Credits – @TreadMillReviewGuru
First Pregnancy Trimester
Credits – @TreadMillReviewGuru
Pregnancy checklist.
A baby is growing inside you, your body is changing, your hormones are jumping, and you are up for a great ride. There are plenty of things you can do to make this journey as safe and pleasurable as possible. Prepare for what’s about to come and prepare well. This pregnancy checklist will help you make your pregnancy fun, systematic and memorable:
Tips for the first trimester:
Take your prenatal vitamin and insurance for baby’s health:
As soon as you are overwhelmed by the news of pregnancy, start taking a prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid. This reduces the risk of neural-tube defects. Do a good research options for securing your upcoming baby’s health. One such move towards good health of your baby would be preserving his umbilical cord blood stem cells. Click here to read more about cord blood basics, benefits and umbilical cord blood stem cell banking facilities in India. Get all these questions answered well in advance.
Choose your Ob/Gynec:
It is time to look for an ob-gyn. If you don’t have one already, look for factors like proximity from your house, insurance coverage and which practice will best suit your perfect birth experience. Once you have chosen, book an appointment.
Schedule a check-up and take the tests:
In addition to your physical check-up, around the 10th week you will have an ultrasound to check the baby’s heartbeat. Verify the due date with your ob/gyn.
During week 11 and 14, pregnancy screenings are given for pregnancy related plasma protein, HCG and blood tests that determine the risk of Down syndrome and trisomy. No matter what, you must take these tests between weeks 11-15.
Tips for the second trimester:
Enrol in a childbirth education class:
This is your 12-15th week of pregnancy, you must enrol in a childbirth education class. The class goes on for 6 to 12 weeks and ideally you would want to finish by your 37th week, in case you go into labour early. This class should cover the labour and birth process, also breathing and comfort measures.
Discuss your maternity leave and Set up the baby’s room:
If you are a working professional you will have to inform your Supervisor or Boss about your pregnancy on time. Discuss your maternity leave and all prospects of how work will be handled when you are gone. Once this is done, focus on setting up your baby’s room. Setting up your little one’s room along with planning the furniture can take quite some time. It is better to start now and occupy yourself with the best thing ever.
http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?tag=baby-room-decoration
Take a peek at your baby:
Around week 20, you will have an ultrasound. This is the time you check the growth of the baby and make sure all organs are developing properly. This is probably the time when you find out the sex of your little one.
The birth plan discussion and a babymoon:
Start discussing a birth plan with your partner and family members. Decide whom you want beside you during the birth of the baby. If you wish to go for a babymoon and are craving it, now is the best time to do it. Don’t push it, go for it.
Take the glucose screening:
During week 26-28, take the glucose screening to test for gestational diabetes.
Tips for the third trimester:
Start shopping and have a baby shower:
Start shopping for things you will need in the hospital like nursing bras, night gowns, baby clothes, diapers and wipes. Have your baby shower ideally two weeks before your due date so that you can shop for the things that didn’t come as gifts.
Choose a baby nurse and get help for the kitchen:
Interview and choose a nurse for your baby. Choose the best one as this person will be with your baby in their earliest days of life. Ensure to talk to your family and partner to get assistance with cooking and household chores, so that you can focus on the baby completely.
Choose a paediatrician and pack your hospital bag:
It is the perfect time to go scouting for the best paediatrician for your child. Do a good research and choose the best doctor, a one that your child will adore and like visiting. At the same time, start packing your hospital bag with all the essentials you and the baby will need. http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=595
Read up about breastfeeding:
If you intend to breastfeed which is best for the baby, get yourself completely prepared. Read up in depth about breastfeeding and also involve your partner in this learning. Do have a conversation with your doctor regarding the same as they will be able to give you the best tips.
Live this journey of your baby growing inside you with immense joy and positivity. While you enjoy the ride and keep yourself happy, don’t miss out on one time opportunity for preserving your baby’s cord blood stem cells, ensure that you take a presentation from reputed stem cell banks in India. Enjoy your pregnancy, relax and keep this pregnancy checklist with you through the 9 months, it’s sure to stand by you like a long lost friend!
5 ways to deal with your child’s tantrums and how to ensure their safety
You’re standing in line at the store, almost about to pay the bill and ready to check out. For the fifth time in a row, your child asks for a piece of candy or a food pack. You’ve repeatedly said no, when suddenly, the tantrum starts! All parents have dealt with a similar situation.
For any parent, temper tantrums are one of the most stressful and frustrating things they will have to deal with, especially once your child hits the terrible twos. While every parent tries to avoid tantrums, there will be times when little ones simply cross all limits. Most of the times when this happens there isn’t much you can do as parents!
Here are five ways of handling these outbursts:
- Hold your ground
Keep repeating the same words or the instruction you want him to follow. Keep calm and have a poker face! Don’t lose control even if you have to repeat the same thing a number of times. For example- If your child wants to eat ice-cream every day, you repeat the same thing. “You can’t eat ice-cream everyday”. This way the child will understand that you mean what you say. Also, your child may or may not calm down right away, but he or she will remember that throwing a tantrum doesn’t lead to satisfactory results.
- Don’t lose your temper
As an adult, if you lose control over your child and start yelling, the child will see this type of behavior and start believing that something like this is acceptable at your house and follow the pattern. It is not always easy to stay calm and explain to your child, but that’s the best way a child will understand. Breathe, take some time off and cool yourself down before you go and talk to him. Raising your hand on your child is a big no as they may become more rebellious or might be scared of you.
- Try to understand his needs
This point focuses on toddlers who haven’t learned to speak or can’t express what they want. Your child’s tantrums aren’t always because he wants something; it could be for other reasons. He could be hurt or he might have some pain or digestion problem. Some kids are teething or need a diaper change, that’s when they yell and cry. It’s very common for children to be cranky when they are sleepy or hungry. Sometimes you need to fulfill their demands and their tantrums may subside.
- Give them a distraction
When you are out for a social gathering or a dinner, this is the best way to stop your child’s tantrums and also save yourself from some embarrassment. Keep a bag with toys, munchies or something that your child is fond off so they get distracted. If you catch it in time, it can even prevent a major breakdown. Since children aren’t very good multi-taskers they are bound to get distracted with something more amusing. To know more ways to distract your baby – http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=761
- Give an explanation, rather than just saying no!
Most parents just say “no” or “It’s not for you” or “because I said so” instead of giving a valid explanation for their comment. This lands up frustrating the child more than anything because he is confused and clueless. You don’t have to give an explanation, but just brief them why is it that they can’t get what they asked for. They will be able to make more sense in such times.
Ensure safety of your children is also an important point when he or she is busy throwing tantrums. Most of the children land up hurting themselves intentionally or unintentionally.
Here are few ways to ensure the safety of your child.
- Wait for the anger to cool down
The worst thing a parent can do is to instigate the child more when he is angry. Instead, wait for the child’s anger to cool down and then go and talk to him/ her. Sometimes when you instigate the child, they end up hurting themselves more because you don’t give them what they want.
2.Make him sit in a safe spot
Let the child be alone for a while, till his anger cools down. Leave them for some time in his bedroom or another safe place in the house where you feel comfortable leaving him or her alone for a little while is best. The spot should be free of distractions such as a computer, TV or handheld video game.
3.Avoid Triggers
Most of the reasons for a child’s tantrums are predictable and parents at a point are aware of it, such as homework or bedtime. They are usually things that parents make them do against their will. In such cases give them a hint beforehand or just find an alternative on how to get them to do it. This will avoid the tantrum and also keep your child safe before things get out of hand.
Pregnancy Fashion Tips
Pregnancy style can be a challenge. What does one do when they have to attend an evening party? What do you wear to a baby shower?
When it comes to dressing during pregnancy, comfort and style is the key. But what feels right in the 9th week may feel downright wrong by week 14 and what perfectly flatters your curves during the second trimester may become rather improper by the end of your pregnancy. Check out these simple hacks to up your pregnancy style quotient according to the trimester you are in:
1st Trimester
- Umbrella Tops
Style and simplicity are the key to a perfect 1st trimester outfit. To make this look more flattering, you can keep your top fitted on the shoulder. You can even show off some skin if you’re comfortable by wearing a halter Umbrella top.
2. Belted long tee with leggings
A belted long tee is casual and will perfectly help you flaunt your baby bump! This is the best way to dress casually during your 2nd trimester. Wear a tee with a belt right above the bump and pair it up with leggings. Comfortable yet stylish!
3. Over-sized Tops
An oversized top can never go wrong. Just put on this oversized tops with jeans or jeggings and you are good to go. If you want to hide about your pregnancy news in the first trimester this is one of the best option! They are even beneficial to hide your pooch post child delivery, too!
2nd Trimester
- Capes and Ponchos
You will love them now, you will love them post-pregnancy too. It’s one of best comfort clothing during your pregnancy. You can wear a poncho top or a cape style dress. You can also add some accessories to highlight the dress.
- Asymmetrical Dress
Asymmetrical dress are in fashion now a days and yes, you can make the full and the best use of them. Since, dresses are the most comfortable, this asymmetrical is just the right choice for your 2nd Trimester. It won’t make you feel conscious and also give you that daily casual look. You can also pair it up with accessories for special occasions.
- Maxi Skirt With Knotted Crop Top
A maxi skirt is the safest option as you can pair it up with anything and everything. It covers your lower body if you are scared to flaunt your baby bump. If paired with a nice crop top it can give you a casual look and if paired with a nice chiffon top which is tucked in it can give you a nice formal look too. Add a chunky neckpiece and you are good to go!
3rd Trimester
- Maxi dress
3rd trimester means showing off your baby bump and your curves. A Maxi dress is perfect for it.
It covers your spider veins and swollen ankles. A maxi dress is the perfect outfit or any and every occasion. Pair it up with the right accessories and there you are ready to fault your bump!
- Jeggings
Maternity jeggings are nearly as soft and stretchy as leggings. They are perfect for your 3rd trimester and also gives an enough breathing space for your bump! Pair it with a smart top depending on the occasion.
- Asymmetrical hemlines
One of the easiest picks is a casual asymmetrical hemline t-shirt that is higher on the front and longer on the sides. It won’t be tight on your bump but is stylish and comfortable and totally in trend! Pair them with leggings or jeggings and you have a comfortable yet trendy outfit.
Try on these different trends and see what works for you and your bump. Pick the outfits that you are most comfortable with, whether you want to flaunt the bump or be more reserved!
Baby Bathing Tutorial and Tips
We are certain that your new – born is the reason behind your smiley face and you are all readied to take day and night care of your baby. In this hustle don’t forget to miss out on your baby’s bathing essentials.
Here’s a rundown of required items, products, and techniques.
- Bathing Supplies: First step in bathing your baby is to gather all the essential baby bathing supplies. So before you begin, make a concise list, which includes soft towel and clothes, mild shampoo and soap, moisturiser, powder and a clean diaper.
- Water: If the baby is not 4 weeks old then you don’t need to give bath in a tub. You can simply give a sponge bath. For babies more than 4 weeks: fill the water in small wide bucket with about 3inch of mild warm water.
- Baby Grip: Hold your baby gently with a proper grip. Never leave your baby in the water alone, it can panic him and there are chances that water might enter into his ear and eyes. You can gradually place the baby in the tub, supporting her/his head, neck and back.
- Use mild soap and shampoo: Too much use of soap and water can dry your babies’ skin. Focus while applying the soap and shampoo since it can easily contact with your baby’s eye. This can create burning and itching sensation of his eyes. Start washing her/her head/ face area and then move to other parts of the body. Routine wash is suggested to wash private parts of your baby.
- Post bath: Wrap your baby in a soft towel to pat him/her dry. Later, you can apply baby lotion and powder. Your baby is now decked up for the day.
End the bathing process by giving a warm hug.
Things to remember while bathing your baby:
Caution! Caution! Caution!
- Never attempt to leave your baby alone in the water or under running water. The water can really get deep and the baby might drown.
- Before you put your baby in the water do check the temperature of the water. Too hot water can give burns to your baby, luke warm water is always preferable.
- Never try giving your baby a really cold water bath. Because babies tend to get cold & hypothermia quickly.
Breastfeeding Awareness Month
We all know that August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, but have people really understood the importance of breastfeeding a baby? Women today consider breastfeeding as unimportant and are starting to opt for the artificial option of bottle feeding instead.
Here are a few benefits of Breastfeeding your baby, which every mother should know –
1] Healthier Baby –
Mothers should breastfeed their baby as it leads to lesser chances of him/her getting pneumonia, cold and viruses. Certainly, it has been proven that breastfeeding your baby may reduce his/her chances of getting chronic conditions like type I diabetes, celiac disease and chronic disease. Breastfed babies also develop stronger bones in the future.
2] Decreased rate of Cancers –
It has been scientifically proven that women who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of developing breast cancer and it also helps mothers from shedding their post pregnancy weight quickly along with avoiding postpartum depression.
3] Baby Mother Bonding –
Breastfeeding your baby helps develop a stronger bond between the mother and the baby. The baby gets more familiar with his mother and it helps the baby in developing various tastes from the beginning. Apart from that, it’s also empowering for a mother to see her baby grow and thrive on her breastmilk.
4] Expert Advice – Experts in the medical industry have recommended and emphasized to every new mother the importance of breastfeeding her baby for atleast the first 6 months. Dr. Madhavi Latha, Lactation Specialist, suggests that new mothers who have a full-time job and don’t have enough time to breastfeed their baby should consider a breastfeeding pump to pump and store their milk, refrigerate it and then which can be consumed within 8 days.
Apart from that, Dr. Raghuram Malliah, says that pain is a part and parcel of motherhood. Mothers should know the trick of handling their baby with care while breastfeeding. Taking a day’s break can negatively impact the milk flow, instead of this they can restore the milk and feed later because mother’s milk digests sooner.
Dr. Shobha Venkat even suggests that mothers, in order to keep themselves hydrated, should drink enough water before breastfeeding the baby.
The bond between a mother and baby is sacred and cannot be destroyed easily. Make sure all you mothers secure this bond forever.
How to engage your little one with in-house activities during the monsoons!
After the scorching summers, the rains are a much-needed relief. Monsoons are fun! The refreshing smell in the air with the cool breeze, frogs croaking in the garden and butterflies are dancing in the lawn. While this is certainly something to cheer about, there is one problem! Babies and toddlers have to stay indoors. They can’t step out to play their usual evening games with their friends as parents are scared that they will catch infection during this time.
But let’s admit it. This season brings out the child inside anyone! Making paper boats and having competitions, warm cups of a chocolate milkshake or buying new colorful raincoats.
So make this season fun for your child as well. Here are different ways you can make your child’s most boring season, into something more joyful!
1] Art and craft:
Unleash your child’s creativity this monsoon. Let them explore their creative side. Get them innovative stationery like textured paper, colour pencils, crayons, etc. Teach them how to make items out of waste and old papers. It is also fun to try your hands on something imaginative. They will feel happy and encouraged. http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=401
2] Movie Time:
It’s also fun to watch some animated movies with some homemade popcorn and other snacks. Then why not enjoy the same with your child. Stack up few DVDs and snuggle up with your young one on the couch while watching fun baby movies like Baby’s Day Out or Heyy Baby. It will keep them occupied for a good amount of time and they will enjoy it too.
3] Cook together:
Some of our little one’s always enjoy pretending like they are the world’s best chefs. So, make their role play a real thing for them! It could be a family activity which you plan to do together and also at the same time teaching the young one something new. Teach them easy recipes like sandwich, salad or biscuit snackers which do not involve cooking with fire!
4] Card or Board Games:
Rains are the best time to get the cards and the board games outside. Instead of the child playing games alone on the tablets or the computer, the whole family can join in and play together! You can teach them games you played as a kid with your friends and family.
5] Story Time:
One of the best feelings in this pleasant climate is to sip hot coffee and read a book. So why not let your kids enjoy the same feeling? Indulge in some storytelling for your young one. You can get them animated and pictorial books to make it more interesting and fun for the child.
6] Water play at home:
Most parents don’t want to risk taking their child outside during the rains, but you can create the same environment for them inside the house, in a safer way. Set up an alternate water play at home. Collect some water in a tub or a bucket. They can make small paper boats and play inside the tub. This will keep them away from infection and make it enjoyable too!
Don’t let this season stop kids from having fun! Make it educational yet fun for them and something they will remember for a long time!
Monsoon Pregnancy Care Tips & Precautions
Monsoon is one of the most loved seasons in India. The thundering sky, heavy rains, making paper boats, and wearing raincoats, everything related to monsoon brings back happy memories. Monsoon is that time of the year when you should be more cautious about your health, especially if you are pregnant. While the monsoon gives relief from hot summer, allergies, other hazards are lurking around.
The gloomy weather not only sets the stage for mood swings (though for some it can be just the opposite) but also makes you susceptible to various infectious or communicable diseases with an already suppressed immune system.
Here are ways in which you can tackle the monsoons with ease :-
Increase your water intake:
Most people do not feel thirsty due to increase in humidity. During monsoons, you must keep yourself well hydrated and keep a count of your water intake. This will help you flush out toxins from the body. Drink purified or boiled water when you feel thirsty. Make it a habit to consciously drink at least 2 to 2.5 litres of water throughout the day.
Dressing for the season:
Humidity increases manifold during monsoons, this can cause excessive sweating. ‘So avoid wearing uncomfortable clothes, especially if you are in your last trimester. Make sure that you wear clothes that fit you well or are a bit loose around the tummy. Choose light cotton to go with the season,’ says Dr. Bandita Sinha, consultant gynecologist and obstetrician, SSD hospital, Mumbai.
Ensure optimal hygiene:
To keep you cool and fresh bathe at least twice daily. Keep a wet tissue handy to wipe off sweat and grime. Wash your hands, ideally with warm water before you eat or touch your food. Use a hand sanitizer instead if you are outdoors or at work.
Sanitize Your Home :
Pest Control your house during the monsoon to free your home from disease spreading insects like flies, cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes, etc. But, make sure you stay away during the process as the smoke with chemicals may affect your pregnancy in a negative way.Use a high quality disinfectant to clean your house and keep it germs free.
Pregnancy yoga:
While you are likely to stay indoors for most of the time, indulging in pregnancy yoga can be a good way to pass the time. Yoga during this time of the year can help you get through with minimal discomfort. It will also help child-birth and post-delivery stages. Read about yoga postures, exercise safety, and more – http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?cat=17
Keeping the above pregnancy tips in mind will ensure happy monsoon and healthy pregnancy. All to-be mothers take utmost care of yourself and make the best effort secure the future of their upcoming baby.
Stem Cell Banking and importance of HLA
Cord blood, which contains powerful stem cells, comes from a newborn’s umbilical cord and is collected immediately after birth. Once the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut, the remaining blood in the umbilical cord is drawn into a collection bag, which is then processed and preserved at -196 degree Celsius.
What makes cord blood cells different?
Cord blood stem cells are biologically younger and are more adaptable compared to adult stem cells from other sources like bone marrow. When saved, they have unique qualities and advantages:
| Comparison of Stem Cell Sources | Newborn | Adult | Embryonic |
| Ability to differentiate into various cell types | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| High proliferation capacity | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Low risk of tumor formation | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Low risk of viral contamination | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Capacity for autologous transplantation | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Established / proven treatment in human patients | ✓ | ✓ |
Stem cells can heal the body, promote recovery, and offer an enormous amount of therapeutic potential. Preserving cord blood stem cells “stops the clock” and protects the stem cells from aging and being exposed to environmental factors and common viruses that can decrease their function.
The effectiveness of cord blood stem cell therapy depends on many factors, with one of the most important being stem cell matching. Doctors determine stem cell matching based on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers. Passed down from parents to their children, these markers act like cell fingerprints, letting the immune system know which cells belong in the body and which cells are foreign to it. If a patient’s HLA markers exactly match those of the new stem cells being introduced, the patient’s body will readily accept the cells. If the HLA match is close but not perfect, chances are still favorable that the patient’s body will accept the cells. By storing cord blood from each child, parents can increase the chance of finding the best source for a match.
HLA means Human Leukocyte Antigens, which are found on the surface of various types of nucleated cells in the human body. In the human anatomy, they are akin to an “identity card”, inherited from one’s parents and could distinguish “self” and “nonself”, through which the wholeness of an individual can be maintained. Briefly, there are 6 HLA types: A, B, DQ and DR. Out of which A, B and DR play a critical role during cord blood transplants.A cord blood transplant is just as effective at curing patients with only a 4 out of 6 match (67% match) between donor and patient whereas for bone marrow transplant the patient and donor must match at all 6 parameters (100% match). The best potential for an HLA match is within the family. Each person inherits one A, B, DR antigen from each parent. Thus, we have 2 HLA-A antigens, 2 HLA-B antigens and 2 DR antigen which make up total 6 anitgens. In case of a Cord Blood Transplant 4/6 is a suitable match.
When an unrelated donor is sought the number of potential HLA combinations becomes so enormous that finding the patient’s exact HLA type may seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. HLA helps to understand the acceptance and recovery after transplantation on two factors
- Engraftment – Engraftment occurs when the donated cells that were transplanted begin to grow and make new cells.
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)-A post-transplant complication, GVHD occurs when the immune cells from the cord blood (the graft) attack the patient’s own immune cells.
Considering the benefits of cord blood stem cells, need of stem cell banking and importance of HLA at the time of preservation, it is recommended for to-be parents to wisely choose a stem cell bank that provides HLA Typing service at the time of preservation. Saving your child’s cord blood is an investment towards your family’s future health; thus, its benefits cannot be measured in financial terms. However, if one must make economic justifications, the cost of storing cord blood and tissue pales in comparison to the many expenses associated with raising a child today, such as the cost of child care and education. The potential return on investment in stem cell banking is paramount as it can save the lives of your loved ones.
Umbilical cord blood banking in India is emerging at very high pace and parents are realizing the potential of cord blood in curing previously incurable diseases. To know more about stem cells and umbilical cord blood banking in India visit – www.babycell.in