Aurora magazine

Eating nuts in pregnancy makes the child smarter. This was stated by a study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), which found a link between dried fruit and neural development. The researchers involved over 2200 mothers with their children. During the first trimester, the women completed a questionnaire regarding daily habits and nutrition. One of the questions also concerned the amount of nuts eaten each day. After giving birth, the researchers analyzed children's development.

The children did tests at 18 months, 5 years and 8 years. They cross the data and a correlation emerged between the nuts eaten during pregnancy and the child's intelligence. Women who had eaten lots of nuts during the first trimester had children with better test results. Babies have been shown to have better memory and higher cognitive functions.

The umpteenth proof of how much nutrition during pregnancy is decisive for fetal development. Not just nuts, though. Peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios and pine nuts have proved equally beneficial in the long run. It is probably largely due to folic acid, of which these foods are rich. Dried fruit is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6, other substances beneficial for neural tissues, particularly for the frontal areas of the brain.

This could explain why the children in question have a better memory than average. How many nuts should you eat to get these benefits? According to the study, 30 grams of dried fruit would be enough 3 times a week. We are just below the quantities recommended by nutritionists around the world.

Source: isglobal.org/en

According to a study presented at the European Congress on Obesity, weight loss surgery increases the risk of complications in pregnancy. The authors of the study found a higher rate of premature births, with young children suffering from congenital anomalies.

Scientists analyzed data from over 14,800 gestations in women who had worked to lose weight. They compared them with those of almost 4 million pregnancies not influenced by this factor. The results showed a higher rate of risk for the first group, which should therefore be followed much more during the nine months and immediately thereafter. Gastric bypass is a type of operation used in case of severe obesity, to help weight loss.

However, it could hinder a successful pregnancy, with negative effects on the mother and baby. In fact, the bypass hinders the absorption of essential nutrients for the development of the child. This translates into a 57% more chance of premature birth, with 29% more congenital anomalies and a lower birth weight than the average. For the moment it is unclear how exactly surgery affects fetal development.

The data, however, are clear, so future mothers with gastric bypass need extra care. It is important that they follow an ad hoc diet, enriched with supplements in order to reduce the side effects of the operation as much as possible.

Source: easo.org

Many future mothers suffer the charm of "natural" products, perceived as safer. Unfortunately, this is not always the case: some herbs can be harmful both for the mother and the child. Some "natural" products are linked to complications, including preterm parts. Before taking them, it would therefore be good to consult your gynecologist.

Dr. James McLay's team analyzed data from 74 studies devoted to the topic. Several of these studies are small or partial, but highlight how little we know about the subject. Although it cannot be taken for granted that natural herbs and supplements always do "badly", it is good to pay attention.

Taking certain products lightly, in the belief that they are 100% safe, can have serious consequences. Depending on the country, between 10% and 75% of pregnant women take herbs during pregnancy. They are mainly products against nausea, natural supplements and oils. Data from the 74 studies include the effects of 47 herbal products; 29 of these are based on clinical trials.

The results are not encouraging. Among the accused is liquorice, present in many digestive and relaxing herbal teas. Used in excessive amounts, it raises the pressure and increases the risk of premature birth. Raspberry leaves are a natural remedy for inducing and shortening labor. Nevertheless, it appears that the risk of having to have a caesarean section increases by 3.5 times.

To get a really clear idea of ​​the effects of certain herbs during pregnancy, larger and more in-depth studies would be needed. However, the authors are keen to send a message: before taking certain substances in large quantities, it is always good to consult your doctor.

Source: medicalxpress.com

There are many factors that influence assisted reproduction, both positive and negative. Some are not changeable, like ovarian reserves. On others it is easier to act. Among the latter are body weight, nutrition, lifestyle and even smoking. In fact, it appears that smoking negatively affects fertility, also reducing the chances of assisted fertilization success. Those who smoke are on average less fertile: women have fewer eggs available and men have less active sperm.

These negative consequences could also be drawn into IVF. A study has indeed analyzed the effects of smoking on oocytes and spermatozoa from 4747 donors. The researchers divided the donors into three categories: non-smokers, "light" smokers (less than 10 cigarettes a day), real smokers. The analyzes did not reveal significant differences in the percentages of pregnancies carried out.

The most important differences instead appeared during ovarian stimulation. Why? Tobacco smoke contains harmful toxins to gametes. Women who smoke enter menopause 1-4 years before non-smokers. The effects are even more pronounced among those who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day. For their part, smokers have less sperm, less motility and a higher rate of fragmented DNA. Gamete less healthy already reduce the chance of success. Added to these are the negative effects on metabolism and blood vessels, which increase the risk of miscarriage.

Source: medscape.com