Hi there,
I'm about 28 weeks pregnant, and am really concerned about the huge amount of smoke here in Hampton Roads. I keep up with the daily air quality report, and it says for the next two days it's orange, which means it's a health risk to sensitive populations, which would include pregnant women, I believe. Not to mention I have a toddler with chronic sinus infections on antibiotics, seems like he's a sensitive population as well. Does anyone have any advice? Am I overreacting by considering going out of town for a couple of weeks?
Thanks so much for any advice,
B. in Chesapeake
I don't blame you for wanting to leave for a few weeks, we live in deep creek, but remember that it will probably still be here when you return because, short of a tropical storm, it will not go away
I live in Deep Creek as well and am 14 weeks pregnant. I would say to keep hydrated as much as possible because I know the smoke is making me extremely dry. I have to get something to drink every time I make a trip to the bathroom at night. I think that is the main thing. I wouldn't say to become a hermit, but to limit yourself to going outside unless necessary like if you need to go to the store or something. Or limit your outdoor activities to days when the wind is not blowing towards your area. We don't do many outdoor activities these days (I have a 2 year old) b/c of the smoke.
I would agree with the previous poster, they say it is going to be another 3 weeks at the least. They said the smoke will stay around for weeks after the fire is out....when they get it out. So even if you go out of town, you are probably going to be out for the long haul.
I left for 3 weeks and it is going burning strong out there!!
We are running an air filter and making sure all windows are down good. Make sure you have some good vitamins with antioxidants in them and limit your exposure to breathing the smoke so you can have good O2 in your system. And I am praying for it to quit quit for all of us!!
Water is always important to all of us, and the amount is your weight in half is the oz. you need as a general rule of thumb!
No I don't think you are over reacting, we need good O2 to breathe. Give you 2 yrs old yogurt to combat the side effects of the antibiotics and help strengthen his immune system!!
God Bless!
B.,
I too live in Chesapeake and have spoke to my OB about this situation. She told me that as long as you are not outside lingering in the smoke, the time traveling from your car to the house, taking out the trash or small things like that will not harm you or the baby. As far as your son, I have a 13 months old and what I do with her is find indoor activities that she can do that still stimulate her so that it does not bother her. She has really bad eczema so we are afraid that the smoke might trigger it.
I would say if you are that worried about it, so you do not cause yourself or your baby undo stress, maybe traveling would be the best option for you. Hope this helps and have a blessed day.
S.
