Tags: Report a typo October 9, 2013 (WLS) — There are some basic screening tools doctors use to confirm a woman’s pregnancy is normal or find a possible problem, but now a panel of experts says some of them are outdated, like the measurements doctors use to predict potential miscarriage. The international team of physicians says the outdated system could lead to the termination of pregnancy that would have turned out ok. The panel also says ultrasound and blood tests are still good tests. But in some cases, the guidelines used to interpret the information they yield can lead doctors to believe a pregnancy is in trouble when it is not. (Copyright 2013 WLS-TV/DT.
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Pregnancy pampering part 1
During a normal pregnancy without complications, just one ultrasound will be done over the whole nine months and not a single gynaecological exam. Meanwhile, in France for example, a 2011 report from the health ministry showed 20 percent of expectant mothers had more than six ultrasounds and four percent had more than 10 without any obvious benefit. “Pregnancy is a normal condition” and not an illness, says Marie Berg, professor in health and care sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg. RELATED: MIDWIFE-LED CARE MAY BE BETTER FOR MOMS: REPORT Laaftman echoed that notion, saying most women under 40 did not need more medicalised care since their bodies were healthy and capable of giving birth, which is after all a natural process.
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Study: Depression During Pregnancy Increases a Child’s Risk of Mood Disorders
Pearson, Ph.D., of the University of Bristol in the U.K., and her colleagues used data from more than 4,500 patients and their children in a community-based study. The researchers concluded that children born to depressed mothers were, on average, 1.5 times more likely to be depressed at 18 years old. While shared genetic risk is one potential explanation, Pearson said the physiological consequences of depression experienced by the mother can pass through the placenta and may influence the fetus’ brain development. At an individual level the risks are verysmall. Having said this, these differences are meaningful at a population level, Pearson told Healthline.
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Midwives, not medicine, rule pregnancy in Sweden, with enduring success
Just gently massage into problem areas such as the lower back, feet or legs – or even better, persuade a loved one to do it! Some pregnant women may feel itchy as they start to bloom. This is because skin in areas around the belly, lower back and breasts stretches to accommodate the growing baby. Other factors include hormonal changes, such as an increase in oestrogen. Eczema also often worsens during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid very hot showers and baths as they dry skin out. It’s also advisable to use mild unscented moisturisers and soaps.
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Panda showing pregnancy signs: Zoo
Now it remains the case that no-one can say for sure whether the panda is pregnant, or, if she is, when she might give birth. Edinburgh Zoo said it is still possible Tian Tian is expecting and they will continue to prepare for a new arrival. Simon Girling, head of veterinary services, said: “We know it seems hard to believe after all this time but Tian Tian, our female giant panda, is still continuing to show signs of being in the late term of pregnancy. “Her behaviour has mellowed out over the past few days, which is a very positive sign, and she has also started to produce colostrum. “As pandas experiencing a pseudo-pregnancy also produce colostrum and behave just as a pregnant panda would, these signs are still not 100% indicative of pregnancy, but while Tian Tian continues to show signs of late-term pregnancy we will continue to treat her in that way, which means allowing her to enjoy time off show while keepers monitor her around the clock.” Meanwhile, the zoo said that male panda Yang Guang has been “off colour” and was recently removed from display due to illness. It is believed he has a metabolic disorder but should recover in a couple of weeks. Mr Girling said: “As with any other animal in our collection, we carried out some routine blood sample and imaging tests on Monday September 16 and thankfully nothing major was found.
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