Photo credit: © Lisa F. Young | Dreamstime Stock Photos By Neely Cessac, Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby The holidays are full of family, fun, and enjoyment – and the season is wonderful EVERY, SINGLE, DAY, right?! WRONG. Every year many pregnant women (as well as the general public) become so stressed and worried around this time. And rightly so…not only do pregnant moms have regular holiday stress, but they’ll soon become moms! M-O-M-S! Holy cow. An overwhelming concept, to say …
The Baby Blog: Mom's Health Conditions
IVF and The Risk of a Broken Heart
By Dr. Sarah Običan, OBGYN, MotherToBaby It’s noon. I just ran into my academic office to call back a few patients in between a packed schedule. I just spent my morning seeing 17 patients and gauging by my afternoon schedule, the day was not going to get much easier. I was new at my job as an OBGYN having joined the academic practice where I completed my residency. It was a busy practice, but I loved my job and I loved my patients. As I sat in my chair, I finally felt my feet again and realized …
Beyond The Diet Fad: My Gluten Journey Through Pregnancy, Life
As it turns out, I’m not crazy nor am I a hypochondriac! After decades – and I mean more than 30 years – of bouts of severe constipation and diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, migraines, skin rashes and infertility, I finally received the news that I have celiac disease. Oddly enough, it was only after adopting a sickly cocker spaniel named “Peanut” from the Humane Society that the mystery of my symptoms was solved. When our vet suggested that Peanut eat gluten-free food, I bought her some …
Is It Normal To Be Anxious During Pregnancy?
*May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month* By Elizabeth Salas, MPH, Teratology Information Specialist, MotherToBaby California If you are feeling anxious during your pregnancy, you’re not alone. It seems every year there are more articles and news stories on the latest health hazards. Whether you read it online or in a medical journal, hear it on the news or from friends and family, there’s no shortage of information on health concerns. This seems especially true during pregnancy. Having …
Flare-ups Fueling Fears During Pregnancy? Stop In The Name Of Psoriasis!
By Patricia Olney, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor & Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby Georgia Emily’s call to MotherToBaby came in late at night. Her voicemail message sounded a bit garbled, almost as if she had been crying. I returned her call the next day and heard her anxious voice say, “My psoriasis flared up last week…it’s been several years. I’m really worried because I just found out I’m pregnant.” I replied calmly, “Emily, I’m glad you called MotherToBaby for information. …
