Did you know that 70% of pregnant people take at least one prescribed medication? And that 90% take any medication during pregnancy? How do you know if it is safe for a pregnant person to take these medicines? MotherToBaby Teratogen Information Specialists (TIS) are experts at answering questions about any possible increased risk of taking an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed medication, as well as any other exposures! A teratogen is something that can increase the risk for birth defects …
The Baby Blog
About Our Baby Blog
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.
Would I Lie to You? The Issue of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among the Black Community during Pregnancy
It is Black History Month and it is a coincidence that I, as an African American woman, signed up for MotherToBaby’s monthly Baby Blog when we celebrate Black History. However, I am glad to discuss a topic that is personal to me in the respect that my background is in public health and I specialized in maternal and child health. As I reflect on the days of my early education, one message that resonated with me is that childbirth, for the Black individual, is still a very dangerous time; it …
Am I Pregnant?
Carrie called MotherToBaby on a Monday morning. She sounded anxious. “I just got home from a pretty wild bachelorette party held last week in New Orleans. I started feeling nauseous on the plane and I have thrown up twice this morning. I couldn’t eat breakfast. I’m really tired and my breasts hurt a little. I’m worried I might be pregnant.” Carrie was wondering if we could help her figure out if she was pregnant or not. Although MotherToBaby mainly answers questions about medications and other …
COVID-19, the Flu, and Zika: Considerations for Pregnancy in the Winter Travel Season
It’s that time of year again, when the holidays invite family gatherings, and colder, shorter days make us long for sunny destinations. Yes, the winter travel season is upon us! Remember winters past when COVID-19 wasn’t around and we’d never heard of Zika? When we didn’t give much thought to health concerns related to hopping on a plane or going to busy holiday venues? Things are different now. If you’re pregnant, you might pause before booking airline tickets or RSVPing “yes” to that extended …
Spicing Up Your Life during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Are Spices and Herbs Ok?
Being pregnant can be stressful enough without worrying all the time about things like “can I bake with poppy seeds?” Or “can I drink tea with peppermint?” Recently I had a caller tell me that “it seems like every time I turn around, there is something else that either I should not cook with or drink in a tea during pregnancy. What about when I am breastfeeding? Help!” As a specialist who answers questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, I hear these kinds of questions all …
