I spend a lot of time reading through blogs and news related to pregnancy. Pregnancy has been around since the beginning of mankind (obviously), and yet there are always new headlines. But once in a while, I run across something, usually a study, that makes me want to slap my monitor and say “duh!” Sometimes you wonder why our money is being spent on research that concludes with what most of us would consider common sense. (Okay, stepping off my soap box now.) One such study gives us one more reason to not smoke during pregnancy. If the health risks … Continue reading →

I know what you are thinking: more swine flu news? On the pregnancy blog? Unfortunately, the swine flu has hit pregnant women especially hard. In fact, pregnant women will likely be given priority when the swine flu vaccinations are distributed in the fall. According to a recent AP wire, “pregnant women account for 6 percent of U.S. swine flu deaths since the pandemic began in April, even though they make up just 1 percent of the U.S. population.” Pregnant women are more susceptible to severe illness, according to World Health Organization experts, and could suffer spontaneous abortion and/or death, especially … Continue reading →

As we all know by now, quitting smoking is the very best gift you can give your baby. Not only will you help ensure he has a mother to grow up with, you will be helping his health. Smoking is linked to a wide range of problems, both during the pregnancy and after the baby is born. However, quitting smoking is extremely difficult. Many experts compare nicotine addiction to addiction to heroine. It is that addictive. As a former smoker, I completely agree with that statement. One method some people use successfully to help quit is nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine … Continue reading →

As if there weren’t enough good reasons to quit smoking during pregnancy, it appears another can be added to the list. Quitting smoking may result in a more relaxed baby, according to researchers. It appears that a mother’s smoking habits may have an affect on the baby’s temperament. The study was conducted by UK and US researchers at the University of Illinois and the University of York. The study looked at 18,000 infants. The mothers were classified into four groups: non smokers, smokers who quit during the pregnancy, very light smokers and heavy smokers. Information was collected about the pregnancy, … Continue reading →

There are a million reasons to quit smoking. Kicking the habit is the best thing you can do for your baby when you learn you are pregnant. In addition, there are many health benefits for mommy. Recent research has shown another good reason to quit now. You will reduce your risk of developing pre-eclampsia if you quit smoking. Pre-eclampsia is a form of pregnancy induced hypertension. Women with pre-eclampsia have high blood pressure and protein in the urine. This is a serious condition for both the mother and baby, often resulting in bed rest and preterm birth. A UK study … Continue reading →