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Glutathione for a Healthier Pregnancy
All parents-to-be nurture the dream of a healthy pregnancy and baby. But the modern environment and diet is deficient in many factors essential for the health of mother and fetus. One of those factors is antioxidants. The role of antioxidants like folic acid in preventing birth defects like spina bifida and cleft palate is well known. It is now included in all prenatal vitamin supplements. But the role of antioxidants like glutathione and Vitamin E in pregnancy is often overlooked. Antioxidants and glutathione status play an important role in the development and growth of the fetus, maintenance of a healthy pregnancy - and even before pregnancy, in fertility and conception. Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant. It helps to regenerate stores of other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E. It also protects both mother and fetus from the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. Many pregnancy complications and birth defects have been linked to oxidative stress, free radical damage and low glutathione levels in the mother and fetus. The role of glutathione in the development of the foetus and placenta is crucial. Glutathione (GSH) can control cell differentiation, proliferation, and cell death - essential functions in the developing embryo. In the placenta, glutathione detoxifies pollutants before they reach the developing child. Most substances or factors which cause birth defects (teratogens) are known to exert their embryotoxic effects because they cause oxidative stress. The human placenta possesses a significant amount of glutathione S-transferase (GST) capable of detoxification or activation of drugs and pharmaceuticals during the critical period of organ development in the fetus. Some drugs are known to cause birth defects in the growing fetus by generating free radicals, and depleting GSH stores. In the early embryonic stages, the fetus is sensitive to the toxic and teratogenic effects of chemicals, whereas it is sensitive to carcinogenic effects during late fetal stages. Carcinogens administered to the mother can be transferred through the placenta and induce cancer in the fetus. Many carcinogens are much more active in the fetus than in adults and they tend to act as abortifacients and teratogens as well. Environmental and lifestyle factors are known to cause oxidative stress and lower glutathione levels - resulting in birth defects, abortion and miscarriages in pregnancy. Some of the known teratogens (causing birth defects) in pregnancy include: o Radiation o Pesticides and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) o Air pollution o Heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, arsenic) o Vinyl chloride o Acryonitrile o Excess Oxygen (hyperoxia) o Anti-psychotic and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) o Thalidomide o Cigarette smoke o Alcohol (ethanol) consumption Maternal health factors that increase free radicals and cause birth defects include: o Diabetes o Pre-eclampsia o Infection and Inflammation Glutathione and other antioxidants attenuate oxidative stress in pregnant women with inflammation or maternal conditions like diabetes and pre-eclampsia, and in fetuses at risk for developing cystic fibrosis. Supplementation with glutathione precursors and antioxidants can decrease the incidence of birth defects and protect both mothers and the fetus from the damaging and possibly fatal consequences of pregnancy complications. Glutathione (GSH ) also prevents or minimizes the oxidative stress that occurs during labor and the birth process. Perinatal or birth asphyxia/hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen supply to the brain) in preterm deliveries and labor can lead to cerebral palsy, respiratory distress syndrome, irreversible brain injury, and permanent neurological and intellectual handicaps. Administration of the glutathione precursor, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), to the pregnant mother partially prevents oxidative stress during the birth process in premature infants. Currently, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises all pregnant women to take a prenatal vitamin containing antioxidants. In addition, they advise eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, the best sources of antioxidant protection. Read a detailed report with references on the role of glutathione in pregnancy ------------------------ Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of supplementary glutathione. Women who are pregnant or nursing should discontinue all supplements except as directed by their healthcare providers. ------------------------ Copyright © 2004 Priya Shah _____________________________________________ About the author:
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Alternative Medicine Planned Parenthood Prevents Teen Pregnancy Planned Parenthood is an alternative for teenagers when they do not know where else to turn. They offer education on parenting, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted teen pregnancy precautions and offer support for individuals who want to terminate their pregnancy. Teens are provided guidance and education from trained staff members rather than receiving all their information about sex from their peers. Many Parents Are Against Planned Parenthood Many parents are against their children seeking out the services in Planned Parenthood facilities, feeling it promotes sex rather than abstinence. Typically parents opposed to Planned Parenthood are parents who do not educate their children on the risks of engaging in sex. They promote abstinence without discussing any other options with their children. Planned Parenthood provides education about the dangers of engaging in sex as well as options should the teen choose to engage in sexual activity. Many Teenagers Feel Safer Talking To A Planned Parenthood Staff Member Many teenagers feel safer talking to a Planned Parenthood staff member about sexual relationships rather than with their parents. It is surprising to hear that many teenagers have not discussed sex with their parents. When asked where they go to find their information the majority of the teenagers say their peers. For pregnant girls who are too afraid to approach their parents, the staff at a Planned Parenthood facility offers a supportive environment for anyone who is questioning whether or not to go through with their pregnancy. Many teenage girls find the facility non judgmental and easier to discuss all their available options. Planned Parenthood Coming To A School Near You! Planned Parenthood has facilities throughout the country. Some schools also encourage staff members from Planned Parenthood to come to their schools to educate students about the dangers of engaging in unprotected sex. With the education the facilities provide, more teenagers are aware of all their options and therefore tend to make more informed decisions about sex. Armed with more knowledge teenagers are better equipped to make intelligent decisions about sex. Whether a teenager chooses to abstain from sex or use protection, every parent generally agrees that a decline in overall teenage pregnancies is in everyone's best interest. I encourage parents and teens to seek out the services of Planned Parenthood, as parent and child alike would benefit from the education these facilities provide. If you are a parent having a difficult time talking to your child about sex, contact the Planned Parenthood facility nearest you. Finding Time To Exercise After Pregnancy If exercise is so obviously the answer to losing weight after childbirth, then why aren't more women doing it? The answer isn't as tricky as you may think. Exercising After Pregnancy Generally most women can begin a formal exercise program within 6 weeks of giving birth, though this time frame might be slightly longer for some women, including those recovering from a C-section. Most women recovering from a C-section will be able to exercise after there incision has healed and their doctor has cleared them for exercise. The Truth About Labor and Childbirth Labor and childbirth was an amazing, positive experience for me, both times. I am very fortunate, I know. But I do believe that if you prepare yourself through education (reading books, reading websites like this one, taking prenatal classes, etc) and taking good care of yourself while you are pregnant, you will have a far greater chance of a pleasant birth experience. Am I Pregnant? Am I pregnant? This is often one of the most important questions a women can ask. If you suspect you are pregnant, getting good prenatal care early is very important, so finding out as soon as possible is vital. What You Need To Know About Pregnancy And Tanning Booths If you are pregnant, there are things you should know about pregnancy and tanning booths. Tanning beds safety while pregnant has become very questionable. A better choice might be to use the sunless tanning spray booth equipment to keep your golden tan. Pregnant Women Dont Just Stay at Home; Go Shopping! Most women like to go shopping. However, sometimes pregnant women reluctant to go out because they are afraid could harm them. That's not true! Go and have fun. You don't have to spend any money; just get out and window shop. Try on shoes; check out the new fall purses or sample a new cookie at the corner stand. Shopping is very therapeutic for women, and it gives you a chance to clear your mind. Twins Pregnancy?A Father's Point of View So you are expecting twins. Congratulations! Are Epidurals Bad? EPIDURALS CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE "HORRORS" OF CHILDBIRTH How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy Headaches are one of the more unpleasant "side effects" that come with pregnancy. All women will have some, but most will experience them in the first and last trimesters. In the first three months, this is thought to be primarily due to such factors as increased blood volume, the initial stresses, and hormonal changes. In the final three months, the causes are more likely to be poor posture, which can result in pressure on parts of your body that communicate their discomfort to the brain, and also from the discomforts of carrying extra weight. Pregnancy Fashion - Look And Feel Great During Your Pregnancy! Have you ever wondered what makes women tick? Well among other things it is good, no wait? great fashion sense! The Stages of Pregnancy There are three distinct stages of pregnancy, called trimesters, each about 13 weeks. The stage of pregnancy, or trimester, is important to your baby's growth and might be uncomfortable for you. As your body adjusts to the raging hormones of a new pregnancy, you might experience morning sickness and moodiness. Your breasts will swell and you will miss your period. Your baby will grow from a small cluster of cells to an embryo with the beginnings of eyes, ears, fingers and toes. The baby will be able to move his arms and legs. At the end of the first trimester, you may notice that you are "showing" and your doctor may be able to tell you what sex the baby is. What is an Ectopic Pregnancy? Ectopic is another way of saying "out of place". An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself somewhere outside of the uterus. Although most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes, embryos can also implant in the ovaries, abdomen or cervix. None of these sites will provide the fertilized egg with enough space or nutrients to properly develop, and the resulting fetus will eventually rupture the space that it inhabits, usually causing extensive bleeding that will endanger the mother's life. Pregnancy, Diabetes, and Your Feet There are so many changes the body undergoes during pregnancy that it becomes easy to ignore the changes in the feet. During pregnancy the body releases hormones that allow the ligaments to relax in the birth canal. The ligaments in the feet also relax, causing the foot to lengthen and widen. Many will complain of a shoe size increase by one or two sizes. In most circumstances, this flattening and widening of the foot is benign and no problems result. Pregnancy Symptoms There are many early signs that you may be pregnant. The obvious one is a late period but this can be caused by a number of things, an excessive weight gain or loss, a change in birth control methods, or just an imbalance of hormones. Stress And Pregnancy Stress Relief During Pregnancy If you truly want to ensure a great pregnancy, you should work on keeping a healthy and positive physical, mental and spiritual state. There is substantial evidence which suggests that a mother's physical and mental wellness during pregnancy can affect not only the outcome of their pregnancy but the well being of their child later in life. You relationship with your baby begins at the moment of conception. Very Early Signs of Pregnancy - Do You Know the 10 Pregnancy Signs? Very early signs of pregnancy - are there 10 pregnancy signs? Yes, there are signs that indicate very early that you are pregnant. Some women will experience one or two of them, others will have several of the very early signs of pregnancy. Once you have conceived, it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. As implantation happens, it's now possible to experience one or more of the 10 pregnancy signs and begin to know you are pregnant. Around this time, hormone levels begin to change, and the body reacts to these new hormone levels. Pregnant? Did You Know You Can Begin Bonding as Early as 8 Weeks into Pregnancy? Maybe someone you know has rented or purchased a fetal doppler from one of the online rental companies who offer this service. If so, you may have heard how easy and wonderful it is to be able to listen to your growing unborn baby. The ability to monitor your unborn baby has lent millions of woman welcomed peace of mind during this exciting yet stressful time. Delight in Pregnancy Bedrest My first experience with bedrest was at 30 weeks into my second pregnancy when I was dilated between 2-3 centimeters. I was on strict bedrest which I renamed "pregnancy prison." All my life's freedom as I knew it was put on hold or "put to rest." I had a bad attitude about the whole thing and fantasized that the baby would come early so I wouldn't have to suffer any longer. My wish of an early delivery came true 4 weeks into bedrest. Exercise During Pregnancy One of the best things you can do for yourself and your unborn child during pregnancy is exercise. There are numerous studies that show that women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have easy labor and deliveries and faster recoveries.
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