Pregnancy & Childbirth
- Delaying Repair Poses No Risk
- Pregnancy and Staying Cool
- Pregnancy Weight and Obesity
- Back Pain after Pregnancy
- Episiotomy affects Next Birth
- More Children, More Tooth Loss
- Eating and Drinking Safe for Labor
- Prenatal Smoking affects Menopause
- Chinese Mothers Demand Cesareans
- How to Have the Birth You Want
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
If you experience tearing during childbirth, must a repair happen immediately? Research now says that waiting poses no risk to the mother.
Tearing during the pushing stage of childbirth is common. Even though some mothers may have an intact perineum or have tears that are so minor that they do not require stitches, often some amount of repair is required.
Typically repairs to the mother's perineum are done very shortly after birth. However new research suggests that waiting for as much as 12 hours, even with deep tears into the anal sphincter, does not result in any additional risk to the mother.
Swedish researchers looked at 165 mothers who were randomly assigned to either an immediate repair group or a group that waited 8-12 hours to receive repair for tears into the anal sphincter.
Over the following year, there were no differences in incontinence between the two groups and researchers concluded that there was neither benefit or harm by waiting for as much as 12 hours after birth to repair deep tears.
Be sure you discuss ways to decrease tearing during birth with your care provider. You can also increase your chances of an intact perineum by using perineal massage.
Brenda
Typically repairs to the mother's perineum are done very shortly after birth. However new research suggests that waiting for as much as 12 hours, even with deep tears into the anal sphincter, does not result in any additional risk to the mother.
Swedish researchers looked at 165 mothers who were randomly assigned to either an immediate repair group or a group that waited 8-12 hours to receive repair for tears into the anal sphincter.
Over the following year, there were no differences in incontinence between the two groups and researchers concluded that there was neither benefit or harm by waiting for as much as 12 hours after birth to repair deep tears.
Be sure you discuss ways to decrease tearing during birth with your care provider. You can also increase your chances of an intact perineum by using perineal massage.
Brenda
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
It is no doubt that summer is the worst time of the year to be pregnant. Staying cool is challenging, especially in the month of August.
August in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. where I live can be gastly. It is not uncommon to see temperatures in the upper 90's to lower 100's. With fuel prices as they are, many people this year will be trying to conserve more. However being pregnant also can add as much as 1 degree to a mother's basal body temperature! So how can you stay cool and beat the heat of the summer?
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Install ceiling fans in every room. Circulating the cooler air will help keep the temperature down.
2. Keep yourself hydrated. And be sure to bring bottled water or other non-carbonated beverages with you to keep cool.
3. If you are out driving, find shady areas to park if possible.
4. Try keeping your air conditioning set at a higher temperature and leave it there. In some cases you may be able to remain cool enough with ceiling fans even at a higher a/c termperature of 75-78 degrees.
5. If the temperature is over 100, you may be better off staying indoors altogether.
Do you have other ways to stay cool during pregnancy? Let us know on the forum.
Brenda
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Install ceiling fans in every room. Circulating the cooler air will help keep the temperature down.
2. Keep yourself hydrated. And be sure to bring bottled water or other non-carbonated beverages with you to keep cool.
3. If you are out driving, find shady areas to park if possible.
4. Try keeping your air conditioning set at a higher temperature and leave it there. In some cases you may be able to remain cool enough with ceiling fans even at a higher a/c termperature of 75-78 degrees.
5. If the temperature is over 100, you may be better off staying indoors altogether.
Do you have other ways to stay cool during pregnancy? Let us know on the forum.
Brenda
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
New research shows that the more a woman gains during her pregnancy, the more she may be putting her baby at risk for childhood obesity.
There is much in the literature today about how many pounds women should gain to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Research now shows that mothers who gain too much may be increasing their child's risk of obesity.
A retroactive study on over 10,000 mothers who gave birth betwen 1959 and 1965 and their children (who were followed until the age of 7) participated in the study. Interestingly this study was conducted to examine the risk factors for cerebral palsy but since the question of weight gain during pregnancy was included, this research was also found.
Children whose mothers gained more than the recommended amount of weight were 48% more likely to be over their ideal weight at the age of 7.
For more information on healthy eating during pregnancy, be sure to look over the article in the nutrition series.
Brenda
A retroactive study on over 10,000 mothers who gave birth betwen 1959 and 1965 and their children (who were followed until the age of 7) participated in the study. Interestingly this study was conducted to examine the risk factors for cerebral palsy but since the question of weight gain during pregnancy was included, this research was also found.
Children whose mothers gained more than the recommended amount of weight were 48% more likely to be over their ideal weight at the age of 7.
For more information on healthy eating during pregnancy, be sure to look over the article in the nutrition series.
Brenda
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
Research shows that learning exercises can be a help to mothers dealing with chronic back pain after pregnancy.
The online issue of BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth has published a clinical trial that examines the effectiveness of self-help techniques for mothers who have back pain issues as a result of pregnancy.
Findings from this Dutch study showed that mothers did better by learning self-management techniques offered by a physical therapist.
The physical therapist in the experimental group addressed specific issues such as how to hold the baby when their back was causing them pain, however they were allowed to choose the exercises they found the most helpful. The control group could seek advice from a doctor, receive physical therapy or do nothing.
At 3 months, there were significant differences between the two groups. The mothers who received specialized care had less pain, returned to work sooner, and had fewer physical limitations than those with standard care. There were no differences between the two groups at one year postpartum.
Brenda
Findings from this Dutch study showed that mothers did better by learning self-management techniques offered by a physical therapist.
The physical therapist in the experimental group addressed specific issues such as how to hold the baby when their back was causing them pain, however they were allowed to choose the exercises they found the most helpful. The control group could seek advice from a doctor, receive physical therapy or do nothing.
At 3 months, there were significant differences between the two groups. The mothers who received specialized care had less pain, returned to work sooner, and had fewer physical limitations than those with standard care. There were no differences between the two groups at one year postpartum.
Brenda
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
New research shows that when episiotomies were done during the first birth, that it increased the likelihood of tearing during later births.
Experts now agree that there are few, if any, benefits to the mother when care providers perform an episiotomy during labor. And in fact the case to avoid doing episiotomies just got even stronger.
The June issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology has published a study that indicates that doing episiotomies previously was more likely to cause tearing in subsequent births.
Over 6,000 mothers were included in the study from 1995 to 2005 with nearly 50% of the total having had episiotomies. Only 26% of the mothers who did not have an episiotomy the first time ended up with a second degree tear, while over 50% of the mothers with episiotomies had second degree lacerations with later births.
Researchers found that having a prior episiotomy was a significant risk factor for both second degree tears as well as deeper tears, such as third or fourth degree lacerations.
If you are interested in reducing your chances of tearing, talk to your own care provider about this research and other ways to avoid an episiotomy.
Brenda
The June issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology has published a study that indicates that doing episiotomies previously was more likely to cause tearing in subsequent births.
Over 6,000 mothers were included in the study from 1995 to 2005 with nearly 50% of the total having had episiotomies. Only 26% of the mothers who did not have an episiotomy the first time ended up with a second degree tear, while over 50% of the mothers with episiotomies had second degree lacerations with later births.
Researchers found that having a prior episiotomy was a significant risk factor for both second degree tears as well as deeper tears, such as third or fourth degree lacerations.
If you are interested in reducing your chances of tearing, talk to your own care provider about this research and other ways to avoid an episiotomy.
Brenda
More Children, More Tooth Loss
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
A recent study looks at the relationship between parity and the loss of a mother's teeth.
It has long been known that there are correlations between pregnancy and dental health. Studies have shown that poor dental health can lead to preterm labor.
New evidence now shows that the more children a mother has, the more likely she will have missing teeth. The trend seems to hold across racial and socio-economic boundaries among American women.
Dr Stefani Russell explains that there may be a cause and effect result from pregnancy and dental health in the following areas:
Brenda
New evidence now shows that the more children a mother has, the more likely she will have missing teeth. The trend seems to hold across racial and socio-economic boundaries among American women.
Dr Stefani Russell explains that there may be a cause and effect result from pregnancy and dental health in the following areas:
- Since pregnancy often makes mothers more prone to gum inflammation. several pregnancies could result in tooth loss in women.
- Mothers may not make their own dental treatment a priority when they have other financial concerns with having a family.
- Perhaps the time required to care for her children decreases the time a mother spends on her own oral health.
Brenda
Eating and Drinking Safe for Labor
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
More evidence that childbirth professionals see benefits to both eating and drinking during the long hours of labor.
If you are the average mother today, you will be in the early part of labor for many hours. Even active labor can be on average 4-6 hours, not to mention pushing for another 2 hours. Mothers often find that their stamina quickly diminishes and motivation to keep going becomes harder to find. One thing that makes a long labor harder is not being able to eat or drink during labor.
The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) has recently released a clinical bulletin that says that restricting a mother's intake of food and drink does not always benefit her. In addition to hydration and nutrition, knowing you can drink and eat as you please provides the mother with a sense of control and can decrease her stress level.
Even many anesthesiologists now recommend that clear fluids should be allowed for women during labor.
ACNM does recommend that the woman's health status be considered in whether or not it is advisable to eat and drink.
Be sure to discuss the option of eating and drinking during labor with your caregiver prior to your due date.
Brenda
The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) has recently released a clinical bulletin that says that restricting a mother's intake of food and drink does not always benefit her. In addition to hydration and nutrition, knowing you can drink and eat as you please provides the mother with a sense of control and can decrease her stress level.
Even many anesthesiologists now recommend that clear fluids should be allowed for women during labor.
ACNM does recommend that the woman's health status be considered in whether or not it is advisable to eat and drink.
Be sure to discuss the option of eating and drinking during labor with your caregiver prior to your due date.
Brenda
Prenatal Smoking affects Menopause
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
The American Journal of Epidemiology is reporting that when female babies are exposed in utero to cigarette smoke, they are more likely to have early menopause.
While experts have known for many years that smoking causes the adult woman to reach menopause sooner than a non-smoker, new research indicates that the effects of chemicals can also have long-range consequences for the female baby after she is an adult.
Scientists believe that smoking not only interferes with the mother's estrogen production, thereby reducing her production of ovarian follicles, but they could also affect the development of the follicles in utero.
Yet one more reason for why smoking is clearly a substance to be avoided during pregnancy. If you are just finding out that you are pregnant and you are a smoker, please consider quitting now! Or if you live with a smoker, try to reduce your exposure to secondary smoke as much as possible.
Brenda
Scientists believe that smoking not only interferes with the mother's estrogen production, thereby reducing her production of ovarian follicles, but they could also affect the development of the follicles in utero.
Yet one more reason for why smoking is clearly a substance to be avoided during pregnancy. If you are just finding out that you are pregnant and you are a smoker, please consider quitting now! Or if you live with a smoker, try to reduce your exposure to secondary smoke as much as possible.
Brenda
Chinese Mothers Demand Cesareans
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
Research from the May issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology indicates that mothers from Southeast China are requesting cesareans without a medical reason.
The issue of cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) or elective cesareans without an indicated risk, has been one that seems to have growing attention worldwide. From celebrities to average women across many cultures, cesareans on maternal request appear to be increasing.
Research over a 12 year period in 21 countries in Southeast China indicates an increase in cesareans from 22% in 1994 to 56% in 2006. The greatest contributor to the overall cesarean rate, experts believe, is the rising numbers of cesareans on maternal request. This statistic of CDMR has shyrocketed from .8% to 22% from 1994 to 2006.
Interestingly, the requests for elective cesareans were not dependent on the mother's age, hospital of choice or occupation.
One has to wonder why we are seeing this trend in other countries and how we have come so far from recognizing the benefit of vaginal birth as our bodies were designed for.
Brenda
Research over a 12 year period in 21 countries in Southeast China indicates an increase in cesareans from 22% in 1994 to 56% in 2006. The greatest contributor to the overall cesarean rate, experts believe, is the rising numbers of cesareans on maternal request. This statistic of CDMR has shyrocketed from .8% to 22% from 1994 to 2006.
Interestingly, the requests for elective cesareans were not dependent on the mother's age, hospital of choice or occupation.
One has to wonder why we are seeing this trend in other countries and how we have come so far from recognizing the benefit of vaginal birth as our bodies were designed for.
Brenda
How to Have the Birth You Want
Posted by
Brenda Lane
Brenda Lane
Many women find that having a natural birth or non-traditional options for their birth is increasingly difficult. What are things you can do to have your ideal birth?
Not long ago, I attended an amazing birth that demonstrated yet again how mothers can indeed beat the odds stacked against them and have the kind of birth they want. It does require some work, prior research and good support. However, no matter where you choose to have your baby, there are simple ways you can advocate for yourself.
1. Ask for more time. If you are rushed into making any decision, be sure to ask if waiting for an hour or longer is possible.
2. Distinguish between true emergencies and routines. If your care provider recommends something, is it because there is a problem or a true indicated risk to you or your baby? Or is it something that is a routine procedure? Find out before you agree to something that may have an irreversible outcome.
3. Use additional support. It is hard to not be biased in this recommendation given that I am a doula myself and I believe wholeheartedly in the value of having a birth doula present. Very often having an additional person there to faciliate dialog can be a huge advantage to parents. Not only that, but birth doulas are skilled in comfort techniques and way to help labor progress. To me it is a no brainer that more parents need to use a doula since without the support and knowledge, there are seldom any options.
4. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. This is your day, your birth and your baby! There are very few events in your life that are more important so be assertive even if it requires you that you need to step outside your comfort zone.
My heartfelt desire is that all of the expectant mothers reading this blog would have the kind of birth they want.
Warmly,
Brenda
1. Ask for more time. If you are rushed into making any decision, be sure to ask if waiting for an hour or longer is possible.
2. Distinguish between true emergencies and routines. If your care provider recommends something, is it because there is a problem or a true indicated risk to you or your baby? Or is it something that is a routine procedure? Find out before you agree to something that may have an irreversible outcome.
3. Use additional support. It is hard to not be biased in this recommendation given that I am a doula myself and I believe wholeheartedly in the value of having a birth doula present. Very often having an additional person there to faciliate dialog can be a huge advantage to parents. Not only that, but birth doulas are skilled in comfort techniques and way to help labor progress. To me it is a no brainer that more parents need to use a doula since without the support and knowledge, there are seldom any options.
4. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. This is your day, your birth and your baby! There are very few events in your life that are more important so be assertive even if it requires you that you need to step outside your comfort zone.
My heartfelt desire is that all of the expectant mothers reading this blog would have the kind of birth they want.
Warmly,
Brenda
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