For ages, doctors have prescribed bed rest to women with high risk pregnancies. Yet there’s no evidence that it actually works, and most doctors are aware of this fact. What’s more, a recent study, published in the latest issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, suggests that bed rest may even complicate matters for both mother and baby.
During their 20-week ultrasound, Jeffrey Holt and Gemma Moorby learned some devastating news; there was something wrong with their baby, Jasper. Problem was, no one really knew what was wrong.
Already parents of a two-year-old daughter, Kaci and Anthony Boudreaux were excited about welcoming their next child into the world. But during a routine ultrasound, doctors would learn that their son would be born with myelomeningocele – the most severe form of spinal bifida.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by a rapid rise in blood pressure, leakage in protein in the urine and swelling of the legs after 20 weeks gestation. If left untreated, it can result in the development of eclampsia, a sudden onset condition that can result in seizures, stroke, multiple organ failure and death.
Obesity is a rising, worldwide epidemic. According to the World Health Organization, 1.4 billion adults are overweight (BMI of 25-29.9), and more than half a billion are considered obese (BMI of 30 or more). Previous studies in Norway estimate that the obesity rate among women of reproductive age has risen two-to-three-fold over the last years.
Most women are told they have a pregnancy “glow.” Zuleika Closs, 26, had a pregnancy rash, one that itched and left scars all over her body.
According to a new study, conducted by the University of Helsinki in Finland, infants born to mothers who suffer from hypertension during pregnancy are at a higher risk for a lower IQ later in life.
here are certain instances in which delivering early is considered a better alternative than carrying to term, namely when the mother is found to have pre-eclampsia – a condition of high blood pressure that carries risks to both mother and baby. And there are others that are still up for debate, for example, cases in which the mother is diagnosed with gestational diabetes or when there aren’t sufficient fluids in the womb.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition that can be fatal. Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can include swelling of the hands, face or eyes, excessive or sudden weight gain, headaches, changes in vision, agitation, abdominal pain and decreased urination. Protein in the mother’s urine is usually checked if preeclampsia is suspected. Currently, the only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby.
While in the womb, baby James was given a one percent chance of survival owing to his mother’s rare condition. But by becoming the youngest patient to receive blood transfusion inside the womb, the baby made medical history and is today a thriving seven week old bundle of joy.
Eating a high fat diet is unhealthy for anyone. However, a recent study performed at the Oregon Health & Science University confirms that pregnant women should be extra careful about the fat content of their diets.
Every minute, of every day, there is one death due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. That means hundreds of thousands of women die each year due to reproductive health issues. Those deaths are the cause behind Every Mother Counts, a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of women worldwide.
A small study out of Rhode Island may have found a link between women who used donated eggs and complications in their pregnancies. Using donated eggs and in vitro fertilization (IVF) could put women at a higher risk for dangerous pregnancy complications.
