ACUs for Pregnant, Nursing, and Female Soldiers Trying to Get Pregnant
ALARACT 170/2013 UPDATE TO ALARACT 289/2012
FACTORY TREATED ARMY COMBAT UNIFORMS WITH PERMETHRIN
(CAC required) addresses special circumstances when a Soldier may receive a temporary profile to wear a non-permethrin treated ACU. While there are no indications of adverse health effects to mother or child from Permethrin-treated clothing, female Soldiers who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to get pregnant are authorized to wear an untreated ACU or maternity uniform.
Who is authorized to wear non-permethrin treated ACUs?
- Pregnant Soldiers
- Nursing Soldiers
- Female Soldiers who are trying to get pregnant
- Soldiers with known or suspected permethrin hypersensitivity
How do Soldiers trying to become pregnant, pregnant, or postpartum and nursing request a temporary medical profile and purchase an ACU without permethrin?
- Soldiers must meet with their health care provider to obtain a temporary eProfile (DA Form 3349, physical profile) authorizing the wear of an ACU without permethrin.
- Proof of this medical profile allows the Soldier to special order a non-treated uniform through the Army Military Clothing Sales stores, at own cost, prior to or after the wear of a non-treated maternity uniform.
- The profile is issued/monitored as any other temporary profile. The pregnancy (9 months) and postpartum (6 weeks after delivery) profiles reflect the optional wear of the ACU without permethrin with a maximum duration of 90 days (subject to renewal), with no functional or Army Physical Fitness Test restrictions.
- The profile can be continued for 12 months; any extension requires approval by the Medical treatment Facility Commander in cooperation with the Soldier's Commander.
ALL maternity ACUs are non-permethrin treated. The maternity ACU is an organizational clothing item obtained through central issue facilities.
STAND-TO! TEMPORARY WEAR OPTION FOR SOLDIERS - ACU WITHOUT PERMETHRIN
(Sep 13) (non-government) During the time a Soldier is trying to get pregnant, she may eliminate certain foods, modify behaviors, and may be unaware of the exact date of conception. Just like behavior modification, the Army is providing Soldiers the option to wear an untreated ACU while trying to become pregnant, pregnant, and nursing. The ACU with Permethrin will be worn by Soldiers in possession of this temporary medical profile when commanders deem it necessary to reduce risk of vector-borne hazards while in deployed (non-combat) environments such as field training.
Permethrin Factory-Treated ACUs (APHC) For more information contact your local Preventive Medicine Service/Army Public Health Center Regional Support Staff. Send e-mail inquiries concerning the DoD Insect Repellent System and the ACU Permethrin to the DoD Pesticide Hotline,
pesticide.hotline@amedd.army.mil or call 410-436-3773 / DSN 584-3773 or the Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) website at
www.afpmb.org. Concerns may also be addressed to AFPMB, Contingency Liaison Officer at 301-295-8312 / DSN 295-8312/7476; or by writing to AFPMB, ATTN: Contingency Liaison Officer, US Army Garrison- Forest Glen, Armed Forces Pest Management Board, 2460 Linden Lane, Bldg 172, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Alcohol & Pregnancy
Alcohol and Pregnancy (non-government) Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy or when trying to get pregnant. There is also no safe time to drink during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for a developing baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she’s pregnant. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including all wines and beer. To prevent FASDs, a woman should not drink alcohol while she is pregnant, or if there is a chance she might be pregnant.
Women and Alcohol Fact Sheet
(non-government) Research shows that drinking, binge drinking, and extreme binge drinking by women are all increasing. While alcohol misuse by anyone presents serious public health concerns, women's bodies react differently to alcohol than men's and as a result, women face unique alcohol related health risks.
Army G-1 Uniform Policy for Pregnant Soldiers
Authorization for Pregnant Soldiers to Mix Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Items with the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) Maternity Army Combat Uniform, 6 Sep 17. Army G-1 Uniform Policy for Pregnant Soldiers (CAC required) Pregnant Soldiers are authorized to wear the following items in the Operational Camouflage Pattern with the Universal Camouflage Pattern Maternity Army Combat Uniform and Patrol Cap: Nametape, U.S. Army Nametape, Rank Insignia, current Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for Former Wartime Service. Pregnant Soldiers may also wear the Coyote Brown T-shirt and Coyote Brown Boots with the Universal Camouflage Pattern Maternity ACU. This change only applies to the Maternity Army Combat Uniform.
Breast Feeding
The experience of breastfeeding is special for so many reasons – the joyful bonding with your baby, the cost savings, and the health benefits for both mother and baby. Visit the Women's Health Portal Breastfeeding Resources page for valuable breastfeeding resources designed to meet the unique needs of the breastfeeding service member.
Centering Pregnancy
A great way to learn more about your pregnancy, meet new friends, and build support systems for your pregnancy experiences is through Centering Pregnancy (non-government). Centering Pregnancy is a model of group prenatal care that includes three major components: health assessment, education, and support. Eight to twelve women with similar gestational ages meet together for discussion focused on pregnancy, birth, nutrition, breastfeeding, child care, safety, and new mothering issues. Currently, Centering Pregnancy is available at 10 volume-eligible medical treatment facilities within the Army: San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC), William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC), Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC), Carl R. Darnell Army Medical Center (CRDAMC), Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC), Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH), Winn Army Community Hospital (WACH), Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH), Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH), Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC), Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital (BJACH), Weed Army Community Hospital (WACH).
Immunizations and Pregnancy
CDC Fact Sheet on Immunization Before, During, and after Pregnancy (non-government) You probably know that when you are pregnant, you share everything with your baby. That means when you get vaccines, you aren’t just protecting yourself—you are giving your baby some early protection too. You should get a flu shot and whooping cough vaccine (also called Tdap) during each pregnancy to help protect yourself and your baby.
Pregnancy is a Crucial Time for Immunization Health (non-government) One of the most important times in a woman’s life to be fully immunized against disease is during her pregnancy. Vaccines protect pregnant women from potentially severe infections and can protect babies before and after they are born.
Maternity Leave Policy
Army Directive 2016-09, Maternity Leave Policy, 1 March 2016 This Army Directive implements Memorandum, Secretary of Defense, February 5, 2016, subject: Directive-type Memorandum (DTM) 16-002, "DoD-Wide Changes to Maternity Leave". Effective 2 February 2016, commanders will authorize up to 12 continuous weeks of non-chargeable maternity leave for eligible Regular Army Soldiers and reserve component Soldiers serving on call or order to active service for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Troop Program Unit (TPU) Soldiers are not eligible for maternity leave, but are excused from any battle assembly (weekend drill) and annual training occurring within the 84 calendar day period immediately following a birth event.
Nutrition and Pregnancy
Nutritional Needs during Pregnancy (non-government) When you are pregnant, you have a higher need for some vitamins and minerals. Follow the MyPlate Daily Checklist for Moms to meet most of these increased needs.
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (non-government) When you are pregnant, you need more protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid. But this doesn't mean you need to eat twice as much. Making smart food choices can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Oral Health
Women have a lot of health considerations to think about during pregnancy and it's easy to overlook dental health during this busy time. Brushing and flossing contributes to your overall health and if your mouth is healthy, it's more likely that your baby's mouth will be healthy. The following links provide helpful information on oral health to ensure that you maintain optimal health.
Pregnancy and Your Oral Health (Sep 14) This educational presentation is on the changes on oral health during pregnancy. A recent study found that only one-third of pregnant women visit the dentist while they are pregnant and only half of the women in the study reported having a dental problem went to get care. There is no evidence that routine dental examinations or treatment should not be performed during an uncomplicated pregnancy. In fact, not going to the dentist may cause problems such as oral infections that can cause the need for emergency care or affect the fetus. You should make sure you have regular check-ups and cleanings any time during pregnancy to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
American Dental Association: Mouth Healthy
(non-government) Pregnancy is an exciting and busy time of your life! You have so much to think about during pregnancy, but don't overlook your dental health.
Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Training Program (P3T)
Exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period can reduce the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy and can promote a faster return to pre-pregnancy fitness levels. The P3T program is designed for pregnant and postpartum soldiers and is a proven resource for maintaining fitness during and after pregnancy.
P3T Program Information
(APHC) The intent of Army Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training (P3T) is to implement mandatory standardized Army-wide P3T. P3T is aligned with exercise recommendations from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Policies released in recent years strengthen the ability for P3T to meet approved Army standards.
P3T AKO Website (CAC Required) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been shown to especially benefit women during pregnancy and postpartum. By getting enough sleep, consistently participating in appropriate physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, and including stress management in your daily routine pregnant Soldiers can maintain health and fitness throughout pregnancy. This sets the Soldier up for success postpartum, when it is time to increase her physical training to successfully transition back into unit physical readiness training and meet physical fitness and body composition standards. The Army’s guidance for exercise during pregnancy and postpartum is designed to provide standardized physical training that is safe and effective!
Pregnancy A to Z
VA/DoD Pregnancy Guideline Purple Book
Pregnancy and Childbirth: A Goal Oriented Guide to Prenatal Care is based on the VA/DoD Management of Pregnancy Clinical Practice Guideline, and includes evidence-based recommendations for prenatal care for all pregnant women receiving care in the DoD and VA healthcare systems. A PDF is available for download
This
Air Force Medicine web site
provides information about what you can expect throughout your pregnancy and after the birth of your child. 3-D animations help you understand the changes going on inside your body, and how your baby is growing. There is a special section for new dads. Real parents offer advice and insight.
Postpartum Care
Pregnancy changes your body in more ways than you might have guessed, and it doesn't stop when the baby is born. Taking good care of yourself and your baby is an essential part of postpartum care.
Child, Youth, and School (CYS) Services CYS Services recognizes the challenges of our Soldiers and their Families. By offering quality programs for children, youth and students, CYS supports the Army Family Covenant by reducing the conflict between mission readiness and parental responsibility.
Depression
(non-government) When you are pregnant or after you have a baby, you may be depressed and not know it. Some normal changes during and after pregnancy can cause symptoms similar to those of depression. Your doctor can figure out if your symptoms are caused by depression or something else.
MilitaryChildCare.com This secure Department of Defense (DoD) website provides a single gateway for you to find comprehensive information on military-operated or military-approved child care programs worldwide. With MilitaryChildCare.com, you create an account and maintain a family profile that you can access at any time from any location. By improving and simplifying the child care search process, you can make informed decisions about your child care needs.
Parenting (non-government) Every parent can use a helping hand from time to time. Military OneSource provides resources for moms and dads to build a strong and healthy family.
Recovering from Birth
After giving birth, new mothers must take special care of their bodies to regain their energy and strength. When you take care of yourself, you are able to best care for you and your baby.
TRICARE Pregnancy & Parenting Resources Planning for a child is a fun and exciting time in your life. As you prepare, learn more about your TRICARE coverage during pregnancy and after, and don't forget to enroll your child in DEERS.
Women, Infant and Children
(WIC Program) The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
Smoking and Pregnancy
Warning to Pregnant Women: Secondhand Smoke Harms You and Your Baby
(non-government) It’s well-known that smoking during pregnancy is harmful to pregnant women and their babies. But there’s more evidence all the time of how extensive the harm can be – both from smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Health Harms Caused Pregnant Women Smoking
(non-government) Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Factsheet on the health harms caused by pregnant women smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy.
Thyroid Disease
American Thyroid Association/ Thyroid Disease and Pregnancy (non-government) Pregnancy has a profound impact on the thyroid gland and thyroid function since the thyroid may encounter changes to hormones and size during pregnancy. The diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease during pregnancy and the postpartum is complex but knowledge regarding the interaction between the thyroid and pregnancy/the postpartum period is advancing at a rapid pace.
Ubicare
Do you know about Ubicare (non-government)? Ubicare delivers important information regarding what to expect while pregnant and continues to give valuable information up to the age of three for the child via social media. Ubicare also provides a platform for researchers and healthcare providers to deliver important health information to our expecting and new parents via social media. If you are not already signed up for Ubicare, ask your nurse at your next obstetric appointment how you can sign up.
Workplace Health
Workplace exposures (non-government) related to reproduction and pregnancy are of particular concern to women. Find summaries with links to research of some hazards faced by women in the workplace and links to industry-specific research from CDC. Includes provisional recommended weight limits for lifting at work during pregnancy.
Zika Virus
Until more is known and out of an abundance of caution, pregnant women should consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctors first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare providers before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. More information is available on the
APHC Zika Virus web page. (APHC)
