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The article focuses on importance of ensuring health of babies starting from before they are born with prenatal care and continuing after birth with proper feeding of infants. Topics include breastfeeding considered as the best source of food that babies should receive as it is rich in carbohydrates and proteins in the proper proportions, infant formula as the best for mothers who can't breastfeed and offers information on several infant formulas such as Similac PRO-ADVANCE from Abbott. INSET: Infant Formula Manufacturers.

The article features the Healthier Communities Department of Spectrum Health, recipient of the 2016 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service.

In the article, the author discusses the innovations revolutionizing surgical care in pediatric ophthalmology and the benefits of technologies and techniques to minimize surgical complications. Also cited are the innovations presented by Doctor Janet L. Alexander at the Women in Ophthalmology 2021 Summer Symposium, including endothelial keratoplasty, endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP), and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

Problem/Condition: In 2009, before passage of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), approximately 20% of women aged 18-64 years had no health insurance coverage. In addition, many women experienced transitions in coverage around the time of pregnancy. Having no health insurance coverage or experiencing gaps or shifts in coverage can be a barrier to receiving preventive health services and treatment for health problems that could affect pregnancy and newborn health. With the passage of ACA, women who were previously uninsured or had insurance that provided inadequate coverage might have better access to health services and better coverage, including additional preventive services with no cost sharing. Because certain elements of ACA (e.g., no lifetime dollar limits, dependent coverage to age 26, and provision of preventive services without cost sharing) were implemented as early as September 2010, data from 2009 can be used as a baseline to measure the incremental impact of ACA on the continuity of health care coverage for women around the time of pregnancy. Reporting Period Covered: 2009. Description of System: The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is an ongoing state- and population-based surveillance system designed to monitor selected maternal behaviors and experiences that occur before, during, and shortly after pregnancy among women who deliver live-born infants in selected U.S. states and New York City, New York. PRAMS uses mixed-mode data collection, in which up to three self-administered surveys are mailed to a sample of mothers, and those who do not respond are contacted for telephone interviews. Self-reported survey data are linked to birth certificate data and weighted for sample design, nonresponse, and noncoverage. Annual PRAMS data sets are created and used to produce statewide estimates of preconception and perinatal health behaviors and experiences in selected states and New York City. This report summarizes data from 29 states that conducted PRAMS in 2009, before the passage of ACA, and achieved an overall weighted response rate of >65%- Data on the prevalence of health insurance coverage stability (stable coverage, unstable coverage, and uninsured) across three time periods (the month before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and at the time of delivery) are reported by state and selected maternal characteristics. Women with stable coverage had the same type of health insurance (private or Medicaid) for all three time periods. Women with unstable coverage experienced a change in health insurance coverage between any of the three time periods. This includes movement from having no insurance coverage to gaining coverage, movement from one type of coverage to another, and loss of coverage. Women in the uninsured group had no insurance coverage during any of the three time periods. Estimates for health insurance stability across the three time periods and estimates of coverage during each time period are presented by state. Patterns of movement between the different types of health insurance coverage among women with unstable coverage are described by state and selected maternal characteristics. Results: In 2009, 30.1% of women who had a live birth experienced changes in health insurance coverage in the period between the month before pregnancy and the time of delivery, either because they lacked coverage at some point or because they moved between different types of coverage. Most women had stable coverage across the three time periods, reporting either private coverage (52.8%) or Medicaid coverage (16.1%) throughout. A small percentage of women (1.1%) reported having no health insurance coverage at any point. Overall, Medicaid coverage increased from 16.6% in the month before pregnancy to 43.9% at delivery. Private coverage decreased from 59.9% in the month before pregnancy to 54.6% at delivery. The percentage of women who were uninsured decreased from 23.4% in the month before pregnancy to 1.5% at the time of delivery. Among those who experienced changes in coverage, 74.4% reported having no insurance the month before pregnancy, 23.9% reported having private insurance, and 1.8% reported having Medicaid. Among those who started out uninsured before pregnancy, 70.2% reported Medicaid coverage, and 4.1% reported private coverage at the time of delivery. Among those who started out with private coverage, 21.3% reported Medicaid coverage at delivery, and 1.4% reported being uninsured. As a result of these transitions in health insurance coverage, 92.4% of all women who experienced a change in health insurance around the time of pregnancy reported Medicaid coverage at delivery. No women with unstable coverage who started out without insurance in the month before pregnancy reported being uninsured at the time of delivery. Women who reported unstable coverage were more likely to be young (aged <35 years), be a minority (black, Hispanic, or American Indian/Alaska Native), have a high school education or less, be unmarried, have incomes =200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), or have an unintended pregnancy compared with women with stable private coverage. Compared with women with stable Medicaid coverage, women with unstable coverage were more likely to be Hispanic but less likely to be teenagers (aged =19 years), be black, have a high school education or less, have incomes =200% of the FPL, or have an unintended pregnancy. Women with unstable coverage were more likely than women in either stable coverage group (private or Medicaid) to report entering prenatal care after the first trimester. Interpretation: In 2009, nearly one third of women reported lacking health insurance or transitioning between types of health insurance coverage around the time of pregnancy. The majority of women who changed health insurance status obtained coverage for prenatal care, delivery, or both through Medicaid. Health insurance coverage during pregnancy can help facilitate access to health care and allow for the identification and treatment of health-related issues; however, prenatal coverage might be too late to prevent the consequences of preexisting conditions and preconception exposures that could affect maternal and infant health. Continuous access to health insurance and health care for women of reproductive age could improve maternal and infant health by providing the opportunity to manage or treat conditions that are present before and between pregnancies. Public Health Action: PRAMS data can be used to identify patterns of health insurance coverage among women around the time of pregnancy. Removing barriers to obtaining health insurance for women who lack coverage, particularly before pregnancy, could improve the health of women and their infants. The findings in this report can be used by public health professionals, policy analysts, and others to monitor health insurance coverage for women around the time of pregnancy. In particular, 2009 state-specific data can serve as baseline information to assess and monitor changes in health insurance coverage since the passage of ACA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem/Condition: In 2009, before passage of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), approximately 20% of women aged 18-64 years had no health insurance coverage. In addition, many women experienced transitions in coverage around the time of pregnancy. Having no health insurance coverage or experiencing gaps or shifts in coverage can be a barrier to receiving preventive health services and treatment for health problems that could affect pregnancy and newborn health. With the passage of ACA, women who were previously uninsured or had insurance that provided inadequate coverage might have better access to health services and better coverage, including additional preventive services with no cost sharing. Because certain elements of ACA (e.g., no lifetime dollar limits, dependent coverage to age 26, and provision of preventive services without cost sharing) were implemented as early as September 2010, data from 2009 can be used as a baseline to measure the incremental impact of ACA on the continuity of health care coverage for women around the time of pregnancy. Reporting Period Covered: 2009. Description of System: The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is an ongoing state- and population-based surveillance system designed to monitor selected maternal behaviors and experiences that occur before, during, and shortly after pregnancy among women who deliver live-born infants in selected U.S. states and New York City, New York. PRAMS uses mixed-mode data collection, in which up to three self-administered surveys are mailed to a sample of mothers, and those who do not respond are contacted for telephone interviews. Self-reported survey data are linked to birth certificate data and weighted for sample design, nonresponse, and noncoverage. Annual PRAMS data sets are created and used to produce statewide estimates of preconception and perinatal health behaviors and experiences in selected states and New York City. This report summarizes data from 29 states that conducted PRAMS in 2009, before the passage of ACA, and achieved an overall weighted response rate of =65%. Data on the prevalence of health insurance coverage stability (stable coverage, unstable coverage, and uninsured) across three time periods (the month before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and at the time of delivery) are reported by state and selected maternal characteristics. Women with stable coverage had the same type of health insurance (private or Medicaid) for all three time periods. Women with unstable coverage experienced a change in health insurance coverage between any of the three time periods. This includes movement from having no insurance coverage to gaining coverage, movement from one type of coverage to another, and loss of coverage. Women in the uninsured group had no insurance coverage during any of the three time periods. Estimates for health insurance stability across the three time periods and estimates of coverage during each time period are presented by state. Patterns of movement between the different types of health insurance coverage among women with unstable coverage are described by state and selected maternal characteristics. Results: In 2009, 30.1% of women who had a live birth experienced changes in health insurance coverage in the period between the month before pregnancy and the time of delivery, either because they lacked coverage at some point or because they moved between different types of coverage. Most women had stable coverage across the three time periods, reporting either private coverage (52.8%) or Medicaid coverage (16.1%) throughout. A small percentage of women (1.1%) reported having no health insurance coverage at any point. Overall, Medicaid coverage increased from 16.6% in the month before pregnancy to 43.9% at delivery. Private coverage decreased from 59.9% in the month before pregnancy to 54.6% at delivery. The percentage of women who were uninsured decreased from 23.4% in the month before pregnancy to 1.5% at the time of delivery. Among those who experienced changes in coverage, 74.4% reported having no insurance the month before pregnancy, 23.9% reported having private insurance, and 1.8% reported having Medicaid. Among those who started out uninsured before pregnancy, 70.2% reported Medicaid coverage, and 4.1% reported private coverage at the time of delivery. Among those who started out with private coverage, 21.3% reported Medicaid coverage at delivery, and 1.4% reported being uninsured. As a result of these transitions in health insurance coverage, 92.4% of all women who experienced a change in health insurance around the time of pregnancy reported Medicaid coverage at delivery. No women with unstable coverage who started out without insurance in the month before pregnancy reported being uninsured at the time of delivery. Women who reported unstable coverage were more likely to be young (aged <35 years), be a minority (black, Hispanic, or American Indian/Alaska Native), have a high school education or less, be unmarried, have incomes =200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), or have an unintended pregnancy compared with women with stable private coverage. Compared with women with stable Medicaid coverage, women with unstable coverage were more likely to be Hispanic but less likely to be teenagers (aged =19 years), be black, have a high school education or less, have incomes =200% of the FPL, or have an unintended pregnancy. Women with unstable coverage were more likely than women in either stable coverage group (private or Medicaid) to report entering prenatal care after the first trimester. Interpretation: In 2009, nearly one third of women reported lacking health insurance or transitioning between types of health insurance coverage around the time of pregnancy. The majority of women who changed health insurance status obtained coverage for prenatal care, delivery, or both through Medicaid. Health insurance coverage during pregnancy can help facilitate access to health care and allow for the identification and treatment of health-related issues; however, prenatal coverage might be too late to prevent the consequences of preexisting conditions and preconception exposures that could affect maternal and infant health. Continuous access to health insurance and health care for women of reproductive age could improve maternal and infant health by providing the opportunity to manage or treat conditions that are present before and between pregnancies. Public Health Action: PRAMS data can be used to identify patterns of health insurance coverage among women around the time of pregnancy. Removing barriers to obtaining health insurance for women who lack coverage, particularly before pregnancy, could improve the health of women and their infants. The findings in this report can be used by public health professionals, policy analysts, and others to monitor health insurance coverage for women around the time of pregnancy. In particular, 2009 state-specific data can serve as baseline information to assess and monitor changes in health insurance coverage since the passage of ACA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses an innovative pathway to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) developed by the hospital alcohol liaison service (HALS) at Tameside Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in England in collaboration with specialist midwife Mags Deakin. Topics covered include the tendency for alcohol consumption during pregnancy to lead to developmental disabilities and birth defects in infants, and the FASD training provided to trust staff.

The article presents a continuing education activity for pharmacists about the use of prenatal supplements. It discusses recommended daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients during pregnancy. It offers a comparison of the available prenatal vitamin supplements which include NataFort and Natelle One. It also explains the role that pharmacists play in educating patients on how to choose the best prenatal vitamin supplement for them.

The article announces the winners of the 2010 American Hospital Association (ASA) NOVA Awards including Sinai Health System in Chicago, Illinois, University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York, and Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, Florida.

The article offers information on how optometrists can provide proper prescription on various types of patients, such as pediatric, elderly, diabetic, and pregnant women. According to the author, optometrists are responsible for prescribing the most conservative, cost-effective, clinically-appropriate drugs when treating patients. Furthermore, tips on how to manage patients with special condition and situations are presented.

A healthy body weight on conception and adequate weight gain during pregnancy are important to ensure that mother and baby remain well. A low maternal weight and poor pregnancy weight gain can have detrimental implications for the mother and baby. Women need to be provided with clear, consistent information about how much weight they should gain during pregnancy and the adverse effects of a low pre-pregnancy body weight and insufficient weight gain during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines complications in early pregnancy and outlines their management in an early pregnancy unit It includes a description of early fetal development. The use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool and the psychological impact of early pregnancy loss are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a comprehensive coverage of clinical management in primary care of pregnant women. It provides guidelines for general practitioners and midwives in caring pregnant women. It discusses various topics related to pregnancy like first attendance, recommendation of folic acid, effects of smoking and alcohol abuse in pregnancy, importance of exercise in trimesters, ways to avoid infections and clinical examinations. This article also suggests steps to be taken by expectant mothers before and after delivery. It provides information on urinary tract infection which is more common in pregnancy, as is pyelonephritis, which sometimes results in preterm labour and septicaemia.

The article discusses the findings of a study, published in the "Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing," that found that women with a history of depression have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The study determined whether predictors of depression in women with GDM differ from those without GDM. Also presented are charts showing pharmacists' recommended pregnancy testing and ovulation prediction products as well as cholesterol control products.

The article discusses the evolution of intermittent screening and treatment (IST) for the malaria in pregnancy control. It says that a study conducted in Ghana serves as one of the earliest IST allusions. It states that same research team from Ghana has compared intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant treatment of pregnant women (IPTp) with IST during attend antenatal care (ANC). It concludes the potential of IST as a promising intervention in low transmission and high burden countries.

The article focuses on the important role of pharmacists in increasing awareness among women of the value of routine prenatal care and proper use of prenatal vitamin supplements. Topics discussed include recommended measures to prevent or decrease constipation, formulations of prenatal vitamin supplements, and health promotion suggestions from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women's Health for women prior to conception and throughout pregnancy.

The article reports on a study on the role of antenatal clinics for severely obese pregnant women in reducing pregnancy complications.

The article presents suggestions for pharmacy technicians for managing the increased demand of flu vaccination and flu shot. Various suggestions discussed include patient should not use nasal spray flu vaccine, vaccination rates among diabetics should be low, proper immunization of pregnant women prevents chances of influenza among infants.

The article presents a study published in the periodical "Lancet Infectious Disease," which stated that vaccination of pregnant women will prevent chances of influenza in newborn babies.

Careful use of humour can be the key that unlocks a productive and meaningful relationship between nurses and patients, says Daniel Allen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses information on prenatal vitamins. It describes importance of these vitamins and mineral supplements to the health of both mother and infant. Aside from folic acid, pregnant and breast-feeding women are advised to take calcium, iron, and docasahexenoic acid (DHA) together with a balanced diet. The availability of these vitamins even without prescription is also noted.

A new model of antenatal care based on group sessions is receiving rave reviews from participants. Oona Mashta finds out more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acupuncture can help to relieve some of the discomfort and pain associated with pregnancy. Midwife Sarah Budd has been practising the technique for 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information about the development of health care in the U.S. Effort of researchers in developing partner treatment for sexual infections; Cost and benefit analysis of improved prenatal care.

The article discusses the 2014 study "Experiences, Utilisation and Outcomes of Maternity Care in England Among Women From Different Socio-Economic Groups: Findings From the 2010 National Maternity Survey" by A. Lindquist et al. in the "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology."

Focuses on the importance of health care among pre-natal mothers, while highlighting studies conducted on some of the benefits. Factors which attribute to cause complications in pregnancies; Reference to a study published in the January 1, 1998 issue of the `New England Journal of Medicine'; Information on the use of fertility clinics.

Discusses the Fund for Moms program, a special interest-free loan that enables the working poor to afford prenatal care. How Fund for Moms started; Purpose of the program; Who can avail of the program; Success of the program.

Reports on a study by CIGNA Healthcare of California and Tokos Medical Corp. on the importance of expectant mothers' access to prenatal care in preventing neonatal tragedies. Participants in the California Healthy Babies Program as respondents; Program's emphasis on risk screening, psychosocial support, resource coordination, and postpartum follow-up; Considerations for pregnant women in the workplace.

The article discusses research which was reported in the article "Effect of Implementation of Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness Programme on Treatment Seeking Practices for Morbidities in Infants: Cluster Randomised Trial" by S. Mazumder et al., which appeared in a 2014 issue of the "British Medical Journal" and found that a health education intervention for mothers in India is helping to improve the health of infants.

The article reports on research which was conducted by Helene Letur and her colleagues at the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris in Paris, France, was reported at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology held in Munich, Germany on July 1, 2014 and found that women who become pregnant using donated eggs are three times more likely to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension than women who use traditional in vitro fertilization and are also more likely to develop pre-eclampsia.

The article cites a retrospective study at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queens University in Belfast, Ireland which shows that obesity in women increased risk for adverse maternal, neonatal outcomes, necessitating specialty medical care during pregnancy.

A calendar of British radio and television programs which will be broadcast between February 17-21, 2013 is presented which includes the television programs "Call the Midwife", "The Brain Doctors" and "One Born Every Minute".

The article presents 2012 news related to medicine. The European Federation of Nurses Associations has decided to call on the European Union and its member states to protect the health care sector from further budget cuts. The Bolton National Health Service Trust announced that it will eliminate 149 nursing posts in an effort to save £1.5 million a month. The Royal College of Nursing's film "Peter's Story" won an award at the 2012 Cannes Corporate Film Awards.

Nearly half of midwives do not ask expectant mothers about their alcohol use despite the brain damage risk it poses, research found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents 2012 news related to medicine. British nurse Elizabeth Myers has been awarded an honorary fellowship from the Society for Acute Medicine. A report from the agency Audit Scotland indicates that some National Health Service boards had to borrow money from the government to remain financially solvent. The British Medical Association has announced that it feels that the workloads of nurses could increase as a result of British government plans to change performance targets.

The article discusses research on effectiveness of comprehensive prenatal care in reducing prenatal HIV transmission, conducted by Steven Nesheim and colleagues, published in a 2012 issue of "Pediatrics" journal.

The article reports on the findings of the study at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine which suggests that the introduction of affordable point-of-care tests for syphilis increases the proportion of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics to more than 90 percent.

The article presents medical news briefs in Great Britain. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence called on Great Britain's National Health Service to ensure more women from poor backgrounds have access to antenatal care. A free iPhone application will be offered in November 2010 that offers guided Florence Nightingale walking tours along the Thames river in London. The Royal British Legion published a document on meeting the healthcare requirements of veterans.

News briefs are presented including that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to expand access to health care-related high-speed broadband services and that U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra is promoting a medical advice texting program for pregnant women and new mothers.

A shortage of staff in maternity services -- particularly experienced midwives -- is one of the biggest concerns for front line professionals caring for babies and pregnant women in England, according to a King's Fund report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that midwife Curlette Beckmann informed Great Britain's prime minister Gordon Brown that midwives were unable to meet the expectations of mothers and clinicians due to staffing shortages and increasing birth rates. The need for more funding to employ prophylaxis nurses is also discussed.

Maternity services in Northern Ireland are struggling to cope with rising birth rates and staff shortages despite government efforts to tackle the problem, Nursing Standard has learned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A national nutrition programme could be extended to midwives to enable them to anticipate and tackle obesity issues in children -- before birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that midwife Virginia Howes of Kent Midwifery Practice in Ashford, England has designed a mirror to be used in maternity units. She hopes it will encourage more women to give birth naturally. The mirror is angled to give the mother a good view of the baby in whatever position the mother gives birth.

The article focuses on a research which compared perinatal outcomes of teenagers giving birth for the first time and those who were giving birth having worst outcomes in Germany. It reveals that inadequate prenatal care was observed mostly among adolescents with previous birth, followed by those giving birth for the first time and those with history of abortion. It also shows that teenagers giving birth twice are more likely to be single parents than those giving birth for the first time.