How a Developing Fetus Gets Oxygen and Nutrition

April 5th, 2013 Posted in Babies
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What women eat when they are pregnant will eventually be the source of nutrition for their developing babies inside their womb. The life-support system of the fetus depends on several temporary organs of the body. This includes the placenta, the umbilical cord and the amniotic sac. Women should eat healthy foods as much as possible not only for their own health benefits but for the health of their babies as well. Aside from the food that they eat, the bodies of pregnant women break down some of their muscle and their fat tissues and their bones as well to release proteins, fats and also calcium to sustain the needs of the developing fetus.

The umbilical cord of the fetus is connected to the placenta which absorbs the oxygen and the nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream.  The waste materials from the fetus goes to the placenta as well and then it is transferred back into the mother’s bloodstream for processing. When the developing fetus does not get sufficient nutrition, the placenta may increase in size in order to absorb more nutrients that the baby needs. Doctors may be able to determine if the fetus is receiving enough nutrients based on the size of the placenta. What pregnant women eat will be the source of nutrition for their babies so it is necessary that they consume extra nutrients that are needed for the normal growth and development of their babies prior to birth.

Some of these important nutrients include folic acid and iron which helps in the prevention of birth defects. Medical experts recommend about 300 additional caloric intake each day for the fetus’ development to be sustained. Pregnant women may include healthy snacks in between their regular meals so that their bodies and their babies will have enough source of nourishment. However, there are instances when problems may occur with the placenta. There are cases when placental abruption may happen where the placenta detaches itself off the uterine wall.

When this happens, premature birth may be expected to occur because there is no other way for nutrition and oxygen to be passed on to the fetus. Pregnant women who experience some vaginal bleeding have to see their doctors right away because it might signal problems such as placental abruption. Under normal circumstances the placenta is expelled right after the delivery of the baby. Doctors may also check and examine the placenta to make sure that there is no problem with the health conditions of the mother and the baby after the delivery.

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Caring for Babies’ Gums and Teeth

March 27th, 2013 Posted in Babies
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It is necessary for mothers to start helping their babies in practicing oral hygiene even before their first tooth has come out. Mothers can make use of a clean gauze material or a soft washcloth whenever they have to clean the gums of their babies. They may simply wrap it on their index finger and then wipe the gums of their babies by rubbing it gently. Although there are no teeth yet where bacteria may accumulate, it would be better to start early so the babies get used to the routine of cleaning their gums and mouth. Mothers would find it easier later to introduce the use of the toothbrush to clean their teeth.

It is also important that mothers select a toothbrush that is appropriate for babies. Some babies have their first tooth by the time they reach 6 months old while others may have it when they reach about a year. Mothers may use only a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride to clean the tooth or teeth of their babies. They will also have to clean the tongue part in order to remove any bacteria that may be thriving because it can cause bad breath later on when left on its own. Mothers may use dental floss if the surfaces of the teeth of their babies are touching each other but if they see that the teeth are still away from each other, there is no need to do it.

Babies will need enough fluoride to strengthen their tooth enamel in order to prevent the development of tooth decay. Mothers can give their babies water with fluoride and they can also use toothpaste that contains this mineral as well. However, mothers have to take note that babies below six months old do not really need to drink water with fluoride as they can get proper hydration from their breast milk or from their infant formula. They may use water with fluoride when preparing the infant formula. However, mothers should also be aware that too much fluoride is not good for their babies. Babies may develop fluorosis which shows as white spots on their teeth when they reach adulthood.

Mothers who are not sure whether they are giving their babies the right amount of fluoride may consult with their doctors. Medical experts may determine the amount of fluoride that should be given and they can also recommend some fluoride drops in case it is really needed by the babies. There are still other things that mothers should know especially in maintaining the oral hygiene of their babies. Mothers may start early in caring for the gums and for the first teeth of their babies in order to help them become healthier and stronger.

 

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Newborn Babies and Hiccups

March 21st, 2013 Posted in Babies
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Some parents may be concerned about hiccups that are experienced by their newborn babies. However, this may be very common occurrence and may be considered to be normal not only among new born babies but to all individuals regardless of their age. It does not mean though that mothers take the hiccupping of their newborn babies for granted. Their understanding about the nature and the things that they can do may help their babies overcome this annoying problem.

Hiccups may occur when the vocal cords are shut because of forcefully inhaling air and the muscle sheet experiences some sort of a sudden pull that at times may feel like spasm. Hiccups may occur especially when the muscular sheet or the diaphragm gets irritated. Hiccups are produced when the air coming in gets in contact with the vocal cords. Newborn babies are prone to experiencing hiccups for a variety of reasons and they may have it for just a few minutes though at times they can have it for some hours. Babies who are bottle-fed tend to swallow more air so they can have hiccups more often. Sometimes the milk formula itself can trigger the problem. Other causes may include upset babies who suck in their milk forcefully and quickly and babies who are affected by gastro-esophageal reflux problem.

Parents especially mothers may help their newborn babies prevent hiccups by checking how they feed their babies with their infant formula. They have to see to it that their babies are drinking or sucking their milk slowly. Mothers may help their newborn babies to burp after every feeding. They may also try to change the way they hold the baby while feeding so that the newborns are comfortable. Mothers may monitor the feeding interval so they can prepare the milk formula just before their newborn babies get hungry. They also have to see to it that their infants are calm and relaxed before they start breastfeeding or bottle-feeding them.

Mothers may have lesser problems with hiccups among their newborn babies if they feed them in smaller quantities but at more or less regular intervals. They may try to feed their babies with warm water to lessen the problem. Although hiccups are considered to be a normal occurrence even among infants, it is still best for mothers to know how to prevent it for the convenience of their babies. They may bring their newborn babies to their doctors in case their problems on hiccups occur for over 48 hours.

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