The Evidence For and Against Birth Induction

birthAbstract: Smith (2003) found unexplained stillbirth occurs once in 2000 births (0.5/1000) after 34 weeks among low risk second pregnancies, following a first vaginal birth in the absence of induction for postdates.  If induction for postdates could prevent stillbirth by expediting the deliver, one would expect to save 0.5/1000.   Four systematic reviews performing meta-analysis of the data regarding the effect of induction for postdates draw three different conclusions.  Cochrane (2012) concludes that inducing at 41 weeks can prevent 1 stillbirth/perinatal death for Continue reading

Treating Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Pregnancy May Improve Fetal Health

Treatment of mild sleep-disordered breathing in women with preeclampsia reverses low fetal activity levels and may improve fetal outcomes

A new study suggests that treatment of mild sleep-disordered breathing with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in pregnant women Continue reading

Successful Pregnancies Possible for Women Following Liver Transplantation

New research confirms that successful pregnancies are common for female liver transplant recipients. The study appearing in the June issue of Liver Transplantation, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, found miscarriage risk was lower and the live birth rate higher among women following liver transplantation than in the general U.S. population. Continue reading

Heal with the Miraculous Powers of Garlic

When you’re sick with the flu, an infection, or simply unwell, doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics. We all know however, how dangerous antibiotics can be. But what if you could find that very cure for these things in nature, where you wouldn’t have to suffer the dismal side effects of nausea, wrenching stomach pains, potential hallucinations, and a gruesome attack on the friendly flora that lives in your intestines? What if you didn’t have to feel like a run-down old tractor, or like you’ve suddenly run out of batteries?

Yes, it stinks a bit – no wonder vampires hate it! But the abundance of health benefits contained in a single clove of garlic should be enough to make you embrace it – for there is a whole list of those benefits. In Russia, garlic is even called Continue reading