Having measles during pregnancy can increase the chance of serious problems for mom and baby – but can pregnant women receive the measles vaccine? The Measles Protection Decision Tree is an easy-to-use resource designed to help individuals determine if they are protected against measles and understand what steps to take if they need to get an MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The decision tree provides specific guidance for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding. It walks users through checking their vaccine records, reviewing the number of MMR vaccine doses they need, and understanding when to get vaccinated if needed. This resource is provided by MotherToBaby in collaboration with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

If you have further questions about measles or the MMR vaccine, contact a MotherToBaby specialist.

This Medication Safety Tips sheet, from MotherToBaby and the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, highlights ways to avoid medication mistakes, such as accidentally taking a family member’s or pet’s medications or taking more pills than needed. Guidance on the use of supplements in pregnancy and lactation is also provided.

Key tips include safe storage of medications, setting reminders and checklists, and consulting healthcare providers about which medications and supplements can be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding — especially since herbal products and dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that medications are. Following these medication safety tips can help reduce medication errors and improve overall health and safety.

If you have questions about specific medications or supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, please contact MotherToBaby to discuss benefits and risks.

Many women have questions about exposure to pesticides during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The Pesticide Use Safety Tips sheet from MotherToBaby and the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center provides practical guidance to reduce pesticide exposure indoors and outdoors. Tips include reading labels carefully, wearing protective clothing, ventilating indoor spaces, and avoiding treated areas as directed. It also covers proper use of pesticides (insect repellents and insecticides) on the body, such as following directions for application, how often to apply, and when to wash off. Following these safety practices helps protect your health and your baby’s well-being.

If you have questions about specific pesticides in your home, environment, or workplace, please contact MotherToBaby for a personalized risk assessment.

Developed in partnership with the Health Physics Society, this Radiation in Breastfeeding infographic provides an overview of common sources of radiation and whether or not they can affect the breast milk or breastfeeding child. Breastfeeding women may have questions about the safety of continuing to breastfeed, especially after receiving X-rays, CT scans with contrast agents, external beam treatments, or radiation therapy.

The infographic explains which types of radiation exposure do not affect breast milk and which ones might require a pause in breastfeeding or consultation with a healthcare provider for guidance. It is important for breastfeeding women to understand potential radiation risks and know when to discuss safety measures with their healthcare providers.

If you have further questions about radiation exposures while breastfeeding, please contact MotherToBaby for a personalized risk assessment.

Developed in partnership with the Health Physics Society, this Radiation in Pregnancy infographic provides an overview of common sources of radiation and whether they might be a concern during pregnancy. It illustrates types of radiation pregnant women may encounter, from natural sources such as food and water to everyday household items like microwaves and Wi-Fi, as well as medical imaging exams including x-rays and CT scans. The infographic also addresses higher levels of exposure that can occur at certain workplaces, during some medical treatments, or because of accidents.

This resource is designed to help pregnant women recognize potential sources of radiation in daily life, distinguish between concerning and non-concerning radiation exposures, and encourage discussion with healthcare providers about risks and precautions. By providing clear information, this guide helps reduce unnecessary worry or confusion about radiation during pregnancy.

If you have further questions about radiation exposures in pregnancy, please contact MotherToBaby for a personalized risk assessment.

See the Vaccines in Pregnancy graphic to learn more about the flu (influenza), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccines and pregnancy. This resource outlines the risks from respiratory viruses for pregnant women and infants, benefits of vaccination, and recommended timing for each vaccine during pregnancy.

Pregnant women who get the flu or COVID-19 have a higher chance of severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, while young babies can get very sick from whooping cough (pertussis) and RSV. The good news is that getting vaccinated during pregnancy can lower the chances of getting these infections, reduce the severity of symptoms, and pass protective antibodies to the fetus during pregnancy.

If you have further questions about vaccinations during pregnancy, speak with your healthcare provider or contact a MotherToBaby specialist.

Lead is a toxic metal found in contaminated soil and in everyday products such as lead-based paint, older water pipes, and certain cosmetics, ceramic glazes, and batteries. People with jobs or hobbies— such as law enforcement, construction, auto repair, pottery, jewelry making, or stained glass — can be exposed to higher levels of lead. High lead levels during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect early and ongoing brain development in the fetus or child. This infographic provides both Facts for Families and Facts for Professionals that cover the risks of lead exposure, how exposure can happen, and when testing is needed to check blood lead levels. Understanding the effects of lead exposure during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is essential to protecting the health of both mother and child.

If you have further questions about lead exposure through the environment, workplace, or hobbies while pregnant or breastfeeding, please speak with your healthcare provider or contact MotherToBaby for a personalized risk assessment.