Pregancy News

This year’s pregnancy topics covered pregnancy from conception, through a healthy pregnancy, to baby’s health. A happy pregnancy was assisted with healthy habits and alternative treatments.

• There was good news for survivors of childhood cancer. Danish researchers found that there was no greater number of birth complication for women that had childhood cancer than those women without cancer histories.
• Acupuncture was shown to improve the rate of pregnancy in women receiving IVF when done in conjunction with standard medical treatment.
• Yoga participation appears to have helped some moms improve labor comfort, shorten labor time, and shorten the first stage of labor.
• Some mothers reduce or stop asthma medication during pregnancy for fears of effect on the baby. However, researchers found that mother’s with poor asthma control were more likely to have a pre-term birth than mothers that had good control.
• The caffeine debate continues. In a study from the UK, researchers found that higher amounts of caffeine (more than eight ounces per day) may be associated with lower birth weights for babies.
• There was more support for breastfeeding when a study from Canada found that breastfed babies were more likely to score higher on verbal intelligence tests.
• Researchers determined in another study that blankets covering an infant’s head increase the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They also found that normal baby movements are likely to cause a blanket to slide up and cover the baby’s face and head.

How Does This Affect You?

Pregnancy and delivery is different for each person. Work with your doctor to help you through your pregnancy and to create a birth plan. For many women, a plan can decrease anxiety and stress. If you are on medication or take supplements be sure to discuss these with your doctor before pregnancy. You can take several steps to reduce the chance of SIDS. This includes placing the baby to sleep on their backs, keeping blankets, toys, and pillows out of the crib, and using approved sleeping furniture and mattresses.