Prenatal of Vitamins

Erectile Dysfunction and Nutrition - How Vitamins Can Help Boost Sexual Performance

2012-01-16T07:02:00.001-08:00

Erectile Dysfunction does not have to be a life-lengthy sentence. There are countless techniques to improve efficiency, and one way is to make sure you have a healthy eating plan. Consuming the suitable foods will guarantee you get the right nutrients for optimum wellness. Nevertheless if you have a busy lifestyle, and can't always eat nutritious meals, you can often increase your diet regime with vitamin supplements, which can help to boost sexual desire, and combat erectile dysfunction. Here is the run-down on Vitamins A to E, and how every of these can benefit you.

Vitamin A. This is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays critical roles in reproduction. You can get vitamin A by eating sweet potato, carrots, kale, mango, turnips, spinach, romaine lettuce, papaya, red bell pepper, and broccoli.

Vitamin B. B vitamins are a group of water soluble vitamins that are essential for the suitable functioning of practically each and every process in the body, including delivering energy, regulating hormones, retain a healthy nervous system, regulation of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and relieving pressure and anxiety. Although it is probable to get supplements containing all the important B vitamins, the best source of the crucial B vitamins is via a balanced diet plan of meat, seafood, nuts, seeds, grains, fruit and vegetables.

Each specific B vitamin is responsible for distinct functions, and the key ones are covered beneath.

B1-Thiamine. B1 is necessary for maintaining a wholesome nervous method, and for the functioning of critical enzymes that assist the body convert food into fuel. It is regarded an anti-tension vitamin simply because it assists the immune program, and improves the body's ability to endure stressful conditions.

Food sources of B1 incorporate brown rice, peanuts, peas, sea vegetables like dulse flakes and kelp, wheat germ, rice bran and most whole grains

B2-Roboflavin. B2 aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is involved in adrenal gland function, and in the production and regulation of certain hormones. Its role in maintaining an energy provide for the body is important, as it aids convert carbohydrates into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a compound necessary to shop power in muscles. Vitamin B2 also promotes skin, muscle, nerve, heart and eye health, production of red blood cells and antibodies, and absorption or activation of iron, folic acid and Vitamins B1, B3 and B6. Vitamin

B2 is discovered primarily in meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, dairy foods and grain merchandise.

B3-Niacin. Niacin plays an essential function in the manufacture of enzymes, which aid in the metabolism of fats and protein to supply cells with power. It is also crucial for the synthesis of diverse hormones in the body, including the sex hormones, and assists regulate your digestive and nervous method, Niacin is also beneficial in improving circulation and lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

The top dietary sources of vitamin B3 are identified in beets, brewer's yeast, beef liver, beef kidney, fish, salmon, swordfish, tuna, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Bread and cereals are normally fortified with niacin. In addition, foods that include tryptophan, an amino acid the body coverts into niacin, include things like poultry, red meat, eggs, and dairy merchandise.

B5-Pantothenic Acid. B5 plays an critical role in sexual function. When taken with a supplement named choline, it helps the body generate a lot more of a substance known as acetylcholine (also known as Ach). ACh is the neurotransmitter in the brain that transmits sexual signals down the spinal cord and into the nerves that serve the penis. These signals trigger the body's production of nitric oxide, which is important for the dilation of blood vessels in the penis, permitting the penis to come to be engorged with blood. Studies have confirmed that with too tiny ACh, sexual activity decreases.

The most effective sources of B5 are yeast, liver, and eggs. Other great sources are peanuts, mushrooms, split peas, soya beans and soya bean flour.

B6-Pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 is needed for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. It also assists moderate the level of homocysteine, an amino acid typically located in your blood. There is evidence that elevated homocysteine levels increases the danger of heart illness and stroke.

Wonderful sources of vitamin B6 consist of spinach, bell peppers, and turnip greens. Especially fantastic food sources of vitamin B6 incorporate garlic, tuna, cauliflower, mustard greens, banana, celery, cabbage, crimini mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, cod and chard.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, along with vitamin E, beta-carotene, and several other plant-based nutrients. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, which happen naturally when our bodies transform food into power. The develop-up of no cost radicals over time could possibly be largely responsible for the aging procedure and can contribute to the development of wellness conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.

Some great sources of vitamin C are oranges, green peppers, watermelon, papaya, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, mango, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and citrus juices or juices fortified with vitamin C. Raw and cooked leafy greens (turnip greens, spinach), red and green peppers, canned and fresh tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and pineapple are also rich sources of vitamin C

Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin which assists protects vitamin A and crucial fatty acids from oxidation in the body. Research have shown that Vitamin E reduces the risk of coronary artery illness by limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol.

Vitamin E has also been referred to as the "sex vitamin," as it plays an significant function in the production of sex hormones, protecting them from oxidation and degradation. It has a protective effect on sperm cell membranes, and can also help in improving sperm motility.

Good sources of vitamin E involve mustard greens, turnip greens, chard, and sunflower seeds. Other wonderful sources involve almonds, spinach, collard greens, parsley, kale, papaya, olives, bell pepper, brussels sprouts, kiwifruit, tomato, blueberries, and broccoli.

Vitamins That Make Your Hair Grow

2012-01-10T09:01:00.001-08:00

Hair is everyone's crowning glory. No matter whether you are conscious of it or not, your hair is one of the very first things that people today notice about you. Unfortunately, not absolutely everyone is blessed with a full head of hair that lasts a lengthy time. Many people notice when your hair is thinning and if you've noticed it too, it can be highly disappointing. No matter how quite or handsome you are, when something's incorrect with your hair, consumers notice that far more and that could take a genuine toll on your self-confidence. Thankfully, a lot of the situations concerning baldness are not permanent, basically requiring a good enhance from vitamins that make your hair regrow. Significantly like other parts of the body, your hair also needs to be nourished to be at their most beneficial. Taking vitamins that make your hair grow then is 1 effective way of stimulating hair growth and ensuring that whatever growth happens lasts for a extended time.

Vitamins that make your hair regrow

Some of the vitamins that make your hair grow incorporate:

* Vitamin H - also known as biotin, vitamin H is a member of the B-complex group of vitamins that plays a component in converting food into fuel. Apart from that, vitamin H is also essential for healthy eyes, skin, and hair, assisting in the metabolizing fats and proteins for use by the body. Considering vitamin H is 1 of the vitamins that make your hair grow and strengthens the hair, it is utilized in a lot of cosmetic goods. Lack of vitamin H then can trigger weak roots which can ultimately lead to hair loss. You can most without difficulty get vitamin H from nuts and eggs, or you can use goods like Provillus that incorporates the use of other B-vitamins.

* Iron given that - iron is found in all cells in the body, it is an essential trace mineral that is necessary for regular maintenance and growth of hair. With enough iron and other vitamins that make your hair grow, hair grows continuously and stays robust as it grows. You know you happen to be not acquiring sufficient iron when you are weak and highly tired all the time.

* Vitamin A - vitamin A is 1 of the fat-soluble vitamins about. You can get vitamin A from retinoids (animal sources) and carotenoids (plant sources). Retinoic acid is identified in the hair follicles so obtaining your advised dose of vitamin A, one of the vitamins that make your hair grow, aids in keeping hair follicles powerful. And robust hair follicles signifies robust roots, so you do not have to deal with embarrassing hairfall.

Exactly where to get vitamins that make your hair regrow

Your finest bet in getting all the vitamins that make your hair regrow is ensuring that you get all the vitamins that make your body grow. Just after all, you have to have vitamins in general to stay in the pink of wellness. Aim to stay wholesome then by loading up on fruits and vegetables and taking vitamin supplements and items will improve the likelihood that you are getting all the essential vitamins that make your hair grow.

Can Vitamins and Minerals Increase Penis Size? Some Men Say, Yes

2011-10-11T17:51:00.001-07:00

Some people report Experiencing Increasing penis ranging from ¼ "to 1" inch in a period of several months .

These people report the specific vitamins and minerals are used as a rubbed directly into the skin of the penis. Obviously, the daily duration of application is directly proportional to the increase in size as well as those people who signed up penis vitamins / minerals largest number of months experienced better results.

Was it an accident increase penis size?

Most people are reported to have purchased a special penis creams for other purposes, including: dry skin of the penis, loss of penile sensitivity and / or irritated penis and other common questions penis. Surprisingly few of these people were happy to find that using a particular product is the penis resulting in increasing penis size.

The penis is particularly vitamins and minerals are applied as Crème?

Vitamin E and shea butter : Shea butter is a high-end moisturizer and emollient that is known for its skin softening and dermatological healing effects. By promoting skin health and elasticity of Shea butter can help "loosen up" the penis skin, which will enable an increase in penis size. According to WebMD, vitamin E has "been used to improve erectile function," and can use the penis growth.

Vitamin B5 : Helps maintain healthy penile function, and is required for the penis of cellular metabolism. B5 not only helps keep the penis healthy, but will also maintain healthy cells of the penis. B5 "increases vitality, wards off infection and speeds recovery from illness. It helps maintain normal growth and development of the central nervous system. This vitamin prevents premature aging." Cell growth and function of B5would be obliged to increase the size of the experience.

What are the product of these men used, and why it does not rank increase penis size?

Product that people use, MAN1 Man Oil, (although feasibly penis was a product contains certain ingredients will work) is not promoted specifically to enhance penis size. Many men have used this product address other basic issues of penile health, such as impotence, loss of sensation, dry skin of the penis and / or curved penis (among other things ).

Prenatal Vitamins Taking the Right Prenatal Vitamins Will Yield a Healthy Baby

2011-08-25T09:34:00.001-07:00

You should also take calcium. Calcium prevents the mother from losing her bone density, when the fetus uses the mineral for bone growth. Iron is something that should be taken as well. Iron helps both mom and baby in the blood to carry oxygen.

Something that is overlooked by many doctors and pregnant women is the role of omega3 supplements. It is recommended to eat fish during pregnancy, but there also said that too, because not every fish containing mercury, can affect a child's development. Therefore, to get omega3 to your body and your baby need, you should take omega3 supplements.

Prenatal Encompassing Nutrition For You and Your Child!

2011-08-25T09:32:00.001-07:00

As the mother-to-be, the only thing on your mind is the welfare and health of your baby. It expecting mother is focused primarily on giving their unborn child the best shot in life as possible, but no one understands more than prenatal vitamins. This amazing, unique blend of vitamins and nutrients is designed with the singular goal of promoting women's health, when the two depend on it.

Unlike other prenatal vitamins natural prenatal vitamins provide a unique calibrated mixture of nutrients and vitamins that are involved not only in health but also mom formula included in prenatal vitamins are strategically built to promote the growth and development of the unborn child while still having a healthy mom.

Women tend to have digestive problems when you are pregnant and prenatal vitamins provide this. Providing useful quantities of natural ginger and zinc to balance women's digestive tract, to prenatal formula is able to facilitate a healthy, natural digestion without dangerous additives.

One of the most important aspects of the health of pregnant women in her mother's critical aspect of child development. To promote this relationship and increase the overall health of the mother and her child, prenatal vitamins are beneficial amounts of iron and vitamins C and E.

In just the past few decades, nutritional value of our food decreased almost twenty-five to 50 percent. This kind of extreme reduction in our food supply is the nutritional quality is quite disturbing and be blamed directly on our growing methods. To optimize the output of our food use of herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers has become a more common practice with every year, and is directly to be blamed for the loss of nutrition in our food.

Making the problem worse is the way we package our food. For comfort and security we subject our food to produce chemical treatments, including radiation, chemical preservation and heating. Although these processes can help the general safety of our food as much and further hurt the nutritional qualities and health benefits of foods. By the time the food finally gets the consumer has undergone so many changes to the product's nutritional value is a percentage of what it once was!

To ensure that you get the most from your food you must be sure that the food we consume are able to provide the nutrition your body.RAW food supply system that is natural and not damaged or tampered with. Eating these types of natural food your body gets the benefits of eating the food they consume healthy and useful way nature always intended. Most people do not realize that simply heating the food they eat they are ruining a lot of vitamins and minerals in food would have otherwise.

Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins

2011-08-25T09:30:00.001-07:00

Yes, prenatal vitamins must in today's lifestyle where women are not enough to meet their food requirements from food alone. Most women do not have time to eat proper nutritious food because of the hectic, fast-paced life. Therefore, you should consult your doctor and start taking vitamins if you are planning to have a child before conception itself.

Prenatal vitamins should be taken before, during and after pregnancy, if only because at this moment, the key body stores are depleted as the body prepares for the baby.

Why do prenatal vitamins vital?

Prenatal vitamins contain a combination of important vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth of children. If these vitamins to take at least six months prior to conception, then the chances of birth defects are greatly reduced.

Medical studies have shown that most birth defects usually occur during the first 28 days after conception, and sometimes women are not even aware that they were conceived. The only way in which birth defects may be avoided or prevented when the prenatal vitamins before conception. Most defects can be prevented by eating healthy prenatal program. Acid is just one of a long list of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that reduce birth defect and strengthen the health of newborns.

Iron - When you're pregnant, your body produces more blood and as a result of consuming more iron from the body. One of the most common problems that a pregnant woman is attacked anemia. Therefore, iron deficiency, anemia occurs and can cause tiredness and fatigue. Other complications can also result from anemia. Iron supplements, however, is usually taken after the first trimester.

Adequate prenatal vitamins and minerals

This is an effort to provide pre-natal vitamins and minerals to counter these days, but if you are specific about and baby's health, a good idea to consult with your doctor before you conceive and ask them to recommend one for the vas.Razlog that your doctor knows your medical history and will be equipped to propose prenatal vitamins and minerals that has all the vitamins and minerals perfect for you.

Potential risks associated with prenatal vitamins

While prenatal vitamins are basically good for pregnant women or those who plan to become pregnant, and sometimes they come with some risk factors. Some prenatal vitamins can cause side-effects of an allergic nature, such as hives, swelling of the throat and mouth, or difficulty in breathing. If any of these reactions occur, you should consult with their doctor quickly.

A few more enthusiastic individuals sometimes spend more extras, and this can cause more harm than good, because excess levels of certain vitamins in the body can become toxic. Other minor problems include nausea, constipation and the doctors recommend to drink a full glass of water, taking prenatal vitamins.

Barring this, prenatal vitamins are excellent sources of important nutrients for mothers and babies. Of course, you should include fresh and nutritious foods in your diet, and not solely depend on vitamins.

Good to know:

Scientific studies of women prenatal vitamins have shown that they can greatly reduce the risk of cancer, brain tumors in children.

What Makes Prenatal Vitamins Essential?

2011-08-25T09:26:00.001-07:00

Prenatal vitamins are basically a multivitamin designed specifically for women who are pregnant. Multivitamins are available in different formulations based on your preferences. There are actually multivitamins for men, women, seniors, teens and other specific requirements. In addition, prenatal supplement provides additional vitamins and enzymes that women must deal with additional challenges that she is pregnant. Supplementation is important for the developing child and the mother herself. Probably the most important prenatal vitamins are listed below with their function during pregnancy.

folic acid

- Folic acid is essential for the function of DNA and RNA together with the actual development of completely new stations, such as blood cells. It's really crucial vitamin to prevent anemia, especially in young women. Women who do not have enough degrees of folic acid can give birth to children with congenital irregularities, especially sensory disturbances such as pipe anencephaly and spina bifida. Women of childbearing age is associated with the possibility to adopt folic acid food supplements.

Vitamin B12

- In the event that you do to get pregnant, make sure you are consuming enough healthy foods rich in vitamin B12. The latest research has revealed and recommended for women with lower levels of vitamin B12 just before or even after pregnancy are more likely to have babies with neural tube disorders.

Vitamin

- Vitamin A, fat-soluble nutrients stored in the liver organ, it is important for babies embryonic development includes growth and development of the heart, lungs and other body parts as well. It can also help prevent infection and fat metabolism process. Vitamin A is especially necessary for women to give birth, mainly because it aids in postpartum tissue regeneration. It can also help maintain normal vision and battles bacterial infections.

Calcium

- No matter what age a woman happens when she gets pregnant, a calcium supplement is important for both mother and child. Calcium supplement in the mother's body is being used by child development, putting increased demand on the mother's source. While she was pregnant, calcium transfer from mother to child development actually reaches 270 mg daily, the typical, over the third trimester. Extra calcium is usually required with regard to both mother and child health.

iron

- During pregnancy, it is really important to make sure they receive the proposed daily intake of iron because the baby will be pulling their iron stores. Iron deficiencies in your diet can lead to anemia, which could put you and your baby at risk.

Vitamin K

- Vitamin K is actually a fat-soluble nutrient that is needed for blood clotting regularly. Its function is really important because it creates six of the 13 amino acids required for blood clotting to vitamin K deficiency can cause severe bleeding disorders. Vitamin K deficiency is actually rare in the adult. But health supplement regularly provided to newborns to prevent bleeding problems associated with the birth, or if surgery is planned

to obtain more prenatal vitamins for a healthy and balanced trudnoće.Posebice degree of nutritional value of women's demands during pregnancy is actually much higher than before pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are mostly suitable for almost all women, even people who have an excellent diet may provide additional food needed to sustain a healthy pregnancy state. By providing additional nutrition to the body, and mom and baby can certainly end up as happy and healthy throughout pregnancy.

The Importance of Taking Prenatal Vitamins

2011-08-25T09:23:00.001-07:00

Having a baby is an exciting event for a woman could ever experience. There is a great expansion of consciousness to have a healthy baby and to prevent birth defects. Prenatal vitamins are among the most important things women should know not only during pregnancy and lactation, and before he thought of as well. This is more of a priority should be because it is vital at this point, most of the nutrients used by the body, such as preparing for a child. These are very important for today's lifestyle, because many women do not have enough time to eat properly and nutrients. However, you must remember that this is only a supplement, not substitute for a healthy diet.

Iron is an important element of prenatal vitamins, iron, because the mother will be transferred to her developing baby. Iron is responsible in assisting the mother and child in the blood carrying oxygen and also supports the growth of fetal tissue. Most prenatal vitamins contain more iron supplements to pregnant women to avoid being anemic. Many women suffer from iron deficiency because they are supported by the blood of your body and your baby. Therefore, it is important to prenatal vitamins to prevent this from happening.

Pregnancy and Prenatal Vitamins

2009-02-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

For a mother's health, and the health of her baby, she is advised to take so-called "prenatal vitamins" during pregnancy. These are specially formulated multivitamins that make up for any nutritional deficiencies in the mother's diet. While the supplements contain numerous vitamins and minerals, their folic acid, iron, and calcium content are especially important.

Why Do Pregnant Women Need Folic Acid, Iron, and Calcium?

Folic acid can reduce your risk of having a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain and spinal cord, called the "neural tube." A baby with spina bifida, the most common neural tube defect, is born with a spine that is not closed. The exposed nerves are damaged, leaving the child with varying degrees of paralysis, incontinence, and sometimes mental retardation.

Neural tube defects develop in the first 28 days after conception, before many women realize they are pregnant. Because about half of all pregnancies are unplanned, the U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age get 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. In fact, the FDA now requires that all flour products such as breads, buns, and bagels be fortified with extra folic acid. A woman who has had a prior child with a neural tube defect should discuss the appropriate dose of folic acid with her doctor before her next pregnancy. Studies have shown that taking a larger dose (up to 4,000 micrograms) at least one month before and during the first trimester may be beneficial.

There are natural sources of folic acid: green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, and citrus fruits. It's also found in many fortified breakfast cereals and some vitamin supplements.

Calcium during pregnancy can prevent a new mother from losing her own bone density as the fetus uses the mineral for bone growth.

Iron helps both the mother and baby's blood carry oxygen.

While a daily vitamin supplement is no substitute for a healthy diet, most women need supplements to make sure they get adequate levels of these minerals.

Are All Prenatal Vitamins the Same?

No, they're not. Look for one that contains approximately :

4,000 and 5,000 IU (international units) of vitamin A
800 and 1,000 mcg (1 mg) of folic acid
400 IU of vitamin D
200 to 300 mg of calcium
70 mg of vitamin C
1.5 mg of thiamine
1.6 mg of riboflavin
2.6 mg of pyridoxine
17 mg of niacinamide
2.2 mcg of vitamin B-12
10 mg of vitamin E
15 mg of zinc
30 mg of iron

Your doctor or midwife can also advise you on certain brands. In some cases, your health care provider will give you a prescription for a certain type of prenatal vitamin.

My Prenatal Vitamin Makes Me Nauseous, What Should I Do?

Some prenatal vitamins can cause nausea in an already nauseous pregnant woman. If your prenatal vitamins make you sick, talk to your health care provider. He or she may be able to prescribe a different kind of prenatal vitamin (for example, chewable or liquid vitamins as opposed to those you swallow whole may be better tolerated by some women).

Source : Webmd.com

Hatha Yoga – Good for healthy breathing.

2009-02-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Hatha yoga is the way which has physical health and balance as a main goal, for its practitioners believe that greater mental and spiritual awareness can be brought about with a healthy and pure body.

Hatha yoga mainly concerns itself with asanas or postures. Asanas are contemplative in nature and were originally intuited by yogis during meditation; the Kundalini naturally brings forth these postures or movements, called Kriyas, during deep meditation. These movements help to remove blockages (disease) in the causal, subtle, and physical bodies.

As it has subsequently developed, hatha yoga has concentrated primarily on two of the eight paths, breathing and posture. We breathe roughly 23,000 times per day and use about 4,500 gallons of air, which increases during exercise. Thus, breathing is extremely important to health, and prana, or life-force, is found most abundantly in the air and in the breath. If we are breathing incorrectly, we are hampering our potential for optimal health. Pranayama, literally the "science of breathing" or "control of life force," is the yogic practice of breathing correctly and deeply.

The exercise of Pranayama in hatha yoga is essential to master ones' breathing patterns. If one can master breath, then the mastery of mind is within reach. Through breathing exercises the flow of prana or vital life force through the body is regulated. That energy is certainly needed on the further steps of Hatha Yoga that ultimately may lead to samadhi. Special breathing techniques, in which the flow of breath though both nostrils is alternated, brings balance to the two hemispheres of the brain, which is probably the central objective of Pranayama. Pranayama in hatha yoga also activates the Kundalini Energy.

The main elements of hatha yoga are :

postures (asana),
cleansing practices (dhauti or shodhana),
breath control (pranayama),
locks (bandha, which temporarily restrict local flows of prana) and
hand gestures (mudra), all of which regulate the flow of prana and purify the inner and outer bodies.

The most wonderful part of Hatha Yoga is the ability to receive instant feedback. With an ever changing working surface, “The Body”, one is able to watch the unfolding take place. This may show up as greater flexibility, or the release of energy or life-force “prana”, as well as the intuition of what the body desires next in the form of movement to facilitate either healing or growth.

Practicing physical yoga is not difficult. By definition, asanas are bodily positions that are easy to hold comfortably. Regular practice will help you control your emotions and thus lead a more satisfying life. If you start yoga practice early in your life, it will dramatically reduce your risk of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other serious illnesses. The body readily responds to yoga postures. They are simple and should take only a few minutes a day. The reward, however, much exceeds invested efforts.

By : yogabestbuy.com

The End of Childbirth 101?

2009-02-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

Pregnant women are cutting childbirth class. Although women are more obsessed than ever with health during their pregnancies, they seem to have lost interest in learning about the end of pregnancy, also known as childbirth, reports the November issue of Fit Pregnancy magazine.

“Fewer women are taking classes,'’ said Jeannette Crenshaw, president of Lamaze International. Ms. Crenshaw told the magazine that she believes several issues explain why women aren’t as interested in learning about childbirth. Many women, she says, are convinced they can’t deliver a baby without epidural pain relief.

Television shows often depict birth as a dangerous event, even though serious problems are exceedingly rare among women delivering in the United States. And because many women work until nearly the last day of pregnancy, busy schedules often prevent them from scheduling a birthing class.

Marjie Hathaway, co-director of the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth, which teaches what’s known as the Bradley Method of natural childbirth, also told the magazine that interest in childbirth classes has waned. “Today, women are more focused on prenatal testing and monitoring the pregnancy than in learning how to give birth,'’ she said.

Research shows that there’s no real difference in pain, labor interventions or birth outcomes among women who take childbirth classes and those who don’t, the magazine reports. The classes appear to attract women who are the most vigilant about their health during pregnancy. Women who enroll in a childbirth class are more likely to have quit smoking, keep prenatal appointments and to breastfeed after birth, the magazine notes.

Childbirth education started in the 1940s, after a British obstetrician published the book “Childbirth Without Fear,” advocating relaxation techniques to ease pain and fear during labor. French obstetrician Dr. Fernand Lamaze developed focused breathing techniques to help with the pain of childbirth. But today hospital-based classes tend to focus more on a tour of hospital facilities rather than techniques to cope with labor pain.

The magazine argues that women’s declining interest in childbirth classes is worrisome because it’s happening even as childbirth has become more “medicalized'’ than ever. During childbirth, a number of variables can arise and women have to make informed decisions about procedures like epidurals, episiotomies, induction and C-sections.

“That’s where you reap the dividends of having had a teacher who explained each possible intervention and showed you how to be your advocate,'’ the magazine reports.

By : Castillo

Prenatal Care : What to expect during the third trimester

2009-01-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand, even as your due date approaches. During the third trimester, prenatal care includes vaginal exams to check the baby's position.

Prenatal care continues until delivery. Your health care provider will continue to monitor your blood pressure and weight, as well as your baby's heartbeat and movements. During the last month of pregnancy, expect weekly checkups.

Testing for group B strep

Most pregnant women are screened for group B streptococcus (GBS) during the third trimester. GBS is a common bacterium that's usually harmless in adults — but babies who become infected with GBS can become critically ill. If a swab from your vagina and rectal area tests positive for GBS, you'll probably be given intravenous antibiotics during labor to protect your baby from the bacterium.

Resuming vaginal exams

As your due date approaches, your checkups may include vaginal exams. Your health care provider may :

Check the baby's position. During a vaginal exam, your health care provider can feel your baby's head in your lower abdomen or at the top of the birth canal. If your baby is positioned headfirst, you're good to go. If your baby is positioned rump-first or feet-first (breech), your health care provider may recommend trying to turn the baby by applying pressure to your abdomen. This procedure is called an external version. If your baby remains in a breech position, you may need a C-section delivery.

Detect cervical changes. As your body prepares for birth, your cervix will begin to soften, open (dilate) and thin (efface). Progress is expressed in centimeters (cm) and percentages. For example, your cervix may be 3 cm dilated and 30 percent effaced. When you're ready to push your baby out, your cervix will be 10 cm dilated and 100 percent effaced.

Resist the temptation to put much stock in these numbers. Cervical changes can help your health care provider determine how difficult it would be to induce your labor, but these numbers can't predict spontaneous labor. You may be dilated to 3 cm for weeks — or you may go into labor without any dilation or effacement at all.

Keep asking questions

You may have plenty of questions as your due date approaches. Is it OK to have sex? How will I know when I'm in labor? What's the best way to manage the pain? Ask away! Also discuss a birthing plan with your health care provider. Feeling prepared can help calm your nerves before delivery. Read more here.

Prenatal Cocaine's Lasting Cellular Effects

2009-01-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

Although the "crack baby" hysteria of the 1980s was greatly exaggerated, cocaine use during pregnancy can cause subtle but disabling cognitive impairments attention deficits, learning disabilities and emotional problems.

A recent study by investigators at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development may help explain the long-term behavioral and neurological problems associated with prenatal exposure to cocaine. In a recent issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, Gregg Stanwood, Ph.D., and Pat Levitt, Ph.D., report that prenatal cocaine exposure in rabbits causes a long lasting displacement of dopamine receptors in certain brain cells, which alters their ability to function normally.

Though this effect has not yet been assessed in cocaine exposed children, the findings give researchers a place to start looking.

"The hysteria surrounding the 'crack baby' was sort of overblown," said Stanwood, research assistant professor of Pharmacology and lead author on the study.

Incredibly high levels of cocaine usually coupled with the abuse of other drugs can lead to premature labor, preterm birth and low birth weight, Stanwood said.

"But in women who have abused relatively low recreational doses of cocaine, it is actually very hard to distinguish those children at birth from children born to anyone else," he said. "However, as those children age, they do develop deficits in their cognitive and emotional development."

These children often exhibit attention and arousal problems, similar to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the standard treatments for ADHD – Ritalin and other stimulants are not always effective in these children.

Studying the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on the developing brain is difficult in human populations because cocaine abusers often abuse other drugs. Animal models can help determine how prenatal cocaine exposure might influence brain development to cause these subtle cognitive impairments.

"We thought that it was important to set up an animal model that recapitulates a key feature of human abuse that being intravenous exposure to low doses of cocaine," Stanwood said.

A few years ago, Stanwood and Levitt, professor of Pharmacology and director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, established such a model in rabbits. They found that exposure to low levels of intravenous cocaine during a very short window of time during gestation equivalent to the late first trimester and early second trimester in humans caused specific alterations in brain circuits that use the neurotransmitter dopamine. Additionally, these cocaine exposed offspring showed attention problems as well as insensitivity to stimulants like amphetamine, suggesting that cocaine exposure had altered the development of the dopamine pathways in the brain.

"In collaboration with Dr. Eitan Friedman of the City University of New York, we had previously shown a decrease in signaling of a particular receptor protein, the dopamine D1 receptor," Stanwood said. "We know that this receptor is involved in regulating the formation of cortical circuitry. It's also involved in the behavioral effects of amphetamines and cocaine."

"The current study was an attempt to look at the mechanism of this decrease in D1 receptor signaling," he said.

Stanwood examined the levels of D1 receptor in brain cells taken from "teenage" rabbits that were exposed to cocaine during that short, sensitive prenatal period.

He found that cocaine exposure did not alter the total amount of D1 receptor produced in the brain. However, there was a dramatic alteration in the location of the protein within the cell.

"It's not where it should be," he said. D1 receptors are normally found at the cell surface, but neurons from the cocaine-exposed animals showed the receptor was predominantly sequestered inside the cells.

"The fascinating thing is that this effect appears permanent," said Stanwood. This implies that cocaine exposure during a brief, sensitive period of neural development can lead to long-lasting effects at the cellular level.

This change also altered the growth of neuronal processes, suggesting that the altered D1 receptor trafficking may underlie the changes in neuronal architecture and behavior that Stanwood and others have previously observed.

What remains to be determined, he cautioned, is whether D1 receptor localization is affected in humans exposed to cocaine prenatally.

If found in humans, "it gives us a new way to think about helping those children as they continue to mature." Because cocaine exposure seems to alter the distribution of the D1 receptor, Stanwood suggests that researchers might find a way to "steer" the receptor into the correct cellular location. That could provide new avenues for treating the attention problems in cocaine-exposed children, as well as in children with stimulant-resistant ADHD.

"Neither we nor anyone else has yet identified whether this mechanism occurs in the human population," Stanwood said, "so that is a critical next step." Read more here.

Cicardian system Suffers and Protects from Prenatal Cocaine Exposure

2009-01-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown that prenatal cocaine exposure in zebrafish (which share the majority of the same genes with humans) can alter neuronal development and acutely dysregulate the expression of circadian genes and those affecting melatonin signaling, growth and neurotransmission.

The circadian factors, including the principal circadian hormone melatonin, can attenuate the prenatal effects of cocaine.

Tens of thousands of babies that have been exposed to cocaine in utero are born in the United States each year.

Multiple human studies suggest there are significant changes in brain development and subsequent brain function of children of drug-addicted parents. However, the extent of the damage and whether it is in part due to confounding environmental, genetic or physiological factors remains controversial.

Using a specifically developed zebrafish, the researchers, Drs. Eva Shang and Irina Zhdanova, found that prenatal exposure to cocaine, in concentrations comparable to those experienced by human embryos, altered the neuronal development in zebrafish and acutely changed embryonic expression of genes regulating growth, neurotransmission and circadian system.

"Moreover, we found that the effects of the cocaine exposure were dependent on time of exposure, being more robust in the day, and were blocked or attenuated by the principal circadian hormone, melatonin, produced exclusively at night," said lead author Irina Zhdanova, MD, PhD, an associate professor in the department of anatomy and neurobiology at BUSM. "Thus the circadian system might be at the core of the developmental effects of cocaine and their inter-individual variability," she added.

According to Zhdanova, circadian factors, including melatonin, could provide new therapeutic strategies to counteract the developmental effects of prenatal cocaine exposure.

These findings appear in the July 11th issue of the journal PLoS ONE. This study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Read more here.

Pregnancy and Are You Getting Enough Vitamins and Nutrients ?

2009-01-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

Every vitamin, every mineral, every nutrient has an important job to do now, for you and your growing baby. Unless otherwise noted, the function of the nutrients can be found in The RDA 10th Edition 1989.

Vitamin A

Supports healthy skin, eyesight, bone growth, and immune system

Vitamins B1, B2, and Niacin

Play a central role in the release of energy from food
Help the nervous system function properly
Help keep appetite and digestion normal

Vitamin B6

Helps reduce nausea in pregnant women (Sahakian 1991)
Helps form red blood cells

Vitamin B12

Maintains nervous system
Helps form red blood cells

Vitamin C

Helps body resist infection and heal wounds
Helps body absorb iron
Provides antioxidant protection

Vitamin D

Helps the body absorb calcium from the digestive tract
Helps build baby's bones and teeth

Vitamin E

Provides antioxidant protection

Folic Acid

Helps protect against birth defects of the brain or spinal cord (March of Dimes 2005)
Helps prevent certain kinds of anemia

Calcium

Helps build strong bones and teeth
Is needed for blood clotting processes
Is needed for muscle contraction

Copper

Helps the body transport and use iron

Iron

Helps red blood cells carry oxygen to the cells and to the developing fetus
Helps prevent anemia

Zinc

Supports growth, healthy immune functioning and wound healing

Magnesium

Helps nerves and muscles function
Energy

DHA & EPA

Provides important omega-3 long chain fatty acids (DHA & EPA) for healthy brain and eye development in babies (Hornstra 2000; Uauy 2001)
Benefits adult heart health (Kris-Etherton 2002; Hibblen 2006)

By : Sunnie Southern

Vitamins and Nutrients especially needed during Pregnancy

2008-12-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

You should eat foods packed with nutrients during pregnancy, which is actually the basic principle of healthy eating when you are not pregnant. However, there are a few nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy. These include :

Folate and folic acid
Calcium
Protein
Iron

A B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects, serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord is "folate." If your body lacks sufficient folate an increase for risk of preterm delivery may be an extra problem for you. Low birth weight and poor fetal growth has also been reported due to insufficient folate during pregnancy. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate found in supplements and fortified foods.

You need 1 milligram (1,000 micrograms) of folic acid per day before conception and during pregnancy.

The following list contains good sources of folate :

Cereal (3/4 cup 100 percent fortified ready-to-eat cereal provides 400 micrograms of folate)
Meat (3 ounces of beef liver provides 185 micrograms of folate
Spinach (1/2 cup boiled spinach provides 100 micrograms of folate
Beans (1/2 cup boiled Great Northern beans provides 90 micrograms of folate
Asparagus (4 spears boiled asparagus provides 85 micrograms of folate
Oranges (1 small orange provides 30 micrograms of folate)

Another important aspect of getting enough folate is taking prenatal vitamins. You probably should start taking daily prenatal vitamins at least three months before pregnancy.

Calcium is always a must for women before, during and after pregnancy. You and your baby need calcium for strong bones and teeth as well as helping your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems run smoothly. During pregnancy your baby will rob you of all the calcium it needs. It is essential you take in enough calcium for you and the baby.

You need 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day.

Good sources of calcium include :

Dairy products are the richest in calcium
Fruit juices fortified with calcium
Breaskfast cereals fortified with calcium

Yogurt, milk, cheese, juice, salmon, spinach, cereal should all be a matter of staples in your diet before, during and after pregnancy.

How much you need : 1,000 milligrams a day.

Good sources: Dairy products are the richest sources of calcium. Many fruit juices and breakfast cereals are fortified with calcium. Protein is especially crucial for your baby's growth during the second and third trimesters. Protein also aids in repairing your cells and your body changes. You need 71 grams of protein per day.

Good sources of protein include :

Poultry
Fish
Cottage Cheese
Milk
Peanut Butter
Eggs

Iron is used to make hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. Iron is also essential for women before, during and after pregnancy. Iron remains an essential for women throughout her life and even after menopause. During pregnancy your need for iron almost doubles.

Without enough iron you may get fatigued and more susceptible to infections. The risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight may also be higher. You need 27 milligrams of iron per day, possibly more during pregnancy, according to your doctor's instructions.

Good sources of iron include:

Cereal
Beans
Spinach
Meat
Poultry

Typically a prenatal vitamin will contain iron. However, in some cases, your health care provider may recommend a separate iron supplement.

To help fill in the gaps of key nutrients, a daily prenatal vitamin staring ideally three months before conception is essential. Special supplements may also be recommended by your health care provider depending on your particular situation. If you consider taking herbal supplements, always be sure your health care provider gives you the OK to take them during pregnancy.

By : Connie Limon

Age at Puberty Linked to Mother's Prenatal Diet

2008-12-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

A high-fat diet during pregnancy and nursing may lead to the child having an early onset of puberty and subsequent adulthood obesity, according to a new animal study. The results were presented June 16, at The Endocrine Society's 90th Annual Meeting in San Francisco.

An early first menstrual period, often used as a marker for early-onset puberty in girls is a risk factor for obesity, insulin resistance, teenage depression, and breast cancer in adulthood, said Deborah Sloboda, PhD, lead author of the study. She is a researcher at The Liggins Institute of the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

"Other research suggests that a combination of prenatal and postnatal influences in girls can affect the onset of menarche [menstruation]," Sloboda said.

She and her colleagues therefore studied how prenatal nutrition and nutrition during childhood interact to alter reproductive maturation. The study was done in rats.

The investigators fed pregnant rats a high-fat diet throughout pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding). Control rats received a regular diet of rat chow. After weaning from their mother's milk, the offspring ate either regular chow or a high-fat diet. Onset of puberty was determined using established techniques. The researchers also evaluated the offspring as adults in regard to body fat composition and blood levels of sex hormones.

The onset of puberty was much earlier in all rats whose mothers had a high-fat diet, compared with the offspring of controls that ate a regular diet, the study showed. Controls' offspring that ate a high-fat diet after weaning also entered puberty early. The combination of a high-fat maternal diet that is, inside the mother's womb and a high-fat diet after birth did not make the early-onset puberty any earlier, Sloboda said.

"This might suggest that the fetal environment in high fat fed mothers plays a greater role in determining pubertal onset than childhood nutrition," she said.

Later in life, rats born to mothers fed a high-fat diet had a higher amount of body fat than controls did, even if they ate a regular diet while young.

Among the adult rats that had a maternal high-fat diet, the study showed alterations in sex hormones, including increased levels of the ovarian hormone progesterone in females.

"Maternal high-fat nutrition may influence reproductive maturation and reproductive capacity in adult offspring," Sloboda said.

The Health Research Council of New Zealand, National Research Centre for Growth and Development, and Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust in New Zealand all supported this research. Read more here.

Simple Ways to Cope with Morning Sickness

2008-12-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

Morning sickness otherwise known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a condition of pregnant women during the first trimester characterized by severe nausea, weight loss and sometimes electrolyte disturbance. Although, as the name indicates, it occurs in the morning, it may last throughout the day for some women. Since each woman and each pregnancy is different there is no timeframe for morning sickness to stop. Unless and until it becomes severe, causing dehydration and loss in weight morning sickness is not a symptom to be worried of and it does not affect the baby. On the other hand, it is a good sign because it means the placenta and fetal membrane are developing well.

Though it is difficult to pin point one a single reason, there may be various causes for morning sickness, the most prominent one being the sudden increase in hormones, enhanced sense of smell and stomach and also the stress and fatigue accompanying pregnancy. Progesterone, a hormone dominant during pregnancy, helps to prevent miscarriages and helps in the digestion of food. Therefore morning sickness should not be averted.

Eventhough morning sickness cannot be totally prevented; there are certain precautions that can be taken. Eating frequent (6 to 8) small meals instead of 3 full meals a day, avoiding fatty fried and spicy foods, eating starchy snacks, drinking carbonated drinks like ginger, drinking water in between meals, taking prenatal vitamin tablets at night and not in the morning, avoiding food and smell that increase nausea, taking ample rest and mild exercises will help a long way in overcoming morning sickness during pregnancy. Sometimes cold foods are better since they don’t smell as much.

If vomiting persists excessively, it is always better to consult a physician because excessive vomiting may cause dehydration, which would be dangerous for the baby and the mother as well. Persistent nausea may make going to office or doing other daily work very difficult.

A few home remedies for morning sickness are :

Drink a mixture of ½ tsp ginger juice 1 tsp fresh limejuice, 1 tsp mint juice and 1 tsp honey-3 to 4 times a day.
2 tsp of fresh limejuice, extraction of 15 to 20 fresh curry leaves and 1 tsp of honey – this mixture can be taken 3 to 4 times a day.

Generally there are certain remedies that can be followed.

Avoid warm places since heat can increase the nausea feelings.
Tiredness also results in nausea. So take a nap at daytime.
In the morning, get out of bed slowly.
Get adequate sleep at night.
Before getting out of bed in the morning, try to eat plain crackers or dry cereal
Usually microwave ovens produce fewer odors.

Wearing ‘acupressure’ wrist bands (used by passengers to prevent seasickness) might help to prevent morning sickness.

Though morning sickness is a good sign of healthy pregnancy, lack of morning sickness does not mean any harm to the baby or the mother who can enjoy the early part of pregnancy.

By : Lesley Lyon

What is Kundalini yoga ?

2008-12-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

In Hindu thought, flow of life energy existing with in everyone. It is believed to lie coiled at the base of the spine, and by the practice of Kundalini yoga can be raised from the first chakra (centre of spiritual power) step by step to the seventh chakra at the top of the skull, burning away obstacles on the spiritual path.

As the literature of Kashmir Shaivism kundalini is described in three different manifestations. The first manifestation is as the universal energy or para-kundalini. The second manifestation is as the energizing function of the body-mind complex or prana-kundalini. The third one is as consciousness or shakti-kundalini which simultaneously subsumes and intermediates between these two. Ultimately these three forms are the same but understanding these three different forms will help to understand the different manifestations of kundalini.

The purpose of Kundalini Yoga is to control and overcome our base motivations and transcend the ego. Kundalini Yoga is a holistic practice and philosophy that brings personal benefits of rejuvenation and healing. Kundalini Yoga developed as a systematic method of expanding consciousness and maintaining the new awareness. Of particular importance is the strengthening of the nervous system to handle an increased frequency of current. Without this right development and guidance many people experience identity crisis and nervous breakdowns without knowing the real nature of the problem. There are different types sources on Kundalini yoga are available with yogabestbuy.com like :

Kundalini Yoga - The Complete Set of 6 DVDs-Nirvair Singh Khalsa
Kundalini Yoga for Athletes - DVD - Nirvair Singh Khalsa
An Introduction to Kundalini Yoga and Chanting DVD
Add Grace and Prosperity with Kundalini Yoga - DVD- Nirvair Singh Khalsa

Kundalini Yogi has both Bhukti means enjoyment and Mukti means liberation in the literal sense. So this Kundalini Yogi is claimed to be the foremost of all Yogas. "Kundalini is the energy of the Divine as it is experienced in the individual. Kundalini binds us when we project its energy into the world and yet, Kundalini liberates us when we return this energy to its divine origin."

To understand the movement of Kundalini better, you must have adequate knowledge of the Nervous System, particularly the spinal cord. This is because the Seven Chakras are believed to be found in this area of the body. A happier life can be ours. We can stimulate creativity, increase mental energy, heighten concentration and experience greater joy with Kundalini Yoga.

By: yogabestbuy.com

Yoga : Knoxville, TN

2008-12-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Yoga is flourishing now even in the conservative South, with studios popping up everywhere offering enough different yoga classes to make the head spin. That is certainly the case for yoga in Knoxville, TN.

This can be great news if you've been practicing yoga for some time and you're interested in trying out different styles of yoga practice.

If you're new to yoga in Knoxville, TN, however, so many choices can lead to confusion over where to begin. One false start could end your interest in yoga forever.

Knowing beforehand what you'd like to get out of your yoga class coupled with an idea of what the different yoga styles have to offer will likely lead to a very positive experience of yoga.

Here are concise descriptions of the different styles of yoga in Knoxville currently. To find a specific studio where your preferred styles are offered, simply do a web search on Google or the search engine of your choice.

Yoga Knoxville, TN: Styles and descriptions follow.

Anusara Yoga : Anusara blends attention to details of alignment with opening the heart.

Ashtanga Yoga : Ashtanga is one of the more athletic forms of yoga, emphasizing movement through a prescribed series of postures.

Children's Yoga : Your child can stay flexible and grow strong, develop concentration and total balancing while 'playing' at yoga class. Animal poses are always a hit.

Hatha yoga : Hatha literally means 'forceful,' and on another level it means 'Sun-Moon,' meaning the union of opposites. In this country, hatha yoga has unfortunately come to mean generic gentle yoga, which is not at all how hatha was meant to be practiced. There's nothing wrong with gentle yoga, of course.

Hot yoga : Bikram Choudhury, yoga teacher to the stars, was the first to make hot yoga popular (and controversial) in the United States with his eponymous Bikram Yoga. Practicing yoga in a heated room increases flexibility, thus preventing injury. It also releases toxins from the body.

Iyengar yoga : Iyengar yoga emphasizes precise alignment of the body while holding postures.

Kripalu Yoga : Kripalu Yoga integrates yoga postures and breathing with meditation, making it as much an inward experience as it is an outward exercise. Classes range from gentle to vigorous in level of exertion.

Kundalini Yoga : Kundalini Yoga is an intense combination of purifying, energetic movements with breathing and chanting to awaken energy centers called chakras and clear away blockages in the energy body.

Restorative Yoga : Restorative yoga is a very gentle practice. Participants use props to support them in the poses, getting the energetic and opening benefits of the postures without exerting much force.

Prenatal and Momma-Baby yoga : Yoga can enhance the pregnancy experience, help a healthy birth and keep mom and baby in shape afterwards.

Vinyasa yoga : Vinyasa yoga (also called flow and power yoga) is the movement from one posture to the next, each movement connected by the inhalation or exhalation of the breath. Usually the flow is based on the sun salutation and the pace of movement between poses is fairly fast, but that is not always the case.

Yin Yoga : Yin Yoga targets the connective tissue – tendons, ligaments, and cartilage – for increased flexibility. Postures tend to be held for longer periods as a restorative technique. Yin yoga emphasizes grounding, as opposed to more energetic 'yang' styles of yoga, like Ashtanga, for instance.

Every student has an opinion of what the best yoga in Knoxville, TN is because every student is looking to get something slightly different out of the experience. Try out a few different teachers and classes, and you'll soon have a favorite of your own.

By : David E. Morgan

Massage schools – your first step towards a rewarding and promising career

2008-12-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

We live in a very stressful and agitated world, so we all need to relax from time to time and get rid of all the stress. An efficient way to fight against the tension and fatigue is to enjoy a stimulating and energizing massage. There are more and more places where you can relax and benefit from a wonderful massage that will instantly make you feel better. The advantages of massage therapy are well-known: muscles relaxation, stimulation of the lymphatic system, improvement of circulation and healing of physical and mental disorders. But how can one become a professional massage practitioner? There are many massage schools which provide health care education as well as massage training. By studying at a massage school you will learn the secrets of massage and you will become an expert in massage therapy.

Some people may think that a massage is piece of cake and a little rubbing on somebody’s back will do, but that is not quite true. In fact, massage is both science and art. It has been used in Eastern countries for centuries as a way of healing diseases. The antique civilizations of Rome, Greece, Japan, China, Egypt and India practiced massage. Today’s massage schools combine the ancient knowledge with modern massage methods and the latest equipment. A massage therapist will lean to carefully manipulate the joints, tendons and ligaments, soft tissues and skin in order obtain beneficial effects. At a massage school you will not only learn theory, but you will also get the chance to practice massage and experience the principles you are learning. In order to become an accredited therapist, you must pass a board examination.

There are various forms of massages that are taught in massage schools. For example, you can learn pregnancy and prenatal massage, Swedish massage, shiatsu, neuromuscular therapy, aromatherapy, sports massage and acupressure. Massage is practiced in hospitals, nursing homes, spas, beauty salons or private offices, so if you have chosen this career, there are many well-paid work opportunities. Perhaps the best thing that a good massage school teaches you is to truly understand the body and the connection between physical and emotional dysfunctions. Thanks to this knowledge, you will be able to help and heal other people, but also take good care of your own body.

Massage therapists are respected; some of them work in hospitals as allied health professionals. They are certified and well-trained in massage schools. They learn anatomy and psychology, in order to become true healers. If you like to work with people and have an interest in anatomy, massage therapy is the perfect career opportunity for you. You will not only get excellent earnings, but also experience the feeling of satisfaction that comes from being able to heal others’ suffering. Massage can cure or reduce the symptoms of many diseases, including psychological dysfunctions such as depression and anxiety. However, be careful when choosing your massage school. Make sure that you invest in a good education and the training program is suitable to your needs. The teachers, trainers or instructions must be experts in massage therapy who are able to share their knowledge with you. Being a skilled massage therapist takes some hard work, but your efforts will be rewarded.

By : KenWilson

Prenatal Multivitamins may Reduce Risk of Pediatric Cancers

2008-12-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Moms-to-be, take your multi-vitamins. It's become widely accepted that mothers taking folic acid during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of several birth defects. But a new study at the University of Toronto finds a correlation between pre-natal multivitamins containing folic acid and the decreased risk of several pediatric cancers : leukemia, brain tumors, and neuroblastoma (a malignant tumor in nerve tissue).

This report in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that taking a multivitamin with folic acid before and during early pregnancy could reduce the risk of leukemia by 36%, childhood brain tumors by 27%, and neuroblastoma by 47%.

It was estimated in 2005 that, each year, 9,500 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer, and that 25-35% of those cases are leukemia. The researchers claim that "based on these data, one can estimate that maternal multivitamin supplementation may prevent 900 cases of pediatric leukemia and 300-400 cases of pediatric brain tumors annually in the United States."

While the research team suspects that folic acid may be the preventive agent, they found that the current data wasn't definitive. Nevertheless, they suggest that, "[as]women who are considering pregnancy are generally advised to supplement with folic acid, the results from this study suggest that supplementation with a folic acid-containing multivitamin may be a preferred method."

By : Empowered D

Prenatal Nutrition : The Effects Of Caffeine and Green Tea

2008-12-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

Pregnant women would be wise to limit the amount of green tea they drink during pregnancy, and should be careful about taking any green tea supplements. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, and has a host of health benefits relating to dental health, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and weight loss. But researchers have found, whilst examining the active constituent of green tea, the epigallocatechins, or EGCG for short, that it may affect the way the body uses folate. Folate is important for pregnant women as it prevents neural tube birth defects in babies.

The problem of green tea during pregnancy is that the EGCG molecules are structurally similar to a compound called methotrexate. Methotrexate is able to kill cancer cells by chemically bonding with an enzyme in the body called enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Healthy people have this enzyme also - it is part of what is called the folate pathway, which is the pathway, or steps, the body takes to transform nutrients like folate into something that can be used to support its normal functions.

But this chemical similarity means that the EGCG in green tea also binds with the enzyme DHFR, and when it does this, it inactivates this enzyme. When this enzyme is inactivated, the ability of the body to use folate is going to be affected. How much green tea is able to be consumed, or precisely how much folate absorption is affected, is unclear. Though the research article did say that drinking 2 cups of green tea a day can stop cancer cells (which is what methotrexate is targeting) from growing.

The good news on caffeine drank during pregnancy, from coffee and tea, is that a moderate amount is fine. Two studies, one by Danish scientists who interviewed more than 88,000 pregnant women, and the other by the Yale University School of Medicine, had similar findings on caffeine during pregnancy.

The concerns over caffeine were that it would lead to low birth weight or miscarriage. And this is still true of a very high daily intake of coffee. The Yale team found that drinking about 600mg of caffeine a day, which is about 6 cups of coffee, would reduce birth weight to levels that were clinically significant. The rate at which birth weight was reduced was established at being 28 grams per 100 mg, or 1 cup, of coffee per day. But they emphasized that this would not be significant for moderate caffeine consumption.

The Danish study found that drinking 8 cups or more of coffee per day (this would be about 16 cups or more of tea), would increase the chances of miscarriage, or stillbirth, by 60% compared to women who did not drink caffeine. They also found that moderate coffee or tea drinking did not pose significant risks. For those drinking half a cup to 3 cups of coffee a day, the risk of fetal death was 3% higher compared to non-caffeine drinkers. And for those drinking 4 to 7 cups of coffee a day, the risk increases to 33%. One cup of coffee equals about 2 cups of tea when comparing caffeine levels. The recommended amount of coffee drunk is up to 3 cups daily, or 6 cups of tea, by the UK food agency.

By : Rebecca Prescott

The Real Deal on Prenatal Vitamins

2008-12-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

For any up and coming mother especially those who will be having a baby for the first time, she would want to ensure that her baby be in the best health and condition. Many pregnant women have to undergo regular check up and are being prescribed with vitamins to ensure that the baby gets the needed nutrition and be free from any diseases or infections. It is important also that a mother eats healthy food and avoids things like drinking alcohol and smoking.

There have been a lot of issues regarding prenatal vitamins and we need clarifications on certain of these issues so that we will be aware on whether this is true or merely a misleading notion.

It is true that it is important for pregnant women to take in prenatal vitamins or supplements for they cannot be sure if the food they will be taken in will provide for all the necessary vitamins and minerals that she will need for her and her upcoming baby. This time she is not only eating for herself but she is eating for two people. While she may exert extra effort to eat only what are healthy, chances are she wouldn’t be able to get everything that she will need that is why there is a need for supplements that will help fill this gap. But we have to remember that supplements are not there to substitute poor nutrition. This has to go with eating healthy in order for the body to be able to make full use of the vitamins and minerals available for the body to absorb and use.

While there may be numerous prenatal vitamins that could be bought over the counter at pharmacies which would really work for most women, it is still ideal to consult your doctor on which one would best suit your needs. There are certain things that you need to ensure like the amount of Vitamin A that could be toxic if taken in excessive amounts and could cause possible birth defects. You also need to ensure an adequate amount of folic acid which is very vital for your baby’s development. The ingredients in a prenatal vitamin are important and if your body would be absorbing them.

Some pregnant women especially the sensitive ones may find themselves bothered by the taste and sometimes smell of these vitamins. You could ask your doctor about switching brands if possible or if not you could just make a little amount of sacrifice for your little angel.

By : Mary Lorainne

Nursing as a profession

2008-12-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

Nursing is a highly regarded profession with high standards of honesty and ethics amongst various other professions. Nursing has emerged as the largest health care occupation with over 2.7 million jobs. With over 100,000 vacant positions and a ever-growing need for health care workers, the career outlook is excellent for the nursing field. National Center for Workforce Analysis, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services predicts a shortage of 808,416 nurses by the year 2020. Such an analysis and prediction is backed by very strong reasoning and findings. Advancement in technology and medical field has resulted in an increased life span. Elderly population is now living longer and more of them will require care and nursing. With more elderly people in need of such care, demands rise for nursing force that can meet such needs. Also, the need for more skilled nurses is growing. With insurance companies stepping into the medical field to reduce the cost of health care expenditure, demand for nurses, outside the hospital setting has also risen. Not to forget that the current nursing workforce is aging and many are expected to retire over next 10-15 years only to create a void, adding to the shortage further. So, nurses with a BSN degree can expect a securer career and better job prospects.

Nurses blend knowledge of science and technology with the art of care and compassion. Nursing provides opportunity to save and improve lives, care for the sick and debilitated, educate patients and people towards achieving good health and above all, the feeling of helping someone in their hour of illness and need. There is no greater service than caring for the sick and needy. Nurses are required to deliver basic duties, which includes but is not limited to providing treatment, health education, emotional support, record maintenance, operating medical equipment in addition to counseling patient and their family about the management of their illness. Registered Nurses (RNs) also run general health screening and immunization clinics, organize public seminars, motivate blood donation drives, etc. Three out of five nurses in the United States work in hospitals. Most of the others work in clinics, home health, extended care settings, schools, colleges, universities, the public health services, and nonprofit agencies throughout the United States and many other countries. Nursing can be a challenging job with continuous exposure to grief and suffering, stress, work pressures, little or excessive patient contact and occupational hazards including but not limited to infectious diseases, radiation exposure, accidental needle sticks, chemicals, anesthesia, back injury and emotional stress. Role autonomy and independence, innovativeness, technical knowledge, and teamwork are characteristics of this job, in addition to personal satisfaction and professional rewards.

The nursing schools are a gateway to this profession and almost all of them require a high school diploma in addition to sound academic standing in English, Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology with a GPA score of atleast 3. Computer experience is an asset. Leadership and organization skills are vital to this profession. Most schools shall still require you to clear the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-admission exam besides the SAT exam. Over 1,500 nursing programs in the US provide three different educational paths towards becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program offered at colleges and universities. An associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program offered at many community and junior colleges. Some hospital schools of nursing and universities offer an ADN degrees. Hospital Diploma is a two to three year program based in hospital settings. Many diploma schools are affiliated with junior colleges where students take basic science and English requirements. Opportunities are maximum with a BSN degree. BSN is a requirement for obtaining a master's degree or becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recognizes the BSN degree as the minimum educational requirement for a professional nursing practice. Even though graduates can begin practice as an RN with an ADN or diploma, the BSN degree is a must for nurses seeking to assume roles as case-managers or supervisors or move across employment settings. Tuition fee depends on your college and state of residence, but financial aids and scholarships are available to take care of such needs. There are technical and vocational schools as well, which provide one-year course towards becoming a Practical Nurse or a Vocational Nurse. Once graduated, the next important thing is to obtain licensure for practice in the State of your preference. Eighteen states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact Agreement (NCLA) which permits a licensed nurse to practice in any of the other seventeen states, if they have obtained license to practice in one of the states. License can be obtained by passing national licensing exam NCLEX-RN for becoming a Registered Nurse and NCLEX-PN for becoming Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) as in Texas, California. LPN and LCN provide care for sick, injured and disabled under direct supervision of physicians and RNs.

Nursing career is full of opportunities for those who want to specialize and pursue higher education. A few popular specialties are AIDS Care Nurse, Ambulatory Care Nurse, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse, Case Management, Correctional Nurse, Enterostomal Therapy Nurse, Gastroenterology/Endoscopy Nurse, Genetics Nurse, Infection Control Nurse, Intravenous Therapy Nurse, long-term Care Nurse, Managed Care Nurse, Nephrology Nurse and more, the list does not end here. Most of the specialties do welcome RNs with a BSN degree only. In addition, there is increasing demand for APNs. APNs are primary health care practitioners, working independently or in collaboration with physicians. In most states, they are permitted to prescribe medications. The four specializations for APNs include Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) providing expert consultation in any of the above mentioned specialties; Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) administer anesthesia and monitor patient's vital signs during surgery in addition to providing post-anesthesia care; Nurse Midwives (CNM) provide primary care to females covering aspects like family planning, prenatal care, neonatal care and assist delivery; and Nurse Practitioners (NP) who provide basic preventive health care to patient. NPs are primary as well as specialty care providers in medically underserved areas. APNs are lower cost primary care providers in comparison to physicians.

Advanced degrees available to nurses are masters (MSN), doctoral degree (Ph.D., EdD, DNS) and post-doctoral programmes. Doctoral degrees can provide placements as a senior policy analyst, researcher, health system executive and as a nursing school dean.

RNs may work as a staff nurse or become APNs. Also exisins are a few positions involving little or no direct patient contact. Such positions include Case Managers, Forensic Managers (applying knowledge of nursing for legal enforcement, like treating and investigating a victim of assault or abuse and similar), Infection Control Nurses, Legal Nurse Consultants (assist lawyers in medical cases by interviewing patient, organizing records, and educating lawyers about medical conditions), Nurse Administrators, Nurse Informatics, Health Care Consultants, Public Policy Advisors, Medical editors and writers.

Career and job prospects are bright as mentioned above and with increasing demand and difficulty to hold up nurses in hospitals, many hospitals and corporate sectors have now started offering incentives like signing bonuses, subsidized training, open shift bidding. Open shift bidding is an emerging concept where nurses can find vacant shifts at premium wages and bid for same online. This also reduces mandatory overtime that many nurses have to do otherwise. Many employers now provide family friendly work schedules and flexibility, again an indication of demand in such places.

RNs are earning anywhere from $37,300 to greater than $74,760 depending upon qualifications and experience, besides job locations. Median salary can be appreciated as $52,330 annually. Entry level RN can earn from $30,000 to $45,000 annually. All this comes with benefit packages including health insurance, holiday pay, college tuition reimbursement, childcare, pension plans and much more. Expected shortage of nurses over coming years is going to tilt the situation more in the favor of nurses and they can look forward to a securer future with brighter prospects and rewards.

Becoming a nurse is not just about money but dedicating your life to service mankind, caring for the sick and to be able to support them and their family in difficult times. The potential is enormous and specialization options aplenty. Nursing as a profession is full of personal satisfaction and professional rewards.

By : dave

Healthy and Smooth Pregnancy with Prenatal Yoga Practice

2008-12-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Now a day, prenatal yoga is becoming more popular and is essentially practiced by pregnant women for its health benefits. It is a way to ensure a healthy and smooth pregnancy. The term ‘yoga’ refers to a Sanskrit word “union” it means “to join.” The aim of prenatal yoga is to unite the body, mind and spirit through poses, breathing exercises, and meditation.

Prenatal yoga has five fundamental tools : yoga exercises, mudras, meditation, breathing exercises, and deep relaxation techniques. These tools when practiced regularly can provide benefits to you and your baby’s health as well as increases your ability to have natural and easy childbirth.

Yoga exercises works efficiently on the organs of the reproductive system as well as on the pelvis to make sure a smooth pregnancy and easy delivery. At the subtle level, the prenatal yoga exercises guarantee a good supply of blood as well as essential nutrients to the developing fetus.

Mudras are one of prenatal yoga tools. Mudras are hand gestures with psychophysical stimulation, which provides powerful effects on your reproductive organs when practiced regularly.

Meditation is a therapeutic tool that helps overcome the feelings of anxiety, depression, worries and clashes that are very common for pregnant woman during pregnancy. Meditation provides an unbelievable awareness that helps you bond with your child in a strange way.

Breathing exercises are powerful techniques and practicing them during pregnancy provides sufficient oxygen supply to you and your growing child. The breathing exercises of prenatal yoga increases your body fitness during and after pregnancy.

Deep relaxation techniques of prenatal yoga are very effective for pregnant woman during pregnancy. These techniques help provide physical and mental relaxation. Yoga Nidra (Yogic sleep) is a deep relaxation technique, which is effective mainly during pregnancy for childbirth preparation.

During prenatal yoga, as a pregnant woman, you may feel more difficult in balancing yoga asanas because of a change in the center of gravity. So, here are the points to keep in mind while practicing prenatal yoga. Never lay down flat on your back once you reach twenty weeks of pregnancy.

Lying on the abdomen is safe in early stages of pregnancy, but it becomes painful in the later stages if you are with breast tenderness. Forward bending asanas help ease the backache of pregnancy. However practicing these asanas in the later stages of pregnancy causes nausea because of increased abdominal weight. Also, avoid standing asanas for long periods since it leads to dizziness.

Drink plenty of water in the hours before your prenatal yoga class. Always use additional pillows, pads or blankets (if necessary) to increase the support during prenatal yoga.

As a pregnant woman, you get warm easily. So, make use of fans or air conditioners (if necessary) during warm weather.

On the other hand, it is highly recommended not to practice prenatal yoga if you are with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), an incompetent cervix, constant vaginal bleeding, episodes of premature labor, or any serious medical conditions. Also avoid prenatal yoga if you are carrying multiple babies. Visit Pregnancy Zone

By : Neelima Reddy

Teen Pregnancy

2008-12-13T15:44:00.000-08:00

Teen pregnancies are still the norm in much of the developing world. Each child born to a young girl normally is considered a blessing.

Despite the fact that the teen birth rate is slowly falling, there are still an estimated one million teen pregnancies in the United States alone. About 85% of these pregnancies are unplanned, which in any population can increase the risk for problems. The biggest risk for teen mothers is delaying prenatal care or worse, 7.2% received no care at all.

The reason for lack of prenatal care is usually delayed pregnancy testing, denial or even fear of telling others about the pregnancy. Most states have a health department or University clinic where prenatal care is free or low cost and patient confidentiality is very important, meaning no one can tell the teen mother's family.

Teenage mothers are less likely to gain adequate weight during their pregnancy, leading to Low Birth weight which is associated with infant and childhood disorders and a high rate of infant mortality. Low-birth weight babies are more likely to have organs that are not fully developed, which can result in complications such as bleeding in the brain, respiratory distress syndrome, and intestinal problems.

Children born to teenage mothers are less likely to receive proper nutrition, health care, and cognitive and social stimulation. As a result, they may have an underdeveloped intellect and attain lower academic achievement.

Effects

Effects of teen pregnancies on the children involved. These children are far more likely to grow up in poverty, to have more health problems, to suffer from higher rates of abuse and neglect, to fail in school, to become teen mothers, to commit delinquent acts and adult crimes, and to incur failed adult marriages and other relationships.

The burdens of early childbearing on disadvantaged teens are undeniable. Trying to untangle the factors which contribute to teenage pregnancy from its effects, however, leads to a "which came first, the chicken or the egg ?" dilemma. Educational failure, poverty, unemployment and low self-esteem are understood to be negative outcomes of early childbearing. These circumstances also contribute to the likelihood of teen pregnancy.

In general, teen mothers have much lower levels of educational attainment than other women, which severely limit their career options and sharply increase their likelihood of economic dependency. Only 70% of teen mothers complete high school or earn a GED, and far fewer
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Risk Factors. Although it is not inevitable, some life circumstances place girls at higher risk of becoming teen mothers. These include poverty, poor school performance, growing up in a single parent household, having a mother who was an adolescent mother, or having a sister who has become pregnant.

Teenage pregnancies have become a public health issue because of their observed negative effects on perinatal outcomes and long-term morbidity. The association of young maternal age and long-term morbidity is usually confounded, however, by the high prevalence of poverty, low level of education, and single marital status among teenage mothers.

Children of teenage mothers have significantly higher odds of placement in certain special education classes and significantly higher occurrence of milder education problems, but when maternal education, marital status, poverty level, and race are controlled, the detrimental effects disappear and even some protective effects are observed.

By : Peter Sams

Moderate Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol and Stress in Monkeys can cause touch Sensitivity

2008-11-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

A new study on monkeys has found that moderate exposure to alcohol and stress during pregnancy can lead to sensitivity to touch in the monkeys' babies. In human children, sensitivity to touch is one of a number of characteristics of the approximately 5 percent of children who over-respond to sensory information. Since these characteristics can lead to behavioral or emotional problems, early identification and treatment are important. Children who are sensitive to touch have unpleasant and sometimes painful reactions to otherwise pleasant or neutral forms of touching.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Our results with monkeys have important implications for preventing childhood disorders," according to Mary L Schneider, professor of occupational therapy and psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the study's lead author.

Researchers studied 38 5- to 7-year-old rhesus monkeys born to mothers who either drank a moderate dose of alcohol every day during their pregnancies, were exposed to a mild 10-minute stressor during their pregnancies, drank a moderate amount of alcohol and were exposed to the stressor during their pregnancies, or were undisturbed while they were pregnant. A moderate dose of alcohol for the monkeys was defined as the equivalent of two drinks a day for a human.

Without knowing which situation the mother monkeys had experienced, the researchers rated the monkeys' offspring according to how they responded to repeated touch with a feather, a cotton ball, and a stiff brush. They found that monkeys whose mothers had not been stressed or consumed alcohol got used to touch over time, while monkeys whose mothers had been stressed grew more disturbed by touch over time. Monkeys who had been exposed to alcohol prenatally were disturbed by touch more than monkeys who had not been exposed to alcohol prenatally.

Using a brain neuro-imaging technique known as positron emission tomography, or PET, the researchers found that the monkeys' sensitivities to touch were related to changes in a brain chemical called dopamine in one area of the brain, the striatum. Regulating dopamine plays a crucial role in mental and physical health. Particularly important for learning, dopamine plays a major role in addictions.

"Our findings with monkeys suggest that when mothers are under stress and/or drink alcohol while pregnant, their offspring are at risk for sensory sensitivities," notes Schneider.

Schneider called for further studies to determine whether reducing sensory sensitivities at an early age in children might help prevent the development of fetal alcohol-related behavioral problems.

"Our findings also have important implications for women of childbearing age," she added, "suggesting that sensory sensitivities might be reduced by decreasing stress levels and abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy or if planning pregnancy."

Journal reference: Child Development, Vol. 79, Issue 1, Sensory Processing Disorder in a Primate Model: Evidence from a Longitudinal Study of Prenatal Alcohol and Prenatal Stress Effects by Schneider, ML, Moore, CF, Gajewski, LL, and Larson, JA (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Roberts, AD (Minnesota State University-Mankato, formerly with University of Wisconsin-Madison), and Converse, AK, and DeJesus, OT (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

The study was funded in part by the National Institute of Health's National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Read more here.

Prenatal Syphilis Screening Rates : are they Being Accurately Reported ?

2008-11-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

Prenatal syphilis screening, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, medical professional organizations, and public health authorities, is critical to preventing still births and serious birth defects in babies of affected mothers. A study published in journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases reports that state Medicaid statistics, when used to determine screening rates, may seriously underestimate the number of expectant mothers being screened for syphilis.

Researchers led by Marc Rosenman, M.D., of the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute compared four years of Medicaid data from the state of Indiana with data from the Regenstrief Medical Record System (RMRS) for women seen in Wishard Health Services. Of the nearly 4,000 women with both Medicaid and RMRS data, only half had evidence of prenatal syphilis screening recorded in Medicaid claims data, while more than 99 percent had at least one laboratory report of syphilis screening recorded in the RMRS, indicating that Medicaid numbers were missing nearly half the women screened.

"What our study points out is that analyses based on Medicaid data might not tell the whole story. And this problem is not unique to Indiana. Our findings add perspective to a CDC-funded study of Florida Medicaid data which reported a prenatal syphilis screening rate of about 50 percent, a rate very similar to what we found in Indiana Medicaid data," said Dr. Rosenman, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine and a research scientist at the Regenstrief Institute.

Why are Medicaid data incomplete ? Reasons may vary from how the test is billed to how data are transmitted from a physician's office, clinic or hospital to a state agency.

"Prenatal syphilis screening is a vital step in preventing serious illness. The nearly universal prenatal screening we report is not necessarily typical of other health systems across the state and nation, for a variety of reasons including that this study was conducted at a large public teaching hospital and began during a major syphilis outbreak in Indianapolis in 1998-1999, and since then physicians, health systems, and the county health department have probably all been extra conscientious in encouraging screening. But what is clear is that Medicaid data by far underestimate how much screening is taking place," said Dr. Rosenman. "The same is probably true of other published estimates based on commercial insurance data."

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is on the increase in the United States. A simple blood test is used to screen for the disease. An at risk woman should be screened for syphilis multiple times during her pregnancy including immediately prior to delivery. Read more here.

Prenatal Nicotine Exposure Reduces Breathing Response 0f Newborns

2008-11-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

Exposure to nicotine the equivalent of smoking two packs of cigarets a day produced complicated, abnormal breathing development during the first 18 days of newborn rats, University of Arizona researchers report.

Ralph Fregosi, presenting the results at three American Physiological Society sessions at Experimental Biology, said his team "found that the required increase in breathing in response to reduced oxygen supply was lower in nicotine-exposed animals compared to the controls over their first nine days. This suggests that prenatal nicotine exposure reduces the ability of a neonatal animal to respond to low blood oxygen, which can lead to prolonged and possibly lethal apneas."

Between nine and 18 days, the situation reversed, and nicotine-exposed rats' response was actually higher than controls, showing an overall complicated, abnormal breathing development over the 18 days.

Cause of apneas still unknown, but ability to restart breathing remains key

Fregosi said his laboratory wants to better understand how smoking during pregnancy disturbs breathing in infants because of increased rates of asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), obstructive sleep apnea and impaired arousal responses during sleep. "Our laboratory is particularly interested in the strong association between maternal smoking on the one hand, and the increased incidence of infantile SIDS and obstructive sleep apnea on the other."

In the current study the team studied how prenatal nicotine exposure affected neonate's ability to respond to decreased levels of blood oxygen, and/or low oxygen combined with elevated carbon dioxide. "This is important when the neonate has an 'apnea,' or cessation of breathing, when they are sleeping, because under these conditions the oxygen can be reduced dramatically. Although we still don't understand the cause of the apneas, we know they are frequent, especially in the early neonatal period.

"This is important physiologically, because a reduced ability to respond to low oxygen and/or high carbon dioxide diminishes the ability of the infant to reinitiate breathing and break the apnea. If the apnea becomes prolonged, the oxygen levels in the blood will drop dramatically leading to cardiovascular arrest and death."

Pump implant to simulate prenatal nicotine exposure

The current study exposed animals to nicotine by implanting a small pump loaded with nicotine into pregnant rats, so the neonates were exposed to the nicotine in utero. This mimics the situation observed in a smoking pregnant woman. The dose of nicotine was designed to be equivalent to what the developing fetus would be exposed to if their mother smoked two packs of cigarets a day.

Various levels of oxygen reduction were tested, from 16% to 10% of air (normal air is 21% O2), as well as a 12% oxygen/5% CO2 level.

Developmental switch parallels neurophysiological findings

Fregosi noted that there is "mounting evidence that neurons responsible for controlling their respiratory and cardiovascular systems show a variety of abnormal anatomic and physiologic changes in neonatal animals exposed to nicotine before birth, and the developmental switch between nine and 12 days is consistent with a recent report in the Journal of Applied Physiology on a major readjustment of brainstem neurotransmitter receptor densities near day 12." Read more here.

Prenatal Nicotine Exposure can Lead to Cardiac Function Reprogramming in adult Offspring

2008-11-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

At least 11 percent of American women smoke during pregnancy. The negative effects of nicotine exposure to their fetuses and newborns are significant. A 2004 report by the Surgeon General, for example, found that women who smoked during pregnancy had children who were at a three times higher risk for SIDS than were the offspring of non-smokers. Now, a new study using laboratory rats, provides strong evidence that the effects of maternal smoking during the prenatal period of life can lead to cardiac vascular dysfunction beyond the formative years and into adulthood.

Summary of Methodology

Nicotine (2.1 mg/d) was administered via osmotic minipumps placed under the skin throughout gestation and up to ten days after delivery. Hearts were isolated from three month old male and female offspring, and subjected to 25-minutes of mechanical obstruction of blood flow ischemia followed by 60-minutes of myocardial impairment caused by opening of the blockage. Pulmonary artery discharge was collected as an index of coronary flow (ml/min/g heart wet weight).

Summary of Results

The researchers found :

that nicotine significantly decreased coronary flow in female (10.4¡Ó0.8 vs. 7.1¡Ó0.7, P<>0.05) hearts at baseline;
nicotine treatment significantly decreased coronary flow during reperfusion up to 60-minutes in female, but not in male, hearts.
prenatal nicotine exposure significantly increased ischemia and reperfusion-induced infarct size in left ventricles and significantly affected post-ischemic recovery of left ventricular function in both male and female offspring. However, the effect of nicotine was significantly more pronounced in females than in males.

Conclusions

The results suggest that prenatal nicotine exposure selectively decreases coronary flow in adult female offspring. The findings suggest that prenatal nicotine exposure causes a reprogramming of cardiac function resulting in an increase in heart susceptibility to ischemia and reperfusion injury in adult offspring. In addition, the effect of nicotine shows a gender dichotomy with females being more susceptible than males.

The selective effect of nicotine on coronary flow in the female heart may contribute to the increased susceptibility of female vs. male hearts, in response to ischemia and reperfusion-induced cardiac damage in animals exposed to prenatal nicotine treatment. Additional study is thus required. Read more here.

Prenatal Drinking, Environmental Enrichment : Effects on Neurotrophins are Independent of Each Other

2008-11-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Prenatal alcohol exposure may be particularly destructive for neurotrophins, a family of peptides that influence the growth, development and functional plasticity of the fetal brain. A new rodent study of alcohol's effects on three key neurotrophins has found that, even though environmental enrichment may be able to improve some fetal-alcohol effects, those benefits do not appear to be mediated by neurotrophins.

"Neurotrophins are produced in the nervous system and are critical for normal development of the brain," explained Robert F. Berman, a professor in the department of neurological surgery and at the Center for Neuroscience at the University of California -- Davis, as well as corresponding author for the study.

"Neurotrophins also play important roles in learning and memory, and contribute to the repair of the brain following injury or stress. We chose to examine three -- nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) -- because previous research had shown that prenatal alcohol exposure alters their levels in the brain, and that treatment of other types of brain injury with NGF or BDNF can be beneficial."

Researchers divided 22 pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats into four groups: Zero (receiving 0 g of alcohol), Low (4 g/kg/day), High (6 g/kg/day) and Naïve (untreated pregnant rats). The two alcohol groups were given alcohol on gestational days eight to 20. After weaning on postnatal day 21, the 228 offspring were housed for six weeks in one of three conditions: Isolated, Social or Enriched. Levels of NGF, NT-3 and BDNF were then measured in the offsprings' frontal cortex, occipital cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellar vermis.

"We found that prenatal alcohol exposure generally increased brain neurotrophin levels in adult rats," said Berman. "This suggests that neurotrophin levels increased as compensation for damage to the developing brain from prenatal alcohol exposure. Results also demonstrated that the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure can be enduring and last into adulthood."

Previous rodent research conducted by Berman had shown that rearing rats in an enriched environment following prenatal alcohol exposure improved their motor function as well as learning and memory. "In this study, we found that being raised in an enriched environment, with ample opportunities for motor and sensory stimulation, and social interactions, unexpectedly resulted in reduced levels of neurotrophins in some areas of the cortex, but not in other areas which are well known to be affected by prenatal alcohol exposure," he said.

When both sets of findings are considered together, he added, they indicate that the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and environmental rearing conditions on neurotrophin levels are largely independent, with little evidence that one directly influenced the other's effects on neurotrophin levels. "In other words," he said, "our results did not support our hypothesis that the beneficial effects of early environmental enrichment in rats exposed prenatally to alcohol were mediated directly by the three neurotrophins we examined in four specific brain areas."

This means that the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying environmental enrichment effects after prenatal alcohol exposure are still not understood, said Berman. "While the importance of the postnatal rearing environment for brain development is clear, we need additional research to aid in devising rational treatment strategies for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, including fetal alcohol syndrome," he said. Read more here.

Eating Well Even After Your Pregnancy

2008-11-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

Congratulations and welcome to parenthood. Your body has gone through a lot these past nine months and it still has a while to go before it is back to normal. The next few months are going to give you and your body a whole new set of challenges especially if you are a first time parent. Recovering from childbirth is exhausting and when you throw a new baby who has no concept of time into the mix and you might find your head spinning. Eating well during this time is almost as important as eating well during your pregnancy.

Your body has just been through a traumatic ordeal. If you gave birth vaginally, you mind find yourself recovering from tears and what not. If you gave birth via c-section, you are recovering from major surgery. The first thing most hospitals and doctors like to make sure is that your plumbing and waste systems are working.

Eating high fiber food and drinking lots of water after your delivery will help make that first bowel movement a lot less painful. This can be a little hard for women who delivery via c-section because they are usually on a liquid diet for the first 24 hours. You may find you need a little help from either stool softeners or prune juice to make that first trip a little easier.

Once you are home from the hospital, you are going to need your energy to take care of the baby. Gone are the nights where you were able to get a full 8 hours of sleep. You might not see that again for at least three months, though ask any parent and they will tell you that getting 8 hours of sleep a night will not happen until your kids are grown and married. Sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on you and it is important that you eat healthy to maintain a decent amount of energy.

The postpartum period is usually where most women find themselves downing countless amounts of coffee or sugary foods to give them a quick fix. This is not healthy because once you come down from that high, you are going to be even more exhausted than you were before hand. Make sure all of your meals are balanced meals and stock up on quick and healthy snacks such as celery sticks, baby carrots and lots of fruit to get you through the day.

Eating healthy can also help you fight the baby blues those first few weeks. Nearly 80% of all women suffer from baby blues. These usually kick in between the 4th and 5th day after delivery and can last for 10 days to 2 weeks. You may find yourself emotional for no reason and you may start to cry for no reason.

Some women report a feeling of sadness that they are no longer pregnant and others report a feeling of helplessness when it comes to dealing with their new baby. The baby blues are caused by your hormone levels going back to normal. By maintaining your healthy habits that you practiced during your pregnancy could help you handle your changing emotions a little better.

Pregnancy is tough and the post partum period is just as tough. Make sure you take the best care of yourself as possible during this time. Eat right and continue to take your prenatal vitamin to make sure your baby is going to get the best care you are capable of.

Healthy Pregnancy Information - a Guide to Early Pregnancy

2008-11-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy is the term used to describe when a woman has a growing fetus inside of her. In most cases, the fetus grows in the uterus. When a women becomes pregnant her body starts to produce a hormone called hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) This hormone give the positive result on both urine and blood based tests. Human pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, or just more than 9 months, from the start of the last menstrual period to childbirth. The feeling of carrying another living being in your womb is the most special time of a woman's life. It is a time of physical, mental and emotional transformation for the woman. Anxiety and uncertainty marks the great deal of excitement accompanying these changes. However, worries and having sleepless nights are uncalled for. The nine months of journey would be pleasant if one has a better knowledge and appreciation of these transformations.

During the first trimester, marked from conception to 12 or 14 weeks from the last normal menstrual cycle, a woman often experiences morning sickness (vomiting and nausea), tiredness, tender breast and frequent urination. Taking small frequent meals can be very helpful in preventing nausea. The mother-to-be may have alternate activity and rest periods. During this stage, walking is the most suitable physical activity.

Often considered as the "Golden Period" of pregnancy is the second trimester. During this stage, the physically demanding signs and symptoms of pregnancy have subsided. There are better sleep patterns, a paramount sign of advancement in the healthy pregnancy process. It is also during this time that the most joyful moment is experienced by the mother-to-be. The first heartbeat of the baby can be heard; moreover, an ultrasound usually done in around 19 weeks may make one feel the diverse movements of your bundle of joy. The ugly stretch marks, which is a cause for worries for women may become visible. Do not scratch the abdominal area to lessen the chances of pregnancy stretch marks.

The last of the pregnancy trimesters is the time when the fetus becomes too large to move in the uterus. The to-be moms may feel tired and experience shortness of breath due to the increased growth of the fetus. At the end of the third trimester, the fetus usually settles into a head-down position in the uterus. During this time, future parents should be well prepared for the birth of the baby.

Pregnancy also involves many changes in a woman's lifestyle. Avoid detrimental substances such as nicotine and alcohol. Cigarette smoke can lead to low birth weight in babies as well as miscarriages and tubal pregnancies. Alcohol and other toxic chemicals and substances such as paint fumes are damaging to the mother and to the baby.

During pregnancy, prenatal nutrition is very important. That is why dieting during this time is a big no-no. Hydration is also very important, about 6 to 8 glasses a day should be consumed. Essential nutrients and vitamins in the diet are vital to the development of both mother and child. Vitamins supplements are necessary as well as plenty of sleep and performing as much exercise as safely possible. During your pregnancy, regular activity such as walking, yoga, and swimming will help alleviate swelling, fatigue, and backache.

Giving birth will no doubt be one of the most magical moments of a woman's life and to ensure that your child is strong and happy, it is important you do all you can to have a healthy pregnancy.

Frequency of Urination

Running to the bathroom all the time? Early in pregnancy, the growing uterus presses on your bladder. This causes frequent urination.

See your doctor right away if you notice pain, burning, pus or blood in your urine. You might have a urinary tract infection that needs treatment.

Weight Gain

During the first trimester, it is normal to gain only a small amount of weight, about one pound per month.

By : Franchis

How to choose right yoga mats ?

2008-11-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

A very important decision for you as you commence on the yoga path is to choose the right yoga mat. First let's have glance at the qualities of the perfect yoga mat. In terms of practice, it must be offer traction. In other words it should allow your body parts to grip it firmly without slipping. This is essential in doing yoga poses that have to be held for extended periods. Next, it should lie flat on the floor when you spread it out. It should be soft enough to cushion you body yet firm enough to give support. And you should be able to clean it easily.

Yoga mats are generally a very thin mat. They are used in order to make the ground or floor more comfortable for sitting and lying yoga moves. A mat is a good investment and it may be one of the first yoga accessories you wish to purchase. There are many different types of yoga exercise mats and rugs, including :

CLASSIC" Yoga Mat
"DELUXE" Yoga Mat
Cotton Chemical Free/Organic Ashtanga Yoga Mats
OM Logo MAT
"DELUXE" Yoga Mat Roll
UTOPIAN YOGA MAT
Yoga Blanket/Serape

All these factors depend on the material. When it comes to yoga mates, you have the choice of natural or synthetic. Natural materials such as jute or cotton are sometimes known as yoga rugs. Synthetics such as latex or PVC are sometimes known as sticky mats. Yet other mats are made from a blend of jute and natural rubber. All types of mats have their pros and cons.

Yoga exercises are performed on the floor usually with bare feet. The postures may lead to loss of balance especially in the beginning stages and may result in a fall. You need something that will avoid direct contact of your body with the bare floor that will also protect you in case you lose balance and fall. Yoga exercises can make you sweat a lot, in turn introducing a tendency to slip easily. Mats can help you here and minimize the potential to slip and also protect you in case you do. A yoga mat is designed with precisely these requirements in mind, and is an invaluable accessory for serious practitioners of yoga. Yoga mats can be purchased online. Compared to most of the sports and other physical activity that you can think of, Yoga requires very little by way of accessories. However, you may need to pay attention to the little that is needed because of some peculiarities of Yoga.

By : yogabestbuy.com

Prenatal Care

2008-11-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

Being pregnant is the prerogative of a lady and you must think yourself privileged to the beautiful gift you are about to receive. If it is your first time, apprehensions prevail every moment, but if you have already delivered a baby then you must be at ease with yourself. However care taken is important before and after the baby is born.

Care taken during the pregnancy is known as prenatal care. As soon as you know you are pregnant, you should visit the doctor so that proper medication can begin. The doctor will make you see them at regular intervals.

During the first trimesters, your doctor will call you once every month. At the second trimester the visits increase to once every 2 weeks and then weekly right up to the delivery date. You must keep your appointments even though you are feeling fine as you do not know what is going on inside you.

The doctor basically checks for medical conditions like blood pressure. If there are any problems with the baby and of course the health of the mother. The main focus during prenatal care is to monitor the health of the baby and the mother.

Consuming the right quantity of vitamins, iron, collates and proteins is very important. If you are an absolute vegetarian make sure you are taking in proteins or protein milks. Request the doctor to draw out a chart for the dos and don’ts you are expected to follow with regard to food. Also there are few pointers to follow in everyday lifestyle like not picking up too much of weight, no cardio or heavy exercises. 8 hours of sleep is a must and a little exercise is necessary else you tend to get lethargic.

During pregnancy there are a few discomforts that you may experience as your body is getting adapted to a new life within you. Constipation, nausea, heartburn get a bit regular as your intake in food is not proportionate or they are just there. Whatever you do, will not chase them away. Eating in small quantities the entire day helps. Also avoid spicy, deep fried and tough food.

Fatigue is another regular discomfort. You feel extremely tired and exhausted. Headaches occur as you are not comfortable with some pains and anxiety leads to high blood pressure.

In some women there are more discomforts while in others there are less or in varied proportions. Hence you cannot generalize the problem. Do hot believe in heresy and ask your doctor before you take somebody’s advice.

By : jennie

Pregnancy Naturally

2008-11-13T15:42:00.000-08:00

A rush of emotions. A little stick. Will it be pink! Or blue ? Who should you tell first ? What do you do now ?

Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience that is full of excitement and love and anxiety and tension. There are a lot of decisions to be made and you must face the realization (whether it’s your first or your 12th) that life will never be the same.

Once you have the details of the actual delivery, the who (midwife or doctor), what (your baby), where (home birth, birthing clinic or hospital) and when (determining your due date) down, you can get on with making sure that baby has the best possible beginning even before you give birth.

Nutrition will be one of the keys to help you to keep your growing baby healthy and safe while still in your womb. And an extra bonus will be helping you to keep up your energy and minimizing the unpleasant effects of carrying your little one inside of you.

If you have a craving, indulge it. If you can’t eat something, don’t worry about it. The body has different needs during this time and those needs show themselves in various ways. It’s a temporary situation and nothing to be concerned about.

Prenatal Vitamins – While many multiple vitamins have the necessary quantities of vitamins and minerals for an average adult, prenatal vitamins have the increased quantities of those vitamins most important during this precious time. In addition, some prenatal vitamins have added the herb Ginger to help with morning sickness.

Calcium and Magnesium – These minerals are important during pregnancy for a number of reasons. If you don’t have enough calcium to provide to your baby as he begins to form bones and teeth, your body will naturally compensate by pulling these critical minerals from your own teeth and hair. This is why many women get more cavities and have brittle, dull hair during pregnancy. In addition, adequate levels of calcium may prevent preeclampsia during late pregnancy. Of course, there is the added benefit of avoiding excess leg or muscle cramps, common in pregnant women.

Red Raspberry – This herb is commonly known as the woman’s herb and can be taken throughout pregnancy. It has been used traditionally to strengthen the uterus and help women carry full-term reducing the chances of premature birth.

5-W – This is an herbal combination by Nature’s Sunshine Products. Many mothers and midwife’s insist they would not deliver without it. 5-W (five weeks) should be taken during the last five weeks before the scheduled due date. This product will help to tone the uterus and shorten the duration of labor.

Common ailments and natural alternatives

Sometimes our best efforts aren’t enough and we end up getting sick or having other problems that need to be addressed during this delicate time. Because anything that you take will also affect your growing baby, it’s best to use safe, natural alternatives whenever possible.

For almost all of the following, the best natural prevention is water. Pregnant women need far more of it than the average adult. Be sure you have water with you every where you go and drink it by the gallon.

Allergies and sinus congestion – Fenugreek may assist by acting as a mild laxative (opening the bowels to flush the irritants and mucus) and by reducing mucus secretions. A side benefit of fenugreek is that it promotes lactation in nursing women.

Back pain – See a good chiropractor and use rice pillows to ease the pain.

Bladder Infections – Use cranberry supplements daily as a preventative if you are prone to bladder infections. Should you contract a bladder infection during pregnancy, you could increase your dosage of cranberry and add colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic. Be sure to do this at the very first sign of the infection as bladder infections that reach the kidneys may increase the risk of preterm labor.

Colds – Echinacea is a safe alternative that can be used during pregnancy. Sip on Echinacea tea or take a few capsules several times a day. Another herb that may be effective is Olive Leaf. Of course, don’t forget to increase your vitamin C.

Constipation and hemorrhoids – This sometimes occurs due to the extra iron in prenatal vitamins. While it is generally not safe to take a laxative during pregnancy, there are some things you can do. Increase magnesium. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant and will help to relax the sphincter muscle that allows for proper elimination. Increase fiber. Often, due to cravings or specific food aversions during pregnancy, women don’t get enough fiber. Supplement if needed. Exercise may also help.

Insomnia – Valerian root acts as a natural sedative and may be just enough to help induce sleep.

Nausea – Ginger or peppermint tea can be very helpful here. Also try aloe vera juice.

This is a time of joy but it may take a little extra strength and willpower to stick to your desire to stay natural. Just remember, the less toxins you put into your body, the healthier your baby will be.

By : Nicole Bandes

What To Do When You're Not Getting Pregnant

2008-11-13T15:40:00.001-08:00

Let's face it, getting pregnant is not always as easy as it sounds. As many stories as you have heard about unplanned pregnancies, getting pregnant should be easy right ? You learned sex ed around the 5th grade, but what they didn't tell you is approximately 1 in 10 couples will experience infertility for one reason or another and that most couples do not get pregnant the first month of trying. If you are finding it more difficult than you thought to get pregnant, we have some suggestions for you.

1. Try a recipe for sex

There are quite a few of them out there. A recipe for sex is basically a list of days to have sex on to try to get pregnant. My personal favorite is having sex on days 9, 11, 12, 14, & 16 of your cycle. Of course if you don't have a 28 day cycle this one probably won't work for you. Another plan is having sex every other day starting about day 10 of your cycle.

2. Try fertility charting

Fertility charting involves taking your temperature at the same time every morning before getting out of bed. You also observe for signs of ovulation and chart your cervical mucous pattern. Charting can help determine if you are ovulating and help you to pinpoint when ovulation is occurring.

3. Use ovulation prediction kits (OPKs)

You can buy ovulation prediction kits at your local pharmacy or you can find them even cheaper if you purchase them online. A day or two before you ovulate, your body produces a surge of luteinizing hormone, LH. OPKs work by detecting this LH surge. Follow the directions that come with your kit to determine how to read the test strips, what time of day to test, and also what day of your cycle you should begin testing. OPKs cannot confirm ovulation, but they can help you predict ovulation before it occurs. Used in combination with fertility charting, they are very effective in determining ovulation.

4. Get to an ideal weight

Many women do not want to hear this one, but being overweight or underweight can affect your fertility. Women who are significantly underweight or exercise excessively often lose their period all together. It makes perfect sense then that if you are significantly overweight your fertility would be affected as well. Losing weight if you are overweight is one of the best things you can do to improve your fertility. Sticking to a sensible diet and increasing your weight if you are underweight will also help. Weight issues can also affect your partner's sperm, so if your partner is over or underweight encourage him to reach his ideal weight.

5. Check out your medicine cabinet

Certain medications can affect fertility. Talk with your doctor about the medications that you and you partner take. Even over the counter medications can cause problems. For example, medications such as tetracycline, erythromycin, and cimetidine can reduce a man's fertility.

6. Try Instead Softcups®

Although no formal research has been done on it, many women have claimed success from using them. Instead Softcups® are inserted and placed close to the cervix after intercourse to help hold semen close to the cervix.

7. Try a supplement

There are many over the counter supplements now that may aid in fertility including Vitex, FertiliAid, and FertiliTea. Vitamin B6 may also be helpful with improving your chances of getting pregnant. Men should take a daily multivitamin and women should start taking prenatal vitamins when they begin trying to conceive.

8. Check your position

The best sexual position for trying to conceive is with the woman on the bottom. It may also be helpful for her to lay on her back after intercourse with her knees to her chest for fifteen minutes.

9. Talk to your doctor

Although many doctors will not investigate infertility until you've been trying for a full year, many will and even those that are more conservative with treatment may be able to offer you valuable insight and suggestions. Your doctor can give you and your partner a full workup to check for potential causes of infertility. There are many treatments available including Clomid, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), and more. Your doctor can also look at related health issues that may be affecting your fertility such as thyroid disorders and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Even infections and viral illnesses can cause problems getting pregnant. Your doctor can work with you to come up with a plan for you to get pregnant.

By : Teresa Redmond

Healthy Pregnancy - Stages of Development

2008-11-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

Your pregnancy is generally about 40 weeks in length, calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) and is referred to in terms of three periods (trimesters) of foetal development. There are three basic pregnancy stages that potential moms to be should be aware of. In order, they're the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Each one is very different, and the mother's body will change a lot from the beginning to the end of each one. For example, in the first trimester in particular the mother experiences a lot of changes. From tiredness to breast changes to nausea and vomiting, they may not be as pleasant as one would hope. It turns out, that pregnant glow that some women have might be related to hot flashes! Also, by the end of the first trimester the baby will have grown from a cluster of cells to having a heartbeat, reflexes and the ability to move its tiny little limbs!

The second trimester is one of the easier pregnancy stages. The mother will have to start buying maternity clothes as the baby will start to show. The mother might also start having troubles sleeping. On the baby end of things, it will go from being the size of a cherry to around ten inches in length. The child will also start growing hair all over its body and its senses will begin developing, as well as begin kicking quite frequently.

The third trimester is the craziest of all the pregnancy stages. The mother will have to urinate quite frequently as the baby puts extra pressure on her bladder. It might be a good idea for the mother to look into breastfeeding and child birthing classes to prepare for the inevitable. The third trimester ends when the baby is born, usually about 40 weeks from the date of conception. Couples who are expecting a baby might also get good use out of a pregnancy calendar that can illustrate what your body is going through over the course of the three pregnancy stages.

Safe medicines

As soon as you know you are pregnant, check with your GP or midwife about any medicines you might already be taking. And always ask a pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter medicines, including things you usually take for colds, headaches, hay fever and so on, and any complementary therapies – some aren’t suitable when you’re pregnant, particularly herbal

Nutrition and Exercise :

· 2500 calories
· You may need to resume small frequent feedings to prevent heartburn
· Continue prenatal vitamins as prescribed
· Continue to avoid the use of alcohol
· Adequate hydration and avoiding overheating are important to protect the baby and you
· Further modify your exercise regimen as needed to protect muscles and joints

By : Franchis

remedies.

Announcing Pregnancy - How you Will tell Your husband ?

2008-11-13T15:37:00.000-08:00

Thinking up creative ways to tell your husband that you are pregnant is always fun. There are endless unique ideas of how to tell him that you are expecting and they make the occasion so much more memorable. Take the time to tell your husband that you are pregnant in one of these creative ways and you'll have a great story to tell your child when they grow up.

Paint Job
Make a quick run to the hardware store to pick up blue and pink paint swatches. Tape them to the wall in your future nursery and when your husband gets home bring him into the room and ask him which color would look better in this room.

Shop-a-holic
Does your husband know you for always coming home with new shopping bags? This time come home with a new maternity outfit, try it on and say, "How do you think this looks on me? Of course it doesn't fit quite yet, but in another nine months it will!"

Baby Blog
Are you two habitual bloggers ? Starting a new blog to chronicle your pregnancy can be a great way to keep long distance friends and family up to date. Make your first post a picture of your positive pregnancy test then make sure to send the link to your husband first to let him know of your new adventure!

Grocery List
Call your husband at work and ask if he wouldn't mind stopping at the store on his way home. Tell him you need some; saltines, ginger ale, decaf coffee, pickles and ice cream, non alcoholic beer, prenatal vitamins etc... If he still doesn't get it add to the list some Parenting magazines, diapers, and baby food.

Vacation Time
Get out the calendar and tell your husband that you were hoping he could take a few weeks off in about nine months. Tell him you have a luxurious stay at your local hospital booked, complete with sleepless nights and regular bouts of spit up on your shoulders scheduled.

Rearview Mirror
If your husband is the first to leave for work sneak into his car and hang a pair of baby booties off the rear view mirror.

Sexy Mama
Who says you have to tell your husband that you're pregnant in an innocent way? Try some 'Sexy Mama' undies to announce the news.

Pink and Blue Dessert
Ask your local baker to frost a few sugar cookies with pink and blue icing (if you don't have time to do it yourself) and bring them on a plate to your husband after dinner. Let him choose if he thinks you are pregnant with a boy or girl.

Prayer time
If you and your husband say a nightly prayer together make sure to slip in a, "Bless our growing baby" and wait for the happy exclamations from your husband.

Kiss the Baby
Before your husband gives you his good night kiss tell him to 'make sure to kiss the baby goodnight too' and point to your belly.

However you may tell your husband about your pregnancy, it is sure to be a memorable moment for the both of you. Enjoy the nine months ahead!

By : Franchis

Eating Healthy During Pregnancy

2008-11-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Starting off your with a healthy well balanced diet is the best thing you do for yourself and your baby. This way, you'll only need to make a few adjustments during your pregnancy.

Your first trimester
If you find it tough to maintain a balanced diet during your first trimester, you can rest assured that your not alone. Due to queasiness, some women will eat all of the time and gain a lot of weight in the process. Other women have trouble getting food down and subsequently lose weight.

Preventing malnutrition and dehydration are your most important factors during first trimester.

Calories
When you are pregnant, you need to consume around 300 calories more than usual every day. The best way to go about doing this is listening to your body when you are hungry. You should try to eat as many foods as possible from the bottom of the food pyramid.

If you gain weight too slow, try eating small meals and slightly increase the fat in your diet. You should always eat when you are hungry, as you are now eating for 2 instead of one.

Calcium
By the second trimester, you'll need around 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day for your bones and your baby', which is more than a quart of milk. Calcium is something that's missing from many diets. Along with milk, other great sources for calcium include dairy products, calcium fortified juices, and even calcium tablets.

Fiber
Fiber can help to prevent constipation, which is a common pregnancy problem. You can find fiber in whole grains, fruits, and even vegetables. Fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel are safe to take during pregnancy.

Protein
Unless you happen to be a strict vegetarian, your protein intake is not normally a problem for women who eat a healthy diet.

Iron
A lot of women will start their pregnancy off with a bit of iron deficiency. Good sources of iron include dark leafy green vegetables and meats. Iron supplements should be avoided, as they can cause internal symptoms such as cramping, constipation, or diarrhea.

Vitamins
Seeing as how you get a majority of the vitamins you need in your diet, you may want to discuss prenatal vitamins with your doctor. Folate is one of the most important, and if you are getting enough of it, you may be able to avoid vitamins all together - just ask your doctor to make sure.

By : Martin Pavion

Pregnancy Questions

2008-11-13T15:23:00.000-08:00

If you're expecting your first baby, you've got quite a few health related questions and concerns. And with good reason your body is going through a myriad of changes.

How Do I Know For Sure ?

If you suspect you might be pregnant, there are a few clues you can look for. You may be spending a lot more time than usual in the restroom frequent urination is an early sign of the changes the body undergoes during a pregnancy. Another telltale sign is the dreaded morning sickness. In the first trimester, many women feel nauseous after awakening and have trouble keeping food down. If you do suffer from morning sickness, relax--it usually diminishes by the 12th week.

When Do I Go to the Doctor ?

If you take a drugstore pregnancy test and it turns out positive, you should make a doctor's appointment ASAP. Your doctor will probably prescribe prenatal vitamins to make sure you and your baby get everything you need to be healthy, and will check the baby to make sure everything is going the way it should. Typically you'll go in for a routine check every three to four weeks so the doctor can monitor your child's growth and development.

What Medications Do I Need to Avoid

The list of medicines off-limits to expectant mothers is rather extensive. Make sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take anything, even if its over the counter. Even if the medicine doesn't come with a warning against use by pregnant women, every pregnancy is different and there may be a reason that you shouldn't use it.

What Should I Do if There's A Change in My Baby's Movement ?

One of the most frightening things for a first time mother is to realize that she hasn't felt her baby move in a while. It's normal for the baby to take a rest once a while they won’t kick and roll around continuously. But you'll become familiar with your unborn child's movement patterns, and if something seems off, it's better to be on the safe side and call your doctor. Don't brush off concerns as first pregnancy nerves often when you have a feeling that something isn't right there's a good reason.

You surely have countless further questions beyond these and by all means, ask your doctor. That's what he or she is therefore. The above are some commonly asked questions to help you better understand the changes taking place inside your body over the next nine months.

By : Brent Crouch

More creative ways to tell your Husband that you are Pregnant

2008-11-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

Thinking up creative ways to tell your husband that you are pregnant is always fun. There are endless unique ideas of how to tell him that you are expecting and they make the occasion so much more memorable. Take the time to tell your husband that you are pregnant in one of these creative ways and you’ll have a great story to tell your child when they grow up.

Paint Job
Make a quick run to the hardware store to pick up blue and pink paint swatches. Tape them to the wall in your future nursery and when your husband gets home bring him into the room and ask him which color would look better in this room.

Shop-a-holic
Does your husband know you for always coming home with new shopping bags? This time come home with a new maternity outfit, try it on and say, “How do you think this looks on me? Of course it doesn’t fit quite yet, but in another nine months it will!”

Baby Blog
Are you two habitual bloggers ? Starting a new blog to chronicle your pregnancy can be a great way to keep long distance friends and family up to date. Make your first post a picture of your positive pregnancy test then make sure to send the link to your husband first to let him know of your new adventure!

Grocery List
Call your husband at work and ask if he wouldn’t mind stopping at the store on his way home. Tell him you need some ; saltines, ginger ale, decaf coffee, pickles and ice cream, non alcoholic beer, prenatal vitamins etc… If he still doesn’t get it, add to the list some Parenting magazines, diapers, and baby food.

Vacation Time
Get out the calendar and tell your husband that you were hoping he could take a few weeks off in about nine months. Tell him you have a luxurious stay at your local hospital booked, complete with sleepless nights and regular bouts of spit up on your shoulders scheduled.

Rearview Mirror
If your husband is the first to leave for work sneak into his car and hang a pair of baby booties off the rear view mirror.

Sexy Mama
Who says you have to tell your husband that you’re pregnant in an innocent way? Try some ‘Sexy Mama’ undies to announce the news.

Pink and Blue Dessert
Ask your local baker to frost a few sugar cookies with pink and blue icing (if you don’t have time to do it yourself) and bring them on a plate to your husband after dinner. Let him choose if he thinks you are pregnant with a boy or girl.

Prayer time
If you and your husband say a nightly prayer together make sure to slip in a, “Bless our growing baby” and wait for the happy exclamations from your husband.

Kiss the Baby
Before your husband gives you his good night kiss tell him to ‘make sure to kiss the baby goodnight too’ and point to your belly.

However you may tell your husband about your pregnancy, it is sure to be a memorable moment for the both of you. Enjoy the nine months ahead.

Health Benefits of Minerals

2008-11-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

Potassium : low blood sugar, regulate blood pressure, heart diseases, water flow in the body, muscle disorders, cramps, brain function, diabetes, kidney disorders, arthritis

Minerals are elements that originate in the Earth and cannot be created by living systems. Plants obtain minerals from the soil, and most of the minerals in our diets come from directly from plants or indirectly from animal sources. Minerals may also be present in the water we drink, but this varies from place to place. Minerals from plant sources may also vary, because soil mineral content varies geographically.

Calcium – The AI for calcium, based on the relationship between calcium intake and bone mass, is intended to provide maximum calcium retention. The AI was derived by examining balance studies and data on bone mineral density and bone mineral content. The UL for calcium is based on studies that examined the risk of hypercalcemia and renal insufficiency. Most men and women ingest less than adequate calcium at any stage of life.

Copper is essential trace element ; one of the factors in hemoglobin formulation; helps stimulate the absorption of iron; plays a role in respiration. Helps maintain cell membranes; part of enzyme that protects against cellular damage; prevents per oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Iron Natural Food Sources-Cherry juice, liver, eggs, fish, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, shredded wheat, dried fruits, poultry, red meat, kidney, nuts, and cereals.

Dating back to the miracle cures in Lourdes, France in 1858, spas have enjoyed the reputation of producing superior (health promoting) drinking waters. And if high mineral content were the sole criterion for drinking water quality, this reputation would still be deserved. Spa water, which generally has high levels of beneficial minerals, should be superior water.

Babies will consume a large quantity of calcium from their mother's body during the pregnancy. On the average, a woman will need between 1200 mgs to 1500 mgs of calcium everyday. Prenatal vitamins fall short on this requirement because they typically will contain a dosage of 250 mg of calcium, and a woman must supplement her diet with calcium-enriched products such as yogurt, milk, or puddings made from whole milk products.

Mining a nutritional motherlode. Minerals may not be as high profile as vitamins, but they are just as essential for good health. Some are easily obtained from foods, while others may require supplementation. Remember, when it comes to minerals, balanced intake is the key. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to consult a physician or nutritionist. You may be pleasantly surprised at the results of putting mighty minerals to work for you.

Iron : Iron is, him also, an element essential with our body, it is not a vitamin but one mineral It has many virtues it is, amongst other things, present masses some in hemoglobin and helps the body when it is in effort by storing oxygen in the muscles. Iron is present in the meat, fish and the shells like in vegetables and eggs.

By : peterhutch

All you need to know about Nutrients

2008-11-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

A dietary guide for pregnant women. During pregnancy, both mother and baby undergo immense changes, as a whole new life is taking shape in side the mother’s womb. In order to accommodate these changes, it is very essential to take an extreme care of mother’s diet & her nutritional requirements. To have an easy delivery & a healthy baby, it is necessary that a mother should take proper food. It is important for her to realize that whatever she is consuming is finally delivered to her baby & would reflect upon its overall development!

The amounts of vitamins and nutrients that pregnant women should have in their diet are known as prenatal vitamins or prenatal nutrients. Prenatal vitamins consist of a variety of vitamins and minerals with the guidelines of daily intake requirements for certain nutrients, such as folic acid (folate), calcium, iron, etc. one must be aware of the associated terminology like RDA and UL.

· RDA : Recommended Dietary Allowance. i.e. the recommended amount to maintain good health
· UL : Tolerable Upper Intake Levels i.e. the highest amount an individual can take without experiencing potentially harmful effects.

There are several vitamins and minerals essential to human beings that have been identified :

· Vitamin A
In mothers, vitamin A helps in the Lactation, in the development of Placental membranes & hormones. Where as in baby it helps in the RBC and Fetal growth, development of visual, hair, skin, mucous membranes, and also protects against infections. Some natural vitamin A supplements are milk, butter, eggs, liver, fish, green fruit & vegetables. The RDA requirements are 770µg a day.

· Vitamin B
In mothers, vitamin B helps in metabolism of fats, sugar & protein. In baby, it helps in the cardiac development & nerve function. It also helps protecting baby from cerebral dementia. Some natural vitamin B supplements are green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, peas, etc.

· Vitamin C
In mothers, it is responsible for the growth of connective tissue, helps fights viruses, and absorbs iron. And, in baby, it helps in oxygen distribution, growth of immune system, and teeth. Rich sources of vitamin C are melon, citrus fruits, berries, carrots, peas, tomatoes and many more. According to RDA, its daily requirement is 85 mg.

· Vitamin D
In mothers, this vitamin is responsible for teeth development, and for calcium and phosphorus absorption. And in baby it helps in skeletal development. Some natural vitamin D supplements are fish, organic meats and eggs. Sunlight also helps in intracellular vitamin D production. The RDA requirements are just 5µg a day.

· Vitamin E
In mothers, this vitamin is responsible for healing post birth marks, stretch marks and anemia where as, in babies; it helps in blood cell formation, and provides resistance against jaundice. Some natural vitamin E supplements are wheat germ, nuts, avocado, green leafy vegetables, eggs. This vitamin is required in quite higher quantities i.e. around 15 mg daily.

· Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps in blood clotting in mother and also protects the baby against hemorrhage. Sufficient supplies of vitamin K can be met by eating cauliflower, eggs, and green leafy vegetables. Daily dietary requirement of vitamin K is around 90µg.

· Vitamin F
This vitamin promotes healthy skin in mother and helps in kidney and brain development, and growth hormones in baby. Supplement sources includes fatty fish, nuts, green leafy vegetables.

· Calcium
One of the most essential elements required by both, the mother and the baby, it is responsible for Healthy bones and teeth, & proper functioning of nerves & muscles. Sources of calcium are Cheese, milk and milk products, shellfish, Brazil nuts, green vegetables. It required in very high amounts, i.e. around 1000mg per day.

· Iron
Iron helps in RBC development, respiratory functions, and fights fatigue in mother and in baby also. Sources of iron are parsley, eggs, meat, almonds, apricots, vegetables. Daily recommendations are 27mg, and to avoid anemia it should range from 60-120mg.

· Magnesium
In mothers, Magnesium helps in providing energy and helps in labor contractions while in babies ; it is responsible for cardio-cerebral & skeletal development. Some of the ample sources of magnesium are cashew/brazil nuts, whole grains, seafood. Daily minimal recommendations for magnesium are ~350mg.

· Potassium
It helps in the fluid balance and regulation of acidity, for both the mother and the baby. Sources of potassium are dried fruits, vegetables and sunflower seeds.

· Folic Acid
In mothers, it helps in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, RBC, bone marrow, antibodies while in babies; it helps in the bone marrow development, spine formation & cell division. Some of the rich sources of folic acid are dark leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, & milk. The recommended daily dosage is 600 µg.

· Water
It carries the nutrients to the cells and carries their waste products away. It also helps in regulating the body temperature of embryo. The daily requirements are ~9 cups.

· Calories
Energy requirement varies during different trimesters of pregnancy. Energy is essentially required for tissue building & metabolic activities.

By : Tarun Gupta

Prenatal Care : What to expect during the second trimester

2008-10-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand. During the second trimester, prenatal care includes routine lab tests and measurements of your baby's growth. You may consider prenatal testing, too.

As your pregnancy progresses, prenatal care remains important. You'll continue to visit your health care provider regularly — probably once a month throughout the second trimester. Here's what to expect at your prenatal appointments.

Your health care provider will check your blood pressure and weight at every visit. Mention any signs or symptoms you've been experiencing. Then it's time for your baby to take center stage.

Your health care provider may :

Track your baby's growth. By measuring your abdomen from the top of your uterus to your pubic bone, your health care provider can gauge your baby's growth. This measurement in centimeters often equals the number of weeks of pregnancy.
Listen to your baby's heartbeat. You'll hear your baby's heartbeat, thanks to a special device called a Doppler.
Assess fetal movement. Tell your health care provider when you begin noticing flutters or kicks. This often happens by 20 weeks.

Expect routine lab tests

Your health care provider may want to test a urine sample for sugar and protein. You may need blood tests to check for low iron levels or gestational diabetes, a temporary form of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. If you have Rh negative blood, you may be tested for Rh antibodies. These antibodies may be harmful if your baby has Rh positive blood.

Consider prenatal testing

During the second trimester, you may be offered various prenatal screenings or tests :

Blood tests. Blood tests may be done to screen for developmental or chromosomal disorders, such as spina bifida or Down syndrome.
Ultrasound. An ultrasound can help your health care provider evaluate your baby's growth and development. It also gives you an exciting glimpse of your baby.
Diagnostic tests. If the results of a blood test or ultrasound are worrisome, your health care provider may recommend a more invasive diagnostic test, such as amniocentesis.

Keep your health care provider informed

The second trimester often brings a renewed sense of well being. But there's a lot happening. Tell your health care provider what's on your mind, even if it seems silly or unimportant. Nothing is too trivial when it comes to your health — or your baby's health. Read more here.

Prenatal Biochemical Screening only Detects Half of Chromosomal Abnormalities

2008-10-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Prenatal biochemical screening tests are widely used to look for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus which can lead to serious handicap, or even death during gestation or in the first few days after birth. But these tests are only able to detect fewer than half of the total chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, a scientist will tell the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics on June 2. Dr. Francesca R. Grati, of the TOMA Laboratory, Busto Arsizio, Italy, says that these findings mean that women should be better informed on the limitations of such diagnostic tests.

The researchers studied 115,576 prenatal diagnoses carried out during the last fourteen years. 84,847 were amniocenteses, usually carried out around the 16th week of pregnancy, and 30,729 chorionic villus samplings, which can be undertaken from 12 weeks into the pregnancy. Both these tests carry an increased risk of miscarriage, so the decision on whether or not to undertake them can be difficult to weigh up. "Since our sample included a large number of women aged less than 35 who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis without any pathological indication to do so, we felt that the results could be useful in helping to inform pre-test counselling of such women", says Dr. Grati. "Up until now, the information we had came from smaller studies which only looked at the performance of these tests in detecting a limited number of chromosomal abnormalities."

After analysing the results of the chromosomal abnormalities from their own dataset, the researchers combined them with the official detection rates for these abnormalities published by SURUSS and FASTER consortia. These are multi-centre research groups involved in the investigation of screening and diagnostic tests performed in pregnancy, whose results are being used to optimise prenatal care for pregnant patients. They found that current screening procedures were only able to detect half the total chromosomal abnormalities in women both younger and older than 35.

The TOMA laboratory is particularly suited to carry out this kind of research, says Dr. Grati, because it was among the first in the world to deal with prenatal diagnosis, and has a vast number of prenatal diagnostic samples at its disposal.

Current tests do not detect all fetal chromosomal abnormalities, but only trisomies 21 (Down syndrome), 18 (Edward's syndrome), and 13 (Patau syndrome), monosomy X (Turner syndrome), and triploids (conceptuses with 69 chromosomes instead of 46). "These are common vital chromosomal abnormalities, but there are many others which are not picked up by these tests", says Dr. Grati. "And the tests do not even detect 100% of the common abnormalities."

At conception, 23 chromosomes from each parent combine to create a fetus with 46 chromosomes in all its cells. Trisomy occurs when the fetus has one additional chromosome (47 instead 46). The extra genetic material from the additional chromosome causes a range of problems of varying severity.

In Down syndrome, for example, where the fetus has three copies of chromosome 21, babies are usually born with impaired cognitive ability and physical growth, cardiac defects and a characteristic facial appearance. Unlike many other such abnormalities, however, babies born with Down syndrome are able to lead relatively normal lives and their life expectancy is around 50 years.

Other than trisomy, the fetus can also have the loss of genetic material (deletions) or chromosomal abnormalities in a non-homogeneous form, where there is a mixture of two cell lines, one normal and the other abnormal. "Some of these disorders are relatively common in the fetus, which may have as much chance of surviving as children who are born with Down syndrome, and it is worrying that current biochemical tests are not always able to detect them" says Dr. Grati. "Our research confirms that it is fundamental for doctors to counsel patients about the limitations of current screening methods, so that they can make an informed decision on whether or not to undergo invasive diagnostic testing." Read more here.

Prenatal Exposure to Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Affect the Brain into Early Adolescence, Scans Show

2008-10-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Although behavioral studies clearly indicate that exposure to drugs, alcohol and tobacco in utero is bad for a baby's developing brain, specific anatomic brain effects have been hard to tease out in humans. Often users don't limit themselves to one substance, and demographic factors like poverty can also influence brain development.

Now, a new study using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans, led by Children's Hospital Boston neurologist Michael Rivkin, MD, suggests that prenatal exposure to cocaine, alcohol, marijuana or tobacco (alone or in combination) may have effects on brain structure that persist into early adolescence. The findings, published in Pediatrics, are of public health significance, the researchers say, since it's estimated that more than 1 million babies born annually in the United States have been exposed to at least one of these agents in utero.

Researchers at Children's and Boston Medical Center employed volumetric MRI imaging to study the brain structure of 35 young adolescents prenatally exposed to cocaine, marijuana, alcohol or tobacco. The children, who averaged 12 years old at the time of imaging, were part of part of an historic cohort of children assembled by Deborah Frank, MD at Boston Medical Center and followed there since birth. Prenatal exposures were confirmed by a combination of maternal history, urine testing of the mother or urine or meconium (stool) testing of the infants at birth.

"We found that reductions in cortical gray matter and total brain volumes were associated with prenatal exposure to cocaine, alcohol or cigarettes," says Rivkin, who is first author on the study. "Importantly, although volume reductions were associated with each of these three prenatal exposures, they were not associated with any one of these substances alone after controlling for other exposures."

Notably, the effects were found to be additive the more substances a child was exposed to in utero, the greater the reduction in brain volume.

Rivkin notes that the study is also the first to document joint long-term neuroanatomic effects on the brain of prenatal cocaine, cigarette and alcohol exposures. Moreover, while previous studies have documented brain effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, these studies were mostly limited to children with fetal alcohol syndrome, a diagnosis that was excluded in the current study.

Although investigators initially set out to study cocaine exposure, they were struck by the finding of brain effects of prenatal tobacco exposure. "Approximately 20 percent of women who smoke continue to smoke during pregnancy," Rivkin says. "From the vantage point of preventive health care, it is important to determine the consequences on brain structure of prenatal exposure to cigarettes, alone and in combination with other substances."

Rivkin emphasizes that the number of children studied was too small to find statistically significant effects of single substances after controlling for exposure to other agents. The study was also too small to consider the effects of different levels of exposure. But the overall results are highly suggestive. "We're hopeful to be able to study the whole sample of 150 children followed at Boston Medical Center, which will permit such determinations," Rivkin says.

Both investigators concur that health care providers should offer pregnant women comprehensive care to help them reduce use of all psychoactive substances. Public health campaigns should not ignore the risks of some substances while focusing on others, as it may well be that the greater the number of total prenatal exposures, the higher the chance there will be adverse and lasting consequences for the developing brain.

This research was published in the April issue of Pediatrics. The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

References to earlier work :

SAMHSA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2005.
Hamilton BE et al., Births: Preliminary data for 2005, National Center for Health Statistics, 2005.

Prenatal Nicotine Primes Adolescent Brain for Addiction

2008-10-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Prenatal exposure to nicotine inflicts lasting damage that might leave the brain vulnerable to further injury and addiction upon later use of the drug, according to animal research conducted by Duke University Medical Center pharmacologists. The team found in rat studies that exposure to nicotine in fetal development alters the brain structures and brain cell activity in regions critical to learning, memory and reward.

In turn, those changes influence nicotine's effects on the brain during adolescence, a time when many smokers first take up the habit, the team found. The study in rats might provide a biological explanation for the high incidence of smoking among teens whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, the researchers said.

"Teens whose mothers smoked during pregnancy can show signs of nicotine dependence and withdrawal after just a handful of cigarettes," said Theodore Slotkin, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology, psychiatry and neurobiology at Duke. "Our study suggests a biological mechanism to explain that."

A pair of papers describing the findings, now available online, is set to appear in forthcoming issues of Neuropsychopharmacology. Philip Morris USA supported the research. The researchers have no financial ties to Philip Morris.

While maternal smoking rates have dropped in recent years, approximately 25 percent of individuals in the U.S. have mothers who smoked during pregnancy, Slotkin said. Epidemiological studies by other researchers have shown that such maternal smoking leaves children prone to smoke as adolescents, regardless of whether the parental smoking continues during childhood. That research was performed by researchers including Denise Kandel, Ph.D., of Columbia University, Marie Cornelius, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh and Raymond Niaura, Ph.D., of Brown University.

"The best of these studies rule out socioeconomic and other factors and point toward something special about exposure to nicotine during the prenatal period," Slotkin said.

In search of a biological explanation for the pattern, the Duke team administered nicotine or placebo to pregnant rats. The offspring then received a secondary exposure to the drug or placebo during adolescence via implanted osmotic minipumps designed to produce blood nicotine concentrations typical of smokers.

The rats exposed to nicotine before birth suffered loss of brain cells and a decline in brain activity that persisted throughout adolescence and into adulthood, the team found.

When given doses of nicotine for a two-week period as adolescents, the earlier exposed rats showed a weaker brain response in circuits using acetylcholine a natural chemical messenger that plays a critical role in learning and memory as compared to rats that did not experience the prenatal exposure. Nicotine's activity in the brain stems from its ability to mimic acetylcholine. The earlier exposure also worsened the decline in brain activity during nicotine withdrawal and led to an increase in the amount of brain cell injury induced by the drug, they reported.

"The current study suggests that the lasting neurotoxic effects of prenatal exposure to nicotine from maternal smoking during pregnancy may worsen the long term consequences of adolescent smoking effects that may increase the likelihood that an individual will take up and keep smoking," Slotkin said.

Specifically, the team explained, the reduced response of acetylcholine systems in the adolescent brain following prenatal exposure might lead teens to self administer nicotine in an attempt to replace the brain's functional loss. Furthermore, that deficient brain response might drive higher cigarette consumption.

Collaborators on the studies include Yael Abreu-Villaca, Ph.D., Frederic Seidler, Ph.D., Charlotte Tate and Mandy Cousins, all of Duke. Read more here.

Prenatal Cocaine Exposure Increases Heart Susceptibility to Ischemia, Reperfusion Injury in adult Male but not Female Rats

2008-10-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Cocaine abuse is becoming increasingly prevalent among women of childbearing age, and is associated with numerous adverse perinatal outcomes. New research, published in The Journal of Physiology, by Professor Lubo Zhang and his research team from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California presents the exciting novel finding that cocaine exposure in utero has lasting and lifelong adverse effects on the heart in adulthood, particularly if you are male.

Professor Zhang's research group has been studying the effect of adverse intrauterine environment on fetal heart development and its lifelong pathophysiological consequences in the adult heart. Using an animal model of the pregnant rat, they found that fetal exposure to cocaine during gestation resulted in an increase in heart susceptibility to ischaemia and reperfusion injury in late adult life. Interestingly, the effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on cardiac vulnerability in adult offspring is gender-dependent, with the male heart being more susceptible to increased ischaemia/reperfusion injury induced by prenatal cocaine exposure.

Earlier work by professor Zhang's group showed that fetal chronic hypoxia also increased cardiac vulnerability to ischaemia and reperfusion injury in late adult life.

Epidemiological studies in humans have shown an association of fetal undernutrition in the womb and an increased risk of hypertension and ischaemic heart disease in adulthood. In addition to undernutrition as originally proposed, professor Zhang's studies suggest that other adverse factors such as cocaine abuse and hypoxia during gestation also cause fetal programming in utero, which has lasting and lifelong effects on the cardiovascular system in later adult life.

Acute ischaemic injury and myocardial infarction resulting from coronary artery disease is the major cause of death among people in the western world. Despite years of research, the causes for ischaemic heart disease are incompletely understood. The new studies from Professor Zhang's research group at Loma Linda University provide clear evidence in an animal model for the first time that ischaemic heart disease in adulthood can originate through fetal programming under an adverse intrauterine environment.

The findings are important because they provide novel insights that improve our understanding of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases including ischaemic heart disease, and link prenatal cocaine exposure and fetal hypoxia to their lifelong pathophysiological consequences in the adult heart. Because cocaine abuse and hypoxia are common problems in fetal development, these findings have obvious clinical significance.

The next step is to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms involved in fetal programming caused by adverse intrauterine environment, which is essential for explaining many fundamental biological processes by which a variety of cardiovascular dysfunctions and diseases emerge and evolve. Read more here.

Noninvasive Prenatal Testing by Analyzing Mother's Blood

2008-10-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Currently, prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases and genetic monitoring of fetal development require invasive procedures. New data generated by Jill Maron and colleagues, at Tufts – New England Medical Center, Boston, has indicated that it might be possible to perform these processes non-invasively.

In the study, it was shown that a common pattern of fetal mRNAs, the molecules that hold the "blueprints" for proteins, was detectable in the blood of pregnant women. After birth, these mRNAs were no longer detected or were detected at substantially lower levels.

These data have two important implications: first, the common pattern of fetal mRNAs found in the blood of the pregnant women could serve as a baseline to compare fetuses affected by various pathologic conditions; and second, monitoring specific fetal mRNAs in the blood of pregnant women could be used for prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases.

Article : Gene expression analysis in pregnant women and their infants identifies unique fetal biomarkers that circulate in maternal blood. Read more here.

Vitamin Profiles

2008-10-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

Vitamins are one of the most important source of nutrients in your body. In addition to preventing all kinds of conditions and illnesses, vitamins also strengthen your body and allow the various systems and organs to function smoothly.

Vitamins, by definition, are substances that are naturally found in plants and in animals. And because we eat plants and consume the meat of animals, we in turn get these vitamins and take them into our bodies. Vitamins are use basically as a support to the various functions of the body. Each vitamin, however, has its own function and role in the body system.

There are two kinds of vitamins. The water soluble and the fat soluble. The water-solubles are those that are easily absorbed by the body because they do not need acids to digest them. There is no chance that the body will get too much or have an overdose of these vitamins. The reason behind this is the fact that these vitamins are removed from the body through our urine.

One example of a water soluble vitamin is C, which is otherwise called as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C helps the body fight problems such as cold and cough. It also helps in the absorption of iron in the body.

Fat soluble vitamins on the other hand need bile acids to be absorbed by the body. When absorbed, these vitamins are stored as body fat and are only utilized when called for. Vitamin A is one example of a fat-soluble kind.

Vitamin A plays a role in the development and maintenance of our eyesight. Called retinol or retinoic acid, it also maintains healthy glowing skins, repairs tissues in the body and assists in the growth of bones. Vitamin A is also a known antioxidant that fights off free radicals in the body. Sources of this vitamin are egg yolks, carrots, fish and liver.

Vitamin D on the other hand plays a significant role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. This is the reason why it is associated with bone growth and strengthening. It helps prevent bone problems such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. In addition to sunlight, known sources of this vitamin is fish and eggs.

Vitamin E or otherwise called tocopherol is also an anti-oxidant that helps in the proper flow of blood in the body. Like other vitamins, it also helps in the repair of tissues. It also plays an important role in blood clotting. Vitamin E can be found in spinach, broccoli, cabbage and tomatoes.

Another known vitamin is Vitamin B1, which is part of the Vitamin B complex. Also called thiamine, this vitamin is a vital component of the enzyme system and is a participant in cellular reaction. It is also important in the maintenance of the nervous system functions especially the heart and the muscles around it. It also promotes the body’s metabolism and supports the body’s growth and development.

Another important function of this vitamin is the restoration of deficiencies caused by conditions such as overactive thyroid, infection, pregnancy, burns and even alcoholism. This is the reason why this vitamin is often recommended for people who is undergoing alcohol reduction program, women who have recently gave birth, those who are older than 55 years old, and patients who have liver disease or prolonged diarrhea.

In addition, it is also known to help in the balancing of emotions, reducing the incidence of depression and fatigue. With thiamine, there is also an improvement in the appetite and in the mental alertness of the person. Vitamin B1 can be found in meat, fish, in nuts and in whole grains and cereals.

By : Robert Janeway

Pregnancy and Yoga : Should You or Shouldn’t You ?

2008-10-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

If you have been practicing yoga, you can still be able to use these exercises - with care. Yoga is good for both mother and baby, though there has been opposing sides to the question.

Even if you weren’t doing yoga before your pregnancy, you can still begin the exercises. However, you will need to be certain that you are doing the poses correctly. There are also some poses that you will need to avoid. Ask your obstetrician if you aren’t sure about the affects of a certain pose.

Yoga benefits you by keeping you calm and serene. You learn to control your breathing and use breathing to help you relax. This is very beneficial to helping you through the childbirth process. Some mothers don’t even need pain medication because they’ve really mastered their breathing and relaxation.

Yoga can also help with the back pain that most pregnant women endure. The exercises can ease the pressure on the spinal cord and make them more comfortable.

There are some rules that must be followed when practicing yoga while you are pregnant :

Drink a lot of water. You don’t want to get overheated and raise your core body temperature so high that it harms your baby. Take frequent water breaks. If you feel yourself becoming flushed, it’s definitely time to stop and drink some water.

Be sure that you are eating healthy meals with plenty of nutrition. The extra effort that you use during yoga sessions will eat up a lot of calories.

Some poses will not be appropriate for you the further along you become in your pregnancy. Some may even be harmful. Stop doing the poses that require good balance. That means, no positions that have your head way below your feet. If you fall, you could hurt yourself and your child. Also, you will be moving more slowly when you are transitioning between positions to prevent becoming dizzy and off balance. Stand near a wall so that you have something to keep you from falling. Avoid major twisting and turning of the abdomen.

There are still many positions that you can use while pregnant. There are videos and books that you can purchase that will show you exactly which poses are best for you and your baby. You may also be able to find a prenatal yoga class in your area - if you live in a city with a higher population. They are still more difficult to find in smaller towns. A certified yoga instructor that has been trained in pregnancy related poses can be of tremendous help.

Again, be sure you consult your doctor before beginning any kind of exercise program, including yoga. This is especially important if you are having any problems at all with your pregnancy.

If you use common sense while using yoga during your pregnancy, you can’t go wrong. Listen to your body. Don’t push yourself into overdoing. You don’t want to get over-tired or strain your muscles. It’s not a marathon, but a way to prepare your body for pregnancy and childbirth.

By : Jude C Wright

Bloom Syndrome – Causes Treatment and Diagnosis

2008-10-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

Bloom's syndrome is characterized by severe prenatal and postnatal growth retardation and a sun-sensitive erythematous skin lesion that occurs most commonly on the face. Recurrent infections (otitis media and pneumonia), chronic pulmonary disease, and diabetes mellitus are common. Many have learning disabilities. Males are infertile; females enter menopause prematurely.

Characteristics commonly seen in Bloom's syndrome are small stature (average adult male height of 151 cm, average adult female height of 144 cm), skin photosensitivity, and a high-pitched voice. A typical facial appearance has also been described consisting of a narrow face with prominent nose and prominent ears. Immunodeficiency has been seen, which results in an increased number of respiratory tract and ear infections.

Mutations in the Bloom syndrome , which is a member of the DNA helicas family. DNA helicases are enzymes that unwind the two spiral strands of a DNA molecule so that they can be copied. When a cell prepares to divide to form two cells, the chromosomes are duplicated so that each new cell will get a complete set of chromosomes; this replication process involves unwinding the DNA so that it can be copied. The BLM protein is important in maintaining the stability of the DNA during this process.

This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.

Causes

Bloom syndrome is apparent from birth with affected newborns being unusually small. Most parents seek medical help when the infant does not grow normally. Over 50% of children are significantly underdeveloped in physical stature until age 8 years, and most fail to reach 1.5 metres (5 feet) in adulthood.

Bloom's Syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene must be altered for a person to be affected by the disorder. The gene for Bloom’s syndrome is located on chromosome 15; one particular mutation in the gene has been identified as the cause of Bloom’s syndrome in the vast majority of Ashkenazi Jews.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Bloom’s syndrome can be confirmed or ruled out by a laboratory test known as a chromosome study, as blood and skin cells show a characteristic pattern of chromosome breakage and rearrangement. Recently, the gene for Bloom’s syndrome was isolated. The gene is located on chromosome 15, and one particular mutation in the gene has been identified as the cause of Bloom’s syndrome in the vast majority of Ashkenazi Jews. Because of these recent findings, both carrier testing and prenatal diagnosis for Bloom’s syndrome are now available.

Treatment

There is no treatment for the underlying cause of Bloom’s syndrome, and therefore medical intervention is primarily preventative. Adults with Bloom’s syndrome should be more attentive and cautious than others in their surveillance for cancer. It is recommended that people afflicted by this disease maintain close contact with a physician familiar with Bloom’s.

By : peterhutch

Prenatal Yoga

2008-10-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

We all realize the natural aches and pains that come with pregnancy and as a woman we accept each one but there is another way to take care of the pain and that is through pregnancy yoga. When a woman goes through labor, her adrenaline is running full force while her body is preparing for the birth of her child. Women can become tense during this time which causes the pain to become more intense. Knowing how to deal with the pain during labor and delivery is easy to do if you are prepared. The only way to be prepared is through pregnancy yoga.

If you have thought about yoga but have never tried it you should know that it is never too late to start yoga, even if you are on your last three months of pregnancy. Because yoga does not contain fast paced exercise or heavy equipment it can not hurt you or your baby if you do the yoga as instructed by a professional. Yoga offers physical stretching without hurting your body. It also helps you emotionally become stronger as you get ready for your baby.

Yoga teaches you how to stretch gently and it also teaches you special breathing techniques that you will use while you are in labor. Breathing is very important and sometimes women hold their breaths when they experience pain. It’s a natural reaction but they need to catch themselves and focus on breathing. That is where yoga comes in. The gentle stretching will help your body as it stretches during labor allowing your baby to be born with minimal pain.

Always ask your doctor before trying any new exercise to make sure that you are safe and you will not cause any complications with your pregnancy. Yoga is safe and effective and you can continue yoga after giving birth. You need to wait 6 weeks after have a cesarean section or 4-6 weeks after a vaginal birth or after you stop bleeding.

By : karliseamerson

Learn about for Pregnancy Yoga - Prenatal Yoga

2008-10-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Yoga has increased in popularity in recent years. It has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve sleep and digestion, strengthen muscles and joints, and increase flexibility. Yoga removes impurities from the body through the breath, sweat, liver, kidneys, and digestive system. People who practice yoga regularly report that they feel less stress and more peace in their lives.

Yoga has been used for centuries to help center a person and relive stress. In many countries yoga for pregnancy is considered the only option. Yoga can be a great way to stay flexible, relive stress and prepare for birth.

The Practice of Yoga can help you prepare your mind and body for labor and birth as this helps you focus, concentrate and keep you healthy. The Yoga Poses are gentle ways of keeping your body active and supple and minimize the common pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and constipation. It can also help in ensuring easier labor and smooth delivery by relieving tension around the cervix and birth canal and by opening the pelvis. The Breathing Techniques can also become handy during labor.

Yoga is a form of exercise that gently stretches the muscles without pulling them beyond their limits. Yoga can also prepare a woman for birth because it relieves the pressure and tension that is associated with the weight of the baby. Carrying a baby puts the body in stress as the ligaments stretch and pull with growth. During labor, when you become tense, uptight and excited all at the same time your body tightens up. This makes pain more intense because your body has reached its maximum.

Yoga teaches a woman to relieve stress and tension with simple breathing techniques. When you feel stress and pain you may hold your breath. Yoga teaches you different breathing techniques in order to relax your body. These techniques can be the difference between intense labor pain and mild controllable pain. Although it will be a challenge to keep reminding yourself of these techniques when labor pains become more frequent and more intense it will be worth it as you practice your breathing.

Although yoga is very beneficial during and after pregnancy, there are a few practice guidelines as general precautions.

Listen carefully to your body. If you feel any discomfort, stop. You will probably need to modify each pose to your body's physical changes.
Avoid all compression of your abdomen.
When practicing twisting poses, twist more from the shoulders and back to avoid putting any pressure on your abdomen
Avoid any poses on your back after the first trimester as that can cut blood flow to the uterus.

Safety guidelines

Starting yoga is no different to starting any other form of exercise - the same advice applies. If you are not used to regular exercise then you should start slowly. If in doubt consult your doctor or midwife.

According to Andrea Fox, any position which feels uncomfortable should be left out. Ms Fox points out : 'Lying on the front soon becomes inappropriate. Strong back bends are to be avoided, as are postures that involve using the tummy muscles strongly, such as the boat pose, or supine leg rising. Any posture involving balance should be tackled with great care.'

By : Franchis

Prenatal Massage : What is it ?

2008-10-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Ah – the joys of pregnancy!

What's frustrating is that along with your baby. come uninvited side effects, like aching lower backs, hips, legs, migraines, swollen feet & lets not forget about the vomiting.

What if I told you there was a massage therapy designed for expecting mothers that is intended to eliminate some of the aches related with pregnancy and even aid in their labor and delivery ?

Many times pregnant women do not understand that their skeletal system is not only supporting them, but it's also supporting their new infant also. This unaccustomed weight can really wreck havoc on your skeletal system.

A professional prenatal massage therapist can manipulate those muscles which have been exhausted to relieve some of the tension and strain connected with carrying a child.

This relaxing technique can make such a difference when you are dealing with the roller coaster of emotions and hormones connected with your having a baby.

Do Doctors Have Any Comments On This ?

You might find it quite fascinating that Studies at the University of Miami, School of Medicine, show that just 20 minutes of pre-natal massage twice a week for five weeks can :

1. Reduce stress hormones in your body,
2. Even out mood swings
3. Alleviate your anxiety and back pain.

But it gets even better – These studies report expecting moms who received regular massages during their pregnancy have :
· Experienced lower rates of premature birth,
· Fewer obstetrical difficulties,
· Their babies had fewer postnatal problems.

What Are The Additional Benefits Of Prenatal Massage Therapy To A Pregnant Mother And Unborn Child ?

Research shows that prenatal massage may :

Diminish the nervousness, anxiety & depression associated with the hormonal changes brought about by pregnancy.
Diminish stress on lower back, pelvis, and ankles which are not used to carrying a baby
Alleviate back, shoulder neck pain caused by your muscles being out of balance.
Promotes blood and lymph circulation, which in turn helps to alleviate swelling and actually improves the baby’s oxygen supply.
Relaxes muscle knots that cause cramping, tightening, and stiffness.
Lessens your aches & pain, and at the same time encourages relaxation,
which can actually assist your labor
Improves muscle and skin tone
Helps you sleep heavier so you don’t have to move around all night long

Do Specialists Suggest It For All Women That Are Pregnant ?

Most physicians recommend you wait until your second trimester so that your body can get regulated to the pregnancy.

Prenatal massage is perfectly safe during your second and third trimester. The truth is the further along you are...the more you’ll be grateful for the benefits!

Here is something I must mention to you – When you are pregnant, you should always check with your doctor before trying any new treatment or procedure.

Women that have experienced the benefits of prenatal massage absolutely swear by it! Why not contact a massage therapist near you to see if they specialize, or can suggest someone who specializes in prenatal massage therapy.

By : Frank Cheshire

Prenatal Movement and Parental Response – I can feel my Baby Move

2008-10-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

“I think I can feel my baby move,” Whitney said, her dewy blue eyes wide with anticipation. Her voice rose at the end, turning her sentence into a query. She was a few weeks shy of the second trimester of her second successful pregnancy. Exuberantly curious, she sought validation for her awareness. Whitney was more confident with this baby than her first, but on the issue of whether or not she in fact could detect her baby’s movement, she was uncertain.

The delivery of Whitney’s first child was by caesarean section. At the time, and now in retrospect, she questioned the procedure. It had evoked a prolonged and recurring experience of loss. She knew that she wanted to deliver her second child vaginally, and that her doctor would object.

These were the thoughts dancing in Whitney’s mind when she inquired about feeling movement. She pushed them aside to be attentive for her doctor’s response.

“No, that’s not possible. It’s probably just gas,” Dr. Carlson said, with a sweet, preoccupied smile.

Whitney genuinely liked her doctor. She knew that Dr. Carlson was a good physician, and that she too was a mom. Dr. Carlson had returned to her career after the birth (by caesarean) of her own daughter. Whitney, on the other hand, had gone from being a successful businesswoman with a top salary to being a full-time mom. She loved it! It was not Dr. Carlson’s professionalism or commitment that troubled Whitney; it was what she suspected Dr. Carlson did not know about a mother’s capacity to feel her connection to prenatal life and development.

Whitney had learned how to be sensitive to her body and to her own feelings since becoming a mother. She had also made it her job to learn about the latest discoveries in embryology. Ironically, her baby’s caesarean delivery was the impetus for her increased awareness. It had catapulted her into a passionate quest for the truth about early life, her own as well as her children’s. She was disturbed by the air of secrecy blowing around the cloak of authority that she encountered in the medical world.

Whitney had also learned the essential parenting practice of sorting her feelings and sensations until she understood their frequently hidden meanings. This was the route to self-empowerment. She was reclaiming what she felt she had lost during the delivery of her first child.

She knew she was looking for supportive mirroring from Dr. Carlson about her baby’s movement, but when she did not get it, she reflected on this instead of reacting to it.

Moments later Whitney determined that only she could address her uncertainty about her baby’s movement. When she inquired inside, the answer was definitely, yes, she could feel her baby move. In her first pregnancy, she would have accepted her doctor’s response. Having traversed the painful territory of post-partum depression that she now correlated specifically with the unnecessary caesarean, Whitney had become much more confident in her feminine wisdom. She could honor her hormonally endowed attunement to herself and her child. She was alert to her own tendency to collude in an institutionalized disempowerment of mothers.

As she reflected further on Dr. Carlson’s response, Whitney wondered what kind of relationship she could have with a doctor who did not trust a mother’s experience. Whitney dialogued with her unborn child. Silently, but with passion, she said to her baby, “I recognize your movement and I love it! I’m sorry I was not more confident earlier.” Her baby moved, subtly but clearly, spreading out, stretching with relief in utero.

“Movements of the embryo and fetus are a fundamental expression of early neural activity,” says embryologist Jan Nijhuis in his groundbreaking book Fetal Behavior. “The fetus of 8-10 weeks post-menstrual age moves spontaneously in utero under normal circumstances.”

Prenatal movement in the first trimester, and then the patterns of movement that form in the second trimester, are the expression of the developing baby’s nervous system. This primary neurological unfolding is nourished and enhanced by parental awareness, dialogue and subtle touch on the mother’s body that communicates to the baby. The entire family can participate in this encouragement. The knowledge of how to do this is inherent in each of us. It is part of the magnificent design of the human being. Excellent education is now available to stimulate and sustain this natural wisdom. Awakening to, trusting and acting upon our innate human connection is the joy of parenthood.

Prenatal movement is preparation for neonatal activity. It is also warm-up for the marathon of labor and delivery. It is designed to result in the baby’s thrilling victory of entry into the arms of a world already sensed and perceived.

Movement patterns in prenates are replicated in neonates, demonstrating the continuity of neural behavior. The human fetus sleeps, breathes moves, eliminates, and feels, sees, cries, initiates and responds. He or she is acutely sensitive, as a result of constantly expanding neurological capacities, to the surrounding environment and its vicissitudes.

The prenate communicates its experiences the only way it can: through motility. Eye movement, heart-rate, respiration, gestures, and elimination patterns speak volumes about the individual prenatal world.

Regularity of movement can be a sign of health whereas deceleration or lack of movement can signal distress or concern. Certain fetal movements may convey discomfort. By noticing movements or their absence, the family can come to know its new arrival and begin, well before birth, to integrate the baby into the family. Prenatal consciousness is neurologically organized to be present, alert and receptive. The unborn baby delights in recognition.

The question of whom and what the baby in utero actually is and what he or she is capable of doing can best be answered by a respectful collaboration between scientists, parents and people who remember their own prenatal lives. Optimally, these three categories can be combined. Scientists, like me, who are passionate about the role and function of very early life in holistic healthcare, are building the case to demonstrate that prenatal life is, in fact, the basis of all health.

Immune function, structural development, spiritual wellbeing, relational health, confidence, and the capacity to respond to change and threat in a balanced way are all formed by what transpires in utero. Embryology bears this out. Of all the populations that will make the best use of this information, parents, I believe, are the most significant..

The personality of the unborn baby is present and engaged with its family from virtually the moment of conception, and some believe even before. The baby is not only interacting, he or she is a full time student, constantly learning and creating the blueprint for a lifetime of physical health, relationships and motivation.

All relationships flourish with authentic and frequent communication. This is as true for prenates as it is for husband and wife, and for parents and children of all ages.

I am reminded of a story reported to me by a young friend who attended a conference where insights into prenatal health were discussed. He was inspired by what he heard. Soon after, he discovered that friends of his had been told that their baby was breach and that a caesarean was scheduled. This young man immediately went to their home, sat in front of the mother’s pregnant belly, and begged and pleaded with the baby to turn. He spoke with full commitment, faith and insistence. The baby turned and was delivered vaginally.

What does embryology say about the prenate’s ability to hear and respond to auditory communication ?

Neonates as well as prenates, until relatively recently, were regarded as being deaf as well as mute. Beginning in 1977, however, research demonstrated that the fetus responds to sound from at least 12 weeks in utero and perhaps sooner. Certain sounds, like the mother’s heartbeat, elicit strong responses. The mother’s voice is decidedly heard, as well as the voices of others in the environment. This is supported by the discovery that neonates prefer the sound of their mother’s voice to other sounds.

Auditory sensory mechanisms begin developing during the fourth and fifth week in utero and continue to completion by about the 25th week. At the early stages, however, the baby can hear. A study involving invasive sound at less than 24 weeks of gestation revealed that after hearing a loud and shrill noise that evoked initial dramatic fetal movement, the fetus stopped responding completely. The overwhelming invasion resulted in fatigue and collapse. The fetus learned it was powerless to stop the invasion. The method of the study disturbs me but I hope we will learn from this and stop such painful experiments. However, we can take this knowledge and use it to protect our own prenates from auditory assault!

How do babies reveal their memories post-natally ? Long term studies conducted by Italian psychologist Alessandra Piontelli and published in her book From Fetus to Child show that babies who are frightened and insecure in utero and who demonstrate this through their behavioral states, do the same thing at five years of age and older.

Whitney’s experience of her first son’s memories of his caesarean birth supports this theory. In the midst of storytelling, Timmy said “Will our new baby have to wait to come out instead of pushing, the way I did, Mommy?” At first Whitney stared at her son in amazement, and then she acknowledged his wisdom, just as she had learned to acknowledge her own.

“Was waiting hard for you?” she asked her son. “It was very hard,” Timmy replied. “I don’t want my baby to have to wait.” “OK,” Whitney said, “I’ll do my best so there will be no waiting this time.”

Whitney learned how her child’s embryological behavioral states continued into the birthing process when she went into labor. The process slowed just when it should have intensified, causing even her midwife to consider going to the hospital. It was deja vu for Whitney and her family.

“It’s OK,” Whitney told her family and midwife, turning the tables on her team. Weren’t they supposed to be reassuring her?

“My baby is just concerned,” she declared, smiling. “We need to have a conversation.” Her body provided Whitney with the truth she trusted. Her baby could and would decide the time of birth.

Whitney closed her eyes and commenced an internal dialogue in which she encouraged her child to continue to journey forward and inquired about what the difficulty might be. Her communion was a show stopper for everyone.

“What’s he saying?” Timmy blurted out, unable to control himself. He had always known he had a brother in there!

“He says that he doesn’t know if we will have time for him because we are all so busy. He’s not sure we really want him,” Whitney said softly, looking directly at her husband.

“Is that just you talking?” Blake asked, dumfounded.

“He’s been listening, watching and learning,” Whitney answered, her face radiant in the greatest certainty she had ever known.

“OK,” Blake said, tears streaming down his face. “I’ll spend more time at home. I really want to.” By this time he was sobbing.

The baby’s response was the biggest contraction Whitney had ever felt. Within thirty minutes their baby was born. They named him Micah, the merciful messenger.

By : Stephanie Mines, Ph.D.

The Quality of Baby Care in Fiji is Recognised as Excellent around the World

2008-10-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

Located in the southern Pacific is the nation of Fiji. This island country is comprised of 300 separate islands in which two of the largest islands are populated by the majority of the Fijians.

If the question were posed to the uninformed individual regarding the culture, education and the quality of life in Fiji, that individual may respond with words such as primitive, underdeveloped, nonexistent, etc. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, one specific area of service that distinguishes this country from other comparable countries is the quality of healthcare that is provided to its residents. Of particular note is baby care in Fiji. Baby care in Fiji is provided by the government and is distinguished by its attention given to prevention.

Government Health Care In Fiji

Healthcare provided in Fiji is administered through the government and is provided at no charge to the citizens of Fiji. The medical care standards maintained and provided are rated as above average in comparison to other similar cultures. In fact, one of the largest expenses for the government of Fiji is the provision of health care.

In addition to the healthcare system of Fiji, which provides for the medical needs of its residents, incorporated into the healthcare budget is the financing of preventative measures. These preventative measures include birth control and addressing medical issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.

In regards to baby care in Fiji it is important to note that the quality of this healthcare is demonstrated through the prenatal care of the expectant mother and child. Part of this quality of care is reflected through the average life expectancy for women. This life expectancy, for the women of Fiji, is nearly 70 years of age.

Immunizations

Another important component to health care in this country, and specifically baby care in Fiji, is the realization of the importance of immunizations for infants. Specifically, one disease that has had devastating effects upon the infant population of this country is a strain of pneumonia. This pneumonia is not only the leading cause of morbidity of children in Fiji, but world-wide as well.

Through the government's commitment to provide quality healthcare to Fijians and specifically provide quality and baby care in Fiji, the medical system provides a vaccine treatment program for the infants.

This particular vaccination strategy combines the use of two types of vaccines. One vaccine is used to prime or begin the production of antibodies to combat this strain of pneumonia. The first vaccine wards off any initial attacks by this disease. The second administered vaccine, which by itself offers no protection, is administered in conjunction with the first vaccine to provide a booster effect. This process allows for ongoing protection of the child.

This vaccination treatment process in this country, as part of the baby care in Fiji, led the way in introducing and formalizing this plan of action amongst its peers. Although an expensive preventative measure it speaks of the commitment of this Pacific based nation to provide quality babe care in Fiji.

By : Ann Marier

Pregnancy - Physical and Mental Health During Pregnancy

2008-10-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

With over 4 million births in the United States and between 128 and 138 million births in the world every year, the need arises for proper care during pregnancy. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself during your pregnancy.

Get Prenatal Care

The number one most important thing you can do to insure you have a healthy baby is to get prenatal care from a reputable doctor. Regular prenatal checkups can detect potential problems early, determine whether a c-section may be needed, determine the sex and just insure things are going smoothly. A prenatal checkup will generally include blood and urine tests to check for bacteria, blood sugar problems, high blood protein levels, iron levels and other typical complications of pregnancy. Your blood pressure and weight will also be checked. Ultrasounds may also be done to check the growth of the baby and its position in the womb.

Eating Right

In addition to prenatal care, it's essential that you eat right. Balanced meals are crucial, as you are now feeding your baby, as well as yourself. A diet with plenty of whole grains, high quality proteins, fruits and vegetables and dairy is usually recommended for most expectant mothers. It is also recommended that you avoid some items like too much caffeine, artificial sweeteners and any raw or not fully cooked foods like eggs, fish or meat. Also not recommended are soft cheeses and unpasteurized dairy products as these can contain bacteria that could cause an infection. Some types of fish contain higher levels of mercury, which should be avoided, these fish include tuna, shark, swordfish and mackerel. Only two or three servings of fish are recommended for most pregnant women. Above all, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, during your pregnancy.

Vitamins & Supplements

In recent years, studies have found that the B vitamin, folic acid, helps to prevent birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Doctors recommend you take 400 mcg every day. Your doctor may also recommend a multivitamin formulated for pregnant women as well. Many women also take other vitamins and supplements during pregnancy, but be sure to let your doctor know what other supplements you're taking. Consulting a nutritionist or naturopath can be beneficial and they can customize a supplement plan for your specific health needs.

Exercise

In general, most pregnant women can do the same types of exercises that they did while they weren't pregnant. Though some types of weight lifting, very strenuous exercise, as well as certain yoga poses and pilates movements aren't recommended for pregnant women. You should do your research to make sure you are doing safe exercises for your baby. Generally, swimming and walking are excellent, lower impact exercises for pregnant women and are therefore most recommended.

Dealing With Morning Sickness

Vomiting and nausea are the two most prevalent symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women. Some ways to alleviate morning sickness include eating more small meals throughout the day instead of 3 larger ones and also eating less greasy or fatty foods.

Prevention Of Complications

Taking care of yourself from the moment you are pregnant can not only protect the health of yourself and your unborn baby, but it can also prevent post birth health complications, including postpartum depression. Postpartum can be prevented by getting proper physical and mental health care during pregnancy, but if after birth, you still come down with a level of postpartum depression, it can be dealt with by using medication or counseling, including an innovative online counseling method, called eCounseling. eCounseling provides effective counseling services by certified counselors, for treating postpartum depression right in your own home.

Remember to take care of yourself during pregnancy, since you're not just taking care of yourself anymore, but also another living being.

By : Franchis

Baby care and feeding

2008-10-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to motherhood. It is a sense of pride and privilege for you to have a bundle of joy in your arms. Those nine months are over, but here begins a new journey for you and your baby. If it is your first time, make sure you have all your questions answered. Do not feel embarrassed or wonder what you should ask or if complain about a pain. Give it out whatever it is.

Care taken during pregnancy is known as prenatal care. Once you know you are pregnant consult a doctor immediately. The prenatal care advice is given by the doctor, midwife or the consultant. Once you know you are pregnant consult the doctor immediately so that the right medication begins.

Make sure you attend all the classes structured for your prenatal visits, even at the time when you are feeling fine. Because it is very important to know your internal condition and the growth of the baby. When you are pregnant you will experience constipation, morning nausea, headaches, heartburn and stretch marks. Frequent urination also occurs as there is tremendous pressure on the bladder by the uterus. Even though the bladder is empty the pressure causes the feeling of urination. Do not control yourself, give in whenever you feel like urinating.

Once the baby is delivered it is the decision of the parents to breastfeed or bottle feed. Make a choice to benefit the baby and you. It is observed that those who breastfeed, their babies have less risk for developing diarrhoea, asthma, diabetes, allergies, respiratory infections and leukaemia. To the mother, breastfeeding helps in faster recovery, faster reduction of weight and reduces the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.

Before you feed your baby look for signs telling you that your baby is hungry. Mouth wide open like a yawn with the tongue sticking a bit out, constant flutter in the eyes even though they are closed, lip smacking are a few of the signs telling you the baby is hungry. Crying is a later indication when the baby is a bit older. When your baby cries it is very important to calm him or her down and then feed.

It is important to burp your baby when feeding is done. Often air goes in as the baby is feeding and hence it is important to remove the air out. You can keep the baby over the shoulder and pat the back slowly. You can also keep the baby in a sitting position and support him or her with your hand and pat the back is another way. If your baby does not burp you can continue feeding. But always consult your doctor before you make your own remedies.

By : jennie

How to Get the Most out of your Pregnancy Care

2008-10-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

When it comes to pregnancy, there are many women who make their first prenatal appointment as soon as they learn of their pregnancy. If you are one of those women, there is a good chance that you will end up receiving the best pregnancy care possible. Not only will you be receiving this care from a qualified physician, but you may also be providing it to yourself. Being concerned with your pregnancy and the welfare of your child is enough reason to ensure that you are receiving the best prenatal and pregnancy care available. This in turn may not only make your pregnancy more enjoyable, but more health conscious.

When it comes to receiving this ever so important care, there are a number of women who visit their local family physician, also referred to as a family practitioner. In addition to family practitioners, obstetricians, and certified nurse-midwives are also popular pregnancy care providers. Whether you make the decision to receive your prenatal and overall pregnancy care from a family practitioner, obstetrician, or a certified nurse-midwife, it is important that you receive the best care possible. Despite what you may believe, it is not only your healthcare provider’s responsibly to provide you with that care, but it is also your responsibility to receive it.

If you are interested in getting the most out of your pregnancy care, as you should be, there are a number of steps that you should take. The first step is making sure that you make it to all of your prenatal appointments. Many healthcare providers have a set care schedule. This schedule often means that they prefer to see their patients at a specific time during their pregnancy, say the thirty-two week mark and such. It is vital that you make it to all of your scheduled appointments. In the event that you are unable to make one of your appointments, it is advised that you reschedule it as soon as possible. A quick appointment reschedule will ensure that you do not go without pregnancy care, especially during the times when it matters the most.

You can also get the most out of your pregnancy care by scheduling appointments whenever you want or need one; these appointments are often in addition to your prescheduled prenatal care appointments. Whether you have a concern or would just like to ensure that your pregnancy is going as planned, you should be able to make an appointment with your healthcare provider, even if they do not feel that an appointment is necessary. Most certified nurse-midwives, family practitioners, and obstetricians would be more than willing to meet with your or schedule a quick appointment.

When it comes to pregnancy care, there are many women who focus solely on their appointments. While this focus is important, there are other ways that you can get the more from your pregnancy care. One of those ways involves calling your physician’s office. Whether you have a concern or would just like more advice on a particular topic or activity, you should easily be able to speak to your physician or another healthcare professional. Contacting your prenatal care office is a great way to get answers to your questions, without having to schedule an appointment. Also, in most cases, you should receive an answer to your questions in as little as a few minutes.

By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should not only be able to receive traditional pregnancy care, but the best care that is available. By being aware of your surrounding and your overall health, you and your practitioner should be able to work together to ensure that you and your baby are receiving the care that you both need and deserve.

By : Brittney Foster

Take An Online Pregnancy Test For Free

2008-10-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

To take an online pregnancy test, you'll need to answer some questions. These questions are related to signs that indicate pregnancy. To take an online pregnancy test, answer the questions below. Please note - it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus after conception. Once implantation happens, you can begin to experience one or more of the signs that indicate you are pregnant. Are you experiencing any of these signs :

1. Light Spotting ? Spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your next period begins. Light bleeding from implantation tends to be pinkish or brownish.

2. Urinating More Often ? Frequent urination is one of the early signs of pregnancy. Many women experience more frequent urination about 7-12 days after the temperature rise at ovulation.

3. Elevated Body Temperature ? A slight increase in body temperature at ovulation is normal. Your basal body temperature staying elevated after ovulation is completed and remaining elevated for the next two weeks can be one of the early signs of pregnancy.

4. Missing a Menstrual Period ? A missed period is one of the obvious pregnancy signs when you take an online pregnancy test. However, you can miss periods for other reasons such as illness, stress and reactions to foods or medications.

5. Tiredness ? A lack of energy as a pregnancy sign may be hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Feeling tired is related to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to new hormone levels during pregnancy.

6. Feelings of Nausea ? Feeling nauseated can happen any time, day or night, although 'morning sickness' is the name given to feeling nauseated when pregnant. Only about half of pregnant women will experience nausea.

7. Tender Nipples and Breasts ? When you take an online pregnancy test, answering yes to this question can indicate pregnancy. These feelings of tenderness go away as the body becomes accustomed to new hormone levels.

8. Darker Areolas ? If the area around the nipples becomes darker, this can be a pregnancy indicator. It can happen as early as one week after conception. The bumps on the areolas may also look more prominent.

If you are answering 'Yes' to one or more of the questions above as you take an online pregnancy test, you should confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests. There are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy. A blood pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 8 to 10 days after conception, and a urine pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days following conception. If you feel you are pregnant but your pregnancy test result is negative, do the test again in a week or so and see your physician.

Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so your new baby will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.

By : Olinda Rola

Data Show a Decline in Cystic Fibrosis Since Introduction of Prenatal Carrier Screening

2008-09-14T14:01:00.002-07:00

Researchers at the New England Newborn Screening Program (NENSP) of the University of Massachusetts Medical School have found a declining incidence of a genetic disease, providing what may be the first demonstration of a link between two independent population-based screening programs.

The state of Massachusetts has offered universal newborn screening to detect cystic fibrosis (CF) since 1999. Independently, recommendations for nationwide (adult) carrier screening for CF were introduced in the U.S. around 2002, coming from the National Institutes of Health, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American College of Medical Genetics.

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (much like newborn screening for other conditions), a public health service geared toward improving the lives of babies born with treatable conditions, identifies infants across the state who are at risk for disease and ensures that these infants are referred for diagnostic evaluation and (when appropriate) care. Tracking the number of infants who are diagnosed with the disease is an integral part of quality assurance of the newborn screening program.

Using the Massachusetts newborn screening data, the researchers compared two four-year periods: 1999 to 2002, just before prenatal CF carrier screening came into wide practice, and 2003 to 2006.

The number of live-born infants with CF dropped by about 50 percent from one four-year period to the next. Moreover, among the babies who were born with CF, markedly fewer had two copies of the delta F508 gene mutation, associated with a severe form of CF. The authors, who work closely with the clinician directors of the five Massachusetts CF Centers at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield; Children's Hospital Boston; Massachusetts General Hospital; New England Medical Center; UMass Memorial Health Care in Worcester; and UMMS, are confident that the decrease is real not an aberration of the screening program and not a normal fluctuation.

Clinical researchers have understood that a major challenge of CF newborn screening is developing treatments to maintain the health of relatively asymptomatic newborns. "Our recent observations that fewer infants are being born with CF particularly fewer infants with a severe genotype provides an additional challenge to researchers developing new treatments or using population data for trend analyses," says Anne Comeau, PhD, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and deputy director of the NENSP. "We should not fool ourselves into thinking that our treatments are working better than they are if the treatment may be tested on a population that was already bound to be more healthy."

The authors hypothesize that the gradual implementation of the recommendation to offer preconception and prenatal screening in order to identify carriers of CF might have yielded a decrease in the number of births of infants with CF, particularly the type that causes the most severe disease.

"Our data cannot distinguish the reason for the reported decrease," notes Richard Parad, MD, MPH, a newborn medicine specialist at Children's Hospital Boston and Brigham and Womens Hospital, who co-authored the study with Jaime Hale of NENSP and Comeau. "Carrier couples may have chosen not to conceive, or they may have resorted to donor egg or sperm or to pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or they may have decided to terminate affected pregnancies."

CF affects all races, and is the most common autosomal recessively inherited disorder in Caucasians (about 1/3000 births). Fifty years ago, most children with CF died before they reached school age, but today, with early diagnosis and improved treatment, the median survival is 36 years.

This research was published in a brief report in the February 28, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study was supported in part by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Read more here.

Prenatal Diagnostic tests have low Risk Of Miscarriage

2008-09-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Pregnant women who seek prenatal diagnostic testing to identify genetic or chromosomal abnormalities have a lower risk of miscarriage than previously believed, according to a UCSF study.

The findings are published in the September 2006 issue of the journal "Obstetrics and Gynecology."

Two standard tests amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are common prenatal tests performed during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Early testing using the CVS procedure has typically been thought to have a higher rate of miscarriage than amniocentesis. However, in a 20-year retrospective comparison study of the two procedures, researchers found that the loss rates for both procedures decreased over time.

"This is a significant finding for use as information in both patient counseling and in establishing widespread prenatal diagnostic and screening programs," said study co-author Mary E. Norton, MD, who is medical director of the Prenatal Diagnostic Center at UCSF Medical Center and associate clinical professor in the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.

Both amniocentesis and CVS are invasive diagnostic screening methods that carry a small risk of pregnancy loss. Amniocentesis requires insertion of a hollow needle through the abdominal wall and into the uterus to withdraw amniotic fluid. CVS is a biopsy procedure that involves removing a piece of tissue from the placenta. These samples are then cultured and chromosomes analyzed to determine abnormalities associated with Down syndrome and other genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and sickle cell disease.

CVS can be performed at an earlier gestation period (10-12 weeks) than amniocentesis (16-20 weeks), and therefore is preferred by some patients because of earlier detection of possible abnormalities, according to Norton.

The study looked at data from 9,886 CVS and 30,893 amniocentesis procedures performed at UCSF Medical Center from 1983 to 2003. Overall, the pregnancy loss rate for patients undergoing CVS was greater (3.12 percent) than that of amniocentesis (0.83 percent). However, when examining the data at five-year intervals, the difference between the two procedures coincided with the highest occurring from 1983 through 1987 and lowest from 1998 through 2003.

"We saw that the rate of miscarriage risk attributable to CVS had declined over time," said Norton. "One possible reason is that over time practitioners have become more proficient in performing CVS procedures."

When the researchers controlled for gestational age and maternal age, they found that there were no differences between the losses from CVS or amniocentesis.

Over the past several years, non-invasive screening tests for birth defects have seen marked improvement, according to Norton. While screening in the past was primarily available only in the second trimester, more recent studies have demonstrated that tests such as a specialized ultrasound of the fetal neck, known as "nuchal translucency " ultrasound, combined with early blood screening have a better detection rate and can be completed much earlier in pregnancy. Pre-screening using these techniques is often performed as the precursor for the more invasive diagnostic procedures.

"We have advanced significantly in our ability to screen for and detect birth defects," said Norton. "Where the primary criteria for determining a high risk pregnancy used to be maternal age, we are now able to perform blood tests or ultrasound in the first trimester, enabling us to determine much more accurately if a pregnancy is indeed at high risk."

In the past, women were faced with the decision to have CVS earlier in the pregnancy but with a higher risk of miscarriage, or to wait until their second trimester for amniocentesis, which was thought to be safer but doesn't provide results until several weeks later, according to Norton. With more and more women undergoing first trimester screening, an increasing number of them will be faced with the choice between amniocentesis and CVS, she added.

"If there is no difference in risk associated with CVS and amniocentesis, women are more likely to choose CVS because information can be provided much sooner," Norton said.

The authors emphasized that these results were obtained in a single center with a large volume of procedures. Because rates of miscarriage vary with experience of the providers, the results may not be applicable in all situations.

Lead author Aaron B. Caughey, MD, MPP, MPH, is a women's reproductive health research scholar and assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF. Co-Author Linda M. Hopkins, MD, is a clinical instructor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF.

The research was conducted in collaboration with the UCSF Division of Perinatal Medicine and Genetics and the Division of Health Services and Policy Analysis, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley.

The study was sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Development. Read more here.

Yoga for Pregnant Women - Relax Your Body And Mind

2008-09-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is hard to exercise while pregnant. Yoga for pregnant women offers moms-to-be an excellent workout that is beneficial for you and your unborn baby. Here is a guide on safe, basic yoga exercises and stretches to use during pregnancy.

Prenatal yoga offers both mental and physical benefits during pregnancy. For one, it is helpful because it teaches you how to use breathing to relax your body and mind, factors which will definitely come in handy during childbirth. Learning how to do the postures involved in prenatal yoga will get you ready for labor and childbirth and it facilitates this by training your body to stay relaxed.

However the benefits of yoga for pregnant women are not only confined to your physical stamina, as the main principle of yoga is to vitalize not just the body, but the mind and the spirit also. Not only that, but simply working out in a positive and supportive environment with others who are in the same situation as you will help to give you an emotional pick-me-up right when you call for it most.

There are many yoga poses particularly that are specifically for exercise while pregnant, including the Cobbler or Tailor pose. This is a sitting pose that helps to open up the pelvis. To do this pose, you sit yourself up straight against a wall with the soles of your feet touching each other, and then softly press your knees down and away from one another. Then just stay in this position for as long as you feel relaxed.

Another good prenatal yoga position is the pelvic tilt, which is a pose that helps to relieve back pain. Get down on your hands and knees with your arms shoulder width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Make sure to keep your arms straight; then tighten in your abdominal muscles and tuck your buttocks under and round your back, breathing in while you stay in this pose.

Now, relax your back into its neutral position, and breathe out, repeating as you feel comfortable.

Finally, another good posture is the squatting position, which helps to open up the pelvis and to strengthen the upper legs. As you start to grow during pregnancy there are a variety of support props that you should use to support your body in this position, such as yoga blocks or a pile of books.

Commence by standing facing the back of a chair with your feet spread slightly apart, with your toes pointed outward. Bring your tailbone towards the floor as though you were planning to sit down on a chair, but rather than sitting you hold the position there. Take a deep breath in, and when you exhale, push your legs up and bring yourself to a standing position, and then repeat as you feel comfortable.

So if you are pondering how you will possibly exercise while pregnant, consider trying yoga for pregnant women. Not only will you feel great, you'll be amassing great benefits for you and your little one. This natural exercise program will reduce tension and improve your flexibility. Yoga poses are a helpful way to ensure your sense of health and well-being, and a practice that you will be able to manage to accommodate into a mother's busy schedule.

By : Ron King

Watch out for these Pregnancy Complications and Maintain a Healthy Pregnancy

2008-09-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is a precious time and a life-changing event. It is really a warm experience between mother and baby that should be cherished all the time. However, a condition may develop to make your pregnancy a high risk, which is commonly known as pregnancy complication.

Pregnancy complication is a condition that can threat you and developing baby during pregnancy. Remember that pregnancy complications can develop at any point of time throughout your pregnancy, which can ruin your very joyful time. It can also develop after the childbirth.

These complications can develop from several factors: chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension), sexual transmitted diseases (syphilis, chlamydia), abnormalities of sperm/ovum, amniotic fluid, and placenta and infections that cause from virus, bacteria and parasites.

The possible pregnancy complications that can harm you and your developing fetus are as follows :

Gestational diabetes : It is the most common pregnancy complication that develops during pregnancy. It is found that two to seven percent of pregnant women develop this condition. This condition when left untreated can lead to increased risk of fetal death as well as thyroid problems.

It generally develops during second trimester of pregnancy. It can be treated by insulin supplementation to manage blood glucose levels.

Amniotic fluid complications : It is a pregnancy complication that results from a very high (polyhydramnios) or very low (oligohydramnios) amniotic fluid levels in the membranes surrounding the fetus.

Excessive amniotic fluid places pressure on your uterus causing pre-term delivery. It also puts pressure on your diaphragm, which leads to breathing problems. Oligohydramnios leads to poor fetal growth, post-term delivery, birth defects such as urinary tract abnormalities, etc.

Placental complications : The pregnancy complications of placenta are placental abruption and placental previa.

Premature detachment of a normally situated placenta is placental abruption where the exact cause for this condition is unknown. The detachment may be partial or complete.

Placental previa is the condition where the placenta is located in lower segment of the uterus, partially or completely covering the opening of the cervix. It leads to severe bleeding during second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The exact cause of placental previa is not known.

Preeclampsia/high blood pressure : Preeclampsia means the development of hypertension with edema or proteinuria or both during pregnancy. It generally occurs after twenty weeks of gestation. It is also called toxemia.

Ectopic pregnancy : It is a pregnancy complication where the development of fetus takes place outside the uterus or within the fallopian tubes. It can also be called as tubal pregnancy.

Rh Factor : If the mother is Rh negative and her partner Rh positive, the combination results in a baby with Rh positive. In this condition, when the blood transfers from mother to the child, the red blood cells will break down leading to anemia.

Miscarriage : Miscarriage is an unintentional or sudden loss of pregnancy. This type of pregnancy complication develops mostly due to age, gene factors, malnutrition, environmental hazards, hormonal problems, etc.

So, maintain a healthy pregnancy with proper prenatal care throughout pregnancy in order to avoid the occurrence of these pregnancy complications. Visit Pregnancy Blog

By : Neelima Reddy