Why Essential Fats are so important for you and your baby during pregnancy

There are many reasons why you should eat oily fish during your pregnancy and / or supplement with omega-3 oils (and especially DHA) if you do not eat fish says, UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. Some of the key reasons are listed below:
¨ Omega-3 fats support the healthy development of the fetal brain, eyes, nervous system and immune system;
¨ Omega-3 fats substantially reduce the risk of allergies in young children;
¨ Omega-3 fats improve attention and focus in infants and young children; and
¨ Omega-3 fats taken during pregnancy can decrease a mother’s risk for post natal depression.

If you decide to supplement in the important months of pregnancy and breastfeeding, make sure that the fish oil supplement is the purest and healthiest source of the omega-3 fats, says, UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown. Ideally, you should choose a supplement with 300mg DHA. If the supplement does not break down the different components, then the chances are it may not contain the recommended amount.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet prior to and during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link: http://www.urbod.co.uk/personal/UrPregnancyE-book.htm

Breastfeeding signficiantly cuts death rate in babies

Image via WikipediaInitiation of breast-feeding within the first hour after birth or during the first day of life is associated with a significant reduction in neonatal mortality, according to results of a study from Nepal, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

Breast-feeding was initiated in 3.4% of babies within the first hour of birth, in 56.6% by 24 hours and in 97.2% by 72 hours after birth.

In this cohort study, two hundred and ninety seven neonatal deaths were recorded between the 2nd and 28th days of life.

"There was a trend toward higher mortality with increasing delay in breast-feeding initiation," the researchers reported. Compared with initiation within 1 hour, the relative risk for mortality was 1.95, 2.8 and 4.19 among babies where breastfeeding started during the first day, second day and after the third day, respectively.

The researchers also noted that mortality risk was also nearly twice as high (1.77 times higher) among partially breast-fed neonates as compared to those exclusively breast-fed. This is a particularly important finding for the UK, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, as many mothers choose to use formula and breastfeed.

The researchers estimated that up to 19.1% of all neonatal deaths may have be avoided with universal initiation of breast-feeding within the first hour or day.

Breast milk (called colostrum) produced in the first three days is rich in antibodies and immunoglobulins (which can protect your baby from disease), protein, minerals and vitamins A, E and B12. It is a rich source of probiotics which also help support the immune system, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown. It is highly likely the colostrum had a significant protective effect and reduced the likelihood of mortality.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your pregnancy diet to maximise your chances of producing enough milk to breastfeed and on the benefits of breastfeeding, which can be obtained by clicking on my link. http://www.urbod.co.uk/Nutritionist/BreastfeedingCityoflondon.htm

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Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

Breast-feeding has many benefits says, UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

One of these effects appears to be a reduction in the risk for the development of type 2 diabetes. Breast-feeding reduces this risk primarily by reducing children's weight, but the precise means by which this occurs is unclear, says, UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

Breast-feeding may set a lower and enduring satiety limit (feeling of fullness and satisfaction) for infants, whereas overfeeding among bottle-fed infants can increase peak insulin levels and prolong the insulin response.

Certain exposures associated with bottle-feeding, particularly to chemicals used to make plastic bottles and nitrates in tap water, can also reduce pancreatic beta-cell function, another reason why breast is best.

To find out more about how nutrition can help with breastfeeding, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have co-authorised a free e-book which can be obtained by clicking on the following link: http://www.urbod.co.uk/Nutritionist/BreastfeedingCityoflondon.htmv

Top 10 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

Welcome to National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

The following are 10 great tips for sucessful breastfeeding, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

1. Breast feed within the first thirty minutes of birth in order to begin establishing feeding while your baby’s suckling reflexes are strong.
2. Avoid over stimulation of baby before the first feed. This means that bathing, dressing weighing and measuring all take second place to breast feeding.
3. When at home, make sure you are comfortable before you begin to breast feed. Have a large glass of water and some snacks close to hand (as breastfeeding can make you very hungry!). Have plenty of pillows to support your baby and your back or buy a breastfeeding pillow (from experience I found the Widgey Nursing Support Pillow invaluable).
4. Don’t worry that your milk supply is little within the first 3-4 days of birth. This initial colostrum plays a valuable role in preventing infection and is designed to coat your baby’s intestine with valuable antibodies. Babies often don’t feed much within the first 24-48 hours in any event.
5. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. If it is, your baby is probable not attached correctly. Ask the hospital breastfeeding nurse, midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding counsellor (also known as lactation consultant) to check that your baby is correctly positioned and attached.
6. Dark green cabbage leaves (organic) are very effective in relieving engorged breasts. Lightly steam them and let them cool before putting them on your breasts.

Don’t start a feeding routine until your baby is at least six weeks old. Breast milk is digested much faster than formula milk so your baby should feed on demand. This may be anywhere between 1- 5 hourly. Starting a routine too early may reduce your milk flow and create problems.


What should I do if I have problems?

7. Speak to your midwife, health visitor or see your doctor: you or your baby may have thrush (or another condition) which is causing the problem and can be treated medically.
8. See a cranial osteopath for your baby.
9. See a breast feeding counsellor (also called lactation counsellor). They will come to your home (not cheap, but worth every penny). Do not rely on telephone support as you need to be shown how to hold your baby correctly when breastfeeding.
10. See a Nutritionist who can help you improve your diet which may help with milk flow.

If you wish to find out more about how nutrition can help with breastfeeding, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have co-authored a free e-book which can be obtained by clicking on the following link:

Dealing With the Stress of Fertility Treatment

New research indicates that fertility patients who feel less stressed get pregnant more quickly, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

Below are some suggestions that may help you get pregnant and makes treatment more bearable.

- Think of your fertility treatment as a project. Map out a strategy with your partner and your fertility doctor, and stick to it. Decide in advance how many and what kind of procedures will be emotionally and financially acceptable, and attempt to determine a final limit. Try to get in a long-term mindset-hope to be pregnant within a year, rather than obsessing each day.

- Write down questions to bring to your doctor, so you don't forget to ask.

- Consider what you will do if you don't conceive. Having an alternative plan, such as adoption, not having children, or using donor eggs can minimize stress and anxiety.

- Consider taking a break every few months.

- Communicate with your partner, and expect your partner to have difficulties too. Don't expect him to always feel the same way that you do, though-different people respond differently to the strains of infertility.

- Fertility treatment can be hard on every aspect of a relationship. Try to do things together that are fun and unrelated to getting pregnant.

- Don't be surprised at your negative reaction when someone else becomes pregnant-even someone you love. It is hard to be happy for others while you are struggling to become a parent yourself.

- Expect to feel emotional during this process -- often a roller coaster of anxiety, excitement and frustration. Many modern women have never experienced this sort of loss of control over their lives-you have always been able to get what you wanted if you worked hard enough.

- Studies indicate that fertility treatment can be more stressful than cancer therapy-with similar feelings of anger, frustration, anxiety, grief, shame, damaged self-esteem, jealousy, isolation, and loss of control.

- Consider getting counselling, learning some relaxation techniques, or joining a support group. You may find yoga, meditation, guided imagery, reiki, massage therapy and/or exercise helpful.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet prior to and during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on the following link www.urbod.co.uk/UrBump-Fertility-e-Book.htm

Breastfeeding Awareness Week 11-18 May

Did you know that if each year all babies worldwide were exclusively fed breast milk for the first 6 months, then the lives of an estimated 1.5million babies would be saved and the health and development of millions of others would be greatly improved. This sobering statistics come from the organisation Unicef, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

Only a third of babies in the UK are receiving any breastmilk at all at six weeks old which is way short of the World Health Organisation recommendation that babies should be exclusively breastfed for six months (fewer than 2% of British babies are breastfed up until 6 months!). The UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative is working with the health service so mothers understand more about breastfeeding and are enabled to breastfeed if they wish to.

Next week I will be writing about the Ten Top Tips for Successful Breastfeeding.

In the meantime, if you wish to find out more about how nutrition can help with breastfeeding, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have co-authorised a free e-book which can be obtained by clicking on the following link: http://www.urbod.co.uk/Nutritionist/BreastfeedingCityoflondon.htm

Caesarean Delivery May Be an Independent Risk Factor for Stroke

According to a study reported in the April issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, caesarean delivery is an independent risk factor for stroke, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy according to the results of a nationwide, population-based study in Taiwan. This is backed up by the World Health Organization, who state that the risk for postpartum death for caesarean deliveries can be up to 3.6 times higher compared conventional vaginal deliveries.

The researchers state that caesarean section delivery has been associated with a significant increase in maternal death from cardiac arrest, complications from anesthesia, puerperal infection (a bacterial infection following childbirth) and venous thromboembolism. Indeed, stroke has been singled out as a crucial cause of maternal morbidity and death during pregnancy and the first six weeks following birth.

While emergency caesarean sections are necessary when the health of the mother or baby is at risk, the results of this study indicate that mothers should think twice about having an elected caesarean, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

One of the biggest risk factors for having a caesarean is being overweight prior to or during your pregnancy, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown. Addressing your weight prior to becoming pregnant and not putting on too much weight during your pregnancy will therefore reduce the likelihood of having a caesarean section. Exercise and keeping fit may also reduce the risk of a caesarean section.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet prior to and during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Low levels of progesterone may lead to miscarriage

Progesterone, a steroid hormone, is an important female hormone says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

Progesterone is made by the ovary during ovulation. It is also produced by the adrenal glands in small amounts. It is manufactured in the body with the help of the steroid hormone pregnenolone and it in turn helps in the production of most of the other steroid hormones like cortisol, oestrogen and testosterone. In the female body, the most important role of the progesterone hormone is to counter the effects of oestrogen and help provide an environment for a successful pregnancy and a healthy pregnancy.

Progesterone and Fertility
Progesterone helps in reproduction by stimulating changes in the uterus and also supports pregnancy by increasing blood vessel and tissue development in the layer where the embryo attaches itself. The egg attaches itself to the uterus after been released from the ovary. On conception, the egg along with the sperm forms the embryo. Progesterone is the hormone that delays the shedding of the endometrium layer where the embryo implantation occurs.

If there is a significant drop in the progesterone levels during the first few weeks of pregnancy, then it may lead to a miscarriage.

Causes of Low Progesterone
There can be many factors that could cause the progesterone levels to fall, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown. Some prominent factors are:
- Dominance of oestrogen. This condition could occur if the individual is exposed to any environmental hormone that behaves like oestrogen or in cases of liver dysfunction.
- Resistance to insulin present in the body
- Chronic stress
- Diet that is rich in sugar or does not contain sufficient nutrients
- Insufficient exercise
- Certain medications

Consequently, dietary and lifestyle changes can help to address the issue of low progesterone and to help increase it to levels that support a pregnancy, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

B Vitamins Ease Painful Pregnancy Leg Cramps

Almost half of all pregnant women get painful muscle cramps in their legs, usually during the second half of their pregnancies and usually at night says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

A study carried out at Tehran University of Medical Sciences found some interesting results in a study of 84 pregnant women. Calcium supplementation at a dose of 500mg per day proved to be extremely successful in just over half of participants, whilst magnesium supplementation at 182mg twice per day was to some extent successful in all of the participants.
,
Meanwhile, the group taking B vitamins had the most positive results: the symptoms of 72% of those taking vitamin B1 and B6 combination were completely resolved; another 19% reported relative improvement, and only 9% experienced no change.

The researchers concluded that supplementation with thiamine plus pyridoxine was significantly effective in improving muscle spasms during pregnancy.

With the urpregnancy nutritional and lifestyle programme we will look at your nutritional requirements and provide you with advice that can help reduce or alleviate painful muscle cramps.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Post pregnancy weight loss: losing too much nor not enough can pose problems for future pregnancies

Women, who go on a dramatic weight-loss programme after the birth of their first child, are far more likely to have a pre-term birth the second time around, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

The greatest risk is among those whose body mass index (BMI) falls by five points or more between pregnancies, researchers have discovered.

By far the healthiest option – for mother and baby – is for the woman to get back to her weight before she first became pregnant, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

However, researchers warn mothers who keep on the pounds between pregnancies that they greatly increase their chances of complications second time around.

Even an increase of just one or two extra units on the BMI scale significantly increases the risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and gestational hypertension with the second pregnancy. A weight gain of more than three on the BMI scale heightens the chances of a stillbirth.

Excess weight is also a factor in infertility and a number of mothers who try for a second baby find it much harder to fall pregnant than the first time round. Excess weight can cause hormone imbalances in the main fertility hormones (oestrogen and progesterone), says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown which may in part explain this phenomenon.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

How to avoid Post natal depression and baby blues

According to Anne Buist, Professor of Women's Mental Health, University of Melbourne, postnatal depression is better termed perinatal depression as it often begins antenatally, although it may not be recognised until the postnatal period.

It is a common disorder, with milder adjustment problems and anxiety affecting some 30% of women while about 15% of women have more significant mood disorders, often with anxiety.

Women are reluctant to seek help, but it is important you do so, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy, as support from health professionals, friends and family is essential to minimise the long-term complications. These include chronic depression (which while rare can lead to suicide) and marital difficulties, and for the child, cognitive, emotional and behavioural problems. And as Professor Anne Buist points out, postnatal depression can start before your baby is born.

It is completely natural to feel anxious about the arrival of your baby, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown. Organising support is therefore essential – it isn’t a sign of being a bad mother or that you can’t cope - but in fact the opposite and your baby will enjoy interacting with friends and family and other carers. Support includes discussing how family members can help out if this is an option for you – so that you can catch up on vital sleep during the day. Joining an NTC class or ante and postal natal NHS class are a good way of meeting other mums who are in a similar situation to you. Plus there are often many classes you can join up to in your area such as ante natal yoga and post natal yoga and massage classes for you and your baby. A good website for activities for mums and babies in the London area is http://www.londonmums.org.uk/.

Making sure you eat well prior to the birth of your baby and making sure you continue to eat well (e.g. without skipping meals) when you baby comes will also help reduce your anxiety levels. For example, a deficiency of omega-3 fats has been associated with post-natal depression and low blood sugar levels are associated with extremes in behaviour. Nutritional support can therefore be very helpful during your pregnancy to help avoid nutritional deficiencies which can compound an already stressful situation.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2.

What exercises can I do during pregnancy?

Unless you've been advised by your doctor not to exercise for a particular reason, keeping fit and healthy during pregnancy is important for your wellbeing and that of your baby, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. Incredibly recent research has indicated that exercise during pregnancy can benefit your unborn baby’s cardiovascular system (i.e you are improving your child’s heart health in utero!). It also means that your body may be more prepared for the physical demands of labour, birth, and those early days with your newborn.

Walking can be a great way of getting exercise and fresh air during pregnancy. Swimming is often recommended by doctors and midwives, as the water supports your weight whilst helping your back and giving your heart, lungs and muscles a gentle workout. Ask your midwife about local aqua-natal classes, specifically offering exercise in water for pregnant women.

You should also take care to look after your back during pregnancy, as (particularly during the latter stages) it starts to take the strain of your growing baby. Good posture will improve the tone of your muscles and avoid hollowing of your spine, which leads to aching in your lower back.
It's a good idea to get the weight off your spine by lying down during rest periods, and also by periodically moving onto all fours and arching your back from time to time (like a cat). Learn how to get up correctly from a lying down position, without putting pressure on your stomach muscles. Roll over to one side, draw your knees upwards, and push yourself up gently with your arms whilst swinging your legs around to sit up. Use your legs, not your back, when lifting anything. Seeing an osteopath or chiropractor can also help or correct bad posture, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

Many women enjoy pregnancy yoga classes. These provide specific exercises during pregnancy to tone muscles, alleviate aches and pains commonly found during pregnancy, and above all to encourage a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. They also include pelvic floor exercises, which are important both during pregnancy and in the weeks following the birth. Pelvic floor muscles support everything inside the pelvic cavity (such as the uterus, the bladder and rectum) and are like a hammock slung in your pelvis. Awareness of these muscles is important during labour as the baby is travelling down the birth canal. Pelvic floor exercises help you to control these muscles, basically as if holding a stream of urine and pulling the muscles upwards before releasing them. Your midwife and/or antenatal teacher will be able to give you a full set of these exercises, if you are not taking yoga classes.

Exercise in pregnancy can be of great benefit. It not only helps your fitness but also gives you an opportunity to concentrate on yourself and your growing baby. Start gently at first, your body will tell you if you have overdone it, and enjoy looking after yourself. Consider getting a personal trainer who specialises in pre and post natal exercise – a good website is http://www.absolutefitness.co.uk/. Two other useful websites regarding exercise include: http://www.lifestylexperts.com/ and http://www.newbornfitness.co.uk/ which supply pregnancy exercise balls/birthing balls.

Eating well can also help to keep you fit and I have written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link. To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2.

What are stretch marks and how to avoid them during pregnancy

According to NHS direct, between 75% and 90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. As you put on weight, your abdomen (stomach) is gradually stretched further and further, usually causing stretch marks to appear in the sixth or seventh month. Stretch marks can also appear on your thighs, and on your breasts as they get bigger and heavier.

Stretch marks are lines on the skin that start off as raised red lines. They then turn purple, before slowly fading into flat silvery streaks. The medical name for this type of mark is stria. Stretch marks happen when the skin is stretched a lot over a short period of time, such as during pregnancy.

Doctors think some people get stretch marks because their bodies produce more of the hormone, coricosteroid, than normal. This hormone decreases the amount of collagen in the skin, which is a type of protein in the fibres of the skin that keeps it stretchy.

In the early stages, stretch marks can sometimes be reduced by moisturising creams – especially those containing vitamins A and E, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown. Consequently, it would stand to reason that including foods rich in these vitamins during your pregnancy would help to avoid getting stretch marks in the first place. Other important skin nutrients include Zinc, silica and water.

As corticosteroid is a stress hormone, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, taking steps to reduce stress during pregnancy may also help.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Overweight during your pregnancy increases pregnancy risks to you and your baby.

There have been many studies which demonstrate that obesity during pregnancy is associated with serious pregnancy-related complications, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. Problems include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes which occurs in a woman who develops diabetes during her pregnancy, and Caesarean deliveries.

Too much weight can also cause other unpleasant pregnancy health concerns, including: backache, leg pain; varicose veins and excessive fatigue.

Excessive weight gain may also cause problems for the baby. Technically, an overweight baby is one who weighs more than 4500 gm, or 9.9 lbs. Large babies make vaginal deliveries more difficult, increasing the risk for cesarean section. Overweight babies may have an increased risk for health problems later in life, such as obesity; adult rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

Nutritional support can therefore be very important during your pregnancy to help you lose excessive weight and to support the health of you and your baby.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Pregnancy: how exercise is an effective as medication in treating gestational diabetes

As many as one in eight women will develop gestational diabetes sometime during their pregnancies, increasing health risks for themselves and their babies says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. According to Dr Green (please see his excellent website www.drgreene.com) researchers at the University of Southern California School of Medicine studied a group of women who had already developed gestational diabetes and who had fasting blood glucose levels high enough to require insulin. Half of the women in the study received the recommended insulin. The other half got personal trainers instead. The trainers supervised the women while they did simple twenty-minute stints on exercise bikes.

The results, says Dr. Green, were startling: moderate aerobic exercise was equally effective to insulin! Blood glucose levels were statistically the same in both groups.

Studies have already shown that exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help to manage Type II diabetes, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, This adds to the weight of evidence that exercise is important during pregnancy and if you undertake moderate exercise during your pregnancy, you may avoid gestational diabetes in the first place.

A number of nutrients can also help prevent and alleviate gestational diabetes says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown as they are important in blood sugar regulation. They include: Magnesium, Chromium, Vanadium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C Zinc, Selenium and other anti-oxidants.

Making the correct food choices can ensure you include foods with the above nutrients which will in turn help you alleviate gestational diabetes or help you avoid this pregnancy health issue in the first place, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

NB. Please talk to your midwife or GP before embarking on an exercise programme during your pregnancy (especially if you did not exercise regularly beforehand). Two useful websites regarding exercise include: www.lifestylexperts.com and www.newbornfitness.co.uk which supply pregnancy exercise balls/birthing balls.

Too much stress during pregnancy can leave a lasting legacy on you and your baby

A certain amount of stress on your body is generally considered normal and even important in conditions such as when you are ill, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. But the stress suffered by today's expectant mothers, many of whom want to carry on their careers, can be extreme.

Everyone has a certain amount of the "stress hormone" cortisol naturally present in the body but levels rise under stress.

Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands and helps the body in stressful situations by providing a burst of energy needed for 'fight or flight'.

The base level of cortisol fluctuates throughout the day. In the morning it is higher and it reduces by evening.

The average level of cortisol is measured in nanomoles per litre and in a healthy adult would be between 150 and 500nmol/l. But under stress – such as a person on the night before an operation – this level could double to 300 and 1,000nmol/l. Sustained exposure to these levels is likely to cause serious health problems, including high blood pressure.

Usually the placenta stops most of the mother's stress hormones reaching the baby. But it is thought that if there are high levels of the hormones, or if the placenta is not working properly, significant amounts reach the unborn child. One theory is that while the developing baby is exposed to the stress hormone their own developing reproductive organs may also be damaged, which would affect the health of future generations.

Dr Lisa Thorn, a researcher from the Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group at the University of Westminster, London, said: "What goes on in your head does impact your health and it impacts on different people in different ways. To what extent depends on the person, the level of stress and how they appraise something as being stressful or not."

Importantly many first time mums-to-be carry on working until 1-2 weeks before the birth of their baby, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, as they do not realise how exhausted they will feel in the last trimester (especially if you have a difficult commute into work or are expected to work long hours). This impacts on any ‘normal’ stress you experience while pregnant (such as back ache etc) and does not give you time to relax sufficiently before the birth of your baby. While many women need to work up to the birth for financial reasons, where you don’t, think twice about starting maternity leave at such as late stage and taking time out for yourself and your baby. Labour is an extremely exhausting event and so are the sleepless nights that are accompanied for the arrival of your bundle of joy.

Making the correct food choices can also reduce the amount of stress you and your baby will experience says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, as it provides you with the correct nutrients to deal with stress more effectively. For example, many people become more irritable and feel low or depressed as a result of having a blood sugar imbalance. Further, an estimated 1 in 10 mothers experience some form of post-natal depression and how you feel directly impacts on how your baby may feel. This can be helped or possibly avoided by making the best dietary choices for you. This is especially important when you are about to have a baby. I know from experience that sleep deprivation is a huge stressor!

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Smoking and missing meals during pregnancy triples the risk of childhood obesity

Japanese researchers observed 1000 children born to smoking and non-smoking mothers. The researchers revealed that children born to smoking mothers were nearly 3 times more at a risk of developing obesity later in their lives, possibly as a result of the damaging effects nicotine has to the baby’s brain says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

There are many ways nutritional therapy can help support you while giving up smoking, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown. As smoking can upset your blood sugar balance (which can also impact on weight gain), one of the first things I look at, are ways to regulate your blood sugar. Many foods can also upset your blood sugar levels, as well as other stimulants such as coffee, tea, alcohol and chocolate. There are also a number of supplements that may help reduce your craving for nicotine.

An additional result of the study also revealed that mothers who skipped their breakfast during pregnancy made their children nearly 2½ times more vulnerable to developing obesity in their latter stage of life. This may result in babies developing blood sugar imbalances in utero, which affects their ability to regulate insulin which can contribute to weight gain, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

Furthermore, depriving yourself of food which in turn deprives the fetus of nutrition is a contributing factor of intrauterine growth retardation. Improper nutrition and food supply to the growing fetus has also been linked with poor nutritional habits in the future which can lead to overweight problems and obesity in children.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Sperm Abnormalities Due to Low Folate Intake

A study published in the Journal Human Reproduction has reported that a diet low in folate leads to a higher risk of sperm abnormalities that may cause birth defects like Down's Syndrome or miscarriage.

Numerous studies have advocated women of child bearing age, who are pregnant or thinking about having a baby should supplement 400mcg of folic acid, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. However, researchers are now stressing the importance of folate in men’s diet as low folate levels can be the cause of abnormal sperm.

The researchers found that several micronutrients were associated with a lower frequency of different abnormalities. High folic acid intake was associated with 19% fewer abnormalities (all types) than moderate intake and 20% fewer than men with a low micronutrient intake. There were also reductions in specific types of abnormality. For example, there were 26% fewer sperm with no sex chromosome in the high-intake group compared with the low-intake group. There were also 30% fewer sperm with two X chromosomes (associated with triple X syndrome) and abnormalities on chromosome 21 (associated with Down’s syndrome) in the high-intake group compared with the moderate-intake group.

High total zinc intake reduced the frequency of two X chromosomes by about 50% compared with the moderate-intake group and 39% compared with the low-intake group. Zinc was not associated with lowering the risk of other abnormalities. Vitamin C and vitamin E had no association with sperm abnormalities, but high beta-carotene intake reduced YY abnormalities.

The message is clear, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, a man’s diet is just an important as that of his partner when planning to have a baby.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown. Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your fertility and diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Supplementing with fish oil during pregnancy could boost attention spans in children, say researchers.

More good news, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy, researchers have established that taking fish oil during pregnancy is both safe and beneficial for a child’s brain development.

Recent research from the University of Western Australia found that supplementation may lead to improved eye and hand coordination in children. The higher eye and hand coordination scores in the supplemented group were positively correlated with increases in omega-3 content in the umbilical cord blood.

Led by Dr Susan Prescott, from the University of Western Australia, the researchers concluded: “Preliminary data indicate that supplementation with a relatively high-dose fish oil during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy is not only safe but also seems to have potential beneficial effects.”

The last three months of pregnancy are thought to be a key time for intake of fish oil because
there is a growth spurt in the human brain during this time, which carries on into the first few months of a baby's life, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

Other research suggests cod liver oil taken during pregnancy may increase birthweight and reduce the risk of the baby developing type 1 diabetes.

As well as immediate benefits to the child, studies show fish oils can help mums-to-be in a number of ways, including reducing high blood pressure and easing post-natal depression. As omega-3 oils are also essential for good memory, supplementing with fish oils and eating oily fish on a regular basis may help prevent mumnesia, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your pregnancy diet which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Even drinking small amounts during pregnancy can damage your baby

The British Medical Association (BMA) recommend that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not drink any alcohol, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. Complying with the guidance would eliminate fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which include fetal alcohol syndrome and can lead to learning and physical disabilities and behavioural problems.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most clinically recognisable type of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and is characterised by abnormal facial features, growth deficiency, intellectual disabilities, and hyperactivity. FASD are lifelong conditions that can significantly impact on the life of the individual and those around them, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

Furthermore, they are completely preventable. Even if you drink a little bit during your pregnancy you may be putting your child at risk, as some genetic variables make your baby even more vulnerable to FASD, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

In 2002-3 a total of 128 cases were recorded in England. However, there is no reliable evidence on the incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the United Kingdom, something which needs to change, says the BMA.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link. To find out more about Fetal alcohol syndrome, go to the link below.

http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/SearchResultsPage?OpenDocument&sid=080317200345BMAW-7CTRJE&FreeText=fetal%20alcohol%20spectrum%20disorders%20