Do you realize that you are just ten weeks (or even less, if labour strikes you early) from delivering your baby? Start counting backwards to your D-day. However, there is still a lot happening inside your body and to your baby during this crucial last phase.

Here is what happens to you during this week

Frequent urge to urinate: Remember how during the early days of your pregnancy you had to rush to the restroom too often to relief yourself? Your third trimester is going to be a re-run of the same. Now that the uterus keeps exerting constant pressure on the bladder, this makes you visit the restroom more than a couple of times throughout the day. No matter how irritable this symptom might be, it will be gone in few weeks.

Heartburn and indigestion: As your baby grows inside the womb and your uterus stretches out, it pushes other organs like the pancreas and liver upward to make enough room for your baby. This physiological disturbance makes the process of digestion slow and results in indigestion and heartburn. Here is how you can deal with heartburn during pregnancy.

Leaky and tender breasts: While it can be annoying and irritable at times to attend to leaky breasts and live with the tenderness and pain, know that this is a sign that your body is preparing well in advance for breastfeeding. Here are some changes that your breasts have to go through during pregnancy.

Fatigue and tiredness: Fatigue can be prevalent throughout the day and night too. Apart from that, with all the weight you have gained, it can become immensely difficult to move around and do your regular chores with the same pre-pregnancy ease.

Development of your baby

Here is what happens to your baby this week:

Your baby practices and perfects breathing techniques: During these final weeks of your pregnancy, your baby keeps practicing breathing techniques inside the womb by taking in amniotic fluid in large amounts through nostrils. This will ensure that your baby is able to breathe in air after delivery when out of the womb.

Your baby’s brain starts to co-ordinate with other parts of the body: As your baby’s brain continues to grow and mature, it starts to control the movements of the limbs and functions of other major organs, albeit slowly. It also extends its control over the opening and closing of the eyelids which are now more sensitive to light.

Your baby finally starts getting rid of the lanugo: Your baby had developed a thin lining of hair during the early stages of development called the lanugo, which helped in keeping your baby warm inside the womb. Now that fat deposits are present under the skin, they help in regulating the body temperature; the lanugo finally starts to shed.

Your baby’s bone marrow produces red blood cells: Your baby’s bone marrows have started to produce red blood cells now. This is a milestone that your baby will attain this week. This also indicates that if you go into labour anytime soon, your baby will be able to thrive on its own.

This week your baby can weigh around 1300 t0 1500 g and measure 450 to 500 mm from crown-to-rump approximately.

What you should do:

• Be regular with your antenatal appointments now as these might become a weekly affair for you. Make sure you have taken all the tests and have all the requisite reports with you. There would be few new tests that you might have to do during your third trimester. Learn about them and make sure you take the tests.

• Be very cautious with your movements now. As your belly bulges out, your centre of gravity shifts and it can make you trip at times, especially if you try to be fast with your pace while walking or moving around. A fall isn’t appreciated at this time during pregnancy. Avoid wearing high heels for the same reason and be conscious while sitting, walking and even getting up from your chair. Don’t be rough on yourself as you can damage your joints. Here is why you shouldn’t wear heels during pregnancy.

• At this point your nutritional demands will increase and you would need more protein, folate, vitamin C and iron from your diet. With your baby’s bone marrow making new red blood cells, your iron intake needs to be to its optimum. Gestational anemia at this stage can harm your baby’s development adversely. Here is the ultimate pregnancy diet guide for you.

• Get yourself enough rest as fatigue and other problems can make you lethargic and weak. Try to increase your sleep timings by going to bed an hour early and waking up an hour late. Here are few self-help sleep tips to help you doze off during pregnancy.

• This is an ideal phase to practise belly breathing that can help you take in more oxygen and relax from the stress and strains of pregnancy. Here are few breathing exercises that you can do during pregnancy.

<Previous Week                                                                           Next Week>

Image source: Getty Images

For more articles on diet & fitness, visit our diet & fitness section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

As you enter the 31st week of your pregnancy, there are chances that you might feel it is becoming increasingly difficult for you to pull through each day. But this is no time to give up, instead, gather all the courage and might that you have to help you wade through the final weeks of your pregnancy smoothly. This week onward, your existing symptoms might start getting more severe and your pace more sluggish.

Here is what happens to you this week

False contractions: Many expectant mothers experience false contractions or Braxton Hicks contraction frequently during this week as labour approaches. These contractions can last for up to 30 seconds and then fade off. In case you have even the slightest of doubt that it might be more than just mere flutters, rush to your doctor for an evaluation.

Fatigue and tiredness: Your body weight coupled with the bulging belly, hormonal surges and increased fetal movements can make you feel weary and fatigued throughout the day. The best way to beat this symptom is to avoid physical exertion and eat a balanced diet for proper nutrition and strength. Remember, drinking adequate water and regular exercise can also help combat fatigue and tiredness. Here is why it is important to drink water during pregnancy. 

Urinary incontinence: This symptom might come as a surprise now. But as the bulging uterus exerts pressure on the bladder, not only will you feel a frequent urge for urination but might also leak while you cough, sneeze or laugh out loud. This could also pose to be a problem postpartum. Here is what you need to know about postpartum urine incontinence.

Problems during sleep: You might have to work on sleep positions now as the belly might come in the way of your casual resting positions and disturb your sleep. If you are already practicing sleeping on your left side, try popping a pillow for more comfort. Sleeping on your sides will also help ease backache and give your lungs enough space to help your breathe.

Apart from these, constipation, hemorrhoids, indigestion, and leaky breasts can still be a concern.

Development of your baby

Here is what happens to your baby this week:

Your baby gains weight: At this point in time your baby is just half the weight it would be during the time of birth. This means that from now onward, your baby will be putting on weight rapidly to reach its optimum birth weight. Also as fat tissues keep on layering themselves beneath the skin, it accounts to fetal weight gain naturally.

Your baby’s five senses develop: By this week your baby can hear your voice and that of your surroundings more clearly, its vision develops and so does the sense of taste and smell. If you caress your belly often, your baby might also respond to your touch. This is a great way of bonding with your child while in the womb. Here is why talking to your baby bump is a great idea.

Your baby’s finger and toenails develop: An essential development that happens this week is the development of finger and toe nails. You need to trim them after birth as they could hurt your newborn in case your baby scratches itself.

Apart from this, your sonography will give a better evaluation of your baby’s health status and the level of amniotic fluid in the womb. This is a very crucial parameter in establishing your baby’s well-being. Since your baby will be breathing and swallowing the liquid and also urinating in the womb, amniotic fluid will give a fair idea if your baby’s systems are functioning to its optimum. Too much amniotic fluid in the womb might indicate that your baby might not be swallowing enough liquid and can suggest a gastrointestinal problem. On the other hand, little amount of water would indicate that your baby isn’t urinating enough.

This week your baby can weigh around 1500 to 1550 g and measure up to 500 mm from crown-to-rump approximately.

What you should do:

• Learn about various options available for pain management during your visits to the doctor so that you are able to take an informed decision. Many mothers prefer to opt for natural remedies like acupressure, massage or clod sponges. On the other hand, many others  opt for epidurals or painkiller injections. Whatever your decision, make sure to learn about their pros and cons and include them in your birth plan. Here are few ways to manage back pain during labour. 

• If you want to go for cord blood banking, connect with one of the banks now to prepare ahead of time. However, if you wish to have a delayed cord clamping, discuss about the same with your doctor. Here is what you need to know about delayed cord clamping.

• Since you might be experiencing false contractions, it is better to learn about the symptoms of preterm labour. In case you feel the contractions more than four times within an hour, it is quite possible to qualify as a sign of preterm labour. Here are some symptoms of preterm labour you need to be watchful of. 

• While you can still enjoy an active sex life, it is wise to slow down a bit. Try positions that are comfortable for you and agreeable to your spouse. Remember it is best to abstain from sexual activities for at least four weeks prior to labour. Yes, you can have sex during pregnancy too, here are a few myths about pregnancy sex busted.

<Previous Week                                                                           Next Week>

Image source: Getty Images

For more articles on Pregnancy, visit our Pregnancy section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

It’s quite common to feel exhausted after a long day’s work. The constant feeling of tiredness not only strains your mental energy but also drains you physically. Although there might be many causes of fatigue, here are some quick fixes to fight against fatigue and revitalize your energy levels.

Spices: Not many are aware that common kitchen ingredients can come to your rescue in relieving fatigue naturally.

Steps to prepare – Take one small cup of long pepper, half a cup of black pepper and dried ginger each, one-fourth cup of cumin seeds, ajwain, cloves, cardamom, triphala and cinnamon leaves. Roast these separately, powder them and add required amount of honey to make a paste. Consume half a teaspoon of it for 40 days to beat fatigue.

Dates: One of the most effective and easily available natural aids to relieve fatigue is to consume dates regularly. Soak five to seven dates in half a cup of water in the night and crush the pulp (remove seeds) in the morning. Drink this solution at least two times a week to get rid of fatigue. You can also snack on dates along with a glass of milk to beat fatigue and revitalize yourself.

Masala chai: A hot cup of masala chai has the power to pack a powerful punch on your long day’s stress and fatigue. Known to be the best natural remedy to uplift your mood and revitalize your mind and body, the tannins present in this beverage are key active compounds that do the task. Apart from acting as a potent stimulant, masala chai renders numerous health benefits. Read about masala chai – a tasty cup of health!

Herbal remedies: There are herbal remedies that are known to beat fatigue and refresh your brain and body. Aloe vera gel and drumstick leaves are the commonly used ones. Boil two teaspoon of drumstick leaves in a cup of milk, strain and drink this solution to get relief from fatigue. Another way is to take half a teaspoon of aloe vera gel with a pinch of turmeric powder.

Exercise: You can kick-off stress and tiredness with simple daily exercises. Regular physical activity not only relieves tension, it renews energy and induces sleep. There is no need to perform strenuous exercises, simple practices like brisk walking, cycling, gardening and playing any sport relieves fatigue and improves your overall health.

Head massage: A head massage can do wonders in relieving fatigue and rejuvenating your senses. Just add a few drops of hair oil over your head and slowly start massaging. It increases blood circulation, instils calmness and stillness of the mind.

Hot and cold bath: In case you are suffering from fatigue, you should take a quick bath with hot and cold water simultaneously. This is because, use of hot and cold water alternatively stimulates the muscle activity and improves blood circulation thereby combating stress and fatigue. You can also try soaking your feet in hot water tub and gently massaging your feet, as a quick fix to relax your mind and body. Here’s how you can beat workout fatigue.

Cereals: People suffering from fatigue should eat foods that are nutritious in nature and supply energy to the body. Hence, include foods such wheat, oats, corn, rye and barely seeds in your meal plan to reap their benefits.

B-complex vitamins and minerals: Consume foods rich in B-complex vitamins and minerals (potassium, sodium, calcium and zinc) as they help in improving blood circulation and maintaining overall well being. Apart from these, people suffering from fatigue are advised to stay away from junk foods, fried foods and caffeinated beverages.

Iron-rich foods: One of the main reasons for feeling stressed out and low is deficiency of iron in the body. Hence, it is advised to consume foods rich in iron to improve your blood circulation and combat fatigue. However, one should keep in mind to include foods rich in vitamin C in their diet as it aids in the absorption of iron in the body.

Sufficient rest: The best and most effective way to fight fatigue is to get sufficient sleep and take small breaks during your work hours. This can be achieved by carefully planning your day at home or office.

Sleep well: The lack of proper sleep is one of the key reasons for constant fatigue. It is important to get enough sleep as getting a 7-hour sleep is keeps you fresh and energetic. A good nigh’s sleep minimize your stress levels, activates your brain and improves functioning of various hormones in the body.

Power naps: It might be very stressful for some to spend 9-hours at work and constantly work under pressure. This in long run takes a toll on your health leading to fatigue. Hence, taking power naps for 10-15 minutes in between work hours is essential to refresh your mind  and stay active all round the day.

Yoga: We all know that laughter is the best medicine to fight stress and fatigue, it also makes you happy. That is why, people with fatigue and stress are advised to take laughter yoga, a unique exercise which combines yogic breathing (pranayama) with unconditional laughter. Other yoga asanas that play a key role in lowering your stress levels and combating fatigue include trikonasana, paschimotasana and uttanasana.

Image Source: Getty Images

For more natural remedies, check out our natural remedies section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

References:

1. Sairam, Trimurti V. Home remedies: A handbook of herbal cures for common ailments. Vol. 2. Penguin Books India, 1999.
2. Bakhru, H. K. Natural Home Remedies for Common Ailments. Orient Paperbacks, 1996.

This week, be watchful of signs of preterm labour as going into labour now is a probability. However, there are still a few days left to reach the D-day. Take enough rest now as motherhood will bring with it new stress and strains along with its share of joys.

Here is what happens to your body this week:

Fatigue: With your belly stretched to the maximum and your baby still growing, this is inevitable. You might find it difficult to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Your gait has also changed, hence moving around even inside the house could be tiring. However, keep moving around and walking, even it be at a slow pace, as it will help combat pregnancy-induced fatigue and make you feel relaxed. Here are four breathing exercises that every pregnant woman should do.

Sensitive breasts: This week your breasts might feel more sensitive than ever. They could also be leaking colostrum, a clear yellowish liquid, which is considered as your baby’s first feed. This is a sign that your breasts are preparing for lactation phase post-delivery. Here are six changes that happen to your breasts during pregnancy.

False contractions: If you haven’t experienced false contractions or Braxton Hicks yet, you might feel them this time around. However, you should be able to differentiate false contractions from signs of preterm labour. Consistent painful contractions are a sign that labour is probably starting.

Pelvic pain: Since your baby’s head would be resting on your pelvic area now, and your baby would be piling on a few kilos even now, you might experience pain in the pelvic area.

Apart from these, you might also experience backache, edema, sleeplessness, etc.

Development of your baby

Here is what happens to your baby this week:

Your baby’s brain develops: Your baby’s brain development is in its final stages now. The brain cells keep adding in a rapid speed, which will continue to be so for the first three years of your baby’s life.

Your baby puts on weight: These last few days, your baby gets enough fat deposited beneath the skin which adds to the weight gain process and also helps to keep the temperature in control.

Your baby prepares for birth: Your baby takes the head-down position by now and presses on the cervix making it soft and flexible, readying for labour.

At this point in time, your baby can weigh anywhere between 3 to 3.5 kg and measure up to 500 mm from crown to rump.

What you can do:

• Keep your maternity bag ready as you might have to reach the hospital anytime now. Here are 23 things you need to pack in your maternity bag.
• Drink enough water and eat a balanced diet. Here is why drinking water during pregnancy is important.
• Sleep as much as you can and take adequate rest. Here is how you need to sleep during your pregnancy.
• In case you notice signs like spotting, leaking or excess vaginal discharge, report it to your doctor. These could be a sign of preterm labour. Here is what you should know about spotting during the third trimester.
• Take diarrhea and vomiting seriously this week as they could also be indicative of labour.
• Practise deep-breathing and try to keep stress at bay right before labour.

Image Source: Getty Images

For more articles on pregnancy, visit our pregnancy section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

Pregnancy doesn’t treat everyone equally. While some women might face severe pregnancy symptoms like nausea, backache and constipation throughout the nine months, others might be plain lucky and have a cake-walk like pregnancy. However, one thing is sure, nobody is spared from the wrath of the extra baggage of pregnancy that it brings along with it. One might have to suffer from one of these symptoms during her nine months of bliss and struggle hard to deal with it.  Well no more struggling for expectant mums. Here are simple solutions to all your pregnancy niggles so that you stay on the sunny side of your pregnancy always.

Morning sickness: There is no denying that nausea or morning sickness can haunt you throughout the day and in the night too, at times. So be prepared to visit your rest room often during the first trimester. It’s your hormones that are creating the havoc. Also pregnancy increases sensitivity in the area of the brain which triggers nausea. Here is how avoiding fluids in the morning can help control symptoms of morning sickness. 

How to tackle it:

• Stay in your bed for a few minutes after you wake up.
• Do not have fluids, like water or juices first thing in the morning. Start your day with a toast, biscuit or crackers instead.
• Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
• Avoid over eating and have six small balanced meals throughout the day.
• Avoid your triggers. Every pregnant women suffering from morning sickness becomes averse to certain odours, like that of onions, garlic or other fragrances. If you know yours stay away from them.
• Ask for medications from your doctor if it becomes too difficult to ignore. 

Backache: This is way too common in pregnancy. The reason being your bulging tummy puts quite a pressure on your back. If you practice sitting and walking in improper posture then it just adds more stress to your back. Remember backache during the later stages of pregnancy could be a sign of preterm labour too. Here are more signs of preterm labour you need to know about. 

How to tackle it:

• Correct your posture. Keep your spine upright every time while sitting, standing or walking. Do this consciously if the need be. Save your back, as you would need a strong back post pregnancy too.
• Do some light exercises to strengthen your back after talking to your doctor or antenatal fitness coach.
• When you sleep keep a pillow tucked between your legs to ensure good back support.
• Trade your high heels for flat flip-flops.

Constipation: Bowel movements slow down during pregnancy. This happens due to an increased level of progesterone in the body. Also the iron supplements taken during pregnancy can lead to constipation. With fatigue, nausea and backaches, constipation would be the last thing you want to deal with. But there is no escaping if your systems decide otherwise. 

How to tackle it:

• Up your fibre intake and if the need be, ask your doctor for medications, do not reach out for laxatives on your own.
• Do not miss on your eight glasses of water and keep sipping other fluids too.
• Pile your plate with more veggies and raw fruits.
• Walk. Light exercises can help to aid digestion and relive constipation symptoms.    

Heartburn and indigestion:  Pre-pregnancy this could have been dealt by simply popping a pill. But now you need to tread with caution. During pregnancy as your belly bulges out your stomach is pushed upward and this aggravates heartburn. Also, going empty stomach for too long can increase acid levels and cause heartburn, indigestion and slow down bowel movements too. 

How to tackle it:

• Eat small frequent meals.
• Avoid spicy or fried foods that can aggravate acidity.
• Do not lie down for at least half an hour after your meal.
• An occasional vanilla ice cream for dessert can work as an antacid.

Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are quite common during pregnancy and are caused due to an increased blood flow in the pelvic area. Your bulging uterus exerts extra pressure on the veins, hampering the venous blood flow that contributes to the condition. Constipation may also aggravate the condition. Though hemorrhoids are not harmful, they can be very painful and can worsen with the extra strain of labour. But blood in stool always doesn’t mean hemorrhoids. Here are a few things that you need to know about spotting, which could be a telling sign of pregnancy complication. 

How to tackle it:

• Have plenty of water and fibre rich food.
• Apply ice packs or anesthetic gels to reduce pain and swelling after consulting your doctor.
• Try isabgol husk. An excellent home remedy that helps.

Swelling or edema: Your feet and hands might swell up sometime during the last trimester due to excess water retention triggered by hormones. This is also known as edema. 

How to tackle it:

• Drink adequate water.
• Avoid sleeping on your back during late pregnancy.
• Do not stand or sit for too long in the same position. Take breaks to keep fluids in your systems moving and not bulking up at places.

Pregnancy cramps: As the uterus bulges, it may exert pressure on your lower abdominal muscles and lead to cramps. Cramps are not a common pregnancy niggles, but it does affect many women during the later stages of pregnancy. These aren’t painful but keep a check, sometimes cramps can also indicate pre-term labour or miscarriage. Here are seven causes of abdominal pains that you should be aware off. 

How to tackle it:

There isn’t much that you can do to help yourself. Try taking rest for a while and see if you feel better. Else, make an appointment with your doctor.

Fatigue: It follows you very closely throughout your pregnancy. For many women, its worst during the first and third trimester, but for some, fatigue could be there throughout the pregnancy. Fatigue is your body’s own way of dealing with pregnancy, what with all that extra weight, need for more nutrients and making room for the baby. It’s normal for your already alert and overworked body to ask for rest. Here are six ways to sleep better during pregnancy. 

How To Tackle It:

• Rest, Rest, Rest. There is no substitute to fight fatigue.
• Eat well. A balanced diet can fuel more energy to keep up with the needs of the body and the growing baby, especially for working mothers.
• Sleep well. It is mandatory to have eight hours of shut-eye.
• Avoid long distance travel that tires you.

Image source: Getty Images

For more articles on pregnancy, visit our pregnancy section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

Muscle weakness, is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles to perform their function. When one suffers from this condition, it reduces the force by which a muscle can exert itself no matter how much one may try. Therefore, over a period of time, the muscle becomes abnormal.

Listed below are some of the common causes of muscle weakness:

Inactive lifestyle

If there is a lack of muscle fitness, high chances are that it will lead to muscle weakness. When you do not use your muscles, the muscle fibres eventually get replaced with fat and then lead to muscle wasting. This results in your muscles becoming more floppy and less chunky. Therefore, when this occurs, one is prone to getting tired more easily and is not able to do things with relative ease. However, the condition can be reversed if you take precautions and engage in regular exercise before it becomes worse with age.

Therefore, it is always important to remain fit no matter your age. It should be noted that recovering from a muscle injury does become harder when you age. A well-planned and sensible workout regime is a must. Also, you should heed the advice given by fitness experts to prevent injuries while training. (Read: 18 causes of muscle weakness)

Infections

Infections and illnesses are common causes of muscle fatigue. This usually occurs as a result of muscle inflammation. Although recovery does take place, if the inflammation is quite severe, it could lead to prolonged weakness. The illnesses which are prone to cause weakness include influenza, glandular fever, HIV, Lyme disease and hepatitis C.

Pregnancy

The period during and after a pregnancy can cause a person to experience weakness owing to high steroid levels  in the blood, along with the possibility of less iron causing anaemia. These conditions more often than not lead to weakness. While it is advised to engage in some light exercise, pregnant women should exercise caution. The weight that you carry in the front can result in lower back pain if you overdo the exercises, leading to an altered posture. Here’s an exercise guide for all semesters of pregnancy.

Apart from these, there could be other more serious diseases which could cause muscle weakness. Please see your doctor if it prevents you from going about your day-to-day activities.

Photo source: Getty images

For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

Whether it’s a planned pregnancy or an unplanned one, you are bound to know about it by the second month of your pregnancy. Ideally, by the sixth week an expectant mother is aware of the little things happening within her womb. The indications by now are plentiful – missing periods, early signs of pregnancy like nausea, vomiting and fatigue and also the confirmation by your home pregnancy test kit. With this advancement, it’s time to visit your doctor and get further evaluation done to ascertain your pregnancy and fetal well-being. Here are five things you should ask your gynaecologist during your antenatal visit.

While no one can guess that you are pregnant yet, there are a lot of things happening inside your body, gearing you up for a smooth pregnancy and labour ahead.

What happens to your body during the second month

Hormonal changes: Pregnancy is the time of a woman’s life when hormonal changes are at their peak. Apart from estrogen and progesterone being at an all time high, there is a good amount of hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in your system. These hormones are primarily responsible for the changes happening in your body, along with those nagging pregnancy discomforts.

Morning sickness: As the levels of hCG increase in your blood, it stimulates the ovaries to release more estrogen. This hormone is responsible to induce nausea and also increase one’s sensitivity towards certain odours that trigger it. A rapidly rising blood level of the human chorionic gonadotropin, released by the placenta, stimulates the maternal ovaries to secrete oestrogen, which is believed to cause nausea. Increased sensitivity to odours may also stimulate and trigger nausea. Here is how to tackle morning sickness during pregnancy. 

Fatigue: Hormonal changes in your body would take a toll on you, which will lead to fatigue and tiredness. It is also because your body is overworked, trying to comply with the demands of the growing fetus. Remember your first trimester is the time when the main organ development of the fetus takes place, and hence the weariness that sets in. Here are simple tips to deal with seven common problems of pregnancy. 

Spotting: This is a very natural occurrence during the first trimester of pregnancy. It occurs when the fertilised egg tries to implant itself on the walls of the uterus and settles with time. However, if you notice other symptoms like cramping and lower abdominal pain along with spotting, it is advisable to meet your gynaecologist at the earliest. Here is what you need to know about spotting during the first trimester.

Breast changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy touch every aspect of your physiological and psychological well-being and don’t spare your breasts too. You might feel that your breasts become swollen, sensitive and tender during this month. This is also a sign that your body is preparing itself, well in advance, for lactation. Here is all you need to know about the changes that happen in your breast during pregnancy.

Frequent urination: As the fetus grows in your womb, it presses against the bladder and initiates an urge to urinate. You might find yourself going to the restroom often.

Development of your baby

Major organs develop: When the fertilised egg implants itself on the surface of the uterus, it is termed an embryo. Only when the major organ development starts to take place does your baby graduate from being an embryo to a fetus. During the fifth week, all the major organ developments of the fetus happen at a rapid pace. The heart, the central nervous system, the thyroid gland, bones and muscles form along with neural tube that eventually develop into the brain, and the spinal cord has begun to develop.

Limbs are formed: The eyes, ears, mouth, nose starts to take shape and are seen as black dots on the ultrasound. Also, your baby’s limbs start to protrude out of the body. Your baby can now move inside your womb although, there is still time for you to feel the kicks.

The placenta develops: With the development of the placenta, your baby receives nourishment from you through the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord also develops distinct blood vessels that help in absorbing oxygen and nourishment from you.

Facial features develop: By the end of this month the facial features of your baby become more distinct, the limbs also grow in length and are now clearly visible. The nose is more distinct, eyelids and lips are more visible, and the ears are growing, both internally and externally, giving the fetus a distinct facial structure.

Congratulations, your journey towards motherhood has begun!

 Previous month                                                                        Next month

Image source: Getty Images

For more articles on pregnancy, visit our pregnancy section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

After Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone came out in open and spoke about her depression, many more people flooded their social media timelines with such confessions. But are you sure about your self-diagnosis?  Depression is more than just feeling low, dejected or countering loneliness. It is an illness that alters your brain chemistry. Know more about depression – causes, symptoms and treatments.

A condition like depression has a number of causes and is more often than not multifaceted. Its prevalence is more in developing countries like ours and it surpasses the mere feeling of being lonely. ‘There are certain signs and symptoms that indicate that a person is depressed and withdrawn from the world in general. With passing of generations the manifestation of the illness has changed, however, the severity of the condition still remains the same,’ says Syeda Ruksheda, family psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Mumbai.

Here are the modern day signs of depression that one should know about:

1. Social media addiction: Social media has become an inseparable part of our lives, helping us reach out to friends, increase networks, express thoughts, and opinions and is also a medium to vent out pent up emotions. But social media addiction can be harmful too. For people who are depressed this addiction appears to be bit different. ‘A person suffering from depression would feel withdrawn or refuse to interact with people around them, but could be logged on to Facebook or other social media sites for long hours. The alarming sign is that this person refuses to interact even virtually and will not ‘like,’ ‘comment,’ or ‘share’ any posts on the sites. However, it is difficult from him to not stay logged in to the sites for long hours at a stretch,’ says Ruksheda. Here are eight other ways to prevent depression.

2. Oversleeping: There is a fine line that separates oversleeping due to stress and doing the same when you are depressed. ‘In a fast paced life that we all lead, we usually suffer from the lack of sleep. Eight hours of shut-eye (or even less) is usually enough, sometimes sleeping for 10 hours at a stretch when tired is also acceptable. But if oversleeping becomes a habit it is a sign of worry. If someone struggles to stay awake despite having the necessary hours of sleep it could be a subtle sign of depression,’ informs Ruksheda.

3. Physically inactivity: There is a reason why it is said that exercise can help one beat the blues and keep depression at bay. Most depressed people find it difficult to move around or even walk, leading to more inactivity that just aggravates the condition. ‘People suffering from depression often complain of a heaviness in their limbs that retards their pace of work or just makes them feel fatigued,’ says Ruksheda. So even with the best intentions and the lack of any physical problems if one isn’t able to stay physically active, exercise or walk it could be an indication enough to seek help. Here are five health conditions that could lead to depression.

4. Extreme sensitivity to rejection: People suffering from depression also harbour a fear of rejection deep within them. ‘This fear of rejection shows up in many ways. For instance, a person might be too depressed to see that her pictures on Facebook didn’t get the requisite ‘likes’ or ‘comments’ and may start comparing his/her posts with those of others who have more social reach and feel dejected. Also, they  may end a series of romantic relationships due to their fear of commitment. All this stems from a deep rooted fear that they might be rejected in the relationship sooner or later. For a person suffering from depression, sustaining a long lasting relationship becomes difficult,’ says Ruksheda. Here are tips to deal with a broken relationship and move on.

5. Subtle substance abuse: It is one thing to go out, socialise, drink and have fun with your friends and it’s totally a different thing to look for that Friday night outing desperately throughout the week. Desperation is what makes you more prone or likely to suffer from depression. ‘One might not resort to substance abuse at the outset, even though they may be suffering from depression, but there would be a constant need to reach out for it. They look for a chance to get into substance abuse on the pretense of socialising or as an excuse to feel better. This kind of substance abuse doesn’t happen every day, but probably once a week with a desperate need to get high/drunk to beat the blues,’ says Ruksheda.

6. Inability to multitask: There are times when one fails to multitask or gain control over their life. Depression often disrupts one’s ability to concentrate, focus and deliver. ‘If a person had been able to concentrate and multitask in the past and feels the pressure now, along with the other subtle signs, it is wise to seek help and get treated the right way,’ says Ruksheda.

7. Feeling fatigueded and feverish: The signs of depression are not always vague; sometimes they do manifest as physical symptoms as well. Fatigue and fever for no particular reason could be a hidden sign of depression. ‘There are times when a person might feel feverish or their blood pressure might drop without any particular explanation or any other health problems. Most of the time popping a pill or sleeping little extra can help one cope with these untimely problems, but it’s best to pay attention to these signs if these episodes happen regularly,’ says Ruksheda. Remember, depression shows up in subtle ways and can be worsened if picked up late.

8. Taking selfies: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has officially confirmed that taking ‘selfies’ is a mental disorder. ‘People who keep clicking selfies and sharing them on social sites have an inner desire to be appreciated and accepted something they aren’t able to do for themselves. However, there are people who might just click the pictures and go through them time and again. If they can’t get people to see them, they will look at them themselves and both these conditions spell danger,’ says Ruksheda.

Note: If you think that any of these signs are similar to what you are going through don’t  panic. A single sign or symptom does not mean that you are depressed. In fact, depression is a compilation of various symptoms which can only be ascertained after a thorough evaluation by an expert. If  you still feel that you need help and are worried about your mental well being don’t hesitate to seek help.

Image source: Getty Images

For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

April 11 is World Parkinson’s Awareness Day.

More often than not, a person suffering from Parkinson’s disease reaches out for treatment when the illness has worsened making treatment necessary. A neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s doesn’t have a cure and the damage it causes are irreversible. As the disease progresses, it destroys the neurons, leading to deficiency of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that sends signals to the brain to control movement. This is why a person suffering from the condition loses control over their movements. You might also like to read about the risk factors of Parkinson’s disease.

Although, Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, picking up the signs early can help one get started with the treatment. ‘Early intervention is the only way in which one can delay the progress of the disease and gain a better quality of life, despite living with the condition,’ says Dr Bobby Varkey, Consultant Neurologist, Aster Medcity, Kerela. 

In this post Dr Bobby Varkey lists the 15 early signs of Parkinson’s that you should watch out for:

Change in personality: Your brain is solely responsible for the way you think, behave, perceive and react to certain situations in life – the very things that describe your personality and make you the person you are. Any change in your personality could be a subtle indicator of the early manifestation of Parkinson’s disease. However, one might often pass these signs off as stress or mental fatigue. Here are 10 facts about Parkinson’s disease you ought to know.

General slowness in activities: This is a classic sign of early Parkinson’s disease. While there are no significant change on the surface, you might suffer from general slowness in your pace while performing mundane tasks like walking, moving, shuffling things at your desk, reaching out for a phone or while turning around to talk to someone. However, these slow movements are not usually evident at the beginning, so it’s better to be vigilant about your pace of work as you age. Here are 10 other conditions that ail the elderly. 

Reduced sense of smell: Parkinson’s disease, in its early stages, affects one’s sense of smell. According to Dr Varkey, in the west, patients are screened for a smell test for Parkinson’s. If there is a reduction in their capability, these patients are monitored on a regular basis to keep a tab on the progression of the disease. Usually with the onset of the condition, one might not be able to smell pickles, other spicy preparations or even rotten bananas as well. Here are more reasons you need to worry about your diminishing sense of smell. 

Improper bowel movements: Constipation or problems with the bowel movement is very common with people as they age. It could also be a reason for the lack of fibre in their diet or less consumption of water. However, if other things have been taken care of and there is still a lot of efforts needed by one to pass motions, it could be an indication of the early onset of Parkinson’s.

Shoulder pain: An early sign of the disease, this symptom is often mistaken for bone or joint related ailment. ‘ In many cases, an ache or pain associated with Parkinson’s does not subside with medical help as the reason for the pain cannot be ascertained. It is essential for patients to know that if persistent shoulder pain refuses to go away even with medication, they should look for better evaluation or get checked for Parkinson’s,’ says Dr Varkey.

Extreme fatigue: If extreme fatigue keeps you from getting off the bed even after restful sleep, it could be a cause of worry. However, fatigue alone cannot be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. If you do have this symptom it is best you visit a doctor for an evaluation.

Change in handwriting: A sudden change in handwriting is often a sign of Parkinson’s disease. People with the condition would suddenly feel that the letters they write have become smaller or the words they write become more crowded. Another significant sign is  a sudden change in your signature.

Slight tremors: Once the disease has advanced, tremors due to uncontrolled movement are an obvious sign. However, in the early stages you might experience slight tremors in your fingers, thumb, chin and lips. Apart from that, you may also experience slight twitching and tremors in your legs as you attempt to sit down or twitching in your limbs.

Trouble while walking: Because Parkinson’s by and large affects the motor movements of the body, you may also experience trouble while walking or standing during the initial stages of the disease. Your may also experience stiffness in your legs as you try to walk. While stiffness in your legs might subside after you start walking, if it doesn’t then it is a sign of the degenerative disease. Also, at times you may find it difficult to move even a step ahead, as if your feet are just stuck to the floor.

Sleep disturbance: If your partner has complained about rigorous movements as you sleep, this could be an early sign of Parkinson’s. Usually, uncontrolled movements during sleep happen during the early days of the illness. Here is how Parkinson’s disease is related to REM sleep disorder. 

Hunching: Hunching, stooping or leaning forward is a common sign, as standing upright becomes a challenge once Parkinson’s strikes. Often you might not notice these symptoms, but if anyone comments on the way you stand, it is wise not to brush it off altogether.

Fainting spells: Feeling dizzy or having fainting spells after getting up from a chair or the bed could be an early sign of Parkinson’s too.

Change in voice: Any change in your voice like hoarseness or softening is a sign of concern. Change of speech is common in Parkinson’s, as people with the advanced form of the condition may eventually lose their voice after a period of time. Therefore, it is better to get an analysis done by a neurologist’s office for further evaluation.

Masked expressions: A depressed look or an expressionless face that isn’t a voluntary action could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. Often people affected with the condition find it difficult to blink their eyes too.

Mood swings: This is common with Parkinson’s disease and could also be an early symptom of the condition. In case of  frequent mood swings, it is better you visit your doctor for a complete evaluation.

Image source: Getty Images

For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

‘I am depressed’ — this statement has almost become a fad in Bollywood. Every other day we have one celebrity or the other talking about their bout of depression. While it takes courage to speak about mental illnesses, it also makes us alert. It forces us to think about the weariness and mood swings that we often experience at the end of the day. Does that make us a victim of depression too?

Decoding stress and depression

The words, ‘stress’ and ‘depression’ are often used interchangeably, so defining our state of mind is confusing. What one needs to realise that both these conditions are different and impact one’s life and mind in different ways.

Stress is triggered by an event or a situation, whereas depression is a mental disorder that alters brain function. Depression may also be due to a genetic predisposition. Here are eight modern day signs of depression that you should know about. 

More often than not the symptoms of stress and depression overlap, which makes it difficult for one to react and seek the right help. The symptoms of stress can be tackled by changing our lifestyle or by facing them head on, but to tackle depression one would need medical intervention to help regain normalcy. The silver lining is that depression is curable when one reaches out for help in time. Here are eight ways to prevent depression. 

Stress is not all bad

‘Stress might have a detrimental effect on your health if you suffer from the same for too long, but stress can also be good for you. It sometimes pushes you to perform better in life and helps you evolve as a better individual, tapping your deepest potential,’ explains Syeda Ruksheda, psychologist and family psychiatrist, Mumbai. Here are four ways in which stress is damaging your heart. 

Two types of stress

Stress can either be positive or negative. ‘Most people associate unhappiness due failure, break-ups, pressure at office or loss of a job with stress. Remember, even happy moments like a wedding, an examination or a new job can also lead to stress. How we adapt, change and accept the various situations in our life are what help us to deal with the different stressors that we face,’ says Ruksheda. However, stress could be a trigger for depression. But, that is not to say, everyone who is stressed could become depressed in future. Here are seven signs of depression you shouldn’t miss.

Stress vs. depression

‘The prime difference between stress and depression is that you can bounce back to life if you suffer from stress after the situation passes. But with depression the feeling of doom, helplessness and lack of enthusiasm for life lingers. These do not go away even after engaging in activities that one might have once loved,’ explains Ruksheda. Here are 10 anti-stress quotes to calm you down. 

The psychological and physical changes that take place due to depression are more severe in nature and last longer. Some symptoms of depression include a change in sleep pattern, fatigue, mood swings, feelings of guilt, de-motivation and general withdrawal from life. These symptoms are an outcome of altered chemical changes in the brain, and so it doesn’t get restored on its own. Here are five health conditions that could lead to depression too. 

What is the difference between the symptoms

Although, the symptoms of depression and stress overlap, there are still some subtle differences that make the two stand apart.

Sleep troubles: With stress it is possible that one might stay wide awake in the night or sleep too much to escape impending issues. But with depression, one’s sleep patterns differ so much that it can lead to sleep problems like insomnia or excessive sleep disorder. In fact, even sleeping for long hours will not make one feel energetic or help beat fatigue.

Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless: Stress is overwhelming due to one’s inability to cope with a situation or be overworked. While with depression, one may feel sad and hopeless irrespective of the situation and time.

Troubles in performance: Stress can either make one underperform or outperform depending on the way a situation is being tackled. However, with depression a person will tend to face trouble in making decisions, concentrating on work and staying declined in performance despite getting help.

Physical symptoms: Both stress and depression have physical implications. Weight gain, fatigue, fever and tremors could be either due to stress or depression. However, in the case of stress, these symptoms can be controlled once the major issue or the underlying cause is taken care of. During depression, these symptoms only keep escalating making one feel more helpless and gloomy. Here is how stress can come in the way of your weight loss goals.

Suicidal tendencies: No matter how overwhelming a situation is with stress one wouldn’t develop suicidal tendencies, which are very common in advanced stages of depression.

Change in moods: It is understandable to be nervous, anxious, irritable or low when stressed. But, when one is depressed, there will be anger and rage within, which stems out of no particular cause. The extreme emotions can make one more guilt-ridden and helpless when he/she is depressed.

What you can do when you experience these symptoms

Do a self-analysis: The first step to self-help is to do a detailed self-analysis. Write a diary about everything that’s bothering you. Next, write what you can do to better yourself. Plan accordingly and implement the plan on a daily basis. Keep track of your progress, and try to analyse whether you feel better with these small steps.

Talk to your loved ones: Venting pent up emotions can provide relief. However, at times this can only bring temporary relief. So try to find out ways to empower yourself to deal with your troubles. Most of the times, we succeed in doing so with time, patience and accepting life the way it is.

Get help: At any point in time if the feeling of helplessness, loneliness, anxiety and general withdrawal from life gets to you, don’t hesitate to get help. This may save you from the clutches of depression and help you reclaim your life too.

Image Source: Getty Images

For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

Most of the time when one suffers from cancer the diagnosis happens quite late. And with a condition like stomach cancer this is way too common. The early warning signs are so subtle that they overlap with minor ailments like acidity, constipation, etc., and are often overlooked. Hence, it might be late by the time you reach out to a doctor, especially because the symptoms might be managed with over the counter medication. Here Dr Meghal Sanghvi, Onco-surgeon from Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, lists out some symptoms or digestive problems that you should not ignore.

1. Heartburn or indigestion

Feeling queasy or having an acid reflux after a heavy meal is normal. An antacid can take care of it and give you relief in some time. But if the symptoms persist beyond two to three months and come back almost after every meal, it is a sign of danger. It is better to go for a check up. The reflux might be due to a tumour growing in the stomach. A stomach tumour secretes enzymes of its own that interfere with digestion. If the tumour grows in size, it can also block the food from passing to the small intestine, hence the reflux. Here are few home remedies for heartburn that can work to give you some relief.

2. Feeling full after a small meal

Your appetite can change for many reasons, but if you develop a sense of aversion towards food and feel full after eating a few morsels, don’t ignore the sign. If there is a tumour growing inside your belly, it can obstruct the food and prevent it from passing to the small intestine. It could also make you feel bloated. Here are 10 reasons of bloating you should know about.

3. Unexplained weight loss

Inability to eat a proper meal, lack of nutrition and low appetite are obvious reasons for rapid weight loss. But you might not suspect a tumour. However, if you experience weight loss along with symptoms of acidity and GERD, better go for a check-up and avoid self-diagnosis. Here are 10 more reasons why unexplained weight loss is a serious problem.

4. Nausea and vomiting

Typically, when you vomit, you bring up the contents of partially digested previous meals.  frequent nausea, gag reflux and throwing up small chunks of food that you might have consumed just a few minutes back are warning signs. This may be because of a tumour that is obstructing the passage of food. Here are 13 reasons of nausea and vomiting that you need to know.

5. Feeling fatigued

Symptoms such as lack of appetite and reflux could lead to nutritional depletion and excessive weight loss along with low blood count. So if all this makes you so tired that you can’t even walk a mile without shortness of breath, it is time to head to a doctor. Here are 10 more causes of constant fatigue that you need to know about.

6. Change in bowel pattern

Constipation, diarrhoea or even black coloured stool could be a warning sign.

7. Low-grade fever

Fever is usually an outcome of an infection present in the body. With a malignancy growing in the stomach, it is possible that you experience recurrent episodes of low-grade fever. Fatigue and fever along with the other symptoms like heartburn should make you worry about your health real bad. Here are few cause of fever that you didn’t know about.

8. Pain in the abdomen

Severe pain in the abdomen with a hard lump that can be felt by pressing your abdomen must be investigated. Know about 15 more causes of abdominal pain and how to deal with it.

9. Rectal bleeding

This could also be a telltale sign of stomach cancer. In fact, blood in the stool is a sign that everything in and around your intestine isn’t fine. Sometimes as the tumour grows it may press on the surrounding blood vessels penetrate them and cause bleeding. Some of the blood might be detected in the stool. Here are more reasons why blood in the stool is a danger sign.

10. Difficulty in swallowing

This is a rare symptom of stomach cancer and might happen only towards the advanced stages of the disease.

Image source: Shutterstock

For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

• Start with trikonasana with your right hand resting on your hip.
• Now bend your left knee slightly and move forward.
• Now take your left hand forward and place it few inches from your left leg.
• Exhale and press your left hand while you lift your right leg parallel to the floor.
• Now raise your right hand and shift all your weight to your left leg.
• Hold this pose for a few seconds and come back to the starting position.

• Lie on your back. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Exhale and use the strength of your arms to push your pelvis off the floor, towards the ceiling.
• Keep your body lifted such that your body is in the air, similar to a bridge and your neck and head are still flat on the floor.
• Hold this pose for a few deep, consecutive breaths and lower your body.

• Kneel and press your shin on the floor, such that it is flat on the mat.
• Now place your hands on either side of your pelvis.
• Make sure your palms are resting on the top of your hip bone.
• Now push your tailbone forwards and downwards while keeping your upper body upright.
• Inhale and tilt your head back and gently lean back.
• For added support place your palms on the soles of your feet.
• Hold this pose for fifteen seconds, and come back to your starting position.

• Stand straight and spread your legs apart.
• Turn one foot outwards such that your toes are facing sideways and turn your other foot slightly inwards.
• Now, stretch your arms sideways. Bend at your hips and lower one arm towards the outward turned leg.
• Make sure you distribute your body weight equally on both your legs. Now, exhale when you bend down.
• Place your arm either on your ankle, shin, or knee.
• Breathe in and out slowly and hold this pose for five breath counts.
• Now, exhale and come up to the standing position. Repeat this on the other side.

• Lie down with your tummy on the yoga mat.
• Place your arms by your side, with your palms facing upwards.
• Now, put your chin on the floor and slowly tilt your head back.
• Inhale and arch your head, shoulder and your legs towards the ceiling as much as possible.
• Hold this pose for as long as you can hold your breath.
• To return to your starting position, exhale and slowly lower your body to the floor.

• Beat exam stress with yoga
• 10 office yoga poses to beat stress and increase productivity

1. Schiller, L. R. (2001). The therapy of constipation. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 15(6), 749-763.
2. Elizabeth Y. Youngblood. Method of preparing a cosmetic formulation useful as a facial mask. U.S. Patent 3,471,624, issued October 7, 1969.
3. Malmgren, J. K., & Moreno, S. K. (2003). U.S. Patent No. 6,544,534. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

• Sit comfortably in sukhasana or easy pose. Keep your palms on your thighs and observe your breath.
• Now join the tip of the ring finger with the tip of your thumb without applying too much pressure. Do this with both your hands.
• Sit in this position for 10-15 minutes while breathing slowly.
• You can practice this mudra anytime of the day. You can perform it for as long as 30-40 minutes every day. You also have the choice of performing the mudra while you sit for meditation daily. Practice this mudra every day for best results.

• Do not perform this mudra for too long if you are someone with kapha dosha.
• Take proper guidance from a guru or a yoga teacher before you start practising the mudras.