Updated 29/08/2006
Online Pregnancy Book & Pregnancy Notes
Information about "Pregnancy Notes", the paperwork carried by pregnant mothers, and also an online "Pregnancy Book" are available via www.pregnancy.info
Other sources of information
Information and interactive tools from pre-pregnancy to toddler stage http://www.babycentre.co.uk
Bills itself as the UK leading website for pregnancy and babies http://www.babyworld.co.uk
Product reviews and parenting advice "by parents for parents" http://www.mumsnet.com
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) offers support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.co.uk/ This site has a section for fathers to be.
Antenatal results and choices helpline 020 7631 0285
Pre-eclampsia and pregnancy induced hypertension http://www.apec.org.uk/home.htm
"Our mission is to put an end to fear and suffering from women’s reproductive problems." See: http://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/
Smoking and pregnancy
Female smokers have their chances of conception reduced by 40%.
Women who smoke in pregnancy reduce their baby's birth weight and damage their baby's
health (including risk of cleft lip and palate).
5000 miscarriages a year are linked to smoking.
Good oral hygiene is vital during pregnancy
Source: Times 2 Date: 16/09/2003
Researchers from the University of Alabama think they have found a link between poor dental hygiene in pregnancy and premature births in a survey of women who were treated for peridontitis (severe gum disease). They looked at a group of women with peridontitis who had a history of premature birth and discovered that their risk of delivering before 37 weeks was cut by as much as 84 per cent after having scaling and root care before 35 weeks. This research adds to a growing body of evidence showing that gum problems can cause problems not just in the mouth, but also elsewhere in the body, including heart and lungs. However, readers are told not to worry that they will give birth prematurely if their gums are bleeding.
The British Dental Association advises that hormonal changes in pregnancy make women more prone to gum disease. Dental care is free for mothers during pregnancy and for a year after the baby's birth.
Miscarriage Click on the button on the left for information and weblinks.
Why a bigger gap between babies is best
Source: Daily Mail Date: 04/02/2004
A study of more than 700,000 births has found that it is better for the health of both mother and baby if children are born at least three to five years apart. Experts at the Catalyst Consortium, part of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said children born three to five years apart benefit from more attention from their mothers, enhancing their cognitive and social development. The consortium said a greater gap also means that the siblings are more independent and less demanding. A study at the University of California found that mothers who conceived less than 18 months after a prior birth were 47 times more likely to have premature births than those who waited 18-59 months.
Repeated ultrasound scans safe for foetus
Source: The Times Date: 03/12/2004
Australian scientists have claimed from studies that the ultrasound scanning technique, used to view foetuses in the womb, does not harm an unborn baby. They studied the progress of around 2,700 children, half of whom were exposed to ultrasound during gestation, and none had any abnormalities. Concern for the effects on ultrasound on foetuses emerged ten years ago when a study by the same group of Australian scientists found that some foetuses scanned with ultrasound more than five times had a lower birth weight. It is now considered an 'important step' that fear of damage to one's baby by this useful tool have now been assuaged.
Pregnancy alert over aspirin and ibuprofen
25/08/2006 Daily Mail
Taking painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen in the first three months of pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, researchers have claimed. A Canadian study focusing on the first 12 weeks after conception, published in the journal Birth Defects Research Part B, discovered that women who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were more likely to have babies with congenital problems including heart defects. Despite the relatively small extra risk, scientists are now calling for more studies into the effects of such over-the-counter treatments because their usage is so widespread.
Earlier studies have shown that paracetamol seems to be safe but all drugs should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
The Minster Practice, Lichfield
