Posts Tagged external changes
Baby Care – Baby’s Temperature
Posted by in Babies on March 3rd, 2010
A newborn baby is unable to control body heat as efficiently as an older child. External changes in temperature can vary a baby’s body temperature considerably. Unless a baby is kept adequately warm, he or she could suffer from hypothermia. This does not mean that the parents must constantly check the baby’s temperature with a thermometer, but they must be aware of potentially dangerous situations.
Cold. A baby’s bedroom must be maintained at a temperature of at least 65ºF (18.3ºC). The room should be kept slightly warmer (68º-70ºF) for babies under eight pounds. A thermostat heater is an efficient method of keeping the room warm throughout the night. During the winter, warm the baby’s crib with a hot water bottle before placing him or her in it, but remember to remove the bottle first. Never use an electric blanket on a baby’s bed. Also, before putting the baby to bed, cuddle him or her. A tiny baby does not move during the night and is unlikely to warm up. A cuddle before bed warms the baby.
Heat. During hot summer weather a baby should wear light, loosely fitting, cool clothing. As long as he or she is protected from direct sun, the baby can lie outside in nothing but a diaper. Overdressing, causing overheating, is one of the most common reasons for irritable babies during the summer.
Never leave a small baby unattended in a car. This is especially important during the summer, especially if the car is in direct sun, because the baby can become dangerously overheated. A baby under the age of three months is unable to lose excess heat.
During car journeys, check frequently to make sure that the sun is not shining directly on the baby. Also, protect the baby’s head from the sun.
Illness. When a baby becomes ill, he or she may or may not have a temperature above normal. A reading from a thermometer is an inaccurate guide to a baby’s state of health. Other warning signs also must be considered.
The most common noticeable signs that a baby has an infection or illness are a sudden loss of appetite; irritability or lethargy; and vomiting or diarrhea. These signs are a more accurate indication than a temperature reading.
However, during an illness the physician may ask the parent to monitor the baby’s temperature. It is dangerous to place a thermometer in a baby’s mouth and difficult to keep one underneath a baby’s arm for a sufficient length of time. The safest way to take the baby’s temperature is with a rectal thermometer.
A rectal thermometer has a rounded, stub end. This type of thermometer can be used for taking oral temperatures as well, so when buying a thermometer, buy a rectal one.
Finally, do not keep a baby’s room too hot if he or she is ill. If the baby has a high temperature, keep him or her covered with light clothes and a sheet. The physician may recommend sponging with tepid water to keep the baby’s temperature down.
Rectal Temperature. Make sure that the mercury ribbon is first shaken below the thermometer’s normal mark. Then take the baby’s rectal temperature using the method described below.
It usually takes three to five minutes for a rectal thermometer to register the body temperature. Although the normal body temperature varies from person to person, the average is 98.6ºF (37ºC) for an oral temperature, and 99.6ºF (37.6ºC) for a rectal temperature.
Wash the thermometer carefully after use with cool water and soap. An alcohol pad, available at drugstores, is also acceptable for cleaning thermometers. Never use hot water because this will break the bulb.
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Article Source: Baby Care – Baby’s Temperature
Finding Relief for Gas and Bloating during Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 29th, 2009
As if the stress of pregnancy weren’t enough, pregnant women find that their bodies go through some rather drastic changes during this period. Aside from obvious external changes like weight gain and swelling, many women also suffer from changes to their internal systems. One of the most impacted is the digestive system. Morning sickness, in the form of nausea and vomiting affects a great many, as does diarrhea. Many women also find that they produce excess gas during pregnancy and that in addition, there may also be some bloating during pregnancy.
Fortunately, there are some simple and natural ways for women to cope with gas during pregnancy. One simple solution that people overlook is to chew food properly before swallowing. Your mouth is where carbohydrate digestion begins. If not started properly, the stomach will have to do more work later. This leads to improper absorption of carbohydrates, which causes bacteria in the colon to create gas. With gas, comes bloating during pregnancy, and the combination can be very uncomfortable.
Consuming an excess of high-fat foods can also lead to gas during pregnancy. This is caused by many of the same factors as improper digestion of carbohydrates. If the body is overloaded on fat, excess bacteria create gas in an attempt to restore balance. Do your best to decrease your consumption of foods high in fat. Try to stick with natural and unprocessed foods as much as possible. The more natural a food is, the more likely it is to be easily digested. It is when the body is unable to perform efficiently that gas is produced, and which also leads to bloating during pregnancy.
Of course, there are certain types of foods that are well-known for causing gas during pregnancy. Some foods that are known for creating gas are beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and onions. Some types of bread, as well as peaches, pears, apples, prunes, corn and potatoes can cause gas as well. Milk and cheese can be culprits as well. If they seem to be causing you problems, try switching to lactose-free products, at least for the duration of your pregnancy. It may take a bit of trial and error to determine which foods are causing you the most trouble. This can be done more efficiently by keeping a diary of what you ate, and how you felt afterwards.
While there are some over-the-counter remedies available that might be effective in treating gas during pregnancy, be sure to consult your doctor before trying any of them. You may also have heard of a colon cleanse being helpful for gas and bloating reduction. While this may work for some people, under no circumstances should you attempt it while pregnant. Again, if you wonder about any particular remedy, talk to your doctor to find out what is safe for you to use. Chances are, by making a few slight modifications in your diet, you will find the culprit and stop the gas and bloating for good.
You can find helpful information about gas during pregnancy and everything you need to know about bloating during pregnancy at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Finding Relief for Gas and Bloating during Pregnancy
Pregnancy Week 6 and Week 7
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 11th, 2009
At 6 weeks pregnant, you have hit another milestone. You are well into the middle of your first trimester. Women who are 6 weeks pregnant will see some of the most transparent changes in their own bodies. The process has definitely begun, and your tummy may show as much. Many expectant mothers will have noticed a little snugger waist than before. This is very normal, because weight gain is an important part of pregnancy. There are other external changes that some women experience, like acne. It may seem like you’re going through adolescence again.
Because of hormonal imbalances, those who are 6 weeks pregnant can get extremely oil skin. This may result in blotchy-ness or pimples. In either case, this doesn’t last throughout pregnancy and can be expected to subside within weeks. Each case will be different and range in intensity, however.
The embryo, at 6 weeks pregnant, is stretching out in measurable growth. This is the normal time for an ultrasound to be performed. During this procedure a steady heartbeat can now be detected. You will be able to see the facial development, through the eyes, ears, and nose. The proof of a living, breathing baby can be seen right on the screen.
Other changes are also taking place in the embryo. Elbows, feet, and toes have taken on structured qualities. A healthy baby will begin to take on weight slowly, but surely. It’s always good to note how the mother’s own eating and rest habits directly influence her unborn child. Being aware of such things is important at this stage in your pregnancy.
If you are 7 weeks pregnant, one of the first things you may need is to purchase a larger bra. Women, who are 7 weeks pregnant, generally experience an increase in the size of their breasts. They may even notice some tenderness in these areas. This change is another of the body’s ways of preparing for delivery and the nutrition needs of the baby.
Whether, because of morning sickness, or other symptoms, women who are 7 weeks pregnant have learned how to eat well. They begin to understand at what times and at what quantity they need sustenance. One bad side effect from this increase in eating is heart burn. Many women experience it or even indigestion on a more regular basis.
At this stage in the first trimester, your embryo has changed even more. A new addition is the development of both bone and cartilage. The eye development is become more defined from week 6. Now there is a tiny beginning of a tongue in the mouth and web-like fingers and toes.
During week 7, your baby will also experience the growth of its intestines. They will begin the journey of moving from the umbilical cord to their own placement. Proper growth in this area promotes good immune functions, along with digestion. Your baby is coming along now!
The middle of the first trimester is one of the most notable points in your baby’s internal growth. Although all of your symptoms may not be enjoyable at this time, the baby is making great progress in its 40 week journey.
You can find more tips about being 6 weeks pregnant at Aha Baby. You can learn about various ways to address various discomforts and other changes to your body during 7 weeks pregnant until your due date at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Pregnancy Week 6 and Week 7
