* Information on COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, and this fact sheet could become outdated by the time you read it. For the most up to date information, please call MotherToBaby at 866-626-6847. This sheet talks about having COVID-19 in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. This virus (called SARS-CoV-2) belongs to a …
The Baby Blog: Infections & Vaccines
Vaccines
This sheet talks about exposure to vaccines in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What are vaccines? Vaccines help protect you from diseases. They are made from killed or weakened bacteria or viruses. The vaccines cause your body’s immune system to make antibodies against these bacteria or viruses. Once these antibodies are made, your body has an easier job of stopping you from getting the …
Remdesivir
This sheet talks about exposure to remdesivir in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is remdesivir? Remdesivir is an investigational antiviral medication. Investigational (or experimental) drugs are ones that are being studied to see if they help improve symptoms of certain conditions. Remdesivir is being studied for the treatment of some viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (which causes …
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot)
This sheet talks about exposure to the flu shot in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is influenza? Influenza is commonly called the “flu”. It is an infection of the respiratory (breathing) tract. The symptoms of the flu are fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion (stuffy nose), runny nose, sore throat, and feeling tired (fatigue). Influenza sometimes causes …
Listeria Infection (Listeriosis)
This sheet talks about exposure to or having Listeria infection (listeriosis) in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is listeriosis? Listeriosis is an infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, often called just Listeria. Listeriosis is typically caused by eating food that has been contaminated with Listeria. Listeria can be found in your home, in restaurants and other …