workplace.
5. Family Ties
A woman has her family's well-being at the top of her priority list, often above or at par with her career. When time comes for a big promotion, she is often not considered because the decision makers feel she would not be able to cope with the added responsibilities of her profession. Having a family to take care of can often cost you a chance for professional growth.
Dealing with The Glass Ceiling
If you are being subjected to a glass ceiling at work, don't feel marginalised. The following tips can help you overcome the discrimination and take giant strides ahead in your professional career:
1. Take inspiration from the best
There is no dearth of career women who have made it to the very top rung of their organization. There's Anna Wintour, the boss with the iron fist who steered Vogue, the largest fashion magazine in the world to unimaginable heights. India too has women heading top organisations, right from Chanda Kochhar, the managing director and CEO of ICICI Bank to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the chairman and managing director of Biocon Limited.
2. Put your foot down
It may sometimes be imperative to take a tough call at work, say no to an inappropriate demand or understand when a relationship with your company has gone beyond repair. Don't hesitate from taking the tough calls if need be.
3. Make yourself heard
Believe that you are capable of dissolving stereotypes and eventually breaking the glass ceiling. While it may be your nature to be empathetic and easy-going, it may sometimes be crucial to be vocal, articulate and unbending.
Things are slowly changing when it comes to the glass ceiling for women. The change can be witnessed in professions across the spectrum - from the Women's Tennis Association that pays women tennis players at par with male tennis professionals, to corporate setups in metros. Rest assured that a change in attitude is indeed materialising and will go a long way in breaking down this glass ceiling for women in the workplace. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
4 hours ago
Q. hello everyone, please suggest me, am getting pain in lower abdomen right side, anybody plz tell me why am getting pain pls
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. this needs proper examination to find out problems like appendicitis. 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
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
3 hours ago
Q. hi mam for 2days I am seeing my baby bumb decreasing is it cause of worry?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. I don’t know how the bumps of your child decreasing that’s not fair to me second you have not mentioned the current age of your child to do it and there is no clarity in the query it would be difficult for me to help us so if you don’t mind can you please repost with all the necessary details associated with your question
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. Hello I had my period missed for April month and today I got my period. Is it normal to have period after 1 month or is there anything I should be worried about? Iam worried please let me know if that's ok or should I consult my doctor
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. consult your doctor for any evaluation required. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
42 mins ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
38 mins ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
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