An Apple A Day Keeps The Wheezing Away
Researchers from the Netherlands and Scotland have conducted a study suggesting that eating apples during pregnancy may help prevent respiratory complications such as asthma and wheezing in children. The study followed the dietary intake of 2,000 pregnant women and the effects of the maternal diet on their children five years later. The results found that children of mothers who ate apples during pregnancy were less likely to develop asthma and related symptoms later in life. Researchers believe this may be due to phytochemical contents such as flavonoids that are found in the fruit. Over nine million U.S. children are diagnosed with asthma at one point in their lives, and the disease is considered the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among children under the age of fifteen. Source: SpiritIndia.com
April 8, 2007
Vision Troubles Due To Pregnancy Changes
Hormonal changes due to pregnancy may affect a woman's vision and put those with pre-existing conditions such as glaucoma, high blood pressure or diabetes at increased risk of complications according to Prevent Blindness America. Some women experience minor vision changes during pregnancy such as discomfort with contact lenses, refractive changes, dry eyes, puffy eyelids, obscured side vision, and sensitivity to light due to migraines. Blurred vision during pregnancy may indicate elevated blood sugar levels in pregnant women with diabetes. Blurred vision and seeing spots may be a sign of high blood pressure, which can cause retinal detachment. It is recommended that any woman who is pregnant or is trying to get pregnant and has been diagnosed with pre-existing conditions inform her eye doctor and be closely monitored for changes during pregnancy. Women with diabetes should receive a full, dilated eye exam.
Source: The Washington Post
April 12, 2007
High Stress and Low Social Support Can Lead To Pregnancy Complications
Researchers from the University of Denver at Colorado found that high stress levels and low social support during pregnancy can contribute to pregnancy complications such as preterm labor and preeclampsia. The study followed 52 pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 34, tracking their psychological stress levels and social support in combination with blood tests throughout the pregnancy. The results suggest that mental anguish triggers inflammatory immune system responses, involving increases in cytokines and C-reactive proteins that can lead to preeclampsia and premature birth. Symptoms of preeclampsia can include high blood pressure, weight gain, and severe headaches affecting the mother’s kidney, liver, and brain. The condition can lead to seizures or a coma furing pregnancy, which can be fatal for both mother and baby. Premature birth can lead to long term complications in children affecting the lungs and nervous system. The study appears in the latest issue of the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. Source: PsychCentral.com
