Animal models suggest that dieting during early pregnancy- even around the time of conception- may have long-lasting effects on baby’s health. The work has found that changes in diet cause distinct changes in the structure in DNA that help regulate the function of genes related to glucose metabolism. If you’re expecting, this might make you… [Continue Reading]
DNA Structural Changes in Babies May Change with Maternal Diet During Early Pregnancy
April 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
New Guidelines Issued for Keeping Small Children Active
March 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A lack of physical activity is a major problem for our children, according to public health experts, who have issued new guidelines for infants and toddlers. Experts are now advising parents to minimize or eliminate time spent in front of a screen. Infants should be actively playing on the floor several times a day, and… [Continue Reading]
Planned Repeat Caesareans Associated With Better Outcomes than Vaginal Delivery After Caesarean
March 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Women planning a subsequent birth after a caesarean delivery may be swayed by new evidence suggesting a planned repeat caesarean may result in the best outcomes for the health of both mom and baby. A new study examined serious outcomes after vaginal and caesarean births in women having previously had a caesarean, and found a… [Continue Reading]
Delaying Knee Surgery in Children May Lead to Permanent Damage
March 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new study has examined the outcome of children undergoing surgery for injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. While some surgeons hesitate to perform the corrective procedure because of a risk of affecting the growth of the knee, researchers have found that delaying surgery increases the risk of additional injuries and… [Continue Reading]
Listening to Mom Helps Premature Babies Overcome Health Issues
March 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A small study of premature babies suggests that listening to their mother’s voice and heartbeat while in intensive care could reduce their respiratory difficulties. Premature infants often have many difficulties as a result of their incomplete development, including lung and heart problems. Researchers found that with mom’s voice around, the risk of abnormal pauses in… [Continue Reading]
Adopted Children with Drug-Using Biological Parents At Risk for Addiction
March 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Adoptive parents may need to pay particular attention to their children if their biological parents abused drugs, a new study suggests. Children whose biological parents had a history of addiction are at higher risk for addiction themselves, researchers have found. In a national Swedish adoption study, the risk for drug abuse appears to be increased… [Continue Reading]
Immune Reaction to Gluten and Casein May Be Behind Some Symptoms of Autism
February 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Gastrointestinal symptoms occur more frequently in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and could be caused by allergic reactions to gluten and casein, according to new research. The study examined children whose parents have fed them a diet free of the two proteins, found in wheat and dairy products, and found that parents following the… [Continue Reading]
Neurological Problems in Babies Exposed to Ecstacy During Pregnancy
February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Ecstasy is a relatively widely used drug, and very little is known of its effects on a developing fetus when used by a pregnant woman. A new study of women who used drugs during their pregnancy reveals significant deficits in their babies at several months of age, including impaired motor and cognitive development. A study… [Continue Reading]
Breastfeeding Mothers Should Limit Caffeine Consumption
February 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Doctors are reminding mothers that caffeine is transmitted through breastmilk, and may have consequences for their baby’s behavior. A recently published interview with a breastfeeding expert has raised questions about how babies metabolize caffeine, highlighting gaps in the research literature. Babies are not able to metabolize or excrete caffeine very well, so a breastfeeding mother’s… [Continue Reading]
Nursing Home Visits Reduces Hosptial Use by Asthmatic Children
February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A community program developed to improve the care of children with asthma has shown remarkable success, according to a study of the program published today. The initiative involves home visits by nurses, and significantly reduced the frequency of hospital visits by asthmatic kids. Nearly 1 in 10 children have asthma, according to government statistics, and… [Continue Reading]