If you are pregnant or have been considering having a baby, it is important to know that what you do to your body and what you put in your body can affect your baby. As we raise awareness for Prenatal Infection Prevention Awareness Month, it is important to spread awareness about the dangers of prenatal infection and how to take preventative measures to avoid infection. Women who experience high-risk pregnancy, who suffer from prenatal infections may experience poorer outcomes.
At Hoag, our perinatal nurse navigator team works with women who are experiencing high-risk pregnancies, their obstetrician and other specialists to create a comprehensive, multidisciplinary plan of care that is tailored specifically to each woman’s pregnancy journey. “We provide the support and individualized attention that lets expecting moms know that they are special and cared for,” said Jaimie Shane, M.S.N, R.N.C.-O.B., perinatal nurse navigator at Hoag. “The perinatal nurse navigator serves as coordinator, educator and advocate for patients,” she said. “We communicate patient preferences, birthing plans and medical needs to the patient’s health care team, to maximize their wellness and the health of their babies.”
Perinatal nurse navigators are the go-to experts that expecting moms turn to with questions – including questions about avoiding or dealing with infections before and during pregnancy. Below are some essential tips in preventing infection:
- Stay up-to-date on your vaccines and talk to your doctor about which shots you should receive during pregnancy.
- Schedule regular OB/GYN visits to ensure you are receiving the best prenatal care.
- Wash your hands whenever you use the bathroom, touch raw meat, garden, handle pets, change diapers and engage in other activities that expose you to bacteria and viruses.
- Reduce contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children (for example, try not to share utensils with toddlers).
- Be aware of your diet and avoid unpasteurized fluids.
- Do not touch or change dirty cat litter and avoid wild or pet rodents and their droppings.
- Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV and hepatitis B and protect yourself from them.
- Avoid being near people who are sick.
“We are here to support patients’ best possible outcome and childbirth experience,” Shane said. “We enjoy being the bridge between high-risk pregnant patients and specialists, serving this community for the health and wellness of mother and child.”
To learn more about Hoag’s Perinatal Nurse Navigator Program, please call 949-764-8014 or email perinatalnursenavigator@hoag.org.
*Physician referrals are encouraged.
