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Exercise and Omega-3 Boost Your Memory
Two leading neuroscientists recently announced that an active lifestyle and a diet rich in the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils help prevent the memory loss associated with old age, as well as having other benefits. Seven Keys Along...
Health Hazards Of Obesity
Obesity, a worldwide phenomenon, today has surged to become one
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How to Start a Walking Program
Copyright 2005 Michael Brooks Did you know that walking is the number one participation sport in the world? Walking is one of the best things you can do for overall health and wellness. When you walk you use more muscles than any other sport. ...
How Vitamin D Protects Your Heart
A new study has linked a lack of sunshine, the body's most
natural source of vitamin D, to the prevalence of cardiovascular
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Factors that affect sunlight, and therefore vitamin D
production, are tied to a patient's cardiovascular...
We Are Not Immune: Women and Heart Attacks
Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in America.
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cancer....
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20 Common Pregnancy Questions & Answers
1. How much weight should I expect to gain during pregnancy? Most women with a normal body mass index gain 25
to 35 pounds during pregnancy. Women who are obese are advised to gain less weight. On the other hand, women who are
underweight may gain up to 40 pounds. Women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy should see a dietitian. (click
here to determine your bmi).
2. When do I first need to see a doctor?
A first prenatal visit should take place within the first trimester. If a woman is uncertain about the date of her last menstrual
period, it is especially important to schedule an ultrasound appointment to accurately determine gestational dates. At the first
doctor visit, a comprehensive medical history will be taken to assess any obstetrical risks and special medical needs of a
patient. Simple blood work that is usually done at the first office visit includes ABO and Rh blood typing, screening for anemia,
immunity to rubella, and testing for viral hepatitis and HIV. A pelvic exam, pap smear, chlamydia and gonorrhea test is also
usually performed at the first visit. Urinalysis, blood pressure and weight checks, fundal height measurement and fetal heart
auscultation are performed routinely at each office
visit.
3. Should I seek care from a midwife or doctor? This is a personal decision. Typically, complicated pregnancies (i.e.,
women who have certain medical conditions, smoke, have a history of miscarriages, past c-section, or have other risk factors
for a complicated pregnancy) require the care of a physician. Midwives are an option for normal, uncomplicated pregnancies
that do not require advanced care. Either way, a woman should seek routine prenatal care by a qualified health care provider.
4. Can I consume caffeine during pregnancy? Caffeine in moderate amounts is probably safe in pregnancy.
5. Can I use artificial sweeteners? Saccharin containing products should be avoided during pregnancy. Saccharin can
cross the placenta and enter the fetal tissue.
6. Why have I been told to avoid cats during pregnancy? Cats can carry bacteria called Toxoplasma, which can be
harmful to the developing fetus. Women should avoid changing a cat's litter box since Toxoplasma can be found in the cat's
feces. You should discuss with your health care provider specific precautions that you need to take to avoid infection caused
by Toxoplasma. Poorly cooked meats, seafood and unpasteurized milk can also be contaminated with Toxoplasma.
7. What is gestational diabetes? Some women develop diabetes during pregnancy. Most of the time, it will resolve after
pregnancy. However, these women are at a higher risk of developing diabetes in later life.
8. How do I know if I have gestational diabetes? Late in the second trimester, a one hour glucola test is performed. If this
is number is elevated, a women will undergo another test called a three hour glucose tolerance test. A woman should discuss
her risks of developing gestational diabetes and this test with her health care provider.
9. Are there any foods that I should avoid during pregnancy?
Canned tuna fish and farmed salmon should be eaten in moderation. Tuna steaks, swordfish, shark and king mackerel should
be avoided because they can contain high levels of mercury, which can harm the fetus. Raw fish and shellfish should be
avoided because they can be infected with parasites and Norwalk-like viruses.
10. Is aspirin safe to use in pregnancy?
Aspirin is not safe to use during pregnancy. Aspirin is a class D medication meaning that it may cause harm to the fetus.
11. Is air travel safe during pregnancy? Air travel is thought to be safe until about 8 months of gestation. Pregnancy is a
hypercoaguable state, which
means that women who are pregnant are at a greater risk of developing blood clots. For this
reason, pregnant women should take stretch breaks each hour when driving on long trips or flights.
12. Are over the counter cold medications safe to take in pregnancy? Many over the counter medications are not safe to
use in pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult their health care provider before trying any over the counter medication.
13. Can I use hair dye? It is generally recommended to avoid hair dye during the first trimester.
14. Can I work during pregnancy?
Work limitations are unique to the individual and her job. Many healthy women choose to work throughout their entire
pregnancy, until the moment they go into labor. A woman should discuss her specific work limitations and special medical
needs with her health care provider. General work restrictions include avoidance of heavy lifting, exposure to chemicals,
prolonged standing and extremes of temperatures.
15. What birth defects are screened for in prenatal care? An ultrasound can assess abnormalities of the spinal cord and
organs like the heart and kidneys. There are blood tests available to screen for neural tube defects and chromosomal disorders
(like Down Syndrome). Women who are at an increased risk for chromosomal disorders may be offered amniocentesis or
chorionic villus sampling. Remember, that no test can guarantee that a baby will be born in perfect health. It is important that
women who have a family history of congenital diseases disclose this information to their physician so that special care can be
given to this matter.
16. Can I continue to have sex while I'm pregnant? Yes. However, if a woman has had vaginal bleeding, history of
miscarriages, or other special situations, she may be advised to abstain from sex by her health care provider. A woman must
take special care to protect her self from sexually transmitted diseases. Some sexually transmitted disease can cause birth
defects in the developing fetus.
17. Can I have an occasional glass of wine during pregnancy? It is recommended to avoid all alcoholic containing
beverages, tobacco use and drug use throughout pregnancy.
18. What if I get chicken pox during pregnancy?
A woman who has not developed immunity to chicken pox infection (caused by the varicella virus) should consider becoming
vaccinated before pregnancy. It is generally advised that she then wait one month before becoming pregnant after receiving the
vaccine. If a woman develops chicken pox during the first trimester or early second trimester of her pregnancy, her fetus is at
risk of developing the congenital varicella syndrome. The risk of developing this syndrome is estimated to be 0.4% for infection
during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and 2.0% for infection occurring 13-20 weeks of pregnancy.
19. How can I figure out my due date by using my last menstrual period?
Go to www.askmd.org and click on the box on the left hand side named 'health calculators.' Browse the pregnancy
calculators.
20. Can I exercise during pregnancy?
Yes, pregnant women should strive for 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
Many women may need to modify their exercise routines to avoid uncomfortable positions and overheating. It is necessary to
drink sufficient amounts of water to avoid dehydration
About the Author
Dr. Bunke is a Resident Physician in Family Medicine. She is also the Health Content Editor at www.askmd.org, a
comprehensive medical web site that offers free medical resources including health calculators, daily health news, medical term
and abbreviation search, health information and more. AskMD.org is popular for its free 'ask a doctor' feature.
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| American Diabetes Association Home Page |
| Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Available in English and Spanish. |
| www.diabetes.org |
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| Diabetes Information - American Diabetes Association |
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| Diabetes UK home page - Diabetes UK |
| Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the ... |
| www.diabetes.org.uk |
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| Canadian Diabetes Association |
| To promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service, and advocacy. |
| www.diabetes.ca |
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| Diabetes information including treating type 2 diabetes at ... |
| Offers dietary recommendations, including recipes and tips on managing blood sugar levels. From GlaxoSmithKline. |
| www.diabetes.com |
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| Diabetes |
| Web site for Diabetes. ... publishes Diabetes. Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press ® assists in the publication of Diabetes Online ... |
| diabetes.diabetesjournals.org |
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| CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource |
| The diabetes information homepage of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. |
| www.cdc.gov |
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| CDC - Health Topic: Diabetes |
| Diabetes · Diabetes and Research Diagnostics · Diabetes Surveillance Report · FAQ's on Diabetes · Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon ... |
| www.cdc.gov |
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| National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse |
| Provides educational materials to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public. |
| diabetes.niddk.nih.gov |
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| Diabetes mellitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
| For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and dogs. ... Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), ... |
| en.wikipedia.org |
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| MedlinePlus: Diabetes |
| (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Links to PDF ... Select services and providers for Diabetes in your area. ... |
| www.nlm.nih.gov |
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| MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes |
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| www.nlm.nih.gov |
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| Diabetes |
| What to expect from your diabetes diagnosis? Get up-to-the-minute information about medications, insulin, blood sugar management, nutrition requirements, ... |
| diabetes.about.com |
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| WebMD Diabetes Health Center - Information on Type 1 and Type 2 ... |
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| www.webmd.com |
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| Diabetes Overview |
| Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
| www.niddk.nih.gov |
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| Diabetes News - The New York Times |
| A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
| topics.nytimes.com |
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| children with DIABETES Online Community |
| An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
| www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
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| International Diabetes Institute - Diabetes Research, Education ... |
| The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
| www.diabetes.com.au |
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| Diabetes New Zealand |
| Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
| www.diabetes.org.nz |
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