By Lori Wolfe, CGC, MotherToBaby North Texas Nicole called me in tears. She had been trying to become pregnant for the past nine months and was not having any luck. She asked if it could be due to being overweight. As I talked with Nicole, I found out she is about 100 pounds over a healthy weight for her height. As a MotherToBaby specialist, I often talk with women who are trying to become pregnant. It just so happened this question came along as I was reviewing tips for January’s Birth Defects …
The Baby Blog: Mom's Health Conditions
A Not-So-Silent Night: Restless Legs Syndrome and Pregnancy
By Patricia Markland Cole, MPH, MotherToBaby Massachusetts I heard the pregnant mom on the phone say, “I get this miserable feeling at night with my legs. I feel this constant urge to move my legs and it feels like ants crawling all over. It only happens at night and I just cannot rest like I want to. What can I do?” Although I haven’t had many calls like this in my years with MotherToBaby, every now and then I get a call with a mom describing this condition with her legs and how miserable it …
Eating Disorders in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Why ‘Eating Healthy’ Isn’t Always Easy
By Chris Stallman, Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Arizona At some point in their lives, most people have heard that they should “eat healthy.” This means different things to different people. For some, it means eating less junk food and more nutrient-rich foods; for others, it could mean making dietary changes to reduce sodium intake or to eat foods that help lower levels of bad cholesterol. Regardless of your medical history, healthy eating is something everyone is encouraged to …
The Pain of Pregnancy: Can Massage or Acupuncture Safely Help?
By Bethany Kotlar, MPH, Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby Georgia Anyone who has been pregnant knows it’s no walk in the park. From the intense nausea, vomiting, and strange cravings of the first trimester, to all the aches and pains of the third trimester, carrying a baby can feel like a marathon! It’s no wonder pregnant women look high and low for any form of relief. Two questions we are asked frequently here at MotherToBaby are-“Can I get a massage?” and “Is acupuncture safe …
Diabetes and Pregnancy: The Not-So-Sweet Story
By Patricia Markland Cole, MPH, MotherToBaby Massachusetts November is Diabetes Awareness Month and both of my parents in recent years have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (a preventable form of diabetes where the body can no longer control the amount of sugar in the blood), so it’s a particularly relatable month for me. Because “the apple does not fall far from the tree” the discussion with my doctor has started to change - Now I am at risk., Therefore, if I become pregnant, a family …
