Topic Archive: pregnant

Episode 246 | December 27, 2011

Weaning and Breastfeeding While Pregnant

Weaning is simply part of the breastfeeding process. But, when should you start? Which feedings should you eliminate first and why? And how can the medication sudafed help with the whole process? Plus, do you need to wean once you become pregnant? (more…)

August 11, 2011

Due Month Vs. Due Date

One of the first questions people ask when they find out I’m pregnant is, “So, what’s your due date?” My response isn’t a precise time as to when the little one will be joining us. Instead, I like to leave it with a vague, “The beginning of February.” That usually creates a pause in the conversation before they start telling us all the February birthdays they know. If you want to get technical, my due date is at the very end of January, but I’ve learned a few things since having two kids and one of those is that a due date is better expressed in vague terms. According to my history, a due month is the more appropriate way to anticipate their arrival.

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Episode 225 | July 14, 2011

Pregnancy and Your Changing Body

Many changes happen during pregnancy, both emotional and physical. Sometimes fully embracing these changes is easier said than done- especially when it comes to our own body image. Today, Dr. Jennifer Schere, a psychologist specializing in women’s issues, explores the importance of looking at your body differently during pregnancy. How do we make this mental shift? How can we stop (more…)

Episode 219 | May 24, 2011

The Fears and Facts of VBACs

You had a cesarean section with your first baby, and now you’re hoping for a VBAC. Is there anything you can do to improve your chances? What are the risks to both mom and baby? And how do you find a hospital (more…)

Episode 210 | March 8, 2011

Pregnancy Ups and Downs

Everything changes with pregnancy. Your body changes. Your relationship changes. Your life changes. Many of these changes are exciting… and some, well, not so much. (more…)

November 1, 2010

Flu Season: It’s That Time of Year

With Halloween past and Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up quickly around the corner, I recently started to think about all the administrative and household duties I need to take care of before I get wrapped up in the holiday season.  So once the winterizing of the plants and patio furniture was done and the onslaught of leaves on the patio seemed to have lessened, my thoughts turned to keeping us healthy over the next few months.

My husband works as an intensive care doctor in a pediatric hospital and my 14 month old son attends four days a week of daycare, so our house could see some runny noses, fevers, coughs and colds over the winter season (which can be a long one up here in Quebec!). Although there isn’t much to do about these viruses, the one precaution we can all take is getting the flu vaccine.

As we all know, in the past few years vaccines have been a hot topic, especially among families expecting children or with young children at home. I have sifted through some information on this year’s flu vaccine in the hopes of helping you make an informed decision about whether or not to get the vaccine.

1. Pregnancy can weaken or compromise your immune system. Studies have shown that pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized for flu complications than non-pregnant women. This also applies to women who are two-weeks postpartum.
2. This year you only need one flu vaccine as protection against H1N1 is included in the one shot
3. It is recommended that you get the vaccine early in the flu season because it can take up to two weeks for protection to kick in
4. Women at any stage of the pregnancy can and should receive the vaccine. This is a change from previous opinion that women should wait until the second trimester.
5. The vaccine typically protects you for 6-8 months.
6. You should opt for the inactivated virus, which is given through intramuscular injection instead of the live virus which is given by nasal spray.  It has not yet been confirmed if the live virus is safe for use during pregnancy.
7. Once you are protected, you pass on that protection to you baby!  In fact, your newborn stays protected for first 6 months of his life.

Remember to that with all vaccines there are benefits to you as well as benefits to others around you when you get vaccinated. It helps control the spread of these viruses.

If you do end up with the flu remember to:

• Contact your doctor. They have the most up to date information on how to treat you in ways that won’t harm your baby.
• Stay home and limit your contact with other people
• Treat your fever with acetaminophen
• Keep up your fluids – it may mean even more trips to the washroom, but staying hydrated is really important when you are sick

Finally, if you come in close contact with someone who has the flu, it can’t hurt to call your doctor to see whether you need treatment with antiviral medication to avoid coming down with the flu. Happy winter season to all!  And stay healthy, if you can!

For more information on vaccinations, listen to the following episodes of PregTASTIC:
Ep163 “H1N1 and Your Pregnancy”
Ep076 “Dr. Sears and Vaccines”

December 9, 2009

Shhh… Don’t Tell (Until Your Second Trimester)

Episode 128 | March 3, 2009

Christina’s C-Section

Christina’s back to share how her 2nd c-section compared to the first, anesthesia surprises, an over-the-curtain paparazzi dad, how she prepared her toddler for the baby and a Facebook baby name poll! Plus, the winner of the PregTASTIC Pregnancy Package! NEXT WEEK: Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, OB/GYN and author of The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book.