Best of the Web: Parenting and Pregnancy News

Going Past Your Due Date [FitPregnancy]

Robert Downey Jr. & Susan Levin Shine At Premiere [CelebrityBabyScoop]

How to Throw a Kid-Friendly Holiday Party - Plus Recipes [People]

Treating Acne During Breastfeeding [AmericanHealth&Beauty]

Radiation traces found in Japanese baby formula [USAToday]

What's Behind A Temper Tantrum? [NPR]

Tablet computer for babies wins 'worst toy' distinction [Today]

Top 15 Most Awkward Postpartum Clothes Ever [Babble]

Addicts aren't necessarily bad mothers, study finds [smh]

Tips for Surviving Santa [Parenting]

Best Charitable Gifts For Kids [lilsugar]

Smiles Between Moms and Babies Synchronize Heartbeats

Many moms can attest to feeling as if their heart skips a beat when their baby smiles at them, and as it turns out, their heart is essentially doing just that. A recent study found that when mothers looked at their babies with signals of visual affection, such as a smile, their heart beats came into a synchronous pattern.

Researchers at Isreal's Ban-Ilan University observed visual interactions between 40 mothers and their three-month-old infants while cardiac output was monitored. They noted behaviors such as periods of gaze, facial expressions, and vocal exchanges. The biological mothers and their infants both coordinated heart rhythms to one another's during even the most subtle visual interactions. Interestingly, animals also display such bonds with their infants, but they require touch to do so. This study is the first to show that not only do humans exhibit this phenomena, but that they do so without physical contact.

What kind of visual gestures do you exchange with your baby?

Mother and infant coordinate heart rhythms through episodes of interaction synchrony [ScienceDirect]

Mothers and babies can instantly synchronize their hearts just by smiling at each other [io9]

Parenting Topic of the Week: Arsenic in Juice, Rice

Whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or a parent of a young child, you're liable to be concerned about the headlines detailing high levels of arsenic in apple juice and rice. Although it may seem like another overblown fear campaign by the media, the truth is frightening and deserves the attention of parents and parents-to-be. The information on the levels of arsenic found in these common foods is not easy to find and has been misreported by several news outlets. Here's what you need to know about this common poison found in food and water.

Arsenic is naturally occurring, but many apple and grape juices, even those labeled "organic" can contain unsafe levels of inorganic arsenic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set no safe level for arsenic in juice, but the safe level set for drinking water is no more than 10 ppb (parts per billion) and some organizations advocate lowering that level to 5 ppb or even 3 ppb.

Consuming even low levels of arsenic over time can make people sick in a variety of ways. Low-level exposure has been linked to type 2 diabetes and levels above 5 ppb in drinking water have been linked to lower intelligence. Chronic exposure can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, skin lesions and sufferers may exhibit signs of chronic fatigue syndrome. The World Health Organization estimates that chronic exposure over a period of 5-20 years increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes and reproductive problems.

Consumer Reports recently tested popular apple and grape juices for their arsenic and lead content - the results might surprise you.

100% Apple Juice with High Levels of Inorganic Arsenic

• 365 Everyday Value (100% Organic, Whole Foods) - 7-7.1 ppb 
• Apple & Eve - 5-10.5 ppb
• Gerber (4 oz. bottles) - 5.8-9.7 ppb
• Gerber Organic - 5.5-5.7 ppb
• Gold Emblem (CVS) - 3.1-9.4 ppb
• Great Value (Walmart) - 10.1-13.9 ppb
• Minute Maid - 6.2-6.17 pbb
• Mott's - 4-7.9 ppb
• Mott's (4.23 oz juice boxes) - 4-10.2 ppb
• Walgreens - 4-6.8 ppb

100% Grape Juice with High Levels of Inorganic Arsenic 

• Golden Emblem (CVS) - 5.9-7.5 ppb
• Walgreens - 9.7-24.7 ppb
• Welch's - 7.1-12.4 ppb

100% Apple and Grape Juices with High Lead Content (over 5 ppb is considered unsafe by the FDA)

• Gerber Apple (4 oz. bottles) - 3.4-13.6 ppb
• Golden Emblem Grape (CVS) - 6.5-8.6 ppb
• Joe's Kids Apple (Trader Joe's, 6.75 oz juice boxes) - 5.3-9.7 ppb
• Walgreens Grape - 10.1-15.9 ppb
• Welch's Grape - 3.5-9.2 ppb

*These results do not include organically-occurring arsenic

The arsenic found in juices is a product of the soil the apples or grapes are grown in and other common sources of arsenic abound in the US, including rice and the most common source: well-water. In fact, rice from the US has some of the highest concentrations of arsenic in the world.

Finding out how much arsenic you're consuming and avoiding it is extremely difficult, but there are some things you can do. To find out how much arsenic is in your body request a urine test at the doctor. If you rely on well-water, contact your local water department to have it tested for arsenic. Avoid rice grown in most US states, China and Chile (however, California has relatively lower levels). Rice grown in Nepal, India, Pakistan and Egypt have some of the lowest levels in the world - an important consideration when feeding your baby his first food, which is typically rice cereal. Lastly, avoid juices that have known high levels of arsenic (see list above). Hopefully, now that this issue has come into the forefront of the media, it will encourage the FDA and health organizations to monitor and test products more efficiently.

What juice does your family drink?


Arsenic in your juice [ConsumerReports]

Top Baby Names of 2011

The end of the year is nigh and for expectant parents that means a rear-view look at what names are going to be the most popular for their child's generation. BabyCenter.com has released it's top 100 baby names of 2011. Aiden and Sophia still topped the charts, but a celebrity baby name is moving up the ranks - Mason (Kourtney Kardashian's little boy). Emily and Liam successfully made the leap into the top 10 and Addison and Caden appear to be going out of style. Here are the full lists:

Boys

1. Aiden
2. Jackson
3. Mason
4. Liam
5. Jacob
6. Jayden
7. Ethan
8. Noah
9. Lucas
10. Logan
11. Caleb
12. Caden
13. Jack
14. Ryan
15. Connor
16. Michael
17. Elijah
18. Brayden
19. Benjamin
20. Nicholas
21. Alexander
22. William
23. Matthew
24. James
25. Landon
26. Nathan
27. Dylan
28. Evan
29. Luke
30. Andrew
31. Gabriel
32. Gavin
33. Joshua
34. Owen
35. Daniel
36. Carter
37. Tyler
38. Cameron
39. Christian
40. Wyatt
41. Henry
42. Eli
43. Joseph
44. Max
45. Isaac
46. Samuel
47. Anthony
48. Grayson
49. Zachary
50. David
51. Christopher
52. John
53. Isaiah
54. Levi
55. Jonathan
56. Oliver
57. Chase
58. Cooper
59. Tristan
60. Colton
61. Austin
62. Colin
63. Charlie
64. Dominic
65. Parker
66. Hunter
67. Thomas
68. Alex
69. Ian
70. Jordan
71. Cole
72. Julian
73. Aaron
74. Carson
75. Miles
76. Blake
77. Brody
78. Adam
79. Sebastian
80. Adrian
81. Nolan
82. Sean
83. Riley
84. Bentley
85. Xavier
86. Hayden
87. Jeremiah
88. Jason
89. Jake
90. Asher
91. Micah
92. Jace
93. Brandon
94. Josiah
95. Hudson
96. Nathaniel
97. Bryson
98. Ryder
99. Justin
100. Bryce

Girls

1. Sophia
2. Emma
3. Isabella
4. Olivia
5. Ava
6. Lily
7. Chloe
8. Madison
9. Emily
10. Abigail
11. Addison
12. Mia
13. Madelyn
14. Ella
15. Hailey
16. Kaylee
17. Avery
18. Kaitlyn
19. Riley
20. Aubrey
21. Brooklyn
22. Peyton
23. Layla
24. Hannah
25. Charlotte
26. Bella
27. Natalie
28. Sarah
29. Grace
30. Amelia
31. Kylie
32. Arianna
33. Anna
34. Elizabeth
35. Sophie
36. Claire
37. Lila
38. Aaliyah
39. Gabriella
40. Elise
41. Lillian
42. Samantha
43. Makayla
44. Audrey
45. Alyssa
46. Ellie
47. Alexis
48. Isabelle
49. Savannah
50. Evelyn
51. Leah
52. Keira
53. Allison
54. Maya
55. Lucy
56. Sydney
57. Taylor
58. Molly
59. Lauren
60. Harper
61. Scarlett
62. Brianna
63. Victoria
64. Liliana
65. Aria
66. Kayla
67. Annabelle
68. Gianna
69. Kennedy
70. Stella
71. Reagan
72. Julia
73. Bailey
74. Alexandra
75. Jordyn
76. Nora
77. Caroline
78. Mackenzie
79. Jasmine
80. Jocelyn
81. Kendall
82. Morgan
83. Nevaeh
84. Maria
85. Eva
86. Juliana
87. Abby
88. Alexa
89. Summer
90. Brooke
91. Penelope
92. Violet
93. Kate
94. Hadley
95. Ashlyn
96. Sadie
97. Paige
98. Katherine
99. Sienna
100. Piper

Is your baby's name on the list?

100 most popular baby names of 2011 [BabyCenter]

New Guidelines for Treating Psoriasis during Pregnancy

Pregnancy has a way of intensifying the worst skin conditions. Acne, melasma and psoriasis are just a few of the biggest contenders. Unfortunately, many of the most effective treatments are risky to use during pregnancy. New guidelines released by the National Psoriasis Foundation can help pregnant and breastfeeding women suffering from a common condition to find safe treatments.

The first line of treatment recommended for psoriasis during pregnancy and while nursing are topical and over-the-counter moisturizer and emollients. The organization specifically mentions using petroleum jelly to relieve irritated areas. These gentle treatments can help reduce the itchy, red spots without any known risk to a developing fetus or infant.

Expectant and nursing mothers should consult their doctors about a treatment plan, however some medication appears to be safe if moisturizers and emollients aren't working. Topical steroids can be used in the second and third trimesters, beginning with mild to moderate potency and moving on to stronger concentrations only as needed.

Another second-line of treatment that is considered safe is UVB light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a UVB light regularly under medical supervision. Narrow band or broad band can be used.

The last resort for treatment is a class of immune-suppressing drugs called TNF inhibitors or a similar drug known as cyclosporine. These drugs should be used with caution only in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended while taking them.

Do you suffer from psoriasis?

New Guidelines for Treating Psoriasis When Pregnant or Nursing [USNews]

Friday Wrap-up: Parenting and Pregnancy News

Annie Murphy Paul: What we learn before we're born [TED]

Dad's view: Getting baby to kick the bottle takes fairy magic [Today]

The Pregnant Job-Seeker: What You Should and Shouldn't Do [Business Insider]

Pregnant Mindy McCready Willing To Risk Jail To "Protect" Son [CelebBabyScoop]

Separated twins get ready to leave hospital [DailyMail]

Extreme Holiday Lights [MSN]

Baby Moves: Normal Newborn Reflexes [lilsugar]

Celebrity Baby Names 2011 [FitPregnancy]

Mothers Leading the Way to End Pediatric AIDS [HuffPo]

Afghan children ready to walk down Sesame Street [reuters]

Tech Solutions for Gamer Dads [Kotaku]

Childbirth Simulator Could Accurately Predict Birth Outcomes

Undergoing a c-section after hours upon hours of laboring can feel a bit disappointing, especially when you find out there was some kind of circumstance that made the c-section inevitable. A group of doctors believe they may have a way of predicting just such circumstances.

A group of French researchers recently presented to the Radiological Society of Northern America a method of predicting childbirth outcomes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer software. The software is called PREDIBIRTH and it was very successful in predicting the birth outcomes of 24 pregnant women. The researchers tested the women before giving birth and then reviewed the results given by PREDIBIRTH after the women had given birth. MRI images were used to project a 3D view of the pelvis and fetus and the software computed 72 possible trajectories of the baby's head through the birth canal to produce a score for each woman. The 13 women who went on to have normal birth outcomes all scored as highly favorable by the software. Three of the women who had emergency c-sections were previously determined to be at high risk for shoulder dystocia, a condition that prevents the baby from moving down the birth canal. However, the software did have a small margin of error. Two of the women that scored mildly favorable and favorable ended up having c-sections and three women who scored mildly favorable gave birth by vacuum extraction. 

Despite the small margin of error, the general accuracy of the software could change the way women deliver babies in the future if it's utilized. Dr. Olivier Ami said of the results: "With this virtual childbirth software, the majority of C-sections could be planned rather than emergency, and difficult instrumental extractions might disappear in the near future." 

Would you want to undergo this kind of testing before giving birth?

Virtual childbirth simulator improves safety of high-risk deliveries [EurekAlert]

Cafe Espresso May Have More Caffeine Than Expected

A study of espresso at a variety of coffee shops found that the levels of caffeine varied considerably, posing a problem for expectant moms who are trying to regulate their caffeine intake. In general, researchers and medical professionals have found no clear answers on the question of safe caffeine intake during pregnancy and avoiding it as much as possible is usually recommended. However, pregnant women who continue to consume caffeine are advised to limit their intake to less than 200mg a day - the equivalent of approximately three espresso drinks or one cup of regular coffee. One espresso drink tested in the recent study had over 300mg of caffeine in just one cup.

Researchers at Glasgow University bought single-shot espresso drinks from 20 different vendors and found a wide range of caffeine content. Starbucks espresso was typical, with 51mg of caffeine per shot. The rest of the companies tested had shots with caffeine levels in excess of 50 mg. Costa Coffee's espresso contained three times the average amount, with 157mg per shot. One coffee shop, local to Glasglow, had espresso shots with 322mg of caffeine! The researchers attribute many factors to the varying levels of caffeine, including roasting, the type of bean and method of brewing.

The study goes out as a warning to pregnant women who continue drinking caffeine during pregnancy. Limiting intake can reduce the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. Caffeine can also exacerbate common pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn and insomnia. If you do decide to continue drinking coffee during pregnancy, it appears that Starbucks has relatively stable caffeine levels, but don't forget that decaf coffee can help satisfy your cravings without the risk.

How much caffeine are you consuming during this pregnancy?

Caffeine [PregnancyWeekly]
Pregnant women coffee shop risk [WebMD]
Caffeine in pregnancy [MarchofDimes]