1)    Beg, Borrow and Steal!  Ok, maybe don’t steal but come as close as is legally possible.  Ask friends, family and even friends of family if they have any maternity clothes they would like to donate to your cause.  You’d be surprised how many people have stellar finds stashed away in their closets!

2)    Thrift stores and consignment stores carry maternity clothes, too!  Since most women only wear maternity clothes for a short period of time, they’ll not only be cheap, but they’ll likely be in great condition!

3)    Look online.  Sites like craigslist, ebay, and freecycle are a great place to start.

4)    Never underestimate the value of an elastic band.  A tiny elastic band can extend the longevity of your favorite pants.  Simply loop it through the button hole, attach to the button, cover with a long shirt and voila!  You’re ready to take on the day!

5)    Invest in one or two good pairs of yoga pants.  Trust me, you’ll want to wear these every. single. day. of your pregnancy.  They’ll be worth the expense in the long run.  Some yoga pants are even dressy looking enough to take you through a semi-formal workday.

6)    Take advantage of current fashion trends.  Luckily, a lot of the current trends are leaning towards long shirts and a layered look.  Purchase a couple neutral colored tank tops or shirts and wear them underneath any other shirts you already own.  Buy bigger than you think you’ll need because you’ll likely outgrow it sooner than expected.

7)    Avoid maternity stores as long as possible.  As soon as you step foot into a maternity clothing store, you’ll be inundated with cute clothes.  Resist the urge to buy things until you are absolutely desperate for them.  You have no way of predicting how big your belly will get so buying ahead of time will likely leave you with a bunch of clothes you’ll never wear.  Also, remember that anything from a maternity store will cost more than clothes from a regular store, simply because they are “maternity clothes”.  Better to buy regular clothes just in a few sizes bigger than usual.

8)    Sweatshirts rock!!  Big, baggy ones in particular!  Since they’re already oversized, they can cover your growing belly for an extended period of time.  Cardigans can also do the trick, just don’t zip them up.

9)    Don’t buy a maternity / nursing bra until after you give birth.  Your breasts will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy.  Maternity bras are typically expensive so buying one in the wrong size would be wasteful.  Stick to cheaper regular bras in a bigger size until you’re sure your breasts have adjusted to the milk production.

10) If you’re going to splurge, splurge on an outfit that makes you feel particularly pretty (and hit the sales).  You’ll need a pick-me-up at some point during your pregnancy and nothing boosts your confidence more than a cute little outfit that makes you feel good about yourself.

- Lauren

Photo: Lavish by Heidi Klum for A Pea in the Pod (sale item).

1. Make sure you get dressed and put on lip gloss every day. It’s a slippery slope.
2. Evaluate your email address. Recently we’ve gotten job applications from ‘sexyfox’, ‘jennluvs69’, and maria1977. Do you think your private life and your age should really be out there for all to see? You are a mom now, woman.
3. Get a sexy pair of flat, rubber-soled shoes or boots.
4. Make sure your bra fits.
5. Ensure your wardrobe includes a killer black dress, a white blouse, and a nice belt.
6. Throw away all socks with holes, hose with runs, dead lipsticks, pilled sweaters and stained t-shirts. Oh, college sweats too. I bet Stacy London’s list would be even longer but we can start with these.
7. Find out what your husband/partner finds attractive as sleepwear, and make sure you have some.
8. Don’t put on something that has spit-up on it. EVEN TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE.
9. Keep a few garbage bags in the car so you can toss the trash each time you think of it. Someone tweeted us recently that sprouts were growing in their car. Ick.
10. Get a good diaper bag/purse that makes you smile and shows your style. It will be with you for longer than you can imagine.

- Jill Amery is a grownup.

Ready to get started? We’ve included a sample workout for you to try. Feel free to get creative and modify it for your enjoyment.

Warm Up – Stand in front of your baby and roll your head from shoulder to shoulder. Always do head “rolls” in the front, never the back.  After a few of those, do some shoulder rolls. Roll out any kinks and tension you might have in your body.  Walk gently for 5 minutes or so to get the blood flowing.  Stop for a quick stretch (a longer stretch should be done after you workout).

Get Moving – The walk is where you will get your cardiovascular workout. Always walk with good posture. Your shoulders should be dropped, your arms relaxed and your wrists in neutral position as you push the stroller. Your abdominal muscles should be pulled in at all times. Make sure you’re not holding your breath though. Your stride should be nice and long. Use your glutes and your thighs in every step. Try to vary your intensity by changing your stride and your speed.

Resistance – To give you a total body workout, we want to start reshaping those muscles. You can stop during your walk every 5 minutes or so for a body toning “station”. Following are some sample strength training exercises:

Squat – Begin in a standing position – either behind your stroller with hands on your the handlebars or in front of your stroller facing your baby (picture shown) .  Feet are about hips width apart, feet and knees are facing forward. Sit down as if reaching for a seat and then squeeze your glutes and thighs to bring yourself back to the starting standing position. Be careful not to go so low as to put stress on your knees.  You can push the stroller out as you sit and pull it back in as you come up (optional)

Lunge – Stand behind your stroller with hands on handlebars. Step forward with your right leg in a huge stride. The stroller will move forward as you move forward. Bend your right knee to a 90 degree angle, so that your right thigh is parallel to the ground. Aim to get you left knee close to the ground.  Keep your torso upright, with your hips and shoulders facing forward. Walk forward with these exaggerated strides alternating legs. (picture shown)

Side Squat Walk – This time have your right side facing the stroller. With the right hand on the stroller, take a large step to the right. Squat down as we did before. This time, you’re working more inner thighs. As you come up, pull the left leg in to meet the right. Each squat down is another side step. After about 10 repetitions, do the other side.

Ab Pull – Again, have your right side facing the stroller. Standing still, use the right hand to push the stroller away, while reaching overhead with the left arm. Use your abs on the left side to pull the stroller back. Focus on pulling the ribs to hips. After 10 repetitions, do the other side.

Push Ups – Find a bench or use the railing of the seawall to do your modified push up. Your hands should be about shoulder width apart. Your torso should stay straight as you lower your chest down and push back up. Do not lock your elbows in the up position.  To up the intensitly on this exercise, bring your hands in close together.

Dips – Have a seat at a park table or bench. Put your hands on either side of you with your fingers coming off the bench. Bring your body off the bench with your legs at about a right angle on the ground. Lower your body down by bending your arms, without letting your shoulders rise to your ears. The work should be felt in your triceps (the upper part of the back of your arm). Push back up. This is one rep.

These are just a few of the many exercises that can be done with your stroller and with your baby. For more ideas, go to www.strollerstrides.com.

The below checklist is as a guideline to help you think about what you need for the arrival of your new baby.  All stores and registries say you will need all of the below, but ultimately what you need depends on how much space you have, and how much money you want to spend.  Newborns grow so fast and may not take to some of the gadgets and gear you have purchased.  If you can borrow some of the items from friends to test out or use for those few short weeks that your baby is interested in it, I highly recommend it.

Furniture
Bassinet
Crib
Crib mattress
Crib bedding set
Waterproof crib pads
Blankets
Change table
Dresser
Glider or Rocking chair
Highchair

Room Décor
Mobile for the crib
Monitors
Lamp or dimmer
Night light
Wall décor (wall stickers, pictures, etc.)

Layette
Receiving blankets (6 or more)
Lap pads or burp cloths
Swaddling blanket
Undershirts kimono style (6 or more)
Onesies (snap at crotch, 6 or more)
Hats
Socks
Sleep sack
Sleepers
All in one sleepers
Booties/shoes
Baby detergent

Out and About
Stroller
Car seat
Infant carrier
Stroller blanket
Rain cover
Sun cover
Diaper bag
Baby Carrier

Playtime
Plack and Play
Swing
Bouncy chair
Doorway jumper
Gymini/Activity mat
Books
Plush toys
Rattle
Crib toys
Bumbo seat

Diaper Station
Disposable diapers and/or cloth diapers
Waterproof pants (for cloth diapers)
Changing pad
Changing pad covers (1-2)
Baby wipes
Baby cream (diaper rash)
Baby lotion
Diaper pail

Feeding (bottle)
Bibs (6 or more)
Bottles 4oz (2-4)
Bottles 8oz (4-6)
Nipples
Bottle brush
Nipple brush
Bottle warmer
Sterilizer kit
Nursing pillow

Feeding (breast)
Breastpump
Nursing pads
Bottles 4oz (2-4)
Lily Padz
Bibs (4 or more)
Nursing pillow
Lanolin nipple cream

Bathtime and safety
Bathtub
Bath thermometer
Washcloths (4-8)
Hooded towels (2-4)
Bath toys
Baby shampoo and bubbles
Brush and comb
Nasal aspirator
Thermometer
Nail clippers
Safety scissors
Cabinet locks
Vaporizer

See our fav belly products for some other hints.

- Dr. Linda Ducholke, a mother of two, has been a successful Family Practitioner with Obstetrical privileges for the past 20 years. The main focus and passion of her practice is obstetrics and childcare.

A. Not only is it acceptable but it is also encouraged. Registering helps your family and friends make sure that they are purchasing what you need. It’s safe to say the last thing you want to deal with after you’ve had your baby is to drive all over your city exchanging your gifts because you’ve received 4 ear thermometers.  Register for everything that you want and need, even the big items.   It is very common for guests to go in as a group on a present.

Shopping online is an easy way for others to get presents.  See our Little Black Book for online shopping options.

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.

Remember that even if you’re planning a home birth, if there is an emergency you may end up at the hospital. So no matter where you are planning to give birth, packing a bag for the hospital is a good idea. It’s a good idea to review what services are available and what rules and restrictions are enforced at the hospital you choose well ahead of time. You may be expecting all of your relatives to be allowed to be there the whole time you are there and then find out at the last minute that visiting hours and numbers are restricted. The more you know about your hospital, the less you’ll need to be learning when you don’t really have time for details like parking rules.

Hospitals are often low on space for personal effects and they may be moving you from one room to the next to the next so it may be a good idea to limit what you bring. Pregnancy Today recommends packing two bags: one for labour and one for the hospital room. You can leave the hospital room bag in the car and have your birthing partner bring it in when you are moved to your room after the birth. A final packing tip is to have the bag(s) already in the car so you don’t need to find it or forget it when your water breaks!

Before you start packing, it’s good to investigate what the hospital provides and what they allow you to bring with you. For example, if they do not have hospital gowns specifically designed for nursing moms, UrbanMommies CEO Jill Amery recommends you bring a favourite sarong to wrap around yourself when nursing the newborn. Also, if anything goes and you have a private room, the personal touches you could bring to your hospital room are endless. Anything that would make you feel more at home would be good to bring to a hospital that allows it.

Essentials

• Your health card, medical insurance cards, ID and anything else you will need along that line.
• Your birth plan if you have one and any birthing information you might need.
• Your hairbrush, toothbrush and favourite toothpaste. Lip balm and your skin care regimen in case you have the time for them. Any other toiletries or cosmetics you might need. Pregnancy Today points out that after the messy, sweaty birth, feeling fresh and clean from a shower and all your regular hygiene routine items may help you feel better. Make sure to leave scented products at home because hospitals are fragrance-free zones due to allergies.
• Hair elastics and headbands for keeping your hair out of the way should you want to.
• Water bottles for yourself and your birthing partner.
• Camera or video camera. Make sure you have an extra battery, plenty of film or a large SD card, the charger and the camera is all ready to go. The last thing you want is to run out of battery power or space for pictures. Have a friend back-up pictures as quickly as possible so you don’t lose them all should the camera or SD card disappear. Check with the hospital to see if video cameras are allowed in the delivery room. You don’t want to be disappointed at the last minute.
• Nursing bra and Maternity underwear. Baby may be out but you’ll still need those comfy pregnancy panties.
• Maxi pads good for heavy flow after the birth. The hospital will provide them, but they may not be the most comfortable so bring your favourite brand.
• A bit of money for the payphone, vending machines, cafeteria and gift store for that snack or magazine.
• A towel and wash cloths. Your favourite fluffy towel will be more appealing than the icky hospital one. Bright coloured ones are better for distinguishing them from hospital ones.
• Phone list. Cell phones are not allowed to be used in hospitals so make sure and write down the numbers for new grandparents and new aunts and uncles of all types.
• A watch or stop-watch to time contractions.
• Ear plugs. You don’t want to hear other mothers giving birth when you’re about to. Trust us.
• Cultural items. If there are any cultural items for cultural or religious rituals before, during or after birth or for the newborn and they are OK with the hospital, be sure to bring them. For example, Chinese women eat a special soup made of preserved eggs after they have given birth.

Personal Touches

• Your favourite pillow and blanket to make you more comfortable. BC Women’s Hospital says it’s a good idea for them to be easily distinguishable from the drab hospital ones so you know what’s yours and what’s not.
• Comfy clothes to wear before and after the birth such as sleep wear or yoga wear. Remember that birth (and babies) is messy so don’t bring anything you mind getting stained and bring lots of extras to avoid having to have them laundered. Also remember that you’re not going to suddenly shrink to your pre-pregnancy size and weight, so bring things that will fit you well.
• Socks and Slippers for chilly feet. Be sure they’re suitable for slippery hospital floors.
• A Housecoat for before and after the birth. One comfortable for any temperature might be advisable because you won’t know how warm or cool the hospital is.
• Your iPod. Listening to your favourite music may be rather relaxing for you. Bringing an iPod dock or CD player might appeal to you, but be aware that others in the hospital may need quiet or may not share your taste in music. Also, many hospitals don’t allow you to use their electrical outlets. So headphones and battery-operated electronics are best. If you want your newborn to hear a certain song when they enter the world, his tiny ears will not like headphones, so check with hospital staff if music is OK. Also be aware that many hospitals are not secure so electronics may go missing…
• Your favourite treats. This is a tip from our CEO (and labour survivor) Jill Amery. Bring in your favourite sweet and savoury treats such as chocolates and cheeses. You can even bring in things you couldn’t eat while pregnant but are safe for breastfeeding to indulge in after the birth.
• A favourite game. Do you and your birthing partner have a favourite game that you play? It may come in handy if there are slow periods in the hospital before the birth.

For Labour

• Something comfy and comforting but disposable to wear during labour. A T-shirt or nightgown would be good, just be prepared for it to get stained.
• Distraction is a great remedy for pain. You may want to be fully present in every moment of the labour but if that labour goes on for hours, you may feel yourself wanting a break. Consider bringing in a favourite DVD: something that is your movie or television equivalent to comfort food. Personal DVD players are pretty reasonably priced these days and might come in handy with your child later on (they’re great for road and plane trips). If it’s out of your budget, check with the hospital to see if they have DVD players and TVs available to borrow or rent.
• Popsicles, lollipops and other food and drinks for energy and comfort. Check with your doctor about what you can eat and drink during labour.
• Massage oil or lotions for sore muscles and other massage tools. Again, leave scented products at home because hospitals are fragrance-free zones due to allergies.
• Mini-fan or water spritzer to cool down with.
• A focal point. This is an item–such as a photograph or painting or other object–that you can focus on during labour that may make it a little easier.

For Baby

• Newborn Carseat. You will definitely need a carseat for the ride home. This may be more important than anything else on this list. Shopping for a safe one is something that should be done well ahead of time and you should have it safely and securely installed in your car well in advance so that you’re not scrambling with instructions at the last minute. Pregnancy Today puts it simply: “You can’t take your baby home without one, so don’t forget it!”
• A baby name book. Baby needs a name and when you finally see her the name you’ve picked out may no longer fit.
• Bring some diapers to take Baby home in in case the hospital doesn’t provide one. If you’ve already decided on a non-disposable diapering method, it’s never too early to start. It will be easier if your diaper bag with everything you need will be already to go so you can practice using everything at the hospital and have everything for the ride home.
• A hat and socks for chilly baby feet. Baby is used to being warm in your womb so the world is pretty cold for her at first.
• Onesies for Baby to wear and be warm and cozy. Make sure all clothing for Baby for the first little while is super comfy. Remember Baby has never worn clothes before so it’s nice to ease her in.
• Jacket or winter-suit for the ride home if Baby will be born during cold weather.
• A cute little outfit for pictures. If you bring a frilly pink dress with bows and lace, just be prepared to scramble if Baby arrives with some extra body parts.
• A blanket. Many babies and young children have a favourite blanket and it is usually the one they’ve had the longest. Choose a blanket wisely. Is it soft but durable and easily washable? Is it good for comforting Baby in warm and cold weather? Perhaps the blanket was a baby shower gift or was made by your mother.
• A soft baby carrier or sling. This recommendation comes from BC Women’s Hospital.
• Your baby book. You may want to have Baby’s feet printed for keepsake purposes or want to have your baby book handy for other reasons.

For Your Birthing Partner

• Pillow and blanket if they are staying with you overnight. An air mattress may even be required. Check with the hospital.
• Comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Toiletries.
• Books and magazines.
• Snacks. There may not be time to leave Mom to go grab a bite to eat or something to drink.
• Swimwear in case Mom needs to use the birth-pool or bathtub during labour and you need to join her.

For After the Birth

• Bring your favourite portable hobby in case you’ll need to pass the time during a hospital stay when Baby is in the nursery. Knitting, cards or a book are good examples.
• Maternity and breast pads.
• Prune juice, raisins, nuts, or whole grain foods to keep you regular. Lower abdominal surgery such as a C-Section can cause constipation and Pregnancy Today points out that hospital food can also cause constipation.
• Something to wear home. Baby may be out but your tummy will still be bulging so you’ll still need to wear maternity clothes, probably from the 6-months-along stage of the pregnancy.
• Finally, Pregnancy Today recommends bringing “Something for celebration!” Champagne may be allowed but a non-alcoholic alternative may be preferred. Other things that the hospital allows for celebration might be desired. But remember those “It’s a Boy” cigars will have to be smoked outside!

Be aware that hospitals are sadly not the most secure places these days. Just recently a woman who gave birth to a premature baby in Nanaimo, BC had her engagement and wedding rings stolen from her hospital room. Some hospital rooms have little lockers so check and see if your hospital has them. You could rely on relatives to watch your valuables, but they may be distracted by watching that beautiful baby. So here’s a list of things to consider leaving at home:

• Valuable or sentimental jewelry including your engagement and wedding rings.
• Your wallet with the exception of your medical cards.
• Your cell phone. Remember cell phones are not allowed to be used in hospitals so you might as well leave it at home. You can write down important numbers and bring that with you.
• Any other valuables.

-Danica Longair

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