Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Swine Flu Update from ACNM

by guest blogger Robbie Prepas, CNM, JD
Chair of the ACNM All Hazards Preparedness Committee

Pregnant women have a higher risk for developing complications from the flu than do non-pregnant women of childbearing age. ACNM is alerting all midwives to provide counseling and education to pregnant women and their families about swine flu precautions and optimal care for pregnant women with flu-like symptoms.

Resources for Midwives
Please refer to the ACNM Web site for links to information from the CDC, specifically "Interim Guidance - Pregnant Women and Swine Influenza: Considerations for Clinicians," along with other excellent resources for midwives. It is important to disseminate information at your practice sites and throughout your communities about the optimal strategies for caring for pregnant women with flu symptoms, as well as alternative sites for perinatal care in the event of a pandemic. Please assist us in spreading the word about the importance of advance planning as this situation with swine flu unfolds.

Information for Women
Visit mymidwife.org for steps you can take to reduce your chance of being exposed to flu. Stay tuned to Share with Women for special information for consumers from the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Excellent points. None of the existing plans seem to realize that normal deliveries shouldn't be done in hospitals over loaded with flu patients. "Alternative sites" need to be identified.