Benefits of Drinking Turmeric Milk During Pregnancy

The moment you come to know that you’re pregnant, the feeling brings a smile to your face. But, as you progress with your pregnancy, you’ll be surrounded with various discomforts. Feeling nauseous, tired, swollen, achy, worried, and sleep disrupted are some of the common challenges during pregnancy.

The intake of key nutrients through the food and drink that you eat and drink can help you deal with pregnancy challenges.

Amidst your smoothies, juices, and broths, don’t forget to include Turmeric milk in your pregnancy diet.

Turmeric or the “golden spice” has a history of 4000 years emerging from the Vedic culture of India, and over centuries it has worked as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effect.

So, now you’d be wondering how turmeric milk would do good to you as well as the baby growing up inside you.

Here are the benefits that you’d be expecting out of turmeric milk while you’re expecting:

Relieves heartburn

Studies have revealed that the bioactive compound found in turmeric, also known as curcumin will relieve you from heartburn during pregnancy. Along with this, the anti-inflammatory qualities in them help a lot.

Soothes bleeding gums

This is the result of the pesky pregnancy hormones. You may floss impeccably, and brush twice a day, but you find the gums bleeding during your pregnancy. This is yet another pregnancy challenge. A turmeric-based mouthwash or drinking turmeric milk can stop the gums from bleeding. The effective antimicrobial qualities of turmeric can prevent gingivitis and plaque.

Reduces joint pain

Joint pain is a common discomfort experienced during pregnancy, and it is primarily due to the extra burden the joints bear because of weight gain. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, making it a beneficial addition to your pregnancy diet.

Relief from sore throat

Since both the hormones and immunity are high during pregnancy, you’re more likely to suffer from cough, cold, chest congestion, and sore throat. According to Ayurvedic studies, just a teaspoon of grated turmeric or turmeric powder in boiled milk can give you relief from cough, cold, and sore throat.

Treats skin problems during pregnancy

Turmeric is believed to give a glow to the skin. So, drinking turmeric milk can reduce stretch marks, skin pigmentation, acne, and clear complexion.

Helps in reducing weight

You’d gain weight during your pregnancy, due to your baby’s development in your womb. So, turmeric milk can help in reducing your weight.

However, there is no specific dose mentioned by the healthcare practitioner. Having it in moderation is the key, thus preventing birth defects in the foetus as well as miscarriage.

Benefits of Drinking Turmeric Milk During Pregnancy

The moment you come to know that you’re pregnant, the feeling brings a smile to your face. But, as you progress with your pregnancy, you’ll be surrounded with various discomforts. Feeling nauseous, tired, swollen, achy, worried, and sleep disrupted are some of the common challenges during pregnancy.

The intake of key nutrients through the food and drink that you eat and drink can help you deal with pregnancy challenges.

Amidst your smoothies, juices, and broths, don’t forget to include Turmeric milk in your pregnancy diet.

Turmeric or the “golden spice” has a history of 4000 years emerging from the Vedic culture of India, and over centuries it has worked as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effect.

So, now you’d be wondering how turmeric milk would do good to you as well as the baby growing up inside you.

Here are the benefits that you’d be expecting out of turmeric milk while you’re expecting:

Relieves heartburn

Studies have revealed that the bioactive compound found in turmeric, also known as curcumin will relieve you from heartburn during pregnancy. Along with this, the anti-inflammatory qualities in them help a lot.

Soothes bleeding gums

This is the result of the pesky pregnancy hormones. You may floss impeccably, and brush twice a day, but you find the gums bleeding during your pregnancy. This is yet another pregnancy challenge. A turmeric-based mouthwash or drinking turmeric milk can stop the gums from bleeding. The effective antimicrobial qualities of turmeric can prevent gingivitis and plaque.

Reduces joint pain

Joint pain is a common discomfort experienced during pregnancy, and it is primarily due to the extra burden the joints bear because of weight gain. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, making it a beneficial addition to your pregnancy diet.

Relief from sore throat

Since both the hormones and immunity are high during pregnancy, you’re more likely to suffer from cough, cold, chest congestion, and sore throat. According to Ayurvedic studies, just a teaspoon of grated turmeric or turmeric powder in boiled milk can give you relief from cough, cold, and sore throat.

Treats skin problems during pregnancy

Turmeric is believed to give a glow to the skin. So, drinking turmeric milk can reduce stretch marks, skin pigmentation, acne, and clear complexion.

Helps in reducing weight

You’d gain weight during your pregnancy, due to your baby’s development in your womb. So, turmeric milk can help in reducing your weight.

However, there is no specific dose mentioned by the healthcare practitioner. Having it in moderation is the key, thus preventing birth defects in the foetus as well as miscarriage.

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.