CONSIDERATIONS DURING PREGNANCY
IMMUNIZATIONS
Tdap vaccine against pertussis (Whooping Cough) is recommended in every pregnancy, ideally between 27-32 weeks. This vaccine provides protection to infants until they can receive the pertussis vaccine at two months of age. The Tdap vaccine is available for free without a prescription at your pharmacy.
COVID-19 vaccine: Please refer to the COVID-19 vaccination handout regarding the risks and benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant. The Society for Obstetricians and Gynecologists currently recommends th at COVID-19 vaccination should be offered to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Influenza vaccine is recommended during flu season.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
- Multivitamin supplementation is recommended by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada for every pregnancy.
- At least 0.4mg of folic acid daily is recommended before and throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of spina bifida. Your healthcare provider may recommend a higher amount depending on your personal risk assessment.
- 1500-2000 mg of calcium per day is recommended, from diet and a supplement if needed.
- Vitamin D is recommended, 1000-2000 IU daily.
- Iron Deficiency is common in pregnancy, and you may be advised to take supplemental iron.
- Healthy oils, such as fish oil, flax, and other sources of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, are important for fetal development and a healthy pregnancy.
SUBSTANCE USE IN PREGNANCY
Smoking, vaping, alcohol, cannabis, and any other substance use should be avoided in pregnancy and can be harmful to your baby.
We recognize that it can be challenging to reduce or stop smoking or using substances, and that some women will continue to do so during pregnancy. We encourage you to share with us your experiences with substance use, so that we might support you in working towards a healthy pregnancy.
NAUSEA IN PREGNANCY
"Morning sickness" or in some cases "all day sickness" is common, especially in the first 12 weeks. Occasionally it can occur throughout the entire pregnancy.
Some suggestions to control the symptoms are:
- Eat small, frequent meals and eat before you are hungry.
- Drink cold, clear, carbonated beverages such as ginger ale.
- Avoid hot foods, spicy foods, fatty foods, and odorous foods
- Avoid triggers such as offensive odors, heat and being tired
- Eat slowly and avoid lying down after eating
Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. 50mg of Vitamin B6 at bedtime or 25mg of Vitamin B6 three times a day can help. If this doesn't work, a medication called Diclectin can be prescribed to give you relief. Gravol is safe to take. You should seek help if you are vomiting repetitively throughout the day, getting dehydrated (infrequent urine output, dark urine, feeling dizzy when standing), unable to eat or drink for 12hrs or losing weight.
DEPRESSION DURING PREGNANCY
Depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns are very common in pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Please speak to us if you are feeling down or depressed. There are a lot of benefits just from talking about your feelings and there are supports available in our community to help you. There are medications that can be prescribed while pregnant or breastfeeding if needed as well.
Kamloops Mental Health Unit has a perinatal and postpartum depression counselor and psychiatrist available. We can refer you to their services, or you can
self-refer at (250) 377-6500.
