Blog List

New research has found one in ten mothers suffer from depression during pregnancy. It was previously thought that pregnancy hormones helped protect against this, but hormonal changes during pregnancy can actually contribute to the development of depression. There are now calls for more to be done to identify and treat the illness in pregnant women, following evidence that shows mental and...

A new large-scale British study has concluded that pregnant women are safe to eat fish during pregnancy. The study, which examined blood samples from more than 4,000 pregnant women, concluded that limiting seafood intake is unlikely to reduce their mercury levels substantially. The researchers said they hope that ‘many more women will now consider eating fish during pregnancy’. Mercury, which...

Have you heard of the latest birthing trend? A ‘lotus birth’ involves leaving the placenta attached to the baby until it falls off naturally and this practice has attracted a growing number of converts. While advocates of the method believe it has physical and emotional benefits for the newborn, obstetricians have expressed their concerns, warning that it could lead to infection and even death...

A New York hospital has decided to put antenatal classes online for expectant mothers. The move to create online tutorials came after the hospital noticed a drop in the number of women turning up to classes. A US parenting charity says the online tutorials will put parents at a disadvantage, while the hospital believes it will open up important information to more mothers-to-be. What do you think...

A pregnant woman has received heavy criticism after she posted pictures of herself lifting weights just two weeks before her due date. US bodybuilder Lea-Ann Ellison was determined to stay in shape during her pregnancy and continued her exercise regime. The 35-year-old said: ‘After the birth of my second child, I knew I needed to step it up big time. ‘I loved being a Mom but I wanted to be a...

Research in Scotland has found the health of pregnant women and their babies is put at risk when mothers are overweight or underweight. The analysis of 110,000 pregnancies between 2003 and 2010 showed the risk of complications increased in women with a higher BMI. These women also had an increased risk of hypertension and diabetes, which can affect the baby. While obese women were 45% more likely...

Freebirthing, giving birth at home without medical intervention, is on the rise in Britain. Approximately 20 to 30 freebirths occur each year. Most ‘freebirthers’ believe labour works better without interference, preferring to deliver on their own without a midwife on hand or going into hospital. Women who opt to go alone believe there are little risks if you have had a healthy pregnancy and...

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has advised against further folic acid fortification of food An international conference at Trinity College Dublin was told that there were no additional benefits to mandatory folic acid fortification of bread in Ireland. After conducting a blood monitoring study of the Irish population, the FSAI found that folic acid intake remains high mainly due to voluntary...

In her new book, Expecting Better, economist Emily Oster has criticised common pregnancy advice after analysing health studies and journals. She claims that woman can drink plenty of coffee, dye their hair and even have a glass of wine a day. Oster began investigating the standard rules given to expecting mothers when she became pregnant herself three years ago. She claims that the research she...

A pregnant mother has lost her case against the Health Service Executive after it refused her application for a home birth. Kilkenny lecturer Aja Teehan had a child by Caesarean section six years ago and her application was denied on the grounds that there were increased risks associated with natural birth after a C-section. While the expectant mother provided medical evidence that she was a low...