By Brittany Ajoku, MotherToBaby North Texas Did you know that 1 of every 2 sexually active people will contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by age 25? That number is shocking, and highlights why it is so important to tackle this often-stigmatized topic head-on! So as we ease into National STD Awareness Month, it’s time to talk openly about STDs, pregnancy and breastfeeding. STDs can affect people from all walks of life, and do not discriminate against anyone, including pregnant and …
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.
‘Benefiting Other Moms Like Me:’ Why One Mom Chose Research Over Fear
By Beth Kiernan, MPH, Interviewer & Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby “When my RA started flaring 6 or 7 weeks postpartum, I got to the point that I could barely lift my own baby….We need more research on medications used in pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding!” I want you to meet Mariah, a participant in our MotherToBaby Rheumatoid Arthritis Study. I chatted with Mariah to learn about her experience being pregnant with a chronic medical condition and to find out what …
Birth Defects Prevention Month Series- Alcohol, Smoking and Other Drugs: Why Ten Fingers Plus Ten Toes Doesn’t Always Equal the Whole Story
By Lauren Kozlowski, MSW, MPH, MotherToBaby Georgia Carly called and I could hear the stress in her voice immediately. She had been smoking marijuana on weekends and having a glass of wine most evenings with her dinner. She just found out she was pregnant with her fifth child. Carly knew her baby could suffer if she did not change her use of alcohol and marijuana. Carly was scared, so she contacted MotherToBaby. We were able to discuss what kinds of risk the substances she had used may have, …
Birth Defects Prevention Month Series: Vaccination in Pregnancy-It Doesn’t Have to Be a Painful Decision
By Beth Conover, APRN, CGC MotherToBaby Nebraska, UNMC “I am 20 weeks pregnant…when is it safe to get my flu shot?” The texted question came in to the MotherToBaby texting helpline, and the answer that I texted back was simple – “As soon as possible…it’s safe at any time in pregnancy and really important for you and your baby!” Once we are into influenza (flu) season (November to March), pregnant women are strongly recommended to get immunized (vaccinated), regardless of how far along they are …
Birth Defects Prevention Month Series: Making Medication Decisions in Pregnancy Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely
By Ginger Nichols, Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Connecticut With Birth Defects Prevention Month in full swing, it’s time to focus on Tip #2 for Preventing Birth Defects: Booking a visit with your health care provider before stopping or starting any medicine. Callers to MotherToBaby often wonder why it’s important to talk with their health care provider before stopping or starting a medication. My most recent caller to MotherToBaby asked this very question. Maria …
