Author name: Diane

For pregnant women, the symptoms of severe aches and pains, high fever, and inability to keep food down due to the flu virus is not an ideal combination with the already exhaustive symptoms of pregnancy. This is why it’s so important for pregnant women to get vaccinated for influenza. The flu vaccine is safe during pregnancy and protects both mother and the baby from the flu and its possible consequences. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of complications from the flu because pregnancy affects their respiratory and immune systems. Pregnant women have a higher chance of being hospitalized with the flu and infections relating to influenza, which can increase their risk of preterm labor and delivery. Health complications from influenza, such as pneumonia, are very serious and can even be deadly. The Good News According to pregnancy experts March of Dimes, it’s not too late to get a flu shot. The flu season typically runs from late October through early March, and many insurance plans cover the vaccinations. Conducting a quick online search for locations in your neighborhood that offer the vaccine should allow you some options, as many pharmacies and grocery stores offer the vaccine  as well. The CDC and FDA are monitoring the safety of seasonal influenza and other vaccines licensed for use in the United States in cooperation with state and local health departments, physicians and other partners. Monitoring the safety of the seasonal flu vaccine in pregnant women is part of this effort. Extra Protection From the Flu Of course, it never hurts to be more cautious during pregnancy when it comes to guarding yourself from the flu and other viruses. Limit contact with others who are sick and wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching others. Make sure not to share dishes, glasses or utensils with anyone to limit exposure to germs. If you do get sick, cough or sneeze into a tissue or an arm, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Practicing healthy habits like getting plenty of sleep, exercise and a healthy diet can also aid in keeping you healthy throughout the flu season. If you have questions or concerns about the flu vaccine during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to ask your physician or advanced practice provider questions during your next appointment.  

When it comes to holiday gift-giving, are you a pro, or could you use a little help? If you have a pregnant woman on your holiday gift list, you might find yourself wondering, “What can I surprise her with that she will truly enjoy? Look no further because we’ve compiled a list of of a few gift ideas that will warm any mom-to-be’s heart. A Comfy Scarf During the colder months, a warm scarf can help shield mama and baby when the growing tummy doesn’t allow for much coverage in a coat. Opt for a longer version that she can layer and wrap around as needed. Spa Services Most pregnant women will melt at the idea of getting a massage. During pregnancy, muscles and bones are stretching and moving, and a massage is a great way to ease some of that all-too-common pain and pressure that carrying a little one puts on the body. Another indulgent option? A facial. Skin problems during pregnancy are also common, and while there are many skincare lines available for pregnant women, nothing beats getting professionally pampered. (And if you’re on a budget, a coupon for an at-home massage can’t be beat. Truly.) A Handmade Gift Basket Nothing says personalized like a gift basket with her favorite chocolate or other sweet treats, some cozy socks, a picture frame to put a photo of her new bundle in, or some at-home indulgences like lotions or creams. A Locket A locket with her latest ultrasound photo is sure to make her sentimental. Once the new baby arrives, she can switch the photo out, and even switch the photos as your baby grows. The Gift of Sleep Tossing and turning due to to insomnia and the inability to get comfortable as your body grows is a pain most pregnant women know. Give her the gift of sleep with a full-size body pillow that will conform to the shape of her body. There are many types available that help prevent sciatica and lower back pain, create a cradle for the growing tummy, and solve other pregnancy sleep problems. She’ll say “Thanks and goodnight,” guaranteed. House Cleaning For most women, the idea of a clean house that they didn’t have to clean themselves is heavenly. No woman in her third trimester (or one with a newborn) is going to excited about cleaning the toilet. Give her the gift a clean house with a gift certificate to a local cleaning service. A Gift for Him (But Really for Her) A humorous book on how to properly treat your pregnant wife. One of our favorite tips from inside: Don’t say, ‘Man, I wish I could just get comfortable.’. Our staff at Cherokee Women’s Health is to provide happy, healthy pregnancies for all our pregnant patients this year. While this list of gift ideas isn’t exhaustive, it might help you brainstorm other ideas for the mom-to-be in your life.

A lot of new moms and dads choose to let their friends and family members know they’re expecting at an event where they know lots of people will be in attendance. Spilling the pregnancy beans can be a lot of fun for both the parents-to-be and the family, and there are a multitude of creative ways to share the news. If you’ve got a new family member (or more!) to announce, here are a couple of fun ways Cherokee Women’s Health found to share the news with your family. Creative Ways to Announce a Pregnancy If you’re the crafty type, print out a photo of your first sonogram and carefully Mod Podge the photo to a puzzle. Once it’s dry, use an x-acto knife to carefully cut around the edges to create a personalized puzzle for your family members to put together! Of course, if you’re less-than-crafty, there are plenty of websites that offer personalized photo puzzles. Get your furry family members involved! Plan a quick photo shoot with your pups or cats and have them sitting next to a sign that says something like “big brother/sister in training”, or with a copy of the iconic What to Expect When You’re Expecting book. Another option – “Baby (your initial here) Guard Dog, reporting for duty (insert due date month and year here).” If you’re not able to spend the holiday with family, announcing a pregnancy or adoption via Google hangouts or Skype is popular. Bonus points if you can video your family’s reaction to save for years to come! Ways to Announce an Adoption If you’re adding a new member of your family via adoption, there are a ton of great ways to announce the news, using many of the same ideas as pregnant couples. Use other props like suitcases or globes in a photoshoot to share an international adoption. Chalkboard signs with sayings like, “Growing in our heart, waiting for you” were popular finds on Pinterest and on online blogs. Design a custom announcement similar to a birth announcement. Modern, classic, vintage or whimsical, there’s something available for everyone.

Nothing is quite as exciting as the first time parents bring a new baby home. All the planning and purchases have finally come to fruition and you can celebrate a new addition to your family. If you have furry members of your family, they may not understand what all the fuss is about, and it’s important to include them and let them know that they have a new person to love. Following is some advice on introducing your pet to a new baby. Preparing Your Pet You can prepare your pet for the new baby’s arrival in a number of ways: If you have friends with new babies or young children, ask them to come over for a visit so you can see how your animals will react around them. Consider how your daily routine will affect your pets, begin to change your routine accordingly. Things includes things like walks, feeding times, and outings to the park. If you have a cat, make sure their nails are trimmed regularly. Additionally, many cats love snuggling up in a crib or bassinet, so make sure to keep the nursery room door closed. As you begin to assemble your nursery, let your animals get familiar with smells associated with a new baby — diaper cream, baby powder, and lotion — so they’re already familiar with these scents before bringing your little one home. Create a space for your pets that’s off-limits for baby. They need their own space too, especially once your little ones are mobile. After Baby is Born Many experts agree that bringing home an article of clothing or blanket that smells like your newborn is a great way to introduce the scent of your new baby. Having mom walk in first to greet your animal(s) is recommended, as your pets will be excited to see you after your visit in the hospital. Talk to them calmly and have treats nearby if you can. Have Dad or another family member bring baby inside and keep your dog on a leash in case you need to pull him away . Once your dog seems calm and isn’t showing any signs of aggressive behavior,  you can slowly allow him to see and sniff — but not lick — the new baby. In the following weeks, watch out for any signs of jealousy or aggression. If you can, take some time with your pet just the two of you so that he knows that you’re not replacing him. If your pet begins to show any unwanted behavior, address it with a firm “no” and be sure to reward all positive behavior. Pets can be a wonderful addition to any family and when introduced to a new baby properly, and can have an amazing connection with them. This article is a great resource for introducing baby to pets.