Back when Zika swept the western hemisphere, the travel recommendations for women 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 …
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.
Examining Migraine Medications during Pregnancy Doesn’t Have to be a Headache
Migraine headaches affect one billion people worldwide. Migraines are more common in people who could become pregnant, and during pregnancy their frequency can increase, decrease, or stay the same. Last year we talked to Caroline about treating her migraine headache at five months of pregnancy. Now she has reached out to us to discuss treatment options before she tries to get pregnant again. Back when she was pregnant with her first child, she was using acetaminophen and sumatriptan, but found …
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 …
Living with Lupus: Controlling Flares to Help Pregnancy Flourish
Katie recently reached out to us; she told us that she has lupus and has been taking hydroxychloroquine for years to successfully manage her lupus symptoms. Her concern? “I just found out I am pregnant and my rheumatologist was not sure if I can continue taking hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy. I am worried for my baby but I am also worried about stopping my lupus medication since it helps my symptoms so much. I haven’t had a flare in over a year! I can suffer through the flares if I have to, …
Coming to America Pregnant
Last year I was pregnant with my first child. At the same time, I was going through the immigration process to apply for permanent residency in the United States. I wasn’t aware of the many things that you must do to get your health records cleared by immigration and how that process can be a great source of anxiety during pregnancy. If you are an immigrant, you may not have health insurance or cannot understand the language, which can be another challenge. In order to have sound and …
