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 health care can impact fertility and make it easier to conceive, and also helps to improve pregnancy outcomes and the health of the baby.   

Here is a preconception prep guide– because if you are ready to have a baby, you want to take steps now to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible:

• Make a pre-conception checkup appointment: Begin by making an appointment about three months in advance with your obstetrical care provider. At that appointment you can confirm you are in good health. If you have any chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, thyroid disease, depression or diabetes you and your provider can make sure the condition is being managed effectively and confirm that any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking can be continued in the pregnancy. If you have a question about medications during pregnancy, MotherToBaby can help by providing you with information to bring to your appointment.
• Begin taking a prenatal vitamin: If you are not already taking a vitamin with folic acid this is a great time to start. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all women who can become pregnant take a vitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid; this helps reduce the chances for certain birth defects such as spina bifida (when the spinal cord does not form properly).
• Review your vaccine status: During your preconception checkup, make sure that you are up to date on vaccinations such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough), influenza, and COVID. Planning ahead makes it more likely you will not get ill during pregnancy and helps protect the baby from getting infections from parents after birth.
• Get your body fit for pregnancy: Get regular exercise and consider whether you and your partner are at your preferred weight. If not, make plans to remedy that prior to attempting to get pregnant. You can also learn more about a healthy diet and nutrition. This is something that may improve fertility in both parents and lay the groundwork for a healthy pregnancy.
• Eliminate harmful exposures: It goes without saying that this is a great time to make lifestyle changes such as reducing use of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs.  Addressing stress and mental health concerns up front can improve fertility, make the whole pregnancy experience better, and prepare you for the excitement and hard work of parenthood.
• Evaluate your home and work environment: If you and your partner are exposed to toxic substances like lead in your work or home environment, working to reduce those exposures is very effective when done ahead of the pregnancy.

MotherToBaby has many resources for Emily and her husband – and you!  We have fact sheets on medications, herbal agents and supplements, diabetes and other health conditions, illnesses and vaccinations, occupations such as veterinarian and dental, exercise, paternal exposures, and cosmetics (sunscreen, skin creams, nail polish, hair dye). There are also useful blogs and podcasts, and whole web pages on various conditions, and if you have questions, our information specialists are here to help.

The post The Baby-Making Preconception Prep Guide appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Ava, 24 weeks along with her first pregnancy, contacted the MotherToBaby live chat service early one morning with some questions about the new RSV vaccine. First, she wanted to understand how vaccinating a pregnant person could provide protection for a baby. As a Teratogen Information Specialist, I was happy to answer this question for Ava. I started by explaining that when a person gets vaccinated, their body makes antibodies. These antibodies protect the body against the actual infection if a person is exposed to the virus or bacteria later in life. During pregnancy, the antibodies that a pregnant person makes after being vaccinated can cross the placenta and pass to the developing baby, providing the newborn with some protection against the infection during the first few months of life.

I went on to explain that although the RSV vaccine is new, the idea of getting a vaccine during pregnancy to protect the baby (called “passive immunity”) has been around for some time. The Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), has been recommended for use in pregnancy since 2011. Whooping cough is another infection that can be very serious for newborns, so having protection from birth as a result of maternal vaccination is ideal. The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine can also pass antibodies to the developing baby during pregnancy. This is great news since newborns can’t get their own flu or COVID-19 shots until 6 months of age and need to rely on passive immunity in the meantime.

Next, Ava had a question about when she should get the RSV vaccine. She had plans to get her flu shot and Tdap vaccine at her next prenatal visit at 28 weeks. She wanted to know if she could get the RSV vaccine at the same time. Although these three vaccines (along with the updated COVID-19 vaccine) can all be given on the same day, the RSV vaccine should be given during a specific timeframe in order to pass as many antibodies as possible to the baby. Experts recommend that the RSV shot be given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This allows enough time for RSV antibodies to pass to the baby before delivery.

With this recommendation in mind, Ava decided that her prenatal appointment at 32 weeks would be the perfect time to get the RSV vaccine. She had seen firsthand just how serious RSV can be when her 1-month-old niece was hospitalized with RSV last winter, so she didn’t want to take any chances with forgetting to get the RSV vaccine during her pregnancy.

Before we ended the chat, I mentioned to Ava that there is also a shot called nirsevimab (Beyfortus^TM) that can be given directly to babies under 8 months of age. Also known as a monoclonal antibody, this shot is another way to protect infants against severe RSV disease. Most babies do not need nirsevimab if their mom received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. I suggested Ava talk with her healthcare provider about the pros and cons of both options.

Although having to remember to get another vaccine in pregnancy can feel like just one more thing a pregnant person needs to add to their never-ending to do list, the decision to vaccinate can prevent serious complications from RSV, and possibly even save the baby’s life. Here at MotherToBaby we are happy to go over the current recommendations for vaccines in pregnancy and answer any questions that you may have. Don’t hesitate to call, chat, text, or email with any questions about the RSV vaccine or other exposures during pregnancy. You can also check out our newest fact sheet about this vaccine here https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine-abrysvo/.  

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. RSV Vaccination for Pregnant People. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/public/pregnancy.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. RSV Surveillance & Research. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/research/index.html

The post Another Vaccine In Pregnancy? Yes, and Here’s Why That’s Good News! appeared first on MotherToBaby.

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate out of all industrialized countries and Black pregnant individuals are three times more likely to die during or after childbirth compared to white pregnant people. As a matter of fact, from the time I received my graduate degree over 40 years ago until now, the maternal mortality rate has not changed for Black people and they still trail behind white people in the majority of health outcomes.  As a public health official, it was not surprising to learn that Black people have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to white people.  Therefore, we need to consider the impact this could have for pregnant Black individuals who are already behind in the majority of health outcomes.

This issue is made worse by the state of vaccine hesitancy that exists across the nation, especially among the Black community. Therefore, the issue of being Black and pregnant poses its own set of challenges.  The question remains, is there a role that MotherToBaby can play in addressing vaccine hesitancy?

The State of COVID-19 in the Black and Pregnant Population

COVID-19 has proven to be a formidable opponent. As of January 30, 2022, there have been more than 372 million cases worldwide and over 5.6 million deaths. The United States has the highest death toll of over 906,000 compared to other nations.  Data shows that people of color are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 compared to white individuals. Black people are 10% more likely to get coronavirus compared to white people, three times more likely to be hospitalized and twice as likely to die from the disease.

While people of color are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, data has emerged about the effects to pregnant individuals.  COVID-19 infection has not been associated with an increased chance of birth defects or miscarriage. In addition, while pregnant individuals are not more vulnerable to infection than the general public; they tend to suffer more severe symptoms of the disease than non-pregnant individuals if they get infected.  The pregnant population was twice as likely to be admitted to the ICU or require life support and 70% more likely to die than individuals who were not pregnant.  In addition to the risks of severe illness and death for pregnant people, there is an increased risk of pregnancy complications and poor pregnancy outcomes, particularly an increased chance of preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and admission of the newborn to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data indicates that approximately 97% of pregnant people hospitalized (either for illness or for labor and delivery) with confirmed COVID-19 infection were unvaccinated.

The Complexities of the COVID-19 Vaccination among the Black Community

The state of the pandemic continues to fluctuate because the virus keeps changing. Currently we have different variants circulating around in the United States that are more contagious and are causing infection rates to rise. Vaccine hesitancy has proven to be another obstacle in the fight to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the number of deaths and risks of COVID-19, only 40% of pregnant individuals are vaccinated, according to the CDC. Among people of color, the lowest vaccination rates are among Black pregnant people (38%% among Hispanics and only 26% among African Americans).This is particularly concerning for pregnant Black people since COVID-19 impacts communities of color disproportionately and the risk of infection increases the chance of preterm birth that was already 50% higher in the black community compared to the white population even before the pandemic began.

What are the Reasons Behind COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy?

Racism and its subsequent effects on social and economic factors have resulted in the virus disproportionally affecting Black people and maternal mortality rates.  The historical treatment of the Black community in this country has promoted a level of distrust in the government and medical profession that have been noted in many studies. When asked, Black people mention the history of racism in medical research (Tuskegee experiment) and care as the key reasons for not being vaccinated. Black people also express that they feel dismissed or ignored by medical professionals; that they do not have a voice and are not heard.  There has also been the issue of availability due to supply, location and transportation that has been an obstacle for Black and underserved communities to get vaccinated.

In one study among pregnant individuals, additional reasons for not getting vaccinated included the speed in which the vaccine was produced, the safety of the vaccine for themselves and their pregnancies and its effectiveness. This study reflected the same trend that the lowest vaccination rates were among Black individuals compared to white people and other people of color.

Future Steps to Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy

Among pregnant individuals that were vaccinated, they mentioned their healthcare provider, primarily their OBGYN, as being a trusted resource.  Some studies stress the need for having more people of color in medicine to promote a level of trust in all fields of medicine. While Black people make up 13% of the US population, they only make up 4% of US doctors and less than 7% of medical students.²

MotherToBaby can continue to be the resource that providers can trust to give them the information they need to advise their patients. We can continue to use social media and other outlets to provide evidence-based information on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.  The advantage of MotherToBaby is that it is an independent non-profit organization with a mission to provide evidence-based information to serve all. Since MotherToBaby is a free service there are no restrictions in access for anyone.  We can expand our partnerships and collaborations with community-based organizations that serve people of color including churches, mosques, barber shops, hair salons, schools and other groups and businesses that play a role in promoting health education and combatting COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. We need to make sure that our materials speak to the communities that we are trying to reach by being culturally and ethnically appropriate.

Our own Dr. Richard Miller led us in a discussion during our monthly seminar about how we, as MothertoBaby, can help with vaccine hesitancy. Many good points were made including the following: “Be a good listener, and meet people where they are. People want to be heard and once we understand where they are, we can provide them the information they need.  Not all will be receptive but we can help as many as we can.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, said it best, “Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.”   Our goal at MotherToBaby is to do exactly that for all. We would not lie to you-Let’s all be well.

Get the facts by visiting our online Resource Hub on common exposures during pregnancy including COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines. If you have a question that is not addressed, our confidential experts are available at no-cost (and health insurance is never asked about or required). Contact an expert for personalized COVID-19 information today!

    References

• Battarbee AN, et al.  2022.  Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Illness and COVID-19 Vaccination among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study during August-December 2020. Am J Perinatol. 2 Jan;39(1):75-83. 2021 Oct 1.

• Cato TL. 2021. Addressing Justified Vaccine Hesitancy in the Black Community. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. Mar 30 : 1–4.

• Gillispie-Bell V. 2021. The Contrast of Color: Why the Black Community Continues to Suffer Health Disparities. Obstet Gynecol.  Feb 1; 137(2):220-224

• Holness NA. et al.  2020. Pregnancy and Postpartum Challenges During COVID-19 for African-African Women. J Natl Black Nurses Assoc.  Dec;31(2):15-24.

• Njoku A, Joseph M, Felix R. 2021. Changing the Narrative: Structural Barriers and Racial and Ethnic Inequities in COVID-19 Vaccination.  Int J Environ Res Public Health. Sep 20;18 (18):9904

• ina-Odunsi AJ. 2021.  Commentary:COVID-19 vaccines inequity and hesitancy among African Americans. Clin Epidemiol Glob Health. Oct-Dec;12:100876.

• Priya Kr. 2021.  CNN ’ Visualizing the stark maternal health inequities in the United States’ CNN.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. Emergency Preparedness and Response. COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant People to Prevent Serious Illness, Deaths, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes from COVID-19. Retrieved from https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00453.asp

The post Would I Lie to You? The Issue of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among the Black Community during Pregnancy appeared first on MotherToBaby.

COVID-19:

Try as we might, we can’t escape it or wish it away. We are, in fact, still in the middle of a pandemic, with new variants appearing and cases still rising and falling unpredictably in most places. Traveling on public transportation (such as airplanes, ships, trains, subways, taxis, and ride shares) can make getting and spreading COVID-19 more likely. So can being in crowded indoor spaces, especially if not everyone in those spaces is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or wearing a mask. Having COVID-19 in pregnancy can increase pregnancy risks such as stillbirth and preterm delivery. So, how can you eliminate or reduce your chance of exposure to the virus?

• Avoid public transportation. If you must travel, using your own vehicle with members of your own household is the safest bet. Using drive-thrus or packing your own food to stop and eat along the way is safer than eating in crowded restaurants full of other holiday travelers.
• If you must travel on a plane or use other public transportation, wear a well-fitting mask the whole time (this is required), stay at least 6 feet away from other travelers when possible, and wash your hands/use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently. Most importantly, make sure you’re fully vaccinated before you travel, including getting a booster dose when you’re eligible.
• Did I mention making sure you’re FULLY VACCINATED before travel? It’s the single best way to reduce the chance of getting very sick if you’re exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. Pregnancy and being very sick don’t go well together, so this one is really, really important, whether you’re traveling or not. MotherToBaby has helpful resources on the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shot, and you can contact us to talk through any questions or concerns you may have about getting the vaccine.
• Even if you’re fully vaccinated, you might still consider wearing a mask indoors during holiday gatherings (and elsewhere), especially if you’re getting together with people from different households coming from different places. If everyone else at the gathering also wears a mask indoors, even better.  
• Find more tips and information about safer holiday celebrations and travel in the time of COVID at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html.

Influenza (the Flu):

Flu season carries its own risks for people who are pregnant. Like COVID-19, having the flu during pregnancy increases the chance of being very sick compared to people who aren’t pregnant. Many of the same precautions that apply to COVID-19 apply to the flu as well:

• Get the flu shot. Like the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu shot can be given at any time during pregnancy, and can even be given at the same time as a COVID vaccine or booster. The sooner you’re vaccinated, the sooner you and your pregnancy will have good protection against becoming very sick from the flu. And (bonus!) getting vaccinated in pregnancy may pass some protective antibodies to your developing baby.
• Avoiding public transportation and crowded indoor spaces will also reduce your chance of exposure to the flu virus. Washing your hands frequently/using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also an excellent flu prevention technique.

Zika:

Yes, Zika is still around. There are no known “outbreaks” of Zika anywhere in the world at this time, but there is ongoing, low-level, sporadic transmission in some places. Having Zika during pregnancy increases the chance of serious and lifelong effects for a developing baby. There is no vaccine against the Zika virus.

• The safest course in pregnancy (or if you’re trying to conceive) is to avoid travel to places with a chance of exposure. Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible now to know the exact risk of being exposed to Zika in any given country, but if you must travel, you can use the CDC’s Zika map to help you plan.
• If you travel,use insect repellent and take other precautions to help avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants. If your partner travels with you, take steps to avoid sexual transmission of Zika. If you’re planning a pregnancy, follow the recommended wait times (2 months for women, 3 months for men) before trying to conceive.

Other infections:

If you’re considering international travel, there may be other infections to consider, such as malaria and foodborne illnesses. You might also need other vaccines, so be sure to review the current vaccine recommendations for your destination. Some vaccines can be given during pregnancy, but it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider or contact MotherToBaby to discuss the risks and benefits of specific vaccines as you’re deciding about travel. 

Medical concerns:

Other travel considerations include the increased chance of blood clots during travel if you’re pregnant, and where you will receive medical care in case of unexpected preterm labor or another medical emergency. Before any travel, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any additional considerations that are specific to you and your pregnancy.

Given all these considerations, if you’re pregnant you might decide this year is a good one to enjoy low-key holidays at home and save the travel for another time. However you decide to spend the season, we hope it’s safe, healthy, and happy!

The post COVID-19, the Flu, and Zika: Considerations for Pregnancy in the Winter Travel Season appeared first on MotherToBaby.

As a Teratogen Information Specialist at MotherToBaby California, COVID-19 vaccine questions are my number one inquiry right now. With the guidance continuing to evolve as the pandemic rages on, it can be hard for pregnant people to keep up! Luckily, that’s what we are here to help with. I shared with Morgan that although the vaccines are still working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, overall effectiveness has been shown to decrease over time (called waning immunity). Because of this decreased protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended booster shots for some people over the age of 18, including:

• Certain groups – including those who are pregnant or recently pregnant – who got both doses of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 6 months ago, and
• Everyone who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago.  

So, what does this mean for my pregnant caller Morgan? People who are pregnant and recently pregnant (up to 42 days after delivery) may be more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. We know that there are higher risks of ICU admission, need for a ventilator, and death when a person gets COVID-19 while pregnant, so protection of this group through vaccination is extremely important. I shared with Morgan that since it has been more than 6 months since she received her first two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and since she is currently pregnant, she may choose to get a booster shot. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have both recommended the booster at any time in pregnancy once you’re eligible for it.

Morgan and I went on to review the latest pregnancy data on the COVID-19 vaccines, which now includes thousands of women who have received mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna). Reassuringly, the available data does not suggest a risk for pregnancy complications (including miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, effects on the baby’s growth, or infant death). Although COVID-19 booster shots have not been specifically studied in pregnancy, the Pfizer and J&J boosters are the same dose and contain the same ingredients as the initial doses, and the Moderna booster contains just half of the original dose. Most experts agree that the components of the COVID vaccines only stay in our bodies for a short time, and are not expected to cross the placenta to reach the baby.

Morgan was happy to hear that she qualified for the booster shot. Her three-year-old was in preschool, and although he wore his mask every day, she was still worried about him bringing home COVID and infecting her. She also visited her grandparents often, and wanted to keep them safe. For her, the benefits of protecting herself and her unborn baby definitely outweighed any potential risks.

Before we disconnected, Morgan asked about her sister-in-law who received the Moderna vaccine three months ago and was now pregnant. “Would she be able to get a booster?” Looking at the latest CDC guidelines, I informed Morgan that her sister-in-law would need to wait until 6 months after her second dose of Moderna before she became eligible for the booster. However, I also reminded her that her sister-in-law still has good protection against becoming very sick or hospitalized from COVID-19 from her initial vaccination. Like everyone who is pregnant, she should continue to take other precautions, such as wearing a mask and avoiding crowded indoor gatherings.

If you are unsure whether or not you qualify for a booster or you have other vaccine-related questions, please reach out to a MotherToBaby Specialist. And for anyone who has not yet received their initial COVID-19 vaccine, please know that it is strongly recommended before or during pregnancy by many organizations focused on maternal and child health, including the CDC, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. If you would like to go over the latest pregnancy information for the COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 boosters, or any other exposures, please give us a call.

The post To Boost or Not to Boost, That is the Question appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Question 2: I’m pumping and supposed to get the COVID vaccine. I know there isn’t much to say on the COVID vaccine but wondering if you would recommend getting it or not?

These are just a sample of the questions that we have received from individuals who are trying to make the best decisions for themselves during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Juggling all of the information can be daunting and concerns about how quickly the vaccine came on the market and the lack of data for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals has caused a great deal of uncertainty. Well, it is for situations like this that MotherToBaby exists. We are here to help, so let’s get to it!

First, is the COVID-19 vaccine safe since it came on the market so fast?

There are many reasons why the vaccine was able to come to the market in a short period of time. One of the reasons is due to medical advances in vaccine development which allowed researchers to develop the vaccine in a shorter period of time than traditional vaccines. The technology used to develop the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (mRNA) was not new and has been around for some time. While these are the first vaccines on the market using mRNA technology, mRNA was being used to study other viruses. Secondly, due to collaborative efforts, China promptly shared genetic information about the COVID-19 virus, so scientists could start working on vaccines pretty early.

Importantly, the criteria for evaluating vaccine safety did not change and had to be met regardless of the pandemic. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, a respected infectious disease expert and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the process has been transparent and independent of the influence of pharmaceutical companies or politics. Each vaccine trial had a safety and data monitoring board of scientists that reviewed the data independent from any influence of the pharmaceutical companies. Once the data satisfied the requirements of the board, the companies submitted the data to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and a “premier” group of scientists along with their advisory committee worked together to make sure the data met the required standards. The process was transparent and independent and everyone can take a look at the data. Because COVID-19 is so contagious and widespread, it did not take long to see if the vaccine was effective in those who were vaccinated voluntarily. No corners were cut; it was still a thorough process to bring a vaccine to the market that was safe and effective.

Will it affect my ability to get pregnant?

Concerns about the vaccines’ impact on fertility were generated by false social media reports claiming that the vaccine would cause the body to falsely attack a protein that is needed to attach the placenta to the uterus and then develop properly. This is false because the COVID-19 vaccine triggers the body’s immune system to fight the specific protein on the coronavirus surface. It is a targeted response against the coronavirus and no other parts of the body. Therefore it will not affect fertility including those who go thru in-vitro fertilization methods (IVF). As a matter of fact, 23 women who were involved in the trials became pregnant. Only one individual suffered a pregnancy loss and she did not receive the vaccine but rather the placebo.

Is the vaccine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

While there are no safety data specific to the use of the vaccine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant or breastfeeding individuals who meet the criteria for vaccination based on ACIP-(Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommended priority groups. Based on the history of other similar vaccines (inactivated) in pregnancy and breastfeeding, experts do not believe that mRNA vaccines (like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines) would increase the risk of harm to the fetus or to infants. It is encouraged that you talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of getting the vaccine during pregnancy.

Does the vaccine cause serious side effects?

 There have been claims on social media that the virus can cause severe shaking and convulsing from very convincing videos and that the government is not telling the truth about the safety of the vaccines.  The Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and the FDA report that the most common side effects are pain where the vaccine is injected, body aches, headaches or fever. These symptoms generally do not last more than two days. If they last longer, you can call your doctor. In regard to the shakes and convulsions, more than 51 million doses of the vaccine have been given globally so far and the data has not identified these symptoms as side effects of the vaccine.

You can report side effects and reactions using either of two systems:

• V-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines.
• Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is the national system that collects reports from healthcare professionals, vaccine manufacturers, and the public of adverse events that happen after vaccination

After receiving the vaccine, it is still important to wear face masks, wash your hands, and socially distance. The vaccine doesn’t make you immune, but it helps your body to fight off the effects to give you a fighting chance if you get infected. So please still follow all the guidelines after receiving the shot.

Myths about the vaccine

I have heard many falsehoods circulating on social media that have had many of my friends and family question getting the vaccine including but not limited to:

• Getting the vaccine gives you COVID
• The COVID vaccine enters cells and changes your DNA
• COVID-19 vaccine was developed with or contains controversial substances such as implants, microchips or tracking devices.
• More people will die from the side effects of the vaccine than the virus

These claims have no basis in fact; please check out these resources for more information: COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Debunked and COVID-19 Vaccines: Myth Versus Fact.

Please get your information from trusted scientific resources or institutions like the FDA, CDC, ACOG, Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins, Harvard Med or those that end with .org or .edu.

MotherToBaby also has a webpage devoted to COVID and the vaccine filled with information and resources that you can review for pregnant and lactating individuals:COVID 19: What You Need To Know

In addition, MotherToBaby is doing its best to gather information for pregnant and lactating individuals by conducting studies. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and tested positive for COVID-19, please consider enrolling in our observational study. You will not be asked to take or change any medications, and you can participate from the comfort of your home.

The Take Away

Overall, whether you are planning for pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding, based on the history of other vaccines, you do not have to be afraid to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The data from clinical trials has been reassuring and no corners were cut. Please seek out solid medical advice from trusted resources. The goal of the vaccine is to protect you and not harm you.

So if you make the decision to get the COVID-19 vaccine, roll up your sleeves with confidence and say, “Go ahead, hit me with your best shot!”

The post Hit Me With Your Best Shot! COVID-19 Vaccines appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Preconception health and pregnancy planning present a terrific opportunity to assess a wide range of factors that can give your baby the best start. This blog will outline the things to consider, as I relayed to Tanya:

Your Personal Health

Are you generally healthy? If you already get headaches or have acid reflux, know that pregnancy can make these more frequent. Ask your doctor if the way you treat these common conditions should change once you are pregnant. Ask about your current exercise routine and if you need to alter it during pregnancy. Get checked for sexually transmitted infections because some may not show symptoms. Also discuss your medications – some should be stopped before you start trying to conceive, such as Valproic acid, leflunomide (e.g. Arava®), teriflunomide (Aubagio®), methotrexate, and isotretinoin (e.g. Accutane®) to name just a few. For others, you’ll want to weigh the risks vs. the benefits with your health provider before you conceive. Talk with your doctors now to make a plan.

Caffeine

Do you drink caffeinated coffee, tea, or soda? What about energy drinks, protein powders, or Kombucha? MotherToBaby’s fact sheet on caffeine may put your mind at ease and encourage you to think about all your beverage options.

Body Weight

Is your weight a concern? One of the best things you can do before conception is to get to a healthy weight. Women who are overweight or obese have increased risks for miscarriage, birth defects, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and preeclampsia, and unplanned cesarean birth. Now is a good time to meet with a nutritionist or go on a sensible diet to get to a healthy weight in anticipation of pregnancy. Once you are pregnant, continue to watch what you eat but don’t try to lose weight. Weight gain is inevitable during pregnancy but guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (or ACOG, the leading professional society for OB/GYNs) advise women to gain anywhere from 11-40 pounds, depending on your pre-pregnancy weight. It’s a myth that you need to “eat for two,” so don’t set yourself up for postpartum weight gain by eating more than you should. After delivery of an average 7-8 lb. baby, you may lose 2 lbs. in amniotic fluid, 1.5 lbs. of placenta, 5-7 lbs. in blood volume, and 2 lbs. as the uterus returns to its normal size. That could still leave you with 10 pounds of excess weight, or more if you gained more weight during the pregnancy. Some women never take off those extra pounds, and their weight creeps up with successive pregnancies and age, which can lead to pregnancy complications and chronic health problems later on. See our exercise fact sheet for more information.

Chronic Health Conditions

Do you have chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, asthma, high cholesterol, heart conditions, varicose veins, or anemia? Do you have an autoimmune disease like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis? Meet with your obstetrician for a “preconception” appointment to discuss how a pregnancy might impact your health, and how your health might affect a future pregnancy. Your specialist can provide an important opinion too. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist (MFM) is a doctor who specializes in high-risk pregnancies, and consulting with a MFM once you are pregnant could help you learn how to optimize your and your baby’s health.

Mental Health

What about your mental health? If you have a history of anxiety or depression, ADHD or other conditions, ask your psychiatrist and OB about treatment, and don’t make changes before you do. Many medications can be continued during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In fact, mental health is incredibly important – for example, when a woman doesn’t treat her mood disorder or inadequately treats it, some studies suggest risks for miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Talk therapy is vitally important too. And if you struggle with mental health concerns during the pregnancy, you are at risk for postpartum depression. Let’s face it – pregnancy and caring for a new baby is stressful, so now is the time to marshal your helpers – friends, relatives, therapists and doctors – to ensure you have enough support. Your obstetrician should ask about mental health but if not, speak up. Your doctor can be your ally here, helping you get treatment and addressing concerns related to pregnancy and postpartum mental health. And MotherToBaby can give you an overview of the research related to any prescriptions you might choose to take.

Dental Health

Have you seen a dentist lately? Oral health can impact a pregnancy, meaning that if you have swollen or bleeding gums, a toothache or an infection, it can increase risks to the pregnancy. If you need to have a dental x-ray, take antibiotics, or have local anesthesia for a dental procedure, these are generally acceptable during pregnancy, but best to complete before you get pregnant. Contact MotherToBaby for more details.

Your Workplace

Where do you work? MotherToBaby can give you information to minimize exposures in a veterinarian office, dry cleaners, salon, laboratory/hospital, imaging center, pest control service, or other business. Your occupational safety department can recommend personal protective equipment (PPE) and tell you about ventilation that may be in place to ensure workplace safety. Safety data sheets (SDS) give an overview of chemicals used in industry and are available online or at work.

Food Safety

Read up on food safety and learn how to minimize your exposure to foods that have commonly been associated with foodborne illness such as E. coli or listeria. Get in the habit of washing your fresh fruits and vegetables well. Check out other blogs on our website too.

Vitamins and Supplements

Have you started taking a prenatal vitamin? Are you getting enough folic acid? ACOG recommends that women take at least 400 mcg of folic acid before getting pregnant and at least 600-800 mcg/day once they are pregnant. This can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Call MotherToBaby if you want to learn the recommended daily intake for specific vitamins or minerals. In general, taking more than what is recommended is not advisable – we haven’t studied how mega-doses of vitamins may impact a pregnancy. Other supplements beyond taking a prenatal vitamin are not advisable either – the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t supervise their manufacturing plants and past surveys have shown some supplements actually contain contaminants. Furthermore, we’ve seen instances where the label didn’t match the contents of the bottle and could cause ill effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid herbal supplements unless specifically recommended by your doctor.

Alcohol, Cannabis, and Tobacco

Do you smoke cigarettes? Do you use cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes? Do you drink alcohol? Recent research has demonstrated that marijuana use very early in pregnancy causes changes in brain development, which could result in behavioral or learning challenges we see later in the child’s life. Cigarettes increase risks for pregnancy loss, among other things. And alcohol is known to cause a variety of birth defects known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). We don’t believe that there is a “safe” amount of alcohol which when consumed doesn’t cause issues for a developing child. Now is the time to quit smoking, drinking, and using cannabis – your baby will be heathier for it. MotherToBaby can provide resources, or check with your doctor.

Vaccinations

Are you up to date on all your vaccines? Did you get a flu shot this past season? You don’t want a vaccine-preventable illness to have an impact on your pregnancy. Flu infection can increase risks for more severe symptoms, longer-lasting illness, pregnancy loss and premature delivery, which can have a lifelong impact on your baby. Flu vaccine helps prevent infection. Another benefit to vaccinating during pregnancy? Studies show the protection extends to your baby, and gives them a little extra immunity from birth until they can receive vaccines. Also good to know: some vaccines can be given and are recommended during pregnancy, like a flu shot or TDAP, but others are best given before you conceive to avoid a small risk of spreading the illness to the fetus (e.g. the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, as well as the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine) – so try to get these done at least a month before trying to conceive. Check your medical records to see the last time you received any of these vaccinations. If you don’t know if you were previously vaccinated, your doctor can draw blood to check if you have immunity.

Your Pets

Do you have a cat? There is some concern in pregnancy about an infection called toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a parasite that can be found in cat feces. Read our blog for more info on what you can do to prevent this infection if you have a fur baby at home.

Other Illnesses

Do your upcoming travel plans involve travel to a warm tropical place? Check out our Zika fact sheet to learn more before you book nonrefundable tickets. In general, women will want to wait to try to conceive for eight weeks from the time of your return home; the wait time is three months if your male partner travels with you. COVID-19 is also spreading around the globe and our fact sheet can give you the latest information on whether and how it could affect a pregnancy.

Finally, your obstetrician or primary care doctor would be glad to see you for a Preconception consultation. Make an appointment to discuss your personal history and health. It’s a great way to get you and your baby off to the best start.

The post Planning a Healthy Pregnancy appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Why should pregnant women care about influenza? Isn’t Zika a bigger deal?

The second you get pregnant, the advice starts coming in from everyone. No eating unpasteurized cheese (Listeria!), don’t change the cat litter (Toxoplasmosis!), and definitely don’t travel to South America (Zika!). While these are all valid concerns, influenza tends to get forgotten, and dismissed as “just the flu.” The Influenza virus may not make sensational headlines, but it’s a serious problem every year, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to this infection.

In 2009/2010, the United States (U.S.) experienced a flu pandemic. The flu hit the public hard, and many pregnant women were hospitalized. The U.S. saw higher rates of admission to intensive care units for pregnant women, and 109 pregnant women died from confirmed or suspected flu infection. In comparison, Zika virus, which received much media attention and continues to be a source of great concern for many pregnant women, rarely results in hospitalization and has not resulted in any maternal deaths.

5 Quick Flu Facts:

1. The flu is a risk year-round, and is not limited to a particular area of the country.
2. Changes with the immune system, heart, and lungs put pregnant women at an increased risk of developing serious complications from the flu, such as respiratory distress. Pregnant women who get the flu are also much more likely to be hospitalized, and can even die from influenza complications.
3. Fever is a common flu symptom. Research shows that an untreated high fever early in pregnancy can result in an increased risk for a certain class of birth defects known as neural tube defects (spina bifida is one example).
4. Being very sick from the flu can increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and preterm delivery.
5. For pregnant women looking to ensure the healthiest start to life for their little one, influenza is an important infection to be aware of, and to try to prevent.

Is it too late to get a flu shot? It’s January, isn’t flu season over?

It’s never too late to get a flu shot! Flu season can start as early as October, and runs as late as May some years. However, research shows that the highest number of flu cases each year usually occurs in February. While vaccine effectiveness can vary from season to season, the flu vaccine is thought to reduce the risk of illness by about 50% to 60% when the flu viruses that end up circulating in the community closely match the viruses included in that year’s vaccine. Even during years when the flu vaccine is not a good match, it is still thought to provide some protection against the flu. If you haven’t received this year’s flu vaccine yet, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible.

10 Quick Flu Vaccine Facts:

1. The best way to avoid getting the flu virus is to receive the flu vaccine.
2. Women who are planning a pregnancy and women who are currently pregnant are strongly encouraged to get the seasonal flu shot as early as possible during the flu season.
3. There is no known risk from getting the flu shot during pregnancy. The seasonal flu shot is an inactivated virus vaccine, which means that it won’t cause you to get sick with the flu.
4. Pregnant women are asked to avoid the live attenuated flu vaccine (also called the nasal spray vaccine) as it contains a tiny amount of weakened live virus.
5. There is no trimester during pregnancy when the flu shot has to be avoided.
6. Studies of thousands of women who have received the flu shot just before or during pregnancy have found no increased risk for birth defects.
7. Studies have found that when pregnant women get the flu shot, their baby is born with protection against the flu for anywhere from 2 to 6 months after birth.
8. Most women who receive the flu shot will not experience any problems.
9. A small number of individuals who receive the flu vaccine may experience soreness/redness/swelling at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea and/or muscle aches. Reassuringly, these symptoms are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.
10. Anyone with a severe, life-threatening allergy to any of the vaccine ingredients should talk with their health care provider before getting the flu vaccine.

Is there anything else I can do to avoid the flu?

In addition to getting vaccinated, healthy habits can further reduce your risk of getting the flu. Avoid close contact with other individuals who are sick. If you’re caring for someone with the flu (like a partner or a child), make sure to clean and disinfect common surfaces that may be contaminated with germs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and practice good health habits like staying well hydrated and eating nutritious food.

If you develop symptoms of the flu, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. When indicated, antiviral medications may be prescribed (ideally within 48 hours) to lessen flu symptoms and reduce the risk of serious illness.

MotherToBaby is a suggested resource by many federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Women’s Health, and HRSA, and provides the most up-to-date information. More than 100,000 women and their health care providers seek information about birth defects prevention from MotherToBaby every year. Additionally, MotherToBaby conducts observational research studies in order to contribute more information to the published literature about a variety of exposures. To be connected with a MotherToBaby expert, please call (866) 626-6847, text questions to (855) 999-3525 (standard messaging rates might apply) or visit www.MotherToBaby.org.

REFERENCES:

Flu Shot Effectiveness: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm
Flu Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
Peaks In February: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm
MTB Flu Shot Fact Sheet: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/seasonal-influenza-vaccine-flu-shot-pregnancy/
MTB Flu Fact Sheet: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/seasonal-influenza-the-flu-pregnancy/
MTB Antiviral Fact Sheet: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/antiviral-medications-treatprevent-influenza-the-flu-pregnancy/
Flu Shot Side Effects: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/general.htm
Flu Shot Protects Baby: https://www.cdc.gov/features/pregnancyandflu/index.html
CDC Illness/Death Stats: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/burden.htm
https://immunizationforwomen.org/uploads/Pregnancy_Related_Mortality_Resulting_From%206.pdf

The post Special Birth Defects Prevention Month Blog! The Flu: Why Prevention is Key during Pregnancy appeared first on MotherToBaby.