Life Balance Hub: about family, life and health
Life Balance Hub is your guide to a harmonious life. Discover inspiration and practical tips on family, health, fitness, and achieving everyday balance.
Noticing blood in your stool (poo) after using the toilet can be alarming. You might also see spots of blood on the toilet paper or drops of blood in the toilet bowl. While a small amount of bleeding on one occasion is usually not serious, blood in your stool can indicate a range of issues, some of which could be serious.
If you notice bleeding from your gums after brushing, it may indicate gum disease, which occurs due to the buildup of plaque on teeth and gums. Early-stage gum disease is called gingivitis, characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums, redness, and swelling.
Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) refers to the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 12 months old, where the cause is not immediately obvious. This term encompasses various potential causes, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleeping accidents.
Burping, also known as belching or ‘bringing up wind,’ is a natural process where the body expels air from the upper digestive system through the mouth. It typically occurs when a person swallows excess air while eating or drinking. When babies burp, the air they release primarily comes from the esophagus before it reaches the stomach. If not expelled through the mouth, this air can pass through the digestive system and exit through the baby’s bottom. Additionally, gas can form in the baby’s gut as a result of milk breakdown during digestion.
There are two primary categories of nappies available: cloth and disposable. While traditional cloth nappies were once simple squares held together with pins or clips, modern options are more sophisticated, designed to be washable and reusable with various styles and materials to choose from. Factors to consider when selecting nappies include leakage prevention, comfort and fit for your baby, absorption capacity, and the closure mechanism, all of which can influence your choice based on your preferences and your baby’s needs.
Checking your baby’s diaper contents may not be the most enjoyable task, but it provides valuable insights into your baby’s health. The appearance and odor of your baby’s stool vary depending on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies typically have loose, yellowish stools that don’t have a strong odor. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, tend to have firmer, darker brown stools that can be more odorous.
Hiccups, also known as hiccoughs, are a common occurrence in both babies and adults. They are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, a thin muscle located between the chest and abdomen, which leads to a sudden closure of the vocal cords.
When you touch the top of your baby’s head, you’ll notice a ‘soft spot’ between the bones — this is known as a fontanelle. Fontanelles are crucial for the normal growth and development of your baby’s brain and skull. These openings allow flexibility during birth and accommodate rapid brain growth in infancy. Healthcare providers routinely assess fontanelles during check-ups to monitor your baby’s development and ensure everything is progressing as expected.
Umbilical cord care is essential for preventing infection of the small portion of the umbilical cord that remains attached to your baby for a short period after birth, known as the umbilical stump. In the uterus, the umbilical cord provides oxygen and nutrients necessary for your baby’s growth. After birth, the cord is clamped and cut, leaving the umbilical stump, which eventually falls off and heals to form the umbilicus (belly button).
Morning sickness is a common experience for many pregnant individuals, characterized by nausea and vomiting, typically occurring during the first trimester. While it’s often referred to as “morning” sickness, these symptoms can occur at any time of the day. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for morning sickness is important for expectant mothers to navigate this aspect of pregnancy more comfortably.
Varicose veins occur when blood vessels become enlarged and swollen, often appearing blue or purple beneath the skin. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased blood volume can lead to varicose veins, affecting up to 4 in 10 pregnant individuals. These veins commonly develop in the first trimester and can cause discomfort or pain.
Vaginal discharge is a natural body fluid that plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal cleanliness and moisture, preventing infections. Normal vaginal discharge varies throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. It should typically be clear, white, or cream-colored and odorless. However, an abnormal discharge, often caused by infections, medications, or other health conditions, may indicate an imbalance in vaginal bacteria or irritation.
