Pregnant Women and Infants at high risk for H1N1

Pregnant women and children under 24 months are both in high risk catagories for H1N1 (swine flu). There's lots of discussion about whether or not the vaccine is safe and tested.

Here's information from Kid's Healthgate with some of the latest, including information about mercury preservatives used in the vaccine.

Is the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine Safe?

Debunking Hepatitis C Myths for Moms-To-Be

Hepatitis c is a contagious disease stemming from the hepatitis c virus. Infected pregnant women can transmit this disease to their unborn babies. Pregnant women are at no greater risk than non-pregnant women for Hepatitis C infections, unless they have related risk factors.

Transmissions of the virus between the infected mother and the unborn child occurs in approximately 4 out of every 100 births. This rate increases 2 to 3 times more if the mother is also infected with HIV. There is nothing that can help prevent the infected mother from infecting her unborn child with the hepatitis c virus. Most infants infected with the hepatitis c virus remain healthy throughout childhood. The long term effects of this virus have not been thoroughly studied in babies that have contracted the virus from birth to adulthood.

There is no evidence that suggests that a mother infected with the virus can transmit it to a baby through breastfeeding.

If you think your baby might be infected with hepatitis c, it is recommended that you test your baby no sooner than 18 months. On rare occasions, testing may be performed as early as 1-2 months.

What is folic acid? Should I take folic acid?

Folic acid, also known as folate, is a water-soluble Vitamin B. It's necessary for proper cell growth and development of an embryo.

The US Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid daily. Folic acid is available in folate rich foods as well a synthetic forms. According to the Center for Disease Control two thirds of women in the US don't get enough of this vitamin.

Folic acid reduces the risk for neural tube defect-affected pregnancy significantly. Additionally some research indicates that folates may reduce the incidence of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. It's also thought to play a role in preventing birth defects, some cancers and heart disease.

Fruit, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, liver and yeast are among the foods that folates naturally occur in high levels. Additionally many whole-grain breads and cereals are fortified with additional folate.

Many physicians recommend increasing the dose of folate with a synthetic folic acid prior to conception through the first trimester. If you are considering pregnancy you may consider beginning a folic acid supplement at least one month prior to conception attempts. Consult your physician for proper dosage.

Welcome Mommies and Mommies to be!

Welcome to Baby HealthGate. We are dedicated to helping you find information and resources from conception through the first year of your baby's life.