Pregnancy News
July 4, 2007
Oral Bacteria In Amniotic Fluid
Researchers performing a small study in Chile have detected periodontal bacteria in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women. The study followed 26 pregnant women who were at risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery. Approximately 30% of pregnant women were found to have oral bacteria in the amniotic fluid. While the presence of these bacteria is not necessarily linked to the risk of premature birth, it does indicate that oral bacteria can be found in the fetal environment. For this reason, women are advised to pay attention to dental health – including the teeth and gums – during pregnancy.
Source: NBC10.com
July 4, 2007
Pesticide Exposure Linked to Maternal Diabetes
A study led by Dr. Tina M. Saldana of the National Institute of Environmental Health, Research Triangle Park in North-Carolina, followed 11,273 pregnant women within a span of 25 years and assessed the effects of pesticide exposure on maternal health. A total of 506 women participating in the study reported having gestational diabetes. In addition, women working with agricultural chemicals during the first trimester of pregnancy are believed to double the risk of developing diabetes. Previous studies have examined the relationship between environmental toxins and diabetes, finding that arsenic and dioxin pose some of the greatest threats. The study is particularly relevant to pregnant women who handle household pesticides such as insecticides, rodenticides, and weed killers in their gardens.
Source: Nigerian Tribune
July 3, 2007
Folic Acid…Before Pregnancy?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) not enough women are taking folic acid prior to getting pregnant. Many women are aware of the benefits of folic acid during pregnancy, which include the prevention of birth defects. However, doctors recommend that sufficient folic acid levels be present in the body prior to getting pregnant in order to ensure a healthy start to pregnancy. This leads to another issue related to pre-conception counseling. The CDC found that 85% of women in the study did not seek medical attention from a healthcare provider prior to pregnancy.
Source: ABC7Chicago.com
