There’s a reason why kids are always more attached to their mums than to their dads. It’s because their cells never really entirely leave their mums’ bodies; some stay back and work several medical wonders, an obstetric phenomenon known as fetomaternal microchimerism. The word microchimerism was derived from the idea that a mother is sort...
Pregnancy
While there are many women who have experienced the epitome of a positive pregnancy, there are also many women who face complications and just can’t wait for the fourth trimester. Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, it allows you to build a deeper connection with yourself, and with the life that is brewing. During this time,...
Marlene and David were overjoyed when they found out they were expecting. For the next nine months, they attended the necessary doctor and ultrasound appointments and were reassured that the baby would be healthy. It seemed like smooth sailing for the new parents. When the big day came, the sad truth was revealed: the baby...
Every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 15 million babies born early (or preterm) – and this number continues to rise. Linked to that are preterm birth complications, which are the leading cause of death for children 5-years-old and under. But, what exactly does preterm mean? Generally, says WHO, babies...
Sepsis is dangerous, no matter how old you are. Newborns with sepsis, however, are at a particularly high mortality risk. This is because their immune systems are not yet well-developed. In recent years, doctors have reported an increased struggle with Neonatal sepsis as antibiotic resistance continues to rise. This blood infection is now killing more...
A champion is defined as a person who has defeated all rivals in a competition. Allyson Felix fits this description threefold. First, she won gold in her 12th World Championship relay race, beating out Usain Bolt for having the most gold medals. Two, she came out on top in a wage battle against Nike. Three,...
In 2005, when my little brother died two days after his birth, we watched our lives crumble right before our eyes. My mother had still been in the hospital, recovering from her C-section. The pain we felt was physical, our hearts were literally broken into pieces, and we never thought we’d recover from it. After...