Pregnancy Blog - For All Your Pregnancy Things by PregnancyWeekly

Best of the Web: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-05-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Coolest Parents Ever Recreate Beastie Boys "Sabotage" Video [theFrisky]

India offers 24-hour daycare service [MSNBC]

10 procedures to think twice about during your pregnancy [ConsumerReports]

Simon Helberg & Jocelyn Towne Welcome First Child: Adeline [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Introducing Your Child To Someone Special [parenting]

Alex Meraz & Wife Welcome Baby No. 2: Talus Alexander [CelebrityBabyScoop]

In Mensa or not, this tot proves she's still a tot [MSNBC]

Baby Instincts (Part 1)

2012-05-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

While other animals are up walking around shortly after they are born, newborn babies can only coo and cry. Nevertheless, don't be fooled by their apparent helplessness, because a baby's cry can reach up to 97 decimals (equivalent to a pneumatic drill)! Scientists are finding that that's not the only skill your baby is naturally born with: babies can read emotions in faces and music and feel complex emotions of their own. They naturally dance to the beat and remember sounds from the womb. It makes you wonder what else we don’t know about babies or what babies might already know about us.

It’s possible that babies start learning to communicate in the womb. A study of pregnant women who read Dr. Seuss, found their babies preferred the same book after being born. The study had the newborns choose a non-nutritive sucking device that triggered a particular audio. They always chose the audio reading of the same Dr. Seuss story they were read in the womb. Another bi-product of hearing sounds in the womb is a preference for women's voices, particularly the mother’s. If a man and woman both talk at the same time out of view of a newborn, researchers have found that the newborn will always turn to look at the female.

Babies are born sensitive to the emotions of others through observing facial expressions. A study called the “visual cliff” put babies on a sheet of glass that was elevated on two tiers, creating a visual mirage of a cliff in the middle. The mothers were asked to coax the babies over the visual cliff towards a toy. When mothers exhibited fear, their infants wouldn’t crawl over the cliff and when mothers showed joy, they were able to coax their infants over the cliff about two-thirds of the time. Apparently, sometimes babies also instinctively sense a possible fall. Another study of babies interacting with their mothers, in which the mothers acted normal then suddenly became emotionless, eventually caused the babies to be distressed. The mother’s indifferent face caused some babies to try to get their mother’s attention and finally led to indifference in certain infants.

Babies react to emotions even in music. Babies at approximately three months of age don’t seem to be able to differentiate between sad and happy music but by five to seven months a study revealed that they prefer happy music over sad. The study had babies stare at a picture while they played music and when the baby looked away, the music would stop. They notably stared longer for the happy music. Babies also have a strong sense of rhythm. They are born able to keep track of complex rhythms, ones that as adults we may not be able to keep up with unless culturally exposed to them. In a study of babies listening to Balkan music, they were able to pick up errors that adults were not able to. By one year of age, however, they become less flexible with their sense of rhythm.

A baby’s complexity is not limited to a sense of rhythm - they also feel complex emotions like jealousy. By about three months of age, you might notice your baby striving to get your attention. A study found out what happens when researchers spoke with mothers while purposely excluding the baby. Some babies became agitated, kicking their legs and screaming if no attention was given. They also smiled less and turned away. When mothers showed love to another infant, most babies became very distressed. When mothers interacted with researchers three out of 24 babies became upset, but when it was with another baby, 13 out of 24 babies became upset.

It's incredible to realize how emotionally sensitive an infant really is, but we can use this understanding to better care for our babies. Perhaps the music you listened to while pregnant is just what the baby needs to feel calm, and maybe for a little Mozart in the making, you need to expose the child to complex rhythms earl on. Maybe the reason the baby is upset is because someone else is sad or because you are giving more attention to someone else. Whatever the case, these findings are bringing us closer and closer to finding out what we already knew: babies are amazing!

Were you surprised to see any of these traits in your baby?

The Baby Lab [TheNewAmericaFoundation]

Programme 1 - Born to Survive [BBC]

Babies can recognise emotion in faces [AskBaby]

Infants distinguish sad music [AskBaby]

Western Babies Got Rhythm, but They Unlearn It, Study Says [NationalGeographic]

Babies Use Rhythms to Adapt to Their Culture, Study Hints [NationalGeographic]

Babies 'show jealousy' by three months [AskBaby]

Development of Prosocial Behavior and Empathy In the Hand that Rocks the Cradle [WCF]

The Competence of Babies [theAtlantic]

Babies Who Learn Music Gain Important Skills

2012-05-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

What's the best age to start learning music? 5 years-old? 10? 15? A new study reveals that the best age to start learning music is before a child even turns one. Obviously, a child is not going to become Mozart by the age of two, but a new study reveals that babies who learn to play music gain some invaluable benefits.

Researchers from Ontario's McMaster University recruited a group of one-year-olds and their parents to study music together for six months. They were split into two groups - one played with toys while listening to music and the other learned to play instruments and sing songs. Researchers found that babies who actually studied playing music developed more sophisticated reactions to music they listened to, which wasn't surprising. However, the interactive group also developed better communication skills, smiled more, were easier to soothe and remained more calm when faced with unfamiliar situations.

Studies have found similar benefits for adults who study instruments and playing music, however, this study is the first to look at babies learning to play music. Listening to music has calming benefits but actually playing music seems to provide many cognitive benefits for babies and adults.

Does your baby like to sing or play instruments?

Music benefits babies' brains [TorontoSun]

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky Welcome a Girl!

2012-05-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Avengers star Chris Hemsworth and actress Elsa Pataky have welcomed their first child to the world! India Rose arrived on May 11th in London. The first-time dad says of the baby's name: "We love the country and love the name."

The couple were married in 2010.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

What do you think of the name India Rose?

Chris Hemsworth & Elsa Pataky Welcome First Child: India [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Featured Babies of the Week

2012-05-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Every week we feature the best baby photos sent to us through our Babies of the Week contest. We receive photos from parents from all over the world. Here are a few of our favorites:

Sean was born in May, 2011. Mom says, "He is special in so many ways but to name a few he is happy nearly all day long! He likes to read books with Mommy and loves to practice talking with Daddy. He is the happiest baby even in the middle of the night! He always smiles first thing in the morning and has already learned how to give kisses!"

Shelby Genevieve was born in February, 2011, weighing 5 lbs., 10 oz. Mom says, "My daughter is special because she is my angel. She is 7 months old now and is feeding herself (with a little help from mom). She loves talking and meeting new people. She loves the outdoors, it's her favorite place to be."

Shazia was born last July. Mom says she always smiles, even if she's in pain, she smiles as she cries. Mom also says: "I don’t know how express it but she is my butterfly."

Alexander is six weeks old in this picture. Mom says, "He is special because he was born at 34 weeks and spent 4 weeks in the NICU. I was hospitalized for 2 weeks before he was born. They induced me because he was not growing well inside of me. Alexander has mild IUGR. He is in the 25th percentile for his adjusted age and is doing very well. He was born 3 lbs 10 oz and is now 7 lbs 9 oz! He likes to eat! The really special part about his story is that I was told I had gestational diabetes. I questioned the results and was tested 2 more times both negative. My doctor told me to keep the apt for the growth sonogram just in case. It was this sonogram(would not have been done routinely) that found the issue with blood flow and my placenta that may have saved his life."

Londynn was born in October. Mom says, "What makes my daughter special to me and my family is that she was born on her great grandmother's birthday. She is the only person in the entire family to share a birthday with my grandmother. My grandfather passed away early this year and did not have the opportunity to meet my newest family addition. While pregnant I said that if she were born on my grandmother's birthday that meant my grandfather was watching over us. Well, she was, so I believe he is watching over us making her extra special."

Thanks to all the parents who sent us their pictures. You can see the rest of the featured photos on the front page of BabyWeekly. To enter your baby picture for the Baby of the Week contest, please click here. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, it may take many months before your baby's photo is featured.

Friday Wrap-up: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-05-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Behind the Cover: Are You Mom Enough?[Time]

Christy Turlington Burns defends campaign to boycott Mother's Day [Today]

Bruce Willis Introduces Mabel Ray [People]

Simple blood test could show who's at risk for postnatal depression [DailyMail]

No more negotiating. I've learned to say NO to my children [DailyMail]

Whooping cough epidemic hits Washington State [NYDailyNews]

Pregnant And Puzzling Over How The 'Parts' Will Fit [NPR]

New Study Bolsters Importance of Choline during Pregnancy

2012-05-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

When you're planning your meals, you're probably not thinking of your consumption of choline, an essential B-vitamin. Even though studies have shown that it's increasingly important for pregnant women - low choline has been linked to neural tube defects and is essential for organ development. A recent study supports these findings and suggests that increased choline intake during pregnancy could reduce the incidence of diabetes and high blood pressure in babies by lowering stress hormones in the body.

Researchers from Cornell University discovered that providing pregnant women with 930 milligrams of choline a day significantly lowered their baby's stress levels. Women who took part in the study were in their third trimester. There were two groups - one that were assigned 930 milligrams of choline daily and another assigned to take 450 milligrams a day. The babies of mothers who took the higher concentrations each day experienced a 33 percent decline in levels of cortisol - the stress hormone. Marie Caudill, associate professor of nutritional sciences, says of the findings:

"The study findings raise the exciting possibility that a higher maternal choline intake may counter some of the adverse effects of prenatal stress on behavioral, neuroendocrine and metabolic development in the offspring...A dampening of the baby's response to stress as a result of mom consuming extra choline during pregnancy would be expected to reduce the risk of stress-related diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes throughout the life of the child."

Choline is an essential nutrient for proper cell function in the body. Women are urged to consume 425 milligrams a day even when they're not pregnant. The nutrient is most abundantly found in calf liver, beef, eggs, chicken, turkey, soy beans and some dark leafy greens.

Do you get enough choline in your diet?

Choline Consumption During Pregnancy May Lower Babies' Risk Of Diabetes: Study [HuffPo]

choline [WHFoods]

Anna Faris and Chris Pratt are Expecting!

2012-05-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Anna Faris (35) and Chris Pratt (32) are expecting their first child together! A rep for the actors announced the news to People. The couple were married in 2009 and have been open about their desires to start a family.

Faris can be seen in Sasha Baren Cohen's new film, The Dictator, and Pratt is a regular on the show Parks and Recreation.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Anna Faris and Chris Pratt Expecting First Child [People]

Best of the Web: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-05-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Robert Downey Jr. Shows Off Baby Photos On 'The Tonight Show' [NBC]

Science Discovers That Sperm Aren't Swimmers, They're Crawlers [Jezebel]

7 Ways to Incorporate Kids Into a Wedding [lilsugar]

Infertile Woman Gives Birth 5 Hours After She's Declared Pregnant [theStir]

The Dos and Don'ts of What to Say to a Friend Who's Had a Miscarriage [lilsugar]

42 of the Best Baby Shower Themes [lilsugar]

30 Ultra-Flattering Maternity Swimsuits [iVillage]

Toxins in the Home - Pregnancy Precautions

2012-05-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is a confusing time for many women because there are so many precautions that are advised. It’s unfortunate that we are faced with an increasing list of chemicals to avoid that have infiltrated every part of our existence. A study in November 2009 found toxic chemicals from common household items in the bodies of women in their second trimester of pregnancy. Included were phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA) and so-called “Teflon chemicals.” BPA has been linked to breast cancer, birth defects and reversed gender behaviors in toddlers. Many states in the United States have already banned its use in baby products.

It would be so much easier if the companies responsible for creating these chemicals were required to test substances before putting them on the market, but the laws on chemicals are severely outdated. Here are some precautions you can take to avoid hazardous chemicals during your pregnancy:

On your person:

Eat all organic foods (eggs should be priority if you can’t afford it).
Avoid nail polish, fake nails, hair dye, and hair spray.
Take fish oil instead of eating more fish and only eat wild caught fish.
Avoid processed foods.
Find natural alternatives to your toiletries (shampoo, soap, deodorants, make-up), ones that don’t contain phthalates. Avoid anti-bacterial soaps that contain triclosan. (Use cosmeticsdatabase.com to check your products).
Avoid synthetic scents from perfumes, lotions, and body sprays.
Don’t get silver (mercury) fillings at the dentist.
Avoid microwave popcorn.
Avoid canned food or drinks that have plastic lining inside.
Avoid plastics #3 and #7.
Avoid bug spray with DEET.
Avoid tobacco smoke.
Eat lots of calcium and iron, which protect the body from lead.

In the home:

Keep the home well-ventilated.
Test for Radon.
If living in an older home, contact the local EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to test for the presence of lead in the water. Run for 30 seconds before using for anything and use the cold water pipe, not the hot.
Filter drinking water in your home and if possible filter the shower/bath water as well. (Chlorine can react to other chemicals in the water, making it hazardous on the skin.)
Drink and cook with tap water rather than bottled water.
Avoid storing, heating or cooling foods in plastic containers and don’t put plastic in the dishwasher.
Do not sand or paint during your pregnancy.
Have someone dust your home with a damp rag on a regular basis.
Use a Hepa-filter vacuum often.
Throw away vinyl blinds of unknown origin.
If your house was built before 1978, avoid gardening near its foundation.
Wet mop floors.
Avoid new carpeting, vinyl and furniture that can emit fumes.
Don’t use pesticides in your home or garden.
Use natural cleaning products (vinegar and baking soda work for almost everything).
Only use non-toxic dry cleaners.
Don’t cook with non-stick pans made with Teflon.
Don’t use stain repellents.
Find out which manufacturers are against using hazardous chemicals before purchasing new items (Sony, Samsung, Nokia, IKEA, Apple, LG, Phillips, Microsoft, Sharp and Toshiba are some good ones).
Some scented candles contain lead in the wicks that is released when lit – only use natural ones
Stick with watercolors and acrylics during pregnancy if you like to paint.
If there is anyone living in your home that works as a mechanic, painter, construction worker, smelter, welder, with ceramics or manufacturing batteries – they should arrange to wash up their body and clothes at work. At the very least, have them wash their clothes separately from the rest of the family’s wash.
Use the vents in your house to keep air indoors circulating, particularly while cooking or showering
Lead can accumulate in soil near roads, so wipe your shoes before entering your house. Removing shoes before entering the home is a good way to keep from tracking things in.
If you re-use plastic bags, keep the lettering on the outside.
Open flues when fireplaces are in use.

In your car:

Don’t pump your own gas.
Keep your car well-ventilated and clean.

At work:

Investigate your workplace: make sure ventilation systems are working properly, restroom air fresheners are non-toxic, and keep an eye out for water damage.
Stay away from the workplace if new carpet is being installed, building construction or painting is going on, vents are being cleaned, or pesticides are being sprayed.
Make sure tobacco smoke or exhaust in certain places is not being channeled into your home or workplace

Resources you can use:

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/splash.php?URI=%2Findex.php

http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/

http://www.healthystuff.org/

Do you make an effort to avoid hazardous chemicals?

Environmental risks and pregnancy [MarchofDimes]
Four Common but Toxic Chemicals to Avoid During Pregnancy, Pre-Pregnancy and Breastfeeding [SixWise]

The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality [EPA]

Pacifiers May Not Adversely Effect Breastfeeding

2012-05-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

The conventional wisdom among breastfeeding mothers has been to keep pacifiers away from newborns still learning how to breastfeed. Called "nipple confusion," many mothers will attest to the fact that providing their newborn with a bottle or pacifier in their first weeks of life has caused problems achieving a successful latch. Despite a long fight against hospital policy that enables a baby to be given a bottle or pacifier right after birth, a new study suggests something different - that pacifiers could actually help babies learn how to latch properly.

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University discovered that breastfeeding rates actually fell when they stopped giving newborns pacifiers. Dr. Carrie Phillipi, a pediatrician at the hospital says, "Our observations suggest routinely removing pacifiers may negatively impact exclusive breastfeeding rates during the birth hospitalization." Data was collected from over 2,200 infants delivered at the hospital between 2010 and 2011. During that period, a policy was instituted that prevented the use of pacifiers with newborns. The percentage of babies who were exclusively breastfed during that period dropped from 80 percent to 68 percent.

Kim Novak-Jones, a registered nurse at the University of North Carolina's Women's and Children's Hospital was surprised by the findings because instituting Baby-Friendly policies, which includes halting the use of pacifiers, seemed to cause an increase in breastfeeding rates at UNC.

Phillipi explains that the effect of pacifier use early in life isn't well studied, "Taken together, the 10 steps [required to become a Baby-Friendly hospital] have been shown to improve breastfeeding rates. However, the individual contribution of removing pacifiers as one of the 10 steps hasn’t been as well studied."

Did you discover that giving your newborn a pacifier changed the breastfeeding relationship in any way?

Pacifiers And Breastfeeding: New Study Challenges Conventional Wisdom [HuffPo]

Carson Daly Expecting Second Child

2012-05-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Voice host, Carson Daly (38), and his partner Siri Pinter (30) are expecting their second child together! Pinter revealed the news on her blog: "5 and a half months already! I am beyond thrilled and blessed. I have been eating a lot of cookies."

The newest addition will join three-year-old Jackson.

Daly recently opened up about his experiences as a father: "Any parent can probably understand it when I say, ‘I get it now.’ I sort of get life’s purpose now. It’s something you don’t really understand until you’ve created something with your life partner or someone that you love. So I look at my time with my son and it really put things in perspective. I thought I had things in perspective. With me, it’s my faith and my family and everything else falls somewhere in categories underneath all that. But when you have your child, it’s a game changer."

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Carson Daly & Siri Pinter Expecting Baby No. 2 [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Featured Babies of the Week

2012-05-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Every week we feature the best baby photos sent to us through our Babies of the Week contest. We receive photos from parents from all over the world. Here are a few of our favorites:

Conrad Miller was born in December, 2010. He is eight months old in this picture. He has two older sisters and mom says he is always happy. She also reveals that he just learned to crawl.

Kegan is right around 12 months old in this picture.

Abbigail's grandfather sent us this adorable picture. She was born in February, 2011. Grandpa says, "She is special because she was born to my son and the daughter of my best friend in chiropractic school (31 years ago) and we have remained friends throughout all this time. Our children met and married while going to the same school, Life University in Georgia. This makes Abbi the third generation of chiropractors and hopefully, someday, she too will do the same as her parents."

Ella McKindley was born in September, 2011. Mom says, "This is my sweet baby girl who has been the best thing that ever happened to me. She brings joy to who ever meets her & the nurses kept telling me they had never seen a newborn baby smile as much as this little one did. She never cried at the Hospital and still today smiles more than ever."

Sydney Reese is 11-months-old here, she was born in December, 2010. Mom says, "Sydney is an energetic, polite and happy baby. Sydney always has a smile on her face. She loves her three furry friends (rescue cats) so much. She loves books, iPhones and our remote control. She brings such joy to our lives and we are so blessed to have her. She most recently learned to clap and is on the verge of walking."

Friday Wrap-up: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-05-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Lion at the Portland zoo goes crazy trying to eat zebra kid [YouTube]

Chris Bosh & Wife Welcome Baby No. 1: Jackson Anthony [CelebrityBabyScoop]

U.S. Ranks 131st in Preterm Births [WebMD]

The Cheating Dads of Brooklyn [Jezebel]

Fourth Child on the Way for Donald Trump, Jr. [People]

When Parents Should Get Involved in Kids' Issues [RealSimple]

Transgender father describes system that enables him to breastfeed [DailyMail]

Pop-Up Baby T-Shirts [lilsugar]

Food Allergy Risk Up for Children Born in the Fall [DoctorsLounge]

Breast-Feeding May Help Develop Healthy Mix of Gut Bacteria [MyHealthNewsDaily]

Shannon Miller on Parenting with Cancer

2012-05-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Olympic gold medalist and world champion gymnast Shannon Miller is a 35-year-old cancer survivor and mother of one. She opened up about her battle against ovarian cancer and how it effected her two-year-old son Rocco. Her story reveals her awe-inspiring strength.

On her diagnosis: "I was diagnosed with a malignant germ cell tumor (a form of ovarian cancer) in January of 2011. After surgery and chemotherapy, I am now very excited to say that I am cancer free! My cancer was caught at a very early stage. I hope that by being very open and public about my diagnosis I can remind others that early detection is key. My company is dedicated to helping women make their health a priority. When I found out I had cancer it brought my passion for the topic to a new level. Whether it’s cancer, diabetes, heart disease or just trying to stay fit we must make our health a priority."

On struggling to parent: "My son was 15-months-old when I was diagnosed. After surgery I wasn’t allowed to lift him for eight weeks. Any mom out there understands how hard that is emotionally as well as logistically with three naps a day getting him into and out of the crib.
My chemotherapy regimen was very intense. I called it the 'hit’ em hard hit’ em fast' regimen. I was extremely sick for the better part of 10 weeks and the fatigue was incredible. I was blessed to have so much help from family and friends. I would try to rest a lot during my tough weeks and on better days I would get work done. My son was a wonderful inspiration. Seeing him smile and play made everything better."

On becoming a bald: "I was very concerned….well terrified…. about how my son would react to bald mommy. I was so scared he would be frightened. I voiced my concern to a friend who had taken care of Rocco while I went to get my head shaved. A mother herself, she was amazing. She told me that I had to be comfortable with my new look first, or he certainly wouldn’t be. I wore hats for the next couple of days around him and took the time to get used to my new look, feel my head, look in a mirror. When I finally introduced it to him (nonchalantly while playing the 'wear the hat' game) he didn’t even flinch. Apparently it was just another hair style for mommy!"

On having more children: "In July, I’ll find out the status of having another child. After surgery and chemo I was still given an 85% chance of having children. John (my husband) and I have done our best to leave it in God’s hands and remain very thankful to have such a wonderful little boy."

Do you know any young parents faced with cancer?

Shannon Miller: "I Was Terrified How My Son Would React To Bald Mommy" [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Premature Infant Breathing Issues

2012-05-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

The lungs are one of the last parts of the body to develop in the womb, which is why premature infants are most likely to experience breathing problems. If your baby was born prematurely, he or she is at risk for a handful of breathing issues.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), also known as hyaline membrane disease (HMD), is one of the most common disorders that preemies face. Its onset usually appears immediately after birth. It is the most common cause of breathing difficulties for preemies. RDS is caused by a deficiency of the liquid called surfactant that is produced in the lungs. The surfactant is needed to release the surface tension of the lungs, allowing them to stay open once the baby exits the womb and begins to breathe on his own.

RDS is a complication in about 1% of pregnancies. It’s estimated that 50% of newborns born at 26-28 weeks develop it. The risk of having RDS increases if the mother has diabetes, the baby is born by cesarean delivery, was part of a multiples pregnancy, had a rapid labor or experienced delivery complications that created acidosis in the infant. If the mother has preeclampsia or high blood pressure, prolonged rupture of the membranes, or a narcotic addiction then the baby is less likely to contract RDS because the stress of these conditions cause the lungs to develop sooner.

When a woman goes into preterm labor, she will often be given drugs to increase the onset of the surfactant in the baby’s lungs. Medical professionals will typically test the amniotic fluid to see how developed the baby’s lungs are using a technique called amniocentesis.

A preemie suffering from RDS might have rapid breathing, nasal flaring, apnea, puffy arms and legs, unusual breathing movement, grunting noises, and/or blue coloring around the lips and nails. A blood gas analysis or chest x-ray can usually tell if RDS is present.

Mild RDS cases might only require a short period with oxygen being delivered through a hood, nasal prongs, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP- puts slightly pressurized air into the nose to keep airways open). Some cases may only require observation for a period of time, until the baby’s lungs begin to produce surfactant on their own. In moderate-severe cases the baby will be hooked up to a breathing machine that provides warm, moist oxygen until the RDS has passed, which usually takes 2-4 weeks. More severe cases of RDS will usually be treated using a ventilator, which forces air in and out of the lungs. A ventilator can be life-saving in cases where there are high levels of carbon dioxide or low oxygen in the blood vessels, when the blood Ph is low, or for babies who have frequent pauses in breathing.

Babies who suffer from RDS should have few disturbances, gentle handling and maintain a healthy body temperature. They require constant monitoring for the onset of infections and to ensure that they have enough fluids.

The condition often gets worse for up to 4 days before it starts to get better. Infants who respond well to treatment typically have no long-term effects from either the RDS or the treatment.

Prevention of RDS constitutes good prenatal care, avoiding unnecessary (ill-timed) c-sections, halting labor in the even of preterm labor, or administering corticosteroids to the mother in an effort to quicken the maturity of the baby’s lungs before birth.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/Chronic Lung Disease

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a form of chronic lung disease. It is a common lung issue in preemies, particularly those that weigh less than 4.5 pounds.

Its unknown what the root cause of BPD is, but it usually occurs in babies who are on respirators for long periods of time and experience inflammation and/or scarring of the lungs.

Severe RDS (listed above) and infections before and after birth are risk factors for developing BPD. BPD usually sets in if the baby is born more than 10 weeks before their expected due date. They will usually exhibit breathing problems at birth.

Symptoms of BPD include: chronic cough, bluish skin color, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. If babies continue to need breathing support after 28 days of age or 36 weeks post-conception, then treatment for BPD is considered. Chest x-rays will usually reveal “spongy” looking lungs if BPD is present. A blood sample might be taken to test the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Preemies will be given medication and oxygen to treat BPD. Medications used are bronchodilators and diuretics (to reduce fluid build up in the lungs). Some infants will receive jet-ventilation; a low pressure ventilation that minimizes the lung damage that most ventilators can cause. Babies with BPD are more likely to get pneumonia, so antibiotics may also be given. Treatment may include administering surfactant to improve breathing function.

In cases of BPD where the infant is hospitalized, oftentimes a feeding tube will be inserted directly into the stomach and the baby will be given high-calorie formula to encourage growth. In severe instances, where the infant’s gastrointestinal system isn’t working properly, an IV may be used to feed the infant.

Infants could spend anywhere from a few weeks to a few months in the NICU for BPD. The average hospital stay is estimated by the National Institute for Health to be around 120 days. Once the baby is home, he might still require medication, breathing treatments and possibly even oxygen. The recovery from BPD is gradual and very scarred or stiff lung tissue might always impair breathing ability. The lungs continue to develop for the next 5-7 years and new tissue might replace the old.

Prevention of respiratory problems is very important at home. Wash your hands before handling the baby and avoid others who are suffering from a cold or fever. Do not smoke anywhere near the baby. The baby may become bluish during crying spells and will return to normal color when at rest. If the baby is still bluish at rest, then a call to the doctor is warranted. See the doctor if any respiratory illness comes your baby’s way. Most babies who get BPD recover and go on to live normal lives.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta and allows blood to bypass the lungs during pregnancy. It exists because during pregnancy the mother’s blood provides oxygen instead of the baby receiving its own. When a baby is mature, the vessel closes usually before 15 hours after birth, but some preemies still have open vessels. As a result, the lungs receive excessive blood flow which can cause breathing difficulties and sometimes heart failure.

When a baby has PDA, she might show signs of apnea, heart murmur, low blood pressure, bounding pulses, bradycardia (drop in heart rate), an enlarged heart, and extra fluid in the lung and heart. The symptoms are bluish coloring, trouble breathing, and strong pulses. An echocardiogram, electrocardiogram or x-ray can help to diagnose the problem.

Medication can help to close the vessel 80% of the time but sometimes surgery is needed. If the baby has PDA but no other heart defects, then there’s a good chance that it will heal on its own. Preemies usually receive an aspirin-like drug called indomethacin, which helps to close the PDA. If a PDA is accompanied with other heart problems or if it doesn’t respond to treatment, it could require surgery, where a suture would close it.

Apnea of Prematurity

The lower the weight and size of the infant at birth, the more likely apnea will appear. About half of all preemies have apnea. It will appear within the first few weeks of life and could continue for 2-3 months after. Apnea is not a lung issue - it’s usually a nervous system problem where the brain doesn’t send the signal to breathe to the body. It could also be caused by weak muscles that keep the airway open. It usually occurs in preemies because the part of the nervous system that causes continuous breathing is not developed yet. It can also be caused by bleeding or damage to the brain, respiratory disease, infections, reflux or other gastrointestinal problems, imbalance of chemicals like calcium or glucose in the body, blood vessel or heart problems, over-flexing the neck, a feeding tube or suction device, or unstable temperature.

The condition causes the baby to stop breathing for longer than 20 seconds and the heart rate decelerates. It causes large bursts of breath and then periods of shallow breathing or no breathing at all. The skin can turn blue, pale or purple. The breathing might be loud and the baby might appear limp. Apnea most commonly occurs during the REM period of sleep.

Bradycardia is the name for the drop in heart rate associated with apnea. “A’s and B’s” will often be used to refer to apnea followed by bradycardia. The heart rate falls below 80 beats per minute.

There are three types of apnea:

Obstructive apnea - the muscles used for breathing are working but there is no air flow, which indicates an obstruction in the airway.
Central apnea - the muscles used for breathing fail after exhalation (related to the brain’s signals to breathe).
Mixed apnea - a combination of obstructive and central apnea.

Apnea can be diagnosed with an x-ray of the lungs, a physical examination or a blood test.

The condition usually goes away without treatment and doesn’t relapse. Caffeine will sometimes be administered once a day and is generally considered the safest treatment over other medications. Babies with apnea might need to be on a ventilator or be provided with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure).

Once breathing stops, it will either start again or the baby might require help breathing again. If the baby doesn’t begin breathing on his own within 15 seconds, often a nurse will rub the baby’s back, arms and legs in an attempt to stimulate breathing. If the baby does not breathe after this handling, an oxygen mask might be used to pump air into the baby’s lungs until the baby starts breathing again. This kind of episode could happen each day or more than once in a day. Assisted breathing can be achieved through proper positioning and slower feedings as well. Nipple feedings aren’t advised at this time - the milk should be administered through a tube. Avoid cold stimulation to the face. Avoid flexing the neck in a severe way. Treat any reflux the baby might be experiencing.

In the rare case that a baby is sent home with apnea still present, you will be given an apnea monitor. An apnea monitor comes with a belt that goes around the baby’s chest. Parents will be given information on using the monitor and be taught how to perform CPR.

Emotionally, dealing with apnea can really take its toll. Keep in mind that it will get easier with time and voice your concerns to the nurses. They can likely reassure you or point you to others who understand what you are going through.

Additional problems could worsen apnea- infections, heart or lung issues, anemia, hypoglycemia, sepsis, temperature problems, feeding problems, overstimulation, and low blood oxygen. Usually AOP resolves itself around 44-46 weeks post-conception in preemies. Rare cases could continue for longer. Apnea usually does not carry long-lasting effects for the child.

If your baby is premature and experiences any one of these conditions, he will most likely remain in the NICU until he is healthy enough for you to take home. Before bringing the baby home, the doctor or nurses will inform you of any special treatment and care that will be required of you. It can be a frightening experience to see your newborn in the NICU and overwhelming to have to take care of a newborn with health issues. Try to stay calm and find support if you need it.

About Preemies [KidsHealth]

What Is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia? [NHLBI]

Common Preemie Health Problems [About]

Premature Babies [keepkidshealthy]

Premature Babies And Their Health Complications! [ThePregnancyZone]

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome [MedlinePlus]

What is Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)? [About]

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) [KidsHealth]

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia [MedlinePlus]

What Is Patent Ductus Arteriosus? [NHLBI]

Apnea of Prematurity [KidsHealth]

Best of the Web: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-05-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Jason Lee's Stunning Photos of his Kids [Flicker]

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Barry Watson, Natasha Gregson Wagner Expecting a Child [CelebrityBabyScoop]

The world's first health resort for stressed-out toddlers [DailyMail]

Marley Shelton Welcomes Daughter Ruby Jeanne [People]

Meet Mensa's youngest US member [Today]

Maternal Stress Tied to Lower Cord Iron Levels [Physician'sBriefing]

Can a Formula Company Promote Breast-Feeding and Fight Child Obesity? [Time]

Baby on the Way for A.J. McLean [People]

Baby Name Trends of 2012

2012-05-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

With the first quarter of 2012 behind us, baby name sites are viewing the traffic to find which baby names are getting the most attention. It appears that The Hunger Games has taken over where Twilight left off, leaving a whole new crop of trendy baby names. One name that seeing a huge surge in interest, thanks to data from a website called Nameberry, is Rue - a young character from the popular movie that met an untimely end. However, The Hunger Games is not the only thing that's inspiring expectant parents this year. Here are a few burgeoning trends to look out for:

Boys names ending in "ett" - Bennett, Emmett, Everett, Beckett... these are a few of the names getting a lot of attention this year. Of course, it might not be a coincidence considering the name of a character in Twilight - Emmett Cullen.

Ivy - Beyonce and Jay-Z may have started a naming trend by naming their little one Blue Ivy. Ivy has moved into the top 300 names in 2012.

Names beginning with "wes" - West, Wesley, Weston... these are a just a few of the names beginning with "wes" making their way up the baby name charts. Weston appears to be getting the most attention, after all, it is the name of the newest addition on the hit series The Office.

Adele - This name is pretty self-explanatory. One of the most popular and likeable singers on the radio right now has the lovely name of Adele, prompting expectant parents to see if it might fit their little one.

Names beginning with "gray" - Grayson, Gray... some theorize that Grayson may be the new Jason.

Aria - Names beginning with the letter A have been popular for decades, but this one is standing out to parents.

Cyrus - The surname of pop-star Miley Cyrus has become a popular choice for expectant parents. The ancient name ends in an S, which also happens to be a popular naming trend.

Estelle - After Sweden's royal couple named their daughter Estelle, it seems expectant parents wanted to see if their little girl could wear the moniker of a princess. This name is also a natural variation on a trend that keeps going - names that have an "elle" sound to them. Bella, Elle, Stella...

Cato - This ancient roman name is the name of the villian in Hunger Games, so it's not too surprising that it's popularity is rising.

Blythe - Blythe is the newest name for parents who want their child's name to mean "joy" or "happiness." It's also the first name of the actress Blythe Danner.

Have you gravitated towards any of these names?

The hot names of 2012, revealed [Today]

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard Welcome a Girl!

2012-05-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Maggie Gyllenhaal (34) and Peter Sarsgaard (41) welcomed a baby girl to the world this week. Gloria Ray arrived on April 19th, in New York City. She joins big sister, Ramona (5).

The couple wed in Italy in 2009.

Gyllenhaal is next slated to appear in the movie Won't Back Down, while Sarsgaard is working on the movie Lovelace.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

What do you think of the name Gloria Ray?

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard Welcome Daughter Gloria Ray [People]

The "5 S's" - Relieving Pain in Babies After Vaccinating

2012-04-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

A recent spike in the number of infant measles cases in the United States could send even the most anti-vaccination parents heading for the clinic, but watching a baby experience the pain of a jab is not for the faint of heart. In the past, remedies for pain after immunization included a small dose of acetaminophen, which, unfortunately, was found to reduce the efficacy of vaccines. Breastfeeding and a dose of sugar have also been touted as effective ways to reduce pain in newborns. However, a recent study discovered that a combination of five comforting methods combine to provide astounding results.

Doctors in New Folk, Virginia call the new pain relief system, the "5 S's":

Swaddling
Side/Stomach Position
Shushing Sounds
Swinging
Sucking

Researchers discovered that using just four out of five of these methods would stop crying within 45 seconds, surprising the parents that participated in the study. The doctors who completed the study can't take full credit for their discovery, since Dr. Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block coined the term and touted the benefits of these five methods in his highly successful book. However, Karp advocated the use of the "5 S's" for relieving colic and the doctors in the study decided to see if they also worked to relieve pain after vaccinations. The methods were mostly tested on two month old infants, but four month old infants were involved in the study as well.

Karp, although not directly involved in the study, had plenty to say about the results. He recommended that doctors swaddle babies before the shots, leaving the legs exposed to receive the injections. He also suggests putting on a white noise CD before the procedure, saying that white noise is as calming as swaddling and can be used at least up to a child's first birthday.

Have you used any of the "5 S's" to relieve your baby's pain?

The '5 S's': Easing baby pain after vaccine shots [CNN]

Featured Babies of the Week

2012-04-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Every week we feature the best baby photos sent to us through our Babies of the Week contest. We receive photos from parents from all over the world. Here are a few of our favorites:

Michael and Matthew are fraternal twins, born last November.

Treyce Parker was born last September. Dad says, "Treyce loves to listen to music and sit with his 'Big Coach' and listen to him talk about football!! He is a true blessing to everybody in his family!!"

Petya Sofia was born in December. Mom says, "Petya is the sunshine of our life.. She has the funniest faces and can always cheer us up. She is named after 3 of the most amazing people in our lives! After both my mom & dad (Petya and Peter) and my husband's Grandpa Pietro, she was actually born on his birthday! She is special because she loves to 'talk' to us... especially to her big brother Anthony (3yrs old). Her little coos in the morning and her smile and giggles brighten our whole day."

Drew William is all dressed up for his 11-month-old pictures but he would not stay still. He loves to walk and be outdoors. Mom says, "He is always smiling, loves to be around others, and never meets a stranger. He also likes talking (babbling) back and forth with you. Sometimes he really looks like he's telling you exactly what he thinks!"

Nizhoni Grace - her name means "Beautiful gift from God." She was born last July. Mom says, "She was a surprise to us when we first found out we were pregnant, but has been the biggest blessing. She is our first child. From the day she was born she has been alert and had to know what was going on around her. In the hospital she would look all over the place as she listened to her daddy talk, acting almost like she was trying to figure out where he was....She has already gone hot air ballooning twice. She went for a tether ride in the balloon about 40 feet in the air and didn't even fuss."

Friday Wrap-up: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-04-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Military Dad Surprises Daughter at School [MSN]

Children exposed to violence and abuse age physically [DailyMail]

Friends for Life? Wait Till Kids Enter the Picture [NYTimes]

Tamera Mowry Expecting First Child [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Bo Bice Welcomes Daughter Merrin Elizabeth Joy [People]

Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley Welcome Second Daughter [People]

Holy Crap, a Childhood Is Made Up of Only 940 Saturdays? [Jezebel]

Doc solves mystery of Frida Kahlo's infertility [MSNBC]

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. are Expecting!

2012-04-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sarah Michelle Gellar (35) and Freddie Prinze Jr. (36) are expecting their second child together! The newest addition will join 2-year-old Charlotte Grace.

Gellar has said of motherhood: "You need to be at a point in your life where you can give up anything and everything for a child...Every day I look at her and I am in awe.” Gellar just wrapped up the first season of the TV drama The Ringer.

The couple were married in 2002 and welcomed Charlotte in 2009.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze, Jr. Expecting Second Child [People]

Aromatherapy for Pregnant Women

2012-04-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Common remedies for headache, nausea, depression and stress can suddenly become off-limits when you're pregnant. Aromatherapy is a gentle way to relieve common aches and pains experienced during pregnancy. The intense sense of smell that accompanies pregnancy makes aromatherapy a particularly effective remedy for many common complaints.

Nevertheless, even something as benign-seeming as aromatherapy requires safety considerations. Anything you put on the skin is absorbed into the blood and certain smells can trigger reactions in the body. Even though aromatherapy has been used by pregnant women without incident by many practitioners and midwives, there is no scientific evidence of the the practice's safety. Therefore, it’s best not to use essential oils directly on the skin while pregnant and to always use them with care.

Those who have high blood pressure, including preeclampsia, should limit exposure to stimulating oils such as the essential oil of grapefruit. Inhale oils from a small surface like the cap - not from the bottle. Only use medical grade oils and consult a medical professional before using. Avoid lavender during the first trimester, or if you have a history of recurrent miscarriage. Beyond those safety considerations, all of the oils listed here are advocated as safe during pregnancy by practitioners. However, if any of the oils bother or irritate you, stop using them right away.

There are many ways to use essential oils - you can gently inhale the scent mixed with a boiling pot of water, place a small amount in a cap, place a drop in a bowl of water nearby or you can try using a diffuser. You can make a cool or warm compress with the oil as well. Put a couple drops at the end of the bathtub, furthest from the drain, to liven up your shower.

For stress and anxiety try sandalwood, ginger, vetiver, lavender, chamomile (do not use Roman chamomile), or neroli oil.

For depression or fatigue try grapefruit, lemon, neroli, orange, or lavender oil.

For pain relief try lemon or lavender oils.

For nausea try ginger, lavender, or lemon oil.

For indigestion and acid reflux try lemon or lavender oil.

Have you ever tried aromatherapy?

NAHA FAQ [NAHA]

Fragrant Pregnancy [Mothering]
Labor Oils [Mothering]

Heavenly Scents [Mothering]

Aromatherapy: Pregnancy & Birth [About]

Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Labor [Midwifery Today]

Aromatherapy and Pregnancy [best home remedies]

Aromatherapy & Pregnancy - What to Avoid [minti]

Best of the Web: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-04-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Birth to 12 years in 2 min [Vimeo]

Jack Osbourne Welcomes Daughter Pearl [People]

Giuliana Rancic Is Expecting a Baby [People]

Why do little kids care so much about favorite colors? [Slate]

Women with heart disease more likely to give birth to girls [DailyMail]

7 Medications You Shouldn't Take While Pregnant [HealthInsuranceQuotes]

Did Carmageddon cause a baby boom in LA? [DailyMail]

12 Adorable Babies Caught Sleeping in Crazy Positions [theStir]

A single close friendship can ease a boy's passage through middle school [Slate]

What NOT to Say to a Friend Who's Struggling with Infertility [MSN]