News Moms Need

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) today announced new guidelines on Pap smears and cervical cancer screenings. The organization says that women can wait until they’re age 21 to have their first Pap tests. ACOG also says that women between the ages of 21 and 30 should have a Pap test and cervical cancer screening once every two years instead of once every year. Women aged 30 and older who’ve had no previous complications in their last three screenings can have a Pap test once every three years.

The organization revised its recommendations based on the latest research about Pap tests and cervical cancer rates, showing that most cervical cancer cases come from women who don’t regularly see health care providers. ACOG also says that data shows testing at two and three year intervals can be just as effective at preventing cervical cancer.

While these recommendations represent a shift in women’s health care, talk to your health provider about what is best for you.

When was the last time you ever heard of someone getting the mumps? While most of us can say it’s been a while (if not, never), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting the largest outbreak of mumps in three years. Most of these outbreaks took place in New York and New Jersey.

Friendly reminder – the best way to protect kids from getting the mumps is by getting kids vaccinated. The combination measles-mumps-rubella immunization helps protect kids against these illnesses, which are less common thanks to the large number of kids and people who’ve been vaccinated over the years. Women who aren’t sure if they’ve been vaccinated against the mumps can also talk to their health providers about getting this vaccine before getting pregnant (this vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy). It’s important that the immunization rates in our population stay at high levels to avoid the opportunity for this and other diseases to return with full force.

Learn more about other important immunizations for your child.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is the breaking open of the bag of waters surrounding the baby, the amniotic sac, before labor begins. If PROM occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).  With few exceptions, once the membrane ruptures a woman usually delivers her baby within one week.

In a full-term pregnancy, membranes rupture because their strength has weakened over time and the force of contractions becomes too difficult to withstand.  Before term, however, membranes can rupture for some reasons we understand and for other reasons we still haven’t grasped.  Some contributing factors to PPROM are previous preterm birth, sexually transmitted infections, vaginal bleeding, and smoking cigarettes.   That’s right, smoking cigarettes has been linked to PPROM.  So here is another good reason to quit. Women in a lower socioeconomic setting may be at higher risk for PPROM if they receive late or no prenatal care.

Preterm PROM is not only dangerous for the baby who will be born premature, but it can also pose a serious threat to the mom because it increases her risk of infection.  Chorioamnionitis is a uterine infection that can cause a high fever, uterine pain and rapid pulse and it is important to receive treatment to avoid this.

The most common signs of PROM are a gush of water from the vagina or steady leaking, a constant wetness in your underwear no matter how many times you change it.  If you experience any symptoms, check in with your doc or midwife right away.  They can analyze the fluid, check your cervix, even do an ultrasound to see if something is going on.

To learn more about preterm birth, read our fact sheet.

Over 600,000 Bobby Chupete pacifiers have been recalled. The mouthguard is too small and is a choking hazard for  infants and toddlers. The pacifiers are distributed by the Grand World company.

For more information and pictures of the pacifiers, visit the Web site of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Today is Prematurity Awareness Day, and I really wish I had some happy news to report. We just released the second annual Premature Birth Report Card and America scored a depressing “D.” What that means is that every year, we’re failing more than half a million babies.

Each state received its own report card, by the way, and you can find your state’s grade here. No state earned an “A,” and Vermont was the only state that received a “B.” Even though seven states improved their grade, I’m sure you’ll agree we have a long way to go.

You can help in a big way today by blogging about premature birth. And updating your Facebook and Twitter status.  

You never know how many red cars are on the road until you’re driving one yourself.  My darling husband’s colleague told him that the day after our son was born six years ago and the truth of those words have stuck with us ever since.

Birth is supposed to be kisses and hugs.  Family celebrating together.  Harmony.  But for my family it was complete chaos.  Anguish.  Doom.  Tubes and wires, bells and needles – a baby born much too soon struggling to survive in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  When I was only 23-weeks pregnant, I went into pre-term labor and was forced to deliver our Joshua.  He weighed one pound and eleven ounces and was very sick.  Doctors weren’t sure if he would make it.

My life had always been according to plan.  One minute I was having a healthy pregnancy, the next minute I was in pre-term labor.  All of a sudden I was in uncharted territory, completely out of my element, and never more terrified in my life.  I couldn’t grasp how the perfectionist in me failed to produce a perfect baby and a perfect family.  In an instant my life was turned upside down.  I woke up on a roller coaster and it was anything but a thrill ride.  My emotions went from terror – seeing my son for the first time in an isolette, a tiny protoplasmic being through a maze of tubes and tape; to remorse – how could I let this happen?  To sorrow – what does the future hold for my son?  As soon as I finally let go of the shock and denial and accepted Joshua’s situation my maternal instinct kicked in and my deep-rooted family values emerged.  I began a mission – together with my husband – we felt like we had to battle the impossible but we went into full on battle mode and fought harder than we ever fought before.  We wanted our son to have every chance in life.

These days our society is so busy.  Life is oftentimes so trivial.  Many people are just trying to make it through the day.  Our story could happen to any family.  In fact it does.  And that’s when we realized how many other red cars are on the road.

My experience the past six years has been a fascinating study of women and their steadfast role in their family.  Preemie moms are some of the strongest women I know in our society today.  To have to endure something as frightening as your baby faltering on the brink of survival and to watch all the pain he has to suffer to stay alive is a true test.  But my Joshua taught me so much and wow did he enrich not just my life but so many others, too.  And he continues to do so every single day.  I learned how to cope.  I learned how strength oftentimes comes from the unexpected and how in times of great fear you must do the thing you cannot do.  I learned how everything is a state of mind and I can get there by believing that nothing is impossible. 

Follow us as we travel around the country fighting for preemies at Josh Fights for Preemies blog.

By: Melanie Hoffman, 2010 Ambassador Mom

It’s that time of year. I woke up with a sore throat and a headache. Hopefully, it’s just a regular old cold and it passes in a few days. I haven’t been sick since the baby is born.  I guess I’m due. Taking care of a little one is hard enough, but then doing so when you’re not feeling well can be a real drag. Here are some tips on taking care of yourself while taking care of your baby.

• Sleep when the baby sleeps – you need to rest! I know it’s hard when there are things that need to be done around the house, but try it.

• Skip the chores – the laundry isn’t going anywhere. Leave everything until you’re feeling up to it.

• Wash your hands – A LOT! Try to avoid getting others in your house sick. Cough and sneeze into your arm, too.

• Ask for help – ask your partner, family and friends to take turns entertaining the baby and preparing meals. 

• Drink plenty of fluids – keep yourself hydrated. Your body needs  fluids to replenish those being lost due to cold symptoms.

• Breastfeeding – if you’re nursing, continue to do so. The baby will receive antibodies that can protect him from getting sick.

• Keep comfortable – take a shower, put on clean PJs, change your bed linens, crack open a window for some fresh air

• Call your doctor – any time you are concerned about your health or if symptoms linger or get worse. If you’re nursing, ask about the safety of over-the-counter medications.

Feel better soon!

Bacteria have been around for more than 3 billion years and have plenty of practice in fighting antibiotics. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians issued treatment guidelines for middle ear infections that include, in certain cases, delaying prescriptions for antibiotics. There are concerns that the bacteria that cause middle ear infections, or Acute Otitis Media, are becoming resistant to antibiotics. In reality, 80 percent of children with Acute Otitis Media get better without antibiotics. Plus, each antibiotic given to a child can make future infections more difficult to treat. This creates drug-resistant bacteria, which a child can pass along to siblings and classmates. Also, antibiotics can cause diarrhea or vomiting, and up to 5 percent of children are allergic to them. If you have questions about middle ear infections, talk with your pediatrician. For more information on your child’s health, visit www.aap.org.

Thanksgiving is just two weeks away! Where did the time go? Between family get-togethers, holiday gift shopping and my husband’s birthday (which usually falls on or around Thanksgiving), the end of the year feels like one big race to New Year’s. Thankfully, both my and my husband’s families are just a few hours drive from our home. But plenty of my girlfriends are hopping on a plane to see their loved ones.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently strengthened its position on air travel during pregnancy. The organization reassures women that air travel is safe for most pregnant women. So long as a woman’s pregnancy is healthy and free of complications, it’s safe for her to travel by air. Most airlines allow women who are up to 36 weeks in their pregnancy to travel, but it’s a good idea to double check with your air carrier.

If you’re pregnant and plan to travel by air this holiday season, follow these tips (which are helpful for everyone as well):
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing. You may want to wear support stockings.
• When it’s safe to move about the plane’s cabin, take a walk up and down the isle. This can help improve your circulation and avoid the risk of blood clots.
• Stay hydrated, but avoid foods and beverages that may cause gas. Gas in your belly expands at high altitudes, making you feel less comfortable.
• Always wear a seat belt when seated to avoid injury in the case of turbulence.
• When making air travel arrangements, try getting an isle seat so you don’t have to climb over other passengers to go to the bathroom. Also, try sitting towards the front of the plane, where the ride feels smoother.
• If you’re experiencing nausea during pregnancy, you may want to take a preventative anti-nausea medication before getting on the plane. Talk to your health provider about a medication that’s safe during pregnancy.