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Health counseling on mother and child care

－１
Teenagers, especially girls, beginning the sexual life, want to know about contraception methods.

－１
It’s important to know about Basal Body Temperature, changes in the body around ovulation period (transparent discharge like an egg white), the correct use of condom, side effects about contraceptive pills, etc. Yet, it’s important to discuss with the partner about situations like: the reason why do (begin) sex at this moment, the possibility to become pregnant or if actually gets pregnant.

－２
I lost my period. Is there any possibility to be pregnant? How many days later the expected day of menstruation can I do the urine exam to get the result?

－２
Check your last menstruation date, the sexual intercourse date, the changes of your body (such as nipple’s color, breast’s pain or swelling, nausea) and body conditions. Count the possible ovulation date from the last menstruation date. If you’ve had the sexual intercourse 3 days before or after the possible ovulation date, there’s a possibility to get pregnant. The urine exam kit sold at the drug　stores, can be checked after 1 week of menstruation delay.

－３
I’m in early period pregnancy and I have a light bleeding. I would like to know in which situation the bleeding occurs and if I have the risk of abortion. I’ve got some medicine at the hospital. I’m worried about it and I’d like to get some advices.

－３
The first 5~6 weeks of pregnancy is an unstable period and easily can occur abortion. However, not all bleeding means abortion. Bleeding can occur in implantation. Generally, the medicines prescribed in this case, are to avoid contraction and bleeding. Concerning to daily cares, is not recommended to ride a bicycle, doing heavy duty and try to move slowly. Refrain from doing nipple massage and sexual intercourse.

－４
I visited a doctor for my early prenatal consultation, and he said that it is not possible to observe my baby’s heart beat; that he was died in my womb. I can’t believe because I don’t have any bleeding nor abdominal pain. The doctor said that he should do the curettage but I got afraid and came back home without doing the treatment. What should I do?

－４
If baby’s heart beat can’t be noted through ultrasound exam, it means that he is not alive. Since you’re not having any symptoms it’s difficult to you accept the fact, so, maybe it’s better observe for 1 more week and come back to see the doctor. If you have heavy bleeding, nausea, fever or abdominal pain, go immediately to the hospital. There are cases of spontaneous abortion by bleeding. Be sure to visit the doctor 1 week later.

－５
I have an awful morning sickness. May I take medicines anti-vomit?

－５
It’s better refrain from taking the medicines. Most of pregnant feel relief from morning sickness around the 5th month. Knowing when (which situation) you feel worst you will live better together this pregnancy period. For ex: if the sickness is worst in the morning when you wake up, keep at bedside a glass of water or some tasty food of easy consumption; it can alleviate the symptom. Avoid taking strong sickness stimulating foods. If you feel sick when prepare meals, try to use mask; if is when you’re hungry, try to take some fruits. Maybe is better eat by each in small portion. If you can’t eat anything, go to the hospital and ask for an IV nutritional infusion.

－６
Can I have sexual intercourse during the pregnancy?

－６
Take care at firsts and lasts weeks of pregnancy in relation to general condition, and sexual position. At stable period (from 4th to 7th month), there is not so much to be worry, although, ask to your physician to be sure.

－７
I’m very frightened about delivery. Is it possible to demand for a painless delivery or cesarean?

－７
If there isn’t any abnormality, anesthesia or cesarean is not proceeded.

－８
I’m worry about postpartum bleeding that I’m still having for a long time.

－８
The postpartum bleeding may go on for about 1 month after delivery. Mention the situation to the doctor at 1 month postpartum control consultation.

－９
How long after the delivery can I have sexual intercourse?

－９
If any problem at 1 month postpartum control consultation is noted, you can back to a normal sexual life.

－１０
I don’t know if my breast milk is enough. My baby cries at all time. I don’t know if he cries for stomachache or hungriness.

－１０
Even you don’t have enough breast milk at the beginning of breastfeeding, it is produced conform the baby suck. So, be patient and continue with the breastfeeding. If the interval between the meals is short, maybe your milk is not enough, in this case, try to add some powder milk to the meals. Furthermore, the baby isn’t still able to eliminate gas through wind or burp, lie him down after burp. Also, hot towel and massage on the belly will relieve abdominal distension.

－１１
My baby doesn’t take the baby foods. I don’t know what is the problem.

－１１
Generally, baby food starts to be given around the 5th or 6th month, although there is individual difference. Perhaps, your baby is not prepared or doesn’t have interests for eating. Try to sit at meal time with family can stimulate the appetite and interests for eating. Try to find different ways of food in its contents, ingredients size and taste. At the beginning prepare it tender to make possible to eat it in a bite. Try it simply each taste (only soy bean sauce, only salt, only misso, etc.)

－１２
It’s been difficult stop nursing my baby, especially at night when he looks for my breast. What should I do?

－１２
The babies miss the breast especially when sleepy or when too much time on hands. So, try to take mind off talking, playing, reading story books and giving enough the last milk at night before sleeping.

－１３
Frequently, babies at 1 to 2 months of age are constipated. Is there something good to relief?

－１３
If the baby hass bowel movements each 1 or 2 days, and is not suffering, you don’t need to be worried about. If you are breast feeding and you are obstipated, try to better your own bowel movements, taking especial care in your diet; it will work out on your baby too. Powder milk causes obstipation, in this case, belly massages and legs exercises are well indicated. Also, anus stimulation with cotton buds moisten in oil, every day at the same time is good to accustom the intestine. You can find at drugstores an extract called “MARUTSU EKISU” which helps bowel movements.

－１４
My baby’s milk tooth are cutting and in the bad mood and without appetite too. Is there any relation to tooth cut?

－１４
The tooth cutting is uncomfortable to babies, it can causes bad mood, lack of appetite and even a slight fever. Some of them can be irritated too. In one or two weeks it will be relieved.

－１５
What is Japanese Encephalitis vaccine? Is it better to be taken?

－１５
Japanese Encephalitis is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Depending where you live in Japan is recommended to be vaccinated. Some time ago, it was suspended because of its side effects, but after its improvement nowadays is been shot again.

－１６
My son was playing and felt down from a high place and bumped his head. I took him to the hospital but they didn’t do anything and told me to go back home because he was OK. Is it really OK?

－１６
The symptoms and sign to be worried when somebody bumps the head are: heavy sleepiness, vague eyes, vomiting or fever. If the bump is painful, cool the local area. Don’t worry if the doctor took RX and said it’s OK.

－１７
My son caught a cold and is feverish for 3 days. Isn’t it too long?

－１７
Fever is a sign that the body is fighting against cold, therefore, playing as usual even with the fever, is not worry. The important is to give enough water. It’s recommended to use cool towel bath or use cool compress to drop the fever. Child fever by cold may persist for about 5 days.

－１８
After I giving birth to my young child, I’ve been troubled with my oldest son having jealous to his brother. What should I do?

－１８
As the younger baby is still in the sleeping-eating time, give your attention to the oldest boy as possible as is. Keep physical contacts (hug, express your care for him, etc.), talk to him in such a way that your care of love become conscious to him. Laugh a lot together and have joyful time; it’ll reassure him.