Monthly Archives: December 2013
Men need folate too
Women have gotten the message that folate, also known as folic acid, helps prevent certain birth defects like spina bifida. Now, new research suggests that fathers also need folate to promote healthy fetal growth. The study, published in the journal Nature … Continue reading
Let the sunshine in
The shortest days of the year are here, and for some people the lack of sunlight can cause serious mood changes. This condition is called seasonal affective disorder or—appropriately—SAD. SAD is a type of depression, and it usually lifts during spring … Continue reading
Have a safe holiday
’Tis the season to attend holiday parties, family dinners and a host of other gatherings where food is served. Sadly, that means it’s also the season for food-borne illnesses. And pregnant women are among the groups most at risk for … Continue reading
IVF study: Don’t stop too soon
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is highly successful, but it often takes several attempts before it works. That means patients need patience. However, a clinical study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) suggests that … Continue reading
Pregnancy do’s and don’t’s
Doctors have long known that smart lifestyle choices may improve women’s chances of having a healthy pregnancy. A new study of more than 5,600 women in England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand has pinpointed which lifestyle factors at 15 to … Continue reading
Keep talking to your baby!
Parents-to-be often talk to their growing babies in the womb, and new research suggests that the babies are not only listening, they may be learning the words they hear. Researchers in Finland had a group of mothers expose their babies … Continue reading
Asthma alert
If you have asthma, it may be affecting more than your breathing. A study in the European Respiratory Journal suggests that women with asthma could have more difficulty conceiving. Since about 25 million people in the United States have asthma— … Continue reading
Is a little alcohol OK?
You may have heard about a recent study that found drinking alcohol during and beyond the first trimester of pregnancy doesn’t raise the risk of premature delivery, low birth weight or size, or maternal high blood pressure. But before you open that bottle of wine, consider this.
A message for teenage athletes
Anabolic steroids can cause both temporary and permanent injury to anyone using them. But teenagers, whose bodies are still developing, are at much greater risk. Among the many dangers steroids pose are fertility problems and impotence. Ali Mohamadi, M.D., a … Continue reading
