“I just found out I am pregnant. I’ve heard that it is really important to get the flu shot this fall, but is it still OK now that I am pregnant?” The woman on the other end of the phone line sounded cautious and concerned. I told her, “I’m so glad you called to ask about this. The influenza vaccination may be even more important for pregnant women. The coronavirus pandemic has given us a lot to worry about without adding influenza infections to the mix. Let …
The Baby Blog: Infections & Vaccines
Beyond the Virus: Your Questions during the Era of COVID-19
As the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 continues to spread, pregnant and breastfeeding women are understandably concerned. Many of your recent calls, chats, texts, and emails to MotherToBaby have been about the virus itself and how it might affect a developing baby or breastfed infant (more about that on our COVID-19 fact sheet). But we’re also hearing related concerns about how to stay safe and healthy while pregnant or breastfeeding during the pandemic. Here, we answer some of the most common …
The Return of Measles
By Kirstie Perrotta, MPH, MotherToBaby California As if pregnant women don’t have enough to worry about, a once eradicated infectious disease is back and making headlines: Measles. Not even half way through 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that the number of measles cases in the United States (U.S.) has surpassed 700, the highest number ever reported since the disease was eliminated from this country in 2000. Cases have been reported in states across …
Beyond the Status: What STDs Really Mean in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
By Brittany Ajoku, MotherToBaby North Texas Did you know that 1 of every 2 sexually active people will contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by age 25? That number is shocking, and highlights why it is so important to tackle this often-stigmatized topic head-on! So as we ease into National STD Awareness Month, it’s time to talk openly about STDs, pregnancy and breastfeeding. STDs can affect people from all walks of life, and do not discriminate against anyone, including pregnant and …
Special Edition Baby Blog: What Do All the Colors Mean? Zika, Pregnancy & Travel in a Post-Epidemic World
By Lorrie Harris-Sagaribay, MPH, MotherToBaby North Carolina Back when Zika was first sweeping the western hemisphere, the travel recommendations for pregnant women and couples who were planning 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. …
