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Does Maternal Consumption of Highly Allergenic Foods, Like Peanuts, Reduce the Incidence of Childhood Peanut Allergies?

Peanut allergies are becoming more common among children.  It is estimated that  3.2% of children have peanut allergies.  In an effort to prevent this allergy, the Canadian Paediatric Society has recommended the introduction of peanuts and other allergenic foods around 6 months of age. Research has interestingly shown that what mothers eat during pregnancy may influence their child’s taste preferences later

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What is Menopause and What are the Treatment Options?

Menopause is a natural part of aging for all women. It begins when you go a full year with no menstrual period. For 2 to 8 years leading up to menopause, your period may have more irregular timing. On average, menopause happens around 51 years old, but this varies. Genetics play a major role in

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Medications and Breastfeeding

While it is commonly known that many medications cannot be taken while pregnant, mothers are often left wondering what is safe to take while they are breastfeeding their baby.  The good news is that most medications are compatible with breastfeeding.   Unfortunately, many mothers are given inaccurate advice with regard to medications and breastfeeding or avoid taking essential medications

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Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

Many women consider the intrauterine device (IUD) as a form of birth control both before having a baby, and after.  This is because the IUD is reliable, safe, and is as effective as permanent sterilization making the IUD a desirable birth control option. There Are Two Main Types Of IUDs Available On The Market Today:

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Birth Control Options While Breastfeeding

Contraception options after pregnancy is an important health topic that sometimes we forget about when we are busy with the new baby.  This is why I discuss contraception while breastfeeding with all of my postpartum patients. One misconception is that breastfeeding is an effective form of contraception. It is TRUE that if you are exclusively

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I’m Pregnant, Can I Eat Deli Meats?

Deli Meats and Pregnancy I love charcuterie.  And pizza. And sandwiches.  I’m now in my second pregnancy and there never ceases to be comments about what you can and cannot eat while you are pregnant.  I’ve often wondered we need to avoid deli meats during pregnancy? Food poisoning during pregnancy Food poisoning can occur in anyone and at anytime

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Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in the urine without symptoms of a urinary tract infection.  It can occur in 2 to 15% of pregnant women and if left untreated, some can develop a serious kidney infection called acute pyelonephritis.   Screening For Asymptomatic Bacteriuria The current recommendation is to screen for asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women during

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Treating Acne During Pregnancy

Many people struggle with acne at some point in their lives.  The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause acne to worsen in some women. If they occur, acne flare-ups are often worst during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. There are some acne treatments that women may normally use to control acne that

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Can I Eat Sushi or Other Fish While Pregnant?

One of the most common food types that people will tell you that you cannot eat while pregnant is sushi, or raw fish.  There are many health benefits to having fish as part of your regular diet.  So why is it that sushi shouldn’t be consumed while pregnant?  Does this apply to other types of fish as well? 

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