Medical Doctor
Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.
Her interest in digital medical education and patient education made her pursue a career in medical writing. She believes that providing high-quality, evidence-based medical information for people could help them be more aware and responsible for their health and actively participate in decision-making in their healthcare. At MomJunction, Dr. Bisny writes health and wellness articles for mothers and children and she has been featured on BioSpectrum, Golden Eye Optometry, and The Indian Express. She likes to spend her spare time traveling and painting.
MomJunction has a strong editorial policy in place, and the team abides by its guidelines. We work toward providing the most reliable information to the reader and help them with a solution that is reliable. Our posts are authentic, and are not biased or influenced. Know more about our editorial policy.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain damage that could occur in infants due to insufficient oxygen and blood flow to the brain during pregnancy or delivery. HIE in newborns may vary in severity depending on the duration of oxygen deprivation. HIE may cause disorders such as cerebral palsy, severe cognitive and motor impairment, […]
Vernix caseosa, often known as vernix, is a white, waxy, creamy, or cheesy material that coats the skin of newborns. Vernix comprises the sebaceous gland and periderm cells (which cover the developing skin cells) that are shed around the 21st week of pregnancy. It acts as a fetal membrane by protecting the fetus during development […]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychological health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive activities (compulsions). OCD in children may make them feel compelled to perform certain acts (compulsions) to cope with the tension caused by obsessive thoughts. These actions could potentially disrupt a child’s education and social ties. Unwanted and recurring ideas, pictures, […]
Dyslexia in children causes them to encounter difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling letters and words or making calculations. It is a learning disorder and may also be referred to as a reading disability. Dyslexia may even affect children who do not have disabilities in terms of intelligence, hearing, and vision. Although this disorder has […]
Staph infection in kids is caused by a group of bacteria called Staphylococcus. There are 40 different types of Staphylococci, where Staphylococcus aureus is the most common one infecting humans. Normally, these bacteria do not cause any illnesses or infections, but an infection may occur if they enter your child’s body through a cut, wound, […]
Excessive physical activity or lack of sleep can cause fatigue in children. However, overly tired kids who do not seem to recover with rest could have underlying health conditions. Children are naturally energetic and eager to try new things and explore the world. Therefore, if they constantly remain exhausted and dull or lack enthusiasm, it […]
Polydactyly in babies occurs in 1 in every 1000 babies and is a congenital condition where the baby has an extra finger or toe. The extra digit is called a supernumerary digit. The extra digit, toe or finger, may be poorly developed or fully formed. In several babies, the extra digit can be poorly formed […]
The narrowing of the pylorus (opening from the stomach into the duodenum) is called pyloric stenosis. Pyloric stenosis in babies occurs due to the thickening of the pylorus muscles, preventing the food from passing through the stomach to the intestines. According to StatPearls Publishing by the National Library of Medicine, two to five in 1000 […]
Hypo means less, and tone refers to the resistance of muscles in our bodies. So, the condition of hypotonia in babies refers to a low muscle tone, causing a flexed posture. However, it should not be confused with muscle weakness. Hypotonia often occurs due to disorders of nerves, which control muscle movements. The condition commonly […]
There can be times you notice your baby with cold hands while the rest of the body seems normal. A baby’s hands can become colder than the rest of the body due to the surrounding temperature. However, it may also result from an underlying health condition. While cold hands are seldom an alarm, frequent cold […]
Babies have softer skin, and hence they bruise easily, especially when they begin to crawl or walk. Bruises on infants can occur if they hit or bump their bodies against a wall or any object. This may damage blood vessels and lead the blood to clot under the skin. Most bruises in babies are not […]
A baby inside the womb is exposed to the mother’s hormones. Exposure to these hormones may increase the chances of vaginal bleeding in newborns, along with some other causes. The appearance of blood-like vaginal discharge on the baby’s diapers could concern the parents. However, it is considered normal in most cases (1). Keep reading to […]
There are times when you may notice that the baby’s head is hot, but no fever is present when you check with a thermometer. It is usually a common and seldom a concerning matter. Various external or environmental factors can cause the baby’s head to become hot and make it seem like a fever. The reason is […]
Hemorrhoids, often called piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum resembling varicose veins. Hemorrhoids in children can occur at any age, though it is less prevalent in children than in adults. In the pediatric population, constipation is among the most common causes of hemorrhoids, which are not life-threatening but can be extremely […]
Babies develop several fundamental reflexes at birth known as newborn or infant reflexes, which are generally automatic and respond to certain stimuli. Some baby reflexes, such as the symmetrical tonic neck reflex in babies (STNR), may not be present at birth but may be developed later in life. The , , , and are some […]
Circumoral cyanosis is a type of cyanosis that occurs when there is discoloration around the mouth. Here, the term “cyanosis” describes a bluish discoloration or tint in the skin caused by various conditions related to blood circulation and reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Cyanosis affects different body parts, including the nails, fingers, earlobes, and […]
Knee pain in teenagers is a common complaint, particularly among physically active teens and those engaged in sports. It is also known as adolescent anterior knee pain and is characterized by pain in the center of the knee, beneath the patella (knee cap). Athletic teenagers are more likely to develop anterior knee pain than others. […]
Dizziness during pregnancy is a frequent complication caused by the various metabolic and physiological changes in the body. Therefore, it could be a pregnancy symptom as well. Dizziness can also be caused by disorders that restrict blood flow or glucose to the brain. While some women feel dizzy (vertigo) during the first trimester, others may […]
It’s safe to say that the coronavirus is here to stay. It’s been over a year since we heard of the first case of COVID-19, and since then, it has spread worldwide. It has killed so many people and drastically affected several lives. People have lost their jobs, homes, and even their loved ones during […]
Breast changes during pregnancy increase maternal breast size. But then still, some mothers may have small breasts, and they might want to know if breastfeeding with small breasts affects breast milk supply. Generally, breasts size does not determine one’s ability to breastfeed. Mothers with smaller breasts can have a normal milk supply as milk production […]
The stepping reflex in babies is a crucial reflex that trains the baby’s leg muscles to prepare for crawling and walking. Generally, babies are born with several primitive reflexes, such as the stepping reflex, which help them survive after birth. Reflexes are automatic responses to a stimulus triggered by the central nervous system (CNS). The […]
Belly button bleeding in a newborn is usually not a cause for concern. The umbilical cord helps the placenta to attach to the fetus and supplies blood and nutrients. After delivery, it is clamped and cut, and the remaining part on your newborn’s abdomen is the umbilical stump. The bleeding, also called umbilical bleeding, causes […]
Nipple vasospasm is characterized by tightening or constricting of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction) surrounding the nipples. It may reduce the nipple’s blood flow, which can lead to pain and a blanched appearance (whitened) of the nipples. This may often cause it to be misdiagnosed as thrush. Nipple vasospasm is becoming a more common condition and […]
Babinski reflex in babies is one of the newborn reflexes present at birth. Primitive reflexes occur automatically as a response to stimuli. The presence of these reflexes is a crucial indicator of the health of the baby’s central nervous system (1). A doctor may check for newborn reflexes, including the Babinski reflex, at birth and subsequent […]
Erythema toxicum in newborns, also called erythema toxicum neonatorum or erythema toxicum, is a benign, transient, and self-limited skin eruption in newborns. Approximately 48% to 72% of term infants develop this skin irritation condition (1). The condition does not cause other signs of such as fever, low temperature, irritability, or lethargy. Read this post to […]
Green poop in kids is a typical occurrence caused by dietary factors such as green vegetables or fruits and food coloring. Although green stools (poop) are not a cause for concern in many children, green diarrhea that lasts more than a few days necessitates medical attention. Stools are typically brown, tan, green, or yellow in […]
Blood in the urine (Hematuria) in children or pediatric hematuria is a condition that often occurs due to problems in kidney health. The kidneys filter the urine, ensuring no red blood cells (RBCs) in it. However, in hematuria, the kidneys fail to keep out blood from the urine. Hematuria may occur due to kidney abnormalities […]
Umbilical cord infection, umbilical stump infection, or omphalitis is a bacterial infection in babies. It affects the umbilical stump and happens if it is not managed properly. This infection is a medical emergency as the bacteria easily spreads around the navel. Nearly one in 200 newborns are affected by omphalitis (1). Omphalitis presents itself through […]
The breech presentation occurs during delivery when the baby’s buttocks, feet, or both emerge first from the birth canal. The birth position may increase the risk of birth defects or congenital malformations. Breech babies’ birth defects may vary from physical issues to genetic disorders. Babies born breech do not move their heads down towards the […]
Antihistamines are a class of drugs used to suppress the effects of in tissues to help relieve or prevent allergic symptoms and overproduction of gastric acid. Although antihistamines are available over the counter, it is recommended to seek pediatric consultation before taking them. It is not recommended to administer antihistamines for kids below two years […]
Fever and skin rashes can be present in many infectious diseases, and it is more common in children than adults. Despite the rashes, a toddler may appear well. These rashes can be due to immune reactions of the body towards the virus or other pathogen. A skin rash during fever can be more serious than […]
A burn is a skin or tissue injury resulting from overexposure to the sun, chemicals, heat, or electricity. It is one of the most common household injuries among children. Burns may range from minor injuries, such as sunburn that can be managed with home care, to life-threatening injuries requiring emergency care. Read this post to […]
Moro (startle) reflex in babies is one of the several reflexes in babies and is not present in neurologically intact adults. Some other reflexes include the rooting reflex, sucking reflex, stepping reflex, grasp reflex, and tonic neck reflex, which occur at different stages of a baby’s development. These reflexes are an indication that the baby’s […]
Seizures in babies are instantaneous, uncontrollable electrical brain abnormalities that cause alterations in their actions, movements, and consciousness. If you notice two or more seizures without a known cause and within a gap of 24 hours, it could be a sign of an epileptic episode. A seizure is mostly triggered by a head injury or […]
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome in babies is a congenital genetic disorder that affects around one in 15,000 births. The Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center estimates that the disease’s prevalence in the United States is below 50,000 people. It is detectable in babies at birth since they are born with the characteristic features of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome […]
Most babies receive their second dose of vaccines during their 4-month vaccinations. These vaccines help prevent diseases and offer long-term protection against several serious diseases. Doctors may also advise additional vaccinations such as meningococcal vaccines in some cases for high-risk infants. Although most babies receive their first dose by the second month, the second dose […]
Zyrtec for kids is available for oral intake as tablets, dissolving tablets, chewables tablets, and syrups. It is also available as grape- or bubble-gum-flavored chewables or syrup for convenience. Effects of Zyrtec in children may begin within an hour after intake and last for about a day (12-24 hours). Zyrtec, commonly known by the generic […]
Congenital nystagmus, or nystagmus in babies, affects about one in every 5,000 live births and usually appears between the ages of six weeks and six months. Nystagmus is an condition wherein the eyes exhibit recurrent, unpredictable movements, and random eye jerking. During visual development, your baby’s eyes will wander around to follow objects, voices, or […]
Roseola in children is often caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and less frequently by human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) (1). Usually, most children get roseola infection before four years of age, and children younger than two years are commonly affected (2). This viral infection is also called exanthema subitum, roseola infantum, or the sixth disease, […]
Belly button pain during pregnancy occurs as the trimesters progress. This is because the abdomen tries to accommodate the growing fetus. However, not many women experience this pain near the navel. Also, the pain may or may not appear in each pregnancy. The good news is that, like the other pregnancy symptoms, even this belly […]
A C-section is a surgical form of delivery, preferred when there are potential risks for a vaginal delivery. It is also known as a cesarean birth or cesarean section. The surgical method is planned during emergencies when a continuous vaginal delivery is arrested or life-threatening complications occur in the mother and fetus. It can also […]
The second trimester of pregnancy is between weeks 13 and 27 (four to six months). During this time, your “baby bump” may become more visible, and you may begin to feel the baby’s movements. Many women find relief from their morning sickness too. As the body grows in the second trimester, you may face some […]
The postpartum belly does not return to its pre-pregnancy shape immediately after childbirth. Soon after delivery, it may look round and appear as if you are six months pregnant. Hormonal changes and involution of the uterus are the two major factors that help in decreasing the size of the postpartum belly. The process is slow, […]
It is advised to have sex after a C-section only four to six weeks after childbirth. Although C-sections do not cause any vaginal trauma, it is major abdominal surgery, and women need some time to recover from it and for the incision to heal. It also takes around six weeks for the cervix to close […]
Preeclampsia in pregnancy is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and high protein in the urine during pregnancy or right after delivery. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Occasionally, preeclampsia may even develop in the first six weeks of postpartum. Early-onset preeclampsia may occur before 34 weeks of pregnancy and is often […]
Colds and several other respiratory infections fall under common diseases in children. Children usually contract common childhood illnesses, such as sore throat, skin infections, and ear infections at some point. Although curable, a few diseases might result in complications, morbidity, and mortality if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Thus, parents and caregivers must be aware […]
Hallucinations in children can be a part of normal development and often resolve without complications. These are sensory experiences without real stimuli. Children may tell you about something that they see, hear, smell, taste, or feel that is not present. Hallucinations can be pleasant or unpleasant and may interfere with the child’s normal functioning. Some […]
Itchy feet in pregnancy may indicate intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Pregnant women may experience irritation or tingling sensation on the feet with an urge to scratch. Home care measures may help some women find relief from pregnancy-related skin itching (pruritus) in their abdomen, hands, and feet. However, severe itching requires medical care. Read on to […]
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an infertility treatment where specially prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus with the help of a catheter. It is not unusual to experience cramping after IUI, especially during ovulation and implantation following the procedure. The pain usually resolves without any medical intervention. However, consult your healthcare provider if you experience […]
Fetal brain development is a gradual process that begins almost immediately after conception and continues till birth. Most often, the baby’s brain development begins before the woman is aware of her pregnancy (1). It usually commences between the 17th and 30th day after conception or four to six weeks after the first day of the […]
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a severe form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) seen in babies born to mothers who drink during pregnancy. This condition is caused by consumption of any type and amount of alcohol. It may have teratogenic effects causing permanent brain damage and growth problems in babies. According to the US […]
An incomplete abortion or incomplete miscarriage is when some products are held back in the uterus after a miscarriage (1). It is also referred to as spontaneous abortion. The products of conception retained in the uterus do not have viable fetuses. This implies that there is no possibility to continue the pregnancy after an incomplete […]
It is not unusual to experience some pain and body aches in pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations lead to these pains in early pregnancy, while in later pregnancy, the expanding uterus exerts pressure on the adjacent nerves and organs, leading to aches and pains. In addition, during pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released, which causes musculoskeletal pain […]
The probability of developing blood clots increases by around five folds during pregnancy. However, although the physiological changes increase the risk of developing blood clots, it is not necessary for all women to develop them. About one or two in 1000 healthy, young pregnant women develop blood clots in pregnancy (1). In addition, certain medical […]
Miscarriage, also called spontaneous abortion, is the natural loss of pregnancy before the embryo or fetus can survive independently outside the uterus. Around one in ten women miscarries within the first trimester (1). Vaginal bleeding and cramps are common symptoms of miscarriage. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely prevent miscarriages since many causes are […]
Butt pain during pregnancy may occur for several reasons, including hormonal changes and pressure from the growing baby. The butt pain is often due to painful stimuli from tissues in the region of the lower back or buttocks. The pain is usually common in the second and third trimesters, but some women may experience butt […]
Ovulation occurs when the ovaries release the mature ovum (egg) during the menstrual cycle. Women planning to conceive may wonder — how long does ovulation last? The ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day of a 28-day menstrual cycle and lasts for a day. It is roughly around the middle of a monthly period. Nevertheless, […]
The vagina stretches to deliver the baby, and hormones control this process. Most women feel that the vagina is looser, tender, and swollen after childbirth. Vaginal changes after childbirth are normal and resolve over time. Although the vagina may not be the same as pre-birth in most mothers, this should not concern women (1). Pelvic […]
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a pouch-like organ that projects from the on the lower right side of the abdomen. The location of pain and other classic symptoms or signs may not be present in appendicitis while pregnant. Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical care for the new onset of abdominal pain […]
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. This post discusses PCOS in pregnancy and the causes, risk factors, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS. PCOS disrupts normal ovary function and results in irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and multiple enlarged ovarian follicles. These enlarged follicles do not release an […]
Ovulation is when a mature egg (ovum) is released from the ovary. It is a hormone-mediated process where the follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates follicular growth, and the luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation. The released ovum moves from the ovary to the fallopian tube and stays alive for 12 to 24 hours, and it may […]
Bicornuate uterus (BU) is a congenital uterine abnormality or a Mullerian duct anomaly where the uterus (womb) is heart-shaped and has two horns. The uterus is normally pear-shaped, but the partial fusion of the Mullerian ducts (analogs of female reproductive organs) in the developmental phase can give rise to the heart shape. The bicornuate uterus […]
Missed miscarriage (missed abortion) is a silent or delayed miscarriage or early embryonic demise before 20 weeks of gestation. It is called missed miscarriage since there can be a few to no signs, and most women may still feel pregnant after miscarriages. An ultrasound scan may show the pregnancy sac with a nonviable fetus or […]
Puerperal infections, also called postpartum infections or Puerperal fever, include a wide range of infections that occur up to six weeks after childbirth. The most common postpartum infections are endometritis, urinary tract infection (UTI), wound infection, and mastitis. Puerperal infections may affect 5-24% of mothers and are common causes of prolonged hospitalization after childbirth. If […]
Does abortion hurt? In short, the experience of abortion is different for every woman. While most of them have intense period cramps, a few may have slight discomfort. It may hurt for a short time, and most women can get back to normal activities the next day. Some say abortion pain is more painful than […]
Childbirth is one of the most fulfilling experiences for mothers, but it can be painful. But how painful is childbirth? It may vary among women depending on various factors. Research also shows some women opt for cesarean sections due to the fear of labor pain (1). However, there are various natural ways and medications to […]
Crohn’s disease is commonly diagnosed in adolescents and adults from ages 15 to 30, and both men and women are equally susceptible (1). The condition, complications, tests, and interventions can impact fertility and pregnancy in women of childbearing age. Pregnant women with Crohn’s disease require special care to minimize the possible risks and complications. Most […]