Food Chart for a one year baby

1.) Instead of mother’s milk, the diet plan for 1 year old baby must include whole milk which is rich in calcium and healthy fats.

2.) The baby’s stomach gets full easily, so food for 1 year old baby India should be broken down into 5 to 6 small meals fed a few hours apart.

3.) To keep the baby interested and ensure he does not become a picky eater, do experiment with food items and create something colorful and appealing every day.

An example diet chart for 1 year old baby boy is demonstrated below:

• Start the day with a cup of whole milk, providing wholesome nutrition to the child.

• For breakfast, mothers may consider serving the 1 year old with half a cup of Dalia, upma or poha. Otherwise, a small idli, half stuffed vegetable or paneer paratha are good options.

• Brunch culture has gradually developed in every part of the world. For such mid- morning meals, the child can have a bowl of fruit chaat, a cup of juice or mix vegetable soup which is nourishing and delicious.

• Lunch must be a wholesome meal providing all the essential nutrients. According to 1 year baby diet chart, the lunch must include half a cup of cooked pulses with rice or a small chapatti, half cup of biryani or pulao or some seasonal vegetables or a paneer based dish with chapatti or paratha.

• In the evening, provide the child with a healthy glass of milk shake, fruit juice, fruit custard or a bowl of mixed seasonal fruits.

• Dinner must be light for the baby’s tummy. Khichri, dosa, vegetable pizza and soybean parathas are some healthy and nutritious options.

The diet chart for 1 year old baby girl can also be designed in a similar manner. One can include many different food options but food chart for 1 year old baby India must be balanced and nourishing to ensure baby’s healthy development. Read More...

Diet chart for one year old baby

A one year old baby is growing at a great speed and requires a balanced diet containing all the nutrients. Although the main food for a baby is mother’s milk, yet now is the age when the food for 1 year baby must be modified to increase the calorie content and include numerous food items that are highly nutritious. To ensure that your kid grows healthy and remains fit, the diet chart for 1 year old baby must be balanced and contain a healthy mix of proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. To make sure that the child’s diet is suited for his age, the parents can consult a doctor to create a diet plan for 1 year baby.

Food chart for 1 year old baby India: India is a land of varied culture and cuisines. Owing to the multitude of food items eaten in different parts of the country, the range of items that can comprise a healthy diet for 1 year old baby are numerous. However, one must keep certain things in mind while designing a diet chart for 1 year old:

• Do not make a sudden change from mother’s milk to solid foods. Take a step at a time and introduce new food for 1 year old Indian baby gradually.

• The baby’s mouth and wind pipe are all delicate at this tender age. Hence diet plan for one year old baby should not include items like popcorn or walnuts on which the child may choke.

• If you introduce the child to healthy foods right from the beginning, he will develop a taste for such nutritious items which will prove beneficial in the long run. Hence, give the child fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables instead of junk food and aerated drinks, chocolates and candies. Read More...

Working mothers: Advantages and Drawbacks

Advantages of working mother:

• They have to manage all the household chores on time and are often assisted by their spouses in the same, which also makes the children see and learn qualities like time management, discipline and tidiness. In comparison to a housewife’s children, these children have to be more alert, independent, confident and co-operative which will help them in their future lives.

• Working mothers tend to have a stronger bond with their children. They spend fewer hours with their kids and hence shower all their love and affection upon them, as opposed to non-working mothers who can sometimes take the children for granted, having them before their eyes all day long.  This is another one of advantages working mother.

• There are numerous advantages and disadvantages of working mothers. As the mothers have a more intense interaction with the child, the child also reciprocates with a greater affection. However, there is a flip side to every situation, as we will see now.

Disadvantages of working mother:

• Added to the list of working mothers advantages and disadvantages is the guilt of not being able to give your child the time he/she deserves. Many mothers have to leave their babies in child care centers which leave them feeling irritated and anxious about their well being.

• The child may feel alone and fall in bad company in search for friendship and affection, being alone in their house for most of the time. The parents do not have time to attend the important school meetings, functions, outings or talk to the child about his problems, which may develop guilt, inferiority or he may end up having depression in worst cases. Such cases are what greatly bring down the advantages in working mom advantages and disadvantages race.

• The stress of juggling job and home front is too much in some cases. The dual responsibility requires thorough planning and round the clock work which is a huge minus in the list of advantages and disadvantages of working mother. Read More...

Children of working mothers

The society has drastically changed from what it was several decades back, and so has the outlook of people towards women. The time when a married woman devoted all her time for taking care of the family has long gone by, and women now manage the home front as well as work. The trend of working mothers has emerged quite rapidly, and is here to stay. The modern woman is considered fully capable of giving her child the right upbringing while supporting her family financially as well, being the biggest advantage of a working mother. People these days have different opinions about working mothers, while some believe that working mothers are better mothers, others believe that working mothers cannot take good care of their family. Here we are going to shed light on advantages and disadvantages of being a working mother:

Working mothers: Advantages and Disadvantages

A working woman is independent and is capable of supporting herself as well as her child on her own. In event of any unfortunate circumstances, a working woman is much better adept at taking care of her child than a housewife. This is the prime reason why some people claim that working mother are better mothers.

Another one of advantages of a working mother is they know how to harness their education and skills, and hence they can provide better education to their children. This is also possible because of more financial resources at the hands of a working couple, that they know what is best for their child and can enroll the child in numerous activities and classes that they find best for the development of their child.

People often wonder as to how a working mother manages the care of her children. This is because such mothers have a tight working schedule and learn to manage everything within the limited time frame. Read More...

Some tips to deal with pregnancy nausea and vomiting

1.) Herbal teas like chamomile tea or peppermint or ginger are great condiments that lift your spirit up and reduce nausea.

2.) Crackers should be eaten right in the morning before getting up from the bed to control vomiting. Home remedies include eating inexpensive and light snacks such as popcorn, cheese crackers, pretzels which can be nibbled all day long.

3.) In a bid on how to control vomiting during pregnancy, stick to clear liquids if you are having more vomiting than usual. It is important to replenish the body fluids to avoid dehydration and is also easy to digest without making the tummy feel heavy or inducing further vomiting. Coconut water, fresh fruit juices, water, buttermilk, herbal tea and cold soups do the trick. Rice water, extracted after sieving out boiled rice is also found to be effective.

4.) One of the home remedies for vomiting during pregnancy, suggested by many elderly ladies is consuming ground cumin seeds when the woman is experiencing nausea. A teaspoon of ground cumin seeds immediately alleviate the symptoms and provide relief.

5.) If one is perturbed about how to control vomiting during pregnancy, try eating fruits and vegetables that are high on water content. These include watermelon, cucumber, celery, grapes, pears, apples and fruit yoghurt.

6.) The spice rack also contains wonderful pregnancy nausea home remedies. Apart from cumin, fennel also has anesthetic properties which reduce queasiness. Ground fennel seeds, soaked in hot water for a couple of minutes can be consumed as a tea which immediately lessens nausea. Mint also has the same properties.

7.) How to control vomiting in pregnancy? Try smelling citrus fruits like lemon, or aromatic herbs like thyme or lavender. During pregnancy, smells bother you much more than they did before. Strong cooking smells or paint can induce vomiting. To avoid this scenario, keep the windows open and have a handkerchief scented with lavender or lime close to you at all times.

8.) Another one of Vomiting during pregnancy home remedies is having noodles, bread, pickles, lemonade or peanut butter, cakes which may suit a pregnant lady. Read More...

How to control nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Morning sickness affects more than half of the pregnant women to varying extents. The nausea and vomiting occur due to hormonal changes and are extremely common in the first trimester of pregnancy. There are several home remedies for vomiting and nausea during pregnancy which is highly effective. Morning sickness is a classic symptom of pregnancy that troubles most women and leaves them anxious about why vomiting occurs during pregnancy. However, it is considered normal until the vomiting or nausea becomes severe which may lead to dehydration and a doctor must be consulted in such a situation.  The home remedies for vomiting and nausea during pregnancy will be discussed here:

How to prevent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

If the vomiting occurs several times a day or is continuing for several days uncontrollably such that the woman is not able to eat or drink anything properly, medication is required to avoid hypereremis or dehydration. One may wonder about how to avoid vomiting during pregnancy, but it is not completely possible as vomiting occurs as the body adjusts to hormonal changes. So, one must rather ask questions about how to control pregnancy vomiting to their doctor and elderly ladies which will suggest the right remedies to alleviate such symptoms. Proper nausea and vomiting treatment will overcome the fear of morning sickness and replace the lost fluids of the body. Home remedies for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are:

• Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, or lime added to tea or water is one of the great remedies to avoid vomiting during pregnancy.

• Potato chips, eaten in moderation in the morning, have proved to highly effective in reduction of vomiting. Perhaps this is the only time when eating potato chips are considered beneficial to a woman! However, they have to be nibbled on and one should not risk having too many chips everyday as it will only contribute to increasing body fat. Read More...

What to eat during pregnancy in India?

The diet must have a healthy mix of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. Some pregnancy super foods are:

Vegetables and fresh fruits: spinach, ladyfinger, pumpkin, cabbage, cauliflower and other green vegetables must be included in the diet alternately while monitoring the vitamin A intake. Brinjals, onion, celery, papaya, garlic and ginger must be avoided. Fruits to eat during pregnancy in India banana, black grapes, apricots, ripe mangoes and dates. Berries are also hugely beneficial as they are packed with Vitamin C, folate, potassium and healthy fiber. Raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are great fruits during pregnancy which can be eaten as snacks or used as delicious toppings with cereal or pancakes.

Whole grains and pulses: dals, nuts, pulses and whole grains are sources of protein and a wide variety of these must be included in the diet. They become especially important if the mother-to-be does not eat meat.

Milk and dairy products: an important part of Indian food to eat during pregnancy is milk, yoghurt, buttermilk, cheese, cottage cheese which is high on calcium, vitamin B12 and protein.

Liquids: water is essential to keep the pregnant woman well hydrated. About 8 to 10 glasses of water must be drunk each day. Apart from this, coconut water, fresh fruit juices, buttermilk and herbal tea must be included in the diet. Cut down on caffeine-containing products like coffee, tea and colas.

Items made of whole grains and rice like paratha, poha, upma, Dalia, thepla, pulao and murmure are easy to digest and nutrient rich, so they must be included in Indian diet during early pregnancy. Read More...

Tips for an exciting baby shower India

An essential part of the baby shower ceremony is the godh bharai games during which playful teasing is a must. The games include guessing the baby’s gender for fun and making a list of the names for the future baby. Ladies indulge in a fair deal of dancing and singing of special traditional songs made for this ceremony. They may enact skits to tease the mother-to-be and her husband or present the future before them when the little baby enters their life. The festivities last for hours and are culminated by a feast for all the relatives and friends.

Tips for an exciting baby shower India:

• Godh bharai is a time to enjoy the support and love of all the close friends and relatives. Make sure you take help from the elders in the family as well as your loved ones to make this ceremony a joyous event for all and also save yourself from unnecessary hectic schedules.

• Take proper rest before the ceremony to enjoy these few special hours with ease. Dress yourself like a bride in a special saree, lehenga or salwar kameez but ensure that you are comfortable. Avoid very heavy clothing or jewellery that is suffocating.

• Since the mother is showered with so many gifts, it may be a great idea to present small tokens of appreciation to all the women participating in the ceremony. Such godh bharai gift ideas include bangles, bindis, dupattas, perfumes or cosmetics. One may arrange for artists who apply henna to palms of all the ladies attending the ceremony. Read More...

Safe Abortion Methods procedure in India

Another one of natural abortion methods India is external use of the herb pennyroyal. One teaspoon of this essential oil can be consumed every 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, pennyroyal capsules may also be used. Both the essential oil and capsules may be purchased from an herbalist. However, give a detailed description of your medical history to the herbalist as the herb might not suit you. One of the side effects of consuming pennyroyal is nausea.

Abortion in India is considered a big issue in the society and is preferred to be kept under wraps. Hence one of abortion natural methods may also be used to terminate an unplanned pregnancy safely. Angelica, Black cohosh and Dong Quai are some of the best herbs that can induce abortion by preparing the cervix and inducing contractions. These can be purchased from any standard herbalist who will prescribe the dosage as well.

There are several types of abortion in India, one of them being the D&C procedure. In this, the cervix is forcibly dilated by the doctor, causing premature delivery or death of the fetus. Thereafter, the uterus is cleaned to remove remnants of placenta. The method can cause damage to the mother and a through follow up is required after this procedure. This is one of the methods of abortion at 1 month which has side effects like vomiting, nausea and cramping.

For those wondering about how abortion is done in India must know that there are several other options as well. Menstrual aspiration is a technique wherein a doctor inserts a syringe into the uterus to dismember the pregnancy from the uterus lining. This procedure is also performed within a few weeks of a missed period. Read More...

Tips for First Time Pregnancy

Have intercourse: having sex a greater number of times, especially close to the ovulating days will obviously shoot up the chances of getting pregnant. People are confused about how to go about it, but the task is same. If one is wondering about how to get pregnant after marriage, enjoy your intimacy with your partner, and remain stress free. Having sex more frequently will increase your chances of success, however, getting pregnant may take time and the couple must not get worked up easily as it will do any good.

Sperm motility: getting pregnant does not solely depend on the woman. The man’s health also pays a crucial role. To ensure that the sperm is healthy, one may get a sperm count test. Other factors include sperm motility and morphology. It is important to keep the male healthy and stress free as well.

What are the precautions to be taken after intercourse to get pregnant: though there is no hard and fast rule about how to do sex after marriage in Hindu or any other religion, people have different beliefs and opinions about how to accelerate the process. The missionary position is considered better for getting pregnant, however the scientific fact is there is no good or bad position, but gravity does play a role in making the semen reach the cervix faster. Likewise, it is advised not to go to the bathroom immediately after having intercourse and lay low for 10 to 15 minutes.

Do not be overly obsessed: people are excessively worked up about after marriage how to get pregnant, which actually lowers the chances of being successful. It is important to de-stress in whatever way the couple feels is best for them. Also, having intercourse day and night is not normal, as healthy sperm will be alive for up to 72 hours during which fertilization may occur. It is important to give the body rest.

It is the sole decision of the couple about after marriage when to get pregnant. When they feel that they can support a family, they can begin trying to make a baby. After marriage how many months to get pregnant will depend upon a number of factors as stated above, but it is crucial that both the partners remain happy and healthy for being successful. Read More...

Medical Checkup information for Women

What after the first prenatal visit? After this, heath checkup during pregnancy must be scheduled once every month till the 7th month and in the last two months the doctor must be paid visit twice each month. Women with high risk pregnancies visit their doctor even more frequently to track their pregnancy.

What to expect during the Follow-up visits: regular medical checkup for pregnant women include monitoring the baby’s development and heart rate, apart from blood pressure monitoring and urine testing, weight measurement, check for swelling, and examination of abdomen to know the position of baby. Prenatal tests may also be recommended and done during the pregnant checkup to check for any possible birth defects or abnormal development of the baby.

The prenatal tests recommended during checkup during pregnancy include ultrasound, amniocentesis, and biophysical profile, also known as BPP, multiple marker test, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and glucose challenge screening, which are done during different stages of the pregnancy. An ultrasound test is normally performed during the first trimester to monitor the body systems and organs of the body. The glucose challenge screening is done around 27th week to test for risk of gestational diabetes to the mother. At this time, a non-stress test may also be performed as a part of medical checkup pregnancy to look out for fetal distress.

It is important to visit your doctor regularly during pregnancy and after giving birth to the baby as well. Studies have shown that women who visit their heath care provider regularly give birth to healthier babies. Read More...

The Indian baby shower ceremony Godh Bharai

God Bharai is a special celebration that takes place to endow blessings upon the Hindu pregnant woman. This is the Indian version of a baby shower, a ceremony to welcome the unborn child into the family and give the mother abundant blessings and gifts for the two of them symbolizing happiness in the future of the couple. The Indian baby shower ceremony is known as Godh Bharai in North india and by several other names in different parts of the country, like Seemandham in Kerela while being known as Shaad in West Bengal. The gujarati Godh Bharai ceremony is known as Srimanth where all the sisters-in-law have a important role. The name and godh bharai rituals may vary from community to community, but the basic idea is to bless the child and the family with blessings in abundance.

When does baby shower in India take place?

The meaning of baby shower or Godh Bharai a special ceremony held in North India to welcome the baby soon to be born in the family. This ceremony takes place when the woman completes her 7th month of pregnancy. The literal meaning of the term “God Bharai” is to fill the lap, as the woman’s lap is filled with fruits and gifts for the baby and the mother as a part of the Godh bharai rasam (ritual).

How does the godh bharai ceremony take place?

The couple is very excited about this ceremony and makes endless preparations. At the end of the seventh month, the baby is considered to be at a safe stage and hence this ceremony marks the beginning of celebrations owing to the joy of a new baby in the family. The Hindu baby shower ceremony takes place traditionally in the presence of only women, and involves several sacred rituals, games, music and dances.

First of all, the mother-to-be is dresses in a special saree and anointed by herbal oils that are considered holy by female elders of the family. Thereafter, a puja is conducted before the festivities begin. The pregnant lady is made to wear jewels like bangles especially made for this occasion and her lap is filled with godh bharai gifts like jewels, fruits, sweets, clothes and cash for the mother. In a majority of homes, the gifts are meant only for the mother while the gifts for the baby are given only after the birth. Read More...

Abortion procedure in India

Deciding to get an abortion is a taxing option for most women. This is the last resort that must be chosen only after considering all other options. In the process of abortion, the fetus is pushed from the uterus and the remains of placenta are removed. One may choose to have an abortion for a number of reasons, in case of an unplanned pregnancy, due to health concerns of the baby or the woman, or financial reasons. Abortion is considered a low risk process and a number of techniques are available. Out of the several safe abortion methods in India, some are inexpensive while some may be a little pricey for Indian women. Out of the numerous abortion methods in India, one can choose as per the conditions. Always consult a doctor to terminate a pregnancy. The natural methods of abortion in India have also been discussed here.

• Abortion by pills: this is undoubtedly growing into one of the most popular options for terminating a pregnancy as it is safe, low cost and easy. In this abortion method in India, two pills are consumed. The first one is mifepristone, and the second one is misoprostal that is taken after two days of the first pill. This method is preferred sometimes as it is one of abortion methods in India at home, but has a number of side effects. It must only be used if the pregnancy duration is lesser than 49 days.

• Natural abortion methods in India: a number of herbs have been found to naturally induce an abortion. So if a woman is well-prepared to have an abortion, one of the natural abortion methods can be resorted to. Begin by consuming pineapple, Vitamin C and parsley for 7 days or more in mild doses. Primrose oil, when applied on the cervix regularly can also help prepare for abortion. Remember, natural abortion of 1 month pregnancy will be relatively easy than abortion at later stages when a number of complications may be involved. Read More...

Pregnancy diet

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for the mother. It is ecstatic to feel another life grow inside you, and to have a glorious pregnancy period, it is important that the mother-to-be eats well during these 9 months. Diet during pregnancy in India must be balanced, healthy and nutritious so that the mother and the unborn baby remain healthy. During pregnancy, it is good to be extra cautious about your diet as it is the main source of nutrition for the growing baby as well. Pregnancy in India is a big occasion and one will find them to be overwhelmed with the suggestions pouring in from all sides, but it is important that one sticks to their doctor’s advice about a healthy Indian pregnancy diet. Planning a pregnancy diet week by week is a great idea as it ensures that the baby and mother will get the right amount of the right nutrients as they progress towards the birth of the baby. In the following section, we will cover some important points to be kept in mind about Indian diet during pregnancy.

What are the essential nutrients one should have during pregnancy?

A pregnant woman needs to have food during early pregnancy India that is rich in calcium and protein, for apt development of the baby’s bones and tissues. Likewise, folic acid is a critical nutrient as it prevents development of neural birth defects and iron which is necessary in aiding the RBCs to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

How many times must a pregnant woman eat?

Diet during pregnancy India or anywhere else must be composed of several smaller meals instead of having 3 or 4 heavy meals. This prevents classic pregnancy related troubles like constipation, gas problems, nausea and morning sickness. Around 2500 calories of energy is essential for the mother-to-be, and a weight gain of 1 to 2 kilograms during the first trimester is considered normal. Maintain the right weight is also important during pregnancy, which will be possible by maintaining an optimum pregnancy Indian diet. Read More...

A few important tips for first time Pregnancy

Marriage is a union of two souls. As man and wife, each couple takes on their life in a different manner and has different opinion about when to have a family. When a couple decides to have a baby, there are a lot of apprehensions and confusions in the minds of both. Some couples want to make a baby soon after marriage and are perplexed about how to get pregnant soon after marriage. Some couples have to make a great deal of efforts for making the woman pregnant, while it comes easy to many others, as there are several factors surrounding this beautiful process of nature. Nevertheless, there are several tips to get pregnant the first time. For all those who have no clue about how to make a woman pregnant after marriage, the upcoming section is worth a read.

• Getting started: If you and your partner have decided upon making a baby, the best way to get started is to understand the basics of intercourse process for pregnancy. Visiting a doctor to understand about the male and female anatomy and clearing all doubts about process of intercourse for pregnancy is always a good idea. The doctor may plan a health check up and suggest some lifestyle changes for the female like maintaining a healthy diet and cutting down on alcohol and cigarettes to improve the chances of getting pregnant.

• Understand the menstrual cycle: the woman must know when she is ovulating to heighten her chances of getting pregnant. Many couples do not know which days are important for pregnancy, which is 5 days prior to ovulation when the female releases the egg each month. The best period to conceive is ovulation, when one must have the maximum attempts at sex to make a baby. Some women may have symptoms about when they are ovulating like changes in cervical mucus, but to accurately determine the important days for pregnancy, Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) are now readily available in the market. Read More...

Medical checkup for pregnant women

Regular medical checkups and tests ensure that the mother and the developing baby in the womb both stay healthy during pregnancy. Checkups during pregnancy ensure that the mother is receiving the right nutrients and the baby is developing normally so that any abnormal condition may be detected and treated well in time. Hence there are pregnancy checkups month by month for monitoring the health status. During such check up for pregnancy, other related issues like the type of physical activity that must be avoided, healthy eating and lifestyle and counseling about delivery and labor. In the forthcoming section, we will provide a detailed insight of the pregnancy check up and screening tests which have been recommended by healthcare specialists from all over the globe.

First prenatal care visit: many pregnant woman wonder, “At what stage should I go for pregnancy checkup?” truth to be told, one must visit the family doctor, or a recognized obstetrician as soon as they begin to try to have a baby. Otherwise, whenever it is confirmed that a woman is pregnant, she must schedule an appointment with the doctor. During the first pregnancy routine checkup, doctor asks questions about the medical history of both the partners, followed by a complete physical examination of the woman and tests like a blood test, cervical exam, breast exam and pelvic exam.  A Pap test and tests for certain genetic diseases are done. It is important to provide the doctor with genuine information about your lifestyle and habits. A blood checkup for pregnancy is important to screen for diseases like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and sexually transmitted diseases. This is longest one of routine checkup during pregnancy, and the due date will also be calculated.

The first checkup for pregnant woman is also important as the doctor will recommend valuable lifestyle and diet changes that are important for delivering a healthy baby. Normally, one is recommended to begin with a healthy lifestyle before trying to get pregnant. If not, the doctor will track down the problem areas and provide you with suggestions and diet charts to be followed. The visit is the right time to discuss concerns about your routine and lifestyle with your health care provider. The pregnant woman will also be prescribed dose of prenatal vitamins like folic acid which must be consumed regularly. Read More...

What to eat after delivery of baby

Giving birth to a child is inarguably the most pleasurable experience of a woman’s life. However, childbirth is not exactly a walk in the park. It is also the time the woman’s body experience a great deal of changes due to hormones and stress of labor and delivery. Recuperating from delivery requires a great deal of rest, proper nutrition and a number of precautions to be followed. Diet after pregnancy is very important as it is responsible for not only healing the mother but also providing nourishment to the baby. For many new couples, what to eat after pregnancy is a perplexing question. One can always take help from their caregiver who will guide you in this regard. The highlights of an Indian diet chart for lactating mother have been shown below:

What to eat after delivery in India?

An infant requires to be fed every two to three hours and this makes the Indian diet after pregnancy highly important. If the diet is lacking on important nutrients, the mother will soon feel exhausted and nauseated and the baby will also not develop at the normal rate. The food to eat after pregnancy Indian must be high on energy as it directly affects the quality of breast milk.

• The breakfast is the first meal and must be high on nutrients. Begin your day with a glass of whole milk and dairy products like paneer, cheese and yoghurt. Poha, oat meal, sprouts, grilled vegetable and cheese sandwiches and fresh fruits must be consumed in breakfast according to healthy post pregnancy diet Indian.

• The Indian diet for breastfeeding moms must be high on proteins. Good sources of protein include soybean, dairy products, pulses and lentils as well as beans. Consume non vegetarian products like eggs, fish, chicken and lean meat as well.

• Another essential component of a mother’s diet is calcium and iron, which will be gained from fresh fruits and vegetables, and a variety of whole grains. Vitamin D is crucial for a lactating mother which can be gained from sunlight, and vitamin supplements prescribed by the doctor as well.

• If one is confused about what to eat after giving birth, always make sure that your diet is rich on nutrients but low on fats. After delivery one has to focus on staying fit and eating right to remain healthy. Inclusion of starchy foods like breads, pasta and potatoes is equally important.

• Vitamin C builds the body’s immune system and must be gained from oranges, lemons, gooseberry, steamed broccoli and tomatoes.

• Diet during breastfeeding in India must aid in recovering from childbirth. Some such traditional food products include black sesame seeds which are high on micronutrients and regulate bowel movements, fenugreek which is a rich source of calcium and iron, ajwain that cures indigestion and soothes the uterus and Turmeric, widely used in Indian cooking which is anti-inflammatory and contains Vitamin C, potassium and manganese.

• Like focusing on what to eat after delivery, what to drink is also important. One must consume a lot of fluids in the form of water, milk, herbal tea, fresh juices, coconut water and butter milk. This flushes out toxins from the body, prevents constipation and gas troubles and enhances milk production as well. Drinking 8 or more glasses of water each day is advisable.

• After delivery, what to eat and what not to eat are equally important. As a responsible mother, one has to avoid smoking, drinking or binging on oily and fried foods. Tobacco, alcohol and aerated drinks must be kept away from the mother’s sight. One must not eat oily fish like tuna and sardines or swordfish more than once a week as they may prove harmful to the baby’s health.

• After pregnancy what to eat and when to eat are correlated. Instead of having a heavy meal at once, break down the diet into smaller meals and half something light and nutritious every two to three hours to keep yourself energized all through  the day.

What to eat after delivery of baby in India? Hope the tips given above have helped all the new mothers. Taking help from your doctor in case of any query is always recommended.

For More Information : What to eat after delivery

Care After Cesarean Delivery

Most mothers want to give birth to their baby normally, that is vaginally. However, some complications may arise in your pregnancy that may lead to the baby being delivered surgically, popularly known as a cesarean delivery. Post delivery care is essential for the health and recovery of the mother; however the follow up of a major surgical procedure like a c-section requires extreme care and a number of precautions. The mother may feel very different physically as well as emotionally after a cesarean delivery. There are several precautions after cesarean delivery that must be followed by the mother as well as the family to help in speedy recovery. A list of precautions after c section has been covered in the following section:

• Expect pain and discomfort:  the body goes through a lot during labor and delivery. Added on top of it a major surgical procedure like a c-section will likely to leave you exhausted for a long period of time. The abdomen will feel sore and the stitches will ache for a few weeks. The most important part of post cesarean care is to remain strong and endure the discomfort for some weeks. Allow yourself to rest to avoid any stretching of the pulled stitches. Rest is the key to recover all the wounds before one can return back to their normal life.

• Another precaution after cesarean delivery is self-care. One has to eat a highly nutritious diet and take optimum rest. Restrain from physical activities and take care of private parts by massaging the area and have a warm bath as after delivery care which will allow the wounds to heal. A crucial part of precautions after cesarean section is to learn to take care of you in every aspect, from getting up from the bed to using the bathroom and nursing the child. Whenever one feels feverish or bleeds or doubts of having an infection, it is best to consult the doctor immediately as a precaution after cesarean.

• Take help from others if you want. For a woman who has had a c-section, even the confinement period of 40 days may sometimes not be sufficient to recover completely. No one expects the mother to jump into action right after the delivery. To take care of all the household activities and chores, one can take help from other family members, relatives or even hire someone for a few weeks until you start feeling better.  After cesarean delivery precautions involve preventing exhaustion which can be done by accepting help.

• Post delivery precautions include avoiding anything that you may feel discomfort in doing. After a c-section, the woman may not be able to climb the stairs, lift the baby or other heavy loads. As a precaution after delivery, shift your room to the ground floor for a few weeks and house all of you and your baby’s necessities there. Avoid lifting heavy shopping bags and wear comfortable shoes that give your body the right kind of support. Never wear high heels or overexert the abdominal muscles.

• Another precaution after c section is to follow all the exercise guidelines laid down by the doctor. Although the mother cannot do serious exercises, some amount of physical activity is necessary. The doctor recommends starting walking after 8 hours of the delivery to prevent formation of blood clots. One may consult a physiotherapist who can prescribe the right kind and amount of movement after assessing the health of the mother.

• There are several medications involved in a c-section, like pain killers and anesthetics. The medications live in the body for a long time, and hence it is important to refer to your doctor before starting breastfeeding your baby. Discuss the effects of the medications on the breast milk. Food care after cesarean India ensures the mother gets the right nutrition and her wounds heal quickly.

For More Information : Care After Cesarean Delivery

Precautions during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful time of a woman’s life. However, there are major changes taking place inside her body and she must follow several pregnancy precautions to keep the baby safe and healthy. The first trimester is the most crucial in this regard when the cases of miscarriage are the highest. Therefore, one must follow all the advices given by the doctor and follow all precautions in pregnancy. There are a lot of things that a pregnant woman must keep in mind. A list of the important precautions during pregnancy is covered here:

• During the first trimester, the woman’s body has just begun to adapt to the changes going on inside her body. The frequent urination and vomiting may leave the woman dehydrated, which is the chief cause of early miscarriages. Hence one of the most important precautions during early stages of pregnancy is to avoid chances of dehydration by having plenty of water, juices, milk, coconut water and water containing fruits and vegetables like cucumber.

• Quitting smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs is the crucial precaution during pregnancy. Nipping such habits as early as possible will ensure complications like preeclampsia, birth defects, miscarriage, and stillbirth do not occur in future. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle during and after pregnancy as well.

• Taking prenatal vitamins regularly is one of important precautions during pregnancy. 400 mcg or more of Folic acid must be consumed each day to ensure health and proper development of baby.

• The diet is also to be carefully controlled one of the during pregnancy precautions.  One has to cut down on the amount of caffeine intake to not more than 150 mg per day.

• Staying away from certain foods is of paramount importance for the safety of the baby. Certain fishes like King Mackerel, swordfish and shark contain alarmingly high amount of mercury harming the brain of the baby. Likewise, raw eggs must not be consumed as they may contain the salmonella virus. As a precaution during pregnancy in India and elsewhere, avoid foods containing raw eggs, unpasteurized cheeses like brie, chevre and blue cheeses like gorgonzola as they contain a virus named listeria which harms the baby.

• The pregnant lady must stay away from certain animals. One of the activities pregnant women should avoid in India and abroad is to stay away from raw meat and wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them to avoid chances of contracting toxoplasmosis. Avoid changing cat litter too, as if infected by toxoplasmosis during early pregnancy it may induce a miscarriage.

• Precautions for pregnant women also include staying away from strenuous physical activities or rigorous exercises. While it is important to stay fit and healthy, the exercise regime must be followed in presence of a specialized trainer and activities like lifting heavy bags or moving furniture around should not be allowed. It is also important to remain well hydrated while exercising.

• Precautions during pregnancy in India is to avoid Jacuzzis, spa or any kind of ayurvedic treatment that increases the body’s temperature. Similarly, take advice before practicing any Yoga postures.

• Certain medications and herbs have been proved to induce preterm labor or miscarriage. Precautions during early pregnancy in India includes staying away from strong pesticides and herbs like passion flower and black cohosh. Staying away from strong smells and paint is also recommended.
  

There are numerous precautions while pregnant in all countries around the world. However, pregnancy is also a time to enjoy and soak in the bliss of motherhood. Keep certain things in mind and do not let these advices work you up or dampen your spirit these nine joyous months of pregnancy.

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Tuberculosis of uterus

Tuberculosis or TB is an infectious disease that is thought to affect the liver. However, contrary to this popular belief TB can spread to other parts of the body through the blood stream. Tuberculosis spreads from one person to another by coming in contact with bacteria from an infected person, by coughing, spitting or sneezing. These bacteria remain in air for a long time and can infect others. However, it does not spread by touching or sharing of utensils.

What is Uterus Tuberculosis?

When a woman comes in contact with the TB bacteria, it affects her lungs and eventually reaches her reproductive system. The bacteria first affect the fallopian tubes after which the lining of uterus is infected, a condition known as Tuberculosis in Uterus. TB in uterus is not a genetic disease and is difficult to diagnose as the bacteria may remain inside the body in an inactive state for as long as 20 years.

Symptoms of Uterus TB:

Early diagnosis of uterus TB is still difficult even with the advances in medical field. As the TB bacteria remains in a dormant state inside the body for years, it might be late before the infection is diagnosed. Sometimes there are no apparent symptoms, but a list of most commonly observed uterus tuberculosis symptoms has been mentioned here:

• Sudden loss of weight

• Disturbance in the menstrual cycle

• Abnormal vaginal discharge

• Pain in pelvic region

• High fever for a prolonged duration

Uterus tuberculosis treatment:

If uterus TB test is done and it is detected at an initial stage, it may be treated completely. A very effective medication known as anti-tubercular therapy or ATT counters the TB bacteria to eliminate it from the body completely. The AKT 3 tablets or Anti Koch’s 3 tablets are effective against uterus TB. The name stands for Koch’s bacillus or TB bacillus after the discoverer Robert Koch and because of the fact that the tablets are taken as a kit of 3 on daily basis. This treatment continues from 6 to 9 months depending on severity of infection. It treats the pain and fever but may not repair the fallopian tubes f they have already damaged. It is important to be sure about TB medication before starting off with the treatment course.

How does uterus tuberculosis affect fertility?

Many women are worried and ask questions like, “will taking Uterus TB tablets affect my menses?” The truth is, TB in uterus can be treated if it is at an early stage. However, in serious cases it can lead to scarring of tissue and scanty periods. If the uterus lining has been damaged severely, the fertility of these women will be compromised.

Having tuberculosis in uterus with pregnancy:

If a pregnant woman is diagnosed of uterus TB, she has to take extra care of her baby and her body. Proper precautions must be taken to protect the health of the baby as the anti-TB medication has several side effects as well. Uterus tuberculosis patient pregnancy needs to be closely monitored by her doctor to prevent any complications in the future. A balanced and healthy diet with proper rest is the utmost necessity for a pregnant woman suffering with uterus TB. The doctor will prescribe special medication and create a diet chart for such cases.

The body needs sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals and protein to fight with the TB bacteria in the body. Hence one must include a fair share of green leafy vegetables and seasonal fruits in the diet. Additional vitamin supplements may be prescribed by the doctor. One must completely avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol as well as fried and fatty foods.

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Low amniotic fluid during pregnancy

Amniotic fluid forms an essential part of the baby’s life support system inside the mother’s womb. It provides a cushioning effect to protect the baby from injuries and also gives space for the baby to move around freely. It allows for the proper development of limbs and protects the umbilical cord from being damaged by less room between the uterine wall and growing baby. The fluid is initially mainly water provided by the mother, but gradually becomes mostly formed by the baby’s urine. Hence, less water during pregnancy may indicate some issues regarding baby’s health due to low urine output. The amount of amniotic fluid can sometimes be too low or too high, which must be treated as early as possible. Amniotic fluid deficiency can lead to pregnancy complications like birth defects or miscarriage.

Meaning of oligohydramnios:

The condition of having low amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac is called oligohydramnios. The expectant mother’s doctor can measure the amount of fluid using several techniques like deep pocket measurement or Amniotic Fluid Index. If the fluid is less than 500 ml in the last month of gestation or fluid level is lesser than 5 cm, then the woman may be expected to suffer from oligohydramnios. Around 4 percent of pregnant women are diagnosed with low water level during pregnancy, meaning oligohydramnios. Though this condition can occur anytime during the gestation period, it is most common during the third trimester as the level of fluids decreases to almost half by the 41st week.

Low amniotic fluid causes:

There can be several reasons for decrease in amniotic fluid during pregnancy. The fluid level naturally comes down during the last weeks of pregnancy. However, prior reduction in amniotic fluid may be attributed to:

• Premature rupture of membranes in the amniotic sac can cause leaking or slow trickling of the amniotic fluid

• A condition called as placental abruption, where the placenta gets de- attached from uterine wall either partially or completely before delivery can cause oligohydramnios.

• Underdevelopment of the baby or certain heath problems like improper functioning of kidney could result in low urine output. In some cases, the placenta is unable to provide the baby with sufficient nutrients so the baby stops recycling fluid.

• Some heath conditions of the mother like preeclampsia, dehydration, diabetes or high blood pressure can also be the contributory factors for fluid deficiency during pregnancy. Anemia is not really a cause of loss of amniotic fluid, though many people think it is.

Treatment for low amniotic fluid:

All those who are diagnosed with oligohydramnios are recommended a specified course of treatment to prevent future pregnancy complications. The doctor might recommend having lots of fluids, especially if the mother is dehydrated. Low amniotic fluid at 40 weeks can be treated by multiple techniques to prevent complications during delivery.

• Intake of a lot of fluids and change in diet are the first steps that are recommended to increase the level of amniotic fluid. However, the course of treatment varies with the age of expecting lady as well as gestational age. For those who are not yet full terms, several tests including blood test, ultrasound and stress test follow to closely monitor the baby’s movements. For those who have completed the full term, delivery is suggested in most cases.

• Low amniotic fluid treatment options also include Amnio-infusion or amniocentesis. In the former, fluid is added with a catheter during labor which provides padding to the baby and lowers the chances of having a C-section. In the latter case, fluids are injected before delivery which gives the doctors an appropriate window to make diagnosis about baby’s condition.

Risks associated with oligohydramnios:

Can low amniotic fluid cause birth defects? This is a pertinent question in the mind of almost every mother. Unfortunately, it is true. Amniotic fluid is essential for healthy development of the baby’s limbs, lungs, digestive system and muscles. Apart from serving the function of cushioning the baby, during the second and third trimesters, babies swallow amniotic fluid which helps in fortifying the lungs. During the first trimester, oligohydramnios can cause complications like birth defects, and even miscarriage and stillbirth. During later stages, complications include premature labor, cord compression and C-section delivery.

For More Information : How does low amniotic fluid affect pregnancy