Vitamin B6 Helps in Making You Healthy During Pregnancy: Know How?

Maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy is vital for the health of both the mother and the growing baby. This is because the mother's body requires all the essential minerals and vitamins to support the proper functioning of the body while nurturing another life inside.

Vitamin B6, among the other vitamins, is also known as pyridoxine, and that is a must-have during your pregnancy as your baby’s brain and nervous system are developing. In addition to supporting your baby's brain and nervous system development, Vitamin B6 also plays a crucial role in metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in your body. Moreover, it helps in creating red blood cells, which are necessary to carry oxygen to all parts of your body and your growing baby.

Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in neurotransmitter synthesis. What does it do?

• It passes on signals in between nerves
• It keeps the nerves safe
• Further promotes the sensory nerve functions

Vitamin B6 keeps your hormones in control

The pregnant body undergoes a lot of changes as a result of the soaring hormones.

• The body swells
• You’ll feel puckish
• You’ll feel emotionally high and even low

Vitamin B6 inclusion in the pregnancy diet

• Will reduce the risk of preeclampsia
• Will reduce the risk of preterm birth
• Will also help reduce the chances of lower birth weight of your baby
• Along with this, Vitamin B6 will reduce the chances of a high Apgar score

Vitamin B6 plays a supportive role in keeping the insulin and blood sugar levels under control

Insulin resistance during pregnancy can give rise to a few health conditions like gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension. It is important to intake enough nutrients to support the health of your growing baby, and Vitamin B6 can help in controlling insulin and blood sugar levels. This, in turn, can help prevent such health conditions during pregnancy.

As an antioxidant, it prevents the formation of reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end products.

Protein and carbohydrates are metabolized by vitamin B6 in the body. However, intake of excessive amounts of Vitamin B6 may be harmful, so include whole wheat grains, nuts, and seeds in your pregnancy diet.

Pregnancy Brisk Walking: How Is It Beneficial?

Including activities during your pregnancy regime like swimming, jogging, brisk walking, etc., reduces back and pelvic pain, improves fitness, reduces the risk of pregnancy complications, and keeps the weight in control. Out of all the exercises, brisk walking is a moderate and safe one during pregnancy. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend 150 minutes.

From the first stage of your pregnancy to the last, you’ll be endlessly benefitted by walking. The benefits are plenty.

Brisk walking improves sleep

Insomnia is common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes, tiredness, swelling, etc. Brisk walking can improve the quality of your sleep and can make you feel fresh.

Brisk walking reduces stress, and anxiety and improves mood

Physical activity transforms the brain chemicals to impact the mood. Brisk walking increases the blood flow to the brain and activates the “feel good” - endorphins and serotonin hormones, thus reducing pregnancy depression and anxiety.

Reduces pregnancy pain

As your belly grows in size, the center of gravity shifts. The change in the center of gravity and weight can impact your movement, standing, sitting, and sleeping. Sleeping in a bad posture, or standing for a long period can trigger pregnancy pain. There are chances of worsening the back pain.

Brisk walking combats constipation

It's common for pregnant women to experience constipation due to hormonal changes and the expanding uterus. The issue can worsen as the pregnancy progresses. Brisk walking can help combat constipation and improve overall digestive health during pregnancy. It's a safe and effective exercise to include in your pregnancy regime.

Brisk walking can keep your weight in control

Putting on weight, due to hormonal changes, diet, and the baby’s growth inside you is natural during pregnancy. Brisk walking regularly can help.

Brisk walking reduces pregnancy complications

Apart from reducing back and pelvic pain, improving fitness, and keeping the weight in control, it can also improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, combat constipation, and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.

Brisk walking improves overall health

Whether it is your energy during your pregnancy or better fitness, brisk walking is a reward for your overall health. But, even walking a lot may incur potential risks – strain, pain, and shortness of breath. No matter, how long you walk, always listen to your body.

Pregnant and Bored? What Should You Do to Make It Interesting?

Pregnancy is an incredible experience, but as time passes, you may start feeling restless and bored. The shift in routine and anticipation of your baby's arrival can leave you seeking ways to infuse excitement into this unique phase of life. Here are some creative strategies to transform idle moments into memorable experiences and make your pregnancy journey more enjoyable.

How to Deal with Challenges During Pregnancy

Embracing the journey of pregnancy brings unique challenges and moments of restlessness. Amidst the anticipation and physical changes, there are numerous ways to make this phase more engaging:

Connect with Friends

Schedule lunch or phone dates with friends, as after delivery, you have to take care of the baby, and time might be limited for in-depth conversations.

Explore New Avenues

Venture into unexplored territory by picking up books on diverse subjects or baby-friendly recipes to enhance your knowledge and culinary skills.

Organize and Simplify

Streamline your surroundings by decluttering and organizing spaces, fostering a serene environment and reducing future stress.

Self-Care

Treat yourself to a prenatal massage or indulge in a spa day to alleviate pregnancy discomforts and unwind.

Efficiency Shortcuts

Prepare freezer meals, and begin your babysitter search to ease the transition after your baby arrives.

Stay Active

With your doctor's approval, engage in new exercise routines like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga to boost energy and alleviate discomfort.

Creative Pursuits

Embark on hobbies such as gardening, painting, or journaling to infuse novelty and fulfillment.

Nurture Relationships

Prioritize quality time with your partner through romantic dinners and intimate moments.

Social Engagement

Attend social gatherings like kitty parties, luncheons, and theme celebrations for additional enjoyment.

Skill Development

Cultivate new skills or hobbies during maternity leave to relieve boredom.

Interior Design

Learn interior design styles to enhance your living space, especially your baby's room, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Embracing various activities can help combat pregnancy boredom and create a memorable experience. From cherished moments with loved ones to pursuing newfound interests, your journey through pregnancy can be a tapestry of joy and fulfillment. Incorporating these strategies can transform pregnancy into a time of excitement and enrichment as you prepare for the remarkable journey ahead.

Why Are Eye Examinations at an Infancy Stage Essential

Detecting and treating ocular disorders in children early is crucial to prevent long-term visual impairment. Regular eye examinations should commence during the newborn period and continue. These examinations aim to identify any structural abnormalities in the eyes, such as cataracts, corneal opacities, and ptosis, which are known to cause visual problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology all endorse assessing vision from birth. If an ocular abnormality is detected or a child fails the vision assessment, referring them to a pediatric ophthalmologist or an eye care specialist with appropriate expertise in treating pediatric patients is essential.

Vision screening schedule for infants

Your doctor will give you a vision screening schedule to follow.

Newborns

Upon birth, pediatricians need to conduct thorough eye examinations to detect any birth abnormalities, infections, cataracts, or glaucoma. Premature infants may require specialized examinations by an eye doctor immediately after birth.

Birth to six months

During this period, discuss any family history of childhood vision issues with your paediatrician. The doctor will examine the red reflex, which involves shining light through the pupil to assess the back of the eye. They will also assess the eye's size, shape, and external structures.

Six months and up

Pediatricians will continue to examine the red reflex, pupils, and external eye structures. Additionally, they will evaluate whether each of your child's eyes can track and follow objects or faces appropriately. The doctor will also watch for signs of strabismus, characterized by eye misalignment or a "wandering eye."

1 to 2 years

Around this age, instrument-based screening devices may be introduced for vision screening. These tools can include photo screeners and autorefractors, which are computer-automated devices utilizing light and cameras to evaluate your child's visual acuity.

Conclusion

If your child does not pass a vision screening, visit an eye doctor. The eye doctor will examine your child's eyes, which may involve dilating the pupils using eye drops. Following this, the eye doctor may suggest eyeglasses or other forms of treatment.

How Is It to Feel Your Baby Kick for the First Time?

Feeling your baby kick for the first time is an extraordinary milestone in any pregnancy journey. It is a cherished moment that creates an emotional bond between a mother and her unborn child.

The emotional and physical sensation of the first kick

As your pregnancy progresses, you eagerly await your baby's first movements. The anticipation and excitement build up, often accompanied by curiosity and wonder about what it will feel like. This anticipation adds to the emotional significance of the moment, making it even more special when it finally happens.

Physical

For many expectant mothers, the first movements are often described as gentle flutters or butterflies in the abdomen. These delicate sensations may be barely perceptible at first, and you may question whether it is your baby moving or just your imagination. It's common to mistake these initial movements for gas or digestion. However, as you become more attuned to your baby's patterns, you'll recognize them as unmistakable signs of life within you.

Emotional

Feeling your baby kick for the first time deepens the bond between you and your little one. It serves as a tangible reminder that a tiny human is growing and thriving inside you. Realizing you share an intimate connection with another life can evoke overwhelming emotions of joy, love, and protectiveness.

As your baby grows, the kicks and movements become stronger and more pronounced. What initially felt like flutters transform into distinct jabs, pokes, and rolls. You may even start noticing a regular pattern of activity, such as increased movement after meals or during certain times of the day. Each movement serves as a reassuring sign of your baby's well-being and continues to strengthen the bond between you and your little one.

The joy of feeling your baby kick is not limited to the mother. Partners, family members, and close friends can also share in the excitement. Inviting your loved ones to feel the baby's movements by placing their hands on your abdomen creates a sense of connection for everyone involved.

Conclusion

Feeling your baby kick for the first time is an extraordinary experience that evokes many emotions. From the initial flutters to the stronger kicks, each movement strengthens the bond between a mother and her unborn child.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection that causes blisters and sores. Caused by coxsackieviruses, it occurs in children under age five. Coxsackievirus transmits through direct contact with an infected person. It spreads through infected bodily fluids such as saliva, stool, and respiratory secretions.

Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

The main symptom of HFMD is blisters and sores. However, other symptoms include:

• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Sore throat
• Rashes on hands and soles of the feet
• Blisters inside the mouth
• Headache
• Irritability
• Drooling
• A general feeling of unwellness

Causes of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a contagious disease caused by the coxsackievirus. This virus is part of the Enterovirus family. The virus usually spreads from direct human-to-human contact. You may get exposed to the virus in the following ways:

• Shaking unwashed hands
• Coming in touch with a surface contaminated by faeces
• Through bodily fluids like saliva
• Fluid from the blister
• Respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing

Diagnosis of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Your doctor will diagnose Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease by physically examining the blisters. They will check inside the mouth and under the soles of the feet. They will also carefully check the palms and back. Your doctor may take a throat swab and a stool sample to confirm the virus's presence.

Treatment of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Often the Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease goes away on its own within a week or 10 days. It usually does not require any treatment. However, Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease symptoms can make your child uncomfortable. To alleviate the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe certain medications. Avoid giving aspirin to your child. The common medicines prescribed for Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease include:

• Ointments to soothe the rashes and blisters
• Pain medication to relieve headache
• Fever medicine
• Cough syrup for sore throat

Conclusion

Young children have the highest risk of getting HFMD. Risk increases if they attend daycare or school, as the virus can spread fast in these facilities. Children usually become immune to the disease after exposure to the virus that causes it. The condition rarely affects people over the age of 10 years. However, it is still possible for older children and adults to get the infection, significantly if they have weakened immune systems.

How Does Stress Impact Fertility?

Are you planning a family? If yes, you must know how stress can affect your chances of conceiving. It is common among couples undergoing fertility treatments to experience stress and anxiety. But, how stress affects fertility is still being researched. Here is what we know so far.

Stress and infertility coexist

Studies involving couples trying for a child have revealed that they experience elevated stress levels. Especially couples seeking fertility treatments are at the receiving end, as they know their condition and treatment promises only a certain chance of success. The studies show that the longer they undergo treatment, the higher the stress levels.

Fertility medications and stress

Another deterrent in accurately determining if stress causes infertility or it is the other way around is the medications used for fertility treatments. Some medications, such as gonadotrophins, lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression. When assessing these patients for stress, it is impossible to find out whether fertility medicines are causing stress or stress is causing infertility.

However, stress can affect decision-making abilities and overall health, thus delaying pregnancy in the following ways:

• Stress can make it impossible to objectively think about pregnancy and take the right steps toward conception.
• It can affect your relationship with your partner and impact your sexual relations, lowering the chances of conception.
• Stress affects your overall health and, in this way, too, can impair your ability to conceive quickly.
• Stress and anxiety levels may upset the body’s hormonal balance2, thus affecting fertility.

Simply put, stress can affect our body and mind in several ways, thus, affecting fertility too. Therefore, relaxing and taking things as they come is essential when trying to get pregnant. This will also help you enjoy an anxiety-free pregnancy when you succeed.

Is Swimming Safe During Pregnancy?

Swimming is one of the safest exercises you can do at any time and pregnancy is no exception. There are many reasons why you should continue swimming during pregnancy. Some of them are:

• Swimming is a low-impact exercise
• Gives you the effects of a good aerobic workout
• Offers a comprehensive muscle workout
• Improves blood circulation, enhancing oxygen reach throughout the body
• Cools down and refreshes your body
• Curbs fluid retention and swelling
• Helps manage weight gain

One of the biggest benefits of swimming is stress management. Swimming, like all exercises, releases endorphins that reduce the perception of pain and promote a sense of happiness and well-being, thus reducing stress levels.

Swimming During Pregnancy

Swimming is a low-impact exercise with negligible risk of falls. It is not likely that you will sustain any jerky or sudden movements that can damage your muscles or ligaments. If you pay enough attention when you are walking around, and getting in and out of the pool, this could be the safest exercise for you.

Since the water takes the burden of your increased weight, swimming can be relieving and easy to do compared to other exercises. This is especially true during advanced pregnancy. The risk of losing balance while exercising is also minimal here.

Tips for swimming during pregnancy

Any exercise that you do during pregnancy must be done with a little extra attention to ensure you and your baby are perfectly safe. Here are some simple tips to ensure this:

• Always use the poolside handholds while you are climbing in or out of the pool
• Warm up well before you start your laps and give yourself time to cool down after swimming
• Do not exert much. Only do as many laps as comfortable
• Arching your back is not good at this stage
• Backstroke can help if you suffer from back pain during the initial months
• Avoid tight-fitting swim clothes
• Stop immediately if you notice vaginal bleeding and go to your doctor at once

Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise for pregnant women. If you are a seasoned swimmer, there is no need to stop once you conceive. Even beginners can continue their swimming lessons but under expert supervision. Seek your doctor’s approval before continuing your swimming sessions. Stay active in the pool and you can stay fit through your pregnancy.

Thumb Sucking of a Baby: Is That Normal

Do you know that some babies start sucking their thumbs inside the womb? Sucking is a primary activity and a newborn reflex action. Sucking is their first step to eating and exploring. Most babies will suck their thumb as a toddler. Some babies may start sucking thumbs while they are infants, while others may start after six months of age. Thumb-sucking is harmless. However, as a parent try to wean them off this habit before they turn three years of age.

Reasons for Thumb Sucking

It is normal for your baby to suck their thumb. Here are some of the reasons why babies love to suck their thumbs.

• Sucking is a normal reflex action for babies
• Sucking calms your baby
• Infants suck their thumbs to indicate that they are hungry
• Infants can also suck their thumb when they are sleepy or bored
• Babies love to explore their surroundings by putting things in their mouths. Thumbs are right there on their hands, so they just put them inside their mouth

Are There Any Benefits of Thumb-sucking?

Thumb sucking is natural and usually harmless. Just make sure that your baby’s hands are clean. Also, make sure to trim their nails to prevent them from scratching their face. Thumb sucking is your baby’s natural way of calming themselves. When your baby feels irritated, hungry, or sleepy, they suck their thumb to self-soothe.

How to Wean Thumb-sucking?

Ideally, your baby should get rid of the habit of thumb-sucking before their permanent teeth come out. Dentists say that sucking the thumb after three years can interfere with the growth of their teeth and even disturb the alignment of teeth. Sucking the thumb can also alter the shape of the mouth. You should try to wean them off this habit before they start going to preschool. Here are some tips to help you:

• Explain to your child that they are growing up and thumb-sucking is for babies
• Use positive reinforcements when they abstain from thumb-sucking
• Provide small rewards
• Set time limits like no thumb-sucking an hour before bed
• Identify the triggers and remove them to reduce their tendency to suck their thumb
• Do not scold, shame, or criticize
• Gently remind them

Most babies get over this habit on their own. Some babies may take longer. Be patient with your child and let them take time to get rid of this habit. Avoid using any cruel method like putting bitter juice on their thumb. For some kids, a visit to the dentist helps.

Dealing With Pregnancy Nausea

Commonly called morning sickness, nausea and vomiting are among the first signs of pregnancy. It usually lasts the entire first trimester and gets better with the start of the second trimester. However, some moms-to-be may experience it throughout pregnancy. Severe morning sickness can affect your ability to eat healthily and carry on with your routine. While the exact cause of morning sickness is not clear, there are some ways to make you feel better.

Eat Small Meals

Instead of eating a full meal three times a day, break it up into smaller portions and eat it at intervals throughout the day. If necessary, cut down your food quantity at meal times and compensate by eating nutritious snacks in between meals.

Avoid Spice, Fat, and Caffeine

Excessive spice in your food causes heartburn and prompts nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Cut down the spice in your food to avoid this problem. Fatty, greasy foods are the biggest culprits when it comes to triggering morning sickness. Also, avoid caffeinated drinks as they release stomach acids that can make you feel nauseated.

Take Ample Rest

Fatigue can worsen symptoms of morning sickness. Get plenty of rest, especially at night. Take a nap mid-day if possible but avoid sleeping right after meals as this can increase the vomiting sensation.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen nausea and vomiting can make you more dehydrated. It is a vicious cycle. Ensure that you are drinking plenty of fluids. If you are unable to drink much water, switch to pure fruit juices or healthy liquids such as coconut water or buttermilk to keep your fluid intake adequate.

Extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and bigger problems for you and your baby. In case, the above-mentioned tips do not help you, reach out to your doctor.