MotherToBaby Podcast host Chris Stallman, a certified genetic counselor and mother of four, is joined by Lorrie Harris-Sagaribay, MPH, a teratogen information specialist (an expert in exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding) from MotherToBaby’s North Carolina affiliate as well as Kirstie Perrotta, MPH, a teratogen information specialist from MotherToBaby’ California affiliate to address the flood of questions the MotherToBaby service is getting regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) exposure in …
The Baby Blog: COVID-19
Tocilizumab (Actemra®)
This sheet talks about exposure to tocilizumab in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is tocilizumab? Tocilizumab is a prescription medication used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and giant cell arteritis in adults. Tocilizumab is an antibody (a protein made by the body’s immune system) that binds and blocks IL-6 (a protein that causes inflammation). Tocilizumab is used …
What’s the Dirt on Household Cleaners When Pregnant?
By Mark B. Roth, MotherToBaby New York As a teratogen information specialist, I receive questions about all sorts of chemicals or substances someone can be exposed to. We often get questions about the bazillions of cleaning products out there. Bleach, powdered cleaners and spray cleaners, degreasers, oven cleaners, disinfectants – there are so many different cleaning products and looking at the ingredients list (if there even is one) can be overwhelming. All those unpronounceable words! Sodium …
Airborne Infections and Viruses: As If We Didn’t Have Enough to Worry About As Moms-To-Be
By Debra Goniwicha, MSW, MotherToBaby Georgia I have spent a significant portion of my career working in hospitals. Shortly after learning I was pregnant with my first child, I received a notice that I may have been exposed to an airborne illness while I was at work in the hospital Emergency Room. The notice advised me to report to occupational health for further testing. I flipped out! I was scared to death that my exposure would cause harm to my baby. I was mad at the world for exposing my …
