VMC Infomail Newsletter: Pregnancy and Infant Loss

I wanted to share this because it starts with pregnancy loss statistics, mentioning stillborn births and miscarriages.  Sheri and I have gone through both of these, and it is not fun.  I have heard of others going through the same thing.  I feel for them.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Unfortunately, pregnancy loss is not that uncommon, but, it is rarely talked about. An estimated 1 in every 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage and stillbirth affects 1 in 160 pregnancies.  Ronald Reagan declared October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month on October 25, 1988. "When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them.  This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world.  It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes.” 

Many pregnancy losses cannot be prevented, but, there are recommendations made by the American Medical Association to help encourage a healthy pregnancy:

-          Avoid Alcohol

-          Stop smoking

-          Don’t take illicit drugs while pregnant  

-          Talk to your doctor about which medications are safe to take during pregnancy

-          Take folic acid before and during pregnancy

-          Maintain a healthy diet and weight when possible

-          Attend all pre-natal medical appointments

-          Monitor your baby’s movements through kick counts.

More information regarding kick counts can be found at http://americanpregnancy.org/while-pregnant/kick-counts/

Pamphlet review: 10 Best Reasons Not to Smoke While You're Pregnant

A summary of the 10 reasons
1. You can do it, many women stop smoking before pregnancy or after getting pregnant.
2. If you quit, your baby does too!  The chemicals from cigarettes get to the baby.  Stopping allows more oxygen and nutrients to get to your baby.
3. You'll have a healthier pregnancy.  Women who smoke have higher incidence of miscarriage, bleeding and premature birth.
4. Your pregnancy may be easier.  Quitting means you can breathe easier, will have more energy, and better taste.
5. You baby will be a healthier weight.  If you quite your baby will more likely be healthy.
6. Risk of SIDS will be lower.  Not smoking during pregnancy decreases the risk of SIDS after the baby is born, and of stillborn birth.
7. Your breast milk will be free of chemicals.  Chemicals from cigarettes in breast milk can cause restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea.  It can also reduce the supply of breast milk.
8. You'll protect your baby from second hand smoke.  Quitting means your baby will be less likely to get sick, less likely to have colds, bronchitis, ear infections and asthma.
9. You'll live to see your child grow.  Quitting will reduce your own risk of cancer, hear disease and other illnesses.
10. Tips for quitting: throw out cigarettes, pick a day, drink more water, keep your hands busy.  If you can't stop, cut back.  Think of your baby.  Remember 1-800-NOBUTTS.