Do I need a Pre-Pregnancy Checkup?
July 21, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Pregnancy
Your medical history:
Some women have medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, seizure disorders and other medical conditions that can cause problems during pregnancy. A pre-pregnancy check-up will get your started off on the right foot. Your doctor will have a lot of questions. Use the following to organize the information your doctor requires to plan for the safest, healthiest pregnancy possible.
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New Study Confirms the Benefits of Condom Use For Women
July 12, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Women's Health
Recent evidence suggests women should pay more attention to their intercourse habits including their use of condoms.
Though evidence in the past suggests the efficacy of condoms at preventing STDs is uncertain, new study suggests women who consistently use condoms are less at risk for contracting human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer and genital warts in women. The study suggests that women who engage in intercourse with male partners who always use condoms demonstrated a decreased infection rate than women whose partners only used condoms part of the time.
This study, conducted among students attending the University of Washington suggests that women may reduce their risk of contractive HPV by as much as 50% with regular use of condoms.
While small, the study provides new hope for women who are at risk for HPV transmission. Read more
STOP! Eating Canned Tuna During Pregnancy
June 25, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Pregnancy
Canned Fish May Not Be Safe During Pregnancy
Canned tuna contains uncertain but probably high levels of mercury contamination. Mercury is extremely dangerous for developing babies and fetuses. Two years ago the federal government and FDA advised pregnant women to simply limit their intake of fish and canned tuna. These recommendations have changed however, as new research points to increasingly high levels of toxic mercury in canned fish.
Higher Mercury Levels In Canned Tuna
The recent reports revealed by the FDA show that canned tuna contains more mercury than previously thought. Many seafood items contain toxic levels of mercury. This is due largely to pollution allowing heavy metals to enter streams, lakes and ultimately the ocean.High levels of toxins including mercury in fish may lead to nervous system problems or brain damage in young children and in developing fetuses. So if you plan to feed your toddler tuna, think again.New recommendations suggest the high levels of mercury in certain fish including tuna, mackerel, shark, swordfish or tile fish may also be dangerous for young children, whose brains are still developing.
Can I Diet During Pregnancy
May 26, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Pregnancy
Can I Diet During Pregnancy?
The one time in your life you should eat with abandon is during pregnancy. Pregnancy is not a time to diet, unless by diet you mean eat healthily. During the second and third trimester of pregnancy most women will need to consume roughly 300 extra calories each day to help support their growing infant.
These calories are important to help nourish your baby and provide you the energy you need to carry your baby to term. Most women who are normal weight will need to gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. Women who are overweight when they become pregnant will need to gain less, but still need to gain roughly 15 pounds during pregnancy. Women who are underweight during pregnancy typically can gain between 35 and 45 pounds on average.
These pounds should come in the form of nutrient dense foods jam-packed with vitamins, minerals and energy. Think of food in fact during your pregnancy, as a prime source of energy. Read more
“Is It Ok To Use Wrinkle Cream During Pregnancy?”
May 19, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Pregnancy
Is It Ok To Use Wrinkle Cream During Pregnancy?
No one wants to look older than they feel. Many women feel quite young and vivacious during pregnancy thanks to the increased blood flowing through their body. I can tell you from personal experience however, that having children more often than not is likely to contribute a few wrinkles and gray hairs to your face and skin. Having children is hard work. My husband’s mother always used to say, “the worrying never stops” well its true.
That said having children is one of the biggest delights in life. Those gray hairs and wrinkles are well worth it!
Most women find they do not need wrinkle cream during pregnancy. Truthfully speaking, during pregnancy increasing volumes of blood pumping through your skin compounded by fluid retention often create that pregnancy “glow”. This glow helps reduce the look and appearance of wrinkles naturally because it makes your skin appear fuller. Read more
“Is It OK To Work During Pregnancy?”
May 19, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Pregnancy
Is It OK To Work During Pregnancy?
The short answer to this question is “yes”. Some women however, may find they prefer not to work during pregnancy. Still others may find they have to adjust their work schedule, especially if they work in a strenuous position, to accommodate their pregnancy.
Many women find work more challenging during pregnancy. This often results from the increased fatigue associated with pregnancy. Working during pregnancy is challenging. During your first trimester you may find you are battling not only fatigue but also nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Read more
