Pregnancy News
August 31, 2007
Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping Proves Beneficial for Babies
A new study in the British Medical Journal suggests that doctors should wait at least 3 minutes before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord after birth, especially in premature infants. Andrew Weeks, a senior lecturer in obstetrics at the University of Liverpool and the author of the study showed how clamping the cord immediately after birth, a method widely practiced by doctors may be harmful. The umbilical cord delivers oxygen-rich blood to an infant’s lungs, until her or his breathing regulates. So as long as the cord is intact, the infant, if premature, will receive 21 percent of its final blood volume through the umbilical cord. And three quarters of this transfusion takes place during the first 60 seconds after birth. For babies born at term, delaying clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord may also prove useful because it increases the amount of iron in their body. This study also showed evidence against the common belief of how delayed clamping or cutting of the cord may lead to illnesses like jaundice.
Source: RxPGNews.com
August 31, 2007
Why Treat Diabetes During Pregnancy?
A recent study appearing in the upcoming issue of Diabetes Care found that treating diabetes during pregnancy could reverse the doubling risk of obesity in children with diabetic mothers. Teresa Hillier the lead author of the study notes that diabetes known as gestational diabetes that develops during pregnancy is prevalent in expecting mothers who become resistant to insulin with the stress of pregnancy. As a result, these women produce high blood sugar levels, which negatively affects the development of their baby’s metabolism. If the diabetes is left untreated, these women often experience pregnancy complications due to the high birth weight of the baby. Their children also faces a high risk (82- 89 %) of developing obesity later in life. However, the study suggests if moms-to-be receive treatment for diabetes during pregnancy the risk of obesity for their child will eliminate.
Source: Forbes.com
August 31, 2007
How Flossing Helps Pregnancy Outcomes
Another reason why you should regularly floss and take care of your gums, especially if you’re pregnant. Studies looking at pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with gum disease have found higher rates of premature and low birth weight babies in these women. Studies advise women who are planning to get pregnant to visit their dentist to check for and treat gum disease prior pregnancy, in order to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Source: www.oramd.com
