Folate during pregnancy may not prevent preterm births

Folate is a valuable nutrient, especially for pregnant women. Studies show sufficient intake of folate or folic acid — — just before pregnancy and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of spinal defects. However, a new study shows one thing folate does not appear to: lower the risk of preterm birth.

Researchers have long wondered if the quantity of folate in the diet would have an impact on preterm birth. A previous study suggested that it might help. Preterm birth is a major problem in the United States, with about 12 percent of babies born too early.

In the new study scientists examined data from Norwegian mother and child Cohort Study, which includes the 72,989 children. The data include questionnaires from women about their folate intake during pregnancy. The investigation showed no difference in dietary folate intake or folate supplementation and preterm birth.

Women should still get about 400 micrograms of folate per day before pregnancy and around 600 micrograms per day during pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes.

The research was presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in San Francisco.

— Los Angeles Times

Tips to help survive the rest of the winter

It is unseasonably warm this week, but the chance more brutal weather remains.

Here are some tips to get you through the rest of the season cold on you hard-hitting slopes or digging out your car.

* Please note numbness, a cold or burning feeling and hard or a waxy character appearance of the skin, which may be signs of forfrysninger, and can occur even at temperatures of 27 degrees. Examine forfrysninger, to call a doctor right away and try to reactivate the frostbitten parts in warm — not hot — water and not vigorously rub frostbitten parts.

* Beware of Hypothermia, which is when a body loses heat faster than it can be prepared and vital organs cannot function. Symptoms, which will gradually appear, include clumsiness, veiled speech, confusion and drowsiness. If a person has Hypothermia, call 911 and layer them with blankets.

* If you do not sweating, you can not remember to keep your water intake. But your body uses more water in the winter keep warm, so stay hydrated forms. Also drink spirits, warm rather than hot, because you are likely to drink more of them.

* Dress in layers, including good wicking socks to keep feet warm and dry; a hat to prevent loss of heat from your head; and scarves, goggles and earmuffs to protect your face. Choose mittens over gloves, because actually can get frostbitten fingers in gloves, when they cannot keep one another warm.

* If shoveling snow is on your to-do list, use a lighter shovel, use your knee to lift instead of your back and, most importantly, pace yourself and don't let your get too heavy breathing.

— McClatchy-Tribune news service

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