[flamingchina]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I have been reading about autism a lot lately, mainly because I just became a parent and want to consider anything environmental that might be a trigger. There are some studies that seem to link stomach flora to autism. Something like 80% of people with autism also have stomach problems. Although the jury is still out, our pediatrician has recommended giving our baby probiotics to promote healthy gut flora. There do not seem to be any negative side effects, so we are going with it.

On the topic of vaccinations, I have every intention to vaccinate our baby. In fact, she is scheduled next week for her first round. I am a little apprehensive though, mainly because she was 5 weeks premature. They are counting the 2 months vaccination benchmark from when she was born, rather than her gestational age. I don't get it, because everything else I have been told about her developmental benchmarks says to start counting from her gestational age and not her birthdate. Our family doctor recommended asking the pediatrician about an alternative schedule just to see if it was an option. I asked the pediatrician about having an alternate schedule, and she said that we need the vaccinations now she won't take patients that are not vaccinated. We were proposing to do half now, and then half in 5 weeks when she catches up to her gestational age. Since we feel it is important to have a pediatrician for our daughter, we will heed her advice, but I can't help but worry.

I am probably just overly paranoid as all parents are, but for the people here that know about vaccinations, is there any reason I should be concerned? Our baby is still tiny (under 7 pounds) and has had trouble gaining weight. I worry that the vaccinations are intended for normal 2 month old babies with more body mass. It has nothing to do with autism, but rather other side effects (fever, allergic reaction, swelling, pain, etc...).

Edit: That should have said 5 weeks premature (not months)!

Our baby was 6 weeks premature, and I also questioned the real age vs adjusted age thing.
We didn't have any issues with the vaccines (woo, data set of 1!) and our baby was 6.8 lbs at 2 months (Real, not adjusted)