Harvard Data Science Review Podcast: "Data Are Born to Reveal: So What Can They Tell Us About Pregnancy?"
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Host: Arianwin Frank
Guest: Dr. Laura Shaheen, Reproductive Health Specialist
Introduction
In this insightful episode of the Harvard Data Science Review Podcast, host Arianwin Frank engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Laura Shaheen, a seasoned reproductive health specialist. The discussion delves into the intricate relationship between data science and pregnancy, exploring how data can both illuminate and obscure the realities of fertility and maternal health in the modern age.
Navigating the Overwhelming Flood of Pregnancy Advice
The conversation opens with Dr. Shaheen addressing the inundation of advice and guidelines that pregnant women receive. Dr. Shaheen empathizes with the feeling of being overwhelmed, stating:
“Pregnancy comes with this sort of flood of advice… It’s like, so overwhelming.”
(00:01)
She emphasizes the importance of providing rational, physiologically grounded guidance to counteract the extremes and judgments often present in pregnancy-related information.
Data Collection for Pregnancy Recommendations
Dr. Shaheen sheds light on the challenges of data collection in pregnancy-related research. She explains the reliance on animal models and accidental human exposures to medications to inform safety guidelines. For instance, she discusses the classification of medications based on animal studies:
“If they see that you give a certain amount of medication to a pregnant mouse and then there is an increased risk… they often say this is pregnancy category C.”
(04:41)
This method underscores the piecemeal approach to understanding medication safety during pregnancy, highlighting the gaps in human-specific data.
Evolving Medical Recommendations Through Data
The episode highlights how data has historically shifted medical practices. Dr. Shaheen provides two pivotal examples:
-
Diethylstilbestrol (DES): Initially prescribed to prevent miscarriages, DES was later found to cause severe birth defects, leading to its removal from the market.
“DES was pulled from the market in the United States in the 1970s.”
(06:46) -
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Once advised against during pregnancy, SSRIs are now recognized for their importance in managing mental health, despite potential risks if abruptly discontinued.
“We have so much information on how maybe the wrong thing to do is automatically get off these medications if someone truly needs them.”
(08:52)
These examples illustrate the dynamic nature of medical guidelines as new data emerges.
Challenges in Fertility: Multifactorial Factors Affecting Conception
Dr. Shaheen explores the complexities surrounding fertility, noting that both societal and environmental factors play significant roles. She discusses declining sperm counts and postponing parenthood as key contributors to decreased birth rates:
“Sperm counts are actually decreased by 50%.”
(11:22)
Furthermore, she emphasizes the multifactorial nature of fertility challenges, cautioning against oversimplifying the causes.
Education Gaps in Reproductive Health
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the lack of comprehensive reproductive health education. Dr. Shaheen criticizes the minimal curriculum that fails to adequately prepare individuals for the realities of conception and pregnancy:
“Nothing about how the menstrual cycle works or how when you do actually want to get pregnant, it’s easy for some people, but not everyone.”
(12:14)
She underscores the disparity between societal expectations, often influenced by media portrayals, and the actual statistical probabilities of conception and miscarriage.
Mental Health Considerations in Fertility and Pregnancy
Addressing mental health, Dr. Shaheen highlights the profound emotional toll of fertility struggles and pregnancy loss. She discusses strategies to support patients, including providing resources for coping with grief and anxiety:
“There is so much self-blame, there’s so much fear and anxiety that goes into trying to get pregnant again after a miscarriage.”
(15:39)
Moreover, she explores the intricate relationship between stress and fertility, acknowledging that while stress can impact reproductive outcomes, it is not the sole determining factor.
The Future of Reproductive Health: Innovations and Ethical Considerations
Looking ahead, Dr. Shaheen is optimistic about technological advancements in reproductive health. She envisions breakthroughs such as artificial wombs, enhanced genetic screening, and CRISPR technology to address genetic causes of miscarriage:
“We’re just not going to transfer that embryo because we’re going to prevent that miscarriage. That’s amazing.”
(24:06)
However, she also voices ethical concerns, particularly regarding genetic interventions and the potential implications of creating eggs from skin cells.
Concluding Thoughts: The Wish for 100% Success in Embryo Transfers
As the conversation wraps up, Dr. Shaheen shares a heartfelt aspiration:
“If I could have a magic wand, I could make every embryo transfer be successful.”
(28:01)
This poignant wish encapsulates the emotional dedication inherent in her profession and the ongoing quest to improve pregnancy outcomes through data-driven insights.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
Dr. Shaheen encourages listeners to engage further with her work through various platforms:
- Podcast: Baby or Bust Fertility Podcast
- Website: drloreshan.com
- Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
Conclusion
This episode of the Harvard Data Science Review Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of how data science intersects with pregnancy and reproductive health. Dr. Laura Shaheen provides valuable insights into the complexities of fertility, the evolution of medical practices based on emerging data, and the critical need for improved education and mental health support for expecting mothers. As technology continues to advance, the future of reproductive health holds promising innovations that may further enhance pregnancy outcomes and support for women worldwide.