These were the sentiments of pregnant individuals going through the pandemic. It was an unprecedented event and as MotherToBaby Specialists we were challenged with dealing with the anxiety of expectant parents as they tried to get reliable information and deal with their fears, anxiety, and frustrations. Fortunately, as time went on, the infection did not appear to increase the chance of birth defects but now there is a question of the emotional toil it put on pregnant …
The Baby Blog: Archives for June 2023
The Headache of Dealing with a Migraine during Pregnancy
“I can’t get rid of it fast enough!” Caroline was 5 months pregnant and at her wits end when she contacted MotherToBaby. “My migraine is so bad that I can barely get out of bed, but I feel like there’s nothing I can do about it since I’m pregnant. I don’t want to harm the baby!” We often get questions like Caroline’s from people planning a pregnancy or already pregnant who would like information on the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches, so I start by asking Caroline what she would …
Shake it Up, Baby? Maybe Not. Considering Nutritional Shakes in Pregnancy
“I just found out I’m pregnant. Can I keep drinking my energy shake in the mornings?” “My doctor gave me the go-ahead to work out. Okay to have a protein shake after the gym?” “My immunity-boosting drink is a life-saver. Can I keep using it while I’m pregnant?” These are common questions during pregnancy, and ones that we hear a lot at MotherToBaby. Perhaps you’ve wondered the same thing yourself. As teratogen information specialists, we provide facts about how a person’s exposures in pregnancy …
Powered by Plants: Vegetarian and Vegan Diets in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Maya has been a healthy, happy vegan since she was a teenager. Now, at age 25 and pregnant for the first time, she is suddenly worried and uncertain about whether she can provide all the nutrients her developing baby needs if she continues to follow her vegan diet during pregnancy. She contacted us at MotherToBaby looking for answers. Maya’s question is not unusual, but since it’s a bit outside our area of expertise, I enlisted the help of an expert in maternal nutrition to help answer …
Special Edition Baby Blog: What Do All the Colors Mean? Zika, Pregnancy & Travel in a Post-Epidemic World
Back when Zika swept the western hemisphere, the travel recommendations for people who were pregnant or planning a pregnancy were clear: avoid any areas that had a risk of Zika infection. It was fairly easy to know where those areas were, as governments and public health organizations around the world worked tirelessly to identify and report cases. World maps showing areas of risk provided clear “yes/no” guidance. Was there any doubt about who shouldn’t travel where? Not really. Not back …
