Pregnancy and Lactation Weekly Digest

For the week ending on February 19, 2017

Lingering baby weight? Don’t blame the pregnancy

Women have long blamed pregnancy for weight gains that linger after their babies are born but a new study suggests the demands of motherhood might be to blame. Read more here. And see what you can do to lose weight gain while breastfeeding here.

This is important for you because you should not expect to return to your pre-pregnancy weight. You should plan to return to a weight that is about 2 or 3 pounds, on average, greater than your pre-pregnancy weight at a year after giving birth.

Couple’s IVF-themed pregnancy announcement goes viral

An expectant couple’s post on the anticipated summer arrival of their twins has been celebrated by thousands on social media for their openness about infertility and the struggles they faced while trying to get pregnant. Lauren and Gary Walker went through 452 needles, 1 corrective surgery,  4 clomid/letrozole attempts, 2 IVF rounds, and 3 failed transfers. But, after all that struggle, they are now expecting twin babies in August! Read about their amazing story here.

This is important for you because, for anyone dealing with infertility, Lauren and Gary’s story can give much comfort and hope.

Exercise during pregnancy may help obese women avoid dangerous complications

Exercise may be an efficient way for obese pregnant women to lower their risk of diabetes, dangerously high blood pressure, and other complications, a new study suggests. Read more about it here. Note: the study was not designed to develop specific exercise guidelines for obese pregnant women; these women should consult their obstetricians for guidance.

This is important for you because, with the obesity epidemic looming in our society, we should be turning our attention to prevention of disease. It is not too late even for obese pregnant women to engage in lifestyle change that may substantially reduce health care costs.

Aspirin increases pregnancy rate in women with inflammation

Infertility affects a large number of couples and individuals who are trying to conceive. New research suggests that a daily low dose of aspirin may increase chances of conception for women with chronic inflammation. Read more here.

This is important for you because, if you have chronic, low-grade inflammation, you may have been told that your chances of becoming pregnant are reduced. This new study can give you hope.

Drug-addicted mother ordered to avoid pregnancy

A judge ordered a drug-addicted mother of four to avoid getting pregnant until she regains custody of her infant son. Read more here.

This is important for you because you probably did not know that a judge can make such a decision!

The most popular article on The Pulse this week was Stocking Your Kitchen Before Your Baby’s Arrival. In this post, author Jessica Sillers gives you practical tips on how to stock your fridge and freezer in anticipation of the big day. Read it here.

This is important for you because, if you get your kitchen baby-ready now, you’ll thank yourself in the early newborn days!

Diana Gitig

Dr. Diana Gitig has a Ph.D. in cell biology and genetics from Cornell University, and has been writing about issues in biology – from molecular biology to cancer to immunology to neuroscience to nutrition to agriculture - for the past fifteen years. She has three teenaged children.