by Sarah Obican, MD, MotherToBaby President Though I wish I didn’t remember the day well, I do. I was a maternal fetal medicine fellow in NYC and I was sitting with my two beautiful co-fellows. When I say my co-fellows were beautiful, I mean that inside and out. We were an odd pairing of three musketeers. Young, bright, professional women, training to take care of women with high-risk pregnancies… and all three of us were pregnant. It was completely unplanned and highly unusual for all three …
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Every person wants to know what’s best for their baby, especially when it comes to knowing how to minimize exposure risks. Our relatable stories are packed with practical information from our rotating staff of MotherToBaby expert bloggers. Whatever topic you’re looking for, our blogs will provide you a great foundation to learn more.
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 …
When Yeast Overgrows: What You Should Know About Vaginal Yeast Infections During Pregnancy
Summer is here! For those of us who are pregnant (and I am currently in my third trimester of pregnancy), the heat and humidity are just a recipe for misery. But you know who loves heat and humidity? Yeast. And summertime is prime time for vaginal yeast infections. What is a vaginal yeast infection? Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. All people have a balanced …
For the Love of Cheese! Why Are Pregnant People Told to Avoid Soft Cheese?
Cheese is as old as modern mankind, with clues about its existence reaching all the way back to 8,000 BC when the first sheep and goats were domesticated by our ancestors (www.historyofcheese.com). And since cheese has been around for so long, it is now one of the most popular and beloved foods throughout the world. So, it did not come as a surprise to me that many who are pregnant and breastfeeding ask MotherToBaby about eating cheese all the time! On our texting service alone (855-999-3525), …
Air Pollution, Allergies, and Asthma – When Breathing during Pregnancy Is Difficult
The air we breathe matters and often we do not have control over what is in it. For many, the Spring season brings beautiful flowers and a most welcome warming of temperatures, as well as spending more time outside. It also marks the explosion of pollen, which can irritate both those with allergies and people with asthma. Being outside to engage in outdoor activities also means we are exposed to any air pollution that may be present. Pregnancy is a sensitive time for both the parent and the …
