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10 Pregnancy Pains and Their Solutions
Pain during pregnancy is usually nothing to be worried about unless it is associated with preeclampsia or pre-term labour. These body aches and pains are usually due to the body changes that take place and also due to the increase in body weight during pregnancy.
Common Types of Pains and Aches Experienced during Pregnancy
Pregnancy has its share of woes. It comes with a whole lot pains and aches. Listed below are some of the common pregnancy pains and aches that one may experience while pregnant.
1. Abdominal Pain
Usually, this kind of pregnancy pain symptoms is absolutely normal. It could be due to gas, heartburn, constipation and even due to the growing baby inside. The pain could also be due to implantation cramping when at the very beginning of pregnancy. Another reason could be due to the stretching of round ligaments that support the uterus. False labour or Braxton-Hicks contractions, an 8th month pregnancy pain can also be one of the reasons for abdominal pain. During true labour too, most of them experience severe cramping.
Solution
Abdominal pain during pregnancy due to minor issues can be reduced by avoiding quick waist movements, bending towards the pain, drinking water as much as possible, stretching a little or walking around to release gas.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If pain persists for a long time, with or without vaginal bleeding or white discharge, you should consult your Gynaecologist.
2. Back Pain
There are two types of back pain that can occur during pregnancy. One is the Lumbar or lower back pain, and the other one is the Posterior pelvic pain. A backache during pregnancy can be for a number of reasons like weight gain, bad posture, hormonal changes, separation of the muscles due to the expansion of the uterus and of course stress.
Solution
Back pain can be managed with proper posture while sitting and standing, exercises which are appropriate at that stage of pregnancy, and sleeping on your left side with a pillow in between the two legs. Acupuncture can also be effective in relieving pregnancy-related back pain. Applying hot and cold pads on the affected area can also go a long way in curing the pain.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If your backache during pregnancy is accompanied by fever, it could be a sign of infection. A pain that goes from bad to worse or severe pain which makes it difficult for you to even urinate should be discussed with your doctor right away.
3. Vaginal Pain
Vaginal pain is one among the few early pregnancy pains. The reason could be the expanding of your uterus and the increase in the volume of blood in the pelvic region. Even constipation (which can be a result of pregnancy hormones and the iron vitamins prescribed during pregnancy) could be a reason behind the pain.
Solution
If constipation is a concern for you during pregnancy, include more of fibre-rich food in your daily diet and also drink as much water as you can. You can also ask your doctor for pregnancy safe stool softeners. Practising few pelvic exercises can help you to ease the pain. Get pregnancy safe massages from a trained therapist and also take a soothing warm bath. You can also try out pregnancy support garment which supports the belly thereby taking away the pressure from the pelvic region, hips and lower back area.
When to Consult a Doctor?
You should look for danger signs of vaginal bleeding along with pain, severe pelvic pain that walking around becomes difficult, severe headache, light-headedness, body swelling, fever or chills. If you find any of these symptoms along with vaginal pain, consult your doctor.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pain in the wrist, finger joints along with numbness in the fingers with a tingling sensation are the common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. During pregnancy, this usually occurs in the second, third trimester and can even continue post-delivery. At times, the pain becomes so severe that it is almost impossible to hold the baby!
Solution
Getting a massage by a trained therapist could help in healing the pain. Cold and hot compresses on the affected area, rotating and shaking the wrists time to time or wearing a splint while doing activities that increase the pain are some other reasons that can give some relief from the pain and numbness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Severe pain in the wrist or extreme numbness which makes grasping or holding things difficult can be a thing of concern. Therefore, in conditions like this, consult a doctor. You can also call on your doctor if the symptoms persist way post delivery.
5. Headaches
It is common to suffer from headaches during the early pregnancy phase. However, it becomes infrequent or completely stops in the last two trimesters.
Solution
Cold compresses, head massages, drinking lots of water, getting good sleep, going for walks and relaxing to be stress-free are some of the ways to cure a headache during pregnancy. You may also take some painkillers but only after consulting your doctor.
When to Consult a Doctor
At times headaches during pregnancy could mean something serious. Therefore always consult your doctor when with a severe headache you have blurred vision, flashes in your eyes, severe pain below the ribs, nausea, and body swelling. These could be signs of preeclampsia.
6. Leg Cramps
Leg cramps is a stinging pain that shoots up all of a sudden. At times you may even need help from someone to straighten your leg. These cramps cause pain in the calves and even at the back of the thigh. Bad circulation in the leg and thighs could be the reason behind such sudden cramps.
Solution
As soon as you get a cramp, get up and try to stretch your leg. You could even ask somebody to help you to do so. Then stand and try to move your leg and foot while holding onto something or someone. It is also suggested that magnesium supplements can help in reducing muscle cramps. You can take food rich in magnesium instead of the supplements.
When to Consult a Doctor?
You can call on your Doctor if you have frequent and extremely painful leg cramps.
7. Sciatica
The hormone relaxin starts preparing the pelvis for childbirth. As a result, the ligaments loosen, and the sciatic nerve gets squeezed in between. This is when there is shooting pain down the buttocks and the back of the legs.
Solution
Homoeopathy can give relief from sciatica pain. Other than that, you can take a bath with warm water or apply heating pads on the affected area.
When to Consult a Doctor?
As soon as you experience a shooting pain down your buttocks and the back of your legs, you should go visit your doctor.
8. Haemorrhoids
One of the reasons of Haemorrhoids during pregnancy is the common and severe constipation problem due to hormonal changes.
Solution
The first thing that one should do to cure haemorrhoids is to prevent constipation. It can be cured by drinking lots of water and including lots of fibre-rich food in the diet. The food should be healthy and less spicy. Taking warm baths with baking soda can increase blood circulation in the area. In order to get relief from the itch in the haemorrhoids, you can apply baking soda paste in the area. Witch Hazel and lemon juice can cure the swelling and bleeding in the Haemorrhoids.
Non-surgical solutions include Bipolar coagulation, Haemorrhoidal Arterial Litigation, Rubber Banding, and Freezing. Surgery may be required when bleeding from the Haemorrhoids cannot be controlled, or there are multiple haemorrhoids, both internal as well as external.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor when you experience severe pain and bleeding.
9. Rib Pain
It usually occurs during the last trimester. However, some may experience it in the early trimesters as well. The pain is a result of the baby getting bigger and pushing against the rib while trying to adjust itself.
Solution
You can get some relief from rib pain only after the 36th week when your uterus and baby drops slightly. Till then, one has to make do with temporary pain relief by wearing loose clothes, maintaining correct posture, using pillows, walks, yoga and warm baths.
When to Consult a Doctor?
You should consider talking to your doctor and ask for medication if you have severe pain in your rib cage.
10. Breast Pain
Breast tenderness can occur in any of the trimesters or all of the trimesters. This is basically due to the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. The pain during the third trimester is also on account of the milk glands preparing themselves to manufacture colostrum.
Solution
Breast tenderness is common during pregnancy, and there is no permanent way to relieve the pain. However, the pain can be reduced by wearing a supportive bra and gently washing instead of vigorously scrubbing the area during baths.
When to Consult a Doctor?
When the breast feels extremely sore with reddish skin or rash, you should consult a doctor.
Almost all the aches and pains that you experience during pregnancy are normal and nothing to be worried about. However, some might require medical intervention. Therefore, if you feel a hitch, always make sure to share your concern with your doctor. Read more
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Stock Up on These 9 Indian Foods to Stay Warm This Winter
Do you know why your body feels dull & sluggish during winters; why you find it extremely hard, not only to get out of bed in the morning but also to stay wide awake throughout the day? Well, there’s pure science behind this, let’s call it, winter tiredness, shall we?
Most of us refrain from stepping out when it’s cold and chilly. Even when we do, we wrap ourselves in layers of scarves and sweaters to stay warm. What we forget is that our skin needs some sun to stay warm, and that’s exactly what keeps us energetic all day long. Our bodies are biologically designed to relate darkness to sleep, which is why staying in and staying warm is only making us lethargic.
This is where Indian foods play a significant role in keeping the body naturally warm, active, and energetic, thus making it easy for you to kiss your winter tiredness goodbye!
Common Indian Foods That’ll Keep You Warm in Winter
The body uses extra energy to stay warm during winter, which is why it is essential to consume certain foods that will give it the fuel it requires to keep functioning in this cold weather. Here are some easily available and delicious Indian foods that will ease you through the chilly months.
1. Ghee
Desi Ghee or clarified butter is an Indian food that has successfully made its way to the top of the super-food list! Even the west is waking up to the wonders of ghee. It’s the least messy food you can consume to stay warm during winter. Because of its fat content, just one teaspoon of ghee every morning is enough to keep your body warm from the inside. But make sure you consume ghee made from cow’s milk, which has less fat compared to that made from buffalo milk, is a powerhouse of health benefits, and naturally nourishes the skin during winter.
2. Dried fruits & Nuts
Rich in essential oils, vitamins and minerals, dried fruits help keep the skin supple and nourished during winter. Almonds are known to produce heat in the body, something the body is looking for when it’s cold outside. They also aid digestion, thus boosting metabolism, which of course, keeps the body warm. Rich in vitamin B-3, peanuts kick start the metabolism and promote blood flow. Plus, they come with the added benefit of combating cold and flu, which makes their consumption even more beneficial during winter.
3. Ginger
Ginger is one root that is known to induce heat in the body since ages. It boosts the immune & digestive systems and increases the blood circulation in the body. Even though you’d prefer to add this root to your soups and hot beverages during winters, it works best when consumed raw. You’re already planning to skip out on this one because you just can’t picture yourself chewing ginger first thing in the morning, isn’t it? Worry not! Ginger tea is a great substitute to make this root edible. Simply brew grated or chopped ginger in boiling water, strain and enjoy with a teaspoon of honey.
4. Holy Basil
You rarely have to go hunting for tulsi; almost every Indian household has this sacred herb in their backyard. Apart from being an antiseptic, holy basil is also rich in vitamins A, C, iron and also helps combat respiratory disorders. It helps the body fight cold and flu, which tend to widespread when the temperature dips. It keeps the body warm by flushing out its toxins and boosting metabolism. Tulsi tea is the best beverage you can consume if you’re looking to deal with those winter woes.
5. Spices - Pepper, Turmeric, Cinnamon
People around the world are well-versed with the benefits of Indian spices. Yet, certain specific spices keep the body warm during winter.
Pepper for instance; the body naturally produces heat when it digests pepper. You can easily add this spice to soups and salads that you consume on a daily basis
Cinnamon fits perfectly into the list of winter spices, and it’s not just to spice up your biryani. Research proves that cinnamon helps retain and increase body temperature during the chilly months. Add this spice to a nice hot cup of coffee or oatmeal in the morning, and it’ll keep your warm naturally
Turmeric is another medicinal herb that is best suited for winter. The presence of curcumin in turmeric is what makes it ideal for the chilly months. The body releases a lot of energy while digesting curcumin, which helps keep it warm. The best way to consume this spice is to mix it with a glass of warm milk and drink it in the morning
6. Sesame seeds
Be it chikkis, sweet balls or gajaks, sesame is an essential part of winter in India. This is because sesame seeds are rich in iron and calcium and help maintain the body temperature. Irrespective of their form - seeds, oil, or tahini, you should definitely stock up on sesame to stay warm and cosy during winter.
7. Chillies
Finally, food on the list for the spice-lovers. Ever wonder why you break a sweat after consuming hot pepper? It’s because of the presence of capsaicin, a compound present in chillies that speeds up the metabolism, thus keeping the body warm. It also aids digestion and boosts blood circulation. Yeah, spice is great, but you need not consume peppers that are too hot for the body. Indian red & green chillies will do the job for you!
8. Jaggery
Also known as unrefined sugar, jaggery is an Indian food that should be consumed during winter. The body needs heat to stay warm, heat that it gets from the calories in the food that we consume. Jaggery has as many calories as sugar, which is enough to keep the body warm during the chilly months. It also helps dilate the blood vessels, which in turn produces heat in the body.
9. Honey
Apart from being a healthy substitute for sugar, honey is also warm in nature, which is why it’s advised to avoid honey during summers. But during winter, a teaspoon of honey can be your best pal. Its naturally warm nature helps keep the body warm, and also keeps cold, cough and flu at bay. Mix honey with some warm water and have it every morning for best results.
So there you have it, a list of easily accessible and super healthy Indian foods that will keep you warm during winter. Stock up on these foods to ease out on your winter months. They work wonders in keeping the body warm from the inside so that you’re nice and cosy when it’s freezing outside!
Also Read:
Warm Desserts Which are Perfect in Cold Winter Nights
Best Places to Visit in Andaman with Family during Winter
Why Winter is Best for Love-Making? Read more
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पापा भी हमें माँ जितना ही प्यार करते हैं, लव यू पापा
एक छोटी-सी दुनिया है जिसमें मैं हूँ और बस मेरे पापा और माँ है। मेरे पापा और माँ ने मुझे बहुत ही लाड-प्यार से पाला है क्योंकि मैं उनकी इकलौती बेटी हूँ। उन्होंने आज तक मेरी किसी भी ख्वाहिश को अधूरा नहीं छोड़ा। हमेशा से मेरी हर छोटी से छोटी जिद को पूरा किया है। लेकिन उन्होंने मेरी हर इच्छा को पूरी करने के लिए जो कष्ट सहे हैं मुझे हमेशा से ही उस बात से अनजान रखा।
एक दिन की बात है जब मैंने नई साइकिल लेने के लिए जिद पकड़ ली और उस जिद में खाना तक खाना छोड़ दिया। ये जानकर मेरे पापा को बहुत दुःख हुआ क्योंकि वो मुझे इस हालत में कभी भी देखना नहीं चाहते। और देखें भी कैसे अपनी इस लाडली बिटिया को रोते हुए। बस झट से मेरे पास आकर हाँ बोल दिया और कहा अगले महीने ही मैं अपनी गुड़िया रानी को साइकिल लाकर दूंगा और अपने हाथ से खाना खिलाने लगे। मैं बहुत खुश हुई कि पापा ने मेरी बात मान ली, लेकिन पापा के खुश चेहरे के पीछे का दर्द मैं समझ नहीं पाई।
मेरे पापा के पास ज्यादा पैसे नहीं थे। बस छोटा-मोटा काम करके दो टाइम का खाना हो जाता था। सेविंग्स तो जैसे शून्य थीं। अब हाँ तो बोल दिया अपने दिल के टुकड़े को लेकिन करें क्या जिससे कुछ पैसे जमा करके अपनी बिटिया को साइकिल लाकर दे सकें।
दिन बीतते चले गए। एक रात अचानक मेरी आँख खुली तो देखा माँ पापा को दरवाजे तक छोड़ने गई हुई थी। माँ से पूछा पापा इतनी रात को कहाँ जा रहे हैं तो माँ ने भी झूठ बोल कर ये कह कर टाल दिया कि आजकल पापा दिन की जगह रात को काम करते हैं और दिन में आराम करते हैं। मैं भी भोली-सी, माँ की बातों में आ गई और सोने चली गई।
फिर एक दिन मैं स्कूल से जल्दी घर आ गई, देखा तो पापा की तबियत खराब थी और उनकी आँखों में आंसू थे। मैंने माँ-पापा को चुपके से बात करते हुए सुना। पापा बहुत परेशान थे और कह रहे थे कि मैं अपनी छोटी-सी गुड़िया को एक नई साइकिल तक नहीं दे सका क्योंकि जिस ठेकेदार के यहाँ वो रात को काम कर रहे थे उसने उन्हें काम से निकाल दिया था, और तो और जितना काम किया था उसके भी पैसे देने से मना कर दिया था।
उस दिन मुझे पता चला की पापा सिर्फ दिन में ही नहीं जबकि रात में भी ओवरटाइम कर रहे थे। वो भी इसलिए कि वो मुझे एक नई साइकिल दिला सकें। उस दिन मानो मेरी आँखों के सामने वो सब पल आ गए जब-जब मैंने उनसे कोई चीज पाने के लिए जिद की थी। मुझे समझ आ गया था, पापा ने हमेशा दिन-रात एक करके मेरे सारे सपने पूरे किए हैं और मैं उनके द्वारा सहे गए कष्ट को कभी समझ ही नई पाई। ये सब सोचते-सोचते पापा की नजर मुझ पर गई। जल्दी से उन्होंने अपने आंसू पोंछे और मुझे बुलाया। मैं झट से जाकर उनके गले लग गई और उनसे हर उस जिद के लिए माफी मांगी जो मैंने अनजाने में उनसे की थी।
अक्सर मैंने सिर्फ माँ के ऊपर लिखी गई शायरी, कविता और कहानी को पढ़ा है, पर पापा के ऊपर कोई कविता, कोई कहानी नहीं सुनी। हमें दुनिया की सारी ख़ुशी देने के लिए ना जाने पापा कितने दर्द सहते हैं। दिन-रात मेहनत करके काम करते हैं। फिर भी हम उन्हें थोड़ा-सा भी प्यार देने से कतराते हैं। उन्हें भी हक है प्यार पाने का। उन्हें भी ये महसूस कराने की जरूरत है कि हम भी उनसे बहुत प्यार करते हैं, उनकी इज्जत करते हैं। इसलिए आज मैं भी अपने पापा के लिए कुछ पंक्तियां लिखने जा रही हूँ।
माँ खाना पकाती है, लेकिन उस राशन को लाने के लिए जो कष्ट उठाते हैं वो पापा ही हैं।
माँ अपने हाथों से खिलाती है, लेकिन बिना कुछ खाए दिन-रात काम करते हैं वो पापा ही हैं।
माँ हर जिद पूरी करती है, लेकिन उस जिद को पूरा करने के लिए जो दर्द सहते हैं वो पापा ही हैं।
माँ हर बात सुनती है, लेकिन बिना कुछ सुने हमारी परेशानी को सुलझाते हैं वो पापा ही हैं।
माँ हमें पढ़ाती है, लेकिन हमारी स्कूल की फीस भरने के लिए जो पीड़ा उठाते हैं वो पापा ही हैं।
माँ हमारी हर ख्वाहिश जानती है, लेकिन उस ख्वाहिश को पूरा करने के लिए जो मेहनत करते हैं वो पापा ही हैं।
माँ हमे हँसाती है, लेकिन हमें बिना बताए जो अपना गम छुपाते हैं वो पापा ही हैं।
लव यू पापा।
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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Motherhood...A Journey to Self-discovery...From a Mother’s Perspective
The title of being a "mother" surely feels like a badge of honour - something like a lifetime achievement award. We keep hearing terms like motherland, mother earth, mother nature, and above all, the mother Goddess encompassing everything from creation, protection and sustenance. Surely these terms hint us of the powers, prerogatives, privileges and responsibilities associated with the essence of being a "mother". From our childhood, we see our own mothers around as loving, caring, emotional yet strong beings who are at work all the time.
Well, the time arrives when as a woman one herself experiences this process and the journey to realisation commences. Yes it's a process, a journey, that starts way before having our baby in our arms; it starts from the moment one conceived. Yes! right from the moment of conception the magic of creation, power of mother nature strikes and the realisation hits - "I am not alone now." Someone special, yes, a part of my own flesh and blood is within me, growing at its pace, totally dependent on me. A feeling crosses our minds - from now on, I am never alone; two lives in one, I am carrying a life within me...God, magic, now I truly believe in this magic of creation; the power to generate.
And thus, the journey begins.
Hormonal turbulence hits our existence, and we experience emotional outbursts, health challenges, restrictive movements - and all this goes to show that it is going to be like participating in a hurdle race. But all this subsides when gynae check-ups make us hear the heartbeat of the little one inside us, and it thrills us again, revitalising each and every nerve within.
The ensuing months bring us to notice movements and then kicks of our bundle of joy, and we wait patiently for when we can hold our baby in our arms, see and feel and enjoy the bliss. It is the moment of joy and wonder. How my baby would look like, how it would feel when I take her in my arms, and lo! labour pains declare the moment is close by.
The wait is over, but not without another tough experience of labour pains and the decision of having a C-section, or the so called 'normal delivery'. Both have their own repercussions, and most of the times, the gynae or the doctor has the final word, and we follow. The pain indeed is immense and immense is the pleasure of having a baby, a baby of our own, a part of us that was thriving within us , is out now to bestow upon us a title, a title of being a "mother". Holding our baby - the newborn - we are filled with mixed emotions of happiness, excitement, pain and anxiety as to taking care of such a tiny being; a part of our own self.
Blessings and wishes flood in, and together with it all comes - a lot of suggestions and advice, dos and don'ts - do breastfeed, do not use diapers, do not eat junk food, etc. etc. All attention shifts from the new mom to the newborn, and again the quest begins of trying to find a way to balance out all the advice and our own motherly instincts. The phase of life begins where the baby is the world, and life revolves around how to keep the baby clean and healthy and satiated and safe.
The rigours start, feeding properly, bathing and massaging, vaccinations, learning to sing lullabies and making the baby sleep - it sounds simple and joyful, but is it really that easy? It tests our wits and patience and everything. Why? Because it is not just a single duty of being a mother that is laid upon us. It comes with our rest of the roles - our roles as a wife, a daughter-in-law, as a professional, and it does take a toll on us.
Initial six months fly by under exhaustion, sleepless nights, body aches, frustration at times, because it is acclimatisation time for both the mother and the baby. The baby that is out in a complete new environment and dependent and the mother who is recovering from delivery pain, and learning to fit in the new role and its demands. The ensuing months of the journey take us from weaning lessons and diet planning to supporting our little one’s endeavours of trying to crawl, talk, her learning to stand and walk. To see the baby crawl, topple toddle, walk and spell out words - yes , it is rewarding to find our baby growing well - a milestone crossed.
Then the preschool and potty training and teaching manners all send us towards another milestone of making the baby fit for school - she must respond to the teachers well, must respect elders, must stay away from junk food, etc etc.
Three years go by and one can see our reward in how the baby has grown up to be a child, learning her lessons and comparing us to the teachers at school, confronting our suggestions and sharing with us what other kids do and say...you wonder...should you go strict and tell your child to follow your diktat, or should you budge now and then and listen to child and let the child have its way?
Years go on to show us our growing little bud and again anxiety grips us - which school to choose, are teachers friendly, what if they go strict, what if there is corporal punishment, is it safe, are staff and others good, what if the child comes to meet a pervert, need to teach him - so, the mothering continues. It continues till your child is off to higher studies, dating, married. Yet the connect is hard to loosen up. All these questions arise all these years, and most women forget that we have a life of our own too. We must take care of ourselves too - it's not being selfish or being a bad mother; it's rewarding ourselves for what we have been, what we are and what all we can be. And this starts with making informed or aware choices.
Mothers, new moms, expecting moms, moms-to-be, just remember to enjoy this bliss of motherhood. We need to simply let ourselves free, feel happy and blessed to have made the choice to gear up the the next generation of our family. We have the power to procreate, to generate, to show the world the magic called life, the power nature chose to bestow upon us. Yes, let's feel special and not shy away from asking a little time for taking care of ourselves and our goals. Lets share duties and responsibilities, share privileges, share our thoughts and help ourselves. There is no need to compare ourselves with what others have achieved. Let's learn to cheer them for what they got, get inspired and see what we want to do and do it in our own way. Let's learn to relax, even if time and circumstances check our patience! Let's enjoy time with our baby; let's keep in mind that the days with our baby will not come back; let's live the moment to its fullest.
For the new moms it is exhausting - the pleasure gets all mixed up with tiredness on account of taking care of the little one. Let's not worry; this phase comes to all mothers. Even if one can take a little time out, sit calmly and relax and tell ourselves that we are worth it; that we are blessed. And no matter how hard the times, how difficult the things this motherhood brings issues like weight gain, pains, cramps, sleepless nights, no self-time , pregnancy and delivery related health issues, sometimes hormonal upheaval resulting in confused emotions; let it all come and know that it is going to pass too, let's simply relax keeping in mind our worth. Let's think of it as a self-taken sabbatical, and then as the child grows up, we will find we have grown up too.
We are more intelligent now, more understanding; we know ways to tackle tantrums, ways to dry away fake tears and ways to teach. We will realise we too have grown up now, and that too in the real sense. Hail motherhood!
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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5 Facts About Your Baby's Skin We Bet You Didn't Know Before
A newborn baby has to adjust to a drastic change in environment as soon as he is born. The world that lurks outside the womb can be harsh and the only barrier a baby has against it is his skin. His skin gradually toughens up over time but for the first few months, it is way too vulnerable! Special care is needed to make sure your baby is protected against skin infections and rashes.
As your baby grows up, his thin infant skin gradually becomes more resilient to irritants and germs. But this is a slow and gradual process. For the first few years of his life, his skin is unable to deal with conditions that older children and adults can easily handle, such as heat, cold, humidity, etc. This is mainly because baby skin is susceptible to drying out much faster than adult skin.
In order to protect your baby and keep him healthy, it is important to understand some crucial facts about your little baby’s skin.
Here are Some Facts about Your Little Baby's Skin
1. Your Baby’s Skin is up to 5 times Thinner than Adult Skin
Unlike our adult skin, a newborn’s skin is ultra-thin and may not mature for up to 12 months. It absorbs and loses water fast which leaves it prone to dryness and irritation. If not cared for, he can even develop eczema or atopic dermatitis. The best course of action is to use a hydrating lotion after bathing. We recommend Himalaya BabyCare's Baby Lotion mainly because it is mild, gentle and completely natural. It is a hypoallergenic lotion that does not contain any harmful chemicals but is instead infused with the goodness of olive oil, almond oil and licorice. These ingredients keep your baby’s skin moisturized and away from infection. If your little one has excessively dry skin, apply the moisturizer twice or thrice a day and avoid using soaps.
2. Baby Skin needs Essential Nourishment to Keep it Protected
Much like us, baby skin absorbs external agents easily. This means that germs too get absorbed easily! You need to protect your little one's skin by ensuring that it remains clean and free from germs. At this stage it is recommended that your baby is bathed approximated 2-3 times in a week with lukewarm water. After the bath, his skin needs to be dried carefully, paying special attention to the groin, neck and armpits. Stay away from excessive bathing as it can remove natural body oils and dry out his skin too much. Also make sure to use a gentle bath product that cleanses without being harsh.
3. Cradle Cap is Normal and will Go Away
While we are on the subject of baby skin, the surface of his hair also assumes importance. You want his scalp to be clean and fresh and can’t help but be delighted as he sprouts more hair. But a really scary moment confronts many new moms. It is when they first notice cradle cap – her baby’s flaky scalp which looks yellowish or brownish. While this looks harmful and uncomfortable, the good news is that it is a completely normal phenomenon in babies. Do not panic. Cradle cap has nothing to do with lack of hygiene. It happens simply because your little one’s oil-producing glands are still maturing. More importantly, it does not bother your baby at all.
4. Babies can get Spots and Acne too
Babies have perfect skin! Or do they? While spots and acne are often considered adult problems, the reality is that they can affect your baby too. Baby acne is caused by the transfer of the mother’s hormones to the baby at the end of pregnancy. This transfer can happen through the placenta. This sometimes leads to excessive production in the oil glands and subsequently causes acne on your baby’s skin. What you must remember is that this too goes away in time without treatment.
5. Baby Massage can actually Work Magic on your Infant
Generation after generation has lauded the benefits of baby massage and the wonders it can do for babies. But did you know just how wonderful this can be? A gentle massage has been proven to improve blood circulation, trigger physical development, keep your baby reassured, and leave his skin hydrated and supple. After a warm bath, a gentle massage with your fingertips can help keep his skin in good condition.
Just remember to pick a massage oil that’s formulated to soothe your baby as well as keep his skin protected and moist. Himalaya Baby Massage Oil is enriched with Vitamin E and has antimicrobial properties to keep your little darling healthy. An added bonus is that it also strengthens your little one's nails and softens his cuticles.
Now that you are armed with in-depth knowledge about your baby’s skin, you are well equipped to keep him hale and hearty. Rely on natural products that are safe to use and can get you some much-needed peace of mind. A bath, a massage and a gentle lullaby will soon calm your little angel into sound sleep! Read more
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
12 hours ago
Q. Hi.. Priyanka kalra doctor..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
12 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is quite difficult to say anything about it without personally examination and proper reports evaluation. So better to consult with your treating gynaecologist in person as she knew the exact health condition of your pregnancy and can guide you better.
Take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
10 hours ago
Q. Hi, for May 1st they will check AFI fluid... should I need to be on empty bladder for that scan... which is around 37 weeks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
10 hours ago
A. It’s completely normal this kind of an ultrasound is different it is not necessary that your stomach should be full or you should go empty stomach you can have your basic breakfast and all whatever you would want to eat before you go ahead with getting a scan and there is no need to go empty stomach for the scan
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. hi everyone..the position of my baby is still in breech position from first trimester till now as I entered in my third trimester position is still breech is it normal..
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. Check your scan report
parminder kaur has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. Mera Mera 7th month end pe hai ab scan Karate doctor please tell me
parminder kaur
Mom of a 1 yr 1 m old boy
10 hours ago
A. yess
Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
9 hours ago
Q. what types of clothes are good for a new born baby during summers
Rayan
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1 hour ago
A. Cotton, Muslin clothes can be used. Prefer white or light coloured clothes since it absorb less heat.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 10 m old child
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Q. #asktheexperts please suggest diet plan for wait gain of my 2 years old baby
Dr Ghouse
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A. normal traditional food rich in protein 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
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