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: prenatal vitamins
The A.B.C.’s of Prenatal Vitamins
If you are researching prenatal vitamins, we are guessing that you might be considering a pregnancy, or you just found out that you are pregnant. How exciting! We’re also guessing that you have some questions. Pregnancy does that to a woman: it makes us start questioning the safety of everything that we used to take for granted. At MotherToBaby, we answer many types of questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But hands down, the most common question I’m asked about involves …
Empowering Moms this Mother’s Day and Every Day: Making the Most of Prenatal Appointments
By Lauren Kozlowski, MSW, MPH, MotherToBaby Georgia “I didn’t even know I should ask my OB about that!” It’s a reaction I hear almost daily as a teratogen information specialist (a fancy way of saying I’ve been trained in evaluating and communicating risks of exposures, like medications, during pregnancy). This particular caller’s reaction was like so many women going into their first appointment after finding out they were pregnant – she really didn’t know how to be her own best advocate. I …
Birth Defects Prevention Month Series: Making Medication Decisions in Pregnancy Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely
By Ginger Nichols, Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Connecticut With Birth Defects Prevention Month in full swing, it’s time to focus on Tip #2 for Preventing Birth Defects: Booking a visit with your health care provider before stopping or starting any medicine. Callers to MotherToBaby often wonder why it’s important to talk with their health care provider before stopping or starting a medication. My most recent caller to MotherToBaby asked this very question. Maria …
Birth Defects Prevention Month Series: Planning a pregnancy? It is never too soon to reach a healthy weight!
By Lori Wolfe, CGC, MotherToBaby North Texas Nicole called me in tears. She had been trying to become pregnant for the past nine months and was not having any luck. She asked if it could be due to being overweight. As I talked with Nicole, I found out she is about 100 pounds over a healthy weight for her height. As a MotherToBaby specialist, I often talk with women who are trying to become pregnant. It just so happened this question came along as I was reviewing tips for January’s Birth Defects …
