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21 Early Pregnancy Symptoms Before Missed Period
A missed period is definitely the most obvious sign of pregnancy, but it isn’t the only one. An egg fertilises and implants in the uterus wall, well before you miss your period. Essentially, you are pregnant the moment the implantation happens. When you have crossed a few days or weeks into pregnancy, the body begins to give indications about pregnancy, even before the menstrual date. Symptoms of pregnancy generally appear during the first week of conception. However, excited and anxious expectant mothers fail to notice them. Is there a way to know that you are pregnant even before you miss your period? Read on, to find out.
Video: 10 Early Pregnancy Symptoms before Missed Period
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Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy, before a Missed Period
A pregnancy test is undoubtedly the most accurate way to assess if you are pregnant. However, experiencing a few common symptoms could reveal those first signs of pregnancy, much before a missed period. Here is a list of some early symptoms of pregnancy, which could help gauge if you are pregnant, prior to the agonizing wait to take the tests.
1. Bleeding and Cramps
Menstrual cramps, light bleeding, and spotting, generally termed as implantation bleeding, are a few early and evident signs of pregnancy. The fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus wall, resulting in implantation. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, then signs of implantation bleeding will occur a week or so before the missed period. It may last for a few hours or even a few days. It may appear as few traces of blood on the undergarment or while wiping the vagina. However, watch out for signs of heavy bleeding, which could either be a sign of miscarriage or period.
2. Elevated Basal Body Temperature
Often more accurate than the rest of the symptoms, basal body temperature (your body temperature at complete rest) should be monitored for months to figure out a noticeable change. Prior to ovulation, the body temperature increases and comes back to normal after your period cycle. However, during pregnancy, the basal body temperature tends to stay elevated throughout. . This is due to high levels of progesterone during pregnancy, which causes basal body temperature to rise. If your body temperature has been on the rise for over 20 days post-ovulation, it marks the onset of a new journey.
3. Sore, Tender, and Heavy Breasts
Sore, tender, heavy breasts or darker areolas are noticeable pregnancy symptoms, a week before missed period. With rising oestrogen levels after conception, women feel sore, full, and experience acute pain in the breasts. Nipples begin to look darker and feel itchy, tingly or prickly. Then again, these symptoms are not very different from pre-menstrual breast signs, but will last after you have missed your period too.
4. Exhaustion and Fatigue
Hormonal changes leave you feeling tired and fatigued all the time. Exhaustion and sleepiness are early signs of being pregnant. It is normal to feel tired after doing even small chores, during pregnancy. Progesterone levels are to be blamed for an increased tendency to sleep and will last through the entire first trimester. The body also starts to produce more blood to support the growing foetus, which results in increased exhaustion. This can be countered with a healthy diet, rich in minerals, vitamins, iron, and plenty of fluids.
5. Nausea
Nausea or vomiting, a very common symptom, often called “morning sickness,” is a prominent symptom and could indicate that you are pregnant. You might start to feel uneasy and experience nausea, 4-6 weeks after conception. Due to a rise in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone, you could wake up every day and feel the need to vomit. Nausea need not necessarily happen in the morning. It could appear anytime, last all through the day, and stick around through all trimesters. About 80% of pregnant women are afflicted with nausea in the initial weeks of pregnancy, before a missed period. The severity of morning sickness or nausea symptoms vary in different women, but 50% of pregnant women feel nauseated within six weeks of pregnancy or even earlier.
6. Food Cravings, Aversions and Sensitivity to Smells
Pregnancy hormones play a major role in making you crave your favourite food and may also cause an aversion to certain smells. Sudden and heightened sensitivity to smells, pungent tastes, and food aversions, occur during the initial weeks after conception and may or may not last through the entire pregnancy. Some mothers-to-be even lose their appetite before they miss their periods.
7. Bloating and a Feeling of Tightness
One of the most commonly experienced symptoms of pregnancy before a missed period is bloating or stomach twinges and pulls. These are a result of an increase in progesterone. The increased level of hormones impedes digestion, trapping gas in the intestines. A protruding stomach could tighten clothes around the waistline and result in discomfort. Bloating could also lead to unpleasant farts and burps. Healthy eating and controlled portions of food intake could help in dealing with any discomfort.
8. Urge To Urinate
The frequent urge to urinate is another prominent sign of pregnancy. This tendency will only increase through your pregnancy, when the growing uterus starts pushing the bladder. With hormonal changes and extra production of blood, frequent urination is a common symptom that will last through the entire pregnancy. Kidneys work overtime to filter blood, thereby causing an urge to urinate often. Almost all pregnant women experience this urge,which is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. It starts to occur closer to when your periods are due.
9. Mood Swings
Changes in hormones make you either feel upbeat or very low. Another early sign before you miss your period, mood swings work in mysterious ways, and will have you sobbing over the smallest or trivial issues. The imbalance in hormones affects the neurotransmitters in the brain, causing enhanced spells of emotions, ranging from anger to sudden emotional outbursts. Take some time to relax and rest, if you don’t feel normal.
10. Dizziness
Dizziness and a feeling of light headedness is an early symptom of pregnancy, which occurs in several expecting mothers. Blood vessels dilate, thereby causing a reduction in blood pressure, which leads to a feeling of dizziness and imbalance. The symptom lasts during the first trimester and gradually decreases in the other phases. However, if dizziness is accompanied by vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, you should immediately consult a doctor.
11. Constipation
The progesterone hormone tends to constipate bowels and if you find yourself unable to poop, it could be an early sign of pregnancy. Bowel movements harden due to the spurt in hormones and reduce the pace at which food passes through the digestive system. If you feel constipated for over a week after you have missed a period, you should consider taking a pregnancy test.
12. Headache
Headaches are the most common pre-menstrual symptom. However with conception, oestrogen and progesterone hormones work overtime to prepare the uterus for the baby. The hormones cause a dip in blood sugar levels, causing headaches, as the brain cells struggle to keep pace with low levels of sugar supply.
13. Aches and Pains
Hormones do the task of making space for the new life inside you, and this impacts the ligaments, which need to stretch. Stretching of ligaments and joints could result in pain in the spinal area before you miss your period.
14. Strange Taste in the Mouth
Hormones could play strange games during pregnancy, and you may find yourself having a strange awkward taste in your mouth, also called Dysgeusia. You could feel like you have swallowed some unsavoury metal. This metallic taste could well be an early sign to tell you that you have started your journey to motherhood. The symptom generally disappears after the first trimester, but could last longer in some women.
15. Excessive Thirst or Ravenous Pecking Tendencies
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself downing gallons of water. An increase in blood volume could make you feel excessively thirsty, even before you miss your period. You may also tend to feel hungry and peckish all the time, with the surge in hormones during pregnancy.
16. Cervical Mucus Change
An increase in cervical mucus is an early detector of pregnancy. After conception, the cervical mucus will appear thicker and creamier, and will stay that way till you have missed your period. You may also experience a stinging feeling when you pee, or itchiness and soreness around your vagina.
17. Short Breath
Shortness of breath could be an early sign of pregnancy, since the body starts requiring more oxygen and blood to breathe for two lives. This continues throughout all trimesters with the baby growing. Slowly increasing the need for more oxygen and nutrition, as days pass.
18. Drooling or Salivating
Although not a very common symptom, some women do produce excess saliva before they miss their period. This condition, primarily known as ptyalis gradidarum, is related to morning sickness and heartburn. Nausea pangs build up extra liquid in the mouth, resulting in drooling.
19. Hot Flashes
A very common occurrence when your periods are due or even when menopause sets in, hot flashes could also be an early indication of pregnancy. If you experience frequent flushes of heat that last several seconds or minutes, there may be a good chance of you being pregnant.
20. Spots, Acne, and Bumps
An occasional occurrence of pimples and zits is common during the pre-menstrual phase. Sudden sprouts could be the result of an increase in hormone levels after conception. Well, the opposite could happen too. Pregnancy could reverse the occurrence of acne before your period and it could be a sign that a baby is on the way.
21. Bizarre Dreams
Vivid dreams could be prevalent during the early weeks of pregnancy even before you have missed your period. A peculiar pregnancy symptom, many women experience strange feelings a week or two after conception. Pregnancy hormones work in a baffling manner causing inexplicable dreams and illusions in an expectant mother.
How Soon Can You Experience Pregnancy Symptoms before a Missed Period?
The occurrence of symptoms varies from woman to woman. Tender breasts, nausea, fatigue, sleepiness, sensitivity to smell, and bloating are commonly experienced symptoms, which start to surface about a week or ten days before your period is scheduled to arrive. The tendency to urinate frequently, generally occurs a few days before the period. Other symptoms like vaginal discharge, change in color of cervical mucus, darkened areolas take some time to make their appearance, and need to be closely monitored.
Causes of a Period Delay
Period delays could be caused by several factors. There could be a chance that you are pregnant. However hormonal changes, weight gain, weight loss, medication, eating disorders stress, polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid, birth control pills, or drug use could cause a delay in periods too.
What is the Difference between PMS and Pregnancy Symptoms?
Pregnancy symptoms and the effects of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) are very similar, and hence, you need to wait a little longer to confirm your pregnancy. A constant elevated basal body temperature, creamy vaginal discharge, and darkening areolas are some consistent signs of conception. However, none of them are full-proof, and the only way to confirm if you are pregnant, is to take a pregnancy test. This symptoms can give you a inkling of pregnancy, prompting you to take a test.
Is it Possible to Miss a Period and Not Be Pregnant?
A missed period does not necessarily mean that you’re pregnant. There could be several reasons for a delayed period, such as hormonal changes or stress, and until a pregnancy test confirms it, a missed period cannot be assumed to be an indication of pregnancy.
Is it Possible to be Pregnant and Get your Period?
It is not uncommon for newly expectant mothers to experience bleeding during the early stages of pregnancy. Implantation Bleeding occurs 6 to 12 days after conception. It is possible to have light spotting, medium pink or light brown discharge that lasts for a few hours or a few days. However, if you have an irregular period cycle, spotting could be a mid-cycle glitch, leading to your monthly periods. To confirm that you are pregnant, head to the nearest pharmacist and grab a Home Pregnancy Kit or visit your general practitioner for a definite answer.
How Long Should You Wait to Take a Home Pregnancy Test?
Early pregnancy symptoms show up weeks before your period, but an average waiting period of two weeks is recommended from the date of ovulation, to take a home pregnancy test. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a placenta-produced hormone that enters the urine, once an embryo is implanted in the uterus. This takes place about 6 to 12 days after fertilization. HCG levels are picked up by the test, only closer to when periods are due. The ideal time to take a Home Pregnancy Test is a week after your periods are due. There are 90% chances of an accurate result when the test is taken after the due date for the period has passed.
When Does One Start Experiencing Pregnancy Symptoms?
The earliest pregnancy symptoms are revealed 6 to 14 days after conception. Once you have sex during the ovulation period, the body starts preparing itself for the growing foetus. After fertilisation, the embryo implants itselft to the uterine wall. You get pregnant around ten days before your periods are due. That is when you start experiencing the early signs of fatigue, nausea, and tiredness. However, the pregnancy test gives the best results only after a week or two of a missed period, as the level of pregnancy hormone in the urine must be up to a reasonable level.
Are Home Pregnancy Tests a Foolproof Indicator of Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the body produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which can be detected in the urine. A Home Pregnancy Test checks for the presence of this hormone and declares a positive or negative result. While most home pregnancy tests are considered accurate, it is also dependent on the brand of pregnancy test you choose, as well as the timing of the test, Each pregnancy test brand recognises varying amounts of hCG in the urine. Moreover, hCG levels are low during the initial stages, and gradually increase as the pregnancy progresses. In many instances, you may take the test too early or use a less accurate test, prompting a negative result even when you may be pregnant, also called a false negative result. In some cases, certain drugs, medication, or proteins in the body may cause a false positive result. Hence, it is always foolproof to confirm pregnancy by a doctor, via blood test.
Symptoms and stages of pregnancy have never known to be common amongst all women. Some symptoms you experience may be due to a medical condition which you may not be aware of. The symptoms listed above do not necessarily confirm a pregnancy. The indicators mentioned above are just signs to watch out for, if you are planning to start a family. It is also possible to not go through any of these symptoms and still be pregnant with perfectly normal baby. Pregnancy can be confirmed only when you miss your periods, or by a pregnancy test kit, and in all cases, by a blood test conducted by a certified health practitioner.
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Pregnancy Symptoms after Missed Period
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Headache While Breastfeeding: Is It Normal?
Breastfeeding is an integral part of motherhood. It can be an intensely satisfying experience for the new mom. However, breastfeeding may involve some amount of discomfort for the mother because of tender nipples and post-delivery aches. Some breastfeeding moms may even experience headaches, at times, while feeding the baby. The list of probable causes for these headaches is a long one, ranging from dehydration and stress to fatigue, weather changes and allergies. Sometimes, the hormonal changes that take place in a woman after childbirth can also trigger these headaches.
What Are Breastfeeding Headaches?
Breastfeeding headaches are also called lactation headaches. Lactating mothers may sense a headache while breastfeeding their baby. The pain is likely to lessen or stop once the feeding is complete. Some experts believe that the hormone oxytocin may be responsible for triggering these headaches. Oxytocin is a hormone that plays an important role in inducing labour pains during delivery. Oxytocin also gets released during breastfeeding and is responsible for tightening the milk ducts and facilitating the flow of breast milk from the breast to the baby. As the baby suckles at the breast, more oxytocin gets released into the body. Some women may react to this surge of oxytocin by experiencing a headache.
What Are The Possible Causes?
There may be many basic reasons for the occurrence of headaches while breastfeeding. Some of them are listed below:
1. Post-delivery headache
During the first few weeks of delivery, some lactating mothers may experience a drop in the levels of oestrogen, which can cause headache and depression. Due to this, breastfeeding moms can feel a dull ache in the head while nursing the baby.
Treatment
Nursing moms may have to resort to medicines, as prescribed by the doctor, to cure lactation headaches if the pain is too severe. To treat breastfeeding headaches caused by post-delivery depression, the doctor may advise counselling and antidepressants.
2. Migraine
If you are prone to migraines, then it may become a cause for a headache while breastfeeding, especially within the first few weeks of delivery. Hormonal changes, like lowering of the oestrogen levels in the body, can trigger a migraine, and breastfeeding moms may experience an intense throbbing sensation on one or both sides of the head. The pain can stretch up to even 2-3 days and may be accompanied by nausea. Other reasons for migraine can be stress, lack of sleep, phonophobia (fear of loud sounds) or genetics.
Treatment
It is not advisable to consume your usual painkillers or migraine medicines during lactation as they can be harmful for the baby. It is best to consult the doctor who may suggest some safe painkillers that can be taken during breastfeeding like ibuprofen, naproxen, fluoxetine, etc.
3. Dehydration
Breastfeeding moms generally feel very thirsty when they start lactating. This is because extra fluids are required to produce milk (breast milk is almost 90% water). Breastfeeding moms may be required to drink more water than what is usually recommended for adults, to meet this increased demand of water while nursing. If they are not drinking adequate amounts of water, dehydration can cause headaches during breastfeeding.
Treatment
Drinking plenty of water while nursing can take care of the risk of getting dehydrated. Breastfeeding mothers should drink as much water as they can and a little extra to meet the increased needs of their body. It may be a good idea to drink a glass of water before and after nursing to restore the loss of fluids instantly.
4. Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection of the mammary gland. It can occur when bacteria pass into the breast through the damaged or cracked skin of the nipple. This can cause swelling, pain and redness in the effected breast which can lead to discomfort while nursing the baby. Some nursing moms may develop mastitis if the milk ducts in their breast get blocked due to poor feeding. Milk may get accumulated in the breast due to restricted flow or release of breast milk through the ducts. Breastfeeding mothers with such a condition may experience fever, chills and headaches.
Treatment
Breastfeeding mothers may consult their doctor to learn tips for correct ways of breastfeeding. Nursing moms may like to bear in mind to entirely empty the milk from the breast while nursing. This lowers the chance of developing mastitis. The doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the inflammation of the breast tissues.
5. Fatigue
It is very common for women to experience post-delivery fatigue. Taking care of the baby, frequent feeding at night, and lack of sleep may compound the problem. Nutrient deficiency in nursing moms may also result in weakness and lethargy. Due to all these reasons, some breastfeeding mothers may experience lactation headaches.
Treatment
To avoid a fatigue-induced headache, breastfeeding moms should take sufficient rest. It is sensible to nap whenever your baby is sleeping. Lie down with your eyes closed a few times during the day. You can breastfeed the baby while lying on your side instead of sitting. This way you can relax and not overtire yourself during breastfeeding.
6. Wrong posture
Some breastfeeding mothers may adopt an incorrect posture while feeding, thereby stressing their muscles. During nursing, some women may be looking and bending down too much or holding the shoulders up to manage the weight of holding the baby. This may lead to the straining of neck and back muscles and can cause a headache.
Treatment
While nursing, breastfeeding mothers may like to take care to maintain a proper posture. Opting for gentle massages may also help soothe the stiff and aching muscles. Doing some stretching exercise to relax the shoulder and neck may also prove helpful.
7. Medications
Certain medicines taken by nursing moms may result in a headache as a possible side effect. This may happen if the medicine is taken in higher dosages. For instance, a high dose of vitamin B6 may trigger headache or sore breasts in some nursing mothers. Sometimes, breastfeeding mothers may also indulge in over-the counter medication or self-medication which can produce headache as a side-effect.
Treatment
It is always sensible to take medicines, in the recommended measure, as prescribed by the doctor. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid self-medication, even to treat mild headaches. If you think a certain medicine is not suiting you or providing you relief from the pain, you may refer to your doctor for a change of prescription.
Medicines That Help With Lactation Headache
It is imperative to bear in mind to take safe headache medicine while breastfeeding to prevent any adverse effects on the baby. Nursing mothers may be advised the following medicines to treat lactation headaches:
Safe Medicines
Unsafe Medicines
Paracetamol or acetaminophen
Aspirin
NSAIDS like ibuprofen and naproxen
Antihistamines
Diclofenac
Ergotamine
Naproxen
Fluoxetine and Amitriptyline
Codeine, verapamil, butorphanol
Dihydroergotamine
Buclizine
Frovatriptan
Prochlorperazine
Sumatriptan
Domperidone
Almotriptan
Cyclizine
Rizatriptan
Chlorpromazine
Eletriptan
The above-listed medicines may be taken only after consulting your doctor. Self-medication must be avoided as it can lead to unnecessary complications later.
Home Remedies For Headaches During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding moms can try some home remedies for treating mild headaches in case they wish to avoid oral medications.
Drink adequate water: Breastfeeding moms should make it a point to drink lots of water every day to keep themselves suitably hydrated.
Massage: Nursing mothers can go in for gentle massages to relax the aching muscles and de-stress themselves.
Sufficient rest: Breastfeeding mothers should ensure that they get proper rest and sleep to increase their energy and combat fatigue.
Right diet: Experts recommend that consuming the right food like apples, lettuce and spinach (which is rich in riboflavin) can bring relief from headaches.
Low caffeine intake: Breastfeeding moms may like to keep a check on the consumption of caffeine as it can worsen the headache.
Warm baths: Relaxing in a tub of warm water may be a great way to soothe and calm the stressed muscles.
Avoid skipping meals: Sometimes, hunger can trigger a headache. So, it is important to eat on time and not skip meals.
Meditation: Breastfeeding moms can try meditation, deep breathing, and listening to comforting music to reduce stress.
Prevention
It is essential to detect the probable reasons for the headache during breastfeeding. If you keep in mind the likely triggers, suitable steps may be taken to avoid them. But if you continue to experience severe headache while breastfeeding, you may opt for safe painkillers after consulting a doctor or neurologist.
Breastfeeding can bring immense joy to the mother, but it can prove challenging if she is troubled with headaches. Resorting to medication to treat headaches while breastfeeding should not be the first choice as the effects can pass on to the baby through the breast milk. Breastfeeding moms may try safe home remedies instead to treat the headaches. Extreme caution should be exercised while taking any medication and no medication must be taken without consulting a doctor. Read more
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5 Makar Sankranti Recipes to Sweeten the Flavour of the Festival
Makar Sankranti is a popular harvest festival celebrated in India. Although Makar Sankranti is known by different names in the different parts of the country, the zest to celebrate this festival remains the same all over India. This ancient festival of Hindus is observed according to solar cycles. Makar Sankranti denotes the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign, Capricorn (Makar), which marks the beginning of the sun’s journey towards the north (Uttarayan). From this day onwards, the days begin to be longer, and the cold wintry days make way for the surreal spring.
In India, no celebration is complete without sweets. The same holds true for Makar Sankranti. So, why wait, when food is the topic of our discussion? We bring some authentic Makar Sankranti sweet recipes for you. Do give them a try!
5 Sweets To Make This Makar Sankranti
This auspicious festival has its own traditional and savoury treats. We know you want to make them too, and you can - they are simple enough to prepare at home! Here are a few Makar Sankranti favourites that you can make this year.
1. Tilgul Vadi
Tilgul vadi is made with jaggery and sesame seeds and is one of the traditional Makar Sankranti sweets. In Maharashtra, people give this sweet to their near and dear ones, and greet, ‘Tilgul ghya god bola’, which means ‘eat this sweet and talk sweetly or politely’. Here goes the recipe -
Ingredients
Jaggery (Gur) - 3/4 cup
Sesame seeds - 3/4 cup
Roasted and ground peanuts - 1/4 cup
Ghee (Clarified butter) - 1 tbsp
Milk - 1-2 tbsp
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
Dry grated coconut - 1/2 tbsp
How to Make
Roast the sesame seeds till they turn golden brown.
Allow the sesame seeds to cool; later, grind half the portion to form a coarse powder, and keep aside.
Heat a pan and melt the jaggery in it on a low flame.
Once the jaggery melts and forms bubbles, turn off the flame.
Add the sesame seeds, sesame powder, roasted peanut powder, cardamom powder, ghee, and milk to the melted jaggery.
Stir the mixture well; it should be lumpy now.
Grease a rolling board and rolling pin with some ghee.
Transfer the jaggery mixture to the rolling board and roll it to form a circle. The flattened jaggery should be thick.
Sprinkle the dry grated coconut and sesame seeds on the rolled mixture evenly, and gently roll the pin on it so that the coconut and sesame seeds get embedded in it.
Let it cool, then cut into squares.
Eat away and share with your family members too.
2. Peanut Chikki
Peanut chikki is another sweet made during Makar Sankranti, Lohri, or Pongal. It is made with jaggery and is a perfect sweet to gorge on to keep your body warm. Let’s take a look at the recipe of this sweet delight.
Ingredients
Roasted, husked peanuts - 1 cup
Jaggery powder - 1/2 cup
Water
Oil - 1 tsp
How to Make
Jaggery Syrup
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan and put jaggery powder in it. You can also use a jaggery block if you like.
Add some water to it.
Keep stirring the powder so that the jaggery powder dissolves completely.
Cook the jaggery syrup on a low flame, and let it cook till it turns hard.
To check the consistency of the jaggery syrup, take a bowl of cold water and put a drop of jaggery syrup in it. The drop should turn solid and crack easily after you take it out from the water.
The syrup should be firm but sticky.
Peanut Chikkis
When the jaggery syrup reaches the desired consistency, add peanuts to it, and mix well.
Turn off the flame and quickly pour the mixture on a plate greased with ghee.
Spread the mixture evenly on the plate using a rolling pin. The flattened mixture should be around 1 cm thick.
Cut into rectangles, and eat once it cools.
3. Murmura Laddoo
Murmura laddoos are perfect if you want something sweet and crispy. Murmura laddoos made with puffed rice and molten jaggery taste delicious and are a popular Makar Sankranti sweet.
Ingredients
Grated jaggery - 3/4 cup
Murmura (Puffed rice) - 3 cups
Ghee (Clarified butter) - 1 tbsp
How to Make
Heat a pan and dry roast the murmura on a low flame for 2 minutes. Transfer it to a bowl and keep aside.
In the same pan, heat the ghee on a low flame and add jaggery to it. Keep stirring the jaggery to melt it.
When the jaggery melts completely, add the murmura and mix them together gently.
Turn off the flame and let the mixture cool for a minute.
Grease your palms with ghee and take a handful of the mixture in your palm.
Make a ball by pressing the mixture between your palms. However, be very careful as the murmura and jaggery mixture will be hot.
Make a few more with the remaining mixture and your murmura laddoos will be ready for the festival.
4. Patishapta
Makar Sankranti is known as Poush Sankranti in Bengal; come this festival, and you will find delicious sweets in every Bengali household. Patishapta is one such yummy sweet that Bengalis make during this festival. Patishaptas are thin crepes made with refined flour, semolina, and rice flour. Here’s the recipe -
Ingredients
For the batter
All purpose flour (maida) - 1 cup
Semolina (rawa) - 1/2 cup
Rice flour - 1/4 cup
Milk - 2 cups
Oil as required
Filling
Desiccated coconut - 3 cups
Jaggery - 1 cup
Dry fruits
Khoya
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
How to Make
Filling
Heat a deep wok on low flame. Dry-roast the desiccated coconut in the wok for 2 minutes.
Add the jaggery to it and mix well. Alternatively, you can also use sugar or condensed milk.
Keep mixing the two ingredients; jaggery will take some time to melt, so be patient.
Once you notice that the coconut and jaggery mixture is not sticking to the pan, add khoya to it.
Stir it continuously for 2 - 3 minutes.
Add cardamom and dry fruits of your choice.
Mix the dry fruits and turn off the flame.
Transfer it to a wide plate, and let it cool.
Patishaptas
Take the maida, rawa, and rice flour in a bowl. Mix well.
Slowly, add milk to the above mixture and keep mixing it. It should not have lumps in it.
Keep the mixture aside for half an hour.
Heat a non-stick pan and add a little amount of oil to it.
Pour a ladle full of batter on the pan, spreading it evenly. It should look like a small dosa. Once the crepe turns pale golden, flip it to cook the other side.
Take 1-2 tbsp of the filling in your palm; place it lengthwise in the centre of the patishapta, and cover it with the edges.
Press it gently with a spatula to give it a shape of a frankie.
Serve warm or cold.
5. Sakkarai Pongal
Sakkarai Pongal or sweet Pongal is one of the many popular dishes prepared in Tamil Nadu during Pongal. It is usually made with gram, jaggery, rice, and dry fruits. Here’s the recipe for you. Try it at home.
Ingredients
Raw rice - 1 cup
Moong dal - 1/4 cup
Grated jaggery - 1 cup
Cashews - 2 tbsp
Raisins - 1 tbsp
A small pinch of edible camphor
Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp
Ghee (Clarified butter) - 1/2 cup
Water as required
How to Make
Dry roast the dal in a heavy-bottomed pan till it turns fragrant. Leave it to cool.
Wash the dal and rice thoroughly.
Mix them and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
Meanwhile, heat a pan and take the jaggery in it. Add some water and melt the jaggery.
Stir it well till the jaggery turns thick and sticky. Once it turns thick, turn off the flame and keep aside.
The dal and rice will be cooked by now. Remove the lid and mash them well.
Take the mashed dal and rice in a deep wok; add the jaggery syrup to it, and mix. Next, add cardamom powder to it, and cook on a low flame till the mixture starts to bubble. Turn off the flame.
Heat a pan, and add some ghee to it. Fry cashews till they turn golden-brown in colour.
Add the fried cashews, raisins, and camphor to the dal-rice-jaggery mixture and stir it.
Your sakkarai pongal is ready.
So, these are some sweets that you can make for Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is almost upon us, so get busy making these sweet treats. Give the store-bought sweets a miss this year, instead, make them at home. Happy Makar Sankranti!
Also Read
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Have a Happier Workday The Easy Way!
Looking for things you can do to make your workday better? From positive thoughts and pre-planned agendas, to little things like smiling more, taking small breaks, and cutting down on caffeine, bring appealing changes to your day. Change yourself, change your environment—others will be happy too!
It’s an uphill task to break free from a routine or make positive changes in your workday. In fact, even a small transformation has to deal with oodles of procrastination, consistency and diligence. Sometimes, even for weeks in a row. The fact is that any kind of change in your workday can be so intimidating that it makes you keep things just the way they are—which then leads to frustration, anger and irritability alike. Little wonder, it’s essential to make all efforts to bring in a positive boost to your workday. Find out how.
How to Improve Your Workday and Make it Happy
1. Smile, Laugh, Grin- It Costs Nothing!
Believe it or not, smiles like yawns are contagious. They go a long way and reflect back happy faces to you. By smiling under any pretext (and for real reasons too) you trick yourself into believing that you're totally relaxed and at home. If you manage these transformations positively, suddenly, your office environment will start appearing brighter to you. Others will enjoy your presence too!
2. Have An “Unplug Me” Time
Just 15-20 minutes of “no communication” or “blackout” time will relax your eyes and brain. These helpful minutes can come in any time of your workday. When you're ready, disconnect yourself from the web, switch off your mobile, and don the “do not disturb” sign. Once you're relaxed, you’ll find yourself being less stressed and more productive than before.
3. Organise Your Space
Getting more organised will help you learn how to improve your workday. Be it your desk or desktop, it shouldn't take too long to get months of old materials, unused files, and random things out of the way. Once the clutter is out, you'll find yourself happier and in better control on any all kinds of workdays.
4. Short Breaks Are A Must
Grab a bite, go out for some fresh air or stop by for some gossip. Your days are not only about slogging long hours or moving from one task to another. You need to unwind too. Try to decompress office-related stress as far as you can, yes, you’ll work better afterwards.
5. Chat Up A Stranger
You're obviously tired with the same old faces hovering around you. Effective tips to improve your workday include talking to people other than your boss, secretary, accountant or peon. Dialling up loved ones back home may not yield good results. What do you do? Strike up a conversation with that cute looking guy looking all lost at the reception. You never know what’s in store.
So, the next time you feel down in doldrums, try out these strategies and liven up your workday. You'll have happier workdays and better office experiences too! Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. ninth month mein kab tak delivery ho sakti hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. anytime after full term ok. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. my last period date Dec 26 pregnancy test date January 31 check panen apom 37 days ipom enaku evlo weeks and days what ?..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. I don’t understand your language can you please post your question once again in English or Hindi whatever language you are more comfortable with because anybody on this only we can give you response on that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. which good formula milk or baby food for 4 months old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. no complementary foods below 4 months can use any branded formula milk. 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
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. Iam 9month pregnant and having very painful condition due to constipation and gastric issues
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. during pregnancy better not to take medicines for constipation take lot of water green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits you can try suppository if the problem is more o k o k
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
5 hours ago
Q. hi Doc,
eating raw mango, chapathi or any heat producing foods cause miscarriage during first trimester?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. no relation ok c. 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
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
4 hours ago
Q. Hi Doc,
I'm getting cramps on my right side of lower stomach. is this normal or do I have to visit doc?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. without examination it is difficult to tell proper treatment as well as advice so you should visit the doctor5 for health assessment as well as examination.
whether any investigations is required or not will be told by the doctor5
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