H1N1

These are crazy times to be pregnant in this world. Many of my pregnany friends (and right now, I have a lot of pregnant friends) have expressed confusion and uncertainty about whether or not to get the H1N1 vaccination.

At first, my stance was strongly against it. For one thing, it is highly experimental and they have no data determining what harm could come to an unborn baby if the mother gets the vaccine. Additionally, I took a look at my risk of contracting the disease, which in the grand scheme of things is relatively low: I work from home and have a son who is in an in-home daycare with five other kids, only one of which has a school-aged sibling.

Then, the flu started to become more widespread in my geographic area. I know people who have contracted it, and I know people whose children have contracted it. The really scary stories are starting to come out too...a friend of a friend died of it not too long ago.

So now, I am re-thinking things because I am starting to stress about it and find that when I am out in public, I am in fear of touching things. I even called my Ob/Gyn to find out when the vaccine would be available, which won't be until later next week.

In the meantime, I'm being vigilant. When I go out, I carry hand sanitizer in my purse or in my hands and apply it often. I wipe the grocery carts when shopping. I make a conscious effort not to touch anything, including and especially my face. I wash my son's hands like crazy. I use my elbows to touch doors and elevator buttons. You name it, I am doing it. Anything to avoid germs.

I am still up in the air about getting the vaccine, but every day I lean closer towards it. I will be sure it is the injection without the mercury if I do get it, and will be doing a lot of praying that no harm comes to the little one in my belly.