Muddle Blueberries and mint with lime juice and simple syrup.  Shake over ice.  Top with soda or sprite if you want it sweeter.  Garnish with extra blueberries.

Recipe created for UrbanMommies by Oru Restaurant at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

Photo: Bopomo Pictures.

“While there is plenty of evidence that a mom’s drinking during pregnancy can cause problems for the baby, there is no evidence that the  father’s drinking at the time of conception poses any direct risk. Even if you were drinking just on the night of conception, problems would be unlikely.” Dr. Marjorie Greenfield  www.drspock.com

Experts agree that worrying about alcohol consumption prior to learning of a pregnancy is not productive, and attention should be focused on ensuring a healthy pregnancy now and in the future.

Please also see our articles on breastfeeding and alcohol, prenatal vitamins and conception preparation.

Photo: Waterford

Trying to squeeze back in your pre pregnancy jeans can be a struggle for some. I have found the Plank exercise to be very helpful in getting me back into those Jeans this week!

The plank position will also do wonders for your core muscles which in turn will help protect your back from injuries when hauling your groceries into the house.

I love this exercise because you don’t get sweaty, you can do it in your pajamas, you don’t need any special equipment and most of all you can see results in your abdominal strength within a few days.

Basic Plank position

Step 1: Start by lying face down on the ground. Place your elbows and forearms underneath your chest

Step 2: Lift your hips to form a bridge using your toes and forearms to support yourself.

Step 3: Hold your hips up but keep your back flat. Engage your abdominal muscles. It should feel like someone is pulling your belly button inwards with a string. Hold this position for up to a minute. When I started I could only hold this pose for about 15 seconds until I needed a break. Take a break when you need to and then try again.

Plank with Butt raise

Not as sexy as it sounds.

Step 1: Follow above steps to hold basic plank position

Step 2: Keeping your back flat and legs straight lift your hips into the air.

Step 3: Return to start position and repeat for up to a minute.

I like to use M underneath me as motivation to hold this position longer. I mean you wouldn’t want to squish that much cuteness. L loves to workout with me. She is quite concerned about me wearing my shoes inside and I think I might have to buy an extra workout mat for her to cut down on the tantrums but I still love the company.

I will be doing the plank this week during commercial breaks or when I reheat food in the microwave. How are you going to incorporate exercise in your life this week?

- Stephanie Raposo

Positions for Sex During Pregnancy?

Achy breasts that you don’t want to have jiggle, a lower back that is tender and a bump in the front that might not want to be suspended in mid air might make the woman-on-top position unappealing.  From what I’ve heard.. lying on one’s side while having intercourse allows you to lie on one side with your partner starting at your back (which may feel like your most attractive part during the third trimester).  Standing up can be great, as can straddling.  For more position descriptions click here.

Privacy?  I feel weird about the baby being ‘present’ during sex.

Many women and men feel strange about sex with an unborn baby ‘present’.  Many men worry about bumping the baby in the head, so to speak.  The penis may hit the cervix, which remains closed until the baby is ready to be delivered.  The baby is in the uterus, surrounded by an amniotic sac filled with fluid.  Worries of this sort are normal, but unnecessary.  See Sue Johansen explain this on Talk Sex.

Done? When do you stop having sex while pregnant?

If you have been placed on bedrest or pelvic rest, sex and other activity is a no-no (always discuss with your practitioner).  If you are having a “normal pregnancy” sex is safe during all stages, should you desire to have it.  Make sure you keep the lines of communication with your partner open, and discuss any physical concerns with your doctor or midwife.  Remember that there are many ways that you can express intimacy with your partner without engaging in intercourse.

Orgasm or Labour During Pregnancy.

Can you tell an orgasm from labour?  When a woman has an orgasm she produces oxytocin – a love and bonding hormone.  This is the same hormone that is present during labour (the synthetic form – pitocin – is often used to induce).  The major difference between these two states is that in labour, you feel like a huge rubber band is being tightened around your back and middle, and contractions will emanate from your back.  You will feel the contractions at regular intervals without additional stimulation or activity, unlike most orgasms, which do not continue.  Laura Shanley posts a beautiful synopsis of sensuality while pregnant and gives lovely quotes from literature.

Sex Inducing Labour.

What’s the deal with inducing labour and having sex?  On the list of ‘natural ways to induce labour’ includes dosing the cervix with sperm.  The protstaglandins in semen, coupled with a female orgasm can stimulate contractions.  This does not always work if your body is not ready to go into labour, and many women would rather wash all of the floors in the house instead of having sex in the last month.  Experts seem to agree that sex prompts a woman to relax, and this state of relaxation is always conducive and recommended for labour.

Bleeding and Spotting after Sex.

Some women experience spotting after intercourse.  While this can be normal, you should always call your practitioner for an assessment.  While it could be something very minor, it could also indicate a serious problem.  You are always entitled to check with your doctor or midwife and no concern is ever too small to be addressed.  If this spotting or bleeding is accompanied by cramping and pain, head to the emergency room.  Spotting is very light bleeding (less than the size of a loonie when you wipe with a tissue).  It can vary from red to brown in colour.

Sex Life After Pregnancy.

Most health workers tell you that at 6 weeks postpartum after a vaginal birth, sex may be resumed.  Sorry, but are you kidding?!  If you know anyone who actually had sex after 6 weeks, please comment on this article and we may just have to send a prize.  Most women I’ve met tell their partners that the 2 month mark is a reasonable ‘doctor recommendation’ for resuming of activity.  That’s with a natural birth.  No tearing, no cesarean.  Typically in this case, you would wait at least 8 weeks and discuss with your caregiver before resuming physical activities such as sex.

The Milk. Breastmilk Leaking During Sex.

Did anyone ever mention the whole – getting turned on and then you start lactating thing?  It’s lovely.  Making passionate love to your partner, and you drown him with milk.  Remember that this phenomenon is natural and can be very beautiful for some.  It also can confuse you about your role – you are a woman and sexual being, but have also just become a mother, as evidenced by the white liquid coming our of your body.  Nursing right before intercourse can help, and wearing a bra and breast pads could also make you feel more comfortable.  Remember to be honest with your partner and work on good communication.

As with many things in life, your sexuality will develop and progress over time.  These are all stages, and if you can learn to cherish each one and retain the lessons, your future sex life will be very rich.  Feel free to send a question to our Experts anytime.

- Jill Amery really doesn’t like to talk about sex.  Honest.

The Dangers of H1N1 for Pregnant Women

The Interior Health Authority here in BC published a full report on “Pregnancy and the H1N1 Flu Virus” on September 18th. The report states that the risk to pregnant women is two-fold. First, pregnant women tend to be relatively young and it has been demonstrated that young people are more susceptible to this strain of the flu because they lack an immunity to it that older individuals likely acquired before younger generations were born. Thus although pregnancy itself does not increase one’s chance of contracting the virus, young women (and men) in general are more likely to contract the illness than older people. The second are of risk is in complications: pregnant women are more likely than the average person to experience serious complications if they are infected with the virus. Complications such as pneumonia, severe respiratory illness, early delivery of the baby and miscarriage were listed in the Interior Health Authority’s report. The report goes on to state that women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy are especially at risk and that this elevated risk for complications continues for the first four weeks after a woman has given birth.

So why are pregnant women more likely to have complications from the virus? According to a CTV article published last June (and the doctors quoted in it) it is primarily because pregnant women have weakened immune systems. A weakened immune system is a natural and necessary component of pregnancy because it reduces the likelihood that the mother’s body will reject the developing fetus. However, a weakened immune system also reduces the body’s ability to fight viruses such as H1N1.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that pregnant women see a doctor to discuss prevention of contracting H1N1 and preparations for contraction to reduce the likelihood of serious complications. Pregnant women should see a doctor immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms. Antivirals can safely be administered to pregnant and breastfeeding women, says the Agency, but need to be administered within 48 hours of the onset of the flu-symptoms so it is important to see a physician quickly. The Agency’s full recommendations for pregnant women concerning H1N1 including preventative measures can be found here.

H1N1 Vaccines for Pregnant Women

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated against the H1N1 virus and PHAC is also recommending this. However, there have been reports and rumours that the standard vaccine available in Canada is not safe for pregnant women. According to PHAC, the ingredient of concern in the H1N1 vaccine is called an “adjuvant” which “boosts the individual’s response” to the vaccine. Adjuvants are very useful in vaccination and have been present in vaccines for “several decades.” The following is the PHAC statement regarding adjuvants and pregnancy:

“All evidence suggests that adjuvanted vaccines are just as safe as unadjuvanted vaccines; however there is no safety data for the use of adjuvanted vaccine in pregnant women.  The WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recommended in July that pregnant women should receive non-adjuvanted vaccine where possible, but that an adjuvanted vaccine could be used if necessary.”

As a result of this recommendation, the Canadian government has purchased non-adjuvanated H1N1 vaccines for use in pregnant women and children under 3 years of age. Therefore, if you are pregnant or have a child under the age of 3 and you are interested in getting yourself or your child vaccinated, ask your doctor about the option of the non-adjuvanated H1N1 vaccine.

Do you think you will be getting yourself or anyone in your family vaccinated against H1N1? Let us know in our H1N1 Vaccine poll to the far right of each page of our website.

For more general information about H1N1 please refer to our other articles H1N1 Influenza: What You Need to Know and H1N1: Severity, Vaccines and More News. For more information about H1N1 and the H1N1 vaccine visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s FAQ about the H1N1 Virus or the British Columbia Ministry of Health’s Vaccine Information Sheet which has been updated as of September 28th.

If you are pregnant and planning on taking the vaccine please email us for a cool media opportunity.

-Danica Longair

Eastern Peaches

3 oz Peach puree
1 oz Orgeat (almond syrup)
½ oz Fresh lime juice
Soda top

Shake first three ingredients and strain over cubed ice, top with soda.
www.boneta.ca

See also our Mock-jito and Subtly Sweet Mocktail.

Mock-jito

6-8 Mint leaves
½ oz Fresh lime juice
1 oz Sugar syrup
2 oz Grapefruit juice
Soda top

Build first four ingredients over crushed ice, top with soda.
www.boneta.ca

See also our Eastern Peaches Mocktail and the fabulous Subtly Sweet Mocktail.

Subtly Sweet

3 oz White grape juice
3 oz Organic apple juice
½ oz Honey
½ oz Fresh lemon juice

Shake and strain over cubed ice.
www.boneta.ca

See also the Mock-jito and Eastern Peaches Mocktails.

In British Columbia both midwives and doctors practice under the authority of our B.C. Medical Services Plan. As a BC Care Card holder you may choose to have either a doctor or a midwife deliver your baby. Both practice in our hospitals. Midwives are registered and regulated by the College of Midwives of British Columbia, the BC Health Professions Act, the Midwives Regulation and the CMBC Bylaws. In 1998 BC Midwives became legally recognized as autonomous health care practitioners.

What about pain relief, the coveted epidural? Yup, you still have the choice. The myth of midwives only assisting labour without pain relief is dispelled @ www.bcmidwives.com. “Midwives offer a range of natural and pharmaceutical pain relief options including access to epidurals.”

And finally, what about the risk of a c-section? In the case of an emergency c-section your care is transferred to the medical doctors on duty at the hospital. Or, in the case of a home birth, you’re transported to a nearby hospital. Both your doctor’s treatment and that of your midwife is covered by MSP.

There are certainly circumstances when midwives pass-on high risk pregnancies to physicians early in pregnancy or as complications progress, but did you know that if you are a low risk pregnancy having a midwife as your primary care provider in B.C. actually lowers your chance of having a c-section?

It’s time we become educated regarding our options. Midwives certainly are; educated that is. Midwives are not lay persons. Aspiring midwives can enroll in the full time four year Midwifery Education Program at UBC in an undergraduate program to receive a Bachelor of Midwifery degree from the CMBC (College of Midwives of BC). The BC Midwives’ website provides a number of other schools where midwives train all over the country..

We are, therefore, assured each midwife is educated and works together with medical doctors as needed (pre- and postpartum, as well as during delivery) to give you and your baby the best care possible. Plus, should you choose a midwife, she continues to care for you and your baby until about six weeks postpartum. Visits are in your home at your convenience. Assistance is provided with breast feeding and all the other adjustments pertaining to the arrival of a new baby.

One Victoria mom of two was delighted when her midwife found a herb in her garden to alleviate some breastfeeding problems. The greatful new mom didn’t even know her garden grew such herbs, but the midwife found her way around the garden with ease as she had cared for another woman in the same house years before.

In addition to regulations and extensive training, why does the health care system in BC support midwifery? It makes sense. Midwives are solely dedicated to a mother’s pregnancy, labour and her newborn baby.

How do we fathom what bodies go through while creating new life? Women give birth despite the awareness that the physical process is lengthy, painful and will significantly challenge their bodies (as well as their lives). Yet women choose to become pregnant, to give birth. In what other circumstance is pain received with such purpose?

Medical doctors are medically qualified to care for a woman during pregnancy and labour.  Our health care system ensures that any complications or concerns with pregnancy and labour will be met with ease by our skilled doctors – a very comforting fact for any expecting mother. Pregnancy and labour, however, are more than medical conditions.  Pregnancy and labour involve a transformation of the human body that deserves the dedicated care and attention that midwifery specialists provide.

The BC Midwives Association best describes the care provided by a midwife:

“Registered Midwives in BC offer primary maternity care to healthy pregnant women and their newborn babies from early pregnancy, through labour and birth, until about six weeks postpartum. What does this really mean? Midwives listen, observe, educate, guide and care. They order and interpret tests and discuss results. They screen for physical, psychological, emotional and social health. They are with women during pregnancy, labour and birth, normal and complicated. They catch babies. They do home visits postpartum. They help with breastfeeding and adjusting to life with a new baby. They work together and with other health professionals.

Midwives practice evidence based and woman centered maternity and newborn care and are an established part of the BC health care system.”

The BC midwives website provides a complete list of FAQ’s and answers on their very user friendly website at www.bcmidwives.com.

- Mariapaula Featherston is a Vancouver writer and lover of natural things.  You can find more of her writing at www.mommyknowsbest.com under the Blogger Name: ModernMom.