“I am so overwhelmed with all information available online nowadays about pregnancy and having a baby, I don’t know how to know what is best for me and my pregnancy!” shared Michelle, who was 15 weeks into her first pregnancy. Not only has the first trimester been full of morning sickness, but she has been obsessed with reading all the latest advice regarding healthy pregnancies and newborn care. This led Michelle to reach out to MotherToBaby’s confidential and free text service asking about …
The Baby Blog: prenatal care
The Baby-Making Preconception Prep Guide
Emily called MotherToBaby and confided, “My husband and I are thinking about getting pregnant…I am so excited but scared, too. I am wondering what I can do to make it more likely we will have a healthy pregnancy and baby.” I assured Emily that we love it when people call ahead of their pregnancy and ask these questions. Preconception health is a topic that does not receive as much attention as it deserves, and it is important for both Emily and her husband. Good preconception …
Another Vaccine In Pregnancy? Yes, and Here’s Why That’s Good News!
You may have heard that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended a new vaccine for use in the third trimester of pregnancy. Known as AbrysvoTM, the vaccine helps protect newborns against severe cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States, with anywhere from 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations occurring each year among children younger than 5. Even more upsetting is that 100-300 children under age …
Meeting Dietary Requirements as a Pregnant Vegetarian
In recent years, plant-based diets have become more and more popular. People choose to go vegetarian for a variety of reasons including health benefits, sustainability concerns, and ethical motivations. Whatever the reason, this type of diet can be healthy and nutritionally adequate, even during the reproductive years. However, people who are pregnant require a bit of planning to make sure the developing baby is getting all the nutrition necessary from a plant-based mom. First, let’s talk …
Folic Acid – Is More Really Better?
It was late on a Tuesday when a chat came in from Dr. Rodriguez. “My patient is taking a medication for epilepsy. She is planning a pregnancy and I’ve seen from some sources she may need to take more folic acid to help prevent birth defects. Does she need to be on a higher dose?” As teratogen information specialists, we receive many inquiries regarding folic acid; and it was understandable why this healthcare provider was confused as the guidance isn’t exactly straightforward. What is folic …
