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What is Safe Period? Simply put, safe days are days in your cycle on which the likelihood of getting pregnant is significantly lower as compared to other days. These are the days that you are not fertile. The days before and after ovulation which is also a natural method of contraception if your period cycles […] The post How To Calculate Safe Period To Avoid Pregnancy appeared first on...

What is Safe Period?

Simply put, safe days are days in your cycle on which the likelihood of getting pregnant is significantly lower as compared to other days. These are the days that you are not fertile. The days before and after ovulation which is also a natural method of contraception if your period cycles are regular. Also called the Fertility Awareness Method “FAM” or the Rhythm method. FAMs are ways to track your ovulation so you can prevent pregnancy by having sex on the days you are least likely to get pregnant.

To know when one needs to understand how the body works. The menstrual cycle is commonly divided into three phases:

• the follicular phase (pre-ovulatory phase)
• ovulation
• the luteal phase (post-ovulatory phase)

Each phase of your period cycle varies from woman to woman, the average menstrual cycle being 28 days. Menstrual cycles are counted from the first day of menstrual bleeding. Lasting for 5-7 days.

Who can use this method?

While there are many popular birth control aids in the market like pills, hormone shots, IUDs, it’s not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea.

• If you’re looking to try something natural it’s potentially a good idea to try this method as it is completely natural and costs nothing.
• Calculating safe periods method can be used by anyone in a healthy sexual relationship, provided it’s done the right way. To chart your period regularly and measuring that your cycle is consistent month after month is important for this method to be accurate.
• Also called the ‘natural family planning’ method, it is adopted by many couples. Married couples who do not hear getting pregnant and are planning a child, even if not immediately, are the best category to use this method.

How many days before and after periods is safe?

Moving on to the big question- WHEN!

According to safe days calculator tools, you are safe in the first 7 days of your periods.

The 1st day is the day your period starts.

The 1st-7th day being less fertile.

8th day to 20th day being fertile.

From 21st day to rest of the cycle are considered as safe days for sex for women with a regular cycle of 26-32 days.

The remaining days, 8th to 21st day, your body is considered fertile and the likelihood of you getting pregnant is way higher if you participate in unprotected sex.

Ovulation normally occurs once in a menstrual cycle (one ovulation per period). The egg is normally released 14 days before your period starts ie. somewhere around mid-period. If a woman has regular monthly periods (the number of days between the start of each period is exactly the same) then ovulation will occur at the same time during each cycle. That will help you map your fertile days.

How do you calculate safe days?

It’s simple to remember the safe days for sex. A woman can calculate supposed safe days to be more aware of their cycles easily. 1-7th day, 21st- till your cycle completes or you could use a safe period calculator to avoid pregnancy. For this, you have to note your period for at least 6 months and note the number of days between the starting date and the next period date.

Who cannot use a safe period calculator? (other considerations to keep in mind)

• You cannot use this method if the average length of your menstrual cycle is less than 26 days or more than 32 days.
• After childbirth, you can use this calculator only after six regular menstrual cycles.
• Teens and women reaching menopause cannot rely on this method.
• Keep in mind, since this isn’t a barrier birth control tool, it doesn’t protect you against STDs.
• If your cycle is irregular and varies in duration month after month.
• The method works best if a couple has a stable relationship, good communication, and strong motivation to use it correctly.
• Some couples choose FAM because it’s safe, less expensive than other methods, and requires no drugs or devices. It can be easily discontinued any time pregnancy is wanted. Hence there are no disadvantages to this method.

Can a woman get pregnant as soon as her period ends?

A lot of women ask and wonder how long after the periods is it safe to have unprotected sex. The risk of conceiving using the FAM method can be calculated based on how long your fertile period is. The days near ovulation are your fertile days- when you’re most likely to get pregnant. An egg lives about a day after ovulation and sperm live up to 5 days after sex. So you’re basically fertile for around seven days of every menstrual cycle: the five days before you ovulate, and the day you ovulate are your less fertile days.

The various methods of FAM-

1. Calendar Method –

Calendar (Rhythm) Method predicts when ovulation will happen based on when ovulation occurred in past cycles. Start with counting days on the first day of your period and tabulating the number of days until the first day of your following period.

This method is not recommended for women with cycles shorter than 27 days. You can determine your “less fertile days” and your most fertile days once you have tracked the number of days in each of your cycles for at least 8 cycles. At least 12 cycles are preferred for accuracy.

2. Ovulation Method –

Ovulation (Mucus) Method involves watching the changes in cervical mucus. Normal vaginal discharge changes at the time of ovulation. When you’re most fertile, there is more mucus, and it feels wet and slippery. After ovulation, there is less mucus and it’s sticky, blocking sperm from entering the uterus. Women can check their mucus daily to tell when they’re most fertile. In order to use this information to figure out when you may or may not be at the height of your fertility, you need to examine your mucus several times a day and chart it in a calendar.

3. Basal Body Temperature Method – 

Basal Body Temperature Method (BBT) depends on taking daily temperature readings to determine when ovulation is occurring. There is a rise in temperature when ovulation occurs. By taking your temperature first thing every morning, and graphing the results, you can often tell if you’ve ovulated.

4. Sympto-Thermal Method –

Sympto-Thermal Method uses a combination of various methods that identify symptoms of ovulation. These include the mucus method, basal body temperature, cervix changes, and other symptoms such as breast tenderness, abdominal heaviness, slight lower abdominal pain, or slight bleeding. This method may work better for women with irregular or less distinct mucus changes.

5. Standard Days Method

The Standard Days Method is a type of calendar method for tracking your fertility. It commonly involves tracking your cycle by moving a rubber ring around a special string of beads called Cyclebeads. This method is only useful for women who have regular cycles which never fall shorter than 26 days or extend longer than 32 days.

Advantages of safe period days methods

The benefits are as follows:

• It’s Inexpensive
• Safe
• Can be used while breastfeeding
• Ability to become pregnant as soon as you stop

Other benefits include:

• No side effects on hormones
• No physical commitment
• Need for medication
• No prep work needed before intercourse

Things to remember while having sex in a safe period.

FAMs are about 76-88% effective: that means 12-24 out of 100 couples who use FAMs will get pregnant each year, depending on which methods are used.

However, carefully calculated use of FAM along with keeping a discipline to check your fertility signs and charting your cycle every day further reduces the chances of getting pregnant.

The best way to use FAMs is to combine temperature, cervical mucus, and calendar methods. Each of these methods relies on different signs to predict your fertile days so using them together gives you a more accurate idea of your fertility, making FAMs more accurate.

Feel free to talk to a health professional to find a birth control method that suits you and your cycle the best.

The post How To Calculate Safe Period To Avoid Pregnancy appeared first on Babygogo.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yet ask any mother and you will know the ordeal it takes to feed a child breakfast. For one they are usually rushing to school and are in no mood to be cajoled to eat. Also, breakfast seems to be intolerable when the same things like […] The post 17 Easy Breakfast Recipes That Are A Favorite With Kids appeared first on...

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yet ask any mother and you will know the ordeal it takes to feed a child breakfast. For one they are usually rushing to school and are in no mood to be cajoled to eat. Also, breakfast seems to be intolerable when the same things like eggs, milk and bread are thrust in front of the kids. It brings in an element of monotony and boredom which children crave to escape.

So what can you do to make breakfast a fun meal for your kid?

How can you ensure that the required nutrients are included without compromising on taste?

Most importantly, how do you manage to prepare a healthy and delicious breakfast in the rush hour called mornings?

There are many ways to tackle this. Innovative and quick cooking is of course necessary. But subtle variations in already existing breakfast recipes can make a huge difference. Here is taking a look at some old, refreshed and new recipes that are easy to make. These recipes are delicious and nutritious incorporating healthy ingredients that are presented with a twist to the child.

Eggs/Bread and Milk

#1. Masala French Toast

Eggs and bread can be presented in an interesting way with this recipe. It is easy for the child to eat them too just picking one up and biting into it.

Ingredients

• Bread slices
• 3 eggs
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 finely chopped tomato
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoon milk
• Ghee

Method

In a bowl mix the eggs, onion, tomato, turmeric, pepper, salt and milk and whisk it well.

Heat some ghee in a pan. Dip a slice of bread in the egg mixture and lay it on the warm pan. Wait till the underside is cooked well before flipping it over and shallow frying the other side.

Remove from the pan when cooked and serve with tomato sauce.

If your child is a sweet tooth try the same recipe a bit differently. Mix egg, milk and sugar in a bowl and dip the bread slice in it before cooking it. You can serve it with honey or cream.

#2. Cheese Egg Sandwich

Sandwiches are an essential part of breakfast. But the usual bread-butter-jam needs some revamp in the form of colorful innovative sandwiches. A combination of egg and cheese sandwich is healthy and tasty.

Ingredients

• Bread slices
• Cheese slice
• 1 egg
• Pepper, salt, oregano
• Onion finely chopped
• 2 tablespoon milk

Method

In a bowl mix the egg, onion, milk, pepper, oregano and salt.

In a pan pour the egg mixture

Place a cheese slice on it followed by a slice of bread.

Flip the bread when done and place a buttered bread slice on it to complete the sandwich.

#3. Vegetable Sandwich

Vegetable sandwiches are the best way to make your child eat the vegetables without fuss. There are many ways in which you can make the sandwich, however let’s look at a simple recipe below.

Ingredients

• Bread slices
• 1 cup curd
• Finely diced or grated vegetables – carrots, capsicum, cabbage, corn
• Pepper, salt, oregano, chili flakes
• Butter

Method

In a bowl mix the vegetables with curd, pepper, salt, oregano and chili flakes.

Butter the slices of bread and spread the vegetable mix.

Toast or grill the sandwich and serve.

#4. Mix Dry Fruits Milkshake

Breakfast is not complete without milk. Yet children throw tantrums the minute they see the big milk tumbler on the table. How can you make milk interesting? There are various milkshakes that you can try. Here is the recipe for a super healthy energy milk drink.

Ingredients

• Crushed dry fruits – almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistas
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Method

Blend all the ingredients in the mixer and serve. You can also serve this warm, by adding a little ghee in the mix and warming it slightly on the flame.

Checkout these Fruit Recipes for your little one.

#5. Fruit smoothies

Milk blended with seasonal fruits is a perfect way to make your child eat fruits and drink milk in one shot. One of the easiest breakfast recipes, milkshakes do not take long to prepare and if delicious are gulped down instantly by kids. You can try banana, apple, dates or any other fruits.

Ingredients

• Chop the apple/banana/dates (dates need to be soaked for a while in milk)
• 1 cup milk
• Sugar as per taste

Method

Blend all the ingredients in a mixer and serve.

Parathas/Chapattis/Puris

#6. Vegetable Parathas

Parathas are a staple diet in most homes in north India. The great thing about parathas is that they can be stuffed with different vegetables giving them unique flavors and taste. Most homes also make chapattis for their daily diet and mothers can use the same dough to make the parathas. That’s the way to smart, quick and delicious breakfast cooking.

Prepare the paratha depending on the vegetable available or the stuffing that your child likes. In fact, you can also only stuff cheese if your child is a fussy vegetable eater. The most common breakfast paratha is the aalo paratha.

Ingredients

• Cooked and mashed potatoes (add turmeric, garam masala, salt, pepper, coriander to give it taste.)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• Ghee or butter

Method

Add water to the flour and knead it into soft dough.

Roll the dough with a rolling pin into a round shape

Place the mashed potatoes in the center and cover on all sides with the dough

Gently roll the dough with the stuffed potatoes once again and give it shape

Cook the paratha on pan using ghee or oil.

Serve with a dollop of butter or sauce.

#7. Puris

Puris are also a common food in our daily diets. Stuff your puris with interesting and nutritious vegetable or lentils to attract the kids. Palak puris or dal puris are easy to make and also devour.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wheat flour
• Blanched spinach paste or cooked mashed moong dal
• Ginger garlic paste
• Ghee or oil

Method

Mix the flour with the spinach or dal paste, ginger garlic paste, salt, salt and water. Knead the dough well and roll it into small puris

Fry in ghee and serve.

#8. Chapati rolls

Chapattis to be eaten with vegetables or dipped in butter and jam can be very tiresome for kids. Instead rolling it all up makes it fun and easy.

Ingredients

• 1 cooked chapati
• Filling: mashed vegetables mixed with tomato sauce, turmeric, salt, pepper, coriander powder, chat masala.
• Butter

Method

In a pan add some butter. Place the chapati and spread the vegetable mixture. Roll the chapati and serve.

Of course, you can add cheese, mayonnaise or any other ingredient that your child enjoys to make the roll more interesting. Sweet rolls can also be prepared by adding jam, nutella or various fruit jellies.

South Indian

#9. Flavored idlis

Idlis are undoubtedly a favorite breakfast item for most of us. However, it can get boring to eat the same white idlis every day. For this you need to add some color and flavor to the idli batter! Carrots and spinach are excellent vegetables to add into the idli batter. They give the idli a different taste and color attracting your young ones towards it.

Ingredients

• For the idli batter:
• 1 cup Rice
• 1/3 cup Urad dal
• Salt
• For the idli:
• 1 chopped carrot
• Finely chopped spinach leaves
• Finely chopped coriander leaves
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric, coriander powder, mustard seeds, jeera
• Salt

Method:

Soak the rice and urad dal separately over 4 hours.

Grind each separately with water.

Mix both the batters, add salt and keep aside for fermentation overnight or for 8 hours.

In a pan, sauté the carrots and spinach leaves.

Add the mustard seeds, jeera, turmeric, coriander powder and salt.

Mix the vegetables into the idli batter.

Grease the idli cooker with ghee and laid it with the batter. Cook till the idlis are done.

If there are left overs idlis you can also try making masala idlis.

Method

Crumble the already cooked idlis.

In a pan, add vegetables (any of your choice) and sauté.

Add curry leaves, urad dal, chana dal, turmeric, garam masala, mustard seeds, jeera and salt.

Toss in the crumbled idlis and sprinkle chat masala or lime before serving.

You can also give the idlis a Chinese twist by adding tomato sauce, soya sauce to the sauté vegetables and crumbled idlis.

#10. Dosa

After idlis, it is no wonder that dosas follow. This south Indian delight can also be tried with different variations. Stuff the dosa with different vegetables or just let the kid have it plain with a spread of ghee. Either way the dosa is a refreshing breakfast change.

Ingredients

• Dosa batter (same as idli batter)
• Diced vegetables or an already prepared vegetable dish
• 1 chopped onion
• 1/ teaspoon turmeric, mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, curry leaves
• Ghee

Method

For filling:

Wash the vegetables and add salt, turmeric and water and let it cook in a pressure cooker.

Mash the vegetables once cooked

In a pan add oil, mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, curry leaves, onion and sauté.

Add the mashed vegetables and cook.

Prepare the dosa in a separate pan and place the vegetables in the center. Fold the dosa from one side and serve.

The dosa can be given more variation by changing the batter itself. Multigrain dosa by grinding different lentils or ragi dosa made from ragi flour or dosa made from green grams are delicious.

#11. Upma

An extremely healthy meal, upma can be prepared from broken wheat, rava and also vermicelli. It is a wholesome meal that keeps one full for a long period of time releasing sugar gradually.

Ingredients

• 1 cup broken wheat/rava/vermicelli
• 1 chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon urad dal, chana dal, mustard seeds, curry leaves
• A few cashewnuts
• Ghee or oil

Method

In a pan take some oil and add the curry leaves, mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal and onion

Sauté the onion and add the cashews

Put boiling water into the pan and add the rava/wheat/vermicelli mixing continually.

The water will be absorbed when the upma is cooked. Serve hot.

Oats/Pancakes

#12. Oats Dosa

This does count as a variation of dosa but is listed here as a separate recipe because oats is a meal by itself. Oats are a healthy option but kids do not prefer the usual oat recipe with milk. Making oats dosa can be the perfect way to solve this problem.

Ingredients

• ½ cup oat flour
• 2 teaspoons rice flour
• ½ cup curd
• 1 chopped onion
• Chopped coriander, salt, ghee

Method

Mix all the ingredients in water.

Heat a pan and spread the batter. Sprinkle ghee on the sides and in the middle. Flip and serve.

Here some more healthy recipes for your baby.

#13. Pancakes

Pancakes are super easy to make and if served with chocolate sauce or jam can add a whole new twist to your child’s breakfast.  There are many different flavors you can try such as banana, walnut or even oats and ragi pancakes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wheat flour
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Butter

Method

Mix all the ingredients into a thick batter. Pour a spoonful of the batter on the pan and sprinkle butter or ghee around. Flip when cooked and serve.

#14. Oats and Broken Wheat

Both are packed with nutrition and this recipe ensures that child gets a double dose of health.

Ingredient

• ¼ cup broken wheat or dalia
• ¼ oats
• Ghee
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon sugar

Method

In a pressure cooker add ghee and cook the broken wheat. Add the oats and roast for a while.

Add milk, sugar and little water and let it cook in the cooker.

Serve with sprinkled fruits, such as, apple or nuts, walnuts etc.

#15. Curd oats

Just like curd rice, make curd oats to pack in more health and taste in your child’s breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1 cup oats
• 2 cup curd
• Grated carrots and cucumber
• Curry leaves, mustard seeds
• Salt, water

Method

Cook the oats with water and let it cool.

Add curd, vegetables, salt and mix

In a pan add ghee, mustard seeds and curry leaves. Pour it over the oats and curd mix.

Poha and porridge

#16. Poha

If you are looking to try something different but packed with old school nutritional value, then poha is a great breakfast idea. Light on the stomach and quick to make, poha is high in carbohydrates and iron.

Ingredients

• 1 cup poha
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 chopped tomato
• 5/6 curry leaves
• A few peanuts
• ½ teaspoon of urad dal, mustard seeds, jeera, chana dal and turmeric
• 1 tablespoon lime
• Ghee or oil

Method

Soak the poha for ten minutes in water or after washing it let it remain slightly wet to keep it soft.

In a pan heat the ghee or oil, add the peanuts, curry leaves, urad dal, chana dal, mustard seeds, jeera.

Add the onions and tomatoes and sauté till they both turn soft

Add turmeric and salt and continue cooking on low flame.

Add the poha and mix well.

Finally, add lime juice and sprinkle coriander if you like.

Note: You can also add boiled potatoes to your poha.

#17. Rava Porridge

This milk delicacy will be gobbled up by your child without much complaint. The ingredients are healthy and dish is perfect for kids who prefer sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rava or suji
• 1 cup milk
• Sugar
• Dry fruits crushed

Method

In a pan roast the rava in ghee and then add warm milk gradually. Keep mixing the rava till it becomes thick. Add sugar and sprinkle the crushed dry fruits.

Try some of these above recipes and feel free to innovate and experiment. After all, mothers know which tastes work best for their child!

The post 17 Easy Breakfast Recipes That Are A Favorite With Kids appeared first on Babygogo.

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in a woman’s life. Therefore, to make sure everything is happening properly and the course of pregnancy is healthy, a pregnant woman is advised to undergo numerous tests and examinations. All of these tests are of high importance and shouldn’t be missed. Many of these tests are not only done […] The post Ensure A Healthy Pregnancy, Take The Double Marker Test! appeared first on...

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in a woman’s life.

Therefore, to make sure everything is happening properly and the course of pregnancy is healthy, a pregnant woman is advised to undergo numerous tests and examinations.

All of these tests are of high importance and shouldn’t be missed.

Many of these tests are not only done to ensure that the health of mother is good but they are also done to ensure that the baby is healthy as well.

One of such tests is the Double Marker test which is done to ensure that the baby’s development in the womb is normal and there are no anomalies and problems after birth.

What is Double Marker Test?

The double marker test is a simple blood test performed during pregnancy. It is done to screen anomalies that may be present in the fetus during its development in the womb.

Usually, these anomalies are caused due to fault in the chromosomal development.

Chromosomal abnormalities can result in serious health conditions and disorders which can affect the baby’s growth within the womb and affect the baby’s life adversely after birth.

Chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome and Edward’s syndrome can reduce the lifespan of babies that suffer from them after birth. The quality of life is also poor in babies who suffer from these chromosomal abnormalities.

Importance of Double Marker test

• Double marker test can predict the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities like Down’s syndrome and Edward’s syndrome beforehand.
• Double marker test has proven to be very reliable. It is a test that shows accurate detections when it comes to chromosomal diseases.
• Double marker is quite an important test which needs to be done if the doctor suspects any abnormalities or issues present in the fetus during pregnancy.
• Double marker test is usually conducted between 9 to 13 weeks of pregnancy as an early detection of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby is important to decide the further course of pregnancy.

How to Prepare for Double Marker Test?

Usually, there are no specific preparations which are needed to be done. However, if you are taking any medications or undergoing treatment for a specific disease or disorder during pregnancy, it’s important for your doctor to know about them.

Your doctor might advise you to quit taking the medication until the test is taken so that the results of the double marker test are proper.

What is the Procedure of Double Marker Test?

The double marker test is quite simple, it’s just a blood test combined with an ultrasound.

• First aim of the test is the measurement of the nuchal fold which is a translucent part found at the back of neck of a fetus by doing an ultrasound.
• Nuchal fold is properly visualised in the ultrasound and measured.
• Based on nuchal fold measurements further blood sampling test is done.
• After the blood samples are taken they are processed and observed to check for a hormone called Free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and a protein called PAPP-A.

An ultrasound may also be done to check fetal positioning, growth and development. Final Diagnosis is made according to the results of blood test and ultrasound.

How to Interpret a Double Marker Test?

A positive test sadly indicates that something isn’t right.

• If free Beta HCG  is at a high level, there is a risk of Down’s syndrome.
• Low level of Free Beta HCG indicates that the risk of getting Edward syndrome is high.
• The presence of low protein in the test indicates the possibility of  Down’s syndrome in the baby.

What if the test is positive?

Usually, when the test shows a positive result, doctors recommend to conduct further tests and advanced diagnostic procedures or measures to verify the double marker test and pinpoint the issues with the foetus. If positive results are obtained in advanced diagnostic tests and a neurological condition is diagnosed, the couple can choose to alter the course of their pregnancy by terminating it. It is important to take your doctor’s opinion on the same as well. Terminating the pregnancy can avoid further complications that can happen with mother and baby.

Disadvantages of Double Marker Test

• Double marker test is not a very pocket-friendly test.
• Accuracy of the result depends upon the accuracy of equipment and materials used to perform the test.
• Result interpretation depends upon the doctor’s skills and opinion on the results.
• Well equipped medical facilities that can conduct Double marker test might not be available at all places.

What is Down’s syndrome?

Down’s syndrome is a result of chromosomal abnormality.A healthy human has 46 chromosomes, while a person with Down’s syndrome has 47 chromosomes. This is also known as trisomy of chromosome 21.

Presence of this extra chromosome can cause severe developmental abnormalities in the fetus during pregnancy.

Risks of your baby getting Down’s syndrome are high if –

• Your age while getting pregnant is higher than 35 years.
• You have history of having other children with Down’s syndrome.
• 1% cases have hereditary component as well, meaning it can be passed down in your family.

Down’s syndrome presents with features of –

• Flat face
• Short neck
• Small hands
• Learning disability
• Short lifespan
• Heart disease
• Weak eyesight
• Furrowed tongue
• Obesity
• Thyroid disorder
• Low set ears
• Gastrointestinal problems

Double marker test can help identify and verify the possibility of your baby having Down’s syndrome.

What is Edward’s syndrome?

Edward’s syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality and is caused due to abnormal chromosome pairs.

Risks of your baby getting Edward’s syndrome are high if you have history of having other children with Edward’s syndrome.

Edward’s syndrome presents with symptoms of –

• Cleft palate
• Underdeveloped jaw
• Low birth weight
• Drooping of upper eyelid
• Groin hernia
• Low set ears
• Defects of the lungs
• Defect in kidneys
• Defects in stomach
• Defects in intestines
• Deformed feet
• Heart defects
• Low set ears
• Developmental delays
• Learning disabilities
• Chest deformity
• Retarded growth
• Small head

Double marker test can help identify and verify the possibility of your baby having Edward’s syndrome.

Can I prevent chromosomal abnormalities?

You cannot prevent the same.

However, the possibility of your baby having a chromosomal abnormality can get significantly low if you lead a healthy life.

So making good food choices and living a healthy lifestyle during your pregnancy should be your priority. You should be very careful during your pregnancy and try to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy as much as possible.

Studies have shown that taking prenatal vitamins such as folic acid in recommended doses during pregnancy can reduce the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities.

Don’t lose hope

If the double marker test comes out to be positive, talk to your spouse and discuss what can be done. Take the opinion of your doctor as well. Terminating the pregnancy is always an option. Don’t weigh yourself down morally if you chose to do the same.

Meet your doctor

If you’re pregnant meet your doctor and don’t miss appointments. Don’t miss prenatal vitamins and ultrasounds. Take the double marker test. A genetic counsellor can guide you well if you’re doubtful that your child can have chromosomal abnormalities. Meet your doctor and discuss about what you feel.

Conclusion

Double marker test is a very important test. If your doctor recommends the same then don’t miss it. It can help you identify the issues with your pregnancy so that you can alter its course accordingly. Your focus should be on trying to achieve the best possible outcome of the situation you’re in. If you feel morally burdened meet your doctor and discuss about what you are feeling.

The post Ensure A Healthy Pregnancy, Take The Double Marker Test! appeared first on Babygogo.

Pregnant for 34 weeks! Almost at the finish line, yet not quite there. You probably cannot see your feet at this point in your pregnancy, but it is reassuring to know that they are still there. This is a time where fatigue, cramps, all the aches, and pains are at the highest notch. But you […] The post Prepping For Delivery, Things You Need To Know At 34 Weeks Of Pregnancy appeared first on...

Pregnant for 34 weeks! Almost at the finish line, yet not quite there. You probably cannot see your feet at this point in your pregnancy, but it is reassuring to know that they are still there. This is a time where fatigue, cramps, all the aches, and pains are at the highest notch. But you are still managing to hang in there knowing that you are almost done and will soon be holding your little bundle of joy in your arms.

At 34 weeks, where am I on my pregnancy calendar?

This is your third trimester and you are roughly at the beginning of your 8th month of pregnancy. Handling pregnancy-related qualms are easy for you now, and you have probably sifted through every pregnancy and parenting book out there.

How big is my baby at 34 weeks?

Your baby is about 30 – 40 cms long and weighs about 1.8 – 2.2 kgs. While this seems less, most of the weight is of the fluid your baby is floating in as well as the other changes your body is undergoing to keep your baby safe.

It is good to note that all babies do not progress at the same pace. Some might be gaining weight at a faster pace, while some slower. The key here is that if your baby is slowly gaining weight and is healthy, there is nothing to be concerned about. Movements and heartbeats are often used to assess how your baby is doing in your belly. In the case of twins, babies will weigh less and also look smaller, as they both are vying for the same space in the uterus.

Your baby won’t be moving as much during the 34th week of pregnancy due to the limited space in the uterus. On ultrasound, your baby will be observed in the head-down position, which is ideal for the birth process.

What are the different changes my body goes through at 34 weeks of pregnancy?

Since you are at the beginning of the 8th month of your pregnancy your baby is still growing and so are you!

There are still two whole months to achieve your complete term of pregnancy. So since your baby is still growing it means that your body is still going through changes, albeit subtle ones. Most of what you are experiencing in your 34th week of pregnancy is similar to what you have been experiencing during the past few weeks of pregnancy.

#1. Fatigue

The additional weight that you are carrying around is probably and literally weighing you down at this point. Also, it is good to note that hemoglobin levels decrease throughout the course of your pregnancy, mainly because your blood volume increases. So this adds to the fatigue that you are experiencing. Eating more green leafy veggies, getting in some addition, iron-rich food and also taking frequent breaks will assist with your fatigue.

#2. Constipation and hemorrhoids

Any pregnant women can probably relay long tales of how their bowel movements were so haphazard during pregnancy. Around this stage in your pregnancy, constipation is pretty common. This is primarily due to the spiked progesterone levels slowing down your bowel movement. In addition to constipation, the increased weight causes blood to pool in your rectal veins possibly leading to hemorrhoids. Smaller meals, drinking more water and being active helps to reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.

#3. Increased urination

Your growing belly is adding more pressure to your bladder which is causing you to take those frequent bathroom breaks. This is relatively common and no reason to be concerned. Do not skimp out on your hydration just because you have to visit the bathroom often.

#4. Leg cramps and swelling in the feet

These are all related to the increase in your belly and hormones circulating in your body. Stretching, massaging and keeping your feet elevated help to prevent these troublesome symptoms.

#5. Shortness of breath and heartburn

Your growing belly is pressing on your digestive tract and pushing up against your diaphragm. This is a primary reason you feel these symptoms. Some women might experience a decrease in these pregnancy-related changes, primarily due to the fact that their baby might descend into the birth canal during this week.

#6. Problems with your vision

Pregnancy hormones can cause fluid build up in your eyes which can also cause a change in the shape of your eye lenses. In addition, women experience a drying up of their eyes. These usually subside following delivery. However, vision changes that are accompanied by a headache, swelling and weight gain could be a sign of preeclampsia which requires prompt medical assistance.

#7. Increased vaginal discharge

Due to the hormones and increased blood flow, the mucous membranes receive ample nourishment and also release plenty of fluids. Wearing loose underwear with preferably cotton liners help to keep the area dry and comfortable.

#8. Backaches

Since your pregnancy belly is at its peak in terms of size, your center of gravity has also shifted resulting in backaches, primarily in the lower back. Stretching, walking around frequently and generally maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best solution for this. Sharp back aches accompanied by contractions, can indicate possible labour and should receive immediate medical attention.

Are there any new changes that I might experience during this time?

Some women might experience something known as “lightening,” which can occur anywhere between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It is experienced around this time primarily for women who are first-time mothers. Lightening is when your baby descends further into the birth canal. This might help ease some of the heartburn and breathing difficulties you have been experiencing. However, not all women go through this phase in their 34th week.

Another is Braxton Hicks contractions, or what some moms-to-be endearing refer to as “false-labour”. These are contractions of the uterus that last for about 60 seconds to a couple of minutes. They are not as powerful as labour contractions, but they are just a practice session for your uterus for the big day. Women might experience this a few times in a day, however, if they are frequent (occur several times in an hour) and extremely painful consulting your gynecologist would be ideal.

What if I go into labour during my 34th week of pregnancy?

Some of the tell-tale signs of labour are spotting or profuse bleeding, “water break,” sharp back pain and continuous contractions. Women can have any combination of these symptoms. Either way, women should consult with a gynecologist immediately following the onset of these symptoms.

In case, labour progresses to delivery women are often concerned as to whether their baby will be able to survive following 34 weeks of gestation. To answer this question it is good to note that one of the last organ systems to develop in babies are the lungs. They are considered fully developed at around 37 weeks of pregnancy.

However, babies born between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation are in most cases, healthy and able to thrive without much external intervention. Babies are on an average of two kilograms around this age and also have relatively good lung function.

At around 34 weeks, parents should be close to ready to welcome their little bundle of joy. Setting up a crib, going over all the nitty gritty of having an infant in the house is vital at this point, especially for new parents.

Keeping your gynecologist in the loop with any changes you have been experiencing with your health is vital. Journal any new symptoms or anything unusual that might require medical attention. It is perfectly fine to schedule a visit that is unplanned if you are experiencing some pain or discomfort.

Pregnancy has its highs and lows. Women are always encouraged to get as much help as they require during their pregnancies. Reading books and forums are crucial, primarily due to the rise of nuclear families in this side of the world. Pregnancy and parenting all have their firsts. And there is no one set of rules to abide by.

Take it as it comes. When in doubt consult with a medical professional. Make your doctor your friend. Seek guidance and assurance without hesitation.

The post Prepping For Delivery, Things You Need To Know At 34 Weeks Of Pregnancy appeared first on Babygogo.

Menstruation is the normal vaginal bleeding which occurs every month in females. It prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy and therefore plays a very important role in female reproductive life. There are several articles around the Internet which openly discuss about dealing with menstrual pain and how one can make their cycle regular and healthier. […] The post Why Should We Care To Discuss About Menstrual Hygiene? appeared first on...

Menstruation is the normal vaginal bleeding which occurs every month in females. It prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy and therefore plays a very important role in female reproductive life.

There are several articles around the Internet which openly discuss about dealing with menstrual pain and how one can make their cycle regular and healthier. However, discussion on the topic of menstrual hygiene is still treated as a silent issue and is not talked about as openly as it should be.

Why should we discuss about menstrual hygiene?

Women, all over the country, still have a hard time dealing with their periods, they often get paranoid because of their menstrual issues as they cannot talk openly about it.

Women who belong to the rural and backward areas where menstruation is still treated as a taboo have yet not explored their options regarding the products they can use during menstruation. In such situations, they end up using old cloth or rugs that invite diseases and infections.

Many women are even still not aware of what menstrual hygiene is. They are too shy to openly talk about it due to the huge stigma surrounding it and it’s high time we change that.

Why is it menstrual hygiene important?

If we believe that basic personal hygiene is important, we should also realize that personal hygiene should be treated as a priority during the time of menstruation as chances of catching infections rise significantly during this time.

If personal hygiene is ignored during the time of menstruation, menstrual blood can facilitate the growth of bacteria and cause irritation, rashes, and infection.

If you have not given much time or thought to your personal hygiene during menstruation, it’s time that you think again and makes some changes.

What can you do for you Menstrual Hygiene?

Needless to say, you need to start with being extra caring and careful towards yourself while you are on your periods. Say goodbye to those days of ignorance when you did not know how you should take care of yourself during your periods.

Everything else can wait, treat yourself like a priority at this time of the month.

If you are unaware regarding the correct methods of taking care of your personal hygiene during menstruation and have doubts regarding what you should and should not do before, during and after your periods, then here is what you need to know.

Follow these 10 golden rules of personal hygiene during your periods –

#1. Take a bath

Yes, you can take a bath while you are on your periods, don’t believe in orthodox rumors that ask you not to the same. Taking a bath would not only relax your body, calm your nerves, reduce the pain but also help you get cleaner and feel fresh.

Take a bath with warm or lukewarm water and relax. Don’t use hard soaps around the vaginal area and always pat the vaginal area dry after taking a bath.

#2. Wash yourself properly

Washing your private area in a proper manner is very essential. Wash your vagina and area around it properly. The proper way of washing your private area is washing it from front to back and never from back to front. That is, washing your vagina first and anus later. Doing this will ensure that bacteria from the anal region does not reach the vaginal or urethral opening and cause infections.

#3. Stay away from vaginal hygiene products and soaps

Using vaginal hygiene products and soaps while you are menstruating isn’t a good idea. Your vagina tends to clean itself on its own during your periods. Using soaps and other artificial products can change the pH of your vagina and hamper this process and this is can, in turn, lead to the growth of bacteria. Just use clean water to wash yourself and you’re good to go.

#4. Change sanitary napkins regularly

Changing pads or tampons regularly is very important to prevent infections during menstruation. Keeping pads and tampons on for too long can cause serious infections as menstrual blood facilitates bacterial growth. Change your pad within 4 hours and tampons within 2 hours.

Change the sanitary napkin and tampon even if you feel that they are doing their work very efficiently. Don’t wait to feel discomfort, change it within 4 to 6 hours.

#5. Choose the right sanitary napkin

Keep in mind that not every product is made for you. Discontinue using a sanitary napkin which is causing rashes and irritation around your vagina. Make sure that the product you use doesn’t cause itching or redness. Choose the right kind of pad or tampon which fits you well and makes you feel comfortable.

#6. Clean and change

Whenever you change your sanitary napkin, make sure you clean your private area properly. Pat the vaginal area dry so that there is no irritation. Wash your hands properly before and after cleaning yourself and changing the pad.

#7. Use clean underwear

Use comfortable underwear that fits you well and change it everyday. Wearing the same underwear for too long can cause itching and rashes. It can also lead to bacterial growth and infections. Don’t forget to check your underwear for blood stains when you change your pad. Change your underwear immediately if you find any.

#8. Wear comfortable clothes

Tight clothes can hamper the blood and air flow around your private area. Use comfortable clothes that can provide ease of movement. Wear loose and comfortable clothes that prevent sweating and maintain proper airflow around your private areas.

#9. Dispose of your sanitary napkins properly

Don’t flush your tampons or sanitary napkins. Flushing them can cause clogging and overflow of the toilet. Don’t throw your used tampons and pads in open spaces. Discard them properly in dustbins so that there is no spread of infections.

#10. Stick to one method

Don’t combine and use tampons and pads at the same time. While it may help you manage things efficiently during heavy menstrual flow, it will also make you oblivious to the needed of changing pads and tampons frequently. Even if your pad is soaking blood efficiently, change it within 4 to 6 hours. If the blood remains accumulated in the pad for too long it can cause serious infections.

#11. Don’t ignore anything

If you have itching, irritation, redness around your vagina then don’t ignore it. If you have smelly vaginal discharge or pain in your vagina meet your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor as soon as you notice something unusual or discomforting. If you are noticing any changes in your vagina or around it get it examined by your doctor as soon as possible.

#13. Meet your doctor/health care provider

Meet your doctor when you have any doubts regarding your menstrual health. Don’t take the matter in your own hands. Take proper medical advice and help. Be open to your doctor regarding every problem. Your doctor will handle everything professionally and treat you with the utmost respect. Your problems will be kept confidential so don’t worry about anything. Don’t be shy, discuss your feelings and issues so that proper help and support can be given to you.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is vital to the overall health and well-being of a woman. However, the sad reality is, that menstrual hygiene management is still treated as a topic of stigma and not discussed as much as it should. It’s high time that we break the silence around periods.

Every woman must be educated so that she can help other women learn how to take care of their body, mind, health, and spirit during menstruation.

The post Why Should We Care To Discuss About Menstrual Hygiene? appeared first on Babygogo.

Welcoming a new life into this world certainly demands a lot of patience and preparation, from the beginning to the end, pregnancy deserves constant care and attention. In order to make this roller-coaster ride like experience as smooth as possible, a pregnant woman needs to be well aware of the changes occurring in her body […] The post Labor Pain Is Not Scary, But Manageable! appeared first on...

Welcoming a new life into this world certainly demands a lot of patience and preparation, from the beginning to the end, pregnancy deserves constant care and attention.

In order to make this roller-coaster ride like experience as smooth as possible, a pregnant woman needs to be well aware of the changes occurring in her body during pregnancy, so that she can be well prepared to handle anything that her pregnancy surprises her with.

Pregnancy becomes a tough affair especially in the third trimester when the pregnant woman gets close to the time of delivery.

It is a well-known fact that labour pain is considered as one of the most painful experiences a human being can endure.

So If you are wondering how you can effectively reduce and endure labour pain and handle things better when the time of labour comes, here is what you need to know –

What is Labour Pain?

Labour pain is the recurrent pain felt by a woman during childbirth. It involves strong contraction and relaxation of the uterus along with increased vaginal discharges.

Labour pain occurs due to the frequent contraction and relaxation of the uterus. There is also significant pressure on the bladder and the cervix is dilated due to the baby’s head which is slowly stretching the vagina and birth canal.

What are the signs of Labor?

Look out for these 10 signs that can tell you that your baby’s on its way –

• Increase in vaginal discharge
• Strong contractions
• Frequent contractions
• Increased back pain
• Brownish mucus discharge
• Diarrhea
• Cramps
• Nausea
• Pain in abdomen
• Pain in lower back

True Labour vs False Labour

Sometimes increased vaginal discharge, pain in the abdomen or irregular contractions can leave an expecting mother confused whether she is in labour or not. In such cases, mothers get distressed due to the uncertainty of the situation. So to avoid unnecessary panic, it’s important for a pregnant woman to learn and differentiate between true and false labour.

Here is what false labour feels like –

• Contractions are generally painless.
• Contractions are not regular.
• Contractions do not increase in frequency.
• Contractions do not increase in severity.
• Pain relieves with change in position.
• Pain may decrease on walking.
• The pain is confined to the lower abdomen, not in the lower back
• Fetal movements increase with the contractions.

On the other hand –

• True labour pain is intense.
• True labour pain increases with activity.
• It doesn’t get better with change in position
• True labour pain can mimic an upset stomach.
• True labour pain begins in the lower back, spreads to the lower abdomen and can radiate to the legs.
• Contractions in true labour are frequent, painful and regular.
• Over time there increase in the level of pain.
• Vaginal discharge increases significantly.
• The sudden trickling of water can be noticed.
• Brown or blood stained discharge known as show can be noticed.

Feel free to call your doctor or midwife immediately and inform them about your symptoms. It is important that your doctor or midwife stays up to date with what you are experiencing even if you are unsure that your labour has started.

Dealing with Labour Pain

You know that labour pain is going to hurt and you also know that you cannot completely avoid it. It’s all a part of a natural process.

Since labour pain going to happen anyway, why not learn 13 techniques to make it better?

#1. Relax

Even though you might feel that it’s hard to do so, relax because childbirth is a natural process and you have the natural ability to give birth to a new life. Your body and mind have shaped and trained themselves for this very moment during your entire pregnancy. You aren’t alone in this, you have a tremendous amount of support from your family and doctors.

#2. Breathe

Take deep breaths. This will help you calm down and lower your stress levels. Breathing can also help in reducing pain and easing the process of labour. Concentrate on your breathing and try to relax. Try to time your breathing with your contractions.

#3. Enjoy some warmth

Take a warm water shower or sit in a lukewarm bath. Warm water can reduce the sensation of pain and help you relax. Taking a lukewarm bath will also relax your muscles and calm your mind.

#4. Massage

A good massage can reduce some tension in your muscles and work wonders when it comes to pain management. Ask your partner to massage your back, neck or foot. Massaging your back can help relieve the lower back pain you’re experiencing. You can also try and use aromatherapy lotions during your massage to feel better.

#5. Meditate

Accept what is happening to your body. Have confidence and believe that you can do this. Try to meditate and channel positive thoughts into your mind. Focus and concentrate on something to divert your mind away from the pain you’ve been feeling. You can also try to meditate along with breathing so that you can manage the pain better.

#6. Music

Listen to some good music. Music can help you relax and feel better. It can also help you divert your mind away from the pain you are feeling. Ask your partner to join you. You can also try to sing, it can divert your mind away from the pain for a while.

#7. Move around

Try walking during the contractions, it will help relieve the pain and distract your mind. You can also sit on an exercise ball with your partner help and slowly rock back and forth. Try to do hip rotations or pelvic tilts, these exercises will allow space for the pelvis to expand.

#8. Lean forward

Bending your body or leaning forward can help relieve your lower back pain. Leaning forward can stretch your back muscles and relieve some pressure. Try changing your position frequently and see what works out for you.

#9. Don’t dehydrate or starve yourself

Managing your body during labour pain can be a tiresome process.

Water is very important. Sip some water throughout the whole process to keep yourself going. Keeping yourself hydrated will also help your uterus contract and relax with ease.

Eat, but don’t have a large and heavy meal. You can have a less amount of light foods like jello or popsicles which are easily digested. You can also chew on some ice chips to feel better.

#10. Involve your partner

You don’t have to deal with this situation alone. Talking to your partner and visualizing positive things together can also help relieve stress and pain during labour. Your partner can help massage your back and legs, give a warm bath and help you change positions.

#11. Don’t delay

If the pain is too much and nothing works, call your doctor and seek help immediately.

Instead of managing the pain yourself and taking the matter in your own hands, take help from your Gynaecologist who has a proper idea about what is happening to you and how things can be made better.

Don’t worry, your Ob/Gyn will assess your situation and help you accordingly. Never think it’s too early or too late to seek help. Keep your doctor up to date with what you are experiencing.

Be vocal to your doctor about what you are experiencing and feeling, don’t be shy. The more you share the better your doctor will understand.

#12. Painkillers

If you are unable to manage the pain on your own, ask your doctor to prescribe some pain relieving medications to you. Your doctor helps you manage the pain better. Always seek professional help, don’t try to self medicate.

#13. Try an epidural

If you are exhausted and cannot take the pain for long, don’t worry, instead of stressing your body out, consider getting an epidural. Epidural will relax your body and numb the pain.

Conclusion

Going into labour is not just a painful experience, an exhausting one too. Labour pain can be hard to deal with, but it sure can be managed. Management of labour pain can be done using non-medical remedies but professional medical help should be called as soon as labour pain starts. Informing your doctor will ensure that you are under proper care and supervision.

Don’t take the matter in your own hands or self medicate yourself. Your Ob/Gyn is well prepared to manage your situation.

Referrence – 

https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/true-false-labor

https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-pain-relief

https://www.fitpregnancy.com/pregnancy/labor-delivery/ask-labor-nurse/how-deal-natural-labor-pain-epidural

The post Labor Pain Is Not Scary, But Manageable! appeared first on Babygogo.

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