Sallys Pregnancy Secrets

Weight Gain is Not a Concern Just For Overweight Women.

2006-10-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

According to the latest research* weight gain during pregnancy has taken on a more serious angle. In fact, what doctors are most concerned about is women who gain weight between the first and second pregnancy. Too much weight gain can cause a number of difficulties leading to high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and even still birth.

It’s not just for large moms. The issue is the amount of weight put on. There is a growing trend amongst doctors now to watch women who are not overweight or obese necessarily but women whose weight has increased significantly after their first baby, and, are now looking to have another one.

This new group of moms being watched by doctors has an increased risk of developing issues with their pregnancies. Putting on weight can encourage numerous pregnancy complications to develop. There is now a connection between obesity and the lack of pregnancy health.

The research indicates that significant weight put on between pregnancy number 1 and 2 found that there were more complications during pregnancy and delivery of the baby. The complications included more reports of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, diabetes, stillbirth and the delivery of a large baby. And there were more casers report to have occurred.

So what does this mean for women of a normal weight who have put on some pounds since having junior?

The most fundamental aspect of a successful pregnancy is optimum health of the mother. And now, with this new research, maintaining a healthy weight is paramount.

If your weight is reduced after the first pregnancy, then a successful outcome for the second pregnancy is more likely. A study in the Lancet medical journal, researchers found that even a difference of one or two Body mass Index Units increases the chances of developing gestational diabetes.

The body Mass Index is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. A BMI of 20-25 is considered quite healthy. Any more, such as a 25-30 is considered overweight and 30-40 is obese.

So what can you do between pregnancies to ensure the health of your own body and reduce risk of complications?

If loosing weight to become pregnant for the second time is an issue, there here are some easy pointers to help you get rid of those extra pounds.

1. Cut down on refined sugar.

When I was a girl, the only people that had to watch their sugar was diabetics. And in the 70’s and 80’s a Diabetic was hard to find. Nowadays it seems like every second or third person you meet has this terrible condition. Too much sugar can put a strain on your pancreas and cause you to store fat if there is too much sugar in your system.

This includes Carbs. Carbohydrates are sugars too. Carbs are fine in moderation, but too much causes your bodies to store it as fat. Foods in this category you should watch are breads, potatoes, rice and pasta just to name a few. You can get “good” Carbs from vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and pumpkin.

2. Increase your physical activity

Get moving! You will be amazed at the difference in your general health 20 minutes walk a day does. Walking for 20 minutes a day increases your bodies ability to burn off that fat, increased blood flow and oxygen. It not only makes you feel good, but is great for your health.

3. Steamed, baked or grilled, not fried.

Many women don’t have the palate for steamed vegetables, claiming they are tasteless. So why not opt for grilled or baked. It’s much better for your weight and cholesterol levels to grill foods rather than fry them. For example grilled fish tastes wonderful done basked in the oven with coriander and lemon juice. Add your fish with some roasted pumpkin, steamed broccoli with a fresh tomato and avocado. A meal like this is good for your heart, muscles and with a walk, will encourage weight loss in no time.

4. Drink more water

Water itself doesn’t cause weight loss. The beauty of water is that it helps to flush out toxins, keeps your cells hydrated and encourages mental clarity. This cleansing effect will help your body loose the weight due to increased hydration and feeling full for longer.

5. Detox your body

There are plenty of detoxification programs around. The important thing to remember if you are going to detox for health you must get plenty of vitamins so your body can flush out the toxins. It’s no good going on a detox that involves fasting if you are diabetic, or hypoglycemic. It’s important to do your research on all detox products and programs. Detox should not leave you feeling hungry. A good detox should involve the right amount of nutrient absorption and hydration. Detox can work well for weight loss as it may increase metabolism.

Hopefully you’ve now seen the benefits of loosing those extra pounds before you think about conceiving another baby. You’ll feel more energy when you are not carrying around excess pounds. Pregnancy carries absolutely no guarantees of a child at the end, but with effective health management you’ll be doing all the right things to encourage a successful pregnancy to full term.

By Sally Aubrey

* Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

ALCOHOL RISK TO BABIES

2006-10-30T17:30:00.001-08:00

UP to 18,000 British babies a year are born damaged because their mothers drank in pregnancy, research has revealed.

The figure represents three per cent of all births - three times more than previously thought.

It has sparked calls for the risks to be printed on alcoholic drinks.

Dr Raj Mukherjee, a neuro-psychiatrist at St George's Hospital, in London, said: "The safest way to make sure your baby comes to no harm in pregnancy is to abstain."

But the Government insist moderate drinking in pregnancy is safe and said it is working with drinks firms on warning labels.

Weight Gain Can Cause Health Challenges For Second Pregnancies- By Sally Aubrey

2006-10-23T01:37:00.000-07:00

Weight gain is not a concern just for overweight women. According to the latest research* weight gain during pregnancy has taken on a more serious angle. In fact, what doctors are most concerned about is women who gain weight between the first and second pregnancy. Too much weight gain can cause a number of difficulties leading to high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and even still birth.

So what does this mean for women of a normal weight who have put on some pounds since having junior?

The most fundamental aspect of a successful pregnancy is optimum health of the mother. And now, with this new research, maintaining a healthy weight is paramount.

So what can you do between pregnancies to ensure the health of your own body and reduce risk of complications?

If loosing weight to become pregnant for the second time is an issue, there here are some easy pointers to help you get rid of those extra pounds.

1. Cut down on refined sugar.

2. Increase your physical activity

3. Steamed, baked or grilled, not fried.

4. Drink more water

5. Detox your body

By Sally Aubrey

* Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

Pregnancy Bleeding Misunderstood: Expert

2006-10-23T00:55:00.000-07:00

More than half of women who bleed during pregnancy go on to miscarry their baby - and too many wrongly blame themselves for the loss, a fertility expert says.

Dr Devora Lieberman, director of the miscarriage management program at Sydney IVF, says one in five prospective mothers will suffer from bleeding after normal conception.

Babies that survive are usually smaller, born prematurely and delivered by caesarean section, but more than 50 per cent will be miscarried.

However, Dr Lieberman said the extent of the problem and the impact on affected women was widely misunderstood.

She has told a fertility conference in Sydney there is nothing a woman can do to cause the bleeding.

"But you'll find women blame themselves and think `maybe it was my stress levels or maybe it was having sex, or lifting something'," Dr Lieberman told AAP.

"There's very little awareness out there about it and unfortunately many doctors and nurses treat this situation as routine without understanding the emotional impact."

Scientists don't fully understand the cause of the bleeding but believe it is linked to a problem in the placenta and breakage in the developing blood vessels of the foetus.

"We simply do not know a lot about the cause, and no intervention has been found to be useful," Dr Lieberman said.

About 80 per cent of women confronted with pregnancy loss from bleeding elect to have the baby surgically removed immediately.

The rest opt to give birth when the baby is due, often because they are scared of surgery or want a "natural solution".

Dr Lieberman used the Fertility Society of Australia annual meeting to call for more research into the cause of the problem and more effort to raise public awareness.

"We need to have more resources to educate mothers about the possibility and better support systems within the health sector and beyond," she said.

Protein imbalance can predict pregnancy disorder

2006-10-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Miosoti Rodriguez is truly cherishing the first moments of her baby girl’s life. Entering the world at only 2.4 pounds, Amaya was delivered three months early because of Miosoti’s battle with preeclampsia. To protect her and the baby, doctors performed an emergency c-section.

A team of researchers from the National Institutes of Health have now identified high levels of two proteins in the maternal blood that could be predictive of preeclampsia.

The study found that an imbalance of two proteins produced by the placenta is responsible for the symptoms of preeclampsia. Abnormally high levels of these proteins deprive the blood vessels of substances needed to keep the lining of blood vessels healthy.

As a result, cells lining the blood vessels begin to sicken and die, blood pressure increases and blood vessels leach protein into the tissues and urine.

“Preeclampsia that happened at 37 weeks, these hormones, these proteins began to show up in the blood at around 25-28 weeks. The finding is interesting because there was nothing that ever panned out before that could really predict the disease and the other interesting thing is if you can isolate something that was elevated in the blood prior to the disease, you might be able to give a medicine that lowered it, you may be able to block that process,” says Dr. Lois Brustman of St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital.

This discovery is a homerun for the future treatment of preeclampsia, which can ultimately help save lives. “The risk of preeclampsia for the fetus are essentially preterm delivery, all the difficulties with a preterm birth, that’s babies that have difficulty with cerebral palsy. They can develop lung abnormalities because they are immature when they are born, immunological abnormalities, difficulty in their cognitive abilities, blindness,” reports Dr. Brustman.

Although the responsible molecules for preeclampsia have been identified, researchers believe that attempts to develop a drug treatment would need to proceed cautiously. It’s possible that restoring normal blood pressure and blood flow to the mother’s circulatory system might deprive the fetus of blood.

In addition to high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine, swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

Drug Induced Labor Raises Risk Of Amniotic-fluid Embolism

2006-10-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Amniotic-fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, but potentially fatal syndrome during childbirth. According to a study published in The Lancet, women whose labors are drug-induced are twice as likely to experience this complication.

Nevertheless, the risk is still small, even if the labor is induced, say doctors. One has to weigh the risk of an AFE after inducing labor, against having to perform an emergency C-section by not inducing it.

A study, carried out by researchers at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, found that out of 180 women with AFE, 24 died. Out of every 100,000 induced labors, five develop embolism, of which about 20% to 40% die, the study found. Women are more likely to have an induced labor if they suffer from diabetes, pre-eclampsia, are older and require a c-section, forceps or vacuum.

The researchers estimated that induction could be causing about thirty to forty women in the USA to have AFE each year. One fifth of all births in the United States are induced.

The researchers said that even though the risk is still small, doctors and patients should be aware of it if the decision to induce is elective.

What is Amniotic-fluid embolism (AFE)?

Amniotic fluid, foetal cells and other debris enters the bloodstream of the mother from the placenta. This causes a serious allergic response, resulting in cardiorespiratory collapse.

"Amniotic-fluid embolism and medical induction of labour: a retrospective, population-based cohort study"
Dr, Prof Michael S Kramer MD,Jocelyn Rouleau, Prof Thomas F Baskett MB, and KS Joseph MD
The Lancet 2006; 368:1444-1448
DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69607-4
Click here to see summary online

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today

Study: Pregnancy Hormone Increases Brain Injury Recovery

2006-10-06T02:18:00.000-07:00

POSTED: 4:21 pm EDT October 5, 2006

The same hormone that plays a key role in pregnancy could also safely help people recover from traumatic brain injuries, health officials said.Emory University researchers said progesterone therapy led to a 50 percent reduction in the rate of death overall.

In patients with moderate brain injuries, researchers said they saw a significant improvement in the number of patients who were able to make nearly full recoveries.

Acne - How to Treat Acne During Pregnancy?

2006-10-05T00:37:00.000-07:00

C.D. Mohatta

October 4, 2006

Acne is mainly caused because of hormonal changes in the body. The hormones increase production of sebum and this sebum fills the glands to form acne. During pregnancy the hormonal activity is at it’s highest. But a pregnant woman may not use many acne medications. Let us find out now.

Acne and Tretinoin-

Tretinoin is one of the most common retinoids that are used to treat acne. Tretinoin clears the upper layer of the skin by peeling it off. Tretinoin gives very good results in acne treatment and in improvement of skin. But being a Vitamin A derivative, it cannot be used during pregnancy. All other retinoids also cannot be used.

Acne and isotretinoin-

Isotretinoin can treat the severe forms of acne. Isotretinoin which is a derivative of Vitamin A is taken orally to treat acne. But isotretinoin is strictly prohibited during pregnancy. Not only that, you must become pregnant only after few months of your stopping use of Isotretinon. So Isotretinoin is a strictly no during pregnancy.

Antibiotics-

Many antibiotics are not allowed to be used during pregnancy. You must talk to your doctor before using any antibiotic in any form during your pregnancy.

Please read more about acne and pregnancy.

Acne during pregnancy-what to use?

The choices are many to treat acne during pregnancy. Benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, Salicylic acid and few other products may be allowed by your doctor to treat acne. You must use any topical or oral medication even if it is OTC, only after consulting your doctor. Somehow, the acne clears off magically immediately after pregnancy. Is not that good news?

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Study Yields Clues to Cerebral Palsy

2006-10-05T00:35:00.000-07:00

Infections during pregnancy, premature delivery linked to the illness
Learning more about the causes of cerebral palsy may lead to new ways to treat it, the study's European authors noted in the Oct. 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

TUESDAY, Oct. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Very premature birth, maternal infections during pregnancy, and certain findings on MRI scans are among several factors associated with cerebral palsy, new research suggests.

The research, conducted at eight centers in Europe, included 585 children born with cerebral palsy between 1996 and 1999. The researchers found that:

39.5 percent of the children's mothers reported an infection during pregnancy.
51 (12 percent) of the children were from a multiple pregnancy.
10.9 percent of the children were born very premature (less than 28 weeks gestation), while 16 percent were born between 28 and 31 weeks, 18.3 percent were born between 32 and 36 weeks, and 54 percent were born at term. Emergency Caesarean deliveries were performed in 32.3 percent of the births.
Of the 351 children who had an MRI, 42.5 percent were found to have "white matter damage of immaturity" -- brain areas affected by underdevelopment. Only 11.7 percent of the children had normal MRI findings.

Based on their findings, the team of researchers led by Dr. Martin Bax of Imperial College, London, advised that "all children with CP should have an MRI scan."

"Not only do MRI scans help reveal the pathologic basis of the condition but, also, the findings have strong correlations with clinical findings," the researchers wrote. "This may be useful in helping parents, clinicians, and others involved in the care of children with CP to understand the nature of the children's condition and to predict their needs in the future."

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more about cerebral palsy (www.ninds.nih.gov ).

6 Hidden Home Hazards During Pregnancy

2006-10-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

Though most products you use pose little risk, here are a few precautions to take during pregnancy.

By Richard H. Schwarz, MD

Safety At Home

Before you got pregnant, you probably never thought twice about polishing your nails or changing kitty litter. But many moms-to-be worry that some of the substances they're exposed to on a regular basis could imperil their growing baby. Fortunately, you might only have to alter your habits slightly to keep your baby safe. While most products are generally not harmful, you should check with your doctor if you're unsure. Here are answers to some of the most common new-mom questions.

Paint Fumes

Q. Is it safe for me to paint my baby's nursery?

A. It's not a good idea. While there's no known risk from exposure to unleaded, water-based indoor (latex) paints, all paints contain chemicals that emit fumes. Since only a few of these chemicals have been studied for their safety in pregnancy, it's best to let someone else play Picasso. Oil-based paints and paint thinners contain more solvents (which have been linked to an increase in miscarriage and birth defects) than their water-based counterparts, so choose a latex paint and ask your painter to keep the area well ventilated.

In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pregnant women should avoid newly painted rooms (and their harmful odors) for at least two days after the job is done. If existing paint needs to be removed from the outside of your home, hire someone to do it and avoid the area until the job is completed for the day. Be especially careful if your home was built before 1980. Homes like this may have paint that contains lead, which can raise your risk of miscarriage or developmental delays in your infant.

Chemical Exposure

Q. Should I steer clear of the harsh chemicals in most cleaning products?

A. There are some household cleansers that pregnant women should avoid. Check the labels and avoid products that say they're toxic, since they may contain risky solvents. For example, oven cleaners and window cleaners often contain glycol ethers, which have been known to increase a woman's risk of miscarriage, and most mildew removers contain phenols, which may increase risk of birth defects or fetal death. (To find out more about what's in home and cleaning products, go to householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov.) Plus, most cleansers contain strong-smelling chemicals like ammonia or chlorine, which won't hurt your baby but may make you queasy.

A good guideline: Keep your windows open while cleaning and wear gloves, or opt for a natural cleanser, which can do the job without triggering pregnancy-related nausea. Simple baking soda can work wonders on bathtubs and ovens, while a vinegar-and-water solution effectively cleans glass and countertops.

Q. If I'm exposed to pesticides, will it harm my baby?

A. While there's no concrete proof that normal exposure to these chemicals poses a significant risk to your baby, recent studies have suggested that larger quantities may harm the fetus. For instance, one study found that pregnant women who lived within a mile of locations where agricultural pesticides had been regularly applied were at increased risk for fetal birth defects. The takeaway: If you're a mom-to-be it's probably safest to avoid pesticides whenever possible. In addition to pesticides, don't use insect repellents that contain the chemical deet. Although its effects have not been thoroughly studied in pregnant women, there are some concerns about its toxicity.

However, if you must have your home or property treated with pesticides, follow the guidelines below:

Steer clear. Have someone else apply the chemicals, and leave the area for the amount of time indicated on the package instructions.
Be prepared. Before pesticide treatment, remove all food and utensils from the affected area, including those in your cabinets, closets, and drawers, if your kitchen is involved. Vacate your home for several hours and keep it well ventilated by opening windows. However, if pesticides are used outdoors, be sure to close all windows and turn off the air-conditioning so fumes won't be drawn into the house.
Cover up. Wear rubber gloves when gardening to prevent skin contact.
Clean up. Reduce your exposure by carefully washing or peeling store-bought produce.

Manicures and Hair Color

Q. Can nail polish hurt my baby?

A. It's fine to treat yourself to an occasional manicure. Ideally, though, it should be in a space with open windows, since nail polish, polish remover, and the materials used to attach and remove artificial nails contain solvents. However, it's unlikely that brief exposure from polishing your nails will pose a risk to your baby or you.

Q. Is it safe to color or perm my hair while I'm pregnant?

A. You might consider putting your hair-coloring plans on hold for a while. Though there's no proof that the chemicals in hair dyes, permanent wave solutions, or relaxers cause birth defects, miscarriages, or any other pregnancy complications, there are no reliable studies that prove these substances are safe either. Researchers do know that they penetrate the scalp and enter the bloodstream, so theoretically they could reach your growing baby. For this reason, some healthcare providers now recommend that pregnant women avoid such hair treatments, especially during the first trimester when their unborn baby's organs are beginning to develop.

But if you're desperate, choose a process that involves less scalp contact, such as highlights. Vegetable-based dyes, such as henna, are also considered safe. If you're the do-it-yourself type, wear gloves to minimize absorption of hair-product chemicals through your skin, and don't leave the product on any longer than necessary. And whether you're at home or in a salon, make sure the area is well ventilated to avoid breathing in any fumes.

Cat Litter and Uncooked Meat

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection with symptoms that resemble the flu (fever, aching joints). In general, there are no lasting effects on the woman who contracts the toxoplasmosis. The bacteria that cause this infection are often found in animal droppings and raw meat.

Unfortunately, if passed to your baby, toxoplasmosis can lead to vision or hearing problems. To keep the infection at bay, ask your partner to clean your cat's litter box or pet cage during your pregnancy, and avoid undercooked meat. If you do develop the symptoms above, call your doctor. Early treatment with antibiotics can protect your baby.

Richard H. Schwarz, MD, obstetrical consultant to the March of Dimes, is past president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital, in Brooklyn; and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Cornell University Medical College, in New York City.

Nutrients Essential to Prenatal Development

2006-09-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

During pregnancy, your developing baby receives all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary for healthy growth. Whether it comes from your body’s stores or your diet, it is essential to make sure that everything they need is available to them!

Topping the list in early pregnancy is folic acid, or folate. In the first three weeks of pregnancy, your baby is forming a brain and spinal cord. A folic acid deficiency can lead to neural tube defects and other debilitating birth defects. Orange juice, lentils, peas and beans are all great sources of folic acid, but you should still take a supplement with at least 0.4mg per day.

Calcium aids in the development of strong, healthy bones and teeth. Without enough calcium in your diet, the fetus will actually take it from your bones, resulting in a deficiency in your own body. Drink plenty of milk and eat hard cheeses, yogurt and salmon to get your 1000mg per day.

Protein is vital to your developing baby. It also helps your body to repair cells that are damaged or changing during pregnancy. You can find your 60g per day in meat, poultry, dried beans or nuts.

Your body’s need for iron will nearly double during pregnancy as you work to produce extra blood. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, low birth weight and even preterm delivery. You will need at least 27mg of elemental iron per day. If you aren’t getting enough in your diet by choosing iron-rich food such as spinach, tofu, lean meat or nuts, your doctor may recommend a supplement. Vitamin C also aids the body in absorbing iron, so eat the food or take your supplement with a Vitamin C-rich option such as orange juice or cantaloupe.

Choline is a nutrient that many pregnant women don’t have enough of in their daily diet. It is crucial for normal fetal brain development, yet the average American gets only 314 of the 425mg recommended daily (the National Institute of Health, http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=14088). Choline is found in high levels in soy lecithin, beef liver and egg yolks.

Vitamins, especially those in the B family, are important in fetal development. Be sure to get your recommended daily intake of thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B5), pyridoxine (B6), pantothenic acid (B12), and biotin. Your everyday diet should provide sufficient amounts of these vitamins, but eating fortified cereals and whole grain breads will help.

Iodine is a trace element that helps to prevent brain defects. A condition called goitre can result from a lack of iodine in countries such as South Africa where iodine levels are low or nonexistent in soil, plants and fish. In these areas, iodized salt can help to supply iodine in the diet, but remember that excessive use of salt can be dangerous. As always, moderation is the key.

Essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 are also necessary in prenatal development. Omega-6 comes from canola oil, soft margarine and other plant oils. Omega-3 is found mostly in fish, which pregnant women may not eat during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife about a supplement.

Incorporating healthy, nutrient-rich foods into your everyday diet, along with an approved supplement, is the key to ensuring good prenatal health.

Article written by Sally Aubrey

For more information on keeping excellent health for your and your baby just go to www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com

Omega-3 least known of pregnancy “Big 3”

2006-09-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

By Clarisse Douaud

9/18/2006 - Only 41 percent of mothers and expectant mothers know they should be consuming omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy, according to a recent survey, emphasizing a need for more education as well as an untapped market.

The Washington, DC-based Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) conducted a public opinion survey involving 500 American women aged 18 and older who were either pregnant, nursing or had children aged three and under. Questions were put to the women regarding the ”Big 3” of pregnancy nutrition: folic acid, calcium with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

The finding that women are less aware of the need for omega-3, compared with other nutrients for healthy mothers and babies, implying formulators' omega-3 message has still not saturated the prenatal market.

A diet rich in the DHA omega-3 fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid) during pregnancy and breastfeeding is thought to support healthy pregnancies as well as the mental and visual development of infants. Mothers are said to be less at risk of post partum depression or mood change, and to recover more quickly after pregnancy, if they consume enough of the fatty acid.

Still, women are much more aware of folic acid and calcium with vitamin D in pregnancy than they are of omega-3. Eighty-seven percent knew the importance of folic acid and 58 percent were aware of the benefits of calcium with vitamin D.

“Folic acid, calcium with vitamin D and DHA omega-3 — together, they make up the Big 3 essential nutrients that are important before, during and after pregnancy,” said SWHR president and CEO Phyllis Greenberger.“Fortunately, by paying attention to what they eat, women can easily obtain these nutrients through a balanced diet, fortified foods and supplements.”

And women ‘in the know' are eager to purchase DHA fortified foods rather than eat fish, according to the survey. After being informed that pregnant women are advised to avoid fish because it may contain mercury, 88 percent of survey respondents said they would be interested in purchasing a product that would help them get DHA without having to eat fish.

The survey also determined the women's preferred food vehicles for DHA if they had a choice. Cereal and cereal bars were most popular at 39 percent; followed by orange juice at 34 percent; and pasta at 25 percent.

SWHR's survey was funded in part by Martek Biosciences, which stands to benefit from increased knowledge on the natal benefits of DHA - as well as to lose if fish-sourced DHA makes its way into infant foods. Martek claims its algae-sourced DHA and ARA (arachidonic acid) are the omega-3 fortifying ingredients in 83 to 86 percent of fortified infant formulas in the US.

Up until February 2006, the US Food & Drug Administration only approved vegetarian sources of DHA for use in infant formulas. When the agency expanded its approval to non-vegetarian sources,

The survey is clear in its support for algae-derived DHA:

“Women should check nutrition labels and ask their grocers and health care providers what foods contain algal-based sources of DHA,” says the SWHR.

Market researcher Mintel has identified omega-3 fortification as one of the major trends for 2006.

9 sign & symptoms of twin pregnancy

2006-09-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

BY A STAFF REPORTER | Monday, September 18, 2006 12:15:51 IST

Many expecting moms wonder if two babies might be on the way...

If you’re wondering whether or not you’re carrying twins (or more!), you’re not alone. With the incidence of twins increasing dramatically over the past two decades, many expecting moms wonder if two babies might be on the way.
Trying to Conceive: Are You Ahead of the Game?
Age matters. One reason for the increased incidence of multiple births in the world is the trend toward delaying pregnancy. The incidence of twins increases for women over the age of 35 and even more if you are over 50. To put it in perspective, your chance of giving birth to twins if you are less than 25 years of age is less than half of what it would be after the age of 35.
Twins may run in your family. Even before diagnosis of pregnancy, you may suspect that you are at an increased risk of conceiving twins. Fraternal (dizygotic) twins may run in the family, and, contrary to popular belief, they do not necessarily skip a generation. If your mother or grandmother had twins, you may be carrying a gene that causes you to release more than one egg at a time, making it more likely that you will have twins.

1. You just feel you’re carrying more than one baby. Don’t disregard intuition or dreams. Some mothers of twins (or higher order multiples) say that they knew right from the start that they were carrying more than one baby.
2. You experience more nausea and/or morning sickness. If you are having more than one baby, you may also have an elevated hCG level. Higher levels of hCG also make it more likely that
you will have bouts of morning (or all-day) sickness.
3. Other normal pregnancy symptoms may be exaggerated. Many women — but not all — who are pregnant with twins have more intense pregnancy symptoms, likely due to the extra hormones circulating through their system. You may find that your breasts are very tender, you have to urinate frequently, you are hungry all the time and you are very tired. In the second trimester, you may experience difficulty catching your breath, swelling (edema) of the hands and legs, an unusual rate of weight gain and abdominal enlargement and excessive fetal movement. Anemia or low iron (decreased hemoglobin) is also common with twin and multiple pregnancies.
4. You gain weight rapidly in your first trimester. A higher than average weight gain in the first trimester may be your first clue that you’re carrying more than one baby. If you’re eating well, don’t be concerned.
5. You measure large for gestational age. At your first exam you may be told that your uterus is ‘large for dates.’ If your last menstrual period indicates an eight-week gestation, your uterus may feel more like 10 to 12 weeks. This may prompt your care provider to request an ultrasound. As your pregnancy progresses, if you are carrying more than one baby, your fundal height (uterine measurement) will consistently measure large for gestational age. A term uterus, with one baby, may reach 38 to 40 centimeters in height, measured from the pubic bone, while a term twin pregnancy may exceed 48 centimeters.
6. You are told that you have elevated levels of AFP. Levels of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), a protein released by the baby as it grows and found in the mother’s blood, can be elevated when there is more than one baby. (It can also be elevated for other reasons, such as neural tube defects.) Normally this simple blood test is given 16 to 18 weeks after your last menstrual period. Alpha fetoprotein testing detects over half of all twin pregnancies.
7. You are told you have rapidly rising HCG levels. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) is a hormone produced by the fertilized egg and by the chorionic villi. It is needed to maintain the pregnancy until the placenta develops. It can be detected in your blood or urine even before you miss a period. Normally in a singleton pregnancy, blood (serum) concentrations of HCG rise rapidly during the first weeks, doubling every two to three days. Levels of HCG can be even higher with twin or multiple pregnancies.
8. Your provider hears two fetal heartbeats. Two separate heartbeats can be distinguishable with a Doppler in your care provider’s office by around 12 weeks. At around 28 weeks, it may be possible to differentiate two fetal heads and multiple small parts when doing an abdominal exam.
9. You have a positive ultrasound. If you believe you are indeed pregnant with twins, an ultrasound can be performed quite early in pregnancy. With a skilled ultrasonographer, two gestational sacs, two embryos and two distinct fetal heartbeats can be seen six weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. Many twins have been diagnosed as early as five weeks — when you’re just one week late for your menstrual period.

Cigarette Smoke to Prevent Pregnancy Complication

2006-09-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

A potentially poisonous gas found in cigarette smoke could prevent pre-eclampsia.

Carbon monoxide, a potentially poisonous and even carcinogenic gas found in cigarette smoke and automobile emissions, may prevent the premature death of cells in placenta. This way, carbon monoxide may help treat pre-eclampsia, a common pregnancy compication.

Pre-eclampsia is present when hypertension arises in pregnancy in association with significant protein in the urine.

Smokers, who inhale relatively high levels of carbon monoxide, have a lower-than-average risk of pre-eclampsia, note Dr. Graeme M. Smith and associates at Queens University Hospital in Kingston, Ontario.

Cells in placental tissue exposed to carbon monoxide had a 60-percent lower death rate than cells in unexposed tissue, according to the report in The American Journal of Pathology.

However, this doesn't mean that pregnant woman should start smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke. Carbon monoxide as a treatment for pre-eclampsia is many years away, scientists report. Before any treatment becomes a reality, doctors must determine what levels of this dangerous chemical are safe for the fetus. They also need to find a safe way to deliver carbon monoxide to the mother.

"I suspect we're three or four years away from pregnant animal studies, to get an idea of 'safe' carbon monoxide levels from the fetal point of view," Dr. Smith told Reuters Health.

"That would mean a year or two after that before we'd be looking at human studies. The ideal would likely be to maintain carbon monoxide levels comparable to a moderate (say one pack per day) smoker without all the bad stuff in cigarette smoke."

Miscarriage- The "Unacceptable" Grief

2006-09-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Mental health counseling given over the phone may ease some women's depression symptoms after a miscarriage, a small pilot study suggests.

The therapy was offered to women with "subsyndromal" depression, which is less severe than major clinical depression but still causes significant symptoms -- such as sleep disturbances, chronic lack of energy, appetite changes and feelings of hopelessness.

Past studies have shown that women who suffer a miscarriage are at risk not only of major depression, but of the considerably more common subsyndromal depression as well.

This latest study, reported in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, was a pilot project testing whether phone-based counseling could help women with milder depression following a miscarriage. Such therapy aims to overcome some of the obstacles that keep people from in-person mental health counseling, like lack of time or reluctance to talk face-to-face.

Of the 19 women researchers followed, those who received counseling over the phone a handful of times showed a greater decline in depression symptoms.

The findings suggest the therapy should be studied in a larger clinical trial, according to the study authors, led by Dr. Richard Neugebauer of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University in New York.

The study included women who'd lost a pregnancy sometime before the 28th week. Half were randomly assigned to receive telephone counseling from a social worker or psychologist, while the rest served as a comparison group.

Women in the counseling group decided how many phone calls, up to six, they would receive; both groups completed standard questionnaires gauging depression symptoms at the beginning and end of the study.

Over the study period, women in both groups showed a decline in depression, Neugebauer's team found, but those who received counseling made greater strides.

A majority of the study participants were Hispanic and many were on Medicaid, the researchers point out -- suggesting, they say, that phone-based counseling offers a way to reach traditionally underserved women as well.

SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, August 2006.

Study focuses on pre-pregnancy health

2006-09-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

By VICKI ROCK
Daily American Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 19, 2006 12:38 AM EDT

Despite efforts to improve prenatal care in the United States, the number of babies being born prematurely or at a low birth weight continues to increase, according to a recent study by the Central Pennsylvania Center of Excellence for Research on Pregnancy Outcomes.

“Researchers have found that improved prenatal care hasn't impacted preterm and low birth weight births in the way expected,” said Holly Fleegle, community health educator for Somerset Tapestry of Health. “If women are taking steps to be healthy before they become pregnant, it should have an impact on the birth weight.”

A collaborative four-year project is being done by the Pennsylvania State University, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, Franklin and Marshall College and Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. The project is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health with tobacco settlement funds.

Somerset Tapestry of Health is part of the project as it is funded by the Family Health Council. A central focus of the study is on the region's rural communities.

Premature or preterm births are those that occur before 37 weeks of gestation. Low birth weight babies weigh less than 5 1/2 pounds at birth. Very low birth weight is less than 1 pound, 10.5 ounces. In 2003, the rate of low birth weight births in the U.S. reached 7.9 percent, representing 300,000 births. This was the highest rate in 30 years.

To be eligible for the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study, women must be between the ages of 18 and 35, and not currently pregnant. They will receive two free health screenings and gifts.

“We are conducting the recruitment and enrollment,” said Jennifer Mock, community health educator for Somerset Tapestry of Health. “There will also be a control group.”

The women may also attend classes that cover stress management, nutrition, pre-conception health and use of tobacco and alcohol.

“Smoking and drinking are the biggest causes of low birth weight births,” Mock said.

"Placental problem more likely with test-tube pregnancy"- Article

2006-09-13T03:09:00.000-07:00

Technique used in assisted reproductive technologies may explain increased risk

Placenta previa, a potentially serious pregnancy complication, may be more common among pregnancies conceived through assisted reproductive technologies than among those conceived naturally, new research suggests.

In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervix, potentially blocking the baby's exit from the uterus and leading to bleeding as the cervix begins to thin and dilate in preparation for labour. As a result, the baby usually needs to be delivered by caesarean section.

A Norwegian study of more than 845,000 pregnancies showed the incidence of placenta previa increased from about three in 1,000 naturally conceived pregnancies to 16 in 1,000 pregnancies achieved with techniques such as in vitro, or test-tube, fertilization.

In the 1,300 women who had both natural and assisted pregnancies, the risk of placenta previa was three times higher in the assisted pregnancy, suggesting the assisted reproduction techniques themselves, rather than characteristics of the individual mothers, may explain the increased risk.

"The underlying mechanism causing the placenta previa is not clear, but we have speculated whether the technique used to transfer the embryo into the uterus may be involved," says study co-author Dr. Pal Romundstad of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway.

"The procedure may induce uterine contractions . . . leading to more embryos implanting low down in the uterus.

"In addition, because research has shown that transferring the embryo to a position low in the uterus may improve implantation rates, current practice tends to favour placing the embryo low down."

But Romundstad adds that placenta previa is rare even in assisted pregnancies, affecting between 1.5 per cent and two per cent. "Thus this finding should not prevent people from seeking (assisted reproduction)."

With files from The Medical Post. Copyright www.macleans.ca

"Observance Calls Attention To Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol, Pregnancy" - Article

2006-09-13T03:04:00.000-07:00

Members of the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission Inc. (FCDAC) and local city and county officials showed their support Tuesday in raising awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Deanna Sherbondy, FCDAC executive director, said every year international Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is observed on the 9th minute of the 9th hour of the 9th day of the 9th month, reminding women around the world that during the 9 months of pregnancy they should abstain from alcohol.

Fayette County Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink, chairman, read a proclamation and said that proclamations have been issued in counties, states, provinces and towns all around the world this month.

"Over 10,000 babies are born in the United States every day," she said. "Of those babies, one will be born HIV positive, 10 will be born with Down Syndrome, 20 of the babies will be born with FASD and 100 of the babies will be born with alcohol related disorders."
Zimmerlink said in the past 10 years, statistics have shown that women are closing the gender gap when it comes to alcohol consumption. She additionally said that since Sept. 9 fell on a Saturday this year, FCDAC along with other drug and alcohol agencies statewide agreed to participate in the ringing of the bells on Tuesday at county courthouse.

County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites said that the FCDAC does an outstanding job with the resources that they have. He also said that all FASDs are 100 percent preventable if women simply don't drink alcohol while they are pregnant.

Uniontown Mayor James Sileo reiterated what the other members of the group said and told the crowd that individuals with FASD have difficulties with learning, attention, memory and problem solving.

"Children with FASDs are at risk for psychiatric problems, criminal behavior, unemployment, and incomplete education," he said. "These are secondary conditions that an individual is not born with but might acquire as a result of FASD or a related disorder."

Joseph Augustine, FCDAC community relation's coordinator, said a new program, Underage Curriculum for Adolescent Needs (UCAN), will assist adolescents in re-evaluating their decision to turn to alcohol, drugs and/or tobacco at such an early and illegal age.

"The five-day prevention program will identify effective ways to reduce substance abuse problems among young people," said Charlie Wortman, FCDAC treatment program manager.

Wortman said the same question is asked over and over again: Why do adolescents use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco knowing that it is illegal and unhealthy?

"One reason often heard from adolescents using these substances is that they do them to feel good," he said. "Many adolescents consider this type of usage as recreational while others want to change their situation. If they are depressed, they want to become happy. If they are stressed or nervous, they want to relax."

FCDAC treatment specialist Janine Pacelli explained that UCAN offers a caring hand by enhancing personal wellness and promoting substance free living.

"The UCAN program will achieve the mission of empowering adolescents to live a substance free lifestyle by training them how to access prevention educational materials and programs with the ability to have the preventative skills necessary to live a substance free lifestyle," she said.

Pacelli said the five-day program would accept referrals from concerned parents, district justices, self-referrals, youth ministries, Children and Yough Services, Juvenile Probation and also from the Student Assistant Program available through area school districts.

Some of the topics presented in the program are making the right choices, peer and social pressures, consequences of usage, usage impact on the family and problem solving.

For more information on any of the programs offered by FCDAC, call 724-438-3576 or 1-800-856-3576. Additional information on programs is available by visiting the Web site www.fcdaa.org.

©The Herald Standard 2006

"New Clue to Pregnancy Complication Researchers Find Rise in 2 Blood Proteins Precede Preeclampsia"- Article

2006-09-12T00:27:00.000-07:00

A marked rise in two blood proteins may predict preeclampsia, a dangerous complication of pregnancy, a new study shows.

If so, it might be possible to design preeclampsia tests and treatment.

Preeclampsia affects 3% to 5% of pregnancies. It's a leading cause of pregnancy complications and preterm birth. It occurs with onset of a sharp rise of high blood pressure and protein leakage in the urine after 20 weeks.

"This finding appears to be an important step in developing a cure for preeclampsia," says Elias Zerhouni, MD, director of the National Institutes of Health, in an NIH news release.

The NIH-funded study appears in The New England Journal of Medicine, along with a separate editorial.

It's too soon to know if the proteins cause preeclampsia, the editorialists caution. "Nevertheless, these findings are exciting," they write.

Protein Clues

The study's researchers included Richard Levine, MD, MPH, from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which is part of NIH.

Levine and colleagues studied data on 552 pregnant women, divided into five categories:

72 had preeclampsia before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
120 had preeclampsia at or after 37 weeks of pregnancy.
120 had gestational hypertension (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure).
120 had normal blood pressure but had babies small for gestational age.
120 had normal blood pressure and had babies that weren't small for gestational age.

Levine's team checked the women's blood levels of two proteins: soluble endoglin and sFlt1.

Tests showed a marked rise in blood levels of those proteins two to three months prior to a preeclampsia diagnosis (the rise in sFlt1 was related to a drop in another protein, PlGF, which the researchers looked at as a ratio of sFlt1 to PlGF).

Rising levels of both endoglin and the ratio of sFlt1 to PlGF appeared to be important.

An increase in only one of the markers wasn't a strong preeclampsia predictor. But "among women with high levels of both, the risk of preeclampsia was high," the researchers write.

Predicting Preeclampsia

It might be possible to create blood tests, based on those two proteins, that predict preeclampsia, Levine's team writes.

Treatments might also follow.

"We've found specific molecules that appear to be causing the clinical signs of preeclampsia and so now we have an idea which molecules we would need to interfere with to treat the disease," Levine says, in a NICHD news release.

The editorialists aren't so sure the study proves the proteins cause preeclampsia. "The conclusions on causality seem ambitious," they write.

The editorialists included Marshall Lindheimer, MD, of the University of Chicago's departments of obstetrics, gynecology, and medicine.

"There are still unknowns," Lindheimer and colleagues write. "But we can now confidently state that a disorder once considered a mysterious disease is sufficiently understood to permit mechanistically rational studies of its prediction, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment."

SOURCES: Levine, R. The New England Journal of Medicine, Sept. 7, 2006; vol 355: pp 992-1005. Lindheimer, M. The New England Journal of Medicine, Sept. 7, 2006; vol 355: pp 1056-1058. News release, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health.

"Calcium supplements can reduce complications during pregnancy" -Article

2006-09-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

Preeclampsia, the development of high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy and its more severe complications such as eclampsia, can threaten the lives of both mother and child. While there is no therapy to prevent preeclampsia, a link to calcium deficiency has been suggested.

A study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, investigated whether a Calcium supplement could reduce the complications and mortality from preeclampsia.
Over 8300 women with low dietary calcium ( <600 mg/day, about half of that recommended during pregnancy ) were selected for the study.
The subjects were randomly divided into two groups that had similar gestational ages, demographic characteristics, and normal blood pressures before treatment started.
Half were given 1.5g of a Calcium supplement per day and half received a placebo.

While the incidence of preeclampsia was not statistically different in the supplemented women, eclampsia, other severe complications and severe gestational hypertension were significantly lower. Overall, the " severe preeclamptic complications index " and the " severe maternal morbidity and mortality index, " including all severe conditions, were also reduced with Calcium.

Preterm and early preterm delivery ( <32 weeks ) tended to be reduced among women who were at highest risk for low calcium and complications. It is very important to note that neonatal mortality was also lower in the Calcium group.

Writing in the article, Jose Villar, states, " This large randomized trial in populations with low calcium intake demonstrates that while supplementation with 1.5 gm Calcium/day did not result in a statistically significant decrease in the overall incidence of preeclampsia, Calcium significantly decreased the risk of its more serious complications, including maternal and severe neonatal morbidity and mortality, as well as preterm delivery, the latter among young women."

Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2006

XagenaMedicine2006

"Excess weight gain during pregnancy bad for baby"- Article

2006-09-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Weight gain above guidelines during pregnancy is common, according to researchers, and infants born to women with high weight gain tend to have worse outcomes.

Dr. Naomi E. Stotland, of the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues examined the association between weight gain during pregnancy and adverse outcomes among 20,465 full-term infants for 20,465 single births. None of the infants were from multiple births.

Mothers' weight gain during pregnancy was categorized using the Institute of Medicine guidelines, as well as by extremes of weight gain, either less than 15.4 lbs. or greater than 39.6 lbs. The authors' findings appear in the September issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Overall, 43.3 percent of the women had weight gain above the Institute of Medicine guidelines and 20.1 percent had weight gain below the guidelines. Twenty-nine percent of women gained more than 39.6 lbs. during pregnancy, and 4.8 percent gained less than 15.4 lbs.

Excessive weight gain was associated with poor Apgar scores, a gauge of how well the baby looks and responds immediately after birth. In addition, excessive weight gain was linked to infant seizures, low blood sugar levels, and a potentially serious breathing condition called meconium aspiration.

Excessive weight gain was also associated with a decreased risk of having a small baby, whereas low weight gain was tied to an increased risk.

Based on the study findings, the researchers recommend that public health efforts emphasize the prevention of excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

SOURCE: Obstetrics and Gynecology, September 2006.

www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com

Pregnancy Article - "Stay fit during pregnancy"

2006-08-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

Pete Estabrooks, For CanWest News Service

Published: Monday, August 28, 2006

Exercise during pregnancy, once considered off limits, is now a valid choice. Mostly, it will appeal to women who relish the idea that they have a say in their physical destiny, pregnant or not.

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT

Women who are already exercising regularly will be pleasantly surprised how much they can safely continue to do, and they will reap all the same rewards of pre-pregnancy fitness and then some.

If you hated exercise prior to becoming pregnant, though, chances are good that having an extra body on board is not exactly going to warm you up to the process.

Conversely, if you are a fitness junkie with a habit for going at it hard, you may hate the fact modification is warranted.

MODIFICATIONS ARE A MUST

Ligaments and joints become more lax and mobile during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, so aggressive stretching, high kicks and hot yoga should be avoided. In the second trimester, lying on your back should be limited or avoided.

PROCEED WITH SOME CAUTION

During the third trimester, alterations in a woman's centre of gravity and balance can compromise moves once done with the strength of a boxer and the grace of a ballerina. It is not something to hate, but something to be aware of as you plan your exercise agenda.

Building a baby is serious work and may call for more of your physical capacity than you might initially assume. For that reason, your physician should be aware of your exercise habits, and her/his approval is required prior to beginning or maintaining a fitness program during pregnancy.

The risks for mom include low blood sugar, fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries, while the baby's risk lies in overheating and mom's decreased uterine blood flow.

It stands to reason all mothers and their respective partners should know that some symptoms call for an immediate cessation of exercise and a doctor's attention. These symptoms include vaginal bleeding, muscle weakness, dizziness, chest pain, amniotic fluid leakage and inability to catch one's breath.

Don't mess around --there are two lives depending on you.

CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL

You need a plan. Remember, this is the baby's room for nine months. How far to push yourself is usually intuitive but if you don't exercise already, it may be a hard concept to grasp.

Your doctor and a professional fitness trainer or physiotherapist can be avenues to figuring out how much exercise is appropriate.

You do need to move on a regular basis.If you are hard core, you need to realize pregnancy is a time to maintain your fitness while sparing the energy necessary to play the creationist role. Everything from breathing to peeing seems to take more out of you, so pace yourself.

Pregnancy has often been compared with a snowflake --every one is different. So tailor your fitness approach to your own goals and lifestyle, just as you would if you were not pregnant.

IT'S WORTH THE EFFORT

The costs associated with inactivity during pregnancy include increased risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension and preterm delivery.

The exercise payoffs are feelings of well-being, stress relief and improved co-ordination. Exercise has been proven to strengthen the body, facilitating an easier labour. And for many active women, exercise lessens some of the discomforts of pregnancy.

In most cases, the costs of doing nothing are far greater than the risks associated with doing something. © The Vancouver Province 2006"

Article- "Pregnancy alert over aspirin"

2006-08-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

By JENNY HOPE

www.dailymail.co.uk

"Taking painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen in the first three months of pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, researchers say.

They discovered that women who use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were more likely to have babies with congenital problems including heart defects.

Although the extra risk was small, the Canadian researchers are calling for more studies, because the over-the-counter drugs are widely used.

In Britain, women who know they are pregnant are advised to avoid these painkillers, because paracetamol is an effective alternative.

Previous research found women taking painkillers of this type are more likely to miscarry, particularly if they took them at the time of conception.

The latest study, published yesterday in the medical journal Birth Defects Research Part B, looked at the effects of the drugs during the first 12 weeks after conception.

A team from St Justine Hospital, Montreal, found the proportion of babies with multiple defects among mothers taking the drugs early in pregnancy was 16 per cent, compared with 14 per cent of those who did not.

Claire Friars, of the baby charity Tommy's, said: "Women should always discuss any current or future medication, including over-the-counter products, with their GP."

Article- "Common relaxation technique touches many aspects of pregnancy"

2006-08-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

Story by Jessica Lovell (Contact)

"When Beatrice Gilbert’s first daughter was born, she arrived early. Now pregnant again, Beatrice is hoping to prevent that.

She’s part of a study at the University of Miami’s touch research institutes to see if massage can reach out and touch before a child is born.

"We have found in two studies now that we've published that we can basically reduce the premature rate to zero by having women massaged during pregnancy," said Tiffany Field, Director of Touch Research Institutes.

"It not only helps me with you know my pregnancy, it helps me with life, with having to go to work, having to you know have time for my daughter and you know with the father of my children. It helped me in more ways than i ever could have imagined," said Gilbert.

Other new discoveries: massage can boost the natural killer cells that can help women fight breast cancer. It’s also proven to be helpful in overcoming eating disorders.

"It has very strong affects on the immune system, so that people who get a good dose of touch are going to be healthier. They’re also going to be less stressed, they're also going to be less depressed because of all the chemical and physiological reactions that occur," said Field.

Another surprise, studies show the massage giver may benefit just as much as the receiver.

"I think the power of touch is definitely underestimated," said Field.

Which makes getting the word out about massage all the more rewarding.

For more infomation on the study, visit the Touch Research Institutes's website."

Article- "Pregnancy Depression Often Overlooked"

2006-08-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Depression Often Overlooked
Ivanhoe Newswire

-- Depression during pregnancy can contribute to prematurity and low birth weight in infants. A new study reveals that, while two in 10 pregnant women are depressed, most of those women will not be treated.

Severe depression during pregnancy can interfere with a woman's ability to eat properly, get enough rest, or receive pre-natal care -- all of which can negatively impact the baby's and the mother's health.

Researchers at the University of Michigan Depression Center in Ann Arbor report some women do not seek treatment for depression because they believe the feelings are normal during pregnancy. Even the women who do seek treatment, report the researchers, are not getting the full psychological and medical intervention they need.

Researchers surveyed pregnant women to assess their levels of depression. Of the 1,837 women, 276 were found to have serious depression. Only one in three of these women were being treated for their depression.

Study investigators report no significant differences among women of different races, ethnicities, employment situations, education levels, marital status, or parental situation.

The following signs may indicate symptoms of depression:

Two or more weeks of a depressed mood
Decreased interest in activities
Change in appetite
Change in sleep patterns
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Excessive feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Thoughts of suicide
Extreme irritability

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: General Hospital Psychiatry, 2006;28:289-296"

Study: Anti-depressants Have Negative Effect On Babies

2006-08-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Now here is another article I thought you might like to read.

Cheers,
Sally Aubrey

www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com

Study: Anti-depressants Have Negative Effect On Babies

August 27, 2006 12:00 p.m. EST

Megan Shannon - All Headline News Staff Writer

(AHN) - It may no longer be a good idea to take anti-depressants when pregnant, said a new Canadian study.

Researchers found that babies born to mothers taking a new kind of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI are more likely to have a lower birth weight and experience respiratory distress. This contradicts the belief that treating depressed mothers-to-be lessens the negative neonatal consequences of mental depression.

Researchers studied the population data of 120,000 births between 1998 and 2001 and found that 14 percent of the mothers were diagnosed with depression. They then compared the data of those mothers treated with SSRI to those who were not.

More than 13 percent of the 1,451 mothers treated with the drug had babies who stayed in the hospital longer after birth compared to only 7.8 percent of those who were not treated with the drug. The babies exposed to SSRI also had significantly lower birth weights and gestational ages than those who were not.

Lead investigator Dr. Tim F. Oberlander told Reuters, "While our study may add another cautionary note to the use of SSRI medications during pregnancy, the use of antidepressants must be weighed against the risks of untreated or under treated disease ... and thus the decision should be made by an informed patient with her physician on a case-by-case basis."

Copyright © All Headline News

Vitamins May Reduce Pregnancy Health Risk

2006-08-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

"Vitamins may reduce pregnancy health risk

By Jia-Rui Chong

Los Angeles Times

Taking multivitamins around the time of conception dramatically reduces a woman's risk of preeclampsia, a complication during pregnancy that can be lethal to a woman and her baby, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh report.

Women who took multivitamins at least once a week three months before the start of pregnancy and three months after were 45 percent less likely to develop preeclampsia compared with women who did not take the supplements, the study found.

Previous preeclampsia studies have largely focused on vitamin use after the first trimester of pregnancy and have found little benefit.

The new study, which is scheduled to be published in the September issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, underscores the oft-repeated message from doctors that women thinking of getting pregnant should be vigilant about their health.

"While we don't know what causes preeclampsia, we do know that maintaining ideal body weight, regular exercise and good nutritional habits are going to at least stack the deck in your favor," said Dr. John T. Repke, chairman of Pennsylvania State University's department of obstetrics and gynecology who was not involved in the research.

Preeclampsia is a condition in which blood vessels in the womb constrict, cutting off blood and oxygen to the fetus. It occurs in late pregnancy and causes increased blood pressure in the mother.

It kills about 76,000 women and fetuses a year worldwide. In the United States, it occurs in about 8 percent of pregnancies and accounts for 15 percent of premature births.

Currently, the only effective treatment for preeclampsia is to induce labor, said lead author Lisa Bodnar, a nutritionist and epidemiologist at the University of Pittsburgh.

Bodnar and colleagues theorized that improving the mother's nutrition early on could improve the development of the placenta and the network of blood vessels connecting the mother to the fetus.

The group monitored 1,835 women from 1997 to 2001. Overall, 4 percent of the women developed preeclampsia.

Slightly less than half of the women reported taking multivitamins, which included vitamins A, C, D and E, folic acid, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and copper.

Women who took the multivitamins and maintained a normal body weight saw the biggest reduction — about 72 percent — in their risk of developing preeclampsia.

I thought you might like this article, I thought it was quite useful.

Best wishes,
Sally Aubrey

www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com

Food, Weight & Pregnancy

2006-08-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

I found these fanatstic articles from Susanne Myers and I thought you might like them.
Enjoy!

-Sally Aubrey

"Managing Morning sickness

You are 2 months pregnant and your morning sickness is raging at full force. You know you need to be taking your prenatal vitamins to keep your developing baby healthy and give your own body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy during this pregnancy. At the same time, simply the thought of having to swallow the vitamin pill is enough to turn your face green.

Why Do Prenatal Vitamins Make You Sick?

Prenatal Vitamins contain fairly large amounts of iron and folic acid, both of which tend to make you sick to your stomach.

During your pregnancy, you body’s blood volume increases by about one third. Your body needs the extra iron in the blood production. Without it you would feel even more tired and lethargic than you already are.

The extra folic acid is included in the prenatal vitamin to protect your unborn baby. Folic acid has shown to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

Making The Vitamins Easier On Your Stomach.

Now that you know why your prenatal vitamins are making you sick and also realized that they are important for the health and wellbeing of both yourself and you unborn baby, let’s take a look at what you can do to make the vitamins a little easier on your stomach.

Always take your prenatal vitamins with some food. Take them with a large meal or eat at least a small snack that includes some form of protein with them. Drinking a glass of water in addition to the food helps as well. Whatever you do, never take them on an empty stomach, especially not first thing in the morning when you are most prone to morning sickness.

If you are having a hard time keeping your vitamins down in the morning, consider taking them right before bedtime instead. Eat a small snack like a bowl of cereal or some crackers with cheese and take your prenatal vitamins right before you go to sleep. The food will help keep you from getting sick and with a little luck you will be asleep before you start getting nauseous.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy Is Essential

No woman should ever severely restrict food during her pregnancy, no matter how much she weighs when she gets pregnant. All obstetricians recommend that a woman gain at least 20 pounds during her pregnancy, even if she weighs 300 pounds. Several studies have shown that babies that are small because they are deprived of food in the uterus are the ones most likely to die in infancy or to suffer heart attacks later in life.

Starvation in the uterus shunts blood to the baby's brain and away from the other organs, causing it to be born with small liver, pancreas, kidneys and other organs. When they eat normal amounts of food as adults, they have higher than normal levels of hormones. Their small livers cannot remove insulin after meals, causing high insulin levels that constrict arteries and cause heart attacks. Their small kidneys release chemicals into the bloodstream that constrict arteries to cause high blood pressure and strokes. The studies were done on people born during famines; they show that no woman should intentionally restrict calories while she is pregnant.

The foods you choose are even more important than your amount of weight gain. Be sure to eat plenty of whole grains, beans, nuts and other seeds, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Cut back on refined carbohydrates (white flour, white rice or milled corn, all added sugars); restrict added fats, and avoid partially hydrogenated oils."

No Guarantee

2006-07-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

One thing I simply must say and disagree with the heavy emphasis and pressure on pregnant women to expect she is going to get a baby just because she is pregnant. The thing that as women and as a society we must realise is that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in tears (miscarriage) and that just because you are pregnant does not mean that baby will be healthy or even survive. I really do not know why we are not more prepared for other outcomes.

And why does no one talk about miscarriage and pregnancy loss away from the topic of pregnancy? It is like it must not be spoken about and it is a very hush-hush topic. My friend said she had a miscarriage and I didn't even know about it. She hid her feelings of pain from all her friends, not just me, and I did not find out till two years later.

So why is this? Why, as women, so we feel the need to keep this intensely private? Is it because its "secret womens business"? Or is it something else? If we talked about it more openly then perhaps women who do suffer from miscarriage would not feel so alone when it happens to them.

And this is not just forecasting a story of doom, its really being realistic. When you get pregnant the chances of success on a good day is only 75%, and even then you have never any guarantees of the pregnancy being successful.

I love eveything about babies, pregnancy and children as much as the next woman but I've also suffered a miscarriage that broke my heart into several peices. So I don't understand why there is such heavy emphasis on being pregnant means success. Sadly it does not. This is why it is so important to realise that being pregnancy does not always result in a child and we need to speak more openly about this.

The Doctors who helped me write this book "Amazing Pregnancy Secrets" (Dr Peter Lucas, Miwdwife Robyn Thomnpson, Dr Karen Lucas, Dr Rebecca Zsabo) told me this: There are about 4.4 million confirmed pregnancies in the U.S. every year. 900,000 to 1 million of those end in pregnancy losses EVERY year. More than 500,000 pregnancies each year end in miscarriage (occurring during the first 20 weeks). Approximately 26,000 end in stillbirth (considered stillbirth after 20 weeks) . These statistics were confirmed at http://www.hopexchange.com/Statistics.htm

So if a woman is pregnant for the first time I think its important that she knows the reality of things and not only is she intellectually prepared if she losses the child, but understands that being pregnant is not a gaurantee of a child.

We really need to create more awareness in our society about this devastating occurance and help women who have experienced it gain confidence and heal again. So if you are pregnant just wait till the first trimester is over before you start buying baby things.

My best wishes to you,

Sally

Pregnancy Article From the Mayo Clinic

2006-07-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

Pregnacy is amazing- it really never ceases to amaze me what goes on in a womans body. I found a great article for you to read from The Mayo Clinic this week.
Enjoy!

Sally Aubrey.
www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com

Fetal development: What happens during the first trimester?

Do you wonder how your baby is growing and developing? Check out this weekly calendar of events for your baby's first three months in the womb.

You're pregnant. Congratulations! You'll undoubtedly spend the months ahead wondering how your baby is growing and developing. What does your baby look like? How big is he or she? When will you hear the heartbeat?

To help answer some of these questions, check out this weekly calendar of events for your baby's first three months in the womb.

Week 1: Getting ready

It may seem strange, but you're not actually pregnant the first week or two of the time allotted to your pregnancy. Yes, you read that correctly!

Conception typically occurs about two weeks after your period begins. To calculate your due date, your health care provider will count ahead 40 weeks from the start of your last period. This means your period is counted as part of your pregnancy — even though you weren't pregnant at the time.

Week 2: Fertilization

The sperm and egg unite in the fallopian tube to form a one-celled entity called a zygote. If more than one egg is released and fertilized, you may have multiple zygotes.

The zygote has 46 chromosomes — 23 from you and 23 from your partner. These chromosomes contain genetic material that will determine your baby's sex and traits such as eye color, hair color, height, facial features and — at least to some extent — intelligence and personality.

Soon after fertilization, the zygote will travel down one of your fallopian tubes toward the uterus. At the same time, it will begin dividing rapidly to form a cluster of cells resembling a tiny raspberry. The inner group of cells will become the embryo. The outer group of cells will become the membranes that nourish and protect it.

Week 3: Implantation

The zygote — by this time made up of about 500 cells — is now known as a blastocyst. When it reaches your uterus, the blastocyst will burrow into the uterine wall for nourishment. The placenta, which will nourish your baby throughout the pregnancy, also begins to form.

By the end of this week, you may be celebrating a positive pregnancy test.

Week 4: The embryonic period begins

The fourth week marks the beginning of the embryonic period, when the baby's brain, spinal cord, heart and other organs begin to form. Your baby is now 1/25 of an inch long.

The embryo is now made of three layers. The top layer — the ectoderm — will give rise to a groove along the midline of your baby's body. This will become the neural tube, where your baby's brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves and backbone will develop.

Your baby's heart and a primitive circulatory system will form in the middle layer of cells — the mesoderm. This layer of cells will also serve as the foundation for your baby's bones, muscles, kidneys and much of the reproductive system.

The inner layer of cells — the endoderm — will become a simple tube lined with mucous membranes. Your baby's lungs, intestines and bladder will develop here.

Week 5: Baby's heart begins to beat

Your baby at week 5 (three weeks from conception)

At week five, your baby is 1/17 of an inch long — about the size of the tip of a pen.

This week, your baby's heart and circulatory system are taking shape. Your baby's blood vessels will complete a circuit, and his or her heart will begin to beat. Although you won't be able to hear it yet, the motion of your baby's beating heart may be detected with an ultrasound exam.

With these changes, circulation begins — making the circulatory system the first functioning organ system.

Week 6: The neural tube closes

Your baby at week 6 (four weeks from conception)

Growth is rapid this week. Just four weeks after conception, your baby is about 1/8 of an inch long. The neural tube along your baby's back is now closed, and your baby's heart is beating with a regular rhythm.

Basic facial features will begin to appear, including an opening for the mouth and passageways that will make up the inner ear. The digestive and respiratory systems begin to form as well.

Small blocks of tissue that will form your baby's connective tissue, ribs and muscles are developing along your baby's midline. Small buds will soon grow into arms and legs.

Week 7: The umbilical cord appears

Your baby at week 7 (five weeks from conception)

Seven weeks into your pregnancy, your baby is 1/3 of an inch long — a little bigger than the top of a pencil eraser. He or she weighs less than an aspirin tablet.

The umbilical cord — the link between your baby and the placenta — is now clearly visible. The cavities and passages needed to circulate spinal fluid in your baby's brain have formed, but your baby's skull is still transparent.

The arm bud that sprouted last week now resembles a tiny paddle. Your baby's face takes on more definition this week, as a mouth perforation, tiny nostrils and ear indentations become visible.

Week 8: Baby's fingers and toes form

Eight weeks into your pregnancy, your baby is just over 1/2 of an inch long.

Your baby will develop webbed fingers and toes this week. Wrists, elbows and ankles are clearly visible, and your baby's eyelids are beginning to form. The ears, upper lip and tip of the nose also become recognizable.

As your baby's heart becomes more fully developed, it will pump at 150 beats a minute — about twice the usual adult rate.

Week 9: Movement begins

Your baby at week 9 (seven weeks from conception)

Your baby is now nearly 1 inch long and weighs a bit less than 1/8 of an ounce. The embryonic tail at the bottom of your baby's spinal cord is shrinking, helping him or her look less like a tadpole and more like a developing person.

Your baby's head — which is nearly half the size of his or her entire body — is now tucked down onto the chest. Nipples and hair follicles begin to form. Your baby's pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder and anus are in place. The internal reproductive organs, such as testes or ovaries, start to develop.

Your baby may begin moving this week, but you won't be able to feel for it quite a while yet.

Week 10: Neurons multiply

Your baby at week 10 (eight weeks from conception)

By now, your baby's vital organs have a solid foundation. The embryonic tail has disappeared completely, and your baby has fully separated fingers and toes. The bones of your baby's skeleton begin to form.

This week, your baby's brain will produce almost 250,000 new neurons every minute.

Your baby's eyelids are no longer transparent. The outer ears are starting to assume their final form, and tooth buds are forming as well. If your baby is a boy, his testes will start producing the male hormone testosterone.

Week 11: Baby's sex may be apparent

Your baby at week 11 (nine weeks from conception)

From now until your 20th week of pregnancy — the halfway mark — your baby will increase his or her weight 30 times and will about triple in length. To make sure your baby gets enough nutrients, the blood vessels in your placenta are growing larger and multiplying.

Your baby is now officially described as a fetus. Your baby's ears are moving up and to the side of the head this week. By the end of the week, your baby's external genitalia will develop into a recognizable penis or clitoris and labia majora.

Week 12: Baby's fingernails and toenails appear

Twelve weeks into your pregnancy, your baby is nearly 3 inches long and weighs about 4/5 of an ounce.

This week marks the arrival of fingernails and toenails. Your baby's chin and nose will become more refined as well.

Taking care of your baby

Healthy lifestyle choices — beginning even before conception — can support your baby's development. Consider these simple do's and don'ts:

Do:

Take a prenatal vitamin or folic acid supplement.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise regularly, with your health care provider's OK.
Eat healthfully.
Manage stress and any chronic health conditions.
See your health care provider for regular prenatal checkups.
Talk to your health care provider about any medications you're taking.

Don't:

Smoke.
Drink alcohol.
Use recreational drugs.

Your baby is growing and changing every day. To give your baby the best start, take good care of yourself.

This article found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prenatal-care/PR00112

Welcome To Sallys Pregnancy Blog

2006-07-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hi and welcome to my pregnancy blog. Its great to have you here. Over the next few months I will be posting some of the replies to the multitude of questions I get asked about pregnancy.

I will list the answers to questions about the juicy stuff such as signs and symptoms of pregnancy, pregnancy week by week, the body changes in the first trimester, second trimester and third will also list the responses of Doctors advice VS the Naturopath advice; which one's accurate. (Believe me they can conflict, leaving you totally confused about what to do.)

In case you are wondering how I know all this stuff, I'm not a Doctor so please refer to the professional advice of your GP. I am a woman who has first hand experience in pregnancy and what it takes to have a healthy, successful one. I have gotten ALL my information from the medical and natural health professions incase you are wondering.

Due to not being able to get a straight answer from some health practitioners and websites I decided that I would go straight to the experiened experts;

Obstetricians,
General Practitioners,
Midwives,
MD's,
Naturopaths
Massage Therapists doing pregnancy massage
Nurses
Chinese Doctors

Finally I got the RIGHT advice.

So now after many interveiws with top people in the field of pregnancy and pre-natal & post natal care I have compiled all this information into my new ebook.

Also I have compiled all the information about where you can get the best deals on maternity wear, save a stack of cash on baby products, and how you can decorate the nursery for under $500 and have it looking brand new. (Lets face it baby stuff can get costly after a while.) (I've put this to the test, you can see photos of how great it looks and I spent $480 and have everything I need.)

I found it would be better for women to have one resource guide that was based on scientific fact direct from the people who treat pregnant women every day. I found that lots of peoples opinions about things was not helping me make the best choices for my own pregnancy. I'm not talking about getting great support online, I'm talking about inaccurate information that leaves you feeling confused and wondering if whaty you are doing is right.

And after a year of research I found that there is a lot of myths about getting pregnant, maintaining a healthy pregnancy and having a healthy baby.

My book completely dispells those myths. Now, finally you will have access to the information about pregnancy from the top experts in my book.

Also I am putting the final touches on it over the next month, so if you want to ask me something about it, please email me at sally@amazingpregnancysecrets.com and as a thanks for helping me gather more great content about it, I will send you the book when its complete :)

Sally Aubrey

http://www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com

You can also read my baby showers blog at www.successfulbabyshowers.blogspot.com. That book will be available in September.

Sallys Pregnancy Secrets

Weight Gain is Not a Concern Just For Overweight Women.

ALCOHOL RISK TO BABIES

Weight Gain Can Cause Health Challenges For Second Pregnancies- By Sally Aubrey

Pregnancy Bleeding Misunderstood: Expert

Protein imbalance can predict pregnancy disorder

Drug Induced Labor Raises Risk Of Amniotic-fluid Embolism

Amniotic-fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, but potentially fatal syndrome during childbirth. According to a study published in The Lancet, women whose labors are drug-induced are twice as likely to experience this complication.

Study: Pregnancy Hormone Increases Brain Injury Recovery

Acne - How to Treat Acne During Pregnancy?

Study Yields Clues to Cerebral Palsy

6 Hidden Home Hazards During Pregnancy

Nutrients Essential to Prenatal Development

Omega-3 least known of pregnancy “Big 3”

9 sign & symptoms of twin pregnancy

Cigarette Smoke to Prevent Pregnancy Complication

A potentially poisonous gas found in cigarette smoke could prevent pre-eclampsia.

Miscarriage- The "Unacceptable" Grief

Study focuses on pre-pregnancy health

"Placental problem more likely with test-tube pregnancy"- Article

"Observance Calls Attention To Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol, Pregnancy" - Article

"New Clue to Pregnancy Complication Researchers Find Rise in 2 Blood Proteins Precede Preeclampsia"- Article

"Calcium supplements can reduce complications during pregnancy" -Article

"Excess weight gain during pregnancy bad for baby"- Article

www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com

Pregnancy Article - "Stay fit during pregnancy"

"Baby on board: Stay fit during pregnancy

Consult your doctor, watch for warning signs

Pete Estabrooks, For CanWest News Service

Article- "Pregnancy alert over aspirin"

Article- "Common relaxation technique touches many aspects of pregnancy"

Article- "Pregnancy Depression Often Overlooked"

Study: Anti-depressants Have Negative Effect On Babies

Vitamins May Reduce Pregnancy Health Risk

"Vitamins may reduce pregnancy health risk

Food, Weight & Pregnancy

No Guarantee

Pregnancy Article From the Mayo Clinic

Fetal development: What happens during the first trimester?

Do you wonder how your baby is growing and developing? Check out this weekly calendar of events for your baby's first three months in the womb.

Week 1: Getting ready

Week 2: Fertilization

Week 3: Implantation

Week 4: The embryonic period begins

Week 5: Baby's heart begins to beat

Week 6: The neural tube closes

Week 7: The umbilical cord appears

Week 8: Baby's fingers and toes form

Week 9: Movement begins

Week 10: Neurons multiply

Week 11: Baby's sex may be apparent

Week 12: Baby's fingernails and toenails appear

Taking care of your baby

Welcome To Sallys Pregnancy Blog