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Consuming Litchi (Lychee) Fruit during Pregnancy
Are you worried about eating litchis during pregnancy and not sure if it's right for you and your baby?
Do you drink litchi juice during pregnancy or take them in raw? There are a few things you should know about eating litchis when expecting and whether or not you should avoid them.
What is a Litchi Fruit?
Litchi (also referred to as 'lychee', 'liechee', 'lichee' and 'liche') is a tropical fruit that is red in texture, fleshy on the inside and carries a sweet fragrance around it. It is native to the Guandong and Fujian provinces of China, making China the original producer of this fruit followed by India and other countries.
Is It Safe To Eat Litchi During Pregnancy?
In general, it is not safe to eat litchi during pregnancy since it is known to raise blood sugar levels in and lead to gestational diabetes. Litchis may also contribute to contracting infections and result in haemorrhage. This is an extreme case, but it is still recommended not to consume litchi during pregnancy.
However, if litchis are something that you can’t live without, we recommend that you consult with your doctor or dietician before choosing to add litchis to your pregnancy diet.
How Many Litchis Can A Pregnant Woman Eat In A Day?
A pregnant woman must avoid consuming litchis during pregnancy as it poses certain health risks. However, when mothers enter the breastfeeding stage, they may consume this fruit in moderation as it holds numerous health benefits despite the risks it poses during the pregnancy stage.
Health Benefits of Eating Litchi Fruits In Pregnancy
The following are the health benefits of eating litchi fruits during pregnancy
1. Improved Blood Circulation
Litchis regulate haemoglobin levels in the blood and are rich in magnesium, iron, manganese, vitamin C, and folate - all of which promote proper blood circulation. They also lower blood pressure levels and reduce chances of a stroke.
2. Maintains Immune System
Litchis boost your immune system and are loaded with Vitamin C content. By boosting immunity, your body wards off infections and prevents diseases from occurring. Litchis also contain flavonoids - compounds that play a role in preventing chronic diseases and cancer.
3. Regular Bowel Movements
Prevents constipation, aids in digestion and eliminates irregular bowel movements. Since litchis are packed with water and fibre content, they lower the risk of piles and colon cancer as well.
4. Regulates Electrolyte Balance
Dehydration is a common problem in many and litchis eliminate electrolyte imbalances in the body.
5. Promotes Healthy Skin
Rich antioxidant content in litchis promote a soft and supple skin tone by nourishing the skin and smoothing its texture. Litchis fight against free radicals and prevent oxidative stress.
6. Promotes Higher Energy Levels
Litchis are loaded with potassium content which is known to reduce fatigue, eliminate muscle cramps and boost energy levels in the body.
7. Lowers Cholesterol
They increase "good" cholesterol levels in the blood and lower "bad" cholesterol levels.
8. Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a big role in the production of serotonin in the body and in enzymic reactions. Vitamin C is responsible for the production of Carnitine and collagen in the body. Besides these, litchis help maintain healthy bones and teeth and aids in the absorption of iron in the blood.
9. Promotes Mitochondrial Health
Phenolic compounds in litchis are known to exhibit antioxidant properties which contribute to regulated mitochondrial health in the body.
10. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Litchis contain anti-inflammatory compounds which help you recover faster from high-intensity workouts, heal wounds and prevent injuries.
Negative Effects of Consuming Too Many Litchis
Litchis should not be eaten during pregnancies and these negative effects alone will convince you. Here are the negative effects of eating too many litchis during a pregnancy.
1. Increase in Internal Heat
Internal heat is bad for you and your baby during a pregnancy and litchis are known to generate a lot of this which leads to different pregnancy complications.
2. Haemorrhage
Eating too many litchis may lead to a haemorrhage during pregnancies and may serve as possible triggers for it.
3. Diabetes
Litchis effectively spike up sugar levels in your blood which may lead to the development of diabetes during a pregnancy.
4. Stillbirths
Stillbirths and pregnancy side effects result from eating too many litchis. Your fetus may contract certain infections which is why they are best avoided.
Although litchis are a powerhouse of vital nutrients and minerals, mothers must eat them in moderation or avoid them if their doctors advise them to. It is best to consume litchis after pregnancy and meet your dietary guidelines since eating too many of them may lead to gestational diabetes, other pregnancy complications, and side effects.
Also Read: Eating Mangoes during Pregnancy Read more
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Essential Oils for Infants and Children
There are many varieties of essential oils that cater to various needs of the human body. Most of them have a reputation of promoting general health in people. Many parents prefer using these oils on babies, especially during winter, when the weather may be harsh on the skin. Many parents also use these oils to calm their baby as some oils are known to offer relaxation and peace to kids. Others use them as quick remedies for certain illnesses and diseases.
However, not all essential oils may be safe to use on your baby. It is best to understand the effect these oils can have on your baby before you resort to using them. Also, you will need to check with your doctor if your baby can be exposed to these oils to prevent any future complications.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are pure extracts of seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants.They are usually aromatic and are visibly clear. Most of these oils are known to be therapeutic for kids, both physically and psychologically.
Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Kids?
If you would like to use essential oils on your child, you can prefer the ones on the list below, which are safe for kids. Many essential oils are safe for babies, here are a few of them.
Tea-Tree Oil
The anti-fungal and the anti-bacterial properties of this oil can help cure cuts, burns or even act as an effective repellent for bugs and mosquitos
Peppermint Oil
This strong oil needs to be diluted well before use. It can ease indigestion and instances of an irritable bowel syndrome in children. It can also be used for muscle pain, colds and rashes caused by allergies.
Rose Otto Oil
This popular oil is known to treat asthma and hay fever effectively. It is anti-inflammatory, which can be used to treat seasonal allergies.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is known for its ability to treat respiratory disorders and congestions. It can be a good remedy for bronchitis, tuberculosis, respiratory tract infections, etc. It also has anti-viral properties and is known to cool high-temperatures during fevers.
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil can relieve stress and exhaustion in kids and promote good sleep. It’s anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties make it effective in treating sunburns and cuts as well.
Citrus Oil
Citrus oils extracted out of fruits like grapefruit, orange, tangerine, etc, are natural mood uplifting agents. These can successfully calm children when they are over stimulated.
Frankincense Oil
This oil can be used to moisture the skin and prevent dry, scaly skin in children. Since it can help in cell regeneration, it can keep the tissues healthy and also facilitate the recovery of wounds and cuts.
John’s Wort Oil
Its anti-bacterial properties make it a good remedy for children in the event of an ear infection. It can also be used to soothe nervousness.
Sandalwood Oil
This antiseptic oil can be ideal to treat cuts, sores and boils. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy digestion. Sandalwood oil can also promote the functioning of the nervous and the circulatory systems in the body.
Chamomile Oil
A few drops of Chamomile essential oil in the baby’s bath can relieve pain and calm the baby, offering good sleep. Its anti-inflammatory properties help treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The oil can cure mild infections on the skin as well as the ear
Thieves Oil
A good immunity booster, thieves oil can aid fast recovery if your baby is sick. You can simply rub the diluted oil on the baby’s feet. It can also be applied to soothe teething gums.
Cedarwood Oil
Given to children in the form of a tonic, cedarwood oil is known as an overall health promoter. It also has astringent and antiseptic properties that can heal cuts, wounds and other bruises effectively. It can also be used for dandruff, acne and dermatitis.
Blue Tansy Oil
Rich in antiviral and antibacterial properties, this oil can effectively shield children from infections and bug bites. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to avoid digestive and respiratory disorders. It is also known to promote skin health and can be used on itchy skin, burned skin and chicken pox spots.
Cypress Oil
Cypress oil is an effective aid for respiratory diseases and can offer relief to children suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) and asthma. It also has antiseptic and astringent properties making it ideal to treat cuts and wounds in kids, as well as prevent severe hair fall.
Copaiba Oil
This oil is known to boost the immunity of the child and can prevent infection, as well as provide relief from severe pain. It can also improve the skin condition by removing marks made by rashes, blisters, and pimples. The oil can also help injuries heal faster as it contains a product called cicatrizant.
Dilution Recommendations
Essential oils are pure extracts and can be extremely strong; hence, they should always be used on children only after dilution. It is not recommended to use any essential oils on babies under 3 months. You can use 0.5 to 1 percent concentration of the oil for children older than 3 months.
Even when essential oils are diluted with a carrier oil, they may cause irritation on the skin, especially in children. Hence, a patch test needs to be performed on children before using any essential oil.
Patch Test
A simple patch test can give you an understanding of how your baby will react to the oil.
Apply a very small amount of diluted essential oil on your baby’s skin on the leg or on the arm.
Wait for about 24 hours and check for any signs of irritation, redness or inflammation of the skin.
If you notice a reaction, stop using that particular oil. If your baby has no reactions, then you can proceed using that oil
Suggested Ways of Application
Oral administration of essential oil, even in its diluted form, is not recommended for children. Even while using it externally, it needs to be diluted properly to prevent any reaction.
You can try the following techniques to use essential oils safely and effectively; however, ensure that you follow the right ratio of dilution.
Blend With a Carrier
Carrier oils that you can blend essential oils with include vegetable oils, sunflower oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, etc. These base oils need to be mixed with essential oil at a 0.5 percent ratio. Before using this oil on your baby’s skin, perform a patch test to rule out any possibility of negative reactions.
Ensure that you check for allergens in the base oil as peanut oil is known to be commonly mixed in some base oils.
2. Spritz
You can get aromatic essential oils for babies and spritz the diluted essential oil around the baby’s room to create a fragrance that can calm your baby. Do not spray it on the baby’s pillow as this may increase the risk of ingestion.
Diffuse
Essential oils can be used as natural room fresheners through diffusing. While candle diffusers work well for adults, you will need to take proper precautions while diffusing essential oils around your baby. You can use a vaporiser too. You will also need to use a small amount initially in the vaporizer for about an hour to see if your baby has any negative reaction.
Benefits
There are several benefits that essential oils can offer to babies when used the right way.
Colic: Essential oils like mandarin (citrus) andRoman chamomile can help relieve colic which leads to uncontrollable crying in babies. Applying it on the stomach and the back can help soothe babies.
Common cold: Cedarwood, lemon and sandalwood, are some of the essential oils for babies with cold which have antiviral properties that can help provide relief from cold. Apply diluted essential oil on the neck and on the chest.
Constipation: When massaged on the stomach and the feet, essential oils like mandarin, ginger, and blue tansy can help in improving digestive health.
Diaper rash: Diaper rashes can irritate babies a lot. Diluted essential oils like lavender and copaiba oil can be applied to the problem area for quick relief.
Dry or flaky skin: Dry skin in babies can cause itching and discomfort. Sandalwood and rosewood essential oil when applied after dilution can help moisturize the skin.
Fever: You can use lavender oil on your baby’s neck, feet, or behind the ear to provide relief from fever. Eucalyptus oil is also known to cool fever in babies.
Hiccups: Constant hiccups can be prevented by using a vaporiser to diffuse mandarin oil.
Flu: Oils like cypress, lemon, etc, that are rich in antiviral properties can be added to your baby’s bath or diffused in your baby’s room to treat flu.
Rashes: Rashes are common in babies due to the sensitive nature of their skin. Use rose otto, sandalwood, Roman chamomile, copaiba or lavender oils to heal rashes in babies.
Jaundice: Lemon or mandarin essential oils can be diluted and applied around the liver area over the child's skin to help treat jaundice.
Teething: Teething causes a lot of pain and discomfort to babies. You can use diluted thieves, lavender or Roman chamomile oil on gums to relieve teething pain.
Respiratory aid: A combination of diluted lavender and frankincense oil can be helpful in relieving a tight chest or heavy breathing.
Safety Tips for Babies & Children
Essential oils need to be used with proper care and precautions to avoid any risks.
Always use a carrier oil to blend the essential oil before use. When blended with a base oil like coconut or almond, it can prevent the risk of severe irritation on your baby’s skin.
Never allow children below 10 years of age ingest essential oils. Ingestion of strong essential oils like peppermint may cause a sudden blockage in the heart and lungs.
You must keep essential oils out of the reach of your child to prevent accidental ingestion.
Ensure that you buy essential oils of good quality from a trusted brand.
Do not expose children to direct sunlight after using essential oils like citrus oils, as it can cause severe irritation, rash or pigmentation on the skin.
Do not use adulterated or synthetic essential oils.
Essential Oils to Avoid
Children, especially infants have very sensitive skins; hence it is recommended to ensure the safety of the essential oil before it is used on babies. Here are a few, of the many essential oils that are not safe to use on kids and should be avoided.
Certain oils that should be avoided for topical application on children below 2 years are:
Ylang Ylang
Verbena
Turpentine
Tea tree
Tree Moss
Tuberose
Tea leaf
Savoury
Sage
Black Seed
Basil
Garlic
Ginger Lily
Some oils that should be avoided on all routes in children include:
Cardamom
Cajuput
Birch
Chaste Tree
Anise
Fennel
Myrtle
Wintergreen
FAQs
Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe for Kids?
When used in a diluted form, in the right ratio, Eucalyptus oil is very safe for kids. If you have any inhibitions, you may use gentler oils on younger babies and save Eucalyptus oil for until they are older.
Is Peppermint Oil Safe for the Child?
While properly diluted peppermint oil is considered safe for use in babies over 2 years of age, it is best to restrict the use of this oil only on the bottom of the feet.
Are Oils Safe to Diffuse for Babies?
Diffusing gentle oils like lavender, lemon or frankincense is safe for babies as it is easier on their respiratory systems.
Can I Use a Diffuser in the Baby’s Room?
Yes, you can use a diffuser in your baby’s room. However, make sure that the baby’s room is well ventilated to avoid concentration of the oil in the room. If you find that oil is potent, then you will need to lower the quantity being used.
Essential oils come with a host of benefits for everyone. However, due to their strong concentration, there are many essential oils that may not be best for your child at a specific age. It is best to ensure that you have a discussion with your baby’s doctor about which are the best kid-friendly essential oils that are ideal for your little one. Also get the directions of usage as not all oils can be used on all routes.
Also Read: Eucalyptus Oil for Your Baby Read more
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What Can Parents Do When Kids Hate Their Teachers?
The start of a new school year always brings a lot of anticipation. The school curriculum brings your child in contact with a lot of elements, teachers being a crucial one. Student-teacher relationship can be best defined as a love-hate relationship. Let’s keep in mind that any child spends the better part of a school year with a teacher for at least 5-6 hours a day. It is therefore highly implausible that the going will always be smooth.
The real calamity, however, strikes when your child tilts more toward the hate side of the relationship. Children are moody and naughty, and it can be difficult for teachers to control them. We don't realise it, but a teacher’s job is hard, and disagreements arise when your child chooses to be boisterous or does something wrong.
Why Your Child Might Dislike His Teacher?
It's imperative to listen to your child if he has negative feelings towards his teachers. After all, this may easily be a very serious issue, and your otherwise happy child may constantly underperform or feel embarrassed and underappreciated. Your child may even refuse to go to school. If a child is scolded by a teacher, he is bound to get hurt, and he may ask you to change classes or even shift schools.
Usually, the following reasons can pretty much sum up why your child detests a teacher.
A teacher’s rude disposition may very well be detrimental to your child’s development.
A nit-picking attitude on the part of the teacher may hurt your child’s feelings at some point.
Partiality is also a problem. If your child observes that a teacher is biased and not giving due consideration to him, he may easily taint your child’s attitude toward a teacher.
Underappreciation or undervaluation of your child’s ability will of course not go down too well with your child.
What Should You Do When Your Child Doesn’t Get Along with His Teacher?
Your role as a parent requires you to get involved if things get too out of hand. Nevertheless, doing so with subtlety is something that you should also consider.
1. Take it Seriously
If your child is complaining about his teacher, do not take it lightly. Acknowledge your child's complain and realise that there is a problem as any negativity may deter your child’s overall development and put a dent in his education.
2. Discuss
Talking things over is something that can go a long way into mending your child’s relationship with his teacher. You may decide to either speak to your child and the teacher individually or even decide to discuss the matter with both of them at one time.
3. Keep Emotions at Bay
It is of utmost importance to not lose your temper while trying to sort such a delicate matter.
4. Double Check Facts
Communicating is crucial as any wrong fact can further sour an already delicate matter. If your child is complaining, listen to him and check with his teacher as well.
5. Teach Him to Adapt
In case you find that the teacher is not responsive, it may do you well to teach your child to adapt and do his best regardless of the challenge this presents.
6. Introduce New Activities
Your child’s strong feelings may arise out of sheer frustration and a lack of opportunity to vent. Enrolling him in sports, art etc. may help to take the edge off.
7. Try Counselling
If your child has strong negative feelings towards a teacher, he may take it out on you or on a fellow student. A round of counselling may not only unearth what is going on but also reveal if your child needs some real help.
8. Offer Support
As a parent, you may sometimes overlook the real problem and blame your child’s behaviour during the entire episode. Kindly refrain from doing so and offer support and listen before ignoring the entire situation.
9. Recreate the Situations
You can collaborate with your child to act and retrace the steps of exactly what happened and why such feelings arose. A bit of role-playing can go a long way into solving a problem.
10. Reach Out to Higher Authorities
The chances are slim that any teacher will brush you aside when such a problem arises. However, if such a problem arises, reach out to the principal or a higher authority is advised.
The key to solving any problem is communication. In such a case, communicating effectively with your kid as well as the teacher should help ease the situation a bit. Acknowledging the problem and discussing alternate ways to solve the same should ideally be acceptable to both your child and the teacher.
Above all, keeping an open and objective mind is advised. Start by getting all the facts about what really transpired, keep your calm and see how best to reach out to the teacher. To promote a healthy image of the teacher and help forge a positive relationship. You may also want to reach out to other parents who may be facing similar challenges.
Also Read: How to Discipline Children Read more
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My baby sleeps only when locked down! Sometimes Lockdown is the necessity.
It's 3:00 a.m. and my baby girl is still awake. With clock ticking, she is becoming more crankier. Being a mom I know she needs sleep, she is tired but she doesn't realize. It has been 4 months and I am still trying to understand if she is hungry, feels hot/cold or needs to sleep, hence I work with elimination method. She must not be hungry as she has been fed, must not be feeling cold or hot as the room temperature is appropriate and looks like no other trouble. So by now, I was sure enough that she needs sleep very badly. I try to wrap her arms locking her down, else she will keep biting her hands and be more restless. She with full force tries to open her wrapper multiple times as she has so much to do and so much to explore. Her expression tells me that she feels forced. This time I try to sound more firm and hold her more tightly. And then gradually she falls asleep. I can see peace and relaxation on her face. I can feel her breath becomes synchronised and follows a rythm now. It's a pure bliss to see your child sleeping and relaxing. This moment is like a victory for me. This lockdown was good for all; for herself to get rest, her father who needs to WFH tomorrow and her mom who needs to be ready for all daily chores this morning. Relatable? Isn't that comparable with the current situation of lockdown. We feel forced and deprived of our freedom. Well there is a major difference in two situations, my baby is a 4 month old child and you are not!! 😏
Hence, there is no excuse for all of us to be cranky and cribbing at the restrictions. Sometimes Lockdown is the necessity. Stay home stay safe! Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
13 hours ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
13 hours ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
what is the pain killer than can be taken by a breastfeeding mother to deal with pain of stitches after delivery?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. dolo 650 safe analgesic. 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
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 3 months
1 hour ago
Q. My wife taking tablets for UTI it caused fever last week she took paracetamol and Pan D in IV and now for the past 5 days taking Nitrofurantoin tablet IP I have two questio
1) Will this tablets and IV affect my baby in any way and it's growth inside
2) She says still feeling some pain groin and abdomen area comparatively lesser than previous days
3) Any diets to avoid this UTI in future
Read moreAnu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
38 mins ago
A. UTI infection is common in pregnecy. Better to consult gyne
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. ma lmp 28.9.2023 edd date 5.7.2024 ma age 25.7.1999 ma beby boy or girl plsss tell me mam
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
54 mins ago
A. be not possible to tell. 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. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
31 mins ago
Q. Hii...., Is it safe to eat jackfruit in 4th month of pregnancy, daily 2 ...
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
29 mins ago
A. dear mam, you can eat jackfruit during the 4th month of pregnancy. there is no problem in having it. you can eat all types of seasonal vegetables and fruits even green leafy vegetables.
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