Weight-Loss Surgery Helps Obese Moms' Pregnancies, Newborns
Women who underwent dramatic weight loss after bariatric surgery had fewer pregnancy and delivery problems and fewer newborn complications than obese pregnant mothers, according to a recent study.
The investigation, which analyzed the data from 75 clinical studies, discovered that pregnant women who had undergone weight-loss surgery (laparoscopic adjustable band surgery) experienced fewer complications than obese women. In particular, 0 percent of weight-loss women suffered from gestational diabetes, versus 22.1 percent of obese women, and 0 percent of weight-loss women had pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure), versus 3.1 percent of obese women. Also, women with bariatric surgery had less weight gain than the others.
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The Benefits of Flu Shots During Pregnancy
Despite the long-standing recommendation for pregnant women to receive a flu shot, three-quarters of women responding to a national survey were unaware or unsure of these recommendations. Additionally, only 20 percent of women who are currently pregnant plan to get a flu shot this flu season.
The survey, conducted on behalf of the National Women's Health Resource Center, also revealed that some women even question whether the flu shot itself can pose a health risk to the baby.
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Is It Safe to Drink Small Amounts of Alcohol During Pregnancy?
The National Institute For Health and Clinical Excellence (or NICE) recently claims that pregnant women can drink up to 1.5 units of alcohol (or one and a half small glasses of wine) without harming the unborn child. This comes after the Department of Health advises that expectant mothers should abstain from drinking entirely. So between these contradicting sets of advice, where is the truth?
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PAINFUL PERIODS
Can high levels of stress increase the risk of having painful periods? New research by Chicago researchers says it can.
Jessica Lindstrom is 27 years old, and although she’s totally healthy, sometimes her body turns on her at the time of the month. Her periods are agonizing. “I have intense lower back pain, nausea, and stomach irritation. There’s also pain when tightening the lower abdomen,” says Jessica.
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PREEMIES HEALTH RISK
Every minute, a baby is born prematurely. Many of these babies are of extremely low birth weight.
Now, new research shows infections which are common in these infants are associated with poor development overall.
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