Pregnancy

Green tea is a comforting beverage with many health benefits but moms-to-be often wonder if it's safe to have it during pregnancy. The good news is you don't have to worry too much. A few cups a day are fine. But if you go overboard, it could adversely impact folate levels, up the risk of miscarriage, and affect the birth weight of the baby. Drinking too many cups can also bring on headaches, dizziness, abdominal spasms, and even insomnia – side effects you don't want to reckon with when you are pregnant!

Snack on whole grain sandwich with grated cheese, mashed tuna, sardines or salmon; salad of leafy greens with nuts, beans, and pumpkin seeds. Drink a mango, pineapple, and apricot smoothie with 1/2 glass fresh pineapple juice, and half a mango. Also boiled eggs, low fat/fat free frozen yogurt, organic cranberries, baked potatoes, pumpkin seeds are healthy options.

Life is challenging for any new mom. But for 13 to 14 percent of women, there’s an added struggle – coping with postpartum depression. Typical treatment for postpartum depression includes antidepressants or cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. But if this feels daunting, you can try natural treatments like bright light therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, or homeopathic remedies like sepia or ignatia. Practicing yoga and pranayama regularly and Ayurvedic therapies like svedana and shirodhara can also help.

Wondering whether a second pregnancy means different symptoms or more of the same? Some distinct things like a visible baby bump and baby movements may crop up earlier while others like morning sickness can strike or skip you like before. Second-time moms tend to experience more aches and pains earlier on. Fatigue and emotional ups and downs are going to be a part of this pregnancy too. But on the upside, most second-time moms are mentally better prepared for what is to come, so take heart!

Organic red raspberry leaf tea is a herbal remedy often recommended in the last stages of pregnancy by nurse-midwives in the United States. The nutrients in it could help improve uterine muscle tone and prepare your body for labor, easing the birth of your baby. You may also experience a reduced need for interventions like a vacuum-assisted or forceps delivery, and the artificial rupture of membranes. But you should still be cautious and consult your doctor or midwife before you start using raspberry tea leaf.

About 1 gm ginger per day is safe during pregnancy. This anti-inflammatory herb, used in Ayurvedic medicines, works well for morning sickness, aids digestion, and can reduce arthritis or bursitis pain. You can have it fresh, as dried root powder, in tea, or in cooked dishes. Don't have ginger if you're on medicines to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood clotting.

While the exact effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy are still under the scanner, experts agree it's best to avoid it. Alcohol may impact a pregnancy depending on the quantity and type of alcohol, as well as how early in the pregnancy it is consumed. Babies who have been exposed to high amounts of alcohol in the womb can develop Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This is characterized by poor growth, delays in development, and abnormal facial features.

Loud noises during pregnancy can have a trail of negative impacts on the developing fetus. Constant exposure to noise above 120 decibels may cause hearing loss in the babies. Sudden loud noises can startle the baby leading to increased activity. Harsh noises also cause fetal abnormalities, reduced birth weight, preterm delivery, and can change the structure of the fetal brain.

Tomatoes have vitamin C and A, the two nutrients needed for a healthy immune system. They help in preventing many diseases, cancer, and the common cold. Vitamin C also improves iron absorption. Tomatoes also have lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects your heart. The potassium in tomatoes manages your blood pressure and keeps preeclampsia at bay. Tomatoes are acidic, so eat them in moderation if you are prone to heartburn.

As a popular beverage, orange juice is safe for pregnant women. It can prevent neural tube defects thanks to its high level of folate. If the orange juice is fortified with calcium, you’ll get extra protection against preeclampsia and bone problems. The potassium in orange juice also controls your blood pressure, while the vitamin C boosts your immunity. Even iron absorption will improve because of the vitamin C. If you have high blood sugar, avoid orange juice.

For most women, the first trimester of pregnancy is the most consuming! Everything is all so new, so exciting, and overwhelming. To satisfy the little voice inside your head that keeps asking questions, here’s a guide. Keep it handy. Week 1 Week 1: You’re actually not pregnant yet—the clock starts ticking from the[.....]

Besides all the joy and anticipation, pregnancy can also bring a lot of tension. All mothers-to-be have some questions and concerns. These questions are not only about changes to expect throughout her pregnancy, but also concerns regarding the care of her body to ensure the health of her unborn child. Below are important do’s[.....]

If you’re consuming ginseng tea or supplements during pregnancy, you might get diarrhea. The herb is also known to cause insomnia, disturbed sleep, and headaches in pregnant women. It can also pose a risk to both mother and baby by causing vaginal bleeding and lowering blood sugar. You may also possibly have a dry mouth after consuming ginseng.

Rooibos tea doesn’t have any caffeine, so it won’t disrupt your baby’s sleep cycle. It’s also full of aspalathin, a powerful antioxidant that will boost your immunity. Drink rooibos tea for natural stress relief, nausea and digestive problems. If you’re at risk for gestational diabetes, aspalathin will keep your blood glucose in check. Always check with your doctor before drinking a new herbal tea.

About 4 cups of ginger tea made with 1 gm ginger is safe during pregnancy. But it's best to ask your doctor. This caffeine-free drink can keep you hydrated and ease morning sickness. It can also improve digestion. Avoid ginger tea if you're on medication for high blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood thinning. If you're opting for a C-section, stop taking ginger tea closer to childbirth.