Behind the Headlines

Does 'eating for two' make mums gain weight?

Wednesday May 18 2011

The Daily Mail reported that there is a “life-long obesity risk of 'eating for two' in pregnancy”. The common advice, it says, is reinforced by the results of a study that followed women for a number of years. The study used...

Drug eases sickle cell in babies

Friday May 13 2011

Drug therapy can be successfully used to treat sickle cell anaemia in very young children, BBC News has reported. The website said that the drug, hydroxycarbamide, was able to reduce pain and other complications in a...

Decline in multiple birth rate from IVF

Friday May 13 2011

“Birth rates for IVF twins and triplets have begun to fall in line with government targets aimed at reducing health risks caused by multiple pregnancies,” The Guardian reported.

Is a hormone behind postnatal depression?

Thursday May 12 2011

“A ‘cuddle chemical’ released during love-making and breastfeeding could hold the key to preventing post-natal depression,” according to the Daily Mail. The newspaper said that research into the chemical oxytocin, which is released by...

Are breastfed babies better behaved?

Tuesday May 10 2011

“Mums should breastfeed for at least four months to avoid having naughty kids,” reported The Sun. The news report is based on a large study of whether the duration of breastfeeding is...

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Researchers link spring births to anorexia

Thursday Apr 28 2011

“People born in spring are 'more likely' to become anorexic,” reported The Independent. The newspaper said the finding comes from the first large-scale study of the link between anorexia and the season of birth.

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Crying babies and later behavioural problems

Thursday Apr 21 2011

“Babies who persistently cry and those who have difficulties with sleeping or feeding are more likely to develop behavioural problems in later life,” reported The Independent. The story is based on an analysis of 22 studies...

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Can your pregnancy diet 'make your child fat'?

Tuesday Apr 19 2011

“A mother’s diet during pregnancy can alter the DNA of her child and increase the risk of obesity,” reported BBC News. The news story is based on a study that looked at maternal diet and how it might be associated with...

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Treatment for morning sickness discussed

Monday Apr 18 2011

“Rise in abortions among mothers denied morning sickness drugs,” reported The Independent today. It said that experts have said that “doctors are failing to treat morning sickness … contributing to a three-fold rise in...

Research links another gene to ADHD

Monday Apr 18 2011

The Daily Mail has today reported that scientists have identified “a mutant gene that almost trebles the chances of a child being hyperactive”. The newspaper says that the discovery paves the...