Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), a test for birth defects, carries the same risk as the more commonly used amniocentesis, a new study has shown. Doctors previously thought its risk to be greater. Women can undergo CVS about six weeks earlier than amniocentesis, at 10 to 12 weeks gestation, so these findings, if confirmed, will be […]
Last week, researchers announced the discovery of a genetic variant that may help identify women at higher risk of having premature births. This would allow doctors to take appropriate measures to minimize the risk. The scientists also found that African-American babies were three times more likely than those of European descent to carry this genetic
Last night on Workout, fitness trainer Jackie Warner explored the idea of harvesting and freezing her eggs. She and her girlfriend Mimi discussed the possibility of someday having a family, with Mimi carrying embryos created from Jackie’s eggs. It’s great to see a portrayal of lesbian procreation that doesn’t focus on “wacky escapades to obtain
Two recent studies offer further support for the benefits of breast milk. One, appearing in this month’s Pediatrics magazine, claims that babies who are breast-fed for more than three months are less likely to become bedwetters. Non-bedwetters had also been breastfed for an average of three months longer than bedwetters. The researchers caution, however, that
Blogging Baby points out a new study indicating that vaginal births after C-sections (VBACs), even after multiple C’s, are safer than had been thought. Uterine tears or ruptures from a vaginal birth were only slightly more frequent in women who had more than one Cesarean. The new study, published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynocology,
A new study indicates that most breast cancer treatments are safe during pregnancy, Blogging Baby reports. If true, this could mean fewer instances of the terrible choice between the life of the mother and the life of the baby. The researchers warn, however, that women should still not undergo radiation therapy while pregnant. They also
Pregnant women should avoid all canned tuna, Consumer Reports magazine warned this week, citing potentially high levels of mercury. The Food and Drug Administration, on the other hand, says the average amount of mercury in light tuna is still within acceptable limits. Consumer Reports counters that although average amounts in light tuna may be low,
In at least one hospital, more pregnant women than usual were scheduling inductions yesterday, trying to avoid giving birth on today’s date of 6/6/06. They fear the date corresponds to 666, the number of the beast, or Antichrist, in Revelations 13:18. It’s fitting then, that there’s news today of a new test that may more
Women who get pregnant via in vitro fertilization (IVF) may have a higher risk of placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta blocks all or part of the cervix. Placenta previa can cause the woman to hemorrhage and increases the risk of a premature birth or other delivery problems. Researchers at St. Olavs University
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) led a team that recently released new recommendations for women’s pre-pregnancy health. Most of the guidelines are old hat: treat existing conditions, stop smoking and alcohol consumption, take folic acid supplements, and maintain appropriate weight and nutrition. More controversial, though, is the suggestion that “all health encounters
