Does having a baby cause gallbladder problems?

Question: Why do some women need to have their gallbladder removed after giving birth, and how can I keep this from happening to me? Answer: Normal changes that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum weeks predispose women to gallbladder problems. The function of the gallbladder is to store bile (a substance that aids in the digestion of fat), which is produced by the liver. When the bile contains too much cholesterol and not enough bile salts, or when the gallbladder doesn't empty properly, the gallbladder can form stones.During pregnancy, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are higher, which inhibits the gallbladder from contracting and slows the emptying process.
When bile lingers in the gallbladder, it's more likely to become concentrated and form stones. About 12 percent of women develop gallstones while they're pregnant and have significant symptoms that may then require surgical removal of the gallbladder either during pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. (The symptoms of a gallstone attack include steady severe pain in the upper abdomen that frequently follows a fatty meal, pain in the back between the shoulder blades or under the right shoulder, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating.)Obese women are more prone to developing gallstones. Excess body fat reduces the amount of bile salts, which leads to an excess of cholesterol in the gallbladder that, in turn, can cause gallstones to form. Extra pounds put on during pregnancy and kept on in the postpartum period contribute to the risk of gallbladder problems, too.Rapid weight loss is another risk factor for gallbladder trouble. When the body burns fat quickly, it causes the liver to secrete extra cholesterol into the bile, which can cause gallstones. In the postpartum period, some women pursue weight loss very aggressively, which can lead to trouble.To reduce your risk of developing gallstones, eat a high-fiber diet. Fiber helps to reduce the absorption of deoxycholic acid, which, in turn, helps cholesterol dissolve more easily in the bile. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are rich in the type of fiber that's good for your gallbladder.Try to keep your postpartum weight loss to no more than two pounds per week. This can be difficult when you're eager to shed those pregnancy pounds, but it's important for avoiding gallbladder problems.And finally, try to increase your activity level. One study showed that at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can lead to a 34 percent reduction in risk. Exercising regularly can be particularly hard with a new baby at home, but it will do wonders for your energy level, your overall fitness, and your gallbladder.

Chronic Urinary Tract InfectionsDue to the closeness of the female urinary opening to the anus, fecal bacteria contamination is highly probably. Faeces are believed to be the main source of bacteria responsible for urinary track infections in women. The bidet provides fresh water wash on a non-irritating, thorough cleansing and additional therapeutic benefits for the rectal and vaginal zone. Avoiding contamination of the urethra is recommended as a preventive measure when dealing with Cystitis and Urethritis. The bidet provides a non irritating fresh water wash and cleansing not achievable through use of dry paper. Irritated skin is soothed and comforted until medication eliminates the yeast infection. Regular use of the bidet immediately upon elimination and urination, of both anus and vagina, should totally eliminate this potential cause for urinary tract infections.

Pregnancy and post partum hygiene As soon as the woman is pregnant, her systems and bodily functions start changing. The bidet's intimate cleansing and therapeutic benefits is able to keep her fresh, clean and odor-free. Post-partum care, especially with episiotomy involved, the mother would appreciate the soothing and cleansing power of fresh water. The bidet is a convenient method to soothe her various perineal afflictions during post partum period and keeps the wound area clean for faster recovery.

Do feet grow during pregnancy?

Question: I think my feet have grown. Is this possible?

Answer: Yes. As you're discovering, your belly isn't the only thing that gets bigger during pregnancy! This is partly due to pregnancy weight gain and swelling from the extra fluid your body retains while you're pregnant (called edema). To ease the swelling, soak your feet in cool water and prop them up as often as you can.But there's another reason that feet seem to grow during pregnancy. The aptly named pregnancy hormone relaxin, which loosens the joints around your pelvis so your baby can make his way down the birth canal, also loosens the ligaments in your feet, causing the foot bones to spread.
Your foot bones aren't actually growing — it's just that the ligaments that hold these 26 bones together aren't as tight as they were.You may notice your shoes getting a little tight as early as the second trimester, and they may continue to increase in size until late in pregnancy. While the foot swelling generally subsides within a month after delivery, any foot spreading caused by looser ligaments is permanent. I estimate that half the moms out there wear shoes a half or a whole size bigger than they wore before having babies.The bright side, if there is one, is that you get to buy new shoes! Buy a few pairs of comfortable, roomy shoes to wear during your pregnancy, but be aware that you may have to go back for more once the swelling settles down and your shoe size stabilizes about a month after delivery. Whatever you do, don't try to make do with your old shoes! Wearing tight shoes can aggravate bunions and cause a host of painful foot problems, ranging from ingrown toenails to corns and calluses. Finally, since feet tend to grow with each pregnancy, you may want to hold off on those pricey Jimmy Choos or Manolo Blahniks until you're finished having babies.

source- ivillage.com

Sex after a baby

Here are few things you should remember:
There is no right time to restart your sex life.
Intercourse is not necessary. Just lying together, cuddling together and spending time together can improve your relationship and make you comfortable with your body.
If sex in painful even after healing then you should consult your doctor.
The vagina is an elastic and supple tissue, which heals quickly.
A woman's body was created to bear children.
The human body has great recuperation powers.
If you still feel that you and your partner are having problems with your sexual relationship then you could get counseling.

Keeping the relationship alive after a baby

Here are a few things you can do to keep your relationship alive:
For some time each day continue to think of your partner as your lover and not the father or mother of your child.
Spend time with the baby together, play and cuddle the baby together. This will give you quality time together and as a family.
Once a week ask a friend or a family member to take care of the baby for a few hours so that both of you have time together alone. Sexual relationship maybe affected to a great extent once the baby is born. Since this important aspect of your relationship is affected this may take a toll on your relationship. As a new mother the demands of your baby, exhaustion, unhappiness with bodily changes after childbirth and the effect of breastfeeding on sex drive all affect sex drive after birth. Your partner may feel that you have only time for the baby and not for him. While you may feel that everyone is only making demands on you and you don't have any time to rest or to yourself. Making time to improve your sexual relationship will help you and your partner.

How to talk when having issues with a partner after giving birth

Not only must your listen carefully but, also, you must be able to put across your problems, feelings and point of view in an affective manner. Here are a few suggestions on how to talk:
Pick the right time to speak.
While speaking make sure you are taking about how you feel and about your problems and accusing your partner.
If you disagree on something, then just agree to disagree, do not have the last word. This will make things worse; do not let your ego get in the way of the relationship. Once you become parents, it becomes very difficult for both partners, to find time to spend together as a couple. A newborn baby takes up all the time of both the mother and the father. Though it may seem that the baby is affecting your relationship, it is not so. A baby doesn't damage a good relationship and a baby doesn't improve a bad one. It is ultimately up to the partners to find time for each other no matter how difficult it is or how tired they are.

Be a good listener!

To begin having sex after having a baby may interfere in the relationship between husband and wife. But over a period of time these differences can be resolved. It is important to talk and listen to each other. Here are a few tips how to be a good listener:
Pay complete attention to your partner, look at them and sit close to them.
Do not think about yourself think of the other person.
Listen to what your partner has to say and if necessary, say it to yourself again so that you remember it clearly.
Clarify things that you do not understand or want explained immediately. This will show that you are paying attention to what is being said.
Before placing your point of view wait for your partner to finish. Give yourself sometime and think over what your partner has said, before replying.
Give advice only when your partner asks for it.
Do not let your ego affect the relationship.

Couple's relationship after a baby

With the arrival of the baby the relationship between husband and wife will undergo a change. There maybe some initial strain and tension in the relationship. But there is nothing that the two partners cannot solve by making time for each other and talking things out. After childbirth each partner has his or her own expectations and apprehensions. Some of the things that men worry about after childbirth are:

· Earning enough for the family.
· Kind of father they will make.
· Fear of feeling left out as his wife will be devoting all her time to the baby.

A woman too has her own fears and apprehensions:
· Whether her husband will help and support her.
· Whether she will have to take care of her husband's needs and the baby's needs.
· Whether the baby will affect their relationship.

Finance after a Baby

A new baby means additional financial expenditure. Here are simple tips to manage your expenses if your financial condition is tight after the birth of your baby:
Make a list of the expenditure for the next month. You will be able to account for the money and be able to point out where you can reduce expenditure.
Shop around for utilities such as electricity, gas and phone, by doing this you will be able to save a considerable amount of money.
If you are a single income family, try and reduce your expenditure. Pay bills with direct debits
Claim the child benefits that you are entitled to.
Breast-feed your baby for the first year; this will save you a lot of money, as artificial milk is very expensive.
Use re-usable or cloth nappies this will also reduce expenditure in the long run though, initial investment is high.
Make the baby's first food at home instead of buying prepared baby meals.
Pick up clothes, toys and equipment for the baby at sales.

Get to work with these tips!

Tips that will help you get back to work more easily:

Keep in touch with your colleagues by phone or by E-mail.
Be aware of what is going on in the office.
You can make some short visits to the office before your official joining date. This will help you get to know what is happening at office and will be seen as a proactive step to getting back to work.

Getting Back To Work After Childbirth

Some new mothers will not be able to stay at home with their babies for long. They may have to return to their jobs after three or four months. Both the mothers and the babies will have to learn to live with each other for 8 to 10 hours of the day. Here are some things you can do to prepare yourself and your baby:
Before you join work, start leaving the baby for sometime with the child minder.
Begin with a few hours and gradually increase the number of hours you leave the baby with child minder.
You could even give yourself a trial run of traveling back to work. This will give you confidence that you can travel again.
These physical separations will help both the mother and the baby once the mother returns to work.
It will give the baby time to get to know and adjust to the child minder.

If the child is suffering from a itching or burning sensation in the anus, it could be hemorrhoids. Actually hemorrhoids in children are a common cause of itching and discomfort. Hemorrhoids are more common than most people think – actually they are widespread and a large section of the population suffer from the condition. According to studies, as many as half of all people tend to have hemorrhoids by the time they turn 50, but sadly most of them do not seek medical advice.

Though hemorrhoids or piles as they are also popularly known as, tend to develop with advancing age usually, but it has been seen in children as well. Hemorrhoids can happen to both men and women, but this disease is seen in more men rather than women. And in case of children too this is true.

Though hemorrhoids happen in children but in most cases the severity of less making the issue not much serious. Usually it goes off with time but sometimes the advice and treatment of a medical professional may become necessary.

Hemorrhoids are basically of two types – internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. Both these types of hemorrhoids can affect children.
Though it is not known to be hereditary, but it has been observed that hemorrhoids are more common in families with a history. This means that if the parents/parent has it, it is more likely that the children will also get it – be it in the younger years or in the later stages of life.

Simple exercises to lose the baby fat

Childbirth and care of the newborn are both physically exhausting tasks. Most new mothers' find that, they do not have the same energy level that, they had before their baby was born. In the first few months the mother's night sleep is disturbed and this adds to the exhaustion. The pressures of taking care of a newborn and managing the house leaves the mother mentally and physically drained. A number of new mothers have found that, finding the time to do a few simple exercises, increases their energy levels and makes them feel better mentally as well.
Before you join any postnatal exercise class, it is better to consult your doctor and once he has given you a clean chit of health, you can start exercising. Joining an exercise class will not only keep you fit, but you will make friends with other new mothers, with whom you could form a support group for each other. Here are a few simple exercises that you could try:
Leg slide: Lie flat on your back, with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Put your hands under your lower back, flat on the ground. While you breathe out, slide your legs gently forward, bringing the knees to the ground. Breathe in and slowly slide your legs up to the starting position.
Pelvic rock: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. While breathing out move your pelvis in a rocking movement so that your lower back is flat on the floor. Then move your pelvis again so that your lower back is lifted from the floor.
Pelvic floor exercises: Contract your vagina in the same way as you would to stop yourself from passing urine and count till four. Then relax; you should feel the difference between the two positions. Repeat this exercise in set of six several times a day. Contract and relax your vagina in quick succession. Breathe normally while doing these exercises.
Start exercising at the earliest after delivery, even if you have had a Caesarean section. Exercising will improve circulation and aid in healing. Begin slowly in the initial weeks after childbirth. Do not lie flat on your back and lift both your legs in the air. Do not do sit-ups.source0 babycenter.com

Losing the baby weight

Regaining your originally weight may take some time and effort from your side. Most of the weight is lost within a few days of childbirth, as the excess water carried during pregnancy is flushed out as urine. Thereafter weight loss slows down, but if you continue to breastfeed your baby for more that six months, you will find that your weight in decreasing naturally. The entire process of being pregnant and childbirth is an emotional time. So it will help if you have someone to talk to about how you feel, your fears and apprehension etc. If you cannot find anyone to talk write it down, even this will help you feel better. Some maternity homes allow the new parents to go through the experience they had. Doing this helps to reduce the emotional impact for the parents.

Losing the baby weight

Regaining your originally weight may take some time and effort from your side. Most of the weight is lost within a few days of childbirth, as the excess water carried during pregnancy is flushed out as urine. Thereafter weight loss slows down, but if you continue to breastfeed your baby for more that six months, you will find that your weight in decreasing naturally. The entire process of being pregnant and childbirth is an emotional time. So it will help if you have someone to talk to about how you feel, your fears and apprehension etc. If you cannot find anyone to talk write it down, even this will help you feel better. Some maternity homes allow the new parents to go through the experience they had. Doing this helps to reduce the emotional impact for the parents.

Vaginal exercises

Exercising the vagina will help it regain its original shape quickly. Wounds to the uterus, perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) and vagina heal rapidly. After delivering the child, the levels of the hormone progesterone are restored to normal. Hence a number of problems related to pregnancy disappear. Heartburns vanish, varicose veins get better and constipation is reduced. Piles take a longer time to get better. During pregnancy, hormones soften the joints of the pelvis and spine, and these take time to return to normal. You can have trouble with your back for many months after delivery, so one should avoid lifting and carrying things that are very heavy. The stomach muscles that have been stretched to twice their length, regain their firmness in a few months.

A postnatal body

A woman's body undergoes tremendous change during pregnancy. As soon as the baby is out of womb, the body begins its physical healing process, so as to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy state. The uterus, which during pregnancy contains four-and-half liters of water, begins to reduce in size almost immediately after delivery. In about six weeks time, the uterus, reverts close to the pre-pregnancy weight of about 50g from a weight of 1000g. The lining within the uterus crumbles and is drained away as Lochia. This is the blood that is lost over a few weeks after delivery. Important organs like the heart, lung and circulatory system that were burdened during pregnancy get back to functioning normally. The vagina slowly returns to its former shape.

Strengthen your abs

This is a good exercise for strengthening your abdominal muscles.
• Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
• Inhale and allow your abdomen to expand.
• Exhale and lift your tailbone toward your navel, keeping your hips on the floor. • At the top of the tilt, tighten your buttocks, then release. Repeat eight to ten times.

Childbirth and care of the newborn are both physically exhausting tasks. Most new mothers' find that, they do not have the same energy level that, they had before their baby was born. In the first few months the mother's night sleep is disturbed and this adds to the exhaustion. The pressures of taking care of a newborn and managing the house leaves the mother mentally and physically drained. A number of new mothers have found that, finding the time to do a few simple exercises, increases their energy levels and makes them feel better mentally as well.
Before you join any postnatal exercise class, it is better to consult your doctor and once he has given you a clean chit of health, you can start exercising. Joining an exercise class will not only keep you fit, but you will make friends with other new mothers, with whom you could form a support group for each other.-babycare.iloveindia.com

Puerperal Psychosis

Puerperal Psychosis: This is most severe form of this depression and occurs very rarely. There may be one or two cases in every 1000 new mothers and if is different from postnatal depression. In this illness, the mother may seem to lose touch with reality from time to time. She may even have hallucinations and have mood swings. Sometimes she maybe very energetic and at other times very lethargic. This kind of behavior can be upsetting to her family members, who will soon realize that she is ill whereas in postnatal depression the family members may not know that the mother is depressed until she tells them explicitly. In most cases, the mother will have to be hospitalized, preferably with the baby. The patients can recover completely though it may take some time.
Mothers facing postnatal depression must look for support and help from where ever they can get it. Whether it is their family, friends, mother-to-mother support groups or doctors. They must ensure they get help; otherwise, it will affect both the mother and her newborn baby.

A mother with depression

A mother with postnatal depression may experience a number of the following symptoms together:
1. Lack of Energy.
2. Breaking down into tears every now and then.
3. Feeling anxious.
4. Feeling of guilty.
5. Increased irritability.
6. Seems to be in constant confusion.
7. Experience sleep disturbance.
8. Indecisive.
9. Lack of self-esteem.
10. Lack of confidence in her ability to be a good mother.
11. Does not enjoy motherhood.
12. Fears that she will harm herself or her baby.
13. Show loss of interest in her sex life.
14. Lose her appetite.
15. Hostile or indifferent to people she loves.
16. Lack of concentration.
17. Feel ashamed at being unable to be happy.
18. Feel helpless.

Postanatal depression and baby blues

There is an enormous feeling of relief and gratitude once the delivery is over. After months of waiting and apprehension, when the child is born healthy, the sense of fulfillment is immense. But the first few weeks, even months after childbirth, with the baby can be confusing and emotionally draining. There maybe other reasons for distress as well. If the delivery does not take place as planned. If you have a Caesarean section, or an assisted delivery when all the while you were told it would be normal. All this can have great emotional consequences for the mother. You may feel cheated, angry and very sad.
These events can cause postnatal depression in new mothers. There is still no universal definition for postnatal depression. It is accepted that it is a type of depression that mother's experience weeks or months after childbirth. 10 to 15 percent of all new mothers undergo postnatal depression. But some researchers believe the rate could be higher as a number of cases go undiagnosed. There are three main types of postnatal depression:
The 'Blues': This is alternatively called 'three-day-blue' or 'baby blues'. More than half the new mothers suffer from this, sooner or later, within the first week after childbirth. The main symptoms are feeling like crying without any reason and feeling down in the dumps. The only treatment this kind of depression needs is a lot of love, support and sympathy from the immediate family of the new mother.
Postnatal depression: If depression commences weeks or months after delivery, doctors would diagnose it as postnatal depression. But it is likely that the symptoms were present months before the diagnosis. Most new mothers will feel anxious, feel tired, and seem to lack confidence, feel less energetic and feel guilty. -babycare.iloveindia.com

Helping stitches heal well

There is no doubt about the fact that, having a baby is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. But there is as much pain as there is joy in this experience and a lot of people overlook this fact. A new mother not only has to care of her newborn baby but also has to take care of herself as well, to ensure that she heals well. Even in a normal delivery sometimes it is likely that you have had an episiotomy. An Episiotomy is a surgical cut to enlarge the vagina to allow the baby's head to emerge easily during delivery. Some women may tear their perineum (the area between the vagina and anus). In both the above cases, you are likely to have stitches that need taking care of. Given below are a few easy tips to ensure that the stitches heal well:


Ensure that the perineum is clean at all times. After using the toilet, take a mug of lukewarm water pour it slowly between your legs while sitting on the toilet. Urinating while bathing will help reduce the pain. After this dry gently with a soft towel. Do not use a hair dryer to dry out excess water, as it hinders healing and may infect the wound.
You can bath as and when you feel like. Use water with or without antiseptic or salt will do just as well.
You can add a little lavender oil to your bath water and have a very soothing bath.
Replace maternity pads as often as you need.
Use disposable panties or comfortable cotton panties with a high waist.
While sitting down make sure you sit on something soft.
You can try using gel pads; these can be used easily like a panty liner. These are specially made to reduce the discomfort and pain most women feel after delivering.
Try to move around as much as you can. It may be difficult and painful at first, but this will increase blood circulation, decrease swelling and speed up the healing process.
The experiences of many women suggest that taking arnica tablets reduces bruising and helps recovery. There is no research to support this fact, but you can still try it.
If pain persists in spite of these measures, you should consult a doctor. If your stitches are too tight then they will have to be redone or the doctor may give you an anesthetic cream to apply locally. Take whatever measures are required to recover comfortably and you may not suffer any unnecessary pains. source-babycare.iloveindia.com

Getting through postnatal depression

If a new mother in your family is suffering from postnatal depression, it is difficult to deal with the person. But the family and friends of the new mother must be supportive and lovingly help her through this phase. Here are some tips on how to help:

Allow and help the mother of express her anxieties openly. Do not disregard them, as they are real to her.
Mothers going through postnatal depression find it difficult to cope. Make sure that there is someone with her at all times.
Encourage her in whatever she is doing and praise her when she is making a sincere effort. Try not to sound patronizing.
Do not force her to do anything she does not want to.
Ask her to take time off and go out with friends while someone takes care of the baby.
Do not say things that will reinforce the feeling of guilt, which is already present because she is unable to appreciate and enjoy the baby.
Do not point out mistakes she makes, jobs she hasn't been able to finish or comment on the way she looks. She maybe feeling miserable just watching you do things more efficiently than she can.
There are numerous ways that family and friends can help and support a mother going through postnatal depression. We have gathered some tips from depressed mothers on the areas they would like help:
Be sensitive enough to understand when they need help and when they want to be left alone.
Help in running the house and the care of other children
Shop for the things the new baby needs and the mother cannot go out to buy.
Postnatal depression is such an illness that it can easily be hidden from family and friends. In most cases the women are so ashamed and guilt ridden about the way they feel that they do not ask for help at all. Many doctors have started screening women for postnatal depression with the help of a simple questionnaire. This is being done to help those who require it. Help is offered through counseling, forming support groups or use of medication.
Counseling: In this form of the treatment the mother is encouraged to talk openly and honestly about her feelings. The therapist listens to her without being judgmental or critical. Together they will find a way to cope with the situation at hand.
Support groups: Meeting and talking to others who are going through the same experience gives the mother an opportunity to realize that she is not the only one, going through postnatal depression.
Medication: Doctors usually prescribe anti-depression or hormones or even Prozac. But studies show that these medications are not good for the baby as the mother is breastfeeding. Counseling and support groups can help just as efficiently in recovery.
Here are a few things the mothers' suffering from postnatal depression can do to help them through this period:
Talk about your feelings to anyone who will give you a patient hearing. It would be best to talk to your husband or a friend. You should talk to your doctor as well.
Just take care of yourself and remember that what you are going through is not your fault.
Doctors have found that joining exercise classes, yoga or a walking club helps new mothers relax and helps them recover easily from depression.
Keep in mind that this is just a passing phase and that you will get better, even if it takes time. Recovery may be speedy if you ask for help and support from family or even take professional help.

source-babycare.iloveindia.com