Search Results for: developing data
Should Pregnant Women Be Medical Test Subjects?
The recent H1N1 swine flu virus was certainly deadly for the population as a whole, killing 305 Americans, but pregnant women were at a disproportionally higher risk for death. Pregnant women, even if they were healthy, were more likely to develop severe disease after infection with the virus. They were four times more likely to be hospitalized, with a much higher death rate. These facts were cited by researchers in their effort to correct what they believe is an urgent need to perform clinical testing on pregnant women (from a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine). They claim that pregnant women are virtually excluded from medical research. Because clinical testing poses potential risks for participants, is it safe for pregnant women to be a part of this group, possibly risking not only their own health, but the health of their fetus?
Long-Term Effects of Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are one of the most effective, accessible and popular contraceptive choices. Many women begin using birth control pills as a teen or a young woman and may continue them for a number of years, sometimes through menopause. Fortunately, oral contraceptives, particularly modern low-dose pills, are quite safe, but you should be aware of their long-term effects.
Teen Pregnancy Health Risk
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that teenage girls experience more medical complications during pregnancy than adult women. Because a teen’s body is still developing, a number of physical problems can arise. Teens also face more personal, economic and social problems related to pregnancy. While data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that more teens may be delaying sex, research suggests that a teenager’s environment often influences the decision to become sexually active at a young age.
How Long to Nurse a Child
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s important to know how long to nurse your child so as to get the optimal health benefit for your baby. Most current research on the health benefits of breastfeeding centers on the first six months to a year of life. After this point, the medical data on extended breastfeeding–breastfeeding beyond a year old–tapers off, and the decision to breastfeed becomes a personal one.
What Foods Should Be Avoided in Pregnancy?
A positive pregnancy test creates a wide range of emotions and concerns. After the initial excitement wears off, many pregnant women start wondering what is safe during pregnancy. A healthy diet during pregnancy is important to the developing baby. Just as important is learning the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Many foods on the list to avoid during pregnancy can potentially cause serious risks to an unborn baby.