A link between ASD and induced delivery?
August 15th 2013Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have become more prevalent, with 1 in 88 children now being diagnosed, and scientists and parents want to know what may be causing the problem. Environmental factors’ impact on risk has been of significant interest. A study recently published in JAMA Pediatrics looks at the potential effect of induced labor on autism risk.
Sleep may alter immune system functioning; depression may play additional role
August 8th 2013If sleep is interrupted, it may interfere with normal immune system functioning and lead to unwanted pregnancy outcomes. In addition, depression may play a role in how sleep affects the immune system. These findings were reported in Psychosomatic Medicine.
Free contraception leads to better pregnancy timing
August 1st 2013Properly timing subsequent pregnancies is important for both mothers and babies. It’s often accomplished with postpartum contraception, which may be out of reach for low-income women. A recent study in Obstetrics & Gynecology looked at how prescription of postpartum contraception through publicly funded programs affects the interval between pregnancies.
Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy
August 1st 2013Obstetricians often see pregnant patients with psychiatric disorders, the most common being depression. Treatment includes both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic options. This article focuses on use of selective serotonin reputake inhibitors (SSRIs), the drugs most often used to treat depression in pregnancy.
Scientists take notable step toward potential Down syndrome treatment
July 25th 2013A therapy for Down syndrome may be just around the corner, thanks to scientists’ success in altering a genetic fault in isolated cells that ultimately leads to the condition, according to new study findings in Nature.