Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
10 Effective Cough Remedies for Kids at Night
Coughing is a common problem among children, and it is especially troublesome if it disturbs a child’s sleep. Coughing is actually the result of low immunity in kids, especially in babies and toddlers. Therefore mothers are always on the lookout for remedies to cure a cough without having to run to the doctor. So here is a list of few tried and tested effective home remedies for cough in kids.
Common Causes of Cough in Children
Infection - Viral infections like cold and flu can lead to cough in children.
Acid Reflux - One of the symptoms of acid reflux is coughing. Look for other symptoms to confirm if it is acid reflux.
Asthma - Asthma can be tough to diagnose because symptoms vary from child to child. But a wheezing cough, which may get worse at night, is one of many asthma symptoms. The other symptom may be a cough that appears with increased physical activity or during play.
Allergies or Sinusitis - Certain allergies of sinus can cause a lingering cough.
Whooping Cough - It is characterised by recurrent cough, followed by an inhale that has a “whooping” sound.
Night Time Cough Remedies for Children
Cold weather can essentially be one of the major reasons for a cough and cold among children. It could be due to food allergy, dust allergy, or some underlying health conditions like bronchitis, infection in the throat or lungs. If children cough all night long, it can disrupt their sleep. As a result, it can drain them out and make them feel tired during the daytime. If your toddler is coughing at night, the following remedies given below will be of great help.
1. Eucalyptus Oil
If your child is less than 2 years of age, pour a few drops of eucalyptus oil on the pillow and the bedrolls of your child. It will open her nostrils and provide instant relief. You can also pour a few drops of eucalyptus oil on your child’s clothing. Always remember that if your child is too young, don't massage the oil on her throat.
2. Warm Soup
Give your child a warm vegetable soup or chicken soup, and it will provide relief from a cough or a sore throat.
3. Throat Lozenges
It is seen that Zinc Lozenges taken once in every 2-3 hours can cure a cough and cold. The lozenges also provide relief from the irritation caused by the inflammation of the throat, thereby curing the cough which results from an infection.
In India, children are also given rock candy (mishri) to suck in order to cure the throat irritation, which causes a cough. It is said that anything that stimulates saliva like lozenges or rock candy and keeps the throat moist provides relief to a sore throat or throat irritation.
4. Turmeric Milk
Turmeric has anti-bacterial properties. In a glass of warm milk, mix ½ a teaspoon of turmeric and ask your child to drink it. Small children may not be able to drink a whole glass of turmeric milk, so start by giving them just a few spoons of the mixture initially.
5. Turmeric and Honey Mixture
Turmeric has anti-bacterial properties, and honey soothes the throat, thereby giving relief from a cough, especially dry cough in toddlers at night. Home remedies like these are easily accessible to everyone as they are made of kitchen essentials.
6. Inhaling Smoke of Burnt Turmeric Root
Burning turmeric root and inhaling the smoke (also known as Dhoom Paan in Ayurveda), is a good and effective remedy to cure a cough. You can do so by putting a few turmeric leaves in burning charcoal. Then put some turmeric on top of the leaves and let it burn. Inhale the smoke that emits out of it.
7. Ginger and Honey
The antihistamine property of ginger helps in treating allergy, which is one of the most common causes of a cough. It helps in curing persistent cough too. The juice of crushed ginger, when mixed with honey, soothes an inflamed throat and cures cough.
8. Elevated Head
In some cases, children cough during the night because the mucus dribbles down from the back of the nose into the throat, causing persistent coughing throughout the night. Therefore, propping her head up with few pillows will reduce the trickling down of the mucus, causing less coughing at night.
9. Massage
Heat mustard oil and add some roughly crushed garlic into it. Let it cool. Massage it all over your child’s body, especially on the throat, chest, back, palms of the hands, and below the feet. Mustard oil keeps the body warm, and the garlic having antimicrobial properties can ward off infections. However, do not put too much pressure while massaging your baby’s chest and back. It should be done gently.
10. Tulsi and Honey
Tulsi increases immunity and prevents all types of infections. The tulsi leaves have expectorant properties which thin the mucus and cures chest congestion. It also acts on the nerves that cause coughing. Honey, on the other hand, has an antibacterial and antiviral property which soothes the throat by preventing infection. Thus, when the juice of tulsi leaves mixed with honey is given to a child, it relieves the child from coughing.
Apart from these, you can also try several other options to relieve your child’s cough, like gargling. In a glass of warm water, dissolve some salt. Make your child gargle with that. Gargling with warm salt water thrice a day can reduce the throat inflammation, thereby relieving a sore throat. Even gargling with warm water mixed with salt and turmeric can cure throat infection because turmeric and salt are said to have anti-bacterial properties.
Another great way of preventing coughs during winter is to place a humidifier in your child’s room. It will add moisture to the dry winter air inside the room and prevent coughing. Remember to clean the humidifier often so that it does not get mouldy inside.
Coughing is not a serious problem. However, it should never be left untreated. Trying out home remedies to cure a cough is common in every Indian household. However, if a cough persists even after trying out all the home remedies, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Also Read: Foods to Avoid and Eat during Cold and Cough in Kids Read more
Suggested for you
Exciting and Fun Facts About Animals for Kids
Our world is filled with a variety of plants and animals and it is important for children to know as much as possible about them. Knowledge about the animal kingdom helps kids to explore the world of animals. As a parent, you can collect all the relevant information about animals and share it with your child.
Must Know Animal Facts for Kids
As your child grows, he will be exposed to wild and domestic animals through books, television and when you visit the zoo or take him to the animal safari. Knowing animal facts will make their experiences more profound and real which will remain with them all through their lives. You can share this specially-curated wild animals information with your child and enrich his knowledge.
1. Tiger
Tigers can grow up to a length of 11 feet and weigh up to 300 kilograms when fully developed.
Tigers belong to the cat family and are the biggest of their species.
Tigers are excellent swimmers and are capable of swimming up to six kilometres at a stretch.
Tigers are lone hunters and generally hunt at night, taking advantage of the dark.
Tigers can reach a maximum speed of 65 km ph while chasing a meal for the family.
Similarly, tigers can jump over 5 metres during hunts.
The Royal Bengal Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Sumatran Tiger and Indochinese Tiger are various sub-species found in India, Malaysia, Bangladesh and North/South Korea.
Tiger cubs stay with their mothers only till they reach the age of two years.
Many subspecies of tigers have already become extinct or are endangered due to hunting and loss of forest cover due to civilization.
Only 10% of tiger hunts turn out to be successful.
2. Dogs
Dogs have been loyal and useful companions for humans through the ages, providing physical and emotional security as loving pets.
There are about 400 million+ dogs in the entire world.
Dogs are useful as they carry out farm work, provide security, hunting and even play guides to the visually-impaired. They are wonderful companions for children and the elderly due to their ability to give care and unflinching love.
The most popular breeds of dog include Labrador, Golden Retriever, Bulldog, German Shepherd, Greyhound, St. Bernard, Great Dane, Chihuahua, etc.
Due to the strong emotional connect dogs form with humans as pets, they are known as “man’s best friend”. They are extremely loyal and are known to spend their entire lifetime with their masters.
Dogs have a terrific sense of hearing as compared to humans since they can hear sounds at four times the distance.
The average life of a dog depending on the breed can vary from 10 to 14 years.
Due to their amazing sense of smell, dogs are capable of differentiating and recognising odours. For this reason, they are used to sniff out drugs and weapons by anti-terrorist squads and police departments all over the world.
Dogs are known to have been domesticated about 15000 years ago as per available scientific evidence.
Domesticated dogs are omnivores as they can eat grains, vegetables and meat as a part of their diet.
3. Dolphin
Dolphins are blessed with powerful eyesight and hearing which they use along with echolocation to find the right location of objects.
Dolphins use whistling, clicking and other sounds to communicate with each other.
The Killer Whale or Orca is actually a type of a dolphin.
Male dolphins are called bulls, females as cows and young dolphins are known as calves.
The most common type of dolphins found is Bottlenose dolphins.
Dolphins have a blowhole located at the top of their heads which they use to breathe.
A group of dolphins is known as a pod or a school which consist of a dozen of these intelligent animals.
Dolphins are known to be extremely intelligent creatures and can interact with humans. They have a playful attitude which they display by riding waves and jumping in and out of the water, thus making them popular with kids and adults alike.
Due to the use of nets, a large number of dolphins are killed every year and many species have become extinct.
Dolphins are meat-eating (carnivores) mammals.
4. Elephants
Elephants are the world’s largest mammals living on land.
The African Elephant and the Asian Elephant are the two types of elephants with Bush Elephant and Forest Elephant being sub-types of the African Elephant.
The Elephant’s trunk is entirely made up of about 100,000 muscles and no bones. A full-grown elephant’s trunk can weigh about 140 kilograms and measure up to 2 metres.
The elephant uses its trunk to know the size, shape and also to know if it is too hot or cold. It is used to suck in water or pick up food and put it into its mouth.
An adult elephant needs to drink more than 200 litres of water every day and it uses its tusks to dig the earth for this purpose.
The huge, thin ears of an elephant are made of blood vessels which help them to regulate their body temperature.
Elephants use their trunks to breathe when they swim in deep waters.
Elephants spend more than 16 hours every day uprooting twigs, leaves and roots for their nourishment.
Male elephants leave their herds when they reach 13 years of age while females live in their herd for their entire lifetime.
Female elephants remain pregnant for 22 months and begin to have calves when they are about 12 years old.
5. Giraffe
A full-grown male giraffe can weigh up to 1400 kilograms
The length of the giraffe’s long neck measures between 1.5 to 1.8 metres.
A giraffe’s tail is made up of hair that is about 10 times thicker than the human hair.
Horns are present on male and female giraffes, with males having up to three horns.
The female giraffe delivers her baby while standing up and the baby falls about six feet without injuring itself.
Male giraffes fight with their necks by swinging it from one side to another.
The spots on a giraffe’s body act as camouflage for protection against predators.
A giraffe has four stomachs which speed up the digestion process.
Giraffes are most vulnerable while bending down to drink water since they cannot see an approaching predator.
A giraffe’s tongue is coated with bristly hair which helps them to eat leaves from thorny trees like Acacia.
6. Lion
A male lion weighs around 180 kilograms while an average female lion can weigh up to 130 kilograms.
A lion’s roar is so powerful that can be heard from eight kilometres away.
The heaviest lion ever weighed was at a mind-boggling 375 kilograms.
The responsibility of hunting mostly lies with the female lion as they are better hunters than males.
Lions are known to rest for around 20 hours a day.
Males who possess darker manes are more likely to attract lionesses (female lions) for mating.
Lions do not possess a lot of stamina due to which they can run only in short bursts.
Countries like Singapore, Ethiopia, England, Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Albania have named the lion as their national animal.
Lions have a lifespan of about 12 years.
The breeding of lion and tigers gives birth to off-springs known as ligers and tigons.
7. Sharks
A shark possesses an amazingly sharp sense of smell and can detect even a single drop of blood in the water.
A shark’s skeleton is made up of cartilage which is tough and flexible tissues. There is not a single bone in their bodies.
They possess powerful hearing too because of which they can hear a fish thrashing around even 500 metres away.
Sharks have a set of smaller teeth behind the front teeth. The smaller teeth move forward and the front teeth then fall off.
Sharks have to keep moving to get oxygen into their bloodstream as the water passes over the gills.
Great whites can cut through the water at a speed of 30 km ph and are the deadliest of all.
The whale shark can grow up to a massive length of 14 metres when fully developed.
Some shark species lays eggs instead of living pups.
A baby shark has to fend for itself right from birth as its own mother could eat it up.
The great white has to eat large quantities of meat to keep its body temperature regulated.
8. Whales
There are about 80 different species of whales with different shapes and sizes.
Creatures like sea lice and barnacles stick to the whale’s skin and live there all their lives.
Whales use a sing-song voice to call others and can sing a different tune too.
Scientists use a wax plug in the whale’s ear that has a pattern on it, to determine its age.
Most whales do not have teeth and use a comb-like fibre to filter tiny creatures from the water.
Whale groups either consist of only male or only female whales and both almost never mix.
The migration of whales from Northern and Southern hemisphere is timed such as to never meet each other in breeding areas.
Though experienced, whales can lose their way during migration.
A baby whale is known as a calf and is cared for by the entire group.
The “smiling” face of a whale is due to the lower arched lip it possesses.
9. Camel
While providing desert animals information for kids, camels feature quite prominently in it.
Camels have a life of 40 to 50 years.
There are two types of camels i.e. dromedary (single-humped) and Bactrian (two-humped)
Camels measure about 7 feet up to their hump and 6 feet up to their shoulders.
Camels are a source of milk, wool and meat and are used for transportation or carrying heavy loads too.
Camels have a thick coat on their body which insulates them from heat and extreme cold, making them suitable for deserts.
Camels can survive up to six months without water or food due to the fatty tissues stored in their humps.
The fatty tissues in a camel’s humps can be converted into energy or water as and when required.
Camels can drink 113 litres of water within 13 minutes and are the fastest mammals to rehydrate.
Camels have long legs which help them to stay above the hot desert surface.
Dromedary camels weigh between 300 to 600 kg while Bactrian camels can weigh up to a maximum of 1000 kg too.
10. Cheetah
The cheetah is the fastest animal to roam the earth with top speeds of 113 km per hour.
A cheetah can go up to speeds from 0 to 113 km per hour in a matter of seconds.
Though fast, cheetahs tire very quickly and need to rest before they burst into top gear again.
Cheetahs weigh between 45-60 kilograms and are amongst the smallest members of the cat family.
Cheetahs have great eyesight and are able to sight their prey from five kilometres away during the daytime.
Cheetahs are the only members of the cat family unable to roar. However, they can purr quite loudly especially when they are in a group or during one of their grooming sessions.
As opposed to other cat family members like lions and leopards who hunt at night, cheetahs are able to hunt only during the day.
Cheetahs have blunt claws and a light body weight which makes them vulnerable to their enemies. It generally gives up if a larger animal confronts it during a fight or a hunt due to these physical restrictions.
Cheetahs have a poor night vision which prevents hunting at night. They are also unable to climb trees due to their blunt claws and this gives them a distinct disadvantage during hunting.
A cheetah is recognizable by the dark lines, known as tear lines that run from each eye towards the mouth. These tear lines protect the cheetah from the sun and give them a long-distance vision that’s necessary during hunting or protection from other predators.
These tear lines protect the cheetah from the sun and give them a long-distance vision that’s necessary during hunting or protection from other predators.
As a parent, you may want to teach your child about the abundant flora and fauna on our planet. You may also want to help your child develop a keen interest in the world around – how things work, how people react, and so on. Stories are a wonderful way to do this. Another way for you to ensure your child’s overall development is through subscription boxes designed for kids. Not only that, you can try DIY activities also to help your toddler to learn about and explore the world around, making him “intelligent” and aware even before he goes to the school!
Also Read: 25 Animal Stories for Children Read more
Check out this new Memory
Mehwish Siddiqui
Mom of a 5 m old boy
1 min ago
#babyphotochallenge
1 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Dipali Gaurav Kothawale
Mom of a 1 yr 3 m old boy
36 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Does Vitamin B12 Affect Fertility?
Fertility problems are common in both men and women. Majority of couples find it increasingly difficult to conceive. One of the major causes of fertility problems or being unable to conceive is lack of Vitamin B12 in the body. Researchers suggest that low levels of B12 in the body can affect fertility in both men and women. If you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time now with no success, then one of the reasons could be lack of vitamin B12 in your body. Find out how Vitamin B12 affects your fertility and what you can do to get pregnant soon.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. It’s the largest vitamin B and is vital for metabolizing the body cells. Besides, it plays a major role in producing the genetic components DNA and RNA of the egg as well as the sperm.
Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Cause Infertility?
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can affect the fertility of both men and women. When your body lacks B12, it can result in serious consequences, such as weakness, memory loss, infertility, anaemia, neurological or psychiatric problems. Here is how Vitamin B12 deficiency affects both men and women.
1. In Men
Vitamin B12 plays a significant role in generation and maturation of the sperms. Men suffering from fertility issues should consider consuming foods rich in Vitamin B12 to meet their body's requirement of Vitamin B12. A deficiency of this vitamin may negatively affect the sperm count or lead to following issues:
Low sperm count
DNA damage in sperm cells
Low motility of sperm
Loss of libido
Premature ejaculation
2. In Women
For a woman with a deficiency in Vitamin B12 trying to conceive is difficult. Even if a woman with Vitamin B12 gets pregnant, the chances of foetal loss are higher. The lack of B12 possibly interferes with the reproduction and contributes to below problems:
Abnormal ovulation
Disruption in normal cell division
Impaired development of the egg
Difficulty implanting the fertilized ovum in the uttering lining
Now you know what are the problems you may face in case of Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is why you should take necessary supplements of this vitamin. Supplementing your body with vitamin b12 fertility dosage of about 2.4 micrograms a day can help in the healthy functioning of your body.
How to Include Vitamin B12 in Your Diet to Get Pregnant?
There is no need to panic if your body lacks Vitamin B12. You can always consult your doctor and make efforts to fuel your body with B12 rich foods in your diet or take few supplements.
1. Vitamin B12 Rich Foods
Vitamin B12 can be found in animal-based foods. Vitamin B-12 can be found in abundance in following.
Salmon
Beef Liver
Sirloin Beef
Molluscs (clams, oysters, mussels)
Yoghurt
Milk
Eggs
Chicken
Fortified breakfast cereals
Haddock
Tuna
2. Vitamin B12 Supplements
The two forms of Vitamin B12 which exist in an active state in the body are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin, which is commonly found in the Centrum vitamins, needs to be converted to either of the 2 active forms in the body. The safest and recommended form of Vitamin B12 is the methylcobalamin as it needs no further conversion to be absorbed in the body.
It is easily available at pharmacy and food stores and can be obtained in forms of pills, sublingual tablet, nasal spray, liquid, and transdermal patch. The standard Vitamin B12 fertility dosage for enriching your body is 1000 micrograms, then once a week for a month and one injection a month for the lifetime if your doctor prescribes.
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in preparing your body to conceive and help you carry the baby to term. It helps the nervous system function properly and other processes involved in reproduction. You should consult your doctor about the vitamin B12 levels in your body, and if found deficient, you should immediately start supplementing your body with B12 enriched foods or supplements.
Also Read: Essential Vitamins to Boost Fertility Read more
Suggested for you
Malaria during Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the time when you want to ensure your health stays at its peak and there are no complications that could affect the baby. There are certain health conditions that arise despite all the precautions taken, and malaria can be one of them. It is a life-threatening disease that is preventable and curable through sustained medication.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a lethal disease that is caused by a parasite which infects the female Anopheles mosquitoes. When these mosquitoes feed on humans by biting them, malaria spreads and is thus transmitted into human beings. These malarial parasites have been identified as follows:
Plasmodium Malariae
Plasmodium Ovale
Plasmodium Vivax
Plasmodium Falciparum
While Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum are the most commonly found, it is the latter that is the deadliest. When a mosquito bites a person with malaria and sucks in blood, the malarial parasites travel from the infected person’s blood to the mosquito. The malarial parasite develops and multiplies within 10 to 14 days of its stay within the mosquito and can be easily passed into a healthy person’s body. The infected person takes 7 to 21 days to become sick but in rare cases, it can take several months for the symptoms to appear.
Malaria And Pregnancy
Here are a few basic facts about malaria during pregnancy that you should be aware of:
During pregnancy, your immunity is low and this makes you a more likely target for malaria. It is necessary to be careful, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy since immunity is at its lowest during these times. Pregnant women are also more likely to face frequent and serious attacks of malaria and have a higher risk of complications too.
If the pregnant woman is already suffering from nutritional anaemia, the malaria-induced anaemia will increase its impact further and also lead to complications that could be fatal for the mother. There are chances of the malarial parasites getting into the placenta and interfering with the oxygen transfer and smooth passage of nutrients from the mother to the foetus. This increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth or pre-term birth. In some cases, the woman may even give birth to a baby with low birth-weight.
Causes
Malaria during pregnancy is a major health risk for pregnant women. Various studies have shown that women who live in tropical and developing countries are more prone to malarial infection.
Immunity Loss: Due to the decrease of immunoglobulin synthesis during pregnancy, a woman’s immune systems are at an all-time low and this is one of the primary causes of them contracting malaria during pregnancy.
Placenta: The placenta is a new organ that is growing inside your body when you are pregnant. The malarial infection can break through the immunity protection, and placenta-specific phenotypes are also allowed to multiply.
Weather Conditions: Monsoon provides a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes to grow and it is generally during this season that the spread of malaria becomes rampant. Humidity, temperature and rainfall can also play a significant role in the spread of malaria.
Signs And Symptoms Of Malaria
The symptoms of malaria, quite similar to those of influenza, are quite difficult to diagnose and make themselves visible more than seven to ten days after the first mosquito bite. The common symptoms include the following:
Headache
High fever
Muscle pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Chills
Sweats
Diarrhoea
Pregnancy can alter these symptoms slightly, where the fever is extremely high or low and the shivering and sweating may be missing. Since the symptoms are similar to that of the flu, a blood test is an assured way of confirming malaria and the type that has affected you. If you have chills and sweating, with high fever, then it is best to speak to your doctor at once to avoid further problems.
Risk Factors Of Malaria In Pregnant Women
Malaria in pregnant women can be contracted if the infected person resides in an area that is unhygienic and dirty. If there are stagnant pools of water or water puddles that haven’t been attended to or cleaned for long, it allows mosquitoes to breed easily.
If the pregnant woman has to undergo any kind of blood transfusion or organ transplant, there is a possibility of infected blood passing the parasite to her. Malaria can also be transmitted from the mother to the infant.
Diagnosis
Malaria during pregnancy is difficult to diagnose since most women are asymptomatic. The peripheral blood samples are unable to detect its infection since the falciparum parasite is isolated in the placenta. The following tests are conducted after collecting blood samples from the patient:
Blood Smear Test: This includes microscopic screening of the blood sample taken from the patient and is a standard test for malaria diagnosis.
RDT-Rapid Diagnostic Test: This test detects the malaria antigens in the blood and is used where microscopy is not available.
Histological Examination: Considered to be the most reliable and more accurate than others, this test for detecting pregnancy malaria involves the examination of tissue samples with the use of a microscope.
Malaria Treatment In Pregnancy
If a pregnant woman contracts malaria, it is necessary to provide quick medical attention to her. There are a number of drugs for treatment of malaria in pregnancy which are safe and do not present any kind of side effects to the mother or the foetus.
During the first trimester, quinine and clindamycin can be administered to the patient if it is a mild form of malaria. Chloroquine is also an effective medicine for uncomplicated pregnancy malaria.
The safest and the most effective treatment for malaria during the second and third trimesters is ACT or Artemisinin Combination Therapy.
The above-mentioned antimalarial treatments in pregnancy are safe, but should be administered to the patient under medical guidance only. The medication will depend upon the type of malaria contracted, your age, the pregnancy stage, and the severity of symptoms. These medicines are generally administered in the form of tablets or capsules and sometimes intravenously too, especially if the patient is at an advanced stage.
Complications Of Malaria During Pregnancy
Malaria can be classified into a complex or an uncomplicated infection. Complex malaria is a serious condition that has the potential to give rise to cerebral malaria, anaemia, ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and could even lead to organ damage. Uncomplicated infection of malaria displays symptoms like fever, headache and chills followed by sweating that happens every two days and lasts for eight to ten hours.
Maternal Complications
Expecting mothers face the following complications if they suffer from malaria during pregnancy:
Anaemia: When the malarial parasite infects the pregnant woman’s blood, it causes haemolysis or rupture of red blood cells which creates an additional need for blood supply. This causes anaemia which could lead to haemorrhage and maternal mortality in certain cases.
Renal Failure: Unobserved dehydration during malaria can lead to renal failure, and the patient will have to be put under fluid management and diuretics as a part of its treatment. In certain cases, dialysis may also be required.
Hypoglycaemia: This condition occurs when the blood sugar level reduces drastically and falls below 60 mg/dl. The increased action of the falciparum parasites causes this condition which then leads to the enhanced use of glucose and low glucose production. This symptom is asymptomatic and needs constant monitoring.
Immuno-Suppression: Your body undergoes many hormonal changes during pregnancy which impact the immune system in a big way. Your body produces the immunosuppressive hormone called cortisol which reduces immunity. When cortisol levels rise, the resistance to malaria also decreases and this can lead to many complications like cerebral malaria, pulmonary oedema, hypoglycaemia and hyperpyrexia.
Acute Pulmonary Oedema: Known as the severest form of anaemia, it occurs during the second or third trimester. The falciparum infection causes fluid leakage into the lungs, a condition created by the formation of a membrane in the alveoli.
Complications of the Foetus
When the mother is detected with malaria, the foetus could face a few complications which are listed below:
IUGR or Low birth-weight: The growth of a new organ in the form of the placenta allows the malarial parasites to enter the mother’s immune system and prevent oxygen and nutrient supply to the growing foetus. This leads to infants with low birth-weight and IUGR-Intrauterine growth retardation. There are low chances of survival for infants who are born with weight less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs).
Preterm delivery: It is the placenta where the malarial parasites strike and multiply, and it is through this infected passage that antibodies and cytokines are carried, triggering an active response and thus leading to early labour.
Vertical Transmission: The risk of malarial infection can easily pass on from the mother to the baby. If malaria is detected on time and the mother receives proper medication, then the foetus remains safe too. That is the reason most doctors advise blood screening of the baby after birth to ensure it has not been infected.
Side Effects Of Malaria On Pregnancy And Foetus
Malaria in pregnancy increases the risk of neonatal death, low birth-weight babies, miscarriage and stillbirth. Also, the baby itself could be born with malaria which could prove to be fatal.
How To Prevent Malaria In Pregnant Women
Since mosquitoes are the main cause of this disease, it is necessary to keep them at bay when you are pregnant. It is necessary to identify potential mosquito-breeding spots around your home and get them cleaned. Any stagnant water that hasn’t been used for a long time should be emptied, especially during monsoon. All containers like vases, flowerpots and fish bowls should be cleaned and filled with fresh water.
Try to wear light-coloured clothes, since mosquitoes are generally attracted towards dark colours. Wearing full-length garments and long sleeves, especially during the night, is highly recommended. The use of mosquito repellents and nets can also be an effective way of keeping mosquitoes at bay during pregnancy and preventing malarial infections.
If you plan to use chemical-based mosquito repellents, make sure you apply it as per the instructions given. Applying more will not give better protection; in fact, it can expose you to higher chemical levels. It is best to apply a thin layer over your skin and spread it evenly for maximum protection.
Can Malaria Affect The Mother Or Baby?
Malaria during pregnancy can lead to anaemia in the mother and subsequently reduce birth weight of the baby. Low birth weight is a major reason for infant mortality.
Conclusion: World over, major steps are being taken to reduce the occurrence of malaria, and the mortality rate can be seen falling due to these efforts. Scientific advancements have helped prevention of malaria to a large extent. However, we are yet unable to defeat it completely, which is why it is imperative to be on your guard and see the doctor at once in case you suspect any symptoms of the condition. Read more
Suggested for you
My Journey of Motherhood - How Motherhood Has Changed Me
First of all happy motherhood to everyone !!!
I was thrilled when I got to know that I am pregnant. I started loving my baby and looked for baby care books. I read articles on healthy diet, breastfeeding and baby care etc., I prayed, wished and hoped to have a healthy baby. I had a natural birth and the day my baby was born; it felt miraculous. The moment I looked at him that moment became so special to me. I had no idea that I can feel like this for anyone in this world.
I wanted to give best to my baby so I exclusively breastfed my baby till 6 months and I am weaning now in addition to breast milk.
The gift of becoming a mother has made me stronger, more compassionate, and selfless in so many ways. I can say motherhood has changed me completely. I was an outgoing person who used to hate sitting at home, and now I don’t crave to go out. There are days when I don’t even get out of the house. I no longer have a sensitive stomach. I have to be ready for whatever my baby throw at me and not get squirmish about it and if I was in the middle of eating, not lose my appetite. Sometimes when changing my baby's diaper, he moves too much and then oops I just got it on my hands or dress. I learned to laugh more and be quick on my feet. These are learning opportunities for me, and I quickly learned what cleaning products works bests for every situation. I have become more giving, patient in every pursuit.
Whatever I do, wherever I go, I have "Johith" in my mind throughout. If I am going out shopping, I look for baby shops, or if it is a holiday, I research whether the place is suitable for my son.
Sometimes I did not get enough sleep. But when I realised that my baby loved me as much as I loved him. He has shown me what unconditional love is. That was pure happiness, and it motivates me to keep going.
Spending time with my baby is priceless. I am happy to watch him grow, and I can’t believe he is already one year old. A single word can not explain how a mother feels for her child. Being a mother, I would say, is the best job in the world. I will push through every hard thing life throws at me because I want to give my son the best life I can. My goal is to raise my son to be a good, kind, strong and successful person.
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. Read more
Suggested for you
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
7 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Check out this new Memory
vishnoo pratap yadav
Father of a 11 m old boy
2 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
LUCKY
Guardian of a 10 m old boy
4 mins ago
#GRANDPHOTO
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Aman sidhu
Guardian of a 7 m old boy
16 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive