New Mexico Health Connections | my connection | Spring 2016

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The researchers concluded that being over-
weight or obese was associated with almost
20 percent of all cancer deaths in the U.S.
Why the risk?
Scientists say that the body responds to the
growth and death of fat cells. This response is
inflammatory and confined to a specific area of
the body. It’s possible that the body’s response
contributes to the growth of some cancers.
The rate of obesity in the U.S. keeps rising.
The number of calories we take in each day
increases; at the same time, we have become less
physically active. As a result, many Americans
eat more than what their bodies really need.
Be great at losing
To lose weight, try learning healthier new
Even before your baby is born, you
may feel that most basic maternal
instinct take hold: the need to pro-
tect and care for your little one.
Through prenatal screenings, you actually
can begin caring for your unborn baby. They
are a very important part of making sure your
baby and you stay as healthy as possible.
Screening tests can help the doctor moni-
tor your baby’s development. And they can help
catch potential problems early. Some can also help
your doctor learn more about whether your baby
is at risk for birth defects or other health issues.
Here are a few of the common tests you’ll
likely encounter during your pregnancy.
Urine tests. Urine samples are checked
for sugar, protein and bacteria, which can
indicate if you have diabetes, kidney
problems or bladder issues.
Glucose tests. Some women
develop diabetes while pregnant, a
condition called gestational diabetes.
Glucose screening usually involves
drinking a sugary drink, followed by
blood tests to see how your blood
sugar levels respond.
Other blood tests. Blood tests
are used to gain information about
a range of important details, like
your blood type and whether you
are anemic.
PRENATAL SCREENINGS
Checking in on baby
Blood tests are also used to determine if you
are immune to certain diseases (like chicken-
pox) that could affect your baby if you become
infected while pregnant.
In addition, they can alert your doctor to
problems like infections, including HIV.
Ultrasound. Sound waves are used to make a
picture of your baby’s body and internal organs.
Ultrasound is one way your doctor can get a
closer look at your baby’s growth and develop-
ment. Plus, you might be able to learn the sex
of the baby. Your doctor may advise you to have
one routine ultrasound when you are between
16 to 20 weeks. If you are not having any
complications with your pregnancy, you do not
need additional ultrasound tests.
Other tests. Some other tests are not always
routine, but your doctor may recommend them
based on your age or medical history. These
include:
• Screening for birth defects or genetic
disorders. This may involve testing blood
and sometimes having an ultrasound. These
screenings can help you learn your baby’s
risk of conditions such as Down syndrome
and cystic fibrosis. They are not used for
diagnosing such problems, however.
• Amniocentesis. This procedure involves
getting a sample of amniotic fluid and cells
using a needle. It can help diagnose condi-
tions such as Down syndrome and spina
bifida.
• Chorionic villus sampling. Similar to
amniocentesis, this test uses cells from the
placenta to check for certain chromosomal
or genetic disorders, including Down syn-
drome and cystic fibrosis.
If you need help finding an obstetrician
(OB), midwife, birthing center, or pediatrician,
please call us at 877-989-7303.
Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists;
Office on Women’s Health
Obesity and cancer
habits. Among Americans who have succeeded
at losing weight:*
• 78 percent eat breakfast every day.
• 75 percent weigh themselves weekly.
• 62 percent watch fewer than 10 hours of TV
a week.
• 90 percent exercise one hour a day.
*Source: National Weight Control Registry.
More information for you and your baby online
Did you know that we have lots of expert information about prenatal health on our
website? You’ll learn how to prepare for your baby and what to expect during your
pregnancy and delivery and afterward.
Bookmark When you visit that page
and click “Your Healthy Pregnancy,” you’ll find A.D.A.M., a complete resource for health and
wellness throughout all stages of life.
You know that tobacco use is linked
to cancer. But you might be
surprised to hear the National In-
stitutes of Health state that obesity
will probably replace tobacco as the top risk
factor for cancer.
In a major 2003 study, the American Cancer
Society looked at data on obesity and cancer
from a group of 900,000 American adults that
they had studied for 16 years. The research-
ers found that the most obese women had a
62 percent increase in their risk of dying from
cancer than women of normal weight. Obese
men had a 52 percent increase in risk. The study
found that the increased risk involved a wide
range of types of tumors, including colorectal,
liver, gallbladder, pancreas, esophagus, prostate,
breast, uterine, endometrial and ovarian.
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