A link between exposure to pesticides before birth and low intelligence is being drawn by current research. The chemicals that were studied are called organophosphates, or OP's. These can be found in many products, from the pesticides sprayed on crops to the bug killers used in our homes.

Three different studies that were published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that a correlation between prenatal OP exposure and lower IQ in children did exist. Pesticide levels in pregnant moms were measured in the studies, and one of them found that women with the highest levels went on to have children who had an IQ average that was seven points lower than other children. This research is considered significant because it followed mothers and their offspring over an extended period of time.

Since cesarean childbirth is something most mothers do not like to opt for and natural childbirth is the way to go. There have been tips provided on how to avoid cesarean childbirth. Most deliveries in the U.S. are of cesarean childbirth type and it is impossible to visualize a natural delivery. According to Marilyn Curl, President of Lamaze International- a company promoting safe pregnancy-there has been so many cesarean childbirths in the U.S. now that it seems that it is a very safe option which it is not.
Mothers can control cesarean childbirths and convert them into natural childbirth by following a few tips. Mothers should choose a medical provider with low cesarean childbirth rate. Also mothers should be skeptical about doctors providing them reasons that are not backed by research for cesarean childbirths. Also, labor should start on its own and should not be started by medication; it will help in reducing the probability of a cesarean childbirth. Mothers should also keep skilled labor personnel by their side.
Mothers should also take childbirth courses. This will help them a lot during the actual delivery process.

Deaths from pregnancy-related causes, which usually occur around the time of birth, have risen dramatically in the US over the last decade. A new report cites an increase in caesarean-section births as a major contributor to this disturbing trend. Other risk factors identified in the report include a high rate of obesity among many women and underlying cardiovascular disease.

Caesarean sections now account for almost one-third of all US births. The operation or the the anesthesia administered during the procedure was one of the contributing factors to higher maternal death rates. Most of these were unplanned or emergency surgeries to try to save the lives of the mother and infant, but previous caesarean sections were also cited as complications in some of the cases. Minority women and poor women with little access to prenatal care were found to be most at risk of complications.