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12 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound
When you are pregnant, every moment is fun and exciting. You are curious to know how your baby is developing. The pregnancy ultrasound at 12 weeks is the last ultrasound scan of the first trimester, and you will be excited to know about your baby's progress. This ultrasound scan will answer a lot of your questions about the baby’s health and well-being.
Why Do You Need an Ultrasound Scan at 12 Weeks?
Completing 12 weeks of pregnancy is an important milestone as it marks the completion of your first trimester, and your doctor may advise you to have an ultrasound scan to assess how your pregnancy is progressing. Here are a few things that your doctor will check in the 12 weeks ultrasound scan.
It helps to know the number of babies you are carrying, whether a single baby, twins or more.
It helps in establishing your baby’s gestational age by measuring the baby from crown to rump.
To check the foetal heartbeat.
To have a look at the baby’s arms, legs, chest, and head and assess if they are growing at a normal pace.
The doctor will check the foetal spine as well to check for any abnormalities.
To measure nuchal translucency, which is the fluid under the foetal skin at the back of the neck.
The assessment of nuchal translucency helps in establishing any risk of chromosomal abnormality.
It will help the doctor to establish the health and the position of the placenta.
How to Prepare for Your 12th Week Scan
You may be jittery and wonder what will happen during the scan. The first thing that you can do is to prepare yourself mentally for the scan. The cold and slimy gel may make you feel uncomfortable, but try to be calm and relaxed.
You will be required to drink at least a pint of water approximately an hour before the scan. The water pushes your uterus in a better position, and your doctor will be able to get a better view of the foetus. However, refrain from drinking too much water as it may put unnecessary pressure on your bladder, and you may want to pee.
How Long Does This Ultrasound Scan Take?
You will be made to lie down in a peaceful room with dim lights. The entire scanning process at 12 weeks of pregnancy may take 15 to 30 minutes approximately.
How Is the 12th Week Ultrasound Scan Performed?
The doctor will apply a gel on your abdominal region and move the transducer device on your tummy. A black and white image will appear on the screen, and you can ask your doctor to explain it to you. It is normal to feel some pressure on your abdominal region, but it is not painful.
If you are overweight or your womb is too deep in your pelvis, then your doctor may recommend a vaginal scan.
What Can Be Seen in the Scan?
The following things can be observed about your baby by performing 12 weeks ultrasound scan:
The position of the mother’s placenta.
Baby’s limbs and spine.
Presence or absence of the foetal nasal bone and its length.
Urinary bladder and stomach of the foetus.
The blood circulation around the mother’s uterus region.
Any foetal defects or abnormalities.
During the 12-week ultrasound, your doctor can also spot twins, which means if you are carrying more than one baby, the ultrasound scan will help your doctor determine the same.
Can Down Syndrome Be Accurately Detected in the 12th Week Ultrasound Scan?
Yes, if your baby is suffering from Down Syndrome, it can be detected in a 12-week ultrasound. If the baby has down syndrome, then there will be more accumulation of fluid at the nuchal fold, which is at the base of the baby’s neck. If your doctor suspects it, then the nuchal transparency test may be performed. Babies with Down Syndrome will have a thicker measurement in comparison to a healthy foetus.
What If Any Abnormalities Are Detected on the Scan?
The 12-week pregnancy scan may be your first scan to establish the foetal growth and development. However, this scan also helps your doctor to assess any foetal abnormality. In case your baby is detected with any defect or abnormality, then you may be referred to a foetal medicine consultant. The consultant assesses the diagnosis made by your doctor and may ask you to undergo further tests or scans to confirm the abnormality.
Is This Scan a Part of Pregnancy Care?
Ultrasound scans are a great way of assessing your baby’s growth and development. These scans are affordable, non-invasive, and low risk. They are essential as they give you and your doctor a lot of information about your baby and you can also get 12-week ultrasound pictures. However, it is entirely up to the parents to take a call whether they want to go in for 12-week ultrasound scan or not. Most hospitals will give you the pictures of your ultrasound scan, and some of them may even give you a video of the scan. You can check with your doctor if this service is available.
Some parents are of the opinion that ultrasound scans should not be done. The main reason for this is that they will be put in a difficult position of making a decision to continue or abort the pregnancy, in case any foetal defect or abnormality is established.
Things to Keep in Mind
When you're going for an ultrasound scan, remember to wear loose clothing so that it is easy for the doctor to access your belly.
Don't forget to drink water before the scan; a full bladder shifts the uterus making it more visible during the scan.
If you have any questions for your doctor, writing them down would be helpful.
If you want a picture of the scan, you can contact the hospital in advance to ask if this service is provided.
Ask your doctor what kind of help is available in terms of prenatal classes or in case of an emergency. This can help you prepare for your baby's birth and put your mind at ease.
Resources & References:
Parents
Mayo Clinic
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Doing Sit-Ups or Abdominal Crunches during Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
Being pregnant does not preclude a daily exercise regimen. In fact, various studies have shown that exercising during pregnancy can actually improve both physical and emotional health. If your pregnancy is going as expected and your baby is healthy, there is no need to refrain from some mild workout routine. Exercise can also ease labour pains and delivery due to increased flexibility and muscle strength in your abdomen and pelvic regions. Of these exercises, sit-ups or abdominal crunches are among the most important workouts to strengthen your core muscles. This article will help you understand how to perform sit-ups during pregnancy, its benefits as well as any risk factors.
Can Pregnant Women Do Sit-Ups?
Crunches during the first trimester are very easy and quite safe. In fact, they are recommended in moderate amounts for the first 4 months in your pregnancy. However, it is essential to ensure you perform the exercises with the right precautions. Find a comfortable place to workout, keep an eye out for any physical or mood changes, and stop immediately if you experience any symptoms like pain.
Continuing crunches into your second and third trimesters might produce symptomatic effects like ashen skin, vomiting, fainting, dizziness and so on. This occurs because the increase in the size of the foetus cramps up the internal abdominal space, and might even exert pressure on the vena cava, the large vein which supplies the heart with oxygen-poor blood. As the blood circulation towards the heart slows, you may experience disoriented states. If these occur, lie down on the left side of your body, allowing blood supply to your heart to continue. Alternatively, you can do other yoga exercises for the abdomen.
Should You Check-up with a Doctor Before Starting to Exercise?
It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before doing anything that could put a strain on your pregnancy. If you did regular exercise and your pregnancy has minimal complications, your doctor might permit you to continue. Remember that exercises that strain your body can lead to problems, so stick to light training.
How Can Sit-ups be Done?
Sit-ups, also known as abdominal crunches, require no equipment or gym membership. You can do them in the comfort of your own room.
Place a mat on the floor and lie on your back flat against it.
Bend your legs at the knees, keeping your soles firmly against the floor.
Put your hands behind your head to begin.
First, breathe out and lift your entire torso towards your knees.
Breathe in and return back to your starting position. This counts as one rep.
Perform the exercise in three sets of ten reps each.
Remember, there is no rest time between each rep, but around two minutes before each set.
Over time, you can increase the number of sets or reps.
Things to Remember While Doing Sit-ups When Pregnant
Here is a list of things to remember when performing crunches during pregnancy.
As a rule, drink enough water and have a balanced diet to avoid any physical weakness or muscle cramps.
Don’t wear any items of clothing that can cut off circulation or breathing.
Do your workouts indoors and out of the harsh sunlight, if possible.
Remember that you don’t have to be strict about your workout routine during your pregnancy. It is alright to miss out now and then.
Keep the exercises light so your body temperature does not get too high, as this could cause complications.
Don’t exercise if you are ill, tired, or if you experience any unexpected symptoms.
Workout only when you feel like it; your body is an excellent judge of its own ability, listen to it.
A twin pregnancy absolutely precludes abdominal crunches, please do not attempt them.
Avoid doing more than twenty reps in a single set.
Benefits of Doing Sit-ups during the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Crunches make your abs stronger, that is they improve the elasticity and hardness of your rectus abdominis muscles.
It leads to a stronger core, which improves your overall strength.
It can lower the risk or intensity of lower back pain, a common pregnancy symptom.
It improves the support given to the back muscles which endure great strain due to the pressure from your growing uterus.
It helps with developing and maintaining better balance and posture.
It is known to ease labour because of the support given to the pelvic muscles.
It keeps the abdominal region in shape to help you can recover faster after giving birth.
It makes normal delivery a lot easier.
When to Stop Doing Sit-Ups While Pregnant?
Here are five reasons to stop doing crunches when you are pregnant.
If you are feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
If you are experiencing any headaches.
If you are feeling any strange pain or discomfort in the abdomen.
If you are finding it difficult to breathe.
If you are experiencing any bleeding or discharge from the vagina.
Why Should You Avoid Doing Sit-Ups During the Second and Third Trimester?
As mentioned earlier, sit-ups should be avoided during the second and third trimesters. Here are some reasons why:
The weight of the baby will lower the blood flow towards the foetus, depriving it of nutrients and oxygen.
There is an increased risk of falling due to a loss of balance when getting into position.
Crunches during the later months of pregnancy can increase the likelihood of developing a hernia. This is because your abs might get overstretched, that is, they can get thinner.
The standard myth about sit-ups exerting pressure on the baby is false. In fact, it is important to improve core abdominal strength during pregnancy to remain healthy and have a successful delivery. However, crunches are not the only exercises you can do in this regard. Other exercises include planks, exercise ball workouts, breathing exercises and so on. Ensure you add a bit of flavour to your daily routine so you don’t get bored.
Also Read: Butter Exercise while Pregnant Read more
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Bonding with Baby - How Mommy, Daddy and Siblings Can Bond with the Newborn
Nothing can be more wonderful, soul lifting and beautiful then raising a child. God gives the privilege of being a parent to the blessed and nothing in this world can be so special. Bonding is the attachment between a parent and a baby defined by unconditional love. When babies arrive, they don't come with a manual and you are also not programmed for "Perfect parenthood". This bonding does not develop in a "Jiffy". It's not like a switch that you can switch on. It may take a while and you shouldn't worry about it. Sometimes, it may be love at first sight when you are overwhelmed with emotions. Whereas there can also be circumstances like traumatic birth, medical problems, adopted baby, postpartum depression, post-delivery discomfort that may make it difficult for a mother to give her child the love he deserves. Expecting parents don't need to wait until the baby is born. Pregnancy is the perfect time to start forming an attachment with your baby. Talk, sing, read to your baby when he is in the womb because it's the best time to get started with your baby-bonding journey.
Importance of Bonding
Bonding with your baby evokes a sense of responsibility, making parents pay attention to the needs of a baby during any hour of the day. It has been scientifically proven that this bond provides the baby's foundation for intimate relationships, building trust and a sense of security. Studies have further shown that if bonding doesn't occur, the child may experience sadness and reduced development.
Bonding Activities for Mommy
Bonding is a journey. The more you spend time with your little one, the stronger it gets. Just keep responding to your baby's needs and showering him with your love, hugs and kisses. Following tips can help you bond with your baby better.
1. Skin-to-skin contact
The mother should immediately initiate skin-to-skin contact with the newborn baby as it helps him in adjusting to the temperature outside the womb. This is also known as Kangaroo care. It helps the baby to relax and stimulates the release of milk for breastfeeding. Having skin-to-skin contact while breastfeeding too helps to bond with the baby.
2. Feeding with Love
When you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, it's not just providing milk or satisfying hunger. It's much more than that. Some mothers worry that if they don't breastfeed, they won't bond with their baby but the truth is that loving mothers will always create a special bond with their children.
3. Baby Massage
Besides the innumerable benefits of baby massage, every gentle stroke helps you bond better with your little one. Touch is a very powerful element in human bonding and baby massage encompasses and supports this vital aspect. Massage is one of life's simple pleasures and research has shown that a baby massage can improve interaction in a number of ways like eye contact, touch, voice and thermal regulation.
4. Put your Phone Away
For better or worse, social media has changed the ways of parenting. This has drastically affected the attention a new baby gets. Keep your phone away and give quality time to the child. Make conscious efforts to bypass the ill-effects of today's digital world on parenting.
5. Responding to Baby's Needs
Especially in the first few months, respond to your baby's need immediately. Make him feel secure that you are there for him always. Kiss him! Hug him! All this helps him build trust in you and don't worry, you are not spoiling him by doing this.
6. Play Time
Playing helps your child's brain grow and he develops a better understanding. Laugh with him, play with his little toes and little fingers. Make him feel that there is no better friend than you.
Bonding Activities for Daddy
Babies bond with their mothers much earlier. So, fathers feel left out. For better bonding between the baby and his daddy, it's important that expecting mothers allow and encourage the involvement of the husband in prenatal check ups and pregnancy care.
Make him feel it when the baby kicks in your womb. After the baby arrives, get his daddy involved in changing diapers, giving a bath, talking, singing to the baby. All this will help the mother too, by reducing the number of things she has to do and give her time to rest.
Sibling Bonding
The arrival of a new baby can be exciting for the family but it can also be confusing for big brothers and sisters.
Involve the older sibling in the whole journey during pregnancy and after the baby comes.
Teach them how they can be of help to mommy and daddy. Make them familiar with the new baby. Tell them how much the new baby loves them. Keep a gift near the new baby for the big brother or sister, telling them the baby got it for you!
A happy family has strong bonds. Work hard to make your bond stronger day by day!
Happy Parenthood.
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.
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Home Remedies for Treating Toothache in Tweens
Help your tween deal with toothaches by trying out some useful, effective home remedies. These will help soothe your tween’s pain and discomfort, till you seek expert help for him.
Your tween might often complain of a growing pain in his tooth. Seeing your child in pain might cause you to worry, but this only makes the situation worse. However, you should realize that it is a common tween problem that happens due to a wrong diet schedule and an unhygienic dental habit.
Kids with a higher intake of sugary food items tend to have dental problems, especially decaying teeth. Then, there are tweens who do not brush regularly or floss properly and thus deal with tooth problems. These issues demand expert attention. However, the immediate reaction to soothe the pain can be resolved by some home remedies.
Causes of Toothache in Tweens
Toothache in tweens is majorly caused by cavities which happens due to bacteria in the mouth. An excessive intake of starchy and sugary food items that stay stuck to the teeth and gums helps the bacteria to dwell and produce acids that are hazardous to their teeth. It can also cause damage to their nerves, causing a growing ache. Other reasons for toothache can be cracked tooth, loose tooth, sinus or abscess, and an infection in the gum line.
Home Remedies for Toothache in Tweens
Help your child put some dried mint leaf around his tooth that is hurting, and teach him to spit it out within a few minutes. It will help to ease his pain.
Rub clove oil, cashew or garlic on the affected tooth. It is a good way to get rid of the pain and cure it in some cases.
Do not forcefully try to pull out a loose tooth. Let your child decide and take it out himself when it is loose enough. It will hurt less than when someone else pulls it for him.
Cool some pieces of potato in the fridge and ask your child to place them on his aching tooth. The cold piece will numb the area and reduce the pain. You can also use cold cucumber for this.
For dealing with soreness in the toothache area, give your tween a pack of frozen vegetables or plain ice pack. Let him put it on the area for 15-20 minutes. This will give him relief.
Make a fine paste of red pepper and ginger. For this, put the ingredients in a cup and add a drop or two of water. Dab a cotton piece in this paste and apply it on your child’s painful tooth for relieving pain.
Stir some salt in lukewarm water. Now, ask your tween to rinse his mouth for about 30 seconds. This helps to clean the affected area, and also take out some fluid that is causing the swelling.
Peppermint tea also provides immediate relief to the affected area. Mix about one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves with a cup of boiled water. Let it cool and help your child swish it in his mouth for a few seconds before spitting it.
Try these easy remedies and help your tween get rid of the growing pain and discomfort caused by a tooth problem. Read more
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. lo laying placenta he koi problem tho ni hogi na or sahi pojicion me lane ke liya ky krna chahiye
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. hello deri it is very important that you should take care of your diet because there are high chances of the anemia and the bleeding and the possibilities are there that you will have the C section
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Hi! Is the products like moisturiser and sunscreen in your website are pregnancy safe.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. depending on the products you had a go through the literature before using any product and better to have a sensitivity test so that sometimes you can be allergic to do before use
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 8 months
1 hour ago
Q. Can i eat potato chips in early pregnency..?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
28 mins ago
A. they are not advisable in any duration of pregnancy. 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
Trying To Conceive
37 mins ago
Q. Hii i haven't got my period for April month and I did a home test today it's negative and iam experiencing light brown spotting. Does that mean am i pregnant or my period is about to come, bit worried can anyone tell me what does that mean
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
28 mins ago
A. better to get the ultrasound examination for accuracy. 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
Trying To Conceive
30 mins ago
Q. Hello I had missed my period for April month and today I have done home test with prega news and result is negative. Am experiencing light brown spotting today and back pain and stomach pain. Is it ok to have missed period for over a month and what does that mean am i pregnant or my period is about to come. Iam bit worried about this please do help me.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
28 mins ago
A. wait for sometime you can do beta hCG or ultrasound examination. 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
26 mins ago
Q. i'm feeling pain in lower abdomen on daily basis
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
25 mins ago
A. there is need for examination investigations even urine test. 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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