Sara contacted us at the recommendation of her OB/GYN to talk about the paroxetine she takes for her depression. Sara wanted to see if taking paroxetine can increase the chance of having a baby with a heart defect. She was confused because her genetic screening result was normal. She asked: “Is it possible for my baby to have a heart defect if my non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) was negative?” There are many tests that can check on the development …
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.
Vector-Borne Illnesses: How to Fight the (Bug) Bite During Pregnancy
The arrival of spring and summer warmth spurs many of us to spend more time outdoors and make travel plans, be it for a honeymoon, babymoon, or other seasonal getaway. Such was the case with Yesenia, who contacted MotherToBaby with questions about her upcoming summer vacation after finding out she is pregnant. Yesenia knew that with warmer temperatures comes an increased chance of mosquito bites and the infections they can carry. Like Yesenia, as you engage in more outdoor activity and plan …
Same Exposure, Different Story: Why Advice Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
You are pregnant. You ask, "Can I take my medication?" If you ever heard, “it depends...", you are not alone. Things affect people differently. So, what is going on? This has to do with genetics. Genetics is the study of genes. Genes are a part of our DNA. Genes tell your cells what to do. Genes tell us how to process the world around us. What Do We Mean by “Exposures”? Anything that comes into contact with your body is an exposure. Food, drinks, and drugs are exposures. Getting sick …
What’s the Scoop on Protein Supplements during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Do you enjoy protein shakes, adding protein powder to your smoothies, or using pre-workout mixes with protein? My friend, Emily, is currently in her first trimester and loves getting extra protein. Before she got pregnant, she started power lifting, which also came with extra protein supplementation. Once she got pregnant, Emily asked me, like so many others in her position, if she could continue her protein supplementation during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. With any pregnancy, there is …
Weighing In: How GLP-1s Fit into Your Pregnancy Plans
Thinking about pregnancy while also worrying about weight can feel stressful. You are not alone—about 6 out of 10 women in the U.S. are overweight or have obesity. Talking about weight can be hard, but it is an important part of planning for a healthy pregnancy. This blog will explain how weight can affect pregnancy, what GLP-1 medications are, and what we know, so far, about their use before and during pregnancy. Why Is Managing Weight Before Pregnancy So Important? Being overweight or …
