At the recent Society for Maternal-Fetal annual meeting, 

a study  was presented that reported a glucose supplementation can significantly reduce the length of induced labor in childbirth. 

The study investigated the use of glucose to shorten induced labor in nulliparous (first time giving birth). The primary outcome studied was the total length of active labor.

Prolonged labor can be harmful to maternal and fetal health. Few medical interventions are known to shorten labor duration. Because muscle performance is known to be improved by glucose supplementation, the researchers tested whether adding glucose to the intravenous hydration solution women receive during labor could accelerate labor. 

Two hundred pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive either a standard hydration solution containing salt and water or a solution containing glucose, salt and water.

Josianne Pare, M.D., with the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Sherbrooke and the presenter of the research at the SMFM annual meeting, explained, "We found that the median duration of labor was 76 minutes shorter in the group of women receiving glucose. There was no difference in the mode of delivery or the neonatal well-being measures." 

The conclusion: Glucose supplementation significantly reduces the length of the first and second stages of labor without increasing the rate of complication in induced, nulliparous women. Given the low cost and the safety of this intervention, glucose is a viable solution. 

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (est. 1977) is the premiere membership organization for obstetricians/gynecologists who have additional formal education and training in maternal-fetal medicine.  The society is devoted to reducing high-risk pregnancy complications by sharing expertise through continuing education to its 2,000 members on the latest pregnancy assessment and treatment methods. It also serves as an advocate for improving public policy, and expanding research funding and opportunities for maternal-fetal medicine. 

Most common digestive problems are short term and easy to control with lifestyle changes and sometimes medication. In some cases, these problems can be a sign of more serious medical problems.

Some of the more common digestive problems include:

Constipation involves having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Stools may be firm or hard to pass. Swelling or bloating of the abdomen may occur.

Common causes of constipation include not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, certain medications, and changes in routine (such as travel). Constipation can occur during pregnancy. The increased levels of hormones during pregnancy can slow down the digestive system.

If constipation continues, your health care provider may suggest a laxative. most often without a prescription. There are several different types of laxatives.  Bulk-forming laxatives absorb water and expand, which increases moisture in the stool and makes it easier to pass (these are thought to be the safest laxatives).  Stool softeners add liquid content to the stool to soften it. S timulants use a chemical to increase bowel activity, which moves the stool through the intestines.

You can help prevent constipation by

Diarrhea is having three or more loose bowel movements a day and may including cramping.

Several things can cause diarrhea:

If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to replace those that are lost. If diarrhea does not go away in a few hours, drink fluids and liquid foods that contain salt, such as broth. Avoid drinking dairy products, soda, and juices as they may  contain lactose, caffeine, or sugar, which may make diarrhea worse. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can be helpful. However, they should not be taken if you have a high fever or bloody diarrhea, which can be signs of a bacterial infection.

If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, see your health care provider. Also see your health care provider if your stools contain blood or pus or if you have a fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration (thirst, dry skin, fatigue, dizziness, less frequent urination, or dark-colored urine).

If you use birth control pills, diarrhea or vomiting may decrease their effectiveness. Call your health care provider about what to do if you have vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for 48 hours or more after taking a combined birth control pill or that lasts for 3 hours or more after taking a progestin-only pill.

Acid reflux occurs when the muscle in your esophagus that opens and closes when you swallow does not work properly. When this happens, food and digestive fluids, which contain acid, back up into your esophagus. Acid reflux can cause a burning feeling in your chest and throat, which sometimes is called heartburn.

You can control or even prevent acid reflux by taking these steps:

Several over-the-counter medications are available that may help reduce your symptoms. Antacids reduce the acid content in the stomach. Other medications stop the digestive system from making too much acid. Some of these medications are available over the counter.

If acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, or if you have been taking over-the-counter medications for more than 2 weeks with no relief, you may have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medication and sometimes surgery. If you have GERD, it is important to see your health care provider regularly for treatment and follow-up.

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum. They can become painful, itchy, and irritated.

Hemorrhoids can result from several factors:

The symptoms of hemorrhoids can be relieved with ice packs to reduce swelling, sitting in a bath of warm water or using hemorrhoid creams or suppositories. Surgery may be needed to remove hemorrhoids in some cases. Adding fiber and fluids to your diet can help prevent hemorrhoids.

If you have any concerns about any of these digestive issues, please make an appointment to see one of our doctors.

The Rubino OB/GYN Group now offers FemiLift for vaginal rejuvination and labiaplasty. 

This simple 5-minute, state-of-the-art procedure is performed in the comfort of The Rubino OB/GYN Group office and requires no post-procedure downtime.

• Issues caused by childbirth
• Involuntary leakage of urine
• Painful intercourse
• An alternative option to estrogen
• Treatment for menopause
• Vaginal laxity
• Vaginal dryness or atrophy
• Sexual dysfunction
• Vaginal rejuvenation
• Other hormonal issues

Patients report a near-immediate return to activity.

FemiLift can dramatically improve sexual dysfunction, loose vaginal tissue and help restore a healthy sex life. 

To read more about the procedure, visit our website.

The versatile FemiLift technology can also be used for facial resurfacing to significantly diminish signs of aging and lack of elasticity. 

Call today to make an appointment with one of our doctors to discuss if FemiLift is right for you: 973-736-1100.