Congrats! (L-R) Elizabeth Brandt, RN, emergency dept; Stephanie Heimer, RN, emergency dept; Tamika Linen, RN, operating room; Molly Thompson, PharmD, pharmacy; Harley Cook, RN, operating room; Malori Fougerousse, RN, Cath Lab; Rebecca Earley, RN, PACU
Kenneth Perry, MD Gives Tips to Help Women Enjoy the Season and Take Care of Their Baby
Charleston, SC - As the holiday season picks up momentum Molly Thompson is keeping track of two deadlines - Christmas and her due date. Thompson, a pharmacist and Pharmacy Department Clinical Manager at Trident Medical Center, is expecting her first child in January. "I can definitely tell my energy level isn't near what it is normally," explained Thompson. She joked, "I try to pace myself during the day, but some days there's more work than energy."
Emergency Medicine physician Kenneth Perry, MD, who's on staff at Trident Medical Center, says Thompson's story is all too common, especially during the holidays. "This time of the year with all of the expectations of Christmas and obligations that often come with it regarding family, friends, social events, and travel it can be very stressful for women who are pregnant. My advice to them is to slow down. It'll be good for them and for their baby."
Dr. Perry says women who are in their third trimester during the holidays need to be aware of this critical period in their baby's development. "At this time there is rapid brain development. There's also continued bone development so it's important to eat calcium-rich foods. The digestive system is preparing to work on its own after delivery and the baby's senses are nearly completely developed. As with all stages of pregnancy it's important for women to be diligent in taking care of themselves and their still-developing baby."
A few good health habits done consistently during the holidays can help a women enjoy the holidays without ignoring her care and the care of her unborn child. Dr. Perry says, "Stay off your feet when you can; stay hydrated always; and rest at frequent intervals. These are tips that don't cost anything, but have a big value."
Thompson says she's not eating all of the foods she'd normally eat if she wasn't pregnant and she cut back on the number of decorations she put up for this year's Christmas. "For women who may be experiencing their first pregnancy during this time I encourage them to focus on celebrating the upcoming birth of their child and make that the most important event they prepare for. It'll be a present they'll never forget."