When talking about reproductive issues, a couple does well to consider some male infertility treatments that they can easily try at home.  This is because in most cases of reproductive issues, infertility can equally be caused by the man?s reproductive system as it can be the woman?s.  It is a common misconception (no pun intended) that all reproductive issues are strictly the woman?s problem.  In reality, most couples being treated for this by medical doctors are finding this it?s a 50/50 chance that the man may need treatment, or it?s a combination of problems with both the man and the woman.  In any case, someone may immediately wonder about male infertility treatments that you can try at home, first, before looking into medical intervention, expensive drugs, invasive surgeries, and the like.  The good news is that there are some such treatments that men can try that may very well increase his abilities to impregnate.

 

Diet May be the Best Male Infertility Treatment

 

In a new study cited in OBGYN News, a group of Harvard researchers found that 79% of infertile couples had a lower-than-average intake of foods high in antioxidants - like fruits and vegetables.  In one study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Medicine, doctors found that after one week of daily doses of 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, sperm counts rose by some 140%.  So, a multivitamin or a vitamin C supplement may be the first male infertility treatment that you would want to try.

 

More recently, a study published in the Archives of Andrology showed the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium improved the ability of sperm to swim - a skill necessary to reach the egg.

 

Exercise also improves muscle tone and good muscle tone helps every aspect of your system as well.  Excessive body weight also puts undue pressure on the reproductive organs and doesn?t allow them to function optimally; obese persons often suffer from reproductive issues.  Any male infertility treatment that you try at home should include regular physical activity and exercise.

 

Drugs and Smoking ? A Barrier to Any Effective Male Infertility Treatment

 

Some medications can interfere with a woman?s and a man?s reproductive systems.  If you are taking any prescription drugs, be mindful of the side effects.  Ask your doctor if you?re not sure.  And this includes illegal drugs as well.  Many narcotics interfere with the body?s fertility, as does tobacco.  Excessive drinking (more than three alcoholic beverages per day) can too.

 

If you or your partner smoke, it?s time to quit.  Smokers have been shown to have 17% less sperm count on average, not to mention that it disrupts the health of remaining sperm.  If you?re taking illicit drugs, it?s time to quit those as well.  And if necessary, make note of your drinking levels and cut back if needed.

 

So there you have it ? some natural, healthy male infertility treatments that any man or couple can try at home, before undergoing invasive surgery or doling out thousands on tests and medicines.

Study Finds Disparities In Maternal Care Among U.S. Hospitals
Birth complications and how they are handled generate the greatest quality gaps in maternal care between best- and worst-performing hospitals nationwide, according to an annual study released Tuesday by HealthGrades, CQ HealthBeat reports.

ACOG Today Receives National Award For Excellence
ACOG Today, the official newsletter of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), recently received the highest award for association newsletters in a national competition. ACOG Today received a Gold Award in the Excel Awards’ “Newsletters-General Excellence” category. The newsletter was also recognized for the second year in a row with a Silver Award in the “Newsletter-Newswriting” category.

Association Of Women’s Health, Obstetric And Neonatal Nurses Announces AWHONN EDGE(TM) Database
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) announced a new database to assist Women’s Service Line Leaders with generating the evidence needed to drive clinical, staffing and financial decisions. The AWHONN EDGE?, which stands for “Extract Data & Generate Evidence”, is currently in the beta testing phase with 20 hospitals nationwide, and is expected to launch in early 2009.

With so many more persons being overweight and out-and-out obese these days, many are wondering if there really is any truth to the rumor that obesity and infertility go hand-in-hand.  How is it that being overweight can interfere with your reproductive abilities?  How can a few extra pounds mean that much damage to your body?  What about those that are obese that have been able to conceive?  In order to examine these issues fully, let?s take a look at some of the suspected reasons that obesity and infertility seem to be related.

 

Reasons for Obesity

 

Regardless of what some people may assume, it?s generally accepted among the medical community that obesity does not just happen.  Some would like to think that it?s all genetic, but many scientists know that when a person changes their eating habits and physical activity levels, they lose weight.  So saying that obesity and infertility are two things that you can do nothing about is rather shortsighted ? which also should be thought of as good news.  If obesity and infertility were all a matter of genetics, then you would be trapped, with no choices or things you can do to fix the situation.

 

So, when studying the reasons for one?s obesity, we see the connection to infertility.  High-fat diets add to elevated cholesterol levels in the body, and as we see cholesterol clinging to the arteries and areas around the heart, it does the same to the reproductive system.  Cholesterol chokes out a man?s ability to produce healthy sperm and a woman?s ability to ovulate a healthy egg.

 

Additionally, another connection between obesity and infertility may have much to do with exercise and physical activity.  Exercise gets the blood circulating properly and in a healthy way, and this oxygen-rich blood is necessary for all functions of the body, including the reproductive system.  Without the antioxidants provided by blood that?s been freshly filtered through the lungs, any malformation or problems the body has is not going to be fixed or repaired the way it should be.

 

Extra Body Weight

 

Another connection between obesity and infertility seems to be the extra body weight itself.  This extra weight on a man may block his sperm ducts, and blocked sperm ducts are one of the most common reasons for infertility in men.  Additionally, a woman who has extra weight around her midsection may also have problems with ovulation, as this puts undue pressure on the fallopian tubes.  It also puts this pressure on the uterus, causing it to contract unnaturally.  When a woman?s uterus is compromised, a fertilized egg cannot attach itself, and she will miscarry it before she even knows she is pregnant.

 

So it seems as if there are some reasons to be concerned about the connection between obesity and infertility.  Again, no one wants to be told that they need to lose weight, or to think that their own body weight may be interfering with their plans to have a baby, but at least they know that there is something they can do about the situation!

Cesarian Sections Cause Greater Health Risks And Don’t Eliminate Urinary Incontinence
More women are electively choosing to deliver their babies through cesarian section (CS) in hopes of protecting their pelvic floor and reducing the risk for urinary incontinence (UI). Research to date shows this is not a foolproof method. In the June 2008 issue of Urologic Nursing, Lianne F. Herbruck reviews the labor and delivery processes for vaginal childbirth and CS, as well as vaginal, perineal and anal injuries which may occur.

HealthGrades Releases Fifth Annual Women’s Health In American Hospitals Study
Large variations among hospitals persist in the quality of maternity and cardiac care for women, according to a new study released by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization. The Fifth Annual HealthGrades Women’s Health in American Hospitals study analyzes the quality of care at U.S. hospitals in 17 states for treatment of heart disease and stroke among women and for women giving birth, with ratings for individual hospitals posted to www.HealthGrades.

Every Woman Should Have ‘Right To Survive’ Pregnancy, Letter To Editor Says
There is “no reason” that the U.S. should not be a “leader” in making the “right to survive” pregnancy a “reality,” Center for Reproductive Rights President Nancy Northup writes in a New York Times letter to the editor. Northup wrote the letter in response to a recent opinion piece from

Couples who are dealing with the problem of infertility can often think that they are very alone in their concerns.  Most believe that pregnancy is easy, and may look around at the other couples with their bouncing bundles of joy as proof positive of this fact.  They may also have many friends and family members who announce one day that they are planning on starting a family, and who are seemingly pregnant immediately after.

 

But believe it or not, infertility is much more common than you might think.  It?s estimated that about 1 in every 10 couples that are attempting to have a baby, have some type of problem with infertility.  Imagine ten other couples that you know who have children, and you can make a safe bet that at least one of them faced some difficulty when it came to conceiving.  And when you think about this on a national scale, 1 in 10 couples means 5 to 6 million couples in the U.S. every year have some difficulty getting pregnant.

 

But what exactly defines the concept of infertility?  Simply put, this is when a couple is having regular (twice per week on average) unprotected sex and are still not pregnant after a year of trying.

 

This may be surprising news to some couples, who often assume that a month or so of trying is all that?s needed to signal a problem with infertility.  Not so, say doctors.  Because of the many details that need to align perfectly for a woman to conceive, it can actually take that many times trying before there is any need for concern.

 

Obviously it?s true that there are some who have a much more difficult time with conception than others; and of course there are many factors that will contribute to this problem.  Some couples seem to be much more fertile than others, and this may very well be the case.  Some men simply have a higher sperm count than average, and of course the more sperm he had, the greater his chance of having one reach a woman?s egg to fertilize it.  Additionally, some women have problems with ovulation and do not release a healthy, viable egg every month, so there may need to be a few months worth of attempts in order for her to conceive.

 

But while infertility is something that is more common than you might think, it is also a very personal issue.  You should never make the mistake of comparing your abilities to conceive to anyone else?s, even those in your own family.  Again, you may know of a couple who seem to be able to get pregnant just by talking about it, while you and your partner have been trying for weeks and months, but this isn?t necessarily a cause for concern.  Everyone?s body is different, everyone?s reproductive abilities are different as well.  If you are really concerned about whether or not you will need medical intervention or another way of helping you with your supposed infertility, then be sure to speak to your doctor, as only he or she will be able to know for sure.

Study Finds Disparities In Maternal Care Among U.S. Hospitals
Birth complications and how they are handled generate the greatest quality gaps in maternal care between best- and worst-performing hospitals nationwide, according to an annual study released Tuesday by HealthGrades, CQ HealthBeat reports.

The Impact Of Antenatal Depression And Early Child Development
A new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has found that antenatal depression can have a negative impact on child development. It is widely accepted that postnatal depression can have a detrimental effect on child development, however few studies have looked at the effect of antenatal depression.

Association Of Women’s Health, Obstetric And Neonatal Nurses Announces AWHONN EDGE(TM) Database
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) announced a new database to assist Women’s Service Line Leaders with generating the evidence needed to drive clinical, staffing and financial decisions. The AWHONN EDGE?, which stands for “Extract Data & Generate Evidence”, is currently in the beta testing phase with 20 hospitals nationwide, and is expected to launch in early 2009.

How to Avoid Constipation During Pregnancy

It is Murphy’s law that just when you are able to get food into your body without having it come back up, that you suddenly find you can not get the food out of your body. Nearly half of all the women who are pregnant suffer from constipation during pregnancy.

As with all symptoms of pregnancy there is a reason for constipation. When you are pregnant your body creates progesterone which in turns relaxes the muscles of the bowels and causes your digestive tracks to work much slower. Your digestive track works slower to make sure your body absorbs the nutrients from your food for your baby. This can create constipation, which if it not kept under control, can lead to hemorrhoids.

There are some ways you can help avoid constipation throughout your pregnancy. Make sure you included plenty of fiber in your diet. Fiber absorbs water and can help to soften your stools and speed their passage. Eat plenty of high fiber foods like whole grain cereal and oatmeal. Instead of eating white bread with your sandwiches, eat whole grain breads. Add some oat bran to your cereals or yogurt.

Fresh fruits are also an excellent way to get your fiber in. Melons and plums have a high amount of fiber in them as wells as dried fruits like figs, raisins, apricots and of course the well known favorite prunes. Prunes and prune juice have a like laxative effect and will help keep things moving properly in your body. Aim to eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day. You can tell you are getting enough fiber if your stools are large and soft and you aren’t straining to pass them. Keep in mind though that too much fiber can lead to diarrhea which can lead to dehydration so do not over do the fiber in your diet.

Also, drinking plenty of fluid will help you combat constipation. Fluids help keep digestive products moving through your system so it is very important for you to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Keeping up with your fluids is important especially if you are increasing your intake of fiber. Your body needs to water to soak up the fiber otherwise it can cause more constipation.

Also, make sure you are eating your yogurt if you can. Yogurt has a bacteria called acidophilus that helps stimulate the intestinal bacteria to break down food better. Look at your prenatal. Some of the prenatal that women take contain a lot of iron and iron can play a big part in constipation. Talk to your doctor to see if you can switch for a while to a different prenatal that contains less iron or at least stay off of the prenatal for a while until your constipation is under control.

Avoid foods that can lead to constipation. White bread and some cereals such as corn flakes can lead to constipation as well as white rice and bananas. If all this fails, give your doctor a call to see if there is something you can take to help keep you regulated. Most doctors will allow you to take Metamucil to help keep things moving.

Constipation is never pleasant but during pregnancy it can be even extra uncomfortable. Make sure you take the steps to avoid constipation. It will help make your pregnancy that much more enjoyable.

Over One Quarter Of Canadian Births Are Now By Cesarean Section - Society Of Obstetricians And Gynaecologists Of Canada
More babies are born by C-section (Cesarean section) today than ever before, says the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. The Society adds that the numbers continue to rise (1). Apart from placing mothers at raised risks during childbirth and subsequent pregnancies, these figures are placing an excessive burden on the nation’s healthcare system, the Society claims.

Cesarian Sections Cause Greater Health Risks And Don’t Eliminate Urinary Incontinence
More women are electively choosing to deliver their babies through cesarian section (CS) in hopes of protecting their pelvic floor and reducing the risk for urinary incontinence (UI). Research to date shows this is not a foolproof method. In the June 2008 issue of Urologic Nursing, Lianne F. Herbruck reviews the labor and delivery processes for vaginal childbirth and CS, as well as vaginal, perineal and anal injuries which may occur.

Slowing Decline In Infant Mortality Linked To Poor Health Among Pregnant Women, Report Finds
A slowing in the decline of the U.S. infant mortality rate since 2000 can be linked to poor health among pregnant women, according to a report released Wednesday by the group Trust for America’s Health, CQ HealthBeat reports. The report was released in conjunction with the Annie E.

When dealing with the issue of infertility and difficulties with conception, most couples of course want to try anything and everything they can to help the process along.  With that thought in mind, some wonder if there is such a thing as an infertility diet, and if so, does it actually work?  Can your eating habits do anything to help or hinder your situation with pregnancy?  Let?s examine some of that information here.

 

Doctors Respond to the Infertility Diet

 

In a new study cited in OBGYN News, a group of Harvard researchers found that 79% of infertile couples had a lower-than-average intake of foods high in antioxidants - like fruits and vegetables.  In one study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Medicine, doctors found that after one week of daily doses of 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, sperm counts rose by some 140%.  Obviously, when dealing with infertility, diet and getting enough of the right vitamins is helpful to some.

 

More recently, a study published in the Archives of Andrology showed the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium improved the ability of sperm to swim - a skill necessary to reach the egg.

 

Physical Activity is Part of the Infertility Diet

 

Exercise also improves muscle tone and good muscle tone helps every aspect of your system as well.  Excessive body weight also puts undue pressure on the reproductive organs and doesn?t allow them to function optimally; obese persons often suffer from reproductive issues.  When dealing with infertility, diet alone may not be enough.  Regular physical activity must be part of the equation as well.

 

However, you don?t want to go overboard in this direction either.  It?s been sadly reported that many young female athletes that are pushed to excessive physical activity have irregular periods and subsequent issues with reproduction.  Starving your body of vital nutrients and overworking it physically will take a tremendous toll on your system, and this is true for both men and women.  So if you do exercise and keep track of your diet, make sure you?re being balanced and healthy.

 

But modest exercise is beneficial in so many ways, not just when discussing the infertility diet.  Exercising increases the blood circulation and good circulation is important for all aspects of health.  Blood brings nutrients to every part of the body and filters away dead cells.

 

Additionally, eating right and exercising will make a person feel better all around; feeling more positive will lead to a reduction in stress, which is also beneficial when trying to conceive.  And when thinking about your infertility diet, this may be something that helps to draw you together as a couple, which can lead to a better, more active sex life ? another important aspect of conception!  So never dismiss the thought that your condition can be helped or hindered by your eating habits and exercising; even doctors agree that when dealing with infertility, diet is important, as is exercise and physical activity.

C-Sections Raise Risks For Subsequent Pregnancies Says The Society Of Obstetricians And Gynaecologists Of Canada
Women who have had a previous C-section are more likely to require a repeat Cesarean for subsequent births, and the percentage of women and health professionals opting to try a vaginal birth after C-section is declining. The result is that rising C-section rates can be self-reinforcing, and that the decision to give birth by C-section increases the risks of future pregnancies.

Study Finds Disparities In Maternal Care Among U.S. Hospitals
Birth complications and how they are handled generate the greatest quality gaps in maternal care between best- and worst-performing hospitals nationwide, according to an annual study released Tuesday by HealthGrades, CQ HealthBeat reports.

Guidelines Issued Regarding Blood Clots In Pregnant Women
New evidence-based guidelines address the prevention and management of thrombosis in key patient populations and reinforce recommendations related to the routine use of preventive therapies.

How Eating Well Can Help During Pregnancy

There are a number of aches and pains that come with pregnancy. While back in the day many doctors just brushed them aside and said that is part of pregnancy, now a days more and more doctors are recommending a well balanced diet to help. Here are just a few pregnancy aliments that a good diet can help.

A common complaint during pregnancy is tooth and gum problems. To help keep your teeth healthy and your baby’s teeth healthy, make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin C. Always keep some sugarless gum near you or chew on some nuts and cheese.

It is also not uncommon for many women to feel dizzy or lightheaded during pregnancy especially if they have gone to long without eating. This is why it is so important to eat through out the day and snack also. Keep your snacks as healthy as you can and stay away from junk food whenever you can. These foods will give you a quick rush of energy but ultimately leave you feeling worse than you did before you ate them. Keep yourself hydrated also. Snacking and drinking will help boost your blood sugar and keep you hydrated which can help you fight dizziness.

Sometime during your second trimester, you may find yourself awakening in the middle of the night to leg cramps. Leg cramps can come from not getting enough calcium. Some say that the leg cramps implicate a shortage of magnesium while some say that dehydration can be the cause. Either way makes sure you are getting enough calcium and magnesium. If you suffer from leg cramps you might find it helpful to drink a glass of milk, or have a piece of cheese before you go to turn in to bed at night. Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated also.

Swelling is another pain in pregnancy. While severe swelling could be a sign of preeclampsia, there is a certain amount of swelling that is normal and healthy during pregnancy. In fact more than seventy five percent of all pregnant women experience some sort of swelling. The most common cause is too much water retention. Staying away from salty foods and drinking extra water will help you keep the swelling to a bare minimum.

Pregnancy is also a time where you skin might taken on the appearance of a teenager getting ready to hit puberty. Some women suffer from dry skin, which can be cured by making sure you drink plenty of fluids to increase moisture. If you have flakey skin, eat more omega-3 rich foods or seeds and nuts. There are some people who suffer from some skin discoloration and too much blotchiness could be a folic-acid deficiency. This is another reason why it is so important to make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamin.

Lastly, we have all heard about the great head of hair some women are blessed with during pregnancy since hormones prevent hair from falling out at its normal rate. There are some women though who find that their hair is less than stellar during pregnancy. This could be due to the lack of vitamins that you might be getting. Through out pregnancy it is important that you get enough vitamin A, B and C. Vitamin A will keep your hair and scalp healthy. Vitamin B will help with your hair growth and vitamin C is needed for strength. Make sure you are getting enough of this in your diet.

Eating healthy throughout pregnancy does not only ensure your chances of a healthy pregnancy but it will also help you avoid some of the more uncomfortable aspects of pregnancy too.

Supreme Court To Hear Pregnancy Discrimination Case
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a case on whether ATandT employees who took pregnancy leave before 1979, prior to the effective date of the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act, should be eligible for the same retirement benefits as employees who took disability leave, the

Test Accuracy Of Ultrasound Screening In Pregnancy: Effects Of Examiner Qualifications And Device Quality Unclear
Only indications of positive associations / No studies on the German health care setting available International studies indicate that there is an association between examiner qualifications and device quality on the one hand, and detection rates of ultrasound screening tests in pregnancy on the other. However, it is unclear which minimum preconditions must be fulfilled in order to achieve sufficiently high detection rates for major foetal abnormalities.

STD, Urinary Tract Infection May Be Bad Combination For Birth Defect
Women who reported having both a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and urinary tract infection (UTI) just before or during early pregnancy were four times more likely to have babies with gastroschisis a severe birth defect in which infants are born with their intestines and other internal organs outside the abdomen, University of Utah researchers report in the online British Medical Journal.

Healthy weight gain for pregnancy

Most doctors will tell you that you should gain anywhere between 25-30 pounds through out your pregnancy. You should aim to gain about 3.5 pounds during your first trimester, although more often than not most women find that they lose weight their first trimester. The culprit to this is morning sickness. Some women suffer from such a severe case of morning sickness they can not keep anything down. Chances are your doctor will not be too concerned if you lose a few pounds that first trimester as long as you gain steady throughout the next two trimesters.

Your second trimester is where you will probably put on most of your weight. Most women put on about a pound a week, so roughly four or five pounds a month which brings their second trimester weight gain to about 12-15 pounds. Some women put on more while others put on less. Do not be surprised if you put on a lot of weight one month and not so much your next.

For the 7th and 8th month you will should probably continue about a pound each week or so. Look to gain between 8 and 10 pounds those months. Most women find that their weight gain slows down in the 9th month. You might find your weight gain coming to a end as your due date draws nearer. This can be a sign that labor is on the horizon. Or, you may find that your weight gain continues especially if you are retaining a lot of water.

So where does all this weight go? It doesn’t really make sense that you should gain between 25-30 pounds if your baby is only going to weigh between 7 and 8 pounds. Let’s break down where the extra weight goes.

First, you have your baby. A average baby weights about 7 1/2 pounds. Some can weigh more and some weigh less. That amniotic fluid that your baby has been swimming in for the past nine months weighs about 2 pounds. Figure in about 2 pounds for your breast enlargement and 1 1/2 pounds for your placenta. Your uterus, which started off about the size of a golf ball has grown to weigh about 2 pounds. Your body should be producing about 4 pounds of extra blood by the end of your pregnancy and about 7 extra pounds of fat. Let’s not forget the extra fluid of about 4 pounds that your body might be holding on to. All this equals to the grand total of about 30 pounds.

Now keep in mind this is just a estimate and not a guarantee of how your weight will fall. There are women who wind up having a 10 pound baby and others who have a 5 pound baby. The key is to maintain a healthy weight gain throughout your pregnancy. Your body needs extra calories and it is best for you and your baby if those extra calories come from food that has a lot of nutritional value such as fruits, vegetables or protein. Staying away from junk for will help you curb your weight gain.

When it comes to taking the weight off, do not be surprise if your body hangs on to it especially those first days after delivery. Once you are home keep this in mind that it took nine months to gain that weight so gives yourself at least a good nine months to take it off.

Association Of Women’s Health, Obstetric And Neonatal Nurses Announces AWHONN EDGE(TM) Database
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) announced a new database to assist Women’s Service Line Leaders with generating the evidence needed to drive clinical, staffing and financial decisions. The AWHONN EDGE?, which stands for “Extract Data & Generate Evidence”, is currently in the beta testing phase with 20 hospitals nationwide, and is expected to launch in early 2009.

Former Talk Show Host Lake Criticizes ACOG, AMA For Singling Out Her Support Of Home Births
Former television talk show host Ricki Lake is “firing back” at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association after the medical groups criticized her outspoken support of at-home birthing, the AP/International Herald Tribune reports.

March Of Dimes Announces Prematurity Campaign Expansion At Surgeon General’s Conference
The March of Dimes has extended its Prematurity Campaign by 10 years to 2020 and will work to address preterm birth globally. The expansion, announced at the Surgeon General’s Conference on Prevention of Preterm Birth, supports the national action plan being created during the two-day conference here to address the growing crisis of preterm birth.

Gestational Diabetes

You are twenty eight weeks pregnant! Congratulations, you have made it to your third trimester with a picture perfect pregnancy. You go in to see your obgyn for your appointment and the bomb drops. You have gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy complications that women face. It is when pregnant women have high blood sugar levels during their pregnancy. It is not really known what can cause gestational diabetes. Some experts say that overweight women have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, but there is not much evidence to support this.

What is known about gestational diabetes is that one of the only cures is to deliver the baby. After delivery your blood sugar level will go back down to normal. The common treatment for gestational diabetes has been insulin shots. Just as if you had diabetes when you were not pregnant, you would have to take shots each day. Some women find though that by changing their diet, they are able to manage their gestational diabetes without having to give themselves a shot of insulin.

If you are looking to make dietary changes your doctor will probably refer you to a nutritionist. They will look at several factors when designing a meal plan for you. First they will look at your weight before you got pregnant and how much you have gained since them. Next they will look at your activity level and your blood level. Then they will work with you to design an eating plan that has just the right amount of carbohydrates.

Some of the guidelines you should follow are to spread your carbs out through out the day by eating three small meals and two to four snacks. Breakfast might be a meal where you will want to eat less carbs since they can cause your blood sugar to rise quickly. Instead eat a protein filled breakfast with eggs, or even meat. Giving up sweets is one of the best things you can do if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and will make your meal plan easier to follow.

It is also important to that you do not skip meals or try going on a low carb diet. This is going to cause your blood levels to fall to low levels and can leave you exhausted and legatheric. Chances are you will have to test your blood sugar levels regularly to make sure you are at a safe level. Some women are so sensitive that they can tell when their levels are low and know what steps to take to correct it.

Not taking the steps to keep your gestational diabetes under control not only puts you at a risk of developing type 2 diabetes’s later in life, but you are also putting the life of your baby at risk. Babies born from moms who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes tend to be larger than those who aren’t. Most doctors will not let a women go past her due date if she has gestational diabetes and a few will not even let them go as far as their due date before inducting them. Larger babies could mean more delivery complications and increase your chance of a c- section.

Gestational diabetes is so common these days that no one bats an eye if you say you have it. By eating a healthy diet and watching your sugar level, you will be able to control your blood sugar level and continue with your perfect pregnancy.

Teen Pregnancy Surge In Gloucester, Mass., Stirs Debate Over Sex Education, Contraception
A surge in teen pregnancy at a high school in Gloucester, Mass., has sparked a debate over whether to provide students access to comprehensive sex education and confidential distribution of contraception, the New York Times reports (Zezima, New York Times, 6/20). At least 17 girls at

Did The Schoolgirls Plan To Get Pregnant At The Same Time At Gloucester High School, New England?
Why did several Gloucester High School schoolgirls repeatedly turn up at the school’s health clinic requesting pregnancy tests? Why did they react happily to positive pregnancy test results, and sadly to negative ones? Seventeen girls at this one school became pregnant this year - four times higher than one would normally expect. Reports indicate that they may have been involved in some kind of pact - a ‘lets all get pregnant at the same time’ pact.

Nausea During Pregnancy (Morning Sickness)
It is common for a pregnant woman to live through nausea and vomiting during her first few months of pregnancy. It is difficult to predict whether it is going to happen. Some women have no nausea during their first pregnancy, but feel sick with subsequent pregnancies. “Nausea and vomiting are the commonest symptoms experienced in the first trimester of pregnancy, affecting 70-85% of women” (British Medical Journal, 2004;328:503 28 February, doi:10.1136/bmj.328.

Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

Almost every woman knows the basic of what they should and should not do during pregnancy. They know that caffeine should be cut back; they should not smoke, drink alcohol or spend time in any hot tubs. However more and more studies are being done to see if pregnant women should avoid certain foods for the duration of their pregnancy.

It is essential that pregnant women eat a well balanced meal at all times to provide their growing baby with the vitamins, nutrients and minerals that the baby needs to grow. There are some foods though that needs to be avoided due to the risk they pose to not just to the mother, but also to the growing baby.

For starters, raw meat needs to be avoided due to the risk of toxoplasmosis and salmonella. This means no more rare steaks, or rare burgers. Pregnant women should take caution and make sure that all of the meat they eat is cooked well done. Cold deli meat should also be avoided because of the risk of listeria. Listeria can cross the placenta and can cause an infection or blood poisoning to the baby. Keep in mind though that deli meat can be reheated until it is steaming and this will help reduce the risk.

Speaking of listeria there are other foods that can contain this bacteria. Some soft cheeses such as brie, feta, and gorgonzola. These cheeses are commonly made with unpasterized milk. Unpasterized milk often contains listeria, so pregnant women need to make sure that any soft cheeses they are going to eat are made with pasteurized milk.

Fish has always been a subject of debate for pregnant women. While some forms of fish contain essential nutrients that are needed by the baby, others contain a high level of mercury. Any fish with a high level of mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and fish used in sushi should be avoided through out pregnancy. Studies have linked mercury to developmental delays and in some cases brain damage. Tuna also contains a lot of mercury but canned, chunk light tuna has a lower amount of mercury and can be eaten in moderation. Raw shellfish also should be avoided through out pregnancy.

Raw eggs or anything containing raw eggs is a no no during pregnancy. There is a potential exposure to salmonella. This means no raw cookie dough, no brownie mix, and some homemade sauces such as hollandaise, Caesar dressing and blue cheese dressing. When dining in a restaurant, it would be wise to ask any sauces or dressings contain any raw eggs. Most restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any raw egg recipe but one should still double check.

There has never been a more important time to be careful what a woman eats then when she is pregnant. Some of the above foods have been linked to miscarriages and other birth defects. If you are pregnant and you have already indulged in a few of the foods you should not have, do not panic. Chances are, you and your baby are fine but take extra care to avoid these foods in the future.

Guidelines Issued Regarding Blood Clots In Pregnant Women
New evidence-based guidelines address the prevention and management of thrombosis in key patient populations and reinforce recommendations related to the routine use of preventive therapies.

STD, Urinary Tract Infection May Be Bad Combination For Birth Defect
Women who reported having both a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and urinary tract infection (UTI) just before or during early pregnancy were four times more likely to have babies with gastroschisis a severe birth defect in which infants are born with their intestines and other internal organs outside the abdomen, University of Utah researchers report in the online British Medical Journal.

Slowing Decline In Infant Mortality Linked To Poor Health Among Pregnant Women, Report Finds
A slowing in the decline of the U.S. infant mortality rate since 2000 can be linked to poor health among pregnant women, according to a report released Wednesday by the group Trust for America’s Health, CQ HealthBeat reports. The report was released in conjunction with the Annie E.

Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

Almost every woman knows the basic of what they should and should not do during pregnancy. They know that caffeine should be cut back; they should not smoke, drink alcohol or spend time in any hot tubs. However more and more studies are being done to see if pregnant women should avoid certain foods for the duration of their pregnancy.

It is essential that pregnant women eat a well balanced meal at all times to provide their growing baby with the vitamins, nutrients and minerals that the baby needs to grow. There are some foods though that needs to be avoided due to the risk they pose to not just to the mother, but also to the growing baby.

For starters, raw meat needs to be avoided due to the risk of toxoplasmosis and salmonella. This means no more rare steaks, or rare burgers. Pregnant women should take caution and make sure that all of the meat they eat is cooked well done. Cold deli meat should also be avoided because of the risk of listeria. Listeria can cross the placenta and can cause an infection or blood poisoning to the baby. Keep in mind though that deli meat can be reheated until it is steaming and this will help reduce the risk.

Speaking of listeria there are other foods that can contain this bacteria. Some soft cheeses such as brie, feta, and gorgonzola. These cheeses are commonly made with unpasterized milk. Unpasterized milk often contains listeria, so pregnant women need to make sure that any soft cheeses they are going to eat are made with pasteurized milk.

Fish has always been a subject of debate for pregnant women. While some forms of fish contain essential nutrients that are needed by the baby, others contain a high level of mercury. Any fish with a high level of mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and fish used in sushi should be avoided through out pregnancy. Studies have linked mercury to developmental delays and in some cases brain damage. Tuna also contains a lot of mercury but canned, chunk light tuna has a lower amount of mercury and can be eaten in moderation. Raw shellfish also should be avoided through out pregnancy.

Raw eggs or anything containing raw eggs is a no no during pregnancy. There is a potential exposure to salmonella. This means no raw cookie dough, no brownie mix, and some homemade sauces such as hollandaise, Caesar dressing and blue cheese dressing. When dining in a restaurant, it would be wise to ask any sauces or dressings contain any raw eggs. Most restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any raw egg recipe but one should still double check.

There has never been a more important time to be careful what a woman eats then when she is pregnant. Some of the above foods have been linked to miscarriages and other birth defects. If you are pregnant and you have already indulged in a few of the foods you should not have, do not panic. Chances are, you and your baby are fine but take extra care to avoid these foods in the future.

New NBC, National Campaign Reality Show Seeks To Deter Teenagers From Getting Pregnant
The AP/Denver Post on Tuesday profiled a new NBC reality show, called “The Baby Borrowers,” that aims to deter teenagers from becoming pregnant. NBC worked with the National Campaign To Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy on the show, scheduled to debut June 25.

Surgeon General’s Conference Aims To Develop National Strategy To Prevent Premature Births
In an effort to reduce the increasing number of premature infant births during the past 20 years, acting U.S. Surgeon General Steven Galson on Monday opened a two-day conference that aims to develop a national strategy to prevent premature births, the AP/Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Maternal Malaria Researcher Wins Prestigious International Prize
Groundbreaking research into treating malaria infections in pregnant women has earned Professor Francois Nosten, Director of the Wellcome Trust-funded Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) in Mae Sot, Thailand, international recognition. Professor Nosten today receives the Christophe & Rodolphe Merieux Foundation Prize, a 400,000 Euro prize awarded to a researcher or research team studying infectious diseases in developing countries, presented by the Institut de France.