The father’s age may influence the risk of miscarriage, based on a large study of women in Jerusalem who were pregnant between 1964 and 1976.  They looked at the 1,500 women who suffered a miscarriage, and compared them to the 12,000 who did not have one. 

They took into account the mother’s age, which was already a well known risk factor for miscarriage.  The research showed that men also have a biological clock.  Even in their 30’s, men had a higher risk of miscarriage.  The rate of miscarriage was three times higher in fathers between the ages of 35 and 39, as compared to men younger than 25.  Complete article

New research shows that when nitric oxide is given to some premature babies within the first 48 hour of life the risk for brain and lung damage is lowered.  This is the first time a large study has shown a therapy can lower these risks, according to researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

The NIH Director, Elias A Zerhouni MD said “Medical science has dramatically improved our ability to help very small and premature babies survive. But as the rate of premature births continues to rise, it is even more critical that we develop ways to prevent many of the complications related to prematurity so that these children can lead healthy, robust lives."  Complete Article

Amazingly, it appears some women that undergo fertility treatments are less likely to get pregnant than those that don’t.  These treatments can be very expensive and produce multiple births, so researchers in the Netherland hope to identify women with unexplained infertility.

About 10 percent of couples have trouble conceiving after one year of trying. Of these, one third do not have any obvious problems. 

The most common treatment is intrauterine insemination (IUI).  This involves collecting sperm and medically inserting it into the uterus.  Fertility drugs are then prescribed which stimulate egg production.  Complete Article

Italian heart specialists are “urgently” recommending that all children around three to four years of age be screened to pick up a life-threatening genetic condition called Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). The researchers did a cost analysis and have found that a significant number of sudden deaths could be prevented for less than €12,000 per year-of-life saved.

Long QT syndrome is an electrical rhythm disorder of the heart.  There are rarely symptoms and it is a leading cause of sudden death in children and young adults.  They say that when it occurs in infants their deaths are usually mislabeled as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).  Complete Article

It has been known for a long time that cigarette smoking is dangerous but now there is some evidence the smoking during pregnancy is linked to behavior problems in toddlers.  Researcher from UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) College of Medicine's Institute for Juvenile Research found that 2-year-olds regularly exposed to cigarette smoke in utero were nearly 12 times more likely to show clinical levels of behavior problems compared to toddlers who were not exposed.

After evaluating 93 children between their first and second birthdays, UIC researchers found that the 44 children exposed to cigarette smoke before birth were more prone to behavioral problems.  These women reported smoking a pack or more a day.  Complete Story

New research published in the July issue of Pediatrics finds that premature children fed breast milk in the hospital did better on tests of mental development later in life than did others fed only formula. The premature babies all weighed less than 2 pounds, 3 ounces.

The study involved 1,035 premature babies, some of which were born 3 months premature.  Of these babies, one quarter were fed only formula.  The researchers took into account many factors, including the parent’s income and education.  They found that on the average, the babies given breast milk scored higher on tests of mental development when they were 18 months old than the babies fed formula only. 

A study funded by HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Food and Drug Administration found that if a mother takes angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy there was an increased risk of major congenital malformations when compared to mothers that did not take these medications.  The study was first published in the June 8^th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

ACE inhibitors are used to either lower blood pressure or protect the kidney in diabetics.  The FDA has a “black box” warning that says that it can cause injury and even death to a developing fetus when used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.  The ACE inhibitor should be discontinued as soon as possible when a woman becomes aware that she is pregnant.  High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy - Birth Defects increase if Mother takes ACE Inhibitors during Pregnancy

Researchers believe that repeat c-sections may increase the risk of bowel injury and other complications, according to a report in the June issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  The higher risks include accreta, cystotomy, bowel injury, ureteral injury; ileus, postoperative ventilatory use, ICU admission, and blood transfusion of at least 4 units were directly related to the number of cesarean deliveries.

Reuter’s health reported that the rate of placenta accreta ranged from 0.24% in first-time c-section patients to 6.74% in women with six or more c-sections. In women with previa, the rates were much higher, ranging from 3% in first-time c-section patients to 67% in women with at least five c-sections.  Also, the hysterectomy rate was lowest in second-time c-section patients and highest in those with at least six c-sections, ranging from 0.42% to 8.99%.  Increased Risk For Repeat C-Section Births - Natural Births Compared - Complications Arise From Second or More C Sections

On May 11^th, Baby First TV launched their 24 hour a day commercial free station just for babies.  Baby First TV will have educational entertaining programming that will be directed at the level of a young child.  While new born babies may not be intent on watching TV yet (I just don’t think they would be that interested) youngsters ages 1 – 3 would like the programming.

The programming includes “Baby Songs” which is a favorite for little ones.  The songs are unique and catchy tunes that relate to what children are dealing with in the real world.  While we look for action packed thrills as adults, younger children are very literal with what they watch on TV.  We used to calm the kids down before bed time with “Baby Songs” videos.  It sure beats driving around in the car until they fall asleep.  Baby First TV – new channel premieres just for Babies

Find Out More about Your Most Important Health Concerns. Web Success team is proud to announce the April launch of Healthy Answers Online. It is a direct response informational site that encourages visitors to join the renown Chiropractor, Dr. Vicky Arcadi, and her online membership community. Visitors also have the ability to communicate their most important health questions in the section: “ASK DR VICKY.”

This makes the site even more relevant to the visitors/members as it is interactive, communicative and responsive. Dr. Vicky Arcadi, specializes in the field of Pregnancy, Newborn and Pediatrics, and has developed Healthy Answers Online to address women’s most important health concerns.   Health Answers Online Website - Ask Doctor Questions On the Internet 

Male contraceptive pills have been available for some time now and there is now evidence that sperm recovery can be obtained within three or four months.  Research published in this weeks journal The Lancet, highlight the fact that male hormone treatment for contraception can be reversed in just a few months. 

This is especially good news for men who are sexually active and do not want children.  Other male contraceptive methods are either not sufficiently reliable or not easily reversible.  In a similar way to ovulation suppression by hormone treatment in women, sperm production can be fully inhibited by androgen or androgen-progestagen treatment combinations in men. With such hormone treatment, azoospermia (i.e. no sperm in ejaculate) or severe oligozoospermia (or less than 3 million sperm per milliliter of semen), which is sufficient for contraception. Male Birth Control Pills Reversible After Few Months - Men's Contraceptive Study Concerning Hormone Treatment to Prevent Sperm Production

Large doses of vitamins C and E won’t prevent preeclampsia, according to research in the April 27th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.  Preeclampsia is a relatively common but potentially dangerous pregnancy complication, which affects 5-8% of all pregnancies. 

Preeclampsia occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and is characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine.  Symptoms include swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision, but according to the Preeclampsia Foundation, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

The study included 1,877 Australian women pregnant for the first time.  The researchers excluded women who were pregnant with multiple fetuses and women with chronic health conditions, such as kidney disease and high blood pressure. They found that the addition of these vitamins did not prevent preeclampsia or even lower the risk of complications for the infant.  Pregnancy - Vitamins C and E Don’t Prevent Birth Complications – Symptoms - Preeclampsia Not Avoided by Large Doses of Antioxidants  

Documents have surfaced in litigation that show Ortho-McNeil has been analyzing the FDA's death and injury reports on women using the Ortho Evra birth-control patch, and has charts that show a higher rate of blood clots and deaths in women on the patch when compared to women who take birth-control pills.

In addition, according to a November 11, 2005, article by the Associated Press, an internal company memo shows that in 2003, the company refused to fund a study comparing the Ortho patch to the company's Ortho-Cyclen pill because there was "too high a chance that study may not produce a positive result for Evra" and a "risk that Ortho Evra may be the same or worse than Ortho-Cyclen."  Ortho-McNeil Knew Ortho-Evra Patch Was Lethal

Healthy babies and mothers are improved with routine medical visits and being educated about any potential health dangers.

A report was published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Recommendations and Reports.  This report recommends specific goals to help improve the health of the mother and the baby.

Steps that are recommended for example are to educate women of the dangers of smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.  Women should take folic acid to reduce serious birth defects such as spina bifida. 

Visits to the doctor before a women becomes pregnant can help determine if the woman has any chronic diseases.  If they diagnose diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure early on it can help to insure a healthy pregnancy. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced earlier this month the licensing of a new vaccine against the Rotavirus.  This disease is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world each year. 

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said the Merck and Company oral vaccine ROTATEQ should be added to the schedule of vaccines given to U.S. infants.  The newer vaccine does not cause the same problems as an earlier vaccine withdrawn from the market in 1999.

The vaccine will be administered at 2 months, 4 months and again at 6 months of age. Approval is needed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which usually follows the panel's recommendations.  Rotavirus Vaccine to be Added to Childhood Vaccination Immunization Schedule - CDC Recommend and FDA Approved RotaTeq

Pregnant women are three times more likely to have a miscarriage in the first three weeks of pregnancy if they are showing signs of stress.

A research group led by Pablo Nepomnaschy from the University of Michigan measured stress levels in 61 women from a small Guatemalan community.  They took urine samples three times a week and measured cortisol levels.  Cortisol is hormone that is made when under stress.  Pregnant women affected by High levels of Stress more likely to Miscarriage during early Pregnancy

The government approved a system for preventing pregnant women from taking Accutane.  The drug has been linked to miscarriages and severe birth defects.  The American Academy of Dermatology, the largest dermatological association, has asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to delay the March 1st implementation date by two months.

The Academy urged the FDA to “postpone” the new iPLEDGE system because dermatologists across the country are reporting numerous flaws in the program “that are interfering with patient care and could affect patient safety.” 

Accutane, and the generic Isotretinoin, has been approved to treat severe disfiguring acne with great results.  According to the New York Times, the condition afflicts only about 6,000 patients, nearly all of them male.  But the drug is prescribed to more than 170,000 patients, of which about half are women.  Dermatology Association wants Delay of iPLEADE Accutane FDA Program - Acne Drug linked to Birth Defects

Two environmental groups say that mercury levels in human subjects were higher than what is deemed safe.  The Sierra Club and Greenpeace tested hair samples from 6,600 people in all 50 states and found that New Yorkers had the highest contamination of mercury.  California, Colorado and Oregon were not far behind. 

According to a Sierra Club press release, one in five women tested nationwide has mercury levels higher than the EPA safe limit. This is important for women of childbearing age and their small children.  According to the Sierra Club exposure to mercury in the womb can cause “neurological damage and other health problems.” 

The EPA recommends mercury levels not to exceed one microgram per gram of hair.  The usual way mercury gets into the body is via food.  It has little to do with your home or work location.  The groups claim that coal burning power plants are the biggest single source of the mercury.  These power plants produce 42% of the country’s industrial mercury pollution.  Levels of Mercury in Humans Exceeds EPA Standards - Chart tells what Fish to Avoid

There are several options in seeking treatment for infertility.  If couples are unable to conceive after one year of trying, experts say you should consider seeking treatment.  You may want to receive a thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine the best course of action.  This can be done by an infertility specialist.  

There are several infertility treatments including Assisted Hatching, micromanipulation, Microsurgical Tubal Repair, ICSI Offers New Hope for Couples With Male Factor, IVF with ICSI - A Treatment For Men With No Sperm in Ejaculate, and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). 

Women today are waiting to get pregnant more frequently than before.  This is the reason for most of the infertility today, according to Dr. Sherman Silber, author of How to Get Pregnant.  Fertility Treatments for Older Couples – Infertility increases with Age

Concerns for women taking Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) while pregnant were addressed in a new study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.  This is one of the archive journals of the American Medical Association. 

According to the researchers, infants born to mothers that took SSRIs show signs of withdraw shortly after birth.  The journal states that “Almost one-third of 60 newborn infants whose mothers took antidepressants during pregnancy experienced neonatal abstinence syndrome, a type of withdrawal with symptoms that include high-pitched crying, tremors and disturbed sleep.”  The authors say that infants born to mothers taking SSRIs while pregnant, should be monitored closely after birth for a minimum of 48 hours.  Depression Drugs given to Pregnant Mothers May Affect Newborn Babies – Infants Withdraw From SSRIs

A recent paper published on Feb 3^rd, in the Inter Science online journal found that there is an increased risk for obese mothers to have complications during pregnancy.  They also have higher risks for babies being born with medical problems.

Obese women not only are faced with difficult pregnancies, they are also at an increased risk for infertility.  During pregnancy the obese woman has a higher chance of having hypertension, gestational diabetes and thromboembolic events.   Thromboembolic events are symptoms caused by blood clots which reduce or block blood flow to important tissues. These obese women are also more likely to need a cesarean section delivery.  Obesity link - Babies more chance for Complications during and after Pregnancy in Obese Moms

A new study says that overweight children are twice as likely to develop diabetes as normal weight children.  Although few children in the study had diabetes, their risk factors were “very high”. 

The study included 1,740 eighth-graders from 12 U.S. schools.  They found that half of the children were either overweight or on the verge of becoming overweight.  Being overweight is one of the primary risk factors for type-2 diabetes. 

Of these children, 41 percent had elevated blood sugar levels and 36 percent had high levels of insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that helps process blood sugar.  High insulin and blood sugar levels signal that the body is becoming resistant to insulin.  This is a precursor to type-2 diabetes.  These tests were taken after fasting.  Obesity Doubles Childs Risk of Diabetes - Study Found Half of the Children are Twice as likely to become Diabetic

It may be possible to accurately predict if a birth will be preterm and also detect the presence of an infection in the womb.  The diagnosis could save the life of the baby because these conditions can lead to death, brain damage, lung or bowel injury. 

Researchers announced this cutting edge research at the 26th Annual Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) meeting.  The studies authors were also recognized by an award from the March of Dimes. 

A new test is being made available to help determine how late in life a woman can conceive.  The test works by measuring the number of eggs in a woman's ovaries.  The British firm Lifestyle Choices has launched the world’s first publicly available triple-hormone fertility ovarian reserve test kit.  The test is called Plan Ahead. 

Many professional women worry that if they excel in their career now, they will not be able to have children later on.  Some women may give up the career in order to start a family earlier.  Wouldn’t be nice to know if you can wait to have children? 

Developed at the University Of Sheffield, England, the test works by taking a blood sample during a women’s menstrual cycle. The test will measure two ovarian hormones, Inhibin B and AMH, and a third pituitary hormone FSH. According to the company the test is accurate for up to two years ahead.  New Fertility Test Counts Number of Eggs in Ovaries - Plan Ahead Test Triple Hormone Test

Women who stop taking antidepressants during pregnancy are five times more likely to have relapse of depression than women who continue the medication throughout their pregnancy.  According to Lee Cohen, MD, director of the Perinatal and Reproductive Clinical Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), who led the investigation “Clinical lore has held for decades that pregnancy protected women from mood disorders.”

The findings from the first systematic clinical study of depression relapse runs counter to the long held belief that hormonal changes can prevent psychiatric problems.  Dr. Cohen said "What drove this study was a divergence between that belief and what many of us were seeing clinically, that many women who stopped using antidepressants during pregnancy appeared to be relapsing."

According to the MGH press release, many published studies have supported the safety of antidepressant drugs taken while pregnant.  There have been some reports of prenatal exposure to the popular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  These exposures could cause transient agitation or distress in newborns, according to MGH.  Pregnant Women should Keep Taking Antidepressants to Avoid Relapse of Depression - Pregnancy Hormones Don't Protect  - Study

In an article published in the Archives of Disease of Childhood, Professor Baron-Cohen claims that children born to analytical couples, such as scientists, may be more likely to have children with autism.  Cohen, a professor at the University of Cambridge, believes the same gene that makes people analytical may also impair social and communications skills. 

A weakness in communications and social skills is a key characteristic of autism, according to the paper.  It is believed that one in 100 children has a form of autism, and most of these are boys.  According to the researchers, the number of diagnoses seems to be on the increase.  Some believe this may be because of greater awareness though.

Dr. Cohen labels people such as scientists, mathematicians and engineers as “systemizers”.  They are skilled in analyzing systems, like vehicles, math equations, etc. to figure out how they work.  Smart Parents more likely to have Autistic Children – Genetic Link with Analytical Minds and Autism