A Week in the News - 13th September 2013

Here we are with another look back at the news this week, with our focus of course on babies and pregnancy. The situation in Syria continues to develop, with various diplomatic talk being played out in the press. Whilst on a lighter note there was news today that J.K. Rowling is writing the screenplay for a new film based on Harry Potter - good news for Potter fans around the world! Lets move back into the world of pregnancy though and see what caught our eye this week.

Weaning, Delaying Pregnancy and Testicles?!

As reported in various news outlets this week, including the Guardian and the BBC, foods that are made for baby weaning have been found to be distinctly lacking in nutrients. In fact in most cases it was found that homemade meals were more effective, and that baby foods only offered the same amount of nutrients as the breast milk it was supposed to be supplementing. Many parents would find this surprising, and I'd also be concerned by the fact that these foods are usually sweet. Apparently this can also steer a child towards unhealthy choices. Every other type of food has had a program created for it, so perhaps we'll see a baby food chef on our TVs soon!

The Independent looked at the increasing trend of women delaying getting pregnant to later on in life, with a 10% rise in 35-39 year olds giving birth between now and 1986. It is something we've looked at before, and whilst the risk of infertility as you get older is well known it is something that pops up in the news from time to time. Before you do try and get pregnant though, you might want to check your partner's testicles. Apparently those with smaller testicles will take a more active role in feeding, nappy changing and bathing!

Abortions, Miscarriages and an Overhaul

The Guardian featured a story on women who terminate their pregnancies after a diagnosis of foetal anomaly. At the moment many women are being forced to go through labour to deliver their dead baby, rather than have the baby surgically removed. This is due to NHS hospitals refusing to offer the latter, and a conference this week called for change. Surely this should be a choice that mothers deserve, not one without any choice at all?

The BBC also looked at new findings that reveal why some women may suffer repeated miscarriages, and it could be because of low steroid levels in the body. In some cases giving steroids could potentially make the problem worse, but there is a chance that it will help some women. More clinical trials will need to take place, so it's not advisable to go out and ask for steroids at the moment - but hopefully they'll be good news soon. This could also be backed up by reports that the government are considering an overhaul of support for mothers and babies. With focus on helping to avoid mental and physical problems later in life for babies, and supporting families more effectively in the first 1001 days from conception to the child's second birthday.

We'll see you again next week with another look at the news, let us know if you see anything interesting - contact us through the site or via or Twitter account, @MumNetwork.

About the author

James Brighton

Since 2011 James has been in charge of working with and organising all our writers to put together Pregnancy.co.uk and Babies.co.uk. Anna, his girlfriend, knows he will be an encyclopaedia of knowledge if she ever falls pregnant!

Click here to read my full biography.

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