Breast Cancer ¦ High Birth Weight Babies Could Increase Mothers Risk

Breast cancer risk has been linked to high birth weight babies according to a recent industry online article. According to the article having a high birth weight infant could make a woman’s breast cancer risk two times higher according to the research published from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The study researchers suggest that having an infant with significantly higher birth weight is linked with a hormonal environment existing through pregnancy that provide a favorable situation for future breast cancer development and progression. The study also claims that mothers who delivered large babies in the top quintile of this study, which was comprised of babies whose weight was more than 8.25 pounds or more-have elevated levels of hormones that create what the study authors refer to as a” pro-carcinogenic environment”. What this means is that they have elevated levels of estrogen combined with low levels of anti-estrogen and free insulin like growth factors that are linked to breast cancer are present. This was all explained by Dr. Radek Bukowski, professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

Breast Cancer Risks for Mothers

He also added that women cannot alter their pregnancy hormones to reduce the risk of breast cancer; however, there is strong evidence that breast-feeding, having more than one child, following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy stable weight and regular exercise all help to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women who are proactive about their health are often also proactive concerning their appearance.

Breast and Abdomen Appearance After Pregnancy

 Dr. Seify consults with many women postpartum who are concerned about the appearance of their breast as well as the loose and lax skin on their abdomen. Many of his patients have been good about diet and exercise and are at a stable weight and have realized that the only way to achieve the appearance that they desire is to consider plastic surgery. This has lead to the popularity of what is called the mommy makeover. This includes breast augmentation combined with abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. For most patients the breast augmentation will include either silicone or saline breast implants. For most patients Dr. Seify will recommend a traditional tummy tuck which includes tightening the abdominal muscles that were stretched during pregnancy as well as removing the loose and lax skin on the abdomen. The results are very impressive and most patients tell Dr. Seify that after surgery they have a better shape and figure than they did prior to their pregnancy. Dr. Seify encourages patients to schedule a consultation to determine if the mommy makeover procedure is right for them.