Tdap

March of Dimes had a great post about the pertussis vaccine (Tdap) and why it is important for the adults in a child's life to get this. Check out their blog here: MOD

Vaccines are not part of the autism puzzle

Read here.  Vaccines are an important part of your health picture and there is now sufficient evidence to know that they are not part of the autism puzzle.  Focusing on the wrong potential cause can prevent finding the actual reason for our growing rates of autism.  An excerpt from the Otis Pregnancy Baby Blog article:

"Vaccines are one of the most important medical advances in modern times. We have seen worldwide control of devastating diseases like polio and smallpox and are making progress in reducing other diseases, like chicken pox, hepatitis, pertussis, and other illnesses. Vaccines keep our children healthy and reduce disabilities that have lifelong consequences." (Al Romero, RN, PhD - Pregnancy Risk Line)

Adult vaccines in pregnant women

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age.
The best way to protect against pertussis is immunization. (CDC)

Pertussis is on the rise with adult immunity at only 6%.  Read the updated recommendation by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) regarding the new Tdap vaccine here.  Listen to the sounds of pertussis here. 

"'To help protect infants too young to be vaccinated, women should ideally receive Tdap before becoming pregnant. If a pregnant woman is at increased risk for contracting pertussis, such as during a community outbreak, you may want to consider Tdap during pregnancy since it's not contraindicated. New moms who have not received Tdap should routinely receive a dose immediately postpartum, before leaving the hospital or birthing center.
In most cases, pertussis in infants is acquired from a family member. Imagine how devastating it would be for a mom to give her baby pertussis. Keep in mind that Tdap is not just for postpartum moms, it's for all family members and caregivers of the infant." (CDC expert advisory posted on Medscape)

The Pregnancy Risk Line tells us that they recommend the Tdap vaccine (adult form of tetanus, diptheria and pertussis) in pregnant women if you're due for this.  The CDC confirms that pregnancy is not a contraindication for the vaccine but some women prefer to wait until their last trimester to get it.  If you wait until after delivery your baby won't have the immediate passive immunity and you would be at risk to get pertussis and then passing it on to your child.  What is most important is that moms get it in the immediate postpartum period if not previously.  Talk to your doctor or midwife about this at your next visit.  While you're at it, get a flu shot if you haven't already, regardless of what stage of pregnancy you are in. It's still flu season and pregnant women are at high risk for complications of influenza.

"Situations with increased risk for pertussis: Healthcare providers can choose to administer Tdap instead of Td to protect against pertussis in pregnant adolescents for routine or "catch-up" vaccination because the incidence of pertussis is high among adolescents, in pregnant healthcare personnel and child care providers to prevent transmission to infants younger than 12 months of age and to other vulnerable persons, and in pregnant women employed in an institution or living in a community with increased pertussis activity." (CDC)

The pertussis vaccine is included in the usual immunization schedule for children (Dtap)so if your kids have had their shots, they're probably covered.  Other adults are probably not since this vaccine for adults and teens is new on the scene.  It is important for the adults (grandparents, older siblings, parents, etc.) to be protected so they don't pass this nasty disease on to those without such immunity, including those whose immune system is suppressed as with cancer treatment, those who are unable to develop immunity for unknown reasons, and those newborns too young to have protection through the full vaccination series.  This vaccine also includes protection from tetanus (recommended at least every 10 years for adults) and the combined vaccine can be given even if Tetanus vaccine was received more recently.

Pregnancy Risk Line - calls taken Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  

Leave message if line is busy and they will return your call that day. 

Toll-free outside SLC area 800-822-2229

Salt Lake area 801-328-2229

Helping science through research

If you are pregnant and received a flu shot in 2009 or 2010, OTIS Pregnancy is interested in hearing from you if you would like to participate in an observational study.  This is not any kind of experiment.  They just ask questions relating to your experience.  More information can be found here.  Call toll-free Call: 1-877-311-8972.

Cold Season Ahead!

Did you know that your immune system is suppressed in pregnancy? This is nature's way of keeping you from rejecting the baby as a foreign substance (genes donated by the father). Sometimes miscarriage does occur when the body's immune system works too well (think allergy or hypersensitivity) but in most cases the body does a good job of keeping the baby. The downside to this suppression is that you may also be more vulnerable to colds and other viruses.

You can strengthen your immune system's infection-fighting ability by eating a balanced diet, getting moderate, regular exercise and enough rest, along with using good hygiene techniques such as frequent hand washing, use of disposable tissues and keeping your hands away from your face (entry for germs). Maintaining a positive outlook has also been shown to help fight illness whereas quarrels suppress the immune system further so try to work out your differences in positive ways. And don't forget to laugh! Life is serious but it can also be funny, depending on our outlook. Watch a feel-good comedy video/DVD for a good belly-laugh. Doctor's orders!

A balanced diet for immune protection includes lots of fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamin c and antioxidants. You should also drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated and avoid additional stress to your body. If you do get a cold or other illness, the healthy food and water still help so don't forget the chicken soup. Hot liquids help move viruses and germs out of the nose more quickly.

The CDC also recommends a seasonal flu shot for all pregnant women (unless you are allergic to eggs). Again, because of the suppression of the immune system in pregnancy, flu and its complications can be devastating to a pregnant woman, putting her and her baby at risk. The Flu Finder page at the Utah Dept. of Health can help you locate flu vaccine, though it will also depend on the stock available so once you locate a provider, call ahead to be sure they have the vaccine. Many pharmacies offer this service.

Also, remember that antibiotics should only be prescribed when there is a diagnosed bacterial infection. Taking them for viral infections, the common cold, flu, etc. can result in damaged intestinal flora that can result in other serious infections as well as contributing to the antibiotic resistant strains of antibiotics through improper use. If you do need such medications, be sure to take them exactly as prescribed and complete the course - again to prevent future problems with these antibiotics. More and more we are seeing resistant strains that put us in a precarious position for treating some serious infections so it is important that everyone be aware of this danger and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.

Check out this blog for some healthy eating suggestions including "cold-season smoothies." Witchy Kitchen. For more information about boosting your immune system in pregnancy, check out pregnancy.org. Before taking supplements, be sure to consult with your health care provider.

New Rules to Fight the Flu!

IHC hospitals have declared visitor restrictions to help reduce the spread of infection. Because this is a huge change, you may need to change your plans when your baby is born. Many mothers have enjoyed large crowds of visitors while laboring and recovering on the postpartum unit. At this time, IHC has instituted the following restrictions with the only exception being in end-of-life situations:

• No visitors under the age of 14 (this includes siblings of newborns).
  
• No more than two visitors at a time for each patient, even in the ER.
• No sick visitors. Please go home if you have fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. (This is common sense which should be followed ALWAYS).
• Patients should wear a mask if they have flu or cold symptoms.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.