Pregnancy Today: The Newsline

Newsline

AAP Releases New Breastfeeding Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a revised policy statement on breastfeeding, which reflects new research supporting the importance of mother's milk.

Latest studies have provided evidence that breastfeeding may decrease diarrhea, ear infections, bacterial meningitis, protect against SIDS, diabetes, obesity and asthma. Other research indicates that it can reduce a mother's risk of several medical conditions, including breast and ovarian cancer.

Recommendations in the statement include:

Exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child.
Mother and infant should sleep in proximity to each other to facilitate breastfeeding.
Self-examination of mother's breasts for lumps is recommended throughout lactation, not just after weaning.
Support efforts of parents and the courts to ensure continuation of breastfeeding in cases of separation, custody and visitation.
Pediatricians should counsel adoptive mothers on the benefits of induced lactation through hormonal therapy or mechanical stimulation.
Recognize and work with cultural diversity in breastfeeding practices.
A pediatrician or other knowledgeable and experienced healthcare professional should evaluate a newborn breastfed infant at 3 to 5 days of age and again at 2 to 3 weeks of age to be sure the infant is feeding and growing well.

(2-15-05)

Hormone Shots Could Reduce Preterm Births

Weekly injections of a drug obtained from the hormone progesterone may have prevented nearly 10,000 premature births in 2002, according to a report in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Preterm births were reduced by one-third before 37 weeks in the 450 pregnant women involved in the study. The women were considered at high risk because of previous premature deliveries. (2-15-05)

Sixteen-pound Baby Born in Brazil

Francisca Ramos dos Santos, 38, gave birth in northeastern Brazil to a baby boy weighing 16.7 pounds, according to her doctors. The baby, delivered by C-section at the Albert Sabin Maternity Hospital, was the largest baby born at that hospital in its 12-year history. (2-8-05)

Asthma Needs to Be Kept Under Control

Pregnant women suffering with asthma need to keep their condition under control because it can affect the fetus, according to guidelines published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

According to the guidelines, an obstetrician should be involved in a pregnant woman's treatment, and though drugs may affect a developing baby, the risk lies with breathing problems associated with not taking asthma medications. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred medication for women who suffer from persistent asthma. Albuterol, an inhaled asthma medication, is recommended for quick relief of asthma symptoms. (2-1-05)

Sex and Genetics Linked to Kidney Infections

A woman under 50 is at greater risk of developing a kidney infection if she has sex more than three times a week, has taken a new partner in the last year, has recently used spermicides or has a mom with a history of UTIs, according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers at Seattle-based Group Health Cooperative and the University of Washington (UW) also found an increased risk of kidney infection in women with a history of diabetes and incontinence. (2-1-05)

Airborne Pollutants May Cause Childhood Cancers

Childhood cancers may be caused by pollutants that pregnant women are exposed to, according to a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

Mothers-to-be who live by busy roads and industry are at greater risk. The study indicates that children born near these "emission hot spots" are two to four times more likely to develop leukemia and other childhood cancers before the age of 16. According to researchers, chemicals are inhaled by Mom and then passed to the fetus via the placenta, but exposure "through breast milk ... cannot be excluded," says researchers. (2-1-05)

Romanian Mom, 66, Becomes Oldest Women to Give Birth

Adriana Iliescu, 66, has become the oldest woman to give birth, according to her doctors. Pregnant with twins, Iliescu gave birth to a baby girl in her 33rd week via C-section at the Giulesti Maternity Hospital in Bucharest. The other twin was stillborn. Iliescu had undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) by an anonymous donor. (2-1-05)

A Simple Test May Predict Pre-eclampsia

A new test may be developed to predict pre-eclampsia, says new research from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Scientists have found that pregnant women with extremely low levels of protein – known as placental growth factor – are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia later in pregnancy.

The researchers compared urine samples of over 230 pregnant women and found that protein levels were similar the first 25 weeks of pregnancy, but began to significantly decline in women who later developed pre-eclampsia. This information may help develop a self-administered urine test to alert pregnant women of potential pre-eclampsia, say the study's authors. (1-25-05)

Sibling Expected for Sam Sheen

Actress Denise Richards and husband, actor Charlie Sheen, announce they are having a baby, reports People magazine. The baby – due this June – will join sister Sam, who was born March 9, 2004. (1-18-05)

Cats Pose Small Risk for Toxoplasmosis

Can your cat cause problems during pregnancy? Not if you follow simple precautions, says the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). They suggest keeping your cat indoors and asking your neighbors to do the same to prevent the chance of toxoplasmosis infection.

The HSUS organized a comprehensive mailing to members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) with brochures about family pets and toxoplasmosis, as well as a postcard questionnaire. From the survey results, the HSUS found that most OB/GYNs ask their pregnant patients if they have a cat, but many do not explain all of the risk factors leading to toxoplasmosis – such as consuming undercooked meat or gardening without gloves.

To request the brochures Your Baby & Your Pet or Toxoplasmosis: A Practical Guide for the Clinician, visit www.hsus.org. (1-18-05)

A Little One for Liv

Actress Liv Tyler and her husband Royston Langdon announce the birth of their first child, reports People magazine. Their son, Milo William, was delivered in New York City weighing 8 pounds. (1-11-05)

Fibroid Treatment May Cause Placental Problems

Conception can occur after uterine artery embolization (UAE) treatment for fibroids, but Canadian researchers say these pregnancies must be monitored closely.

The study evaluated over 500 women who treated their fibroids with UAE – a radiological treatment used as an alternative to surgery. Approximately 4 percent of the participants became pregnant, and 20 percent of these pregnancies had placental complications. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the risk of UAEs on fertility and pregnancies, say the study's authors. Their findings are published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.

In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released an opinion in January 2004 stating that there is insufficient data at this time to ensure that UAE is safe for women who may wish to become pregnant in the future. (1-11-05)

It's a Son for Singer Phil Collins

Singer-songwriter Phil Collins and wife Orianne welcomed son Matthew in Switzerland, reports Entertainment Weekly magazine. Matthew joins his 3-year-old brother, Nicholas. Collins also has three children from previous marriages. (1-04-05)

Shampoo Ingredients May Be Harmful to Fetus

The shampoo in your shower may be harmful during your pregnancy, say scientists at the American Society for Cell Biology's annual meeting. An ingredient in many household products – methylisothiazolinone (MIT) – is classified as a biocide, which kills bacteria that grows near moisture or water.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh say MIT may restrict development of immature cells and their ability to send signals to other cells. To test the chemical, scientists kept developing neuron cells from rats in a low concentration of MIT. After exposure, the neurons did not correctly produce cell extensions used for sending and receiving information.

In a press release, the study's author says that occupational exposure in pregnant women and the possibility of risk to the fetus is a concern. However, he adds that more research about the chemical is needed. (01-04-05)

Low-Carb Diets May Be Beneficial During Pregnancy

Should you count carbs during pregnancy? New animal research finds that consuming a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may be beneficial for Baby.

Scientists from the University of Southampton separated pregnant and lactating mice into two groups. One group was fed a low-carb, high-protein diet and the other received their standard diet. Female mice born to moms on the low-carb diet had lower levels of triglycerides in their livers, which is significant since high triglyceride levels are linked to diabetes and other illnesses. In addition, the low-carb offspring had higher levels of proteins that aid in the fat burning process.

The authors advise that additional research is needed before recommending low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets during pregnancy. The study's results are published in the American Journal of Physiology – Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. (12-28-04)

Testing of Uterine Cells May Be Unnecessary

Certain tests and drug therapies for women with frequent miscarriages or infertility may not be necessary, say British researchers.

Uterine cells – called "natural killer" cells (NK) – increase during early pregnancy, but their exact function has not been determined. According to the study published in the British Medical Journal, recent media reports advise that high levels of these NK cells may contribute to pregnancy problems and should be treated with steroids or immune suppressants.

However, researchers from the University of Cambridge argue that these treatments may be unfounded. Until more is known about the role of NK during normal pregnancy, there is no evidence of any benefit in offering NK cell testing to women with recurrent miscarriage or infertility, the researchers write. (12-21-04)

Country Singer McBride Expecting Third

Country-music singer Martina McBride, 38, and husband John, 46, are expecting their third child in June 2005, reports Entertainment Weekly magazine. The baby will join sisters Delaney, 9, and Emma, 6. (12-21-04)

Bed Rest May Not Be Needed After Embryo Transfer

One step of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is transferring embryos to the hopeful mom's womb. After this procedure, doctors may advise bed rest – but researchers question if being confined in bed is necessary.

Scientists from the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid evaluated over 300 women who were assigned to rest for either one hour or 24 hours after the embryo transfer. The results, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups. However, the implantation per embryo rate for the one-hour rest group was 14 percent, compared to 9 percent for the group who rested for 24 hours. (12-14-04)

Pretty Woman Gives Birth to Twins

It's a boy and a girl for Oscar winner Julia Roberts, reports the Associated Press (AP). Roberts, 37, and her husband, cinematographer Danny Moder, 35, welcomed son Phinnaeus Walter and daughter Hazel Patricia almost a month early. Mother and babies are doing great, says Roberts' publicist. (12-14-04)

Birth Rates for Teen Moms Are Declining

Birth rates among young teens in America are declining, says a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report states that a 38 percent decline in the number of births occurred despite the 16 percent rise in the population of females ages 10 to 14.

Health risks for pregnant young adolescents include low levels of prenatal care and higher chances of hypertension and eclampsia. Babies born to mothers ages 10 to 14 are more likely to be preterm and low birthweight. These babies are also more than three times likely to die during their first year compared to infants born to mothers between the ages of 20 and 44, says the CDC.

To view the report "Births to 10- to 14-Year-Old Mothers, 1990-2002: Trends and Health Outcomes," visit www.cdc.gov/nchs. (12-7-04)

Anti-Seizure Medication May Not Be Safe During Pregnancy

Epilepsy medication taken during pregnancy may increase a baby's risk of developmental delays and cognitive impairment, say British researchers. The recent study evaluated the effects of prenatal exposure to seizure medications – including sodium valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin and multiple-medication therapy.

The results, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, reveal that children prenatally exposed to valproate have significantly lower verbal IQ scores compared to children exposed to other anti-seizure drugs. Also, the study finds that valproate increases the chance of abnormal facial features. Women with epilepsy need careful counseling about the risks of anti-seizure medications before pregnancy and during childbearing age, say the study's authors.

In addition, sodium valproate – known as Epilim – can be passed through breast milk at low levels. New mothers taking the medication should consult with their doctor about potential risks before breastfeeding. (11-30-04)

Schiffer Delivers a Baby Girl

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer, 34, and her husband Matthew Vaughn, 33, announce the birth of their daughter, reports E! Online. Their new addition weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and both mother and daughter are reportedly doing well. The baby girl, whose name has not yet been released, joins her 22-month-old brother, Caspar. (11-30-04)

Painkillers During Pregnancy May Lead to Schizophrenia

Taking painkillers during pregnancy may increase your baby's risk of developing schizophrenia as an adult, say researchers from the Copenhagen University in Denmark.

The recent study evaluated almost 8,000 participants – over 100 were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Independent of a wide range of possible risk factors – such as parental history and prenatal viral infections – a significant link between second-trimester exposure to analgesics and increased risk of schizophrenia was observed, say the study's authors. These results are published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. (11-23-04)

Vitamin Use Before Pregnancy Reduces Risk of Preterm Labor

Planning a pregnancy soon? Now is the time to start taking multivitamins, say researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Scientists find that taking vitamins before conception reduces the risk of premature labor.

For the study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers evaluated over 2,000 women between the 24th and 29th weeks of pregnancy. The participants' multivitamin use before and during pregnancy was tracked, and researchers found that early vitamin-users had a significantly lower rate of premature babies.

The scientists also found that taking multivitamins after conception did not reduce the risk of prematurity. However, vitamins offer other benefits and should be continued throughout pregnancy, say the study's authors. (11-23-04)

VBACs May Be Too Risky for Birth Centers

Women attempting a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) are advised against delivery in a birth center, say researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Massachusetts. The results of the study, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, show that health risks are greater for women who have previously delivered by Cesarean – especially if the woman has passed the 42-week point of her pregnancy or has had more than one Cesarean delivery.

Researchers evaluated almost 1,500 women who were attempting a VBAC delivery at a birth center between 1990 and 2000. Of these women, 24 percent were taken to the hospital either immediately or during labor because of complications.

Almost 4 percent of women who successfully delivered via VBAC were transferred to a hospital due to either maternal or newborn problems. Researchers hope the results encourage more hospitals to offer VBACs as a delivery option. (11-16-04)

Baby's Birth Weight May Be Affected by Mom's BMI

Planning to be pregnant soon? Then now is the time to watch your weight, say researchers from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

A recent study evaluated the increase of large for gestational age (LGA) babies born in Sweden between 1992 and 2001. During this time, the risk of having an LGA baby increased significantly – a condition which also increases the chance of complications during pregnancy and birth.

The study's authors linked the surge in large babies to the frequency of overweight or obese moms, which increased from 25 percent to 36 percent during the 10-year study, and the decline in maternal smoking. (11-9-04)

AIDS Medications May Be Helpful When Passed to Babies Through Breast Milk

A recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health finds that HIV medications – called antiretroviral therapy – may be passed to infants through breast milk and protect them from HIV infection. These medications are often taken by expectant women to prevent transmission of the virus while pregnant or during delivery.

The study's authors warn that passing the medications through breast milk alone may pose a risk to babies who have already been infected with the HIV virus. Resistant strands of the virus may develop, say researchers. (11-2-04)

HHS Makes Recommendations Regarding Flu Vaccinations

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says in a recent press release that the United States will only receive half of the influenza vaccine supply expected for the 2004-2005 flu season. The shortage is due to a license suspension of Chiron Corporation – a facility in Liverpool, England, scheduled to distribute 46 to 48 million doses of the vaccine to the United States.

The HHS recommends the following groups receive priority in receiving the flu vaccine:

All children 6 months to 23 months.
Adults 65 years and older.
Persons 2 to 64 with underlying chronic medical conditions.
All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
Children 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy.
Health-care workers involved in direct patient care.
Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children less than 6 months.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or contact the National Immunization Hotline at (800) 232-2522. (10-26-04)

It's a Baby Girl for Billy Bob

Actor Billy Bob Thornton and his girlfriend Connie Angland welcomed a baby girl September 22, reports the Associated Press. Their daughter, named Bella, is the fourth child for Thornton and the first for Angland. (10-19-04)

Smoking May Contribute to Baby's Colic

Need another reason to give up smoking? It may be causing your baby's colic. Researchers from Brown Medical School and Harvard's School of Public Health linked maternal smoking to infantile colic.

A baby's exposure to tobacco smoke – either in the womb, through breast milk or by second-hand smoke – raises blood levels of motilin, a gut hormone that aids digestion by causing contractions in the stomach and intestines. Elevated levels of motilin increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as infant colic or acid reflux, say the study's authors.

According to the research published in Pediatrics, almost half of women smokers continue their cigarette habit throughout pregnancy. The research also estimates that 50 to 80 percent of working women are frequently exposed to second-hand smoke. (10-19-04)

Twins (Again!) Expected for Lunden

Former host of Good Morning America Joan Lunden, 54, and her husband Jeff Konigsberg are expecting newborn twins again in March, reports E! Online. The twins will be delivered via surrogate to join the couple's 1-year-old twins Kate and Max – also delivered by surrogate – and Lunden's three daughters from a previous marriage. (10-12-04)

New Arrival Expected for Wilson Phillips Singer

Singer Carnie Wilson of Wilson Phillips, 36, and her guitarist husband Rob Bonfiglio are expecting their first child, reports E! Online. The couple has not released information about the baby's due date. (10-12-04)

Asthma Symptoms Increase Risk of Pre-eclampsia

Asthma symptoms may increase a pregnant woman's chance of developing pre-eclampsia, says a new study from the Yale University School of Medicine. Pre-eclampsia, sometimes referred to as toxemia of pregnancy, is dangerous for the expectant mom because it causes high blood pressure and can affect her kidneys and liver.

In the journal , researchers reveal that a diagnosis of asthma is not necessarily linked to pre-eclampsia. However, moderate to severe daily symptoms – wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest – increase the odds of developing the condition. (10-12-04)

Record Amounts of Women Taking Vitamins With Folic Acid

Women are getting the message: Folic acid is essential before and during pregnancy. A recent poll conducted by the March of Dimes finds that record amounts of women – 40 percent – are taking a multivitamin containing folic acid. This number is up from 32 percent last year.

Folic acid is especially important for women trying to have a baby because it helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) – serious birth defects of the brain and spine that usually occur in the early stages of pregnancy. For carb-conscious women, daily vitamins may help maintain healthy levels of folic acid, which is often found in bread and pastas. (10-5-04)

Pregnant Women May Be Taking Harmful Medications

A large percentage of pregnant women may be taking unsafe medications, says a new government study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Researchers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reveal that over half of pregnant women are dispensed medications other than a vitamin or mineral supplement, and 40 percent of these women are given drugs for which human safety has not been established – Category C on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) classification system for medications during pregnancy.

The study recommends routine medication audits and new computer technology to help reduce doctors' risk of prescribing unsafe drugs for pregnant women. In addition, the FDA is revising its classification system to provide physicians and patients more accurate information about safe medications while pregnant. (9-28-04)

Exercise Keeps Cholesterol Down During Pregnancy

Exercise during early pregnancy keeps cholesterol down, say researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle. Though higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are normal during pregnancy, large amounts are associated with conditions such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

The study, which appears in the American Journal of Epidemiology, reveals that women who are approximately 13 weeks pregnant and exercise frequently have lower amounts of triglycerides and cholesterol compared to sedentary moms-to-be. (9-21-04)

Beckham Team Expecting One More Player

U.K. soccer star David Beckham and his wife, Victoria – formerly Posh Spice of the Spice Girls – are expecting their third child in early March 2005, according to E! Online. "This is fantastic news," say the Beckhams in a statement they released. "We are both absolutely delighted. We are planning to have the baby in Spain." The couple already have two sons, Brooklyn, age 5, and Romeo, age 2. (9-14-04)

No Need to Delay Pain Relief During Early Labor

Previously, women were often told to delay epidurals until they were dilated to 4 centimeters because the drug would slow labor progression. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that a woman can request an epidural for pain relief during any stage of labor. This guideline is confirmed by new research from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, which finds that prolonging an epidural is unnecessary.

The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, reveals that women who are given an early epidural only experience a slower labor progression from 4 to 5 centimeters dilation, compared to other laboring women who are given intravenous pain relievers rather than an epidural. No other significant delays of active labor were observed, say the study's authors. ( JRun Server Name: nutch2 pageload time: 16ms