Summer do’s and don’ts for to-be-mothers

Posted on May 26, 2017May 26, 2017 by admin

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of a woman’s life. The feeling of nurturing a new life is priceless. But pregnancy comes with its own set of issues. And a harsh summer season just adds to your woes.
During pregnancy, your body temperature is slightly higher than normal due to the increased blood volume. The heat and the humidity further add to your discomfort. Here are a few guidelines to sail comfortably through the summer season during your pregnancy.

Do’s:

Stay hydrated: This is the most crucial thing to do in summers. During pregnancy, you are unable to eat or drink much due to the pressure on your stomach. Hence, keep sipping water continuously to stay hydrated. You can also go for homemade flavoured water. Other beverages like nimbu paani (fresh lime water), chaas (buttermilk) and aam panna also help you with hydration.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables provide you with the necessary nutrients required during each season. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, tomatoes, plums etc. are full of moisture and nutrients. Have them regularly.
Slather on the sunscreen: The high level of estrogen in your body during pregnancy makes you more susceptible to dark patches of skin called melasma. So, slather on the sunscreen to prevent such patches from appearing on your skin.
Choose safer sandals: I know that flip-flops seem like the ultimate footwear for hot summers. But they are the worst footwear to wear during pregnancy because they don’t offer any arch support. During pregnancy, you are carrying extra weight which puts pressure on your feet. So opt for comfortable footwear which offers good arch support.
Wear breathable fabrics: Wear light weight and breathable fabrics like cotton and mulmul. These help you to keep cool.
Stay cool: It is imperative to stay cool during this time. If you are a swimmer, go ahead and indulge in a cooling swim. Carry facial mists with you to spray on. This will instantly refresh and cool you. You can carry a spritzer filled with rose water for a refreshing feeling. You can carry wet tissues with you too.
Summer proof your office space: Stock things like extra water bottle, some healthy snacks and a hand fan maybe. Also keep a pair of your most comfortable shoes handy in office. Have a good cushion to support your back. Whenever you get time, try and elevate your feet for some time.
Exercise at cooler times during the day: Exercising during the hot time of the day can increase your discomfort.
Pamper yourself: Look your best during pregnancy. Go for your regular facials, manicure, pedicure or head massage. Avoid any kind of chemical treatments though.
Relax and rest: It is very important to lie down and rest during the day.
Stay happy: Happy mom equals to happy baby. The heat and the humidity along with your hormones tend to make you irritable. Try and indulge in relaxing and calming activities that make you happy.

Don’ts:

Don’t wear constrictive clothing: Too tight clothes will make you very uncomfortable and sweaty.
Avoid sodium: Avoid packaged and salty food. The excess sodium in these will lead to water retention and swelling in the body.
Stay away from too much sugar: Avoid too much sugar in any form. Stay away from sweets, bakery products and packaged juices.
Don’t eat for two: This myth of eating for two has long been busted. Yes, you do need extra calories, but you don’t have to double your intake. Have nutrient dense food and focus on nutrition more than calories.
Don’t go out in the sun during the mid day: The sun during the mid day is quite harsh and hence it is better to be avoided.
Don’t take any diuretic: Diuretics lead to a loss of many important electrolytes from the body. Hence, don’t take them unless suggested by your doctor.
Don’t stress: Stress is bad for you and your baby. So stay away from it.
Don’t take any medication on your own: Consult your doctor before consuming any medicine or even before using any topical creams.
Don’t compare: Each pregnancy is different, hence don’t compare your pregnancy with anybody else’s. This will give you undue stress.

Hope these pointers will help you sail through the summer like a song!

Stay healthy, Stay happy 

About Sarika:

Sarika is a diet and lifestyle consultant. She is very passionate about health and loves to help people be healthy the right way! She consults both online and offline. She is an avid blogger who writes informative articles about diet, nutrition and healthy recipes.

Pregnancy Fashion Tips

Posted on September 26, 2016October 6, 2016 by admin

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?

When it comes to dressing during pregnancy, comfort and style is the key. But what feels right in the 9^th 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:

1^st Trimester

Umbrella Tops

Style and simplicity are the key to a perfect 1^st 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.

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 2^nd trimester. Wear a tee with a belt right above the bump and pair it up with leggings. Comfortable yet stylish!

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!

2^nd Trimester

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.

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 2^nd 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.

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!

3^rd Trimester

Maxi dress

3^rd 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!

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.

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.

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!

Monsoon Pregnancy Care Tips & Precautions

Posted on July 21, 2016November 2, 2016 by admin

Monsoon is one of the most loved seasons in India. The thundering sky, heavy rains, making paper boats, and wearing raincoats, everything related to monsoon brings back happy memories. Monsoon is that time of the year when you should be more cautious about your health, especially if you are pregnant. While the monsoon gives relief from hot summer, allergies, other hazards are lurking around.

The gloomy weather not only sets the stage for mood swings (though for some it can be just the opposite) but also makes you susceptible to various infectious or communicable diseases with an already suppressed immune system.

Here are ways in which you can tackle the monsoons with ease :-

Increase your water intake:

Most people do not feel thirsty due to increase in humidity. During monsoons, you must keep yourself well hydrated and keep a count of your water intake. This will help you flush out toxins from the body. Drink purified or boiled water when you feel thirsty. Make it a habit to consciously drink at least 2 to 2.5 litres of water throughout the day.

Dressing for the season:

Humidity increases manifold during monsoons, this can cause excessive sweating. ‘So avoid wearing uncomfortable clothes, especially if you are in your last trimester. Make sure that you wear clothes that fit you well or are a bit loose around the tummy. Choose light cotton to go with the season,’ says Dr. Bandita Sinha, consultant gynecologist and obstetrician, SSD hospital, Mumbai.

Ensure optimal hygiene:

To keep you cool and fresh bathe at least twice daily. Keep a wet tissue handy to wipe off sweat and grime. Wash your hands, ideally with warm water before you eat or touch your food. Use a hand sanitizer instead if you are outdoors or at work.

Sanitize Your Home :

Pest Control your house during the monsoon to free your home from disease spreading insects like flies, cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes, etc. But, make sure you stay away during the process as the smoke with chemicals may affect your pregnancy in a negative way.Use a high quality disinfectant to clean your house and keep it germs free.

Pregnancy yoga:

While you are likely to stay indoors for most of the time, indulging in pregnancy yoga can be a good way to pass the time. Yoga during this time of the year can help you get through with minimal discomfort. It will also help child-birth and post-delivery stages. Read about yoga postures, exercise safety, and more – http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?cat=17

Keeping the above pregnancy tips in mind will ensure happy monsoon and healthy pregnancy. All to-be mothers take utmost care of yourself and make the best effort secure the future of their upcoming baby.

10 Awesome Things about Being Pregnant!

Posted on February 24, 2016April 20, 2016 by admin

Pregnancy is a huge turning point in your life that brings in a rush of mixed emotions! Your body goes through a lot of exciting changes and reactions which will be a nostalgic memory for the rest of your life. You are enjoying the attention and the extra care people are showing towards you but have you considered the other reasons that this journey will be unforgettable?

Here are 10 reasons to cherish pregnancy that every pregnant woman can relate to, we know you will have more to add to this list!

1] You have a secret that only you and your husband know!
Isn’t it exciting when you have to hide the ‘Big News’ from your friends and family until you are sure that you can disclose it? You have this uncontrollable blush when you face your loved ones and try your best to hide the news.
Before you disclose this exciting news to your family and friends, you should tell your spouse first! It’s also exciting to share this joyful news with your family in a creative way.
Here’s a link to try out some exciting ways – http://bit.ly/1XLX8DF

2] You Won’t Have To Do Any Heavy Lifting -
Once your family members find out you’re pregnant, they start making it a habit running around making sure your errands are completed while you sit in the comfort of your home!
Say goodbye to heavy physical work and enjoy your cup of tea while the others work.

3] You will always get a seat!
Leave all your worries behind when it comes to standing in a long queue at a ticket counter or worrying about getting a seat while travelling! Pregnant women will always be treated royally by everyone almost wherever you go.

4] Pregnancy spa and massages become the way of life!
If you are a woman who loves pampering yourself by booking an appointment at the nearest spa, this is the time to make most of it!
It also rejuvenates you and helps you get rid of physical and mental stress. Pregnancy massage is different from regular massage consult your OB/GYN before enrolling for sessions.
You have 9 months of these amazing visits!

5] Everyday day is a ‘Good Hair Day’
Your hair-fall decreases each day while you’re pregnant, which makes it appear thicker and voluminous.
Get rid of all those clips and rubber bands, and enjoy your bouncy tresses and flaunt them along with your adorable bump.

6] Yes, it’s time for a holiday – You get to go on a Maternity Leave!
Pack all the stuff on your office desk and say goodbye to your daily to-do list because now your daily task manager has only one task on it – Relax!
It’s time you enjoy your leaves and tick things off your bucket list!

7] Woohoo! – Did you feel the kick?
We often come across movies, articles and videos that talk about babies kicking inside a mother’s womb. However, it is the mother for whom this is a special moment. These foetal movements are the first steps that mark the beginning of the baby-mother bond.

8] No one is going to stop you from relishing your favourite food items –
During pregnancy, you will have various food cravings like pickles, tamarind, ice creams and candy, the list goes on. The best part about this phase is that no one will stop you from relishing them.

9] That proud moment of carrying “a life inside you!”
During pregnancy, you will know how it feels to carry life inside you; a living soul that beats within your womb. Such moments are a blessing that nothing in the world can replace.

10] You get to watch your beloved husband become a Dad–
Pregnancy not only brings changes into a woman’s life but also a man’s life. You see the to-be-dad transform from a man into a husband and finally into a father. Just like yours, his lifestyle also changes for the better. But more importantly, a baby on the way will be one of the crucial responsibilities you undertake together, helping you get closer and work as a team.

What To Pack For Delivery

Posted on February 19, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

On the day of your delivery, you have no time to think about what to carry along & the pre-requisites to be packed in the middle of all the excited hustle bustle!

Here’s a compact checklist to your rescue! Keep these items in your bag and you are sorted for your big day!

babycell

pregnancy checklist