Poor, rural mothers-to-be have high levels of stress, and few resources to help them handle it, small-scale study concludes

Low-income pregnant women in rural areas experience high levels of stress, but lack the appropriate means to manage their emotional well-being, according to a small-scale study at the University of Missouri. The authors suggest that rural doctors should link these women with resources to help manage stress, Medical Xpress reports.

"Many people think of rural life as being idyllic and peaceful, but in truth, there are a lot of health disparities for residents of rural communities," Mizzou nursing professor Tina Bloom told Medical Xpress. "Chronic, long-term stress is hard on pregnant women's health and on their babies' health. Stress is associated with increased risks for adverse health outcomes, such as low birth weights or pre-terms deliveries, and those outcomes can kill babies."

Researchers studied about 25 rural pregnant women. Through interviews, researchers discovered that financial problems were one of the biggest stressers for them. Financial stress was exacerbated by the women's lack of employment, reliable transportation and affordable housing. The women also said that small-town gossip, isolation and interdependence of their lives with extended family members also increased stress. Almost two out of three women showed symptoms of depression, and one in four displayed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. (Read more)

Low-income pregnant women in rural areas experience high levels of stress, but lack the appropriate means to manage their emotional well-being, according to a small-scale study at the University of Missouri. The authors suggest that rural doctors should link these women with resources to help manage stress, Medical Xpress reports.

"Many people think of rural life as being idyllic and peaceful, but in truth, there are a lot of health disparities for residents of rural communities," Mizzou nursing professor Tina Bloom told Medical Xpress. "Chronic, long-term stress is hard on pregnant women's health and on their babies' health. Stress is associated with increased risks for adverse health outcomes, such as low birth weights or pre-terms deliveries, and those outcomes can kill babies."

Researchers studied about 25 rural pregnant women. Through interviews, researchers discovered that financial problems were one of the biggest stressers for them. Financial stress was exacerbated by the women's lack of employment, reliable transportation and affordable housing. The women also said that small-town gossip, isolation and interdependence of their lives with extended family members also increased stress. Almost two out of three women showed symptoms of depression, and one in four displayed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. (Read more)

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Man Tests Positive On Home Pregnancy Test!

Joking Man’s Pregnancy Test Positive, For Cancer!

A cartoonist thought he was having a good laugh as he posted a story about his friend, who jokingly took a pregnancy test left by an ex-girlfriend and was surprised when the test came back positive.  

"You may have testicular cancer! Get to an oncologist, tell them you took a pregnancy test and it came out positive," one Redditor wrote.

Sure enough, a trip to the doctor revealed a tiny lump in the man's right testicle, according to the Reddit thread.

Pregnancy tests detect the amount of the hormone beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in an individual’s urine.  While the developing placenta produces the hormone during pregnancy, it can also be associated with testicular cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Eventually, the user posted a second post to Reddit, saying his unnamed friend went to the doctor and did indeed have a small testicular tumor.  According to the user, the tumor is easily treatable since it was found early. 

The poster closed with thanking everyone that advised him to have his friend go to have a check-up and also with a website with instructions on how to check yourself for testicular cancer, (without the use of the pregnancy test!)

Go here for instructions on testicle self-exam technique. 

Joking Man’s Pregnancy Test Positive, For Cancer!

A cartoonist thought he was having a good laugh as he posted a story about his friend, who jokingly took a pregnancy test left by an ex-girlfriend and was surprised when the test came back positive.  

"You may have testicular cancer! Get to an oncologist, tell them you took a pregnancy test and it came out positive," one Redditor wrote.

Sure enough, a trip to the doctor revealed a tiny lump in the man's right testicle, according to the Reddit thread.

Pregnancy tests detect the amount of the hormone beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in an individual’s urine.  While the developing placenta produces the hormone during pregnancy, it can also be associated with testicular cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Eventually, the user posted a second post to Reddit, saying his unnamed friend went to the doctor and did indeed have a small testicular tumor.  According to the user, the tumor is easily treatable since it was found early. 

The poster closed with thanking everyone that advised him to have his friend go to have a check-up and also with a website with instructions on how to check yourself for testicular cancer, (without the use of the pregnancy test!)

Go here for instructions on testicle self-exam technique. 

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CDC: Ten swine flu cases reported last week were linked to Ohio's Butler County Fair; warns nation's fairgoers to be cautious

Centers for Disease Control officials in Atlanta say 29 human cases of the new strain of the H3N2 swine flu have been confirmed in the last year, including 12 last week. Ten of the new cases were linked to the Butler County Fair in southwest Ohio. Butler County is just north of Cincinnati's Hamilton County. The fair ended last weekend. None of the cases have been tied to human-to-human transmission and all 12 of the new patients had close contact with swine prior to getting sick. The two other new cases occurred in Hawaii and Indiana. (CBS News photo)

Health official told CBS News that because county and state fair season in full swing, attendees should avoid taking food and drinks into barns and to wash their hands after they have been near animals. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk for developing the flu strain. So far, the strain hasn't spread easily, and recent cases have been mild. (Read more)

Centers for Disease Control officials in Atlanta say 29 human cases of the new strain of the H3N2 swine flu have been confirmed in the last year, including 12 last week. Ten of the new cases were linked to the Butler County Fair in southwest Ohio. Butler County is just north of Cincinnati's Hamilton County. The fair ended last weekend. None of the cases have been tied to human-to-human transmission and all 12 of the new patients had close contact with swine prior to getting sick. The two other new cases occurred in Hawaii and Indiana. (CBS News photo)

Health official told CBS News that because county and state fair season in full swing, attendees should avoid taking food and drinks into barns and to wash their hands after they have been near animals. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk for developing the flu strain. So far, the strain hasn't spread easily, and recent cases have been mild. (Read more)

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Mothers should try to go to full term in their pregnancies, but many are unaware of the risks of early delivery, UK study finds

Illustration by Michelle Kumata via KRT

Babies who are born before the full term of 40 weeks may have health problems later in life, since important brain development takes place in the very last stages of pregnancy. As such, mothers should try to avoid being induced early or having elective C-sections.

A study conducted at the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information found women often don't realize the important development that takes place at the end of pregnancy, write UK doctoral student Sarah Vos and H. Dan O'Hair, dean of the college, for the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Evidence shows that early, elective births are expensive. One study found reducing the number of elective births before 39 weeks of gestation to less than 2 percent of all U.S. births would save $1 billion each year.

But many women are uncomfortable at the end of their pregnancy, are anxious to know their children are healthy, and may even ask for early induction of labor because employers aren't flexible about time off. Sometimes doctors and other providers induce women early for their convenience.

Encouraging women to go full term and telling them the disadvantages of early labor — problems feeding and a higher incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome — can influence their decision. As Vos and O'Hair conclude, "Babies are worth the wait." (Read more)

Illustration by Michelle Kumata via KRT

Babies who are born before the full term of 40 weeks may have health problems later in life, since important brain development takes place in the very last stages of pregnancy. As such, mothers should try to avoid being induced early or having elective C-sections.

A study conducted at the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information found women often don't realize the important development that takes place at the end of pregnancy, write UK doctoral student Sarah Vos and H. Dan O'Hair, dean of the college, for the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Evidence shows that early, elective births are expensive. One study found reducing the number of elective births before 39 weeks of gestation to less than 2 percent of all U.S. births would save $1 billion each year.

But many women are uncomfortable at the end of their pregnancy, are anxious to know their children are healthy, and may even ask for early induction of labor because employers aren't flexible about time off. Sometimes doctors and other providers induce women early for their convenience.

Encouraging women to go full term and telling them the disadvantages of early labor — problems feeding and a higher incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome — can influence their decision. As Vos and O'Hair conclude, "Babies are worth the wait." (Read more)

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Pregnancy Testing in Cats

Digangi BA, Griffin B, Levy JK et al: Use of a commercially available relaxin test for detection of pregnancy in cats, J Am Vet Med Assoc 237:1267, 2010.

Relaxin is the only pregnancy-specific hormone reported in cats. In this study, investigators determined the earliest day of gestation at which relaxin could be detected in pregnant queens using a commercially available point-of-care test designed for use in dogs. They also calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the test for pregnancy detection on any specific day of gestation. The study looked at 162 female cats—24 queens from a breeding colony, 128 stray and feral queens undergoing ovariohysterectomy, and 10 ovariectomized cats. The 24 queens in the breeding colony were monitored for pregnancy while blood samples were taken daily to test for relaxin until 2 consecutive positive tests were obtained. Pregnancy was detected as early as gestational day 20 by use of the relaxin test kit. Maximum accuracy was achieved on day 29, when sensitivity reached 100%. False-positive tests were detected in 3 queens. Utilizing the test, pregnancy can be confirmed at an earlier date than with the use of radiography and without the safety concerns related to radiography. While ultrasonography is a more sensitive method for detection of pregnancy, it may not always be available and may be more expensive than blood sampling and point-of-care testing. When breeding dates are known, the predictive value and convenience of the relaxin test make it an excellent choice for diagnosis of pregnancy in cats. When breeding dates are unknown or when multiple dates are possible, interpretation of negative results becomes more complex and must be considered within the context of the patient’s history.  [VT]

Related articles:
de Haas van Dorsser FJ, Lasano S, Steinetz BG: Pregnancy diagnosis in cats using a rapid, bench-top kit to detect relaxin in urine, Reprod Domest Anim 42:111, 2007.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Digangi BA, Griffin B, Levy JK et al: Use of a commercially available relaxin test for detection of pregnancy in cats, J Am Vet Med Assoc 237:1267, 2010.

Relaxin is the only pregnancy-specific hormone reported in cats. In this study, investigators determined the earliest day of gestation at which relaxin could be detected in pregnant queens using a commercially available point-of-care test designed for use in dogs. They also calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the test for pregnancy detection on any specific day of gestation. The study looked at 162 female cats—24 queens from a breeding colony, 128 stray and feral queens undergoing ovariohysterectomy, and 10 ovariectomized cats. The 24 queens in the breeding colony were monitored for pregnancy while blood samples were taken daily to test for relaxin until 2 consecutive positive tests were obtained. Pregnancy was detected as early as gestational day 20 by use of the relaxin test kit. Maximum accuracy was achieved on day 29, when sensitivity reached 100%. False-positive tests were detected in 3 queens. Utilizing the test, pregnancy can be confirmed at an earlier date than with the use of radiography and without the safety concerns related to radiography. While ultrasonography is a more sensitive method for detection of pregnancy, it may not always be available and may be more expensive than blood sampling and point-of-care testing. When breeding dates are known, the predictive value and convenience of the relaxin test make it an excellent choice for diagnosis of pregnancy in cats. When breeding dates are unknown or when multiple dates are possible, interpretation of negative results becomes more complex and must be considered within the context of the patient’s history.  [VT]

Related articles:
de Haas van Dorsser FJ, Lasano S, Steinetz BG: Pregnancy diagnosis in cats using a rapid, bench-top kit to detect relaxin in urine, Reprod Domest Anim 42:111, 2007.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

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Pain Management for Special Feline Cases

Mathews, K. A. (2008). "Pain management for the pregnant, lactating, and neonatal to pediatric cat and dog." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 38(6): 1291-308, vi-vii.

The majority of the information available to veterinarians on pain management for small animals is for the mature patient. Pregnant and lactating queens and neonates have received little attention or investigation. Unfortunately, this means that pain management is often avoided for these patients, due to concerns over adverse effects. The purpose of this review article is to focus on commonly available analgesics for these special patients. During pregnancy, opioids are the preferred analgesic for both women and animals. For example, opioids may be used to control pain associated with caesarean section with little or no effect on neonates. For lactating animals, opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used. Opioids are also often used for pediatric patients, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are avoided in animals under 6 weeks of age. The risks and benefits of each class of drug, as well as a table of drugs and dosages are included. Dissemination of such information will help provide pain relief to some of the most vulnerable patients in veterinary medicine. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Dyson, D. H. (2008). "Perioperative Pain Management in Veterinary Patients." The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice 38(6): 1309-1327.
>> PubMed Abstract

Robertson, S. and P. Taylor (2004). "Pain management in cats - past, present and future. Part 2. Treatment of pain - clinical pharmacology." J Fel Med Surg 6(5): 321-333.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Mathews, K. A. (2008). "Pain management for the pregnant, lactating, and neonatal to pediatric cat and dog." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 38(6): 1291-308, vi-vii.

The majority of the information available to veterinarians on pain management for small animals is for the mature patient. Pregnant and lactating queens and neonates have received little attention or investigation. Unfortunately, this means that pain management is often avoided for these patients, due to concerns over adverse effects. The purpose of this review article is to focus on commonly available analgesics for these special patients. During pregnancy, opioids are the preferred analgesic for both women and animals. For example, opioids may be used to control pain associated with caesarean section with little or no effect on neonates. For lactating animals, opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used. Opioids are also often used for pediatric patients, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are avoided in animals under 6 weeks of age. The risks and benefits of each class of drug, as well as a table of drugs and dosages are included. Dissemination of such information will help provide pain relief to some of the most vulnerable patients in veterinary medicine. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Dyson, D. H. (2008). "Perioperative Pain Management in Veterinary Patients." The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice 38(6): 1309-1327.
>> PubMed Abstract

Robertson, S. and P. Taylor (2004). "Pain management in cats - past, present and future. Part 2. Treatment of pain - clinical pharmacology." J Fel Med Surg 6(5): 321-333.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Diagnosis of Fetal Loss in Cats

Schlafer, D. H. (2008). "Canine and feline abortion diagnostics." Theriogenology 70(3): 327-331.

Knowledge of the causes of pregnancy loss in the cat is limited and the success rate for making a definitive diagnosis is disappointingly low. However, there are opportunities to improve the diagnostic success rate. Causes of pregnancy failure are generally divided into infectious (bacterial, viral, etc.) and non-infectious causes (endocrine failure, endometrial disease, toxicities, genetic abnormalities, etc). This review articles describes how to conduct a thorough examination of aborted fetuses and placentas as well as microbiological techniques. Factors such as prompt submission of samples, use of special transport media, providing complete histories and full tissue sets can greatly improve feline abortion diagnostic rates.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pretzer, S. D. (2008). "Bacterial and protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen." Theriogenology 70(3): 320-326.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Schlafer, D. H. (2008). "Canine and feline abortion diagnostics." Theriogenology 70(3): 327-331.

Knowledge of the causes of pregnancy loss in the cat is limited and the success rate for making a definitive diagnosis is disappointingly low. However, there are opportunities to improve the diagnostic success rate. Causes of pregnancy failure are generally divided into infectious (bacterial, viral, etc.) and non-infectious causes (endocrine failure, endometrial disease, toxicities, genetic abnormalities, etc). This review articles describes how to conduct a thorough examination of aborted fetuses and placentas as well as microbiological techniques. Factors such as prompt submission of samples, use of special transport media, providing complete histories and full tissue sets can greatly improve feline abortion diagnostic rates.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pretzer, S. D. (2008). "Bacterial and protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen." Theriogenology 70(3): 320-326.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Pregnancy Testing in Cats Using Urine

de Haas van Dorsser, F. J., S. Lasano, et al. (2007). "Pregnancy diagnosis in cats using a rapid, bench-top kit to detect relaxin in urine." Reprod Domest Anim 42(1): 111-2.

Relaxin is a pregnancy-specific hormone in the queen, produced by the placenta. At least one company produces a blood test for pregnancy in cats based on relaxin. This study aimed to determine if urine could be used for rapid diagnosis of pregnancy using a simple in-house kit. The kit was able to detect pregnancy using urine samples from 28 days after mating, with some samples testing positive as early as 21 days. This opens the possibility that a commercially available kit could be marketed for the easy and rapid diagnosis of pregnancy in domestic cats. Similar work has also been published for the leopard (Panthera pardus).
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:

de Haas van Dorsser, F. J., W. F. Swanson, et al. (2006). "Development, validation, and application of a urinary relaxin radioimmunoassay for the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy in felids." Biol Reprod 74(6): 1090-5.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

de Haas van Dorsser, F. J., S. Lasano, et al. (2007). "Pregnancy diagnosis in cats using a rapid, bench-top kit to detect relaxin in urine." Reprod Domest Anim 42(1): 111-2.

Relaxin is a pregnancy-specific hormone in the queen, produced by the placenta. At least one company produces a blood test for pregnancy in cats based on relaxin. This study aimed to determine if urine could be used for rapid diagnosis of pregnancy using a simple in-house kit. The kit was able to detect pregnancy using urine samples from 28 days after mating, with some samples testing positive as early as 21 days. This opens the possibility that a commercially available kit could be marketed for the easy and rapid diagnosis of pregnancy in domestic cats. Similar work has also been published for the leopard (Panthera pardus).
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:

de Haas van Dorsser, F. J., W. F. Swanson, et al. (2006). "Development, validation, and application of a urinary relaxin radioimmunoassay for the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy in felids." Biol Reprod 74(6): 1090-5.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More