Daily Skimm: Pregnancy, Israel's Election, and The New York Post

Things Pregnant People May Want to Know

Anesthesia

The Story

There’s a new hypothesis on the maternal mortality front. 

Tell me.

Anesthesia. A new study found that people of color are almost 30% less likely to get regional anesthesia during surgeries than white patients. And the discrepancy is higher for those with Medicaid versus those on private insurance. This info applies to a range of surgeries — but it may be especially relevant to childbirth. There’s some evidence that epidurals may reduce the risk of maternal deaths. The fact that women of color may not have the same access to anesthesia during childbirth as white patients has public health experts raising alarms.

theSkimm

As with anything in medicine and pregnancy, there’s more to learn. But with the US carrying the title for the worst maternal mortality rate compared to other wealthy countries — especially for women of color — researchers are eager for explanations.

Caffeine

The Story

The caffeine debate is back in the headlines.

What’s the latest?

A study this week found that even small amounts of caffeine during pregnancy may (read: may) have an impact on a baby’s height. There’s no limit to what some consider off limits for pregnant women — from wine to certain types of fish and more. But coffee has sometimes felt like it’s on the ‘relatively safe’ side of the scale. Now, a new study — with a relatively small sample size — has found that even less than half a cup of coffee could (again: could) be associated with shorter kids up to age eight. 

theSkimm

This study is new — and it’s not yet clear if it will replicate, or if the observed height difference lasts into adulthood. Next up: more research, please.

And Also...This

Where there could be a new-ish leader…

Israel. Yesterday, exit polls suggested former PM Benjamin Netanyahu may be making a (narrow) political comeback. ICYMI, the country’s been in political limbo for years and this summer its parliament voted to dissolve itself…again. Now, after Israelis went to the polls for the fifth time in less than four years, Netanyahu is projected to win the 61 seats needed to form a new government. But it’s not guaranteed. It comes months after the far-right leader was voted out amid his corruption trial — which could get dropped if Netanyahu takes his seat back in the PM chair.

Who people are remembering…

Takeoff. Yesterday, the rapper, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was shot and killed in Houston, TX. The 28-year-old member of Migos — a Grammy-nominated trio — was at a party when a fight broke out, leading to the shooting. He was pronounced dead at the scene and two others were taken to the hospital with injuries. Formed in 2008, the group — made up of Takeoff, his uncle Quavo, and cousin Offset — broke onto the scene with their massive hit, “Versace” in 2013. They went on to release other hits like “Bad and Boujee,” “Stir Fry,” and “Walk It Talk It.” But earlier this year, there were reports that the trio had called it quits. Takeoff is the latest rapper killed by gun violence, along with other big names like PnB Rock, Young Dolph, Pop Smoke, and Nipsey Hussle. Journalist Jemele Hill says rappers are being killed "so frequently that you barely have time to recover.” Meanwhile, tributes for Takeoff poured in. Drake said he has "the best memories" when performing with him. And “Bad and Boujee” producer described Takeoff on Instagram as "bright and warming."

Julie Powell. Yesterday, her family announced the food writer whose blog inspired the 2009 movie “Julie & Julia” died of cardiac arrest. She was 49. In 2002, Powell gained a following on her blog for the year she spent trying to cook every recipe in Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Her blog later earned her a book deal, which went on to sell more than 1 million copies — and got turned into a movie by the same name. Her family remembered her as “a tremendous creative talent.”

What parents of young kids want updates on...

RSV. Yesterday, Pfizer announced promising results of its clinical trial. Reminder: RSV (short for respiratory syncytial virus) is a common cold-like virus: almost every kid gets it by age 2. But for babies under six months and kids with weakened immune systems, the impacts can be severe — and may include pneumonia and bronchiolitis. This year, the RSV wave has hit kids early on in the season and hard — filling up hospital beds in states like Texas and Connecticut. But there’s hope on the horizon: there are three RSV vaccines in the works that could be ready next year. The latest: Pfizer’s late-stage clinical trial showed it’s about 80% effective at preventing severe disease for babies under three months old. And almost 70% effective for babies in the first six months. As for pregnant mothers: clinical trials show the vaccine is safe and effective when taken later in the pregnancy to help protect newborns. If Pfizer files for FDA approval later this year, its vaccine could be ready for rollout in time for next winter.

Who’s NYPosting his apology...

This employee-turned-hacker.