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Should Pregnant Women Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries are very healthy and are rich in nutrients. They are considered to be a superfood rich in vitamin c, potassium, and folate (a naturally occurring form of folic acid). During preconception and early pregnancy, women are advised to take folate as it plays an important role in the baby’s neural tube development. It also helps in preventing and treating urinary tract infection during pregnancy.
Is it Safe to eat Blueberries during Pregnancy?
It is absolutely safe to eat Blueberries during pregnancy. However, consuming the fruit in excess quantity is not advisable.
Why are Blueberries Good for Pregnancy?
Blueberries are not just tasty but are rich in nutrients that are required during pregnancy. Mentioned below are a few benefits of consuming blueberries.
Blueberries are rich in Potassium which helps in preventing and controlling Hypertension during pregnancy.
They also contain Vitamin C which helps in strengthening immunity and therefore prevents infection during pregnancy.
Being a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre, blueberries help in digestion and prevent haemorrhoids and constipation during pregnancy.
They help pregnant women to keep weight gain in check.
The fruit is abundant in anti-oxidants which help in reducing stress during pregnancy.
Eating Blueberries during pregnancy helps prevent pre-eclampsia.
Health Benefits of Eating Blueberries for the Baby
Blueberries contain folate which is important to prevent birth defects such as Spina Bifida.
They are rich in calcium and polyphenol that helps in the development of bones in the foetus.
They prevent premature delivery caused due to health problems during pregnancy like hypertension.
The vitamin C present in the fruit helps the body to absorb Iron which reduces the risk of low birth weight in newborns.
Delicious Recipes using Blueberries
1. Blueberry Pancake
Ingredients
Half a cup of organic rolled oats
A pinch of salt
2 tsp. honey
½ tsp. baking powder
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. lemon zest (optional)
2 tbsp. milk
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or melted butter
For The Topping
½ a cup of Blueberries (if they are not in season, you can use organic frozen Blueberries)
1 tsp. maple syrup (optional)
Preparation
Pre-heat a pan.
Add Oats, salt, honey and baking powder and blend. Then add egg, vanilla, lemon zest, milk, melted butter or extra virgin olive oil to the mixture and again blend for 30 seconds.
Allow the batter to sit for 10 minutes.
Pour the batter to the griddle and cook until golden brown.
For the topping, microwave the Blueberries for a minute and add the maple syrup to the Blueberries and stir.
Lastly, pour the maple syrup with the Blueberries on top of the pancake.
2. Blueberry Almond Smoothies
Ingredients
¾ th cup unsweetened Soy Milk
¾ th cup Blueberries (Frozen if they are out of season)
4-5 nos. Almond (soaked and peeled)
1 tsp. honey
How To Prepare
Blend all the ingredients and a calcium-rich snack is ready.
Side Effects of Eating Blueberries during Pregnancy
Consuming too many Blueberries can lead to a drop in blood sugar which can prove to be fatal to the mother as well as the foetus.
They can trigger allergy or rash.
Since Blueberries are rich in Vitamin K, too many can cause bleeding.
Consuming too much of the fruit can cause bloating, stomach ache and diarrhoea.
Things to Remember
Blueberries have always been used in pregnancy. For centuries aboriginal people have been brewing Blueberry root to make tea to relax pregnant women. Nothing has changed. Now instead of the tea, women drink Blueberry juice in pregnancy for the numerous benefits it offers. However, a few things must be kept in mind while consuming the fruit.
Buy and eat organic Blueberries because they are pesticide free.
Always wash them before consuming.
Do not eat too many Blueberries as they could have side-effects.
Before you include the fruit in your diet, do consult the doctor.
Although blueberries are a rich source of nutrients required by pregnant women, they can have their share of side effects too. Therefore, consulting the doctor and eating the recommended amount is advisable.
Also Read:
Eating Banana during Pregnancy
Consuming Pineapple while Pregnant
Eating Avocado in Pregnancy Read more
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Snehal Dahate
Mom of a 3 yr 5 m old girl
3 mins ago
#fashionista
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How to Clean a Washing Machine Inside and Out at Home
Most of us don't remember to clean our washing machines, do you? You might think how can a machine that cleans something get dirty? However, soap scum, bacteria, and other germs grow over time inside the machine if it is not washed properly. These could damage the machine and also cut down the life span of your machine. Moreover, it could also pose a safety hazard as the machine is used to clean our daily use items like clothing, bags, and even shoes.
Cleaning your washing machine may seem like a tiresome, but it should not be ignored. While some tips could be used from time to time to clean the washing machine, there are elaborate processes that should be used at regular intervals to clean every part of your washing machine thoroughly. This article gives you an understanding of the importance of cleaning the washing machine and the tips to carry out the process.
Why Is It Important to Clean a Washing Machine?
This would be the first question that would come to your mind if someone told you to clean your washing machine. The answer is simple. Many undesirable things like moss, lime scale, and germs can build up inside your machine with regular use. Front loading machines and High Efficiency (HE) washers are most prone to mould and mildew growth around the door seal due to moisture. Not only does it create an unpleasant odour, but it also proves to be a health hazard.
Many parents use cloth diapers for their babies. While most of the icky stuff on cloth diapers can be washed off, the residue finds its way into the machine. In addition to this, the accumulation of dirt particles from other clothing, like dusting cloths and wipes also cause the inside of the washing machine to become filthy. This is the reason why your washing machine needs care, too.
Even if you do not wash cloth diapers or dusting cloths in your machine, it still stands the risk of mould and bacterial growth because its interior is dark, moist, and closed.
How to Clean a Washing Machine Naturally at Home
When was the last time you cleaned your washing machine? Ideally, if the machine is being used on a regular basis, it needs to be cleaned once in a week or bi-weekly. Cleaning your washing machine might sound like a tedious task, but fret not. Here are a few useful tips to show that extra care your machine needs:
1. A Top Loading Washing Machine
Follow these simple directions to clean the top load of your washing machine.
What You Require
White Vinegar or bleach
Baking soda
Toothbrush
Microfibre cloth
Directions
Set the washer on the hottest water setting and the longest wash setting, and fill the water to the highest level the machine allows.
As the washer tub fills, pour a quart of vinegar or bleach into it as these act as disinfectants.
Now, close the lid of the machine and allow it to process it for a minute. After a minute, open the lid and let it stay for an hour.
While the water and vinegar are set to soak in the washer tub, remove any parts that you can and rinse them and clean the nook and corners under the lid. Use a toothbrush to access difficult areas like under the lid and the periphery of the tub and also the upper portion of the agitator. Don’t forget to clean the front and the side body of the machine.
After an hour, close the washing machine lid and let the cycle finish. Simultaneously, you could use this time to clean the dials and the top of the machine with the vinegar solution.
Once this cycle finishes, run another cycle with baking soda instead of vinegar or bleach. This will neutralise the vinegar or bleach and also help remove any residues from the previous cycle.
Once the second cycle is finished and the washer is drained, clean the washing machine with a vinegar solution and wipe down the sides and the bottom of the tub. Let the lid remain open after the cleaning process to dry out thoroughly and to prevent the development of mildew.
2. A Front Load Washing Machine
Following these easy steps will help you keep your front load washing machine super-clean.
What You Require
Vinegar
Bleach
Bucket
Sponger or cleaning rag
A clean cloth
Directions
Firstly, make sure the washing machine drum is empty. Then select the clean cycle or tub cleaner setting. If not available, set the washer on the hottest water setting and the longest wash setting, and fill the water to the level the machine is capable of holding. Following this, add two cups of vinegar into the detergent tray. The vinegar will help in eliminating any odour causing substances and residues. Let the entire wash and rinse cycle complete.
Once the first cycle is done and the washer is drained, repeat the cycle but add two cups of bleach to the detergent tray instead of vinegar. Cleaning with bleach helps remove stains and germs that have been accumulated in the tub, and cleans any leftover residues from the previous wash cycle.
Next, if all the stains have disappeared, run an additional cycle without adding anything to remove any residues completely.
Get a bucket full of warm water and liquid soap. Remove the parts of the detergent tray and soak it in the warm water for a few minutes. Once they are soaked, pick each piece and wipe them with a sponge. Let them dry thoroughly before you place them back again on the tray.
Next, pull back the rubber seal around the door to inspect for any icky stuff or residues. To clean it, pour a gallon of warm water containing one cup of chlorine bleach. Soak the cloth in the solution and wipe down the seal. Following this, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off the seal of any residues and remaining moisture.
Lastly, use a damp cloth to clean the outsides of the machine just as nicely as the inside.
It is also important to clean the washing machine filter at regular intervals as clogged filters can damage the machine. Follow the instructions mentioned in the manufacturer’s manual to complete the process.
Another tip is to leave the door or the lid of the washing machine open between uses. Also, wipe down the seal at least once a month to avoid residue and the formation of odour-causing substances.
Best Practices for Maintaining Clean-smelling Washing Machine
You could also use the following everyday hacks to keep your clothes and the machine smelling clean always:
Take out the clothes from the washing machine after the wash cycle as soon as you can.
Leave the door or the lid of the washing machine open for some time to let the washer dry thoroughly and to prevent moist areas within the machine.
Wipe down the rubber seal with a cloth.
Pull the detergent tray out, scrub it clean, and leave it to dry after use.
Make sure you clean out the lint filter after each use. Remove all the lint and wash out the filter.
Run an empty hot wash cycle with 3 to 4 cups of white vinegar at least once a week. The hot water and vinegar will remove bacteria and mould.
FAQs
Below are the answers to a couple of frequently asked questions about cleaning the inside of a washing machine:
1. How Much Vinegar Should I Put in My Washing Machine to Clean It?
Around 900 ml to 1 litre of vinegar should be used to clean the washing machine.
2. Can I Clean the Washer with Baking Soda and Vinegar Using Cold Water Instead of Hot?
Yes, you can use, but it will not be as effective as hot water since hot water not only cleans but also sanitises.
These simple steps would help run the machine for longer and prevent the accumulation of lint and dirt. This will deter the development of bacteria and odour causing substances within the machine. Based on your usage, you should clean your washing machine once or twice a week. Top load washing machines run a higher risk of mould or mildew formations due to the remaining moisture inside the washer drum after every use. Front load washing machines also run the risk of damage due to clogged filters, residues, or stains and lack of attention to the rubber seal around the door of the machine while cleaning.
Hence, it is important to thoroughly clean every part of the washing machine such as a detergent tray, washer tub, the dials on the surface, agitator, washing machine filter, rubber seal, and the outside of the machine body as well! So, this weekend, clean your washing machine.
Also Read:
Things You Can Clean in Washing Machine
How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine
Ways to Clean Kitchen Appliances Read more
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PlayDoh Shape & Learn is Perfect to Activate Fine Motor Skills of My Kid
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnrPxdsTKsc?rel=0]
The new Play-Doh Shape & Learn series has so many amazing variants and it was hard to decide just one to begin with. The texture and shape set caught my fancy as it had unique tools suitable for my 3 year old.
We used the ideas from the together time guide to use the different play mats to create unique learning experiences which made my work simple!
My daughter loves tracing and the stylus and roller tools are perfect to activate fine motor skills while the tiny scissors is great for improving her hand eye coordination. We discussed about textures like smooth, rough, and bumpy and shapes we could make.
Am highly impressed by the quality of the tools. Also love that the play doh doesn’t stain or sticks on clothes!
As a working mom I found this box perfect for hours of open ended play and learning opportunities.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the Blogger. The Blogger is a Mom of a 3 Yr old & is an active user of FirstCry Parenting. Read more
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A Tough Pregnancy Journey but a Beautiful and Precious Gift
It had been two long years since we started trying for a baby, with no luck so far. The problems were unknown and the doctors could not track what the reasons were not conceiving as yet. Every month brought with it curiosity, then negative results, and finally stress. The whole conception process in two years had become a stressful play for us. As it was almost three years since we got married, the elders in the family, as usual, were quite tensed about us not having had a baby. With time, we started losing patience and started taking fertility medications recommended by doctors.
By God's grace, some wonder happened, and the medications hit the right track. Finally i got to see the magical two pink lines on the pregnancy strip. We were overwhelmed, overjoyed and what not. There was a sigh of relief within my heart. However, somewhere deep in my heart, there was a fear. This fear was because of an early miscarriage that happened to me after a year of marriage. The joy of becoming a mother was covered by a fear of the past reoccurring. I went to the gynaecologist, and the fear began to increase when she told me that i was having a high risk pregnancy and would need to be on bed rest for at least three months. I had to quit my job and be on bed rest, with limited walking, no work, no stairs and everything restricted. Gradually, the time passed with lots of nausea, sickness, cravings, mood swings ,and what not. In all this my husband supported me throughout. I went to my mom's place for a few months. When she had to visit my brother abroad for some months, I went back to my place with my husband and in-laws.
My happy phase of pregnancy began, with limited sickness, a lot of cravings, and a happy mood throughout. This was the mid pregnancy phase. I started feeling good, ate a lot, started going for outings with my husband, loved my baby bump, and had that pregnancy glow. The happy phase was going on and suddenly in the start of my 6th month, I suffered a complication. I was rushed to the hospital and admitted by the gynaecologist for two-three days. There was some bleeding and the doctors were suspecting a miscarriage if the medications do not suit me well. Luckily the bleeding stopped and i was sent to my home with instructions of bed rest. Just one day had passed and the bleeding recurred. I was again admitted for two weeks. The doctors were afraid that another recurrence would make me lose my baby, as a six month baby delivery has least chances of survival. I called my mum back and shifted to her place, as there were staircases at my husband's home and I was not allowed to even walk. By God's grace, the bleeding episode stopped and the due date was approaching fast. I completed my 8th month, and one fine morning, when i woke up, my water broke. It was one month prior to the date given to me by the gynaecologist. I was in a terrible state of mind as I didn't expect such kind of delivery. It took us 20 minutes to reach the hospital and I could count each and every breath. I was deeply scared with what had happened. Throughout the way, I kept my hands on my belly just praying for my baby inside. I was traumatised, but kept telling my baby 'You will be fine. I won't let anything happen to you.'
As soon as i reached the hospital, the procedure started. Needles were poked into my hands, there was a drip attached to the cannula, one nurse checking my BP which was shooting up, and other nurses preparing for the operation. The relieving thing was listening to my baby's heartbeat. The heartbeat was all well and this gave me a sigh of relief.
The process was very scary and cannot be defined in words,. God gave me an angel in the face of a baby boy. It is the best feeling in the world to become a MOM. All the pain and fear were gone when i saw him. Seeing your child is an unexplainable joy. Throughout my journey, my parents and my husband cared for me indefinitely. The tough pregnancy journey was a test for me, but God has given me the most precious gift of my life at the end.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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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
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#BlendItUp Blender Banana Oatmeal Muffins
These hearty muffins are made with smooth-blended banana and oats instead of butter and flour.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
12 People
25 Minutes
15 Minutes
Ingredients
2 cups oats (quick cooking or old fashioned)
2 large very ripe bananas
2 large eggs
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2-3 tbsps (tablespoons) honey
1 1/2 tsps (teaspoons) baking powder(I prefer aluminum free)
1/2 tspn baking soda
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp kosher salt
Up to 1/2 cup mix-ins: chocolate chips (mini or regular), chopped dark chocolate, nuts, dried cranberries, or blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 4000. Lightly grease a 12-cup standard muffin tin or line with paper liners. If using liners, lightly grease them as well and set aside.
Step 2
Place all ingredients except the mix-ins in a blender. Blend or process on high.
Step 3
Stir the ingredients once or twice as needed, until the batter is smooth and the oats have broken down almost completely, about 3 minutes.
Step 4
Stir in the mix-ins. Add the chocolate chips after the blend cools down, chocolate chips may melt and swirl as they are stirred.
Step 5
Divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups, filling each no more than 3/4 of the way to the top.
Step 6
Sprinkle with additional chocolate chips or nuts as desired. Bake for 15 minutes, until the tops of the muffins set. You can test the donness by inserting a toothpick in the center, if done, it comes out clean.
Step 7
Place the pan on a wire rack and let the muffins cool for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
1 Muffin (with dark chocolate chips)
calories
140
protein
5.2 g
fat
3.5 g (1.5 g saturated)
carbohydrates
23.8 g(2.1 g fiber, 10.1 g sugar)
sodium
95 mg
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Sarika gupta has added a new answer
1 hour ago
Q. why can't I add child details in my profile
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please add in your profile aftwr login and still is you find any difficulty then you should contact first cry customers service department.
Take care
Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. right now I am 39 week pregnant but never feel any type of pain is it ok my due date is 5/5/24
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
56 mins ago
A. Hello mam, It's normal mam. don't worry a lot.Since your due date is near, eat healthy and sip your drinks. Keep yourself hydrated. Happy parenting and welcome new mom!!!
Indhumathy Ravikumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert my newborn baby girl breast is hard n feel like lump
Indhumathy Ravikumar
Mom of 2 children
55 mins ago
A. please give gentle massage on breast before bathing.. and then squeeze the curdled milk in it.. after that keep pumping the breast from time to time.. it will cure with in two weeks..
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. after c section when we start physical relation?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. after 8 weeks or after proper healing of the wounds. 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
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
good morning Ma'am..
My son is 4 months old. He gets stomach pain/ gas everyday at any time.. He cries for long when he gets pain.. I am giving him Colic aid everyday from last one month.. Only after giving colic aid he stops crying... what should I do to avoid his pain and medicine??
Read moreRayan
Mom of 2 children
52 mins ago
A. Hello mam! If it is due to colic pain /gas, it is common in newborns. Make sure that you burp your baby after every feed. Don't feed just before your baby is to sleep. Make a routine like feed, play and sleep. Burp inbetween feedings. Colic pain will stop automatically at 5 or 6 months. So don't worry. Happy parenting!
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
16 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
baby having nose block.. sleeping problem
what should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
14 mins ago
A. nasal blockage can be relieved by using nasal saline drops like nasoclear saline drops in thecg nose followed by nasal aspirator to take out the secretions very ghently
steam inhalation can also be helpful in this condition
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