The popularity of DNA paternity testing continues to grow in our society. Some observers have expressed concern about the emotional and financial impact of DNA paternity test results on young children. Paternity can now be determined before a baby is born through the use of prenatal DNA testing. Prenatal DNA testing is possible because a child's DNA is formed at conception and does not change. Although prenatal DNA testing is a little more involved than a standard home DNA paternity test, the process is still fairly straightforward. The accuracy levels of prenatal DNA testing are identical to standard DNA paternity testing.Prenatal DNA testing requires samples from the unborn child, the mother, and the alleged father. DNA samples from the unborn child are collected via amniocentesis or CVS. Amniocentesis is the removal of a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. Amniocentesis can be performed during the 14th to 24th week of pregnancy. Prenatal DNA testing also requires a separate physician's fee for drawing the DNA samples. DNA samples from the parents are collected via a buccal swab rubbed against the inside of the mouth. As with standard DNA paternity testing, DNA sample collection procedures may vary depending on whether you need court-admissible results. Prenatal DNA testing for court proceedings requires proof of identities and chain of custody verification by a witness.Questions have been raised regarding the ethics of prenatal DNA testing, given that there are risks to the fetus. But there are several instances in which prenatal DNA testing is preferred. For example, in cases of artificial insemination, there may be a need to verify the sample source. Some DNA testing labs are now offering the option of non-invasive prenatal DNA testing. Fetal DNA can be isolated out of blood samples drawn from the mother's arm. This lowers the cost of prenatal DNA sample collection, and expands the number of facilities where samples may be drawn. And, most importantly, it eliminates risk to the unborn child.For more information about Different Types of DNA or How to Get a DNA Test, please take time to visit http://www.DNA-PaternityTests.com.
Pregnancy, Diabetes and Your Feet
There are so many changes the body undergoes duringpregnancy that it becomes easy to ignore the changes in thefeet. During pregnancy the body releases hormones that allowthe ligaments to relax in the birth canal. The ligaments in the feetalso relax, causing the foot to lengthen and widen. Many willcomplain of a shoe size increase by one or two sizes. In mostcircumstances, this flattening and widening of the foot is benignand no problems result. In the diabetic, this change in foot sizeis important to recognize. Despite the increase in foot size, manymoms will continue to wear the same size shoes. As a diabetic,properly fitting shoes are of utmost importance. Increasedpressure on the foot can cause areas of rub or irritation andpotentially result in ulceration. Once there is an ulceration, one isat risk for infection, delayed healing and further diabetic footcomplications.Diabetic neuropathy is the single greatest risk factor fordeveloping foot ulcerations. Neuropathy is the loss of sensationin the feet commonly caused by diabetes. Many individuals willdevelop neuropathy before they are diagnosed with diabetes.Others will develop neuropathy years after being diagnosed withdiabetes. Luckily, gestational diabetes is not typically associatedwith neuropathy. Unfortunately, type I diabetics developneuropathy much earlier than type II diabetics and may haveneuropathy during their pregnancy. Regardless of the type ofdiabetes, it is still extremely important to have the feet evaluatedto assess the status of the nerves. Even mild neuropathyincreases the risk of ulceration. Wearing shoes which are toosmall causes an increase in friction and an increased risk ofskin breakdown.Wearing properly fitting shoes during and after pregnancy is ofparticular importance. Although the ligaments relax in the footduring pregnancy, they do not stay relaxed. The post-pregnancyfoot is at higher risk for developing foot problems. There aremultiple reasons contributing to the increased risk. The flattenedfoot places excess stress on the ligament that holds up the arch.The weight gain from pregnancy places excess stress on thefeet. Moms are also carrying their baby, added weight whichtransmits to the feet. Moms are staying at home more often andwalking around in slippers and flexible shoes which aregenerally not supportive.To decrease your chances of foot problems during and afterpregnancy follow these steps:1. Check your feet everyday: This is an absolute necessity if youare a type I diabetic or if you have diagnosed neuropathy. It is agood habit to practice. Look for cuts, sores, bruises, openings orareas of irritation. Remember, if your nerves are not functioningproperly, then you may not feel everything in your feet. If youcannot reach your feet, have a family member check your feet orplace a mirror on the floor and put your feet over it.2. Check your shoes before you put your foot in them.3. Don't walk around barefoot: Wear a supportive shoe, one thathas a rigid sole and bends only where the foot bends (at thetoes). If a shoe seems too confined, find a slipper which has asemi-rigid sole, or try a clog or slip-in shoe with a more rigidsole. The remaining aspect of the shoe can be soft and flexibleand allow for swelling, but the sole should be rigid from the heelto the ball of the foot.4. Buy shoes that fit your feet: Be aware of the changes your feetare going through. The feet are most likely widening andlengthening. Make sure the shoes don't cramp the toes. Yourfeet will not shrink after the birth.5. Watch out for folds in your socks: A simple fold can cause rubor irritation on your feet. Swelling will be greater by the end ofthe day and the small crease that didn't bother you in themorning can rub an open sore or blister on the toes. Seriousconsequences in diabetics can include ulceration and infection.6. Dry your feet and between toes after showers: Increasedmoisture between your toes can lead to skin breakdown andeventual ulceration.7. Don't be a victim of fashion: Most moms will avoid highfashion during pregnancy, but many try squeezing into thatstrappy heel after. Wearing high heeled shoes puts excessstress on the ball of the foot, cramps the toes and increases thechances of ankle sprains. Tight shoes will increase the chanceof ulceration for those with neuropathy.8. Test the bath water before stepping in: If you have neuropathy,you will not recognize when the temperature is too hot. Check thewater by inserting your hand into the water to wrist depth.9. Don't use a heating pad on your feet: Although the idea of heaton your feet may sound soothing after a long day, the heat willincrease swelling and inflammation. Sore feet respond better toice. Roll your foot over a frozen sports water bottle to help easethe achiness in the arch. Wear a sock while doing this and don'tput ice directly on your feet. The heating pad can cause burns inthose who have neuropathy.10. Don't use any medication on the skin: Be careful of topicalmedications during pregnancy and during breast-feeding.Consult your doctor before use. Don't use medicated corn padsfrom the local drug stores if you have neuropathy.11. Visit your podiatrist: At the first sign of a problem, make anappointment with your podiatrist. Prevention is much easier thantreatment.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Christine Dobrowolski is a podiatrist and the author of ThoseAching Feet: Your Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment ofCommon Foot Problems. To learn more about Dr. Dobrowolskiand her book visit http://www.skipublishing.com/ or athttp://www.northcoastfootcare.com.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Breastfeeding Nutrition
So you’ve decided to breastfeed your baby! You’ll want to make sure that both you and your little one are getting all of the nutrients you need to stay healthy and strong. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nursing mothers need to eat about 300 calories more each day than they normally would and at least 1500 calories every day. Your daily food consumption should consist of a variety of healthy foods with extra protein, calcium-rich foods and plenty of water. In addition to these general guidelines, you should also:
1. Pay attention to feelings of hunger. Eat until you’re satisfied and consume plenty of nutrient dense foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.
2. Monitor your baby’s reactions. If you notice that he or she is consistently colicky or develops gas after you eat certain foods, then you may want to decrease your intake of those foods or eliminate them entirely while breastfeeding.
3. Expect that you may be especially thirsty during the first few days after delivery as your body sheds excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. Increase your consumption of fluid that isn’t filled with empty calories in order to prevent dehydration.
4. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages as they may make your baby jittery or irritable and even make it difficult for him or her to get to sleep. Consider drinking caffeinated beverages right after you nurse in order to minimize negative effects on the baby.
5. Continue taking your prenatal vitamins unless otherwise directed by your physician.
6. Make sure to eat foods that are rich in zinc as it enhances a baby’s ability to produce antibodies. Some food sources of zinc are hamburger, chicken breast and whole wheat bread.
7. Limit your consumption of wine to 2 or fewer glasses per week.
8. Be aware of food sensitivities that can result from common allergens such as cow’s milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, nuts and peanuts. Some signs of food sensitivity are diaper rash, skin rashes, chronic runny nose, diarrhea and excessive fussiness.
Unless you are severely malnourished, your milk will provide all of the nutrients your baby needs, so if there is something lacking in your diet it will most likely be you and not Baby that suffers. For your own well-being, do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. That’s the best way to ensure that you have the stamina and strength you’ll need to be the best mom you can be!
Jacqueline Courtiol, M.A. Ed. is a teacher, mother and business owner. Jacqueline has authored numerous articles on topics of childcare, natural health, parenting and pregnancy. She is also the co-developer of Colic Calm, a natural remedy for acid reflux in babies which also helps alleviate the symptoms of intestinal colic. More information can be found at http://www.coliccalm.com or contact us if you have questions.
