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Questions and Answers

Q.My daughter is giving the honor of be a grandmother for the first time. My question is-my sister's baby has a fever and she mentioned it might be roseola. Is there danger to my daughter's unborn child if they were to make contact? What childhood illnesses should she be cautious of?

A. Roseola is a common infection is children and differs from Rubella or measles which is not common. I am not aware of any problems associated with it. Woman with measles (rubella) are more likely to have pregnancy loss and premature labor. Chickenpox or Varicella is not common in pregnancy, but can occur in mothers who do not have immunity and are exposed during pregnancy. It can be associated with many birth defects if infected in the first trimester.

Debi Fatherree, RN, has been in nursing for 10 years. All of it has been with a childbirth focus. She has worked postpartum, nursery, NICU and have cross trained some in Labor and Delivery. She started a infant home visit and prenatal educational program in her rural home town and was nominated for Maternal Child nurse of the Year in 1995. She and her husband were transferred with his company 1 1/2 years ago and she started teaching chidlbirth classes and doing breastfeeding classes and consults. She also works as a doula and has her own business, StorkHelp. Debi is mom to three wonderful children - Katie, age 8, Hannah, age 6 and Bobby, age3 (my spit fire.) She and her husband have been married thirteen years, a great accomplishment these days. She currently teaches in the hospital setting and privately through StorkHelp.

Debi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.