Medicinal plants in pregnancy and lactation: perception of the health risk and practical educational group in Araraquara, São Paulo State, Brazil

The use of medicinal plants among pregnant women and lactating is a common practice in diverse countries. However, many medicinal plants are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactating, due to various adverse effects, such as teratogenic, embryotoxic and abortive effects, exposing these women, their fetus and babies to health unknown risks. Thus, the purpose of this commentary, was to analyze the perception about the use of medicinal plants by pregnant women and lactating registered in the "baby on board" NGO, Araraquara, São Paulo state, Brazil, between 2010 at 2013. The group was constituted by 48 women, between the first and last trimester of pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Information was collected during group meetings by oral interview, using a questionnaire, as script. The nature of the study was a qualitative analysis. The results were based on reports about the use of medicinal plants by pregnant women during group meetings: use, indication of use, knowledge about risks. All participants received written and oral information about the study and they gave a written informed consent. The use of medicinal plants is a reality among pregnant and lactating women of the "baby on board" NGO. They reported that they feel that "natural" products are not harmful for their health. The primary information sources for the majority of women about medicinal plants during pregnancy are family, neighbors and herbalists. The plants most cited (in popular name in Brazil) were: senna, chamomile, boldo, lemon balm, lemon grass. They were used mainly for: nausea, heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, intestinal and abdominal pain, anxiety, intestinal constipation and low milk production. The pregnant and lactating women lacked knowledge about the health risks of the use of medicinal plants and herbal medicines in pregnancy and lactation. They also reported difficulties in clarifying some questions about the use of medicinal plants with their doctors. The results of the present study showed that educative actions about the rational use of medicinal plants in pregnancy and breastfeeding could be part of the operating protocols to promote the maternal and child health programs in Araraquara. Thus, our results also suggest the importance of creating institutionalized places, to the implementation of continued education programs about rational use of medicinal plants in pregnancy and lactation. These targeted programs are not only for health professionals, but also for community members, pregnant women and breastfeeding. Our results pointed out the importance of guidance of doctors and healthcare professionals on the scientific studies about medicinal plants and herbal medicines and the risk/benefit of using herbs during pregnancy. Finally, it is noted the importance of the health professionals to inform women of childbearing on risks to their health, as well as on possibilities of utilization of herbs during fertile period, giving special attention to the potential risk of self-medication.

Infecções parasitárias na gravidez: prevalência e auto medicação com plantas medicinais na região de Araraquara -São Paulo - Brasil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Development of bovine abomasum in prenatal period

For this purpose, samples of Nelore fetus abomasum (Bos taurus indicus) were classified into five groups: 1 – fetuses with 9 to 15 weeks (8 to 21 cm) of gestation, 2 – fetuses with 16 to 22 weeks (23 to 37 cm), 3 – fetuses at 23 to 29 weeks (40 to 58 cm) 4 – fetuses with 30 to 36 weeks (61 to 77 cm) and 5 – fetuses with 37 to 43 weeks (79 to 88 cm). Histologic sections were stained with Hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius and Mallory’s trichrome methods and examined under light microscopy. In fetus with 11 cm of length showed deep mucosa, wide folds and villi lined by single cylindrical epithelium, lamina propria, submucosa, muscular sublayers and serosa. Fetus with 13.5 cm, villi were evident and muscular layer of the mucosa was formed. At 16.5 cm, could be seen an increase in mucosa glands size and number. In fetus of 26 cm, showed gastric mucous glands at great number and ramifications. At 29 cm large folds, were observed. At 37 cm, showed glandular epithelium, muscular layer of the mucosa and muscular layer well development. Fetus with 42 cm, showed deep glands with corresponding mucous cells surrounding by thin lamina propria. It was concluded that the histomorphometric values of muscular layer and total abomasum wall were increased for all groups except for groups 4 and 5 which there was a decline of values, without presenting a significant difference and there was no continuous pattern of growth for other components of abomasum wall.

Binômio mãe-filho: estudo epidemiológico e de base populacional desenvolvido em maternidades de baixo e alto risco

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Diabetes mellitus gestacional: enfoque nos novos critérios diagnósticos

Alterations in maternal metabolism are important in order to supply the demands of the fetus. However, pregnant women with some degree of insulin resistance, such as in cases of overweight/obesity, central obesity and polycystic ovaries syndrome, associated to the action of anti-insulin placental hormones, contribute to a case of hyperglycemia of varied intensity, characterizing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and leading to adverse effects both maternal and fetal. At the absence of a universal consensus to the tracking and diagnosis of GDM, this review had the purpose of listing the various protocols that have been proposed, as well as highlighting the risk factors associated with GDM and its complications. The most recent protocol is the one from the American Diabetes Association, with changes that would be justified by the alarming raise in worldwide obesity and, consequently, the potential increase to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, not always diagnosed before the gestational period. The intention of this protocol is to identify the gestating women that could benefit from hyperglycemia control, improving the prognostic of these pregnancies and preventing future complications for mothers and their children.

Acompanhamento nutricional no Diabete Melito gestacional

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance, star or first recognitition during pregnancy, has whith a treatment strategyof monitoring the proper nutrition. During prenatal care, nutrition recommendationsare directed to two foci, energy consumption and maternal weight gain. Thus, adequate enrgy intake results in a aqquate maternal weight gain, ensuring the needs of the fetus. Nutrition interventions is na ally in control of GDM, bringing benefits to maternal and fetal health. In the assessment of maternal nutrition state be emploved antropometric, dietary, biochemical and clinical. The dietary assessment should be detailed, with attencion to fractionation and composition of meals, grifts and food groups. The nutritional monitoring in gestational diabetes aims to achieve normoglycemia and prevent metabolic and cardiovascular risks in the médium and long term, for mothers and their sons.

Principais complicações perinatais da obesidade e do sobrepeso pré-gestacionais

Objetive: The goal of this review is to discuss the evidence regarding the impact of pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity on perinatal outcomes. Data Collection Method: We conducted a search for articles in the Medline, PubMed and Scielo databases covering the past 5 years, and reviewed the bibliographical references contained in the articles selected. Articles were selected by subjective evaluation in terms of methodology, sample size and year of publication. Summary of evidence: We found strong evidence linking excess weight before pregnancy with the development of birth defects, fetal and neonatal deaths and macrosomia,. Conclusions: Excess weight in the pre-pregnancy is an important risk factor for the health of the fetus, whose importance increases because it is a modifiable risk factor.

Etiologia da restrição de crescimento intrauterino (RCIU)

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) happens when the fetus does not reach the expected size or determined by its genetic potential. It is clinically identified when the fetal weight is below the 10th percentile for the gestational age. This definition is frequently used in the literature. Fetal growth restriction is a common clinical problem that is associated with the increase in perinatal morbidity and mortality, and is reported in 7 to 15% of pregnancies. The objective of this review is to describe the factors involved in the etiology of intrauterine growth restriction, by using the bibliographic review of the literature on the databases of Medline, Pubmed, Scielo, and also books, with emphasis on the past 10 years The analysis of the consulted materials shows that there are many factors associated with this condition, including maternal, placental and fetal factors. It´s important to highlight that these different factors can act concomitantly, some of them are predictable, and many of them are intimately related with the socioeconomic and cultural status of the population. Thus, the causes and incidence of IUGR vary according to the study population.

Coinfection by avirulent Rhodococcus equi and Klebsiella oxytoca as a cause of atypical abortion in a thoroughbred mare

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Aloimunização de doadores de sangue como fonte de anti-soros e hemácias raras

Pós-graduação em Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (Biotecnologia Médica) - FMB

Apoptose em placentônios bovinos de gestações de conceptos naturais e de transgênicos clonados

Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Animal - FEIS

Avaliação da função tireoidiana, iodúria e estresse oxidativo em gestantes

Pós-graduação em Alimentos e Nutrição - FCFAR

Obtenção e caracterização de populações de células-tronco CD200 e CD34 positivas da pele na espécie canina

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)