One of the most common Zika-related questions we get at MotherToBaby is, “What is the risk of Zika if I travel to Country X?” Or, a variation of the same: “We just got back from Country X. Do we really need to wait 3 months before we try to get pregnant?” Back when the Zika epidemic was sweeping the western hemisphere, answering these travel-related questions was fairly straightforward. It was easier to know where there was a risk for Zika infection as governments and public health …
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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.
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 …
AH-CHOOsing the Best Way to Stifle Seasonal Allergies During Pregnancy
Welcome, spring! Did someone say wildflowers? (AHHH...) Trees? (AHHH…) Grasses? (CHOO!) Ugh! While many people enjoy renewed energy brought on by the bursting forth of spring color, others feel only the misery of seasonal allergies due to pollen, mold, and other springtime triggers. Combine seasonal allergy symptoms with pregnancy, and you can end up short on sleep, long on fatigue, and with an increased chance of respiratory complications if you have asthma. None of these things are good for …
