Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Signs of a Healthy and Unhealthy Baby in the Womb
To eliminate any threat to your baby, it is important to be able to differentiate the signs of a healthy foetus from an unhealthy one. If left unattended, it might lead to a miscarriage. Miscarriage is one of the common consequences of an unhealthy baby, resulting in loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. We cover some of the warning signs in this article.
What are the Symptoms of a Healthy Baby During Pregnancy?
Every parent wants to have a healthy baby and goes to great lengths for the same. But, lack of information may, sometimes,lead to an unexpected outcome. Therefore, understanding the signs of a healthy foetus becomes crucial. Below are the signs of a healthy baby during the early stages of pregnancy:
1. Movement
A baby starts moving after 5 months of conception. Medically, the first foetal movement is termed as quickening. A 6-month foetus responds to sound through movement. Around the seventh month, the foetus reacts to stimuli such light, sound or pain. By the eighth month, a baby starts changing her position and kicks more frequently. Studies have shown that by the ninth month, movement becomes less due to less space. All these are signs that your unborn baby is healthy.
2. Normal Growth
There are several ways to measure the growth and development of a foetus. Your doctor will perform an ultrasound to keep track of your baby’s health and development. Generally, a foetus grows by 2 inches every month. So, by the seventh month, your baby should be 14 inches long. In the third trimester, a healthy foetus grows heavier by 700 grams every week. Generally, by the ninth month, a foetus weighs about 3 kilograms and is 18-20 inches long. All these are signs of a healthy foetus in the womb.
3. Heartbeat
A baby’s heart starts to beat at around the fifth week of pregnancy. However, its detection is a lot easier towards the end of the first trimester through electronic foetal monitoring. To confirm your baby’s heart health, your doctor may conduct a non-stress test. This test monitors the heart rate of a foetus and provides insight about potential threats, if any. Alternatively, some doctors may even count the heartbeat by just touching your stomach. A healthy heartbeat ranges between 110 to 160 beats per minute.
4. Position At the Time of Pre-Labour
During the ninth month, the movement of a baby comes to an end or becomes minimal. A healthy baby adopts a head-first position and starts moving towards the birth canal.
5. Weight Gain and Belly of Expecting Mom
Weight gain during pregnancy is a surefire sign of a healthy pregnancy. Expecting moms gain around 12-15 weeks when they’re pregnant. You can ask your doctor to check your weight regularly and give you an update on whether your pregnancy is progressing normally or not. Your belly should also grow in size as the months go by.
Signs of an Unhealthy Foetus
During the fifth month, a foetus becomes more reactive towards sound, light, and pain. This is a period when they are also exposed to various threats that may affect growth and development, directly or indirectly.
If problems are visible externally, corrective measures can be taken to deal with them. But how do you recognize an unhealthy foetus inside your womb? The answer is simple, you just need to watch out for these warning signs.
1. Abnormal Fundal Height
Fundal height helps the doctor evaluate whether a woman’s uterus is growing or not. To measure fundal height, you will be asked to lie down and using a tape measure, the length from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone is measured. Usually, after the 16-week mark, fundal height matches the progress of the pregnancy.
If the height of your uterus is not what it should be, it indicates a problem with your pregnancy. The reason may be too much or too less of amniotic fluid or a breech baby. In the worst-case scenario. It could also mean that the foetus is not developing in a proper manner.
2. Lack of or No Heartbeat
Although a baby’s heart starts beating after the fifth week, it’s only around the tenth week that detection becomes easy. A foetal heartbeat can be detected through electronic foetal monitoring or in some cases, by just touching your stomach and counting the number of beats per minute (bpm).
At times, detecting the heartbeat may not be possible due to a change in the baby’s position or placental issues. In such a case, your doctor might ask you to try again during your next visit. However, if she still can’t detect the foetal heartbeat, then an ultrasound test might be recommended to dig out the reason behind the undetectable heartbeat. In some cases, lack of heartbeat signals a hindrance in foetal development or in worst cases, a lifeless foetus.
3. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Intrauterine growth restriction interferes with the growth of the foetus. If you test positive for IUGR, it implies that your foetus measures 10% smaller than its gestational age. If you’re suffering from IUGR, complications such as difficulty in breathing, high blood sugar, and high body temperature can arise and continue even after delivery. Therefore, there is need to closely observe this condition. This could happen in case of multiples as well, where one of the babies suffers from IUGR, but the other one remains unaffected.
This problem happens due to abnormal functioning of the placenta, which in normal conditions ensures the baby gets all the necessary nutrients. Other reasons include kidney issues, anaemia and diabetes.
4. Low hCG Level
hCG is a type of hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. hCG levels tends to fluctuate throughout pregnancy depending on the trimester. Generally, hCG levels are extremely high during week 9 - 16 of pregnancy. The normal levels vary from individual to individual, so a low hCG level is not a reason for you to panic. However, miscarriage, a blighted ovum, or ectopic pregnancy may induce a low level of hCG and raise a red flag for your pregnancy.
5. Excess Cramping During Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with its share of pain and aches. However, extreme pain which feels like menstrual cramps is another warning sign. In early pregnancy, it may be caused due to poor blood flow but if it persists, you might need to consult your doctor.
6. Bleeding During Pregnancy
Women tend to experience spotting during pregnancy, which is quite normal. However, bleeding is still a matter of concern without a doubt and needs to be evaluated by a doctor. It might be sign of miscarriage, hormonal bleeding or implantation bleeding.
7. Extreme Back Pain
Experiencing back pain is common during pregnancy as the growing baby puts a lot of strain on the spine and lower back. This feeling worsens when you’re expecting multiples. Well, look out for back pain which becomes severe as opposed to a dull ache in the back. Also, if it starts from the front of your body and make its way to the back, it’s not a good sign. You should visit your doctor immediately.
8. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Vaginal discharge is a common condition experienced by women when they’re pregnant, and it increases as the pregnancy progresses. Usually, the vaginal discharge of a pregnant woman is clear, transparent, whitish odourless. However, if you notice yellowish or greenish discharge with a strong smell, then it’s time to consult your doctor without any further delay. Unusual discharge might be caused by cervical inflammation, indicating a sign of miscarriage.
9. Sudden Discontinuation of Morning Sickness
Morning sickness and pregnancy are correlated. Usually, morning sickness resolves itself by the end of the first trimester or even earlier, without affecting foetus. However, for some pregnant women, sudden discontinuation of morning sickness might be because of low hCG levels, pointing to a miscarriage. It’s advised to seek an expert’s opinion and make sure there’s no threat to your baby.
10. Fever During Pregnancy
Fever during pregnancy should not be ignored. A fever might pose the threat of a bacterial or viral infection to the foetus.
11. Contraction Of Breast Size
During pregnancy, the body of a woman goes through a multitude of hormonal changes. Breasts go through a transformation and become more sensitive. They also feel heavier and fuller as the pregnancy progresses. However, a sudden decrease in the size of breasts may signal a miscarriage.
12. No Foetal Movement
Foetal movement can be felt around the 18-week mark as the foetus starts reacting to sound, light and pain. Experts say that a pregnant woman should experience around 10 kicks every two hours during this period. If the foetus is in distress, the count declines. It’s a clear sign to consult your doctor for proper treatment. Any delay in seeking medical help might cause an unfortunate event.
13. Sudden Spike in Blood Sugar Levels
It’s normal for blood sugar and blood pressure levels to rise during pregnancy. In fact, you should keep these levels throughout the three trimesters. However, a sudden and high spike in blood sugar levels can lead to preeclampsia and may induce preterm labour.
14. Changes in Placental Position
A change in the placental position is also one of the signs of an unhealthy pregnancy. When the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus, the pregnancy gets terminated. So, always get your placental position checked.
Pay attention to what the signs say. Consult your doctor even if you have a minor doubt or feel something is off. Your concern might be futile but it’s always good to be safe than sorry. Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Guidelines Regarding School Bag Weight - Things You Should Know
It has been proven beyond doubt that carrying heavy bags can cause irreparable damage to the knees and vertebral column. A weight limit has been prescribed for school bags of the primary children by the government to safeguard their physical development and health. Children who are in their growing stages should avoid carrying heavy bags on their shoulders. As per the announcement of the HRD Ministry, the permissible weight for children to carry is 1.5 kg for classes I and II and 2 to 3 kg for children of classes III to V.
Why It Became Necessary to Limit School Bag Weight?
The well- being and health of students can undergo a serious threat if they carry heavy bags regularly to school. As per the initiative of MHRD, they have instructed all states and UTs for immediate compliance with reducing schoolbag weight and teaching calendars to be rationalized to enable schools to provide more time for sports activities and honing their non – academic skills. The states have also been given directions not to ask students to bring extra materials or additional books to school.
Short and Long Term Effects of Heavy School Bag Weight on Child’s Health
School bag weight problem has existed for a long time and it is a much needed welcome step introduced by the government. If the children lift heavy bags, the adverse effects will not be instantly evident, but in due course of time, their nervous system can show symptoms of being affected by it. It is an undue physical burden on the kids and the skeletal frame of the children are sometimes not fully formed. The ligaments and muscles get damaged due to the stress of the excess weight. The vertebral column and knees can also be affected. Children sometimes develop a forward head posture as they try to balance and compensate for the heavy weight of the bag by swinging their body forward. The whole thing in all can create a kind of imbalance or deformity in the body structure.
Guidelines Set by Government of India’s HRD Ministry Regarding School Bag’s Weight
Every school looks forward to the holistic development of the child. It can be possible if participation in games, sports, art and reading library books is encouraged. Students should avoid slinging the bag over one shoulder and instead use both the straps for carrying the bag. No homework is to be assigned to the students of classes I and II. The guideline formulated by the Government is as given below:
The MHRD has circulated the instruction that no homework is to be assigned to the students of classes I and II.
Schools are instructed not to prescribe any other subject apart from Mathematics and Language for classes I and II.
Only Language, Mathematics and EVS will be taught to students of III to V.
The minimum weight of the bags is 1.5 kg for classes I and II and 2 to 3 kg for classes III to V.
Besides the prescribed textbooks, students should not be asked to carry any extra books or study material which can add an extra burden for the child.
NCERT recommends just two books for classes I and II and three books for classes III to V. Their textbooks are freely accessible on mobile and web devices.
The circular also instructs the schools to inform in advance about the books and notebooks that the students need to bring the following day.
The statutory bodies have also suggested how to reduce school bag weight by implementing a well - designed time table so that children do not have to carry too many books when they come to school. This order, if followed strictly, will have a huge impact on the school bag weight limit in India. The school bag weight recommendation became mandatory, seeing the heavy bags being carried by young children.
The decision of the Delhi Directorate of education to cap the weight of school bags will provide extensive relief to junior students. The teaching of subjects hence has been regulated in accordance with the Government of India instructions. Students should be made to understand the concepts. Children should feel encouraged to read, comprehend and express their opinions. Instead of engaging children in coaching classes, they should be motivated to play games and sports. It is the right of every child to have spare time for physical activity and recreation. It should be the duty of the heads of schools to counsel the parents about the adverse effects of carrying heavy bags. The school authorities should frequently check the bags of the students to ensure that they are not carrying any unnecessary material.
Also Read:
Government Schemes for School Education
Pros & Cons of Single-Sex School for Children
How to Prepare Pre-Schooler for School Admission? Read more
Suggested for you
Can Your Baby Understand the Tone of Your Voice?
Babies already recognize their mommy’s voice when they are born, but what about the tone? Does your baby understand what you are trying to say? Find out now.
Do you wish your little bundle of joy to communicate to you and recognize your voice with all its intonations? At birth and in the months to come, your little one is like a visitor to a new land. She can’t yet understand the language you speak or the tone of your voice at birth, but she is definitely familiar with it as she has heard you all along from inside the womb.
In months to come she will start tuning to the tone of your voice and try to communicate back to you by certain sounds and expressions. Understanding the tone of your voice will be an important development milestone your baby will cross in the first early months of his life.
When Does it Develop?
At birth, your little one may not understand the tone of your voice, the meaning behind the words or the language you use to communicate to her. However, she can perceive emotions like love, happiness, concern, anxiety and anger. She will slowly pick up on vocabulary and in time learn to comprehend what you are trying to say by the tone of your voice.
Following are The Development Milestones of Your Baby’s Understanding and Perception of Language and Communication:
1. Newborn to Two Months
As soon as your baby is born, he begins to absorb and perceive information. Although this information may seem foreign to your little one, your baby is learning to emotionally adapt to you and the rest of the family. Your baby is getting secure in the family environment she is born in.
2. Two to Four Months
Your little one begins to observe everything that goes around him. He is now able to understand your responses to his activities. At three months your baby will start attempting to respond back to your actions. He will start making certain gurgling noises when he hears the tone of your voice.
3. Four to Seven Months
Your little one can now fully tune into the tone of your voice. She will start recognizing the names you call her and will respond to your words in actions or funny noises. When you sound happy, she will respond back joyfully and if you seem angry, she will begin to cry. She will be able to make out the difference between you and other family members. She will link each tone of voice to the personality associated.
4. Seven to Twelve Months
Your baby can now obey orders. He will follow and do what you say. Your little one will also test your responses to his action and behaviour. He will also understand and associate actions and gestures to certain words, such as refusal to eat, or waving someone goodbye. He will slowly start uttering and copying words that you or your spouse speak.
Talking with your baby on a regular basis will help him grasp the ability to understand the tone of your voice, and pick up communication skills. Encourage your baby’s responses to your behaviour as he will understand what is acceptable and what is not. Your baby will soon develop eye contact, body language and communicate the same way you do! Read more
Suggested for you
Interesting Facts About Mexico for Kids
Mexico has come a long way with so many different traditions and cultures, and it is an incredible place for exploration! The region is diverse and vibrant with a rich history worth learning about, so check out these interesting and fun facts about Mexico you and your children can learn together!
History of Mexico
Being the central Aztec capital and one of the oldest cities in Latin America, Mexico is rich in culture and history that your children would love to learn about! A few of these interesting things about Mexico include:
The city of Mexico originally began as an Aztec settlement and was the hub of the history and culture of the Aztec civilization.
The Aztec gave Mexico City the name Tenochtitlan.
Mexico City was designed very cleverly during the ancient times- with mainlands connected by small roads and bridges with water underneath large enough to allow canoes to pass through. In case the city was attacked, the bridges were designed to dismantle and block all entries to the city.
Mexico City had to be rebuilt in the 1520s to become the place that is present today. This renovation was done after Hernan Cortes destroyed the Tenochtitlan. The city’s layout remained the same, but the Spanish built over almost all the Aztec temples with Catholic Churches. This drastic change is one reason how Spanish became the primary language of the city.
The city housed around 300,000 people earlier, having a higher population than any European city during the 14th century.
The Chapultepec Castle located in Mexico City is the only castle used by royalty living in North America. The castle was even used as a location for the 1996 Romeo and Juliet movie, and people even mentioned sightings of ghosts in the castle.
Geography of Mexico
Mexico has fascinating geography with different cultures, people, and trends playing a huge part in it. A few interesting geography Mexico facts for kids include:
Mexico City has the smallest volcano globally, known as the Cuexcomate, and it is only about 43 feet tall.
Mexico also has the largest wildcat present in North America- the jaguar. These can be found in the southern jungles of Mexico and sometimes in the ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization.
The Chapultepec Forest is over 686 hectares and is twice as large as the Central Park in New York!
Mexico City is surrounded by a mountain range, home to the Smoking Mountain, where you can see lava and smoke come out now and then.
The entire city of Mexico is built on top of a lake that was done during the time of the Aztec civilization. This means that the city is constantly sinking to the ground.
Since it is built on a lake, the city is estimated to sink around a meter every year.
Culture of Mexico
Mexico has a vibrant culture with plenty of parks, museums, ceremonies, and archaeological sites. The city is also packed with many creative people that make its culture more unique and popular.
The culture of Mexico is a fusion of other cultures, including African, European, and indigenous ones. This mix can be seen in clothing, food, music, art, and language.
Mexico has a cuisine famous worldwide for its wide variety, rich flavors, and delicious ingredients. While each region has its cuisine, many regions share a few common ingredients like beans, tomato, maize, avocado, and chili.
Mexico is knowns for its diverse and stunning architecture that is rich in history.
Best Places in Mexico
The country’s rich culture is best learned through experiences, and nothing beats learning than travel! Help your children learn about the following places before you visit there!
1. Cancun and the Mayan Riviera
Lying along the coastline on the Gulf of Mexico are the destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancun, the island of Cozumel, and more. They are collectively called the Riviera Maya. Visitors will surely be mesmerized by the endless crystal clear water and all the fun activities they get to do in the area. It is also famous for the ancient Mayan ruins that are closer to the beaches.
2. Mexico City’s Historical Center
Mexico City is much more than just the country’s capital and the seat of government. It is one of the most popular destinations where visitors can view the central beauty of Mexican culture. Several of the city’s attractions are located at the Historical Centre, packed with around 1400 colonial buildings built during different important events in history.
3. Guanajuato
Want to explore the culture of the country on foot? Then head to Guanajuato, a city with so many old winding lanes, colonial buildings, and narrow alleys, which you cannot miss out. The city also hosts many fascinating museums and beautiful galleries that will teach you a lot about the place’s local culture.
4. Chichen Itza: The Mayan Metropolis
One of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico is the magnificent Mayan city of Chichen Itza, where you can learn a lot about the Mayan culture. One of the first attractions you must see here is the Pyramid of Kukulkan, also called the El Castillo, the tallest structure about 30 meters high.
5. Guadalajara
Another famous city that has conserved its unique mix of native Tapatios and colonial influences is the city of Guadalajara. Renowned for its old buildings with architectures that show a touch of the European styles, the sound of mariachi music from the streets, and the festivities with the accompaniment of great foods, this city helps you perfectly learn about the culture of the country.
Facts About Economy of Mexico
Mexico has a complex and strong economy with a GDP that ranks 15th globally because of its extensive petroleum and manufacturing exports. However, it is a nation of contradiction because though it has a strong economy, almost half the people living there live in poverty. A few other economic facts of Mexico include:
The population of Mexico is over four times that of Canada, but its GDP is much smaller than Canada.
The first source of imported cars in the United States is from Mexico.
Mexico gets more money from international money transfers (remittances) than from oil exports.
Mexican Food Facts
Each dish in Mexico has its history and variations, and like everything else about this exciting country, these facts are worth learning!
1. Mexican Recipes
Some traditional recipes in Mexico include some exotic ingredients like Rattlesnake and Iguana. Many Mexican recipes we enjoy today have a rich history and are centuries old, some even dating back to the Mayans and the Aztecs.
2. Taco
Some taco recipes in Mexico even feature exotic ingredients like worms, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, depending on that region of the country.
3. Quesadillas
Quesadillas in Central Mexico do not feature cheese or queso as the main ingredient. Instead, the main ingredients are pork, chicken, beef, and other kinds of meat.
4. Healthy Food
Mexican food is considered to be healthy because it contains the perfect combinations of proteins and carbs.
5. Conflicting Flavors
Some Mexican desserts even feature chili to create a beautiful blend of sweet and hot.
Other Facts About Mexico for Children
Here are more Mexico City facts and information that your children would love to learn about:
The official name of the country is the United Mexican States.
Mexico is a popular tourist destination, and it has over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The country sits on “The Ring of Fire,” one of the most dangerous earthquake zones globally, and is constantly prone to earthquakes.
The northern part of the country is desert, and the place has a lot of scorpions, cacti, and rattlesnakes.
About 12% of the biodiversity of the world belongs to Mexico.
There is a lot more to learn about this fascinating and beautiful country, and the best way to do it is to let Mexico be your vacation destination next time!
Also Read:
Facts About Japan for Children
Facts About Georgia for Kids
Facts About Australia for Children Read more
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
13 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
10 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
4 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 doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
10 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
5 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
50 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
49 mins ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Check out this new Memory
Trupti Shelte Pawar
Mom of a 3 yr 10 m old girl
New Memory
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Kinnari Shah
Mom of a 4 yr 8 m old boy
New Memory
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Hiral
Mom of a 3 yr 2 m old girl
New Memory
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Sonia Seemar
Mom of a 2 yr 6 m old boy
New Memory
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Prapti
Mom of a 3 yr 5 m old boy
New Memory
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive