Kerry is RH negative. This means if her baby is RH positive, she could develop antibodies against her babies blood which means her body could “attack” the babies red blood cells and cause RH disease. It is rare that this would happen with her first child, but there is some danger to future children as she may develop these antibodies in this pregnancy and then go on to reject future fetuses that are RH positive. She has been advised to have an Anti-D immunoglobulin shot at 26 weeks. We decided to look into this and there are a lot of things to think about before just taking this, or any, shot.

- First, some versions of this shot have mercury in it. If Kerry decides to take the shot, she will choose a mercury-free version (BayRho and RhoGAM make one).

- Next, the shot is a human blood product. There are always risks of disease associated with this even though it is highly filtered. There are also other side effects such as swelling, inflammation, hives and anaphylactic shock. Furthermore, some studies have indicated that having the injection may affect the immune response of both mother and baby to other foreign substances entering the blood stream.

- Thirdly, after doing some research, the Anti-D immunoglobulin shot is only effective within 72 hours of fetal and maternal blood mixing. Therefore, they recommend you get booster shots throughout your pregnancy. An article on Natural Birth and Baby Care describes it like this:

“The Anti-D shot is only effective within 72 hours of maternal-fetal blood mixing. So even if the injection is given at 28 weeks, it will only help if maternal and fetal blood has mixed 72 hours or less before the injection. The Rhogam manufacturer states that an injection every 12 weeks will maintain a ‘passive immunity,” meaning that theoretically a shot every twelve weeks will protect you in the event of trauma causing your and your baby’s blood to mix. They still recommend a new shot at the time of blood mixing if greater than 15mL of exposure has occurred.”

So, the question is when, if, and how often to take the shot?

We learned that you can take a blood test to see if you are in fact producing the anti-bodies against your baby. This seems like a good first step. Also, it seems like if she were to fall or get into an accident, this would precipitate taking the shot because the chances that maternal and fetal blood have mixed are higher. In general, fetal and maternal blood don’t mix, again, a reason why the risks are relatively low with complications with the first child.

We also learned that you can have your baby tested at birth to see if he or she is RH positive (if the baby is RH negative Kerry won’t have a problem). If the baby is RH positive, then Kerry can take the shot at that time. (This needs to be done within 72 hours after birth)

Also of note, according to the March of Dimes almost all babies born with Rh disease will be cured, but it is still a very serious condition requiring a lot of intensive care — so, again, you have to weigh the pros and cons to receiving this shot. For me, I think I would do the blood testing at every step with the hope of avoiding pre-natal shots. I would consider taking the shot after my child was born if her blood was opposite of mine. But Kerry has to decided this for herself and it is definitely a difficult decision.

You’ve heard it all before, stop drinking, smoking, caffeine and all prescription drugs.  But do you know why?   Here are the answers to those questions and a few more tips to add you your list in starting a healthy family naturally.

1.  Alcohol. When trying to conceive, it’s unclear what, if any, alcohol consumption is okay.  Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked with anovulation (no ovulation), amenorrhea (no periods), and abnormalities with the endometrial lining.  And moderate amounts of alcohol can affect the female hormones and throw off estrogen and progesterone levels.  Many fertility experts advocate avoiding it altogether because of the role it plays in the bodies delicate hormonal balance.  We all know that drinking while pregnant is not a good idea.  The US Surgeon General and the March of Dimes both warn of the problems with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the birth defects associated with it like severe learning disabilities, growth deficiencies, abnormal facial features, and central nervous system disorders.  Furthermore, Babies born to a mom who drinks also have a higher chance of preterm delivery — so avoid alcohol even during the two week wait.

1.    Tampons. With every box of tampons that is opened there is a warning pamphlet inside.  This pamphlet warns about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).  Toxic Shock Syndrome is a bacterial infection that can develop when a woman uses a tampon during her menstrual cycle.  It is natural for the menstrual flow to come out of the body.  Each time you use a tampon you risk developing bacteria, in small amounts, that could affect your reproductive system and make it more difficult to get pregnant.  In fact, in Chinese medicine, they do not believe in using tampons because it stops the flow of “chi” — you are supposed to let the blood out not stop it up with an object. It makes sense if you think about it, let that stuff get out the natural way!

2.    Stop putting caffeine into your body. Okay, you’ve heard this, but have you heard why?  The jury is out on how much caffeine is safe to take when pregnant.  Some doctors tell you to stay away from it completely.  Others will tell you that it is ok in small amounts.  It is known that too much caffeine will cause low birth weight babies.  If you are having infertility problems, you need to be aware of the affect that caffeine has on the body.  Caffeine imitates the flight or fight (stress) hormone (Cortisol).  When trying to get pregnant it is important to keep this hormone in balance.  When the hormone is elevated it blocks the absorption of progesterone.  The two hormones fight for the same receptor site.  Unfortunately the Cortisol will always win out over the progesterone.  Progesterone is a very important hormone when trying to get pregnant.  If you become deficient in progesterone you will either not be able to get pregnant or will have multiple miscarriages.

3.    If you are taking non-life saving medication, stop. Doctors don’t know the affects that medication can have on you, your pregnancy, and your baby.  If it is not necessary for you to take it, don’t.  Medications such as muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories can cause implantation problems or no implantation at all.  These medications include Advil and Ibuprofin.  Tylenol is listed as one of the safe medications to use, but it can damage your kidneys.  If it can affect your kidneys, what is it doing to your baby?  Work very closely with your doctor if you are on life-saving medications (this includes thyroid medications).  They will help to regulate your dose while pregnant.  Please remember that the FDA is currently under fire for approving medications that were suppose to be safe.

4.    Cleanse your body of the excess estrogen that is stored in your bowels. Estrogen dominance is a big problem in women today.  Xenoestrogens can be found in most of your household products, foods, pesticides, makeup, and plastics.  Xenoestroges are man made chemicals that react as estrogen in our bodies.  These estrogens are stored in our body fat and bowels and are reabsorbed in the body.  Too much estrogen and not enough progesterone will cause infertility in woman.  The lack of progesterone will make it difficult if not impossible for a woman to carry a baby to term.

5. Take your Pre-natal vitamins.  If you are not taking a prenatal vitamin, make sure you are taking a good multi-vitamin, folic acid, and a good B-complex vitamin.  The B-Complex vitamin will be important to help regulate your hormones; it acts as a hormonal anchor and it really helps your body naturally get rid of any excess estrogens or xenoestrogens.  Many estrogen dominant woman are B vitamin deficient — so take your B’s (they all help reduce stress!)

i’m really careful about what I put in my body, and i’ve been double careful now that i’m pregnat.  so as with any drug, please talk to your midwife or healthcare provider before taking any herbs.  Herbs are powerful things!

Herbs have been used to aid pregnancy for centuries (if
not longer!)  Here are some with a description of how they are helpful
so you can incorporate them into your regimen.

• Raspberry leaf can be used before, during, and after pregnancy.  It strengthens uterine muscles
  so they work more efficiently during labor and raspberry leaf
  tea has easily assimilated calcium and magnesium in it’s brew which
  helps relieve leg cramps. Rasperry Leaf is also high in iron, so it
  helps prevent anemia which is common in pregnancy, furthermore it soothes an upset stomach so it will help alleviate mild morning
  sickness. Taken after birth, it slows bleeding, helps the uterus
  regain tone, and increases breast milk.
• Nettle leaves are a storehouse of nutrition, with high iron
  and calcium contents, as well as an excellent source of folic
  acid, an essential nutrient during pregnancy. Nettle strengthens
  the kidneys and adrenals, while it relieves fluid retention. Because
  nettle also supports the vascular system, it can prevent varicose
  veins and hemorrhoids. Postpartum, it increases breast milk. Nettle
  tea has a rich, green taste and can be mixed with other herbs.
  Cooked nettle is a mineral-rich substitute for spinach and an
  excellent side dish with a dash of lemon juice and sesame seeds.
  Try substituting nettle in lasagna. Pick it fresh from spring
  until mid summer, but be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin.
  Its nickname is “stinging nettle,” but this sting disappears
  when cooked. Pick extra to freeze and have on hand for the winter
  months.
• Oats, another herb high in calcium and magnesium, builds healthy
  bones and nourishes the nervous system. This is the perfect herb
  to relieve nervous exhaustion and allow for relaxed rest when
  sleep is difficult. An easy way to incorporate the healing power
  of oats, and its high fiber content, is to eat oatmeal cereal
  in the morning, along with oatmeal bread. Oatstraw tea has a mild
  flavor that can be used alone or mixed with other herbs. And a
  warm oatmeal bath is not only relaxing, it softens skin and relieves
  the itch of a growing belly.
• Dandelion root tea increases digestion and promotes bile to
  relieve constipation. It is one of the best herbs for cleansing
  and strengthening the liver, our main detoxifying organ. The liver
  breaks down hormones no longer needed by the body after birth,
  and any drugs that may have been given at birth. Containing calcium
  and iron, roasted dandelion root’s coffee-like flavor, is
  an excellent morning beverage. Add a handful of the fresh leaves,
  high in vitamin A, to other greens in salads. Drink dandelion
  leaf tea if a diuretic is needed to relieve fluid retention. Because
  of its high potassium content, it does not deplete the body of
  this important mineral, as other diuretics are known to do.
• Alfalfa, with its deep root system, contains many essential
  nutrients including trace minerals, chlorophyll and vitamin K,
  a nutrient necessary for blood clotting. Many midwives advise
  drinking mild tasting alfalfa tea or taking alfalfa tablets during
  the last trimester of pregnancy to decrease postpartum bleeding
  or chance of hemorrhaging. Alfalfa also increases breast milk,
  as alfalfa hay is fed daily to milking goats and other dairy animals.