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Preterm Labour and Birth - Reasons, Signs & Treatment
Throughout the entire cycle of pregnancy, a baby proceeds through multiple stages of growths, right up to the very final weeks of the due date. However, there might be scenarios that labour is induced and the baby is born before it has had a chance to grow fully.
What is Premature Birth?
If a baby is born before it completes the requisite 37 weeks of pregnancy, such a birth is generally termed as a premature birth.
If a baby is born around the 35th week of pregnancy, he generally does not have any serious issues. A small percentage of such babies may develop some respiratory related difficulties.
If a baby is born earlier than the 35th week but has completed 28 weeks of pregnancy, he still has its internal organs struggling to cope with the demands of a real life. He is generally very weak and find extreme difficulty in suckling milk or breathing properly.
But if a baby is born before 28 weeks of pregnancy are completed, the chances of it surviving are very low. Even the ones that do manage to survive develop complications and disabilities that can be debilitating ahead in life.
How Common is it?
Out of 100 babies that are born in India, nearly 13 babies are born prematurely. The number of premature births here constitutes for about a quarter of premature births taking place in the entire world.
What Causes Premature Childbirth?
The reasons for premature birth range from medical factors to social and lifestyle choices and cannot be conclusively pinpointed on a specific factor as such.
The presence of twins in the uterus can slightly raise chances of a premature birth.
A weak cervix is also known to cause preterm labour.
If there is a bacterial infection inside the mother’s vagina, it could be a trigger to induce premature birth.
If the mother bleeds heavily during pregnancy, the body could react to it by inducing premature birth.
Certain abnormalities of the uterus could be a possible reason as well.
A history of previous abortions is a known reason for having a premature birth later.
If the mother has had miscarriages previously in early stages of pregnancy, they could be indicative of a premature birth for the current one.
The early breaking of the water is a strong sign as well.
If the mother has grown up in a violent family or has faced domestic violence, the chances of premature birth are slightly higher.
Any woman with a history of smoking and drug abuse is known to face preterm labour.
If the mother’s job involves long and arduous physical work, even during pregnancy, then the risk of premature delivery increase threefold.
Being underweight or overweight can further increase the risk of complications, including preterm labour.
Signs and Symptoms Premature Delivery
Preterm delivery symptoms can be recognised by observing the baby closely for specific signs.
The baby has a small sized body, but the head is extremely large and out of proportion.
The features of the baby can be instantly recognized. This is because of a lack of fat for the baby’s growth, leading to the development of sharp facial features.
The baby’s body is covered with a lot of fine hair.
Since the baby’s body lacks the necessary amount of fat of a full growth cycle, its body temperature would be comparatively lower, especially right after the birth.
The baby would struggle to breathe or seem to perpetually be in distress withdrawing in required amounts of air.
The reflexes that a baby requires being able to suck for food and swallow it would be weak or missing. This further leads to difficulties in feeding the baby.
Diagnosis of Premature Birth
In most cases, doctors prefer to know the entire history of your current pregnancy as well as any previous ones. Certain tests such as urine tests, vaginal swabs, blood tests, amniotic tests, might be conducted to check various biological factors of the pregnancy.
The cervix might be examined by the doctor to check if it has reduced and started opening. Once labour has begun, it cannot be stopped either by medical professionals or by forcing yourself to rest. In case you have not completed 34 weeks of your pregnancy, a drug to delay your delivery temporarily might be administered.
A dose of steroids would have to be given to allow the baby’s lungs to mature properly. Since the lungs are not fully developed until 36 weeks of the pregnancy are complete, premature delivery is bound to cause breathing problems for the infant. Steroids help them grow in a shorter duration of time.
Preterm Delivery Complications
Some complications that may arise during preterm delivery are,
1. Short-Term Complications
The weak respiratory system of the baby will result in breathing issues. If the lungs are missing the essential substance for expansion and contraction, termed as a surfactant, the baby might experience extreme respiratory distress. They may also develop lung disorders or have long pauses between their breaths, which is termed as apnea.
Premature babies may also have a heart defect when they are born. Certain defects such as PDA, where an opening that exists between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, does not close off on its own, other untreated defects can lead to heart failure in certain cases. Babies may have low blood pressure leading to injection of IV fluids, medicines, or carrying out blood transfusions.
If a baby is born very prematurely, he carries an extremely high risk of internal brain haemorrhage. Most of them are mild and do not have a large impact but the ones with a lot of internal bleeding might suffer from permanent brain injuries.
Premature babies lack the fat that is necessary to generate energy and maintain the body heat. Hence, they have trouble maintaining the right body temperature which can sometimes dip too low and cause hypothermia. This further leads to breathing problems and a drop in blood sugar levels. Sometimes, the infants use up all energy just to maintain the body temperature and fail to leave anything for other aspects of their growth. In such cases, an incubator is used for these babies to help them maintain proper body heat levels.
With immature gastric systems, premature babies face the risks of injuring cell linings in the bowels which can be a problem when they start feeding. Breastmilk is known to reduce chances of it.
Most premature newborns suffer from anaemia or jaundice since they lack a good amount of red blood cells. Also, the skin and eyes of the baby might be yellow coloured due to excess bilirubin in the blood.
Premature babies may suffer from hypoglycaemia due to improper metabolism. As compared to fully grown babies, premature babies do not have large enough stores of glucose within them. They also struggle with converting stored glucose to active glucose that is necessary for metabolic activities.
A major risk for premature babies is a heightened risk of infection, given that they have weak immunity. Any infection can instantly spread throughout the body through their bloodstream.
2. Long-Term Complications
When the blood flow to the infant’s brain is not enough, the brain fails to develop as needed which results in a disorder called as cerebral palsy. This affects the bodily movements, muscle mass, and the general posture. It could also be a result of an infection or an injury to the brain.
Most premature babies suffer from learning impairments causing them to not proceed at the pace of kids their age.
Certain premature kids are known to have a visual disease called as retinopathy. This is where blood vessels grow in the light-sensitive area behind the retina in humongous quantities. These, over time, may scar the retina and detach it. If left untreated, this can cause full vision impairment, leading to blindness.
Nearly all premature babies undergo a hearing test to check for hearing loss since that is one of the most common problems premature births have to face.
Late tooth emergence, discolouration of teeth, and misaligned teeth are issues that premature babies are at a higher risk of.
Beyond physical, premature babies can have certain psychological problems that can manifest later during their growth.
Most children who were born prematurely, constantly fall ill with infections, suffer from asthma, primarily due to weak immunity. Certain infants may also have a risk of SIDS, termed as sudden infant death syndrome, requiring immediate hospital care.
Treatment for Premature Birth
Some treatment options for premature birth are,
1. Supportive Care
An incubator will ensure that your baby is able to maintain a healthy body temperature throughout.
Vital signs of your baby would be monitored using various sensors attached to it. In case of breathing issues, a ventilator would be used for your baby.
Fluids and feeding might be conducted via an intravenous tube. Breastmilk would also be supplied externally through the tube until it is strong enough to start sucking it naturally.
Bodily fluid balance and minerals will be maintained and monitored by replenishing them intravenously.
If your baby is suffering from jaundice, he would be placed under special bilirubin lights. This helps break down the excess bilirubin in your baby’s blood. Your baby might wear an eye mask to sleep under those lights.
If multiple blood tests are being conducted or your baby has circulation issues, blood transfusions might be undertaken.
2. Medications
Surfactant might be administered to allow the lungs to function normally.
Aerosolized mist and IV medications would be used to strengthen the baby’s heart rate.
If ill and infected, antibiotics will be administered to the infant.
Diuretics might be utilized as well to maintain a good urine output.
The eye might be injected with medication to prevent retinopathy from occurring.
Certain medications to help heart defects from healing might be administered, too.
3. Surgery
Doctors might advise you to undertake surgery for your baby to treat certain complications. It is necessary to understand the risks associated with each and the necessity of each procedure as well.
4. How to Take Care of Your Baby at Home
Once your baby is breathing fine, has a good and stable body temperature, can breastfeed, has shown weight gain, and is healthy, doctors might allow you to take your child home. Certain precautions related to the living arrangements at home, the baby’s siblings if any, other relatives and additional pediatric care might be suggested by the nursing professionals.
How Can You Reduce Risk of Premature Childbirth?
As to how to prevent premature birth from taking place, even though the exact causes are unknown, certain precautions can help reduce those chances.
The presence of a short cervix or a history of premature delivery might require the use of progesterone supplements to reduce the risk of them happening again.
A surgical procedure, termed as a cervical cerclage, might be undertaken, where the cervix is closed to provide extra support to the uterus.
Premature Baby at Different Gestational Ages
For Boys
Gestational age
Weight
Length
Head circumference
40 weeks
7 lbs., 15 oz.
(3.6 kg)
20 in. (51 cm)
13.8 in. (35 cm)
35 weeks
5 lbs., 8 oz.
(2.5 kg)
18.1 in. (46 cm)
12.6 in. (32 cm)
32 weeks
3 lbs., 15.5 oz.
(1.8 kg)
16.5 in. (42 cm)
11.6 in. (29.5 cm)
28 weeks
2 lbs., 6.8 oz.
(1.1 kg)
14.4 in. (36.5 cm)
10.2 in. (26 cm)
24 weeks
1 lb., 6.9 oz.
(0.65 kg)
12.2 in. (31 cm)
8.7 in. (22 cm)
For Girls
Gestational age
Weight
Length
Head circumference
40 weeks
7 lbs., 7.9 oz.
(3.4 kg)
20 in. (51 cm)
13.8 in. (35 cm)
35 weeks
5 lbs., 4.7 oz.
(2.4 kg)
17.7 in. (45 cm)
12.4 in. (31.5 cm)
32 weeks
3 lbs., 12 oz.
(1.7 kg)
16.5 in. (42 cm)
11.4 in. (29 cm)
28 weeks
2 lbs., 3.3 oz.
(1.0 kg)
14.1 in. (36 cm)
9.8 in. (25 cm)
24 weeks
1 lb., 5.2 oz.
(0.60 kg)
12.6 in. (32 cm)
8.3 in. (21 cm)
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-birth/symptoms-causes/syc-20376730Source
Premature birth is unavoidable if it is bound to happen. However, with certain precautionary measures, and being prepared to handle any unforeseen consequences, one can ensure a healthy delivery of the baby and help the child lead a normal life no matter what.
Also read: Helping Your Premature Baby Gain Weight Read more
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Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy - Benefits, Precautions, and Side Effects
Pregnancy is a time of heightened awareness. It is the time, when a woman ponders over her every single decision, as it can have an impact on her baby some way or the other. During pregnancy, your body will undergo a lot of changes as a result of hormonal changes. These hormonal changes can lead to certain skin problems during pregnancy that might make you feel low. Yes, other than morning sickness, you will have skin problems to deal with too during pregnancy! We know you must be thinking about ‘pregnancy glow’, but sometimes, especially in the first trimester of your pregnancy, you may not have that bright-radiant skin that you had been hoping for. Instead, you may have pimples and acne that might make you feel low. But worry not, there are certain essential oils like tea tree oil that can help you combat skin problems!
The anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make it an effective remedy for acne and other skin complications that may arise during pregnancy. But is it completely safe to use tea tree oil while pregnant? Find out!
What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil or Melaleuca alternifolia is an essential oil derived from the tea tree. Tea tree oil is known for antimicrobial and antiseptic properties which makes it a common choice for treating skin ailments like acne, warts, scabies, insect bites, fungal or bacterial infections. It also offers various benefits for hair and nails.
Is It Safe to Use Tea Tree Oil While Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to use tea tree oil during pregnancy but one must exercise utmost caution. If you want to use it, then you must read the instructions carefully on the bottle or use it as suggested by your doctor. Essential oils like tea tree oil are extremely concentrated, meaning that they are more potent when compared to products available in other forms from the same plant. Therefore, you need to know the correct usage of tea tree oil before you apply it on your skin.
Doctors usually recommend that tea tree oil should be used only in diluted form. You can apply it topically after consulting with your doctor and as suggested by her. Your doctor may also suggest some precautions, which you should follow carefully while using it. Ingestion of tea tree oil when pregnant can prove hazardous for the baby. So, never ingest it and also refrain from using it around the mouth.
Experts suggest that tea tree oil should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, as if not used properly, it can trigger uterine contractions and negatively affect the development of the growing foetus. The risk, however, somewhat reduces during the second and third trimester as the baby develops.
Benefits of Using Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy
Some benefits of using tea tree oil during pregnancy are mentioned below.
Using tea tree oil during pregnancy can help in balancing the production of oil and in unclogging the skin’s sebaceous glands, which can help cure acne and lower the chances of its occurrence.
Tea tree oil contains phytocides which may prove beneficial in the treatment of respiratory and nasal infections during pregnancy or otherwise. For the treatment of these infections, one can mix the Himalayan salt, 6-8 drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of rosemary oil in a neti pot and then use it. However, the FDA does not recommend the use of neti pot as it can be used improperly by people. Hence, it must be avoided. You can consult with your doctor if you have respiratory infections or nasal infections.
Tea tree oil may prove effective in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria including E. coli, thus protecting pregnant women from falling prey to bladder infections and cold sores. Tea tree oil is not supposed to be ingested at all, but you can use it by adding it to your bathwater. You can add around 3 drops of tea tree oil in 125 ml of bathwater, which you can use to cleanse around the urethra.
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil can help you fight fungal infections that cause brittle or discoloured nails during pregnancy.
The topical use of tea tree oil during pregnancy can also help avert the occurrence of stretch marks.
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can provide relief from the symptoms of haemorrhoids, like swelling, pain and discomfort, during pregnancy.
Ways in Which You Can Use Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy
Mentioned below are some of the ways to use tea tree oil during pregnancy.
If you have nail fungus during pregnancy, you can apply a few drops of diluted tea tree oil on to the affected area twice daily.
You can prepare a toner by adding 1.5 ounces of apple cider vinegar, 1.5 ounces of clear water to 6 drops of tea tree oil to use it on your skin. It will give you glowing skin during pregnancy.
You can increase the effectiveness of your face wash by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to it which may help you keep pimples and acne at bay during pregnancy.
You can blend in tea tree oil in your lotion before using it to get smooth and soft skin during pregnancy.
If you have dandruff problem during pregnancy, consider using tea tree oil shampoo. Add a small measure of tea tree oil to your shampoo for best results.
You can also take aromatic baths by adding 4-5 drops of tea tree oil to your daily bathwater as it promotes healthy skin.
Harmful Effects of Using Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy
Certain dangers of using tea tree oil during pregnancy are mentioned below.
The use of tea tree oil during pregnancy can sometimes prompt an allergy, leading to inflammation and skin irritation.
Ingestion of tea tree oil during pregnancy can produce substantial toxicity which may lead to abdominal pain, confusion, diarrhoea, and even coma. Hence, it should never be ingested.
Improper use of tea tree oil during pregnancy can be detrimental for the health of the foetus.
Sometimes the topical use of tea tree oil can result in skin dryness, rashes, and blisters.
The use of tea tree oil by a pregnant woman with a history of eczema can cause a bad reaction.
Tea tree oil can also set off a hormonal imbalance in some women.
Who Should Avoid Using Tea Tree Oil?
Pregnant women and people with the following conditions should avoid using tea tree oil at all costs:
Chronic respiratory issues like asthma
Tuberculosis
Precautions to Take While Using Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy
Here are some precautions you can take while using tea tree oil:
To avoid the incidence of an allergic reaction always do a skin patch test first. Apply a drop of tea tree oil on to a small area of your skin and observe for any possible adverse response.
Refrain from using tea tree oil in concentrated form. The safe way to use tea tree oil is by diluting it.
Check the expiry date when buying a bottle of tea tree oil. Using expired tea tree oil can be harmful as after expiration the oil starts to hoard cancer-causing substances.
Be careful while using tea tree oil through a diffuser in a closed room as it has a pronounced smell which can trigger nausea during pregnancy.
Tea tree oil can be very beneficial for the skin and to treat the various skin problems like acne and pimples. However, one should use it with the utmost caution, especially during pregnancy. Diluting tea tree oil for use during pregnancy is desirable to reduce its potential risks. In case of uncertainty about the correct concentration, refer to a doctor before using tea tree oil who may prescribe a suitable dosage after examining your condition.
Also Read: Castor Oil in Pregnancy for Labour Induction Read more
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15 Amazing Facts about Twins You Must Know
If you are expecting twins or are already a parent to twins, then your joy is undoubtedly double than that of others! However, it is also sure to be much more demanding and would require a more considerable amount of effort on your part to raise two children of the same age at the same time. Quite a few well-known celebrities have lesser known twins waiting in the wings. Some examples are Scarlett Johansson who has a twin sister Hunter, Ashton, Kutcher and twin Michael, as well as Gisele Bundchen and Patricia.
Twins have also been a source of fascination not just to their parents but also to the world in large as well as the scientific community. There have been countless studies analysing their behaviour and lifestyles.
Interesting Twin Facts
One thing you are sure to have heard about twins is that they can be either fraternal or identical. While identical twins have the same DNA, fraternal ones do not. This does not necessarily mean that identical twins will look alike though in most cases they do. Here are some more interesting facts about twins that you may not have known:
Yes, you can Tell Twins Apart
One of the not so well-known facts about identical twins is that there are ways of telling them apart. The first one is through their fingerprints as these are unique to every individual and twins are no exception. Though identical twins may have the same DNA since they are exposed to different areas of the womb during their development, there are bound to be differences in their ridges and whorls on the fingertips. Another way of telling twins apart is by looking at their navel. Since they are bound to be scars following the detachment of the umbilical cord at birth, these will be distinguishable.
2. Twins can have Different Fathers
Yes, you read that right! One of the more weird facts about twins, this can happen when a woman releases two eggs in a month as opposed to one. When the two eggs are fertilised by sperms from different men, then the woman can give birth to twins with different fathers. But this is a rare phenomenon.
3. The Twin Gene is not a Myth
You might have heard of some families with many sets of twins over the generations. The reason for this is believed to be something known as hyper-ovulation. In hyper-ovulation, a woman releases more than one egg each month. It is believed that the gene which causes this kind of hyper-ovulation is inherited and thus, the offspring of twins are more likely to have twins as well. Twins of this type are fraternal since they are born from two separate eggs. Identical twins are born from a single egg splitting in half and this is not a genetic occurrence.
4. They have their Own Language
If you see twin babies seemingly conversing among themselves and mistake it for the babbling common among infants, you couldn’t be further from the truth! According to a research article in the journal Institute of General Linguistics, twins speak in a language known as cryptophasia that only they can understand. This language is made of inverted words and onomatopoeic expressions (sounds such as ‘boo’, ‘choo” etc.). It is estimated that nearly 40% of twins have a private language, but it tends to disappear as they grow older and learn other languages.
5. Increased Life Span for Twins and their Mothers
In 2016, a study conducted by the University of Washington indicated that twins had a longer lifespan than others. Apparently, the support that twins provide to one another in all aspects helps in their longevity. Another study conducted by the University of Utah showed that women who gave birth to twins enjoyed a few years more than other mothers. Earlier research conducted on women who lived between 1807 and 1899 had also indicated that mothers who give birth to twins are stronger and healthier and are likely to live longer than mothers of singletons. It also revealed that mothers of twins had a higher fertility rate as well.
6. There are more than Two Types of Twins
Besides identical and fraternal twins, there is a third category known as mirror image twins. This can be seen in around a fourth of identical twins. This happens when the twins develop in the womb while they directly face each other, which makes them reflections of one another. In such instances, one twin may be right-handed while the other is left-handed or birthmarks may be on opposite sides of the body. Usually, mirror twins are formed when a single fertilised egg splits over a week after conception occurs.
7. Twin Bonding happens in the Womb
A study by researchers at the University of Padova, Italy, has found that twins reach out to each other inside the womb as early as 14 weeks of gestation and by 18 weeks, they touch each other more than their bodies. In fact, they spent an estimated 30% of their time feeling and stroking their twin. And they also are known to be gentle when touching their sibling’s eye area which is sensitive and needs to be handled with care.
8. Twins Can Have Different Skin Colours
Inter-racial couples have been seen to have twins with different coloured skin. But this phenomenon is not seen only in inter-racial couples. Couples of the same colour who have mixed ethnicity parents have also been found to have twin children with differing skin tones. Known as mixed twins, these occurrences are not very common.
9. Twins can be Born Many Years Apart
This usually occurs in cases of in vitro fertilization (IVF) where the embryos are formed in a laboratory and then introduced into the mother’s womb. In such cases, usually more than one embryo is prepared, and some people choose to get some of the embryos frozen for use at a later date. Thus, if you get pregnant with IVF this year and then again with frozen embryos a couple of years later, then technically your twins will be of different age.
10. One Twin Can Eat The Other
This is termed as the ‘Vanishing Twin Syndrome’ where one of the babies does not survive early in the pregnancy. The embryo is absorbed by either your body or the other baby’s body and does not lead to any complications during the rest of the pregnancy. This happens quite often because statistically, 1 in 8 pregnancies starts out as a twin pregnancy while only 1 in 70 results in the birth of twins.
11. Being Left-Handed is a Twin Thing
The incidence of twins being left-handed is higher at 22% which is about one in five pairs of twins or double that of the rest of the population. In singletons, the chances of being left-handed are only about 10%.
12. Twins do not have to Share the Same Birthday
Though not a common occurrence, complications during the pregnancy or concern for the health of the babies can lead to the premature birth of one of the twins. For instance, if your water breaks much before you are due, one child might be extracted while the other stays inside for a few more days or weeks. Though the average time between delivering twins is 17 minutes, the most prolonged duration on record is 87 days.
13. Identical Twins might just get away with the Perfect Crime
The DNA pattern of identical twins is a 99.9% match to each other. Their brain wave patterns are also nearly identical. This can make it tough for forensics to pin down crime on one of the twins decisively with DNA alone. However, fingerprints and teeth marks are not identical, and this can help differentiate between identical twins. In fact, there are many real crime stories involving identical twins and how they got away with breaking the law of the land.
14. There is a Twin Rising
The number of twins being born has rapidly increased from what it was 30 years ago. In the U.S., there has been a 76% rise in the number of twins born since 1980. This has been primarily attributed to older mothers, which has now become a trend. It is believed that the older the mother, higher the chances of her having twins or multiples. Another reason for the increase in the number of twin births is the increased use of fertility treatments involving methods like IVF for conception.
15. Test The Twins
Distinguishing between identical and fraternal twins is not easy. Of course, if the twins are of different genders then they are fraternal without a doubt. Sharing a placenta or amniotic sac makes them identical but looking similar does not. So, the easiest way to make sure is by getting them tested. This test involves getting a swab from the cheek of each twin which is then sent for an analysis known as the Zygosity genetic testing. It is mainly used for gaining knowledge about specific health conditions towards which the twins may be vulnerable.
The possibility of having twins is dependent on certain genetic factors. But there are also some other things that can increase your chances of having twins such as consuming a significant amount of dairy products on a regular basis. Taller women are also at a higher chance of conceiving twins due to the presence of a more substantial amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF), a protein released from the liver.
Raising twins or multiple children can make you feel like you are on a roller coaster each day. But it is a fun ride with all the excitement besides being an experience that not everybody can experience.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
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15 Best Bedroom Plants That Will Help You Stay Calm and Breathe Healthy
Nothing beats the feeling of comfort brought about by being in the presence of plants or trees; with indoor plants, you can have your own piece of nature in the bedroom. With the right variety, not only will you enjoy their blooms and fresh air but also have the air cleansed of all the harmful chemicals floating around.
Why Should You Have Plants in Your Bedroom?
Here are three reasons why you should have a bedroom plant:
1. A Plant Enlivens Your Room
Our rooms are entirely made of inanimate objects; having a living plant that needs to be cared for brings more life into the room, making it a pleasant place. A potted plant by the side of your window or bed also makes the room look more appealing.
2. They Help Purify Air
Since our bedrooms use furniture and paints that have been industrially processed, they contain chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, trichloroethylene etc. which are harmful. Some plans trap all these chemicals, making the room cleaner.
3. Plants Help Relieve Stress
It’s needless to say how much we crave for the sight or touch of plants in our lives; there’s an innate need to connect with nature for all people. This can help reduce anxiety and stress. Caring for your plants and even touching them for 2 minutes is known to have positive benefits.
Top 15 Plants for Your Bedroom That Will Help You Sleep Well and Relax
There are a number of decorative indoor plants, but here are 15 of the best ones to consider for your bedroom:
1. Jasmine
This common flower can be grown as an indoor plant in your bedroom. Jasmine’s gentle aroma has a soothing effect on your senses and the mind. It can reduce stress and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep. Jasmine is especially helpful for people who are fatigued often as it promotes deep sleep and a fresh start for the next day.
2. Lavender
Who wouldn’t love the sight of a lavender plant or feel relaxed by its soothing scent? Lavender is the perfect bedroom plant which is known to help reduce stress levels in people and promote good sleep. One study even found lavender’s soothing effect on babies helping them sleep deeply and reducing the stress in both mother and the child.
3. The Snake Plant
Also called the 'mother-in-law’s tongue', this plant is highly recommended as it improves air quality. The snake plant air-purifier effect is due to its ability to filter out nasty toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera with its medicinal properties and air purifying effect in the bedroom is nothing short of a wonder plant. It works similar to the snake plant. Having an aloe vera plant in bedroom has multiple benefits from being an air purifier to a ready-to-go topical treatment for minor cuts and burns.
5. Gardenia
These plants are characterized by their scented blossoms and evergreen leaves that are both relaxing and refreshing. Some studies show that gardenia is effective in promoting sleep and maybe just as effective as valium in helping people relax and get deep sleep. They are, however, tricky to maintain and require a lot of care and attention. Gardenias need to be kept out of sunlight, but in a brightly lit room.
6. Spider Plant
The spider plant is also super efficient in removing impurities from the air similar to snake plant and aloe vera. It gives off oxygen throughout the day and absorbs fumes and odours from the air along with other toxic substances such as formaldehyde and benzene. It’s a highly effective decorative plant especially when you live in a polluted city block.
7. Valerian
This perennial flowering plant is known for its scented white or pink flowers which get to full bloom in the summer. The plant’s blossoms were used as a perfume for a few hundred years, and its roots were used for tea or tincture. The scent of the plant’s root is powerful enough to put anyone in a drowsy state and go into deep sleep.
8. English Ivy
The English ivy is another effective bedroom plant for purifying the air. It is easy to maintain and requires moderate sunlight every day. The plant is also known for its ability to ease the symptoms of allergies in people who have asthma as confirmed by studies. The English ivy is very good at removing airborne contaminants such as faeces and mould in just a matter of hours.
9. Peace Lilly
Not only are peace lilies pleasant to look at, but they are also champions at filtering out toxic substances from the air. They are easy to maintain once you keep them in a well-ventilated place with ample tight, away from pets and children. They need to be watered every day as they give off moisture into the room to keep it humid.
10. Bamboo Palm
Also called reed palm, this palm plant isn’t a bamboo plant at all. It can, however, make for an attractive looking addition to your bedroom. Having a few of these around the house will not only improve the aesthetics but also have fresh air circulating throughout the house all day. This tropical plant also absorbs toxins from the air while bringing a tropical feel to the room.
11. Gerbera Daisies
These bright flowers are sure to put a cheer on anyone’s faces and uplift the mood of any place. They come in different colours such as white, yellow, pink and orange. Although they don’t last too long, they are a wonderful addition to the room.
12. Golden Pothos
The heart shaped leaves of this plant and its ability to clear the air if toxins make it a great indoor plant. It does well in hanging too. It’s best kept out of the reach of children due to its mildly poisonous nature.
13. Parlor Palm
This bigger palm plant is commonly found as a decorative plant in buildings. It does well in brightly lit rooms and ideal for keeping your room fresh and lively.
14. Scented Geranium
These are aromatic plants that are excellent for improving the quality of your sleep at night. Some indoor varieties do not flower as much as their cousins but can surprise you with their variety of scents such as lime, apricot, cinnamon, nutmeg, rose, and many more.
15. Money Plant
The money plant is one of the most popular indoor plants due to its association with good luck and prosperity. Like other climbers, money plant in the bedroom gives your room a refreshing look and a pleasant feel.
Points to Remember While Adding Plants to Your Bedroom
Here are the things to consider before you choose a plant for your bedroom:
If you have pets or kids at home, ensure the plants are not toxic.
Wipe and clean the leaves periodically to ensure too much dust doesn’t gather on the plants.
Choose some plant that has a pleasant scent that creates a soothing environment and cleans the air at the same time.
There can be 15 to 18 plants for every 1800 square feet of area for the best results.
Having a bedroom plant is known to keep the air fresh and help relax people for a night of good sleep. Fortunately, there are a variety of plants to choose from that bring life to the bedroom and go with the preferences of your loved ones.
Also Read:
Lucky Plants that Bring Health, Wealth and Love to Your Home
Top Indoor Plants for Apartment Living
Indoor Air-purifying Plants That Keep Your House Clean and Green Read more
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Carrot and Apple Smoothie
This is a recipe that can be put together within minutes, but what if you can’t get your pre-teen to down it? Don’t fret, here’s a quick fix. Involve him in the preparation process - the fact that he has made the smoothie is enough encouragement for him to gulp it down. Is there even a need to mention the health benefits of carrot and apple combined?
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
10-15 Minutes
0 Minutes
Ingredients
2 large carrots, washed and peeled
1/2 lemon, peeled
few leafs such as red lettuce or carrot greens
100 g yogurt
1 apple
Method
Step 1
Throw in all the ingredients in the juicer. Run it for 1-2 minutes. Drink immediately. Strain the juice if you want a smooth smoothie; however it is not recommended, since straining eliminates the fiber content completely.
Step 2
It is recommended that you peel the carrots otherwise it tastes a little bitter. If you want the recipe to be extra sweet, add one more apple.
Nutritional Information
Calories
116 Kcal
Proteins
3.5 g
Fat
0.7 g
Carbohydrates
23.9 g
Cholesterol
3 mg
Sodium
87 mg
Potassium
480 mg
Tip -Sugar or artificial sweetener can be used for added sweetness. A few other vegetable-fruit combinations that can be done are spinach – apple, wheatgrass-orange, cabbage-pear etc. Read more
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