Pregnancy News

Heartburn, Flu Shot, Obesity And More...

December 7, 2007

Heartburn Relieving Tips During Pregnancy
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) compiled a list of tips for pregnant women on how to deal with heartburn symptoms and what medications for heartburn are safe to take during pregnancy. Heartburn is one of the most common reported symptoms among pregnant women. Heartburn normally appears during the first trimester and worsens during the second and third trimester. Studies show that an increase in the hormone progesterone combined with higher intra-abdominal pressure caused by the growing uterus, may decrease esophageal sphincter pressure, as a result causing heartburn symptoms. Some of the tips experts from ACG suggest pregnant women should do to reduce heartburn include: avoid lying down after eating, reducing the intake of greasy and spicy foods, wearing loose-fitting clothing and eating smaller meals. If lifestyle and dietary changes don't help soothe the symptoms of heartburn, pregnant women should consult their doctor before using any kind of heartburn medication.

Source: Newswise

December 6, 2007

Flu Shots Are Safe To Receive During Pregnancy
A lot of information exists about what women should avoid and should do during pregnancy. Flu shots are one thing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend all pregnant women should receive during the influenza season. The flu season, in North America peaks between November and March. Receiving the flu shot anytime during any stage of pregnancy is considered safe. This is because the flu shot is made from an inactivated influenza virus, which will not harm the fetus. However, pregnant women should avoid using the nasal-spray flu vaccine, which contains the live, yet weakened influenza virus.

Source: MayoClinicM

December 5, 2007

Obesity Increases Pregnancy Risks
The growing number of obese pregnant women are increasing the risks of childbirth, says the new report from the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH). The report looked at the number of women who died during pregnancy, after a miscarriage, and after an ectopic pregnancy or abortion between the years 2003 and 2005. The report commissioned by the National Patient Safety Agency found that more than half of the women who die in pregnancy or shortly after giving birth were overweight or obese. Suggesting overweight or obese women should consider reducing their weight before getting pregnant to decrease the risk of complicated births.

Source: StaffNurse.com

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