Researchers said Thursday they have found evidence that Vitamin D supplements for pregnant women in the world's colder, darker countries may stave off multiple sclerosis (MS) in their offspring. The finding adds to a growing body of work showing a link between low Vitamin D levels and the debilitating disease, which sees the immune system attacking the body's own nerve fibres. Data on more than 150,000 MS patients born in places north of 52 degrees, revealed a heightened risk for those born in April -- a month preceded by a long period without sunlight, said a paper in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. … [Read more...] about Vitamin D in pregnancy may prevent multiple sclerosis
Multiple pregnancies risks
Reduce multiple IVF births, experts urge
Fertility specialists are pushing for tighter controls to reduce the number of multiple births from IVF treatments, a leading expert said Sunday. The number of twins and triplets has risen since Louise Brown, the world's first in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) baby, was born nearly three decades ago. In Europe now, almost a quarter of successful fertility procedures result in multiple births. … [Read more...] about Reduce multiple IVF births, experts urge
Excess weight gain during pregnancy bad for baby
Weight gain above guidelines during pregnancy is common, according to researchers, and infants born to women with high weight gain tend to have worse outcomes. Dr. Naomi E. Stotland, of the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues examined the association between weight gain during pregnancy and adverse outcomes among 20,465 full-term infants for 20,465 single births. None of the infants were from multiple births. Mothers' weight gain during pregnancy was categorized using the Institute of Medicine guidelines, as well as by extremes of weight gain, either less than 15.4 lbs. or greater than 39.6 lbs. The authors' findings appear in the September issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology. … [Read more...] about Excess weight gain during pregnancy bad for baby
Mom’s stress during pregnancy can affect baby’s iron status: study
Newborns whose mothers are under stress during the first trimester of pregnancy may be at risk for low iron status, which could lead to physical and mental delays down the road, according to a study presented Sunday at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Boston. Iron plays an important role in the development of organ systems, especially the brain. Well-known risk factors for poor iron status in infants are maternal iron deficiency, maternal diabetes, smoking during pregnancy, preterm birth, low birthweight and multiple pregnancy. This study, conducted by researchers from Ashkelon Academic College and Barzilai Medical Center in Israel and the University of Michigan, is the first in humans to suggest that maternal stress early in pregnancy is another risk factor for low iron status in newborns. Researchers recruited pregnant women who were about to give birth at Barzilai Medical Center. The first group of women (stress group) lived in an area where there were … [Read more...] about Mom’s stress during pregnancy can affect baby’s iron status: study
HIV educators target at-risk students in vocational schools
HIV educators target at-risk students in vocational schools (30-03-2009) by Hong Thuy A health expert teaches students about reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention. More classes are needed to improve young people's understanding of the world epidemic. — VNA/VNS Photo Duong Ngoc QUANG NINH — The meaning of an image in the shape of a tree, with the work 'ok' at the top, is not difficult for young people at the Hong Cam Vocational Junior College to guess as it appears on a slide. "What are the effects of condom use?" asked the host and peer educator at the meeting hall, which was quickly becoming a sea of raised arms. Outside it was bitter cold, but inside participants were just getting warmed up. "Condoms prevent you from having an unwanted pregnancy and from sexually transmitted diseases (STD), including HIV/AIDS," a young man replied. By enjoying activities such as quizzes, listening to songs and watching drama and dance, young people at the college in Quang … [Read more...] about HIV educators target at-risk students in vocational schools