PregnancyAndChildCare.org

A rigorous international study found conclusive evidence that early ARV-treatment of HIV positive partners significantly reduced HIV transmission

Suite101 Articles

Pregnancy causes many changes in every system and there is an increase in the hormones progesterone and oestrogen as well. These changes play a major role in the taste buds by giving you a bad taste in pregnancy. This can even lead to bad breath during pregnancy. There are many ways of treatment for bad taste in pregnancy. Read on to know some of the simple but effective methods to treat this bitter or sour taste in the mouth during pregnancy.

Treatment for Bitter Taste in Pregnancy
Here are some of the effective methods in treating bad taste in pregnancy:

• You can brush your teeth with a toothpaste that contains mint as it alleviates the bad taste from the mouth.
• You can even gargle your mouth with diluted baking soda solutions and water as well. Prepare the mixture by mixing 1/4th tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of water. This can help in the control of the bitter taste as it neutralizes the pH inside the mouth.
• You can even suck or chew mint flavored gums that can help to remove the bitter or sour taste.
• The intake of lemonades, citrus fruits and juices helps in banishing the metallic taste from the mouth. These citrus fruits neutralizes this bad taste. This even increases the production of saliva in the mouth.
• You can even marinate foods in vinegar to get rid of that bitter or sour taste.
• Drink lots of water as this keeps your body well hydrated and flushes out the toxins from the body. This would also reduce the bad taste in the mouth.

These are some of the ways of treating bad taste in pregnancy. Even after following these remedies, if the bad taste does not vanish then consult your health care provider to diagnose the cause and to treat you accordingly.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy hives are a kind of skin rashes that are characterized by itchy, raised and red welts that develop on the skin. They usually appear in clusters and groups, as they appear on the abdominal area and then slowly spread to the buttocks, neck, chest, back of the legs and arms. They are usually harmless, but severe itching with the rash is very discomforting. This is usually caused due to allergies.

Treating Hives during pregnancy
Pregnancy hives do not pose any danger to the mother or the baby, but if they occur on the genital area, then it is advised to consult a gynecologist. There are some ways to cure pregnancy hives and reduce the irritation caused by itching. The treatment include:

• Anti-histamine Medicines: Anti-histamines are of great help where histamine is the cause of rash. These medicines limits the histamine levels in the body and lessens the rash.
• Anti-itching Creams: A doctor may prescribe medicated ointments that soothes the hives rash. These ointments reduce the irritation and gives the skin a cool feeling.
• Moisturizing Creams or Calamine: Dry skin can lead to itching in many cases. Moisturizing creams or lotions hydrate the skin and prevents the dryness. Calamine lotion are known for their cooling qualities.
• Cold Compress: The best way to treat pregnancy hives is to apply cold compress as this procedure is considered to be the safest hives treatments. Take a bowl of water and one napkin, dip the napkin in the bowl of water and squeeze out the water and place the napkin over the affected area. This cools and soothes the rashes, reducing the itching sensation.

Home Remedies for Hives during Pregnancy
Some of the simple home remedies include:

• Aloe Vera can be applied over the affected area to cure the problem of hives.
• Consuming nettle tea is an efficient and an easy remedy for hives.
• Oatmeal paste made from 2 cups of oatmeal along with 3 teaspoons of cornstarch and little amount of water is taken. This paste is applied over the rashes and left for 1 to 1 ½ hour. This helps in curing the rash within 3 – 4 hours of application.
• Boil a few leaves of mint with brown sugar in a cup of water. Cool and drink this decoction as this relieves itching.
• Application of rose water over the affected area is another useful remedy.
• You can even take bath in cold water as this can provide relief from the hives rashes.
• Avoid scratching and rubbing the affected area as this can spread the rash.
• Follow a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits.
• Regular exercise regimen as suggested by your doctor.

Pregnancy

When we swallow air alongwith the food, our stomach lets it out in the form of burp. Babies often take air with the milk which causes them to vomit.
Suite101 Articles

The inflammation of the breast tissue is known as mastitis which is caused due to various reasons. Women who do not lactate or who are nursing mothers are often affected by mastitis. Infection is the most common reason for mastitis. The bacteria either enter from the cracked nipples or from the opening of the milk ducts. However, infections are the common cause of mastitis. Mastitis develops within the first week of childbirth, but it can happen at later stages. This article focuses on the symptoms and treatment for mastitis.

Symptoms of Mastitis

• According to the intensity of the causes, the symptoms of mastitis may differ. Swelling and redness on the breast are the most severe symptoms caused due to this infection. Redness on the breast may appear shiny.
• The temperature of the affected breast may increase and pus may come out of the nipple.
• Sometimes affected women may experience nausea, vomiting, fever and shiver.
• A woman may feel burning sensation while breastfeeding the baby.
• This infection affects one breast, however sometimes both the breasts are affected.
• Breasts also tends to become swollen and sore due to the engorgement of the breasts
• It causes severe pain and flu-like symptoms.

Mastitis – Treatment

• According to the intensity of the infection and cause, the treatment for mastitis is determined.
• However, one should continue breastfeeding even if you are experiencing bacteria or infection in the breast.
• Seek immediate medical attention before the case becomes complicated.
• The most important things is to drain out the accumulated breast milk that can lead to other infection.
• Massaging the affected area can also be effective.
• Feed the baby regularly from the breast.
• The breasts may become swollen or red in case of blocked milk ducts.
• However, this condition is temporary and it may go within few days. Severe cases of mastitis requires surgery too.

As you notice the symptoms, seek immediate help. In order to prevent mastitis, feed your baby regularly. Ensure that the milk is properly drained after every feeding. Drink plenty of water and fluids in order to boost your immune system. Maintain a good personal hygiene.

Pregnancy