by Marketing Manager | Oct 13, 2022 | Pregnancy, Women's Health
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]New research shows that pregnant women taking antidepressants are not linked with developmental disorders.
The safety of taking antidepressant medications during pregnancy has been questioned in the past. Many past studies have found links between antidepressants during pregnancy and developmental disorders in children but many of these older studies did not consider other factors such as obesity, medical conditions, environment, stress, and the effects of uncontrolled depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. According to a new research study, expectant mothers don’t need to worry anymore. The study was published in the JAMA Internal Medicine Journal and researchers looked at whether antidepressant exposure during pregnancy was linked with any risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
It was a large study that followed over 145,000 women and their children for up to as long as 14 years in the United States. They concluded that using antidepressant medications during pregnancy was not linked with autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral disorders, developmental speech, language, learning and coordination disorders, or intellectual disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only a small number of antidepressants have been linked with an increased risk of birth defects and women should discuss their medications with their healthcare providers.
One of the researchers Dr. Elizabeth Suarez who is a professor at the Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Sciences at Rutgers University told CNN, “Results of previous studies on this topic have presented conflicting results. Due to our large population size and careful study design, we believe that our study offers clarity that could help patients and provider make treatment decisions in pregnancy.1”
Other professionals in the women’s health field are happy with these results. Dr. Tiffany Moore Simas, told CNN, “I am grateful for this study. One in five perinatal individuals will experience a mental health condition. We must stop shaming them for doing what is needed to care for themselves. Healthy babies need healthy mothers.1” According to Dr. Moore Simas not treating a mother’s mental health has been associated with stillbirth, preterm birth, growth restriction, birth weight issues, impaired bonding, adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, and increased risk of offspring mental health.
Many women continue to be concerned and wary of antidepressant medications during pregnancy. It is essential for expectant mothers to talk with their healthcare providers about their medications and possible risks.
To read the original article from CNN, click here.
Resources
- LaMotte, S. (2022, October 4). Pregnant and taking antidepressants? don’t worry about Neurodevelopment Harm, study says. CNN. Retrieved October 5, 2022
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by Marketing Manager | Oct 6, 2022 | Pregnancy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant you may be concerned about gestational diabetes. Read on to learn how to reduce your risk.
You learn about all kinds of new things when you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Baby gear, breastfeeding, ultrasounds, and more. One of the topics that you may learn more about and be on the lookout for is gestational diabetes.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that pregnant women can get when their body is not making enough insulin or they develop insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that helps your body convert food into energy.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes?
Many times, there are no signs or symptoms of gestational diabetes. If you do have symptoms, it may be as simple as fatigue, and excessive hunger and thirst. These symptoms could be present even if you don’t have gestational diabetes and are pregnant. That’s why gestational diabetes screening is necessary.
How Do You Get Screened for Gestational Diabetes?
The screening for gestational diabetes is called an oral glucose tolerance test. Your doctor will have you screened between 24 and 28 weeks. The screening consists of two main steps.
- Drink a sweetened liquid that is provided to you by the test facility. The sweetened drink will need to be consumed within a certain amount of time which the facility will inform you of.
- You will then have you wait for an hour at the facility and then they will draw your blood.
If your blood shows that your glucose is too high your doctor may have you go back to the facility to have a 3-hour glucose tolerance test. This includes 6 main steps.
- Not eating or drinking anything for 8 to 12 hours before the test
- You will have your blood drawn
- Then drink a sweetened liquid that is provided to you from the test facility. The sweetened drink will need to be consumed within a certain amount of time which the facility will inform you of.
- You will wait at the facility for one hour and then have your blood drawn
- You will then wait another hour and have your blood drawn again
- You will then wait another hour and have your blood drawn once again
Your healthcare provider will assess your bloodwork results and determine if you have gestational diabetes.
What Are the Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes?
You are more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you meet one or more of the following:
- Older than 35 years
- Body mass index over 30
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- Had gestational diabetes previously
- Previously has a baby that weighed over 9 pounds1
What Are the Risks of Having Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes can be harmful to the mother and the baby. Possible risks of having gestational diabetes include:
- Greater risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy
- Greater risk of having a large baby that required a C-section birth
- Preterm birth and possible developmental concerns
- Baby having low blood sugar levels
- Baby developing type 2 diabetes later in life
- Mother developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy1
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Gestational Diabetes?
There are two main things you can do to help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes before, during, and after pregnancy.
- Exercise
- Diet2
Make sure you are getting enough exercise. It could be as simple as walking. Watch what you eat and focus on making healthier food choices. Eat more unprocessed whole foods. Making these small changes and following through with them before, during, and after pregnancy will aid in reducing your risk of gestational diabetes.
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 10). Gestational diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 22, 2022
- Team, W. H. (2022, September 30). How to prevent or manage gestational diabetes. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved September 30, 2022
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by Marketing Manager | Sep 1, 2022 | Pregnancy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, a little bit of pre-pregnancy planning and education may help you. Read on to learn some common pre-pregnancy facts and myths.
There is Nothing I Can Do Before to Prepare for Getting Pregnant
Myth: Although some pregnancies are unplanned and there is no preparation, there are some things that you could do to prepare for pregnancy if you are planning to become pregnant. Planned Parenthood recommends making an appointment with your OBGYN provider for pre-pregnancy care. At this appointment a healthcare provider will examine you and ask you questions. They will be assessing for any problems that could affect your pregnancy. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions or bring up any concerns. They will order any testing they think is necessary.
I Should Go to the Dentist If I am Trying to Get Pregnant
Fact: Your OBGYN provider may recommend that you go to your dentist for routine dental care regularly. Gum disease can cause health issues during pregnancy and it is better to get treatment ahead of pregnancy if needed.
Certain Circumstances and Medical Conditions Can Make Pregnancy More Difficult
Fact: There are some circumstances and medical conditions that can make pregnancy more difficult. If you have any of the following conditions talk with your OBGYN provider.
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Chronic Health Conditions (diabetes, lupus, HIV, etc.)
- History of Miscarriages, Stillbirths, or Premature Births
- You are at Risk of Having a Child with Birth Defects or a Genetic Disorder
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Underweight
- Overweight
- Older than 35 years old
I Don’t Need to Avoid Anything While Trying to Get Pregnant
Myth: It is advised that if you are planning or trying to get pregnant you should avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs, stress, work dangers, chemicals, and toxic substances.
I Should Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Fact: Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new medications or vitamins. Some will recommend prenatal vitamins or folic acid if you are trying to get pregnant. Folic acid has been shown to help lower the risk of neural tube defects in infants.
For more helpful information on reproductive healthcare, visit the Planned Parenthood website by clicking here.
Resources
Parenthood, P. (n.d.). Pregnancy planning: Pre-pregnancy Health Care & Prep. Planned Parenthood. Retrieved August 23, 2022[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
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by Marketing Manager | Aug 18, 2022 | Babies, Pregnancy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Being a first-time mom can be overwhelming and intimidating because you don’t always know what you’re doing and there is so much to learn. Going shopping for baby gear and supplies can boggle your mind if you don’t have another experienced person with you. There are many needed supplies for a baby and many more products out on the market today compared to twenty years ago. There is a constant flow of products that aren’t recommended anymore and products that are new to the market. You may be asking yourself questions such as: “What is this for?,” “Do I really need this?” and “What does this do?” Let’s dig into some of these products on the market that relate to breastfeeding that you may be wondering about.
1. Nipple Cream
This product is foreign and not known to many women unless you have breastfed previously. Sometimes when breastfeeding your nipples can get sore and cracked. This is especially true at the beginning of the breastfeeding journey when the mom and the baby are just learning how to breastfeed. Nipple cream helps moisturize the nipple to prevent skin irritation and cracking. This product is made by many different brands and is available in-store or online. Some moms may benefit from nipple cream while others may never have a use for it.
2. Nipple Guard or Nipple Shield
A nipple guard or shield is typically made from flexible silicone material in the shape of a nipple. It is placed over the woman’s nipple when breastfeeding to reduce pain, irritation, and / or help with latching problems. These come in different sizes to fit the woman’s nipple. They are usually used under the supervision of a lactation consultant to help aid in any lactation and breastfeeding issues. Not every breastfeeding woman will find a nipple guard necessary.
3. Nipple Formers
Nipples come in all different shapes and sizes. If a woman has inverted or flat nipples, they may benefit from the use of a nipple former. This product helps prepare the nipple so that it is easier for the baby to get a good latch on the nipple to breastfeed. A nipple former is not needed for every single breastfeeding woman. Speak with a lactation consultant if you think you may benefit from a nipple former.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
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by Marketing Manager | Jun 30, 2022 | Pregnancy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life but it can also be scary and overwhelming. This is especially true when it is your first pregnancy. You don’t know what to expect, your body is going through new changes, and there is so much to learn and do. It is common to get a lot of advice, pregnancy stories, and labor stories from friends, family, and even strangers. Many people like to share what their own experience was like. The truth is that every pregnancy, labor, and delivery is different. Don’t let these stories scare you. Your best resource for your pregnancy questions and concerns is your OB-GYN healthcare provider. They have spent years learning, training, and practicing their specialty. An unusual story you may hear is about flu-like or sick symptoms being a sign of going into labor. Let’s dive deeper into this topic but remember to consult with your healthcare provider with any pregnancy questions or concerns.
Some women say that they experience flu-like symptoms such as congestion, cough, and fatigue a few weeks before going into labor. They may believe that this is a sign that they are going to begin labor soon. The fact is that there is no strong scientific research to prove that having flu-like or sick symptoms is a sign of labor starting.
A woman’s immune system goes through many changes during pregnancy. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, it is more difficult for a woman to fight off infections while pregnant. This puts pregnant women at a greater risk of the flu and other illnesses. The sick symptoms that some women have before labor could be due to the immune system changes during pregnancy that make it easier for a pregnant woman to get sick.
If you get sick at any time during your pregnancy, notify your OB-GYN provider. If there are no major concerns, they may refer you to your primary healthcare provider for treatment. If they think something more emergent is going on they may ask you to come in for an appointment or go to the emergency room. Remember to prioritize your health, especially during pregnancy. If you see any new healthcare providers during your pregnancy, you must inform them that you are pregnant. Some medications and treatments are not recommended for women who are pregnant.
Resources
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Pregnancy and the flu: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Retrieved June 20, 2022[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
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