Pregnancy and illness

Flu vaccination and pregnancy

Women in their 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy should be vaccinated against flu because the function of their hearts and lungs are compromised by the extra burden of pregnancy.

Hypertension and pregnancy

If you're hoping to become pregnant but worried that you or your unborn child may be at risk, here's some reassuring news.

Treat depression in pregnancy

Antidepressants and/or "talk therapy" may be safe treatment options for women battling depression while pregnant, according to new professional guidelines made public this week.

 Gestational diabetes and exercise

Aerobic exercise has immediate and long-term beneficial effects on insulin production and glucose utilisation.

If your appetite has flown with the flu, or with a nasty cold, or a troublemaking tummy bug, you'll need to try a kinder, gentler approach to eating well.

Comfort yourself: Go ahead and soothe those aches and pains the old-fashioned way: Chicken soup for the soul, sinuses, and throat, as well as any foods that make you feel better inside and out. Scrambled eggs, applesauce, hot oatmeal, English muffins, plain pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes are all comforting to you and good for your baby. If it's a stomach bug that's bugging you, start out slowly and think bland, bland, bland (this is the one time when white — as in bread, pasta, and rice — beats whole grain). Stay away from fat in all its forms (have that toast dry, that pasta unbuttered), as well as sugar (which can prolong diarrhea). And don't forget to revisit your old morning sickness pal, ginger, which works just as well when your nausea's triggered by a virus.

Drink up: In the short term, liquids are more important than solids — especially if you're losing them through a fever, a runny nose, vomiting, or diarrhea. Aim for at least one cup an hour, and though any liquid you can get down is better than no liquid, opt for nutritious fluids when possible (chicken broth pureed with well-cooked vegetables, juices, smoothies). Hot beverages will definitely soothe a sore throat, so keep a thermos filled with broth, hot decaffeinated tea, or diluted warm juice  near your bedside. If your tummy's tumbling, consider sucking on ice chips, Popsicles, or rehydration fluid (such as Pedialyte).

See C: Vitamin C is nature's most potent healer, so lay it on yourself in the form of C-rich fruits, vegetables, and juices (but not supplements, unless your practitioner has recommended them). If your tummy's too tender to visit the citrus family, turn to less acidic choices (a mango or papaya, cantaloupe or honeydew, white grape juice that's C fortified). And speaking of vitamins — try to keep up with your one-a-day prenatal habit, but if you can't keep it down, don't worry. You can play nutrient catch-up once you're feeling better.

Go easy: If acidic foods are doing a number on your sore throat or tender tummy, stick to foods that won't cause more irritation. Puree the soup, thin out your hot cereals, and dilute juices for maximum comfort.

Get milk: Don't shelve milk during your cold just because you've heard it's a mucus maker — research has yet to back up that myth. If it seems to make your symptoms (whatever they are) worse, find other sources of calcium to tide you over. But if it doesn't bother you, go ahead and drink up.

Eat smart: Stop colds before they even start — up your intake of fruits and veggies. Studies show that eating at least seven servings of fruits and veggies a day during your pregnancy lowers your risk of developing upper respiratory infections like colds and sinus infections. And don't stop at seven — the Pregnancy Diet recommends nine servings.