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Fundal Height - Significance and How to Measure
There are many ways to check if your pregnancy is going according to the norm. Apart from checking your weight, ultrasounds, and your vitals, your doctor might also mention checking the fundal height. This is done in order to check the progress of the baby’s development and if the rate of development is normal.
What is Fundal Height?
Fundal height is used to measure the growth and development of the foetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is the measurement from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. Fundal height in pregnancy is usually measured using a measuring tape. This measurement should match the gestation period within one to three centimetres. The fundal height or McDonald’s Rule will increase as your pregnancy progresses.
Importance of Fundal Height Measurement
If the mother does not showcase any factors for skewed fundal height measurement, then such a measurement could be indicative of the following factors:
Slow foetal growth
An abnormally large foetus
Too little amniotic fluid
Too much amniotic fluid
However, you must keep in mind that irregular fundal height is not always indicative of any significant issue with your pregnancy.
How to Measure Fundal Height?
Fundal height can be measured very easily. Here is a step by step procedure for measuring the fundal height.
Step One
It is best that you get the fundal height measurement done by your OB/GYN. This will give you the opportunity to discuss any irregularities in the measurement. So, the first step would be to visit your doctor.
Step Two
Make sure that you empty your bladder entirely before you step into your appointment to have the fundal height measured. Even a half-full bladder can cause a discrepancy in the fundal height measurements which can lead to unnecessary panic.
Step Three
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown as your regular clothes might influence the fundal height measurement.
Step Four
Your doctor will ask you to lie down as this will allow your doctor to measure the fundal height accurately.
Step Five
Your doctor will ask you to breath slowly and steadily which ensures that there is not too much variation in your belly’s size and allows your doctor to gain an accurate reading.
Step Six
Your doctor will now measure the fundal height using a tape measure. The height is measured from the top of the uterus which will be in your stomach area to the top of the pubic bone which is in the pelvic region.
Step Seven
You can now change into your normal clothes and discuss the measurement with your doctor.
Step Eight
If there is any discrepancy in the fundal height measurement, then your doctor might ask for a series of investigative tests to find out the cause of the measurement. These tests might include an ultrasound. Your doctor might recommend that you get the tests done immediately or you could make an appointment for a later date.
What is Normal Fundal Height?
Fundal height is measured and recorded on a chart that also contains the normal fundal height range marked on it based on the gestation period. The fundal height chart by week has two variables: the X-axis marks the gestation period in weeks while the Y-axis marks the fundal height. The normal chart has two slopes marked on it to mark the range of normal fundal height. When your doctor measures your fundal height, she will mark the results on this chart. Depending on the location of the fundal height on the chart and the slope it creates when compared to the previous measurement, your doctor will be able to see if the growth of the foetus is regular or not. For example, the fundal height measurement for week 20 of the pregnancy should be between 18 to 22 centimetres. In fact, a rule of thumb that you can follow is that the fundal height should match the number of weeks that you have been pregnant with a couple of centimetres above and below as the normal range.
What Does Measuring Large For Gestational Age Mean?
The reasons for a larger fundal height could include:
Presence of uterine fibroids
Loose abdominal muscles probably due to an earlier pregnancy
Too much amniotic fluid
You could be carrying multiple foetuses
You have the wrong due date which will be confirmed by an ultrasound
Overweight women have a harder time getting an accurate reading
The foetus is in breach or any other abnormal position
The pelvis is much narrower than normal
The baby has macrosomia caused by gestational diabetes
What Does Measuring Small For Gestational Age Mean?
The reasons for a smaller fundal height could include:
Your abdominal muscles are well developed
Your due date has been calculated incorrectly
Too little amniotic fluid
The presence of intrauterine growth restrictions
You might be underweight
The baby might have already dropped to your pelvis
Fundal Height is a tool used to measure the growth and development of the foetus. It is usually a starting point to check for any irregularities which have to be confirmed by other investigative tests. Please consult with your doctor if you think that the fundal height does not fall within the normal range. Read more
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When Can You Take a Newborn Outside?
Many people believe that a new mother and baby should stay indoors for several weeks. However, there is no medical requirement for doing the same. So when should you ideally step outside with your baby? Well, we shall be answering this and other such queries in the following article.
When Is It Safe to Take a Newborn Out in Public?
Are you thinking when to take your newborn baby out in public? If your baby is hale and hearty and there is no medical condition that may require your baby to stay indoors, you can take him outside. Until or unless your doctor advises you to stay indoors with your baby, which generally happens if your baby is born premature, has some immunity related condition, or other medical condition that may require him to stay indoors, you can take your baby outside whenever you think he is ready.
Tips for Taking Your Newborn Baby Out of the House
It can be pretty daunting for parents to take their newborn baby out for the first time. To ease out your worries we suggest that you take help from the following tips when you take your newborn out of the house:
1. Make Him Wear Proper Clothes
Ensure that your baby is dressed up properly before taking him out of the house. In winter, your baby should wear ample layers of clothing, his feet, hands, and head should be properly covered. In summers, avoid the midday sun and dress up your baby in loose cotton clothes.
2. Take Necessary Baby Supplies
No matter for how long you are out with your baby, you need to carry your baby’s bag that should have all the essential supplies such as diapers, burp clothes, changing sheet, breastfeeding cover, etc. Make sure your baby bag has all the required supplies, and you should keep it handy for your all outdoor visit.
3. Start Small
Whenever you plan to take your newborn out for the first time, start by going for shorter trips rather than going out for the entire day. Once your baby feels comfortable, you can begin extending the length of your trip. The ideal first-day trip can be a trip to a park or a short walk in your locality.
4. Stay Away From Crowded Areas
There is no doubt that your baby’s immunity is very low in the initial few months after birth, and exposing him to places with more number of people would mean exposing him to more number of germs. Therefore, make sure that the places you choose to take your baby should not be crowded with people.
5. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Newborn babies have sensitive skin and exposing them to direct sunlight may lead to sunburns. Sunlight is good for your baby but ensure that you expose your baby to indirect sunlight and avoid the harsh sun on your baby’s skin.
6. Avoid Contact with Sick
There is no rocket science in understanding the simple fact that babies should stay away from sick or unwell people because babies do not have a strong immune system. Therefore, make sure you avoid any close contact with sick people. Also, when you take your baby to the hospital for regular checkups, make sure you do not come in contact with other sick babies.
Benefits of Taking a Newborn Outside
Although some people believe that babies should stay within the close comfort and healthy surrounding of their house, doctors recommend otherwise. As per doctors, taking your baby out of the house can be beneficial for him. Following are the benefits of taking your baby out of the house:
One aspect of taking your baby out in the open is exposing your baby to sunlight and vitamin D. It is extremely beneficial for your growing baby’s bones.
Taking the baby out is also helpful for the newbie mommy as it may help her fight the postpartum depression. This may help the mother feel happy and positive, which in turn may help her in taking better care of her newborn baby.
Are there Any Risks If We Bring a Baby Out in Public?
Although it is safe to take your baby out in public, you should not undermine the risk of coming in contact with people who may have contagious medical conditions, as it may prove harmful to your newborn child. This is because your baby’s immune system is immature and still developing, which makes your baby more susceptible to various medical ailments and infections. Therefore, whenever you take your baby out, make sure you avoid coming in direct contact with sick people.
As a parent, you may require to take various precautions when taking your newborn baby out of the house. Furthermore, follow these tips mentioned above before stepping outside with your baby for the first time. Enjoy your outdoor trips but exercise safety and caution.
Also Read: Tips to Consider While Travelling with Baby
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Duty of Every Parent: Making Your Daughter Comfortable About Menstruation
When it comes to write about menstruation; a topic which is considered as a taboo in Indian society, there is a quote I like the most by Amol Gade -
"To abuse and deprive her, Period is one of the taboos created by so called society who left no stone unturned to make her feel her birth as a curse".
Ahhh! Yes! but unfortunately, we are part of such a society where talking about periods is considered bad and most of the men have no knowledge about their daughter's first periods. I personally know many families in which parents (especially father) changes TV advertisements related to sanitary napkins whenever their daughter is around. Due to rapid growth of modernisation in a country like India, movies like 'Padman', 'Phullu', 'Period, end of sentence', etc. have a positive impact on each every household. People, especially men are accepting new changes. But still we need to make some more efforts.
What Should You Talk About
1. Menstruation: Also known as periods, it is a regular discharge of blood from mucosal tissue (menses) from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. When the uterus egg doesn't get fertilised, the lining is released from the body as a blood from the vagina. This monthly process is called menstruation.
2. Normal Age: The first menstrual bleeding is called menarche. Most of the girls get it when they are 10 to 15 years old. Average age is 12 to 13 years according to lifestyle, food habits, genetic reasons, etc.
3.Colour of the Period: At the beginning of the period, blood is thick and dark brown in consistency; then it becomes redder in the subsequent periods.
4. Normal duration: Regular period occurs after every 21 to 35 days and lasts between 2 and 7 days.
5. Normal Flow: Amount of blood loss per period is 10 to 35 ml.
6. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): Is when a girl has emotional and physical symptoms that happen before or during her periods, i.e. sadness, anxiety, acne, mood swings, etc.
7. Symptoms of the first period: Usually a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop. Another sign is vaginal discharge of white or yellow fluid which begins 6 months to a year before a girl gets her first periods; growth of pubic hair, etc.
When to See a Doctor
Periods don't start after age of 15 years.
Developing breasts for more than 3 years but no periods occur.
Severe cramps not relived by medicines.
Very heavy bleeding, i.e. she has to change pads or tampons after every 2 hours.
Misses her periods from normal duration.
Some Suggestions to Make Her Comfortable
Shop and explore period kits like pads, tampons, menstrual cups together and tell her how to use them.
Avoid focusing on negative symptoms like cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, etc.
Communicate the story of your first period. Story-telling is the best method to discuss about the details of the periods with your girl.
Remove misconceptions and doubts, i.e. it is not a disease; she can live her routine life. Solve her queries. Tell her to eat healthy and exercise well.
In a nutshell: I want to encourage each and every parent to discuss about periods with their lovely daughters. Watch videos and read books together. Ask your doctor, school counsellor, friends, and trusted family mentors to talk to your child. Remember that it's our duty to provide reliable information to our daughters and make them proud and self reliant for the future.
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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7 Celebs to Take Inspiration from If You Love Wearing Saris!
Look, it’s a fact – no woman can ever look bad in a sari. The gorgeous materials, the textures, the colours and the handwork – it’s just meant for women to look beautiful in. Wedding season is nearly upon us, and you’re probably wondering how you can switch up your sari game and stand out of the crowd. Well, we (and these Bollywood celebrities) have you covered (in nine yards of confidence!)
7 Bollywood Actresses That Will Inspire You to up Your Sari Game
Bollywood actresses are trendsetters more often than not, and their sari looks inevitably become popular. No matter what the trend, saris will never, ever go out of style because of how they make a woman ooze confidence and grace. Here are a few celebrities whose sari styles will inspire you.
1. Vidya Balan
It is impossible to have a sari list and not have Vidya Balan in it. The gorgeous actress has never stepped out looking bad in a sari, and over the years, her style has only gotten more inspiring. Whether it’s cotton, raw silk or any other material with bold prints and beautiful colour schemes, Vidya Balan knows what looks good on her body, and she doesn’t hesitate to show it off. You can match her style by going for monochromatic saris with minimalistic blouse work, or style your existing sari with big bindis, silver jewellery, and an open, flowing pallu.
[caption id="attachment_234436" align="aligncenter" width="533"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/balanvidya/[/caption]
2. Sonam Kapoor
Let’s get one thing straight – Sonam Kapoor wins fashion, every single time. She looks like a dream in almost anything she wears, but saris look especially exquisite on her – and not just regular saris, even saris that are quirky and different! Her sari styles are never the same – sometimes, the drape is unique, while other times the sari blouse makes a bold statement. All said and done, if you’re looking to go edgy and out of the box this year, Sonam Kapoor is the muse you’re looking for!
[caption id="attachment_234435" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/sonamkapoor/[/caption]
3. Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan is an effortless fashionista. While she isn’t regularly seen wearing saris, she looks gorgeous in them whenever she does. Her style is more contemporary and eclectic as she wears thin and flowy materials for saris. Most importantly, while her saris are not necessarily unique, she carries them off with absolute chicness. If Kareena Kapoor Khan’s wardrobe inspires you, drape a free-flowing sari with a pleated pallu and super stylish blouse, and show off that body. Don’t forget some gorgeous eye makeup and oodles of confidence!
[caption id="attachment_234433" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/therealkareenakapoor/[/caption]
4. Deepika Padukone
There’s a reason Deepika is often cast as a queen in films – she dresses like one! All kinds of saris look absolutely gorgeous on her, but what stands out is the intricate handwork and incredible details in the saris she drapes. Yes yes, not all of us can afford Sabyasachi – but elegance, grace and panache cannot be bought. Copy her traditional sari looks for a wedding function by getting a heavily detailed sari, and add big, chunky oxidized silver jewellery, a high bun, and some gajras in your hair. After all, you’re a queen yourself, and you should look like one.
[caption id="attachment_234438" align="aligncenter" width="533"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/deepikapadukone/[/caption]
5. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
If there’s anyone in Bollywood who can confidently tell beauty ideals to get lost (apart from our favourite, Vidya Balan), it’s Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Her sense of style and natural grace has always been a treat to the eyes, and her pregnancy weight gain did not stop her from dressing the way she wanted. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan always looks like saris were invented exclusively for her – and her style has always been more traditional than contemporary. Steal her looks this wedding season with gorgeous coloured saris that you wouldn’t normally think you could wear (psst: you can!), and style it with gorgeous cut blouses.
[caption id="attachment_234437" align="aligncenter" width="533"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/aishwaryaraibachchan_arb/[/caption]
6. Shilpa Shetty
Shilpa Shetty has never looked bad in a sari – in fact, she has worn several odd patterned saris and managed to pull them off beautifully! Her saris are far from traditional, but that’s what makes them so great – you can wear a sari that light and unique to a work function or even just on a casual day. You don’t have to wear low-cut blouses like she does if you do not want to; just go for the patterns, and get creative with your look!
[caption id="attachment_234434" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/theshilpashetty/[/caption]
7. Kangana Ranaut
For someone with a contemporary face and a knack for western outfits, Kangana sure looks gorgeous in traditional saris. Her style is elegant but low-maintenance, and one can tell just by looking at the colours and materials she chooses to drape. Her sari style is definitely an A+ if you’re looking to wear this for a family gathering, a puja, or a simple wedding reception.
[caption id="attachment_234432" align="aligncenter" width="533"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/team_kangana_ranaut/[/caption]
These were 7 of our favourite celebrities who absolutely rock saris and keep proving to us that contemporary styles and patterns can still look great with an outfit as traditional as this. Remember, continue to be confident and try these eclectic sari styles out – you’ll stand out this wedding season!
Also Read:
Types of Indian Sarees You Must Have in Your Wardrobe!
Beautiful Blouse Designs to Complement Your Saree
Beautiful Sarees We Want to Own From Shilpa Shetty’s Wardrobe Read more
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Green peas soup
This soup has a vibrant color, unique flavour and a creamy texture, which your kid will enjoy thoroughly! Even if you are in a jiffy, you can still prepare this soup quickly. Onions make this sumptuous soup slightly spicy, while potatoes and milk give it a lovely, creamy mouth-feel.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
3 People
10 Minutes
9 Minutes
Ingredients
1 cup fresh green peas
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped potatoes
1/4 cup milk
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper (kalimirch) to taste
Method
Step 1
Combine all the veggies and 1 cup of hot water in a deep non-stick pan.
Step 2
Mix well and cook on a medium flame for 6 minutes, with occasional stirring.
Step 3
Allow the mixture to cool completely and blend in a mixer till smooth.
Step 4
Transfer the mixture into non-stick pan, add milk, salt, pepper and ½ cup of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size 1 cup (250 g)
Calories
153
Calories from Fat
25
Total Fat
2.7 g 4%
Saturated Fat
1.3 g 7%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.9 g
Cholesterol
0 mg 0%
Sodium
860 mg 36%
Potassium
177.5 mg 5%
Carbohydrates
24.7 g 8%
Dietary Fiber
4.8 g 19%
Sugars
8 g
Protein
8 g
Vitamin A
1%
Vitamin C
3%
Calcium
3%
Iron
10%
*Based on a 2000 calorie diet
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Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. my baby girl is not sleeping at night.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. the sleeping pattern of the child changes from time to time and will improve with increasing age of the child. if the growth and weight gain of the child is proper along with proper urine stool then there is no need to worry regarding the sleeping pattern.
you have to just see that the child is not having any disturbance during the sleep because it can occur due to gas as well as due to digestion problem. aldso see for the comfort of the child and see the bedding on which the child is sleeping.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child that is from hot to cold and cold to hot weather because that also can cause disturbance in the sleep. d
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert ozone face wash toner and hydrant use kar liya mera face khurdura ho gya kya kare bahut itching hoti hai jalan bhi
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken abfccnd the expert will give you the proper answer .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. my baby is not latching the left side Brest milk . She is always crying and straching her leg , stomach. I am not able to understand why she is crying. but she is latching when she is in a sleepy mood
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
38 mins ago
A. Could be due to stomach pain and sometimes kids have an aversion to a particular breast and they do not like to take direct breastfeeding also since you haven’t mentioned the current age of your child I would recommend you to kindly consult a specialist one time
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
53 mins ago
Q. At end of 4months baby weighed 5.7kg; suffered from loose stools and stomach infection and recurred again ; then at the end of 5.5 months baby weighed 6.1 kg
Baby is active but looks so lean and thin
Is this weight adequate since birth weight was 2.8kgs
Read moreDr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
52 mins ago
A. Loose motion are most of the time infective where it is associatedgn with fever and vomiting and its known as gastroenteritis where symptomatic treatment along with management for dehydration is required if loose motions are associated with foul smell mucous high grade fever than it could be bacterial infection which needs antibiotics treatment
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
47 mins ago
Q. Still having Loose stool once a day but with foul smell but without fever/vomit . 3days passed since she completed her antibiotic dosage.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
46 mins ago
A. you will have to give ors for every episode of loose motion. you you cannot give heavy diet like milk to the child for few days as well as you cannot give sugar based food. you cannot give packet based foods as well as biscuit maida. kindly give curd buttermilk apple banana poha upma daliya. you can also give any recipe made from rice dal as well as sabudanxa khichdi. you cannot give outside juice as well as glucon d to the child. please meet your doctor because if it is viral or bacterial diarrhea will be confirmed only on examination.
give sachet econorm twice daily for 3days.
meet your doctor if it is not improving x
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 mins ago
Q. Birth weight:2.8kgs
At end of 4 months : 5.7kg
At end of 5.5 months : 6.1kg
Is it adequate?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
9 mins ago
A. Yes it is because your child is almost having more than double the birth fade by completing the age of 5.5 months like you’re mentioning so it’s going good in total the weight of the child currently as per the age is perfectly good so there is nothing nothing for you to be worried in this
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