pregnancy safety

Some foods are safe and others are not safe during pregnancy because changes in hormones can cause a woman's immune system to become suppressed.

Whether you are trying to get pregnant or you are already pregnant, good dental care and hygiene is very important; regular cleaning and check-ups are essential for dental health.

Hypospadias is a condition that affects male infants. The condition
causes the urethra to develop in a location other than the tip of the
penis.

The summer months mean public pools, private pools, lakes, oceans and
river excursions. People love to spend time on the water, swimming and
having all kinds of recreational fun, but water can be contaminated with
germs that cause illness.

Before allowing a family member to enjoy time in a hot tub or spa, take a
few moments to review hot tub and spa safety precautions, maintenance
and testing to ensure the safety of all family members.

Recreational water illnesses are contracted when pregnant and
non-pregnant swimmers come in contact with germs present in treated and
untreated water. Germs pose the highest risk to swimmers with impaired
immune function, including pregnant women.

When it comes to safer swimming during pregnancy, one of the best tools
pregnant women can have is knowledge.  Pregnant women must understand the real risk of swimming in untreated or mistreated pools, oceans, lakes and rivers.

Unlike swimming pools, oceans, lakes and rivers are not treated to
remove dangerous bacteria and germs leaving many pregnant women
wondering about the safety of swimming in open waters during pregnancy.

Swimming is a low-intensity workout that allows the pregnant woman to
relieve lower back strain and feel weightless for a short period each
day. In addition to the feeling of weightlessness, swimming provides
various health benefits.

Recreational water illnesses are on the rise. According to the CDC, from
2004 to 2010 a 200% increase in illnesses associated with germs found
in swimming pools has been reported.

Germs present in pool waters can cause recreational water illnesses.
While public pools are typically chlorinated, many public pools fail
inspections and are immediately shut down for maintenance when chlorine
and pH levels test below or above normal.

For most pregnant women, spending time on the open water is a safe
activity, but preventing injury and reducing dangers associated with
recreational water activities is important for everyone involved.

Based on findings associated with the WHOACT (World Health
Organization Antenatal Care Trial) some countries reduced the number of
prenatal visits for healthy, uneventful pregnancies from eight visits to
four visits.

Women who exercised prior to pregnancy and women who chose to start
exercising after finding out they were pregnant are perfect candidates
for swimming, but as is the case with any exercise, there are
limitations and safety issues that must be considered.

Researchers from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania
recently published a study in Romanian Journal of Morphology and
Embryology showing a connection between acute respiratory infection and
inflammatory infiltration of the placenta.

Is your daily beauty regime safe for your baby during pregnancy? While
your pregnancy glow is the most beautiful makeup of all to wear during
these months, you may not want to quit your skin and hair care routine
altogether.

During pregnancy, pregnant women usually complain about one of two
bathroom issues. Either they are extremely constipated or they have
diarrhea.

Taking care of yourself throughout your pregnancy is the best possible
prevention for preterm birth. This means avoiding habits like overeating
and smoking are recommended.

High-fat and high-sugar diets are thought to play a role in the rise of
obesity, but researchers believe the next generation will be predisposed
to obesity and certain diseases due to molecular mechanisms that take
place in the uterus during gestation.

I heard an expectant mother tell me that she had a horrible toothache
but couldn’t do anything about it because it isn’t safe to get dental care while you are pregnant. I didn’t know how to feel about this.

Magnesium sulfate is currently used as a neonatal neuroprotectant
for deliveries at less than 30 weeks gestation. Researchers recently
started collecting data for a trial covering gestational ages 30 to 34
weeks.

Researchers from the University of Washington recently published a study in the journal BJOG comparing intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) magnesium sulfate treatment in pregnant women with eclampsia.

Current talks among medical experts address the issues related to
intimate partner violence, but little is known about how pregnant women
react to questioning about potential violence from a medical
professional.

Researchers from the University of Oslo recently completed a
study investigating two possible opiod treatments commonly used in
pregnancy in order to determine possible side effects or complications
that may be associated with the drug combinations.

The “Dirty Dozen, Clean Fifteen” list has been updated for 2013.

Ureteroscopy is a treatment option for women with ureteral stones.
Researchers from the Department of Urology at the University of Dicle in
Turkey recently studied the effect of ureteroscopy on pregnancy,
specifically looking for pregnancy and fetal complications.

According to research in Ghana, pregnant women who sleep on their backs
(supine) are more likely to suffer stillbirth than women who sleep in
other positions.

Caffeine consumption in pregnancy is a majorly debated concept.
Unlike alcohol consumption and smoking, caffeine is still under consideration.

Who doesn’t love cleaning out a cat box? Well, everybody. This is
probably why my neighbor was so gleeful when her doctor told her at her
first prenatal appointment she was no longer allowed to clean out the
cat box.

Valproate is currently prescribed to women in child-bearing years
for the treatment of neuropsychological disorders and epilepsy, but
according to a study published in JAMA’s April 24th issue, Valproate may
be linked to increased risk of autism.