During my own three pregnancies, I learned how even the smallest skin discomforts can feel like a lot. Pregnancy had a way of making me hyperaware of every sensation in my body. Most of the skin problems I had during pregnancy were minor irritations, like dry skin and acne, and they eventually went away. This was not the case with my hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). HS didn’t take a break just because I was pregnant. So, what happens when the discomfort is something more chronic, something …
The Baby Blog: Mom's Health Conditions
When You Cannot Trust Your Gut: What to Do About Diarrhea in Pregnancy and Lactation
The runs, the trots, the green apple quickstep. You have heard all the nicknames for it, but even hearing something as cute as “bubble guts” does not make diarrhea any better, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Just last week, I got a call from someone in a panic: “Leah, it is really bad. I am so uncomfortable. I thought you were supposed to get constipated during pregnancy.” That caller was not wrong – constipation can be common during pregnancy. Hormones like prostaglandins – …
When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered
Is it a cold? The flu? Or is it COVID-19? Either way, it is miserable. It is Friday afternoon. You are pregnant, or actively planning, and you wake up with a scratchy throat, pressure in your nose and forehead, and runny nose. You think you have a cold… or is it the flu or COVID-19? You have left a message with your healthcare provider to ask them about what to do and what medication you can take. You are worried about taking the wrong medication. As the hours pass, you think it is unlikely …
Eating Disorders in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Why ‘Eating Healthy’ Isn’t Always Easy
At some point, most of us have been told to “eat healthy.” Sounds simple enough, right? But what that means can look different from person to person. For some, it’s about cutting back on junk food and adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For others, it might mean watching sodium intake, choosing foods that support heart health, or managing cholesterol levels. No matter your health history, eating well is something we’re all encouraged to do, especially during pregnancy and while …
ADD/ADHD: Focusing on What’s Best for Mom and Baby during Pregnancy
By Beth Kiernan, MPH, Interviewer & Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby Kristin called MotherToBaby one afternoon saying, “I just took a home pregnancy test and it’s positive.” Kristin sounded beyond worried. “I’ve been taking a medication for ADHD since I was eight years old, and when I searched the internet it said it was harmful and that I should stop taking it before getting pregnant.” Kristin hadn’t planned on getting pregnant. Now, not only was she terrified she had hurt …
