Monthly Archives: September 2023

Get Your Flu Shot!

  • Pregnant and postpartum women are at higher risk for severe illness and complications from influenza than women who are not pregnant because of changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy…. Influenza vaccination can be administered at any time during pregnancy, before and during the influenza season. Women who are or will be pregnant during influenza season should receive inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) or recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV).
  • Flu shots have been given to millions of pregnant women over several decades with a good safety record.
  • Pregnant women should get a flu shot; NOT the live attenuated vaccine (LAIV or nasal spray).
  • Postpartum women, even if they are breastfeeding, can receive either type of vaccine.
  • There is a lot of evidence to show that flu shots can be safely given to women during pregnancy. CDC and ACIP recommend that pregnant women get vaccinated during any trimester of their pregnancy.
  • Pregnant women should receive a seasonal flu shot.
    • Influenza is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant and postpartum women than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from influenza.
    • Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by about one-half.
    • Getting a flu shot can reduce a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40 percent.
    • Pregnant women who get a flu shot are also helping to protect their babies from flu illness for the first several months after their birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated.

-Dr. Jennifer Jagoe, courtesy of CDC

Headaches during Pregnancy

More than 40 million people suffer from headaches. Headaches interfere with leisure activities, mood, concentration and daily function. The National Headache Foundation suggests that understanding the type and triggers of a headache can not only guide potential treatment options but also help people make lifestyle changes and efforts to try to  prevent them. 

Headaches during pregnancy can be common in each of the 3 trimesters.  The causes are multiple and need to be evaluated carefully as the causes are varied.  The most common headaches include tension, cluster or migraines. Common triggers include exertion, foods, stress, hunger, anxiety, dehydration, neck strain and poor sleep habits.  Other causes of headaches include medication side effects, changes in hormones and underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure or hypertension.  

First trimester is often a time of altered eating due to hormonal changes which accompany food aversions, heightened sense of smell, nausea and vomiting. It is important for pregnant ladies to avoid long periods of fasting and to limit the risk of dehydration. Pregnant woman who abruptly stop caffeinated beverages may experience headaches as well.  In second trimester, higher levels progesterone, a normal female hormone, can lead to an increase in headaches and are typically self -resolving as the pregnancy progresses.  Viral illness, seasonal allergies sinus congestion, tooth pain, infections and other medical problems may also lead to a headache.

Stretching, reduced computer time, eyeglasses, sunglasses, sleep, rest, massage and exercise all may improve quality of life and lower frequency of head pain.

Acetominophen is the generic name for Tylenol which is both safe and effective as first line treatment for both pain and fever in pregnancy. The maximum amount that adults can take is 4000mg or 4gm orally in divided doses in a hour period. For example:  325mg tabs, taking 2 by mouth with water every 6 hours.

Water alternatives include products such as Gatorade, Propel, Powerade, lemonade, carbonation, decaffeinated tea, shakes, popcicles, smoothies, sugar water, ginger, lemon and lime additives to water may help increase fluid intake so headaches resolve and IV fluids in the acute care setting is not required.

Home remedies are appropriate to try initially; however, if not improved please be sure to seek advice and /or evaluation from your primary care provider or obstetrical medical team.  The first consideration in third trimester of pregnancy is hypertension or high blood pressure.  Pre- eclampsia is more common in the first pregnancy. Prenatal visits are more often in the third trimester so that if problems occur close follow up and early intervention is possible.

You are advised to call our office at 301 468-4900 for headaches or if not feeling well so that blood pressure and symptoms can be evaluated promptly.

-Dr. Jennifer Jagoe

Travel during Pregnancy

Expecting a baby is an exciting and special time. Women feel energized and empowered when they observe miraculous body changes. The body knows exactly what to do and healthy personal choices help support this amazing natural process. Travel is sometimes considered a way to celebrate, however safety and comfort needs can be prioritized if you plan to travel during pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) suggests the best time to travel is between 14-28 weeks. Cruise lines and airplanes caution about having pregnant ladies aboard. Traveling can sometimes cause problems. Be careful about standing too long waiting in line as you may feel faint. If you do feel so, sitting down and having a cold sweet drink can help. Try to avoid carrying too much weight. Travel to other countries later in third trimester can lead to hospitalization or delivery far from home. Seatbelts, of course, are always advised. Long car trips can become complicated when women need to frequently make trips to the bathroom. Water intake requirements increase to approximately a gallon of water a day, preferably from bottles. Once you arrive, try to avoid doing too much physical activity right away. Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun, so wearing a large hat and putting on sunscreen can help. Anticipating hunger and the need for frequent snacks and healthy meals is essential so planning ahead is important. Travel is not always easy. Preparing ahead of time with food, water bottles, sensible footwear and thoughtful creative ideas are required, appropriate and fun.

American popular culture shows us professional athletes competing while pregnant such as the LPGA star golfing at top level tournament in third trimester and the performing artists at the Super Bowl halftime show demonstrate how a woman with an enlarging abdomen and a healthy fetus can gracefully do just about anything. However, sometimes activity modification to prevent a fall, accident or injury in pregnancy is not only medically recommended to optimize outcome but also may be more comfortable. Being able to anticipate common discomforts and to minimize potential complications in pregnancy needs to be carefully considered and is something to discuss with both family and the health care team. If you have an urgent question, you are able to reach us by calling our office even while away from home.

-Dr. Jennifer Jagoe