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Top 10 Home Remedies for Fever in Babies
Is your baby battling a fever and you don't know what to do? Fortunately, the temperature can be brought down with some effective home remedies. Keep reading to know more.
Video: 8 Best Home Remedies for Fever in Babies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUAZQLIh5-w
Easy Home Remedies for Fever in Infants
Use these simple home remedies to relieve your baby's discomfort.
1. Cold Compress
Place a damp washcloth on your baby's forehead while she's asleep. This is one of the best home remedies for high fever in babies. Doing this reduces your child’s body temperature and lessens discomfort.
2. Lukewarm Bath
Give your baby a gentle, lukewarm bath in a tub or sponge her with warm water. This method will reduce the temperature as the water evaporates off her body. Don't bathe her in room-temperature water. This can cause a rapid and drastic temperature change and aggravate the fever.
3. Fluid Intake
Give your infant plenty of fluids when she's suffering from fever. Water, juice, and yoghurt are good for her body.
4. Pick Suitable Clothing
If your child is wearing multiple layers of clothing, take off a few and let her skin breathe. Dress her in breathable fabrics like cotton and turn on the fan if required. If you are outside, however, avoid exposing her to the sunlight.
6. Onion Treatment
Onion is a common and versatile ingredient of Indian home remedies for fever in babies. It helps lower body temperature and relieves body ache caused by fever.
Simply cut an onion into slices and rub 2 – 3 slices on your child’s feet for 2 minutes each.
Do this for up to 2 times a day.
Other than rubbing, onion can also be consumed.
Shred and grind onion, to make a juice.
Feed this juice to your baby a few times, over the day.
7. Ginger Bath
Mix about two tablespoons of ginger powder in lukewarm water that fills your baby tub. Give your child a standard 10-minute bath in this water. The ginger helps induce sweating, which flushes out impurities. This is one of the most effective home remedies for viral fever in infants.
8. Mustard Oil and Garlic Massage
Similar to ginger, mustard oil and garlic when combined becomes an effective agent to promote sweating and help flush toxins.
To prepare this massaging agent, take 2 tablespoons of mustard oil and heat it in the microwave oven for thirty seconds.
Add one teaspoon garlic paste to this and mix well. The heat essentially helps mix the paste into the oil.
Leave the mixture for about 2 minutes as it returns to room temperature.
Now, massage your baby with this mixture, giving prominence to their chest, back, neck, palms and feet.
As the massage also has a relaxing effect, this treatment is ideal to do just before your baby’s sleep time.
9. Egg Whites
Egg whites are the protein in eggs that helps nourish the yolk. It’s uniquely viscous properties makes it an effective absorber of heat, as it absorbs a high amount of thermal energy from its surroundings as it dries.
Separate the yolk from the white of an egg and beat the egg white thoroughly, until it gets a smooth texture.
Dip two small washcloths in the beaten egg whites for about a minute to get soaked.
Gently wrap the soaked washcloths around your child’s feet and cover them with a loose pair of socks to hold them in place.
Leave this for around an hour.
10. Lemon and Honey
Both lemon and honey are powerful immunity boosters.
Mix some honey with lemon juice (squeezed from lemon but undiluted) and half a teaspoon of ginger powder
Feed your child one teaspoon of this mixture twice a day.
Some Additional Tips
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to fever in kids. Here are some important points you need to remember while trying to manage your baby's fever.
A fever comes about when the body’s natural immune system is fighting foreign bodies such as viruses or bacteria that have entered it. This fighting back, by the body, causes inflammation and a rise in temperature, which is what we observe as “fever”.
Keep in mind that contracting fevers is a natural part of the human body’s development as each time it does so; its immune system grows stronger. A fever is not an immediate sign of a serious health fault, but when the temperature goes too high or is accompanied by other symptoms, it might be.
A fever in an infant below 12 weeks of age is to always be taken seriously, however for children, who are older than 3 months, a fever that is lower than 39.5 degrees C (103.5 F) doesn’t require immediate medical attention unless accompanied with other symptoms.
If your baby is displaying sluggishness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, improper feeding etc., accompanying the high temperature, then you will need to visit your doctor.
Do not resort to self-medicating your baby without consulting a paediatrician. Ibuprofen is unsafe for children below the age of 6 months as it could have harmful side effects. Studies have shown that excessive Ibuprofen consumption is can cause harm to the digestive system and kidneys.
Consult your paediatrician about the dosage of OTC medicines. Milder medicines, made specifically for babies, are available these days. Acetaminophen is the safest types of anti-inflammatory medication for infants.
It is easy to let our fears carry us away. Sometimes, a fever simply just isn’t a fever but a rise in temperature due to being overdressed or in a warm room. Anything between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius (97 – 104 F), while high, still falls within the range of normal temperatures of the human body.
Avoid using mercury-filled thermometers as they are a health hazard to you and your kids.
Before using any thermometer on your baby, clean it with a disinfectant or alcohol and rinse in cool water.
When using a rectal thermometer, lay your baby across your knees, facing down. Rub petroleum jelly to lubricate it. Insert it into your infant’s anal opening to a depth of ½ to 1 inch and hold it gently between your fingers while cupping their bottom, until the beep sounds, registering the temperature.
If you're using an oral thermometer (the one placed under the armpit), add one degree to the reading to err on the side of caution.
Other types of thermometers, such as the forehead, temple and ear thermometers, while being convenient have been known to be unreliable, showing readings that are sometimes off by several degrees. Hence these are not recommended.
While fevers are serious for children below 3 months of age, they are simply more frightening than dangerous for older children. Fevers are natural and help build up your growing baby’s resistance, so learn to take it as a part of the course.
As a parent, it can be worrisome to see your child battling a fever. If your baby's fever refuses to subside, take him to your trusted paediatrician at the earliest.
Also Read: Rheumatic Fever in Kids Read more
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Top 12 Health Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Babies
When it comes to selecting skin-care products for your baby, you just don’t want to go wrong. Moreover, babies and kids are susceptible to skin conditions and problems. This is why one natural product that works best in treating skin conditions in many babies and keeps your child’s skin soft and healthy is coconut oil. Let’s see how coconut oil works for babies and how you can get the maximum benefits out of it.
Video: Top 8 Benefits & Uses of Coconut Oil for Babies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtOmGb_6EMM
1. Coconut Oil for Baby Massage
A good body massage soothes crying and fussy infants and, most importantly, helps them sleep. Using coconut oil for a massage is a good option, as it has anti-bacterial properties and is easily absorbed into the skin. Make sure you use a good quality coconut oil.
Tips: You can mix equal amounts of extra virgin coconut oil for baby massage along with olive oil. You could also add a few drops of a natural essential oil, like lavender.
2. Coconut Oil for Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition in which the skin becomes very dry and itchy. It is common in infants, but usually disappears as the child grows. Using coconut oil for baby eczema can soothe dryness and provide relief.
Tips: If you are looking for baby eczema natural remedies, massage your baby with coconut oil before or after bath time. Also massage your baby before bedtime for adequate moisture. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, and you will see the condition decreasing with regular use.
3. Coconut Oil for Baby Hair Growth
Is coconut oil good for babies’ hair? Not many of us are aware that coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). This type of fatty acid has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which nourish the scalp and help in eliminating sebum build-up from hair follicles. It is also high in the C12 chain of MCFAs which is called lauric acid. This property helps prevent protein loss from hair.
Tips: This is an effective remedy for baby dry scalp. Coconut oil, when massaged before bath time, helps replenish the skin, and promotes hair-growth.
4. Coconut Oil for Diaper Rash
Most babies suffer from diaper rash due to urine absorption and diaper quality. The moisturising and anti-fungal properties of coconut oil help prevent the occurrence and spread of diaper rash. Coconut oil can also be an effective cure for Candida Albicans, which causes fungal infections. Yeast diaper rash, a common ailment in babies, is effectively treated by coconut oil, which acts as a barrier between the soiled diaper and the affected skin.
Tips: Apply a layer of oil on your baby’s diaper area every time you change him. Gently massage it into the groin and in the folds of the skin.
5. Coconut Oil for Moisturised Skin
Coconut oil is rich in vitamins and healthy fats, and works as a natural moisturiser for the skin.
Tips: Simply dab some oil on the baby’s dry skin and massage until it absorbs. Coconut oil moisturises the skin when left on until you give the baby a bath. However, if the skin is persistently dry, do see a doctor.
6. Coconut Oil for Baby Acne
Babies sometimes develop tiny red bumps or pimples, which could be swollen or itchy. Such breakouts could be acne, and if touched, there are chances of infection. Coconut oil for baby acne is a tried and tested remedy. The lauric acid in coconut kills the bacteria-causing acne and also prevents scarring after the condition disappears.
Tips: Rub the oil lightly between your fingers to warm it before applying on the acne. You can later wash it off with warm water or leave it on. Do make sure you check with your paediatrician before using it.
7. Coconut Oil in Baby Food
If you have never cooked food in coconut oil, you may be wondering ‘is coconut oil safe to eat?’ There are several benefits of adding coconut oil to your homemade baby food. The oil is a good source of fat and calories for your baby and is considered safe for consumption. If you are apprehensive about using it, you could consult your doctor before doing so.
Tips: You can use the oil in cooking just like normal oil.
8. Coconut Oil for Constipation in Babies
Coconut oil is hypoallergenic and contains lauric acid that eases digestion and provides relief from constipation.
Tips: You can mix half a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil in your baby’s breakfast but ensure that the baby takes enough fluids to encourage bowel movements. You can even rub some oil in the perineum (the area between the anus and the scrotum) and leave it overnight.
9. Coconut Oil for Cradle Crap
Most newborns develop cradle crap or dry scalp. The condition is usually caused due to hormonal changes toward the end of pregnancy and is symptomised by a flaky scalp that looks like dandruff. The condition is also known as seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea. The anti-bacterial property of coconut oil works wonders in curing this.
Tips: After you apply the oil on the scalp, let it stay on for 20 minutes. Then, brush off the flakes using a soft baby brush. Once the flakes come off, you can wash the oil off with lukewarm water.
10. Coconut Oil for Teething Babies
Teething is a troublesome phase for kids. Coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in soothing inflammation and easing pain and discomfort during this phase.
Tips: Gently massage coconut oil on the baby’s gums with your fingers. You can also apply a little bit of coconut oil on teething toys for the same soothing effect.
11. Coconut Oil Bath for Babies
The right baby wash doesn’t just clean skin, but also preserves the moisture content. This beneficial oil can be used for bathing the baby instead of a store-bought baby wash that may contain allergic components.
Tips: Take equal amounts of coconut oil and castor oil and apply the mixture all over your baby’s body and face. Massage to remove any dirt and wash off with regular bath water. You can also take equal parts of coconut oil and organic soap and water and apply on the skin while giving a bath.
12. Coconut Oil for Baby Chapped Lips
Chapped and dry lips can be painful for babies, and can make breastfeeding difficult. The condition can get exacerbated if the baby constantly licks his lips to ease the pain.
Tips: Dip your fingers in oil and smear it on your baby’s lips and the area around it. If you want to get the maximum benefits of coconut oil for babies, make sure you use organic, virgin coconut oil instead of the refined version.
Easily available and beneficial, coconut oil benefits for babies are within every mother’s reach. Make sure you have this multi-purpose oil at hand to easily soothe the many ailments which may bother your baby. In case there is a history of coconut allergy in your family, please check with the doctor before using coconut oil for your baby. Read more
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Skin Care After Delivery
In the process of bringing a new life into the world, a woman goes through a lot of emotional and physical changes. Your hair and skin health, in particular, go through immense changes during and post pregnancy. Getting back to normal only seems like a far-fetched dream, at times. But the good news is that none of these changes are permanent. With little care towards oneself, women can go back to looking and feeling like her pre-pregnancy self in due course of time. This article aims at listing out the physical changes women see in their skin post-pregnancy and how to overcome them with basic care towards oneself.
Video: Effective Skincare Tips After Delivery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWq5aALomH0
Changes You See in Your Skin After Delivery
A woman’s skin goes through numerous changes post-delivery. While for some the skin changes are positive, for others it may not be a very happy sight. While some women are fortunate enough to bask in the delivery glow for a lifetime, others may experience acne, pigmentation, stretch marks, puffy eyes and dark circles. With little or no care, it tends to get aggravated and can lead to depression post childbirth.
Self-care after childbirth usually takes a back seat as all the focus is centred on giving special care to the newborn. However, taking out just 10 minutes for oneself can do wonders and help mothers to gain back their glow and confidence too.
Common Skin Problems After Delivery
Some of the common skin problems post-delivery are:
1. Stretch Marks
Due to the gain and subsequent loss in weight, women see stretch marks in many parts of their bodies after the delivery. These stretch marks will not go away completely, but will become lighter with time. Initially, they will be pink, purple, or reddish brown in colour. Eventually, the pigmentation will go away, making them look lighter.
2. Dark Spots
The stress that comes with motherhood can have adverse effects on your facial skin. The development of brownish spots is just one of them. To stop these dark spots from increasing, it is important to be gentle to the skin and cleanse it twice a day with a mild cleanser.
3. Melasma
Sometimes, during pregnancy, dark patches develop on the face. These are called chloasma or melasma. This change in the pigmentation occurs due to the high level of pregnancy hormones in the body. These hormones gradually decrease after pregnancy. While some brown patches may become less obvious, others may stay for good. Anyone with this condition must avoid constant exposure to the sun.
4. Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes
Dark circles and puffy eyes are the result of hormonal changes, as well as lack of sleep after childbirth. Your eyes express the tiredness that your body experiences post-delivery. Constantly waking up to feed the baby causes lack of proper sleep, leading to dark circles.
5. Acne
Acne breakouts during or post pregnancy are very common. High progesterone levels post pregnancy can cause pimples to break out. If you have had clear skin throughout the pregnancy, then this may come as a surprise to you.
6. Hypersensitivity
Many of you may experience sensitive skin after pregnancy. Anything may cause your skin to react adversely. For example, even a little exposure to the sun may cause the skin to burn. Sometimes, your skin may feel irritated towards things like chlorine and detergent.
As mentioned earlier, some of the above skin issues may fade away with time, while some conditions such as skin allergy after giving birth may stay and require medical attention.
Why Skin Texture Changes After Having a Child
It might become difficult to accept so many changes in the skin right after the birth of a baby, especially if you had a glowing skin during pregnancy. But post-pregnancy brings in stress, fatigue and overall hormonal imbalance that causes the skin texture to change. Acne, stretch marks, pigmentation and skin discoloration after delivery are some of the most common changes in the skin that have been observed post pregnancy. All this can become a thing of the past if you take a little care and follow a proper diet and skin care routine after childbirth.
How to Reduce Skin Problems
Skin problems that occur right after pregnancy can be tackled or reduced by following a few healthy lifestyle tips. But if you have been suffering from skin-related issues for a long time, then it is advisable to consult a doctor. Here are a few quick post pregnancy skin care tips.
Staying away from the sun can prevent the skin from further damage. If you do need to step out in the sun, then use a good sunscreen or cover yourself up with a scarf.
Drinking lots of water will keep the skin hydrated and bring the glow back. If you can drink eight glasses of water in a day, it will also keep the hormones in check.
One of the crucial parts of postpartum skin care is to cleanse, tone and moisturise (CTS). Wash your face a few times a day to get rid of the excess oil. Following a CTS routine twice a day can yield great results.
Exfoliating the skin thrice a week can help to improve the skin texture and remove marks too. Hence, this too is an important step for improving skin conditions after pregnancy.
Irregular hours of sleep can take a toll on the skin. Getting eight hours of proper sleep is important for coping with skin changes after having a baby. Make sure you catch up on sleep whenever you get time.
The iron content of leafy vegetables is very good for the skin and can help reduce post pregnancy skin problems. It aids in bringing back the glow and softness of the skin.
To make the stretch marks fade away, applying oils rich in Vitamin E and cocoa butter can turn out to be very useful. Please remember that stretch marks will not disappear completely, but they will become lighter.
Vitamin deficiency post-delivery is a common phenomenon. Taking multi-vitamin tablets on the doctor’s advice can make a lot of difference to the skin and body.
Eating a healthy and timely diet can also help in bringing a new mother’s skin back to normal after pregnancy.
Consult your doctor and include basic exercises in your daily regime like brisk walking or yoga. This helps the skin to breathe and brings the glow back.
Skin Treatment
Skin treatment post-delivery may only be required if the problems continue to persist. Any treatment must only be started after consulting the doctor. Issues like dry skin accompanied by other symptoms may be an indicator of an underactive thyroid. If the changes in your skin are disturbing you and don’t improve even after following the above tips, then consulting a physician is advisable.
Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Skin
Skin darkening or acne breakouts post-delivery is not an uncommon phenomenon. You can get your baby-glow back by following a few simple steps.
Acne:
Use a cleanser and cleanse your face twice a day
Use an oil-free moisturiser for morning as well as for night skin regime.
Scrub your face with a mild scrub once in a week. Ensure that the scrub you use has small granules.Try to pick skin products that comprise natural ingredients like aloe vera and eucalyptus.
Pigmentation:
To keep the pigmentation on your skin under control, use sunscreen regularly and avoid direct exposure to the sun.
Whether you stay indoors or outdoors, use of sunscreen is necessary. If you stay indoors use a sunscreen with SPF 15. If you step out for a short time then a sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 will help. But if you are stepping out for longer periods of time, then a sunscreen with SPF 50 must be used.
Always use a moisturiser that is meant for pigmented skin.
Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes:
Lots of water and healthy diet is the key to getting rid of dark circles and puffy eyes.
Take short naps along with the baby. That is the only way your body will get the required rest.
Use a good under-eye cream before going to sleep, to combat puffy eyes and dark circles.
Stretch Marks:
Stretch marks after pregnancy appear in a majority of pregnant women. Hence, as soon as you are pregnant, start using oils rich in Vitamin E or anti-stretch mark creams in the stretch marks prone areas. Use it regularly during and post pregnancy to keep the skin around the belly and breast free of stretch marks.
Post birth, consult your doctor and use a good stretch marks cream on the affected areas.
Post-delivery, healthy diet and exercise is the key to reducing the visibility of stretch marks. Consult your doctor and start with mild exercises such as brisk walk or basic yoga.
Skin Care Home Remedies
Accepting skin changes after childbirth can be difficult. However, usage of chemicals may have an adverse effect on your health. Here is a list of home remedies or skin care rescue tips for new moms. These are chemical-free, safe and cheap too.
Applying aloe vera gel every day on the pigmented skin can gradually lighten dark spots. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water. This will do wonders to your skin.
Cucumber and tomato juice, when mixed with milk and applied on dark patches or pigments, can bear great results. It also soothes your skin and makes it soft.
Make a fine paste of almonds and honey and apply it on the skin. Keep it for 15 minutes and then wash it off.
Eating a Vitamin E-rich diet has proven to be very effective. Also, applying Vitamin E oil is highly beneficial for the skin.
Take papaya, honey, and aloe vera pulp in a bowl, and mix it well to make a face pack. Apply it on the pigmented skin and wash it off after 30 minutes. Papaya helps to break down the dead cells and treats pigmentation.
Papaya mixed with yogurt also makes a great face pack. Mash some papaya, honey, yogurt, and lemon juice in a bowl and use it as a face pack. Wash it off after 30 minutes with warm water.
Rubbing a slice of potato or applying its juice on the skin also helps in the reduction of pigmentation.
If you apply a paste of mint leaves on the dark spots twice or thrice a week, you should be able to see positive changes in your skin.
Sandalwood has been used for centuries and by generations for skin care to reduce pigmentation and dark spots. Mix sandalwood powder, turmeric powder and milk together to make a fine paste. Then apply it on the affected area, leave it for 15 minutes and wash it off.
Avocado juice can also help in the lightening of pigmentation if applied once a week.
Crush orange peel into a powder and mix it with raw milk to make a face pack. Apply this on the skin and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off with normal water when done.
If you are not allergic to lemon juice, then you can apply it directly on the pigmented skin for visible results.
Papaya pulp when applied directly on the skin bears great results.
Make sure you drink plenty of water and exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead cells.
Also make sure you eat healthy so that the skin is replenished with the nutrients it needs to recover.
The skin care remedies mentioned above may not give you instant results, but have proven to be effective over a period of time. These remedies, coupled with good diet and plenty of rest, will help you to overcome post-pregnancy skin ailments without any hassle. Enjoy your new role as a mother, but remember to love yourself too. Read more
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Chewing Gum During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
Chewing gum is so common that many people wouldn't think twice before buying a packet. It can be used as a mouth freshener, or simply to be more alert. Many pregnant women have found that chewing on flavoured gum also helps in reducing morning nausea, which is common. However, chewing gum is not a natural food item after all. It has various artificial flavours and substances, which is why it is important to know how safe or unsafe it might be for your baby.
Can You Chew Gum During Pregnancy?
On a general note, chewing gum once in a while is generally safe, as long as your pregnancy is free from complications or there is no chance of a risky delivery. If you are on a specific diet that keeps your calorie intake under control or sugar-levels at a minimum, the amount of gum might have to be reduced further.
What Is Chewing Gum Made of?
Chewing gum is manufactured artificially, which makes it evident that it will contain various chemicals and synthetic ingredients. The variety of flavours are created artificially, the colours are artificial as well, and the major constituents of the taste come from chemical sweetening agents or even corn syrup. These might seem completely unfit for a baby, but an occasional gum doesn’t seem to cause much harm.
Benefits of Chewing Gum While Pregnant
If you are pregnant, you can expect the following benefits from chewing gum.
If you are on a diet to control your weight, chewing gum is a great way to keep those food cravings in control. The simple act of chewing on something can trick your body into feeling that food intake is taking place and reduce any cravings for some time.
Nausea in the morning or in the evening is pretty much a constant when pregnant. There are a number of techniques, right from breathing deep to smelling a bar of soap to reduce nausea. Gum, however, contains stevia, which is directly linked to reducing the feeling of sickness. Combined with the act of chewing, your body can find some relief and get back to normalcy, further helped by the taste and smell of the gum.
Pregnant mothers keep undergoing repeated instances of heartburn after a meal. By chewing on gum, the saliva production in the mouth increases, which finds its way into the stomach and helps in countering any residual stomach acid.
Harmful Effects of Chewing Gum During Pregnancy
While there are benefits, chewing gum during pregnancy also comes with its own caveats.
The artificially sweetened gums and flavours can be directly responsible for causing dental issues and can be quite an irritation during pregnancy.
Sorbitol is a widely-used sweetener in chewing gum, which is also responsible for inflation of the gut. At times, this could affect the foetus and cause a restriction in its normal growth.
Certain gums also contain sucralose, which is linked with causing harmful effects related to diabetes.
The constant act of chewing can weaken the cartilage muscles of the mouth that are present to cushion the jaw from any impact. If they get damaged, there will be a constant pain in the mouth.
In certain mothers having phenylketonuria, the aspartame chemical present in chewing gum can directly affect the foetus and bring more harm.
For mothers who use nicotine gum as an alternative to stop smoking for the baby’s benefit, it is necessary to know that nicotine gum is not a healthy choice either. Nicotine is the core addictive and if it reaches the baby’s blood, it can be responsible for cardiological problems later in life.
What Chewing Gums Are Safe for Pregnant Women?
Here are some chewing gums that are deemed safe during pregnancy.
1. Gums with xylitol as a constituent
Many popular brands contain an alcohol-molecule of a sugar termed as xylitol. If this is the core component, then the gum is safe for pregnant women in decent amounts.
2. Gums with aspartame as a sweetener
Aspartame is a sweetener used in many chewing gums, although it doesn’t provide any nutrition since it is artificial. Only in cases where the mother has PKU are such chewing gums highly advised against. This is primarily due to the body’s inability in breaking down phenylalanine, present in the aspartame, which causes it to be stored in the body and start affecting the baby adversely.
3. Gums that have sucralose as a sweetener
Just like aspartame, sucralose is another artificial sweetening agent that contains no calories and is found in many chewing gum brands. It is beneficial since it doesn’t affect the sugar levels in the blood and maintains health as it is.
4. Gums containing nicotine as a constituent
Though these are never recommended as recreational chewing gums, they are used by mothers to counter their need for smoking. Although it might help increase the weight of the baby, the presence of nicotine should always be kept to a minimal.
Chewing Gums Which Are Unsafe During Pregnancy
The following chewing gums should not be chewed if you are pregnant.
1. Gums with saccharine as a constituent
There have been many controversies around this ingredient since many food organisations deem it safe, but actual results have produced exceptions. Even though found in many food items and drinks, once inside the body, saccharine can very easily reach the foetus via the placenta, and could possibly harm the growth of the child.
2. Gums with sorbitol present in them
Sorbitol does have sweetening properties, but those are accompanied by its nature as a laxative. Consuming such chewing gums could even cause diarrhoea and other intestinal issues. At times, it is known to absorb nutrients and prevent them from reaching the foetus, too.
When Should You Completely Avoid Chewing Gum?
If you can identify with the following, you should not be chewing gum at all.
If you have elevated sugar levels due to the onset of pregnancy-induced diabetes, you should avoid chewing gum.
If doctors have deemed your body to be resistant to insulin, sweetened chewing gum should be totally restricted at all costs.
Common diabetes such as diabetes mellitus requires sugar levels to stay absolutely within the safe range throughout pregnancy. Chewing gum could fluctuate these levels and create complications.
Precautions Pregnant Women Should Keep in Mind While Chewing Gum
The following precautionary measures are recommended for pregnant women before and after chewing gum.
Floss after chewing the gum.
Stop chewing any gum one month prior to the due date.
Check the constituents of the chewing gum carefully.
Make sure you don’t swallow the gum at any cost.
Opt for unsweetened gum if possible.
Avoid gums that have menthol or mint flavours in them.
Chew gums in moderation.
Stay away from nicotine gums in case of liver or kidney issues.
Maintain dental health by brushing your teeth regularly.
Talk to your doctor before opting for any kind of chewing gum.
On a basic level, it is best to stay away from chewing gum when you are pregnant. For mothers that find the benefit in the reduction of morning sickness, the same can be obtained by making use of other techniques and natural fragrances that are much safer and resolve the issue without complications.
Also Read:
Pica during Pregnancy
Smoking during Pregnancy Read more
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5 Excellent Solutions To Get Your Children Back - From The Screen!
There was a time when you thought it was cute how your baby cooed at the video on your mobile phone. Even when he learnt to use your tablet as a toddler, it was quite charming. But lately, the screen has taken over his life in such a manner that you never seem to see him without one!
As a responsible mom, you understand that over-exposure to screens can make your child vulnerable to harmful radiation, aside from triggering behavioural and physical problems. But is it really possible to pull our kids away without becoming ‘Hitler Mamma’? Check out these 8 ideas to regulate and minimise your child’s screen-time, and trust us, they are certainly doable!
1. Help them select and develop a hobby
There is so much out there that your children can learn from and it is much more fun than pressing buttons on a wireless device. If the regular reading and painting fail to enthuse your kids, try out some of these downright exotic hobbies – pottery, gardening, stamp collection, writing a journal, etc. Encourage your kids to spend at least an hour every day on their hobby. If you want your kids should indulge in educational hobbies, you can get them educational kits like Intellikit. Your kids will learn a lot all by means of fun. The activities in Intellikit focus on the overall development of a child. Encourage your kids to spend at least an hour every day on their hobby. We bet this is going to bring a spring to their step!
2. Create some screen-free zones at home
For starters, try the dining room, the bedroom, the family sofa in the hall and the courtyard outdoors. Make the rule very clear – these areas are sacrosanct, reserved only for family interaction, and using a screen here is punishable. Eventually, family bonding will take precedence over tap-tapping on a device.
3. Go meet nature, and get some home as well
If you think communing with nature is reserved for the adults, think again! Science has proven that kids are far more attuned to the natural world than the adult mind has time and energy to register. There is a reason landscapes feature in every child’s first few drawings! Go on nature walks with your children, sit by the riverside, listen to birds, and yes, make your home greener. Psst, nature also has the healing power to undo the damage our screen-time causes us daily!
4. Set aside clear timings for screen usage
We mean setting both a timetable as well the duration of every slot. For pre-schoolers, screen-time beyond a maximum of 30-60 minutes per day is a strict no-no. For school-going children, restrict the time to a maximum of two hours per day, and this includes their laptop/tablet usage, TV time and mobile phone exposure all put together. Once the kids know they have to adhere to these rules, they will prioritize things on their own!
5. Focus more on family conversation and games
Remember those good old Board Games you played with your parents and siblings when younger? It’s time to renew that culture at home and redeem the family time that screens have snatched from you. Every day, reserve some time when the family will sit together and talk, discuss the events of the day, or play games. More chitchat means less screen time!
All said and done, there is still going to be some screen time…
How You Can Nullify The Harmful Effects of Screens
Wait, does all this mean screen time is inherently evil? Don’t our children imperatively need to spend at least some time with their laptops, tablets and yes, as they grow up, mobile phones? In today’s age, exposure to wireless devices can only be limited, not eliminated. This means we need to do something about keeping our kids protected during this exposure.
One of the simplest ways to do this is to use a Radiation Protector Chip. This is a tiny chip that can be attached to the device to nullify the harmful effects of its radiation. We recommend Envirochip for its strong foundation in research, especially when it comes to the most vulnerable - children, new moms and pregnant woman. Also its sheer range is wonderful – it can cover everything from your phone, laptop and tablet to even the wireless router!
Now that you are armed with some fantastic ideas to get your kids away from the screen, get started with implementing them already! Remember this – Mamma’s participation is paramount and her lifestyle is the role model the kids will emulate. So, limit your screen time as well, and when you cannot help it, make sure your screens cannot harm you. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 8 months
9 hours ago
Q. I took a pregnancy test just before my period start date and I found a faint second line in the test... Am I pregnant??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. it is very faint line better you get beta hCG test ok. 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
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. I'm currently 37 weeks 4 days my baby weight is 2.4kg whether it is normal?
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
9 hours ago
A. Hello mam that is fine , and this varies as it depends o various factors as well too , so avoid stress, take rest and and also healthy diet as well
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. what could be the baby weight when we are in 37 week 4 days? what could be average weight before labour?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. there is lot of individual variation it can be around 3 kgs ok. 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 Disha Patel has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. hlo plzz tell me gripe water de sakte hai baby ko Mera baby 15 months ka hogya hai ???
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
8 hours ago
A. nahi.
its not nessesary to feed it.
ur baby is 15 month okd, give all family food in roughly mashed form, include seasonal fruits n veggies.
t..c
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Am 25 weeks pregnant with Twins, and cervix of 25mm. got cerclage done at 21 weeks. please suggest precautions so that I can smoothly continue ue my pregnancy and avoid premises.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
8 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please have coconut water on daily basis and also have more green leaves vegetables fruits and dairy products in diet and also home made food. Also go on regular check ups. Also be happy and stress free .
Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. what does this mean
"There is a funneling of internal os with effective cervical length (measures ~2.8 cm on TVS) "
in 29 weeks 5 days pregnancy?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. small cervical length ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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