Pregnancy Alone Not a Risk for Mental Health Problems

By ashwin | February 3, 2010

Pregnancy Alone Not a Risk for Mental Health Problems

It has often been suggested that women who are pregnant are at a higher risk of mental health problems. It has also been suggested that pregnant women who have recently given birth are also at a higher risk for mental health disorders, which can indirectly or directly also harm their babies.

• However, research has proved otherwise. In fact, a study of pregnant women, as well as those who have recently given birth, shows them to be mentally much stronger and happier.

• Pregnant women had lower rates of alcohol intake than non-pregnant women.

• Pregnant women, except those who were suffering from major depression, had fewer and lesser mood disorders.

This proves that pregnancy alone is not a risk for mental health problems.

Categories of Women with Mental Health Problems

The research however revealed that those pregnant women, who were suffering from or were at risk for psychiatric disorders, had other factors which contributed to their vulnerability.

These were:

• Divorced or never married.

• Those aged between 18 and 25, and living alone or without a partner.

• Widowed.

• Separated.

• Those experiencing pregnancy or health complications

• Those with stressful lives.

• Unwanted or unplanned pregnancies.

Postpartum Depression

While a woman may have no mental disorder problems during pregnancy, she may suffer from post-partum blues after childbirth. These are also known as postpartum mood swings.

Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression

• Difficulty in concentrating.
• Difficulty in falling asleep.
• Loss of appetite.
• Feelings of depression alternating with feelings of happiness.
• Crying frequently.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious.
• Loss of motivation and energy.
• Not showing interest in the baby.

Who gets Post-partum Blues

Again, it has been found that certain categories of women are more vulnerable to post-partum blues:

• Those who have previously suffered from bouts of depression not related to pregnancy.
• Those who have had post-partum depression in previous pregnancies.
• Those who suffer from severe PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome)
• Those who are in a stressful relationship or marriage.
• Those who have very few friends or family members to talk to.
• Those who have gone through stressful health problems such as a difficult delivery or severe illness, during or after pregnancy.

Postpartum Depression Causes

It has been usually attributed to a change in the levels of certain hormones during pregnancy or after childbirth. These hormones affect the chemical balance in the brain, and trigger the release of certain chemicals, which may cause the ‘blues’.

How long do Postpartum Blues Last

Post-partum blues usually begin a few days after childbirth. They may last from a fortnight to about 6 months.

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Pregnancy Boosts Heart Attack Risk

By ashwin | February 3, 2010

Pregnancy Boosts Heart Attack Risk

In recent years, doctors have noticed a unique phenomenon – there has been a rise in heart attacks in young pregnant women. This goes against the commonly held belief that younger women don’t suffer from heart attacks, and has led to a rise in research, to determine if pregnancy can cause a heart attack.

Causes or Risks of Heart Attack in Pregnant Women

Not all women, or even a majority of pregnant women are at risk from a stroke or heart attack. Research has shown that certain tendencies could lead to a heart attack during pregnancy:

• One reason which may account for the increase in the number of women who are getting heart attacks during pregnancy is that these women became pregnant at a much later age. Most of these women were around 32 years, and some were even older.

• High blood pressure or hypertension during pregnancy could also put the woman in danger of heart disease.

• Obesity is another factor which could cause heart disease during pregnancy. Obesity could lead to hypertension and enhance the risk of a heart attack.

• Diabetes is another factor which could raise the chances of a heart attack in a young pregnant woman.

• Pregnant women with a high cholesterol level are also in the risk group.

• Excessive smoking or intake of alcohol during pregnancy could also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.

• Family history is another cause. Pregnant women who had a heart attack were found to have inherited the tendency.

• Stress, or rather the inability to handle stress is another factor leading to a heart attack in a pregnant women.

By and large, healthy women who were not obese, and led healthy, happy and active lives, controlled their intake of tobacco and alcohol, exercised normally, ate food that was rich in fiber and low in fats, were not at risk.

However, researchers also warned that doctors should not dismiss symptoms such as chest pain in a pregnant woman. The doctor needs to consider that it could be a heart attack.

What research is showing however is that women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy ran a greater chance of having a heart attack or stroke later in life, after the age of 40. This negates the belief that hypertension during pregnancy is a temporary problem with no adverse effects on health conditions in later life. The hypertension suffered during pregnancy often induces long term blood vessel and metabolic abnormalities, which may affect them later, after the age of 40, or after menopause. This would put them at an elevated risk of a heart attack.

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Abdominal Itchiness During Pregnancy

By ashwin | January 27, 2010

Abdominal Itchiness During Pregnancy

Itchy abdominal rash during pregnancy is very common. It is a frustrating but an inevitable side effect of pregnancy for many women. The itching begins when the abdomen begins to expand as the baby grows within and the skin of the stomach stretches. Also, the hormones surging through your body during pregnancy can cause itching. Liver enzymes also undergo changes and this can cause itching.

While some women might experience itching on their abdomen, others might experience the same in the palms of their hands or on the soles of their feet. This happens when the level of bile salts that are secreted from the liver, increase in the body.

Treating abdominal itching during pregnancy

• One of the best ways to treat itching or get relief for at least a short period is to apply a thick lotion or moisturizer. Keep the skin moist and well-hydrated to avoid itching.

• Avoid standing under a hot shower for a long time. The same tip applies to a hot soak too.

• Use a mild soap so that the skin does not feel too dry. And apply a lotion after you pat yourself dry after a bath. The skin is still soft and the lotion is easily absorbed during this time.

• A home remedy that some women try in order to get relief from itchiness is to mix oatmeal in water and soak in it. You can do this by grinding a pack of oatmeal and then mixing it in your bath water. Soak in this water for some time. Light some aromatherapy candles and listen to some soothing music while you do this.

• Check the clothes that you are wearing. Sometimes tight waistbands or itchy, synthetic fabrics can worsen the situation or trigger off a bout of itching. It is advisable to wear soft fabrics made with natural fibers. Wear loose clothes.

• Keep your entire abdominal area moisturized and use vitamin E enriched oil or Shea butter. You can also use Lanolin-based creams and lotions; however, do not use this if you are allergic to wool.

• A calamine lotion is good for soothing an itchy abdomen. The zinc oxide can protect the skin and can reduce the itching.

• You might want check the thermostat. Excessive warmth can worsen the itch.

• Do not scratch your abdomen, even if you are tempted in doing so. Scratching will cause more irritation.

• You may want to use a humidifier to keep your skin moist and well-hydrated.

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Baby Length Percentile

By ashwin | January 21, 2010

Baby Length Percentile

Look at any school class picture and you will notice that not all kids are of the same height. Some are tall, while the ones next to them may be short. Just as it is easy to compare children’s heights, it is easy to understand that children grow at a different pace. Genes and lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity play a vital role in determining the height of your child. Besides these factors, even sex or gender plays an important role in determining baby length percentile.

Starting with early pregnancy, babies grow at different rates until they are born and after; the numbers are just averages. Your baby’s weight and length will vary substantially, so do not worry if an ultrasound detects that your baby is smaller or larger than average.

To calculate your baby’s length percentile, you need to measure from the crown or top of your baby’s head to the rump or bottom until 20 weeks. This is because your baby’s legs are curled up to the torso for most of the time during pregnancy and it is difficult to get the actual measurement.

After 20 weeks, your baby’s length is measured from head to toe. During each check-up, the doctor will measure your baby’s height, weight, and head circumference. After measuring these, the doctor will compare the results with the national average of infants of same age and sex. With the result, the doctor will be in a position to tell you your baby’s percentile.

Normally, parents are quite worried with these percentiles, and these percentiles are most of the time blown out of proportion. But we need to understand that there are many factors that determine the baby’s statistics. No two babies are same, their gender, their rate of development, food and nutrition, genetics vary, and so do their percentiles. So, it is important that parents refrain from getting alarmed if their baby is either smaller or bigger than other babies in the same age group.

If you wish to measure the length of your baby at home, lay him/her down on a flat surface and stretch a measuring tape from her/his head to toe. To measure the head circumference, wrap the measuring tape around your baby’s head in such a way that the tape is above your baby’s eyebrows and falls right on your baby’s ears.

However, remember that your pediatrician will be in a better position to provide you with accurate results.

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Baby Percentile Calculator

By ashwin | January 21, 2010

Baby Percentile Calculator

Baby growth percentile calculations are an important aspect for all parents, friends, and relatives. The moment a baby is born, you are bombarded with questions like how does the baby look, what is the baby’s weight, and was it a normal delivery or a C-section.

Growth percentiles are religiously entered in a baby book every single month to keep a track of the baby’s growth and development, and to mark the important milestones in your baby’s life. It is natural to be curious about your baby’s development. It is fun to see your baby grow in terms of height and weight. Each of us wants to know if our baby will be tall or well built. Baby percentile calculators help you to determine how your baby is growing and what percentile your baby is.

To calculate this, you need to enter your baby’s age and gender, height, weight, and the head circumference. This will not only show you the baby’s growth but also determine his/her future growth rate. This will help you in keeping a track of your baby’s developments.

Do not get worried if your baby shows a slow growth rate. You need to understand that babies grow at different rates. Some may grow quickly and develop rapidly, while there may be some others who may be slow with regard to growth and development. Your baby tends to shed almost five to ten percent of their birth weight in the first few weeks after birth. This is because babies have extra fluids that they lose after birth. However, after losing this weight, they gain weight rapidly, and grow at a fast rate for the next couple of months. After completing six months of age, the growth of the baby depends on the characteristics inherited from its parents.

While calculating baby growth percentiles, you need to consider your baby’s birth weight as well. In case your baby was underweight at the time of birth, you need to calculate accordingly and vice-versa. Do not jump to any conclusion regarding your baby’s growth based on the percentile calculator. In case you have any doubts, consult your pediatrician and understand the problem, if any.

Since heredity and genetics also play a vital role when it comes to determining the baby’s growth percentile, consider your baby as an individual and seek the pediatrician’s help to provide the right nutrition to your baby to boost their growth percentile.

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Behavior Modification for Toddlers

By ashwin | January 21, 2010

Behavior Modification for Toddlers

It is a fact of life that toddlers are bound to misbehave. They may simply not listen to you, which, in turn, can send your blood pressure levels shooting. As a parent, it is very difficult to cope with such situations. In fact, tackling behavior can be as hard as predicting future behavior. Sometimes, your child may seem like an angel, while at other times, you may find him/her behaving like a perfect brat.

Behavior is a way in which individuals react to certain stimulus. This varies from person to person. While adults can be predictable, toddlers are difficult to be tackled. Behavior modification in toddlers is done using two techniques, using events that occur before a particular behavior and by means of observable behavior.

Toddlers may find it difficult to connect their actions to the corresponding ramifications, especially those that come after the event. You can either discipline your toddler by punishing him/her or by simply changing or modifying their behavior.

Reinforcements and punishments

“Spare the rod and spoil the child” is a well-known proverb that we have been learning as kids. However, it depends on how you punish the child rather than simply punishing the child. Please note that any kind of discipline method may be effective only if the child’s behavior is willful. Determining willful acts can be difficult for you.

It has been observed that when you hurt yourself while doing something, you tend to think twice before doing the same thing again. This is true with the children as well. They learn a lot by the trial and error method. They are curious and they wish to explore everything they can. If your toddler is about to break a toy, warn him/her that it they will feel sad afterwards; however, if they refuse to listen, let them proceed and learn it the hard way. This may sound ridiculous, but this is the most effective way to help them learn about actions and reactions.

You can also make them sit aside from the rest of the family to think over their actions if they have been naughty or destructive. Besides punishing, you can also try distracting them. This is most effective method to deal with a mischievous child. Remember, the more you say no, the more attractive it becomes. So if your child is doing something that is not acceptable, distract him/her with something that he/she loves doing.

Just as punishing is important for a wrong act, reinforcement like a pat on the back, a smile, or a small chocolate for the right thing will encourage positive behavior and curtail negative behavior to a large extent. Providing the toddler with moral education by way of moral story telling will also help modify behavior in them.

Remember that toddlers are difficult to deal with, but they are not impossible!

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Germinal Stage Of Pregnancy

By ashwin | January 21, 2010

Germinal Stage Of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is indeed an excellent time for the mother as well as her friends and family. It is an experience which has everything: joy, fear, curiosity, anxiety, and expectation. Pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks or nine months. These forty weeks are divided into distinct stages of development for both the mother-to-be and the unborn baby. These stages occur concurrently for both the mother and the baby, and it is exciting to know how these stages are designed.

Within a few months time, a single cell develops into an entire living person. Miraculous, isn’t it? It is very important that you understand the changes that your body goes through with each passing stage of pregnancy, and know what to expect so that it becomes easier to sail through any turbulent times that you may come across during these 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy starts with prenatal development or the development that occurs before birth. This first stage of pregnancy is a very rapid process. Understanding how your baby develops helps you value and nurture your pregnancy even more. Prenatal development occurs in three stages: germinal, embryonic, and fetal.

The germinal stage of pregnancy begins at the time of conception when the sperm fertilizes the egg. Both unite and form one zygote in your fallopian tubes. After fertilization, this zygote starts moving towards your uterus. It takes around one week for it to reach its destination. After reaching the uterus, cell division starts happening. It takes place rapidly and the cells develop into blastocysts. A blastocyst is made up of three layers - ectoderm which becomes the skin and nervous system, endoderm which becomes the digestive and respiratory system, and mesoderm which becomes the muscles and skeletal system.

Once the blastocyst arrives in your uterus, it attaches itself to the uterus and starts developing and growing for the next nine months. This is the most crucial stage of your pregnancy and you need to be very careful during this phase. This is mainly because the chances of having a miscarriage are high in this period until the time the blastocyst attaches itself to your uterus.

Each stage of pregnancy brings about a lot of changes in your body. Understanding these changes and knowing what to expect can make these 40 weeks of pregnancy easier and more joyful for you.

It is truly fascinating that what started out as a simple zygote can go on to become a beautiful baby nine months later.

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New Born Baby Growth Chart

By ashwin | January 21, 2010

New Born Baby Growth Chart

Are you worried about your new born? Monitoring your baby’s growth will help you know how well your baby is. Healthy growth and development is the main objective of parenting. Understanding your baby’s growth and maintaining a growth chart will help you maintain your baby’s health and his/her overall development.

A new born baby grows rapidly for the few months following birth. Your baby grows the most between two to twenty four weeks of age. However, babies are born with some extra fluid in their bodies, and it is normal for them to lose some ounces of weight in the first few days after their birth as the extra fluid is lost. Your baby is considered healthy if he/she loses seven to ten per cent of their birth weight. Your baby will regain the lost weight within the first two weeks of birth.

Your baby’s length increases by fifty per cent within the first year and also weighs half of the adult’s weight by two years of age. Your baby’s growth rate decreases while he/she completes six months of age and dips even further as she/he completes nine months of age. This decrease in growth will not accelerate until adolescence.

Maintaining a baby growth chart helps in comparing your baby’s weight and height. It also helps you keep a track of your baby’s head’s circumference. Monitoring the head circumference is the most important aspect that determines a baby’s growth. A head that grows too rapidly can indicate hydrocephalus or water in the brain. Similarly, a head that grows slowly may also indicate possible nutritional or developmental problem.

These measurements help you determine changes to your baby’s diet and other possible changes related to your baby’s physical and emotional status. You can also measure your baby’s growth at home. However, they may not give you accurate results. For example, you can measure your baby’s head circumference by wrapping a measuring tape around his/her head. The baby’s head is different from other parts of the body and does not develop completely until after they are born. Your baby’s head continues to grow till he/she completes one year of age.

Regular visits to the pediatrician will help you to maintain normal baby growth. You need to remember that each baby is different in terms of their body chemistry, heredity, and diet. These percentile charts, growth charts, measurements are only guides for the doctor to evaluate your baby’s growth.

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Toddler Bronchitis Symptoms

By ashwin | January 21, 2010

Toddler Bronchitis Symptoms

Cough, cough, cough… Does your child spend sleepless nights because of this persistent cough? Coughing is a way of clearing up the air passage when the child faces an obstacle while breathing. However, when there is an infection in the main air passages of the upper lungs caused by a virus or bacteria, it is termed as bronchitis. Toddler Bronchitis is not a very serious condition and is easily curable.

How To Identify Toddler Bronchitis

Generally, we parents tend to get worried the moment we hear the word bronchitis as we are under the impression that it is some serious disease. However, this is just a misconception. Bronchitis is curable and is just like any other viral or bacterial infection. Here is how you can identify if your child is suffering from bronchitis.

• Coughing with a rattling sound
• Spitting of yellow or green colored mucus
• If your child complains of chest pain while coughing
• Rattling breathing sound
• Sore throat

Treatment for Toddler Bronchitis

If your child is running more than 101 degrees fever, coughing with a rattling sound, and spitting mucus, you need to take him/her to a doctor. This is probably a bacterial infection. A short course of antibiotics will take care of it and provide relief to your child.

Home Remedies for Toddler Bronchitis

Here are some home remedies you can put into use along with the medication prescribed by your doctor:

• Steam: Make your bathroom steamy by running a hot shower with the doors closed. Make your child sit in the bathroom for 20 minutes every day. This will clear the respiratory tract and provide relief to your child.

• Chest pounding: Pounding the chest, sides, and upper back lightly several times while steaming will relieve chest pain.

• Administering a cough suppressant: Administering a cough suppressant prescribed by the doctor will help in suppressing the cough, and in turn, help your child sleep peacefully.

• Keep your child hydrated. Give your child plenty of fluids so that he/she is very well hydrated. This helps relieve congestion and also prevent dehydration.

• Prop your child up while he is resting and sleeping to make breathing easy for him.

• Encourage your child to get plenty of rest. Dust, smoke, and cold weather may aggravate the situation. So provide him/her with a warm, smoke and dust free clean room.

• Try saline nasal drops to relieve nasal blockage, if any.
Prevention is better than cure. Good nutrition, good hygiene, adequate sleep and staying away from those who are ill can protect your child from this malady

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Toddler Fracture Treatment

By ashwin | January 21, 2010

Toddler Fracture Treatment

Toddlers love to run, climb, and jump, and when they do these, they often fall and get hurt. Many a times, they escape with a minor bruise, and at times, it is a muscle pull. However, sometimes, it can be a ligament injury and or a bone fracture.

A fracture happens when the bone cracks but does not break. There are many types of Toddler fractures, and each fracture has to be treated differently. Fractures are very common in children. Unlike adults, children are more prone to fractures than sprains. The reason behind this is that children, especially toddlers, have fibrous ligaments that are stronger than the growing parts of their bones.

A broken finger is often caused because of a blow to the finger. A fracture in the upper arm is the result of falling backwards and breaking the fall with the elbow. Similarly a broken wrist or lower arm is a result of falling forward and breaking the fall with an outstretched hand. This is the most common form of fractures in toddlers.

Fractures in the legs are the result of falling during play. Ankle fractures are again very common among toddlers. They may often be mistaken as a minor sprain. Since the growing parts of the bones are weaker than the fibrous ligaments, this type of simple fall can cause a fracture in children, albeit it may lead to only a sprain in adults.

How to Identify a Toddler Fracture

You can tell whether that your toddler has suffered a fracture by observing the following signs:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Bruising
• Difficulty in moving the affected limb

Please note that the healing time depends on the location and severity of the fracture. The doctor can determine the severity of the fracture by taking an X-ray.

Treating fractures in toddlers

Children’s bones heal quickly and in a much better way as compared to those of adults. Most types of fractures heal on their own by using techniques like immobilization in a cast or splint. On the other hand, fractures in toes or fingers may heal with the help of buddy taping, wherein the broken digit next to it is taped for stabilization.

On rare occasions, fractures may need realignment, wherein the bones may be required to be realigned. In such cases, surgery may be required to realign the bones or to stabilize them. This is very rare condition in children and is more frequent in adults.

You can prevent fractures by providing your children with safety equipment and by having good adult supervision as the young tots play. If your child loves climbing windows, ensure that they are sturdy and will not fall apart the moment your child climbs onto them. By following such simple tips, you can avoid fractures, and your toddler can enjoy playtime properly and to the fullest.

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