NHS launches pregnancy advice web site

The UK’s National Health Service has just launched a new web site where expectant mothers can go to get authoritative advice and information on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.

“Whether you’re planning to have a baby, are already pregnant, or your new baby has just arrived, our new interactive pregnancy planner is for you,” the site opens.

It’s the perfect way to find out all you need to have a healthy and happy pregnancy and to make sure you get the care that’s right for you. It contains over 250 pages of NHS accredited information, including pictures, videos and planning tools. You’ll also find all the facts you need to choose the best maternity services in your area.

The NHS is no stranger to offering medical advice online, and already runs the NHS Direct health information web site.

The site offers help on pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and labour, parent and baby advice, and general pregnancy information.

Pregnancy can be a huge mystery, and with the Internet’s myriad of information — some accurate and some wholly misleading — on the subject, it’s good to know that a trusted medical organisation is providing comprehensive coverage.

NHS Pregnancy web site (via Web User)

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)

Caffeine during pregnancy increases miscarriage risk, study suggests

A new study by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research suggests that a high intake of caffeine during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, regardless of its source.

While previous research showed a link between caffeine consumption and miscarriage, this is the first study to thoroughly control for morning sickness, which typically causes many women to avoid caffeine, explained De-Kun Li, MD, Ph.D., an investigator with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research and lead investigator of the study. “This study strengthens the association between caffeine and miscarriage risk because it removes speculation that the association was due to reduced caffeine intake by healthy pregnant women,” Li said.

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Celeb Watch: Gwyneth Paltrow, Eddie Murphy, Britney Spears

Marie Claire speculates that Gwneth Paltrow may be pregnant:

The New York Daily News is reporting that Paltrow was taken to the hospital by husband Chris Martin because she is pregnant with her third child. A source revealed to the paper that Paltrow spent time in the maternity wing of the hospital, and added, “They looked very serious. She looked upset. They went right past everyone and into the elevator. It seemed like they were expected.”

Eddie Murphy has split from his wife, Tracey Edmonds, after just two weeks of marriage, reports Marie Claire:

The reason for the break-up? According to sources in America, the honeymoon was “marred by screaming matches and arguments all week”.

In fact, even on the wedding day there were warning signs that all was not right. “Eddie started yelling at Tracey in front of people,” one guests told People magazine. “He did it on a few occasions and it was very embarrassing.”

Troubled star Britney Spears is also rumoured to be pregnant, as she was allegedly seen buying a home pregnancy test:

…the singer and her new boyfriend, 35-year-old paparazzo Adnan Ghalib, were photographed in a drug store in LA shopping for home pregnancy tests.

However, given the photographs were released by Ghalib’s own picture agency, some are already crying foul and believe the snaps might just be a juicy little earner for the couple and a crafty joke at the media’s expense.

Or at Britney’s expense. Hasn’t she been through enough recently?

Research suggests natural family planning as effective as contraceptive pill

Natural family planning methods are often a desired method of preventing, or indeed planning, a pregnancy, but they are often seen as less effective than using a chemical contraceptive pill for the same purpose. However, good news for those (including myself) that believe avoiding pills and using a more natural method is preferable, particularly given the potential short- and long-term effects of taking oral contraception.

New research published in Europe’s leading reproductive medical journal “Human Reproduction” suggests that the symptothermal method (STM) was at least, if not more, effective than the contraceptive pill.

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Canadian teen motherhood rate decreasing

A study by Statistics Canada suggests that the rate of teenage motherhood in the country has slowed, with the number of under 20s having a second or third child having halved in the past decade.

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