scholarly journals Waterpipe (hookah) tobacco use in pregnancy: use, preferences and perceptions of flavours

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Suppl 2) ◽  
pp. s62-s71
Author(s):  
Laura Stroud ◽  
Erika Werner ◽  
Kristen Matteson ◽  
Michael Carey ◽  
Gideon St Helen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Reproductive Age Women ◽  
Exposure Biomarkers ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Carcinogen Exposure ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

ObjectiveWaterpipe tobacco (WPT; hookah) use is common in pregnant and reproductive-age women. Sweet flavours contribute to the appeal of WPT and are a potential regulatory target. This study investigated use, preferences and perceptions of WPT flavours in pregnant WPT users, and the impact of flavour preferences on preconception/prenatal WPT use and exposure biomarkers.Methods58 pregnant WPT users (mean age=27 years) completed a detailed interview regarding their WPT flavours use, preferences and perceptions. Biomarkers of nicotine and carcinogen exposure (eg, cotinine, benzene, butadiene) were also collected.Results55% of participants were dual/poly WPT users (ie, reported use of one or more other tobacco products in addition to WPT). Pregnant WPT users reported nearly exclusive use of flavoured WPT, with greater use of menthol/mint (68%) followed by fruit flavours (48%) (p<0.001), and greater preferences for fruit followed by menthol/mint flavours (ps<0.05). Harm perceptions did not differ among flavours. Compared with dual/poly WPT users, WPT-only users reported more total WPT use events, greater use of and preference for menthol/mint flavoured WPT (ps<0.001), and decreased exposure biomarkers (ps≤0.040). Preference for menthol/mint and fruit flavours predicted more flavoured WPT use events during preconception and pregnancy; preference for menthol/mint predicted detectable cotinine and benzene levels but not butadiene.ConclusionsThis is the first study of WPT flavour use, preferences and perceptions in pregnant women. Use of and preference for menthol/mint and fruit WPT flavours in this vulnerable population could be considered in regulating WPT flavours to protect the health of women and children.

scholarly journals High burden of anemia among pregnant women in Tanzania: a call to address its determinants

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno F. Sunguya ◽  
Yue Ge ◽  
Linda Mlunde ◽  
Rose Mpembeni ◽  
Germana Leyna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Gis Mapping ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Anemia In Pregnancy ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Anemia in pregnancy is behind a significant burden of maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes globally. Efforts to address it need evidence on trends and its pertinent factors as they vary from one area to another. Methods We pooled data of 23,203 women of reproductive age whose hemoglobin levels were measured from two Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS). Of them, 2,194 women were pregnant. Analyses employed descriptive analyses to determine the burden of anemia, its characteristics, and severity; GIS mapping to determine the regional changes of anemia between 2005 and 2015; and logistic regression to determine the remaining determinants of anemia among pregnant women using Stata 15. Results The burden of anemia among pregnant women in Tanzania has remained unprecedently high, and varies between regions. There was no significant decline of anemia in general between the two periods after adjusting for individual, households, reproductive, and child characteristics [AOR = 0.964, 95% CI = 0.774–1.202, p = 0.747). Anemia is currently prevalent in 57% of pregnant women in Tanzania. The prevalence is more likely to be higher among women aged 15–19 years than those aged between 20–34 years. It is more likely to be prevalent among those within large families, with no formal education, food insecurity, lack of health insurance, had no antimalaria during pregnancy, and had low frequency of ANC attendance. On the other hand, delivery in a health facility may be potentially protective against anemia. Conclusions Anemia in pregnancy remained persistently high and prevalent among 57% of pregnant women in Tanzania. Efforts to address anemia are crucial and need to be focused in regions with increasing burden of anemia among pregnant women. It is imperative to address important risk factors such as food insecurity, strengthening universal health coverage, empowering women of reproductive age with education and especially nutritional knowledge and advocating for early antenatal booking, attendance, and facility delivery.

scholarly journals Ovarian Dysgerminoma in Pregnant Women with Viable Fetus: A Rare Case Report

2021 ◽  
pp. 141-146
Author(s):  
Reda Youssef ◽  
Gamal Sayed Ahmed ◽  
Samir Alhyassat ◽  
Sanaa Badr ◽  
Ahmed Sabry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Age ◽  
Ovarian Neoplasms ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Ovarian Dysgerminoma ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

Dysgerminoma is an uncommon malignant tumor arising from the germ cells of the ovary. Its association with pregnancy is extremely rare, with a reported incidence of about 0.2–1 per 100,000 pregnancies. Women in the reproductive age group are more commonly affected. It can be extremely rare to conceive naturally, without assisted reproductive interventions, in cases with ovarian dysgerminoma. If a pregnancy does occur with a concurrent dysgerminoma, it is even more unusual to carry the pregnancy to viability or childbirth without fetal or maternal compromise. We report a case of right ovarian dysgerminoma in a young female with a viable intrauterine pregnancy at 10 weeks, which is rarely diagnosed and managed at this gestational age. Numerous factors played a role in her favorable outcome, including early suspicion by ultrasound and presenting history, surgery, histopathological assessment, imaging, and involvement of the multidisciplinary oncology team. Ovarian neoplasms may rapidly increase in size within a short period with little or no symptoms. This poses a diagnostic challenge for obstetricians and oncologists. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the role of imaging in pregnancy using ultrasound as an imaging modality for both early detection of ovarian neoplasms and for follow-up. In conclusion, patients with ovarian dysgerminoma in pregnancy can have favorable outcomes. Treatment should be individualized on a case-to-case basis, depending on many factors; cancer stage, previous reproductive history, the impact of imaging in staging or follow-up of tumor on the fetus, fetal gestational age, and whether termination of the pregnancy can improve survival or morbidity for the mother.

scholarly journals A review of guidance on fish consumption in pregnancy: is it fit for purpose?

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 2149-2159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline M Taylor ◽  
Pauline M Emmett ◽  
Alan M Emond ◽  
Jean Golding
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

AbstractObjectivePublic health messages to reduce Hg exposure for pregnant women have focused exclusively on advice on fish consumption to limit Hg exposure, with little account being taken of the positive contribution of fish to nutritional quality. The aim of the present review was to compare and contrast the content and presentation of national guidelines on fish consumption in pregnancy, and comment on their evidence base and impact on consumption.DesignWe searched for national and international guidelines on fish consumption in pregnancy using Internet search strategies. The detailed content and style of presentation of the guidelines were compared. The evidence base for the guidelines, and evidence for the impact of the guidelines on fish consumption levels, were assessed.ResultsWe identified nineteen national guidelines and three international guidelines. There was great variation in the content, complexity and presentation style. The guidelines were based largely on the Hg content of fish with far less consideration being given to the positive beneficial effects of nutrients provided by fish. The complexity of the guidelines may lead to pregnant women reducing their fish intake, or not eating fish at all.ConclusionsGuidelines on fish consumption in pregnancy should take the beneficial effects of fish into account. Guidelines need to be clear and memorable, and appropriately disseminated, to achieve impact. Guidelines could include visual rather than narrative content. Use of technology, for example apps, could enable women to record their fish consumption in real time and log compliance with guidance over a week or other time period.

RELATIONSHIP OF MATERNAL VITAMIN B12 STATUS IN PREGNANCY WITH PRETERM BIRTH AND MATERNAL HEALTH RISKS

2020 ◽  
pp. 32-38
Author(s):  
VICTORIA LAZAROVA SPASOVA ◽  
LILIA IVANOVA KOLEVA ◽  
MARIETA ANTONOVA POPOVA ◽  
VALENTINA BOYANOVA PETKOVA ◽  
MILEN VENTZISLAVOV DIMITROV
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Maternal Vitamin ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

Vitamin B12 is known to be vital for cell growth and population during pregnancy. This retrospective and prospective case−control study was aimed to disclose a health risk for pregnant women with vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as the one of the preterm birth. The main tasks set and performed in this research were as follows: to compare the obstetrics anamnesis between the women who gave birth on term and women who gave birth before term; to find the prevalence of vitamin B12 insufficiency in pregnancy; to determine its association with preterm birth and low birth weight; to examine its association with spontaneous abortions, and to investigate its relationship with obesity and hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. The conducted investigation involved 107 women who gave birth before the 37th week of gestation and 101 women who gave birth after the 37th week of gestation at the outpatient clinic of the University Hospital "Maichin Dom" in Bulgaria. Our study revealed a correlation between maternal vitamin B12 deficiency, overweight and low hemoglobin level. Our results showed no significant correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and the risk of preterm birth. However, we found an inverse association between vitamin B12 level and overweight before pregnancy and at the time of giving birth. As well there was confirmed the strong connection between meat consumption and vitamin B12 level. The paper emphasizes that the deficiency of the vitamin occurs most likely in the women with inadequate diets. Such a deficiency is actually confirmed to have serious health consequences for pregnant women and their offspring. Therefore further profound and numerous studies should be performed to properly assess the correlation between vitamin B12 and preterm birth, as well as to understand better the impact of vitamin B12 over pregnant women. Key words: vitamin B12, preterm birth, pregnancy, overweight, hemoglobin.

scholarly journals TORCH screening used appropriately in China?─three years results from a teaching hospital in northwest China

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin-Chuan Wang ◽  
Fang Yan ◽  
Jing-Xiong Ruan ◽  
Yao Xiao ◽  
Yan Yu
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Reproductive Age Women ◽  
Serological Data ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Torch Infections ◽  
Hsv 1

Abstract Objectives TORCH infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii (TOX), rubella virus (RV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus 1,2 (HSV-1,2) are associated with congenital anomalies. The study aimed to analyze the characteristics of TORCH screening in reproductive age women. Methods A total of 18,104 women (2015–2017) from a teaching hospital in Xi’an, China, were enrolled in the study. The characteristics of TORCH screening, i.e., the application of TORCH test, the seroprevalence, the impact of age, periods of gestation and woman with bad obstetric history (BOH) on the serological data were investigated. Results In the study, 319 women (1.76%) performed dynamic TORCH test. 51.66, 20.44 and 3.83% of the population did the test in the pre-gestation period, the first and third trimester, respectively. Quite a few pre-gestation women (29.74%) ignored screening of IgG antibodies. The overall IgG/IgM seropositvity of TOX, RV, CMV, HSV-1 and HSV-2 was 4.35%/0.35, 90%/0.63, 96.79%/0.97, 81.11%/0.14 and 6.1%/0.19%, respectively. The age-specific distributions and periods of gestation had no significant effect on the seroprevalence of TORCH agents, p>0.05. However, BOH was significantly associated with higher seropositvity of IgM (RV, CMV, HSV-1 and HSV-2) and IgG (CMV and HSV-1) antibodies, p < 0.05. Conclusion In Xi’an region, more attentions should be paid to TOX, CMV, HSV-2 and the women with BOH for TORCH screening. Meanwhile, a greater emphasis needs to be placed on TORCH test used inappropriately in China.

scholarly journals Effect of increasing voluntary folic acid food fortification on dietary folate intakes and adequacy of reproductive-age women in New Zealand

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 1447-1453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie E Evans ◽  
Vanessa L Mygind ◽  
Meredith C Peddie ◽  
Jody C Miller ◽  
Lisa A Houghton
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Folate ◽  
Reproductive Age Women ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveMandatory folic acid fortification of breads in New Zealand was put on hold in 2009. At this time, bread manufacturers were requested to adopt greater voluntary fortification and agreed to add folic acid to approximately one-third of their bread range. We sought to evaluate the impact of increased voluntary fortification of bread and the proposed mandatory fortification programme on folate intake adequacy of reproductive-age women.DesignCross-sectional study conducted in 2008. Dietary data were collected using 3 d weighed food records and usual folate intakes were generated by modifying the food composition table as follows: (i) voluntary fortification of bread as of 2008 (six breads); (ii) increased voluntary fortification of bread as of 2011 (thirty-four breads); and (iii) mandatory fortification of all breads. The prevalence of inadequate folate intake was calculated for all three scenarios using the Estimated Average Requirement (320 μg dietary folate equivalents/d) cut-point method.SettingNew Zealand.SubjectsHealthy non-pregnant women (n 125) aged 18–40 years.ResultsUsual folate intake in 2008 was 362 μg dietary folate equivalents/d. Increased voluntary bread fortification led to a marginal increase in folate intakes (394 μg dietary folate equivalents/d) and a decline in inadequacy from 37 % to 29 %. Mandatory fortification resulted in an increase of 89 μg folic acid/d, which substantially shifted both the proportion of women with folic acid intakes above 100 μg/d and the distribution of overall folate intakes, producing a marked reduction in inadequacy to 5 %.ConclusionsIncreased voluntary bread fortification efforts are far inferior to mandatory fortification as a reliable public health intervention.

scholarly journals Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction in Pregnancy: an App-Based Programme to Improve the Health of Mothers and Children (MINDFUL/PMI Study)

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (12) ◽  
pp. 1283-1291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Lenz ◽  
Anna Eichler ◽  
Eva Schwenke ◽  
Verena Buchholz ◽  
Charlotte Hartwig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Infant Development ◽  
Maternal Stress ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Childhood Development ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
The Impact

AbstractUnfavourable intrauterine environmental factors increase the risk of delivery complications as well as postpartum developmental and behavioural problems in children and adolescents with ongoing effects into older age. Biomarker studies show that maternal stress and the use of alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy are associated with a higher intrauterine testosterone exposure of the child. The antenatal testosterone load, in turn, is a risk factor for lasting adverse health effects which extend into adulthood. A 15-week, mindfulness-oriented, app-based programme for the reduction of stress as well as for the reduction of alcohol and tobacco use in pregnant women is established. In the monocentre, prospective, controlled, and investigator-blinded MINDFUL/PMI (Maternal Health and Infant Development in the Follow-up after Pregnancy and a Mindfulness Intervention) study, pregnant women carry out the programme. Its effect on antenatal testosterone exposure of the child is examined by assessing the index/ring finger length ratio and other biomarkers in the 1-year-old children. In addition, the programmeʼs effects on self-regulation, the developmental status and the mental health of the children at the age of one year will be investigated. Additional aspects of the course of the pregnancy and delivery represent exploratory study objectives. This longitudinal study project is intended to improve the understanding of the impact of intrauterine environmental factors on early childhood development and health. Maternal stress as well as alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy are modifiable factors and represent potential preventive targets.

Mindfulness and insomnia at pregnancy

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s269-s269
Author(s):  
M. Marques ◽  
A.T. Pereira ◽  
E. Bento ◽  
S. Xavier ◽  
J. Azevedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Inner Experience ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Acting With Awareness ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms ◽  
In Pregnancy

IntroductionThe impact of mindfulness in improving insomnia symptoms is documented in different samples (e.g. anxiety disorders; insomnia samples) and mindfulness based programs for pregnancy refer the association between mindfulness development and the reduction of insomnia symptoms/improvement of sleep.ObjectiveTo explore differences in the Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire-10 (FMQ-10; Azevedo et at. 2015), between sleep groups, in Portuguese pregnant women.MethodsFour hundred and nineteen pregnant women (mean age: 32.51 ± 4.759; weeks of gestation: 17.32 ± 4.803) answered the Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire-10 and the Insomnia Assessment Scale (IAS, Marques et al., 2015). Three sleep groups were created considering all the IAS items: good sleepers (no insomnia symptoms; no associated daily impairment); insomnia symptoms groups (one/more insomnia symptoms; no associated daily impairment; exclusion of other conditions/disorders explaining the symptoms); insomniacs (one/more insomnia symptoms; one/more daily associated impairment; exclusion of other conditions/disorders explaining the symptoms).ResultsThere were significant differences in the total FMQ-10 score, the F1/Nonjudging of inner experience and the F2/acting with awareness, between sleep groups [respectively, F (2.402) = 6,933; P = 0.001; F (2.406) = 10.243; P = 0.001; F (2.406) = 37.431; P = 0.002]. Tukey tests indicated that the mean total FMQ-10 and F1/Nonjudging of inner experience scores of good sleepers and insomnia symptoms group were significantly higher than of the insomniacs. The mean value of F2/acting with awareness in the good sleepers was significantly higher than of the insomniacs.ConclusionsIt seems important to develop mindfulness to improve sleep in pregnancy or reduce the impact of insomnia symptoms (common at pregnancy).Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Self-compassion and insomnia at pregnancy

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s268-s268 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Marques ◽  
A.T. Pereira ◽  
V. Freitas ◽  
E. Bento ◽  
J. Azevedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
The Self ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Compassion Scale ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms ◽  
In Pregnancy

IntroductionMindfulness based programs during pregnancy (some including self-compassion components) increase self-compassion, mindfulness and maternal self-efficacy, and reduce anxiety, stress and psychological distress in pregnant women. According to our knowledge, there are no studies about the association between self-compassion and sleep outcomes in pregnancy.ObjectiveTo explore differences in self-compassion, between three sleep groups, in a sample of Portuguese pregnant women.MethodsFour hundred and nineteen pregnant women (mean age: 32.51 ± 4.759; weeks of gestation: 17.32 ± 4.803) completed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS, Bento et al., 2015), presenting six dimensions (self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness and over-identification) and the Insomnia Assessment Scale (Marques et al., 2015). Three sleep groups were formed: good sleepers (no insomnia symptoms; no associated daily impairment); insomnia symptoms groups (one/more insomnia symptoms; no associated daily impairment); insomniacs (one/more insomnia symptoms; daily associated impairment).ResultsThere were significant differences in the total SCS, self-judgment, isolation and over-identification scores, between sleep groups [respectively, F (2,396) = 7,926, P ≤ 0,001; F (2,409) = 19,155, P ≤ 0,001; F (2,410) = 13,016, P ≤ 0,001; F (2,412) = 11,258, P ≤ 0,001]. Self-judgement, isolation and over-identification scores of good sleepers and insomnia symptoms group were higher than of insomniacs. Total SCS score of good sleepers was higher than of insomniacs and the same score of symptoms of insomnia group was also higher than of insomniacs.ConclusionsResults seem to show the importance of developing self-compassion to improve sleep in pregnancy or reduce the impact of insomnia symptoms (common at pregnancy).Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Iodine and Pregnancy

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Yarrington ◽  
Elizabeth N. Pearce
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormone ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Thyroid Function ◽  
Environmental Contaminants ◽  
Iodine Status ◽  
Nutritional Recommendations ◽  
Iodine Metabolism ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

Iodine is a necessary element for the production of thyroid hormone. We will review the impact of dietary iodine status on thyroid function in pregnancy. We will discuss iodine metabolism, homeostasis, and nutritional recommendations for pregnancy. We will also discuss the possible effects of environmental contaminants on iodine utilization in pregnant women.

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