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Rina Cruz published in Expecting, Lifestyle

Can I Keep a Pet During Pregnancy?

Most of us love pets because they are fun and make great companions. Some pets especially dogs even act as security, protecting us against burglars, murderers or armed robbers. You may have been used to keeping pets most of your life, but it’s important to think twice the moment you become pregnant. The big question many pregnant pet lovers ask is whether or not it’s safe to keep pets. Well, to tell the truth, there is no clear-cut answer to this question as there are several things to take into consideration.

First and foremost, some pets are associated with diseases such as toxoplasmosis, rabies, Lyme and Zoonotic diseases which are all dangerous for pregnant women. Besides, some of these illnesses can affect the unborn baby, leading to miscarriages, birth defects or even death.

There are also more reasons not to keep pets during pregnancy than just diseases and illnesses. Some pets can become aggressive to the extent of scratching, biting or harming you and your newborn.

In addition, pregnancy is a complex period that can easily result in sluggishness. The question now is; do you have the strength to take care of your pet(s) while you are pregnant? Note that some women have more energy and lesser complications during pregnancy. Therefore, you will probably care for your pet conveniently if you belong to this class of women.

There is no Yes or No response about keeping pets while you are pregnant. However, here are some safety tips for pregnant women with pets:

  • Ensure that your pets visit the vet for their vaccines and regular check-ups. This will help rule out and possibly handle illnesses that could be transmitted to you and your unborn baby.
  • Be cautious around large pets especially large dogs. They can jump and accidentally knock you down during pregnancy. Large pets can also hop on your newborn and suffocate them.
  • Prevent pet bites by being careful around them. Report any pet bites to your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Wash your hands as often as possible and use disposable gloves to dispose of your pet litter.
  • Hire someone else to clean and change your pet’s litter box.
  • Get rid of and dispose of dead pets as soon as possible. This is especially for pregnant women keeping fish as pets.
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Rina Cruz published in Expecting, Health

Is It Safe To Have an X-ray During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a complex phase that requires you to take great care of yourself by eating right, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, and also observing basic hygiene  to protect you and your unborn baby from infections. Pregnant women typically visit the hospital or health care providers several times from the first trimester until  when their baby is born.

Just like drugs, diagnostic x-rays and radiations in the abdominal area should be done with precaution during pregnancy. At some point in your pregnancy, your doctor may require a diagnostic x-ray to get important and life-saving information about your medical condition.

Of course, diagnostic X-rays have their risks, as they could cause harm to your unborn child but they can sometimes be unavoidable, especially if you show symptoms of life-threatening conditions that require immediate treatment. The truth is that X-rays can be paramount, especially if they will give your doctor pertinent information that is needed to treat you.

The risk of harming your unborn baby through an X-ray greatly depends on a few factors. X-rays performed on your legs, head, hands, teeth or chest will rarely pose any risk to your baby because your reproductive organs are not exposed to the direct X-ray beam. Besides, you will most likely wear a lead apron during the procedure to protect you against radiation. On the other hand, an abdominal x-ray can expose both your belly and unborn baby to the direct beam and this could be dangerous to your baby.

The extent of the damage on your unborn child will also depend on the gestational age of the pregnancy, and the amount of radiation it is exposed to. There are indications that exposure to high doses of radiation during the first two weeks of conception could cause a miscarriage, while exposure at two to eight weeks of pregnancy could result in fetal growth restrictions and birth defects. Your child could also be born with intellectual and learning disabilities if the unborn baby was exposed to radiation between eight to sixteen weeks of gestation.

The possibility of harming your unborn baby through an x-ray is slim and the benefits of a diagnostic x-ray by far outweighs the potential risk it could cause to your baby. That said, you should always express your concern to your doctor if he requests an x-ray while you are pregnant. Ask your doctor if the x-ray could be postponed or be modified to reduce radiation in a bid to protect your unborn baby. You should also talk to your health care provider if you had a diagnostic X-ray before you found out you were pregnant.

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admin published in Parenting, Parenting

5 Ways to Handle Horrible 3

Most parents may already be familiar with Terrible Twos behaviors, but do you know that dealing with a three-year-old child can also be really challenging?  At 3 years, most children are extremely disobedient and destructive, hence the term Horrible 3. If you think the tantrums will stop after two years, then you are mistaken as three years old can really be overbearing.

Well, you need to help your child go through all the developmental stages as growing up is a continuous process. Most of these deviant behaviors actually stem from the fact that these children are increasingly becoming more independent, expressive and aware of their environments. Here are some tips for handling Horrible 3.

  1.  Be engaged with your child

One of the tips of sailing through this phase is to be totally engaged with your child; giving him attention whenever the need arises. Children can really be sensitive and they turn to be frustrated when you seem distracted when they need your attention. The best way to give your child attention is to make a daily routine that includes your child’s mealtime, nap time, playtime and study time. By doing so, you will discipline yourself to give him undivided attention at just the right time.

  1.  Stay calm

Dealing with a child in the Horrible 3 stage is not the easiest thing to do. But you need to always stay calm, so you can correct situations in the best ways possible. You will be making matters worst by yelling at your child. The trick is therefore to stay put and communicate to your child in the most effective way. Remember that at 3 years, children copy a lot, and they will probably learn to be violent if you are verbally abusive to them.

  1.  Time out

Sometimes, you have to figure a way to punish a disobedient child, so that he can do better next time. Time out has been proven to be an effective way to make your child calm down and just chill for some time. However, you shouldn’t do this too often as you run the risk of making it ineffective.

  1.  Be consistent

Children typically learn by repeating tasks. This is why it’s important for you as a parent to set up a positive routine and continually try to follow them even if your three-year-old is trying to resist.  Set clear rules and be consistent in making your child follow them. For example, insist on washing hands after using the toilet and make sure you help your child follow this routine. Trust me, he will get used to it with time and will start doing it effortlessly.

  1.  Talk to your child

Although a three-year-old is still in the learning stage, he is able to use understand and repeat words. That’s why it’s imperative for you to always talk to your child so that he can in turn learn to talk to you rather than communicate with actions. For example, you can tell your child ‘baby, I understand you don’t like this toy, but destroying it isn’t going to help. It’s better to say ‘mummy, I don’t want this toy’.

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admin published in General Health, Parenting

What is the APGAR Score?

APGAR is a quick test that is usually performed on newborns when they are 1 and 5 minutes. old. These tests are often performed to assess the baby’s overall health condition. The test performed one minute after birth determines how well the baby tolerated labor whereas that performed at 5 minutes indicates how well the baby is thriving out of the womb.

The APGAR test particularly focuses on five major categories, including breathing effort (respiration), heart rate (pulse), muscle tone (activity), reflexes and skin color. For each category, the baby can score from zero (0) to two (2) points, depending on his condition. However, the overall APGAR test is ten (10), given that each category gives a maximum of two points.

The test is usually done by a doctor, nurse or midwife and points are awarded as follows:

Breathing/Respiratory

  •         Zero (0) point if the baby is not breathing at all
  •         One (1) point if the breathing is slow, irregular, and coupled with weak crying.
  •         Two (2) points if the infant cries well.

Heart rate / Pulse

  •         Zero (0) point if there is no heart activity
  •         One (1) point if the heartbeat is less than 100 per minute
  •         Two (2) points if the heartbeat is greater than 100 per minute.

Muscle tone / Activity

  •         Zero (0) point for loose and floppy muscles
  •         One (1) point for loose muscle activity
  •         Two points (2) for active movement.

Reflexes

  •         Zero (0) point if there is no reaction to simulation
  •         One point (1) if there is some facial movement and reaction to stimulation
  •         Two (2) points if there is crying, coughing, sneezing and ability to react to stimulation.

Skin Color

  •         Zero (0) point if the baby’s skin is pale, blue or bluish-grey
  •         One (1) point if the baby’s color is pink with blue extremities
  •         Two (2) points if the baby’s skin is pink all over.

An APGAR score of 7 is reassuring while a score of between 4 and 6 is considered moderately abnormal. Scores of 0 to 5 are extremely concerning and such babies often need interventions such as oxygen or could be transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Although the APGAR score determines how well the baby is thriving immediately after birth, it doesn’t reflect the baby’s overall health in the long run.

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admin published in Expecting, Labor & Delivery

5 Alternative Birthing Methods You May Consider

With advancements in medical technology, childbirth has become a lot safer for both the mother and the baby. So far, most hospitals have responded to the changes in trends and that explains why women can now choose the best birthing method that is safe and convenient for them. Although it is granted that an easy and perfectly executed birth plan is ideal, there can still be sudden twists and turns, which can sometimes necessitate alternative delivery methods. Besides, women also have the rights to opt for the best birthing method as long as it is affordable and also safe for them and for their babies. Now, let’s look at the five alternative birthing methods you may want to consider:

1) Vaginal birth

This birthing method is highly recommended for pregnant women who do not have any complications nor are at risk of developing one. Vaginal birth actually involves three stages which include labor, pushing the baby through the vagina, and finally delivering the placenta. Vaginal birth is not only safe, but it also associated with benefits such as lower rates of infections, quicker delivery, and shorter hospital stays. More so, babies born vaginally have a lower risk of developing respiratory problems.

 

2) Cesarean delivery (C-section)

A cesarean section is a birth method that involves the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the abdomen and uterus of the mother. Some C-sections are emergency as a result of unforeseen complications that may arise during vaginal delivery, whereas others are scheduled in advance. Some of the circumstances that can necessitate a C-Section include multiple babies, a baby who weighs more than normal, a baby in a breech or transverse position, or placenta trivia. With innovations in medicine, C-sections are currently very safe.

3) Water birth

Water birth is another alternative birthing method. It is simply vaginal delivery that takes place in a waist-deep bathtub of water or in a Jacuzzi.  A water birth comes with a relaxing feeling and also reduces pain considerably such that there is no need for an epidural. Water birth is safe for the mother and also poses no risk to the baby whose lungs remain collapsed until he or she is removed from the water.

4) Hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing involves training pregnant women to achieve complete relaxation right from labor until when the placenta is delivered. This method of birth involves courses alongside an instructor who teaches the mother-to-be self-hypnosis exercises that are geared towards eliminating the pain caused by labor. Through this method, mothers-to-be can easily stay focused and in control of the entire birthing process.

5) Home birth

This is a birthing method where mothers-to-be put to birth in the comforts of their homes. Even though home birth is safe, the American Pregnancy Association has excluded some groups of women from giving birth at home including the women who are suffering from certain health conditions like diabetes and chronic high blood.1 Women who are at risk of preterm labor or have experienced it in the past are also advised not to opt for a home birth. More so, you should not opt for a home birth if your partner is not fully in support of the idea.

Always discuss with your doctor before you make a decision on the birth plan.

 

Reference:

1) Home births. The American Pregnancy Organization Website. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/home-birth-652/. Last accessed April 22, 2021.

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admin published in BabyCare, Parenting

Teething and Fever

While your baby’s first tooth is certainly adorable, teething can be tedious for parents. There will be lots of crying, face rashes, drooling, gum irritation, and night waking. But do these symptoms point to a fever? Here are what parents need to know.

Does teething cause fever?

Teething starts around 4 to 6 months, which continues every so often until age 2 or 3. It is pretty common that babies may experience a slight temperature increase whenever they are teething. This temperature change might be due to gum inflammation as your baby’s first chompers cut through sensitive gum tissues.

In a study, researchers found the development of primary teeth is linked to an increase in temperature1, but it is not marked as fever.

Parents need to note this because if a baby develops an actual fever thinking that the culprit is teething may lead parents or doctors to miss a possible illness that needs urgent treatment.

How to tell if your baby is teething or sick?

All types of fever require immediate attention, so it is vital to examine your baby’s symptoms. Here is how to know if a temperature rise means teething or an illness.

  • A teething fever is typically less than 38 degrees Celsius
  • Inflamed gums
  • Drooling
  • Biting and chewing anything within reach
  • Mouth rash
  • Rubbing around their ears, cheeks, and mouth
  • Temporarily low appetite

These teething symptoms usually occur more during the growth of a baby’s primary incisors between 5 and 15 months of age and reduce as the infant gets older.

Do not panic if your baby starts experiencing teething fever. The fever will start about a day before the tooth cuts through the gums and goes away after it erupts.

Signs of illness in babies

It is common for babies to fall ill during teething—partly because open wounds in the gums make them more susceptible to infection. The following symptoms may show that your baby has an actual fever and it is best to visit your doctor.

  • Coughing
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Unexplained body rash
  • Diaper rash
  • Unusual drowsiness
  • Excessive crying

 

Teething symptoms and sickness are somewhat hard to differentiate. Your child can also be sick and teething at the same time. Always visit the pediatrician if you are not sure.

Reference:

1) Carla Massignan, Mariane Cardoso, André Luís Porporatti, et al. Signs and Symptoms of Primary Tooth Eruption: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2016, peds.2015-3501.

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admin published in Expecting, General Expecting

5 Natural Remedies for Cold During Pregnancy

Catching a cold during pregnancy is not pleasant at all. Typically, pregnant women are not susceptible to cold because a woman’s immune system tends to get stronger during pregnancy. However,  sore throat and runny nose along with other symptoms of cold can occur and cause extreme discomfort during pregnancy. Although over-the-counter medications can relieve symptoms of cold, they are not considered safe in pregnancy. The best way to relieve your symptoms while ensuring your baby is safe is to use natural remedies

The following are 5 safe and natural remedies for cold during pregnancy:

1) Drink plenty of fluids and rest

Hydrating is one of the best natural remedies for cold during pregnancy. Fluids help to relieve nasal congestion and improve metabolic activity to enable the body to defend itself more effectively against the cold. Warm water, smoothies, or broth work just fine. You’ll also need plenty of rest to allow your body to recover. Try to sleep for at least 8 hours a night and take at least two 20-minute naps during the day. Adequate rest boosts the immune system, allowing your body to combat cold-causing bacteria and viruses.

2) Garlic

Garlic contains cold-fighting compounds that can help get rid of cold in pregnancy. It’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties make it an effective remedy for cold-causing bacteria and viruses. Simply take two cloves of fresh garlic with warm water in the morning or peel a clove and suck on it for 5 minutes. You can also cook your meals with crushed garlic for cold-relieving benefits.

3) Honey and lemon

Honey and lemon is an effective combination of relieving cold during pregnancy. Honey soothes the throat while lemon helps to bust up congestion. Add a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of lemon juice to a glass of warm water. The vitamin C in lemon juice boosts your immune system to help the body defend itself against cold during pregnancy.

4) Get a massage

An antenatal massage improves blood circulation in the body and relieves tension to help the body defend itself against the cold. Besides, it prompts the body to release endorphins that work to boost your immune system to help you fight off cold during pregnancy. A combination of peppermint, lavender, and thyme essential oils work best to alleviate the symptoms of cold.  The massage should be done by a therapist who is certified in antenatal massage. After the massage, be sure to drink more fluids to replenish what was lost during the massage.

5) Herbal steam

Herbal steam made with thyme, rosemary, and oregano can help to open a blocked nose. Pour hot water into a large bowl or basin and add dry herbs. Drape a towel over your head and breathe deeply in the steam for 10 minutes. Herbal steam packs an anti-viral and antibacterial punch, and the hot water helps to release potent oils that relieve nasal congestion.

Should the cold symptoms persist, you should talk to a doctor as soon as possible for proper medication.

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admin published in Education, Parenting

What Type of Learner Is My Child?

Every child is unique and learns at his or her pace. While some children are fast bloomers who start learning how to talk and do other things early, other children can be late bloomers who take their time to learn. As a parent, it is imperative for you to take out time to understand how your child learns best so you can nurture them according to their full potential.

The first step to helping your child learn is to find out the type of learner he or she is. There are four main learning styles: visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinesthetic. Although many children can easily learn through a combination of two or more of these styles, they have one that works best for them. The trick is  to know your child’s preferred study method so that you can implement the right methods that will make him understand and retain whatever he has learned. Your goal should be to implement effective study methods that are geared towards complementing your child’s strengths instead of working against them.

Knowing the characteristics of each learning styles will enable you to identify the type of learner your child is. Visual learners typically excel in visual activities such as arts. They love books with illustrations and are good at recognizing as well as recalling words, people and places. Visual learners are mostly interested in the world and the objects around them. Moreover, they excel well when given examples of the tasks they are working on.

Auditory learners rather excel in auditory activities such as music. They perform well when following verbal instructions and they love singing and humming while playing or doing school work. An auditory learner enjoys conversing with others and always listens to all instructions before starting a task. In addition, auditory learners always ask many questions when working on tasks or activities.

On the other hand, reading/writing learners enjoy reading books and writing stories. They love to take notes down when working on a task. They love quiet spaces and are good at remembering whatever they have written.

Meanwhile, a kinesthetic learner excels more at physical and hands-on activities. They find it challenging sitting down while learning but rather enjoy active learning like drawing or study games.

It is your duty as a parent to know where your child falls and use the appropriate techniques that match your study needs.

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admin published in Education, Parenting

About Visual Learners

A visual learner is a child who learns effectively by reading or seeing pictures. Such a child learns by sight through primarily visual methods such as charts, maps, images, and graphics.

Visual learners actually prefer getting information about particular things by observing or reading rather than listening because they love seeing what they are learning. This explains why visual learners always ask their parents, guardians and teachers to show them whenever they want to learn something new.

Visual learners enjoy activities such as drawing, making posters and creating things with colors, rather than using words. The uniqueness of visual learners lies in the fact that they can close their eyes and visualize or remember whatever they have forgotten. Visual learners tend to find it challenging when they are taught with spoken words as they could easily be distracted by sounds. To tell the truth, visual learners are more attracted to colors and imaginary stories that paint perfect pictures.

Just like with other types of learners, visual learners can also learn through a combination of other learning styles. Some pro tips for learning as a visual learner include avoiding distractions during study time, using flashcards to learn new words, and drawing pictures that explain new concepts. It would be good to write down instructions, ideas or keywords before performing tasks.

As a parent, you need to implement the right methods to teach your child whom you have identified as a visual learner. Here are some powerful tips for teaching visual learners;

  • Label everything in your home including your furniture, kitchen utensils, shelves, doors, windows and etc. You can write these words on index cards and tape them to the objects. Rest assured that this will help your child to connect certain words with images mentally.
  • Use fun visual games to teach your child certain activities. You can search for interesting educative visual games online.
  • Encourage your visual learner to draw. For example, when reading a story to your child, you can encourage him to draw a picture of the story and summarize it to you. You can be sure that such drawings will help your child remember the main facts of the story you read.
  • Encourage them to make lists such as books, snacks and toy inventories. Most visual learners love making lists, which is a good thing because it makes them practice the art of writing and keeping.
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admin published in Expecting, Lifestyle

Caffeine During Pregnancy

Cаffеіnе is a drug found in thіngѕ lіkе coffee, tea, ѕоdа, сhосоlаtе аnd ѕоmе energy drіnkѕ and mеdісіnеѕ. It’ѕ a ѕtіmulаnt, whісh mеаnѕ іt can kеер you awake.

 

Hоw dоеѕ caffeine affect уоu and your baby during рrеgnаnсу?

Caffeine ѕlіghtlу increases your blооd рrеѕѕurе аnd hеаrt rаtе, аnd thе amount оf urіnе уоur body mаkеѕ. Cаffеіnе mау cause уоu tо feel jіttеrу, hаvе іndіgеѕtіоn оr have trouble sleeping. During рrеgnаnсу, уоu may bе especially sensitive to саffеіnе because it mау tаkе you longer to сlеаr it from уоur bоdу thаn іf уоu wеrеn’t pregnant.  It mау аlѕо mаkе уоu fееl nauseous or lіghthеаdеd.

When уоu hаvе caffeine during рrеgnаnсу, іt раѕѕеѕ through the placenta tо your baby. Thе рlасеntа grоwѕ іn уоur uterus (wоmb) and ѕuррlіеѕ the bаbу wіth fооd аnd oxygen through the umbilical соrd.

Yоu mау have hеаrd thаt tоо muсh саffеіnе саn саuѕе mіѕсаrrіаgе (when a bаbу dіеѕ іn thе wоmb bеfоrе 20 wееkѕ оf рrеgnаnсу), preterm birth (bіrth thаt happens bеfоrе 37 weeks оf рrеgnаnсу іѕ соmрlеtеd) or lоw birth wеіght (whеn уоur baby іѕ born wеіghіng lеѕѕ thаn 5 роundѕ, 8 ounces). Some ѕtudіеѕ say thіѕ іѕ true, аnd оthеrѕ dоn’t.

It’ѕ bеѕt tо lіmіt thе аmоunt уоu get tо 200 mіllіgrаmѕ each dау. This іѕ about thе аmоunt in 1½ 8-ounce cups оf coffee or оnе 12-оunсе cup оf соffее.  Bе ѕurе tо сhесk the ѕіzе оf your сuр to knоw how muсh саffеіnе уоu’rе gеttіng.

If уоu are pregnant or breastfeeding, consuming uр to 200mg a day іѕ safe for уоur baby.

The аррrоxіmаtе аmоuntѕ of саffеіnе found іn fооd аnd drіnkѕ are:

  • 1 сuр оf instant соffее: 60mg
  • 1 ѕhоt оf espresso coffee: 100mg
  • 1 сuр оf рlungеr соffее: 80mg
  • 1 сuр of tеа: 30mg
  • 375ml саn оf соlа: 49mg
  • 250ml саn оf еnеrgу drіnk: 80mg
  • 100g bаr оf mіlk chocolate: 20mg

 

Decaffeinated drinks usually соntаіn little оr nо саffеіnе. However, enеrgу drіnkѕ аrе nоt recommended durіng рrеgnаnсу аѕ it mау contain high lеvеlѕ of саffеіnе, аnd other ingredients not rесоmmеndеd fоr pregnant wоmеn.

 

Cаffеіnе іn раіnkіllеrѕ

Sоmе раіnkіllеrѕ іnсludе саffеіnе, including some tуреѕ оf раrасеtаmоl. Tablets that hаvе соmbіnеd paracetamol and саffеіnе аrе not recommended. Thе раtіеnt іnfоrmаtіоn leaflet wіll tеll уоu hоw muсh paracetamol and саffеіnе аrе іn еасh tаblеt. Fіnd out mоrе about раіnkіllеrѕ аnd рrеgnаnсу.

 

Caffeine and breastfeeding

The Amеrісаn Aсаdеmу of Pеdіаtrісѕ (AAP) says it’s ѕаfе fоr brеаѕtfееdіng mоmѕ to hаvе caffeine.1 A ѕmаll аmоunt оf саffеіnе dоеѕ get іntо brеаѕt mіlk, ѕо lіmіt саffеіnе іf уоu’rе breastfeeding. Brеаѕtfеd babies оf women whо drіnk more thаn 2 to 3 cups of соffее a day mау bесоmе more awake and fuѕѕу.  Yоu mау want to drіnk lеѕѕ саffеіnе іf уоur bаbу wаѕ born preterm or nеwbоrn because ѕhе may dіgеѕt саffеіnе mоrе ѕlоwlу.

Finally, always tаlk tо уоur midwife, рhаrmасіѕt оr hеаlthсаrе provider before tаkіng аnу medicines during рrеgnаnсу.

 

Reference:

1) Breastfeeding and Caffeine. Kellymom Website. https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/lifestyle/caffeine/.  Last accessed December 15, 2021.

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admin published in Health (3-6 yr), Parenting

Symptoms of Developmental Delay

Infant developmental stages aren’t the same for all kids. While some may reach developmental milestones earlier, other kids may take more time.

The time it takes for a kid to reach major development milestones depends on genetic factors, pregnancy complications, or even environmental setting.

When a child takes significantly more time to reach developmental milestones than other kids their age, the condition is usually referred to as developmental delay. It’s usually a scary experience for parents who mistake the condition to mean lower intelligence in their kids.

 

What is Developmental Delay?

Developmental delay is a minor or major delay in the development stages of a child. It refers to a condition that causes a child to fall behind their mates in performing developmental actions expected of them. There are many forms of developmental delay. Popular ones include language, cognitive skills, play, and social skills.

Noticing any form of developmental delay in a child can be depressing for parents. It shouldn’t be, however, detecting the condition early can help in managing or even curing a child of developmental delay.

 

Symptoms of Developmental Delays

The symptoms of developmental delay vary and may not be the same for all sufferers of this condition. The condition also shows up at different times; while some can be noticed during the infancy stage, some take a little longer to notice.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of developmental delays.

  1. Communication Difficulty

Communication starts from infancy and gradually develops with the baby. Children should be able to communicate in brief sentences by the time they are three.

If this isn’t the case, and they’re unable to communicate with their parents in face to face, it could be a sign of developmental delay.

  1. Cognitive Delays

This symptom of developmental delay takes a bit more time to notice but is usually more obvious than most other symptoms. It refers to a condition where a child takes much more time to acquire, manipulate, and analyze new information.

While this is usually characterized by poor performances in schoolwork, particularly reasoning-based tasks, poor performance isn’t always of developmental delay. It’s important to see a medical professional confirm the condition before jumping to conclusions.

 

How to Cure Developmental Delays

There is no known cure for the defect now, but there are therapies that can be used to minimize the negative effects, enabling affected kids to live a normal life like their peers.

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admin published in Expecting, Health

Breast Pain During Pregnancy

Breast pain can be normal during pregnancy. It’s one of those numerous changes a woman’s body goes through when she is pregnant. Hormonal changes are the leading causes of breast pain in pregnant women. The intensity of breast pain during pregnancy varies from one woman to another. You may feel it in one or both breasts, at a specific spot or all over, or moving towards your underarm. Breast pain may also be permanent or intermittent – coming and going away at intervals.

Breast pain can happen at any time during pregnancy but it’s most common during the first trimester as a result of sudden hormonal changes. This assertion can be backed by the fact that immediately after conception, your body starts preparing for breastfeeding by releasing large quantities of pregnancy hormones, including progesterone, estrogen and prolactin. These hormones cause additional blood flow to the chest, thereby resulting in bigger milk ducts, as well as extra fluids, tissue, and fat which could all cause breast pain.

During the first week of pregnancy, most women experience sensitive breasts which makes sex play and exercising difficult for them. The nipples are particularly very sensitive and tender in the early weeks of pregnancy. It is also not uncommon to experience a tingling sensation in the nipples and areolas during the first trimester. However, as the pregnancy advances, most women start experiencing heaviness and fullness in their breasts.

While breast pain can be normal during pregnancy, it could also be as a result of other conditions such as fibrocystic breast changes, the effects of certain medications and in extremely rare cases, breast cancer. You should therefore consult with your doctor if you start experiencing symptoms such as life-disrupting breast pain, nipple discharge, as well as redness, pus or fever.

Breast pain during pregnancy hardly requires treatment as it often goes away at some point in the pregnancy, a few weeks after childbirth or after lactating. However, it is with utmost importance for you to make lifestyle changes that will ease your breast pain during pregnancy. For example, you should consider ditching lacy underwire bras for full coverage cotton bras with wider shoulder straps. You should also consider wearing sports bras to bed if bed movements are irritating to your tender breasts and nipples.  Adding breast pads to protect your breasts, applying frozen gel or ice packs and taking warm soothing showers can also go a long way to relieve breast pain, swelling and tenderness during pregnancy.

If all these interventions fail, you could discuss with your doctor for medical interventions to ease the pain.

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