Chelsea’s chat came through late on a Wednesday afternoon: “Hi, I’m 23 weeks pregnant and have plans to visit my family in a different state this holiday season. My sister just had a baby and is breastfeeding, and my grandparents will also be there, so I want to be as safe as possible with COVID-19 still spreading. What do you think I should do?” With Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all quickly approaching, questions like this are coming into our chat service more frequently. …
The Baby Blog: Infections & Vaccines
Pregnant & the Flu Vaccine? Why It’s More Important Than Ever during the COVID-19 Pandemic
“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 …
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 …
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 …
Birth Defects Prevention Month Series: Vaccination in Pregnancy-It Doesn’t Have to Be a Painful Decision
By Beth Conover, APRN, CGC MotherToBaby Nebraska, UNMC “I am 20 weeks pregnant…when is it safe to get my flu shot?” The texted question came in to the MotherToBaby texting helpline, and the answer that I texted back was simple – “As soon as possible…it’s safe at any time in pregnancy and really important for you and your baby!” Once we are into influenza (flu) season (November to March), pregnant women are strongly recommended to get immunized (vaccinated), regardless of how far along they are …
