Filed in archive
Medical Issues
, Other Pregnancy Issues
on June 28, 2010
©
melloveschallah
The FDA panel who has reviewed the possibility of Ella getting FDA approval, has recommended that Ella be approved by the FDA. Although the FDA usually follows the advice of its advisory panel, that's not always the case.
Although it remains a mystery how it actually works, Ella blocks the effects of progesterone (a female hormone that spurs ovulation). On the other hand, it is a chemical relative to RU-486 (the abortion pill)
Therefore there is a fierce debate whether Ella should be considered an abortion drug and whether it drug works by delaying ovulation (as claimed by its manufacturer) or by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting itself in the uterus (as claimed by anti-abortion advocates).
Manufactured by HRA Pharma, Ella (pdf file) is already approved in the European market. If it gets US FDA approval, it will only be available by prescription.
Filed in archive
Other Pregnancy Issues
, Pregnancy Tools and Gadgets
on June 22, 2010
©
davhor
Designed by practicing OB/GYN, Dr. Gregory P. Moore, MD who felt that existing pregnancy apps were not constructed with a focus on correct medical information and the psychology of the pregnant woman, this iPregnancy app has earned almost two years in the Top 25 Apps listing for Health and Fitness and Best Pregnancy Planner in 2009 by Parent's Magazine.
Here are the new features integrated in the iPregnancy 3.01 app...
On top of Facebook, Twitter integration and bug fixes, iPregnancy adds several exciting new features that allow users to:
- Apply themes, weekly 2D images, and annotations to weekly 2D/3D schematic drawings
- View brand new annotated schematic drawings for each week of pregnancy created by a world-renowned artist
- Download additional 2D/3D images from iPregnancy servers
- Use new calendar view and mood tracking indicators for OB visits and journal entries
- See weeks and days gestation at future dates on calendar
- Create multiple future appointments with new appointment feature
- Indicate that the baby has been delivered or enter a planned delivery date (for storing iPregnancy data and viewing it post-baby!)
- Upload and view pictures week-by-week
- Read daddy information for each week (in addition to baby and mommy Information)
The iPregnancy 3.01 is available at the Apple Store for $ 4.99.
Filed in archive
Is it Safe...?
, Maternity Fashion
on June 15, 2010
©
Northampton Museum
However, experts said that such foot wears are not appropriate for pregnant women as they offer very little support. The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is urging women to wear supportive, wide fitting shoes to minimise discomfort and avoid long-term damage.
According to podiatrist Lorraine Jones:
"Weight gain and hormonal changes in pregnancy have a huge impact on the body. Muscles and ligaments soften and stretch because of an increase in the ovarian hormone relaxin, which makes your feet more prone to ankle and ligament strains on a daily basis.
High heels alter your posture, shorten your calf muscles and place increased pressure on your back and knees. In pregnancy this places extra pressure on your joints when they are already under strain - which can result in a host of foot, leg and back problems and could increase the likelihood of falls."
So beware women...better ditch those stilettos when pregnant!
Filed in archive
Medical Issues
, Other Pregnancy Issues
on June 14, 2010
©
Andrea Fregnani
The amount of blood in your body increases when you're pregnant, adding to the burden on your veins overall.
There are many health problems that can develop from varicose veins such as irritation, swelling, painful rashes, skin ulcers, blood clots and severe infection, and every pregnant woman especially needs to know what they can do to prevent or treat them.
Phlebologist, Dr. Luis Navarro of the Vein Treatment Center offers the following ways to avoid varicose veins during pregnancy:
- Exercise daily, even if its just a brisk walk, to help your circulation
- Strive to keep within the recommended weight range for your stage of pregnancy
- Elevate your feet and legs whenever possible
- Sleep on your left side with your feet on a pillow. Lying on your left side releases the weight of the uterus, thus decreasing pressure on the veins in your legs and feet
- Wear special support hose to make it easier for blood to flow back up toward your heart, prevent swelling and may keep your varicose veins from getting worse.
While varicose veins may itch or hurt (not to mention unsightly!), they're generally harmless in the short term, thus treatment (if needed) can wait until after the pregnancy.
Filed in archive
Is it Safe...?
, Medical Issues
, Third Trimester
on June 11, 2010
©
Joe Shlabotnik
According to a new committee opinion issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, occasional air travel is safe for healthy pregnant women. When traveling is really necessary (for example, emergencies in the family), women should follow medical advice to be on the safer side:
1. Exercise normal precautions: drink lots of water, get up and walk, wear support stockings and keep your seat belt fastened while seated on the plane.
2. Take an anti-nausea pill before getting on a plane and avoid consuming foods or drinks that can cause gas.
3. Some airlines require a note from a doctor if a pregnant woman wants to travel up to a month before her due date. So make sure you have that.
4. Air travel in mid-pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks) is preferable because that's when the risks of miscarriage and premature labor are lowest (according to Mayo Clinic).
5. Women with other medical issues such as heart disease or lung disease should be more restrictive of air travel when pregnant.
6. Take note: air travel isn't recommended AT ALL for women who are at risk of premature labor or have other obstetric complications such as pregnancy-induced hypertension.
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