Home > Health > Women Health > Pregnancy & Childbirth
Common Pregnancy Misconceptions
Pregnancy is both an exciting as well as sensitive time for expecting mothers. It can become quite a worrisome time especially for those who are going through this life stage for the first time. It is important for women to know and understand what pregnancy is all about and what they need to do to [...]
Study Says Folate May Not Protect Against Premature Birth
Pregnant women are recommended by their doctors to take folate during their pregnancy. Women take folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, supplements in order to prevent a number of birth related conditions which might include neural birth defects and premature birth. A previous 2008 US study indicated that taking folate for a year before [...]
Study Finds Antioxidants Won’t Reduce Pregnancy Linked Hypertension Risk
A recent study has debunked a common theory that suggests antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and E may help reduce the risk of hypertension linked to pregnancy. Pregnant women who took vitamin C and E supplements provided no indication that it might prevent or reduce the risk of the dangerous high blood pressure condition known as preeclampsia.Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh reported that a trial that involved more than 10,000 women found no sign that taking vitamin C and E su…
Folate Levels During Pregnancy Associated With ADHD
A study recently released online suggests that low folate levels in pregnant women are associated with their offspring having higher odds of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by the time they reach 7 or 9 years old. This study seem to reinforce the belief that folate levels in pregnant women seem to affect the nervous system development of the unborn child.The study, which will be part of the upcoming issue of Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, also found out that chil…
Folic Acid and Child Asthma
Folic acid supplements have long been considered as an important part of preparing an expecting mother for childbirth in terms of the baby’s development. But it seems that folic acid may also have a not so encouraging result after all. An Australian study suggests that women taking folic acid supplements during the latter stages of their pregnancy may also be increasing the risk of their babies developing asthma later on.Folic acid found in its natural form has been recommended by doctors for wo…
Folic Acid and Pregnancy
According to the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], about 3,000 infants are born with neural tube defects [NTDs] every year. These defects include spina bifida, and anencephaly, a condition wherein the brain is not formed properly or is partly missing. Babies who survived these conditions are often left paralyzed for life. Neural tube defects can be prevented if you take folic acid before and during your pregnancy. What is folic acid?Folic acid, or folate, is a B vitamin which is …
Why Women Need More Calcium When Pregnant
Calcium is a nutrient necessary in building strong bones and teeth. It is also a factor in blood clotting, muscle and nerve function, normal heart beat. Most of the calcium in our body is stored in our bones. Your growing baby needs plenty of calcium to develop properly, so you need to increase you calcium intake to support your baby’s development. If you do not consume the extra calcium your baby needs, your body will take calcium from your own bones, reducing your bone mass and increasing your…
Why Women Need More Iron When Pregnant
About 2/3 of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells which transports oxygen to tissues, and muscles. Iron deficiency restricts oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in decreased immunity, fatigue, and poor work performance. Iron is also important in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. The body absorbs iron better during pregnancy; thus it is important to consume more iron while you are pregnant to make sure that you and your baby are getting enough o…
Managing Common Pregnancy Problems
Morning sickness, diarrhea, heartburn, and constipation are some of the most common pregnancy problems. Morning sicknessMorning sickness is a common pregnancy problem. To help calm your queasy stomach, eat small amounts of bland foods like crackers, cereal, or pretzels before getting out of bed. You may also snack on these bland foods, or eat small meals frequently throughout the day. Avoid eating fried, fatty, and greasy foods. You may also try the following:Take your prenatal vitamin before go…
Antibiotics and Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there are a number of things that are off-limits, such as alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. You also have to consider the medications you take – is it safe to take this or that medicine?If you contract a bacterial infection during pregnancy, Dr. Roger Williams from the MayoClinic says, “Antibiotics can nearly always be taken safely.” However, Dr. Williams says choosing the specific medication carefully is important. Some antibiotics that are safe to be taken during pregnancy, but…
Health Topics
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Brain & Nervous System
- Cholesterol
- Cold & Flu
- Diabetes
- Ear, Nose, Throat
- Headache & Migraine
- High Blood Pressure
- Lungs
- Oral Health
- Sleep Health
- Stroke
- Urology
- Alzheimers
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Digestive System
- Eyesight
- Heart
- Infectious Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Skin
- Speech & Language
- Thyroid
- West Nile Virus