It is normal for mothers-to-be to feel uneasy taking medications while pregnant. However, if a pregnant woman has asthma, it is especially important that her asthma is well- controlled not only for her own health but also for the health and development of her unborn child. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss your asthma with your doctor so your airways can be stabilized and appropriate medications prescribed.

If anyone smokes near you, you will be exposed to secondhand smoke. People exposed to secondhand smoke face the same dangers as smokers themselves. As such, you will inhale the same poisonous gases and thousands of toxic chemicals found in the tobacco smoke, making it dangerous for you and your baby. Babies born to non-smoking mothers who are exposed to secondhand smoke are likely to weigh less at birth than those born to mothers who are not exposed.

In many states, the baby must be born alive for its death to be the subject of a wrongful death lawsuit. This is not always the case, however. In some states, the fetus must have been viable (able to live outside the mother's womb) even though it was not born; in other states, viability is not an issue. Because the law varies so much from state to state, it is wise to consult an attorney who knows the laws in your area.

Yes. If the mother is having her first outbreak during pregnancy, there is a risk the baby may contract the virus. If it is not the first outbreak, there is less of a chance.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her baby; through the blood vessels in the placenta, the mother?s blood supplies the developing baby with nourishment and oxygen. If the mother drinks alcohol, the alcohol enters her blood stream and then, through the placenta, enters the blood supply of the growing baby. Alcohol is a teratogen, a substance known to be toxic to human development.

Herpes can be passed on to your baby during birth if you are having an active outbreak. There is also a slight risk of passing on the virus during birth through asymptomatic shedding. If a baby contracts the herpes virus during birth there is a risk of brain damage and even death in rare cases. However this does not mean that you cannot have children or have a natural birth.

Yes. Prenatal testing can be done using either chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis (see 6.4).

While atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is associated with asthma and other atopic disorders, it does not directly cause them, and people with atopic dermatitis do not always develop other atopic conditions. However, a link exists between eczema and asthma. One study found that 46% of boys and girls with asthma also had eczema.

It depends. Asthma usually gets much better in adolescence, so a child with mild asthma might have no symptoms as a teenager, and a child with serious asthma symptoms will have fewer problems as a teenager. However, in many cases the child's lungs may still be inflamed, as shown on lung function tests. In these cases, asthma may return in later life, usually in the 30's or 40's. Experts don't know why that is.

It is best to avoid caffeine during pregnancy as it can affect your baby's birthweight. Try to steer clear of coffee, tea, chocolate and cola and instead opt for herbal teas or fresh juices. However many experts say it is safe to have a small amount of caffeine (one cup of coffee a day).

No share certificates can only legally be owned by a living person. The moment the child is born you may purchase the share.

No. Per federal regulations, financial securities (such as stocks) may only be registered to persons already born. However, a Gift Announcement can be printed today, and presented when the baby is born.

Over-the-counter drugs such as Primatene mist should NOT be used on a regular basis. That is what killed a young model not too long ago - she used too much Primatene. See your doctor.

Bronchodilators are taken on a need to only basis according to British Thoracic Association guidelines. If during the course you get a reduction in symptoms then you simply reduce the amount of bronchodilator accordingly. Steroids should never be stopped unless under the guidance of your doctor, who when the time comes will be very happy to reduce/stop drugs you no longer need.

There are many reasons for a child to develop asthma. Sometimes it "runs in families" - similar to allergies and eczema. When children are exposed to second-hand smoke, they are more likely to develop asthma. Some studies show that certain viral infections in infancy (such as RSV) increase the risk of asthma later in life. The effect of irritants such as pollution, smoke and fumes, etc. is unclear, but some or all may cause a child to develop asthma.

If you are not a smoker the answer is: We don't know how to prevent asthma yet. If you are a smoker the answer is: YES. Smoking by parents or caregivers is definitely associated with asthma in children. Provide a smoke-free environment for your child (it is not enough to smoke outside).

While some children's asthma symptoms do seem to improve with time, most children with asthma do not outgrow it. Asthma attacks are triggered by a variety of things. It is important to learn what triggers your child's asthma as this may enable you to help prevent attacks. In children, the most common triggers are exposure to cigarette smoke, colds and infections, and environmental allergies (dust, pollens, pets).

Listed below are symptoms that could indicate your child is developing or has asthma. However, the diagnosis of asthma is done by a healthcare provider in three ways: medical history, physical exam and lung function test.

In terms of the environment, removing a "trigger" from the child's environment can often do wonders. For example, even though a child can survive the presence of a cat by inhaling steroids to control asthma, he or she would be far better off if the cat went to another home. Generally speaking, the more "triggers" you can remove, and the less medicine your child has to take as a result, the better he or she will be.

CRI is not aware of any published scientific research demonstrating a link between carpet and asthma or allergies. Look for green label carpets and cushions, plan for good ventilation during the installation process and plan for routine vacuuming with a green label vacuum. We are not aware that any particular product is better than any other.

Answer: Yes, the asthma inhaler is the only medication that can be kept with the student. All other medications must be kept in the office. The parent will still need to sign the Medication Administration Release Form in the office.

Yes, but the risk appears very low. Doctors need more long term, controlled studies to determine ways that Lyme disease can effect the fetus or newborn. Pregnant mothers should contact their obstetrician for further information.

When you inhale tobacco smoke you are putting over 4,000 chemicals into your body including carbon monoxide ? a poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide gets into your blood stream and cuts down the oxygen reaching your baby. Babies who don't get enough oxygen can be born smaller and weaker, as oxygen helps babies grow.

Answer: Many drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter products, can interfere with your diabetes control. Some drugs can increase your blood sugar, while others can lower your blood sugar too much. If you take certain types of blood pressure medications, you may not notice symptoms of a low blood sugar, except for sweating. If you take medication for high blood pressure, discuss this with your doctor.

Yes, ELGER™ can safely be used with your prescription medications. Please consult your doctor should you have any concerns.

No. Mediations used for asthma are not addictive. Be sure to take your medications as directed and let your health care provider know if you are having trouble taking your medications.

Variant CJD is a relatively new disease, and knowledge about it is limited. However, to date there is no evidence that transmission of variant CJD from a mother to her unborn child or through breast milk has occurred in people with variant CJD.

Yes. The unborn child is counted as a household member and consequently increases the amount of income the family can have.

Wrongful death of an unborn child cases are cases when an unborn child dies in a mother's uterus. When an investigation reveals the factual reason for death of an unborn child, it is possible for a family to sue against those liable for such death. For example, if a child dies in a tractor-trailer accident and the truck driver is at fault for the accident then the family of an unborn child can bring a case in court against that driver and the trucking company.

When finding out about an unplanned pregnancy you will go through a lot of different emotions. You may not know exactly what to feel or how to express those feelings. Sometimes you may even convince yourself to deny the pregnancy completely. This is somewhat normal when trying to decide what to do about an unplanned pregnancy. Your counselor will be able to help you sort through your emotions and figure out what to do.