Last year, I found myself pregnant with my first child while also tackling the immigration process to secure permanent residency in the United States. Honestly, I had no idea how much I needed to navigate regarding health records and immigration requirements, and it became a significant source of anxiety during my pregnancy. If you’re an immigrant, you might face challenges such as lacking health insurance or struggling with the language barrier, which can add to the stress.
Throughout this journey, I made sure to consult my doctor, and I also found valuable information online. I learned I needed to get re-vaccinated against certain diseases, even if I’d already had them or been vaccinated before. The vaccines required included MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), polio, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), hepatitis B, and COVID-19. After seeing that long list, I dove into the informational sheets about these vaccines to understand their safety during pregnancy. Thankfully, the hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccines were deemed safe, and the Tdap vaccine is actually recommended to help protect my baby from whooping cough. However, live vaccines like MMR and varicella aren’t safe during pregnancy. Luckily, I could get a blood test to check for protective antibodies, which helped me avoid unnecessary vaccinations after pregnancy.
Another concern was my tuberculosis status, which requires a blood test. If that test is inconclusive, a chest X-ray may be needed. While X-rays aren’t typically recommended during pregnancy, research shows that a single chest X-ray doesn’t significantly increase the risk of birth defects or pregnancy complications. Knowing your tuberculosis status is crucial before becoming pregnant since active infections can lead to premature births or low birth weight. Early treatment for tuberculosis is essential, even if you’re pregnant, and it’s a common issue in some countries, like mine, Turkey, but less so in the U.S. This is why screening during the immigration process is necessary.
Alongside immigration tasks, I also grappled with the highs and lows of pregnancy, including severe morning sickness. My first instinct was to call my friend Sarah for advice. She suggested natural remedies, but after some discussion, I realized I should consult my doctor first. I had been trying a herbal drink that included ingredients like ginger and sage, which I thought were safe. To my horror, I discovered that mistletoe, one of the components, could potentially lead to miscarriage in large amounts. Many herbal remedies haven’t been adequately studied for safety during pregnancy. I decided against further consumption of that drink, and I feel lucky to have delivered a healthy baby at term.
As immigrants, we bring our cultural traditions with us, including home remedies. However, pregnancy is a delicate time, and it’s vital to be cautious about what we consume, especially when it comes to herbal remedies that often lack research on their effects during pregnancy. The journey of navigating both pregnancy and immigration was challenging, but it taught me to question traditional practices and medications. Not everything my mother or grandmother did is necessarily safe or effective for me. I was grateful to have access to reliable resources for my questions about vaccines and other concerns during this time.
If you’re looking for answers regarding herbs, vaccinations, or any other pregnancy-related queries, there are plenty of experts available to help. You might want to check out this blog post about the importance of community during pregnancy, which highlights how you’re not alone in this journey. Also, for those interested in artificial insemination methods, this resource is solid, and this Wikipedia page provides an excellent overview of the topic.
In summary, navigating pregnancy in a new country comes with unique challenges. However, by staying informed and seeking professional advice, you can ensure a healthy pregnancy journey for both you and your baby.