A-Z HEALTH
Teeth and Gums in Pregnancy
Pregnancy also has an effect on your oral health. Almost half of the pregnant mothers experience tenderness and swelling of gums. This condition is known as pregnancy gingivitis. If a woman has gingivitis, it is likely to get worse during pregnancy.
Gums are more likely to swell up due to hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to the gum tissues and makes gums more sensitive and irritable and susceptible to bacteria in plaque. The severity of gingivitis usually increases in the 2nd trimester. It usually subsides after birth.
Pregnancy gingivitis can produce the following symptoms:
- Sore gums
- Bleeding upon chewing and brushing. Bleeding is due to build-up of plaque
- A small nodule may also develop on the gums called pyogenic granuloma. This usually goes away on its own after delivery.
- Bad breath
- Pus production
- Loosening of teeth in severe conditions
If left unchecked the gingivitis may lead to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis which is characterized by erosion of bone and tooth loss.
Mild gingivitis does not complicate pregnancy as long as good oral measures are taken up. However, severe cases of gingivitis (periodontitis) have been linked to preterm births and low birth weight of the baby.
Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Visiting the dentist for the oral check-up is advised. Other than that, you need to take care of your own teeth. Brushing twice a day with fluoridated tooth paste is a must using a soft brush. Flossing should also be done to prevent plaque accumulation. Warm salt rinses may also be used once a day. A healthy diet should be taken containing calcium and vitamin C and B12 for healthier teeth and gums. Smoking should be given up at least during pregnancy. If you have morning sickness, thoroughly rinse the mouth after vomiting
Tansient Tachypnea
In some neonates, short-lived rapid breathing occurs for the first 24 hours following delivery. While in uterus, fetal lungs have a special fluid which helps them to grow. As the baby takes it first breaths, air helps to clear and reabsorb the fluid. The leftover fluid is cleared by rapid breathing due to smaller sacs in lungs. Babies with transient tachypnoea present with bluish skin and rapid breathing with grunting noises at times.
Thrush
Thrush is described as increased vaginal discharge. Although it is normal to have more than usual vaginal discharge during pregnancy healthy discharge should be clear in colour and shouldn’t itch or smell.
The problem occurs when there’s an imbalance in the amounts of microorganisms. Candida Albicans is the organism responsible for vaginal thrush. This fungal organism is present in our bodies but is dormant. During pregnancy, the pH of the vagina becomes alkaline and due to increased oestrogen levels in the body, the vaginal cells get rich with glycogen. These conditions provide a perfect environment for the growth of candida Albicans. This also explains the fact that women with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to thrush. Women with weakened immune system are also at a greater risk.
In case of thrush, the vaginal secretions are thick and milky in texture. Thrush most frequently causes sores and itchiness around the affected area. The discharge is white and has a cottage cheese like consistency. This is accompanied by pain and burning sensation during urination.
Avoiding products which might irritate the vagina and use moisturizers can prevent thrush from happening. Water based lubricants are best. Use of probiotics with doctor’s recommendation can also be helpful.
For treatment of thrush, the first thing you need to do is make sure you are eating healthy. Green vegetables, proteins, and essential fats must be included in the diet so you have a good immunity to fight the infections. Try to cut out or at least minimize sugars from the diet. Secondly, clothing shouldn’t be tight and maintenance of good hygiene is highly recommended.
If you have thrush while delivering the baby through the vagina, then the baby might get white patches in the mouth which can be transferred back to the mother while breastfeeding. Therefore, it is advised to see the doctor as soon as symptoms of thrush develop.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that are living in the intestines of some animals. Sometimes tapeworms cause signs such as nausea, weakness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue and mineral deficiencies. However, often tapeworms don’t cause symptoms. The only sign of tapeworm contamination may be segments of the worms, probably moving, in a bowel movement. In rare cases, tapeworms can lead to serious problems, including obstructing the intestine
Teething
A baby is teething when its first set of teeth, called primary teeth, erupt through the gums. Teething usually begins around 5-6 months of age. But it is usual for teething to begin at any time between 3 months and 1 year of age. Some babies are more irritable than usual when they are teething. These symptoms usually begin about 3 to 5 days before the tooth shows, and they disappear as soon as the tooth disrupts the skin. A lot babies don’t seem to be affected by teething.
Temperature
Fever in newborns is very uncommon and happens when the body of the child is fighting an underlying condition. Babies under 6 months of age, show fever when it’s fighting an infection or illness. Most commonly it might be due to colds, fly, croup, ear infection or bacterial and viral infections. Normal baby temperature is between 36 and 37F, anything above this is counted as fever.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. This bacterium produces a toxin that affects the brain and nervous system, leading to stiffness in the muscles. The infection can cause severe muscle spasms, serious breathing difficulties, and can ultimately be fatal. Common ways of contracting tetanus are wounds that have been contaminated with saliva or faeces, burns, wounds that include necrotic (dead) tissue and puncture wounds
Testicular torsion
Most children who have testicular torsion are born with a higher risk for the condition. Normally, the testicles can’t move easily inside the scrotum. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord that delivers blood flow to the testicle rotates and becomes twisted, usually due to an injury or medical condition. This hinders the testicle’s blood supply and causes unexpected, severe discomfort and swelling.. Baby boys who experience torsion sometimes have weaker connective tissue in the scrotum. Testicular torsion usually happens in only one testicle. Bilateral torsion, when both testes are concurrently affected, is very rare.
Threadworms
Threadworms are small, white coloured worms that contaminate the intestines of humans. Children are more susceptible to it as they have lower immunity. Threadworms are passed on by poor hygiene, not using proper sanitary measures or coming into contact with objects contaminated by the worm’s eggs. These fingers are put into the mouth; then the eggs mature into worms in the intestines. Severe or tenacious threadworm infections can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, and skin contamination around the anus if bacteria enter any cuts caused by itching, insomnia and bedwetting. Maintaining proper sanitary conditions can alleviate complications of threadworms.
Thyroid Disorders in the Newborn
Thyroid gland plays an important role in mental and physical development of the newborn. Thyroid disorders occur when there’s very little or no secretion by thyroid glands (hypothyroidism), or when the gland produces excessive secretions (hyperthyroidism). Hypothyroidism is marked by lethargy, poor muscle tone and constipation among other symptoms. If untreated, it may lead to impaired mental activity. Hyperthyroidism is marked by a high metabolic rate, rapid heart rate and rapid breathing among other symptoms. Newborn may have bulging eyes or a thyroid gland pressing against the windpipe, which hinders breathing.
Torticollis
Infant Torticollis is a birth injury related condition also known as ‘wry neck’. It occurs when baby’s neck is twisted during birth resulting in head tilting towards one side and the chin directed upwards. It might also be acquired later on due to illness such as tumor or accidents. Infants also experience headaches, head tremors, neck pain and neck muscle stiffness.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a condition which develops due to infection by a parasite known as toxoplasma gondii. It is most common in areas of moist, warm climates. A blood test is done to diagnose the infection.
Cats play a major role in the spread of this infection. Cats who are infected by eating infected birds or rodents pass this parasite in the faeces. We get infected when we touch our mouth after disposing of those faeces. Infections also occur due to eating raw or uncooked food that has been infected by toxoplasma gondii.
Toxoplasmosis presents as fever, swollen lymph nodes, confusion and body aches. More severe symptoms include blurred vision, seizures and lack of coordination. It causes mild symptoms in people with good immunity. However, in women who are not immune, it can cross the uterus barriers and, infect the placenta and the new-born. If a child is infected with the parasite when still inside the uterus, on birth it shows signs of:
1. Low birth weight
2.Jaundice
3. Abnormalities of the retina
4. Brain damage
5. Abnormal head size
6. Enlarged spleen
7. Heart or lung infection.
Toxoplasmosis is more severe if the mother gets infected in the first or second trimester and the baby may be born prematurely. Experts say it is best to wait for 6 months to get pregnant after getting infected.
There are several measures that should be taken in order to avoid catching this infection. It should be a normal practice to thoroughly wash hands after contact with cats and raw meat. Avoid disposing of cat waste while pregnant. If it is an absolute necessity to do so, wear gloves. Also, wear gloves while gardening. Freeze the meat well before cooking and cook it well to kill the parasite. Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and its products as well.
There is no contraindication for an infected mother to breastfeed the baby. Treatment for toxoplasmosis includes antibiotic course as per doctor’s recommendation.
Typhoid Typhoid fever is a severe disease associated with fever caused by bacteria. The bacteria are found in water or food by a human carrier and are then spread to other people in the area. Symptoms include poor appetite, headaches, generalized pains and troubles. Chest congestion develops in many individuals, and abdominal pain and distress are common. The fever becomes continuous.