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Guide to First Trimester Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid
Being pregnant can give rise to a whole range of emotions – from joy to anxiety to excitement. It can also be physically taxing, which makes it important that you pay sufficient attention to your health and well-being, all through the pregnancy. A nutritious diet and regular exercise will help your baby get a good start, too.
Planning Your First Trimester Diet
The right balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is what you should look at all through your pregnancy, and especially in the first trimester. Include foods that are rich in folates, which is essential for the proper development of your baby’s nervous system. Here is a sample diet chart for the first trimester of pregnancy.
Food Category
Daily Serving
Type
Fruits
2-3 servings
Fresh, frozen, canned, juices, include at least one citrus fruit
Vegetables
3-5 servings
Cooked vegetables
Dairy
3 cups
Milk, yoghurt, cheese, fortified soy milk
Protein
2-3 cups
Beans, meats, lentils, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds,
Whole Grains
3 servings
Whole-grain bread, cereals, crackers
Nutritional Needs in Early Pregnancy
Just because you are eating for two doesn’t mean that you have to instantly double your food intake. This is because you do not need extra calories until you are in the third trimester. However, the body needs a greater amount of protein, folic acid, Vitamin D, and Vitamin A during this time. You can get these through prenatal vitamins and essential supplements.
1. Prenatal Vitamins
If you follow a healthy diet, then all you need would be a prenatal vitamin that can provide 400mcg of folic acid and 10 mcg of Vitamin D per day. There are many such multi-vitamins available in the market and your doctor will be able to prescribe you one.
2. Essential Supplements
When taking supplements during pregnancy, it is important to stay within the daily allowance. You can check the labels of the bottle of supplements to make your calculations. See if calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, also known as B2, thiamine, also known as B1, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D are present in the supplements you consume.
Foods to Eat in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Pregnant women need about 300 calories, in addition to their normal food intake. Complex carbohydrates like whole grain bread, pasta, vegetables, beans, and legumes need to be consumed on a regular basis. A good amount of fluids and fibre must also be a part of your daily diet when pregnant. The following are some other foods that should become part of your diet during this important phase of life.
1. Vegetables
It is important to have around three to five servings of vegetables in various colours. Spinach is a rich source of folic acid, so you should try to include it in your daily diet. Broccoli has a high iron content, which helps in the formation of red blood cells in the baby during the first trimester. However, women with hypothyroidism should avoid broccoli. Green peas, tomatoes, red, green, and yellow bell peppers, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are all recommended for the first trimester.
2. Fruits
The recommended amount of fruits for the first trimester of pregnancy is at least three servings per day. Citrus fruits are a good source of folic acid, so try to eat grapefruits, oranges, and sweet limes on a regular basis. Avocados, bananas, pears, cantaloupes, cherries, grapes, guavas, apples, watermelons, pomegranates, and mangoes are some other fruits to include in your diet.
3. Non-Vegetarian Food
When deciding on the type of non-vegetarian food for a first-trimester diet, you can include warm chicken soup, eggs, and lean meats. Be sure to eat well-cooked poultry and meats to prevent any digestive issues and bacterial infections. Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, but you should avoid deep-sea fishes like king mackerel, shrimp, shark, and swordfish, which tend to have a high mercury content.
4. Dairy Products
When aiming for the required three portions of dairy per day, you can choose cottage cheese, as it is a good source of not just protein, but also calcium, which is essential for bone and muscle development. Yoghurt, curd, low-fat milk, and different varieties of cheese can be consumed during the first trimester.
5. Whole Grains
Whole wheat, oats, barley, corn, millet, and rice are some whole grains to include in your first-trimester diet. Lentils in the form of soup or cutlets can be made a part of your diet during pregnancy. Grains provide energy to your baby and are essential for the growth of the placenta.
6. Protein
See that you get at least two servings of proteins per day. Eggs are a rich source of protein, alongside dairy products like cottage cheese. So are fish, meats, nuts, poultry, milk, and peanut butter. Make sure you are not allergic to dairy or nuts.
7. Other Foods
Nausea and morning sickness are likely to last through the first trimester. So, you might also want to keep some stomach-friendly food items handy, such as ginger ale, crackers, pretzels, and flavoured popsicles.
Food to Avoid in the First Trimester
Food cravings are quite normal during pregnancy, but it is important to ensure that you do not lose sight of your nutrition goals while fulfilling these cravings. There are also some foods that are a strict no-no during pregnancy, especially the first trimester. They include:
Fish containing mercury, such as swordfish, king mackerel, and shark
Raw or undercooked shellfish and eggs
Raw meats and poultry
Milk that is not pasteurised
Soft cheeses such as brie, feta, or blue cheese that are unpasteurised
Raw sprouts
Fruits and vegetables that are not washed properly
Papaya
Pineapple
Black grapes
Eggplant
Cabbage and lettuce
Excess caffeine
Too much of sugary food such as desserts and sweetened beverages
Healthy Diet Tips to Follow in Early Pregnancy
Maintaining a healthy diet during early pregnancy involves getting the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. You can ensure this by:
Choose healthy food options such as salads, soups, fruits, and steamed veggies whenever you feel hungry in between meals or at snack time, instead of quick solutions like packaged products.
Drink lots of water and other fluids to stay hydrated
Don't forget to take your prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements every day.
Avoid alcohol and cut down caffeine intake.
Stay active and exercise moderately, depending on your health conditions
Don't miss any doctor appointments or scheduled checkups.
Food Substitutions You Can Make During the First Trimester
If your favourite foods have suddenly become a strict no-no during pregnancy, it can be hard to resist sudden cravings, especially when you’re trying to stay true to your diet. However, these food substitutions can help you get through those cravings.
1. Fried Items
Fried items can easily be substituted for baked ones. You can get baked or air fried chips and nachos at a supermarket. Popcorn is also a low calorie, yummy substitute if you’re craving something crunchy and salty.
2. Ice Cream
Replace ice cream with frozen yoghurt, that is just as creamy and comes in a variety of flavours. You’ll hardly be able to tell the difference. Bonus points for adding healthy toppings like fruits.
3. Chocolate
This isn’t much of a substitution, but if you’re craving some chocolate, opt for plain dark chocolate, rather than milk or white chocolate, which have loads of sugar.
The first trimester is crucial for many reasons. This is the period when the risk of miscarriage and birth defects are the highest. This is also the time when your baby’s vital organs start developing and need the right type of nutrition. So, focusing on what you eat and staying active during pregnancy, especially during the first three months, ensures your baby is as healthy as possible.
References and Resources: Healthline
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15 Best Tv Shows to Watch When Expecting
While pregnancy is an exciting time, it is also one of the most uncomfortable and exhausting times in life. Getting used to changes in your body, hormones, and mood can leave you worn out by the end of the day. Cuddling up on the couch with some snacks and a great TV show can be just the thing you need to de-stress and drift away from your own life for a little while.
Sometimes, watching shows about pregnancy or anything related is the last thing you want, but some women like to watch them because pregnant scenes in TV shows are relatable for them. The good times and the challenges that the characters experience can sometimes help them prepare for parenthood's many ups and downs. Here are some great Pregnant drama TV shows for you to binge on when you are expecting.
15 Must-Watch TV Shows During Pregnancy
With the vast number of TV shows covering many different topics, choosing something that will appeal to you or that you will find relatable can be a little tricky. That is why we have compiled a list of family-oriented series and TV shows with pregnancy storylines that will keep you engrossed.
1. Reba
Reba’s ex-husband, Brock, gets his dental hygienist, Barbra Jean, pregnant, and at around the same time, Reba finds out that her teenage daughter is also pregnant. While Reba naturally did not like Barbra Jean at first, she finds herself liking her more as their family tries to navigate this strange new situation.
2. I’m Pregnant and…
This American show captures the stories of different pregnant women and how they handle some complex challenges as they navigate through the nine months of pregnancy. Some of the stories covered are about mothers who suffer from severe drug addictions, mothers who suffer from disorders such as Bipolar, as well as mothers who have to deal with pregnancy while being homeless. The show will tug at your heartstrings and remind you to be grateful for even the smallest blessings in life.
3. The Let-Down
In this Australian series, Audrey, a young mother, is looking for a bit of support as she tries to journey through the hormonal changes, sleepless nights, and unsettled emotions during her pregnancy. With a partner too engrossed with his career, and other mom friends with their own set of problems, she seems to be having a bit of difficulty finding the support she needs.
4. I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant
We have all heard intriguing stories of women who had no idea that they were pregnant until they felt the contractions start a few days before the birth of their children. This TV show is a compilation of stories like these, and it exposes the many medical reasons behind this strange phenomenon.
5. The Secret Life of the American Teenager
After a teenage affair at band camp, Amy becomes pregnant at the ripe young age of 15. Amy, who already had a boyfriend back home, now has to face the many trials of being a teenage mother. With a surprisingly supportive boyfriend, a family who needs some time to come around, and a frustrated baby daddy, Amy is in for the experience of her life.
6. Jane the Virgin
If you want humor with a bit of drama, pregnant TV shows like Jane the Virgin are the choice for you! It follows the story of a young virgin called Jane, who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant after being artificially inseminated during a routine visit to the gynecologist. Jane will now need to learn how to handle life while preparing for motherhood, despite being single and a virgin.
7. Babies
This informative series takes you through the development of babies as they get through their first year. New parents will find this extremely helpful and enjoyable as it covers every milestone a baby will hit during this precious time in life, all while featuring a host of cute babies.
8. 16 and Pregnant
This MTV show features the hardships and trials that pregnant teenage girls face. It gives some insight into the lives of teenage girls from different walks of life and how they handle their pregnancies and relationships as they prepare to become young mothers.
9. Baby Daddy
Ben finds himself left with a baby girl to raise when a one-night stand from his past leaves her at his place. Clueless, Ben gets help raising his daughter with the help of his mother, Bonnie, his brother, and two friends. Funny and touching, this series switches things up and focuses on the bond between father and child.
10. Pramface
Teenagers Laura and Jamie are dealt a surprise when Laura ends up pregnant after a teenage party hook-up. While others their age were living everyday teenage lives, Laura and Jamie have to learn how to be both parents and partners as they prepare for the arrival of their baby.
11. Workin’ Moms
Jenny, Kate, Frankie, and Anne are four moms struggling to find some balance between family and work, all while trying not to lose their sanity. They use their “Mommy and Me” classes to bond and share their struggles. This hilarious show covers topics that every parent deals with, making it relatable and enjoyable on another level.
12. Call the Midwife
This BBC period drama follows the challenges that midwives faced in the 1950s and early 1960s. The rather heroic attempts of the midwives to safely deliver babies, despite the odds against them, are highlighted in this intense and captivating drama. They brought severe topics like poverty, abuse, healthcare, incest, and prostitution to the show.
13. Offspring
This Australian show follows an OB-GYN, Nina Proudman. This comedy is a work-related show covering many pregnancy-related topics and gives excellent insight into many different aspects of parenthood and life. Some scenarios include unexpected family dynamics, surrogacy, pregnancy loss, IVF, babies who were switched at birth, sperm donation, and so much more.
14. Parenthood
This show dives into the complicated dynamics of a family and parenthood as it follows the Bravermans through many generations. The four main characters are siblings, Adam, Crosby, Sarah, and Julia, each going through a different experience while raising their children. From being a single parent to helping your child through puberty, almost every topic is covered in a relatable and touching way.
15. Catastrophe
This British show follows Rob, an American, and Sharon, an Irishwoman, as they find themselves bonded for life after a one-night stand leaves Sharon pregnant. The pair now have to figure out parenthood together, resulting in a hilarious clash of cultures and accents. This show brings to attention all the good things and the challenging parts of parenting, all while bringing in endless humor.
When you are tired and pregnant, TV shows can sometimes be your best friend at the end of the day. They are a low-energy form of entertainment that gives you the option of getting engrossed in someone else’s story, leaving reality and all the stresses that come with it behind for a little while. So, pick a show that interests you and get started.
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Hyperemesis Gravidarum - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Hyperemesis Gravidarum generally occurs during pregnancy, when the patient is constantly vomiting and has a severe case of nausea. This leads to dehydration and weight loss in some cases. To get a better understanding of the symptoms and causes, it helps to first understand the condition.
What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum & When Does It Occur?
The fast-rising levels of the HCG hormone along with the progesterone levels during pregnancy can cause morning sickness. However, when these symptoms feel acute it could be a sign of pregnancy sickness. Hyperemesis gravidarum or pregnancy sickness occurs when there is excess and severe vomiting which is continuous. It is also more draining than morning sickness.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is not a common condition in pregnancy and affects only 3 percent of to-be-mothers. The condition is so severe that it does not let you gulp anything down including saliva.
Persistent nausea, excess weight loss, dehydration, an imbalance in electrolytes, malnutrition, acid-base imbalance and volume depletion can be caused because of pregnancy sickness.
The symptoms start to show between the fourth and the seventh week, which is the first trimester and tends to ease down between the 14th and the 16th week. It normally subsides around the 29th week. However, there have also been cases where hyperemesis gravidarum has lasted for the full pregnancy term.
Mild cases of hyperemesis gravidarum can be treated at home. But if the condition is severe, then it may need immediate hospitalisation which is required for the safety of the mother and the child.
It is important to treat the problem and start taking necessary care before the condition becomes critical. Since the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum are almost similar to that of morning sickness, it is first important to know how to differentiate between the two.
Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum A Pregnancy Sickness Or Morning Sickness?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a pregnancy sickness. The condition causes difficulty in swallowing leading to vomiting. Large amounts of saliva get secreted in the mouth and trying to swallow the same only leads to vomiting.
The body tends to lose around 5 percent of its pre-pregnancy weight. The condition also leads to dehydration because of excessive vomiting several times a day. Difficulty in drinking and eating, followed by continuous vomiting are characteristic of the condition, leading to a constant state of fatigue and weakness.
You will know whether the symptoms are of morning sickness or pregnancy sickness if you show these indications.
Severe nausea that does not go away
Excessive vomiting
Inability to eat or drink anything
Lack of or reduction in appetite
Fainting spells
Dehydration
Excess loss of weight
Presence of blood in vomit
Although morning sickness has similar symptoms, the condition isn't as severe because the body manages to retain food. But with hyperemesis gravidarum, taking even a bite of food will prove difficult.
Though a rare condition, hyperemesis gravidarum can affect any pregnant woman. There are a few women who are at a higher risk of having hyperemesis gravidarum during their pregnancy. If you feel that you are a likely candidate, then it's important to be aware of the potential risks involved, as well as educate yourself on how to tackle pregnancy sickness.
Who Is Most At Risk In Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Women who have a higher risk of complications in pregnancy because of hyperemesis gravidarum are:
First-time mothers
Young mothers
Obese women
Women carrying multiple foetuses
Women with prior history of hyperemesis gravidarum
Women who are under extreme emotional stress
Women with an endocrine imbalance
Women with a Vitamin B deficiency or H. pylori infection
Those prone to migraines or travel sickness
Those who have a pre-existing liver disease
There are high chances that if your mother has had a case of hyperemesis gravidarum you may have it too. Hyperemesis gravidarum affects a woman so much that she tends to feel weary the whole day. It may make, even the simplest of tasks, difficult to do.
Will hyperemesis gravidarum harm baby? If this worries you, then you would be glad to know that if hyperemesis gravidarum is treated on time, it is very unlikely to harm the baby. The baby will be born without any developmental or health issues.
The exact cause of hyperemesis gravidarum is still being researched and there is no evidence to pinpoint the reason for an occurrence.
Causes Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Vomiting in pregnancy is believed to occur because of the rising blood level of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone. This hormone is released by the placenta. Mild vomiting in the first three months of pregnancy is common, but severe vomiting is a reason for concern. Women who have a hydatidiform mole may also be at a higher risk of having hyperemesis gravidarum.
Hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbance is a rare case in pregnant women and its exact cause is not entirely known. Hormonal changes are thought to be the reason for hyperemesis gravidarum.
Signs & Symptoms Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Awareness of the symptoms leads to early detection and enables one to seek timely medical attention before the condition progresses causing further discomfort.
Symptoms of severe hyperemesis gravidarum should not be ignored. If you display the following symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor at the earliest:
Difficulty in taking fluids
Little or no urination for eight hours or passing dark urine
Abdominal pain
Fever
Bleeding
Headache
Visual disturbance
Dizziness
Blood or bile in the vomit
Persistent and severe nausea
Salivating abnormally
Weight loss due to Hyperemesis gravidarum
Light-headedness or fainting
Constipation
Jaundice
Other symptoms to look out for are:
Disturbance in sleep
Dysgeusia
Decrease in gustatory discernment
Hyperolfaction
Anxiety
Depression
Mood change
Decrease in concentration
Feeling irritated
The doctor will check for metabolic disturbance and will recommend a blood and urine test to know the cause of the sickness. The tests focus on signs of malnutrition, dehydration and presence of ketones (toxic acid chemicals), in the urine.
As soon as you detect any of the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum you can start to make necessary diet and lifestyle changes that will help lessen the uneasiness.
What Can Be Done To Ease Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
The remedies suggested to relieve hyperemesis gravidarum depend on the severity of the case. Here are ways to ease discomfort:
1. Mild cases
If your condition is not very severe and you are able to have some food and fluids then you could try the following home remedies for hyperemesis gravidarum:
Ginger is known to ease nausea. Ginger tea, ginger cookies and ginger candies can be consumed frequently.
Avoid spicy and fatty food that tend to cause nausea.
Avoid tastes and smells that make you feel nauseated.
Avoid large meals. Break it down into six to eight meals in a day. The meals should be rich in carbohydrates and proteins. This makes it easier to digest the food and prevents the acids from corroding the stomach lining which tends to make one feel like vomiting.
Increase fluid intake and pay attention to the colour of your urine. Dark and scant urine is an indication that you need more fluids in your diet.
Acupuncture for hyperemesis gravidarum and even acupressure help to an extent.
Hypnosis.
Lots of rest.
If home remedies fail to give any relief, then your doctor may prescribe medication. Vitamin B6 helps to relieve stress and nausea and you may also be prescribed Unisom sleep tablets.
2. Severe cases
In case your condition is severe and you are vomiting continuously and losing a lot of weight, then you may need intravenous fluids and could be hospitalised. You may also be given an anti-nausea drug. Once you are able to have small amounts of fluids and food, you can start following the practices that are recommended for mild cases of hyperemesis gravidarum. Proper treatment will keep the baby safe and unaffected.
It is however recommended that you talk to your health practitioner early and not wait till the condition worsens to do so.
You should also avoid some triggers that may make you feel uneasy. These may include:
Noise and sounds
Bright lights
Toothpaste
Perfume and bathing product smells
Pressure on the stomach
Motion sickness because of riding in a car
Hyperemesis gravidarum can make you feel very sick and tired. Take plenty of rest and do not strain yourself on account of household chores. Also, eat whatever your body accepts even if the food is not necessarily very nutritious. Get the sickness diagnosed early so that the required precautionary steps can be taken to avoid any health complications.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Diagnosis
It may not be possible to diagnose hyperemesis gravidarum in women only through a physical examination. Bleeding and abdominal pains or any other unusual complaint can help detect the sickness.
Here are a few exams and tests used to detect hyperemesis gravidarum:
Measuring blood pressure and pulse in the standing and lying down position
Checking the volume status like mucous membrane, neck veins, skin turgor or mental status
General physical appearance
Evaluating thyroid
Evaluating the abdomen
Evaluating the cardiac condition
Evaluating any neurological disorder
In addition there are some laboratory tests which can help evaluate the condition of a woman who suffers from hyperemesis gravidarum. These are:
Urine analysis to look for specific gravity and ketones
The serum levels of electrolytes and ketones
Bilirubin and liver enzyme level
Lipase and amylase levels
Thyroxin level
Checking urine culture
Checking the calcium and hematocrit level
Hepatitis panel
Diagnosis can also be done with some imaging studies too. These include:
Obstetric ultrasonography is done to evaluate multiple gestations or any trophoblastic disease.
Upper abdominal ultrasonography is done to check the pancreas and the biliary tree.
Abdominal computed tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging is done to check to see if there are any concerns with the appendicitis to be the cause ofvomiting and nausea.
If your sickness is causing a lot of discomfort, then the doctor may advise you some treatment. The treatment could be moderate if your case isn’t severe or in rare cases, the doctor may even suggest surgery.
Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
The initial treatment in women who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum is very moderate. These could include some home remedies or a hyperemesis gravidarum diet.
In case the patient does not feel better even after following the natural remedies, then certain drugs may be suggested. Doxylamine or pyridoxine is an approved drug by the FDA and is given to ease nausea and vomiting.
The following medication is given to treat hyperemesis gravidarum:
Vitamins like pyridoxine
Herbal medicines like ginger
Antiemetics like promethazine, metoclopramide etc
Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine
Medication is offered in case the situation is severe or persistent. All the medication should be taken only after consulting a doctor.
The doctor may admit you in case the medication doesn't work, if you continue to face difficulty in eating and drinking, if you are dehydrated or have developed a medical issue.
The treatment given to patients suffering from pregnancy sickness could be some or all of these:
Intravenous fluid(IV) – This is done to restore hydration, nutrients, vitamins and electrolytes in the body.
Tube feeding - The doctor may either use Nasogastric, where a tube is passed through the nose to the stomach to restore the lost nutrients in the body. The other method called percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is where the nutrients are restored by a tube that passes through the abdomen into the stomach. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a surgical method.
In the hospital, you may be given fluids to replace the loss of fluids in your body. You will also be supplemented with minerals and vitamins especially vitamin B1.
Only in some severe refractory cases where the survival of the mother is in danger will a doctor suggest a surgery. Surgery may also be the only option if the sickness is causing a lot of psychological and physical burden. The operation, however, will lead to the termination of the pregnancy.
It is important that you monitor and manage the sickness early to avoid treatment. But if the condition is severe and the doctor suggests a treatment, it is recommended to get yourself treated for hyperemesis gravidarum because pregnancy sickness can also cause a lot of complications.
Complications With Hyperemesis Gravidarum
You may not develop any complications with hyperemesis gravidarum if it gets treated on time. However, if the sickness is very severe then you may develop a blood clot in one of the veins. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is caused if you have become dehydrated or have not been moving around a lot. You would be given a drug called heparin to reduce the risk of developing a clot and the nurse may also give you special compression stockings to wear.
If you have a deficiency of vitamin B6 then you may feel pain and a pricking sensation in your hands and feet.
There may however also be rare cases where a woman will develop serious problems and bleeding in her oesophagus because of constant vomiting. Consult a doctor for advice to get Hyperemesis Gravidarum treated before the condition worsens.
When Is The Right Time To Visit Doctor?
As soon as you find any symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum, consult your doctor immediately. Not being able to take fluids can lead to dehydration which can cause a lot of complications.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is not a common pregnancy condition and seeing a doctor in the early stages of the condition will help avoid any further problems.
Talk to your relatives and friends to know about their experiences and how they fought the sickness. You may also involve your partner to help you with the emotional stress that is caused because of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Also read: Heartburn During Pregnancy Read more
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क्या बांझपन के लिए केवल औरत ही दोषी है - हमारी सोच में परिवर्तन लाना जरूरी
संगीता आज घर पर ही थी, रविवार अवकाश जो था, पति और बच्चों को नाश्ता कराकर बस वह खाने की तैयारी कर रही थी कि उसकी सहेली सुधा का उसे फोन आया और बोली दोपहर को एक मीटिंग रखी है "महिलाओं की जरूर आना"। फिर क्या संगीता जल्दी से अपने काम पूर्ण करके पहूंच गई मीटिंग मे।
सुधा एक प्राईवेट स्कूल में शिक्षिका थी, साथ ही साथ समाज सेविका का कार्य भी कुशलता पूर्वक कर रही थी । संगीता और मीटिंग से संबंधित सभी महिलाएं शीघ्र ही उपस्थित हों गई। संगीता सुधा के घर जल्दी पहुंची तो सुधा ने उसके साथ कुछ विचार विमर्श किया और मीटिंग की कार्यवाही शुरू की ।
सुधा ने सभी महिलाओं को संबोधित करते हुए बताया कि आज की मीटिंग कोई ऐसी मीटिंग नहीं है, कि जिसके लिए किसी को कोई कार्य करना है अपितु सोचना है क्यो कि यह आजकल के बदलते तकनीकी स्वरूप में महिलाओं के अधिकार और अस्तित्व के लिए सोचने की आवश्यकता है।
सुधा ने बताया कि कुछ दिन पहले हमारी कालोनी में प्रतिमा नामक महिला एक घर में रहने आई । वह विश्व विद्यालय में उच्च स्तरीय प्रोफेसर के पद पर कार्यरत थी। कालोनी में रहने आते ही सब लोग अजीब सी बातें करने लगे और छींटाकशी भी । मुझसे रहा नहीं गया और मैं पहूंच गई उस महिला प्रोफेसर के घर। बहुत ही सरल और शांत थी बेचारी । फिर वह कहने लगी मुझे कुछ फर्क नहीं पड़ता है दीदी "बाहर के लोग कुछ भी कहें तो " फर्क तो तब पड़ा मुझ पर जब मेरे अपने पति ने मुझे बांझ बोलकर तलाक़ दे दिया और ना ही कोई चिकित्सकीय परीक्षण कराया और ना ही किसी से कोई परामर्श। बस अपने घर वालों की पुरानी सोच के चलते बिना सोचे समझे फैसला ले लिया।
प्रतिमा और अमित दोनों ही प्रोफेसर थे, अच्छी खासी ज़िंदगी चल रही थी, बस कमी खलती थी बच्चे की । पांच साल हो गए थे उनकी शादी हुए। काफी प्रयास किए पर सफलता प्राप्त नहीं हो रही थी। चूंकि आजकल सभी अस्पतालों में कुछ उपयोगी सुविधाएं उपलब्ध कराई गई है, जिसके माध्यम से किस कारण बच्चा नहीं हो रहा, यह ज्ञात हो सके इसलिए प्रतिमा के कहने पर अमित अपनी जांच कराने हेतु राजी भी हो गये थे।
लेकिन इतने में अमित की मां और बहन मंजु आ गई और अमित से कहने लगी जांच वांच कुछ नहीं कराना, तु तो इस कलमुंही को छोड़ दें, खराबी इसी में होगी । तु तो बेटा दूसरी शादी कर ले, तेरे लिए हमने लड़की भी देख रखी है। । मंजु की चचेरी बहन है माया, वह भी पढ़ी लिखी है, उससे शादी कर ले, कम से कम मैं मरने से पहले तेरे बच्चे का मुंह देखना चाहती हूं ।
इतना बताते हुए वह सिसक रही थी और बोली दीदी मां और बहन के कथन से सहमत हो गए और मुझे तलाक दे दिया और उन्होंने माया के साथ दूसरी शादी कर ली । फिर मैं क्या करती दीदी मैं यहां रहने आ गई और लोग क्या कहेंगे इसका मुझे कोई फर्क नहीं पड़ता, नौकरी तो करना है न दीदी और "मेरी जिंदगी भी मुझे हंस के जिंदादिली से बितानी है" ।
प्रतिमा का उस समाज सेविका सुधा से एक अहं प्रश्र यह था कि "इस समाज में बांझपन के लिए क्या अकेली औरत ही दोषी है" ? साथ ही साथ यह भी सोचा जाना चाहिए कि औरत ही औरत की दुश्मन क्यो होती हैं ? वह उसके विकास हेतु सहायता नहीं कर सकती?
समाज सेविका सुधा द्वारा मीटिंग में उक्त प्रतिमा ने जो प्रश्र किया था, वही सभी महिलाओं के समक्ष प्रस्तुत किया और कहा कि आप समस्त महिलाएं भी सोचिए कहीं आपके साथ भी ऐसा समय ना आए इसीलिए इस समूह की महिलाओं को एकत्रित होकर ही समस्या का समाधान निकालने की आवश्यकता है ।
मेरी कहानी कैसी लगी आपको, बताइएगा जरूर ।
धन्यवाद आपका ।
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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The Connection between Music and Your Preschooler's Growth
Music is an irreplaceable part of most cultures when it comes to babies, with little ones being sung to sleep, being encouraged to dance to some tunes, etc. Music is a known to be a stress reliever for adults, but did you know the same music can affect your baby and his growth too?
As you baby grows up to be of preschool age, he will undergo a lot of bodily changes and hence will experience stress. The stress will definitely interfere in a smoother growth and development of his skills. Music can play an important role at this stage. Scientists have researched the effect of music on stress relief in kids and have found that music has an excellent positive impact. Music has an impact on the hand-eye coordination, fine motor development and social development. Your child will develop his language skills better too.
So, how does music help in your kid’s social learning?
1. Social Development
Let your kid along with friends make some music together through different instruments. Whatever be the outcome, you kid will learn the concepts of teamwork and team effort. In the pursuit of making some tune or song, your preschooler will learn to care about the contribution from the fellow friends. Cooperation skills and sharing skills will be enhanced as music can’t be made alone. The creative side will also get a boost as your kid will try to play up a different tune every time. The most important learning; your kid will learn that he can make something better when he is a part of a team.
2. Concentration Power and Language skills
Encourage your little one to sing his favorite songs. Doing so will let your kid develop a strong concentration power and language skills as he works on recollecting the tune and words.
3. Gross motor skills
Playing a certain kind of music through instruments will pique your kid’s curiosity and encourage him to want to know how to play the instrument for other songs or sing the song. This will promote development in his motor skills.
4. Stress Buster
Music has proven healing powers and is considered the best stress buster. Your preschooler will experience a lot of changes and restrictions, which in turn will put a lot of stress on him. Music can help in managing the stress and soothe him through these confusing times.
Make sure to keep some music time aside for your kids every day. Inclination towards it cannot be forced, but it will definitely relieve a lot of stress from your kid. Some music will make for great company as you spend time with your kid. Read more
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A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
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