Plants have nourished human beings for centuries on end, not only by feeding, clothing and sheltering generations but also by restoring their health. The proclivity for herbal tea drinking had already begun in China as early as 2737 BCE. Herbal teas are simply hot water infused with herbs, leaves, flowers, bark, berries, or spices. Apart from other health conditions, pregnancies have always posed challenges in the path of ancient humans, and herbal teas were used in traditional medicine to guard against potential health benefits during pregnancies. Today, herbal teas are consumed by a growing number of expectant mothers due to their healing qualities.
 

Herbal Teas for Wellness:

India had known about the medicinal qualities of herbal teas since 1550 BCE. The brew was used for a wide range of health benefits, like stress and pain relief, boosting mood and vitality, small doses of herbal tea was even incorporated in the daily diet of mothers-to-be. Pregnancy is an exceptional period where the mind goes through a medley of emotions, while the body experiences rapid growth and development at the cellular level. Administering certain varieties of herbal teas during pregnancy is considered safe because they are naturally extracted, has the lowest concentrations and contain the least amount of compounds to have any adverse effects on the rapidly growing fetus.
 

Data-Driven insights:

A study conducted across 18 countries revealed that 28.9% pregnant women chose herbal teas and medicines. Another study conducted in Bangladesh revealed that 70% expectant women used herbal teas. Another study from UK reported that 37% women used herbal tea during early pregnancy. Furthermore, 57.8% Norwegian women used one or more herbal remedies during their pregnancies.
 

Safe Herbal Tea Options for Pregnant Women:

• Ginger Tea – Helps alleviate nausea, morning sickness, and digestive issues in pregnant women during the first trimester. Multiple trials show that when consumed in moderation the relieving effect of ginger in nausea and vomiting was identical to that of vitamin B6. The recommended dose is 1,000 mg per day.
• Peppermint Tea – One of the most frequently used herbal tea, peppermint soothes indigestion, and relieves flatulence and vomiting due to its antispasmodic, and breast milk enhancer effects. Two cups per day tea can be safely consumed by pregnant women.
• Lemon Balm Tea – limited use during early pregnancy reduces stress, improves sleep quality, stabilizes mood, and aids digestion.
• Fennel tea – When consumed judiciously this helps with bowel regularity and can potentially increasing breast milk production after delivery.
• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea – Recommended in the third trimester this tea strengthens the uterus and has labor stimulation effects.
   

Conclusion:

Herbal teas are soothing and beneficial during pregnancy, but the same cannot be said of all herbs. Expectant mothers should practice caution before taking each sip and must always consult their healthcare provider to minimize the risk factor.

You’ve waited for nine months to hold your newborn baby in your arms. Taking care of their overall health, including oral health, should be a top priority. 

Healthy primary teeth are essential for chewing nutritious food, but they can be prone to tooth decay as early as 6 to 10 months when the first tooth appears. 

As new parents, it is crucial to monitor your baby’s oral hygiene and check for signs of bacterial growth to maintain their dental health.  

How to care for your baby’s gums during infancy? 

The bacteria may not harm the baby’s mouth before the teeth appear. However, proactive gum care can prevent gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. 

Practising healthy habits while taking care of your child’s dental health from birth prevents or reduces tooth decay in infants. The healthy habits include: 

• Much before the baby’s first two pearly whites are popped out, clean your baby’s gums reguraly. 
• Dip a small cloth or gauze in warm water and rub your baby’s gums and tongue. This process may be a little fussy intially, but your baby will adapt over time. 
• Brushing the little one’s teeth inside-out and tongue is essential to prevent bad breath. 
• Baby gums should be protected by a toothbrush with very soft bristles. 
• Replace the toothbrush after 2 to 3 months. 
• Once your baby is a year old, use a little amount fluoride toothpaste. 
• Clean your baby’s pacifier using soap and water. 
• Replace pacifiers when they become worn or broken.  
• Avoid using Sweetened foods and liquids (such as sugar, honey, or syrup) on pacifiers because they can cause tooth decay. 
• Never clean a pacifier with saliva before giving it to your baby as it can transmit bacteria that can cause tooth decay. 

The first dental visit takes place by age 1. In addition to this, the dentist will answer the parents’ question about their baby’s oral health. 

During pregnancy, while you’re nurturing another life inside you, you’ll undergo several changes – from feeling puckish, tired, swollen, etc. Passing through all the stages of pregnancy when you finally reach the last stage and give birth to your newborn, thinking of the developing baby inside you, you may feel a little worried and anxious. 

Mood disorders or depression during pregnancy and after cannot denied. Studies have shown that 7% to 9% of pregnancies are depressed. Postpartum depression impacts up to 15% of new moms. 

Above all, there is no single reason behind perinatal depression. Physical, genetic, emotional as well as hormonal changes are playing some of the major roles. 

What are the signs of Perinatal Depression?

Feeling depressed after your pregnancy means as a new mom you go through a lot of emotional roller-coaster and upheaval. There are chances of you feeling: 

• sad
• losing interest
• loss of appetite
• change of appetite
• sleeping trouble
• Feeling guilty (feeling like you’re a bad mom)
• Crying without any reason
• Scared of harming the baby

If your depression is left untreated, there are chances of it becoming postpartum psychosis (a rare condition during postpartum which occurs during the first few weeks after the baby’s delivery). In this condition, you will undergo terrible behavioural changes. Sometimes this may not positively impact you or your newborn baby.  

What are the ways to treat Perinatal Depression? 

Since this feeling is not that good, you may feel slightly embarrassed to talk about it. In that case, you need to consult the healthcare to get yourself treated. It’s perfectly “ok” to feel overwhelmed and there is nothing to worry about. 

Although medication can help in dealing with this condition, however, there are natural ways to support the condition: 

• Pay attention to taking rest 
• Find someone to talk to – a friend, family member or anybody who listen to you. Additionally, you can join an online support group. 
• Eat well 
• Read or enjoy a hobby 
• Get support with your household chores 

Early detection is prevention. There is nothing to shy away from while you’re expressing your emotions.

Pregnancy heartburn is a common discomfort that many expectant mothers experience. It often feels like a burning sensation behind the breastbone and can rise into the oesophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This sensation can be irritating and might persist for several minutes to a few hours. Along with the burning sensation, you may also experience frequent coughing, bloating, and a sour taste in your mouth. Here are a few natural ways to cool the ‘burn’ of pregnancy heartburn:

• Ginger Tea: Sipping on ginger tea can help ease nausea and may provide relief from heartburn. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your digestive system.
• Almonds: Eating a small handful of almonds after meals can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce the burning sensation.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drinking it before meals may help balance stomach acidity.
• Chamomile Tea: A warm cup of chamomile tea can promote relaxation and may help relieve heartburn symptoms. Just ensure it’s caffeine-free.
• Bananas: Eating a banana can coat the stomach lining and help reduce acidity. They are a great snack option and naturally sweet.
• Baking Soda: Mixing a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water can neutralize stomach acid, providing quick relief. However, consult with your doctor before using this method regularly.
• Licorice Root: Chewing on deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) can help soothe the stomach lining and reduce symptoms. Look for DGL supplements for a safe option during pregnancy.
• Fennel Seeds: Chewing on fennel seeds after meals can aid digestion and may help relieve heartburn symptoms.
• Peppermint: Peppermint tea can also aid digestion and soothe the system. But be cautious, as it may worsen symptoms for some people. 
• Eat Smaller Meals: Consuming smaller, more frequent meals can help manage heartburn by reducing pressure on the stomach.
• Stay Upright After Eating: Try to remain upright for at least an hour after meals to prevent reflux.
• Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and steer clear of foods that trigger your heartburn, such as spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and acidic foods.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can aid digestion and help dilute stomach acid.
• Use Pillows for Support: When sleeping, elevate your upper body with pillows to keep stomach acid in place.
• Consult Your Doctor: If heartburn becomes severe or persistent, discuss it with your healthcare provider for tailored advice and potential remedies.

Incorporating these natural remedies into your routine could help alleviate heartburn and make your pregnancy journey more comfortable. Always remember to discuss new remedies with your healthcare provider for personalized advice! 

During the process of childbirth, babies can sometimes experience physical injuries known as birth trauma or birth injuries. These injuries can occur as a result of the pressures exerted on the baby during the birthing process. 

Reasons Behind Birth Injury 

A difficult birth or injury to the baby can occur due to factors such as the baby's size, position during labor, or other conditions linked to a challenging birth. These factors may include:  

• a large birth weight (body weight over 8 pounds)
• premature birth (Born on or before the 37th week of pregnancy)
• prolonged labor 
• abnormal birthing presentation 
• maternal obesity 
• Breech delivery of the baby 

Some of the Common Birth Injuries 

Understanding the common birth injuries and their diagnosis and treatment is crucial for ensuring the well-being of newborns. 

Brachial palsy is a common birth injury that occurs when the group of nerves supplying the arms and hands, known as the brachial plexus, is injured. This occurs due to difficulty at the time of delivery. For instance, there is difficulty in the delivery of the baby’s shoulder resulting in something known as shoulder dystocia. As a result of this injury after the birth of the baby, he or she may not be able to flex and rotate the arm. Such an injury may leave the baby’s nerves bruised and swollen. Additionally, tearing of the nerve may cause permanent nerve damage. In such cases, special exercises are used to help maintain the arm’s range of motion while healing occurs.

Bruising or forceps are marks that appear on the baby's face or head as a result of trauma while the baby slides down the birth canal and meets the mother's pelvic bones and tissues. Basically, forceps are medical instruments that are used during delivery, and they can leave temporary marks or bruises on the face and head of the baby. Here a separate mention needs to be made of baby’s delivery through vacuum extraction. Childbirth through vacuum extraction may leave the little one’s scalp bruised or cut (laceration). Bruises or cuts may tend to heal on their own, but serious injuries may result in lifelong conditions like cerebral palsy or brain damage. Serious brain injury may be treated, but not cured. 

Facial paralysis occurs due to the pressure on the baby’s face at the time labour or delivery. This is mostly noticeable when the baby cries. As the movement on the side of the face of the baby with this injury may be paused. Along with this, the little one may not be able to close the eyes. If the nerve was only bruised, the paralysis typically improves within a few weeks. However, if the nerve was torn, medical intervention may be necessary.  

Cord blood is the blood left behind in the umbilical cord and placenta, immediately after childbirth. After childbirth, the healthcare practitioner cuts and clamps the umbilical cord just a few inches apart. The umbilical cord and the cord blood connect the would-be-mummy and baby-to-be physically and emotionally. 

Earlier, the umbilical cord and the cord blood used to be considered as medical waste. But, many expectant parents, during the second and third trimesters plan to store the cord blood, being aware of the potential of the cord blood stem cells. 

The umbilical cord blood is fully loaded with haematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells, which treat over 80 life-threatening diseases like blood cancer, sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, etc. 

Cord blood banking benefits

So, when expectant parents decide to store their newborn’s stem cells, they get two options – public and private cord blood banks. In a public cord blood bank, cord blood is donated for medical or research purposes. On contrary, storing a newborn’s stem cells in private cord blood banks has several benefits: 

Risk-free cord blood collection

The child may be born via an emergency C-section or through vaginal delivery. After the baby is born, hospital staff will collect the cord blood using a sterile needle and bag, cutting and clamping the cord a few inches from the baby. There are two methods of cord blood collection: ex-utero, where a syringe is used to drain the blood cells from the umbilical cord, and in utero, where the blood is collected after the placenta is delivered. Since the cord does not have nerves, the collection process is painless and risk-free for both you and your baby. All that the expectant parents need to do is to take the cord blood collection kit with them. Finally, it is put inside cord blood collection bag for sending it to the lab for testing, processing, and storing. 

Stem cell processing

Once the cord blood is collected, it is sent to the lab for processing using advanced technology. Using smart and advanced technology ensures that there very little possibility of manual inaccuracy and the highest possibility cord blood stem cell recovery.

Proper storage of cord blood

The newborn’s stem cells are preserved in a frozen state (-190 degrees) anywhere between 21 and 75 years of the baby’s life. It would further mean that the stem cells can be used to treat life-threatening diseases even after two decades. 

During your pregnancy, both your hormones and immune system are on the high. As a result of which, the allergies during pregnancy end up being worse. Additionally, during the change of season, you will feel chest and nose congestion. You feel an itch in the eyes. You’ll be sneezing too. 

You may have to visit the healthcare practitioner to get some pregnancy-safe medicines and get natural home remedies. 

The home remedies include: 

Get relief with a humidifier

When you feel the seasonal allergy, you will be experiencing stuffy nose, watery eyes, and scratchy throat. Using a humidifier at home can help alleviate symptoms by reducing inflammation and providing relief for nasal discomfort.

Inhale eucalyptus vapour

Eucalyptus oil paired with steaming water can help mucus feel loose and is extremely helpful for your nasal congestion and upper respiratory discomfort. So take a bowl of steaming water, and add a drop or two of essential oils – like lavender, and peppermint or eucalyptus on a towel and put it on your head just before you hit the bed. You’ll gradually start getting relief from the pressure of the headache, and your chest will feel light. 

Nasal irrigation

This is a method that involves flushing out nasal passages with a saline solution to get relief from nasal congestion, and clear out the sinuses. Ensure that, you use sterile and warm water. Just add 1/4th of salt to warm water to make the saline solution. 

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can keep your mouth, throat, and nose hydrated and keep the discomforts alleviated. 

Add some zest to your meals with turmeric, a trending superfood

Rich in curcumin, it can help alleviate congestion and allergy symptoms. Additionally, its antioxidant properties can contribute to boosting your overall immunity, which is especially beneficial during pregnancy. 

Allergies, and nasal congestion are a bit of challenge during your pregnancy. But, you always need consult with your healthcare practitioner before trying any new remedies during pregnancy to deal with this pregnancy challenge, and accept it and deal with it.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the result of liver infection – it may be short and severe or chronic. It spreads through saliva, vaginal fluids, semen, and blood. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) also spreads during pregnancy. It passes from a pregnant mother to the would-be-baby. The chills, headaches or body aches, yellow skin, pale bowel movements, etc are some of the signs of Hepatitis B virus (HBV).  

Generally, the Hepatitis B vaccine can help prevent Hepatitis B, whether in babies or adults, and the babies and adults can get three shots. 

Chronic HBV can result in liver scarring. And this specific condition is not curable. While there are certain medicines available to treat the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, prevention of this possible through stem cells. 

Stem Cells

Stem cells are incredibly versatile cells that can transform into various cell types through the secretion of growth factors and cytokines. Their potency has made them a valuable resource in the healthcare industry for treating a wide range of chronic conditions where traditional treatments are inadequate. While you’re suffering from chronic Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection, you should look for treatment options to cure and regenerate the liver and regain the energy in the liver. 

Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation 

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is common following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients previously infected with resolved HBV. Enrolment of 50 patients with resolved HBV infections undergoing HSCT, all receiving three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine 12 months post-transplant, presents a critical opportunity to monitor the incidence of HBV reactivation. This data will be crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of the vaccination in preventing reactivation post-transplant.

The patient demographics were as follows: median age of 61 years (range: 34-72); male/female ratio of 27 to 19; 40 patients underwent allogeneic transplantation and 6 underwent autologous transplantation; 26 received bone marrow transplants, 16 received peripheral blood stem cell transplants, and 4 received cord blood transplants. 

The factors linked to HBV reactivation unquestionably included the discontinuation of immunosuppressants (P = 0.0379) and baseline titers of antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (P = 0.004). Clearly, HBV reactivation with vaccination following HSCT could occur despite maintenance of serum anti-HBs at more than protective levels.

For your baby to be born prematurely, you need to give birth on or before the 37th week of your pregnancy. Since a normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, on the 37th week , the baby's organs will not be fully developed. Quite naturally, when you give birth to your baby at this stage, the little one will be born with several medical emergencies and complications. 

Here are a few preemie medical emergencies that you need to be aware of:  

Heart and lungs

Premature babies have inadequately developed lungs and hearts. If you give birth to your baby on or before the 37th week , partially developed lungs and heart may come in the way of your normal breathing after the birth of the baby. 

Muscles and limbs

In a premature baby, since the muscles, ligaments, and limbs are not fully developed, they may come in the way of their daily movements – walking, running, sitting, and talking, compared to the other babies, who are on or after the 40th week . In this case, premature babies achieve the milestones of sitting during the mid first year. Some preemies with other neurological problems may have problems communicating well. However, preemies just like the full-term babies can stand up in between 6 to 9 months. By 10 to 18 months, they'd be able to walk with support.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

According to studies, children born between 32 to 33 weeks are moderately preterm, and children born between 34 to 36 weeks are late preterm. They are at the high risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like cognitive, visual, and motor problems. They may also be highly sensitive to light or noise. Along with this, they may have typical thinking and learning problems as well as social and emotional difficulties.

Feeding problems

Unlike many full-term babies, those babies who are prematurely born have difficulty in swallowing, and latching from the breasts. Their tongue movements will also become tough. Timely medical attention and care can help address these problems. 

With this, it can be concluded that premature babies have a lot of developmental issues. They may have to struggle with health problems till their adulthood, but with advanced technology several conditions in these babies can be treated.

As a mom-to-be, you go through a mixed bag of emotions when you feel anxious and worried about the growing baby inside you. Along with this, pregnancy-related symptoms like backaches, headaches, leg cramps, etc are common.

Leg cramps among the rest of the pregnancy symptoms, (the non-clinical name of leg cramps is “Charley horses”) can be very painful in the second and third trimesters.

There is not much research to show the true reasons behind leg cramps in pregnancy. But, the growing baby exerts pressure on the nerves and blood vessels. The presence of low calcium may result in these cramps. Pregnancy-related weight gain, swelling, and being pregnant with twin babies are also some of the reasons behind them.

If you feel the pain is severe, or you’ve trouble walking, or there swelling, redness, or warmth; you may have to consult the healthcare practitioner immediately. The doctor will tell you how to get yourself treated for leg cramps.

Treatments for leg cramps

Leg cramps are a common symptom among moms-to-be. Several natural remedial measures can prevent the cramps from occurring.  

• Do calf stretches. Keep the heels flexed. Additionally, if you’re getting cramps at night before going to bed, do the stretching exercise. 
• Keep your leg straight. Let the heels go first. Flutter your toes. Then massage your calf gently to keep your muscles relaxed. 
• Try not to sit or stand in a position for a prolonged time. While you’re sitting, sit with your legs crossed, and prevent the blood flow. 
• Go for a walk. Do regular exercise. 
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water but drink less coffee. 
• Take a bath before you’re going to bed. It will keep your muscles much relaxed. 
• You can alternatively put a warm towel or hot water bottle on or around the area.
• You can reduce the contractions by standing on a cold surface. 
• Wear stockings. 
• Choose a comfy, and supportive footwear. 
• Eat healthy and nutritious full of veggies, fruits, as well as salad. 
• Practice meditation and stay relaxed.

Pregnancy changes a woman’s life and body completely. Stay physically fit and emotionally under control, with the above-mentioned tips.

In the 38th week of your pregnancy , in the ninth month, you're halfway down your pregnancy journey. The baby inside your womb has grown a lot by this time and they have taken the position to slowly move out of your womb. But at this stage, you'll see a sea change in your body and mind 

What can you expect from your baby-to-be? 

By this time, your baby is “full term” and all the organs and physical features are majorly developed. So, here are the developments that you can see with clarity through tests and ultrasound scans: 

• The baby's weight during this time is around 3.2 kg. However, the little one's length is between 48cm and 52cm from the top to bottom. 
• The fine hair or “lanugo” that covers the baby's body, has fallen by now. Therefore, if you give birth to your baby at this stage, there are chances that you'll give birth to a bald baby. 
• There is white and creamy substance in your baby's body, also known as “vernix.” It keeps the baby's skin safe. When the baby leaves the comfort of your womb, patches will be on the baby's skin. 
• The baby's intestine is expected to improve at this stage. They tend to swallow the amniotic fluid. Along with the amniotic fluid, the baby's intestine will shed bile, cells, and other waste products. 
• The eye color of the baby will be bluish-gray or brownish.
• Their hands will have a better grasp. 
• The brain and the nervous system will be developed at this stage. 
• If you happen to give birth to the little one during this time, the baby will weep and wail after being born. That means the vocal cords at this point. 
• The lungs are also stronger during this time. 

What can you expect from your body and mind? 

In the 38th week of pregnancy, as your baby is ready to leave your womb, your body is also slowly getting ready to give birth. 

• Since visiting the healthcare practitioner is the norm during pregnancy, checking your health and the health of the baby-to-be becomes more important. You'd, after all, need to find out whether your baby has taken the head-down position, and has gone down into the pelvis region. 
• You'll experience painful contractions or Braxton Hicks Contractions
• The cervix ripens 
• You'll notice signs of water breaking 
• You'll experience swelling in your entire body
• The breasts are full of milk and ready for breastfeeding your baby after birth
• You'll feel tired in the body and mind 

To deal with this stage of your life, you'd have to stay active, stay hydrated, and keep your hospital bags packed. Of course, getting some rest is very important.