|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| Q: |
My husband and I have been advised to have preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) before undergoing IVF. But I’m afraid. Can’t it cause my baby to have birth defects?
|
| A: |
Although concerns have been raised regarding PGD and birth defects, one recent study of 583 births at one center found that the rate of birth defects, 3.6 percent, was no higher than among infants born after IVF who did not undergo PGD.
Before undergoing PGD, you may want to learn more about the procedure. Ask your fertility center’s embryologist for more information and also speak to your doctor. It’s important to feel comfortable before agreeing to any procedure.
Date Posted: August 7, 2007 |
|
|
| Q: |
I’m pregnant and having a baby boy. I just heard that it’s not good to eat beef. Is this true?
|
| A: |
According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the Center for Reproductive Epidemiology, it’s best to limit your intake. Pregnant women who consumed seven or more servings of beef per week had sons with 24 percent below normal sperm counts. They were also three times more likely to develop fertility problems than males born to women who didn’t consume as much beef while pregnant.
The researchers believe that the problem may be due to anabolic steroids used in the U.S. to fatten cattle. Pesticides and other environmental contaminants also may contribute.
Six growth-promoting hormones are regularly used in Canadian and U.S. cattle production. They are: the natural steroids estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone, and the synthetic hormones zeranol, trenbolone acetate, and melengestrol acetate. When the cattle are killed, not all of these hormones have been metabolized.
Also used in U.S. cattle production between 1954 and 1979 was diethyl stilbestrol (DES), a synthetic hormone. It was banned after tests indicated that minks fed chicken waste containing DES became infertile.
European countries banned all of the hormones mentioned above in beef in 1988. There has been heated dialogue ever since of banning imports of U.S. beef containing hormones.
The study results are part of a growing body of research linking maternal health and habits to their children’s long-term health. This new field of inquiry, known as the developmental origins of health and disease, hopes to ensure the health of women of reproductive age so that their children can enjoy lives free of debilitating diseases that may be mostly preventable with better prenatal care.
Date Posted: August 8, 2007
|
|
|
| Q: |
I am quite a snorer. Will this have any effect on my baby? I’m due later this year.
|
| A: |
According to recent research even mild sleep disorders such as yours can affect fetal outcomes during pregnancy. Dr. Susan M. Harding, a professor of medicine at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and medical director of the Sleep/Wake Disorders Center in Birmingham, presented these findings at a sleep medicine meeting sponsored by the American College of Chest Physicians. According to a Swedish study, 14 percent of women who snore are hypertensive, while only 6 percent of those who don’t snore have high blood pressure.
Preeclampsia(pregnancy-induced hypertension) also was more prevalent in women who snore (10 percent) versus only 4 percent of those who don’t snore.
Moreover, studies indicate that this sleep disorder tends to be passed on to future generations. Habitual snoring is an independent predictor of hypertension and growth retardation in snorers’ babies. According to Dr. Harding their infants were significantly more likely to score 7 or lower on the Apgar scale 1 minute after birth and to be small for their gestational age.
Date Posted: April 30, 2007
|
|
|
| Q: |
Is it safe for a pregnant woman to take pain relievers?
|
| A: |
Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), and naproxen (Aleve), both in the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are not recommended. They may increase miscarriage risk early on and can harm the fetus’ developing heart or kidneys. Before taking any pain reliever while pregnant, please consult with your obstetrician.
Date Posted: December 11, 2006 |
|
|
| Q: |
I just learned that I have fibroids, and I want to try a new ultrasound technique to remove them. Is it safe for women trying to get pregnant?
|
| A: |
No, it’s not. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) recently approved the ExAblate 2000, a device that aims concentrated ultrasound airwaves through the skin to burn away fibroids. The procedure is practically painless, but it can cause cramping. It’s also not recommended for women who want to conceive.
Talk to your physician. There are other safe ways to treat fibroids that will not compromise your fertility. Fibroids are the benign yet often painful uterine tumors suffered by as many as 40 percent of women over age 35.
Date Posted: December 11, 2006 |
|
|
| |
|
|