Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are some of the most common infections. Although anyone can get a UTI, women are more susceptible because they have shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to ascend into the bladder. At least 60% of women experience a lower urinary tract infection (involving the urethra and bladder) during…
Magnesium sulfate is an inorganic salt that may have a variety of health benefits during pregnancy. It can be prescribed to mothers in order to treat preeclampsia or eclampsia (1). Additionally, when premature birth is expected, it can be used to protect a baby’s brain. There is evidence that antenatal magnesium sulfate reduces the risk…
New research from the University of Maryland illuminates just how important it can be for premature babies to undergo car seat safety screenings. Because preemies have underdeveloped organs, they are at high risk of injuries during labor and delivery (birth injuries), as well as in early infancy (1). Traveling by car can be especially dangerous…
Each year, the March of Dimes issues “report cards,” which summarize the effectiveness of individual states’ efforts to prevent premature birth and its associated complications. These report cards include both written commentary and a letter grade. For the year of 2018 (these reports were released only recently), Georgia got an “F.” It was among six…
Because of major improvements in neonatal healthcare, children who are born prematurely or have birth injuries are much more likely to survive than they were a few decades ago. Researchers have begun to wonder how the incidence of disabilities stemming from birth-related complications has changed over time, and whether this has been impacted by the…
In the 1970s, women with lupus were often advised against becoming pregnant because of associated complications that can make pregnancies with lupus dangerous to both mothers and babies. Today, doctors recognize that with proper medical oversight and careful timing, most women with lupus can have a successful pregnancy (1). However, it is important to note…
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces thyroid hormones, which affect heart rate and metabolism. A thyroid disorder occurs when the thyroid makes too much or too little of certain thyroid hormones (1). Hyperthyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid is overactive, or makes too much thyroid hormone. It can cause…
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a relatively common ailment, affecting about 50-60% of women in their lifetimes (1), and in many cases are easily treatable. However, if not effectively treated, they can lead to a variety of dangerous complications, especially in certain high-risk groups. One population particularly threatened by UTIs is pregnant women and their…
In May of 2019, the Department of Clinical Epidemiology at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark completed a register-based study on the effects of migraine headaches in pregnant women and their babies (1, 2). The researchers used Danish health registry data (collected between 2005 and 2012) to find 22,841 pregnant women who had…
New Study Finds Benefits of Repeat Prenatal Corticosteroid Treatments Infants born prematurely (before 37 weeks gestation) face numerous risks that those born at term do not. They may experience breathing problems, brain problems, heart problems, temperature control problems, immune system problems, and other short-term issues that usually require a stay in the NICU (1). Furthermore,…
