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Latest news on pregnancy and childbirth

Jan 012016

Health experts are working unceasingly to prevent complications that may evolve during pregnancies. The changed lifestyles, in most cases undisciplined lifestyles, environmental pollution, exposure to toxins and several other factors are now responsible for jeopardizing a pregnancy. Some of the latest findings in this field make an attempt to minimize the barriers of pregnancy. Highlighted below are some of the current pregnancy and childbirth related news.

Preeclampsia, a condition that happens in pregnancy can put an abrupt end to a successful gestation. Latest findings recommend the use of low-dose aspirin given to women suffering from diabetes and chronic hypertension and in women who are dealing with problems like obesity, multiple gestation and advanced maternal age as a preventive measure. Preeclampsia is responsible for one in seven preterm births and one in ten maternal deaths in the U.S. With the administration of a low dose aspirin the complication may well be regulated. Its always advisable to get in touch with your Ob/Gyn in case of any doubts.

In yet another breakthrough, research confirmed women having elevated levels of testosterone and estrogen in their middle ages are at a higher risk of developing complications like uterine fibroids. This is particularly evident in women who are overweight. Uterine fibroids are responsible for irregular bleeding, infertility pelvic pain and pregnancy loss. This study was conducted for a period of 13 years among 3,240 women. 43.6% of these women completed the regular follow-ups. The subjects in this study which was conducted in the city of Philadelphia, were regularly evaluated for their estrogen and androgen levels. These women were also inquired about being diagnosed by uterine fibroids. A major section of the women confirmed of being diagnosed with fibroids. This latest finding is being considered important since testosterone was never thought to be the root cause of this problem. Health experts believe this new finding will enable new ways to manage and treat uterine fibroids.

Pregnancy complications are rising alarmingly. This can be taxing for the women who might not be able to deliver a child ultimately. To make matters worse, a recent study has established pregnancy complications can be linked from dying of heart disease at a later point of time. This risk is particularly elevated for those who were dealing with a specific health problem during the gestation period. The study indicates women before the age of 60 have twice or thrice the risk of developing a hazardous cardiovascular disorder if preeclampsia was diagnosed in the later stage of pregnancy. The said risk becomes six times higher when women develop preeclampsia rather early in the gestation period. Around 15,000 women were analyzed for this study. The women who had no complications were safe while 31 percent of these women experienced a single complication and about 5 percent had recurrent complications.

These findings introduce us to potential remedies and dangers during pregnancies. However, this is clearly understood that women should remain in their optimum health to ensure a safe pregnancy. A disciplined lifestyle, healthy eating habits, involving in moderate workouts and remaining stress-free are some of the simple steps that can be adapted to inhibit the unsolicited risks of pregnancy.

Autism linked to antidepressant use by pregnant mothers

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Dec 292015

Health care professionals advise pregnant women to remain stress or depression-free during the pregnancy period. According to the latest study, the importance of this statement has been amply justified. Stress, as we all know has affected millions of people worldwide. Even pregnant women are unable to overcome their stress. As a result, they have to take antidepressants. The study confirms, women who took antidepressants during their second and third trimesters increased the risk of getting autism.

The recent findings according to experts has enough evidence that links the use of such medications in pregnancy leading to negative consequences for the unborn child. Records of 145,456 newborn children were taken into account. These children were studied for six years. The researchers checked the medical records for a minimum period of one year of the mothers of these children prior to their birth. The results concluded 0.7% of 1054 of these children were diagnosed with autism. 2,352 children whose mothers were on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRIs during the second and third trimesters 1.2% were diagnosed with autism. Another 1% of those babies whose mothers took SSRIs during the first trimester were prone to autism.

Additionally, the study also compared the likelihood of developing autism for the babies born to women having a history of depression to those who took antidepressants during the entire period of pregnancy. The findings indicate mothers who took such medications would increase the risk of autism development to about 75% compared to those mothers who only had a history of depression.

The dominance of autism has significantly increased in the last 15 years. Autism, a neurodevelopment disorder severely impacts the cognitive abilities of a child. 1 out of every 68 children is affected by autism presently. The higher use of antidepressants by women during their pregnancy has only complicated this issue further.

This has raised concerns about the way depression is treated. Health care professionals suggest women who have mild to moderate depression can be treated differently without the use of antidepressants. Psychological therapies and exercises can also help women overcome their depression; this also safeguards the unborn child against autism development at a later stage in their life.

After this study reports were published another pediatric health care institutions have expressed warnings about weighing the associated risks, like untreated depression can lead to impaired development, pre-term birth or low birth weights. A quick fix to this issue is being desperately sought.

Pregnancy- overview

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Dec 252015

Pregnancy also referred as gestation or gravidity, is the period when one or more offspring develops inside a woman’s body. The offspring is also referred as fetus or embryo. Some women have a multiple pregnancy, i.e. when more than one embryo is present in a single pregnancy, such as twins. The ideal time of childbirth is considered after 38 weeks of conceiving the pregnancy; this is calculated from the beginning of the last menstrual period (LMNP). According to expert gynecologists, most pregnancies range within 37 to 42 weeks. The time can vary from one woman to the other. Childbirth before 37 weeks is considered pre-term and those born after 43 weeks are considered postmature. With the help of medical advancements even infertile couples are achieving success presently.

It is important to understand the symptoms of pregnancy initially. These symptoms can vary from woman to woman. However, the most common symptom signaling pregnancy would e a missed period. Generally, the symptoms should be visible within a week of conception. Some other common signs of pregnancy include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, tenderness in the breasts, recurrent urge to urinate, headaches, mood swings, and constipation. As mentioned earlier, a woman can also be pregnant without experiencing any of these symptoms.

A pregnancy test will confirm the pregnancy. This is done by evaluating a hormone in the urine or blood that is only present when a woman is pregnant. The pregnancy urine test can be performed at home with the help of kits while the blood work can be performed at the doctor’s clinic. When pregnancy is confirmed the woman will schedule her first visit to the ob-gyn’s office. The entire duration of pregnancy is divided in three trimesters, which last about 12-14 weeks each. The gynecologist will also introduce the woman to the pregnancy due date calculator, which helps her estimate the time when to expect the baby. In all these three trimesters, the woman undergoes a series of physical and emotional changes which make them unique.

Unfortunately, not all pregnancies end positively. Complications can occur during any of the three trimesters. Thus, it is important for the woman to be constantly monitored by the ob-gyn specialist during the entire gestation period. Issues like miscarriage, premature labor, and birth, preeclampsia, low amniotic fluid, gestational diabetes, ectopic pregnancy are some of the issues that can bring an abrupt end to the pregnancy. Additionally, women who have health problems such as Anemia, Constipation, Genital infections, Cramps, Hemorrhoids, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Hypotension (low blood pressure), Gum disease, Swollen ankles, feet, fingers, Nausea and vomiting, Urinary tract infections, Heartburn and Moodiness should discuss it with the ob-gyn specialist to ensure the pregnancy is properly maintained. Also if you do not eat fish, it would be a good idea to have omega-3 supplements during pregnancy.

Gestation is considered a wonderful period in the life of a woman. Therefore, she needs to do the needful to avoid being stressed or carrying unnecessary fears about the outcome. The family members also need to support her during the entire pregnancy period. A woman who is happy, maintains a perfect weight, takes a balanced diet, does moderate exercising makes the pregnancy period smooth.

Some women are not eager to get pregnant. Either they have already given birth to a baby or simply do not want to burden the responsibility of childcare. They usually undergo tubal ligation surgery, a permanent form of sterilization. Later on due to circumstantial or emotional changes they may repent their earlier decision. Pregnancy for them is a distant reality. Thankfully, with the help of tubal reversal surgery they can expect to successfully conceive again. However, for this many factors are considered. Those who are not eligible for getting a tubal reversal surgery will have to look for the other alternative, IVF. Presently, there are millions of couples worldwide who are resorting to alternative ways of pregnancy. IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies have helped them in achieving their goals.

Once a pregnancy is confirmed it is always important to get information about the best ob-gyn specialists. Additionally, the couple should inquire about the facilities available in those clinics. A world-class health care facility would ensure the pregnancy to be successful. Any health related issues that can become a barrier for the pregnancy can be dealt by the experienced intervention of the gynecologist.

Symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy

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Dec 192015

Pregnancy can be a wonderful feeling for a woman. However, certain complications may arise that can affect successful pregnancy. Bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy, for instance, is one such symptom. Statistical data indicates about 30% women experience some sort of spotting or bleeding during early pregnancy. 50% of such cases lead to miscarriages. Again ectopic pregnancies and molar pregnancies can also trigger such symptoms. Bleeding or spotting symptoms, however, do not necessarily confirm a miscarriage in each case.

When women experience such symptoms they should immediately use a pad to understand the amount of bleeding. Experts recommend not using tampons or having an intercourse in such situations. Women should get in touch with their gynecologist without delay. The possible reasons causing bleeding and spotting has already been mentioned above. There might be other conditions responsible for this and these are:

Breakthrough bleeding, this happens due to the covering of the menstrual cycle by the pregnancy hormones. The cycle carries on for an extended duration. Women might presume this as their periods, but it was actually due to breakthrough bleeding.

Implantation bleeding, this usually occurs in between six to twelve days after conceiving. The degree of bleeding and spotting can vary from one woman to the other. Some women will experience light spotting for a few hours while for some this may continue for a few days.

Certain infections in the pelvic cavity or urinary tract can also trigger these symptoms.

Miscarriage is generally the outcome for more than 50% of women who experience bleeding or spotting symptoms. This unfortunate incident generally occurs within the first trimester. Unfortunately, there is no treatment available for miscarriages and it will mean a loss of pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy can occur when the pregnancy has been implanted outside the uterus. There have been reported incidents where pregnancies have occurred in the ovary, cervix or the abdominal area. Whenever the fertilized eggs are blocked by some reason ectopic pregnancies can happen. It is usually very difficult to determine the actual reason for an ectopic pregnancy. When ectopic pregnancy occurs there will be additional symptoms like a decrease in the pregnancy hormone, traumatic pain around the abdominal area, cramps that are many times profound compared to the menstrual cramps, persistent shoulder pain, and constipation.

Molar pregnancies are extremely rare. This happens due to abnormal growth of a tissue in place of the embryo. This condition is also referred as gestational trophoblastic disease. The other symptoms include feeling of vomiting and nausea, hypertension, lack of fetal heartbeat and motility etc. Genetic causes, the unnatural behavior of the placenta are some of the reasons leading to develop molar pregnancies.

In either of these cases, it is important for seeking the help of a gynecologist. Though they may not be able to save the pregnancy yet the life of the woman can be saved. For any woman experiencing either of these issues will find it difficult to cope with the situation. This necessitates the

requirement of early pregnancy tests. An ultrasound pregnancy scan might also be suggested by the gynecologist. For the sake of supporting the mental state of the woman, counseling can also be of great help. If women get themselves informed with all these details they can eliminate the threat of hazardous consequences.

None of the signs and symptoms during the entire course of pregnancy should be ignored. Therefore, every woman should report to their gynecologist specifying their problems however trifle they may appear. Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy does not mean the end of the road for women. The best ob-gyn doctors would always encourage women to instill confidence in them for a successful pregnancy later.

Pregnancy diet and nutrition

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Dec 192015

Once pregnancy is confirmed it brings in unbound joy for a woman. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best phases of womanhood. However, it is important for pregnant women to be more responsible during this period. Particularly, women need to watch their diet and nutrition. For the sake of the fetus developing inside the body, the pregnant woman needs to add more nutritious food in her diet. This is also important since a woman’s body undergoes rapid changes during the entire pregnancy period.

The pregnant mother is the sole source to meet the nutritional demands of the unborn baby. The dietary habits will directly impact the baby’s overall health and well-being. Those women who are prone to poor eating habits will lead to adversity in a successful pregnancy. Poor dietary choices can trigger serious conditions like anemia, preeclampsia, frequent mood swings, tiredness, cramps, and constipation. All these conditions ultimately affect the fetus.

Research has confirmed the diet and nutrition of the mother impacts the physical development, intelligence, and development of the fetus. The pregnancy period is divided into three trimesters. The diet and nutrition will vary as the pregnancy progresses from one trimester to the other. For instance, during the first trimester women do not require to add extra calories to their diet, instead, they need to introduce plenty of high protein, calcium, vitamins, zinc, essential fatty acids, minerals and folic acid in their diets. The role of folic acid during gestation is immensely important. Studies have established folic acid can safeguard from an extreme neurological brain and spinal cord disorders.

With the gradual progression of the pregnancy, women need to increase the protein intake. A pregnant woman would typically require 300 calories more during the last two trimesters of pregnancy. Woman are known to gain weight during this period. Usually, 3-5 pounds are gained in the first few months. During the last six months of pregnancy, women should not gain more than 3 pounds of weight. Since the characteristics of each woman are different the diet and nutritional plan have to be worked out accordingly.

The foods needed to be included by the expectant mothers are wholesome and fresh high-fiber foods, dairy, carrots, and tomatoes, a lot of fresh fruits, nuts such as almonds, leafy vegetables, milk and its variants are the best choices. It is also important for the woman to split the eating period to at least five times daily. It is highly un-recommended to eat heavy meals or take junk foods. Overeating will lead to a sense of discomfort. Again, women in pregnancy should always remain hydrated. By taking plenty of liquids, the toxins of the body get eliminated.

Women can now find all the relevant information regarding their diet and nutritionist from various web resources. Since the pregnancy period of a woman is strictly monitored by a gynecologist, they will be able to recommend the best diet for the woman. If not, they will refer the woman to the best nutritionist. This will ensure a smooth pregnancy from conception till the childbirth.