Summary of a presentation by Leah Albers, CNM, DrPH ath the 46th ACNM Annual Meeting

in response to the debate on "Good Morning America"

Once thought to be a beneficial procedure that would make birth easier for the baby and protect the mother from trauma to the birth canal, episiotomy has been found in study after study to be more harmful than beneficial except in a few cases.  Yet, it continues to be practiced routinely in many hospitals in the U.S. and around the world. 

Yes, you can exercise when you're pregnant. It is both safe and beneficial. Studies show that women who keep up their exercise routine or who start one while pregnant, recover more quickly from the birth.

About half of pregnant women will experience some nausea and/or vomiting related to their pregnancy.

The relaxation and pain-relieving benefits of water are well-known; many women who have had babies in and out of water will attest to this.

For midwives and families preparing for an out-of-hospital birth, gathering the necessary equipment and supplies is crucial. 

In July 2006, in The New Yorker magazine, Jerome Groopman wrote a fascinating article about preeclampsia* and a young researcher who appears to have found the cause.  This is huge.

A new study published in the online advance issue of the American Journal of Public Health states that obesity raises preterm delivery risk in nulliparous women (first-time moms).  What is interesting is that the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery is actually decreased - it is elective preterm delivery (induced labor) that is increased. 

ACOG just published an important and interesting study asking practicing obstetricians about their knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding the risks and benefits of elective (not medically indicated) and non-elective cesarean delivery, as well as their counseling practices and department policies regarding elective cesarean.  (Click on title to continue reading and to see the news release.)