The
reason is simple, baby might be keeping you up, reported a
study by Ohio State University Medical Centre. Up to 90 per
cent of pregnant women are unable to get a good night of sleep
because of reduced circulation, because the growing foetus
puts pressure on the blood vessels, resulting in symptoms like
painful leg cramps. However, researchers found that women who
take 50 to 100 mg more than the recommended daily allowances
of thiamine and Vitamin B6 are likely to experience less
cramps. The next time this happens, try simple stretching
moves or a gentle massage to get the blood flowing.
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Cut
down Television Watching
More
children are watching television these days, a study from the
University of Washington unveiled. This is hardly surprising,
when the television is often the second thing we turn on upon
reaching home. The American study revealed that about 90 per
cent of children under two years old and 40 per cent of
infants under three months old watch at least four hours of
television every day. A second study has suggested that
excessive viewing can lead to focus and concentration problems
that could affect a child’s learning.
-
First
Baby saved by Singapore Cord Blood Bank
The
landmark case by the Singapore Cord Blood Bank saw toddler Hoh
Sin Juan as the first baby saved by a stem-cell transplant
from cord blood. At five months old, he was diagnosed with an
extremely rare condition called severe combined
immunodeficiency, a condition where the body is unable to
fight infections. The case stressed the importance of banking
your cord blood as a preventive measure. Found in the
umbilical cord, cord blood is rich in stem cells – the same
cells that are used in bone marrow transplants. These immature
cells can develop into a wide range of different blood cells
to treat certain cancers and diseases. In addition, finding a
suitable cord blood match is much easier that seeking out a
bone-marrow donor.
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Older
mums more prone to having twins
A
Dutch study has found that older mums (aged between 38 to
48) have a greater shot of having twins, as they are more
prone to produce multiple eggs in a cycle than their younger
counterparts. The research which was published in the journal
Human Reproduction, looked at egg follicle development in over
500 women in an effort to understand why so many occur.
For
mummies who can’t breastfeed, take heart that a study
conducted in Spain, has found that nutrition supplements DHA
and ARA when supplemented in baby formula can halve a
newborn’s risk of a respiratory infection such as rhinitis
and bronchitis and even reduce attacks. According to Dr Carlos
Lifschitz, visiting scientist and child nutrition expert,
“the most common illness that a baby has in the first year
is respiratory problems.” DHA supplementation is also
believed to decrease cystic fibrosis and lower blood pressure
levels.
When couples desire to start
a family or consider expanding their family, many of them
start worrying about the other aspects of parenthood –
whether this will affect their lifestyle or if they are able
to afford raising a/ another child.
For a start, your lifestyle
will definitely change. And as for costs, it will increase –
be it a necessity or a luxury – it will all add up when you
decide on having a child… But the good news is that the
government has provided several
incentives to help couples who are trying for a child, are
expecting their first child or their subsequent children. Here
are some of these incentives:
For Pre-pregnancy and
Pregnancy http://fcd.ecitizen.gov.sg/ChildrenNParenthood/
MarriageNParenthoodSchemes/HavingChildren/
- Enhanced use of Medisave
for Assisted Conception Procedures
- Use of Medisave Maternity
Package for Pre-Delivery Medical Expenses
- Extension of Usage of
Medisave to 4th and Higher Order Births
For Raising a Child
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