Latest news with #Reproductive
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
When should you take a pregnancy test? Here's what experts recommend.
When should you take a pregnancy test? Here's what experts recommend. Show Caption Hide Caption Preeclampsia: Symptoms, causes and treatments Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that develops during pregnancy. Self Improved Taking a pregnancy test too early can produce a false negative result. And the prospect of a major life change like pregnancy is a time when you want to make sure you're getting the most accurate information. So how do you know when it's too early to take a pregnancy test, and at what point can you get accurate results? Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)," explains what you need to know about the best times to take a pregnancy test – and signs to look out for that signify you could be pregnant in the first place. Noted: Can you actually get pregnant during your period? What an OB/GYN needs you to know. How early can you take a pregnancy test? The "most sensitive" drugstore tests can detect pregnancy as early as three or four weeks after your missing period date, Tang says. In those first few weeks, pregnancy hormones are on the rise every day. If you take a test early on that turns up negative but you still believe you may be pregnant, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends testing again in a week. Getting a blood test done by a medical professional also may be helpful, as blood tests are able to detect pregnancy before urine tests and ultrasounds. "You should take a test as soon as you are worried you might be pregnant – but most over-the-counter tests may not turn positive until around the time that you'd be due for or missing your period," she adds. "Pregnancy hormone (HCG) is most concentrated in the first morning urine, so that may have the best chance of showing a positive, but obviously take the test whenever in the day you're able to." How does IVF work? Plus what the process is like and how much it costs. And FYI: Pregnancy is actually calculated from the first day of your last period, not the actual day of conception, Tang says.
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
How soon do pregnancy symptoms start? Here's what experts say.
How soon do pregnancy symptoms start? Here's what experts say. Show Caption Hide Caption Preeclampsia: Symptoms, causes and treatments Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that develops during pregnancy. Self Improved If you think there's a chance you might be pregnant, you want to know as soon as possible. But how soon can symptoms be attributed to a new pregnancy, rather than other ailments or conditions? It's helpful first to know how to actually measure pregnancy duration: It's calculated from the first day of your last missed period, not the actual day of conception, says Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)." And symptoms could begin to arise sooner than you might think. Here's what gynecological experts want you to know about early pregnancy symptoms and detection. How does IVF work? Plus what the process is like and how much it costs. When does morning sickness start? Pregnancy (or "morning sickness") symptoms can begin to show within four to eight weeks, experts say. Symptoms including nausea, fatigue, moodiness, breast tenderness, light bleeding and mild pelvic cramping. Food cravings or aversions are common. But not everyone experiences those symptoms in that timeframe – and not everyone who experiences those symptoms is pregnant. It's rare, but in some cases, false negative tests occur. "Some people never notice symptoms, which is why pregnancies are detected at all different gestational ages, even sometimes in the third trimester," Tang says. "Some of the symptoms of pregnancy can be the same as what people experience in PMS, because they're also caused by a hormone called progesterone that rises in both the luteal phase before your period, and as the placenta develops. You could also think you have a virus because of feeling nauseated, tired and achy." Noted: Can you actually get pregnant during your period? What an OB/GYN needs you to know. How early can you detect pregnancy? The "most sensitive" drugstore tests can detect pregnancy as early as three or four weeks after your missing period date, Tang says. In those first few weeks, pregnancy hormones are on the rise every day. If you take a test early on that turns up negative but you still believe you may be pregnant, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends testing again in a week. Getting a blood test done by a medical professional also may be helpful, as blood tests are able to detect pregnancy before urine tests and ultrasounds. "You should take a test as soon as you are worried you might be pregnant, but most over-the-counter tests may not turn positive until around the time that you'd be due for or missing your period," she adds. "Pregnancy hormone (HCG) is most concentrated in the first morning urine, so that may have the best chance of showing a positive, but obviously take the test whenever in the day you're able to."
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Rising obesity among Indian women calls for science-based, community and lifecycle-oriented care, study finds
A study published in the Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research, supported by the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, highlighted an urgent public health concern posed by the rising prevalence of obesity among Indian women in their reproductive year. According to the findings, nearly 50% of Indian women aged 35–49 are living with obesity, with even younger women aged 18–30 increasingly at risk. The health implications of this trend extend from menarche to menopause --spanning complications in fertility, pregnancy, and long-term metabolic health. Early intervention and integrating obesity care across health system Experts in reproductive health and endocrinology say the findings should serve as a wake-up call to rethink India's public health strategies and embed obesity care into all layers of the healthcare system. Addressing obesity in the reproductive years is not just about improving fertility -- it's about preventing lifelong complications,' said Nanditha Palshetkar, medical director at Bloom IVF Lilavati Hospital and former president of The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI). Dr. Palshetkar emphasised the importance of early recognition and education. 'If we manage obesity early, ideally before conception, we can significantly improve outcomes for both mother and child,' she said. 'We must start recognising obesity as a disease,'Dr. Palshetkar said, 'It's often the underlying cause of comorbidities like high cholesterol and fatty liver. Unfortunately, there's a widespread perception that simply 'eating well' at home ensures good health -- which can be misleading. There's a serious lack of awareness. Piya Ballani Thakkar, consultant endocrinologist with a specialisation in diabetes and metabolic disorders, stressed the urgent need to integrate obesity screening and counselling into existing national programmes like --Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health(RMNCH+A) , which focus on women of reproductive age, children, and adolescents. She called for the expansion of dietitian-led services at the primary care level and use of vernacular media in breaking down the science and disease burden. 'In rural areas, ASHA workers can play a vital role. In areas where ASHAs are absent, local NGOs can help. These systems already exist, we just need to incorporate BMI checks, counselling, and awareness about obesity into ongoing programmes like POSHAN -- nutrition mission, anaemia campaigns, and even HIV or TB outreach,' she added. Need for early screening and lifecycle approach The study reports that 33.5% of urban women and 19.7% of rural women are affected by obesity -- largely driven by lifestyle shifts, sedentary jobs, and high-carb diets. The problem is compounded by poor dietary patterns and reduced physical activity, fueling a rise in conditions like gestational diabetes, PCOS, and even increased miscarriage risk in women with a BMI over 30 kg/m². Dr. Ballani emphasised the need for a lifecycle approach to obesity management in women. 'We have to tackle obesity differently across stages. For women trying to conceive, lifestyle modifications are key, and any anti-obesity medications must be stopped prior to pregnancy. During pregnancy, weight gain needs to be closely monitored based on BMI. Postpartum, structured programmes for weight loss, including breastfeeding encouragement and, if necessary, later reintroduction of medications, are essential,'she said She also noted the need for longitudinal birth cohort studies linking maternal BMI to child health outcomes, and suggested that NFHS data should include pre-pregnancy BMI, waist circumference, and granular lifestyle indicators to better inform policy. She also underlined the unique challenges of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women, pointing to the need to monitor muscle mass, bone health, and screen for metabolic disorders before initiating weight loss interventions. Stepwise treatment model proposed by study The study proposes a stepwise treatment algorithm designed specifically for Indian women, enabling gynaecologists to assess and treat obesity with culturally relevant approaches. The doctors agree that small, sustainable lifestyle changes-- a high-fiber, low-glycemic diet, moderate daily exercise, and community support-- remain the foundation of treatment. In select cases, medication and bariatric surgery may be necessary. Dr. Palshetkar also noted culturally sensitive physical activity programmes like Garba, Bhangra, and Lezim in schools and community groups, especially in villages. 'Children often dislike traditional physical education. But if you bring in dance forms they enjoy, they're more likely to stay active. These interventions need to be fun, inclusive, and culturally rooted,'she said. On clinical guidelines, Dr. Ballani recommended that stepwise obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) algorithms and BMI-specific weight gain targets be translated into simple, actionable checklists for frontline providers. She emphasised that while lifestyle interventions should be the foundation, pharmacological and surgical treatments must be individualised, reserved for severe cases, and coordinated with endocrinology and OBGYN teams. Call for improved obesity care The broader goal, Dr. Palshetkar stressed, is to recognise obesity as a disease, a shift that could push governments to act. 'Just like the World Health Organisation's (WHO) classification of infertility helped raise awareness and mobilise resources, declaring obesity as a disease will help integrate it into public policy and healthcare. Pre-conception counselling must include guidance on achieving a healthy BMI. Telling a woman to take folic acid is good, but if her BMI is over 30, we're missing a key risk factor,' she said. However, recognising obesity purely through a clinical lens isn't enough. Experts stress that stigma, weight bias, and sizeism remain major barriers to understanding and treating obesity effectively. These social attitudes often prevent individuals from seeking help and can even shape how healthcare providers respond to patients, leading to delayed or inadequate care. As India continues to battle non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, experts say that a more compassionate, science-based understanding of women's health -- free from judgment-- could serve as a powerful preventive approach. 'We have observed that children born to mothers living with obesity have a higher risk of developing obesity themselves,' said Dr. Palshetkar. 'To break this cycle, interventions must begin even before conception.
Business Wire
25-04-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
PwC Strategy& Releases Report at IVI RMA Congress Showing Potential of Assisted Reproductive Technology to Mitigate Economic Impact of Demographic Changes in the U.S.
BASKING RIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At the 11 th International IVI RMA Congress, hosted by IVI RMA, the world's leading reproductive medicine group with 200+ Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics in 15 countries and 22 labs across North America, PwC Strategy& released a report that analyzes the impact of aging populations and sustained low birth rates on economic and social dynamics in the United States and other countries. With fertility rates well below replacement levels and the average age of first-time parents rising, the report, ' Shaping the Future: Socioeconomic Challenges and Opportunities in Aging Societies,' points to fertility medicine as a key lever for supporting social and economic sustainability. The report shows that 26 U.S. states could register negative GDP per capita growth as early as 2050, with cumulative impact reaching $162.3 billion between 2050 and 2100. In the U.S., just three percent of births currently result from ART, which encompasses a range of techniques including vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the U.S. could boost annual births by nearly 290,000 and delay population decline by nearly a decade if it aligned its ART utilization levels comparable with other countries such as Spain, where 11 percent of births occur as a result of reproductive medicine. 'Reproductive medicine is no longer just a clinical discipline—it is a matter of social and demographic resilience and an essential demographic tool to reverse the decline in the birth rate,' said Prof. Antonio Pellicer, Executive Chairman of IVI RMA Global. 'It is essential for public policies to incorporate fertility as a strategic priority, guaranteeing safe and agile access to reproductive medicine and promoting awareness and reproductive health education, to ensure future economic sustainability.' More than 1,400 experts in fertility and related disciplines from over 58 countries are currently being hosted by IVI RMA at the 11 th International Congress to learn about the latest scientific advances, clinical innovations, and emerging lines of research in reproductive medicine. Key U.S. takeaways from the report: Annual population growth is expected to decline significantly from 2 million in 2023 to 500,000 in 2100, leading to reduced economic growth and increased pressure on healthcare systems and pensions At 1.6 children per woman, fertility rates fall short of the 2.1 replacement level Since 1990, the average age of women at the birth of their first child has risen from 24 to 27, which will continue to put pressure on fertility rates as female fertility drops sharply with age By 2050, public expenditure on pensions and public health will rise by $751 billion (+3.8 percentage points of GDP), stressing the financial system 'As the age of maternity and paternity is delayed, assisted reproductive techniques become essential to reverse negative demographic trends, and enable more people to become parents in a changing society,' added Javier Sanchez Prieto, CEO of IVI RMA Global. 'As a pioneer and leader in fertility medicine, IVI RMA is committed to delivering innovations that increase the safety, accessibility and success of assisted reproductive technology to help solve this global challenge.' About IVI RMA With more than 5,100 people across 200+ ART clinics in 15 countries, IVI RMA is the world's largest fertility-focused medical group, combining scientific leadership, proprietary technology, and a human-centered care model. The group sees more than 115,000 patients per year, performing 180,000 annual treatments. With over 1,800 scientific publications, IVI RMA has shaped many of the key breakthroughs in reproductive medicine over the past 25 years. IVI RMA North America, comprising Reproductive Medicine Associates (CA, CO, FL, NJ, PA, TX, WA), Boston IVF, and Toronto-based TRIO, spans 22 IVF laboratories and has helped women achieve pregnancies which have led to the birth of over 220,000 babies to date. Pioneers in innovative care, including PGT-A, single embryo transfer, fertility preservation, LGBTQ+ care, and more, the network has published over 1,000 papers which have pushed the fertility industry forward. Learn more at and
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures
Today, Angola joins the global community in celebrating World Health Day, which is dedicated to maternal and child health under the 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.' This day commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, and it´s an occasion to call for communities, organizations, and governments to work together to advocate for actions that can improve people's health and well-being worldwide. This year, World Health Day, observed under the theme 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,' is a solemn reminder of our collective responsibility to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritize women's and children's long-term health and well-being. Despite significant advances, maternal and newborn deaths remain a critical problem. Worldwide, around 300,000 women die every year from pregnancy-related causes, and more than 2 million babies die in their first month of life. In the WHO African Region, 20 mothers and 120 newborns die every hour, totaling 178,000 maternal deaths and 1 million newborn deaths per year. These statistics represent real lives lost, families torn apart, and futures disrupted. The WHO calls for intensified efforts by governments, the private health sector, civil society, and development partners to ensure access to quality and equitable health care, especially in low-income countries and vulnerable contexts. Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, WHO representative in Angola, stresses that: 'World Health Day is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable progress the world has made in health and to advocate for urgent actions to address the deep challenges that persist. This year, we focus on maternal and child health as every seven seconds, somewhere in the world, a preventable death of a woman or child occurs. These are not just numbers; they represent real lives lost, families shattered, and futures cut short.' Angola has made significant progress in maternal and child health, reducing neonatal mortality from 24 to 16 deaths per 1,000 live births, infant mortality from 44 to 32 deaths per 1,000 live births, and under-five mortality from 68 to 52 deaths per 1,000 live births. However, challenges remain, particularly with regard to coverage of prenatal care and skilled birth attendance. To significantly improve maternal and child health and protect mothers and their babies, the WHO encourages the government and partners to invest in high-impact maternal and newborn health services, expand equitable access to quality care, adopt laws that protect health rights, address social and economic inequalities and strengthen accountability and innovation. The recently developed Integrated Strategic Plan for Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent, and Nutritional Health (SRMNIA-N) serves as an essential tool to guide universal coverage of high-impact, quality interventions to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve the population's nutritional status. The Plan is aligned with the Luanda Declaration issued in June 2022. It provides the political direction to implement the 'national commitment to the health of children, women and the fight against major endemic diseases.' Dr. Hazarika adds: 'Investing in maternal and newborn health yields substantial economic returns, as well as saving lives, with estimates suggesting that every dollar invested can generate a return of $7. Besides the economic benefits, every saved life contributes to the continuation of families, communities, and stronger societies. Let's work together, with the government, families, private sector, universities, and all partners, to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritize women's longer-term health and well-being in Angola.' The WHO renews its commitment to supporting Angola in improving maternal and child health, ensuring that every healthy start in life leads to a promising future for children, families, and communities. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Angola.
