It was late on a Tuesday when a chat came in from Dr. Rodriguez. “My patient is taking a medication for epilepsy. She is planning a pregnancy and I’ve seen from some sources she may need to take more folic acid to help prevent birth defects. Does she need to be on a higher dose?” As teratogen information specialists, we receive many inquiries regarding folic acid; and it was understandable why this healthcare provider was confused as the guidance isn’t exactly straightforward. What is folic …
The Baby Blog: folic acid
Should Pregnant Women Get the Green Light to Drink Green Tea?
By Lori Wolfe, Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby North Texas Did you know that the month of March is green tea month? Green tea has been said to have many health benefits, including: preventing memory loss, promoting bone health, decreasing risk of cancer, increasing dental health, reducing the chance of getting type 2 diabetes, and helping us lose weight. Green tea is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, and has been said to be “the healthiest beverage on the planet.” So, given …
Prevention in a Pill: Help Choosing the Right Prenatal Vitamin
Photo Credit: © Bernd Esche | Dreamstime Stock Photos By Lauren Bryl, MS, Certified Genetic Counselor, MotherToBaby IL It’s National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and you’ve found yourself here – standing in the pharmacy aisle in search of prenatal vitamins. You think, “I should start taking one of these if I want to have a baby, right? At least that’s what I’ve heard…” Your eyes are swimming and head is spinning with all the options. “Should I choose the old-fashioned tablets, the …
A Main Course Of Knowledge With A Side Of Support, Please! 3 Tips That Help My Patients Prevent Birth Defects
By Lori Wolfe, Certified Genetic Counselor and Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby North Texas It’s pretty much a fact - ALL pregnant women worry…about what they eat, what they do, what they breathe. Basically, they worry about everything. That’s simply because every expectant mother wants to do the very best she can for her developing baby. As a genetic counselor who runs the North Texas affiliate of MotherToBaby, I get calls every day from pregnant woman who want to know what to do …
Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: How Much Folic Acid is Enough?
By Patricia Olney, MS, CGC “I think I’ll go out to the garage and work on the car for a while.” This was Daniel’s reaction after the birth of his second child with spina bifida. His wife, Rebecca, cried uncontrollably. Sarah was born in 1989 after a healthy pregnancy, filled with the anticipation of first time parents. The nursery was decorated, the crib was set up, and an overnight bag packed. The only thing Rebecca didn’t anticipate was a preterm delivery, c-section, and a baby born with a …
