Infogiven Health: Pregnancy

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Washington, US: A new study has revealed that new evidence linking high exposure to air pollution to an increased risk of congenital malformations have been discovered.
The nationwide study is the first to assess the association between different modes of conception-assisted reproductive technology (ART) versus spontaneous conception (SC) -- and the risks of exposure to air pollution to each.
The research team analyzed data on 216,730 born in Israel between 1997 and 2004. Air pollution data, including levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and ozone (O3), were obtained from air monitoring stations for the study period. Using a geographic information system, exposure to air pollution during both the first trimester and the entire pregnancy was assessed for each woman according to her place of residence.
The researchers found that exposure to PM10 and NOX pollutants throughout full-term pregnancies were associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, with specific defects evident in the circulatory system (from PM10 and NOX exposure) and genital organs (from NOX exposure). They also discovered that exposure to SO2 and O3 in ART pregnancies were associated, although not significantly, with a higher risk of congenital defects.
The researchers said that the findings suggest that exposure to higher levels of air pollution during pregnancy is associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The study was published in Environmental Research.

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Pollution , Pregnancy , Women

High exposure to air pollution increases pregnancy complications

Unknown Monday, December 29, 2014

Menstrual cramps, even the ugliest, aren't unbeatable. Here's the trick to beating them with wise food choices.

Negotiating menstrual pain is part of every woman's life. While some women resign themselves to the pain, others pop pain killers. Fortunately, research suggests that simple diet changes can help reduce the pain. A study, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology in February 2000, found that a low-fat, vegan diet significantly reduced pain and PMS symptoms. The diet eliminated all animal fats and nearly all vegetable oils. Secondly, it emphasised on plant-based foods, resulting in more fibre in the diet.

The root of the pain

Before drafting a diet to reduce menstrual pain, we need to understand what causes it. Dr Amrapali Patil, an ayurvedic expert and nutritionist, explains, "Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the inner lining called endometrium of the uterus. The lining is shed along with blood and the pain is due to contraction of the womb to allow passage of blood. Uterine contraction along with a chemical called prostaglandins also plays an important role when it comes to menstrual pain."

Research conducted in the 1960s found prostaglandins to be a central part of the problem. Made from traces of fat stored in cell membranes, they promote inflammation and are also involved in muscle contractions, blood vessel constriction, blood clotting, and pain.Shortly before a period begins, the endometrial cells that form the lining of the uterus make large amounts of prostaglandins. When these cells break down during menstruation, prostaglandins are released. They constrict the blood vessels in the uterus and make its muscle layer contract, causing painful cramps. "It is important to eat foods which are high on Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Magnesium and Omega 3 fatty acids as they have anti-inflammatory properties to act as prostaglandins blocking agents," says Janvi Chitalia, a fitness nutritionist.

Balancing the hormones

A classical feature of menstrual cycles would be that it causes hormonal imbalance as the oestrogen levels rise at the beginning of the period and fall by the end of it. This imbalance can also be caused by wrong eating habits, an erratic lifestyle and physical exertion.

"Research proves that a fibre-rich diet which is low in fat can influence oestrogen levels favourably," adds Dr Patil. Studies have also shown that a diet dominated by animal food meat, fish and yoghurt don't help in meeting the daily fibre intake and can increase the chances of excessive menstrual pain. "Wheat germ, spinach and oats are high on fibre and help soak oestrogen levels and reduce pain during menses," adds Chitalia.

The menstrual diet

Apart from a fibre-rich diet, one also needs to power the body with nutrients and soothe the body of menstrual pain. A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, pulses, fruits, green tea, chamomile tea, beans, whole grains has been found to be beneficial."The composition of our blood depends on the food we eat. Good food makes good blood. If we eat certain foods like animal products, dairy, refined sugars, white flours, chemical additives then our blood becomes heavy (or pH acidic), full of mucus which makes for a painful period," explains Shonali Sabherwal, macrobiotic nutritionist.

"Stay vegetarian two weeks before your period and include millets, nachni, jowar, legumes, beans, lentils, green leafy vegetables in your diet. Fermented foods like instantly-prepared pickles made in salt can help too as they have probiotic properties," advises Sabherwal.

Snacking away the pain

Healthy snacks to munch on during the 4 pm-hunger-pangs can also do wonders. Chitalia recommends, "Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are high in Vitamin C which works as an antioxidant to relieve menstrual pain. They contain properties which are prostaglandins blocking in nature." Flaxseeds and walnuts are also recommended as they are high on Omega 3 helping reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation and alleviate pain.

Staying hydrated

Right from the pre-menstrual period, water retention can leave the body dehydrated. Eating foods like parsley, celery and ginger which are high in Vitmain B6 can help in with the uneasiness caused by water retention. Also, alcohol and coffee should be minimised as they further dehydrate the body. A well-hydrated body (three litres of water a day) would also helps in reducing painful cramps.

Avoid

Animal and dairy products, refined sugars, white flours, red meats, fast food and fried snacks

Eat

Millets, nachni, jowar, legumes, beans, lentils, green leafy vegetables, pulses, fruits, green tea, chamomile tea, beans, whole grains, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds

TNN Health

Fertility Problems , Medical , Orgasm , Periods , Pregnancy , Women

No pain. Period.

Unknown Friday, November 28, 2014

Eating a balanced diet high in fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean
proteins, and healthy fats is key to a healthy pregnancy. During
pregnancy, it's even more important to get enough of certain nutrients
for the benefit of mom and baby. We've compiled a list of the best
foods to meet these needs. Plus, a cheat sheet for foods to avoid
during pregnancy.

Folate:

Folate, also called folic acid when taken in supplement form, is a
water-soluble B vitamin found naturally in food and is needed for
building DNA and RNA. Folate can help reduce the risk of brain defects
like anencephaly and neural tube defects like spina bifida in babies.
To offset these risks, pregnant women need 600 mcg of folate per day.
Try these folate-rich foods:
* 1 small orange (30 mcg)
* 1 ounce peanuts (40 mcg)
* 1/2 cup sliced avocado (45 mcg)
* 1/2 cup broccoli (45 mcg)
* 4 spears asparagus (85 mcg)
* 1/2 cup spinach (100 mcg)
* 1 cup fortified cereal (400 mcg)

Calcium:

Calcium helps promote strong, healthy bones for mom and baby. If a
baby doesn't get enough calcium, then it will take it from the mom's
bones, which can lead to problems for mom later in life. Plus, it
plays an important role in muscle and nerve development along with
promoting a well functioning circulatory system. Pregnant women need
1,000 mg of calcium a day. Foods rich in calcium:
* 8 oz non-fat yogurt (415 mg)
* 8 oz skim milk (302 mg)
* 1 cup fortified orange juice (200-250 mg)
* 3 oz salmon (181 mg)
* 1 oz feta cheese (140 mg)
* 1 cup chickpeas (105 mg)

Iron:

During pregnancy, the body needs to support its internal changes along
with helping the baby develop his or her own blood supply. Iron helps
boost immunity, prevent anemia, and aids in blood supply
development—pregnant women increase their blood volume by almost 50
percent during pregnancy. Pregnant women need about 27 mg of iron per
day. Iron-rich foods include:
* 3/4 cup fortified cereal (18 mg)
* 1 cup fortified oatmeal (10 mg)
* 1 cup kidney beans (5.2 mg)
* 3 ounces beef tenderloin (2.2 mg)
* 3 1/2 ounces light meat turkey (1.6 mg)
* 3 ounces chicken (1.3 mg)
* 1/2 cup spinach (1.0 mg)

Zinc:

Zinc helps with the production of DNA, the development of the baby's
organs, and supports the immune system. Pregnant women need 11 mg of
zinc per day. Foods rich in zinc include:
* 3 oz of lean beef (8.9 mg)
* 1 chicken leg (2.7 mg)
* 1/2 cup baked beans (1.7 mg)
* 1 cup of fortified cereal (3.8 mg)

Protein:

Eating high-protein foods promotes the baby's overall growth, and the
amino acids in protein serve as building blocks for the baby's cells.
Pregnant women need about 70 g of protein per day. Foods rich in
protein include:
* 3oz chicken breast (27 g)
* 3 ounces sockeye salmon (18.8 g)
* 1 large egg (6 g)
* 1 cup skim milk (8 g)
* 1/2 cup 1% cottage cheese (14 g)
* 2 tablespoons peanut butter (8 g)

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

While it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy,
there are also foods to avoid. Here's a short list of some of the most
common foods to avoid during pregnancy (consult your doctor for a full
list).
Certain Types of Fish
Some fish may contain mercury, which can damage brain development and
may affect the baby's nervous system. Pregnant women should avoid
eating shark, tuna, swordfish, smoked fish (lox, kippered fish), and
any raw fish.
Unpasteurized Cheese
Eating unpasteurized cheese may lead to a bacterial infection. Avoid
cheese like feta, brie, Camembert, Mexican-style cheese (Queso
fresco), and blue-veined cheese (Roquefort).
Deli Meats and Hot Dogs
Hots dogs and deli meats may be contaminated with foodborne illnesses
like Salmonella, Toxoplasma Gondii, Monocytogenes, and Listeria. If
these illnesses get into the mother's body and cross through the
placenta to the baby, they can lead to infection or blood poisoning,
which can be fatal. In order to kill these illnesses, deli meat or hot
dogs would have to be reheated until steaming.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Drinking alcohol and caffeinated products during pregnancy have been
connected to low birth weight, miscarriages and abnormalities. Alcohol
has been specifically linked to fetal alcohol syndrome, deformities,
and heart problems, while caffeine may increase the baby's heart rate
harming their overall health and development.
*Daily recommended values are from the American Dietetic
Association.Nutrient content information is from the National
Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.