Okay, maybe not a million. But the number of tests you'll be offered from now until the end of your pregnancy is enough to make any mama's head spin. These days, we can screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome; we can detect genetic conditions from Tay-Sachs disease to cystic fibrosis. We've got blood tests and DNA screenings. We've got ultrasounds and placenta samples. And that's just during the first trimester.
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If you're pregnant during flu season (October through April...aka now)- your midwife or doctor may suggest getting the flu shot, and she won't be alone. Virtually every major medical organization, including the CDC, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the ACNM recommends the flu vaccine for mamas-to-be. However, vaccines of all kinds are controversial and not all mamas believe in them. There are definitely arguments for both sides.... CLICK PHOTO TO READ UP ABOUT WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Group B Streptococcus (aka Group B Strep or GBS) is a particular type of bacteria- not the same bacteria that causes strep throat, by the way- that exists naturally in the intestinal tract, urinary tract, vagina, and/or rectum. Roughly 25% of women are carriers, although the bacteria may come and go, almost always without triggering any symptoms or health issues.... CLICK PHOTO TO READ ARTICLE
Just about everybody’s grandmother had the same basic prescription for treating a cold or the flu: drink plenty of fluids (staying hydrated is even more important during pregnancy, btw), get plenty of rest, sip some homemade broth or chicken soup, and up your intake of vitamin C to give the immune system a much-needed boost.
While those are all great- and important- first steps, that advice is also a little, well, basic. Knock out a cold or flu quickly with the following turbo charged remedies.
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