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Consuming Muskmelon (Kharbuja) During Pregnancy
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a pregnant woman's diet, as they provide the mother with the much-needed vitamins, minerals and fibre for the growth and development of the baby. Among fruits, the melon family that grows predominantly during summer is loaded with antioxidants and anti-coagulants apart from the regular vitamins and minerals. One such melon, the muskmelon, is a superfood for expecting mothers. Read on to know more about how it plays a critical role in the health of a developing baby.
Is Eating Muskmelon (Kharbuja) During Pregnancy Safe?
Yes, muskmelon is a very safe fruit for pregnancy if taken in moderation. The fruit is low in calorie count and high in nutrients and fibre, making it a very safe and healthy snack option for the expecting mother. Sometimes, a strain of bacteria called Listeria bacteria is found on the outer peel of the fruit, which can be harmful to pregnant women. Some doctors may ask you to avoid it for this reason. However, the fruit itself is safe to consume if cleaned thoroughly.
Nutritional Facts of Muskmelon
Muskmelon has plenty of essential vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamin A, B1 and C and minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorous. The fruit also carries a good amount of folic acid or vitamin B9. It is the most important vitamin required during pregnancy as it prevents neural tube defects in babies. It also contains zinc, which is required for the proper tissue development of the foetus. Muskmelons also are a rich source of antioxidants and anticoagulants (properties that prevent the formation of clots).
Benefits of Muskmelon During Pregnancy
There are numerous health benefits of consuming muskmelon or kharbuja during pregnancy.
1. Prevents Tube Defects
The neural tube of the baby that develops into the brain and spinal cord are formed during the first trimester. Consumption of folic acid-rich muskmelon augments the daily dose of vitamin B9 required for it and helps prevent the occurrence of any neural tube defects in babies. This is one of the most important benefits of eating cantaloupe during pregnancy.
2. Prevents Blood Clots
One of the complications that can arise during pregnancy is the clotting of blood. Although it is very rare, the consumption of muskmelon helps in thinning the blood and preventing such clots.
3. Improves Immunity
Muskmelon contains carotenoids that act as antioxidants and prevent the formation of free radicals in the body. This greatly helps in the formation of new cells and also in improving the immunity of the mother and the baby.
4. Aids in Digestion
Heartburn is a common problem associated with pregnancy for expecting mothers in the second and third trimester. One of the foods that can calm your digestive system in such a case is muskmelon. The vitamin C in muskmelon aids digestion and absorption.
5. Prevents Anaemia
Anaemia during pregnancy can be dangerous for the mother and the foetus. Consumption of muskmelon can keep a check on anaemia as it contains a good quantity of iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron into the digestive system, making it available for the body to use.
6. Helps With Leg Cramps
Many pregnant women experience cramps in their legs, especially in the night. Leg cramps occur due to potassium deficiency, and muskmelon helps in supplementing the body with the much-needed mineral.
7. Develops Baby's Eyesight
A baby’s eyes start developing in the first trimester of pregnancy and achieve full vascularisation towards the end of the pregnancy. During this time, consuming a good source of vitamin A like muskmelon greatly reduces the risk of any ophthalmological abnormalities in the foetus.
8. Regulates Blood Pressure
During pregnancy, many mothers tend to develop blood pressure which can lead to complications. Muskmelon contains a good mix of essential mineral salts that help regulate blood pressure and keep hypertension in check.
9. Relieves Constipation
Consumption of muskmelon during pregnancy can go a long way in preventing constipation. Many times, expecting mothers suffer from constipation due to a lack of dietary fibre intake. The digestion-aiding vitamins and fibre in kharbuja ensure a good bowel movement during pregnancy.
10. Aids Weight Management
Muskmelon is a great binge food as it is low in calories. Mothers can consume the fruit as a daytime snack to achieve a sense of fullness of the stomach and thereby control their pregnancy cravings, which can lead to lesser weight gain. The fructose in the fruit is very minimal and does not contribute to weight gain.
11. Enhances Baby's Bone Health
The baby’s bones and teeth formed during pregnancy require calcium from the mother. To supplement this requirement, a pregnant mother can take a serving of a calcium-rich muskmelon every day.
12. Helps in Post-Partum Recovery
The mother's body requires ample nutrition to recover from the process of delivery. The vitamin A present in muskmelons, when consumed during pregnancy, is stored in the liver which greatly adds to the process of recovery of the new mother.
13. Source of Energy
Although not a high-calorie food, muskmelon is a good source of proteins and carbohydrates that burn to get converted into energy. During pregnancy, it gives the much-needed energy to fuel the activities of both the baby and the mother.
Are There Any Adverse Effects of Having Muskmelon (Cantaloupe) During Pregnancy?
Cantaloupe or muskmelon is a very safe fruit for consumption during pregnancy. If you have heard from people around you to avoid the fruit, it could be because of the Listeria bacteria that is sometimes found on its surface. It can find its way into your body if the fruit is not washed well enough. The bacteria can cause listeriosis, which is associated with some complications in pregnancy. Also, it not advisable for women who have a known allergy to the fruit to consume it. Other than that, muskmelon is a very safe and nutritious fruit for expecting mothers.
Safe Ways of Eating Cantaloupes When Pregnant
To avoid any instance of listeriosis, it is very important to wash and clean the fruit properly before consuming it. To clean the skin of the cantaloupe, wash it thoroughly under running water and immerse it for a few seconds in diluted vinegar. Then again wash it with water before cutting it open. Ensure that the knife and cutting board are cleaned properly.
Consumption of a clean melon during pregnancy does not cause any harm to the body and serves as a powerhouse of nutrients for the expecting mother.
Muskmelon is a gift from nature for all the diet-conscious mothers who want to eat healthily and keep themselves hydrated throughout their pregnancy. If you have any allergic reaction to the fruit, please talk to a trusted medical professional before consuming more.
Resources and References: Medical News Today
Also Read: Should Pregnant Women Eat Blueberries? Read more
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Safety First - Simple Tips on How to Childproof Your Home
Waiting for and finally watching your baby crawl are proud moments for every parent. But we need to make sure our home is child - friendly.
Simple Tips on How to Childproof of Your Home
Crawl through your house to get a baby’s eye view. Remove anything that seems dangerous or is precious to you.
Secure cupboard, drawer with childproof locks.
Cover all electrical sockets with childproof plugs.
Avoid furniture with rough or sharp edges. If you cannot avoid such, buy corner guards and install it in the furniture.
Mount the TV on the wall properly.
Keep dangling cords out of reach of children.
Secure heavy items like appliances, pots, mirrors and frames.
Do not give a toy that is small enough to fit through a 1-1/4-inch circle or is smaller than 2-1/4 inches long for children under 4 years old.
Parents should always be mindful of age recommendations on toy packages. Never allow your child to play with a toy intended for an older child.
Install safety gates to block stairways at the bottom and top.
Use doorknob covers for keeping little ones out of the areas you don’t want them wandering into.
Use doorstops to protect your baby’s fingers.
Keep hot food and beverages away from the edge of the table.
Don’t use tablecloths because if the baby pulls, then everything on top of it will come crashing down.
Use stove knob covers on each of your stove knobs.
Make sure that sharp objects like knives, scissors and grinder blades are out of reach.
Install a toilet seat lock.
Regularly sweep to pick up small objects that your baby may pick up and put in the mouth.
Empty the tub after use. Don’t leave children unattended in tub.
Store plastic bags out of reach.
Lock up the medicine.
Go for eco-friendly cleaning liquids that don’t have harmful chemicals.
Be sure all rugs and mats have non-skid bottoms to avoid slipping.
Never let the child play on stairs unattended.
Common household choke hazards should never be left within the reach of your child like coins, marbles, round watch batteries, pen or marker caps, small rubber toy car wheels, foam balls, buttons and plastic bottle caps or other items that compress small enough to fit in your child’s mouth,
Hope this helps.
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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Do Violent Toy Games Make Kids More Violent?
As parents, we are responsible for the way our children perceive their environment and adapt to it. We are responsible for making their choices until they reach an age where they are able to comprehend and make judgements for themselves. The kind of toys, games, and media that we expose our children to will make a mark on their behaviour as they grow. Let us understand what comprises violent toys, what is the impact of such toys on children, and what can parents do to help their children.
Which Toys and Games Are Considered Violent?
Children play with toys as a means to express themselves. Therefore, what you hand to them as toys should be given with a due thought. The following attributes may make toys violent:
Toys that promote violence as fun or cool.
Toys or games that cheer killing or hurting.
Games that idealise battles, combat, or war.
Games and toys that endorse male domination.
Toys that ratify negative representation of ethnic groups.
Anything that propagates materialism.
Toys that nurture hostile and destructive competition.
Toys or games that pave the way for socially malevolent behaviour.
These toys come in the guise of toy guns, archery sets, action figures, war toys, video games, and many more such seemingly innocent toys.
Should You Allow Kids to Play Violent Games?
Violent games that involve shooting, bloodshed, and harming any living being can leave deep imprints even on an adult’s psyche. And children are much more impressionable. They have difficulty separating actualities from fantasy and will replicate for real what they have learnt in play. This calls to question - do toy guns promote violence? Research suggests that toys such as guns, hammers, axes, and other such weaponry are detrimental to a child’s mental well-being. Hence, it is best to not give violent toys and games to children.
Effects of Violent Games and Toys on the Behaviour of Children
Several factors play a part in moulding a child’s behaviour. Assuming that your child is armed with a plastic gun or a foam sword and is engaged in a friendly pretend battle with his playmates, shouldn’t have any real negative consequences. But a majority of studies conducted on this subject support an underlying association between media violence and hostile behaviour in children. War toys can have a negative impact on your child’s mind by cultivating certain negative ideas and propagating sadistic behaviour in them.
It’s safe to state that most kids who indulge in toys such as guns, swords or violent video games may not grow up to be toughened criminals, or even hostile. This is definitely true if the overall atmosphere of the household promotes mutual respect, compassion, and communication. It reduces the risk of your child turning aggressive and helps him understand the concept of moderation.
What Can Parents Do?
As parents, you have to take control of what your child plays with or what he watches on television or on the internet. Here is a list of measures you could take to help your child:
Speak to your relatives and grandparents to make it clear that you are not allowing certain toys that are deemed to be violent for your kids.
Don't let your child's tantrums to dictate you. If you believe that a show is violent, then stand your ground.
Speak to your child about violent toys and make sure he understands that he should refrain from using these in public or at a friend's place.
Talk to your child if you observe any aggressive behaviour in him. Explain him why this kind of behaviour is inappropriate.
Give your child toys that stimulate creativity, encourage sharing and cooperation, and enable imaginative play. Find toys that are free from gender or racial biases too.
Lead by example. It is one of the best influences you can have on your child. Do not fight in the presence of your child and avoid yelling or abusing in anger when your child is around.
What to Look for When Choosing Toys and Games for Your Child's Development?
When you shop for toys, look out for the activity-based games and toys that can stimulate your child’s imagination. Spark your child's creativity with some do-it-yourself crafts, paintings, playdoh or building set toys. It helps a child understand the concept of nurturing and creating versus crushing and destroying.
Violence is marketed in the guise of entertainment at every corner. It is up to you as a parent to be vigilant with your child’s choice of toys and games. As violence is a type of learned behaviour, you must facilitate a safer environment for your child. You must be the gate-keeper and limit, guide, and teach your child about what is right and what is not acceptable.
Also Read: Games That Encourage Social Development in Kids Read more
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Teej 2019 - Date, Significance, Rituals and Recipe Ideas
Teej is a three-day-long Hindu festival that celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated by married women across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. Women believe that fasting and devoting prayers to the deities on this day is rewarded with prosperity and a happy married life. Do you wish to know more about the significance of this festival and how you can celebrate it? Then keep reading!
Types of Teej
Teej is celebrated on three days and has three different names!
1. Hariyali Teej
Hariyali Teej, also known as Shravan Teej or Choti Teej, is observed on the third day of the month of Shravan. Women drape themselves in green and red sarees and receive gifts from their husbands, in-laws, and other family members. This year, Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on 3rd August.
2. Kajari Teej
Kajari Teej is celebrated two weeks after Hariyali Teej. On this day, women pray to Goddess Parvati and observe a Kajari Vrat. They sing songs, dance, and enjoy many festive activities. Kajari Teej will be celebrated on 18th August this year.
3. Hartalika Teej
On Hartalika Teej, women fast for the entire day. They don't eat food or drink water for a long, happy, and prosperous married life. The fast ends with a Hartalika Puja and a grand feast. Hartalika Teej falls on 1st September, 2019.
Teej Traditions and Rituals
Teej is celebrated in the months of Shravana and Bhadrapada, i.e. from July-end to September. The exact day of the festivities depends on the waxing and waning of the moon. The festival starts with a Nirjara Vrat to welcome the monsoon.
Women usually dress up in traditional red and green sarees, apply mehendi /henna to their hands and wear colourful bangles.
Teej Katha, one of the highlights of the celebration, are mythological tales narrated to women in gatherings. To end the festival on a pleasant note, women light oil lamps, take a holy bath in red mud and break their fast when the moon shows up in the sky.
Teej Food Ideas
Teej is incomplete without sweets and savouries. Here are some popular recipe ideas for Teej:
1. Snacks
Snacks like mushroom samosas, mirchi vadas, and rajma kebabs are popular on Teej days. These work best with dips and chutneys. Some of our favourites include coconut and mint chutney, coriander chutney, and tomato salsa dips.
2. Desserts
Some popular desserts include coconut laddoos, traditional ghewar, and gulkand cupcakes. Other traditional sweets you can add to the menu are gujiya, anjeer basundi, and malpua. You can also make sabundana kheer and fruit-flavoured kheer.
3. Main Course
Dal baati, a recipe from the Rajasthani cuisine is made during the festival of Teej. These are wheat balls laden with ghee and served with piping hot dal. You can even add paneer and mirchi stuffing to the baatis and serve along with pulao.
4. Appetisers and Savouries
Some of our favourite appetisers are gatte ki sabzi, pyaaz kachoris, and masala chana. You can even spruce up your menu by making amaranth yikkis or bedmi puris with a delicious serving of raseele aloo.
5. Salads
If you want to put a spin on this year's Teej, incorporate salads into the festive food. Anything that features fruits and a mix of traditional Indian veggies with leafy greens will be a hit. You can even consider juices and smoothies.
Teej is one of the most important festivals for women in North and West India. Now that you know how to celebrate this festival and the foods to cook up, we hope you make the most of this year's Teej celebrations!
Also Read:
Pongal Festival: History, Importance and Significance
Krishna Janmashtami : Significance and Rituals
Maha Shivratri: Why It Is Celebrated and Foods to Eat Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
15 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
14 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. 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
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
14 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
14 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
10 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
9 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreAbhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a gynaecologist and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
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