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Zika Virus.. virus affects the development of the fetus in the womb. cause microcephaly and other physical and brain abnormalities in babies

Seriousness of Zika virus and its effect on the fetus during pregnancy

Although the Zika virus is not so much in the news anymore, parents may still have questions about it.

Watch this 30-second video that highlights the importance of talking to your doctor about Zika if you're pregnant and the importance of avoiding Zika virus-affected areas if you're pregnant.

Here is some more information you should be aware of regarding the virus.

What is the Zika virus?

Zika virus can cause the following symptoms:

Rash.
Fever.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye).
joint pain.

Symptoms usually resolve in less than a week, are mild, and rarely require hospitalization.

However, because the infection affects people differently, only 1 in 5 people develop symptoms.

The Zika virus is particularly dangerous for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant because the virus affects the development of the fetus in the womb.

Federal health officials have confirmed that the Zika virus can cause microcephaly (babies born with small heads) and other physical and brain abnormalities in babies.

Because Zika can affect fetal brain development and can cause long-lasting negative consequences, its prevention is critical.

How is the Zika virus spread?

- mosquitoes:

Mosquitoes can transmit Zika virus from person to person.

If a pregnant woman becomes infected, Zika virus can be transmitted to her baby while she is pregnant or close to delivery.

The mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus bite indoors and outdoors, mainly during daylight hours. Some cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in the United States.

As the weather gets warmer, more mosquitoes will circulate.

Parents should take steps to help children protect themselves from mosquito bites and make sure everyone who cares for their children does too.

sexual transmission:

Men who live in or travel to areas with Zika virus transmission should use condoms when having sex with their pregnant partner or abstain from sex altogether for the duration of the pregnancy.

Even if the partner is not pregnant, men should consider taking these steps.

If you are not pregnant, but are thinking of trying to get pregnant, you should wait at least 6 months for men and 8 weeks for women after symptoms or exposure occur.

Talk to your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant and think you may have been exposed to the Zika virus.

Also, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websitefor more information on how to protect yourself from sexual transmission.

Others:

The CDC is still reviewing data on whether the virus can be transmitted through saliva or urine and is not currently making any recommendations related to these bodily secretions (fluids).

Zika virus has been detected in breast milk, and several cases of infants infected through breast milk have been reported.

However, because the evidence for the benefits of breast milk so far outweighs the evidence for the risk of Zika virus spreading to breast milk, the CDC continues to recommend that mothers breastfeed their infants, even in Zika risk areas.

warning not to travel:

Until more is known about the Zika virus, the CDC has issued specific warnings for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant.
Women who are trying or planning to become pregnant should consult their doctor before traveling to these areas and strictly follow measures to avoid mosquito bites during travel.
Pregnant women in any trimester should not travel to areas of active Zika virus transmission.
Pregnant women who travel to these areas should consult their doctor before doing so and strictly follow measures to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.

Prevention:

The best way to avoid being infected with Zika virus in areas where it is present is to take the following steps to prevent mosquito bites:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants or clothing that has been treated with permethrin. If possible, choose clothing made of thick fabrics as mosquitoes can bite through thin or thin clothing.
Use an insect repellant. Women who are pregnant and nursing can and should choose an EPA-approved insect repellent and use the product according to label directions.
Stay and sleep in rooms that are screened or air-conditioned, or sleep in a bed with a mosquito net (one treated with permethrin would be best).

Vaccine Research:

There are currently no vaccines or treatments available to prevent or treat Zika virus infection.

Birth defects and having a healthy baby

Not all birth defects can be prevented. But a woman can increase her chance of having a healthy baby by planning for a healthy pregnancy, taking healthy steps before and during her pregnancy.

Taking the best possible care of yourself is also the best way to care for your baby!

1- Make sure you get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day:

Folic acid is important because it can help prevent some serious birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.

These birth defects develop early in pregnancy when the neural tube, which forms the beginning of the brain and spinal column, does not close properly.

You need to start taking folic acid at least a month before you get pregnant and continue throughout your pregnancy.

In addition to eating foods with natural folate, you can also:

Take a vitamin that has folic acid every day.

Most vitamins sold in the United States have the recommended amount of folic acid that women need every day.

Check the label on the bottle to make sure it contains 100% of the Daily Value Needs for folic acid, which is 400 micrograms.

Eat fortified foods:

Some foods such as bread, breakfast cereals and corn flour contain folic acid.

Be sure to check the Nutrition Facts label and look for it to say "100%" vs. folic acid.

2- Make an appointment with your health care provider before stopping a medication or starting a new one:

Many women need to take medicine to stay healthy during pregnancy.

If you plan to become pregnant, discuss the medications you are taking with your healthcare provider, such as your doctor or pharmacist.

Having a treatment plan for your health problem before you get pregnant can help keep you and your developing baby healthy.

3- Get up to date on all immunizations, including the flu shot:

Vaccines help protect you and your baby from serious diseases.

Get the flu and whooping cough (also called Tdap) vaccines during each pregnancy to help protect yourself and your baby.

- Influenza (flu):

You can get the influenza vaccine before or during each pregnancy.

- Pertussis:

The pertussis vaccine can be given in the last three months of each pregnancy.

4- Before you get pregnant try to be at a healthy weight:

Obesity increases the risk of several serious birth defects, as well as other pregnancy complications.

If you are underweight, overweight, or obese, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to get to and stay at a healthy weight before you get pregnant.

Focus on living a healthy lifestyle, eating right, and getting regular physical activity.

5- Boost your health by avoiding the use of harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs:

- Alcohol:

There is no safe amount of alcoholic beverages you can consume during pregnancy or when you are trying to get pregnant.

Alcohol can cause problems for the developing baby throughout pregnancy, so it's important to stop drinking when she's trying to get pregnant.

- Tobacco:

Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, and other serious health problems. Smoking during pregnancy can also harm a developing baby and can cause certain birth defects.

Quitting smoking can help you feel better and provides a healthier environment for your baby.

- Other drugs:

The use of certain drugs during pregnancy can cause health problems for the woman and her developing baby.

If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and can't stop using drugs, ask for help! A health provider can help you with counseling, treatment, and other support services.

drinking alcohol during pregnancy or while planning to conceive

There are no guarantees that a baby will be born healthy and grow up healthy.

However, there is absolute certainty that a child will not suffer from a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) if her mother does not consume alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.

Not consuming alcoholic beverages during pregnancy is the safest option:

Approximately 40,000 babies are born each year with FASDs which can cause birth defects, intellectual disability or learning problems, behavioral problems and difficulties learning life skills or competencies.

These problems last a lifetime.

FASDs can be completely prevented by not drinking alcohol during pregnancy (or while planning to conceive).

Despite some myths, there is no scientific evidence that establishes a safe minimum amount of alcohol that does not affect the development of the fetus.

Talk to your doctor

Women are encouraged to talk with their obstetricians, pediatricians, and other healthcare providers so that they can not only understand the risks, but also make the best decisions that affect the health of their babies.

There is no safe amount of alcohol you can consume during pregnancy that is without risk.
There is no type of alcohol that you can consume during pregnancy that is without risk.
There is no safe time during pregnancy when you can safely drink alcohol.

Marijuana and electronic cigarettes are also not safe:

No amount of marijuana has been determined to be safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

No type of electronic cigarette, also known as hookahs, vapers, vaporizer pens or vapor tanks are safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

E-cigarettes are also NOT a safe way to quit smoking during pregnancy.

Blood lead levels in pregnant and lactating women:

Lead is toxic and particularly harmful to the developing nervous system. Lead can be passed through the placenta from a pregnant woman to the fetus or through breast milk to the baby.

To minimize the risk of lead to you and your baby, take a moment to learn how to achieve a safe, lead-free environment.

Is there anything I can do to reduce my exposure to lead during my pregnancy?

Yes, you can avoid exposure to any known source of lead before and during pregnancy.

If you have to work with lead or have hobbies such as jewelry making or stained glass crafts, ask your health care provider to test your blood for lead.
If you are making improvements to an older home that has lead-based paint, make sure the people who are working on it follow safety procedures to protect you and your family from lead exposure. About 75% of homes built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint. The older your home is built, the more likely it is to contain lead-based paint.
Water from public sources is regularly tested for lead. You can get information about drinking water from your local board of health. Homes that use well water should have their water tested for lead for possible contaminants. See: Lead in Home Tap Water and Plumbing: Frequently Asked Questions for Parents .
Eat your meals regularly and eat frequently. Environmental lead is more easily absorbed into your bloodstream and stays in your body if you have an empty stomach.
A diet low in calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E may be associated with increased amounts of lead absorbed into your bloodstream. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to eat a balanced diet and take prenatal vitamins.

Is there a test that tells us how much lead we have been exposed to?

Yes, a blood lead test can be done to see how much lead is present. Although most people have some lead in their blood, levels over 5 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) indicate lead exposure that should be treated.

While there is no safe level of lead in the body, the goal is to keep it as low as possible.

Women who have been exposed to lead in the past should have their lead levels checked.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend lead testing for pregnant and lactating women who have one or more of the risk factors for lead exposure and increased blood lead levels.

Recent immigration (from an area where lead contamination is high).
Live near a source of lead (for example, lead mines, smelters, battery recycling plants, home remodeling).
Pica syndrome (ie, compulsive consumption of non-food products).
Occupational exposures (for example, painters, those exposed to batteries or radiators, or living with someone who works in the lead industry).
Environmental exposures (for example, lead-contaminated soil, water, or food).
Use of cosmetics containing lead.
Storing or firing with lead-glazed pottery utensils.
Use of herbal/alternative medicine.

What effects can lead have on my baby?

The most serious effects that high lead levels can cause during pregnancy are miscarriage and stillbirth. Other pregnancy problems such as low birth weight and preterm labor can also occur.

In addition, high levels of lead in the mother can also cause learning and behavior problems in exposed babies.

Exposure to lead during pregnancy is unlikely to significantly increase the risk of serious birth defects.

Is there concern due to lead if I am breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is generally safe for women with high blood lead levels; however, babies of nursing mothers who have high lead levels should be closely watched.

A blood test should be done two weeks after the baseline measurement and at least once a month.

Infants with blood lead levels of 5 µg/dL or higher or rising levels:

An environmental assessment is recommended.

For babies with a blood lead level that remains below 10 µg/dL:

They should continue to breastfeed.

Talk to your pediatrician:

If you are concerned about blood lead levels while breastfeeding, talk to your pediatrician.

Alternative Birth:

As a mother-to-be, you may have heard of childbirth practices that are outside of the norm for labor, delivery, and newborn care.

Some may benefit you and your baby. However, others can increase the risk of your newborn getting certain infections:

Seven different alternative practices and what you should know about them are summarized here.

1- Water birth:

A water birth involves laboring or giving birth while in a bathtub of warm water.

Most birthing centers now have birthing tubs, though they are usually only used during labor.

Home water births are sometimes planned with the help of a midwife.

Scientifically, water births seem to improve comfort in early labor, but not beyond that.

There are no known benefits for the newborn born in water.

On the contrary, there may be bacteria there that could infect the baby that is born in the bathtub. Although rare, infections in babies after water births can be serious.

2- vaginal seeding:

It happens when a swab transfers the mother's vaginal fluids to the nose, mouth, and skin of a baby delivered by cesarean section.

The goal is to expose the baby to the vaginal flora (bacteria) that the baby would have been exposed to while passing through the birth canal.

Babies delivered by caesarean section appear to be at increased risk of allergies, asthma, and obesity later in life. Some suspect that this may result from having a different microbiome (balance of bacteria and other microbes that live in the body).

But there is no scientific evidence to prove that vaginal seeding effectively lowers that risk.

Also, while there may be bacteria in vaginal fluids that are good for the baby's microbiome, there can also be harmful microbes.

For example, babies should not receive vaginal seeding if the C-section was performed to prevent an infection in the mother (such as HIV, group B strep infection, or genital herpes).

3- Lotus Birth:

You may hear a medical term for this: "unruptured umbilical." It happens when the umbilical cord (and placenta) are left attached to the baby, instead of being cut and removed after birth. In a Lotus birth, they are allowed to dry until the cord separates on its own, usually within 3 to 10 days.

A Lotus birth may seem like a "non-violent" way for the baby to transition from the womb to the real world. However, there is no evidence that it has any kind of effect on the emotional development of the baby.

If the placenta or cord attached to the baby becomes corrupted, this allows bacteria to grow quickly and possibly travel from the tissue to your baby.

There are known cases of babies born by Lotus delivery who became seriously ill.

4- Eating the placenta (placentophagy):

Placentophagy is the practice of eating your own placenta.

The placenta provides oxygen and nutrition to the unborn baby during pregnancy. Also known as "secundinas", it is consumed raw, cooked or dried and pulverized in capsules.

Although placentophagy is considered a way to reduce postpartum depression, stimulate breast milk production and replenish nutrients, there is no scientific evidence of these benefits.

In fact, there is a risk of food poisoning from eating a placenta that has started to rot. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against consuming placenta capsules after a newborn has become seriously ill from a group B strep infection (group B strep) on two separate occasions.

The baby's mother had taken pills containing group B strep and had probably passed the bacteria to her baby.

5- Skipping the dose of hepatitis B vaccine given at birth:

Some families feel that the hepatitis B vaccine is not necessary right after birth and prefer to postpone it for a couple of weeks or months.

Although it seems reasonable if the biological parents tested negative for hepatitis B, anyone close enough to the baby could give the baby hepatitis B.

The hepatitis B vaccine should be given as soon as possible to protect the baby against anyone (not just biological parents) who is infected.

Babies infected with the hepatitis B virus may not have symptoms right away, but over time the virus can damage the liver.

6- Refuse erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for the newborn:

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment will prevent certain bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) from causing a serious infection that can lead to blindness.

If the biological mother tested negative for this bacteria during pregnancy, it is very unlikely that the baby will require this ointment.

However, some states have laws that require the use of this eye ointment.

7- Delay bathing:

The sooner the baby can have skin-to-skin contact with his biological mother or father for a long time, the better.

That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends delaying the newborn's first bath until 24 hours after birth in some cases.

This can help keep the baby's temperature and blood sugar under control, as well as promote nursing and bonding.

However, if the birth mother has a genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) rash during childbirth, has HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, it is important to bathe the baby as soon as possible to remove the infected fluid from her skin.

There are no other known risks of infection from delaying bathing.

Should I talk to my pediatrician about alternative delivery practices for my child?

Yes. Alternative birth practices can expose your baby to germs not normally covered by regular tests and antibiotics.

It is important to mention any that were part of your child's delivery, so that the doctor can modify tests or antibiotics when necessary.

Where can I learn more about ways to improve the birthing experience or the health of my newborn baby?

The pediatrician should be a reliable source of information.

Have a clear discussion with your pediatrician about whether a birthing practice can benefit or harm your child prior to delivery.

What your eight-year-old girl needs from you in order for her to become a happy and self-confident child:

The girl At this age, the child begins to draw the features of her independent personality, and for this she must follow some rules to enhance her self-respect:

Let her do what she likes at home, even if she wants to play, you can't say you're too old, you can't play now.
Help her take care of herself and change the way she dresses, because during that period she will take great care of her outward appearance, so you must help her choose the best one without imposing your opinion on her.
Give her her personal space, boost her confidence in her choices, and talk to her confidently by saying that you can make the decision now, and I know very well that you are able to know right from wrong.
Don't dominate her, she will become weak in character and will always be in desperate need of you, and thus she will not be able to make her own decisions.
She must be taught that having morals and public morals are things that are inherited by generations, and cannot be abandoned under the pretext that they are old habits. She must be brought up on the fact that respect and morals are among the highest and best things.
Shower her with flirtatious phrases and dazzle her with her beauty, and tell her that you are beautiful with your personality, your sweet soul, and your beautiful figure made you more beautiful, because at this age she needs someone to enhance her confidence in her beauty and herself.
Prepare your answer to any questions she asks you about, without lying or hiding the truth in any matter.
Make her participate in cleaning the house, and take her opinion on anything you find appropriate for her, including that you fill her free time, and on the other hand, you are associated with her and you have a coherent relationship with her.
Therefore, you will know in detail how I deal with my eight-year-old daughter.

Marijuana drug use during pregnancy and lactation:

If you're pregnant, you may have read that marijuana can help with nausea. After the baby is born, you may even think about using marijuana to relieve stress.

Should you still breastfeed if you smoke marijuana? These are all tricky questions, especially as more and more states legalize marijuana for adult use or medical use.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid using marijuana.

Also, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that obstetricians and gynecologists advise women not to use marijuana while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.

No amount of marijuana has been shown to be safe for use during pregnancy or lactation.

How does marijuana affect brain development?

Studies show that marijuana use during pregnancy and lactation may have negative effects on the developing brain.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that is primarily responsible for its psychoactive effects, has been shown to cross the placenta and enter the brain of the developing fetus during pregnancy.

Once it enters a baby's system, it can affect the normal growth of nerve cells that occurs in the developing brain. In some studies, for example, prenatal marijuana exposure has been linked to increased tremors and the startle reflex in newborns and possibly an increased risk of substance use disorders and mental illnessbetween adolescents and adults.

In other studies, marijuana use during pregnancy was associated with problems with problem-solving ability, memory, visual perception, behavior, attention, executive function, and impulse control in children, in especially as they become adolescents and young adults.

Is marijuana today stronger than that of years ago?

The concentration of THC in marijuana has quadrupled since the 1980s, when studies were conducted linking marijuana use during pregnancy to infant growth and behavioral differences.

Whether marijuana is smoked, vaped via e-cigarettes, or consumed in edible or drinkable form, the amount of THC reaching a fetus and newborn can be much higher than ever before.

If I smoke marijuana, can it pass into my breast milk?

Yes. You can pass the chemicals in marijuana to your baby through your breast milk. A study published in the journal Pediatrics in September 2018 confirms previous results that THC can pass through breast milk.

The AAP also reminds that a mother's ability to care for a baby may be impaired if she uses marijuana. Bottom line: If you're breastfeeding, don't use marijuana.

Is marijuana safer than tobacco?

No. Studies show that between 48% and 60% of users continue to use throughout their pregnancy, thinking it is safer than tobacco .

However, research also shows that when marijuana is smoked, carbon monoxide concentrations in the blood of pregnant women are 5 times higher than when tobacco is smoked. This may mean that the fetus has less oxygen available.

What should I know about secondhand marijuana smoke?

Secondhand or passive smoke can be as much of a concern with marijuana as it is with tobacco. Studies show that people can be exposed to marijuana by inhaling it when it is smoked near them.

It can cause a urine test to come back positive for THC, meaning THC was in the blood. This means that if a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is exposed to marijuana smoke, THC can enter the mother's blood and from there pass to the fetus or breast milk.

Does morning sickness justify the use of medical marijuana?

No. Nausea from chemotherapy qualifies for medical marijuana use in most states where it is legal. Although many women experience nausea during pregnancy, the use of medical marijuana in this specific situation has never been studied or rated as safe.

Are pediatricians required to report mothers who use marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding to child protective services?

Yes. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requires all states to have reporting policies and procedures for newborns and other children exposed to illegal substances.

Because marijuana remains illegal under federal law, CAPTA applies to marijuana exposure in all states regardless of the legality of adult marijuana use in each state. Each individual state may have its own policies on reporting marijuana exposure during pregnancy and lactation.

Remember: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the safest option for your child is to avoid marijuana.

Your pediatrician is a good source of information about the possible risks of marijuana use on the developing fetus, infants, and children. Conversations may occur during talk about alcohol use , other drug use, or contraception.

Just because marijuana is legal for medical or recreational use in some places for people over the age of 21 doesn't mean it's safe, especially for children exposed to the substance while pregnant or nursing. There's a lot we don't know about the ways it might affect children.

Stop saying these phrases to your 8-year-old:

Just as there are some things that help in facilitating dealing with your child, there are some words that the mother may see as simple, but their effect sabotages the relationship, and affects badly, such as

Why did you destroy things like this?
You can't control yourself or control your emotions.
You don't understand I'm older than you and I know better than you.
what is your problem? This is not a problem at all.
How many times do I tell you about this.
No, you can't try again? You only had one chance and you squandered it?
Why can't you be like this friend of yours? See how I did this? See how I became superior?
Why are you so disorganized and what is this noise.
Are you not good? And you always embarrass me in front of my friends and family.
Embarrassing her in front of others, especially with her friends.
Why don't you mind your own business and remember your important things.
Belittling her clothing choices without her consciously knowing how tightly she is, for example, try this, but it works better on you and you look better in it.
Don't destructive words... I have given up on you… your brothers are better than you… I will not expect anything joyful from you.

Pregnant women consumed alcohol during pregnancy:

Use of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy is one of the leading preventable causes of birth defects, intellectual disabilities, and other developmental disorders in newborns.

Safe alcohol during pregnancy:

There is no safe amount of alcohol you can consume during pregnancy that is without risk.
There is no type of alcohol that you can consume during pregnancy that is without risk.
There is no safe time during pregnancy when you can safely drink alcohol.

For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant refrain from consuming all types of alcoholic beverages.

Protection against toxoplasmosis:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to protect your unborn child is to protect yourself against toxoplasmosis.

Ways to protect the child from toxoplasmosis:

Have a healthy, non-pregnant person change your cat's litter box every day. If this is not possible, wear gloves and clean it yourself every day. Wash your hands well with soap and water after cleaning.
Also, wash your hands with soap and water after any exposure to dirt, sand, raw meat, or unwashed vegetables. Wear gloves when gardening or handling sand from a sandbox.
Carefully cook all meats. Do not taste meat before it is well cooked.
Freeze meat for several days before cooking to greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Carefully wash all your cutting boards and knives with hot, soapy water after each use.
Wash or peel all fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Avoid drinking untreated water, particularly when traveling to less developed countries.

Nail biting is a bad habit:

Many children bite their nails for a variety of reasons, such as boredom, stress relief, a bad habit, or imitating others. Nail biting is one of the most common bad habits in children, as is thumb sucking or teeth grinding.

If this habit is not dealt with, it can continue into adulthood. Therefore, if you notice that your child is unconsciously biting his nails in response to certain situations, such as watching TV or studying, this means that this habit is a way to deal with stress and anxiety.

What do I do if my child bites his nails?

Here are some tips to deal with the habit of biting nails in children:

Address your child's fears:

The first step that most parents take to prevent their children from biting their nails is to prevent them from doing so, but this is not a way to solve the problem, because the habit of nail biting is a child's behavior to express anxiety and fear.

To solve this problem, we have to find a way to make the child less anxious and afraid. We have to help the child overcome the things that worry him, such as instability in the family, school anxiety, or anything else that causes him stress. Once these concerns are addressed, nail biting behavior can decrease.

Do not punish or scold the child:

Nail biting is usually done unconsciously. That is, the child does not do this of his own free will. That is why he should not be punished or forced to leave the habit by scolding him. Even adults have habits that they may unconsciously do that they can't control.

In general, as long as your child doesn't hurt himself and doesn't seem too nervous, the advice is to cut the child's nails well and not focus attention on him when he's biting his nails. Because watching him and pressuring him to stop will increase the state of stress and stress and promote nail biting behavior.

Do not use drugstore polish as a first-line solution to prevent nail biting. This polish has a bad taste and applying it to the nails will prevent the child from biting them. But for you, it will be a punishment for the child rather than a cure for the problem, and it may lead to pushing him to follow another bad habit.

Help him become aware of this habit:

Most children bite their nails unconsciously. You have to discuss, talk to and encourage them in order to realize how bad this habit is. A child can become aware of this habit by using something that reminds them of it, such as tying tape or an adhesive bandage on their finger to remember each time they bite their nails.

Submit an alternative:

Suggest an alternative activity for the child such as playing. Have him play at times when he usually bites his nails, such as at bedtime or before going to school.

Teach him some relaxation techniques:

In order to relieve anxiety and stress, the child can be taught relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or clenching and releasing their fists.

Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to play and run around indoors and outdoors in order to burn off energy and relieve his stress.

Learning skills such as handicrafts or playing a musical instrument can relieve anxiety. But learning this should not be a necessary task, but rather a hobby that he does whenever he wants.

Keep trying:

Do not despair if you do not succeed in stopping your child from biting his nails, this is a bad habit that is ingrained and he needs some time to stop it. You have to try many solutions to help him quit the habit.

Try bitter nail polish as a last resort:

In the end, if the child cannot stop biting his nails, the last option he recommends is to use bitter nail polish. Don't use this polish as a first choice to prevent nail biting, use it as a last resort.

When is nail biting harmful?

Intense nail biting for a long time or all the time indicates severe anxiety from the child. In this case, the child may feel pain or injure his fingers. Such behaviors are a cause for concern and you should consult a doctor to deal with them.

Prevention of infections during pregnancy:

Infections during pregnancy can affect the mother-to-be and her baby.

Making healthy choices, as well as taking a few extra precautions, can improve your baby's chances of being born healthy.

Here are 11 tips to protect yourself and your baby from infections during pregnancy:

1- Practice good hygiene and wash your hands often:

especially when you're around or taking care of children. Washing your hands regularly, especially before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, stave off illness, and prevent infection. If soap and plain water are not available, you can use an alcohol hand gel. Find out how clean hands can save lives.

2- Cook meat thoroughly (well done):

The meat juices should run clear and the meat should not be raw (pink) inside.

Do not eat hot dogs, corned meats, or processed meats unless you reheat them until they give off steam.

These undercooked or processed meats can contain harmful bacteria. Learn more about listeriosis .

3- Avoid milk that is not pasteurized (raw) and foods made with this milk:

Do not eat soft cheeses, such as feta, brie, or queso fresco, unless the labels indicate that they have been pasteurized. Unpasteurized products can contain harmful bacteria.

4- Ask your doctors about group B strep (GBS):

About 1 in 4 women carry this type of bacteria, but do not feel sick.

A simple swab test towards the end of pregnancy will reveal if you have this type of bacteria.

If you have GBS, talk to your doctor about how to protect your baby during delivery. Learn more about GBS infections .

5- Talk to your doctor about vaccinations:

Some are recommended before becoming pregnant, during pregnancy, or immediately after delivery. Getting the right shots at the right time can help you stay healthy and help prevent your baby from getting sick or having long-term health problems.

6- Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STDs):

such as HIV and hepatitis B, and protect yourself and your baby from these diseases. Some people have HIV, hepatitis B, or an STD and don't feel sick. It is important to know if you have any of these diseases.

If you have one of these, talk to your doctor about how you can reduce your baby's chance of getting sick. Learn more about how to prevent STDs.

7- Avoid people who have an infection:

Stay away from people who have infections, such as chickenpox or rubella, if you haven't had these illnesses or if you weren't vaccinated before pregnancy.

8- Protect yourself from disease-carrying insects:

Stay up to date with information about the Zika virus in the area where you live or where you plan to travel. When ticks and mosquitoes are active, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you go outdoors.

Use U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered (approved) insect repellents that contain one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (para- methane-diol 3.8).

Avoid traveling to areas where these infections may pose a threat to you and your baby. Learn more about Zika virus and pregnancy .

9- Do not touch or clean dirty cat litter and avoid contact with soil/sand that may be contaminated:

Ask someone else to do it. If you have to clean the litter, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterward. Dirty litter and litter can contain harmful parasites.

10- Stay away from wild or pet rodents, lizards, turtles, and their droppings:

Hire a pest control professional to remove pests in and around your home.

If you have a pet rodent, such as a hamster or guinea pig, have someone else care for them until your baby is born. Some rodents can carry harmful viruses.

11- Take only vitamins in the doses recommended by your doctor:

Your doctor may recommend a daily prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid, iron, calcium, and other minerals, as well as the fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA).

Make sure your doctor knows about other supplements you take, such as herbal remedies. Learn more about the benefits of folic acid .

Taking care of the mother's oral health and its impact on the child's health

Taking care of the health of your mouth—and your baby's—is one of the best ways to help your baby from the start.

When you're pregnant, you're more prone to gum disease and tooth decay, which can affect your baby's health.

If you already have a baby, her little teeth are important! Caring for them now sets your baby up for lifelong dental health.

Keep these easy steps in mind to protect your little teeth at all stages.

Steps to protect the mother's teeth:

1- Go to the dentist before giving birth. You may be more prone to gum disease and tooth decay when you're pregnant, which can affect your baby's health.

Also, when your baby is born, you could pass on the bad bacteria from your mouth, increasing the baby's chances of getting cavities too.

Going to the dentist when you're pregnant is totally safe—and it's best to do it before your new baby takes up all of your time.

2- Brush twice a day and floss once a day.

This is the best way to prevent bad bacteria from growing and being passed on to your baby when it is born.

3- If you suffer from morning sickness, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water after your discomfort.

This helps remove acid and keep tooth enamel healthy.

Elimination of the Zika virus before childbirth and breastfeeding

As your belly grows, so may your desire to have one last vacation before the baby is born.

Hence comes the increasingly fashionable concept of the " babymoon ", or honeymoon during pregnancy.

What is a pre-baby honeymoon?

A relaxing vacation taken by couples who are expecting a child.

Pregnant women and their partners who opt for a rest trip before the baby is born may want to go somewhere warm and sunny.

They usually travel when the pregnancy is between 14 and 28 weeks. At that stage they tend to feel good and the chance of having the baby prematurely is lower.

If mom and baby are healthy, travel is usually safe until about 36 weeks. Be sure to read the "fine print" (clauses and stipulations) before making a reservation. For example, many cruise lines do not allow you to travel after a certain point in your pregnancy (often around the 24th week).

Thinking of traveling somewhere? Check travel-related warnings first!

If your idea of relaxation includes crystal clear waters and sand between your toes, think very carefully about where to go on your pre-baby honeymoon.

In many hot places there are mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus and other diseases.

Zika is a virus that can be very harmful during pregnancy as it can cause serious problems for your unborn baby.

Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika at any time during their pregnancy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains an up-to-date list of all countries and areas where there is a risk of Zika.

This list includes many popular pregnancy honeymoon destinations. It's also a good idea to check any other travel advisories (in English) at your destination.

Tips for planning a Zika-free pre-baby honeymoon:

Yes you can travel safely and enjoy some down time with your partner before the baby arrives; all you have to do is find a place that is free of zika.

1- Look for places close to home:

There is virtually no Zika anywhere in the US (meaning no mosquitoes actively spreading the virus).

Beautiful beaches abound on both coasts, national parks await, and trendy cities beckon. Never been to Las Vegas? Now is your chance.

Dreaming of dipping your toes in the Pacific? Head to California. The possibilities are many.

2- Look even closer (hint: vacation home):

Even more fashionable than the concept of a pre-baby honeymoon is the concept of a staycation at home, a vacation in your city or in a nearby city.

Take time to enjoy your home with your partner before the family gets bigger.

3- Go north:

Wherever you live in the United States, your risk of Zika decreases if you travel north (think Canada). Also, northern destinations are cooler.

Find a nice, cool place to relax where you can be worry-free and Zika-free.

Other tips for pregnant travelers:

1- Even if you go to a place where there is no Zika, be careful.

Whenever possible, stay indoors.

When you do go out, wear bug spray and consider wearing long sleeves and pants. Mosquitoes can be carriers of other diseases so the ideal is to avoid bites.

2- Review Zika- related advisories and other travel tips before and after you make your reservations; warnings may change.

Consider getting travel insurance or find out about cancellation policies whenever you book a trip.

Better not have to worry about losing money if you have a premature birth or if your doctor tells you not to travel because of health reasons for you or your baby.

3- If you stay home but your partner travels to a place with Zika, take steps to protect your baby.

You can get Zika if you have sex without a condom with a sexual partner who is infected.

Consistently use condoms for the rest of the pregnancy or abstain from sexual intercourse.

4- If you are trying to get pregnant and you or your partner have been in an area with Zika:

A- Use condoms or don't have sex. Use condoms every time you have sex to prevent the spread of Zika:

For at least 8 weeks after the trip if only the woman traveled, even if she has no symptoms.
For at least 6 months after traveling if only the man traveled, even if he has no symptoms. Why is the wait or caution time different? The virus lives longer in the male body.

C- Keep using insect repellant for 3 weeks after you return home.

This is to protect others in case you have become infected, but not sick.

How to deal with my daughter?

The mother is surprised once by a sudden change in her child's behavior, so her mood becomes changeable, or she can ask for some things that she did not ask for before, in addition to the questions she is looking for an answer to, and thinking about things that make her feel independent, here the mother begins to feel that she needs To find out what is the correct way to deal with her child without making her affected by a psychological crisis, and without a backlash from her, and to answer the question, how do I deal with my daughter, follow the following lines.

Some things that a mother should do with her 8-year-old daughter:

Discovering and writing down these matters greatly contributes to knowing the correct way on the basis of which she can deal with her child without problems, in addition to gaining her trust later, and therefore you will find the answer to your question, how do I deal with my daughter

Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the child:

At this time, all that the child will do is to prove herself and to have an independent personality with her, and for this she can participate in the challenges, in addition to participating in many fields.

Here, the mother must search for the child's weaknesses and support and strengthen them, in addition to supporting her. In that case, the child will be able to achieve what she wishes, and gain her confidence in herself. On the other hand, the mother gains her confidence in her choices, because she believed in her and her talent and encouraged her to do so.

Give your daughter a chance to do what she wishes:

A big mistake some mothers make when she finds her child loves to do something new, or she wants to shine in some field to shine and stand out among her friends. Do what she loves and watch her without knowing or feeling, and beware of underestimating her interests.

Set aside time to sleep:

Of course, at this time, you may find the matter rebellious for her child to adhere to specific sleep times, while children from 8-11 years old need to get an adequate amount of sleep, and for this you must talk to her with reason and itching as if she was old and introduce her to the advantages that she will get from Going to bed at an early and specific time, and she can be offered some options that help her achieve this, and from here you will know the correct answer to the question of how do I deal with my daughter.

Try to read her eyes and the features of her face without speaking:

The mother's instinct helps in achieving this, because knowing what she wants to talk about without asking about it increases the movement of communication between the mother and her child, and facilitates dealing with her, in addition to that she will know that you are a person who can understand her and know what she feels, besides that you are also the most suitable person to be He sees her weak and gives her strength.

Show her what to do when she feels love and what is the right way to express it:

The child may begin to feel shy about expressing her love at this stage, and for this she must be informed that the love of family and friends is one of the most beloved and gentle things, and that expressing it is not a defect or something that can be ashamed of it, but love must be translated into respect for the mother, father and brothers, and that family bonding is an important matter. A duty, and from here emanates the love of friends. During that period, your child's feelings may change. Try, Madam Mother, to understand her and correct her mistakes with great care.

Set her priority and try to manage her dealings with social networking sites:

In the past, the mother used to watch movies and cartoon series that her children made them watch before her children watched them, but now, with the technological development, the mother does not know what they will watch, so she must be monitored and her time must be organized between studying and watching TV.

And browsing social networking sites In addition to knowing what sites you are browsing, parental control is required on children with social networking sites.

Show her more love and warmth:

The child must feel that she has a home full of warmth and tenderness that is able to contain her in her weakest state, and not only do the things that make her feel that way, but rather repeat the words of love to her, and express to her in phrases how dear she is to you, how much you love her and that she is the best thing that happened to you.

The child listens to the words of his parents:

For the children to listen to the words of the parents is one of the most prominent dreams of the parents, as many suffer from the rebellion of the children and their refusal to listen to the orders of the parents. Rather, the matter may reach the opposite of what the parents desire and stubbornness, so it becomes a real problem that needs a solution, and it must be recognized that our children were not created for our time for that We must search for modern education methods that prepare them for their future lives, so how can I make my son listen to my words?

Ways to make the child listen to the words of his parents:

You have to be a good example for your children, so that they only see everything good from you.
You should avoid screaming for any reason, and address the child in a tone full of love and fear for him, and that all you care about is his happiness and righteousness.
When asking for an assignment, reward him for doing it, but not on a permanent basis, so that he does not get used to it, so it is imprinted in his mind that if he does his duty, he will have a gift, but if there is no gift, he will not do his work.
Don't talk too much and directives, but keep your words short and sweet, and the child must apply them.
If you are determined to punish him and tell him in advance of that, then you have to implement it, and the punishment should be simple without beating, such as depriving him of a picnic, food he loves, or playing with dolls. It is his fate if he sinned, he will not repeat the mistake again.
You have to show your love and tenderness to your children, always and forever, and to do the things they love, and to make each child feel his special place with you.
Never let your children feel that one of them is special and preferred to you more than others.
You have to surprise your children from time to time with a picnic in one of the beautiful places and places for children to play.
You have to prepare some types of sweets and delicious food, on a regular basis, and with the whole family meeting, in an atmosphere of happiness, and the exchange of interesting and interesting conversation.
Read to your child beautiful and meaningful stories, on a daily basis, as the stories are very popular with the child.
Be a fair judge when there is a dispute between your children, and do not take sides with one child over another, and if you are unable to solve the problem, you must seek the help of their father.
When he asks you some questions, do not be distracted by him, and answer his questions while showing interest in them. When he does a right job, or fulfills a duty, encourage him and praise him in front of others.

The ability of the infant to distinguish its mother:

One of the many questions that raise mothers’ confusion is the infant’s ability to distinguish his mother from all the people around him, and this matter can result from the special bond between the mother and the child. In this topic today, we present to you the answer you are looking for regarding your question, "Does the infant know its mother?".

Can the infant recognize its mother? And when?

The infant can recognize his mother from the first moment of his birth, as there are many factors that bring him together and that began to form with his formation in her womb. This relationship, which began before birth, will inevitably continue after it, and therefore the relationship between the infant and his mother is what helps him to identify her, even if he does not know what she is, but his attachment to her helps him to identify her.

What are the factors helping the infant to know its mother?

One of the most important factors that makes the infant recognize his mother among many people is her voice. Since the seventh month of pregnancy, the fetus becomes able to listen to external sounds. So the sound is considered one of the most important factors that help the infant to know his mother.

In addition, the heartbeat also helps him to recognize his mother, as the heart is the sound that accompanies him during his formation inside him, as he is the closest to him, so when the mother approaches him, he calms down quickly, but if another person approaches him, he does not calm down and may continue to calm down. crying. So the heart plays an important role in the child's knowledge of his mother, the more she holds him close to the chest, the more he can get to know her.

Also, among the other factors that help him identify it is the smell. The relationship that you build with your newborn from the first moment of his birth is clearly based on the close bond of love and rapprochement between you. This helps him to recognize your scent, whether body odor or aromatic scent. The infant can also distinguish between breast milk and formula milk, so he can distinguish who his real mother is through the smell of milk.

The relationship between father, mother and infant:

There are many aspects that strengthen the relationship between parents with the fetus and the infant after birth, including:

Breastfeeding:

There is nothing better than breastfeeding to protect the child, because mother's milk is in line with all the requirements and needs of the child, in addition to the emotional aspects between the mother and her infant.

Mother's milk meets all health conditions, as it is ready as it should, in addition to a suitable temperature and sterilizer, and provides protection for the child's body, especially since it lacks immunity throughout the first three months, as the child begins to form immunity from the third month to be activated from the sixth month. The mother protects her child from her body's immunity through breastfeeding

Breastfeeding protects the mother from malignant diseases that may affect the breast, knowing that any mother is able to breastfeed her child naturally, but the woman must accept the idea for the operation to succeed. If the mother complains of emotional problems and finds it difficult to accept the infant, this feeling is born Decrease in milk production

Contrary to some beliefs, the mother is considered free when she breastfeeds her child, unlike artificial feeding associated with preparing milk doses at home.

formula milk:

Formula milk causes a deficiency in immunity and vitamin C because it does not provide the same quantities as breast milk and does not adapt to all children, so there are many types available in the market.

Formula milk should be purchased after consulting a doctor.

Baby and food:

For breastfeeding, the feeding process begins after 6 months. As for artificial feeding, the feeding process starts from the fourth month by introducing vegetable paste.

And at the age of one year, the child can eat all kinds of vegetables, except for tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and broccoli

And you should avoid putting salt, sugar and oil in the child's food, and add a spoonful of olive oil after the food is cooked

And for the first two months of starting the feeding process, it is recommended to provide fresh food that is cooked daily, but after that it can be stored for each meal separately, and it is sufficient to heat it and provide it to the child.

Starting by providing one meal after 6 months of the infant's age. Vegetable meal should be served and avoid giving the child a grain meal because vitamin "C" activates him and disturbs his sleep at night.

Regulating sleep times:

At birth, the child must be responded to in the irregularity of his sleep, because he does not differentiate between night and day periods

Then, starting from the first month, feeding times must be regulated, and then gradually accustomed to not waking up at night.

Regulating breastfeeding contributes to enabling the mother's breast to provide the amount of milk needed to satisfy the child.

Also, accustoming the child to waking up during the day enables him to sleep at night, knowing that the process of accustoming girls is easier than the process of accustoming boys.

Gases:

The formation of gases in children is the result of the interaction of acidity in the stomach and milk, so there is no radical solution to this problem, but regularity in feeding times is one of the means to reduce gases in infants.

Nerve tension in children and vomiting:

Sometimes children engage in crying incessantly until its color tends towards blueness and vomiting, and this is usually due to a defect in the emotional relationship between the mother and the child, knowing that tension is transmitted from the mother to the child through the glands because the relationship between the mother and the child is very strong, as if they are one person

Vomiting in children is normal unless it has negative repercussions on the child's development.

Child rearing:

The mother should enjoy a margin of freedom, and this is related to the upbringing of the child, as she should not stay with him always, and the upbringing process starts from breastfeeding, whose times must be organized starting from the second month at a rate of every 3 hours, and giving the child an opportunity to sleep at night from midnight to six in the morning because The growth glands of children work at night as well, so that the infant can benefit from its nourishment and comfort the mother.