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Medical Edge Newspaper Column from Mayo Clinic

DESPITE MEDICAL ADVANCES, EVERY HEALTHY BABY A MIRACLE

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have two questions: If I get pregnant while taking birth control pills, will the pill harm my baby? Second, what are the most common causes of birth defects in babies? — Toronto

ANSWER: Oral contraceptives are not prescribed during pregnancy. Because it is unethical to conduct studies in which women would continue taking birth control pills during pregnancy, no studies or reports link oral contraceptives to specific birth defects, an increased risk of miscarriage or poor pregnancy outcome.

However, in studies of women who used oral contraceptives inadvertently before their pregnancy was confirmed, no birth defects in their offspring or problems with their pregnancies were found. Nonetheless, women should discontinue oral contraceptives when pregnant. The Food and Drug Administration classifies oral contraceptives as drugs that should not be used when pregnancy is known or suspected. Finally, oral contraceptives have not been shown to help maintain a pregnancy or reduce the risk of early miscarriage.

For your second question: 2 to 4 percent of live-born babies have a clinical birth defect. These include genetic problems, such as Down or Turner syndrome, as well as major and minor malformations including neural tube defects, clubfoot, cleft lip and congenital heart defects. Some birth defects are more common in certain ethnic groups or families. Some are related to the age of the parents, especially the mother. Still others are associated with prenatal exposure to medications, drugs or alcohol. However, very often there is no identifiable risk factor to explain a birth defect. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by ultrasound or laboratory testing prior to the baby’s birth.

Heart and circulatory-system malformations such as openings or “holes” in the heart are one of the most common birth defects, occurring in one of every 115 births. Other common birth defects occur in the muscular and skeletal system — one in 130 births; and genital and urinary system — one in 135 births. Some malformations may be surgically corrected after the baby is born, or may be so minor that no correction is needed. Sadly, others may result in a shortened lifespan or lifelong disability. So you can see that even with all our medical advances, every healthy baby is a miracle!

— Petra Casey, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Additional Resources:
Obstetrics
Appointment Information
Pregnancy Center

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have heard that Concord grape juice helps short-term memory. Is this true, and if so, is it Concord grapes only or the juice from any dark grape? — Rosemount, Minn.

ANSWER: There is some early evidence that Concord grape juice improves short-term memory. Studies performed on laboratory animals indicate that consuming high levels of natural dietary antioxidants may improve memory and motor skills.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Concord grape juice has the highest total antioxidants of any fruit, vegetable or juice tested. Blueberries are also known to be rich in antioxidants. Scientists believe that the high levels of antioxidants in grapes slow brain cell deterioration. Grape juice has also been shown to increase the production of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that affects the processes that control movement, emotional response and the ability to experience pleasure and pain.

Keep in mind that these are very preliminary results and much more work needs to be done before people should consider making significant changes in their diets. No single food provides all of the nutrients your body needs, or is a cure for any condition such as memory loss.

The best way to keep your mind and body healthy is to eat an array of healthy foods and follow the basic principles of healthy eating, including:

— Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
— Reduce intake of saturated fat and cholesterol.
— Limit sweets and salt.
— Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all.
— Eat moderate-sized portions and control the number of calories you consume.
— Include physical activity in your daily routine.

— Jennifer K. Nelson, registered dietitian, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Additional Resources:
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Appointment Information
Staying Healthy

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Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. To e-mail a question, go to www.mayoclinic.org, or write: Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic, c/o TMS, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, N.Y., 14207. For health information, visit www.mayoclinic.com.