effect of maternal selenium supplementation on pregnancy outcome and the level of oxidative stress in neonates

Pregnancy is regarded as a condition which is usually accompanied by oxidative stress. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of maternal selenium supplementation during gestation on the level of oxidative stress in neonates and the pregnancy outcome. In this double-blind trial, 179 primigravid pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy were randomly assigned to receive 100 micro g of selenium [Se group] or a placebo [control group] per day until delivery. The level of oxidative stress and serum selenium concentration was determined in the maternal and umblical cord sera of the subjects. Oxidative stress was measured by means of a novel assay of prooxidant-antioxidant balance [PAB]. The incidence of any pregnancy complications and outcomes was also evaluated in all neonates, being fully examined and followed up until 45 days. Although maternal selenium concentration was significantly higher in the Se group [p<0.001], there was no statistically significant differences in the umblical cord selenium content between the two groups. Selenium supplementation was not associated with any significant decrease in PAB values in the Se group. The incidence of neonatal complications and outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups. Maternal selenium supplementation during pregnancy was safe but was not associated with a significant change in the extent of oxidative stress in neonates

[Vaginal birth after cesarean sections]

It is believed that vaginal delivery is associated with less maternal mortality than cesarean section. On the other hand, repeated cesarean sections are said to be associated with more risks threatening both the mother and the infant. Besides, it is believed that during the next pregnancies, there are many risks involved, such as Placenta Previa, Placenta acreta and even hysterectomy. This article is about a woman who experienced successful vaginal deliveries giving birth to healthy newborns in spite of her numerous cesarean sections she had already experienced

Effect of gum chewing on prevention of post cesarean ileus

Post cesarean ileus is a common complication that induces abdominal distention, delays feeding, and increases hospitalization. Multiple studies showed that false nutrition increases the bowel movement. This study aimed to investigate the effect of gum chewing as false nutrition on the bowel movement and prevention of post cesarean ileus. In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 400 patients who were hospitalized in Mashhad Zeinab hospital were divided into two 200-patient groups. The groups were matched for age, gravity and duration of surgery. In the intervention group, gum chewing was started after surgery, 3 times/day until the regular diet was initiated. In the control group, patients underwent routine care by restricting oral intake until the bowel function was returned. The outcomes were time of the first bowel sound, flatus passage, defecation, ambulation of patients post cesarean, initiation regular diet, and hospitalization. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test and fishers exact probability test. The mean age, parity and operation time were similar in the two groups. All patients in the intervention group tolerated gum chewing immediately after surgery. The results showed the followings among the intervention group vs. control group, respectively: post operative time intervals to bowel sounds [14.7 hours vs. 16.6 hours; P=0.569], time intervals between surgery and abdominal distention [16.59 hours vs. 14.21 hours; P=0.01], first post operative defecation [28.16 hours vs. 32.21 hours; P<0.000], post operative time interval to onset diet [19.3 hours vs. 16.54 hours; P=0.000], post operative time interval to ambulation [20.14 hours vs. 17.58 hours; P=0.000], post operative lengths of ileus [31.13 hours vs. 30.35 hours; P=0.5], hospitalization [1.84 days vs. 1.92 days; P=0.02]. Gum chewing after cesarean section is safe and well tolerated and reduces post operative ileus, shortens mean duration of first defecation, decreases the time of returning to regular oral diet, shortens the time of patient ambulation and hospital discharge. Gum chewing is offered as a physiologic and inexpensive method to prevent or reduce post cesarean ileus