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Wearing Make up During Pregnancy - Is it Safe?
Do you feel incomplete if you don't wear makeup? If you are in the habit of applying kajal and wearing makeup and one day you go without it, your friends may say that something is wrong with you. We all love that precious makeup kit we possess, don't we? But when a woman is pregnant, she gets sceptical about using makeup. If you are pregnant, you will also think twice before using makeup. But before coming to any conclusion, find out if it is safe to use during pregnancy or not and if you want to use it, which products should you use.
Why Choose Right Makeup Products when Pregnant
There are a plethora of makeup products to choose from, but when you are pregnant, you don't know which product is right and safe for your little one growing in your womb. So, before choosing any makeup product, you should be aware of the following things:
The exposure to the toxic ingredient of the products can cause skin cancer.
The toxic chemical components in skin creams, lipsticks, and nail polishes are very dangerous for expectant moms.
Cosmetic products are not regulated properly. Artificial colours and flavours can harm your health to a great extent.
Most commercial cosmetics lack essential nutrients.
Therefore, before choosing any makeup product consider these points and then go for the right product.
What Should You Look for in Makeup during Pregnancy
Women need to be particularly careful during their period of pregnancy. Toxic chemicals can have a significant effect during conception or on the reproductive health. Expectant mothers should look for terms like ‘BPA free’, ‘Fragrance-free’, ‘No DEA’, ‘No parabens’ ‘No phthalates’ before buying any cosmetics during pregnancy.
How to Choose Pregnancy-safe Makeup Products
If you cannot go without makeup during pregnancy, make sure you buy products that are safe for your baby's health. Keep in mind the health and wellness of your baby. Here is how you can choose safe makeup products during pregnancy:
1. Lipstick
Lipsticks are generally preferred by all women, but if it gets ingested while you eat or drink, it can be harmful to your baby.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
You should avoid lipsticks with toxic ingredients. Avoid the lead content which poses a potential risk.
Products You Should Try Instead
Pregnant ladies can wear the pregnancy–safe lipstick made up of natural ingredients. It lasts long and poses no threat to your baby's health.
Safety Tips
Lipsticks used by pregnant women should be made up of organic ingredients. It should not contain lead. You should also look for safety certification.
2. Shampoo
Generally, we don't pay much attention while choosing a shampoo during pregnancy. However, it should be chosen with great care especially during pregnancy.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
Some shampoos contain sodium chloride, sulfate, and silicone which can spoil the hair and even harm the baby.
Products You Should Try Instead
A pregnancy-friendly shampoo with shea butter, sunflower seed oil, peppermint, lime, and essential oils can be used which will revitalize the hair.
Safety Tips
Organic and natural hair products are the safest for hair. Using a shampoo made with healthy ingredients will make your hair shiny and strong.
3. Face Wash
Acne is a common complaint among pregnant women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy generally lead to acne. Hence, you should use a good face wash to clean your face.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
Anti-blemish face cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are not recommended by doctors during pregnancy.
Products You Should Try Instead
A face wash with green tea extracts, lemon peel oil, and cucumber can be used during pregnancy.
Safety Tips
You must wash your face with a mild face wash and warm water twice a day.
4. Face Cream
During pregnancy, you will need a good face cream to pamper your skin.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
The harsh ingredients of skin care products like retinoids, salicylic acid can enter the bloodstream after being absorbed by the skin. So, avoid these products.
Products You Should Try Instead
A face cream with a thick consistency and which leaves no patches and blends easily should be preferred by expectant moms.
Safety Tips
You should look for terms like ‘hypoallergenic’, ‘fragrance-free’, ‘organic’ etc. to ensure that no synthetic ingredients or chemicals have been used in it.
5. Foundation
Foundation is generally used to hide any skin problems and during pregnancy, you will be prone to acne. If at all you want to use a foundation, invest in a good foundation.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
You should avoid using a foundation containing harmful ingredients such as retinoids, and beta hydroxy acids.
Products You Can Try Instead
Pregnant ladies should use a foundation which gives a natural finish to the skin. The texture should neither be runny nor creamy; it should also last longer.
Safety Tips
Pregnant ladies should buy foundation which is made up of organic and natural ingredients without any preservatives or colours.
6. Concealer
Skin imperfections are hidden with concealer. They are used along with a foundation to give a glow to the skin.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
Concealers contain colour in a controlled quantity. Avoid anything that contains 'parabens' as they have been linked to breast cancer. If a concealer contains Polyethylene (PEGs), it is best avoided.
Products You Should Try Instead
You should use a concealer that is convenient to apply, does not make your skin dry, blends easily, and lasts long.
Safety Tips
The product safety status should be checked before buying. Consumer comments also reflect the safety standard of a product.
7. Nail Polish
Should you apply nail polish during pregnancy? Here is what you must consider before you apply nail polish during pregnancy.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
Toluene is a compound found in nail polishes. If it is inhaled by pregnant ladies, it may cause developmental defects. There are many other toxic ingredients in it which can also hinder a baby's progress.
Products You Should Try Instead
You should opt for healthier nail paints. Products containing the least hazardous chemicals should be purchased.
Safety Tips
Avoid a nail polish that has toxic content in it.
8. Blushes
When buying blushes during pregnancy, here is what you should look for.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
Blush containing parabens and sodium sulfate can harm your baby. So, check for the ingredients before buying it.
Products You Should Try Instead
You should look for ‘fragrance-free’, ‘BPA-free’, no parabens in the blush palette that you buy. Women should try shades that can blend with the texture of their skin and the ones which are not powdery.
Safety Tips
You should brighten up your face using a blush and not foundation. However, check the label to confirm.
9. Face Powder
It is a pigmented translucent powder which is commonly used by ladies to set the foundation applied.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
Retinoids, tetracycline, and hydroquinone are some of the ingredients to be absolutely avoided by pregnant ladies.
Products You Should Try Instead
Cornstarch with a good consistency will help in soaking up wetness. It is a great alternative to face powder.
Safety Tips
The face powder that you choose should be according to your skin type. Excess powder should be dusted off with blotting paper.
10. Kajal
Kajal is normally used to define the eyes and enhance its beauty. It prevents eye strain and retains moisture in it.
Ingredients You Should Avoid
Toxic chemicals that are present in eyeshadows and kajal can lead to serious long-term problems. So, avoid kajal that contains chemicals.
Products You Should Try Instead
Kajal which contains castor oil and almond oil freshens up the eyes. It does not have any side effects too. So, go for it.
Safety Tips
While buying a kajal, check the ingredients and do not buy a product containing lead, parabens, or mercury.
Tips To Look Good Without Wearing Makeup
Makeup can revamp your look, but you can look equally fabulous with no makeup at all. So, you can say a big 'No' to blush, foundations, concealers, and mascaras and keep the following tips in mind to look attractive.
Eat healthy foods. Drink fresh fruits juices and eat green veggies and your face will look fresh and young.
Take the right supplements like Vitamin C, E, Biotin or Collagen, as these help in retaining the moisture of the skin and make it look great.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin supple and hydrated. Water will flush out the toxins and will keep your skin hydrated and fresh.
You can apply moisturizers to minimize pores and reduce the fine lines.
All women are beautiful and it is not makeup that makes you look your best but it is your inner beauty that makes you what you are. Many beauty products such as lipstick, hair dye, nail polish, eyeliner can be harmful to your baby, so it is best to avoid using them during pregnancy. However, if you cannot go without makeup, look for organic products and play safe.
Also Read: Hair Care during Pregnancy Read more
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Oral Contraceptive Pills
Contraceptive pills are medicines prescribed to women which, when taken in accordance with the menstrual cycle, can help prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Scientific advancements have made contraceptive pills an effective, safe, and affordable method of birth control.
What Are Birth Control Pills?
Birth control pills are pregnancy prevention pills (also known as Oral Contraceptive Pills or OCPs) which contain the female hormones namely estrogen, progesterone or both in fixed doses. These pills are devised to manipulate the hormonal levels during each menstrual cycle in order to prevent ovulation and hence pregnancy.
Types of Contraceptive Pills
Various forms of hormonal contraceptive pills are now available commercially. Most tablets contain either progestin (progesterone) alone or a combination of progestin with estrogen in a fixed proportion.
1. Progestin-Only Pills
Progestin-only pills or POP contain only progestin (a synthetic form of the human natural hormone progesterone) and have no estrogen content. POPs need to be taken orally on all days of the normal menstrual cycle. Since a normal menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, these pills are available in blister packs of 28 tablets. Unlike certain other formulations, one needs to consume these tablets on a regular and daily basis for optimum results. Taken as prescribed, you should ideally get your next period 28 days from the day you took your first pill of the blister pack. You might experience irregular cycles or abnormal spotting in the initial few months, discuss this with your doctor. POPs are associated with fewer side effects due to the absence of estrogen, like weight gain, etc.
2. Combination Pills
Combination pills contain progestin as well as estrogen.
These pills are further classified according to the dose and proportion of progestin hormone, as follows:
Mono-phasic Pill: fixed estrogen and progestin dose.
Bi-phasic Pill: fixed estrogen, while progestin dose is increased halfway through the cycle
Tri-phasic Pill: three different doses of estrogen and progestin that change every 7 days
Four phasic Pill: offer 4 different doses of estrogen and progestin in a 28 days course
Ninety-One Day Pill: contain a fixed dose of estrogen and progestin for 84 days.
These pills are available in 28 or 21 days blister packs. Like other formulations, these combination pills are initiated with the beginning of the menstrual period and continued till you get your next cycle. The only difference in the 21-day blister pack, is that only the first 21 tablets contain the active hormones, while the last 7 tablets are ‘dummy’ tablets with no active medication. The purpose of these 7 blank tablets is to keep you in a habit of taking daily pills and also provide a ‘pill free period’ to curtail the unwanted side effects of estrogen. Taken time to time as advised, each blister pack should last for 28 days of your menstrual cycle, and you should ideally get your menses in the last week of the course, while you are taking the dummy tablets.
Since oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are associated with irregular menses, you might not get your periods on time as expected, consult your gynecologist regarding the same. Continuous minimal spotting might be noticed in a few women while on OCPs.
3. Emergency Contraceptive Pill
These pills contain low doses of levo-norgesterol (an estrogen analogue) and are supposed to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
Deciding the Pill Type
Based on your physical parameters and hormonal or menstrual response, your gynecologist may put you on either a combination pill or a progestin-only pill course. The response to different pill regimens is subjective for different women, and compliance for these medications is the best tool to decide which type of OCP is best suited for you.
How Safe Are Birth Control Pills?
Generally, oral contraceptive pills are safe for most women with no existing medical conditions or long-term medications. However, there are certain conditions in which your doctor would adjust the dose or might advise another method of contraception to avoid side effects and drug-drug interactions.
Following is a list of conditions and medications in which case you might have to avoid OCPs;
Pregnancy and the initial few weeks after delivery: Pregnancy itself is a natural method of contraception, so if you are pregnant, there is no way your body can conceive another child and you don't need contraception. The initial 4-6 weeks after delivery when you are exclusively breastfeeding, OCPs are better avoided.
History of past or pre-existing cardiac problems, such as coronary diseases, heart failure, or valvular conditions.
Long bone fractures, morbid obesity, stroke, or bedridden conditions, predisposing to venous thrombosis in the lower limbs.
Hereditary coagulation disorders
Long-standing or complicated hypertension or diabetes mellitus
Connective tissue diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus
Hepatic or liver malignancy, chronic liver disease
Patients on long-term warfarin, or anti-epileptic drugs
When Can You Start Taking the Pill?
Post delivery, the coagulation system is still hyperactive (pro-thrombotic and pro-atherogenic), it is advisable to wait for a period of around six weeks before starting OCPs to avoid any thrombo-embolic complications.
You may choose either abstinence from sexual intercourse or another method of contraception like condoms during this period. Once your menstruation resumes, it confirms that you aren’t already pregnant (if you have had unsafe sex) and also that you are ready to ovulate like used to before pregnancy. It is now safe to begin your oral contraceptives on the first day of your menstruation. Since OCPs are not effective in preventing pregnancy from day one, it is advisable to continue barrier contraception for the first few days or week, as a backup plan after starting OCPs.
Will You Need Any Backup Method?
To ensure safety against pregnancy, it is advisable to use another reliable method of contraception for at least 7-8 days after initiating oral contraceptive pills. Your partner may use a condom, since it has good results in birth control, besides protecting both of you from sexually transmitted diseases. Using a backup method definitely has an additive effect and raises the success rate of birth control when compared to a single method.
How Do Contraceptive Pills Work?
Oral Contraceptive pills mainly work either by one or both of the following mentioned mechanisms:
Ovulation Prevention: Ovulation is the formation and release of a mature ovum or egg from the ovaries of a female. It usually occurs on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. The human sperm has a shelf life of around 4 days in the female genital tract, while the ovum lives for just 2 days. If unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place during this period of ovulation, the deposited sperm fertilises the mature ovum or egg. OCPs prevent ovulation by manipulating hormonal levels of estrogen, progesterone and hence Leutinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which mainly control ovulation.
Spermicidal properties: OCPs thicken the cervical mucosa and create an acidic medium in the tract, which makes it unfavorable for the entry and survival of the sperm in the female genital tract.
How Soon Do the Pills Start Working?
Combination pills started exactly on the first day of your menstruation, offer immediate protection against pregnancy. However, if the pill wasn’t started alongside your menstruation, it may take up to seven days for it to offer protection. It is advisable to either refrain from intercourse or use a condom while having sex during this period.
Women who have started on the POP or Progestin-only pill, should either wait or use a backup method like condoms for the first two days for the pills to offer reliable protection. Also, if you miss a POP, better use a barrier for the next two days with your following pills.
How to Take Birth Control Pills
Birth control and contraception should be discussed with your partner and your doctor to help you choose the best suitable option. Once you are motivated to use OCPs, you should follow your doctor’s prescription, carefully read the user instructions with the blister packs. You should have extra blister packs, condoms, and emergency contraceptive pills always available with you.
Based on whether you have been given the 21 or 28 days course, beginning on day 1 of your menstrual period, you can start taking one oral tablet daily and continuously. The idea is to deliver active hormone in pills on the first 21 days of your cycle. The remaining 7 tablets are usually blank, sugar tablets or in some cases may contain low dose progesterone.
It is essential that you take the tablets regularly, preferably on the same time every day, irrespective of the frequency of sexual intercourse during the course. Unless you have unbearable symptoms, like vomiting, gastritis or diarrhoea, or any of the red flag signs described, do not discontinue the tablets in the middle of the course, as this may expose you to the risk of pregnancy.
Consult your doctor for any side effects due to the tablets. You may compensate an isolated missed dose, by repeating it as early as possible before the next dose. If you have been regular and compliant with your OCP regimen, you should mostly get your next menstrual bleeding started at the end of 28 days from the beginning of the course. This rules out a pregnancy, confirms that the OCP is working for you, and hints at starting the next blister pack.
How to Make the Pills Work Best for You?
Failure to take their OCPs regularly as prescribed, giving up the course due to unwanted side effects, and not keeping regular follow-ups with their gynecologists, are the commonly known reasons for failure of OCPs. The following few steps can help make these pills best work for you:
Keep an alarm, a diary, or using an app to remind you to take the pill.
Place the pillbox in your daily utility case or bag.
Your partner or other family members taking regular medications (pill buddies) can help remind you to take the pill.
Avoid too much tea and coffee, as these reduce the absorption of drugs.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption to improve the efficacy.
Avoid taking other long-term medications, or take your doctors advice regarding them, as OCPs have a lot of common drug interactions, which reduce the efficacy of these OCPs.
Follow up with your gynecologist regularly.
Do not succumb to side effects with the medications, they can be avoided with your doctor’s advice and simple lifestyle modifications.
Since OCPs aren’t 100% effective, use a condom while having intercourse for better safety (against STDs) and efficacy (birth control).
Can You Use the Pills While Breastfeeding?
Barrier or physical methods of contraception like the use of condoms by the male are ideal for nursing mothers. Hormonal contraceptives are better avoided during breastfeeding. If you are advised hormonal contraception due to other indications, progestin-only pills are preferable. Estrogen is known to hamper the amount of milk produced by the mother. It is also better avoided in the first six weeks after delivery since pregnancy and estrogen both are pro-thrombotic and can increase the possibility of having blood clots especially in the large veins of the lower limbs.
Effectiveness of Contraceptive Pills
Overall efficacy of oral contraceptive pills is found to be around 97%, but practically it is accepted to have a success rate of 91% with the use of hormonal contraception only.
Good compliance with your medications, coordination with your partner and regular follow-ups with your gynecologist are the key factors for success in birth control with hormonal contraceptives.
Simultaneous use of other contraceptive methods, like condoms, can further improve the rate of pregnancy prevention significantly.
Benefits
Following are the key benefits of OCPs
Reversible: Unlike intrauterine devices (IUDs), OCPs can be safely discontinued whenever a pregnancy is desired and hence make for an easily reversible method of contraception.
Menstrual Benefits: OCPs can help regularize your menstrual cycles (however, it may be a cause of irregular menses in few cases).
Affordable and Customizable: OCPs are now included under many government-subsidized schemes.
Cancer Protection: OCPs help reduce the chances of ovarian and uterine cancers in women.
Treatment of Osteoporosis: OCPs are vital in the hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Risks
Following are the major risks associated with the use of oral contraceptives.
They do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or STDs.
OCPs may interfere with the action of other drugs you may be taking, like warfarin, etc.
There is also significant hypertension and stroke risk.
OCPs are associated with breast cancer and cervical cancer.
OCPs are pro-coagulants and should be used with caution in people with coagulation disorders and smokers.
OCPs require a doctor’s prescription and need to be taken stringently on a regular basis daily.
Side Effects
Oral contraceptive pills are associated with certain side effects when used for a significant period of time. Although most of these side effects are mild, they might be quite distressing for some women :
Gastritis and nausea
Increase in body weight
Swelling and tenderness of the breasts
Occasional spotting and irregular menses
Mood swings
Use of oral contraceptive pills may be associated with a few serious symptoms including liver disorder, cardiac problems, or stroke associated with their use.
Symptoms That Indicate a Serious Problems
Following is a list of red flag signs while on oral contraceptives, which indicate that you should immediately consult your clinician
Acute chest pain
Dyspnea or shortness of breath
Hemoptysis or blood in sputum
Acute abdominal colicky pain
Unilateral swelling of leg, calf tenderness, or thigh pain
Migraines or throbbing headaches which begin or worsen after initiation of OCPs.
Slurring of speech, tingling or numbness, visual blurring, weakness of either limb.
Hepatic dysfunction: persistent vomiting, yellowing of skin, eyes, and urine, right sided pain or generalized distension of abdomen.
Medications That Make the Pill Ineffective
Oral contraceptives are known to have several drug interactions. Your doctor might provide you with a list of such drugs and chemicals which include,
Anti-tubercular drugs
Anti-fungal agents (like griseofulvin)
Barbiturates and few other sedatives
Anti-retroviral drugs Zidovudine and Stavudin.
Anti-epileptic drugs like Phenytoin Sodium
Commonly used antibiotics do not have significant interactions with OCPs and are generally permissible.
What If You Forget to Take Pregnancy Pill?
Missing your oral contraceptives while you are sexually active certainly carries the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. The risk, however, depends on certain factors, like which dose was missed, how many doses have been missed and whether or not another backup method like condoms, was used while having sexual intercourse.
Here are some guidelines for protecting yourself:
If you have missed a single daily dose of an active hormone pill, you may take it at the earliest continuing the further course at the usual time.
You need not repeat the dose, if you have missed one of the dummy tabs in the last seven days of the course.
If you had unprotected sex before starting another pack, it is advisable to take an emergency contraceptive pill.
If you couldn’t start your pack on time (i.e. from the first or fifth day of your periods, as instructed by your doctor), it is better to resort to barrier method of contraception, like condoms.
You may contact your doctor in case you have missed more than two doses, or have had repeated unsafe sex during this period, or if you have any unusual symptoms.
Using pillboxes, drug reminder applications, and alarms can help you remember to take your OCPs on time.
FAQs
What If I Vomit Or Have Diarrhoea After Taking The Pill?
If once a while you vomit immediately after consuming an OCP, you may take another pill instantly and continue your course as usual. If you are suffering from food poisoning or hepatitis or any form of gastro-enteritis wherein you have persistent vomiting and loose motions, you should consult your doctor. You might have to either temporarily discontinue OCPs and abstain from having unsafe sex if you want to avoid being pregnant, or you might have to switch over to another method of birth control till you recover completely.
When Can I Start Another Birth Control Pill Pack?
Depending on whether you are on a 21-day course or a 28-day regimen, you will start your next pack of oral contraceptive pills right after you finish your previous blister pack. This would usually coincide with the beginning of your next menstrual period. Irrespective of whether you get menses or no, you should start another blister pack of birth control pills.
What If I Decide To Get Pregnant Again?
When you plan to conceive while on OCPs, all you have to do is stop taking the pills. As soon as you discontinue the course, you are likely to get your menses started. This marks the beginning of your next menstrual cycle, which will see ovulation around the 14th day. You may plan sexual intercourse in this fertile period for a pregnancy. Few clinicians may advice waiting for a few normal regularly spaced menstrual cycles before you conceive. You should take your clinician's advice before stopping or altering your OCP course in order to conceive safely.
Does The Pill Protect From STD?
Although oral contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy quite effectively, unfortunately, they don’t offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Barrier contraceptives like condoms, on the contrary, provide protection from all forms of STDs besides also serving as an effective birth control measure.
Which Are The Other Birth Control Options?
Besides hormonal contraceptives following are the other options for birth control:
Calendar method: Avoiding intercourse around the ovulation period or the 14th day of menses.
Spermicide gels: locally applied to the female cervix before intercourse.
Barrier methods: Condoms, vaginal rings, and diaphragms
Intrauterine devices: Copper T
Sterilization techniques: Tubectomy and hysterectomy
Is It Necessary To Take A Break From Pill Occasionally?
No, it is not necessary to take a break from OCPs unless you have significant side effects due to prolonged use. However, you may switch over to other methods as and when desired or advised by your health practitioner. Remember, unless you completely switch to another method, after stopping OCPs, you are at a fair risk of getting pregnant.
What If I Miss My Dose?
If due to some reason, you happen to miss your dose of OCPs, either try and avoid having sexual intercourse or ensure your partner uses a condom. You may take your missed dose without causing any gap in the course.
With recent medical advances, oral contraceptives are one of the most preferred methods of birth control practised by women worldwide. It ensures safety and reliability when used correctly according to a medical prescription. It also protects women against ovarian and uterine cancers.
Also Read: Natural Family Planning Read more
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Motherhood : A Priceless Gift
This blog is about my journey of motherhood. It talks about my transformation from a carefree girl to a hands on mommy. It captures all the beautiful memories my little one has given me in the span of two years and also how I have evolved as a person. With this blog I want to help all the new mommies out there who have just began their beautiful phase of motherhood.
My journey of motherhood began from the day I came to know I have conceived and now when my daughter is turning two, I look back and cherish all the lovely memories. I still remember the day I came to know about my pregnancy, it was an altogether different feeling. The whole idea of a new life nurturing in my womb brought tears of happiness in my eyes.
Visits to the hospital for regular checkups were both exciting and scary for me at the same time. Excitement to hear the heartbeat of my little one and fear whether the baby is meeting all the developmental milestones or not. Both me and my doctor were trying for a normal delivery but I had to undergo an emergency c-sec as my daughter had passed meconium. The moment I held my daughter for the first time, I felt truly amazing and this feeling cannot be penned in words.
I had hired a maid to help me but unfortunately she did not turn up. I was really scared of managing the baby all by myself as everything was so new for me but trust me whatever God does is for our good. Taking care of all her needs right from feeding her to giving her a massage to bathing her made me day by day a confident mommy. I have always been a carefree girl but after entering into this beautiful phase of my life, I was transformed into a responsible hands on mommy. My mother would often say she still can't believe I am the same girl who just went with the flow but now is so particular about each and everything regaridng my little one.
To all those new moms out there, just go with the flow my dear and enjoy each and every moment of this amazing journey because this time will not come back. Do what you feel what is right for your child. Follow your heat and don't worry about people judging you. I have been through this phase and I know how much pressure a new mom has to face. Just focus on your baby and you will be all set. Everyday you will learn something new from your little one. One thing I learnt from my daughter is patience. I have read about the concept of gentle parenting online and how many parents are following this concept across the globe. In a span of two years, one thing I have realised as a mom that I have to work at the same pace as my little one and that too with lot of patience. There are times when I completely lose my cool but then again I start fresh.
No matter how much my baby troubles me throughout the day, at night when she cuddles me with her warm hugs and showers her love on me; I feel on top of the world and truly Blessed. Motherhood is indeed a priceless gift.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Preschooler Development Tracker 3-4 years
Read about the physical, mental and behavioural milestones your child should have achieved between 3 and 4 years of age. Check whether your child is on the way to age-appropriate development.
As your child enters her third year, she will be walking and talking confidently. She will become more independent and will be delighted in doing her own tasks. Read on to check the milestones she should have achieved.
Physical Development
At 3-4 years, your preschooler will be excited about physical activity. Trips to the garden will become part of your routine. However, she is still young and will tire easily so do give her play breaks. She will be a very confident walker and will have developed good body balance. She will now be able to walk, run, march, jump and hop. She will be climbing stairs using alternating feet and will enjoy riding tricycles. She will also enjoy playing with a ball and will be able to throw, catch, kick and bounce it.
Her hand-eye coordination will get better. She will enjoy playing with puzzles, building blocks, large beads and play dough. She will get better at drawing too and will learn to hold the crayon with her fingers rather than her fists. This is the time when she will start to show whether she is right-handed or left-handed. However, she might use either or both for her tasks.
Completing Daily Chores
At 3-4 years, your child will take her first steps towards independence. She might be potty-trained by now and may be able to clean herself too. She will be able to undress herself including unbuttoning and unzipping, but might need help dressing up. Though clumsy, she will be able to butter her toast and pour water for herself. She will have learnt to bathe herself but might still need help with brushing her teeth.
Social Development
She’ll be able to play for longer hours in groups and may have imaginary friends. She will enjoy ‘pretend games’ like mama-papa or doctors and might enjoy ‘pretend tea parties’ with her friends. She’ll be curious about her body and might engage in sex play.
Talking and Understanding Skills
She’ll have a fairly good vocabulary by the time she’s four. However, she’ll understand far more words than she’ll use. She will be speaking in full and clear sentences and understanding longer instructions.
She’ll be very interested in everything around her. She will ask a lot of questions and will enjoy telling stories and reciting rhymes. She will understand opposites, colours and shapes and learn numbers and letters.
Expressing Feelings
Your preschooler will be able to express herself much better now through words, body language and even through her drawings. She will be better able to control her tantrums.
You Might Need to Seek Help if by Four Years Your Child
Throws tantrums and is clingy
Doesn’t use sentences made with more than three-words
Cannot understand two-part commands
Cannot pick up small objects like pencils
Cannot dress herself or use the toilet on her own
Trips while walking
Cannot see or hear properly
Remember that every child develops at different rates. You can help your child in her overall development with proper guidance and care. See a doctor if you notice consistent loss of skills in your child. Read more
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Postnatal Care - Why You Should Not Ignore It
My name is Shilpa, and I am a mother of 2.4-year-old. I decided to write on postnatal care because it is often ignored. During the nine months of pregnancy and during delivery, the family members of a pregnant woman pay attention to the woman and ask her to take precautions. But once the baby arrives, he/she becomes the top priority. The baby gets all the love and care, and the tired mother is left behind and has to take care of the baby.After delivery (whether it is a C-section delivery or normal delivery), a new mother is bound to get exhausted and she needs ample rest. When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, she starts preparing herself mentally for motherhood but it is only after giving the birth, she embraces it. It's her first physical experience with the baby. The new mother receives a lot of advice from everyone around her. She is told how to hold the baby, how to feed the baby, and much more. The moment the baby arrives, a woman's journey of motherhood begins. And sometimes, it can be hard for a new mother to fulfil all the responsibilities. Her exhausted body, restless mind, and sleepless nights can leave her depressed. So, the big question is at this time, who is a woman's helping hand? Is it her loving hubby, respected mother in law or her parents?In my opinion, everyone should be aware of the term 'postnatal care'. One must keep in mind that giving birth to a baby is just another phase of pregnancy and not the end. Post delivery, a new phase starts, which is 'postnatal'. After giving birth, if the new mother is not taken care of, then she might experience 'postnatal depression'. She might feel lonely and sad if she feels that she is unable to fulfil the responsibilities towards the baby due to physical and mental tiredness.Husbands should help their wives in dealing with postnatal depression. They should be aware of the term postnatal depression. They should support their wives to fight depression.
Here is How You Can Help a New Mother Deal with Depression
Don't leave her alone. At times, she may not behave normally but give her time. Let her take her own time to come around and talk to you. Be there for her when she needs you.
Assure her that helping hand is around her for help.
If needed seek doctor's help.
You must discuss postpartum bleeding and lochia with the new mother. A woman should know how much blood loss she can expect post delivery. When bleeding is more than normal, they should seek help immediately.
Discuss feeding and breast care.
Maintain a good environment in your home so that the mother feels happy and is able to take care of the baby in the best possible way.
Women in the postnatal period need to follow a balanced diet, just the way they did during pregnancy. Iron and folic acid supplementation should also continue for 3 months after birth. Women who are breastfeeding require additional food and should drink clean water in adequate amounts. Family members should make sure that the new mother's nutritional requirements are met. They should do nutrition counselling with women who are very thin. They should also make sure that the mother stays happy and eats healthy.
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Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
15 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreSwati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. Do consult your doctor as soon as you can. It's important to find the real reason because without that, proper medication is not possible.
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
15 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. it's my 5 month n I still didn't went for check up yet not even once is it okay if I go now or?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. You should have started going from the very beginning itself once you get to know you’re pregnant but since you haven’t reached that now if you’re pregnancy has been healthy last five months please get it checked with your doctor also if you need to start with any supplements or diet the doctor would advise you after a ultrasound so please visit your gynaecologist
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. size chart is not correct for age of the baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. generally it is available from Indian academy growth chart download from Google. 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
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Mera 8 month start hu white distance hora mere ko
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. hello since u are a expecting mom this would require a proper medical attention and it is better to check with your doctor and your doctor will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
54 mins ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
30 mins ago
A. Belly sleeping is complete no no rest you can sleep on whatever side you are comfortable with left or right or on your bag you have three posture to sleep in and that is what you just have to stick to there is no sleeping on the stomach
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