Know What to Do About the Flu - Flu.gov

Know What to Do About the Flu Webcast Archive (Flu.gov)
Pregnant Women and New Moms

http://www.flu.gov/news/knowwhattodo.html#082709

Guests in the Video:

•Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, HHS
•Tina Chin, White House Council on Women
•Rear Admiral Anne Schuchat, CDC
•Dr. Tony Fauci, National Institutes of Health/NIAD
•Dr. Laura Riley, OB/GYN - Mass General Hospital
•Tina Johnson, American College of Midwives

Scared!

I had my first OB appointment today... the appointment went well and the OB's office had a very basic u/s machine where we saw the babies. Things looked good... and I felt like things were finally settling in, but right now I am SCARED! Amy and Eileen had a m/c recently after seeing beautiful heartbeats after subchorionic bleeding! Eileen also had flu! I can't describe how much it hurts to hear about this and my heart cries about their losses! Since yesterday, I am having a sore throat, nasal congestion and head ache! I am trying to drink some warm water, but refraining from taking any medication as yet. I am so freakin' scared... I am trying to stay positive.... There are so many gals out there who have had subchorionic bleeding and are doing great with their pregnancy! I can't even think of getting in to describing how the OB visit went!

H1N1 Influenza Vaccine?

CDC 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine information is available here! Almost half of all pregnant women say they will refuse to be vaccinated against H1N1/swine flu once the jab is available, suggesting there is widespread concern about its safety, a poll has revealed (guardian.co.uk).

Do you plan on getting vaccinated? What has your RE/OB recommended? Typically pregnant women are recommended not to get vaccinated in the first trimester and women trying to get pregnant are asked to wait around a month after most vaccinations before TTC.

---

Thimerosal (mercury based preservative) free injectable flu (and H1N1) shots are available at most places. Even though studies show that shots containing Thimerosal are not harmful to pregnant ladies and the babies, it is probably a better idea to look for Thimerosal-free shots!

Thimerosal flu shots available at Walgreens

Here is the CDC info on Thimerosal.

Spotting and Graduation Update

Just an update…

After the event last weekend, there has been no major bleeding so far (and I hope it stays that way)… though I have had some brown spotting (and I guess brown is not as bad as red!) The more active I am, the more the spotting, so I am trying to rest as much as possible. Thank you for all your comments and information!!

I had an u/s on Friday, September 04, 2009 at 8W1D. The babies measured on target and the heartbeats were in 160’s! I spoke to my RE about the bleeding and he didn’t seem (much) worried since the babies were doing fine. He said it (subchorionic bleeding) is common and normally doesn’t cause any major issues with the pregnancy. So I am trying to trust him, just like I have so far. And I guess I didn’t mention this earlier but September 01, 2009 was my last day of PIO and my progesterone still looked good on the Friday b/w… so that is good to know!

Friday was also my last day at the RE’s! I have officially graduated to an OB. My first OB appointment is September 15… and I am very anxious with this whole waiting period! I feel like if something were to happen I have nowhere to go. On the other hand, the last day at the RE was bitter sweet! I hope I never ever have to go back to them (cause I WANT to be blessed with healthy twins 7 months from now)... but they helped us achieve something we couldn’t do on our own and I can’t thank them enough! This is a milestone amongst the several milestones we need to cross in the next 6-7 months! (Note: If you live in the northeast/tri-state area and are looking for a good IF clinic, I would definitely (highly) recommend the one I have been too... drop me an email (listed on the sidebar) for more details!)

Labor Day weekend is a staycation for us and I am enjoying chilling out at home and hanging out with friends. I can’t believe summer is over! Time sure does fly!