Thursday, February 16, 2012

PETS AND PREGNANCY



If you're not an animal lover like me then this may not matter to you much. But I loooooooove our dog Gucci. She's a Belgian Malinois and she's so awesome. She was originally my husband's dog but I stole her heart ; ). She loves cuddling in bed, eating peanut butter out of my mouth, kissing, and just being loved. She doesn't really bark, and when she wants attention she knows how to get it (with her sexy pose!).

Anyways, like any expectant mother I've been curious about how having an indoor pet will affect me and the baby. Gucci doesn't spend much time outside other than sunbathing on the porch and our big walks. She sleeps in the bed with us and really likes to be close to me. Since I suffer from allergies to pollen, dust, and cat dander, I wondered after the baby is born is it possible? Would the baby have some allergies that may cause our sweet Gucci to be confined to certain areas? If that's the case...we may have to give the baby away. JUST KIDDING! But really we do love our Gucci! ; )

Well I came across this article in Fit Pregnancy from the Dec/Jan 2012 Edition. I'm super excited about it and honestly I think having a pet has emotionally enhanced my pregnancy too. Gucci really motivates me to walk more, and she is so patient with me. Recently while my husband was out of town for work she "protected" me and stayed by my side at all times. She was also really excited about getting her own spot in the bed ; ).

Here's the article hope y'all enjoy!


Pets enhance Pregnancy

Having a dog or cat in the house during pregnancy may help protect your baby against allergies. Researchers studied babies from birth to age 2 and found that those whose moms had lived with indoor pets during pregnancy had lower levels of an antibody linked to asthma and allergies. Race and mode of childbirth combined with pet ownership also influenced risk. Children of Asian, European or Middle Eastern descent with prenatal exposure to indoor pets had 33 percent lower antibodies compared with kids whose mom hadn't kept indoor pets; in black children of moms with pets, antibodies were 10 percent lower. Babies who were exposed in utero to pets and born by C-section had 43 percent lower antibody levels compared with just 16 percent lower for those similarly exposed but born vaginally.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Sunday, February 12, 2012

MISSED Y'ALL!

Hey Everyone!
Sorry I've not posted in forever!!! I've been working a little extra, dealing with allergies, getting a bit more tired, taking a break from internet things, spending more time with new friends, reading more magazines, trying to walk more, eating alot, and RELAXING!
I did just want to let everyone know I'm still alive and doing well and feeling great and I promise I'll post more in the next few days.
But for now I'm headed to bed for snuggles with my puppy ; )