The Nation Newspaper

Tag: pregnancy

  • Folic acid in pregnancy may help lower autism risk

    TAKING folic acid before pregnancy, and through the first several weeks of pregnancy, may help reduce the risk of autism for those children.

    Researchers in Norway looked at data from 85,000 pregnancies, and found that women who took the supplement four weeks before pregnancy, and through the eighth week of pregnancy, were 39% less likely to have children with autism.

    This is the largest explanation to date on the benefits of folic acid for autism prevention, and marks one of the first tangible things a woman can do to reduce her risk of giving birth to a child with the disorder.

    “This is pretty exciting,” said Alycia Halladay, senior director for environmental and clinical sciences for Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy group. “It actually supports the idea of actionable things women can do before they become pregnant, and right as conception happens.”

    Experts have known for some time that taking folic acid can prevent neural tube birth defects like spina bifida in developing fetuses. The same dose appears to provide some benefit in preventing autism, according to the research.

    “This is another piece of evidence that supports the beneficial uses of folic acid during pregnancy,” said Halladay, who was not connected with the study.

    But some experts are not quite ready to tout the benefits of folic acid too loudly, particularly for autism prevention.

    The Norwegian researchers do admit that more studies should be done to confirm the link.

    Zachary Warren, director of the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Vanderbilt University says he wishes the solution were as simple as just taking folic acid. “Caring for individuals with autism and their families would be a whole lot easier if we had simple answers about cause and risk,” he says. “The reality is, autism is a complex disorder and our best answers about causes and treatment are going to be complex as well.”

    Despite the fact that a link between taking folic acid and reducing autism risk isn’t fully proven, Halladay says there’s no harm in taking the supplement, and women should be taking it anyway to prevent birth defects.

    Folic acid is already recommended to prevent birth defects, but the supplement could lower risk of autism as well.

    Folic acid is the synthetic form of the B vitamin folate, which occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables and is important for generating and maintaining healthy cells. That’s why it may prevent neural tube birth defects early in fetal development, and could explain why it also plays a role in neuro-developmental disorders such as autism.

    The fact that the protective effect appears only during early pregnancy, further supports the idea that the nutrient may be preventing some of the molecular abnormalities that trigger autism, which seems to develop during the initial stages of fetal development.

  • Maintaining intimacy during pregnancy

    Sharing dates, intercourse and anticipation of parenthood should bring couples closer – with or without orgasm

    The swelling belly that punctuates the beauty of motherhood can sometimes be a speed bump to intimacy between husband and wife. It doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to navigate maternity in a way that preserves the romance and sexual chemistry.

    Mission 1: How can a husband create an atmosphere for sex without coming off as a selfish, horny, insensitive pervert?

    Emotional Foreplay! Romantic overtures like the husband bringing flowers, cooking a special dinner, caressing the stomach and even brushing the hair are signs of tenderness to remind his lady that she is still beautiful and adored. It doesn’t hurt to come right out and call her beautiful either.

    Intimacy during pregnancy is about more than sex; it is ultimately about two people feeling connected in a cloud of protective love and desire of their own making. That means intercourse, emotion, and communication are all part of the intimate package needed especially during pregnancy.

    Mission 2: As the baby grows, sex feels uncomfortable for me as a wife. What are the most comfortable positions for sexual intimacy during pregnancy?

    First of all, you won’t harm the baby. Second of all, fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and the increased need to urinate during sex may be so off-putting during the first trimester that sex is not feasible. But in the second-trimester when the hormones kick in and the breast grow rounder and more luscious — whoa baby! Here are tips to consider for sexual intimacy during pregnancy then: have sex sideways, or lie on your back slightly propped up on a pillow while your partner holds your legs up. Mutual oral or manual stimulation might also be comfortable and desirable.

    Mission 3: How can I think about sex when I’m fat and feeling unpretty?

    Embrace pregnancy as one of the most beautiful times in a woman’s life. It’s a cliche but it’s true. Many men actually like when the body becomes rounder, especially the bosom. Femininity is often associated with soft, fleshy curves. Remember the full-figured Rubenesque art celebrated as the epitome of womanhood during the 17th century? So, buy some clothes —including lingerie — that flaunt that incredible belly and bosom!

    Mission 4: Why do I crave MORE sex now that I’m pregnant — and what if my husband can’t keep up with my new sex drive?

    Many pregnant women, due to the increase in progesterone and estrogen, may find their libido surging! Their bodies will supply extra sensitivity of the breast and labia, as well as increased vaginal lubrication. These basics for increased sex drive, however, may go no where if the husband’s drive goes down. Sometimes husbands fear they can hurt the baby, which is rarely true. Let him know that the baby is protected by your abdominal muscles as well as the amniotic sac.

    Some husbands find maternity to be a time of pristine adoration and find sex with the mother figure inappropriate. If your husband has this reluctance, consider going to talk it out together with a therapist. If that doesn’t work, you might have to consider self-pleasure.

    In the final trimester, a lack of sexual interest might be shared by both of you as you anticipate parenthood. Husbands often exhibit lower testosterone and increased estrogen that might lower their sex drive as they near fatherhood, according to a recent report in Redbook Magazine.

    Mission 5: If I want to have sex while pregnant, during what time periods are safest?

    The first trimester is generally not recommended or even desirable if you are experiencing physical symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness and cramping. In the second trimester those ailments wane and that time is generally the safest and most lusty period. The final trimester is safe as well and can relieve the stress of being pregnant. However, during the final days be cautious about orgasms that squeeze the uterus and consider opting for simple intercourse without climax.

    Some reports suggest women who continue sexual intimacy while pregnant , especially during the last trimester, don’t need forced deliveries.

    Mission 6: Can I use personal satisfaction toys during intimate play with my spouse?

    According to Dr. Marjorie Greenfield of DrSpock.com, using toys, such as vibrators during pregnancy, is safe. However, some experts caution that you increase the risk of going into early labor because the more powerful orgasms could lead to contractions in the third trimester. Make sure any object inserted into the vagina is clean to avoid bacterial infections. Also, do not insert too deeply so as to avoid puncturing the placenta, according to doctors on BabyCenter.com — objects can punctuate more readily than flesh.

    As an alternative, the husband may wish to try a vibrating ring for intercourse.

    Some women report that the orgasms from electric sex actually help them fall asleep better during pregnancy.

    Mission 7: If I’m not experiencing the expected lubrication during pregnancy, what can I do?

    Try a non-irritating lubricant like AstroGlide or Slippery Stuff. If you prefer to go the organic route for intimacy during pregnancy, coconut oil is a great natural lubricant that smells good and is anti-bacterial.

    Mission 8: Instead of sex, what else can my husband and I do to feel close to each other?

    Hugging, kissing, spooning should be constant staples when a couple plans intimacy during pregnancy. Avoid massages which could be too stimulating to the uterus and baby. Going on dates might be a fun activity to look forward to — and not just for the wife. Dates would remind the husband that he’s special and that you have time for more than just the baby. This is very important psychologically as the husband undoubtedly anticipates that you and the baby, by virtue of being in the same body for nine months, will be devoted to one another in a way he can’t share. Some couples enjoy writing daily letters, notes or journals to each other about their maternity experience and anticipation — tokens that can be shared later with the child as a keepsake.

    Don’t forget the technical flirtations by text-message, email or cell phone when the spouse is working and away from home frequently. Three-way intimacies like listening to romantic music with headphones on the stomach for the baby or reading aloud together so the baby can pick up on both your voices are also overwhelmingly tender moments.

    Source: Yahoo Health

  • Wife’s pregnancy stops Osaze

    Wife’s pregnancy stops Osaze

    Super Eagles and West Bromwich Albion striker, Osaze Odemwingie, has been exempted from the United State of America bound Nigeria team that would confront Venezuela in order to be with his wife who is due to deliver any time from that period when the friendly match would be played.

    Osaz as he is fondly called rescinded his decision not to play for his fatherland after discussing his future with the Nigeria Coach Keshi this week. The coach, however, told SportingLife that he actually permitted him to stay away from the friendly match against Venezuela in order to be with his expectant wife.

    “Osaze was not on the list of players that will confront Venezuela in the US friendly because of personal reasons. His wife is heavy and it’s around this period she might put to bed. But he would join us for the final phase of the preparations for the Nations Cup,” Keshi disclosed.