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Consuming Muskmelon (Kharbuja) During Pregnancy
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a pregnant woman's diet, as they provide the mother with the much-needed vitamins, minerals and fibre for the growth and development of the baby. Among fruits, the melon family that grows predominantly during summer is loaded with antioxidants and anti-coagulants apart from the regular vitamins and minerals. One such melon, the muskmelon, is a superfood for expecting mothers. Read on to know more about how it plays a critical role in the health of a developing baby.
Is Eating Muskmelon (Kharbuja) During Pregnancy Safe?
Yes, muskmelon is a very safe fruit for pregnancy if taken in moderation. The fruit is low in calorie count and high in nutrients and fibre, making it a very safe and healthy snack option for the expecting mother. Sometimes, a strain of bacteria called Listeria bacteria is found on the outer peel of the fruit, which can be harmful to pregnant women. Some doctors may ask you to avoid it for this reason. However, the fruit itself is safe to consume if cleaned thoroughly.
Nutritional Facts of Muskmelon
Muskmelon has plenty of essential vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamin A, B1 and C and minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorous. The fruit also carries a good amount of folic acid or vitamin B9. It is the most important vitamin required during pregnancy as it prevents neural tube defects in babies. It also contains zinc, which is required for the proper tissue development of the foetus. Muskmelons also are a rich source of antioxidants and anticoagulants (properties that prevent the formation of clots).
Benefits of Muskmelon During Pregnancy
There are numerous health benefits of consuming muskmelon or kharbuja during pregnancy.
1. Prevents Tube Defects
The neural tube of the baby that develops into the brain and spinal cord are formed during the first trimester. Consumption of folic acid-rich muskmelon augments the daily dose of vitamin B9 required for it and helps prevent the occurrence of any neural tube defects in babies. This is one of the most important benefits of eating cantaloupe during pregnancy.
2. Prevents Blood Clots
One of the complications that can arise during pregnancy is the clotting of blood. Although it is very rare, the consumption of muskmelon helps in thinning the blood and preventing such clots.
3. Improves Immunity
Muskmelon contains carotenoids that act as antioxidants and prevent the formation of free radicals in the body. This greatly helps in the formation of new cells and also in improving the immunity of the mother and the baby.
4. Aids in Digestion
Heartburn is a common problem associated with pregnancy for expecting mothers in the second and third trimester. One of the foods that can calm your digestive system in such a case is muskmelon. The vitamin C in muskmelon aids digestion and absorption.
5. Prevents Anaemia
Anaemia during pregnancy can be dangerous for the mother and the foetus. Consumption of muskmelon can keep a check on anaemia as it contains a good quantity of iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron into the digestive system, making it available for the body to use.
6. Helps With Leg Cramps
Many pregnant women experience cramps in their legs, especially in the night. Leg cramps occur due to potassium deficiency, and muskmelon helps in supplementing the body with the much-needed mineral.
7. Develops Baby's Eyesight
A baby’s eyes start developing in the first trimester of pregnancy and achieve full vascularisation towards the end of the pregnancy. During this time, consuming a good source of vitamin A like muskmelon greatly reduces the risk of any ophthalmological abnormalities in the foetus.
8. Regulates Blood Pressure
During pregnancy, many mothers tend to develop blood pressure which can lead to complications. Muskmelon contains a good mix of essential mineral salts that help regulate blood pressure and keep hypertension in check.
9. Relieves Constipation
Consumption of muskmelon during pregnancy can go a long way in preventing constipation. Many times, expecting mothers suffer from constipation due to a lack of dietary fibre intake. The digestion-aiding vitamins and fibre in kharbuja ensure a good bowel movement during pregnancy.
10. Aids Weight Management
Muskmelon is a great binge food as it is low in calories. Mothers can consume the fruit as a daytime snack to achieve a sense of fullness of the stomach and thereby control their pregnancy cravings, which can lead to lesser weight gain. The fructose in the fruit is very minimal and does not contribute to weight gain.
11. Enhances Baby's Bone Health
The baby’s bones and teeth formed during pregnancy require calcium from the mother. To supplement this requirement, a pregnant mother can take a serving of a calcium-rich muskmelon every day.
12. Helps in Post-Partum Recovery
The mother's body requires ample nutrition to recover from the process of delivery. The vitamin A present in muskmelons, when consumed during pregnancy, is stored in the liver which greatly adds to the process of recovery of the new mother.
13. Source of Energy
Although not a high-calorie food, muskmelon is a good source of proteins and carbohydrates that burn to get converted into energy. During pregnancy, it gives the much-needed energy to fuel the activities of both the baby and the mother.
Are There Any Adverse Effects of Having Muskmelon (Cantaloupe) During Pregnancy?
Cantaloupe or muskmelon is a very safe fruit for consumption during pregnancy. If you have heard from people around you to avoid the fruit, it could be because of the Listeria bacteria that is sometimes found on its surface. It can find its way into your body if the fruit is not washed well enough. The bacteria can cause listeriosis, which is associated with some complications in pregnancy. Also, it not advisable for women who have a known allergy to the fruit to consume it. Other than that, muskmelon is a very safe and nutritious fruit for expecting mothers.
Safe Ways of Eating Cantaloupes When Pregnant
To avoid any instance of listeriosis, it is very important to wash and clean the fruit properly before consuming it. To clean the skin of the cantaloupe, wash it thoroughly under running water and immerse it for a few seconds in diluted vinegar. Then again wash it with water before cutting it open. Ensure that the knife and cutting board are cleaned properly.
Consumption of a clean melon during pregnancy does not cause any harm to the body and serves as a powerhouse of nutrients for the expecting mother.
Muskmelon is a gift from nature for all the diet-conscious mothers who want to eat healthily and keep themselves hydrated throughout their pregnancy. If you have any allergic reaction to the fruit, please talk to a trusted medical professional before consuming more.
Resources and References: Medical News Today
Also Read: Should Pregnant Women Eat Blueberries? Read more
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Poor Throwing Skills in a 17 Months Old
Generally, throwing things comes easily to children. However, some kids may not be very good at it. There are several reasons why, but correcting poor throwing in toddlers can usually be done with a few easy tips. Learn what these are and help your child improve.
Throwing things an enjoyable pastime for children is also a very important gross motor skill. By the age of 15-18 months your toddler will start wanting to throw a ball or maybe food, toys and clothes. Catching is, of course, tougher and your toddler won’t be able to do that until she’s around 3 years old. A child learns to throw by starting to roll the ball towards you. Gradually she moves to bouncing and then throwing underhand, and finally, she learns how to throw overhand. If your child displays poor throwing skills, there are things you can do to help.
Tips for Teaching Ball Skills to Your 17-month-old Child
Start with slow rolling games that don’t scare her. They reinforce the same back and forth motion and also helps hand-to-eye coordination and development of other motor skills. Begin with soft, spongy balls so she doesn’t get hurt. You can get her an indoor bowling set too. Cheer and encourage her when she hits the target. It helps in developing ball-throwing ability in toddlers. Start throwing the ball towards her from a short distance and gradually move on to farther distances and smaller balls, to increase the level of difficulty.
Causes of Poor Ball Throwing in a 17-month-old Child
1. Developmental Coordination Disorder
Developmental coordination disorder or the clumsy child syndrome may be the reason your toddler has difficulty throwing a ball. Affected children find it hard performing tasks that involve using the large and small muscles, such as writing, throwing, or catching balls, and buttoning buttons.
2. Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s is another reason a child may not be able to throw properly. The arm movements of children suffering from Asperger’s are not properly coordinated. They may also have a problem with timing. For instance, they may get their hands together to catch the ball after it has already reached them.
3. Copying Adults
Children, especially 12-18-month-old toddlers, learn by emulation. If you are a weak thrower, your child will, in all likeliness, throw like you. This doesn’t mean that you throw the ball with all your strength at your child! As she grows older, keep instructing her to throw higher, faster, harder, lower, or slower. Children copy adults and when you show your child how to throw, she’ll learn and improve quicker.
If it’s not a neurological disorder that’s the cause of your child’s poor throwing skills, chances are she will get better with proper coaching and instruction. Helping toddlers to throw a ball can begin from an early age. When toddlers begin to throw things, they end up throwing everything they can lay their hands on in excitement.It’s important that you explain what things can be thrown and what can’t. Always encourage and cheer your child, because as she grows older and her motor skills and hand-to-eye coordination improves, her throwing and catching skills will do the same.
How do you help build your child’s throwing skills? Share your ideas. Read more
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Whooping Cough in Babies
A whooping cough in babies, the bacterial infection once on the decline is staging a comeback and is on the rise in the recent times. A whooping cough also called pertussis can be particularly risky in infants because the infection may generate a sticky, thick mucus in the airway and the throat which can obstruct the breathing in babies whose airways are slight and whose lungs are still in the developing stages.
The human immune system is capable of fighting most coughs caused by viruses. But whooping cough may need medical intervention because it is a bacterial infection instead of a viral. A whooping cough in its initial phase may manifest itself in the form of cold-like symptoms. Whooping cough in babies if not treated timely and suitably, may convert into pneumonia which can be life-threatening.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough or pertussis is an infection of the lungs caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. The lung, windpipe, and airways may get inflamed due to the infection resulting in a violent, persistent cough. This kind of a cough may last longer and is usually more severe as compared to coughs caused by viral infections.
A whooping cough gets its name from the peculiar birdlike “whooping” sound an infected child tends to make during his efforts to breathe deeply between coughs. However, babies who get infected with whooping cough may not be robust enough to make this typical whooping sound.
Is It Contagious?
A whooping cough can be extremely contagious. The air-borne bacteria is easily transmissible by direct physical contact or through simply breathing in the bacteria infected air. If an infected person happens to sneeze or coughs around a baby, the bacteria can pass on to the baby through the breathing process infecting the baby as well.
Causes of Whooping Cough in Infants
Infants are likely to get infected by whooping cough because it is highly contagious and can spread easily. The early symptoms of whooping cough may be similar to that of a common cold. So an adult may not be aware that he has a whooping cough until much later during which time he can transfer the infection to a baby.
Infants receive their first vaccination for whooping cough when they turn two. Even then they may not have sufficient immunity against the disease till they have received a minimum three whooping cough vaccination shots. Hence, they are dependent on others to provide them protection from the infection by being vaccinated and by not spreading the infection to them. Studies suggest that most babies get whooping cough from a member of their family.
Moreover, immunity from a whooping cough tends to wear off with time. So if an infant was vaccinated earlier, it is important to follow up the vaccination with pertussis booster vaccine as the child grows up to ensure protection from the disease.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of a whooping cough usually get manifested after 5 to 10 days of exposure to the bacterial infection, though in some cases it may take more than two weeks as well. Symptoms of a whooping cough may develop in stages and are usually prolonged. The early signs of whooping cough may be quite different from the signs that develop later on.
1. Earlier Symptoms
Whooping cough normally starts with flu or cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, a mild cough which can persist for about two weeks after which severe and violent coughing begins. Some babies may also run a low-grade fever.
2. Later Symptoms
This stage can last for a period of one to six weeks though it may get extended for up to ten weeks in some cases. An infected baby at this point may suffer from violent coughing bouts. An infant suffering from whooping cough will usually cough continuously for 20 to 30 seconds and then fight to breath until the next bout of coughing starts. The breathing may be laboured and strenuous.
The coughing spells tend to happen more frequently at night. During violent bouts of coughing, the infant’s nails and lips may become bluish due to lack of oxygen. In some cases, an infant may vomit or cough out a thick mucus. The “whoop” sound that an infant makes at the close of a coughing bout is the most obvious whooping cough symptom.
How Long Does Whooping Cough Last in Infants?
A whooping cough in infants may last up to 10 weeks or even for a couple of months in some cases. Though with timely treatment and proper care the recovery process can be hastened. Usually, an infected person is contagious for 3 to 4 weeks after coughing commences. So, if you suspect that your child got exposed to a person suffering from a whooping cough, it is better to consult your doctor for evaluation because the early signs of a whooping cough can be confused with a common cold.
What is the Incubation Period?
Incubation period or the period between infection and the showing of symptoms of a whooping cough may be 7 to 8 days but in some cases can spread up to 21 days as well.
Treatment for Pertussis in Babies
The doctor may suggest the following treatment:
A course of antibiotics
Avoiding possible irritants like fumes, dust or allergens that may lead to a coughing bout
Keeping an eye on the breathing
Maintaining good hygiene including frequent hand washing and keeping surfaces, toys and clothing clean
Plenty of fluid intake
In case hospitalisation is required, the doctor may put your child on extra oxygen and try to suck out the mucus to clear the airways and administer fluids through an IV.
Taking Care at Home
It is important to complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor. It is best to avoid over the counter cough syrups for treating the cough which as it is may not prove useful. A cough is in fact body’s natural way of clearing the airways. So suppressing it may not be a good idea.
Keep the baby in a clean, hygienic setting. Make sure baby’s room is free of irritations such as fumes, tobacco smoke, aerosol sprays that can further worsen his condition. You may use a cool-mist vaporiser to soothe the lungs. Feed the baby smaller meals at regular intervals to prevent the incidence of vomiting after a spell of coughing. Ensure that your child drinks adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Prevention
Some of the preventive measures are listed below:
Doctors recommend that a pregnant woman should get pertussis vaccination shot during her third trimester to safeguard the unborn child. The antibodies from the mother can pass onto to the baby thereby lowering his risk of getting infected after birth.
It is equally important to immunise your baby according to the recommended schedule of vaccination. Whooping cough vaccine for babies are given at the age of 2, 4, 6, 15 and 18 months and again when they are between 4 to 6 years of age.
You may also like to consider asking family members who come in close contact with the baby to be vaccinated to prevent any likely transmission of infection from them to the baby.
Avoid exposing your baby to any such areas where he may be susceptible to catching the infection.
Will Your Baby Immune or He Need to Get Rest of His Pertussis Shots after Having Whooping Cough?
It is not unusual for babies to get a whooping cough even after they are properly immunized although the infection may not be very severe. Infants who are fully vaccinated normally recover faster and may have a milder attack of the infection.
When Should You Call the Doctor?
If not treated properly, whooping cough can develop into pneumonia or even encephalopathy (brain disease). It may also cause convulsions in babies. Therefore, it is advisable to call the doctor as soon as you notice something is not right.
A whooping cough in infants can be dangerous if not treated properly. Starting treatment early on is the key to treat whooping cough effectively. Be attentive to any possible signs of whooping cough in your baby as the initial symptoms are a lot like a common cold.
Also Read:
Dry Cough in Babies
Home Remedies for Cold and Cough in Babies Read more
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Tech Queens: 6 Women Redefining The Tech Industry
Women leaders are making their presence felt in conference rooms globally. Not only are they breaking barriers, they are also raking in the moolah! These 6 leading women of technology are here to stay.
Women are now breaking through the glass ceiling and taking their place at the top of the tech industry. Stories of women who've proved their mettle not just at home, but also in the dirty big world of business, are inspiring and heartening.
The 6 Leading Ladies of the Tech World
1. Meg Whitman
The current president and CEO of Hewlett-Packard (HP), Meg Whitman exemplifies what it means to follow one's passions. The tech queen that she is, Whitman also dabbled in politics in 2010 when she started her self-funded campaign to run for the governor’s office in California. Easily one of the top women in technology, she earns close to $19 million!
2. Sheryl Sandberg
The Facebook COO has been a regular feature in top 10 lists of powerful women in the tech industry. At the age of 44, she is currently the only female member in Facebook’s board of directors. In her book ’Lean In’, she encourages women all over the work to follow their ambitions. Truly a force to be reckoned with!
3.Virginia Rometty
She started as a systems engineer at IBM in 1981 and since then, has gone from strength to strength. With her business insights and leadership capabilities, she eventually became the first woman to lead the company. When IBM was faced with a 5% revenue decline in 2013, she passed up her annual bonus. Yes, this gesture earned the admiration of the media and her colleagues but what it truly shows is how she leads from the front.
4. Ursula Burns
The CEO of Xerox, a Fortune 500 company, Ursula actually joined Xerox in 1980 as a summer intern! She then served in different capacities in the company, including planning and product development and became the CEO in 2009. Now that is what we call perseverance.
5. Safra Catz
Catz has made her way to the top of the Oracle chain of command spanning a decade. In 2013, she gave up her bonus of $717,000 owing to Oracle’s less than stellar financial performance. What a woman!
6. Susan Wojcicki
Previously a coreligionist for Google’s ads and commerce, Susan now runs the world’s biggest video platform - YouTube. She definitely deserves a mention as one of the leading women tech entrepreneurs ruling the world right now.
The list of women in the IT industry is growing by the day. More and more women are taking charge of their own destiny. Like some superwomen we know (yes, the one in your mirror!), they also run homes and are great partners to their respective spouses. Kudos, we say! Read more
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours 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
1 hour 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
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
baby having nose block.. sleeping problem
what should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour 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
Nikitha has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. At what month does the baby go from breech position to cephalic position?
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
39 mins ago
A. hello nearing your delivery it will happen.any concern then it would be better to check with your doctor and she will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly which would be better and also safe
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. @ the time of birth baby weight 2.475kg but after completed 6weeks baby weight approx 3kg, why baby weight gain very slow, till breast-feeding milk and urinate 6-7 times and potty 2-3 times. can u please suggest why slow in progress in weight gain???
Read moreDr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
58 mins ago
A. the average birth weight of neonates is about 3 kg.
during the first few days after birth, the newborn loses
extracellular fluid equivalent to about 10% of the body
weight.
most infants regain their birth weight by the age of 10 days. subsequently, they gain weight at a rate of
approximately 25 to 30 g per day for the first 3 months of life.
thereafter they gain about 400 g weight every month,
for the remaining part of the first year. x
an infant usually doubles his birth weight (taken as 3 kg) by the age of 5 months. the birth weight triples at 1 year and is four times at 2 years of age.
the weight of ca child at the age of three years is usually
five times that of the birth weight.
Manisha Singh has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
55 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert mera baby 3 month ka h use gas bhuat banti h is karan wo bhuat rota hai
Manisha Singh
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
24 mins ago
A. it's very common for babies having gas problem ...you should recommend your doctor for this
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
52 mins ago
Q. Hi
what to give 6 months old baby to eat
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
29 mins ago
A. Hello dear! Once your baby completes 6 months you can start giving small quantities of semi solids like homemade cerelac, mashed bananas, apple puree, ragi and so on. Continue with breastfeeding. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy
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