This segment of the Dr. Oz Show was all about epigenesis. I expected the show to be more scientific, but epigenesis is really about how internal and external influences effect an embryo. What was discussed was what parents can do to prevent danger to the unborn child and what may help them. They also discussed many common myths.
An audience member asked, “How can I help influence my baby’s genes?”
Margaret L. McKenzie, MD stated,
“The first thing is you can limit your exposure to toxins. Plastics and soup cans actually contain BPA containing compounds. In animal studies we know that they can effect development of the brain and the reproductive system of fetuses.”
Some examples of products which may contain BPA are metal baby formula containers, canned foods (higher amounts found in canned pasta and soups), food containers, water bottles, sippy cups, baby bottles, food storage, pacifiers, sippy cups, toys, stainless steel bottles with plastic liners, and any No. 7 plastics. No. 1, 2 and 4 plastics are BPA free. Hot water and microwaves cause the BPA to leak out more. Glass and ceramics are the way to go.
Dr. McKenzie also stated, “”The next thing is mercury. Over 600,000 babies are born in the United States everyday with unsafe levels of mercury. And mercury is actually associated with development delays. So, we ask pregnant patients to limit your use of tuna to less than 6 oz. per week. And that can impact your baby.
“The third thing is you can limit your exposure to radiation. And the other way that you can help is limit your long distance flying because over time you can get exposure to radiation just from the sun.”
Dr. Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen had never heard about flying being a risk.
Dr. Roizen suggested that a pregnant woman should take a multi-vitamin, folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D which is great for your immune system. Omega 3 fats are very important, which is your baby’s brain development and decreases your risk of depression and other mental disabilities during pregnancy and in life.
An audience member asked whether or not sex positions determine a baby’s gender.
A woman by the name of Jan explained, “Female sperm swim a little slower, but lives longer. Male sperm tend to be more vigorous, swim faster, but die out sooner. So that can be relavent in timing intercourse or actually when you are having sex. In terms of positions, the only thing that we as obstetricians tend to tell our patients is that if you want to maximize the chance to deposit a lot of sperm as close as possible to the cervix and then enter into the uterus is that you should kind of elevate your pelvis for 30 minutes after you have sex so that gravity works…There is just not much science behind it [positions determining the sex of your baby].”
Dr. Oz added that using timing as a method to influence your baby’s sex is also a myth.
Another question asked was, “Is it true that you can tell what sex the baby is by how you carry the baby?”
Dr. McKenzie explained that the tone of your abdominal wall and of the uterus determines how you carry the baby. The position your baby is in also determines the shape of your belly.
Another guest asked, “Is what you choose for your baby’s name have any indication on Does a baby’s name have any indication on their success in life?”
Dr. Roizen stated, “ “Yes.” (people laughed) He continued, “It is like your baby’s brand… Many Dennis’ become dentists and Art’s become architects.”
Gee, that could open a whole new discussion which would have to be addressed in a whole other post. Any comments?
