Everything you need to know about your first Trimester

Having a baby is one of the most joyous phase of a woman’s life. But no matter how well you plan for your baby’s arrival, you may not be fully prepared for all of the changes in your body. With some healthy advice, nothing would come to you as a surprise.

Here are a few things that you need to know about your first trimester that will ensure a smooth and sound journey.

The First Trimester:-

The first trimester of pregnancy is a roller coaster of physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that may make you feel like you have little or no control over your body. The first trimester starts from the 1st week of your pregnancy to the 12th or the 13th week. It is important to figure out your current week and calculate your due date accordingly.

Week one & two:

We count the first two weeks as the gestational period. Week one begins with the first day of your menstrual period. So at this point you are not carrying the baby yet.

Week three:

At this point, the miracle of life begins. Although many sperms may enter the outer layer, only one will reach the ovum and fertilise. Around this time the baby’s gender is also determined.

Week four:

This is when your test results will appear positive: You’re pregnant! You may feel bloated and moody. All your early symptoms start kicking in. Morning sickness will also start around the same time.

Week five:

By this time your baby’s heart is formed and divided into four chambers. Soon this heart will start pumping blood. Your baby is about a centimetre long and the development of major organs like liver and kidney begins during this time. You may start feeling fatigue during this time and you will also have the urge to pee frequently.

Week six:

By this time, your baby’s face is taking shape. Now the baby starts to grow a nose, eyes, ears, cheeks and chin. Sometimes the baby is even growing tiny hands and legs. Mood swings and tiredness take a toll over your body. Morning sickness becomes worse.

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Week seven:

The baby has started producing about one hundred new brain cells by this week. With the development of brain cells, the heart has become more complex. All the joints in the arms and legs of the baby are forming.  Along with morning sickness and fatigue, food aversions will also start affecting you. All these symptoms will last till your first trimester comes to an end. @thebump.com

Week eight:

By the eighth week the baby’s toes and fingers have slightly webbed. The baby starts moving his hands and legs too (But you can’t feel it). Your baby’s taste buds are now forming too. Besides other symptoms, early pregnancy cramps also start. Your tummy starts expanding, you may experience heart burn and bloating.

Week nine:

By this time the baby becomes a fetus from an embryo. The heartbeat of the baby becomes stronger and there are distinct facial features. You will be really moody during this phase and have gained a kg or two as well. http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=784

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Week ten:

In the tenth week, the baby has working arms and joints and his bones also start forming. All the vital organs start to function. Hair and nails start to grow by this time. The baby starts swallowing and kicking in there. The baby starts putting pressure on your organs, veins, muscles. You may feel really tired as the body is using all the energy to help the baby grow.

Week eleven:

You may not be able to feel it but the baby is moving comfortably.  It develops some skin and starts looking more like a baby. Tooth buds and hair follicles start growing.  You should try doing some exercise and relax your body during this phase.

Week twelve: 

In your 12th week, most of baby’s features are fully formed. The baby enters the growth phase. All organs and tissue start developing rapidly.

Here are few common experiences that you go through during your first trimester:

  1. Weight Gain and loss

During the first few weeks, your baby is very small. This means you will gain around 1-2 kgs. Sometimes, you could lose some weight due to morning sickness and a loss of appetite. In order to maintain a healthy weight, you should focus on maintaining a balanced diet and eat frequent meals.

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2. Fatigue

Feeling weak and tired is common symptom of your first trimester. Your metabolic rate during this time is way above normal. You could experience tremendous mood swings and hormonal changes during this period. Eating proper meals, consulting your doctor and taking multivitamins will help you overcome this feeling.

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3. Doctor Visits :

It’s always better to visit a gynaecologist before you plan your baby to ensure a healthy pregnancy and avoid complications. But once it’s confirmed that you are pregnant, it’s a must to see your doctor every week. This enables you to keep a check on you and your baby. There are also a few tests that need to be done in your first trimester. It is significant to ask your doctor about them and get them done in time.

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4. Food Aversions or Cravings

Food aversions are something that’s natural during your first trimester. During this time your digestion system slows down, resulting in a sense of repulsion toward food items that you once loved.

Cravings are the flip side of aversions. Although the cause is unknown, they may simply be your body’s way of telling you to eat what you can stand. It is advisable to check how healthy the food item that you are craving is, for before consuming it.

5. Morning Sickness

Nausea is typically an early warning sign of pregnancy. It may occur all through your first trimester, however the first few weeks are the most difficult. In this case consulting your doctor and asking them to prescribe you vitamins will provide some relief.

 

 

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  1. Heartburn

You might experience severe heartburn, especially during your first trimester. Heartburn, basically is a burning sensation in the oesophagus caused by stomach reflux. To avoid it, you can try eating frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. Avoid lying down immediately after eating something. Avoid eating food items that are spicy or greasy. http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=667

When it comes to pregnancy, it’s better to be wise. For more information, visit our blog today! http://13.126.47.98/blog_/

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

Cord Blood Stem Cells a perfect cure for Leukemia

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Cord Blood Banking allows you to preserve your newborn baby’s cord blood and use the stem cells found in it in future if a need arises. These stem cells can be used in the treatment of more than 80 diseased conditions. More conditions continue to be researched due to ever increasing stem cell preservation benefits.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of blood cells, which involves multiplication of malignant White Blood Cells (WBCs). These abnormal cells do not function in the same way as normal WBCs, they continue to grow, divide and accumulate very quickly eventually crowding out the normal blood cells leading to difficulty in fighting infections, controlling bleeding, and transporting oxygen.

Symptoms

Tiredness, easy bruising, and susceptibility to infections are the major symptoms. Acute leukemia requires fast and aggressive treatment.

Prevalence of Leukemia in India

In low- and middle-income countries more than 250,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year have limited access to curative treatment, and only about 25% survive. An estimated 67,870 deaths have resulted from blood cancer in 2015. According to a report from National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP), in India cancer is the 9th common cause of death among children between 5 to 14 years of age.

Table 1: Childhood Cancer Incidence in India (AAR: Age-adjusted rates of incidence) (Data source: NCRP report)

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Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplant – Cure for Leukemia

Normal blood cells develop from stem cells that have the potential to regenerate and form many cell types. Cord blood for transplants is collected from the umbilical cord after a newborn baby is delivered. The stem cells from this cord blood are extracted in a Cell Processing Centre and preserved in -196ᵒ C liquid nitrogen tanks for future use.

Stem cell transplants which use the patient’s own stem cells are called “autologous transplants”. One can even use donor stem cells, they may come from either a related or unrelated matched donor, and this is called an “allogeneic transplant”. Most transplant physicians would not want to use a baby’s own cord blood to treat his or her leukemia. This is because donor stem cells might better fight the leukemia than the child’s own stem cells. Considering the high prevalence of leukemia, cord blood stem cell preservation benefits and curative uses of cord blood stem cells, it is evident that cord blood stem cell banking is important. Babycell understands that every family should stand a chance to treat their children, to help such patients Babycell has a Sibling Program. In case you have a child diagnosed with a

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blood disorder your next baby’s cord blood stem cells can be used to cure your child under this Babycell collects, processes and stores your upcoming child’s cord blood stem cells free of cost for 5 years. Due to stem cell preservation benefits and development in technology it can definitely create a healthier, disease free society. Expecting parents must ensure that they opt for cord blood stem cell banking of their upcoming baby as this is one time opportunity. Babycell achieved its ISO certification in the first year itself; by the second year of operations they received GMP, GLP and GCP certifications. Babycell also provides value added services like new born screening (NBS), CFU assay- to test the ability of stem cells to differentiate, HLA testing, Father’s wellness program and more.

 

Fast facts about childhood cancer and stem cell transplantation

  • Cancer is the 9th common cause of death among children between 5 to 14 years of age in India
  • More than 250,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, Out of which there are 50,000 new childhood cancer cases in India Of these, 30-40% are leukemia and lymphomas, 20% are brain tumours and 1% retinoblastomas (eye cancer)
  • Only about 25% survive as they have limited access to curative treatment
  • An estimated 67,870 deaths have resulted from blood cancer in 2015
  • Prevalence of childhood cancer has doubled in last one decade. In 2006 childhood cancers were 2.5% of the total number of cancer cases and today, they add up to 5.5%. Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai alone treats 2,000 new pediatric cancer cases annually.

Current Treatment for childhood cancer

  • Current treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. These are expensive and a temporary solution with a chance of disease relapse.
  • Often a combination of Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Transplantation offers a 100% cure for childhood cancers.

Stem Cell Transplantation

  1. A stem cell transplant can take a few days or months to complete. The process begins with treatment of high doses of chemotherapy, this treatment goes on for a week or two. Once it is successfully done, patient is allowed to rest for a few days
  2. Patient then receives the stem cells through an IV catheter. This process is like receiving a blood transfusion. It takes 1 to 5 hours to receive all the stem cells.
  3. After receiving the stem cells, patient is set for a recovery phase. During this time the stem cells received to start making new blood cells.

Till date 1 million stem cell transplants are done worldwide,  more than 50% have been performed in children

Reference

  • http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Childhood-cancers-double-in-a-decade/articleshow/18411692.cms
  • http://www.cankidsindia.org/incidence-of-childhood-cancer.html
  • http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/stem-cell-transplant

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?

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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

  1. 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.

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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!

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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!

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2nd Trimester

  1. 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.

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  1. 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.

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  1. 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!

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3rd Trimester

  1. 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!

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  1. 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.

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  1. 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.

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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.

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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.

 


 

Benefits of Soothing Music during Pregnancy!

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Music is a solution to many problems. We celebrate our world by playing music. Music is a heart to heart language as it expresses a number of emotions without saying a single word. Have you ever thought that the baby in your womb can respond to soothing music? Sounds interesting right!

Playing music is an amazing way to connect with your unborn child. Wouldn’t you like to connect with your baby? We know the answer is obviously yes!

What kind of music you should listen to:

Remember that your unborn baby is still developing and playing loud music can disturb him/her. You can always go for classic, folk and instrumental music.  As per researchers, soothing music will release tension and will relax you and your baby.

It is advised by the doctors that listening to music at high volume and keeping the headphones over your belly can be harmful for your baby.

Here are a few interesting effects of soothing music:

Brings Positivity: Music is the door to positivity. Sometimes pregnancy can get stressful and in such conditions, it affects your and baby’s health. To reduce the stress levels, moms can go for an easy way to calm herself by listening to music.

Lullaby after Birth: Researchers say that babies do remember the music you played before child delivery and it will act as a lullaby after birth. So it will be easy for you to soothe your baby after birth.

Sharp Intelligence Level: During the developing stage, the minds of the babies who listen to music react to sounds better and can lead to heightened intelligence.

Babycell’s soothing music CDs

Listen to Babycell’s soothing music soundtrack while you’re pregnant. We aim to give you a relaxing atmosphere with these soothing music genre. The CD contains a variety of soothing music like Carnatic India music, relaxing and calming music for childbirth, piano music for labour, relaxing harp music, English nursery rhymes, numbers songs, ABC songs and many more.

 

 

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Dr. Shobha Venkat even suggests that mothers, in order to keep themselves hydrated, should drink enough water before breastfeeding the baby.

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The bond between a mother and baby is sacred and cannot be destroyed easily. Make sure all you mothers secure this bond forever.