cyberhousewife.com

Stress during pregnancy could cause children to have mental and behavioural problems like ADHD?

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6298909.stm

Stress ‘harms brain in the womb’

Children whose mothers were stressed out during pregnancy are vulnerable to mental and behavioural problems like ADHD, mounting evidence suggests.
Latest UK research by Professor Vivette Glover of Imperial College London found stress caused by rows with or violence by a partner was particularly damaging.
Experts blame high levels of the stress hormone cortisol crossing the placenta.

Professor Glover found high cortisol in the amniotic fluid bathing the baby in the womb tallied with the damage. The babies exposed to the highest levels of cortisol during their development had lower IQs at 18 months.The same infants were also more likely to be anxious and fearful, she told a conference of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Professor Glover said: “We looked at what stresses were most harmful. We found that if the woman had a partner who was being emotionally cruel to them while they were pregnant it had a really significant effect on their baby’s future development. It really shows that the partner has a big role to play.”

The work suggests maternal stress is a true risk factor in its own right, although Professor Glover acknowledged that genetic factors and home environment after birth would also have an impact on a child’s development. She said most babies grow up unaffected by a stressful womb environment.

Big impact

However, she said maternal stress increases the risk of a range of problems - it doubles the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for example.

“We should be screening women in pregnancy for stress and intervening. It has big public health implications. About a million children in the UK have neurodevelopmental problems - ADHD, cognitive delay, anxiety and so on. About 15% of this might be due to antenatal stress. If we could reduce the mother’s stress while she is pregnant we might be able to potentially improve the outcome for about 150,000 children,” Professor Glover said.

Dr David Coghill, senior lecturer and honorary consultant in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Dundee, said pregnant women should not be “unduly concerned” by the findings.
He explained: “We are talking about here is extremely high levels of stress and distress. Stress is a normal factor of daily life and is something that the body copes with very well. However, it is a warning for people who may be facing more severe stresses and for those around women who are pregnant that increasing stress levels above what is normal for a person is not a good thing to do at that time.”

Professor Glover has submitted her work for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Hypertension in Children - Related to Poor Diet?
By Kristi Patrice Carter

Hypertension is chronic high blood pressure. In the past, this was a condition usually only seen in older adults. However, an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with hypertension. What is the cause of this alarming trend? According to the majority of leading researchers, the cause for this trend is diet.

Because more parents work outside of the home, more families consume prepared food on a daily basis. While these foods are easier, they are not better for you in terms of health. These foods can be filled with hidden calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol. All of these contribute negatively to the health of a human heart. While it may take more time and effort, it may be in your child’s best interest to limits the amount of these foods your child consumes on a regular basis.

Children are also eating higher amounts of fast food than they have in the past. Decades ago, a trip to a fast food restaurant was an occasional treat for children. This is no longer the case. Many children eat at least five fast food meals a week, which has a significant impact on their health. These children are often obese, and recent studies indicate that these children develop chronic health conditions later on in life, such as diabetes and hypertension.

These foods are replacing healthy food choices like fresh fruits and vegetables in many homes. Instead of making processed snacks available to children, parents should encourage their children to snack on fruits and vegetables instead. Put healthy snacks on the shelves in the pantry and refrigerator that your children can reach. Place “sometimes” foods in places where your children cannot reach them. This may take some parental monitoring, but this change can be accomplished with a little bit of work and perseverance.

This problem is compounded by the fact that children spend more time in front of a television or computer screen than they have in the past. Instead of going outside to play and get exercise, children are becoming more sedentary. As a result, their health is suffering. Parents can help by sending their children outside to play every day and by limiting the amount of time children spend watching television or playing on the computer.

In conclusion, there are many steps you can take in order to maintain the health of your child. Your child may protest these changes at first, but you must stand firm. Your child will thank you later on in life for your efforts now.

Hypertension is a serious medical condition that affets children and adults. To earn more about hypertension and how to cure it with diet and exercise, please visit http://www.dashdiethypertension.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Patrice_Carter
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hypertension-in-Children—Related-to-Poor-Diet?&id=585398

The decision to wean your baby from the breast and onto solid foods is a big one. It stands as a hallmark for your child as well for you. Your “baby” is still a little one, but she is no longer that utterly dependent soul that looks to you for every need, and that, as a mother, can be disconcerting.

Knowing when to wean your child off of breast milk and onto solid foods is really an issue that is decided based on the child’s development and their own rate of physical, emotional and mental growth. Some kids are ready early and others seem to take forever to get to the point where solid foods are their preferred method of eating. The following tips will help you decide what to do about this very big milestone in your child’s life.

1. Do not rush it – The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies not begin eating solids until they are at least four to six months old. At this time, most infants will start to show signs that they are ready for solids. They will be able to sit up unsupported, will be able to pick up small items and will show an interest in what is on your dinner plate. Watching for the arbitrary signs of readiness will help you decide when the move is right for

2. Take your time – The tendency is to rush the baby to this point, but your baby needs time to adjust and to explore this new world. Gradually increase the amount of solid foods until your baby is eating the equivalent of one quarter cup of food at a sitting.

3. Food progression depends on the baby – There is no “guide” to offering your child solid foods. In fact, health history and their own likes and dislikes will determine what they are ready to eat and when.

4. Expect a mess – They are still learning how to coordinate their actions and what is supposed to go where. Plus, throwing food and getting attention is fun. If everyone learns to duck fast or wear protective gear, this phase will go much smoother. Most of their food is not going to end up in their mouth, so do not get upset. They will learn, eventually.

5. Do not overload your baby with options – The best time to introduce new foods to your baby is in the morning. This allows you to watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, runny nose or congestion, and will allow you to modify their eating habits accordingly. Offer them one new food each week. Taking your time in offering food will allow you to pinpoint the exact food that caused the reaction and will also allow you to avoid those foods in the future.

6. Make meals social – Babies typically enjoy the time spent at the table with family. Make this an event that they will always look forward to. It teaches them social interaction and allows everyone to dote on the infant, which will make them feel wanted and loved.

Pretty soon, your child will develop into a bottomless pit that will scarf just about anything down. Enjoy this period when they are learning this new skill. If you plan it right and allow them to develop it slowly, you can also teach them eating habits that will last them a lifetime.