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Signs of a Healthy and Unhealthy Baby in the Womb
To eliminate any threat to your baby, it is important to be able to differentiate the signs of a healthy foetus from an unhealthy one. If left unattended, it might lead to a miscarriage. Miscarriage is one of the common consequences of an unhealthy baby, resulting in loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. We cover some of the warning signs in this article.
What are the Symptoms of a Healthy Baby During Pregnancy?
Every parent wants to have a healthy baby and goes to great lengths for the same. But, lack of information may, sometimes,lead to an unexpected outcome. Therefore, understanding the signs of a healthy foetus becomes crucial. Below are the signs of a healthy baby during the early stages of pregnancy:
1. Movement
A baby starts moving after 5 months of conception. Medically, the first foetal movement is termed as quickening. A 6-month foetus responds to sound through movement. Around the seventh month, the foetus reacts to stimuli such light, sound or pain. By the eighth month, a baby starts changing her position and kicks more frequently. Studies have shown that by the ninth month, movement becomes less due to less space. All these are signs that your unborn baby is healthy.
2. Normal Growth
There are several ways to measure the growth and development of a foetus. Your doctor will perform an ultrasound to keep track of your baby’s health and development. Generally, a foetus grows by 2 inches every month. So, by the seventh month, your baby should be 14 inches long. In the third trimester, a healthy foetus grows heavier by 700 grams every week. Generally, by the ninth month, a foetus weighs about 3 kilograms and is 18-20 inches long. All these are signs of a healthy foetus in the womb.
3. Heartbeat
A baby’s heart starts to beat at around the fifth week of pregnancy. However, its detection is a lot easier towards the end of the first trimester through electronic foetal monitoring. To confirm your baby’s heart health, your doctor may conduct a non-stress test. This test monitors the heart rate of a foetus and provides insight about potential threats, if any. Alternatively, some doctors may even count the heartbeat by just touching your stomach. A healthy heartbeat ranges between 110 to 160 beats per minute.
4. Position At the Time of Pre-Labour
During the ninth month, the movement of a baby comes to an end or becomes minimal. A healthy baby adopts a head-first position and starts moving towards the birth canal.
5. Weight Gain and Belly of Expecting Mom
Weight gain during pregnancy is a surefire sign of a healthy pregnancy. Expecting moms gain around 12-15 weeks when they’re pregnant. You can ask your doctor to check your weight regularly and give you an update on whether your pregnancy is progressing normally or not. Your belly should also grow in size as the months go by.
Signs of an Unhealthy Foetus
During the fifth month, a foetus becomes more reactive towards sound, light, and pain. This is a period when they are also exposed to various threats that may affect growth and development, directly or indirectly.
If problems are visible externally, corrective measures can be taken to deal with them. But how do you recognize an unhealthy foetus inside your womb? The answer is simple, you just need to watch out for these warning signs.
1. Abnormal Fundal Height
Fundal height helps the doctor evaluate whether a woman’s uterus is growing or not. To measure fundal height, you will be asked to lie down and using a tape measure, the length from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone is measured. Usually, after the 16-week mark, fundal height matches the progress of the pregnancy.
If the height of your uterus is not what it should be, it indicates a problem with your pregnancy. The reason may be too much or too less of amniotic fluid or a breech baby. In the worst-case scenario. It could also mean that the foetus is not developing in a proper manner.
2. Lack of or No Heartbeat
Although a baby’s heart starts beating after the fifth week, it’s only around the tenth week that detection becomes easy. A foetal heartbeat can be detected through electronic foetal monitoring or in some cases, by just touching your stomach and counting the number of beats per minute (bpm).
At times, detecting the heartbeat may not be possible due to a change in the baby’s position or placental issues. In such a case, your doctor might ask you to try again during your next visit. However, if she still can’t detect the foetal heartbeat, then an ultrasound test might be recommended to dig out the reason behind the undetectable heartbeat. In some cases, lack of heartbeat signals a hindrance in foetal development or in worst cases, a lifeless foetus.
3. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Intrauterine growth restriction interferes with the growth of the foetus. If you test positive for IUGR, it implies that your foetus measures 10% smaller than its gestational age. If you’re suffering from IUGR, complications such as difficulty in breathing, high blood sugar, and high body temperature can arise and continue even after delivery. Therefore, there is need to closely observe this condition. This could happen in case of multiples as well, where one of the babies suffers from IUGR, but the other one remains unaffected.
This problem happens due to abnormal functioning of the placenta, which in normal conditions ensures the baby gets all the necessary nutrients. Other reasons include kidney issues, anaemia and diabetes.
4. Low hCG Level
hCG is a type of hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. hCG levels tends to fluctuate throughout pregnancy depending on the trimester. Generally, hCG levels are extremely high during week 9 - 16 of pregnancy. The normal levels vary from individual to individual, so a low hCG level is not a reason for you to panic. However, miscarriage, a blighted ovum, or ectopic pregnancy may induce a low level of hCG and raise a red flag for your pregnancy.
5. Excess Cramping During Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with its share of pain and aches. However, extreme pain which feels like menstrual cramps is another warning sign. In early pregnancy, it may be caused due to poor blood flow but if it persists, you might need to consult your doctor.
6. Bleeding During Pregnancy
Women tend to experience spotting during pregnancy, which is quite normal. However, bleeding is still a matter of concern without a doubt and needs to be evaluated by a doctor. It might be sign of miscarriage, hormonal bleeding or implantation bleeding.
7. Extreme Back Pain
Experiencing back pain is common during pregnancy as the growing baby puts a lot of strain on the spine and lower back. This feeling worsens when you’re expecting multiples. Well, look out for back pain which becomes severe as opposed to a dull ache in the back. Also, if it starts from the front of your body and make its way to the back, it’s not a good sign. You should visit your doctor immediately.
8. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Vaginal discharge is a common condition experienced by women when they’re pregnant, and it increases as the pregnancy progresses. Usually, the vaginal discharge of a pregnant woman is clear, transparent, whitish odourless. However, if you notice yellowish or greenish discharge with a strong smell, then it’s time to consult your doctor without any further delay. Unusual discharge might be caused by cervical inflammation, indicating a sign of miscarriage.
9. Sudden Discontinuation of Morning Sickness
Morning sickness and pregnancy are correlated. Usually, morning sickness resolves itself by the end of the first trimester or even earlier, without affecting foetus. However, for some pregnant women, sudden discontinuation of morning sickness might be because of low hCG levels, pointing to a miscarriage. It’s advised to seek an expert’s opinion and make sure there’s no threat to your baby.
10. Fever During Pregnancy
Fever during pregnancy should not be ignored. A fever might pose the threat of a bacterial or viral infection to the foetus.
11. Contraction Of Breast Size
During pregnancy, the body of a woman goes through a multitude of hormonal changes. Breasts go through a transformation and become more sensitive. They also feel heavier and fuller as the pregnancy progresses. However, a sudden decrease in the size of breasts may signal a miscarriage.
12. No Foetal Movement
Foetal movement can be felt around the 18-week mark as the foetus starts reacting to sound, light and pain. Experts say that a pregnant woman should experience around 10 kicks every two hours during this period. If the foetus is in distress, the count declines. It’s a clear sign to consult your doctor for proper treatment. Any delay in seeking medical help might cause an unfortunate event.
13. Sudden Spike in Blood Sugar Levels
It’s normal for blood sugar and blood pressure levels to rise during pregnancy. In fact, you should keep these levels throughout the three trimesters. However, a sudden and high spike in blood sugar levels can lead to preeclampsia and may induce preterm labour.
14. Changes in Placental Position
A change in the placental position is also one of the signs of an unhealthy pregnancy. When the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus, the pregnancy gets terminated. So, always get your placental position checked.
Pay attention to what the signs say. Consult your doctor even if you have a minor doubt or feel something is off. Your concern might be futile but it’s always good to be safe than sorry. Read more
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20 Indian Foods to Eat After Delivery
Prior to pregnancy, most women are told to avoid a bunch of food items. Spicy foods are a no-no, and greasy fatty food items are to be kept away, making many women crave these foods even more. However, once the delivery is done, it does not mean you can immediately get back to eating whatever you want. Following an Indian diet after pregnancy comes with its own caveats. It is important to know which food items can be consumed, and should be consumed, primarily, as part of a postnatal diet.
Why is Postpartum Nourishment Important?
With labour and delivery taking their toll on a woman’s body, taking care of yourself, is just as important as taking care of your newborn. Here’s why postpartum nourishment is vital.
1. Provides Strength
Weakness is common in the third trimester, and even post delivery. Also, matching the baby schedule and getting less and erratic sleep makes women more fatigued. Many women are anaemic or have an iron deficiency, which causes them to feel tired and weak, and experience frequent headaches. Eating foods rich in iron, such as meat, spinach, legumes, dates, anjeer etc., makes women feel stronger.
2. Enhances Breast Milk
Healthy fats and nutrients improve the quality of breast milk, whereas unhealthy fats found in fast food, etc., has proven to affect the nourishment that breast milk provides to the baby. Hence, eating healthy keeps your baby healthy.
3. Improve Mood
We already know that postpartum depression is quite common. However, eating healthy provides your body with the right nutrients, making you feel healthier, more energetic, and overall, much happier. This can definitely help prevent or treat postpartum depression.
What to Eat After Delivery- 20 Indian Foods for New Moms
Here are some foods that you should consume after delivery.
1. Moringa Leaves
Moringa leaves are highly recommended to mothers, right after delivery. They are known to contain Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C in good quantities, as well as a number of other nutrients and minerals such as calcium, iron, and protein.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Moringa leaves can be consumed either via the well known shatavari kalp for up to four months after pregnancy. Fresh moringa leaves can also be used in soups, normal sabzi with potatoes (just like you do in aloo methi), fried vegetables, and so on to integrate them into your diet.
2. Whole Sprouted Grains
The benefits of sprouts and other sprouted grains have been inculcated in us since childhood. As dry grains usually do not carry as much nutrition as sprouted ones, sprouted grains such as wheat, bajra, jowar, ragi are considered much healthier than their dried counterparts.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Sprouted grains can be mixed with some dry grains and ground together to make flour. This flour can then be used in multiple ways, most popular of which is to make porridge.
3. Almonds
Right from adding them to gajar halwa, to consuming them as they are, almonds are a popular dry fruit and healthy snack alternative, at all times. Natural almonds are absolutely essential in your diet, given the large amount of nutrition and vitamins that they contain.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Take a bowl of water and soak a few almonds in them. Let soak through the night, and have them first thing in the morning, as soon as you wake up. Not only does this keep you healthy, but the omega -3 content in them helps develop the baby’s brain functions.
4. Bottle Gourd
The array of benefits of bottle gourd range from proper hydration, to better production of milk for feeding, and in weight loss, post weaning of the child. Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, iron, and so many others, bottle gourd consists of nearly 95% of water and is a great hydrating agent.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Making bottle gourd the standard fried vegetable for your meals is the fastest and easiest way to get your fill of it. If you are a person with a sweet tooth, there is no better delicacy and no better way to consume bottle gourd, than the all-popular doodhi halwa. Sprinkle some almonds on it for added nutrition.
5. Garlic
Garlic, for all the ire it earns for its smell, has properties that help the immune system. It is known to wade off usual illnesses and is used in various pastes and ayurvedic medicines, as well.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Adding garlic to vegetable curries soups, etc. will bring out the taste of the dish, and be a healthy choice, too.
6. Fenugreek Seeds
The leaves and seeds of the fenugreek plant are widely used in multiple ways for food, and as a nutritional supplement. Throughout breastfeeding, for nearly half a year, fenugreek seeds provide quite some help by giving an energy boost to the new mother and helps in milk production.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Fenugreek sprouts are best taken with your meals, along with the main vegetable cooked for that meal. Sprouted seeds can also be stir-fried with some onion and garlic, and then eaten as a snack. Fenugreek seeds can also be added to panjeeri and laddoo.
7. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are popularly used as a spice. However, their health benefits are endless, as they seem to improve everything, from the digestive system to the immune strength, to blood circulation, too. Since cumin seeds contain antioxidants, calcium, and iron, they help the body retain energy and are fresh and healthy.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Cumin seeds are best consumed in a powdered form. A spoonful a day along with some jaggery and milk is good enough for the body. This also affects the milk production supply, helping the new mother during breastfeeding.
8. Sesame Seeds
Generally known as til seeds in India, they contain a lot of constituents, namely iron, copper, magnesium, and calcium, which directly benefit the health of the mother. These seeds are great for regulating bowel movements and aid digestion.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Til is widely used in a number of Indian recipes. These seeds can be used to make laddoos, chikkis, and other sweet items that can satiate your sweet tooth and give you the nutrition you need. It can be added to chapati dough too.
9. Green Vegetables and Fresh Fruits
Citrus fruits provide tons of benefits, from strengthening the immune system to boosting milk production for breastfeeding. Green vegetables are well known to provide the body with a good amount of iron, folate and Vitamin A
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Most fruits can be eaten raw or consumed via juices as well. Green vegetables can be used in salads, or in a cooked form during meals.
10. Finger Millet
Called ragi in India, finger millet contains enough calcium and iron to boost your health. Especially, if you are lactose intolerant, finger millet can give you the nutrition you need, and gain strength back after delivery.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Various food items such as dosas, idlis, and chapatis, can be made using ragi, and form a part of your daily meals.
11. Oats
Being a rich provider of iron, proteins, calcium, and carbohydrates, oats are extremely nutritious, right off the bat. Also, since they contain a good amount of fibre, oats improve the digestion process and reduce constipation.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Oats are generally cooked with milk or water. These mixtures can be complemented with chopped fruits and nuts to improve the taste and nutrition they provide.
12. Dal
Dal is a huge source of protein and one of the rare dishes that help you boost your protein content, without the addition of fats.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Dal can be eaten by itself in its cooked form, soup or mixed with some vegetables to create an interesting dish.
13. Edible Gum
Edible gum or gondh is highly recommended during winters, since it is a good source of heat for the body. New mothers are insisted to have gondh, as it helps with lactation.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Making laddoos out of edible gum is the most popular and quickest way to consume it.
14. Carom Seeds
Known in India as ajwain, these seeds are known to work wonders in alleviating issues in new mothers. Simply having two spoons of these seeds is known to work speedily in resolving gas and indigestion problems.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Ajwain can be boiled in water, after which you can strain and drink the liquid.
15. Turmeric
The healing properties of turmeric for wounds and general health support are well-known. It also helps reduce toxicity of the liver and improves weight loss.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Adding half a spoon of turmeric to milk or other items of your diet should be a necessity.
16. Panjeeri
Panjeeri, a nutritional supplement cooked in Punjab, has healthy constituents that help improve a new mother’s metabolism and keep weight in control.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Panjeeri can be had as it is in its usual halwa form, or used to make laddoos.
17. Ginger
Specifically, dry ginger powder contains many anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce gas, as well.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Dry ginger powder can be used in multiple dishes as an important spice.
18. Eggs
Eggs are great sources of protein and can be assimilated in the body rather quickly. Opting for DHA fortified eggs elevate the fatty acid in your breast milk, making it more nutritious for the baby.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Eggs can be consumed by making omelettes, boiling them, or in scrambled eggs for breakfast.
19. Salmon
Salmon contains DHA, which helps improve fatty acid levels and helps in brain development of your child. It helps with your mental health, keeping you in a happy mood and warding off depression.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Salmon based dishes should be a part of your diet, but not more than two times a week.
20. Lean Meat
Lean meat is known to be highly rich in iron, protein, and Vitamin B12, among others, which help keep energy levels at a high state.
How to Include it in Your Diet:
Lean meat can be a part of your meals, cooked in the manner of your choosing, as a side dish, or a part of a curry.
There are many options for the right kind of food after delivery, for Indian mothers. Ensuring that the diet that a mother has, post-delivery, contains all the nutrition she and the baby requires, is the only condition that’s necessary to be observed.
Also Read:
Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss Diet Plan That Works
Foods to Eat and Avoid after C-Section Delivery
Indian Breakfasts to Try for Losing Weight After Pregnancy Read more
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Foot Pain During Pregnancy
Body changes come as a part of pregnancy as your body is at work full-time to provide for a baby growing inside you. This means that you get to put up with a whole lot of symptoms ranging from that infamous morning sickness to a severe ache in your foot, paired with swelling, which may easily prevent you from comfortably engaging in daily tasks.
A constant pain in the foot during pregnancy can make it difficult for you to stand, walk or even put a little bit of pressure on them for too long. While there isn’t much you can do to prevent it from happening altogether, there are various methods to alleviate that pain and get some much-needed relief. However, a habit of regular exercise can be the ideal way to fight foot pain that is common during pregnancy.
Causes of Foot Pain in Pregnancy
Some of the common causes of foot pain during pregnancy can be attributed to the following.
Natural weight gain can put pressure on your feet and your ligaments near the arch of your feet making your feet hurt.
The centre of gravity in your body shifts as a result of the weight of the growing baby. This will require you to change the position and the posture that you stand-in, causing undue stress on your feet.
You may get a wider gait due to the extra weight. This can strain the muscles on your feet.
Increased blood volume during pregnancy can also cause cramps in the feet.
Tight shoes or shoes of incorrect size can cause stress to your feet and may also cause ingrown nails that contribute to foot pain
Most Common Foot Related Problems When Pregnant
Oedema
Oedema is a condition where there is noticeable swelling in the foot of pregnant women and is usually the common cause of foot pain during pregnancy in the second trimester.
As baby grows and the uterus expands to accommodate this growth, there is increased pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area. This results in a decrease in the rate of blood flow and the accumulation of blood in the feet, making your feet swell.
It is also possible for your feet to swell due to excess water retention in the body, which may appear like purple marks. As oedema can make it difficult for you to move about, it is best to consult a doctor if the discomfort is too much to bear.
Over-Pronation
Over-pronation is also known as flat feet and is caused by the excessive pressure on the foot. The arch of the foot can flatten out due to weight gain during pregnancy and add pressure on the plantar fascia, which are the tissues that connect the heel to the front of the foot.
Over-pronation can lead to added stress on your back as well as the calf muscles.
Remedies to Relieve Pregnancy Foot Pain
Although, pain in the feet is one of the symptoms of pregnancy, there are many remedies for foot pain during pregnancy that can help you walk and stand easy.
Take the help of orthotics. You can have these inserted in your footwear to provide support to your foot arch and prevent it from flattening out.
Always ensure to wear the right shoes that offer supper and are comfortable. Do not wear shoes that are too tight and cramp up your toes. As these can also cause ingrown nails contributing to your pain.
Try and put your feet up whenever you sit down to facilitate blood flow. This can prevent oedema.
Rotate your ankles, one at a time to improve blood circulation. This can also help in the case of foot cramps.
Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water as dehydration can worsen swelling and increase water retention.
Consume a balanced diet and avoid excess salt as it can contribute to water retention.
Apply olive oil and massage your foot or book a foot massage to relieve the pain. You can also try hot oil massage for effective pain relief.
Use cotton socks and ensure to avoid socks with seams to facilitate circulation.
Try compression stockings. These are known to mimic the act of squeezing facilitating blood flow from the feet. Edema lowers the efficiency of your body in pumping blood up from your feet, these stockings help facilitate contraction of the muscles near the veins in the leg, forcing the blood to move up.
Use a bag of ice to relieve the pain if you are experiencing excess pain.
Mix a cup of salt or Epsom salt with water in a wide mouthed vessel and place your feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
Your foot is going to receive a lot of strain due to all that weight you will be carrying in the later part of your pregnancy. Although foot pain in early pregnancy is not very common, it is advised to take precautions to lower the chances of excessive discomfort. A regimen of daily exercise and a proper diet should help you stay clear of intense pain in the foot.
It can also be of great help to keep in mind RICE – Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate as a trick to cope with foot pain during pregnancy. In any event where you find that the pain is too much to go about your daily activities, then you will need to consult your doctor immediately for medical help. You can also discuss with your doctor about the best ways to relieve foot pain at home well ahead of time.
Also Read: Nosebleeds During Pregnancy Read more
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Moms, Doctors Found 5 Unexpected Reasons You Are NOT Losing Post-Pregnancy Weight!
Having a baby definitely changes the body quite a lot, and one of the most visible changes is the extra weight we tend to put on. This pregnancy-weight is extremely hard to shed for many of us; in fact, many moms tend to put on even more weight after childbirth. Well, all a part of being a mother and a natural side effect of pregnancy, right? Not necessarily! Research has found that your pregnancy is not to be blamed for the weight problem... it is something else that is stopping you from getting your pre-baby body back!
Not losing weight after pregnancy? you're not alone. A lot of women find it difficult to get back to their old sizes post-delivery. No matter how health-conscious a woman may have been, motherhood quite literally wreaks havoc in the body! One of the unavoidable effects of pregnancy seems to be the weight-gain associated with it. As mothers, we are now more aware about our bodies and ensure good levels of health and fitness since the very initial days of pregnancy. However, no matter what we do, the post-pregnancy weight turns out to be the most difficult to shed.
But what if we told you that your pregnancy is not the full reason weight loss has become so difficult? As per research conducted by the University of Michigan, we need to stop blaming pregnancy for post-baby weight problems. It is actually something else that is making weight loss after motherhood so tough.
Surprising Reasons That Make Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss Difficult
As per the research, it is in fact poor or wrong lifestyle that is leading to this seemingly irreversible change of "weight gain". Based on data collected for 30,000 women, the doctors found that there was a sharp difference in weight between those who gave birth and those who did not.
The research team has shared the 5 major factors contributing to weight gain post-pregnancy – and how to deal with them. Find out if one of these could be the real reason you too are struggling with weight loss, so you can take corrective action at once!
1. Finishing Your Child's Meals
The thought behind this is noble – moms do not want to waste food. So what do you do when your child leaves food on the plate? You eat it up. But as per data, it is this that makes you add more and more kilos with time. Ultimately, you're eating more than what your body needs or can burn.
Instead: Carry a small empty tiffin with you, and pack up whatever your child doesn't eat. Try and prepare smaller quantities to feed your baby. You can always make more if the meal you prepared turns out to be insufficient for your baby.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle
As much as we love our kids, we've got to admit – a baby slows us down considerably! As a new mom, you're bound to spend more time sitting down in one place – to feed your baby, to put your baby to sleep, to change your baby's clothes, to play with your baby, etc. So, even though you are tiring yourself out with so many chores, the overall lifestyle is still sedentary as all these activities require you to sit down and stay put in one place! A sedentary lifestyle is the biggest reason behind not losing pregnancy weight.
Instead: Try and get as much mobility and movement as you can. Instead of sitting down and playing with your baby, strap your baby up in a baby-carrier and go for a walk. Put your baby in a carry cot and use it around the house. Instead of staying put in one place to mind over the baby, carry your baby around the house as you do your chores.
3. Lack of Sleep and Food Cravings
Moms are among the most sleep deprived people - but who knew lack of sleep could be actually making you fat? Why this happens is simple. Hunger is mostly controlled by two hormones – Leptin (which tells you to eat) and Ghrelin (which tells you to stop eating). When you are sleep deprived, the body realises that you are going to be awake for longer periods; the body in turn produces more ghrelin and tells you to eat to keep your energy levels up as you stay awake longer. This is how sleep depriviation is linked to hunger, binging and food cravings. And lets face it – all moms are sleep-deprived! When you are all sleepy and stressed, you also tend to develop cravings for sugary, fattening food and that only makes things worse...
Instead: If you can't get enough sleep at night, try to squeeze in some hours of sleep in the afternoon. Siesta can do wonders for your health and body. Also, don't hesitate to ask your husband or family to help you with minding the baby so you can get some sleep.
4. Calorie Management and Workouts
Who wants to simply go on gaining weight? No one! We all know and understand that. But as a new mom you will have less (or NO!) time to figure out what you can do about it. It's not that you don't WANT to prepare healthy meals, read labels while grocery shopping, and hit the gym every single day... a baby just makes it difficult to do all these things!
Instead: There is nothing to weight management but maths and science – the maths of counting calories, and the science of understanding what each foods do to your body. Plan your meals for the 5 weekdays on each Saturday, shop for appropriate groceries each Sunday, and stick to your plan through the following 5 days. Squeeze in 30 minutes of walking every day. Kareena Kapoor certified this for us recently when she said in an interview that walking is probably one of the best exercises you can do post-pregnancy to get your weight back on track.
5. Putting Your Name at The End of Your Priority-List
Finally, and many of us mothers may find this surprising, but – one of the biggest reasons moms tend not to realise the weight they are gaining is because their name is at the very bottom of their own priority-lists! Moms tend to give more priority to looking after the baby and the household, and this itself takes up most of their time and energy – ultimately, they are too tired to do anything for themselves!
Instead: Realise that you don't have to be selfless at the cost of your health! As much as you love your baby, you've got to love your body too. Prioritise your health along with that of your baby's, and do not neglect your body. Put your name in the list, together with your baby's – so its a win-win for mommy and baby!
When it comes to any kind of weight loss, and especially post-pregnancy weight loss, remember that – it is NOT going to happen overnight, and there is no one super-solution that will do it for you. Adopting a holistic approach is of utmost importance if you want sustained weight-loss and overall fitness. All the best! Read more
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Common ailments in toddlers which can be managed at home with proper care and few home remedies.
Kids are a bundle of joy but there are days when they are unwell and we turn worried thinking whether to visit the doctor or not? Most of the times the health issues will be minor and can be successfully managed at home with proper care and few homeremedies. What are those health issues? How to cure them? What are those little home remedies which we can follow? Read below
Gas/bloating/colic pain:
This is a very common problem experienced by most of the kids. In babies below 6 months of age you should compulsorily make a habit of burping them after every feed. Be it direct feeding or formula feeding. Burping infants is a must. You can pat the back or gently massage holding them upright. No matter you hear the burp sound or not it helps to release all the trapped gas inside making them calmer and fuss free.
Always keep the medicine, drops which is available for colic/gas handy. Infants usually cry a lot when they are colicky. Just give a few drops of the medicine as prescribed by your physician to settle them calmly.
Once they start solids by the age of 6 months there is no need of burping as they turn active with lot of movements. Still if you feel they are bloated help them with a gentle pat on their back, light belly massage. If needed give the medicine said above. For older babies you can add a pinch of jeera or cinnamon powder to their food preparation which helps in the digestion process.
Spit up and projectile vomiting:
These two are also very common problems. "Spit up" means infants especially spit a small of amount of milk out which is totally normal. It mostly happens when the baby's belly is full and the only way is to put some portion out.
Projectile vomiting is usually seen in a bit older babies. This too happens when they are completely full. Sometimes when they are on solids and eat in a hurry or gulp larger amounts too fast, that time it occurs.
Once they vomit, everything is out. Give few sips of water to drink. Give your routine food after sometime. No need of any kind of medicine.
Constipation:
Very common. Usually when the babies feed much or take less of fibres they experience constipation. Younger infants who are exclusively breastfed can go without passing stools for maximum 5 days too which is totally normal. When the stool is very hard to pass and very little in amount then it shows that the baby is constipated. How to avoid it?
See that your baby is hydrated well. If not breastfeeding, feed the formula milk in the required amount properly. The amount of water and the powder should be always proportionate. In older babies who are fed solids always include ghee or butter in their diet which is very essential for the smooth formation of faeces. Add fibre rich foods in their diet. When constipated take a bit of castor oil or ghee and just apply on their belly button and around the anus. Massage the belly gently. do the cycling moment of the legs in them. If you are giving iron drops and calcium syrup stop for a while and start later. Rice, sweet potato, lentils fruits like bananas, apples, musk melon are bulk producing foods.pp0 great for constipation.
Pricky heat/Rashes/diaper rashes:
Diaper rashes are very common because of the usage of diaper. Rashes in the private area is also common in chubby babies because of more friction between the skin. because of more fat and muscles there will be less gap between the thighs and wherever there are folds in the body parts.
You can apply coconut or pure almond oil before every diaper change. Look for rash creams which contain zinc in it. Use chemical free water wipes.
Prickly heat and rashes are one more problem which is irritating for babies. Skip soaps and any fragranced lotions if applying. Use milk cream, ghee or fine gram flour while bathing. Apply calamine lotion to soothe the area or overall after bath. You can also apply the dermadue cream which is really good.
Slight cold and cough in babies above 6 months:
Sometimes babies may have light, runny nose, bit of cough and appear dull. You can give this homeremedy which i have tried. Take 1 or two leaves of indian mint plant. Its very common everywhere. Its leaves are succulent and has a medicinal smell to it. Extract the juice about 1/2 tsp Add a pinch of jaggery to it and give them twice a day. You can also heat up its leaves a bit or the beetel leaves and place it on your babies's chest. Do it a couple of times. Still if the symptoms persit more than 2 days having fever then consult your doctor.
Teething process:
Teething process is very difficult for a baby. The symptoms come on and off, stay for a few days and vanish. May start as early as 4 months too. Babies in this phase experience irritation, pain in the gums, excessive drooling and loss of appetite. Untill the tooth erupts the symptoms appear and go. What you can do is give a gentle masage to the gums with clean fingers. Give them teethers to chew. If not eating solids give more amount of milk to compensate. Sometimes may pass stools too in little amounts like 5 to 6 times a day with greenish colour. Its normal. If the stool is more watery, runny with foul smell then consult your doctor.
Note: all the mentioned ailments above should only be treated at home when they are milder and do not last more than 2 or 3 days. You can exclude the teething process as the symptoms wont hamper the kids activities.
Consult the doctor if you see the below symptoms:
Fever.
rashes which are spreading and increasing.
Loss of appetite for more days.8k
Loose watery stools with foul smell, mucousy. Passing more than 5 timesa day.
Excessive crying and if the belly is too hard to touch.
Constipation more than 5 days.
Always with milder symptoms if the baby is active, happy and not loosing weight drasticaly then its perfectly alright.
I have mentioned a plant called indian mint its also called Mexican mint. Patta ajwain in hindi and dodda pattre in kannada. Its strongly flavored and even used in dishes.
Feel free to comment your queries if any, would love share my experience and knowledge. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
8 hours ago
Q. hi mam for 2days I am seeing my baby bumb decreasing is it cause of worry?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. I don’t know how the bumps of your child decreasing that’s not fair to me second you have not mentioned the current age of your child to do it and there is no clarity in the query it would be difficult for me to help us so if you don’t mind can you please repost with all the necessary details associated with your question
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. Hello I had my period missed for April month and today I got my period. Is it normal to have period after 1 month or is there anything I should be worried about? Iam worried please let me know if that's ok or should I consult my doctor
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. consult your doctor for any evaluation required. 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
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. 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
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
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