Women’s HealthFirst Wants You To Know

More Than 1 In 10 Babies Worldwide Born Prematurely; U.S. Rates Similar To Developing Countries

Saturday, May 12th, 2012

The first ever country-by-country global comparison of premature births, released by the World Health Organization, found that 15 million babies a year are born preterm, or more than one in 10 live births.

About 1 million of those babies die shortly after birth, while countless others suffer a significant, life-long physical, neurological or educational disability, according to Born Too Soon: The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth, released jointly by the W.H.O., Save the Children, the March of Dimes and the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, while American hospitals excel at saving premature infants, the United States is similar to developing countries in the percentage of mothers who give birth before their children are due, ranking worse than any Western European country and considerably below Japan or the Scandinavian countries.

Although more than 60% of preterm births are in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, about 12% of all births in the USA are preterm, a percentage far higher than in Europe or other developed countries.

"In the United States, our preemies have among the highest survival rates in the world," says co-editor of the report and head of Global Programs for the March of Dimes, Christopher Howson. "Where we fall flat is on the prevention side. We need to do a lot more to prevent preterm births, such as improving health care access for all, bringing down rates of smoking and issues of unnecessary C-sections and inductions."

According to Howson, some of the factors driving up the rate in the USA include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking; the number of older women having babies; increased use of fertility drugs, which increase the risk of multiple births; and increased rates of medically unnecessary Cesarean deliveries and inductions "done at the convenience of the doctor or mother."

The United States shares the dubious 12 percent range with Kenya, Turkey, Thailand, East Timor and Honduras, meaning one in nine births is early. However, in the United States, an infant born before 28 weeks has a 90 percent chance of surviving, albeit often with disabilities, while in most of Africa such a child has a 90 percent chance of dying.

According to the report, an estimated 75% of the world's 1 million preterm deaths could be avoided if a few "proven and inexpensive treatments and preventions" were widely available in low-income countries, including teaching "kangaroo care," in which tiny babies are held skin-to-skin on their mother's bare chests for warmth when there are no incubators.

Steroid injections for mothers in premature labor, which cost $1 an injection, and help develop immature fetal lungs and prevent respiratory problems, could save almost 400,000 lives a year. Wiping first-aid cream on the stump of the umbilical cord and having antibiotics on hand to fight pneumonia would save countless more.

Researchers say the report, which is three years in the making and the first to compare premature birthrates in 184 countries, "dispels the notion that this is a rare problem," but perhaps more importantly, "leaves no excuse for preterm births to remain a neglected problem."

[image via AP]

U.S. Fertility Trends Relatively Stable; Children Born To Unmarried Couples On The Rise

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

While many fertility trends have remained stable in the U.S. over the last decade, there is one that is bucking this trend: the number of first births among unmarried couples who were living together.

According to a new report by the National Survey of Family Growth, that figure has risen from 12% of first births in 2002 to 22% between 2006 and 2010 among women ages 15-44.

However, as for the ages of first-time parents in America, not much has changed. The average age for a woman to give birth to her first child is 23, while for men the number was slightly higher at around age 25.

The report, based on fertility estimates of nearly 10,500 men and almost 13,000 women in the U.S. ages 15 to 44 over a four-year period, also found that one-half of women's first birth took place in their 20s, and two-thirds of first births were fathered by men who were also in their 20s.

There were also differences among ethnic groups in terms of the timing of a firstborn child. According to researchers, by age 20, an estimated 32% of African American women and 30% of Hispanic women had given birth, while only 5% of Asian women and 14% of white women had done so.

Regardless of ethnicity, by age 40, 85% of women had typically given birth, and 76% of men had fathered a child. The study also found that by the time an American women reaches her early 40s, she typically has two kids.

While some women delayed childbearing until they were slightly older, others remained childless. The survey estimated that 43% of women ages 15-44 had no children either because they had decided not to, were unable to become pregnant, or were planning to have them later in life.

The researchers also found that women who were married and women who were college-educated were more likely to have a first birth at age 30 or older, compared with women who were not married or those with less education. And both men and women with lower levels of education were more likely to have more children and at earlier ages than those who attended college.

[image via Getty]

Study Shows Positive Outlook May Be Good For Your Heart

Monday, May 7th, 2012

It is no secret that negative mental states, such as chronic depression, anger, anxiety, and hostility, are detrimental to cardiovascular health. Less is known about how positive psychological traits affect heart health, until now.

In the first and largest study on the topic to date, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) found that positive psychological well-being appears to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events.

Instead of solely focusing on how to lessen heart risks, lead researcher Julia Boehm of the Harvard School of Public Health determined "it might be useful to focus on how we might bolster the positive side of things."

After reviewing dozens of studies examining a positive outlook on heart health, as determined by various psychological measurements, Boehm found a striking correlation between optimism and lower risk of heart attacks. In fact, "the most optimistic individuals had an approximately 50% reduced risk of experiencing an initial cardiovascular event compared to their less optimistic peers,” Boehm said.

According to Boehm, people with a better sense of well-being and purpose tend to have healthier blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, and are more likely to exercise, eat healthy, get enough sleep, and abstain from smoking.

Boehm cautioned that it will take more research to accurately determine if a positive outlook makes people feel more like taking heart-healthy steps--or whether living healthier helps you feel more positive. But either way, those who feel they have some control over their lives and are invested in their care tend to have better outcomes.

"Sometimes it's hard, particularly in tough economic times, but taking a moment to just relax and enjoy a sunny day might be good heart health."

In other words, "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Your health depends on it.

[image via istockphoto]

Some Simple Steps To Boost Energy Levels & Keep Exhaustion At Bay

Monday, April 16th, 2012

In today's hectic, nonstop world, fatigue has become an almost routine part of life. For women juggling career and family responsibilities, this can be especially true.

"We live in a culture in which people accept lagging energy as a fact of life," explains integrative medicine specialist and author Frank Lipman, M.D.

This hurried lifestyle is a mindset that starts early. "We're now primed to be fatigued from the get-go," says anesthesiologist Bradley Carpentier, M.D., who has studied causes of exhaustion. "Kids are loaded with after-school activities; high schoolers are busy getting into college, where they'll only get up earlier and stay up later. Then come careers, the iPhones and BlackBerrys, the 24-7 multitasking."

But that doesn't mean you're doomed to a life of chronic exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and endless fatigue. While stress and responsibilities are part of modern life, getting the proper amount of rest can go a long way in making you feel better, more energized, and more productive in your daily activities.

Start by following these simple steps:

Hit the snooze button.
Most adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Try to hit the sheets at around the same time each evening to keep your circadian rhythms in tune, your internal clock functioning properly, and your body feeling refreshed and rested.

Fuel up right.
Starting your day with the right nutritional balance is key to keeping you feeling full and energized throughout the day, and helps you avoid the late-afternoon crash. A healthy breakfast should include around 20 grams of protein and some healthy fat, both of which help boost energy levels. Instead of that sugar-packed muffin and latte, try some peanut butter or a handful of almonds stirred into low-fat yogurt for a delicious, sensible start.

Moment of zen.
Despite its bad reputation as a New Age gimmick, a 20-minute morning meditation session can be a highly relaxing, mentally recharging activity that actually improves focus and productivity. "Meditating in the morning can help clear your mind so that you can then do things faster and with more focus," says Dr. Lipman. "You can actually end up with more time."

Let your creative juices flow.
You don't need to log 18-hour days at the office to feel accomplished. In fact, having outside hobbies and passions often goes hand-in-hand with positive self-esteem. Think about what's appealing to you—cooking, writing, painting, scrapbooking—and devote an hour or two to it each week. You'll be surprised at how restored you feel when you accomplish something that's just for you. Plus, finding a healthy balance between work and play can help you keep your spirits up, energy high and stave off stress-related exhaustion.

So remember when you're feeling tired, stressed or there just isn't enough time in the day, it's time to take a deep breath, and make relaxing a priority instead. Because a little energy can go a long way.

[image via Brian Finke]

Low Vitamin D Levels In Pregnancy Linked To Language Problems In Children

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics finds that women with low levels of vitamin D in their blood during pregnancy increase their odds of having a child with language problems.

Of the 743 pregnant women who participated in the study, those with the lowest amounts of vitamin D in their blood during their second trimester of pregnancy (18th week) were nearly twice as likely to have a child with language difficulties compared to women with the highest levels of the vitamin.

These findings held true even when researchers took into account other factors that could have influenced the results, such as the mother's age during pregnancy, whether she smoked, as well as family income and medical history.

While researchers did not find a link between vitamin D levels and a child's emotional or behavioral development, reduced levels of vitamin D were connected to language learning problems when a child reaches school age.

Scientists suspect that having solid levels of vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin," in the mother's blood while pregnant -- especially during the second and third trimesters -- is critical since this is when certain parts of the fetal brain involved in language-learning develop.

Concluding that "maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of developmental language difficulties among their children," researchers recommend women get the essential vitamin from foods such as salmon, milk, eggs, beef liver, and cheese, or through exposure to sunlight, although this may be a less reliable source for women who limit sun exposure and use sunscreen.

[image via BabyHold]

Superfoods To Boost Energy, Strengthen Muscles, & Keep Your Body At Its Best

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

With temperatures slowly rising and many parts of the country just emerging from that deep winter freeze, your body is likely longing for some warm summer sun. While there's nothing fun about blizzards, chapped lips, frozen fingers and shoveling snow, there are some powerful superfoods that can help keep your energy high, your immune system strong, and those cold-weather blues at bay. Snack on these disease-fighting, nutrient-packed edibles to keep your body--and your mind--feeling good and looking good, from the inside out.

Taking it from the top:

Your Hair:
Low-fat cottage cheese
Hair is almost all protein, so to keep your locks vibrant and strong, make sure to eat enough of it. Low-fat or reduced fat cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse, with 14 grams in half a cup.
Pumpkin seeds
Zinc helps reduce shedding, so tossing a tablespoon of these zinc-heavy seeds into your cereal, granola, or straight into your mouth is a great way to keep your hair healthy and strong.

Your Brain:
Arctic char
This cold-water fish is a great source of the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA, which can improve brain function and stave off the blues. Omega-3s help prevent inflammation in the brain and regulate feel-good neurotransmitters.
Kale
A study in the journal Neurology reports that getting two-plus servings per day of veggies--especially leafy green ones like kale--slows cognitive decline by 40 percent. Sautéed, steamed or stir-fried, nothing feeds the 100 billion neurons in your noggin better than nutritious kale.

Your Nose:
Sunflower seeds
Stop those seasonal sniffles with vitamin E-packed sunflower seeds. Researchers believe it calms the parts of your immune system involved in allergies, and with 49 percent of your daily vitamin E needs in an ounce, sunflower seeds can be your shnoz's best line of defense against the dreaded drip.

Your Eyes:
Eggs
Whether scrambled or sunnyside up, eggs are nutritious, versatile, economical, and a great way to fill up on quality protein. Eggs also contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is good for brain development and memory. While yolks may get a bad-rap, they are a great source of antioxidants that fight cataracts as well as macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. Plus, research has shown that eating an average of one egg yolk a day will not hurt your cholesterol levels. Enjoy them at any meal or hard-boiled as a portable, nutritious snack.
Orange cauliflower
No, you're not seeing things, that really is orange cauliflower popping up in your produce aisle. Thanks to food scientists, orange cauliflower is just like the white variety, but with 25 times as much beta-carotene, which maintains the protective covering over the cornea. As with any low-calorie vegetable, feel free to enjoy this distinctly colored cauliflower (sans the salt and butter) to your heart's, err make that your eyes' content.

Your Skin:
Tomatoes
However you slice it, tomatoes are especially beneficial when cooked because more of the carotenoid lycopene seeps into the skin, where it can limit damaging UV rays, lower skin-cancer risk, and ward off wrinkles.

Your Lips:
Walnuts
In order to maintain moist, beautiful, chap-free lips, your body needs to constantly replace old skin cells with new ones. With their high-protein, high-fiber, heart-healthy fats and antioxidant content, walnuts are the perfect accompaniment to salads, cereal, oatmeal, trail mix, muffins, or any of your favorite recipes. So pucker up to an ounce (about 14 shelled halves) a day for some lip smacking goodness.

Your Nails:
Beef
Despite the recent uptick in vegetarian and vegan diets, beef is an excellent source of absorbable iron, a nutrient which is often deficient in women. Low iron levels, which are common in women, not only zap your energy but can cause weak, brittle nails. Look for leaner, lower-fat cuts like top round and other round cuts to keep your nails strong and energy levels high.

Your Breasts:
Broccoli sprouts
Researchers have found that broccoli sprouts contain up to 20 times as much sulforaphane, a compound that inhibits breast-cancer cells from growing, as fully grown plants. Just a one-ounce serving contains 73 milligrams of sulforaphane, so spruce up your sandwiches and salads with 1/2 cup of broccosprouts for an easy way to do your body good.

Your Heart:
Asparagus
Vitamin B folate is believed to help reduce your risk of heart disease, which is good news because asparagus is chock-full of it. Eight steamed asparagus spears deliver 20 percent of your daily folate requirement, in addition to a variety of other heart-healthy nutrients like potassium.
Grape juice
Purple grape juice is high in phenolics, a group of powerful antioxidants that help remove heart-damaging free radicals. To watch your caloric intake while guarding your heart, try reduced-calorie grape juice or mix equal parts grape juice and seltzer for a refreshing drink that's good for your heart--and your waisteline.

Your Gut:
Dried plums, aka Prunes
These high-fiber fruits are essential to keeping you regular and your gastric system working properly. They may help shrink your stomach, too. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that among 74,000 women surveyed, those who got more fiber were 49 percent less likely to suffer weight gain. So add chopped prunes to your cereal, yogurt, or mix together with walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried blueberries, and sunflower seeds for a delicious, nutritous homemade trail mix.
Tempeh
Made from fermented whole soybeans, tempeh lines the gut with beneficial bacteria, improving digestion, reducing gas production, and killing ulcer-causing bacteria.

Your Reproductive Parts:
Blueberries
From vision-protecting vitamin C to appetite-suppressing fiber, blueberries pack an incredible amount of nutritional goodness into a small package. They're loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, low in calories, and high in water and fiber to help control blood sugar and keep you full longer. Plus, like cranberries, blueberries are believed to help reduce urinary tract infections.

Your Muscles & Joints:
Ricotta cheese
Packed with the vital amino acids muscles need to grow and mend, whey protein, a primary ingrediant in ricotta cheese, is essential when it comes to helping you build a buff bod. Mix low-fat ricotta with scrambled eggs, salsa, and broccoli sprouts for a power-packed breakfast.
Extra-virgin olive oil
Forget fat-free dressings and use olive oil instead. Olive oil contains oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory that may work like ibuprofen and keep your muscles and joints healthy and pain-free.

Your Bones:
Chocolate
More than just delicious, chocolate is rich in magnesium, which is vital to bone health. Higher magnesium intake is linked with greater bone-mineral density, so feel free to nibble an ounce of the sweet treat each day.
Salmon
Salmon gets is "superfood" reputation because of its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which helps boost bone density. It is also a good source of calcium, another bone must. As if that weren't enough, salmon is low in calories (200 for 3 ounces), has lots of protein, is a good source of iron, and is very low in saturated fat. Perhaps that's why the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish like salmon twice weekly.

Until there is some kind of potion or pill that contains everything you needed for weight loss and good health, these "superfoods" are the next best thing.

Eaten regularly, these foods will help you satisfy the recommendations of the USDA Dietary Guidelines, but even more importantly, these multitasking "superfoods" provide multiple disease-fighting nutrients, fill you up without excess calories, and are easy to include in everyday meals, making them a convenient and delicious way to keep your body looking and feeling its best.

[image via Sam Ingersoll]

Flu Shots During Pregnancy May Be Beneficial To Babies

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

According to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), vaccinating pregnant women against the influenza virus appears to have a significant positive effect on birth weight in babies.

The study, part of the Mother'sGift project on the safety and effectiveness of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines in pregnant women, examined 340 healthy pregnant mothers in the third trimester in Bangladesh. The participants were divided into two groups, with 170 women receiving the influenza vaccine and the remaining 170 receiving pneumococcal vaccine as a control.

Researchers then compared the weight of babies born in two periods, one in which there was circulation of an influenza virus and one with limited circulation.

According to the researchers, when influenza viruses were circulating, vaccination of pregnant women against flu was associated with healthier babies, with women vaccinated in the third trimester less likely to have babies who were small for gestational age than those who received a pneumococcal vaccine (25.9% to 44.8% ).

Also, babies born to mothers who received the flu vaccine had a higher average birth weight (3,178 versus 2,978 grams), as well as a lower rate of respiratory illness.

"We found that immunization against influenza during pregnancy had a substantial effect on mean birth weight and the proportion of infants who were small for gestational age," writes Dr. Mark Steinhoff of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and co-author of the study. "Our data suggest that the prevention of infection with seasonal influenza in pregnant women by vaccination can influence fetal growth."

The researchers urge additional studies to support their findings, suggesting that adding an influenza vaccine to routine vaccination programs during pregnancy could help children have a better start in life.

"If our data ... are confirmed, the existence of effective antenatal immunization delivery systems suggests influenza vaccine may be a feasible addition to routine antenatal immunization programs."

I guess you could call that a shot worth taking.

Of course, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to discuss this with your Women's HealthFirst physician.

[image via Medical News Today]

New Study Finds C-Section Delivery Not Always Best For Small Babies

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Contrary to coventional wisdom, Cesarean sections are no safer than vaginal delivery for infants who are born early or who are small for their age, according to a new study by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. In fact, C-sections might actually lead to a greater risk of respiratory problems and other complications in these infants, causing doctors to re-think how they look at the procedure.

“You shouldn’t assume there’s no downside to the baby with a C-section,” said Dr. Erika Werner, lead author of the study and assistant professor of gynecology and obstetrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

The results of the study are particularly important, as Cesarean deliveries become more and more common, with C-section rates rising 33 percent from 2000 to 2007, with women under the age of 25 experiencing the greatest increase at 57 percent.

The most recent data – from 2009 – show that 45.6 percent of premature babies were delivered by Cesarean section, as compared to 35.1 percent of those born at 37-38 weeks.

Part of the explanation for the especially high rate among preemies likely lies in the assumption that vaginal births is too traumatic – and dangerous - for fragile infants who are underweight and preterm, said Dr. Diane Ashton, deputy director of the March of Dimes.

But according to the study, babies born vaginally were no more likely to have developed subdural hemorrhages, seizures, or sepsis than those delivered by C-section. Instead, the researchers found that babies born by C-section were 30 percent more likely to develop respiratory distress syndrome, which may have long term fallout for the babies.

“The breathing problems can turn into asthma later in life,” Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC’s chief medical editor explained. “In the last few weeks of pregnancy, that’s when the lungs and the brain are developing. So developmental problems, cerebral palsy, learning disability – all those things become compounded if a baby is taken out prematurely.”

While C-section deliveries may be necessary in certain situations, like if the baby is in distress or the heart rate is dropping, vaginal delivery is preferable in cases where there is no imminent danger to the baby or the mom.

Dr. James Ducey, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, agrees.

"You shouldn't have a C-section unless there is a good reason," he says. "Being small, in and of itself, is not a reason to do a C-section. It is more risky for mom and there is no benefit for baby, so why should we do it?"

“When you start to look at 37 maybe 38 weeks, there’s an increased belief now that the longer a baby stays in the womb, up to 40 weeks, the better the outcome is for the baby,” Dr. Snyderman adds.

Synderman is quick to caution against the mistaken belief that Cesarean sections are an easier, less painful alternative to vaginal birth.

”They say ‘I don’t want the pain, please let me just do a C-section. You have to remember the ultimate outcome should be a healthy baby.”

Now that's something everyone can agree on.

[image via istockphoto]

Women's HealthFirst Congratulates Dr. Eisenberg and Dr. Szela For Specialty Board Recertification

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Drs. Eisenberg and Szela have recertified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) for the year 2011.  Being Board Certified instills patient confidence and connotes state-of-the-art professional knowledge.  Dr. Eisenberg's and Dr. Szela's tenures with Women's HealthFirst have  made it one of the most established and highly regarded Practices in the Northwest Suburban area.  Their know-how and expertise are why we feel that "Our Experience  Makes Your Experience Better."

Caffeine May Alter Women's Estrogen Levels, Study Says

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

A new study of reporductive-age women by the National Institutes of Health reveals some surprising information when it comes to women and caffeine consumption.

Turns out that daily dose of caffeine may affect more than just your energy levels, depending on your race, that is.

While caffeine alters estrogen levels, it appears to have different effects in Asian and white women. In white women, for instance, coffee appears to lower estrogen, while in Asian women it has the reverse effect, raising levels of the hormone.

The study, which was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, analyzed data on more than 250 women ages 18 to 44 who consumed about 90 milligrams of caffeine a day, equivalent to roughly one cup of coffee. According to the researchers, about 90 percent of women nationwide between the ages of 18 and 34 drink the caffeine equivalent of one to two cups of coffee every day.

After controlling for variables, like age and diet, the researchers found that among Asian women, those who had 200 milligrams or more of caffeine a day— the equivalent to approximately two cups of coffee — had higher estrogen levels compared to those who consumed less. A similar pattern was seen among black women, though it was not statistically significant. In white women, however, 200 milligrams or more of caffeine appeared to have a slight lowering effect on estrogen.

It is unclear why caffeine would impact races differently, but it is likely that genetics has some influence on caffeine metabolism. Also interesting is that the source of caffeine seemed to make a difference. When the researchers looked exclusively at caffeine from beverages other than coffee — like green tea and soda — it was linked to higher estrogen in all women, regardless of race, perhaps triggered by various levels of antioxidants and other compounds in the drinks, as well as additives like milk and sugar.

Despite these findings, experts say women of child-bearing age who enjoy a daily cup of coffee or tea have little reason for concern. The effects of caffeine on estrogen are so minimal that in healthy women, it has no impact on ovulation or overall health, at least in the short term.

“This is important physiologically because it helps us understand how caffeine is metabolized by different genetic groups,” said Dr. Enrique Schisterman, an author of the study and senior investigator at the National Institutes of Health. “But for women of reproductive age, drinking coffee will not alter their hormonal function in a clinically significant way.”

For now, looks like that early morning pick me up is safe. Now that's something to buzz about!

[image via Getty]