High Risk Pregnancy Breaking News and Research

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Breast cancer and placental weight

Forbes reported today (11.16.2005) that a Swedish study found a correlation between placental weight and breast cancer that occurs before menopause. Women whose pregnancies produced placentas that weighed 1.5 pounds (700 grams) or more had a 38% increased risk of breast cancer.

Pregnancy and diabetes

Reuters reported today (11.15.2005) that women who develop gestational diabetes should have their homocysteine levels checked 6 weeks after giving birth. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is tied to heart disease and stroke. In addition, according to a recent study, it appears to be an indicator for ongoing diabetes. Normally, gestational diabetes clears up [...]

A look at the clinical trials in progress

Visit ClinicalTrials.gov to see the latest on-going clinical research about high-risk pregnancy and prematurity. These clinical studies are currently looking for participants. It is interesting to see what research is going on today.

Postpartum depression and fatigue are related

A research article reported today (11.11.2005) in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing states that postpartum fatigue and stress play a significant role in the development of postpartum depression.

Babies conceived artificially may have shorter gestations and lower birth weights

Today (11.11.2005) a study reported by Oxford Journal’s Human Reproduction concludes that babies conceived using artificial reproduction techniques (ART), including invitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), typically had shorter gestations and lower birth weights than babies conceived naturally.

ADHD may be an inherited condition

A recent paper (07.06.2005) published in the Oxford Journal’s Human Molecular Genetics suggests that ADHD may be a genetic disorder. At present, researchers are looking for the genetic markers that may be associated with ADHD.

Preterm girls have higher blood pressure

Adolescent girls who were born preterm (before 32 weeks) have a higher incidence of high blood pressure when they reach adolescence. A recent study (09.23.2005) reported in Pediatric Research shows the correlation between girls who are born prematurely and high blood pressure.

What should be done about the avian flu pandemic threat?

The British Medical Journal recently published (11.05.2005) an article about avian flu by Dr. Douglas Fleming, a British general practicioner. Dr. Fleming does a thorough job of outlining what steps should be taken to protect the population from an avian flu pandemic.

Heparin use during pregnancy is safe

Pregnant women at risk for thrombosis (blood clots in deep veins usually in the legs) can safely take low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). According to a study reported (10.19.2005) in Stanford University’s High Wire Press, heparin is safe for both mother and fetus.

Too much coffee is not a good thing

The American Journal of Epidemiology recently (10.05.2005) published a paper about the connection between coffee intake and fetal death. According to a Danish study, increased coffee (i.e. caffeine) increases the risk of fetal death especially after 20 weeks getastion.