Archives for January 2012 |

I was just thinking about this issue (very randomly) the other day. I get frustrated with the notion that women who choose pain control during birth are uneducated, lazy, or willing to put their babies health at risk. I know that I was very informed and thus empowered in my decision to use those glorious wonderful epidurals during both my deliveries. I also know I created life, and pushed it out, the same as any other woman out there. (In fact, I am Woman Hear me Roar actually came on the radio as I started pushing…note to new mothers…make a playlist so this doesn’t happen to you! It’s hard to push when you are giggling over the Irony of it all) (And yes…I did just say giggle during labor. It can be that enjoyable…at times)

This article is a great, well balanced point of view on the research (and sensationalism) floating around regarding epidurals vs natural delivery and the risks (or lack thereof) involved. (Don’t worry, if you haven’t delivered yet,this is not another scare tactic. In fact, it is just the opposite.)

The bottom line is: Whether you choose pain relief or not, Breathe easy. Educate yourself. And be confident in what ever delivery decisions you make. You are woman! ROAR!

Click here to read the Article: The truth about Epidurals.

Here is an interesting (albeit brief) article on a recent study regarding tall women, weight gain and the affects on pregnancy, delivery and baby. It still seems pretty preliminary but at least science is recognizing that tall women might have a different set of rules to play by than their shorter counter parts. We will be interested to see (and share) the results as more data comes out about tall women and birth outcomes of this study.

Washington State Journal of Public Health Practice B. Saltzman/Volume 4, S1

Abstract: Background: The Institute of Medicine current guidelines for maternal weight
gain during pregnancy may not be appropriate for tall women. Methods: We conducted
a population-based cohort study using linked birth-hospital discharge records in
Washington State. We compared tall women to women of average stature. We
calculated relative risks using Mantel-Haenzsel methods to assess effect modification by
height within BMI categories for multiple adverse outcomes associated with gestational
weight gain: small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), csection,
birth trauma, and post-partum weight retention. Results: SGA occurred less frequently
in infants born to tall women than in women of average stature (5.2% vs 9.8%) and LGA
more frequently (17.8% vs 9.8%). Relative risks of SGA and LGA did not differ by height
across BMI categories. Among women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI who gained
the recommended 25 to 35 pounds of weight during pregnancy, tall women had a lower
risk of csection compared to women of average stature (RR=0.69, 95% CI 0.59-0.81). The
risk of csection became similar when tall women gained 45 to 55 pounds (RR=0.97, 95%
CI 0.83-1.14). Conclusion: Our results on csection suggest that tall women can safely
gain more weight during pregnancy than average height women. Our ongoing
investigation on birth trauma and post-partum weight retention will fully assess the risk
of higher gestational weight gain on adverse birth outcomes in tall women.

Monthly Archives: January 2012

Epidurals: Fact or Fiction

Tall & Pregnant? Science says you might have some new rules