Pregnancy News
July 13, 2007
Maternal Stress May Harm Growing Fetus
Researchers suggest that maternal stress, anxiety and depression may permanently affect a child’s development and behavior. "Project Ice Storm" is a study assessing the development of children born to inhabitants of the MontErEgie in Quebec following a 1989 ice storm. The ongoing study, led by Dr. Suzanne King, currently suggests that the storm has affected the children’s physical, cognitive and behavioral development - though no severe complications are noted. In addition, the higher the severity of the stress, the greater the impact was on children later on. The results also depend on the type of stress experienced, as well as the stage of fetal development and pregnancy at the time of maternal stress. Previous animal studies have linked maternal stress with increased risk of cerebral palsy, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, anxiety and language delay in mice. The current study aims to evaluate language skills, behavior and personality traits. The study was presented at the Hans Selye International Symposium on Stress in Montreal.
Source: Montreal Gazette
July 13, 2007
New Recommendations For Pregnancy Obesity
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) currently recommends that pregnancy weight gain be modified according to a woman’s weight prior to pregnancy. However, a recent study led by obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Vani Dandolu from Temple University suggests that both pre-pregnancy weight as well as pregnancy weight gain need to be controlled. The study looked at 7660 pregnant women using the New Jersey State Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System database and found that 18% of women were obese while 13% were overweight. In addition, 16% of mothers were underweight. Maternal obesity is becoming increasingly common, and is known to increase the risk of childhood obesity as well as chronic disease. In addition, pregnant women with obesity are at a higher risk of C-section and are less likely to breastfeed. The study appears in the May issue of the American Journal of Perinatology.
Source: Science Daily
