Who knew there was such a thing as skin lightening creams? A new study on the prevalence of mercury in the environment was just released. As usual, things are worse than anyone thought. _____ "Mercury contamination is more pervasive in New England than researchers previously believed, according to a study being released today that indicates the toxic substance appears to be polluting the environment in ways that scientists previously did not think possible. The four-year study in Northeastern United States and eastern Canada also indicates significant levels of mercury in forest songbirds and other animals that researchers did not suspect were ingesting mercury. The study, comprising 21 papers being published in the journal Ecotoxicology, also identifies nine hot spots in the region, including in the lower Merrimack River area in Massachusetts and New Hampshire where mercury levels in animals such as brook trout, loons, mink, and eagles are alarmingly high. In some locations, the levels appear to be interfering with some species' reproduction. "The impacts of mercury go well beyond what anyone would have envisioned yesterday," said Michael Bender, director of the Mercury Policy Project in Vermont and cochairman of the state mercury committee, who was not involved in the study. "It doesn't look like there are any limits on mercury's reach." The $300,000 study, financed by the US Department of Agriculture's Northeastern States Research Cooperative, enlisted 50 scientists to analyze existing data of mercury in animals, soil, rivers, lakes, and streams. It also looked for the first time at mercury levels in such species as salamanders and songbirds in the region.For years, scientists and public policy makers have focused on mercury that is emitted from power plants and incinerators and falls into lakes and ponds, where it is easily converted into its toxic form when it interacts with bacteria in freshwater sediment. Across the region, pregnant woman and children have been warned not to eat many freshwater fish because the creatures can pass on the mercury concentrated in their flesh. (clip) But today's report indicates that the same type of toxic conversion may be happening on mountaintops and forests, with mercury falling out of the sky onto tree leaves and then dropping onto the moist forest floor. Tiny insects then take up the mercury, and as insects are eaten by larger creatures the mercury accumulates in greater concentrations up the food chain, said David C. Evers, executive director of the BioDiversity Research Institute who helped conceive the research idea with Tom Clair, of Environment Canada, that country's environmental protection agency. "These terrestrial systems have been completely overlooked," said Evers, who wants far more monitoring of the environment. "It's a complicated story, and we don't have all the answers yet." _____ Here is a link that might be useful: Boston Globe

Here is a different version, but it may not be what you want. Click on 'mother' under II. Second Trimester.... B.physical changes in mother'. Here is a link that might be useful: physical changes in mother

If I recall, my 3 brothers and I all had mumps, measles and chicken pox in the early 50's. It was pretty common back then. As vaccinations for anything came out , we got them. I can remember going to our local elementary school in the 60's on a weekend to get the "sugar cube" for polio. And how many of us still sport a round scar on our left arm from the smallpox vaccine. When my kids were little I trusted our pediatrician and had them all vaccinated per his recommendations and standard protocols and never gave it a second thought. It was around this time when parents were starting to question vaccines and I asked what he thought about parents deciding against immunizing their kids. His response was that if these parents had ever witnessed a child dying from some of these diseases, as he had in training, they would be singing a different tune. Vaccinations are for "the common good." The benefits far outweigh the risks. Incidentally, my DH, who was born and raised in a foreign country and came here (legally) after college, got mumps a few months after we got married. His father was a doctor so I'm sure he had all the vaccines available back then. He was pretty sick for a few weeks but didn't suffer any complications....we had 3 kids!

I had nausea later in the day, not necessarily in the morning. I would worry more about the high blood pressure than the lack of sodium. If I was in your situation I would call the nurse and explain my situation (trouble understanding the doctor). I would ask her my questions about the sodium intake. She should give you answers or she should ask the doctor and call you back with the doctor's answer. I would also ask the nurse over the phone if a nurse could be present at your future exams to help you understand what the doctor says. I have found that some doctors are not good at answering 'comfort' type questions, so your doctor may not tell you how to help the nausea. But your doctor should be very good at explaining the reasons behind her recommendation regarding the sodium intake. One of my doctors is difficult to understand. Remember that if you can't understand your doctor, other people probably can't, either. She is probably used to that. Don't be embarrassed or afraid to ask her to repeat what she says. I have to ask my doctor 3 or 4 times sometimes to repeat what she just said, and the nurses understand my difficulty completely. If the doctor is offended, and I know a few of them can be jerks, try not to let it upset you. Some of the best doctors or surgeons my family has had have not had good bedside manners. I tell my 22 year old daughter they don't have to be your friend, they have to give you accurate medical advice and care. Your doctor should treat you compassionately and I hope she does. In the end, though, what you want is a healthy baby and a healthy you. So don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for clarification if you can't follow what the doctor says. As a mother you will advocate for your child many times. Your health and the health of your baby is the most important gift you have. You have every right to ask your doctor to explain her recommendations. Walk into your next appointment with the confidence that you are correct in your need to work together as a team with your health care professionals to understand one another so you can be an informed patient. The internet is wonderful for getting advice, and you have nothing to apologize for if you want to ask 'perfect strangers' about your situation. If I were your mother, though, I'd caution you to use the internet as a tool for information, but follow your doctor's advice and ALSO ask your doctor those questions, at least the medical ones like sodium intake. I have a rare disease and the internet is helpful, but some of the information doesn't apply to my specific situation. My doctors have access to more and newer studies than I have found. I agree with Gigim that mothers' groups are wonderful. You can probably get great advice about the nausea and hopefully encouragement as well. I think it's wonderful that we can post a concern on the internet and a perfect stranger who may live a continent away will care and offer encouragement and advice. I'm sorry you had a bad experience on another forum. Many women go through high risk pregnancies and know the worry you're facing. As I said, my own daughter is 22, and my heart goes out to you facing a high risk pregnancy without a strong network of women to encourage you. You are stronger than you know; babies have a way of bringing out the steel in us we didn't even know we had. They also have a way of bringing women together. Hang in there and take good care of yourself and your precious little Lullaby.