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Pregnant? Probably everyone has an opinion about what you should and should not be doing. So it might be hard to ditch that extra cup of coffee after lunch or give up the European vacation you were so looking forward to, but studies suggest caution is in order (especially considering that the first nine months of a person’s life can shape the rest of it).
“Blood alcohol level is the key,” said Dr. Abel, whose view, after 30 years of research, is that brain damage and other alcohol-related problems most likely result from the spikes in blood alcohol concentration that come from binge drinking — another difficult definition, since according to Dr. Abel a binge can be as few as two drinks, drunk in rapid succession, or as many as 14, depending on a woman’s physiology.
Because of ethical considerations, virtually no clinical trials can be performed on pregnant women.
“Part of the research problem is that we have mostly animal studies to work with,” Dr. Abel said. “And who knows what is two drinks, for a mouse?”
In general, exercising during pregnancy is very dependent on each individual. Some people are able to continue their usual level of activity throughout most if not all of their pregnancy, while others are sensitive to any exertion that raises their heart rate. Keep in mind that if you experience symptoms such as lightheadedness, fainting, a rapid heart rate that doesn't slow back down or dehydration — no matter how gentle your activities may be or how great shape you are in — it's important to rest and contact your doctor or midwife if needed. Above all else, listen to your body while exercising both during your pregnancy and beyond.
A simple, cheaper exam of just the lower part of the bowel can cut the risk of developing colon cancer or dying of the disease, a large federal study finds.
Weight Watchers International CEO David Kirchhoff is slim and trim today, but that wasn’t always the case. Would you believe he packed on 45 lbs. in his freshman year at Duke University?
