Posted on July 16, 2008 in Pregnancy, Research by BrandonNo Comments »

A recent study published in the second issue for July of the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that eating nuts (particularly peanuts) increased the child’s risk of developing asthma by more than 50 percent over women who rarely or never consume nut products during pregnancy
 
Interestingly there was a small but significant protective benefit for pregnant women who consumed fruit daily.

Posted on February 21, 2008 in Pregnancy, Research, Uncategorized by CarolNo Comments »

Phthalates are already known to be environmental toxins that effect reproductive development; now a recent study in Pediatrics shows that they are harmful to babies. Infants are especially vulnerable to the developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalates due to their undeveloped metabolism, and this is evidenced in the concentration of phthalates in their urine. Infants are exposed to phthalates via baby lotions, powders and shampoo.

Phthalates also make plastics flexible, and are found in tablecloths, shower curtains, floor tiles, garden houses, rainwear, ziploc bags, etc. Phthalates are continuously released into the air or leach into liquids, causing exposure through ingestion, inhalation and through the skin. Unfortunately, the U.S. does not require product labeling for phthalate content.

To minimize phthalate exposures, limit the use of infant care products, unless indicated for a medical reason.

PEDIATRICS Vol. 121 No. 2 February 2008, pp. e260-e268.

Posted on December 7, 2007 in Pregnancy, Research by BrandonNo Comments »

Vitamin K deficiency has been associated with hyperemesis gravidarum (vomiting during pregnancy). This is a very common symptom and it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about supplementing with Vitamin K if you are experiencing these symptoms…particularly if they are severe. However, be aware that if you have any clotting factor problems then you need to know which clotting factor is effected and whether or not Vitamin K is appropriate. If you do not have enough vitamin K it can increase the risk of fetal problems such as intracranial hemorrhage and hydrocephalus.
  
Prenat Diagn. 2007 Dec 4. Vitamin K deficiency in hyperemesis gravidarum as a potential cause of fetal intracranial hemorrhage and hydrocephalus.
  
Obstet Gynecol. 1998 Oct;92(4 Pt 2):673-5

Posted on October 27, 2007 in Pregnancy by BrandonNo Comments »

This is the latest in a series of studies on the embryotoxicity of one of the main ginseng extracts. It is important to note that even though the agent is an isolate of ginseng, other epidemiological data has also shown higher incidences of problems in humans using ginseng. Now, we have no controls for pesticides, etc., so it may not be the ginseng but just to be safe, we advise all pregnant patients to avoid ginseng.
 
Toxicol In Vitro. 2006 Mar;20(2):234-8.