PREGNANCY WITH FITHS DISEASE

Author: Natron Chango
The Human Parvo Virus B19 Infection is present in almost every place. One of the diseases it produces is called the 'Fifth disease", a common infection experienced during childhood or adolescence. Thus, the National Center for Infectious Diseases has estimated that approximately 50% of all adults have experienced the fifth disease. After recovering from the disease, a person will most likely have developed immunity against further attacks of the B19 parvovirus.

A woman who is pregnant can be attacked by the B19 parvovirus. This occurrence is usually not life-threatening since many pregnant women are already immune to the virus. This immunity will also protect the unborn child. But sometimes, the pregnant woman will be easily fatigued and have mucous discharges from her nose. Aside from this, there are no serious human parvovirus symptoms that could endanger the lives of both mother and child. The B19 was never linked to mental retardation or any birth defects.

But there are a few cases of pregnant women who, after being infected by the B19 parvovirus, suffered miscarriage in the first half of pregnancy. The cause of the miscarriage is the severe anemia that happens to the unborn baby. The National Center for Infectious Diseases estimated these few cases to be about 5% of all B19-infected pregnant women.

If a pregnant woman has been known to be exposed to the B19 parvovirus, she should immediately inform her personal doctor about it. Usually, the physician will perform blood tests in order to know the medical situation of the pregnant woman with regards to the B19 parvovirus infection. The blood test will reveal one of the following:

� The pregnant woman is already immune to the B19 parvovirus and her body is not suffering any infection - This means that she has nothing to worry about the presence of the virus. Her immune system can easily handle the B19 parvovirus.

� The pregnant woman had a recent infection, most probably within the last three months - This means that the pregnancy must be closely monitored. There are no specific steps established to monitor a pregnant woman who recently had a B19 parvovirus infection, but the doctor can perform ultrasound examinations and more blood tests to make sure that the unborn baby is developing as he/she should be.

� The pregnant woman has no B19 parvovirus infection but she has no immunity against it - This means that the woman must avoid exposure to the B19 parvovirus. There is no vaccine yet against the B19 infection.

If the blood results revealed that the pregnant woman has no immunity against the B19 parvovirus infection, and she believes that she has been exposed to this virus, the doctor cannot provide medications to stop the infection. All the doctor and the pregnant woman can do is to weather the infection, which could last for one to two weeks. The unborn baby will be frequently examined for any signs of anemia.

THE BENEFITS OF WATERBIRTHING

Author: Heather Hill
Considerng a waterbirth? Think about it this way.....Wouldn't a peacful and serene birth, with a relaxed and focused mother be a wonderful way to bring a baby into this world? Having a waterbirth is an option for Mom's who want to give birth naturally. Childbirth is such a powerful experience for a woman. But, too often, women totally give up their power and gift of childbirth over to other people to control. Having a waterbirth gives the woman a feeling of empowerment and pride in being able to choose how she delivers her child.

What about what the baby goes through? Just imagine that your little one is as cozy and warm as can be for the past 9 months. You have given that little wonder a warm and secure environment only to have him arrive in a cold, bright and noisy world. That is why waterbirthing is such a beautiful way to bring your little wonder into this world. Imagine the having your baby arrive in a warm, quite, safe and inviting environment where the first touch is your arms. I can't think of a more beautiful way to start a relationship.

The benefits of waterbirthing is so numerous... here are just a few

* ease the pain of labor where only 10% of mom's ask for pain relief

* relaxation of mom

* can faciltate a slow labor

* relaxed pelvic floor

* relieve anxiety

* empowers the mom

* can increase blood circulation

If you decide you want to use water to help you labor, you need to have a few things in mind. The water temperature should be around your body temperature. Be careful when entering the tub and try to enter between contractions. Make sure the tub is large enough so that you can move freely and be able to change positions to what makes you feel comfortable.

Women usually enter the tub when they are about 5-8 cm dilated. Check with your caregiver, but you should not need to worry about infection if your membranes have ruptured, as long as your are following proper hygenics.

The following are some interesting statistics about waterbirths

* The women had shorter labors.

* Cervical dilatation was more efficient- 2.5 centimeters per hour compared with 1.25 centimeters per hour for mothers who did not take advantage of water during their labors.

* The descent of the babies was twice as fast.

* The women reported less pain.

* The cesarean section rate was one-third that of traditional hospital births.

* Mothers labeled "high-risk" because of high blood pressure showed a dramatic reduction in their blood pressure within minutes of immersion in the pool.

(see end note #1)

Whether you decide to just labor in water, or have an actual waterbirth you can still take advantage of what water has to offer.

Waterbirthing can be not only a gentle way to bring your little one into the world, but as you can see, it is also a SAFE alternative. Also, remember that being educated is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself happy and healthy througout your pregnancy.

#1 Sears, William,Martha Sears,and Linda Hughey Holt. The Pregnancy Book. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1997.