The Placenta's Important Role in Pregnancy

When you think about it, pregnancy is amazing; it’s a miracle how your body was formed in order to support the life that’s growing inside you. And in this process, there’s an organ that is vital in making sure your baby gets the nutrients he needs to survive from beginning to end – the placenta.

This article is all about the placenta: its role in pregnancy and when you should be concerned that not all is well with the placenta, warranting medical attention.

Table of Contents

What is the placenta?

What does the placenta do?

Placental health

Common placental problems

What is the placenta?

The placenta is an organ specially grown in your uterus during pregnancy to support your developing baby. It is the starting point of your baby’s
umbilical cord
, and it grows as your baby grows and as the amount of amniotic fluid increases.

It is made up of the same cells as your baby and attaches itself to the wall of your uterus, usually at the top or side.

When does the placenta form in pregnancy?

According to Cleveland Clinic, the placenta starts to form after a fertilised egg implants in your uterus around seven to 10 days after conception. It starts as a few cells and grows to be several inches as your pregnancy progresses.

When does the placenta take over?

After the first trimester, around weeks 8 to 12, the placenta takes over key functions such as hormone production and providing nutrients to your baby. Around this time, pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and
morning sickness
 also diminish.

However, in this context, the placenta “taking over” means that what you consume can now reach your baby via the umbilical cord and placenta. Your own hormone production and nutrition are vital during this stage.

After your baby is born, your placenta — which by now is around the size of a dinner plate — is also delivered. Some women opt to consume their placenta in the form of specially made pills. You can read all about placenta encapsulation and what it involves by
following this link
.

Some women choose to consume their placenta for health benefits, via a process known as placenta encapsulation.

What does the placenta do?

Your growing baby gets all the oxygen and nutrients he needs via the placenta, throughout the duration of your pregnancy.

This happens because the placenta links your blood supply with your baby’s, transferring everything he needs to grow and develop, directly to him. In fact, experts point out that during every minute of pregnancy, “around 550 millilitres of blood is pumped into the uterus to exchange enough nutrients with the placenta for your baby.”

This is also why pregnant mums need to be careful about what they eat and drink during pregnancy, as well as the drugs they take, as these passes directly to their growing baby.

The placenta also produces hormones that help to trigger labour. But until the time is right for your baby’s birth, the placenta secretes hormones such as progesterone and estrogen to prevent early labour.

This incredible organ also removes waste products from your baby’s blood to yours, which your body disposes of. At the same time, it keeps your baby’s and your blood separate, almost acting like a filter, which helps to protect your baby from infections and harmful substances.

According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS),  towards the end of your pregnancy, “the placenta passes antibodies from you to your baby, giving them immunity for about three months after birth.”

The placenta also works almost like padding to cushion your baby while within your womb and provides your little one with the perfect, unique environment to thrive and grow.

Placental health

There are various factors that affect the health of your placenta, according to the medical experts at
Mayo Clinic
. While there’s nothing much you can do to change some of these, other factors are modifiable.

Maternal age:
Pregnant women over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of placental problems.

High blood pressure:
Hypertension during pregnancy can have a negative effect on your placenta.

Premature rupture of the membranes:
If your baby’s amniotic sac (a fluid-filled membrane surrounding him or her) leaks or ruptures prematurely during pregnancy, your placenta can be affected.

Substance abuse:
Women who smoke or use drugs such as cocaine during pregnancy are at a higher risk of experiencing placental problems.

Multiple pregnancy:
Carrying twins or triplets (or more) may increase the likelihood of the mother experiencing issues with her placenta.

Abdominal trauma:
Some placental problems may arise if a pregnant mum suffers a blow to her stomach or other similar trauma.

Blood-clotting disorders:
 If you have a medical condition that affects your blood’s clotting ability, you may be at a higher risk of suffering from placental health problems.

Smoking and taking illicit drugs during pregnancy can sharply increase the risk of placental health problems.

Common placental problems

Most of the time and in most pregnancies, the placenta functions just fine. But sometimes, placental problems can crop up, particularly in advanced pregnancy.

The following are the most commonly encountered medical issues with the placenta:

1. Placenta Previa

What it is:
This condition occurs as a result of the placenta partially or completely covering the cervix which is the womb’s opening. It usually is experienced in early pregnancy and sometimes corrects itself as the uterus grows.

Risk factors:
Smoking and drug use, getting pregnant after 35, being pregnant with multiples.

Health risks:
Placenta previa
 can cause severe bleeding during or after a baby’s birth, endangering the lives of both mum and baby. The birth process may be disrupted too since the cervix is fully or partially covered.

Signs and symptoms:
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all and the condition might be picked up by routine ultrasound. Other times, placenta previa is marked by painless vaginal bleeding.

Treatment:
If placenta previa is experienced in the first half of the pregnancy, it usually corrects itself. However, you will still be monitored carefully by your obstetrician for the duration of your pregnancy. If the condition is still present in the second half of your pregnancy, it is highly likely that your doctor will recommend a C-section to deliver your baby.

Partner Stories
Becoming a Parent For the First Time
Preparing for a Newborn? Don’t Forget to Shop For These 3 Items
Menjadi ibu bapa
What to Expect After A C-Section And Speed Up Scar Healing
Menjadi ibu bapa
How to Improve the Appearance of a C-Section Scar Quickly
Menjadi ibu bapa
Mums, Here's Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Placenta previa can occur partially or fully

2. Placental abruption

What it is:
Here, the placenta peels away (partially or fully) from the womb’s inner wall, usually close to delivery, but sometimes as early as 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Risk factors:
Trauma to the abdomen, being older than 35, being pregnant with multiples, not having enough amniotic fluid, water breaking too early, uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking and using drugs (e.g. cocaine).

Health risks: The baby
 can be starved of oxygen and nutrition, and the mum can experience bleeding and cramps. Placental abruption may also trigger premature birth.

Signs and symptoms:
Continuous or sudden stomach pain, bleeding from the vagina sometimes with discomfort and tenderness of the uterus.

Treatment:
If you are close to being full term and you have mild placental disruption, your doctor may suggest immediate delivery of your baby, either via induced labour or C-section. If you are diagnosed with this condition early on in your pregnancy, you will probably be monitored closely by your healthcare provider.

3. Placenta accreta

What it is:
Medical experts
 explain that this condition is a result of placental blood vessels growing too deeply into the wall of the uterus. Also, “more-aggressive forms of this problem can also occur if the placenta invades the muscles of the uterus (placenta increta) or if the placenta grows through the uterine wall (placenta percreta).”

Risk factors:
Previous uterine surgery or having had placenta previa.

Health risks:
Severe bleeding following vaginal birth or premature birth.

Signs and symptoms:
Heavy vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.

Treatment:
C-section delivery followed by surgical removal of the uterus (abdominal hysterectomy). More-aggressive forms of this problem can also occur if the placenta invades the muscles of the uterus (placenta increta) or if the placenta grows through the uterine wall (placenta percreta).

4. Retained placenta

What it is:
Sometimes, the placenta gets trapped in the uterus after the birth of your baby, because of a partially closed cervix, or because it is still attached to the uterine wall.

Health risks:
Heavy bleeding (
postpartum haemorrhage
) that may affect the health of the mother if not stopped.

Signs and symptoms:
No delivery of the placenta 30 to 60 minutes after the birth of your baby.

Treatment:
If you have not delivered your placenta within 30 to 60 minutes after the birth of your baby, your healthcare providers may give you an injection of syntometrine or syntocinon to make your uterus contract strongly, thus expelling the placenta. In some cases, doctors may manually remove the placenta (following numbing of the area).

Mums, while it’s unlikely that you will experience any problems with your placenta in your pregnancy, do consult your doctor without delay if you experience:

Vaginal bleeding

Trauma to your abdomen

Strong uterine contractions

Severe back pain

Also, make sure you visit your healthcare provider regularly throughout your pregnancy — the earlier placental issues are diagnosed, the better the chance is of reducing complications both for you and your baby.

This article was republished with permission from theAsianparent
Singapore
.

Parents
,
Mayo Clinic,

NHS Choices

Here at theAsianparent Malaysia, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Malaysia is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:

Baby Growth Spurts: Timeline, Signs, and Tips

Read more:

Want to Give Birth in Malaysia? This is The True Cost of Delivery According to Malaysian Mums

Read more:

 Pregnancy Discrimination: The Untold Truth

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Delicious and Crispy Fried Chicken – 5 Fried Chicken Favourites

In last week’s blog post, we talked about Korean dishes. This week, we’ll be focusing on western fast food. And to start it off, we’ll be focusing on the top fast food places in Malaysia that serve delicious, mouthwatering fried chicken. Some of these places may be as familiar to you as your home, while others may be as new as a stranger you’ve just met. Pretty weird analogies? Doesn’t matter as long as you get the point we’re trying to get across. Now on we go to fried chicken heaven!

1. Kentucky Fried Chicken

Via straitstimes.com

KFC, need we say more. Well, we actually have to or this section will be left blank and for an article that’s a huge no-no. Many businesses have come up with their own fried chicken recipes but somehow none have managed to beat KFC. Whether it’s due to the secret blend of spices, their experience in the field of frying chicken, or the friendly fatherly face of Colonel Sanders, their fried chicken remains to be one of the best if not the best fried chicken. It also doesn’t hurt that they often come up with new and improved versions of their chicken. Our favourite might just have to be their ‘Golden Egg Crunch’. Fingers crossed it’ll make a comeback soon!

2. Texas Chicken

Via grab.com

A strong contender to KFC, Texas Chicken is also constantly finding ways to evolve their fried chicken so that it captures the hearts and of course stomachs of Malaysians. In some ways, it has even managed to beat KFC in terms of long-lasting crunch for even if their fried chicken was left aside for several hours, it still manages to retain its crispy exterior instead of becoming soggy. Don’t believe us? Try it out for yourself then.

3. Marrybrown

Via skipthedishes.com

Unlike the previous two fried chicken restaurants mentioned above, Marrybrown isn’t originally from the US as it is actually a Malaysian-based restaurant. Bet many of you didn’t know that. And dissimilar to KFC and Texas Chicken that focus specifically on fried chicken, Marrybrown is a jack of all trades. From fried chicken, burgers, and specialty wraps to fish and chips, porridges, and even local delights such as curry noodles. These are only some of the menu options available there. Since their menu is too varied their food can’t be all that good? Don’t knock it before you’ve tried as their fried chicken is absolutely scrumptious. Daresay, it might even be better than KFC’s original chicken.

4. McDonald’s

Via mcdonalds.com.my

This name needs no further introduction because who in the world doesn’t know McDonald’s. Popularly known not just for their tasty variety of burgers but also for their seasonal promotions and desserts. And even though the current king of fried chicken is KFC, McDonald’s fried chicken comes to a close second. Some even think that McDonald’s fried chicken is better than KFC’s. Especially their spicy fried chicken that has a kick unlike any other.

5. Uncle Jack Fried Chicken

Via mrspip.com
Partner Stories
Breastfeeding & Nutrition
Quick and Easy Mealtime Solutions For Busy Mums
Breastfeeding & Nutrition
Looking For A Convenient Way To Prepare Meals For Your Family? Fill Your Pantry With Campbell’s Soup
Breastfeeding & Nutrition
Quick Meals For Busy Mums To Promote Good Gut Health
Healthy Meal Tips
Food Delivery from Sunway Pyramid: Just ‘Order & Collect’ Your Family Meals from Multiple Retailers in ONE DELIVERY!

Similar to Marrybrown, Uncle Jack is also a Malaysian-based fast food restaurant. However, since it is owned by the same company as Giant, it can only be found within the hypermarket. So if you’re ever interested in trying finger-licking fried chicken that’s highly affordable and at the same time need to purchase groceries, Uncle Jack is the one for you. Seriously though, don’t let the sparse menu deter you from trying their food for as the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover.

Did your favourite fried chicken restaurant make the list? If by chance there’s any restaurant you haven’t tried before, we strongly recommend you to do so as you might just find a new restaurant to love. Know what else you’ll love? Custom-made gifts that look great and are budget-friendly. Where to find them? At Printcious’
personalised gift shop
!

This article has been republished with permission from
Printcious.

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


5 Sebab Tabiat Merokok Ketika Mengandung Amat Membahayakan Diri Ibu & Janin

Gaya hidup tidak sihat seperti tabiat merokok amat ditegah sama sekali kerana ia mendatangkan lebih banyak keburukan berbanding kebaikan terhadap diri sendiri dan orang sekeliling. Ia bukanlah rahsia lagi bahawa merokok membahayakan kesihatan tubuh kerana mampu merosakkan organ dalaman secara amnya.

Sekiranya anda sedang mengandung, tabiat merokok secara berterusan ini boleh mendatangkan kesan negatif terutama sekali dalam proses tumbesaran janin dalam kandungan.

Gaya hidup tidak sihat ketika hamil beri kesan buruk terhadap ibu dan bayi

credit to sources

Jika ibu merupakan perokok dan tidak melepaskan kebiasaan ini setelah mengetahui diri sudah berbadan dua, anda bukan sahaja membahayakan kesihatan diri, tetapi juga bayi dalam kandungan.

Setiap satu batang rokok memiliki lebih daripada 7,000 bahan kimia yang boleh merosakkan sel dalam badan.

Ketika ibu hamil tidak berhenti melakukan tabiat ini, bahan-bahan kimia yang terdapat di dalam rokok akan masuk ke dalam salur darah dan mencemarkan kandungan cecair darah.

Kemudiannya, ia akan meresap ke bahagian uri (plasenta) melalui salur-salur darah. Bayi memiliki hubungan terus dengan darah ibu dan bahan-bahan kimia toksin dari rokok ini akan meresap kepada bayi. Tidak kira berapa banyak batang rokok yang dihisap sehari, ia tetap memberikan kesan negatif terhadap janin.

Ini yang bakal berlaku sekiranya ibu hamil terus memilih untuk mengamalkan gaya hidup tidak sihat ini:

#1. Risiko keguguran dan kelahiran mati

Salah satu kesan yang paling dahsyat adalah anda mungkin akan kehilangan bayi yang dikandung sama ada disebabkan oleh keguguran atau kelahiran mati. Dalam hal ini jika ibu mengandung terus merokok, besar kemungkinan kedua-duanya akan terdedah dengan bahan kimia berbahaya yang terdapat dalam rokok seperti Nikotin (racun serangga), Ammonia (Pencuci tandas), Tar, Benzena dan Formaldehida.

#2. Kehamilan ektopik

Kehamilan ektopik ini terjadi apabila telur yang disenyawakan akan tersekat pada bahagian tiub fallopio dan tidak dapat berkembang. Kandungan nikotin dalam sebatang rokok boleh menyebabkan keadaan ini terjadi.

#3. Plasenta previa

credit to sources

Pada kehamilan normal, plasenta biasanya akan berada di atas rahim bagi mendapatkan ruang ketika serviks terbuka bagi kelahiran yang betul. Dalam hal ini, plasenta previa terjadi ketika plasenta menutup sebahagian atau sepenuhnya pembukaan servis.

Aktiviti tidak sihat ketika mengandung seperti merokok boleh membuatkan masalah ini menjadi lebih serius.

#4. Kelahiran awal atau pramatang

Tabiat merokok semasa hamil juga boleh menyebabkan risiko kelahiran pramatang. Ini bukan sahaja melibatkan kelahiran awal, namun berlaku disebabkan oleh banyak komplikasi lain terjadi pada bayi.

Kesan pada masa akan datang pada bayi adalah masalah cerebral palsy, masalah pembelajaran, tingkah laku serta ketidakupayaan.

#5. Berlaku kecacatan pada bahagian tubuh bayi

Ibu mengandung yang gemar menghisap rokok turut menyebabkan bayi mengalami kecacatan pada fizikal setelah dilahirkan. Misalnya bibir sumbing atau lelangit.

Anda juga akan mendapati si manja mengalami masalah jantung yang serius kesan tabiat merokok semasa hamil.

Stories Rakan Kongsi
Penjagaan pantang dan selepas bersalin
Childbirth aftermath – Get back in shape
Tip keibubapaan
7 Expert tips for parents on instilling moral values in kids
Tip keibubapaan
Ibu Ini Berkongsi Helah Bagaimana Dia Memberi Suplemen Kepada Anaknya & Ia PASTI AKAN Menakjubkan Anda
Lifestyle
Light Up Your Celebration for Mid-Autumn Festival at Sunway Putra Mall

credit to sources

Manakala, janin juga akan mengalami masalah kekurangan bekalan oksiden dan pendedahan toksik sehingga boleh menyebabkan
asphyxia
 (lemas) dan
hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
 iaitu komplikasi otak yang boleh menyebabkan ‘tarik’ (seizure) serta kegagalan otak untuk berfungsi dengan baik.

Perokok wanita yang mengandung hendaklah mendapatkan nasihat daripada kaunseling di premis kesihatan iaitu:

Bimbingan psikologi

Rawatan gantian nikotin

Rawatan ubat-ubatan

Kaunseling untuk berhenti merokok

Justeru, setiap ibu yang mendapatkan perkhidmatan ini hendaklah melalui proses saringan terlebih dahulu bagi mengenal pasti fakta risiko kesihatan terutamanya tabiat merokok dalam seharian.

Adalah lebih baik jika anda berusaha untuk menghentikan tabiat ini bagi mendapatkan kualiti hidup yang lebih baik, bebas daripada sebarang masalah penyakit dan anak-anak dapat membesar dengan sihat seperti kanak-kanak yang lain.

Menurut ketua penyelidik dari Universiti Helsinki, Dr Joni Lindbohm, tiada merokok yang selamat, baik diambil beberapa batang atau sekotak sehari. Pilihan yang terbaik ialah jangan merokok langsung.

Sumber:
Penulis asal Aimee. Artikel ini mendapat keizinan daripada
theAsianparent Filipina
 untuk diterjemah.

Foto: gettyimages

Peringatan: Anda tidak dibenarkan menyiar artikel ini di mana-mana laman web atau status Facebook yang lain, tanpa pemberian kredit dan pautan yang tepat lagi berfungsi pada artikel asal di laman
theAsianparent Malaysia

Baca juga:

https://my.theasianparent.comlahir-caesar

Ada isu keibubapaan yang buat anda risau? Jom baca artikel atau tanya dan dapat terus jawapan dalam app theAsianparent kami! Download
 theAsianparent Community
 di
iOS
 dan
Android
 sekarang!


Maid smokes and gives baby pneumonia

Being a mum is challenging enough. But if you have to raise your child without a partner, it can be even more difficult. So single mothers seek the help of relatives and trusted friends.
It takes a village
, as they say.

But what if one person in your “village,” who’s supposed to protect your child is the one who puts them at risk? 31-year-old Jenny Young learned the value of a trustworthy support system after her baby’s
yaya
 harmed her otherwise healthy baby.

Here’s her story.

Neglectful smoking nanny gives baby pneumonia by smoking while caring for her

In an interview with
theAsianparent
, Jenny laments that her 16-month-old baby once contracted pneumonia at 6 months old from her nanny (
yaya)
.

The
yaya
, who was already in her late 50s, had apparently been smoking while caring for the baby.

“I already heard from my stepmum that she caught her smoking and already told the yaya not to,” Jenny confides, recalling how her little one started to get sick—from the common cold to cough.

However, she says that “the yaya did promise not to smoke.”

“I caught the yaya hiding a cigarette behind her back as she carried my baby with one hand…”

photo courtesy of Jenny Young

But the smoking nanny had a hard time kicking the habit.

“Even though my child already had cough and colds at the time, I caught the
yaya
 hiding a cigarette behind her back as she carried my baby with one hand,” recounts Jenny.
“After a day, my child’s cough was making it hard for her to breathe and that time my
yaya
 strongly advised against taking her to the doctor.”

The child’s yaya instead insisted she knew how to perform baby massages (or
hilot
), which could help relieve the symptoms, but this seemed to only put the baby in pain.

So Jenny persisted in bringing her child to the doctor, and it was a good thing she did. While at the doctor’s clinic, she found out her baby’s breathing was no longer normal.

“If I didn’t bring her to the hospital soon it could have been fatal…”

photo courtesy of Jenny Young

Since she was vomiting up medicine, the doctor thought it best to refer them to a hospital. While there, several tests confirmed the baby already had pneumonia.

“Her lungs were filled with phlegm and if I didn’t bring her to the hospital soon it could have been fatal,” Jenny relates.

Doctors also diagnosed her baby with a urinary tract infection (UTI).
She later found out from neighbors that the
yaya
 had given the child soda to drink.

Jenny eventually terminated the employment of the problematic
yaya
.

Through her experience, she’s learned a lot. And she has this advice:
“Parents should make sure
yayas
 aren’t smokers and have no vices like gambling because that would be the reason why they will neglect the child when you are not around”

Here are some of the best lessons in handling problems with your child’s
yaya
based on Jenny’s story.

Confront them.
“Sometimes it is hard to talk back to older people but we shouldn’t be afraid to stand for ourselves when our child is at risk,” says Jenny. If you sense something is off, you can still confront them without being disrespectful. You are still their employer despite the age gap. Don’t be afraid to speak the truth.

Give them the benefit of the doubt.
When faced with an issue, allow them to explain themselves. Listen to them with an open mind. This encourages a mutually beneficial conversation.

Give them a chance to prove themselves.
Do not jump to conclusions based on a person’s background. Jenny assumed the smoking nanny would be a good caregiver since she’s an older mum. You can only really tell how good a caregiver they will be once they’re on the job.

Be firm but fair.
T
here has to be a balance between being a kind employer and a one that keeps employees in line.
 Jenny confides that it
 was her
 bad for being too lenient, “I felt like she abused her freedom and thought she was irreplaceable.”

Strive to find the best replacement, if needed.
There are still good helpers out there!

After all that her family has been through, Jenny happily reports that she’s found a more suitable helper in caring for her child—a kind, caring woman, who she calls her “angel.”

“My baby is not as sickly as she was with her old
yaya
,” she says in closing. “I am at peace with the new
yaya
 in taking care of her.”

Republished with permission from:
theAsianparent Philippines

Partner Stories
#PendidikanKewangan
Mengapa Pendidikan Kewangan Penting
Tip keibubapaan
Mahu Anak Cepat Tangkap Bila Belajar, Kena Pastikan Anak Sentiasa Sihat, Ini Caranya!
Percutian
Maksimumkan Masa Percutian Anda ke Hong Kong: Tip Penduduk Tempatan Untuk Destinasi Paling Trendy, Restoran Menarik & Banyak Lagi!
Hias rumah
Udara Di Dalam Rumah 2 Kali Ganda Lebih Tercemar Dari Udara Luar? Ini 5 Tips Dari Dr Amanda Untuk Anda Ubah Kualiti Pengudaraan!
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Identifying Children With High IQ: An Age-By-Age Guide For Parents

Is your child extra tall for her age? Or is your seven-year-old child always glued to a book? Parents, these could be signs that your child’s Intelligence Quotient (IQ) – the measurement of intelligence – is higher than average!

Various
studies
 have revealed important indicators that identify children of various ages with high IQ. As your child grows and passes through each of these ages, you may be able to check for these signs in him or her.

Here’s an age-by-age guide for identifying children with high IQ:

Newborn: Having a bigger-than-average head!

Children with high IQ: A sign of this in a newborn is a large head!

Mums, if your baby had a fairly large head at birth, it’s time to rejoice! According to a study published in the
Journal of Molecular Psychiatry
, there is a positive correlation between the size of a baby’s head at birth and the probability of a high IQ.

Analysis of the research data also showed
that
 “babies born with larger heads are significantly more likely to get a degree, as well as score higher on verbal-numerical reasoning tests.”

Tips to boost your child’s overall development at this age:

Regular massage for fostering physical and motor skills.

Responding to your baby’s babbling and also speaking to your baby will help develop your baby’s brain.

Holding and cuddling your baby helps in making him or her feel emotionally secure and stable

Age One and Two Years: Exposure to a number of languages

Mums, do you speak different languages? If yes, encourage bilingualism in your toddler by talking to them in more than one language.

According to
studies,
 speaking to your one or two-year-old in multiple languages fosters brain development.

Children born to parents speaking more than one language performed better in IQ tests as
studies
 reveal.

In a related study, experts
 Peal and Lambert concluded that: “Intellectually [the bilingual child’s] experience with two language systems seems to have left him with a mental flexibility, a superiority in concept formation, a more diversified set of mental abilities.”

Tips to boost your child’s overall development at this age:

You can help improving your child’s
 cognitive skills
 by encouraging imitation

Playing games like hide-and-seek, peek-a-boo will also foster cognitive skills at this age

Give your toddler choices: “Would you like apple juice or orange juice?” This gives your child autonomy, while you still maintain some control!

Age Three Years: Growing taller than the usual benchmark

Children with high IQ: Is your 3-year-old taller than average?

If you think your child is a bit tall for a three-year-old, chances are he or she is going to have a higher IQ later on.

Children with higher IQ are taller than others according to a
study
 by National Bureau of Economic Research.

The research team states: “As early as age three, before schooling has had a chance to play a role, and throughout childhood, taller children perform significantly better on cognitive tests.”

The study further elaborates that tall children are quite likely to become tall adults as the correlation between height in childhood and adulthood is around 0.7 for both men and women.

Taller adults often choose higher paying occupations where advanced verbal-numerical skills and greater intelligence are needed. This can be related back to the cognitive skills in childhood.

Tips to boost your child’s overall development at this age:

Give your child ample playtime as their
motor skills
 are developing. At this age, most kids are able to learn walking or running without tripping. You can also encourage the use of a bicycle or tricycle.

Encourage your three-year-old to draw with crayons or turn the pages to encourage fine motor skill development.

You can also start asking simpler questions like their name and age. Their linguistic skills will get stimulated by this activity.

Age Four Years: Capacity to paint a person

Children with high IQ: Your 4-year-old’s painting skills can be a sign of their IQ.

Mums, if your four-year-old is inclined towards painting, there’s a chance that he or she may have higher IQ.

A
study
 reveals that four-year-olds, who can create a realistic image of a human, may do well in IQ tests.

In this project by King’s College in London, four-year-olds had to take the ‘Draw-a-Child’ test. As part of this, kids had to draw a child and results were based on the presence and correctness of the physical features like eyes and nose.

The research team examined 15,000 drawings made by four-year-olds. Kids who had an eye for art had better chances of scoring well in IQ tests. Children with higher scores in this test also had higher intelligence at the age of four as well as fourteen.

Dr Rosaline Arden, lead author of this study says: “The Draw-a-Child test was devised in the 1920’s to assess children’s intelligence, so the fact that the test correlated with intelligence at age 4 was expected.What surprised us was that it correlated with intelligence a decade later.”

Tips to boost your child’s overall development at this age:

Playing bounce ball with your child to help develop their motor skills

You can also ask them to identify names of colours, animals and other objects to facilitate their
cognitive development
.

Encourage them to draw as during this age they will begin to master the art of holding a pencil properly, which in turn will assist with writing.

Age Five Years: Ability to lie

Perhaps the only time you’d be happy that your child is lying may be when he or she is five years old!

Lying involves cooking up stories and this can be a complex process. Experts feel that if a child can do this by the age of five years he or she may go on to develop a high IQ later on.

A Canadian
study
 that had 1,200 children in the age group of 2 to 17 years supports this thought that children who were able to lie at an early age turned out to be more intelligent.

Dr Kang Lee, the director of the Institute of Child Study at Toronto University, says: “Parents should not be alarmed if their child tells a fib. Their children are not going to turn out to be pathological liars. Almost all children lie. It is a sign that they have reached a new developmental milestone. Those who have better cognitive development lie because they can cover up their tracks.”

Tips to boost your child’s overall development at this age:

You can take your child to a park and encourage him or her to swing and climb. At this age, a child is looking forward to developing these
physical skills
.

Allow your kids to co-narrate stories with you. They can complete the stories at this age. Letting them take the lead in storytelling from time to time will help in developing cognitive skills like memory and imagination.

You can also allow your child to wear their clothes on their own. Around this time, kids learn to dress independently.

Age Six Years: Playing a musical instrument

Research by the
University of Vermont College of Medicine
 found that anxiety management and emotional skills of children who played a musical instrument were better than those who didn’t.

They studied the brain scans of 232 healthy kids falling in the age group of six and eighteen. At six years, playing musical instruments helps in boosting a child’s emotional intelligence.
Partner Stories
Child
Sick Children Can Be A Handful, But Not With These Tips!
Child
Parents, Be in the Know With RSV Knowledge To Protect Your Babies
Baby
Premature Babies: What You Should Look Out for and What to Do?
Child
Parents, Here’s How You Can Help Your Children with Asthma!

Tips to help your child’s healthy development at this age:

Allow your child to be more independent as this is an age when kids like to do things on their own.

Encourage them to dance as around this age kids usually
learn
 to move to music and beat.

Apart from that, allow them time for lots of physical activity for their little bodies to develop.

Age Seven Years: Being voracious readers

Children with high IQ: Do you have a voracious little reader at home?

Do you see your child reading anything and everything that they lay their hands on? Apart from improving vocabulary, reading is also an indicator of high IQ.

In 2014, the University of Edinburgh and King’s College in London conducted
a joint study
. They found out that children who read a lot of books by the age of seven displayed higher intelligence in later life.

They fared extremely well in IQ tests as well.

Tips to boost your child’s overall development at this age:

Around this time, the child’s
personality is developing
, so giving positive feedback for building self-esteem is required.

It is also important to have patience and understanding if your child gets frustrated or anxious about a task.

Encourage responsibility to assigning age-appropriate chores.

Age Eight Years: Staying up until late

Mums, if you have difficulty in getting your eight-year-old to sleep on time, they’re probably going to grow up to become more intelligent than others.

According to research by the London School of Economics, clever adults are more likely to stay up late, and guess what? They got into this habit at an early age.

Researchers observed: “More intelligent children are more likely to grow up to be
nocturnal
 adults who go to bed late and wake up late on both weekdays and weekends.”

Tips to boost your child’s overall development at this age:

At this age, your child may feel a strong need to belong. So this can be a good age to talk about
peer pressure
.

Parents must also recognize a child’s need for privacy at this age.

Teach your child about managing basic finances by giving them an appropriate amount of pocket money.

Age Nine Years: Eating a healthy breakfast

Children with high IQ prefer eating healthy breakfast. Research conducted by the
University of Cardiff
 that included studying 5,000 children in the age group of 9 to 11 found that those who ate a balanced breakfast did better in their exams.

Tips to boost your child’s overall development at this age:

Kids in this age are also curious about relationships between boys and girls. So you can talk to them more openly about what they think.

You may allow kids of this age to make their own decisions. Around this time, children would appreciate that type of freedom from parents.

Encourage them to be organized in their day-to-day life as well as make plans, by keeping a journal or a daily planner.

Age Ten Years: Ability to engage in a good chat

Children with high IQ at an older age love to have proper chats with you!

At the age of ten years, some of the significant signs of intelligence can be a liking for chatting, making up different rules for board games and getting bored with other children.

Tips to boost your child’s overall development at this age:

You can encourage your kids to join group activities or spend time with friends to improve their social skills.

You can also allow them to do complex tasks on their own like asking them to help in household activities.

Continue to foster your child’s love of reading by getting them a library membership.

In sum, children with high IQ display a wide range of characteristics like good memory and observation skills. They also have good concentration. Even at a young age, they may show exceptional ability in one area of growth and development, however not in others. They may have some special interests that they explore deeply.

Their thought process can be abstract even at a young age. They have a variety of ideas that they produce in their mind and understand well. Their inquiring minds are always on the lookout to uncover new streams of knowledge or learn new skills. They not only understand concepts quickly but also show that they have understood them by explaining in easy language or with examples.

We hope you found this article useful. Does your child display any of these signs?

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:

Using Psychology to Shape Behaviour: Punish, Reward or Remove?

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Angry mum finds indoor playground contaminated with faeces

An angry mum took to Facebook recently after an indoor playground* continued running while staff were cleaning up a poo accident that happened in the ball pit.

According to mum

Justine Marie Santos-Sugay
, she and her husband had taken their son to an indoor playground to play. After watching her four-year-old son playing for 10 minutes, she noticed something was amiss. Strangely enough, some indoor playground staff were emptying the ball pit while there were still about roughly
20 kids playing.

There was poo in the ball pit

Curious as to why the staff would be cleaning playground equipment right at that moment, she went to talk to the attendant on duty. According to him, they were just replacing the balls.

So imagine her shock when she found out from other parents that the staff were actually cleaning faeces that they had found in the ball pit. Furious, she confronted the attendant asking why wasn’t she told about the matter, to which he replied that he thought she already knew.

She immediately asked her husband to remove their son from the playground while she talked to the manager of the place. Angry that her son spent 15 minutes in a faeces-infected playpen, she asked the manager for a refund.

The indoor playground continued on as usual

Staff should be cleaning playground equipment properly without any children still playing around.

When asked why they didn’t close the ball pit, the manager replied that he was 100% sure that the poo was just contained in that area.

In other words, spot cleaning was sufficient. He did not see the need to close the whole place so that a more thorough cleaning ccould be done.

But as any parent knows, the kids throw the balls everywhere – so actually, there is no fool-proof way of knowing if the ball is contaminated with faeces or not. Just think about the long list of infections that can be transmitted through faeces like
HFMD
,
rotavirus
,
salmonella
 and even
worms
. It’s enough to give even the toughest of us the creeps.

Just imagine how mummy Justine felt when they saw their son holding two balls when they found him. Why did they allow the children to continue playing while they were cleaning playground equipment?

‘I practically doused him in cleaning alcohol!’

In a short interview, Justine told
TheAsianParent
 that she practically doused her son with alcohol when they got home.

“There is a lack of regulation and accountability. And it pains me to think that so many parents just avoid [the mall playground] altogether instead of demanding for better service. “

In reply to the incident, the indoor playground released a statement later stating:

Cleaning playground equipment and proper sanitizing is important

Even if the indoor playground looks visibly clean, germs, bacteria and viruses may still be present. It is important to properly clean or disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated. This is to reduce harmful germs and the risk of children contracting illness and disease.

Cleaning up of body fluids like blood, urine, vomit, or faecal matter should be done immediately. The area should be closed off so that the staff can disinfect the area. Prior to disinfecting the area, surfaces should always be first cleaned thoroughly with soap and water.

Good hygiene practices in indoor playgrounds include:

no footwear (except socks)

no eating or drinking allowed

Hygiene levels are adhered to, and daily cleaning and inspections are carried out.

References:
Mayo Clinic
,
WebMD

Read also:
Toddler catches HFMD, possibly from an indoor playground

*The incident happened in the Philippines. The name of the playground has not been revealed.

Partner Stories
Kewangan
Mulakan Simpanan Pendidikan & Masa Depan Anak Seawal Mungkin, Pilihlah Cara Terbaik Untuk Tabungan Konsisten
#PendidikanKewangan
6 Perkara Ibu Bapa Mengatakan Tentang Kewangan - Dan Apa Yang Anak-Anak Pelajari Daripadanya
Produk bayi
Infant safe products for your home
Health
"My Child Is Healthy, How Did They Get Infected With Chickenpox?"
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


5 Must-have Cleaning Tools for Your Home to Spark Joy

Have you watched a hit American TV show called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo?

If you have been living in a disorganized and chaotic place that you call home, maybe it’s time to check this show out. This show is going to worth your while instead of the sappy rom-com you have always seem to enjoy binge-watching on Netflix.

What’s the deal with this show?

It has garnered millions of viewers with Marie Kondo, a best-seller Japanese author going rounds visiting houses and asking people to clean their houses. Not exactly the kind of motivation that you need at the moment right?

But wait until you hear about her declutter method which is also known as the KonMari method. It has brought to light the idea to spark the joy back into your dull and miserable life by getting rid of the things that you do not need and keep the ones that truly matter to you.

We are highly inspired by Marie Kondo’s show but we also know for a fact that cleaning can be a total nightmare. When you have been a hoarder for years, imagine how much dust you have been accumulating all this while.

You want to clean but you haven’t got the power and will to summon your pseudo-cleaning spirit.

Laziness at its best form.

If cleaning can be arduous and time-consuming, how can it spark joy?

We intend to answer this question by giving you the best 5 cleaning tools that you should have in your home to ease your cleaning process together with some PRO tips to help you clean like a MASTER.

1. Mop like a pro

Does mopping get you feeling like ugh?

If you have a traditional mop and a heavily loaded water bucket for mopping, you’ll know what we are talking about. It’s heavy and you have to squeeze the life out of the mop before you start moping or else, you will end up with a wet floor.

Thank god, we’ve found a workaround this time and it comes down to the newest and latest mop types to help speed up the process and makes moping fun again. It’s 2020, guys.

Spray mop

A water bucket for mopping? Who needs that? All you have to do is to fill in the tube with your cleaning detergent and you are good to go. Spray here, spray there, one swipe. You are done.

Easy spin mop

A fan of an old school mop? This is almost like the one you have at home but with a touch of modernity. You no longer have to spin the mop with your bare hands. The bucket will do it for you.

2. Easy Vacuum

Suck it, dust! Only one tool can do the deed better than everything else and that is a vacuum. Some vacuum can be overpriced but there are plenty of vacuums that can fit your budget.

Cordless

Cordless vacuums are the rage nowadays. No more a long and messy cord that you have to pull from the vacuum. Because they are cordless, you can clean the whole house to your heart’s content without having to drag the cord.

Robotic vacuum

Don’t underestimate its look. It’s small and handy but its compact power will surprise you. Just let this guy run on its own. Set to on and you don’t have to do anything. Just simply watch. It can be pretty amusing when it wants to clean at a tight corner.

3. Broom, Broom

You have a vacuum for carpet and mop for the floor, if you think that we are missing out on this tool to clean your floor, then you are in for surprises. All households in the world need a good sturdy broom. So, let’s get started.

Smart Sweeper

This is a goal broom because it comes in two in one function. Who needs a dustpan when you this.
Partner Stories
Lifestyle
Awesome ZiplocⓇ Bag Hacks - Storage, Gifting, Crafts and More
Lifestyle
Building a Better Home: 7 Best Household Items You Need to Invest In
TAP Recommends
Stop Nagging Your Partner About Housework. Just Get A Robot
Lifestyle
Make Laundry Day Easier…. EVERY DAY!

Broom and dustpan

It’s like your ordinary broom and dustpan but with a twist. Check out the video above.

4. Magic Sponge

Behold that one magical sponge that can help you save hours and hours of scrubbing the dirt and whatnot. Need us to say more? This has helped lots of housewives removing any toughest stain in their homes.

Microfiber cloths and wet tissue

You know that satisfying feeling when you have finished cleaning your counter top and they look squeakily cleaned? You can thank microfiber cloths and wet tissue for that. Both function the same. If you want to clean a dusty surface, get a microfiber cloth as it helps to trap dust better than any ordinary cloth. Wet tissue? Brilliant. It is an easy solution to clean any stain easily.

Do you know what else can truly spark joy?

The smile from someone you love. Make them feel loved today by giving a
custom personalised gift
. Wherever you are, whether you live in the outskirt of Malaysia or miles apart from someone you love, Printcious is here from you as we will send the gift safe and sound to them.

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Study: Co-sleeping with a toddler is bad for mum's mental health

After the birth of your baby, you make many important choices as new parents. One of these is whether to co sleep or not and if yes, for how long. Many parents feel that co-sleeping is a healthy practice, and indeed, there are many benefits to it. But did you know that research has revealed that co sleeping with a toddler can affect mum’s mental health?

Co sleeping with a toddler: How much do you know about the benefits of this?

Co sleeping with a toddler: What does co sleeping mean?

Sharing a sleeping surface with your little one, either for part of the night or the whole night, is called co-sleeping.

There are two types of co-sleeping: room-sharing or bed-sharing.

Room sharing:
 When parents and the child sleep in the same room but in different beds. For example, the baby may be put to sleep in a crib in the same room as the parents, or an older child may have a separate bed in the same room as their parents.

Bed sharing:
Many times, kids crawl in to their mum’s bed and sleep in the same bed, or infants are put to sleep in the same bed as their mums for easy nursing. This is bed-sharing.

The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends co-sleeping during a child’s first year, mainly because it can reduce the risk of SIDS. After the age of 12 months, this risk lowers greatly, and that’s why kids may be encouraged to sleep separately.

Co sleeping with a toddler: Why do families choose to co sleep?

Parents believe that it is a more healthy and natural approach for sleeping.

Nighttime feeding becomes easier in case of breastfeeding babies.

Even accidental co-sleeping may take place wherein the child may visit the parents’ room in the middle of night and sleep with them.

Different families may have different experiences when co-sleeping. They may feel that it is a positive experience or even find it frustrating. While there has been a lot of research that points out the safety aspect of co-sleeping, little has been done on the effects it can have on the parents. But there’s one study about co sleeping with a toddler that suggests the negative impact on a mother’s mental health.

Previous studies have examined the effects on mums co-sleeping with infants.

Co sleeping with a toddler: How does this affect a mum’s mental health?

In 2017, the
Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics
 published a study that looked at the effects of co-sleeping on the mental health of a mum. The research reveals that sleeping problems in kids can highly affect the parents, especially the mothers. Insufficient sleep for parents can be a common “side effect” of co-sleeping with a toddler, especially one who is restless even in sleep!

Earlier research in the subject had indicated a connection between children’s poor sleep and negative  mental health in the mum. So, a specific study was conducted to understand the same in the case of mums of toddlers.

Low-income toddler mums with kids in the age group of 12 to 32 months participated in this study. They answered a questionnaire related to their toddler’s sleeping habits, their own sleep as well as mental health symptoms. The mental health questions included topics like depression, anxiety and stress.

What did the findings reveal?

The findings said that in the cases where toddlers experienced sleeping problems, the mother’s own sleep was also disturbed.

The disruption was increased in situations where mothers were co sleeping with a toddler who had trouble sleeping. There was an average decrease of 51 minutes of sleep for mums who were co sleeping with a toddler.

Their sleep was mainly disturbed by the child’s movements in the bed, or the child would wake them up. Mothers co sleeping with a toddler also showed symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. In contrast, mothers who were not co sleeping with a toddler did not show as many negative mental health symptoms.

Co sleeping with a toddler: How to encourage them to sleep independently

If you are looking to encourage your little one to start sleeping independently, here are a few useful tips:

When you feel your child can handle sleeping alone, discuss the new sleeping routine with them during daytime. It is not advisable to go cold turkey on them right before bedtime. Mentally preparing your child well in advance can be of great help. This is also important as it can give you indications about how happy or unhappy your child is about this change.

Begin with simple things like not lying down in the bed with them. You may just sit or at the most lay next to their bed. You can read bedtime stories with the lights dimmed, to encourage your toddler to fall asleep.

Fix a time for how long you will wait with your child. For example, you may wait for five or ten minutes and then assure them that you will be back to check on them.

Checking on your child as often as you feel comfortable is advisable. When checking on your little one, do so quietly. If they notice you, just tell them that you are going to come back after a while.

Last but not least, give your child the time to adjust to this new sleeping routine. Every child is different and will respond differently. Understand what is working for your child. If needed, get advice from your paediatrician who can explain this change to your child and also tell them how they can deal with your absence on their own.

Sources:

Very Well Family
,
Kids Health
,
Ask Dr Sears

Partner Stories
Child
Sick Children Can Be A Handful, But Not With These Tips!
Child
Parents, Be in the Know With RSV Knowledge To Protect Your Babies
Uncategorized
Children Are Suffering From Diarrhoea: Here’s What You Can Do To Help Protect Your Child
Health
Do Not Take the Rotavirus Disease Lightly!
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Truth behind the mum shaming picture that went viral

Imagine this. You are exhausted, stressed and fighting to keep your head above water. It doesn’t help that you are struggling to juggle a few things and when you’re in the midst of it all, someone decides to snap a picture when you momentarily let go of your child’s hand. You find your picture all over the internet and discover that you are a victim of mum shaming.

You mouth is agape but you just can’t find the words. You don’t even know how to go about defending yourself.
It’s almost akin to taking someone’s words out of the full context and accusing them of defaming someone.
 Well most of the time, that’s what mum shaming is like!

So what happened?

And that’s exactly what happened to Molly Lensing, a mother of three, from Illinois. An image of her looking at her cell-phone screen in the Colorado airport, with her then 2-month-old daughter, Anastasia, resting on a blanket on the airport floor, was captured in 2016.

The photo was snapped when Molly and Anastasia were on their way home after a trip to visit their family. Soon enough, the picture started rapidly circulating
 online
 and not surprisingly, people started actively judging her.

She became known as the ‘woman who found her cell phone more interesting than her infant’.

Someone else posted the picture and captioned it such: Albert Einstein said, “I fear the day that technology will take on our humanity… the world will be populated by a generation of idiots”.

How did Lensing feel about the mum shaming?

Expectedly, Lensing felt that her privacy was violated and that there was more to the story than what the picture depicted.

Delta Airlines was going through a computer shut-down and her flights had been delayed multiple times. She had to keep re-booking flights and was
stuck in the airport for more than 20 hours, with an infant
!

Imagine how stressed this mum would have felt?

Anastasia badly needed to stretch. Lensing had her in the carrier and in her arms for many hours. Her arms were tired too. “And I had to communicate with all the family members wondering where the heck we were!” Now, I bet those who were actively mum shaming Lensing, didn’t know this part of the story!

The mum shaming went on

The worst part about the incident was that the mum shaming continued for months to come. Lensing found her picture online after a few months and once someone managed to identify her by her name, she even started receiving messages!

Some people stood up for her but others berated her for being a terrible parent!

Lensing, who works as a part-time paediatric nurse, was terrified that her colleagues or bosses might come across the picture. She had recently started working on the labour floor and was worried that it might jeopardise her career and her superiors might decide that she’s not suited to work with infants. Luckily for her, it didn’t go that way!

It’s been a year and Lensing says that while on most days she does not think of the mum shaming picture, there are times when the image resurfaces on the internet and she is forced to shift her focus to more important things.

“
I ignore the photos and comments and lean on those close to me who know the real me. I am powerless compared to the internet, and I know that I am the best momma to my girls,
”
said Lensing.

Lensing, her husband, Nick, and their three daughters. Image Source: Today.com

Say NO to mum shaming

Mum shaming is never acceptable. A mom blogger, Mary Katherine Backstrom, writer at Mom Babble, shared the picture and pledged her support for Lensing and others who have been victims of mum shaming.

“No, we do not snap photos of exhausted mothers in the airport and shame them publicly. This is gross and needs to stop…Don’t choose to pounce on someone in their weakest moment.”

Mum shaming also happens in Singapore. There are many incidents of viral pictures on the internet, or gossip circulating like wildfire in Facebook groups or other mum groups. We must remember that only a mother would truly understand and empathise the struggle of other mothers. As such, we should be encouraging and understanding towards other mothers and never ever be part of mum shaming!

What to do if you catch someone mum shaming

If you catch someone mum shaming, give them a gentle reminder not to do so and explain to them that what they see is never the full picture. Don’t be sanctimonious or too quick to judge another mother without understanding why she does the things she does. The only time anyone should step in is when it’s clearly a case of child abuse or a mother is endangering her child.

Mums, let’s help each other to make the journey a tad bit easier!

Source:
Today.com

Partner Stories
Tips for Parents
Asthma and How it Affects Us Emotionally, What to Do Then?
Parenting
5 Fun Ways to Teach Your Children About Giving Back During the Holiday Season
Parenting
Mum Shares A Trick On How She Feeds Her Child Supplements And It Will BLOW Your Mind
Parenting
What Is PHP and Why My Child Should Take It?
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Do You Have A Retroverted Uterus? Check These Signs To Find Out

Do you have a retroverted uterus? Under normal circumstances, the uterus is placed up-down inside a female body. In a woman suffering from this problem, the uterus is not properly aligned to where it should be.

It is slightly tipped forward or backwards from the ideal position, causing
 many complications and problems to the woman so affected.

Misalignment of the uterus might be caused due to:

Fibroid tumors,

Endometriosis,

Pelvic adhesions, or

Pregnancy. The uterus can get tilted or misplaced from its original position during childbirth, whether the child has been delivered vaginally or through a C-section.

Besides the main causes listed above, the tilt or misalignment in the uterus might be caused by certain diseases and disorders. In most females, however, the causes of a retroverted uterus remain largely unknown.

Symptoms of retroverted uterus

Credit: Pinterest

The signs and symptoms associated with a tilted uterus make it easy for an experienced gynaecologist to detect the condition after a pelvic examination.

The three most common symptoms that lead to detection of this problem are:

Pain during the periods:
 A misaligned uterus can cause severe pain in the pelvic region during periods or during ovulation. Some women even complain of pain in the back during their periods. Affected women might face difficulty while using tampons for menstrual protection as well, though that is not always the case.

Pain during sexual intercourse:
 The neck of the uterus is known as the cervix. In most cases, a retroverted uterus is accompanied by a tilted cervix as well. In such cases, the affected female
experience pain during sexual intercourse
 as the penis strikes the walls of the cervix. The intensity of pain can vary from mild to extremely unbearable.

Frequent infections and incontinence:
 Women with a retroverted uterus have been known to be more prone to infections of the urinary tract and also urinary incontinence (also called bladder incontinence).

Complications caused by a retroverted uterus

Credit: Two Views

A retroverted uterus is not a disease or a disorder. Nor does it render the affected woman sterile. However, it certainly can and does create problems for her in many ways by affecting her sexual life and her fertility.

And that too, in more ways than one!

A woman with a tipped uterus can have problems in conceiving naturally. That problem would partly stem from the fact that
sexual intercourse is a painful experience
 for her, instead of bringing her joy and pleasure due to which she might want to desist from having sexual contact altogether.

As if that was not enough, she might be unable to conceive even if using the IVF technique. Most experienced doctors would go for a Mock Transfer Process on a woman so affected to ensure that the embryo transferred by him into her body, later on, will be able to traverse the length of the uterus and implant itself firmly.

Taking care of yourself

Credit: GoodToKnow

If a woman does notice the presence of any of the symptoms listed above,
she must visit her gynaecologist
 to confirm the presence of this condition. While it certainly is not a pleasant thing to know that one has been affected by it, some steps can help make life and childbearing easier.

Doctors can today recommend some simple exercises which can alleviate the pain experienced during sexual contact on this account. If exercises are not enough to take care of the problem, the doctor might need to deal with the problem physically or surgically.

Vaginal inserts can be used to lessen the discomfort or pain experienced during sexual intercourse, though some of them have been known to cause pain in the male partner due to which they are not a very popular option.

Surgical interference is the last available option, and that might be required if none of the methods of treatment listed above work.
Partner Stories
Becoming a Parent For the First Time
Preparing for a Newborn? Don’t Forget to Shop For These 3 Items
Menjadi ibu bapa
What to Expect After A C-Section And Speed Up Scar Healing
Menjadi ibu bapa
How to Improve the Appearance of a C-Section Scar Quickly
Menjadi ibu bapa
Mums, Here's Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more
:
Mum horrified at gauze that emerged from uterus after natural birth

Read more
:
Everything you need to know about life-threatening Placenta Previa

Read more
:
8 Ways your body tells you that you’re super fertile!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


'How Often Should I Wash My Bra?' Here's The Dirty Truth!

It’s time to fess up ladies: When was the last time you washed your bra? And no, we are not talking about your sports bra, but your regular bra. The one that you take off, sniff and throw back into the drawer to wear again the next day. While many women may not want to admit the dirty truth, the reality is that we often have different rules when it comes to washing our bras and panties.

So while you most certainly should follow a one-wear-wash policy for your panties, your bra probably does not get the same amount of TLC. So, why should “wash bra” be on your laundry to-do list? And how often should you wash it, anyway?

When is the ideal time to wash bra each week?

It’s not necessary that you wash your bra every day.

But if you do not wash it at least every other day, chances are you are making it easy for oil, dirt, sweat and resulting bacteria to accumulate inside.

Not to forget, the dirty combination of unwashed bra and boob sweat can lead to rashes and irritation. Add to the mix a change of seasons and your unwashed bra can be a hotbed of germs and infections.

But don’t feel grossed out. To have oil, dirt and even bacteria on the body is quite normal. However, if you leave them there, you are creating problems for your own body.

Image courtesy: Pixabay

Lexie Sachs, product analyst, Textiles Lab,
Good Housekeeping Institute

explains
, “Every few wears [to wash bra] should be sufficient, but it does depend on your activity level.”

“For instance, if you’re outside on a humid day and end up sweating a lot, you’ll want to wash your bra sooner. On the other hand, if you throw a bra on for a couple hours, that might not count as a ‘wear.’ Washing gets rid of the oils and germs that accumulate, so the more oil you’re producing, the more frequently you’ll need to launder your bra,” she adds.

Think about its type before you decide to wash bra frequently

Washing a bra not only depends on its use, but also its type.

For instance, an underwire bra or a sports bra that pushes up closely against your skin can accumulate more oil and dirt than the soft cup bras. So it may need more washes than the latter.

Ideally, each time your sweat it out at the gym, you should wash your sports bra. But for the fancier bras, you can re-wear them about three or four times, and then wash them on the delicate cycle.

“Over-washing can damage the elasticity, which is essential for providing the proper support,” adds Sachs.

Now that the question of “how many times to wash bra” is out of the way. Let’s move on to the more important question: how do you wash your bras?

How do you properly wash bra at home?

In order to wash bras properly, you’ll need two things:

A clean mesh bag

Mild detergent

1. Prepare to wash bra

You can just causally throw your bra in the washing machine. But what happens when you have other clothes in the washing machine such as your tees and blouses or even towels? The hooks on your bras can tug and snag onto other clothes and cause them to tear while being washed.

So the best way to avoid this from happening is by hooking your bra; as you would when you wear it. Then place it in a clean mesh bag and throw it in the wash.

2. Begin to wash bra

You can select the “delicate” option on your washing machine and add a mild detergent.

Your bras do not need aggressive cleaning, both due to their size and the amount of dirt and oil than can collect onto them. However, if your bra label has specific instructions on cleaning, follow them to a tee. In addition to cleaning your bra properly, it will also increase its life.

You don’t have to rely on a washing machine to clean bras, you can do so yourself as well. | Image courtesy: YouTube

Alternatively, if you do not want to wash them in the machine, you can try hand-washing them. Use a milk-based cleaning soap and wash them gently, especially the soft cup bras and the ones that are intricately designed.

3. Prepare to dry your bra

Once your bra is washed, it’s time to dry it. Try to avoid a machine to do this job for you because the tugging and stretching can destroy your bra.

Instead, take it out of the washer and lay it flat over a towel or a clean surface. Alternatively, you can dry it faster by hanging it out in the sunlight and
avoid drying clothes inside
. Either way, do not wring the bra because that can also make it lose its elasticity and firmness.

Make sure that the cups are not misshaped when you dry them. When your bra is completely dry, stack them together with other bras so the cups remain in their original shape.

Incidentally, knowing what to do with your delicates is not enough to keep them clean and in proper condition. It’s also important to know what you shouldn’t do.
Partner Stories
Child
Sick Children Can Be A Handful, But Not With These Tips!
Child
Parents, Be in the Know With RSV Knowledge To Protect Your Babies
Uncategorized
Children Are Suffering From Diarrhoea: Here’s What You Can Do To Help Protect Your Child
Health
Do Not Take the Rotavirus Disease Lightly!

4 things you shouldn’t do while washing your bra

Here are a few things you must bear in mind while washing your delicates, so you do not end up with ugly, out-of-shape, or filthy bras.

1. Wash bra after each use: what overwashing can do

As stated earlier, you don’t have to wash your bra after each wear; not unless it’s a sports bra. Over-washing your bra can damage it.

For instance, the cups can lose their original shape. Or you may notice that the elasticity is gone and the cloth has a lot of wear and tear to it.

Instead, opt for washing bra only three to four times a week. However, you can increase the frequency based on the climate and your activity level.

2. Misunderstanding “wear”

If you travel a lot and have been out on a hot day, you’ll want to wash your bra. And that’s perfectly fine. But, if you’ve only thrown it on for a couple of hours then that might not count as “wear.”

So the lacy bra can wait a while longer, but you may need to follow a one-wash-per-wear for your sports bra.

3. Not making room for rotation

As a rule, you must keep clean bras on standby so you can rotate and wear them while the dirty ones go out for a wash. Have a minimum of five bras for the five days of the week.

Even though you can wear the same bra for two days (if the weather and your activity levels permit), you still need more than three. This will help prevent unnecessary worry about rotation and washing of bras. It will also help protect your bras from losing their elasticity and their shape quickly.

Line them up in a stack. If you fold them with one cup inside of the other, you risk messing up the shape and shifting the padding. | Image courtesy: Pixabay

4. Storing carelessly

You don’t want to just throw in your bras in a drawer and then get upset about why they lost their shape so quickly. You want to be careful about the way you store them as well.

Carolyn Forte, director of the
Good Housekeeping Institute
 Cleaning Lab
advises
, “Line them up in a drawer, like they do in the store. If you fold them with one cup inside of the other, you risk messing up the shape and shifting the padding.”

If you have taken all these necessary precautions, chances are your bra will have a long shelf-life, maybe even two to three years. After that you might want to consider throwing them out.

Your bra shouldn’t dig into your flesh or make you squirm every time you you try to hook it. If that happens, it’s time for a change.  | Image courtesy: Pixabay

3 reasons you might have to throw out your bra

You and your bra may be best buds. You know how to wash bra and your other delicates properly and might be doing a fabulous job at keeping them looking fresh and clean.

But as important as it is to keep the bra in good condition, it is also crucial to know when to throw it out. Here’s what you need to look out for.

1. It no longer looks the same

Just like everything else in your cupboard, your bra will also begin to fade and lose its bloom. The best way to identify this is to check the small cloth insert that lists the size and style of the bra. If you cannot read a thing, it’s time to consider buying a new one.

Also make sure to check the straps, cups and the fabric. Any wear and tear on them is also an indication that you should replace them.

2. You haven’t worn it in a long time

You’ve stuffed this one bra at the back of the drawer and almost never reach for it. If it’s fancy and strapless, you might have stored it to wear later, but never really got around to doing so.

If so, chances are this bra doesn’t fit you anymore and you know that. That’s why you have kept it around to check if it wears the same. But there is no shame in trying it one last time. If it fits you well, go for it. If not, it’s time say ‘goodbye.’

3. Your body has changed and it doesn’t support you anymore

Our bodies are unique. They change a lot, almost everyday one can say. So do our breasts. When you gain a few pounds, have a baby or stop breastfeeding, this reflects in your bra size as well.

The straps might be too loose or the fabric is no longer your preference. Likewise, the bra may not provide you with the support it did a couple of years back. Remember that your bra shouldn’t dig into your flesh or make you squirm every time you you try to hook it. If that happens, it’s time for a change.

If you have some fresh bras that you feel are too good to throw out, you can
recycle
 them  (there are companies willing to take your almost new bras) or donate them.

Is “wash bra” on your to-do list already?!

Sources:

Good Housekeeping
,
Huffington Post
,
Marie Claire
,
The Breast Life

ALSO READ: 8 Cleaning Mistakes That Leave Your Home Dirtier

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


This Is Why Sex During Pregnancy Is Good For Your Body and Mind!

Carrying a baby doesn’t mean you can’t get it on with your partner.
Hormones wreak havoc when you’re expecting, which can make intercourse during pregnancy the last thing on your mind.

The good news is women with normal pregnancies have nothing to fear from pregnancy sex. According to research, there are many benefits of sex during pregnancy for mommies!

10 Benefits of Sex During Pregnancy

Helps stop frequent peeing

You’ve never been so leaky your entire life. Regular orgasms, thanks to intercourse during pregnancy, can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to prevent incontinence.

Better big O’s

That’s right, ladies, you may have more and better orgasms during pregnancy. Since your lady bits are
engorged with blood and more sensitive,
 you may find that reaching that climax is much easier.

Quick, tell the hubby now!

Happy hormones for you and your hubby

Pregnancy is all about weird hormonal imbalances. Orgasms, thanks to intercourse during pregnancy, trigger the release of oxytocin, which is the chemical responsible for making you feel happy, content, and loved.

This can reduce stress for you and your hubby as he gets his own oxytocin high during orgasm, though to a much lesser degree than yours.

Prevents the dreaded preeclampsia

When a pregnant woman’s blood pressure spikes suddenly and results in convulsions, she’s going into eclampsia. This can be fatal for both her and the baby.

A scientific study says that pregnant women who perform oral sex are less likely to exhibit signs of preeclampsia. Take note, ladies, this means you have to swallow.

Lowers blood pressure

One of the benefits of sex during pregnancy would be sex helps to lower your blood pressure. Just after orgasm, your body’s blood pressure lowers so this helps mommies who are being monitored for high blood pressure.

While this is just a temporary fix, intercourse during pregnancy can relieve the stress you’re feeling from the pregnancy complication.

Dispels pregnancy myths and misconceptions

The amount of pregnancy myths is staggering and can sometimes overwhelm and instil fear in a couple. Having sex helps you dispel these myths, such as those that say that miscarriages are caused by sex and intercourse harms the baby.

Helps build body image

Accepting your pregnancy body can be difficult, especially if you’re one of those moms who experience darkening in some areas and have other symptoms that make you feel unattractive.

Seeing your husband still sexually attracted to you and engaging in intercourse during pregnancy can do wonders for accepting your changing body.

Preps you for the big day

While orgasm or sperm usually does not lead to labour, it does help ripen your cervix and make it easier to dilate when the big day arrives, thanks to prostaglandin (a group of compounds with different hormone-like effects such as promoting uterine contractions) that’s present in semen.

Gives hubby more time and attention

Husbands may find it hard to abstain from sex for nine whole months. This may lead to marriage problems later on. Having sex while you’re pregnant strengthens bonds and creates more intimacy with the hubby.

Opens up more ways to communicate

Having intercourse during pregnancy creates stronger bonds between husband and wife. This leads to better communication during the pregnancy, allowing both of you to be more supportive of each other.

Try opening up about issues post-orgasm when hubby is super happy and very eager to listen to you!

Shortened recovery time for mommy

As mentioned earlier, orgasms strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which help you push when the big day arrives. For normal delivery, frequent intercourse during pregnancy can also help you recover faster since your muscles are stronger.

You should listen to your body

We understand that, because of our hormones and health, the thought of having intercourse during pregnancy can go either way, with you being averse or eager for it.

Whatever you’re currently feeling, listen to your body and talk to your husband about it. You both have needs; sex can help build your relationship and relieve stress during pregnancy.

How has your sex life fared during pregnancy? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
Stories Rakan Kongsi
Becoming a Parent For the First Time
Preparing for a Newborn? Don’t Forget to Shop For These 3 Items
Menjadi ibu bapa
What to Expect After A C-Section And Speed Up Scar Healing
Menjadi ibu bapa
How to Improve the Appearance of a C-Section Scar Quickly
Menjadi ibu bapa
Mums, Here's Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:

What to do If You’re Afraid of Giving Birth and How to Overcome Childbirth Fears

Ada isu keibubapaan yang buat anda risau? Jom baca artikel atau tanya dan dapat terus jawapan dalam app theAsianparent kami! Download
 theAsianparent Community
 di
iOS
 dan
Android
 sekarang!


New Engaging Activities to Inspire Young Minds at KidZania

In a quest to continually bring new role-playing activities to life, KidZania Kuala Lumpur debuts new activities alongside the introduction of two new purpose partners this December. This line-up of new activities will definitely be the talk of KidZania city and provide even more reasons to visit Malaysia’s foremost edutainment facility dedicated for children!

KidZania KL warmly welcomed – KODOMO, the children’s oral care brand that is trusted by generations of mothers, and Optimax, Malaysia’s most recognized eye specialist centre into the KidZania family with the handing over of the Keys to the City, a symbolic honour traditionally bestowed by the KidZania city upon esteemed purpose partners.

With these two new partners in tow, kids will not only gain the opportunity of stepping into the shoes of an Optometrist or Dentist, they will also gain invaluable life lessons through hands-on learning.

This includes learning the importance and benefits of dental hygiene and maintaining good eye health, which are important aspects of overall healthy habits that can often be overlooked and should be instilled in young minds.

“Here at KidZania, we are constantly coming up with fresh ideas and engaging activities together with our new and existing purpose partners. I’m certain that these new role-play activities will be a hit among the children as they now have something new and exciting to explore and learn. What better way to get our kids learning than through play! It is a proven concept where kids do pick up new skills and instill new habits through hands-on experiences and engaging learning modules such as the one KidZania KL offers. There are plans in place for more stimulating activities to come in the future, so do keep an eye out for it,” said Philip Whittaker, CEO of Sim Leisure Group.

In line with KidZania’s relentless pursuit of nurturing young minds to take on the world, the KODOMO establishment will feature a Dental Check activity where young participants can become a dentist for the day. They will also learn how to care for their teeth and the importance of brushing and flossing daily. Aside from this, kids will also learn about the types of food that cause cavities or cause harm to their teeth if left unbrushed after eating.

Over at Optimax, kids will be able to learn about the importance of sight and how to care for their eyes.  This is crucial, especially in this technology-driven era where a majority of kids are glued to the screens. They can choose to take on the role of an optometrist to diagnose, examine and treat a customer’s eyes or be in the shoes of a customer.

In this activity, kids that want to try their hands at being an optometrist will be given the opportunity to examine, diagnose and treat their patient’s eyes. Meanwhile, those in the role of the customer will undergo an eye check by the optometrist.

Built to be a city of dreams for young minds, KidZania KL provides kids with an avenue to obtain hands-on fun, and interactive experiences, setting the path towards possible future careers and also to give them a taste of real-life experiences.

Meanwhile, the event also saw existing partners; Faber-Castell, Canon, and Hotel Sentral receiving their Keys to the City as a symbol of a renewed partnership with KidZania Kuala Lumpur. These well-loved existing partners promise to inspire young minds with their new lineup of activities that will provide a better insight to their profession, the brand, and what they do.

With Hotel Sentral, there are two activities set up – Hotel Room Service and Concierge. Seeing as how kids just love the idea of a hotel stay, these activities will be extremely fun for them as they would be able to check-in guests in the lobby or learn what makes a hotel room so comfortable at the Room Service section.

Faber-Castell on the other hand has three activities lined up for crafty minds that focus on cultivating creativity and learning. The fun and engaging activities are Blow Painting Art, Glow in The Dark Art and DIY Stickers, where kids can try all the different creative techniques and bring home with them their arts and crafts. Through the combination of science and art, these activities will spark curiosity and encourage kids to think creatively.

Meanwhile, Canon’s activities will engage little participants in two activities such as Bird Photography with its Canon PowerShoot ZOOM and also learn about Vlogging with its Canon PowerShot PICK. These activities are in line with KidZania’s aim of keeping up with the changing times especially in this digital world where vlogging is now also considered a profession.

More information about the activities can be found at
https://www.kidzania.com.my/
 .

Partner Stories
Education
Through The Lens of Star Students
Breastfeeding & Nutrition
Breaking Norms: Should Breastfeeding Stimulation Only Be Done Naturally?
#PendidikanKewangan
Are You Making The Right Investments? 4 Important Investment Areas For Parents
Tip keibubapaan
Pencemaran Udara Di Dalam Rumah Lebih Berisiko Menyebabkan Kelahiran Bayi Pramatang, Ini Apa Yang Anda Patut Lakukan!
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Is Home Birth For You?

Ever think of a home birth?

“So you’re doing natural or C-section?”

Every single pregnant mother has had someone ask them this question regarding their deliveries. The benefit of living in 2016 means that mothers enjoy more choice and support during their pregnancy and delivery than ever before, including pain relieving methods, fetal monitoring and a team ready to take over in case of emergencies.

But it also means that with so many medical options, what used to be a straightforward natural process is now treated as a high-tech medical procedure. To the point that some women feel that their labours were overly interfered with and their choices were taken away from them.

Certainly rates of C-sections are higher in Malaysia now with up to 20%-25% of babies in government hospitals delivered via C-section. The figure is believed to be higher in
private hospitals.

Enter the home birth

Home birth is simply giving birth at home, whether in your own bed or in a tub of water, with your chosen birth partners and a certified midwife. It’s the way humans have done it for most of history.

Advocates claim that for healthy, low risk pregnancies, home birth helps to avoid interventions like inductions, episiotomies, c-sections, epidurals, vacuum and forceps. Labouring moms are free to move around in a familiar environment which can help them relax and help the labour progress. Moms can also change positions, take a shower and eat or drink freely while surrounded by people they are most comfortable with. And cost-wise it is definitely easier on the pocket.

A quick search on the Internet finds plenty of web sites, chat groups and links to books and home videos on the subject. Childbirth-related sites like
HypnoBirthing Malaysia
 lists at least 90 unassisted home birth stories.

Weighing the risks

One of the must-haves for a home birth are midwives who are certified in the field.

In Malaysia, assisted home births are legal and common in small towns or rural areas where access to a hospital is difficult. Based at health clinics, these certified midwives attend to the expectant mothers in their homes with equipment for monitoring foetal heart rate and resuscitation, and medications to stop bleeding. High-risk and emergency cases are transferred to the nearest hospital.

But in urban areas like the Klang Valley, women do not have adequate support for planned home births such as certified midwives who are confident enough or willing to assist in home births. Without the supervision of a qualified and experienced midwife or care provider during home births, most mothers and their birth companions can’t recognise potential problems.

Late last year, two first-time mothers had tragic unassisted home births; they died from excessive blood loss after delivering their babies. Postpartum haemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal deaths worldwide. It can be caused by the failure of the uterus to contract, vaginal or cervical lacerations, uterine rupture or retained placental tissue.

On the bright side, public and private hospitals are making an effort to create a more welcoming and comfortable birthing environment, and address unnecessary obstetric interventions.

So at the end of the day, it’s really a question of weighing the risks and benefits and of course, finding a certified professional birth companion if you really would like to try a home birth.

Partner Stories
#PendidikanKewangan
Pengajaran Tentang Kewangan Yang Anak-Anak Akan Ingat Sampai Bila-bila
Keibubapaan
Is Your Child Allergic to Milk or Lactose Intolerant? Here is the Difference Parents Should Know About
Pertandingan & promosi
Rebut 10 Tawaran Terhebat Di Tesco Baby Fair 2020
Parenting
5 VERY Important Tips when Choosing a Newborn Diaper
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


How to Choose the Right Pregnancy-Safe Shampoo That Is Safe for Mums & Baby

Do you need a pregnancy-safe shampoo that is specifically made to cater to the hair type changes during your pregnancy stage?

A woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes during pregnancy that not only affect her emotional health, like her mood but also impacts her physically--you may be seeing changes in your skin and hair.

Thus, not only is proper nutrition very important during pregnancy, what type of body care you use is just as important! This includes bath soaps, lotions and even shampoo! Be sure that the contents of your pregnancy-safe shampoo are not evasive or harmful.

Studies show that an increase in estrogen levels in a woman’s body during pregnancy. But the effect of this hormonal change differs from person to person.

 While some of the lucky ones’ hair gets thicker and grows quicker than it usually does on a regular basis, others may experience oilier hair or flakier scalps.

Do not worry! Because this is completely normal and part and parcel of being pregnant. Additionally, we’ve got your back--here is a list that summarises the best pregnancy-safe shampoos there are in the market.

Choosing the Right Pregnancy-safe Shampoo

Unfortunately, most shampoos are known to contain chemicals that may be too strong for sensitive skin, and some experts claim that this can be greatly harmful.

Thus, it becomes more important to choose a pregnancy-safe shampoo that is:

Natural and Organic

Fragrance-free

Free of harsh chemicals

We have compiled a list of the 6 best shampoos available on the market, all safe for use during pregnancy. If you are interested in any of these products, you can click on the corresponding button and buy it right away!

6 Best Pregnancy-safe Shampoos Every Mum Must Try!

1. Mama's Choice Treatment Shampoo

Made with natural ingredients, Mama’s Choice Shampoo is perfect for those of us who enjoy a fruity, organic pregnancy-safe shampoo.

As it is specially created for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas, Mama’s Choice Shampoo boasts being, well, Mama’s Choice. It is a treatment shampoo that helps to reduce hair loss while keeping your hair soft and smooth.

Being free of harmful ingredients such as SLS/SLES, parabens, dyes, alcohol and silicone, this product is perfect for pregnant women.

With that being said, you may be wondering why such ingredients are harmful--sulfate in shampoo can remove natural oils which actually are what gives our hair its shine, alcohol can dry out your hair follicles and scalp.

Thus, this product is definitely at the top of our list of suitable shampoos!

What we love:

Reduces hair loss

Stimulates hair growth

Increases the strength of hair roots

 Mama's Choice Treatment Shampoo
Buy at Shopee

2. Christina Moss Naturals Hair Shampoo

If you are looking for an organic shampoo, Christina Moss Naturals Hair Shampoo is a product that you are surely going to love! For starters, it contains organic and plant-based ingredients.

You can protect the earth while protecting yourself and your hair! Its eco-friendly, vegan, chemical-free, and GMO-free nature allows you to do just that.

Because of the non-artificial ingredients, the cleansing process is very gentle. The shampoo gently removes oil and dirt from our hair.

B
eing enriched with the goodness of coconut oil, aloe vera, and shea butter, it goes beyond what basic shampoos do. It also softens, soothes and hydrates the hair.

In addition, olive oil, one of the ingredients, is filled with antioxidants. This means that it is able to help prevent and even reverse damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.

What we love:

No harmful chemicals (no SLS derivatives, SLES, PG, PG, parabens, sulfates, dyes, synthetic fragrances or petrochemicals)

Hypoallergenic

Increases the strength of hair roots

Thoroughly cleanses hair

 Christina Moss Naturals Hair Shampoo
Buy at Shopee

3. Majestic Pure Hair Loss Shampoo

Hair loss is a common occurrence for many moms or soon-to-be moms during pregnancy. Already having to struggle with mood and body changes can already take a huge toll on us, so having found a product that can reduce hair loss sounds amazing to me!

Majestic Pure Hair Loss Shampoo is known for 14 DHT blockers. DHT is a hormone that shrinks follicles and causes hair loss.

Using this shampoo would reduce those hormones in your scalp. It offers perfect herbal and natural nourishment while strengthening hair follicles. It is undoubtedly a soft yet strong formula!

Also, this shampoo contains many nutrient-filled, natural ingredients. Some examples are argan oil to prevent dryness, biotin to stimulate hair growth, niacin to improve blood circulation and various other botanical extracts that promote healthy hair.

What we love:

Contains botanical extracts

No harmful chemicals

14 DHT blockers

Stimulates hair growth

Sulfate-free

Can be used by both men and women

Gluten-free and parabens

 Majestic Pure Hair Loss Shampoo
Buy at Shopee
Buy at Lazada

 4. BIGGREEN 23 Natural Daily Scalp Shampoo

While other shampoos may not use natural ingredients, they could lead to dryness and itching. The Big Green shampoo consists of 100% natural ingredients, making it gentle enough for everyday cleansing use while still protecting the skin barrier.

This natural shampoo from Big Green can be a mother’s choice because of all the natural ingredients found in it.

This plant-based cleanser is perfect for you, filled with botanical oils, extracts of basil, rosemary and chamomile, amongst other ingredients, that keep your hair nourished and healthy.

This product is friendly for most skin types and suitable for sensitive skin. Being
dermatology tested and EWG verified, it
is definitely one of the safest shampoos especially in the early stages of pregnancy.

What we love:

Natural - no harmful chemicals

Suitable for individuals with sensitive skin

Safe to use

Contains aloe vera which makes hair soft and hydrated

Treats hair loss

 BIGGREEN 23 Natural Daily Scalp Shampoo
Buy at Shopee

5. Love Beauty & Planet Hope & Repair Shampoo

This product is particularly moisturising and nourishing, it is a combination of an oil shampoo and a conditioner. The two-in-one conditioner cum shampoo nature of this product makes it suitable for those with very dry hair. It moisturises and provides deep cleansing, helping us repair our dry and damaged hair.

This product has proven to be very suitable for pregnant women due to the nature of the ingredients that have been selected. It is even harmless for the sensitive skin of pregnant women.

Moreover, the fragrance left behind is also light and natural, a very enjoyable floral scent. Overall, this is a great shampoo that helps with dryness and is great for pregnant women!

What we love:

Organic ingredients - coconut oil and Ylang Ylang flower oil

Free of parabens and silicone

Repairs hair and curbs hair loss

 Love Beauty & Planet Hope & Repair Shampoo
Buy at Shopee
Buy at Lazada

6. Organic Formulations Biologika Coconut Shampoo

Enriched with organic ingredients and coconut oil for natural hair nourishment, this product is an eco-friendly and cruelty-free formula suitable for all hair types and gentle for everyday use.

It leaves hair feeling clean but not stripped, making it perfect for everyday use.

Whether your hair type is dry or oily, this product is good for you because it is made to suit all hair types. The organic jojoba oil and sweet almond oil helps healthy hair growth, loads up shiny hair and it has a cooling effect while helping to repair damaged air.

What we love:

Contains no synthetic fragrances, parabens, artificial colours

Does not contain substances of animal origin

Coconut oil has been added because of its natural nutrients.

 Organic Formulations Biologika Coconut Shampoo
Buy at Shopee
Buy at Lazada

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more
:
Best Pregnancy Safe Lipstick for Expecting Mums


How smart will your baby be? Science says their poop has the answer!

As your baby grows, it’s natural to dream about what they will be like as adult. Will they be funny, kind, or smart? A surprising
new study claims
 that clues to a child’s intelligence are hiding inside…
baby poop!

Yes, you read that right. Baby poop comes in different colours and consistencies. It can tell us what’s going on in our little one’s body. And it can also indicate what sort of conditions need to be addressed.

A recent study asserts that baby poop can offer even more insight.

Researchers from the University of Carolina’s (UNC) School of Medicine published their findings in
Biological Psychiatry
.

Image source: Pinterest

The scoop on the fascinating possibilities of baby poop

Here are some key takeaways from the study that mums and dads will find interesting!

1. Babies with a certain type of bacteria in their poop excel in cognitive tests

Researchers examined the poop samples of 100 babies, all one year old. They found that those with less diverse microbiomes and lots of
bacteroides
 scored higher in cognitive tests by age two.

“This is the first time an association between microbial communities and cognitive development has been demonstrated in humans,” explains Rebecca Knickmeyer of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine
in a statement
.

They assessed the babies using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. This is a series of developmental tests that involve examining fine and gross motor skills, perceptual abilities, and language development.

2. Probiotics could affect brain development before the age of one

“We’re not really at the point where we can say, ‘Let’s give everyone a certain probiotic,'” clarify the researchers in the statement.

But their findings shed light on the crucial role a baby’s gut bacteria plays in brain development before the age of one.

“These results suggest you may be able to guide the development of the microbiome to optimize cognitive development or reduce the risk for disorders like autism which can include problems with cognition and language,” say the researchers.

Image source: File photo

3. This raises the question: Can bacteria communicate with a baby’s developing brain?

“Are the bacteria actually ‘communicating’ with the developing brain?” wonders Knickmeyer. “That’s something that we are working on now, so we’re looking at some signaling pathways that might be involved.”

She also presents another theory: that the type of bacteria in baby poop is just a substitute or bridge between another factor in brain development. For instance, this could be a baby’s diet and nutrition.

4. This is just the first of many more discoveries

This study has no precedent. It is the first to explore the connection between brain development and gut bacteria found in poop.

All these claims may seem far-fetched. And a wider pool of candidates might have to be tested to cement these claims. But researchers are confident this is the first step to more promising discoveries.

For mums and dads, it’s always interesting to find new ways to get to know their little one better, even if it’s lurking in their diapers!

sources:
Eureka Alert
,
IFLScience.com

Partner Stories
Baby
Premature Babies: What You Should Look Out for and What to Do?
Baby
What Is the New Standard of Gentle?
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!