Pregnancy News
August 10, 2007
Drinking During Pregnancy Can Possibly Lead to Male-Infertility
Regular alcohol consumption during pregnancy appears to triple the link of a newborn boy having undescended testicles, or cryptorchidism. Cryptorchidism is a common male-genital birth defect. Since males with the defect are 60 percent more likely to be infertile than males without it, women are further encouraged not to drink during pregnancy. In the developed countries, over the past 40 years, male fertility has been on a decline while newborn boys with undescended testicles have been on the rise.
The researchers of this study also found that maternal exposure to pesticides, especially DDT, is another risk factor for cryptochidism.
Source: ScienceNews
August 10, 2007
The Risk of Vaginal Infection Linked to Preterm Birth Appears Higher for African Americans
Researchers at the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine found that even if one partner is African-American, the risks of a vaginal infection linked to preterm birth rises. In bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common gynecological infection, there is an increase in vaginal alkalinity, an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria, and a milky, foul-smelling discharge. BV infection not only increases the risks of preterm birth but other studies show that it also increases the risk for herpes and other STDs. In an observational study, Dr. Simhan and colleagues considered 325 women (129 were in a white/white partnership, 47 were in a white/black partnership, and 149 were in black/black partnership) in their first trimester of pregnancy. His results showed that even if one partner was black, the risk of BV goes up two-fold. The reason for this observed racial variance for BV is not known. A range of antibiotics is used to treat BV but in most cases the re-infection may occur.
Source: ScienceDaily
August 10, 2007
Obese Mom-to-be Can Safely Lose Weight during Pregnancy
According to Raul Artal, M.D., obese pregnant women can safely lose weight and diet without harming the baby. In one study, Dr. Artal examined two groups of obese pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Out of the 96 women, 39 dieted and exercised to control their weight, and 57 followed a diet often given to patients with gestational diabetes. The study found that the women who dieted and exercised lost or maintained their weight compared to women in the diabetic diet group. Babies born to women in the exercise group were also more likely to be of normal size and weight.
Source: ScienceDaily
