Central California Alliance for Health | Living Healthy | September 2019

7 HEALTHY Prenatal care: The right call for you and your baby With the flu season just around the corner, the time to get your flu vaccine is now, especially if you are pregnant. Pregnant women can become more sick from the flu than women who are not pregnant and are the same age. This is because changes to your immune system during pregnancy increase the risk of flu complications. There is also a higher risk of early labor (early birth) if you get the flu. The flu vaccine not only protects you but your baby too. How? The mother passes antibodies to the baby during pregnancy that continue to protect the baby after birth. It is safe to get the vaccine at any time during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women receive the flu shot instead of the flu nasal spray, as the nasal spray has the live virus. Talk with your doctor for additional information. Adult Alliance members can get the flu vaccine at most pharmacies for free with their member ID card. Sources: cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/pregnant.htm; acog.org/Patients/FAQs/The-Flu-Vaccine-and-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=false How the flu vaccine protects you during pregnancy Babies bring lots of firsts: first kicks, first steps, first words. But before all of that can happen, you’ll need another first: your first prenatal checkup. It’s best to get in touch with your doctor as soon as you think you might be pregnant. That way your doctor can help guide you with your pregnancy and spot— and treat—any problems quickly. But even if you’ve waited to see your doctor, prenatal care is still important. Regular visits can help you have a healthier baby and safer pregnancy. Regular visits are also a chance for you to: ●  ● Find out how to ease pregnancy discomforts like morning sickness or heartburn ●  ● Ask questions about how to stay healthy ●  ● Learn about your baby’s due date and growth ●  ● Get a peek at your baby during an ultrasound exam ●  ● Get tips on coping with stress ●  ● Learn how to stay safe at home and work ●  ● Get help kicking habits such as smoking or drinking Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor personal things, such as how you’re feeling about your pregnancy or if you’re having problems with your partner. Whatever you say is private. Your doctor is there to help you. As an Alliance member, prenatal care is included in your health plan. Call us to help you find a doctor or to set up an appointment for you and your baby. The Alliance offers the Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies (HMHB) program to help pregnant women get early prenatal and postpartum care. The Alliance can connect you with breastfeeding support resources, including lactation consultants and access to breast pumps. You can call the Alliance Health Education Line at (800) 700-3874, ext. 5580 for more information. Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; March of Dimes; Office on Women’s Health