Years later, as a teratogen information specialist for MotherToBaby, I realized some of the best gifts for a healthy pregnancy didn’t come with ribbons and bows, but from awareness and education! For example, did you know the holiday buffet table could include foods that could potentially cause harm to a developing baby? Or, if not careful, decorating could put a pregnant person in a dangerous situation? Today I encourage pregnant people to master must-know safety tips long before putting together must-have gift lists this season. Here are a few of my tips:

Tip 1. Importance of Getting Vaccinated

It is recommended that pregnant people have a flu vaccine in every pregnancy and be current on Tdap vaccine and Covid 19 vaccines.  People who are 32-36 weeks pregnant are currently eligible for the RSV vaccine https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/rsv-vaccine/. This vaccine can pass protection to the developing baby, helping lower the chance of severe RSV infection once the baby is born.  

Not only should a pregnant person be up-to-date on vaccines, but  anyone older than 6 months of age who will be around a newborn should be vaccinated.

Tip 2. Choose Wisely at the Buffet Table

Drinks like eggnog and spiced cider may contain alcohol https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/alcohol-pregnancy. If you’re not sure what’s s in a beverage, ask the host. Also, avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, as they may contain bacteria that can cause a serious illness for a developing baby called Listeria https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/listeriosis-pregnancy, as well as increased risk of miscarriage, uterine infection, or premature labor. Meats like cocktail franks and pâté can also contain bacteria. Meats need to be thoroughly cooked so that bacteria are killed.

Tip 3. CMV (cytomegalovirus) May Be Lurking

CMV is a common virus that often has no symptoms. If a pregnant person gets CMV https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/cytomegalovirus-cmv-pregnancy, the baby could be at increased risk for hearing loss, developmental delays, or birth defects. To prevent infection, pregnant people should wash hands after changing diapers, feeding children, wiping children’s noses, or handling children’s toys. Also, avoid sharing food, eating utensils, toothbrushes, and pacifiers with children.

Tip 4. Holiday Decoration Safety

Some artificial trees, strings of lights, and ornaments may contain lead. Use gloves or wash hands after handling decorations to reduce exposure. Because of changes in their center of gravity, pregnant people should stay off ladders and let others decorate the hard-to-reach places.

Tip 5. Manage Anxiety and Depression

Having a ‘happy holiday’ can mean lots of stress, especially when pregnant.  Anxiety https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/anxiety-fact to have that perfect holiday is real. Depression https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/depression-pregnancy can be triggered this time of year as well.  Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed with all the gift giving and holiday activities.  Stay in-touch with your healthcare providers because…. help is available!

I hope these tips are helpful. While my son did end up turning out to be just fine, I think I would have caused myself less stress and worry had I known these tips during my pregnancy. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to MotherToBaby by phone, text, chat or email.

On behalf of all of us at MotherToBaby, here’s to wishing you a happy and healthy holiday!

The post Top Tips For A Holly Jolly Pregnancy This Season appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Melissa is not alone. Many people contact MotherToBaby to find the most up-to-date information about vaccines during pregnancy. Protecting yourself from circulating viruses can also help protect your developing baby. Infections such as influenza, pertussis, rubella, chicken pox, and COVID-19 can cause serious problems in both a pregnant person and their developing baby.  In light of August being National Immunization Awareness Month (NAIM), let’s navigate through the current recommendations.

Plan to Receive Some Vaccines Prior to Pregnancy

You may have heard there are some vaccines you should not receive during pregnancy. These “live” vaccines are avoided as they are made from viruses or bacteria that have been weakened, but not killed. Due to the small chance that a live vaccine might cause the disease itself, live vaccines are not routinely given to pregnant people.

So how can you protect yourself and your developing baby from viruses like measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox (varicella) if it is not recommended (also known as contraindicated) to receive the vaccine during pregnancy? Your healthcare provider can take your titers (lab test that measures the antibody levels in the blood) before pregnancy to make sure you have enough antibodies to help protect yourself from these infections during pregnancy. Low titer levels? You can safely receive the necessary live vaccines needed before that positive pregnancy test! Out of an abundance of caution (small possibility of that infection) it is advised to wait at least one month before becoming pregnant after these vaccines. This is just one reason why it is beneficial to have a pre-pregnancy health checkup and to discuss any future conception plans with your provider!

Keep Up with Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy and Encourage Others to Do So, Too

So, which vaccines should you receive during pregnancy?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend all people who are pregnant receive the influenza vaccine each year and a Tdap (tetanus diphtheria pertussis) vaccine for each pregnancy, and the most up-to-date COVID vaccine when you are due. These vaccines are not live vaccines and have not been associated with an increased chance for birth defects or pregnancy complications. An exception would be the live attenuated Influenza vaccine which is intranasal (given through the nose).

The flu vaccine usually becomes available in September and is offered throughout flu season. CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine by the end of October despite flu seasons varying in their timing from season to season. This timing helps protect a pregnant woman before flu activity begins to increase. Protection begins about two weeks after you get the flu shot and lasts at least six to eight months. It is necessary to receive the seasonal flu shot each year to be protected in the current flu season. Getting vaccinated during your pregnancy may also help protect your baby from getting sick during the first 6 months of life! This is especially important because infants less than 6 months of age cannot receive the flu vaccine.

“I just had a Tdap vaccine a couple years ago – so I don’t need another one, right?” Melissa asked a very common question we receive regarding the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. Although this vaccine is recommended for adults every 10 years, for people who are pregnant, receiving the shot in the 3^rd trimester (specifically 27-36 weeks gestation) can help the baby get as many of the mother’s antibodies as possible. After delivery, these antibodies provide some protection against pertussis (a very contagious respiratory infection) until the baby can receive his/her own dTAP vaccine (at 2 months of age). Additionally, if everyone who lives with you and any caregivers get the vaccine, it can lower the chance for the baby to get pertussis.

It is well known that pregnant people are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 compared to those who are not pregnant. This is why is so important to receive your COVID-19 vaccinations when you are due, anytime during pregnancy, for the best protection against severe illness. CDC recommends one updated (no longer called “booster”) Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be up-to-date:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.

Pregnant people who receive vaccines can also share their experiences with maternal health researchers, like MotherToBaby. Our studies are published in medical journals and product labels, and can help others like you when navigating vaccine decisions in pregnancy.

There are no Vaccines to Prevent Some Infections

Many people are packing their bags for a getaway during these summer months. If you are considering an upcoming vacation or babymoon, it’s important to protect yourself from viruses and infections with the appropriate vaccines for that area. Where are you headed? Check with your healthcare provider regarding any specific travel vaccines you might need. CDC recommends discussing any travel plans with your provider 4-6 weeks before your trip. Contact MotherToBaby to check the information on any vaccines your healthcare provider recommends.

Zika is a virus that is usually spread by mosquitos. Being infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy is known to increase the risk for serious and lifelong problems for the baby. While there are no current outbreaks of the Zika virus, it can still be circulating in some levels in many countries and there is no vaccine or treatment currently for Zika! The safest approach during pregnancy would be to not travel to areas with any possible level of risk; should you choose to travel, it’s important to protect yourself using the recommended insect repellents among other ways to help reduce risk.

Although masks are no longer required in most public areas, this is still a great way to reduce the risk for infections and illness while around others! Good hand washing, good ventilation, air conditioning, staying outdoors as much as possible, etc. can also be considered.

After chatting with Melissa, she decided to make her appointment for her COVID-19 and Tdap vaccines (you can get them at the same time!) and will go in ASAP when the flu vaccine for this season is available. She felt reassured knowing she had decided to give herself and her developing baby the best protection from these illnesses as possible.  “Thank you for all this info! I just want to make the best choice for me and my baby – I feel so much better.”

Do you have questions about vaccines during pregnancy? Call, chat, text, or email MotherToBaby!

References:

https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/vaccines-pregnancy/

https://mothertobaby.org/pregnancy-studies/

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/pregnancy.html

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/vaccines-during-pregnancy.html

The post Immunization Education: Everything You Need to Know About Vaccines Before and During Pregnancy appeared first on MotherToBaby.

COVID-19:

Try as we might, we can’t escape it or wish it away. We are, in fact, still in the middle of a pandemic, with new variants appearing and cases still rising and falling unpredictably in most places. Traveling on public transportation (such as airplanes, ships, trains, subways, taxis, and ride shares) can make getting and spreading COVID-19 more likely. So can being in crowded indoor spaces, especially if not everyone in those spaces is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or wearing a mask. Having COVID-19 in pregnancy can increase pregnancy risks such as stillbirth and preterm delivery. So, how can you eliminate or reduce your chance of exposure to the virus?

• Avoid public transportation. If you must travel, using your own vehicle with members of your own household is the safest bet. Using drive-thrus or packing your own food to stop and eat along the way is safer than eating in crowded restaurants full of other holiday travelers.
• If you must travel on a plane or use other public transportation, wear a well-fitting mask the whole time (this is required), stay at least 6 feet away from other travelers when possible, and wash your hands/use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently. Most importantly, make sure you’re fully vaccinated before you travel, including getting a booster dose when you’re eligible.
• Did I mention making sure you’re FULLY VACCINATED before travel? It’s the single best way to reduce the chance of getting very sick if you’re exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. Pregnancy and being very sick don’t go well together, so this one is really, really important, whether you’re traveling or not. MotherToBaby has helpful resources on the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shot, and you can contact us to talk through any questions or concerns you may have about getting the vaccine.
• Even if you’re fully vaccinated, you might still consider wearing a mask indoors during holiday gatherings (and elsewhere), especially if you’re getting together with people from different households coming from different places. If everyone else at the gathering also wears a mask indoors, even better.  
• Find more tips and information about safer holiday celebrations and travel in the time of COVID at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html.

Influenza (the Flu):

Flu season carries its own risks for people who are pregnant. Like COVID-19, having the flu during pregnancy increases the chance of being very sick compared to people who aren’t pregnant. Many of the same precautions that apply to COVID-19 apply to the flu as well:

• Get the flu shot. Like the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu shot can be given at any time during pregnancy, and can even be given at the same time as a COVID vaccine or booster. The sooner you’re vaccinated, the sooner you and your pregnancy will have good protection against becoming very sick from the flu. And (bonus!) getting vaccinated in pregnancy may pass some protective antibodies to your developing baby.
• Avoiding public transportation and crowded indoor spaces will also reduce your chance of exposure to the flu virus. Washing your hands frequently/using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also an excellent flu prevention technique.

Zika:

Yes, Zika is still around. There are no known “outbreaks” of Zika anywhere in the world at this time, but there is ongoing, low-level, sporadic transmission in some places. Having Zika during pregnancy increases the chance of serious and lifelong effects for a developing baby. There is no vaccine against the Zika virus.

• The safest course in pregnancy (or if you’re trying to conceive) is to avoid travel to places with a chance of exposure. Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible now to know the exact risk of being exposed to Zika in any given country, but if you must travel, you can use the CDC’s Zika map to help you plan.
• If you travel,use insect repellent and take other precautions to help avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants. If your partner travels with you, take steps to avoid sexual transmission of Zika. If you’re planning a pregnancy, follow the recommended wait times (2 months for women, 3 months for men) before trying to conceive.

Other infections:

If you’re considering international travel, there may be other infections to consider, such as malaria and foodborne illnesses. You might also need other vaccines, so be sure to review the current vaccine recommendations for your destination. Some vaccines can be given during pregnancy, but it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider or contact MotherToBaby to discuss the risks and benefits of specific vaccines as you’re deciding about travel. 

Medical concerns:

Other travel considerations include the increased chance of blood clots during travel if you’re pregnant, and where you will receive medical care in case of unexpected preterm labor or another medical emergency. Before any travel, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any additional considerations that are specific to you and your pregnancy.

Given all these considerations, if you’re pregnant you might decide this year is a good one to enjoy low-key holidays at home and save the travel for another time. However you decide to spend the season, we hope it’s safe, healthy, and happy!

The post COVID-19, the Flu, and Zika: Considerations for Pregnancy in the Winter Travel Season appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Influenza and Pregnancy

Once we are into influenza season (October to March), pregnant women are strongly recommended to get immunized, regardless of where they are in their pregnancy. Yet, many women delay, and in the end only about 50% of pregnant women get their flu shot.

An influenza infection itself can cause severe illness and even death in pregnant and post-partum women.  It is important to remember that a healthy mother is more likely to have a healthy baby!  The injectable version of the influenza immunization (“flu shot“) contains an inactivated (dead) virus and is not going to make you or your baby sick.  It is the most effective way to prevent influenza or have less severe symptoms if you do get the flu.  Currently, the nasal-spray flu vaccination is not recommended for pregnant women because it contains live attenuated virus.   

Will the vaccine harm my baby?

Some pregnant women are worried about whether immunizations will harm their baby.  The scares about vaccines being associated with problems like autism have been shown not to be true.   In fact, just last month a large study was published in the journal Pediatrics, “Early Childhood Health Outcomes Following In-Utero Exposure to Influenza Vaccines: A Systemic Review.”  This study compiled results from 9 earlier studies and found no association between exposure to the flu vaccine during pregnancy and adverse outcomes in children.  One of the authors was later quoted as saying, “This should be reassuring for pregnant women who may be considering the vaccination…”    

Are you interested in learning more about vaccinations in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?  Visit the MotherToBaby website and read all of our vaccine-related fact sheets.  There is a general fact sheet on all vaccines, and then specific fact sheets on the seasonal influenza vaccine and also many others like the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap), Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), HPV (human papillomavirus), hepatitis A, and varicella (chicken pox) vaccinations. 

References

Early Childhood Health Outcomes Following In Utero Exposure to Influenza Vaccines: A Systematic Review Damien Y.P. Foo, Mohinder Sarna, Gavin Pereira, Hannah C. Moore, Deshayne B. Fell, Annette K. Regan, Pediatrics Aug 2020, 146 (2) e20200375; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-0375

The post Pregnant & the Flu Vaccine? Why It’s More Important Than Ever during the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on MotherToBaby.

1. Book a visit with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine.
2. Be sure to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
3. Before you get pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight.
4. Become up to date with all vaccines, including the flu shot.
5. Boost your health by avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Top 5 Tips for Preventing Birth Defects

Reviewing this list of tips reminded me of a call I answered last month as a Teratogen Information Specialist at MotherToBaby North Texas. The woman calling, Beatriz, was upset and concerned. She had just found out that she was about five weeks pregnant. As she suffers from chronic migraine headaches, Beatriz was taking Valproic Acid, a medication that has been shown to be effective in preventing migraines. Beatriz had done a little research on her own and knew that there could be an increased risk for birth defects in women taking this medication while pregnant. She went on to explain that she had been planning to become pregnant, and was trying to do everything right, including reaching a healthy body weight, getting her flu shot a couple of months ago, and taking her daily vitamin with folic acid. But… as often happens, Beatriz got pregnant earlier than she had planned. Hence her panic and many questions!

Tip #1: Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

I explained to Beatriz that I often talk with women in these types of situations. So I started by reminding Beatriz that with every pregnancy there is a small 3-5% background chance for having a baby with a birth defect. As Beatriz had learned from her own research, taking Valproic Acid in the first part of a pregnancy increases the risk for spina bifida by 1-2%. Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when a baby’s spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. Upon hearing this confirming information, Beatriz immediately stated that she would stop taking her medication to take away this possible increased risk. I responded that it is always best to talk with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medications during pregnancy. They know you and your pregnancy best, and can give you personalized advice, not just general information. I told Beatriz that before making any changes to her medication, she really needs to discuss with her healthcare provider the benefits of taking the medication versus the risk to staying on the medication.

Tip #2: Folic Acid

Beatriz mentioned she has been taking a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid as she knew that she was planning to get pregnant. Folic acid is the lab-made form of the vitamin folate (vitamin B9). Folate is necessary for making and maintaining healthy cells in your body. Taking recommended amounts of folic acid has been shown to reduce the percentage of babies born with birth defects, including spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when a baby’s spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. Starting at least one month before pregnancy, the recommended daily amount of folic acid is 400 micrograms (mcg), or 0.4 milligrams (mg). During pregnancy, the recommended daily amount is 600-800 mcg. Many daily and prenatal vitamins already contain the required amount of folic acid. Beatriz checked the vitamin she had been taking and saw that it did contain 800 mcg of folic acid.

Tip #3: Healthy Weight

While planning to become pregnant, Beatriz has also mentioned that she been eating a better diet and had started an exercise program. She was happy to report to me that she has lost 25 pounds over the past six months and is now at a healthy body weight. Now that Beatriz knows she is pregnant, she can continue an exercise program that is appropriate for pregnancy. I told Beatriz she might want to chat with her healthcare provider and ask any questions she may have about appropriate exercise during pregnancy, such as walking and swimming.

Tip #4: Vaccines

I asked Beatriz about vaccinations, and she said she is up-to-date on all her vaccines, including having received her flu vaccine earlier this fall. It is recommended that women who are pregnant (whether in their first, second, or third trimester) or planning to become pregnant get the seasonal flu shot given by injection. The flu shot is a dead, inactive vaccine and there is not a known increased risk for birth defects or other pregnancy problems. Beatriz also mentioned that she plans to talk with her healthcare provider about getting the pertussis vaccine (known as TDaP), as this vaccine can help protect her baby from whooping cough, a potentially serious illness for babies.

Tip #5: Harmful Substances

Beatriz also reported to me that she had already stopped drinking alcohol as she knew there is not a known safe level of alcohol use when pregnant, and she also did not use any tobacco or other drugs. These are critical steps in preparing for a healthy pregnancy, as outlined in another one of our blogs.

After reviewing all of this information with Beatriz, she stated that she would call her healthcare provider in the morning to discuss whether she should stop taking Valporic Acid and determine if there any alternative treatments for her migraines that might be safer in pregnancy. Beatriz was happy to hear that she was well prepared for her pregnancy, having already successfully completed 4 of the 5 recommended tips. Even though Beatriz became pregnant a few months earlier than she had wanted to, she was now excited and thrilled to be pregnant.

So what’s the takeaway from Beatriz’s story? There are things you can do to prepare yourself for a healthy pregnancy and to decrease the chance of having a baby with a birth defect. So if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, do yourself and your baby a favor and review the 5 tips. And as always, if you have any questions about an exposure during pregnancy – such as a medication, supplement, vaccine, or recreational substance – our MotherToBaby specialists are here to help!

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The post Preventing Birth Defects: Is it Possible? Yes! appeared first on MotherToBaby.

“I am 20 weeks pregnant…when is it safe to get my flu shot?” The texted question came in to the MotherToBaby texting helpline, and the answer that I texted back was simple – “As soon as possible…it’s safe at any time in pregnancy and really important for you and your baby!”

Once we are into influenza (flu) season (November to March), pregnant women are strongly recommended to get immunized (vaccinated), regardless of how far along they are in their pregnancy. Yet many women delay, and in the end only about 50 percent of pregnant women get their flu shot.

The flu can cause severe illness and even death in pregnant and postpartum women. The flu shot contains an inactivated virus that won’t make you or your baby sick. It is the most effective way to prevent the flu or help you have less severe symptoms if you do get the flu. Currently the nasal-spray flu vaccination is NOT recommended for pregnant women because it contains live attenuated (weakened) virus.

As if the benefits to you from the flu shot aren’t enough, here’s another one: getting vaccinated while you are pregnant can protect your baby from getting the flu after birth! This is because the antibodies that you develop when you get the flu shot get passed to your developing baby during pregnancy and help protect your newborn for the first few months of life.

Here’s another common question that I get about vaccines during pregnancy.

“I received my diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (Tdap) shot last year. Since I am already immune, why do I have to get it again in my third trimester of pregnancy?”

The third trimester Tdap booster is to help your baby, not you. Diseases like pertussis (whooping cough) can cause serious life-threatening illness in newborns. When a pregnant woman gets a Tdap booster in her third trimester, she mounts a strong antibody response which is passed on to her baby and helps protect the newborn until the baby starts a vaccination series at 2 months of age.

Some pregnant women are worried about whether immunizations will harm their baby. The scares about vaccines being associated with problems like autism have been debunked. Most vaccines are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. A few, such as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and chicken pox vaccinations, contain live attenuated virus and are best given when you are not pregnant. The benefits of protection against disease strongly outweigh any potential risk. That’s why Birth Defects Prevention Month’s Tip ❸ is a really important one: Become up-to-date with all vaccines, including the flu shot. Better yet…if you are thinking about getting pregnant, it’s an excellent time to speak with your health care provider to make sure you are current on all of your recommended vaccinations. Remember, a healthy mother is more likely to have a healthy baby!

Are you interested in learning more about vaccinations in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Visit the Mother to Baby website and read all of our vaccine-related fact sheets. There is a general fact sheet on all vaccines, and then specific fact sheets on the influenza vaccine and Tdap vaccine (of course!) but also many others like the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), HPV, hepatitis A, and chicken pox vaccinations.

Beth Conover, APRN, CGC, is a genetic counselor and pediatric nurse practitioner. She established the Nebraska Teratogen Information Service in 1986, also known as MotherToBaby Nebraska. She was also a founding board member of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). In her clinical practice, Beth sees patients in General Genetics Clinic, Prenatal Clinic, and the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Clinic at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Beth has provided consultation to the FDA and CDC.

About MotherToBaby

MotherToBaby is a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), suggested resources by many agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or try out MotherToBaby’s new text information service by texting questions to (855) 999-3525. You can also visit MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets about dozens of viruses, medications, vaccines, alcohol, diseases, or other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding or connect with all of our resources by downloading the new MotherToBaby free app, available on Android and iOS markets.

The post Birth Defects Prevention Month Series: Vaccination in Pregnancy-It Doesn’t Have to Be a Painful Decision appeared first on MotherToBaby.

I have spent a significant portion of my career working in hospitals. Shortly after learning I was pregnant with my first child, I received a notice that I may have been exposed to an airborne illness while I was at work in the hospital Emergency Room. The notice advised me to report to occupational health for further testing. I flipped out! I was scared to death that my exposure would cause harm to my baby. I was mad at the world for exposing my baby to potential harm and I was mad at myself for not being more aware of the contagious illnesses that I was surrounded by on a daily basis. But mostly, I was terrified.

An airborne infection is an illness spread by little drops of liquid (germs) that float through the air. Airborne illness occurs when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes sending the germs into the air, exposing individuals nearby to potential illness from breathing in the infection or touching surfaces where the drops land. Tuberculosis, chicken pox, and measles are all types of airborne infections. Since February happens to be International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, I thought it would be a great time to discuss how to best avoid airborne infections in pregnancy.

So back to my own airborne illness exposure… there I was on my way down to occupational health. I was, of course, creating several devastating scenarios in my head. The logical part of my brain was recalling this was absolutely NOT the first time that I had received notice that I had been exposed to something contagious and that while every exposure notice made me worry a bit, I’d get tested, the results were fine, and I’d go on with my life. But this time I was pregnant, and it wasn’t just my life that I was worried about. It was the life and health of my much wanted, growing baby. I was fully aware how dangerous infections could be in pregnancy. I had witnessed infants in the neonatal intensive care that were born to mothers with untreated infections.

Arriving at occupational health, I was directed to a room by a nurse and immediately started sobbing. I hadn’t yet told my boss or coworkers that I was pregnant. I was superstitious, it was my first pregnancy, and I believed that you were not supposed to tell people the news until you were 12 weeks pregnant. As I stammered out why I was there, an amazing nurse (who I remember to this day) handed me tissues and gave me the best reassurance and education possible about airborne infections during pregnancy.

The nurse reminded me that I was regularly doing many things to prevent airborne infection. These include:

Handwashing – Because of working in healthcare I am very knowledgeable about the fine art of handwashing. Hands need to be wet, then apply soap and rub your hands together for 20 seconds (quick tip: singing Happy Birthday while rubbing your hands together will equal 20 seconds!). Rinse your hands and dry with paper towel.

Immunizations – Remaining current on vaccinations can go a long way to preventing an infection from an airborne illness. Examples include vaccinations to protect from the seasonal flu, the measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and bacterial meningitis. Thankfully, I was current on all my vaccinations. After this incident, I also reminded my family members to make sure they were current on their immunizations as well. Since I was pregnant, I really did not want anybody near me bringing home infections to share!

Droplet Precautions – This refers to avoiding droplets that might come from an infected person’s coughing or sneezing. Working in a hospital has taught me many things. One of them is to stand back and to the side when someone is coughing. This helps to minimize direct contact of flying particles. Also, be very aware of what you touch. Touching surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth increases contact with droplets that may contain infection. Wearing a mask over your mouth and nose also can reduce exposure to airborne droplets that contain germs.

Getting Tested and, if needed, Treatment – Most important, after learning I had been exposed, I was getting tested for infection. If the tests were positive, I could be treated before the baby was born, decreasing the risk of passing the infection to my developing baby.

I was immensely relieved when my test results were clear and showed no signs of infection. By using good common sense and following some standard precautions, I have been able to avoid any serious viral or bacterial infections. Being pregnant changed my view of the world, and it also sharpened my awareness of working safely in a hospital. I have now survived three pregnancies while working in a hospital and have three happy, healthy, and rambunctious boys.

Debra Goniwicha, MSW is the Program Coordinator for MotherToBaby’s Georgia affiliate. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University in Detroit and has worked as a medical social worker for 18 years. Debra has specialized in maternal/fetal medical social work since 2003. She has also worked as a licensed clinical social worker, counseling women with mental health issues. Debra enjoys working directly with women during pregnancy and postpartum, helping interpret medical information and providing support so they can make informed choices.

MotherToBaby is a service of the international Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), a suggested resource by many agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about viruses, alcohol, medications, vaccines, diseases, or other exposures, call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or try out MotherToBaby’s new text counseling service by texting questions to (855) 999-3525. You can also visit MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets, email an expert or chat live.

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