Risks associated with pregnancy and sickle cell disease include more painful and more frequent crises, as well as risks to the baby.

“Pregnant patients with SCD can develop more severe symptoms and are higher risk for preterm labor, low birth weight, preeclampsia, infections and other complications,” said Mureena A. Turnquest Wells, M.D., maternal-fetal medicine specialist with Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Low-dose aspirin at the start of the second trimester may be appropriate for some patients to reduce the risk of preeclampsia

Sickle cell disease patients are more likely to experience anemia and painful crises while pregnant than at other times, and nearly half of these patients have at least one hospital admission during pregnancy, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

You may need an exam every two to three weeks during the second trimester and weekly during the third trimester.

Hydroxyurea, an effective drug for preventing recurrent pain crises, isn’t advised for routine use in pregnant sickle cell disease patients as it is suspected to increase the risk of birth defects. Hydroxyurea should not be taken while breastfeeding. Partial exchange transfusion therapy can be an option in some cases.

Key therapies for managing the pain of vaso-occlusive crises include hydration, oxygen therapy and pain management. All pregnant sickle cell disease patients should take 5 milligrams of folic acid supplementation daily, according to Dr. Turnquest Wells.

A person with sickle cell disease can deliver a baby vaginally. During delivery the mother should be kept warm, hydrated and well oxygenated to prevent a crisis. Postpartum monitoring is especially important with sickle cell disease patients, as there is a risk for a blood clot.

What about birth control with sickle cell disease?
Combined estrogen-progestin contraception has not been shown to increase the risk for complications and can be used in those with sickle cell disease if there aren’t other reasons not to prescribe it, according to Dr. Turnquest Wells.

The post Sickle cell pregnancy: Early prenatal care and careful monitoring can make the difference appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

While patients who attempt to have a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) have about a 60% to 80% success rate, your safety and the safety of your baby are the most important thing to keep in mind.

“Vaginal birth isn’t right for everyone,” said Kimberly S. Barnes, APRN, CNM, a midwife with Norton Women’s Care. “The main thing is to weigh all the risks to determine what is best for you and your baby.”

What are the benefits of vaginal birth?

Some patients will be better candidates for a vaginal birth after C-section than others. If you and your doctor agree to try, you will have what is called a “trial of labor after cesarean,” or TOLAC. This means you will prepare for a vaginal birth and go into labor with the goal of delivering vaginally.

There are many reasons to consider vaginal birth. Some of the benefits include:

• Shorter recovery time. You may have a shorter hospital stay after a vaginal birth than you would for another C-section. Avoiding surgery will help you have a faster recovery after baby arrives.
• Some patients want to have the experience of a vaginal birth. Your partner, spouse or doula may be able to play a larger role in your delivery experience.
• Family planning. If you are thinking of having a larger family, a vaginal birth may help you avoid some of the issues that can arise from multiple C-sections.
• Lower risk of complications. Vaginal deliveries have lower rates of infection, bleeding, blood clotting and injury to abdominal organs.

What are the risks of vaginal birth after a C-section?

The primary risk is rupture of the uterine scar from a prior cesarean delivery. However, a rupture occurs in only about 1 in 500 patients who choose to deliver vaginally.

Even though ruptures happen in only about 1 in 500 pregnant patients, it can be very dangerous. You and your provider will need to weigh your options and evaluate your health status before deciding.

Are you a good candidate for vaginal birth after a C-section?

Being in good health and having had a prior vaginal birth make a patient a good candidate for VBAC.

Other factors include:

• The reason for the previous C-section is not present during this pregnancy.
• The baby is a normal size and is head-down.
• There is no prior history of preeclampsia, stalled or induced labor.

Having a birth plan can help make sure everyone involved in delivering your baby knows what you want to happen, whether it’s a VBAC or another option.

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But a recent statement by 13 scientists from around the globe raised concerns about acetaminophen and fetal development, causing many questions for pregnant patients.

“The very first thing and most important thing to emphasize is that there’s no need for patients or even recently pregnant patients to panic or have concern that they may have caused harm to their child by taking acetaminophen,” said Kristin E. Reeve, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recently published a consensus statement, agreeing that there is no connection between proper use of acetaminophen and fetal development.

“Any medication taken during pregnancy should be discussed with the patient’s provider,” Dr. Reeve said. “We recommend that the medications be taken only when medically necessary, and taken at the lowest needed dose for the shortest needed duration of time.”

Acetaminophen, known often by its brand name Tylenol, long has been the only pain reliever considered safe during pregnancy. In addition to relieving pain, it is also helpful at reducing fever.

“Acetaminophen was and still remains the safest over-the-counter pain reliever that is available to patients in this country,” Dr. Reeve said. “The last thing I want is for pregnant patients to hear this news and become concerned and start taking another over-the-counter pain reliever during their pregnancy that could actually be more harmful than acetaminophen.”

The bottom line: There is no clear evidence that acetaminophen causes harm to a developing fetus. If you are pregnant, talk to your provider about any medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription.

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If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you may wonder how the coronavirus/COVID-19 could affect you and your baby. The OB/GYNs, midwives and other staff providing obstetric care with Norton Healthcare are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation continues to evolve, patient safety remains our top priority. We have plans and protocols in place that are consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and we continue to update them as needed. Additionally, our obstetric providers are following recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Does a pregnancy make me more at risk for COVID-19?

According to the CDC, pregnant and recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 — including illness that requires hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator or special equipment to breathe, or results in death — compared with nonpregnant people. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk for preterm birth and might be at increased risk for other poor pregnancy outcomes.

It’s always important to protect yourself from illnesses while pregnant. If you’re pregnant, you can follow the same precautions as everyone else to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is especially important for pregnant people, and those who live with or visit them, to take steps to protect themselves from getting and spreading COVID-19.

Can I pass COVID-19 to my baby in the womb or through breast milk?

According to the CDC, mother-to-child transmission of coronavirus during pregnancy is unlikely, but after birth a newborn is susceptible to person-to-person spread. The virus has not been detected in amniotic fluid or breast milk. A very small number of babies have tested positive for the virus shortly after birth. However, it is unknown if these babies got the virus before or after birth.

If I’m pregnant, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people ages 12 and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine strongly recommends that pregnant, postpartum and lactating people and those considering pregnancy receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination is the best method to reduce maternal and fetal complications of COVID-19. Likewise, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that that all eligible persons, including pregnant and lactating individuals, should receive a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine series. Be sure to talk to your OB/GYN or midwife to discuss what’s best for you and your baby.

Do I need to stay away from my baby if I have COVID-19 or think I could have COVID-19?

The risk that a newborn will get COVID-19 from their mother appears low, especially when the mother takes steps such as wearing a mask and washing hands when caring for the newborn. Discuss with your health care provider the risks and benefits of having your newborn stay in the same room with you.

Should I breastfeed if I have COVID-19?

Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not likely to spread the virus to babies.

You, along with your family and health care providers, should decide whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding. Breast milk provides protection against many illnesses and is the best source of nutrition for most babies.

Should I keep my prenatal and postnatal appointments?

Your prenatal and postnatal care is important for your health and your baby’s. We urge all pregnant patients who are well to attend their appointments. If, however, you are pregnant and have symptoms of possible coronavirus infection, call your OB/GYN or midwife for advice. You may need to delay your routine visits.

Can someone come with me to my prenatal and postnatal appointments?

Please refer to our visitor policy for the latest information before you visit.

It’s time to go to the hospital. Will my delivery be affected by visitor policies?

We understand the unique need of families during the birth of a child. Please refer to our visitor policy for the latest information before you visit.

Coping with stress

A pandemic can be stressful for everyone. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children. Coping successfully with stress will make you and the people you care about stronger.

Depression during and after pregnancy is common and can be treated. Postpartum depression is depression that can happen after having a baby. If you think you may be experiencing depression, seek treatment from your health care provider as soon as possible. Find more information on depression during and after pregnancy.

The post Coronavirus and pregnancy: What you need to know appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Si estás embarazada o planeando un embarazo, es posible que te preguntes cómo el coronavirus/COVID-19 podría afectarte a ti y a tu bebé. Los obstetras y ginecólogos, parteras y otro personal que brinda atención obstétrica en Norton Healthcare están monitoreando de cerca la pandemia de COVID-19. A medida que la situación continúa evolucionando, la seguridad del paciente sigue siendo nuestra principal prioridad. Contamos con planes y protocolos que son consistentes con las recomendaciones de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) y continuamos actualizándolos según sea necesario. Además, nuestros proveedores obstétricos están siguiendo las recomendaciones del Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos.

¿Un embarazo me pone más en riesgo de COVID-19?

Según los CDC, las personas embarazadas y recientemente embarazadas tienen un mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave por COVID-19 —incluida la enfermedad que requiere hospitalización, cuidados intensivos o un ventilador o equipo especial para respirar, o resulta en la muerte— en comparación a personas no embarazadas. Además, las embarazadas con COVID-19 tienen un mayor riesgo de parto prematuro y podrían tener un mayor riesgo de otros resultados de embarazo deficientes.

Siempre es importante protegerse de las enfermedades durante el embarazo. Si estás embarazada, puedes seguir las mismas precauciones que todos los demás para protegerte y prevenir la propagación del COVID-19. Es especialmente importante que las personas embarazadas, y las que viven con ellas o las visiten, tomen medidas para protegerse de contraer y propagar COVID-19.

¿Puedo transmitir COVID-19 a mi bebé en el útero o a través de la leche materna?

Según el CDC, la transmisión materno-infantil del coronavirus durante el embarazo es poco probable, pero después del nacimiento un recién nacido es susceptible a la propagación de persona a persona. El virus no se ha detectado en el líquido amniótico o la leche materna. Un número muy pequeño de bebés han dado positivo al virus poco después del nacimiento. Sin embargo, se desconoce si estos bebés contrajeron el virus antes o después del nacimiento.

Si estoy embarazada, ¿debo recibir la vacuna contra el COVID-19?

Según el CDC, la vacunación contra el COVID-19 se recomienda para todas las personas de 12 años o más, incluidas las personas que están embarazadas, amamantando, tratando de quedar embarazadas ahora o que podrían quedar embarazadas en el futuro. La Sociedad de Medicina Materno-Fetal recomienda enérgicamente que las personas embarazadas, en posparto y lactantes y las que estén considerando el embarazo reciban la vacuna contra el COVID-19. La vacunación es el mejor método para reducir las complicaciones maternas y fetales del COVID-19. Asimismo, el Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos establece que todas las personas elegibles, incluidas las personas embarazadas y lactantes, deben recibir una vacuna contra el COVID-19 o una serie de vacunas. Asegúrate de hablar con tu obstetra/ginecólogo o partera para hablar sobre lo que es mejor para ti y tu bebé.

¿Necesito mantenerme alejado de mi bebé si tengo COVID-19 o creo que podría tener COVID-19?

El riesgo de que un recién nacido contraiga COVID-19 de su madre parece bajo, especialmente cuando la madre toma medidas como usar una mascarilla y lavarse las manos al cuidar del recién nacido. Habla con tu proveedor de atención médica sobre los riesgos y beneficios de que tu recién nacido permanezca en la misma habitación contigo.

¿Debo amamantar si tengo COVID-19?

La evidencia actual sugiere que no es probable que la leche materna propague el virus a los bebés.

Tú, junto con su familia y los proveedores de atención médica, debe decidir si y cómo comenzar o continuar la lactancia materna. La leche materna proporciona protección contra muchas enfermedades y es la mejor fuente de nutrición para la mayoría de los bebés.

¿Debo cumplir con mis citas prenatales y postnatales?

Tu atención prenatal y postnatal es importante para tu salud y la de tu bebé. Instamos a todas las pacientes embarazadas que se encuentren bien a asistir a sus citas. Sin embargo, si estás embarazada y tienes síntomas de una posible infección por coronavirus, llama a tu obstetra/ginecólogo o partera para obtener asesoramiento. Es posible que debas retrasar tus visitas de rutina.

¿Puede alguien venir conmigo a mis citas prenatales y postnatales?

Consulta nuestra política de visitantes para obtener la información más reciente antes de una visita.

Es hora de ir al hospital. ¿Mi parto se verá afectado por las políticas de visitantes?

Entendemos la necesidad única de las familias durante el nacimiento de un niño. Consulta nuestra política de visitantes para obtener la información más reciente antes de tu visita.

Cómo sobrellevar el estrés

Una pandemia puede ser estresante para todos. El miedo y la ansiedad por una enfermedad pueden ser abrumadores y causar emociones fuertes tanto en adultos como en niños. Sobrellevar con éxito el estrés te hará a ti y a las personas que te importan más fuertes.

La depresión durante y después del embarazo es común y se puede tratar. La depresión posparto es la depresión que puede ocurrir después de tener un bebé. Si crees que puedes estar experimentando depresión, busca tratamiento de tu proveedor de atención médica lo antes posible. Encuentra más información sobre la depresión durante y después del embarazo.

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What is natural birth?

A natural birth is considered to be a delivery where the patient uses limited to no pain medication. While that is the medical definition of a natural birth, some people feel that any vaginal birth is natural childbirth, whether or not that includes receiving an epidural for pain management or Pitocin to induce labor. Others believe that natural birth includes no medical intervention at all. Patients can fall anywhere in between as far as what feels right for them and their pregnancy. Many women consider natural birth for a host of reasons, from wanting to avoid potential complications for themselves or baby, wanting limited medical interventions or to simply see what their bodies can do. Additionally, there may be benefits for natural birth, including shorter labor, faster recovery and potentially easier facilitation of breastfeeding.

However, there are certain criteria for who makes a good candidate for a natural childbirth.

“Natural birth can be a choice for those with low-risk pregnancies,” said Gigi L. Girard, M.D., OB/GYN with Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology, a Part of Norton Women’s Care. “Natural birth isn’t recommended for patients with certain chronic conditions or a pregnancy that’s considered high risk, such as babies in breech position, multiple fetuses or babies with congenital conditions needing interventions.”

How to prepare for a natural birth

Choosing a low- or no-medication natural birth takes preparation. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a natural birth.

Find a health care provider for your pregnancy.

Midwives and OB/GYNs offer care before, during and after pregnancy.

“A common myth about natural childbirth is that only midwives offer it,” Dr. Girard said. “However, OB/GYNs are happy to help our patients achieve the birth plan as they envision it, while ensuring the health of mom and baby is always the priority. OB/GYNs can pivot with a patient’s pregnancy should complications arise, whereas midwives work strictly with low-risk pregnancies.”

Norton Healthcare offers both midwives and OB/GYNs for pregnancy care. One of our midwives or OB/GYNs can work with you to discover if a natural birth is safe for you and your pregnancy.

Make a natural birth plan with your provider.

Once it’s been deemed safe for you to proceed with a natural birth, coming up with a customized birth plan is the next step. Natural birth can include many different techniques and strategies for managing pain and delivery. Do you envision water labor? Nitrous oxide? Perhaps the Lamaze technique? Additionally, there are many natural childbirth tools and props to help you get through a natural delivery.

“When considering where to give birth, knowing what tools and support are available for you to achieve the birth plan you want is key,” Dr. Girard said.

Find support and learn about labor and delivery

Many patients considering natural birth work with a doula for support during delivery. Much like a coach, a doula assists before, during and shortly after childbirth. Doulas are hired by the patient and are considered a guest in the delivery room. Please review the Norton Healthcare visitor policy to know how many guests are allowed for deliveries.

“In addition to having a strong support system, those considering a natural birth should learn as much about labor and delivery as possible,” Dr. Girard said. “It can help to prepare mentally and find strategies that they believe will benefit them during their delivery.”

Norton Healthcare offers free classes for expectant parents on a wide range of topics, from childbirth to breastfeeding.

The post How to prepare for natural birth appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Types of stress

Not all stress responses are equal; stress can have both positive and negative effects on the body. There are activities that can produce significant levels of stress, such as exercise and social activities, that can have positive effects on health.

However, when many people think and talk about stress, they are referring to the chronic or negative forms of stress. Examples of this can be too many demands of work, family or the death of a loved one. People experiencing this type of stress often have symptoms such as feelings of being unable to handle daily life tasks or having limited or no control over their life’s direction. They can become easily angry or irritated. This stress type can have negative effects on a person’s short-term and long-term health.

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Stress and the menstrual cycle

The brain actually controls your period through the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus releases chemicals that stimulate the pituitary gland, which then stimulates the ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone, two period-inducing hormones.

The hypothalamus is sensitive to factors such as sleep, exercise or stress. When you’re experiencing stress, the body makes cortisol, which can create issues with the menstruation cycle process between the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary. This can lead to the body suppressing the levels of estrogen and progesterone needed for ovulation, causing anovulation (no ovulation, no egg is released) or amenorrhea (no period). Additionally, stress also may affect the length of a period and potentially how much pain you may experience.

How stress affects the menstrual cycle is unique to each person. Additionally, we each respond differently to various stress-causing events in our lives.

What you can do

If you think your period is being affected by stress, you will want to talk to your health care provider. You will want to reach out after you notice three very different periods in a row (different in length, flow, any pain, etc.) or you’ve missed three periods and have ruled out pregnancy.

A provider can help pinpoint what may be causing your missed periods, from stress to other conditions such as thyroid issues or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Your provider also will likely recommend ways to help you build resilience to stress in an effort to lower cortisol levels naturally. Some actions you can take to lower cortisol can include:

• Exercise
• Getting consistent, restful sleep
• Eating a healthy diet
• Talking with friends or family
• Social interaction and hobbies

Managing stress is helpful not only for more regular periods, but also stabilizing your mood, promoting bone health and heart health.

The post Can stress affect your period? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Planning for your health and that of a baby begins right away.

“Assure yourself that if it’s meant to be, it will happen,” said Crista L. Hays, M.D., an OB/GYN with Norton Women’s Care. “There are steps you can take to maximize your fertility and even improve it: Stop smoking, limit alcohol, reduce caffeine, don’t overdo the exercise routine, work toward a healthy weight, optimize any chronic medical conditions like diabetes, and avoid exposure to toxins like pesticides, lead and dry-cleaning solvents.”

Being overweight or underweight can affect ovulation, as can sleep disruptions from working at night. Maintain a healthy weight and make it a point to get enough sleep.

Start with a visit to your OB/GYN

Talk to your women’s health provider about your pregnancy plans. Your provider will check for conditions such as diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, obesity and other conditions that could complicate a pregnancy.

Your provider may suggest prenatal vitamins that include folic acid, which can help prevent some birth defects.

Discuss the family health history of both parents. Your provider may suggest genetic counseling to provide more information as you plan. Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine offers preconception counseling at several locations across Kentucky.

Keep track of your menstrual cycles

Start this as soon as you can to collect as much data as possible. By logging your cycle, you’ll get a clearer picture of your unique patterns such as cycle length. Many women’s cycles vary, and 28 days is simply what’s typical.

Many apps are available to log menstrual cycles. The NortonBaby app offers a full range of pregnancy planning tools while keeping your health information private. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Find your fertile days

Knowing your cycle helps plan for ovulation, but there are some clearer signs that your body is ready to release eggs for fertilization.

Vaginal discharge is a good indicator of ovulation. If your discharge resembles raw egg whites — slippery and stretchy — your body is ready to get pregnant. Dry or sticky discharge is a sign you aren’t ovulating, creamy discharge suggests ovulation may be coming, then wet and watery discharge is a sign that ovulation is very close.

Your basal body temperature — taken while at complete rest at about the same time every day — can signal ovulation. Progesterone, a hormone tied to ovulation, will cause your temperature to rise.

Ovulation test strips or ovulation predictor kits can detect ovulation my measuring luteinizing hormone in your urine. An increase in the hormone signals that ovulation could occur in the next 12 to 36 hours.

You use an ovulation predictor kit at home by holding the strip under your urine stream or dipping it in a urine sample. Results are visible on the strip within minutes.

None of these methods will be able to pinpoint ovulation with certainty.

Now it’s about timing

Sperm can last in the uterus and fallopian tubes for a few days. Once an egg is released, it lasts 12 to 24 hours and perhaps up to 48 hours. The typical “fertile window” is about five days.

Use this timing to your advantage by having sex one or two days before ovulation.

Conception chances start rising seven days after your last menstrual period and reach the highest probability 15 days after your period, according to a study.

There are many myths around ways to improve chances of conception: moon phases, hormones out of balance and one of the most common — that a woman needs to lie flat after sex or even elevate her hips to prevent sperm from succumbing to gravity. Any sperm that are going to fertilize an egg are in position almost immediately.

The right time to test

It takes a week or two after conception for your body to develop levels of HCG — the hormone produced by cells that surround a growing embryo — in your urine.

Other signs of pregnancy include a missed period, though there are reasons unrelated to pregnancy that can cause a missed period. Those include stress, diet and exercise.

Light bleeding or spotting is not unusual as the egg settles into the uterine lining. Contact your OB/GYN if there is more significant bleeding after a positive test.

Cramps as the egg implants in the uterine lining are not unusual. Also, your breasts may become tender or sore as blood flow increases to support the baby.

If the test is negative

Stay positive. Remind yourself that if it didn’t happen this time and if it’s meant to be, it will happen. Don’t put the rest of your life on hold because you are trying to get pregnant — stay busy and have fun. It’s disappointing and worthy of grieving. Don’t fight that, but don’t let it take over.

If it’s been a few months of negative tests, consider making an appointment with your OB/GYN. At some point, it may be worth considering a fertility specialist. If you and your partner have been having frequent, unprotected sex for a year with no luck — six months if you’re over 35 — you might start to ask about seeing a fertility specialist.

Prioritize your health

Stress can interfere with ovulation. Eat right, exercise and try not to allow trying to get pregnant to dominate your life. Stay in touch with friends and family, stay engaged with activities that take your mind off trying to get pregnant and maybe even find some new distractions.

The post Improve your chances of getting pregnant appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Just 61% of pregnant women got a flu shot during the 2019-2020 flu season, and only 40% also got the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to help reduce the risk of whooping cough infection, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey. When looking at Black and Hispanic women, only 53% and 67% got the flu shot, respectively. However, those who got both the flu and Tdap vaccine were much lower, at 23% for Black women and 25% for Hispanic women.

According to the CDC, “Factors including negative attitudes and beliefs about vaccines, less knowledge about and access to vaccines, and a lack of trust in health care providers and vaccines has been shown to contribute to lower vaccination rates in Black adults.”

“These numbers are just not high enough to protect women and their babies from severe illness,” said Jennifer C. Evans, M.D., MPH, system vice president, women’s and pediatric services for Norton Healthcare. “That’s why we’ve made a concerted effort to increase education and help all women get the vaccines they need.

Why am I coughing? Learn the difference between the four types of cough in adults

“In 2019, more than 81% of pregnant women coming to Norton Women’s Care received the flu shot, and 90% received Tdap vaccines.”

Vaccines help women and babies

The flu shot can be safely given at any time during a pregnancy, while Tdap is preferred during weeks 27 to 36.

“One of the most important things a pregnant woman can do  is get flu and whooping cough vaccines,” said Jamil T. Elfarra, M.D., specialist with Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “The flu can have extremely serious consequences if you are pregnant, so you want to do everything you can to prevent it.”

Infants receive the whooping cough vaccine at 2 months old, and the flu vaccine starting at 6 months old. Until then, they rely on antibodies from their mother to protect them.

“The majority of infants who get a severe illness from whooping cough, or pertussis, are 3 months and younger,” Dr. ElFarra said. “Since they cannot begin vaccinated until that 2 month time period, they are extremely vulnerable from getting the infection, most likely from family members and caregivers. The vaccine will help protect the baby, but also help keep the mother from getting pertussis and passing it to her baby after birth.

“Vaccines are extremely safe and also help protect your baby, since you’ll pass antibodies on during pregnancy as well as afterward through breastfeeding.”

If you are expecting, talk to your physician about these important vaccines. Anyone who is going to be around your baby, such as family members and anyone else providing care, should also receive the flu shot and make sure they received necessary pertussis vaccinations at least two weeks before they are around your baby.

The post Not enough Black and Hispanic women get flu and whooping cough vaccines while pregnant appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“If you’re pregnant, getting a flu shot is critical because you’re more likely to have serious complications from the flu because of changes to your immune system, lungs and heart,” said Kendal K. Stephens, M.D., a specialist with Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “A high fever from the flu also can put your baby at risk and increase your risk of preterm labor.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu shot usually reduces the risk of getting sick with the flu by 40% to 60%. Because infants can’t get a flu shot for their first six months, they rely on picking up the antibodies from mom.

Related: When is the best time to get a flu shot?

“It’s even more critical this year because both the flu and COVID-19 can mean serious illness,” Dr. Stephens said. “We don’t yet know what this winter holds as far as the two infections together, so we want to do everything possible to prevent both.”

Related: Learn more about the flu and pregnancy

If you get the flu while pregnant

• Call your provider right away to discuss antiviral drugs. These should be started within two days of developing symptoms.
• Take acetaminophen right away to reduce fever: Keeping fever down helps prevent issues for your baby.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself from getting dehydrated. Your growing baby also needs plenty of fluids. Water is the best option.

Related: Learn the symptoms of flu versus coronavirus, colds and allergies

For women who are pregnant and get the flu, it can turn into an emergency very quickly. Go to an emergency room immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Related: Pregnancy and COVID-19

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