Carrying On After Miscarriage

When 29 year Gurpreet Kaur suffered a miscarriage, she felt that her world had come crashing down.

Not only was it unexpected – the doctors had said hers was a perfect pregnancy - but she also blamed herself for the loss of her child.

Expert gynaecologists say there are several reasons for a miscarriage. "The commonest reason is nature's selection. It is believed that 75% of pregnancies end in miscarriages. But most go unrecognised. They happen so early that it looks like normal menstruation, though slightly delayed. Only about 15% to 20% miscarriages are clinically recognised." they say.


GENETIC FACTOR:
These account for about 50% of all clinically recognised early miscarriages. Here, the fetus is genetically or chromosomally defective. A vast majority of women end up having a normal pregnancy the next time. Occasionally, one parent may carry structurally abnormal genetic material, which may result in an abnormal offspring. Couples who suffer repeated miscarriages can opt for genetic testing of the fetus.

ANTIBODIES THREAT:
Some women have antibodies in their blood which may attack their own cells. Some of these antibodies may attack the placenta or lead to formation of clots in the blood that is supplied to the fetus. This may lead to slower fetus growth and eventual miscarriage. Auto antibodies usually cause fetal loss towards the third month of pregnancy or later.

ANATOMIC CAUSES:
Some women may have, from birth, a septum (wall) in the uterus. Some may have a 'double' or 'half' uterine cavity. Miscarriage may result from that, though it is not necessary. Very large fibroids, especially those which encroach upon the uterine cavity, may also hamper a successful pregnancy outcome. Sometimes, the cervix (the mouth of the uterus) opens in the second trimester, causing miscarriage.

BEWARE OF INFECTIONS:
Many a times, infections caused by the bacteria, viruses and other parasites have been seen causing pregnancy loss.

ENDOCRINE CAUSES:
Early pregnancy is interplay of multiple hormones, which work in balance to provide an ideal environment for the developing embryo. Some women with menstrual disturbances and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may have a higher risk of early pregnancy loss. Women with uncontrolled diabetes and thyroid disorders are also at a higher risk.

ENVIRONMENT'S ROLE:
Women need to be careful during the first trimester, because what she consumes orally or through her lungs may reach her unborn baby who is at a crucial stage of growth. Certain drugs, alcohol, smoking, excessive caffeine intake and stress may harm the fetus. Pregnant women should not undergo X-ray or CT scan, unless recommended by their gynaecologist.


A miscarriage is relatively common and difficult to prevent. Though the risk is higher in women with a history of more than one miscarriage, they can still conceive. With proper care, avoiding risk factors - smoking and drinking - and understanding what causes a miscarriage, they can plan their pregnancy under a doctor's supervision.

Experts recommend waiting for atleast one menstrual cycle - after a miscarriage - before trying to conceive. Make sure you and your partner are physically and emotionally fit before you plan a baby.

COPING UP:
Every woman's ability to cope with a stressful situation differs. They need to give themselves time and space to grieve. They may decide to take time off from work, involve themselves in prayer or spiritual practices, revive an old hobby, or take up a new one. The woman's family needs to make her feel that they are with her. Mostly, partners should support each other and usually, a miscarriage brings them closer.

In most cases, physical recovery takes only a few hours to a couple of days. Emotional healing takes longer. Losing a baby can be heart wrenching. You may feel angry, sad and depressed. Give yourself time to get over it.


KNOW MORE...

• Uncontrolled diabetes, infections, hormonal imbalance, and problems related to cervix or uterus can lead to miscarriage.
• A woman who has suffered one miscarriage has a 15% chance of suffering another one.
• After two losses, the risk rises to 30%. After three miscarriages, it may rise upto 45%.
• Healthcare professionals play an important role in the coping process. Doctors should answer couples' queries sensitively and provide all relevant information.
• A woman might experience fatigue, loss of interest in everything, body ache, lack of sleep or excess sleep, loss of appetite, mood swings and depression after miscarriage.

I hope this writeup will enlighten each and every couple about miscarriages, and motivate them to take proper precautions during pregnancy, and healthy babies are born to them. And, if unfortunately miscarriage happens, then they are able to cope up with it.

Kind Of People

The law of energy conservation states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can be changed from one form to another. For instance, chemical energy (of petrol) can become kinetic energy (of automobiles). There is no conflict or effort needed when energy is made to pass from source to destination in its current form. The difficulty arises only when it has to be converted from one form to another. Once these energies are controlled and directed in a desire way, they improve our physical conveniences.

Extending this law to our own consciousness, we come to observe that the law works the same way in all the dimensions. In non awareness, people do not respond but react to negativity, they dislike and nurture it for some time and then propagate it to others in the same form. The next receiver follows the same formula and there is a chain reaction.

Realised sages who are wise and have the power of discrimination could help us convert negativity into positivity. Here also the law works similarly and you first face intense resistance. The blueness of sky is an optical illusion, similarly the negativity we experience is also a delusion because essentially thee exists the same positivity within. However, just as an inebriated person enjoys his deluded mind, the ignorant enjoy their pathetic condition. The ignorant would take their own sweet time to understand the reality based on their nature and knowledge but thoughtful people must keep influencing them - preferably by example - not to tread the wrong path based on conditioning and pleasure.

The deluded or the ignorant would try to achieve any goal with less physical, mental or spiritual effort. They lack restraint and are unable to comprehend the feelings of others, they are arrogant and lethargic.

The wise, on the other hand would always follow sage suggestions knowingly or unknowingly and display pure qualities like a penetrating intellect, alertness and fearlessness. The wise are always focused on bettering their surroundings and fellow beings.

Generally, everyone looks up to the wise and pure kind of people but finds oneself following the deluded group on account of fear and misplaced attachments which causes them to be fragmented from within. Such people can be invariably seen engaging in pointless arguments and nothing else. When they are tormented enough they comfort themselves by deriving good qualities from outside like movies, exciting trips and some vague experiences. But what is not their nature and inner calling will not soothe them for long and their life will not be vibrant until they start living using a wise and fearless nature.

Ultimately, we have three kinds of people with three different goals. The deluded group says : This is my duty to do and spread negativity and I enjoy doing it to the core.

The wise group says : This is my duty to do and spread positivity and I enjoy doing that to the fullest.

The general group says : This is my duty to save what I have, I enjoy being motivated by the wise ones and feel scared of the deluded ones.

We all interact and conflict with these different kinds of people at work, home and any other situation. These conflicts have been there for long and are likely to continue into eternity. The purpose of discussing these issues could be seen as a way to introduce us to our real nature. The only expectation is to live our life in unbroken awareness, spontaneity and vibrancy. If we are overflowing with positivity then we must charge the neutrals and help the negatives to be atleast neutral.

Waking Up Early

Waking up early is a great way to start a day. Find out ways on how to do it.

Go To Bed Earlier

Probably the biggest detractor from getting up early is not getting enough sleep. Do you really need to burn the midnight oil just to be on social networking sites? Or watch mindless TV soaps? That's not doing anything productive, substantial or beneficial. So, instead of wasting time here and there, go to bed early.

Stick To A Routine

Your body loves routine. There is a reason why we feel hungry at certain times. Same goes for our sleep schedule. Having a routine will make it easier for you to get up early.

Reduce Caffeine Intake

Less caffeine means that you will not be an owl. Cut down on your caffeine intake and see the difference it makes to your sleeping pattern.

Keep A Motivation

Getting up early requires motivation in the beginning. Give yourself a good reason to do it. You got to look forward to this ritual of getting up early. Exercise is a fabulous motivation to wake up early.

Waking up early in the morning will make you feel energised. So, look forward to start your day on a high note.

Written By - Deepika Sahu

Edited By - Guy In The Blue Jean

We - The Men

24 to 30 is not a nice age for men. Our ex-girlfriends / crushes are getting married. Our career has just started, or atleast we are waiting for it to start. Elders treat us as an unproven theorem and college guys feel that we are too old to be in their group.

We seem to enjoy both cartoon and news. We can now no longer eat whatever we wish without putting on weight. And sadly, now we are not invited for weekend cricket matches.

Every aunty we meet asks, "When are you getting married?!" whilst uncles ask, "What are you doing with your career?!" When the reality is that we are just riding the wave and going with the flow.

We have all the confidence in the world, but none or too little achievements to show. We already have the firsthand experience of life. We know that whatever we have been taught about the world in schools has been a sheer waste of time.

We have been denied a job even after passing the test, but we could have got the job if we know someone placed high enough. Politics till now was a dirty word but now we feel it everywhere.

We know now, love is not that blind and that friendship has its terms and conditions. We know there is nothing for granted and free lunches are not free.

Our overconfidence is now making way for a humble conscience. We now know it is not exactly what we thought it would be.

How To Use Networking To Boost Career

Whatever careerpath you choose today, in this cut throat and competitive world, you have to have an edge over the others, so that you can be best in your professional field. And to do this, along with a good qualification, if there is one thing you must work on, it is building a network of people, who can help you career wise.

Your network i.e. the circle of people you know is actually bigger than you think! These people are your family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, class mates and casual acquaintances. So first, you need to make a list and jot down the names of people you know. Thanks to social networking sites, it is easier to connect to people, no matter which part of the world they are. Choose people out of this list, whom you think may be able to help you with references and contacts from your professional field.

You must also improve your communication skills, whether its your interactions through email, chat or face to face conversation. Another point to keep in mind is to get people to remember you, not your resume or bio-data. For example, if you find someone who you think can help you boost your career graph, strike a conversation, in which you find a common ground (like you share the same hobbies, your favorite eating joints are same, etc). Once you enter that comfort zone with this person, you can subtly mention that you are looking for job or that you need some career related advice. Remember not to dominate your conversations with how many awards or degrees you have. You should always be polite and never ever criticize the person you are asking for referral.

All the best for your career!

Written By - Purvaja Sawant

Edited By - Guy In The Blue Jean

Home Remedies To Treat Pimples

Tired of the regular pimples that keep popping up every now and then, you can bid adieu to a pimple here and there, by following these simple home remedies. Just make sure, you don't suffer from any allergies.

Pimples usually start with blackheads, which are formed when oil along with dead cells get stuck to our pours and turn black. The inflammation when it turns red, are the unsightly pimples, that all of us dread. While a regular clean up will reduce blackheads, here is what you can do to prevent them:

• Take a few pieces of JAIPHAL (Nutmeg), mix it with some unboiled milk and apply the paste on your face. Wash it off after about two hours.
• Make a mixture of cinnamon powder and honey and apply on your pimples before you go to bed in the night. Wash it with warm water when you wake up in the morning. Do this for a fortnight and watch your pimples disappear.
• Not only are oranges good for overall health, you can use orange peels as a remedy for pimples too. Grind the peels, mix them with a few drops of water and apply it on your face.
• Mix a tablespoon each of fresh lime juice and groundnut oil and apply it on your face to avoid blackheads.
• Leave fresh mint juice on your face overnight to tame pimples.
• Take METHI (Fenugreek) leaves and make a paste. Apply it every night for 15 minutes and wash it off.
• Grind neem leaves and mix them with turmeric powder. Apply the mixture on your pimples. Leave it on your face for about half an hour.
• Take equal quantities of rose water and lime juice and apply the mixture on the effected area. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
• Make a facewash by adding fresh lime juice to a cup of unboiled milk and using it on your face.
• Take some tomato pulp and apply it on your face. Leave it for 45 minutes and wash it off. It will also help in reducing sun tan.
• Take a few drops of rose water and mix it with sandalwood powder. Apply the paste on your face and wash it off after 20 minutes.

Wishing all of you a pimple free, smooth and soft skin!

Women Pickpockets In Delhi Metro

Delhities! Beware when travelling on the Gurgaon and Dwarka Metro lines. Stations on these two busy Metro routes have seen a drastic rise in the number of cases of pickpocket. And 91% of those caught were women.

According to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) that mans metro stations in Delhi NCR, 262 pickpockets were caught in the entire 2012. But in the first four and a half months of this year, they have already caught 193 persons for nicking wallets and handbags from passengers. Of these, 175 were women.

"Most of these women operate in gangs. They target busy metro stations such as Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Barakhamba Road and Central Secretariat during morning and evening hours. Not many passengers suspect them because they are women and they easily make way with huge amount of cash." said an official. Officials also alerted that most of these cases were reported from the stations and not the trains.

So, my dear readers please get your perviness in control and be on your guard, as these cute and beautiful women pickpockets can exchange their touch for your touch screens.

*Facts are as published on Hindustan Times dated May 29, 2013.