Vets may be at higher risk of miscarriage

An Australian study suggests that female vets over-exposed to anaesthetics, X-rays and pesticides used could be at an increased risk of a miscarriage during pregnancy.

The concern is for those working in smaller practices where “scavenging” equipment used to suck away waste gases, such as nitrous oxide, may not be used.

Nitrous oxide inhalation can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage.

The risk to women exposed to these gases for at least one hour per week rose by around 250%, based on a research questionnaire carried out among 2,800 vets.

Those who carried out more than five X-rays per week had an 82% increased risk, and those who used pesticides had an 88% increased risk.

“We hope that our research will make vets aware of the need to fully protect themselves whilst they are working, especially if they planning to have a baby,” said lead researcher Dr Adeleh Shirangi.

(Via BBC News)

Arabella Miller launches Kids’ Organic Cotton Clothing range

Kids organic cotton clothing company, Arabella Miller, have launched their funky Summer collection. The designs debuted at Premier Kids in January 2008 where fashion trend bible WGSN selected Arabella Miller as one of the top ten brands at the show. This Summer’s themes are:

Space: Just perfect for little boys looking for a friendly Alien Close Encounter

Minibeasts: the “politically correct” name for bugs! Butterflies, Ladybirds and Dragonflies

Pets: Rabbits, Dogs and Cats all feature on these tees with a twist!

Arabella Miller produces cotton clothing for babies and children certified organic by the Soil Association. They are also the first kids t-shirts to be organically printed in the UK by a Soil Association certified printer.

The designs are bold and character driven with Japanese inspired flat graphics, truly unique amongst the growing “green brands” there’s no beige in sight!

Tiny Tummy troubles — survey reveals 1 in 10 parents don’t sterilise

A new survey has revealed that 1 in 10 parents don’t sterilise their baby’s bottles and feeding equipment, putting them at risk of sickness and diarrhoea caused by bacteria in the bottles. The survey of 3,000 parents by sterilising experts Milton found that out of those who do sterilise, 36% only sterilise equipment once a day rather than before/after every feed as recommended by the NHS.

The survey also revealed that 25% of parents stop sterilising at 6 months, the time when a baby’s immune system is at its weakest, indicating that there is a lack of information given to parents about the importance of sterilising and good hygiene. 65% of parents revealed that they get their baby care advice from their GP or midwife however friends and family also have a strong influence for half of parents.

50% of the parents surveyed said their babies had suffered between 1 to 3 stomach upsets during their first 12 months, with a further 8% stating their babies suffered diarrhoea more frequently.

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