Pregnancy Q & A
I am concerned about maintaining my healthy diet. Can I still consume fish?
Methylmercury is a toxin that is found in the fish we eat. In 2004, the FDA issued a warning about methylmercury in fish. Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing. You can still enjoy fish during your pregnancy, but should limit your consumption to 12 oz. per week. Canned white tuna and fresh tuna should be limited to 6 oz. per week. There are a variety of fish and shellfish that are considered safe to enjoy during pregnancy. By eating safer fish and taking specially formulated prenatal vitamins, you can still get the omega 3 fatty acids important for fetal development.
Can you tell me more about omega 3 fatty acids?
If you limit your fish intake or do not consume fish, you could be missing out on high-quality protein and other nutrients, such as omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are a necessary component for neurological and visual development of the baby. Taking these nutrients during pregnancy can have a positive effect on the cognitive and visual development of a child. Some prenatal vitamins and infant formulas now have omega 3 fatty acids added. There also is ongoing research looking at the potential benefit of omega 3 fatty acids to the mother during her pregnancy. You should request these supplemented products from your obstetrician or pediatrician.
What can I do about abdominal and back pain during pregnancy?
As the pregnancy moves along during the 40 weeks, your body will change dramatically. Back pain and abdominal pain are very common complaints that can change your daily activities. It is healthy and wise to maintain a regular exercise program. You can talk to your obstetrician about specific exercises, but you should avoid contact sports and exercises that require you to lie on your back. Lying on your back can decrease blood flow and oxygen to the baby. Other simple measures will decrease the amount of pain and discomfort. Sleep on a firm mattress and lie on your side with a pillow between your legs. Relieve muscle tension by using a warm heating pad on your back or taking a warm bath. Several of my patients have benefited from massage therapy. Massage therapy also can relieve sciatica pain in the buttocks and legs. There are many local massage therapists trained to alleviate pain in pregnant women.
How do I tell the difference between normal pain and labor pains?
Always err on the side of caution. If you are having back or abdominal pain, call your physician's office for further questioning. Physicians do end up seeing many patients in the office and labor unit who are experiencing false labor or normal pregnancy pain, but that is better than the alternative: potentially missing a preterm labor. Preterm labor – the start of labor before 37 weeks -- is a very common and potentially devastating complication. Preterm labor can be difficult to distinguish from normal pregnancy pains. Some of the more common symptoms include vaginal leaking of fluid, vaginal bleeding, or increased vaginal pressure. Regular contractions will persist for more than an hour, occur at a frequency of more than four to six per hour, and will continue even after you've tried lying down and drinking several glasses of water.
Is there anything I can do to avoid preterm labor?
Preterm labor is a common complication of pregnancy. About one in eight U.S. pregnancies will end in a preterm birth. Normal activity and exercise are not considered a risk factor for the majority of pregnant patients. Early and regular prenatal care can improve your chances of delivering a healthy baby. Women at increased risk for preterm birth include those who have had a previous preterm birth, those with twins or multiples, and those with a history of uterine or cervical abnormalities. There may be measures your obstetrician can take to decrease your odds of having a preterm birth if you have any of the above risk factors. There are newer treatment options for pregnant patients.
Should I get the flu vaccine?
Pregnant women are encouraged to get their annual influenza (flu) vaccination. This is recommended by both the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologist and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately 20 percent of Americans are infected by the flu virus each year. Pregnant women are at an even higher risk for illness and death. The flu shot is safe during pregnancy because it is an inactivated vaccine that contains killed virus. The flu vaccine does contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing compound. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices found no evidence that thimerosal is a danger to the health of the mother or her fetus. The nasal-spray vaccine is not approved for pregnant women, because this vaccine contains a live flu virus. Women who are breast-feeding can choose either vaccine type. Talk to your obstetrician to make sure you do not fall into the small percentage of women who should not get the flu vaccine.
