3 mins read

Can I Get Health Insurance If I Am Already Pregnant?

No doubt about it, having insurance can ease some of the burdens of pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, delivering a baby costs more than $6,000. Prenatal (before birth) care, including doctor visits and tests, adds to the expense. Not only does health insurance cover most costs, it can help women obtain needed care and services. Even if you’re already pregnant, you may still be able to obtain health insurance, depending on your circumstances.

3 mins read

How Does Parental Drinking Contribute to Teen Alcoholism?

Can a parent’s drinking habits increase the risk of alcoholism for a teenager? According to the National Institutes of Health, a family history of alcoholism is a major risk factor for problem drinking. In addition, some studies have found that certain genes passed from parents to children increase the risk for alcoholism. Many other factors play a part in teenage drinking, including peer pressure and stress. Still, it seems clear that parent’s drinking habits influence how their children use or misuse alcohol.

4 mins read

Dangers of Soy Infant Formula

The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that about 25 percent of infants in the U.S. receive soy formula in their diets. While many parents believe that soy formula is healthier than formulas with cow’s protein, pediatricians say that few babies actually have medical conditions, which warrant a need for soy formula. Before making the choice to start your baby on a soy formula, both you and your infant’s pediatrician should examine all the alternatives. Then carefully weigh the possible benefits of each against any potential adverse side effects on your baby’s health.

3 mins read

Healthy Carbs to Eat While Pregnant

Pregnant women need healthy carbs, and plenty of them—nine servings daily, according to “Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide” by Simkin, Whalley and Keppler. Healthy carbs are complex carbohydrates such as bread and pasta made from unrefined grains, beans, legumes, potatoes with their skins, fruits and vegetables. Healthy carbohydrates retain the nutritious, high-fiber content that the refining process eliminates. Healthy carbs fill you up and are highly nutritious to boot, with plenty of vitamins and protein, furnishing many of the extra calories you need to provide nutrition for your unborn baby. There’s one catch: If you have gestational diabetes, it’s especially important to check with your doctor about your carbohydrate intake, since you may need to moderate your starchy foods to control your blood sugar.