According to Unicef, approximately 67,385 babies are born in India each year, accounting for one-sixth of all child births worldwide. The journey from being pregnant to giving birth is different for every individual, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
There are a number of studies on how prenatal emotional anxiety and stress can affect the foetus development as well as the later stages of a child’s behavioural growth. And yes, most individuals may go through this tough phase in life. “Pregnancy is not only about the physical changes in your body; it’s also about the emotional phase.”
Effects of stress
Severe stress is bad during pregnancy. Stress is common during pregnancy, as a pregnant woman experiences a lot of changes. Cortisol is the hormone that is normally released in response to stress, which is high in the morning and low in the evening. It is found that the placenta acts as a barrier to cortisol.
A sudden increase in progesterone and estrogen levels is seen in pregnant women. The changes in hormone levels will lead to mood swings. High levels of stress may cause health issues like high blood pressure, increase the chances of a premature baby, and lower the body weight of the baby.
The babies’ brains may be shaped by the levels of stress experienced by the women during pregnancy.
A research article suggests that when stress hormone levels increase, women are less likely to conceive and more likely to miscarry.
The common causes of stress during pregnancy
Hormonal mood swings, morning sickness, tiredness, complications during conception, some health issues prior to conception, overthinking the delivery, postpartum, the people around you, if you work, then handling most of the things, pressure, and so on can all cause stress.
Treatment
Pregnant women should try to stay calm as much as possible. Be positive. Always keep in your mind as “YES I CAN HANDLE”. Discuss your feelings with others; the best person is your husband to open up yourself. If not, talk to people with whom you feel comfortable.
Yoga and meditation: Yes, meditation is not only good for you; even the foetus in the womb can have positive effects.
The best stress relievers are books: Read the books; both you and the kid will benefit.
Stop smoking and drinking: It not only adds to your stress, but it also has a long-term impact on your child’s development.
Have a healthy diet: lots of fruits, veggies, and dry fruits.
Focus on being happy: If something bothers you, simply go for a walk. The view of nature can actually calm you down.
Visit the gynaecologist on a regular basis to learn about the foetus’s growth.
Listen to the good, calming music: There are a number of musical styles that actually feel better.
Don’t think about the negative incidents that occurred. The past will be the past. Focus on the future, baby.
Relax, take a lot of rest, and practice breathing exercises.
The physical exercises (under guidance) are good.
“Dear MoMsters incorporate our tips and stay healthy.”
To encourage us, kindly share your views in the comments section below.
Itching during pregnancy is a common skin problem and yes you may wonder what’s causing this? Is this normal?
Let me tell you what causes itching during pregnancy?
Stretching skin:During pregnancy when your size of skin stretches especially increase in belly size leads to itchy skin. (Remember scratching the skin area worsens the stretch mark after delivery).
Hormones: A sudden hormonal change affects the skin tone such as dryness, itchy skin.
Obstetric Cholestasis: If Itching worsens and non-stop or unbearable & worse at night, then it is a serious Liver condition usually observed in the last 3 months of pregnancy. In this disorder, itching happens usually on the palms and soles of the feet. Discuss with your doctor for further treatment.
Due to increased blood supply during pregnancy.
Sensitive to perfumes and detergents.
And most women complaints that they get a severe itch in the belly and sides of their breasts, and yes this is due to growing uterus and the skin size changes particularly in the belly area and breasts.
Remedies for Itching during pregnancy:
The use of aloe gel or moisturizer helps with dry skin.
Consult a doctor for an anti-itch lotion that is safe to use in order to reduce itching.
Apply pure coconut oil to the itchy area.
Eat healthy fruits and vegetables, which improve skin tone.
The skin should be well-hydrated, consume at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep your skin hydrated and protect from toxins.
During summer drink coconut water.
Bath with a gentle cleanser and avoid hot water for bathing.
Avoid highly chemical-based perfumes and detergents.
Wear cotton breathable clothes.
Avoid caffeine, spicy and oily food.
Some women also experience vaginal itching during pregnancy, which could be sweat accumulation, in that case, keep the area dry and use breathable cotton cloths. There can be itchy due to urine infection too; in that case, doctor consultation is necessary.
When should you see a doctor?
“Usually mild itching is normal during pregnancy; anything has intense itchy or symptoms gets worse than doctor consultation is recommended.”
If Itching worsens and non-stop or unbearable & worse at night (that can be a sign of a serious liver condition called Obstetric Cholestasis).
Lack of appetite.
Dark Urine.
Pale bowel movement.
Yellowish of skin.
Itching and Rashes with raised lumps (called Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy a kind of skin condition).
If itching everywhere.
I hope all New Moms are clear with doubts, please make yourself comfortable by following our tips, and don’t worry, itching is one of the pregnancy symptoms and you would stop scratching after your delivery.
“Now I’m Pregnant.. while coughing, my abdomen is paining.And also will the cold symptom harm my baby? How can I get rid of this? Please help me out.” thoughts of many pregnant ladies.
This is the common question asked by many MoMsters.“
Pregnant ladies have a weaker immune system, that’s the reason they are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections. But don’t worry MoMsters, the symptoms of cold will not affect your baby who is protected in the womb by the placenta. You might feel discomfort while coughing.”
Common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses; there is no medical cure for the common cold, it will get better on their own. We have to just ease the symptoms. (Caring MoMster will help you by giving few tips on home remedies)
Cold Symptoms during Pregnancy:
Runny nose (1st a clear later a yellow discharge).
Nasal stuffiness.
Sore throat.
Feeling tired
Slightly swollen glands.
Mild fever (100-101 degree F).
Symptoms usually last for 5-7 days.
How to find out whether it is an Allergy Cold:
Continuous sneezing.
Itching of the nose, ears, and throat.
Watery eyes.
Runny and blocked nose
Dust and pollution trigger the symptoms worst.
Cough:
Dry cough is generally due to upper respiratory infection, sometimes acid reflux will also cause cough.
Some of the allergens such as dust mites, pollution, pollen, smoking, alcohol smell, agarbhati smell, chemical fumes, and paint smell trigger an allergy cough which is caused by your immune system’s response.
Dear MoMsters any cough lasting more than 2 weeks must be evaluated, so please take care.
Point to be remembered:Antibiotics do not work on infections caused by viruses. Then you may wonder why doctors prescribe antibiotics?
Let me clear your doubt…
“When doctor diagnosis symptoms related to acute bronchitis, Pneumonia, or Acute bacterial sinusitis, only then he prescribes antibiotics to treat because these infections are bacterial and not viral.”
Now you may wonder how to treat cold and cough during pregnancy! Medicines are safe during pregnancy?
Let me tell you that cold and cough medicines contain multiple ingredients so it is best to check with your gynaecologist about their safety in pregnancy. But most of doctors advise to avoid medications for simple common cold and cough during pregnancy, because few medicines affect the health of foetus. That’s the reason we came out with the amazing and safe home remedies for cough and cold during pregnancy.
Ease Cold and Cough symptoms by using some Home Remedies:
Steam Inhalation: Helps to clear mucus in the nose and relieves sinuses symptoms. Doing steam inhalation 3 times per day will help.
Saline nasal spray: It is a solution of sodium chloride and a form of nasal irrigation. This helps to relieve nasal congestion and is safe during pregnancy.
Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water helps to remove throat infection and cough.
Recipe:Take 1 teaspoon of table salt and turmeric with 1 cup of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves. Then gargle with it several times and spit it out.
Doing gargle 3 times a day will help.
Turmeric Milk: Drink a glass of warm turmeric milk before bed, which works like a magic because turmeric works as anti-allergy and antiviral.
Recipe:Take ½ teaspoon of turmeric + ¼ teaspoon of black pepper + a drop of honey (honey is rich in antioxidants) mix all 3 ingredients in the warm milk.
This warm drink helps in faster recovery from cold and cough.
Medicinal extract: Extract the ginger juice and tulsi leaves.
Recipe:Boil half-inch grated ginger with a cup of water + add few tulsi leaves to the boiling water. Stir the extract and add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder + a drop of honey.
Consume it to get relief from a cough.
Take plenty of rest which helps to fight the virus and make you feel better.
Keep your head elevated on your pillow while resting to make breathing easier.
Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, which helps to loosen mucus and avoid dehydration.
Drink warm water.
Cold & Cough Prevention is better than cure especially during pregnancy:
Immune boosting foods:
Take immune boosting foods like dry fruits, almonds, spinach, oranges, kiwi, melon and green vegetables.
Prenatal Vitamins:
Taking your prenatal vitamin which contains vitamin B12, vitamin C, zinc, iron and so on will help in preventing cold symptoms.
(But don’t take any medicines or supplements without your doctor’s consultation).
Avoid anything that triggers your symptoms: like – if you are sensitive to house dust mites, pollution, smoking, alcohol smell, agarbhati smell, chemical fumes and paint smell.
Maintain good personal hygiene: Make sure you wash your hands before you eat and also cultivate the habit of washing fruits and vegetables with running water before you eat.
Keep nails short and trim them often in order to prevent the spread of germs.
Regular baths and wearing clean clothes are good hygiene practices.
Drink plenty of fluids: During the Winter period always boil water and store for drinking purposes.
Avoid refrigerated food: During winter if you are sensitive for cold items, then avoid refrigerated food and ice cubes.
Two vaccines are routinely recommended during pregnancy:
Flu (influenza) shot: The flu shot is recommended for women who are pregnant during flu season (October – May).
Tdap Vaccine: These vaccines are given to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis), which is safe during pregnancy.
Avoid close contact with a sick person.
Reduce Stress and get enough sleep.
Eat healthy and go for regular check-ups.
Consult gynecologist if you have symptoms of:
fever over 100 °F.
have severe pain when swallowing.
coughing up yellowish mucus.
experience nausea or vomiting.
decreased fetal movement.
if cold and cough lasts more than 1 week.
“Dear MoMsters incorporate our tips and stay healthy during pregnancy.
To encourage us, just share in the comments section below and also you are most welcome to give a few more safety tips for pregnant ladies”
“I have symptoms like sneezing, congestion, runny nose… but I’m pregnant! What is that? What to do?”
If you have such doubt, then it is more likely known as nasal congestion also called pregnancy rhinitis, which is congestion or a stuffy nose during pregnancy.
Dear MoMsters this is the common issue faced by 30% of pregnant women.
Today I’m going to share with you a few tips to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy.
Some experience nasal congestion due to high levels of the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone and few others experience congestion due to allergies, viruses (Viruses are almost impossible to avoid, especially in the winter).
But you may wonder how to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy! Can I take medicines to treat? Are medicines safe during pregnancy?
Chill… Let us clear your bunch of doubts….
When you consult gynaecologist they will prescribe few safe medicines, because only a few medicines can be used safely during pregnancy. However, to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid taking any medication to treat pregnancy rhinitis.
Manage Congestion/ ease symptoms by using some home remedies:
Saline nasal spray: It is a solution of sodium chloride and a form of nasal irrigation. This helps to relieve nasal congestion and is safe during pregnancy.
Use of Humidifier: Before using humidifier follow the cleaning instructions that come with your humidifier, because bacteria and molds can flourish in some humidifiers. Hence clean it daily. The humidifier helps to open up the nasal passages and allows you to breathe normally.
Steam Inhalation: Trust me it really loosens mucus in the nose and eases nasal congestion and sinus symptoms. Doing steam inhalation 3 times per day will help.
Warm drinks: Ginger milk helps to ease the symptoms.
Recipe: Boil half-inch grated ginger with a cup of water. Stir and mix the extract to the warm milk with a pinch of turmeric powder. This will be a soothing effect during congestion.
How to manage nasal congestion if their symptoms are due to allergies, viruses:
In general Saline nasal spray, Use of Humidifier, Steam inhalation, and Warm drinks will help.
Supporting with that taking your prenatal vitamin which contains vitamin B12, vitamin C, zinc, iron and so on will help in preventing cold symptoms.
(But don’t take any medicines or supplements without your doctor’s consultation).
Take immune boosting foods like dry fruits, spinach, oranges, kiwi, melon and green vegetables.
If your rhinitis is allergen-related then avoid anything that triggers your symptoms like – if you are sensitive to house dust mites, pollution, smoking, alcohol smell, agarbhati smell, chemical fumes, and paint smell.
Consult gynecologist if you are not able to control and if you have symptoms of:
fever over 100 °F
headache
Coughing up yellowish mucus.
Wheezing and
If nasal congestion lasts more than 1 week.
“So here I am done with my input my dear MoMsters, I hope this post was helpful.
I want to hear from you, please share in the comment section about your queries.”
Pregnancy has to deal with lots minor ailments. We have already published a blog post on Constipation today let’s talk about how to handle diarrhea during pregnancy.
Diarrhea is less common during pregnancy and is not the result of fluctuating hormones; generally diarrhea tends to be caused by something that originates outside the body.
“Diarrhea is nothing but the passage of loose or watery stools at least 3 or more times in a day (or more frequently than usual).”
Ok now let’s have a look on what puts any pregnant lady at risk of Diarrhea?
Virus / bacteria / stomach flu / intestinal parasites /food poisoning – If you suspect any of these people then contact doctor immediately. Medications: Sometimes prenatal Calcium / vitamin cause loose stools, in that case change of brands makes you feel better.
Dietary changes.
Eating foods that contain lots of sugar or alcohol.
If you not having a good pregnancy walks.
Had something uncooked.
My personnel experience:
I experienced diarrhea near my due date, which might be because our body prepares itself for labour. But that doesn’t mean your labour is very close, so don’t get alarmed. Some MoMsters will not even experience diarrhea, each mother’s experience will be different.
Action steps /Remedies for dealing with diarrhea: Pregnant women should talk to health professionals before consuming any herbal medicines/ home remedies.
In the Morning, drink ginger water: Add a few tablespoons of freshly grated or finely chopped ginger to a cup of water and boil for 5 minutes. This remedy helps to removes gastritis and reduces intensity of diarrhea.
Drink ajwain water: Add 1 teaspoon to a cup of boiling water. Stir, let it cool and then drink.
Take probiotics like curd.
ORS should be continued as long as diarrhea lasts.
Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body.
For dinner: have jeera rice which is good for easy digestion
Till loose motion stops try to avoid milk products.
Avoid colas, coffee, tea and other soft drink, high sugar in these drinks can draw water from your stomach, making diarrhea even worse.
Stay at home and get plenty of rest. Dear MoMsters even after implementing all of these elements and still struggling to recover, then you need to consult doctor for further investigation.
Note:
Do not take an antidiarrheal medication without consulting your doctor.
Please don’t lift weight.
Prevention: “Don’t get frighten by seeing the long list, in short these are very common precautions for your good health.”
Avoid junk food during pregnancy.
Drink plenty of water.
Consume more fruits, at least three servings a day.
Don’t lie down immediately after eating; go for a short walk which helps in proper digestion.
Use clean washroom; make sure the toilet seats, flush handles, taps are cleaned daily.
Do not eat foods from unhygienic place.
Do not drink juice or milkshake from outside vendors, because adding raw milk for the preparation of milkshake will leads to infection. Moreover avoid an ice cube which is made of tap water.
Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly rinsed in clean water.
Avoid raw or uncooked meat/egg.
Do not leave the left over food for next day.
Avoid fatty and spicy foods: because pregnant women are prone to acidity having those will increase the acidity.
When do I need to see a doctor? Generally Diarrhea doesn’t last as long and infact it is less common during pregnancy. Mild case isn’t anything to really worry about, but if you find you have severe diarrhea (more than 3 watery stools a day)
Stools that is bloody.
experiencing fever.
severe abdominal pain
Signs of dehydration
If you have any of these symptoms, then visit your doctor ASAP. Have a safe pregnancy. Hope this post is helpful…. Take care.”
Today I’m sharing my tips for how to handle constipation, one of the nastiest pregnancy symptoms. 🙁
Constipation is a common complaint during pregnancy and it is very uncomfortable. It occurs in about 11-40% of the women. By definition, Constipation is described as hard, a dry stool which is difficult /painful to pass out of the body.
Constipation treatment during pregnancy needs special attention due to concerns for the safety of the mother and child. For example, anthraquinone laxatives such as danthron are associated with congenital malformation etc.
Constipation cannot be managed by medication alone. Better short- and long-term outcomes are achieved with lifestyle changes, including a proper diet.
Understanding the symptoms of constipation:
A recent change in bowel habits
Straining
Bowel movements that feel incomplete
Lumpy or hard stools
Gas pains or a bloated abdomen
Loss of appetite
Let us understand the causes of constipation during pregnancy.
Here we go;
Constipation during pregnancy is mainly caused by hormonal changes. The increase in the progesterone hormone relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, which slows down the movement of food through the body, causing constipation.
Routine iron supplementation in the pregnant population.
Fetal development in late gestation can cause constipation.
Decreased physical activity during pregnancy.
and then, finally Constipation.
That means it is purely relay on an individual lifestyle, food, sleep, work pattern. The good news is that there are remedies for constipation, please go through it.
Safe Remedies
Drink plenty of water:
Proper hydration helps support your growing baby and also helps to prevent from constipation, so keep the water bottle handy, drink up and check your urine – pale yellow is a sign that you’re on the right track.
If possible drink one glass of warm water after you wake up from bed, trust me that’s a good habit to be healthy.
Eat more fibers:
It’s a great way to eat fresh fruits (pears, apples) after every meal and also include in your diet vegetables such as (beans, carrot, cauliflower, kohlrabi / nukal, spinach, peas), whole-grain cereals and legumes like lentils which helps to reduce constipation.
Regular safe exercise:
Keeping active is one of the single most important things, which helps increase muscle activity in your intestines to help your stool pass more easily. (I preferred doing safe household work during my pregnancy and I felt great – This included sweeping home, using the stairs instead of lift, after every meal a short walk with my husband for 15- 20 mins). But considering on safer side, avoid any activities that may put you at risk for falling or injury.
Is the consumption of probiotics helpful in constipation?
I would say yes, Probiotics are known as positive and friendly bacteria and includes two very famous types of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium which helps to improve gut health and soften stools.
Probiotics like yogurt, Yakult can alter the colonic flora and might improve bowel function.
Note:
If you strain to poo because of severe constipation, then it increases the risk of developing piles. Hence treat constipation before the symptoms worsen.
Go to the restroom when you feel the first urge.
If you are a lover of coffee, tea, and other soft drinks, then please avoid for your good health.
If you are taking iron supplements (used to treat anaemia) and found that makes you constipated, then request your doctor to prescribe a different brand.
When do you need to see a doctor?
If your constipation doesn’t improve with home remedies and lifestyle change or if you feel severe or sharp abdominal pain, particularly if you are also bloated, and if you find thin pencil-like stools, pain in your rectum then talk to your doctor immediately for further treatment.
Remember constipation can be the cause of piles, so if you notice anything uncommon in your bowel movements, do get it diagnosed.
So, MoMsters I hope this content might be helpful for you to understand and say goodbye to stress. 🙂
Now, I request you to share your valuable feedback… 🙂
Reference:
Sana Zahoor, Masroor Ellahi Babar, Muhammad Mohsin Javed, Tanveer Hussain. Constipation in pregnancy: causes and remedies: Progress in Nutrition 2018; Vol. 20, Supplement 1: 305-311.
Mirghafourvand M, Homayouni Rad A, Mohammad Alizadeh Charandabi S, Fardiazar Z, Shokri K. The Effect of Probiotic Yogurt on Constipation in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2016; 18(11):e39870.
