health and remedies
Mother’s health issues can pose risk to children: Study reveals
The researchers discovered that, on average, kids born to moms with PCOS weighed less, were shorter, and had a smaller head circumference.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS and obesity are more likely to have smaller babies in terms of birth weight, length, and head circumference, according to a recent study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
PCOS is a hormonal illness that affects one out of every eight women. Male sex hormone levels are often increased, menstrual periods are inconsistent or rare, and tiny cysts grow on the ovaries.
In the study, 390 children born to women with PCOS were compared with about 70,000 children from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa).
PCOS and pregnancy:
The researchers discovered that, on average, kids born to moms with PCOS weighed less, were shorter, and had a smaller head circumference. This was especially true for obese moms, who had a BMI of 30 or above.
“In women of normal weight who have PCOS, we only find that their children have a lower birth weight compared to women who do not have PCOS. It is the group of children born to mothers with obesity that stands out the most. These babies have lower weight, shorter stature and a smaller head circumference. Obesity places an additional burden on mothers who have PCOS and their children,” said Professor Eszter Vanky at NTNU’s Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine.
PCOS is a disease that follows women throughout their lives and can trigger various metabolic diseases and challenges such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Women with PCOS are generally more likely to develop overweight and obesity.
“What is unusual is that women who are generally overweight and gain a lot of weight during pregnancy usually have an increased risk of giving birth to large babies. This also applies to women who develop gestational diabetes. On average, women with PCOS have higher BMIs, gain more weight during pregnancy, and 25 per cent of them develop gestational diabetes. However, the outcome is the opposite: these women give birth to babies who are smaller than average. We still don’t know why, but we see that the placenta is affected in these women,” said Vanky.
The newly qualified doctors Maren Talmo and Ingvild Floysand have carried out the study as their master’s thesis, with Eszter Vanky and Melanie Rae Simpson as their supervisors. Talmo explains that even though the placenta in these women is smaller in size, it seems to deliver more nutrients relative to the baby’s body weight compared to a normal placenta. Vanky describes it as a placenta in overdrive.
“The placenta delivers nutrients to the baby through the umbilical cord. In women with PCOS, we see that the placenta is generally smaller in size. At the same time, it must provide everything the baby needs, so it has to work very hard to meet these demands. Sometimes, however, the placenta can’t keep up, which can lead to placental insufficiency and, in rare cases, foetal death.”
The researchers do not know why this is the case.
“There are many hypotheses, but I don’t think anyone has a definitive answer yet. Previously, we thought the cause was linked to the high levels of male sex hormones, but we have not been able to fully connect the two. We also know that women with PCOS have a slightly different immune profile during pregnancy.”
The researchers believe this is important knowledge both for the women affected and for healthcare professionals.
“A newborn baby is not a blank slate. Much of our long-term health is established in the womb. Genes play a role, but also what we are exposed to during the foetal stage and early in life,” said Vanky.
The NTNU researchers now want to learn more about what happens to the children’s health.
“What are the consequences of the mother’s PCOS diagnosis for the child? Is there anything that can be done before or during pregnancy so that expectant mothers with PCOS do not gain too much weight? Can follow up and good glucose regulation be provided so that the child gets the best outcome possible? All this depends on knowing more about the mother’s situation,” said Vanky.
The NTNU researchers have also followed up on some of the children when they reached the age of 7 years.
“We saw that the children born to mothers with PCOS generally had more central obesity, meaning they were larger around the waist,” said Vanky.
Other studies have shown that children born to mothers with PCOS are at higher risk of developing overweight and obesity at a young age. Research has also shown that low birth weight is linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.
“We see differences in children as early as 7 or 8 years old, where children born to mothers with PCOS have a larger waist circumference and higher BMI. They bear small signs that their mother has PCOS. It may therefore be an advantage to know about this so we can provide guidance on lifestyle and diet,” said Vanky.
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health and remedies
How to stay fit during Diwali 2024: Diet tips, easy workouts, tricks to manage stress during the festive season
Staying on track with your fitness goals during Diwali season can be challenging. These expert-recommended tips can help you stay active amid the festivities.
Diwali 2024: How can you stop feeling bloated, tired, and stressed out during the festive season? What should you eat at Diwali parties? How can you stay fit and look your best? If you, too, are wondering how to stay healthy during the festive season and control your calorie intake while also eating and doing what you want, you have come to the right place. Also read | Dussehra to Diwali holiday health tips: Stress management during the festive rush
Even the most disciplined people can find it difficult to stick to their health routines during the festive season. But you can make things different this year. All that eating and socialising does not have to set you back on your fitness goals.
To help keep you on track, we’ve enlisted the aid of leading experts in health, fitness and nutrition for some much-needed advice. If you tend to get a little anxious around the festive season, don’t miss these simple tips and tricks to follow:
Nutrition and diet tips for Diwali festivities
Payal Kothari, nutritionist and author of The Gut, has shared with HT Lifestyle her tips on how to enjoy Diwali parties without compromising gut health. She says, “The festive season is filled with irresistible treats and family gatherings, but it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your health goals.”
She suggests opting for healthier alternatives without missing out on the joy of eating; but the key word there is balance. “Choose nutrient-dense snacks like roasted nuts, baked samosas, and fresh fruit platters over fried foods. Moderation is key — enjoy your sweets, but keep portion sizes in check,” Payal says.
Dr Kiran Soni, head of the department of Nutrition and Health at Yatharth Hospitals Greater Noida, adds that to maintain health and fitness during Diwali, you should focus on portion control rather than completely rejecting your favourite dishes.
“Fill your plate primarily with vegetables and lean proteins, leaving smaller portions for sweets and fried items. Stay hydrated; when attending parties, eat a small protein-rich snack beforehand to avoid overindulging,” she says.
Another one of your non-negotiables this festive season should be staying hydrated. Payal says, “Focus on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and infused water to flush out toxins and curb overeating. Drink soup at home if you can, and then head out, or eat a small protein meal before heading out.”
Easy workouts to fit into your festive schedule
It’s not easy to fit in your workouts during the festive season, but even if exercise isn’t quite your top priority during the month of October, you can still move to stay active. Dr Soni says, “Maintaining physical activity is crucial during the festive season. Aim for short, high-intensity workouts when time is limited. Consider morning yoga or stretching sessions to energize your day. Take walks after heavy meals to aid digestion and burn calories.”
Payal recommends short, effective workouts, such as a 15-20-minute HIIT session, 20-30 burpees yoga stretches, or even a brisk walk. She says, “If you’re attending family gatherings or parties, use the opportunity to stay active—dance during celebrations. Being the first one to initiate the moves on the dance floor can help digest the extra food and burn those calories. Or go for a walk with your loved ones. Even 10 minutes of stretching in the morning can improve your energy levels and help you feel your best.”
How to manage stress during the festive season
Diwali season can bring a lot of stress and strain on your mental health, ranging from mild annoyances to the types of anxieties that keep you up at night. And as you probably know, exercise is a great way to relieve all of that. Another truth: what you eat matters too.
Payal suggests adding mood-boosting and stress-relieving foods to your diet, like dark leafy greens, almonds, and foods rich in Omega-3s, such as chia seeds and flaxseeds. She says, “Soups are great for gut-brain health.”
Dr Soni adds, “Managing stress is essential for overall well-being during busy festive periods. Incorporate stress-reducing foods into your diet, such as foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds), complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables), and magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, legumes). Prioritise sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule as much as possible.”
Other coping mechanisms? “Practise mindfulness by incorporating short meditation or deep breathing exercises into your day, even if it’s just for five minutes. Prioritise quality sleep, and try to set aside a few moments of ‘me time’ to recharge. By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy the festivities guilt-free while maintaining a balance between health and celebration,” Payal says.
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