Pregnancy News
January, 2 2008
HIV Testing Bill Passed
Richard Cody, New Jersey Senate President, just signed Bill S2704. The bill, which will take effect in the next six months, will require all pregnant women in New Jersey to take an HIV test. The test will be given early in the pregnancy and then repeated in the third trimester. If women do not want to take the test, they can present their decision in writing. Babies of moms who are HIV positive, or whose HIV status is unknown, will also be tested. In 2005, seven babies were born with HIV in the state of New Jersey.
Source: Newark Star-Ledger
January 2, 2008
Overweight Moms’ Babies Destined to Being Overweight
Studies show that pregnant women who are overweight or obese will give birth to children who will also be overweight. And it’s not just about will power. The problem, says Dr. Kevin Grove, a researcher at the Oregon National Primate Research Centre, is that the babies’ brains are born hardwired to being overweight. They will have inherited an increased appetite and decreased metabolism from their mothers. These babies will also be born predisposed to place energy into fat stores. This leads to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.
This news is alarming: over half of all American women are overweight or obese – and their children are born susceptible to being overweight. In fact, 10 to 15% of all children in the US under 19 are obese and two times this amount are overweight.
The answer? Educate women about these risks. Women who are thinking of getting pregnant should eat well and be active.
Source: Scoop health
January 1, 2008
Lambs Pose Risk to Pregnant Women
With lambing season nearing, there is an advisory to pregnant women. Even if you do not live on a farm, it is still good to be aware of all pregnancy risks. Pregnant women should know that their unborn child can be harmed by chlamydophla abortus, toxoplasma and listeria. These cause abortion in pregnant sheep and can be transferred to pregnant women.
As a result, women should avoid all contact with newborn lambs and should not help to milk ewes. In fact, they should even avoid handling clothes or materials that have been in contact with lambs – there is even a danger of contracting something if a woman’s partner has been in contact with ewes or lambs. The danger signs are influenza-like symptoms.
Source: National Public Health Service for Wales
