Alcohol and Pregnancy

Did you know that drinking during pregnancy increases your chances of having a miscarriage, birth defects, stillbirth, low birth weight, and multiple problems for the fetus.

Getting Labor Induced too soon

Due to our busy schedules we like to plan things, but planning your deliver can cause problems unless it is medically indicated. Inducing labor prior to 39 weeks can lead to other problems. The baby's lungs may not be mature leading to respiratory problems, landing them in a Neonatal Intensive Care unit. This is a costly expense, as well as your baby may not be able to go home with you. Your body may not be ready and for some women inducing labor may take 1-3 days before delivery occurs. It's best to go into labor on your own, unless there is a medical problem such as low amniotic fluid, high blood pressure, diabetes, postterm, fetal growth restriction, or other condition identified by your health care provider.
For more information see www.ACOG.org
See my website for more information on labor induction.

Alcohol and pregnancy dont mix!

Fetal alcohol syndrome or prenatal exposure to alcohol is the leading cause of mental retardation according to a Florida resource guide. Over 50% of women of childbearing age drink. Another 20% continue drinking after they find out they are pregnant. This predisposes their unborn child to many physical,cognitive,behavioral, linguistic and social development problems. This can lead to a lifetime of care costing $1-3 million dollars. The four criteria found in prenatal alcohol exposure is facial abnormalities, growth retardation, and brain damage that results from intellectual difficulties and behavior problems. These children may also have heart, ear ,eye defects as well as speech,learning and attention disorders. These children can have learning and behavioral problems , impaired judgment, attention disorders, hyperactivity, facial abnormalities, cleft palate and a small jaw.
Many of these kids end up in jail, mental hospitals or treatment centers.
So Pregnant women, DON'T drink alcohol during your pregnancy.!!!!! Your drinking can have a lifelong effect on your unborn child's health.. For further information see March of Dimes , Florida Resource guide on Alcohol and Pregnancy or read up on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Cesarean Sections on Demand?

The natural way to deliver a child is vaginally. However, there are some indications where a cesarean section is medically advisable. Some of these conditions may be placenta previa, multiple births, previous uterine surgery, abnormal presentation such as a breech, a large baby documented by ultrasound, or other maternal or neonatal conditions determined by your physician. There are risks and benefits to all procedures which should be discussed with your health care provider. Some complications of surgery may include, but are not limited to are bleeding, infection, bowel or bladder trauma, as well as complications of anesthesia.
Some women today simply do not want to go through labor and are demanding a elective cesarean section. Generally once you have a c-section, you will usually continue to have one for future pregnancies. A cesarean section is major surgery. It cost more than a vaginal delivery and the hospital stay is usually longer. There are more risk involved and the recovery is longer. So before making this choice be sure to discuss this with your health care provider. Remember you not only have to recover from major surgery, you also have to take care of newborn baby.

H1N1 and Pregnancy

If your pregnant you really need to get educated on the seasonal and H1N1 flu's. Pregnant women are in a high risk group. The best prevention and recommendations are vaccinations. In addition you should take measures to minimize exposure. Vigorous hand washing, cough etiquette, stay away from sick people, know when to seek medical care and see your doctor. If you have a fever, cough , sore throat you should contact your health care provider . Ask your OB about immunizations for both flu's. See the latest information at the following websites.
www.cdc.gov www.awhonn.org www.acog.org

Finding out your pregnant; yikes now what???

When you first find out your pregnant, you may be shocked or feel a variety of mixed emotions. This can be a very exciting time, you may feel happy, sad, not ready, or simply not know what to do first. If you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time, then of course you'll be excited and happy. If you were not trying to get pregnant and it just happened, you may have different feelings. Other factors that may influence how you feel may be the amount of support you have from family, friends, and your relationship with your partner. You should also not feel trapped and know you have choices. Its your body and your life. Having a child is a major life event that will change your life forever. Trust and open communication is critical for any healthy relationship.

Pregnant and traveling?

Be sure to check with your health care provider before traveling. You may not want to travel too close to your due date. If you have to travel, be sure you take a copy of your prenatal records with you to keep on you at all times.