Too little food from animal sources may increase risk of preterm birth
Pregnant women increase their chances of vitamin B12 deficiency if they don’t consume enough meat, milk or eggs. This vitamin is found only in animal products. A deficiency of the vitamin during pregnancy could have dramatic consequences for the foetus.In an in-depth study of 11,216…
Hormone can enhance brain activity associated with love and sex
The hormone kisspeptin can enhance activity in brain regions associated with sexual arousal and romantic love, according to new research. The scientists behind the early-stage study, from Imperial College London, are now keen to explore whether kisspeptin could play a part in treating some psychosexual…
Starting menstrual periods at a young age and childlessness increase risk of premature and early menopause
Women who had their first menstrual period when they were aged 11 or younger have an increased risk of an early or premature menopause and if they remain childless the risk is increased even more, according to results from the first large scale, multi-national study…
Delayed clamping prevents anaemia
When clamping of the umbilical cord is delayed, iron deficiency up to six months of age can be prevented, according to a new study from Uppsala University, published in JAMA Pediatrics. The study was conducted in Nepal.Anaemia affects over 40 per cent of all children…
New data show heightened risk of birth defects with antidepressants prescribed during pregnancy
A new Université de Montréal study in the British Medical Journal reveals that antidepressants prescribed to pregnant women could increase the chance of having a baby with birth defects.The risk – 6 to 10 %, versus 3 to 5 % in women who do not…
Daily Folic Acid Supplementation Remains Important for Prevention of Birth Defects
Despite the mandatory addition of folic acid to enriched grain products in the United States, many women still do not consume adequate amounts of this important vitamin, according to an editorial written by Laura E. Mitchell, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics…
New Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy Published in Thyroid Journal
New evidence-based recommendations from the American Thyroid Association (ATA) provide guidance to clinicians in diagnosing and managing thyroid disease during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Pregnancy has a profound effect on thyroid gland function, and thyroid disease is common in pregnancy.