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Breast Milk Storage after Pumping
Given the complications and busyness of modern life, expressing breastmilk for storage has become increasingly common. Particularly after maternity leave as women re-enter the workforce, it is common for them to pump and store their breastmilk. How you store breastmilk, however, depends on how you want to use it and when.
What Types Of Containers Should You Use To Store Breastmilk?
There are two common ways to store breastmilk: bottle and bag. More specifically, most women will choose to store breastmilk either in a plastic or glass bottle, or in a sterile, sealable bag. These will then get placed into the refrigerator or the freezer, where they will remain until used for feeding.
How Much Breastmilk Should You Store In Each Container?
It is recommended that most women only store the amount of breastmilk that they are going to use in a given feeding session. For instance, if your baby consumes roughly five ounces of breastmilk during a given feeding session, you should store that amount in each container. In general, most women will need to store milk in small quantities between one and five ounces. This is particularly important if you are freezing breastmilk, as it does not make sense to unthaw breastmilk and store it again.
How Long Can Breastmilk Be Stored?
It is important that breastmilk does not go bad and lose the many health benefits it provides. Because of this, there are many guidelines for the storage of breastmilk, particularly with respect to breastmilk storage time. There is also a difference between expressed breastmilk storage and pumped breastmilk storage.
How To Store Breastmilk? - Storage Guidelines
The following guidelines apply for how to store breastmilk at home in both refrigerated and frozen environments:
You can store your breastmilk at room temperature (up to 25 degrees Celsius) for a maximum of four hours.
At temperatures below four degrees Celsius), you can store breastmilk in the fridge for up to 24 hours. In colder climates or regions, breastmilk can sometimes remain in the refrigerator for three to five days, but in hot climates, the opening and closing of refrigerator doors makes longer storage more difficult.
In smaller refrigerators with only a freezer compartment, it is recommended to keep breastmilk for only two weeks.
In an insulated cooler or box filled with ice-packs (such as the one you might transport to and from work), you should only keep breastmilk stored for a maximum of 24 hours.
In a freezer (temperatures of around -18 degrees Celsius), breastmilk can generally be stored for three to six months, taking into account the opening and closing of the freezer and the climate you are located in.
Table 1: Breast Milk Storage Chart
Freshly expressed milk
Warm room
80-90°F/27-32°C
Up to 4 hours
Room temperature
61-79°F/16-26°C
Up to 8 hours
(less is better)
Insulated cooler with ice packs
59°F/15°C
Up to 24 hours
Refrigerated milk (Store away from door)
Refrigerator (fresh milk)
32-39°F/0-4°C
Up to 8 days
(under 3 days is best)
Refrigerator (thawed milk)
32-39°F / 0-4°C
Up to 24 hours
Frozen milk (Store at back, away from door)
Freezer compartment of small refrigerator
Varies
Up to 2 weeks
Self-contained freezer unit of a refrigerator/freezer
<39°F / <4°C
Up to 6 months
Separate deep freeze
0°F / -18°C
Up to 12 months
(6 months ideal)
How To Freeze Breastmilk?
Breastmilk should be frozen as soon as possible after it has been expressed, and stored at temperatures of around -18 degrees Celsius.
The following rules and recommendations apply for breastmilk that is being frozen:
If you are freezing the milk, leave some space at the top of the bag, since frozen milk will often expand during freezing.
Never store the breastmilk uncovered, and make sure that bags or bottles are sealed tightly.
Frozen, stored milk will often separate, so when it is removed just make sure to give a little shake to get it to mix back together again once it has been taken out of storage.
Store frozen milk at the back of the freezer; this will minimize contact with outside temperatures and allow the milk to be frozen for the longest period possible.
How Can You Thaw Frozen Breastmilk?
To thaw breastmilk, you should keep the breastmilk in the refrigerator and let it sit for around 12 hours. This is usually best done overnight and in advance of the day where you will need to feed your baby, given the time involved in the thawing process.
The following rules and recommendations apply to the thawing of breastmilk:
You should avoid, whenever possible, leaving the breastmilk out at room temperatures to thaw.
Never refreeze breastmilk that has already been thawed.
For faster thawing, it is acceptable to keep the breastmilk under hot water and slowly increase the temperature as means of thawing.
Never attempt to put the breastmilk on the stove or in the microwave as a means to thaw the milk.
How To Warm Breastmilk?
To warm breastmilk, you should place it in a container of hot water where it can absorb heat from some of the surrounding liquid. First, heat up the water, that you are going to use, in a small container. Then, place the container of frozen milk in the container to warm up.
The following rules and recommendations apply for the thawing of breastmilk:
If you just want to heat up the milk for your child’s consumption, try using a bottle warmer.
Never heat up breastmilk by placing it on the stove or in the microwave.
You should not try to store again breastmilk which has been already warmed.
How To Store Thawed Breastmilk?
Thawed breastmilk should be stored in the refrigerator, as it is usually best to keep the milk at cooler temperatures at all times.
Milk that has thawed in the refrigerator should only be kept there for a maximum of 24 hours after thawing has completed. (This will usually mean 36 hours after you first place from the freezer into the refrigerator to thaw.)
You should not attempt to refreeze thawed breastmilk.
Only thaw as much breastmilk as your child will consume during a given day, otherwise, it will likely go bad (and it will not be as fresh).
What About the Taste And Odour Of Thawed Breastmilk?
Breastmilk has generally not gone bad unless it tastes sour or smells particularly bad. Most children will not notice smell or odour, and they would react more to a sour taste than to smell. Some milk will specifically go bad because of lipase, a normal breastmilk enzyme that some mothers will produce in higher quantities than others. When thawed, this can cause the breastmilk to smell rancid or soapy, but this will often go unnoticed by infants (though some will refuse to drink it). Changes in the smell and odour of breastmilk can also be the result of changes in the mother’s diet or health (such as through medications, diet, drinking or smoking).
How Can You Store Breastmilk At Work?
You can store breastmilk at work by refrigerating it in sealed containers and then transporting it to your home in small coolers that are refrigerated with ice packs. You should always make sure to clearly label it, both so that it is easier to store when you get home, and so that it is not confused if in public storage. You should always try to store transported breastmilk as soon as possible after arriving home.
Can You Add Fresh Expressed Breast Milk To Stored Frozen Breast Milk?
You can add recently expressed breastmilk to frozen or refrigerated milk, but only if you expressed it earlier in the same day. Nevertheless, you should cool the expressed breastmilk before adding it to frozen or chilled breastmilk that you had already expressed. You should never add warm breastmilk to frozen milk, as this will cause it to thaw and affect its lifespan.
More Storage Tips
The following are some other general tips for the storage and use of breastmilk:
Breastmilk can vary in colour. Some milk will appear bluish, yellowish, or sometimes even brownish.
It is normal for breastmilk to separate (with the fatty cream often moving towards the top. Give it a small shake to get it to mix back together.
You should smell the milk before feeding it your baby; if it smells particularly bad, you should not give it to them.
Always consider exactly how much breastmilk you will need and store accordingly.
Make sure to label everything so that you do not waste breastmilk or use milk on different days (thus leading to the possibility of spoiling).
Breastmilk storage is an important reality of life for modern mothers, particularly those in the workplace. While it can be a complicated and time-consuming process, mothers should take care to ensure breastmilk is stored correctly and safely. There are many guidelines for how to do this, and they depend on the method of storage, the location of the storage unit and how much breastmilk you are storing. Paying attention to these conditions will allow the breastmilk to be kept for the longest amount of time possible, and allow for no degradation in quality for your child.
Also read: Most Common Breastfeeding Problems & Their Solutions Read more
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Leukocytes in Urine during Pregnancy
Your developing baby is going to demand a lot from your body and to make sure that your baby's growth and development is taking in the right manner, you will have to visit the doctor for regular check-ups. Many tests will be performed during every visit, however, one of the tests that you will need to take at every check-up is a urinary test. This can help detect the level of leukocytes in the urine, making the doctor able to tell you if you have any infections that will need treatment.
What Are Leukocytes in Urine?
Leukocytes are white blood cells that work side by side with the immune system and defend the body from infections and diseases. They appear when there is damage to the kidneys and urinary system and when foreign materials enter the body.
When leukocytes damage or when they are killed while fighting off infections, they are expelled from the body through the urine, signifying a low level of leukocytes in the urine. The average level of leukocytes that should be present in the urine is between 2 to 5 WBCs/hpf. However, if the level of leukocytes rises and goes above 5 WBCs/hpf, it may be a sign of infection or disease and must be investigated.
What Causes Leukocytes in Urine During Pregnancy?
There are many reasons why the number of white blood cells increases in pregnant women, the most common being when there is some sort of infection in the vagina, which if left untreated can develop into something far more serious. Some of the main causes of Leukocytes in urine during pregnancy are discussed below:
1. Urinary Tract Infection
Leukocytes are usually present in the urine if you are suffering from UTI. When a woman is pregnant, there is an increase in the bladder volume, but the tone will be reduced due to the weight of the baby pushing down on it. It is very difficult in this situation to completely empty the bladder, and so the bacteria may never fully leave the system. Instead, it multiplies.
2. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
When there are bacteria in the uterus, it is called asymptomatic bacteriuria. About 30% of pregnant women may have a bacterial infection in the urinary tract but show no symptoms. These can cause leukocytes to manifest in the urine. If left unchecked, this causes pyelonephritis in pregnant women, and it is because of this it is important that doctors perform a routine urine test for them.
3. Genital Infection
Sexually and non-sexually transmittable infections may lead to the presence of white blood cells in the urine of a person. Some of the infections that can cause leukocytes to appear in the urine of pregnant women are Chlamydia, vaginal yeast infection, bacterial vaginitis, gonorrhoea and genital herpes.
4. Kidney Infections
Kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, develops when urinary tract infection is left untreated in pregnant women. This is a serious condition that must be treated at the earliest to avoid preterm labour or premature rupture of the membranes. Kidney infections can cause leukocytes to appear in the urine and may cause fever, lower back pain and vomiting. Pregnant women often suffer from this more than others as the growing foetus squeezes against the kidney and bladder as it gets bigger.
5. Cystitis
This is a type of urinary tract infection that leads to the bladder becoming inflamed and causes the number of white blood cells in the urine to rise. The cause of this is bacteria and causes similar symptoms as UTI, but there is also lower back pain and discomfort in the pelvic region. If inflammation is severe, a trace of blood and leukocytes in urine during pregnancy can be found.
Signs and Symptoms of White Blood Cells in Urine while Pregnant
Most often, the signs and symptoms will vary depending on what is causing the rise in leukocyte levels. Some of the main symptoms of leukocytes in urine during pregnancy are:
Burning sensation while urinating
Frequent urination
Unable to empty bladder
Foul smelling urine
Cloudy looking urine
Lower back pain
Weakness and fatigue
A low fever may occur
Nausea and vomiting
Diagnosis
One of the most outstanding causes of an increase in leukocyte levels is due to a urinary tract infection.
1. How To Measure
A urine culture and sensitivity examination should be done to see if any bacteria are present in the urinary system. Your white blood cell count will be taken to help detect any infections that are hidden in the body. Pregnant women are allowed an increase in leukocytes to 5-6 in the field of vision, but this depends on if all other indicators remain unchanged. An increase to 10-20 indicates that there is most likely an inflammation somewhere in the excretory system. If the number goes up to 40-50, then this is an indication that the kidneys have been infected.
2. How To Analyse
If the result of the WBC count is either higher than or lower than the normal count that is needed for your age, then there is most likely an underlying problem. During the first trimester, the test is done every three to four weeks, during the second trimester it is done every two weeks, and by the third trimester, it is done every week. The analysis will require the first urine of the morning to be collected in a jar that has been sterilized to avoid contamination of the sample. Your doctor will also need to know all about your medical history, any medications that you are currently on and your symptoms to accurately identify what is causing the abnormal WBC count. Your WBC will also need to be checked at regular intervals to ensure that the treatment plan you have been put on is working or not.
3. Instrumental Diagnosis
This is usually an ultrasound where the bladder, urinary tract, and kidneys are studied. Any enlargement in the pelvic region will be clearly visible. Ultrasounds can detect the neurogenic bladder, polycystic kidney disease, and obstructive uropathy. A survey monography is also available that will show any change in the contour or positioning of the kidneys. Radiopaque methods are quite popular, and computed tomography can be used, but it does not have any special features or abilities that cannot be provided by an ultrasound.
4. Differential Diagnosis
In this, a clinical analysis of the urine is done where any increase of white blood cells can be seen. These analysis are compared with that of a woman’s general condition and her complaints. An anamnesis is available to help identify the cause of the condition. Sowing is a process that is carried out along with the urine analysis. Here the main pathogen is identified, and the right therapy is selected. Unfortunately, this does not always deliver accurate results. At least 20% of the results are false positives in this research, and so the test must be taken at least thrice before coming to any concrete result.
Effects and Complications
Treatment must commence immediately if you have been found with high levels of leukocytes and the doctors have determined their cause. If, for example, you have been found to have pyelonephritis, your doctors will start you on certain antibiotics that should be taken while carefully following the doctor’s instructions to avoid further complications with the pregnancy.
Eclampsia is another complication that may arise, and it causes a rise in blood pressure. Careful monitoring of your condition during pregnancy can save your baby’s life by avoiding the development of serious complications.
The cause of an increase in leukocytes depends on a person's condition. For example, if cystitis is a problem, it may turn serious as urination can be very painful. Further development of this can turn into gangrenous cystitis, where the pain will be intense, and there is a complete inability to urinate, putting your bladder and peritonitis at risk of rupturing.
Some infections will leave behind a residue of stone and sand as well. It is highly important to treat any problem at the earliest to avoid some very unpleasant and dangerous complications.
How To Treat Leukocytes in the Urine
There is no fixed method of treating the condition of an increased level of leukocytes in the urine. The treatment will vary depending on an individual’s levels of leukocytes as well as based on the cause of the issue.
1. Natural Disinfectants
If the inflammation is not serious, it can be treated with natural disinfectants and diuretics. Most pregnant women will be advised to drink decoctions of chamomile, black currant, and cowberry. The urine will be encouraged out of the body with these, decreasing the chance of developing more serious infections.
2. Antibiotics
If the inflammation is more serious, antibiotics will need to be administered, but the antibiotics used will need to be safe for your baby as well. The antibiotics and the decoctions will help eliminate the infection and prevent more serious complications in your pregnancy.
3. Surgery
If you have an obstruction such as kidney stones or a tumour that is causing the rise in leukocyte levels, you will most probably need surgery to remove the obstruction. Drink plenty of water to try and get rid of the smaller kidney stones, though passing it naturally is quite painful.
4. Sound-waves, Chemotherapy, and Radiation
For larger kidney stones, sound waves can be used to break them up. Chemotherapy and radiation are other options to look at in case of tumours.
Prevention
Here are some ways to prevent the rise of leukocytes in the urine:
Go for regular urine tests.
Drink a lot of water to flush out the bacteria and the toxins from the body.
Urinate often and regularly.
Maintain personal hygiene by washing your hands before you use the restroom, as well as by keeping your genitals clean after you have relieved yourself. When wiping, wipe from front to back.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the rise in leukocytes:
1. Can Increased White Blood Cells in Urine Indicate Blood Leukemia?
Yes, an increase in the number of WBC in the urine can indicate the presence of Leukemia, a form of blood cancer. Elevated leukocytes in the urine are used to diagnose Leukemia and Lymphoma.
2. Can Elevated Number of WBCs in Urine Lead to STD Infection?
STDs such as Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia leave traces of elevated quantities of WBCs in the blood which is found through the urine. This is why elevated traces of WBC can be an indication of an STD.
3. Can Leukocytes in Urine Cause Foetal Death If Left Untreated?
There are cases where the rise in the number of leukocytes in the blood are associated with late toxicosis and other rather serious inflammatory problems. Women who have this are plagued with fatigue and increased pressure, and the risk of losing the baby is possible. If the leukocytes esterase in urine during pregnancy and the inflammation is detected on time, then there is no risk, but if left untreated, the child will be at risk, and there are high chances of complications during childbirth.
The most important thing is to identify and treat any rise in levels of leukocytes in the urine. If this is not done, it can have a very negative impact on your health and the life of your unborn child. Rest assured that most often, the abnormal WBC count will be noticed at the earliest as routine urinary tests are a part of the general check-ups for pregnant women. But if treatment is not followed regularly and care is not taken, the situation can worsen. So make sure you don’t miss any of your prenatal doctor's appointments and follow your doctor's instructions carefully when given.
Also Read: CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test in Pregnancy Read more
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Blood Infection (Sepsis) During Pregnancy
Sepsis is a medical complication associated with an underlying infection that spreads to the entire bloodstream. It can occur during pregnancy as well. It must be detected and treated early to avoid complications.
What is Sepsis?
In common words, sepsis is blood poisoning or an infection of the blood. It is caused by the body’s response to an infection is in body parts like the lungs, urinary tract, bladder, kidney, stomach etc. When it spreads to the blood it is called Sepsis.
In more medical terms, the body releases certain chemicals in the blood to fight any infection. When the body’s immunological system malfunctions, these chemicals themselves trigger widespread inflammatory conditions throughout the body and Sepsis occurs. It affects all other body organs and the entire bloodstream because it causes disruption in the supply of blood to various vital organs.
In its extreme form, it can cause septic shock, a condition in which the blood pressure falls to dangerous levels. This, in turn, can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
Infection in blood during pregnancy is called maternal sepsis. One-third of the pregnant women all over the world suffer from maternal sepsis. It can lead to serious complications if it is not diagnosed early and treated properly.
There are also chances that about 15-30% of the sepsis-causing pathogen will pass onto the baby during delivery and the baby will be born with the infection as well. That is why sepsis and pregnancy is a topic that pregnant women and their family should be well aware of.
However, the incidence of death due to sepsis in pregnant women is much lesser (compared to the general sepsis patients) due to their younger age.
What Causes Blood Infection in Pregnancy?
There has also been an overall rise in the number of Sepsis cases these days because of higher life expectancy, more invasive medical interventions, growing immunological disorders and resistance to pathogens etc. There has been an increase in sepsis during pregnancy as well. Here are a few causes of sepsis in pregnancy:
Age of conception: Many women conceiving are over 40 years old and/or they have other underlying health issues like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
Artificial insemination: New technologies aiding insemination and new medicines for the foetus is also associated with Sepsis.
Abortions: Abortions, when not performed with care, especially if the patient has low immunity is low etc. it can cause infections and even Sepsis. If you notice symptoms like fatigue, vaginal discharge, recurring fever, cough, etc. after an abortion please consult your doctor.
Long delivery: The delivery has been long, complicated, induced or via cesarean, there are higher chances of developing Sepsis.
Other illness: If you have other acute illness/infection during pregnancy and you show signs of associated complications you are prone to Sepsis.
Signs and Symptoms of Maternal Sepsis
Sepsis spreads very fast during pregnancy. There may be no prolonged symptoms and suddenly the expecting women or new mom may fall sick. It is important to understand and watch out for the signs and symptoms though please note that these may also indicate other diseases as well:
Fever (Over 38.3ºC or below 36ºC) accompanied by chills and tremors.
An increased heart rate of more than 90 beats/min.
Confused mental state
Acute headache
Excessive sleepiness
Acute pain.
Marked edema i.e. accumulation of fluid in the body indicated by swelling of body parts (legs, hands, face, belly etc).
High blood sugar, typically over >110mg/dL or 7.7mmol/L.
Low urine output below 0.5mL/kg/h.
Infection in placenta or uterus that is not healing.
You have some other infection and you witness sudden rapid breathing and breathlessness.
You have conducted diagnostic tests for white blood cells and the results are not within the normal range.
Acute diarrhoea, muscle pain, fainting, vomiting, nausea and/or cold skin.
You have an infection and you have preterm breakage of the sac.
How to Treat Blood Infection during Pregnancy?
Treatment involves that restoration of the tissue functions, cell metabolism, oxygen circulation and the safety of the foetus etc. Treatment should ideally be done in the ICU. Here are a few ways to do it:
Antibiotics: Sepsis in its early stages can be treated with only antibiotics. Typically, one antibiotic is used to prevent resistance. In genital sepsis, 2 to 3 antibiotics are combined. In polymicrobial infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics like penicillin, aminoglycoside, and clindamycin, vancomycin, or piperacillin-tazobactam are used. This must be done with caution because antibiotics often change their properties in pregnant women and some antibiotics are harmful to the foetus.
Intravenous fluids: These are often given but with caution so that there is no excess fluid infusion that ideally should be looked at after the first 6 hours of the start of this treatment. Albumin could also be given to such patients under certain medical conditions. Side effects of this treatment could be bleeding and kidney dysfunction.
Medications: Dopamine and noradrenaline are used to control uteroplacental blood flow while the mother is being treated. These drugs must be administered with caution to keep the baby stable. According to one study, noradrenaline is the preferred choice to reduce side effects.
Oxygen supply: This is required when sepsis affects the lungs and results in breathing problems. Oxygen can be supplied with:
nasal cannula
nebulizers
in severe cases via invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).
In pregnant women, oxygen saturation must be 95% and not 90%, as in general Sepsis patients. This is important to prevent the high chances of extreme side effects on the foetus.
How to Prevent Sepsis during Pregnancy?
Avoid infections: Try to avoid any infections by staying away from unwell people, avoiding outside food, etc.
Maintain good hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before cooking and eating.
Get vaccinated: Take your vaccines in time.
Medical help: If you suspect an infection of any sort, seek immediate medical attention because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the spread of infection to the blood.
Caution with infection for patients with chronic illnesses: Patients with diabetes, cancer, and younger women must be very careful about personal hygiene and infections because they already have a compromised immune system that increases chances of Sepsis.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Seek medical help in the following cases:
If you have any of the following infections:
Escherichia coli
Hemophilus influenzae
Klebisiella
Enterobacter
Proteus
Pseudomonas
Serratia
Pneumococcus
Streptococcus, groups A, B, and D
Enterococus
Staphylococcus aureus
Listeria monocytogenes
Bacteroides
Clostridium perfringens
Fusobacterium
Peptococcus
Peptostreptococcus
Pyelonephritis
Malaria
Listeriosis
Viral hepatitis (E)
Varicella pneumonia
Coccidioidomycosis
Aspiration pneumonia
HIV-associated infections
Toxoplasmosis
Cytomegalovirus
Gastrointestinal infections
Disseminated herpes
(please note this list may not be exhaustive)
If you have done prescribed diagnostic tests that displays:
Acute/constant anaemia.
Abnormal count of White blood cells, Creatinine, Plasma C reactive protein, INR, Platelet count, Plasma procalcitonin, bilirubin or any other test reports.
If your blood pressure (using a blood pressure monitor) shows abnormal counts.
If you feel respiratory problems associated with an infection. If you have an oximeter (device to check oxygen in your body) at home, you can check your oxygen saturation. You should seek medical attention if the readings are not normal.
If you have an infection and your urine flow decreases, your heart rate increases, you have breathing problems and/or have severe gastrointestinal problems that keep recurring.
If there are blood coagulation problems that can be indicated if you get wounds and blood flow does not stop easily, there is blood in your bowels, easy bruising, nosebleeds etc.
You have abnormal vaginal discharge.
If you have had an abortion that is not well performed and you have an infection.
You have come back from the hospital and suspect a hospital-acquired infection.
If you have any other severe illness that is not improving with prescribed medication.
Please adhere to all above details because Sepsis can also become a life threat if not identified and treated in time.
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Probiotics and Prebiotics in Pregnancy
A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle will make you and your growing baby healthy. It is very important to know the right thing to eat at this time. Knowledge brings awareness and will help you in taking better care of yourself and the baby.
One of the most researched topics among expecting mothers is the consumption of probiotics. We have collated some useful information on probiotics and prebiotics that will help you during pregnancy.
What are Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics or good bacteria are micro-organisms that are present in our intestines. These organisms break down the food we eat and help in the process of digestion whereas prebiotics are stimulants for the good bacteria to grow. These foods are not digested by our body but they remain in our colon, triggering the growth of the good bacteria.
Is it Safe to Take Probiotics and Prebiotics during Pregnancy?
So, can you take probiotics while pregnant? According to research done by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, probiotics do not cause any complications while birth or infection during pregnancy. There are many health benefits in fact, that come with consuming probiotics.
Dr. William Sears, a famous paediatrician from the Children’s Hospital in Boston writes in his blog, “It's quite safe to take probiotics during pregnancy. Probiotics are very popular in most of the countries, especially in Europe, and their health benefits are gradually being more valued.”
During pregnancy, the composition of bacteria plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. There are several research papers connecting a healthy digestive system to improve maternal health. Moreover, recent studies show that consumption of probiotics reduces the bad bacteria in the body thus lowering the potential of certain infections.
How Common is Using Probiotic in Pregnancy
While pregnant women commonly face health issues like indigestion, heartburn, and constipation, consuming specific probiotics helps in easy relief. Taking specific probiotic bacteria, such as Bifidobacteriumlongum reduces the abdominal pain and improves bowel movement. Several nutritionists and doctors advise mothers to consume probiotics every day. There are many benefits of taking them:
Benefits of Taking Probiotics or Prebiotics during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, consumption of probiotics and prebiotics:
Benefits in effective digestion.
Augments good bacteria and counters growth of harmful bacteria in the body.
Breaks down food to be completely utilized by the body.
Essential for healing infertility.
Helps in reducing inflammation of the colon’s lining and treats inflammatory bowel disease.
Strengthens the immune system of mother and baby.
Maintains a healthy urinary system.
Balances the cholesterol level.
Prevents vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis.
Foods Containing Prebiotics
For expecting mothers, getting probiotics in natural form through their daily meal is a good option. Food rich in probiotics are:
Yogurt
Kefir
Dark Chocolate
Pickles
Kombucha Tea
Milk
Onions
Barley
Garlic
Soya beans
Oats
Foods Containing Probiotics
One can get probiotic naturally from these foods:
Lassi
Dhokla
Dosa
Miso
Kimchi
Cheddar
Buttermilk
These are fairly common foods that are consumed on a regular basis. So if you’re pregnant, there’s no need to reduce the frequency of eating these.
A healthy pregnancy can be ensured by maintaining a healthy diet. Take time to chart food recipes that integrate probiotics and prebiotics in your daily diet. During pregnancy, cravings can get the better of you but do not miss on prebiotic- rich food.
You can choose to get your probiotics from supplement capsules but it is always good to seek advice from your doctor before taking any pills. In case of any allergy call the doctor immediately. Relying on a healthy lifestyle is the best way to get through pregnancy and will facilitate the healthy development of the baby. Read more
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Intelligent Ideas to Make Your Home Smarter
What’s a smart home? It is a home equipped with smart devices based on smart decisions! Living in such a home ensures you and the kids are safe and protected. Technology does its best to deliver intuitive care and guidance to your kids – just like you do. With the influx of gadgets and devices, a smart and safe home isn't complete unless there's specialized security. If you have babies or young children, home safety gadgets can halve the time spent keeping a close eye on them!
Just imagine - how cool would it be to keep an eye on your home through your phone? Or check exactly what’s happening indoors even when you are away on a personal or work commitment?Here are some ideas that let you make your home a smart and savvy one!
Keep an Eye 'OUT' From The Inside
You can now watch who is at your door without having to walk up and squint through the peephole. With Outdoor Wi-Fi Cameras like the ones by Motorola can keep track of who shows up at your door front.These cameras are equipped with motion sensors, temperature and sound alerts as well as infrared night vision.Say bye- bye to tip-toeing in darkness to the door when you hear a strange sound in the middle of the night. More importantly, the kids know when it’s safe to open the door.
See If Your Kids Are Safe, Even When You're At Work
While you may be apprehensive about leaving the kids alone while you're out, there are workable ways around it.Hiring a babysitter or getting a family member to do the job for you may not always be possible. Here’s your answer: Indoor Cameras! While you’re away, you can view the video captured on your Android or IOS phones and can thus keep an eye at home.Make sure the new babysitter is doing her job well, see what your kids are up to, or simply make sure that your home is safe while you are out.The Indoor Camera by Motorola allows you to zoom, pan and tilt the video 300 degrees so you get a complete view. It also allows for back and forth communication and has a snazzy recording feature!
Do Not Lose Sight of Your Baby, Even For a Minute
Babies and toddlers are curious little creatures. A split second’s neglect can see your little one in a situation you'd rather not have him in.To avoid mishaps and messy accidents, baby monitors now come with video capture functions. The Wi-Fi Baby Monitor by Motorola allows two-way communication so you can even talk to your little one.With its motion, sound and temperature alerts that notify you as often as you'd like, and compatibility with all Android and IOS phones, it is now ultra-simple to keep an eye on your little one.
Never Forget Old-School Mommy-Advice
Even though the modern-day mommy is spoilt for choice with gadgets and devices, it is still important to impart house-safety tips to your little ones.Teach the kids that safety is top priority especially when mommy and daddy aren't around and equip them with emergency contact numbers they can call you on.If your baby is still fairly young, baby proof your house to avoid any sudden accidents. Smart family members, after all, make a smart home!
Living in a smart home is now a real possibility and comes at very affordable prices. With nuclear families on the rise, and both parents venturing out to work,it has become more important than ever to equip your house and children to deal with any emergencies. We're sure that with progressing times,
your home too will evolve to make growing up fun and safe for your kids! Read more
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
8 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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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