Yearly Flu vaccine is highly encouraged for all pregnant women. A recent study revealed that women who were vaccinated in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, their babies were significantly less likely to get the flu, and the babies' blood showed evidence of antibodies to the flu. This study adds to the literature that vaccination in pregnancy is a "two for" because of the protection that it affords to infants younger than 6 months old who are vulnerable to influenza but not eligible for immunization. Please also note flu vaccination takes two weeks to become effective and lasts from six to eight months. Vaccination is safe in any trimester.

Serious complications including respiratory failure requiring ICU admission and maternal death are much more common in pregnancy due to generalized immune system suppression. If you recall last year’s HIN1 pandemic you should remember the numerous deaths that resulted and the much greater incidence in pregnant women than the general population.

Rest assured this year’s flu vaccine already includes HIN1 and cannot give you the flu as there is no live flu virus in the injectable form recommended during pregnancy. Any muscle aches or pains that patients claim have occurred after the injection are nothing compared to actually contracting the flu.

Get the flu vaccine during pregnancy... it’s not just for you but for your unborn and newborn baby too!

Doctor Jonathan Weinstein, an Ob-Gyn physician in Frisco, TX cares for patients that come from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen and surrounding cities for all their obstetrical and gynecological needs.

Jonathan Weinstein, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Baylor Medical Center at Frisco

5575 Warren Parkway, Suite 116 in Professional Bldg I, Frisco, TX 75034

www.FriscoWomensHealth.com

Acne is one of the most common conditions known to the dermatology office and almost everyone in their life has experienced at least one or two blackheads or pimples. Although these “bumps in the road” are typically insignificant in the grand scheme of life, at their time however they can be quite distressing; there are also many individuals whose acne can actually change the course of their life. It is for these distressing moments and the potential social adverse effects that acne is treated.  There are many acne treatment options available ranging from products you can purchase at the store without a prescription, products that require a prescription, and physical treatments that are performed at your local dermatologist’s office. Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used for the treatment of acne, either alone or in combination with other acne treatment products depending on the severity of one’s acne.

     Benzoyl peroxide can be found at many of your local stores and comes under many product names. It varies in concentration ranging from 2.5% to 10%. Studies have shown that the lesser concentrations perform as well as the stronger concentrations in improving acne, but without the risk for side effects seen with the higher concentrations. Benzoyl peroxide is generally well tolerated and the most common side effects are skin irritation and skin dryness. These side effects are typically prevented, or treated, by the use of a facial moisturizing cream. In some skin types, however, skin irritation can result in an adverse lightening of the skin color or darkening of the skin color. Select individuals may also have an allergy to benzoyl peroxide resulting in a skin rash following usage of the medication. A female who is pregnant or breast feeding should check with their obstetrician prior to using any acne treatment product.  Benzoyl peroxide also has the potential to discolor any clothing or bedding the medication comes in contact with.

     Improvement in one’s acne does not occur overnight and typically takes at least six to eight weeks with regular usage of an acne treatment product. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the usage of benzoyl peroxide, alone, for the treatment of mild acne and in combination with other products for moderate acne. The American Academy of Dermatology lists the following criteria on their website, www.aad.org, as indicators that a person suffering from acne may require evaluation by a health care provider:

        The treatment of acne can be difficult at times and for many reasons. However, with patience and the right medications an individual can go a long way to improving their complexion and possibly their life. Dr. Burns can be reached at 972-335-2727 or visit them on the web at http://www.mydermconsult.com

John Burns, PA-C

Fellowship trained in Dermatology

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

Touching on a few Pregnancy FAQ ...

At times I get patients requesting a list of what medications are considered safe during their pregnancy. Obviously the safest medication would be 'no medication'. Just suck it up when you feel like you are dying from your cold during pregnancy even though it will be ten times worse and last longer than the rest of the family's cold. This is attributed to the fact that your immune system is naturally suppressed when you are pregnant.

Realistically, there is only one group of medications that can cause a serious problem for your baby if you take it consistently during your pregnancy. That group is Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDS) which can cause kidney damage (i.e. Ibuprofen, Naproxen or any branded version of these medications). Most cold medication does not contain these medications, just Tylenol, which is fine.

Making a list of medications you can take has been futile over the last 13 years because we cannot list all of the hundred + cold medications at Wal-Mart. None of these are going to cause birth defects when taken in moderation.

As far as antacids and gas medication, just know this, Magnesium containing liquids (i.e. Milk of Magnesia) can cause diarrhea, mixed Magnesium and Aluminum products usually keep you regular and Aluminum containing medications cause constipation. Anti-gas medications are fine (i.e. Gas-X).

As far as food, the main thing to avoid is raw fish and meat as these contain bacteria and parasites that can make you ill. Three cans of tuna per week are not good, apparently because of potential Mercury levels.

If your reflux/heartburn does not respond to dietary changes then start with Tums (the calcium is good for the baby) if this and liquid antacids do not work then prescription Prevacid or other proton pump inhibitors that you need to take daily, almost always work. They take about a week to kick in.

As you can only imagine, there are a myriad of frequently asked questions relating to your pregnancy. Your physician should be willing to answer all of them, no matter how simple they may seem. If you are looking for a Frisco Ob-Gyn doctor that loves caring for his patients and especially delivering babies at Baylor Medical Center at Frisco, please call us or jot me a note on our website FriscoWomensHealth.com or our facebook page!

To your great health!
Dr. Jonathan Weinstein
Baylor Medical Center at Frisco

Once A Cesarean, Always A Cesarean - The Myth 

The Vaginal Birth After A Cesarean Section (c/s) or VBAC does exist.  You just need to know the criteria and the risks.  Of course, you have to find a doctor willing to stay with you during your labor in case a C/S is needed.  Unfortunately, the VBAC is becoming less frequent as a result.  I have had very good success with VBACs, the key is to follow the rules.  Needless to say, one of the most important ones to a successful VBAC is patience.  The mom has to go into labor on her own and cannot receive any medication to induce or augment labor.  I discuss all this with the mother at her initial visit and then she and her significant other get to go home and discuss it.  In addition, she can change her mind at anytime and say "Dr. Weinstein I just want a C/S", and I say, “no problem”.

Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from an article on Dr. Weinstein's website. To see the full article go to www.FriscoWomensHealth.com